Tuesday "News on The Run"

To Sullivan County...This Bridge Needs Repaired

OK, tired of brisk, lets get on with Spring time.  The sun is out, the sky is blue, but with the wind it is still a bit nippy out, the weather seeming more like a day in mid March than a spring day in April.  For the week, word of the day seems to be cloudy, so look for rain in our forecast here in downtown Mountaindale New York.

Seems that our little hamlet is about to become the travel to place for food if the scuttlebutt in town is all for real.  Mountaindale's first restaurant, Ed's Mountaindale Inn is just about to open for the season...they have been serving lunch this week as they do a shake down of the place.  For the coming summer season Ed is boasting a brand new lunch menu, and the bar restaurant is looking pretty good with a complete new coat of paint inside.  If you are looking for a really good burger and a cold beer after a round of golf, stop by and say hello.  For all our local musicians, look for the Wednesday Night Open Mic to be back up and running around the 18th of April!

Around the corner, seems that Chef Robert over at Uccelli's Restaurant also has some big plans afoot.  First up, a new 16x16 deck is going to be built so that patrons can dine outside.  His establishment will now be open six days a week, and serving brunch on Sundays, as well as a lunch menu Tuesday through Saturdays.  I've seen the menu, and there are some tasty treats waiting to be tried.  Wish he would get a beer and wine license, but if you are looking for some really good food with a Northern Italian flair, dinner at his place is worth the trip over.

In other news of a local nature...Fracking is on the "Town of Fallsburg" agenda for their April 16th work session.  I would encourage everyone OPPOSED to Fracking to show up and encourage our board to amend our zoning rules/regulations to ban fracking within the geographical footprint of our town including or small hamlet of Mountaindale.  

Drove by Skyway on my way to Ellenville, and it seems they have started the task of getting the campground up and ready for the season which opens on May 1, 2012.  There is also camping available here in our hamlet at our own Mountaindale Park, and then there is also Morningside.

Also, please join the petition drive asking Walmart to stop purchasing Monsanto's genetically altered sweet corn.  The petition can be found here.   It is also suggested that you not buy sweet corn (corn on the cob) from Walmart until such time as they assure the buying public that the corn being brought in is not grown with Monsanto's genetically altered seed.

It's New Year's Eve...Our Top Ten News Stories

First, Happy New Year everyone...not sure this is going to be my last blog post of 2011, but it is defiantly one of my last ones. Thought as we close up shop for the year would share a few of my own top news stories for the year.

First up, is Japan, and from my point of view, three top news stories come out of one event, or series of events. There was a MONSTER earthquake, coming in at 8.9 on the Richter Scale, which makes it one of the biggest earthquakes the world has seen in modern times. That singular event was is news worthy. Second news story was the Tsunami that was caused by this massive earthquake...these two events combined saw over 16,000 people lose their lives. You can find pictures here. Though hard to imagine, these two natural disasters caused a far more dangerous and long lasting disaster at the Fukushima reactor site, and leave no doubt about it, the meltdowns (yes, plural) make this the largest nuclear accident ever known to mankind.

Last year had barely started when a lone shooter opened fire at a strip mall in Arizona, one of his victims Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords...thankfully, she survived, but many there to see her on that fateful day did not. There were far more deadly events in 2011, but seeing one of our elected officials so savagely attacked shocked us all.

Time named the protester person of the year, and though police forces all across America have used BRUTAL FORCE in trying to crush our own Occupy Movement here in America, it is still alive and well, and look for MAJOR HEADLINES from them in the new year. As the Washington Post says, "The Occupy Movement lives" and they have some great links in their article on this subject.

America leaves Iraq...notice here that I did not say the Iraq War is over, because it is not, though pundits and the networks did their best to paint our departure from Iraq as the end of the war, our troops PROUD VICTORS...we did not win that wrong war, Iraq is still at war and the cost in blood and treasure WAS NOT WORTH IT. We are out of the conflict, and that is about all we can say. As 2012 looms on the dawn of a new day, let us pray we do not find ourselves and our troops involved in a war in Iran in the coming new year.

Straight and simple...The Great Recession continues on, and the group hurt worst by this fact is the Baby Boomers who find themselves out of work.

