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DIY Network’s “Blog Cabin” Comes to Bethel
Wednesday, 3 February 2010 By leni
DIY Network is a channel owned by Scripps Networks Interactive.
Since launching HGTV in 1994, Scripps Networks has become the leader in lifestyle media, developing some of the most relevant content available on television, the Internet and satellite radio, in books and magazines, and on today’s emerging media platforms.
According to DIY, “Blog Cabin” is a groundbreaking multimedia experience based on a very simple idea: You Design It, We Build It, [and] You Could Win It! This truly interactive series asks Internet users to vote on the design features for a real cabin getaway. Blog Cabin will then be featured on five special episodes of the hottest DIY Network shows: BATHtastic!, Desperate Landscapes, House Crashers, Kitchen Impossible, and Yard Crashers. Expert hosts from these series will be on hand to renovate the 1970s ranch in BETHEL that will become a luxurious home for a lucky sweepstakes winner. Plus, a one-hour Blog Cabin special, hosted by licensed contractor John DeSilvia, will highlight the incredible transformation.
As the name implies, in addition to being part the aforementioned television programs, there is a dedicated blog site that DIY Network maintains. Here is the first installment from that site posted on February 1, 2010.
DIY Blog Cabin 2010 – The Scoop
Hey there.
It’s Mary here, the roving “Blog Cabin” writer and editor. Nice to meet you all and join in the blog-posting fun with Watson. I am popping in today to share some good news: We’re finally ready to announce the details of this year’s getaway. Are you ready?
We’re flipping the program on its ear this year. Rather than building from the ground up, we’re going to gut renovate from the inside out. We’ve chosen a ’70s rancher in upstate New York – Bethel, N.Y., to be exact – nestled in the shadow of the gorgeous Catskills Mountains. And rather than assemble one team to remodel the home from start to finish, we’ve decided to divvy up responsibilities amongst our most popular show hosts, based on their areas of expertise: Kitchen Impossible’s Marc Bartolomeo, BATHtastic!’s Matt Muenster, House Crashers’ Josh Temple, Yard Crashers’ Ahmed Hassan and Desperate Landscapes’ Jason Cameron. In each of five show episodes that begin airing in mid August, these talented guys, led by licensed contractor John DeSilvia, will completely transform the indoor and/or outdoor spaces they’ve been assigned. (Expect jaw-dropping before and afters!)
Two important things that remain unchanged? The first: We will rely on you to choose the products and materials used to renovate and update this vacation getaway. People’s Choice voting begins sometime this month. Keep checking the blog for updates and sign up for the DIY Newsletter to receive voting reminders. The second: You get to enter for your chance to win this fabulous home. You design it. We build it. You get to win it!
Are you as excited as I am? Pretty neat concept, right? Let us know your thoughts – the good and the constructive. And if you haven’t already, take a look at photo galleries we’ve dedicated to the home and the neighborhood.
There’s Tons of Fun in Sullivan County’s Winter Catskills
Tuesday, 2 February 2010 By leni
When it comes to kids, families and the great outdoors Sullivan County always has lots to offer and winters in Sullivan County are no exception to the rule. From the Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival held in January to February’s annual Ice Fishing Contests and Derbies, to our frozen lakes, crystal clear steams and mountains and valleys covered with snow, there is something for every one to enjoy.
Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, located just outside Monticello, is open Tuesday through Sunday for skiing and snowboarding fun. Holiday Mountain Ski Area has 7 slopes and trails of varying skill levels to satisfy everyone and offer 4 lifts and two Chalets. All 7 trails offer night skiing At Holiday Mountain they love Mother Nature, but they do not take her for granted or take any chances. With 100% snowmaking on their slopes, they are able to enhance what nature gives us. Then they put the finishing touches on the slopes using the latest grooming equipment. In February be sure to check out their special events also: Scouts Weekend – February 6 and 7, Presidents Week/Winter Recess – February 14 through 22, YMCA Wines and Cheese event – February 26 at 6 p.m. followed the next day by the YMCA Fireman’s Races on February 27 at 8 a.m.
For grown-ups, and kids alike, who just can’t wait for trout season to open in the spring, Sullivan County’s lakes offer the very best in ice fishing. And for those in a slightly competitive mood, the county offers several ice contests and derbies throughout the month of February.
On Saturday, February 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department is sponsoring the Lunker of the Ice Fishing Derby. Adult Division entry ages are 16 and up – cost $8. There is also a Youth Division – cost $3. All participants must pre-register before February 6th. To pre-register stop at the Liberty Agway Home and Garden, Bon Jovi Lane, Liberty, the Loch Sheldrake Fire House, Route 52, Loch Sheldrake on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. or call 845-434-2710 or 845-434-2724.
