Dear Editor:, I’m writing to ask a question, but first, some background. Yesterday, I walked from my home on Church Street to the Phoenicia Post Office. It was a m1serable walk! First I had to go down the center of Church Street, because there are no sidewalks. Then I cut through the Country Store parking lot, and discovered that whoever plows their lot had totally blocked the sidewalk along Main Street with a mound of snow five or six feet high! That forced me to wade through ankle-deep standing water at the curb, to get around the mound and back on the sidewalk. Then I arrived at the sidewalk beside the Phoenicia Supermarket. It hadn’t been shoveled, and again the snow plows had piled the snow from the parking lot onto the sidewalk at the corner, making it completely impassable. That forced me to wade through muddy ice water again, and walk in the traffic lane on Main Street for some distance. All the while, a bunch of yahoos in SUVs were barreling past at excessive speed, splashing muddy slush and ice water all over my coat, slacks and boots! Now, here’s my question: Did my 3-block walk sound like fun to you? Is this how we expect to attract tourists and visitors to Phoenicia’s business and restaurant district? I know we just had a big snowstorm, and there really is a problem with how to dispose of snow along Main Street. But, come on! Other communities that want economic benefit from winter tourists find a way to get rid of snow, slush; and standing water, and keep their sidewalks passable and safe year-round.
Maybe we need an ordinance requiring people to shovel their sidewalks within a certain time after it stops snowing. Maybe we need to use backhoes and dump trucks to remove snow mounds from the sidewalks and the curb areas. But it’s certainly do-able, and if we want to see economic growth and development in the hamlets, now would be a good time to fix the problem.
Patricia Ellison
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor, Town of Shandaken supervisor Bob Cross and councilwoman Jane Todd should stop grandstanding. They should work instead to redeem themselves in the eyes of their constituents. If Supervisor Cross intends to address the infrastructure issues of the community that he claims previous administrations have ignored, then he should do it. But where is the money going? His tax increase in the town budget is higher in one year than previous administrations' two year increases. Included in the budget are a significant pay increase for himself and the creation of another police officer's position which may or may not be needed. Perhaps he should have forgone both of these to use the funds to address the issues supposedly neglected in the past.
It is blatantly untrue that previous Town of Shandaken administrations sole efforts have been to stop the Belleayre Resort project as Todd and Cross claim. What is blatantly troubling though are Cross' and Todd's connections to the proposed project. Todd and her husband acquired property adjacent to the proposed resort just weeks before the developer starting assembling his parcels for the project. The value of their property at the entrance to the proposed resort would most likely increase dramatically if the project is approved. Cross' wife took an employment position with the developer after he was elected. Mr. Cross has been thanked publicly for his support of the project by the developer. Isn't this information compelling enough to explain why people question Cross' and Todd's intentions? If Todd and Cross truly want to free the town of obstructionism they first need to admit that divergent opinions do not constitute obstructionism. There are many Shandakenites who would like to see our community stay healthy, address infrastructure issues, and invite sensible development. Just because we disagree with Cross' and Todd's vision of Shandaken's future does not make us obstructionists or political opportunists. The next time Cross and Todd wish to make a fuss and start finger pointing I suggest they first examine how they themselves might be part of the problem. Dave Pillard Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
Your January 20 editorial so irritated me, that it is difficult for me to excerpt only a few sentences for comment, but here goes:
So let’s start with school taxes, and from the position that with respect to the large parcel bill, nobody’s got a corner on truth, justice, and the American way here. Olive has solid arguments about its unique situation and the historical price it’s paid for the reservoir that the other towns haven’t. However. It is fundamentally unreasonable that similar properties in adjacent towns pay wildly different taxes to support the same school system.
As I recall (and it can only be based on memory, as your online archives are all linked to the November 11, 2004 edition), in 2003 before the Onteora school board voted to hold off and wait a year then eventually adopt the large parcel, an Olive Press editorial expressed essentially the same sentiment, except perhaps the part about Olive having solid arguments. (I guess the reaction from Olive residents did influence your editorial position, if only just a little.) But I remember my irritation at that time at reading in one of your editorials that folks in Olive knew that paying lower taxes than the other towns in the district was unfair and inequitable, and probably should end.
I don't know your background, or who those friends of yours are, but my friends and family believe no such thing. Those of us privileged enough to be Olive natives, with roots that go back for generations, understand that the "historical price" you mention certainly does give us "a corner on truth, justice and the American way" on this particular issue. I write this not to insult town residents who were born elsewhere, and moved here later. It has been my experience that some who find their way to our town take a first look at the grave site (also known as the Ashokan Reservoir) and it speaks to them, too. They completely understand what you describe as our "unique situation." Sadly, there are others who cannot feel it, and they are clueless. I saddens me that one of the clueless is penning the editorials for the purportedly local newspaper.
That won’t fly in reasoned discussion in Olive, to say nothing of outside Olive. Unfortunately there is no way to compensate for what happened to our native civilizations, nor has anyone thought up, so far, just compensation for the armed robbery of most of the Town of Olive by New York City in the early 20th century. It’s done. The best we can hope for is fair tax remuneration from them.