For Americans, and especially for us NYers, Bin Laden being killed has to be on the list of top news stories in 2011. If there is a hell, may this man reside there for eternity, the souls of those whose deaths he caused haunting him forever. If there is a God, may Moammar Gadhafi find himself sharing the same cell with Bin Laden in that eternal hell.

For many of us, the passing of Apple's Steve Jobs deserves a mention as one of the year's top news stories. This visionary will be missed. Even though we all knew this day was coming, its arrival was too soon, and still came as a shock.

Top stories for our own little community in 2011

Sherwood Martinelli acting as the Creative Force and Committee Chair saw the MCDP win a $7,000 grant by winning Second Place in Category B in the yearly Sullivan Renaissance Beautification program. He will be taking his talents to Rock Hill in 2012 as they work towards competing for a Category C award.

Uccelli Restaurant opens in our small hamlet...any business opening in our small hamlet is big news.

Disaster was narrowly averted at the Upstate Karate Studio thanks to the fast action of the Mountaindale Fire Department.

Sunday News On The Run

Libya...Gadhafi son to be tried at home.

Huge Outcry after police pepper spray students...it is despicable.

Spain elections dominated by their economic woes.

Chicago mayor rallying Obama supporters in Iowa...GOOD LUCK.

In Sports USC holds off No.4 Oregon 38-35 dashing their hopes for National Championship.

Outside my window weather support at just before 10...BEAUTIFUL, but nippy.

Chef Robert is not open today...he is looking to hire kitchen help, so if anyone knows of an experienced line cook out there, might want to send them in his direction.

Night Life Abounds When The Gate Keeper is Out

11.11.11 Night life in Mountaindale is alive and well on this Friday night with the Gate Keeper not around.

At Radiant Yoga, Janet has it going on with a wicked cool healing bowl concert going on as this post is written.

The Mountaindale Inn has a good crowd as Tommy celebrates his 22 birthday...Happy Birthday DUDE...even if you did beat me in a close game of 501...yes, Ed has electronic darts. Special of the night in honor of Tommy's birthday..."Irish Car Bombs" for just nine dollars.

Uccelli Restaurant, Mountaindale's newest (and only) full service restaurant played to a nice group of folks, a good night assured when a table of eight sat down for dinner at 5:30...it was all hands on deck from that point on, and Star did her usual sterling job of keeping everyone happy and well fed as Chef Robert was kept busy in the kitchen.

Noticeable by the darkness of the office fronts was 51 Main Street.

November 12, 2011 Artist Reception for Renowned Photographer Louis H Jawitz

For anyone who has enjoyed a meal in Mountaindale's new Uccelli Restaurant, you cannot help but notice the stunning photographs from around the world that adorn the walls of Robert's restaurant taken by renowned artist and photograph Louis H. Jawitz who now resides in our area. This Saturday November 12th, 2011 Robert will be holding an Artist Reception for the artist from 2:00-4:00 PM, and you are invited. Please stop by for some wine and cheese, meet Lou, and enjoy his beautiful photographic studies from around the world, including a breathtaking picture of the Twin Towers.

About The Artist

Artist Statement of Louis Jawitz

It was decades ago when I picked up my first camera, shot that first photograph that drew me into this mystical world that allows one with a simple lens to capture the essence of humanity, its foils, its toils and its triumphs.

I had gotten my first camera while serving on the nuclear aircraft carrier "Enterprise" and being in such close quarters found myself taking pictures of my shipmates, working at their assigned tasks, relaxing down below in the crew quarters. Back then, it was a waiting process, sending my film off to be developed, waiting with anticipation to see my first photographs. On the day the photos arrived, I carefully laid each one on my blanket, was amazed that the camera had not just captured the image of my friends, but had also caught the essence of who they were. Many of my ship mates started to buy my photos from me. They started to ask for shots of themselves and little did I know those early orders would lead not only to a lifetime love of photography, but would also set me on my life long career path.

All these years later and I'm still taking people shots, capturing the essence of them in my photographs.

