e a d m o r e : P l a s t i c R e c y c l i n g T i p s | e H o w . c o m h t t p : / / w w w .

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Vol. 2

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February 2012

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No. 2

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Can't you just feel that love is in the air and perhaps, the water . . . We will be sharing stories of love laced with memories, haiku as well as the ongoing Green Initiative. Yes, Kermit, it isn't easy being green but the heading into Love month, let's take a quick glimpse back. January ugh. What can you say, it's not the cruelest month . . . the weather has been unusually mild (thanks to Global Warming always the silver lining) and local businesses enjoy a little down time as we all regroup and plan for another great season in Sharon Springs. IN MEMORY The stories are many, the memories are lasting accolades of a life well lived. The man is Conrad Fink, whom most of us knew as a neighbor and friend. The greater world, beyond the community of Sharon Springs, knew him as an accomplished journalist and teacher. Conrad was an active neighbor keeping his eye on new just taking the time to share a story or concern. When we wanted to explain who this fellow was we were talking about it was always, the guy with the bushy eyebrows. And then they knew. I don't know if he ever tired of the eyebrow references. If he did, he never mentioned it. developments, interested in checking out newly built barns, wanting to know what is growing in that field or options are even more difficult so embrace your greenness and love who you are. As you know . . . before

A common theme in the obituaries is the trepidation felt by students at the University of Georgia, when The Finkster would say, Stop by my office. He expected no less from his students than from himself. And what is Fink. most telling is the respect and gratitude expressed for having had the opportunity to learn from Professor But the true value of a man lies in not so much worldly accomplishments but how he carried himself through life. Conrad's funeral reflected who he was as a person and what his values were. It was his choosing that the service be held at a small country church where he and his wife worshiped for years. His family shared tears. Condolences to his wife Sue, daughter Karen, son Conrad and their families.

memories of a man to whom they all looked for direction and advice. The laughs were as poignant as the

HER-storians Corner [Thanks, Leila, for the fun suggestion!]

How I met my husband! Since this occurred on February 10th, 1962 [50 years ago this very month] I do think it qualifies as an Historical moment [definitely so for me!] At that time, we were college students I was at Syracuse University and Richard at Hamilton College [an all Fraternity Pledge Party. We were late, the keg had been tapped early, and as I entered the door I saw him my! That is the man I am going to marry! Yet, although I loved reading romantic novels, I really did not male bastion in that era]. With a group of my dorm mates, I traveled by bus through a blizzard for a TKE Levis, white shirt, tie, tweed jacket, engineer boots, drinking from a pitcher of beer! My first reaction was, Oh think that could ever happen! However, he was NOT my blind date I was introduced to David Gruben [now introduced to my mystery man. He demurred saying Richard was the wildest guy in the fraternity and had just gotten off social probation. Eventually he relented and after our introduction, Richard just said, Hi, and walked away obviously no thunderbolt for him! However, before the end of the evening, Richard decided he needed a date for House Party Weekend and cut in on David on the dance floor! And, as they say, the rest is history . . . (her-story) Thank, Nancy ! IT MUST HAVE BEEN MOONGLOW . . . I begged for stories of how couples first met perhaps a little glimpse of first impressions but, alas, this plea got little response. So, I will share my own story of the luckiest day in my life and the early days of our sweet courtship. We were introduced about 30 years ago through a mutual friend. She was a neighbor of his and an acquaintance of mine. My first impression of Philip he was a bit formal but witty with old fashioned manners. Later on I learned he practiced my difficult name by associating it with Hemingway's novel, The Islands in the Stream which sounds a bit like Leeee I Luh get it Lee Islands . . . After our first date we spent a lot of time talking on the phone due to different work schedules. I was serenaded with old standard tunes, before our time, such as, Elmer's Tune and Moonglow. It was Springtime in upstate NY and he was enjoying learning about raising goats and growing a garden. He would come to see me with a quart of goat's milk in one hand and a bouquet of lilacs in the other. What girl could

an award winning producer of documentary films!] David asked what he could get for me, and I asked to be

resist this! This was also my introduction to Sharon Springs. I was absolutely taken aback when we first drove through the village. It was as if we had entered a time warp and had been transported to Eastern Europe. It was when the summer concerts were held on the porch of the bathhouse, Route 10 was closed in front of the bathhouse, to accommodate chairs for the audience - they were set-up right in the road. Traffic was detoured around the side streets. We went to the Imperial Baths for massages and therapeutic soaks in our novels while smoking cigarettes and going through reams of paper. Little did we know that years later we would own a historical building in Sharon Springs and be a part of this intriguing village.

the sulphur water. We imagined renting a room at The Adler where we would both take typewriters to begin