Reasoned discussion? According to whom? I believe "outside Olive" are the two most telling words in this stunning quote from the "Olive Press." Maybe in the interest of really representing the town whose name you plaster across your publication, you should seek occasional input from some folks who are actually "inside Olive."
Gina Giuliano, PhD
Castleton & Samsonville, NY
Editors note: Thanks for the heads-up on the website's archive function. It's fixed.

Dear Editor,
In a letter to the editor in the January 20, 2005 edition of the Phoenicia Times Christina Fendley felt compelled to write of her experience working at Emerson Place. I, too, now feel compelled to write a letter in response. What a shame that she chose this avenue rather than coming to me, as I feel a bit betrayed by someone I felt I had befriended.
When Christina came to work here in sales and promotions, she didn’t get along with her department head and turned to our human resources to see if there was an alterative position. Rather than lose her, Human Resources worked with me and we transferred her to The Lodge front desk. Her interests and talents didn’t lie in the hospitality industry and she made it clear that as soon as she found other work (which she was actively seeking) she would be leaving. During this time her co-workers at the desk adjusted their schedules so that she could continue to be employed and go to various job interviews. I personally spoke to her potential employers and gave her recommendations. All of that seems fairly generous on the part of any employer.
Ms Fendley says that Emerson Place offers only transitional jobs. In an industry where turnover nationwide is measured in months, many local people have been employed here for years. In the three years that I have worked here, I have seen people come and go (and often return) but there are dozens that have been here much longer than I. Emerson Place is one of the largest employers in Ulster County, Healthcare is offered, salaries and wages do increase, and there are benefits and staff discounts. I know these things to be true, I began my employment here as a Front Desk Agent. I work here and am a part of Emerson Place and proud to be part of what has been accomplished. I think Ralph Waldo Emerson would be quite pleased too.
Come see me and let me show you around.
Ron VanWarmer
General Manager of
The Lodge at Emerson Place

Dear Editor,
After reading years of articles on Crossroads, Catskill Corners, Emerson Place and Dean Gitter I was struck by a recent editorial letter from Mrs. Martie Gailes(wife of Gary Gailes -employed by Dean Gitter) seen in the Phoenicia Times about the Conde Nast Johansen award ceremony dinner at the Emerson Inn. I noticed a few important details missing such as the names of the people who had worked so hard over the last five years to help achieve this prestigious and quite elusive honor for the Emerson Inn. Mark Johnson (resigned as C.E.O./C.F.O.); Jerry Jacobson (resigned Hospitality General Manager); Tim Phillips (resigned Inn Manager); Dawn Chinchen (resigned Spa Director); Amanda Gold (resigned Ass. Inn Manager); Ed Graygor (Resigned Sales Consultant); Gilbert Stiener (resigned Emerson Chef); Ross Fraiser (FIRED as Emerson Head Chef); and Laurent Ertle (Resigning this month as Emerson Food & Beverage Manager). I wonder if Mr Gitter ever congratulated each one of these core people who worked very hard for the Inn to receive this award.
We are often told about how Catskill Corners / Emerson Place employs many local workers. I think this should be reviewed, my question is where are they now? Where is, Sue Marchesani - FORCED TO RESIGN after over 7 years devotion at both the Spotted Dog & Catamount Café; Karin Senecal - FORCED TO RESIGN after she held the complex together as Head of Operations for 9 plus years; Heather George Gockel -RESIGNED/? Accounts Payable Manager for over 5 years; Eddie Cleveland-FIRED Graphic Designer after 9 years; Mary Sheridan-Dibble - FIRED after over 8 years in various positions; Carol Conrad -FIRED after over 4 years as sales associate; Igor Surdiuk - FORCED TO RESIGN after 2 years as Catamount Chef; Steven Johnson -RESIGNED as Executive Head Chef after only six months; Sarah Byrne -FIRED Head Dining Room Manager - Inn/ Catamount Manager after over 3 years; Carol Martineau-Lopez -FIRED Sales & Marketing Director promoting Catskill Corners and Emerson Place for nearly 4 years; Ilene Hinchey -FIRED as Public Relations Director for complex; Shirley Johnson RESIGNED Public Relations after less than a year; Joan Lawrence-Bauer who was phased out of her position as Marketing Director after 5 years; Bonnie Benjamin -FIRED as Catamount Manager then Wedding/Event Director for 5 years who loved her job coordinating weddings; and Rich Fuqua - FIRED after 6 months as Head of Sales after being quoted in a November Freeman article that the Sales & Wedding revenues were $700,000.00 last year. There was also the consortium of local businesses that was hired to develop and implement the re-branding marketing that was terminated.