Saturday November 12 2-4PM Artist's Reception

For anyone who has enjoyed a meal in Mountaindale's new Uccelli Restaurant, you cannot help but notice the stunning photographs from around the world that adorn the walls of Robert's restaurant taken by renowned artist and photograph Louis H. Jawitz who now resides in our area. This Saturday November 12th, 2011 Robert will be holding an Artist Reception for the artist from 2:00-4:00 PM, and you are invited. Please stop by for some wine and cheese, meet Lou, and enjoy his beautiful photographic studies from around the world, including a breathtaking picture of the Twin Towers.

About The Artist

Artist Statement of Louis Jawitz

It was decades ago when I picked up my first camera, shot that first photograph that drew me into this mystical world that allows one with a simple lens to capture the essence of humanity, its foils, its toils and its triumphs.

I had gotten my first camera while serving on the nuclear aircraft carrier "Enterprise" and being in such close quarters found myself taking pictures of my shipmates, working at their assigned tasks, relaxing down below in the crew quarters. Back then, it was a waiting process, sending my film off to be developed, waiting with anticipation to see my first photographs. On the day the photos arrived, I carefully laid each one on my blanket, was amazed that the camera had not just captured the image of my friends, but had also caught the essence of who they were. Many of my ship mates started to buy my photos from me. They started to ask for shots of themselves and little did I know those early orders would lead not only to a lifetime love of photography, but would also set me on my life long career path.

All these years later and I'm still taking people shots, capturing the essence of them in my photographs.

Profession Bio of Louis Jawitz

I am a veteran professional photographer now living fulltime in Sullivan County, with many years of experience in various aspects of Fine Art and commercial photography. I have built my career doing Fine Art, advertising, travel and editorial assignments for major clients in New York City, and nationally for which I have won both recognition and awards including:

· 43^rd annual Clio award magazine cover shot.

· Numerous awards from the Art Directors Club of New York.

In addition to assignment work, I have long been involved with fine art photography as well as producing stock photography. My work has been marketed throughout the world by every recognized Stock Photo Agency including:

· The Image Bank (TIB)

· Age Foto Stock in Spain

· Digital Vision of London

· Getty.

My personal work has been exhibited at many New York advertising firms including Gray Y&R, J Walter Thompson BBD&O. My work has been represented in numerous Gallery Shows, including one-man shows at Nikon House in Rockefeller Center, The Bonnet Museum in Ft Lauderdale Fla, The Catskill Art Society, Liberty Museum Arts Center, and the Old Stone House Gallery.

My editorial work has appeared in Nikon World, Popular Photography, Shutterbug and numerous other magazines.

I have been a adjunct professor at Sullivan Community College and guest lectured at both SVA & the New School of Social Research. Along the way I have adopted and added digital talents to my photographic skill sets.

"His photos range from quietness to scariness. Mr. Jawitz uses special effects lenses with results that are eccentric, moody and eerie."

New York Times

November 11th-Sound Therapy and Singing Bowl Concert with Peter Blum

Celebrate the cosmic and therapeutic potential for transformation on this pivotal 11/11/11 day. Support personal and global peace.

Begin the evening with Deep and Gentle Partner Yoga (for singles too) 5:30-7 pm on the comfortable radiant-heat yoga studio floor. Follow with a delicious dinner at Uccelli's Restaurant around the corner. And, return to savor our healing concert and sound exploration with Peter 8-10 pm, as he plays his collection of bells, chimes, gongs and 35 Tibetan singing bowls. Tone and create healing sounds together; relax and meditate seated or lying down. Sound Therapy and Singing Bowl Concert: $18. RY Cardholders: $13. Yoga and Concert: $25. Reservations: (845)866-7822 or email Janet at radiantyoga.ny@gmail.com You can find out more about Peter’s music: Sounds of Healing

Opening Night For Uccelli Restaurant Plays to Packed House

Last night Mountaindale's newest business, Uccelli Restaurant, opened its doors, and it was a grand night of fun, good conversation, and great food from Chef Robert's native Northern Italy. By seven in the evening, the place was packed, hardly a chair to be found as patrons enjoyed the warm welcoming atmosphere, the smells of delicious food being prepared in the kitchen, laughter and conversation filling the air.