MARILYN'S MEMORIES VALENTINES DAY 30 YEARS AGO

February in Sharon Springs is cold. How cold? Cold enough to freeze your nostrils shut. This has been my test for cold climes over the years. If my nostrils arent stuck shut its not cold. The long, cold winter was made cheerier with preparations for a Valentines Day party in your grade school class room. The basic prep included choosing and signing cards from those little boxes of valentines. One for each class mates and the teacher too. You also needed to create a mail box to receive yours in. The mail box was made of an empty cereal box that was decorated with tin foil, construction paper and lacy doilies. My mom would help me cut, glue, sign and get a card ready for everybody in our class. One blurry memory stands out. It is funny now because 30 years stands between me and what I refer to as my brownie debacle. I am pretty sure this was while preparing for a Valentines Day event to be hosted at the school. Mrs. Handy, please forgive me if I have the occasion confused. We were preparing brownies in Home Ec class. As usual, I was as dedicated to chatter and not really paying attention to the task at hand. While mixing the brownies I inadvertently dropped a potholder into the batter. Needless to say, this kind of mess had my full attention. I could not confess my error as I knew Mrs. Handy would be unhappy to say the least. The solution seemed clear. Bake the potholder into the brownies and dont say a word!! Maybe she wouldnt know it was me. Of course she knew it was me. As expected, Mrs. Handy was mad. I dont remember the punishment but I am sure there was something. And of course, being this was Sharon Springs, word traveled fast. My mom knew about this before I got home from school. Valentines Day is still something I anticipate with real joy but not brownies! My culinary skills have improved over the years, but I have never baked another pan of brownies without clearing the kitchen of anything that could mistakenly make its way into the batter.

So, this year, gather up your friends, get in touch with your inner Martha and take the time to prepare for marshmallows to the hot cocoa and transform a cereal box into a mail box using tinfoil, glitter and paper hearts! It will warm even the coldest winter day. And a good time was had by all! ~Thank you Marilyn Stein !

Valentines Day, Sharon Springs style. Bake up something yummy (skip the potholder), add extra

~ Justin has left his part-time gig at Cobbler& Co. to pursue his education in Florida. Not only will he be missed by many but now I have no one to play jokes on . . . Congratulations, Justin and best of luck!

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FOR OUR FUNNY LITTLE VALENTINES

The fern needs water I relax in my big chair Matthew will do it ~ M. Owens

Sensuous Love Songs Wind through my head Bringing dreams of you! ~ Nancy Pfau

A Love Haiku for Sharon Springs How do we love thee? Let's count the ways. One. Two. Damn... A haiku won't do. ~Josh and Brent The love bug bit me It didnt hurt I liked it I hope it is contagious ~ Leila

Why else Would moonlight shine But for you ~ Kathy Minnig

THE GREEN ZONE INITIATIVE

A RECIPE FOR GLASS CLEANER THAT WORKS BETTER THAN ANY YOU CAN BUY Combine: 1/2 cup ammonia (sudsy ammonia is preferred but no big deal if you don't have it) plain old ammonia is fine 1 pint isopropyl alcohol - 70 % or higher is best. 1 teaspoon (thereabouts) dish soap add enough water to make a total of 1 gallon

~ Thanks so much, Maureen we are all so glad you will be doing our windows this year!

GREEN TIPS: Save the large plastic "clamshell" packaging from grocery store lettuce, brussels sprouts, strawberries, etc.

Poke small drainage holes in the bottom (if there aren't air holes already) and fill with moistened potting soil. Then sprinkle mesclun, spinach, or arugula seeds on the surface. Replace lid and set on top of refrigerator (to keep soil warm) until seeds sprout. Once seedlings are visible, move to a bright window sill and keep cover in place to act as a greenhouse until leaves begin to brush against the lid. Remove lid and let greens reach full size. Clip at base of plants for salads, and they'll continue to replenish all winter long. Never throw away a squeezed lemon half. Save by the sink, or toss in the freezer for later use, to polish copper. Simply sprinkle a little salt on your tarnished copper pot, and rub with lemon half. Though already squeezed, there's plenty of juice left inside to lift away tarnish. Then toss in a running garbage disposal to freshen. One lemon half, three uses! ~Thanks Josh and Brent !

THE PLASTIC-ATION OF AMERICA . . . and the world

Before tossing a plastic bag keep in mind it will take at least 10 20 years for it to break down in a landfill. Americans throw away almost 100 billion plastic bags every year, and only 1 percent to 3 percent are ever and use them for groceries, a quick trip to Stewart's, the hardware store and even your local gallery. recycled. Many grocery stores have a bin to recycle these bags. Better yet, buy a couple of shopping bags A plastic bottle takes 450 years to breakdown. Most bottles can be recycled. 51 billion, yes billion, plastic

bottles are used every year only 20% are recycled. There are now 5 huge garbage heaps in oceans throughout the world. If you have bottles and cans with deposits but don't want to take them back to the store ask around there are groups who would appreciate the donation. If I can help you with this let me know! Or if you know of a group that is collecting deposit bottles, please let me know at villagehallgallery@gmail.com. Thank you!