Dean Gitter, in a Daily Freeman article appearing on January 16, 2005 in the Business Review & Forecast had said that he was committed to providing career paths in hospitality management but he found the pool of even minimally skilled applicants to be too small. He is quoted as saying that "It's a small labor pool and as we've grown, we've had to reach further and further out to get the people we need." Perhaps, Dean, this is less a result of flight out of the area, and more a direct result of the new C.E.O., Mr. Wright and the administration tactics he employs that has shed valuable workers from the workforce either by being ruthlessly fired or the employees choosing to resign because they don't believe in the leadership or direction that Emerson Place is being given.
RESIGNING or YOU’RE FIRED at Catskill Corners and Emerson Place seems to be the tragic trend. So much for the locals, and a major portion of the international management staff that helped to achieve each of the awards for the entire complex. Who is this new C.E.O. Mr. Ted Wright? Maybe Dean Gitter your Mr. Wright isn’t that RIGHT after all.
Carol Martineau-Lopez
Big Indian, NY

Dear Editor,
Last month, after the Ulster County Legislature approved $7,000.00 in funding
for the Federated sportsmen's Club, several articles noted that the Woodstock Film Festival is one of 33 "outside agencies" that the county funds annually. Although the festival does receive county funding - for which it is appreciative - it should be noted that there is great disparity in allocation: for 2005, the Legislature granted the festival $500.00.
According to current economic impact indicators, the annual benefits of the Woodstock Film Festival result in more than two million dollars worth of local revenue. These dollars are spent on jobs, tourism, promotion, and local businesses including vendors, venues, bed & breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, incidentals, and much more.
The Woodstock Film Festival, a not-for-profit, 501 (C)(3) organization has a six year track record of presenting an annual program and year-round schedule of film, music, and art-related activities that promote artists, culture, inspired learning, and diversity. The Woodstock Film Commission, under the auspices of WFF, has successfully promoted sustainable economic development by attracting and supporting film, video and media production.
Recent productions include the Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise "War of the Worlds" project, and the Paul Reiser, Peter Falk film "The Thing About My Folks," among many others
While we are grateful that the UC Legislature saw fit to include us in their annual budget, we sincerely hope the legislators will further support our efforts to sustain local economic development.
Meira Blaustein
Executive Director
Woodstock Film Festival

Dear Editor,
They sure dislike to tell the truth in regards to the twin tower buildings going completely down by being hit by two terror piloted planes. First is that fuel oil burns at 1800 degrees while steel melts at 2900 degrees so No Cause. Second is that there was corruption by permitting the steel beams by cutting the bottom and middle flanges so that construction was made easy in placing the cross beams on the outside beams. Another reason was because thousands of holes for telephone lines were drilled on the floor on the insides of each outer walls opposite each other from the bottom to the top floors.
I have found out this from an old retired iron worker who worked on the twin towers plus I also worked on two similar buildings 50 years ago when I belonged to Union no. 2448. There were no telephone cables those days.
Ed Ocker
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
Despite the cold temperatures Friday night January 28th, Phoenicia celebrated winter carnival. As part of Belleayre’s Winterfest week, Phoenicia held its 2nd annual Mardi Gras in The Catskills! The evening started with a mask making craft held at the M.F. Whitney Firehouse. Several children decorated masks with feathers, beads, and glitter.
The “Belleayre Beast” greeted people around the Downtown shops, galleries, and reataurants with Mardi Gras beads and a roar. Parties began at area restaurants with Happy Hour Specials. The main attraction was the Benefit Dinner Dance at Parish Hall.
Shandaken area restaurants provided a fabulous Cajun Creole buffet. $25. Tickets included the buffet, beer, wine, and the Big Band Swing Sounds of “Saints of Swing”
featuring Miss Rene Bailey. As the seven piece band moved around the hall, almost everyone was dancing the night away! It was such a pleasure to see the children and the grownups all over the dance floor. Cher Laughlin of The American Café went all out in her effort to pull this fundraiser together in order to raise money for a new ceiling in Parish Hall. Many donations from area businesses for raffles and silent auctions were raised. The highest bid item was dinner for 4 from Father Chris, prepared and served by himself! The Parish Hall Renovation Project will host the event on the last Friday of January 2006 . Mark your calendars now. Let’s bring the community together for a good cause and a great time. There are so many different groups that exist in Phoenica; Democrat Club, Republican Club, Rotary, Knights, Boy Scouts, Women’s Solidarity, Women’s Network, Chamber of Commerce, Trout Unlimited, for the golf course, against the golf course… Let’s ALL come together and support OUR Community Building next year!
A special heart felt Thank You to all the contributors: Al’s Restaurant, Rich Hammond/Manhattan Beverage, American Café, David Gross/Southern Wine & Spirits, Catamount Café, Appletree Motel, Chocolate Cheers, Belleayre Mtn. Marketing Dept., Farmer Frank, Blue Barn, Catskill Mountain Pizzeria, Gateway to Tibet, Kathy Neal, Loretta & Charles, Renee Stanley, Phoenicia Diner, Tenderland, Railroad Pizza, Russ’s Country Kitchen and Sweet Sue’s.
Patti Muller
Woodland Valley Inn