The evening was a sterling success, the opening almost flawless, those gathered having high praise for the food, as well as the wait staff. Many of the people in attendance are very anxious for another big event at the restaurant...next week, Chef Robert will fire up his pizza oven and share with us his Northern Italian Pizza...some of the offerings on the pizza menu sound really inviting.

This writer indulged my own taste buds starting off with the Portobella Mushrooms...the sauce was perfect, and was completely devoured with the Italian bread that was in liberal supply at our table. Next, a Caesar Salad followed up with the Artesano Steak...Expresso after dinner was the perfect finish to what was a fine dinner. Congratulations to Chef Robert and his staff...it was a perfect first night.

If you would like to make reservations at Uccelli Restaurant, give Chef Robert or his hostess Star a call at (845) 434-4447. Chef Robert also caters, so keep that in mind when you start planning your next corporate event, or Christmas/New Year's party. You can see his catering menu here.

Uccelli Restaurant Grand Opening October 27, 2011

Chef Robert Uccelli has announced the "OFFICIAL" Grand Opening of his Uccelli Restaurant, and on October 27th our community's wait for a full service menu is over as he brings his menu of delicious treats from Northern Italy and Spain to our hamlet of Mountaindale. His menu in addition to some very traditional pizza pies from his homeland includes 18 different pasta dishes, as well as some of our favorites from forest and field.

Stop by, say hello; give Chef Robert a warm welcome to our community and sample his fine offerings on this special night. His doors will open at 4:00 PM, and you can see his menu at Uccelli Restaurant.

Mountaindale Downtown Filling Up

Mountaindale is experiencing what can only be described as a population explosion of sorts. As we enjoy the fall color, get ourselves ready for the coming winter, we are seeing a LOT of new faces here in town. We in the past couple of months, and moving towards November have seen five apartments get committed to new neighbors here in town. That is exciting news for our small hamlet. Believe it or not, right now we are running out of space at the proverbial Inn with just four apartments available in our downtown right now...THAT IS EXCITING.

In other news, Robert Uccelli, also a new neighbor is going will be holding a soft opening on the 27th of October, with a more formalized Grand Opening two weeks later.

In the department of musing...am wondering if it would be a good idea for all of us in the hamlet's downtown area to get together for sort of a "Meet and Greet" time? If any one is interested in putting together something like this with me, give me a call at (845)693-4513. Would give all of us a chance to meet one another, and forge stronger community bonds.

*Note...for our new neighbors...Mountaindale has some of the GREATEST snow removal in the entire state of New York. The snow crew does ask all of us though to move our cars off of the streets if a storm is coming so that they can keep our Main Street and its sidewalks free of snow this winter.

Opening in Mid October...Uccelli Restaurant at 4 Post Road

Mountaindale is a small hamlet, and like the rest of America, we are struggling through what the experts call a "Down Economy"...yet, if you have been watching our small community with a discerning eye, you see us growing, new citizens coming in, taking up residence as our population base moves in a forward direction. We welcome all of our new families, but are especially excited about one new neighbor in particular, and that neighbor is Robert Uccelli who immigrated to America from Northern Italy (Florance) back in the mid eighties.

Robert Uccelli is a chef, and sure all of us will soon be smiling as we savor the treats he will be preparing for us at his new restaurant here in Mountaindale, "Uccelli Retaurant". Chef Robert specializes in fine cuisine from his native Italy.

As a part of the work he is doing in preparing for his Grand Opening, his online presence is being created, and a big part of that is his menu. Now, a lot of folks here in Mountaindale and the surrounding area have been begging to know what is on that menu, what kind of food he will be serving...well, we here at Mountaindale NY News are pleased to announce a scoop...even though the website is not ready for PRIME TIME, and even though Chef Robert's full menu is not fully up on his website and officially launched, we were able to get the link to his UNDER CONSTRUCTION SITE where everyone can peak in on his menu, get a fairly good idea of the wonderful foods about to come our way.

Don't tell anyone, but here is the link! Uccelli Restaurant in Mountaindale

Stay tuned for BIG NEWS about a special GRAND OPENING!

Note-Special thanks to Suzannah Gold for the photography in this post.