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORLY NEWS

Adult Volleyball has been played at the Sharon Springs School since the early 1980's and has been a source of fun and exercise for many community members over these years. The level of play varies by who comes, but most of all it is meant to be fun.

The school has established a few rules that have worked well, first of importance is that the players must be beyond high school age, and that the rest of the school is off limits to us while we are in the building. for them in the gym while we are playing and that could be a danger to them. Bringing non-players and or young children is difficult and not encouraged because there may not be room We play Sunday nights from 7-9 pm in the old gym, the entrance on the Route 10 side of the building. We start the first Sunday in October, to give the school time to settle into its year, and go to the first part of June charge, but you may have to help set up and take down, all part of the exercise you will be getting. Come to have a good and healthy evening out. Contact Ann Adams at 284-2048 if you need more information. Thanks, Ann! when Regents Exams get under way, and we usually don't play during school holidays. There is no admission

LOCAL LEGENDS & LORE DINNER AT THE AMERICAN HOTEL

Make your reservations now for the ever fun Local Legends & Lore Dinner - Real stories told by local people! Cocktails at 6 ~ dinner served at 7 Thursday, February 16 $45/person three course dinner Cash bar call 284-2105 or info@americanhotelny.com - these events fill up quickly so get to it!

QI GONG CLASSES AT VHG BEGINNING IN MARCH

DO YOU WANT TO UNWIND, RELEASE, LET GO... UNFURL, GROW? EVERY SPRING IS A REBIRTH, AND IT IS IN THESE BEGINNING MOVEMENTS FELT WITHIN OURSELVES, THAT WE CAN DISCOVER OUR TRUEST PATH AND DANCE, UNIQUE EACH DAY. COME AND LEARN SOME BASICS OF A TIMELESS PRACTICE *** MEDICAL QI GONG, SELF-HEALING AND SPONTANEOUS MOVEMENT *** 6-8 PM

SIMPLE,FUN,ALL AGES WELCOME - WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES10.00 DONATION REQUESTED

The teacher, Pam Livingston, has been a long time student of Qi Gong, starting in the UK with the Dayan(Wild Goose) form, and more recently practicing medical QiGong with Master Binhue He, in the US. She is certified to teach level 1 and 2 of Spontaneous QiGong and 'Consciousness Power Medicine', which help to awaken instinctual self-healing abilities. (as well as being fun!) The date will be announced soon stayed tuned! AND . . . From our ARTWORKS friends in Cherry Valley a love-ly Haiku reminder ~ thanks, Pam Noonan Remember CV Artworks is the place to be See you in the spring

Pasta alla puttanesca

Ladies of the evening pasta

There are two stories behind this recipe. One is that the pasta sauce was invented by Italian ladies of the evening as a quick yet savory meal that they could enjoy between clients. The other, which is my favorite, is staying at home. Italian women have always believed that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach. 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 Clove garlic, chopped 1 Anchovy fillet in oil, finely chopped Cup black olives, chopped Cup capers Teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste) Cup parsley, chopped 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes Grated pecorino Romano cheese to sprinkle over pasta Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add garlic and anchovy. Stir to dissolve anchovy, then add tomatoes, olives, capers, red pepper flakes and cook for about 10 minutes. While preparing the sauce, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil then add a teaspoon of salt. Add -pound of your favorite tubular pasta and cook till al dente. Drain pasta and toss into the skillet with your sauce. Mix well and add parsley. Garnish with grated pecorino Romano cheese. that its a simple yet elegant meal that Italian housewives prepared to ensure that their husbands were happy

Note: Feel free to change the amount of any ingredient to taste and make the recipe your own. This sauce is also a wonderful topping to grilled fish or chicken. Set a romantic mood with candles, fine china, linens, and enjoy with a glass of red wine. Bon Appetito ~Thank you, Rose Marie Trapani, for a recipe that is heart-healthy and heartwarming

WiLL you be my V LenTine?

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By the time you swear you're his, Shivering and sighing, And he vows his passion is infinite, undying Lady, make note of this: One of you is lying. -- Dorothy Parker

The great question . . . which I have not been able to answer is, What does a woman want? ~ Sigmund Freud
I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.

~Rodney Dangerfield

I was nauseous and tingly all over. I was either in love or I had smallpox. ~Woody Allen

Joyeuse SaintValentin
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Send your profound insights, curiosities & musings to: villagehallgallery@gmail.com or stop by during gallery hours: Thursday Monday 10- 4 518 284-2402 ~ The Chatter is a free paper . . . but donations are appreciated if you are able and willing. ~

Thank you!

contemporary art in a historical setting