Also on Saturday, February 6, the Jerry Sheppard Memorial Free Youth Ice Fishing Contest will be held at Mitchell Pond West in Cochecton from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jerry Sheppard loved kids and after his passing in September of 2006, the Sheppard family along with many of Jerry’s friends, created the children’s ice fishing derby as a way to keep Jerry’s memory alive and continue his outreach to kids. The contest is for kids ages 16 and younger. Bait and refreshments will be supplied. For more information or directions call Randy at 845-932-8152.
Sponsored by the Hurleyville Fire Department and Town of Fallsburg Youth Commission the 22nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest will take place on Saturday, February 13 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morningside Lake in Hurleyville. Adults are $5, 14 and under are free. For more information call Jack Halchak at 845-436-5418, George Price at 845-434-3475 or Fred Turner at 845-434-7706 or visit www.hurleyvilleny.com.
On Sunday, February 21 head to Kauneonga Lake in the Town of Bethel where the Sullivan County Conservation Club will be holding the King of the Ice Fishing Contest. An annual event, not to be missed, often attended by over 300 hundred ice fisherman from as far away as New Jersey and Connecticut, it is a day filled with prizes, give-aways and good food and fun for the whole family. To pre-register in person contact Sports-Nuts in Rock Hill or pre-register by mail to Charlie Greenhouse, PO Box 64, White Lake NY 12786. It is also possible to register the day of the event, but no matter what you decide come early because available parking fills up rapidly.
February Marks the Start of the CAS Arts Center 2010 Exhibition Season
Friday, 22 January 2010 By leni
LIVINGSTON MANOR – The Catskill Art Society is a non-profit cultivating public interest, participation, and enjoyment of the arts. Through its multi-arts center, CAS explores contemporary art practices and facilitates creative and professional development for established and emerging artists.
The 2010 CAS Exhibition Season begins on Saturday, February 6, 2010 with an exhibit entitled “Shifting Perspectives,” featuring the works of Christine Gedeon and Joel Edwards. Opening day events include: an artist talk from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m.
On Friday, February 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. CAS will host “From Russia With Love,” an evening event that will include a special menu created by chef Rob Rayevsky of Rolling River Cafe.Dinner will be served in ceramic and antique bowls that guests can take home. Tickets are $50 and will include: • Delicious Russian menu by Rolling River Cafe • Take home bowl of your choice • Russian Beer sampler donated by Gasko & Meyer • Wine and other beverages • A mid-winter raffle with 1 chance included in your ticket price. Additional tickets will be available for purchase. • Screening of the film “White Nights” directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Helen Mirren, and Isabella Rossellini. For more information call 845-436-4227 or e-mail info@catskillartsociety.org.The 2010 CAS Exhibition Season
February 6 – March 14 – Shifting Perspectives, Christine Gedeon & Joel Edwards
March 20 – April 25 – At 85, Douglas Craft & Elizabeth Harms
May 1 – 23 – Sullivan County High School Art Show
May 29 – June 19 – CAS Silent Auction Benefit
June 26 – July 18 – CAS Summer Members Show
July 24 – August 29 – Cindy Shechter & Linda Sokolowski
September 4 – October 10 – Tillman Crane with Richard Barnett, Everardo Goyanes, Vivien Goldman, Dorothea Eiben & David Puig
October 16 – November 21 – Utopia & Wallpaper, curated by Joel Carreiro & Brett DePalma
November 27 – December 29 – CAS Members Show & Holiday Fair
On the opening day of each exhibition there will be an artist talk and reception that are free to the public.
The Catskill Art Society is a non-profit cultivating public interest, participation, and enjoyment of the arts. Through its multi-arts center, CAS explores contemporary art practices and facilitates creative and professional development for established and emerging artists.
Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Launches the Arts Alive Drive
Friday, 22 January 2010 By leni
NARROWSBURG – In response to the drastic cuts to the arts over the past two years, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) is launching “Arts Alive Drive,” a yearlong $100,000 fundraising effort to sustain the arts, a core asset to our region. Starting now and ending at DVAA’s 35th Anniversary Gala in March of 2011, the Arts Alive Drive has many components that include the traditional raffles, donation boxes, and a 5K walk. DVAA is also introducing a new concept: dozens of simultaneous house parties held on April 10 under the banner “Savor the Arts.”
“We need community participation for all aspects of the Arts Alive Drive,” says Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Board President Robin McClernon. “But right now we’re asking the community to use their creativity and cooking skills to host dozens of simultaneous individual dinners and gatherings on Saturday, April 10 for the benefit of DVAA.”
“Savor the Arts” parties will be held in Sullivan County, the Upper Delaware River Valley, New York City, and wherever DVAA friends might find themselves on April 10. The party can be anything from barbecued beans and beer to a champagne and caviar event. It can be hosted in your home, place of business, a restaurant, or even at a public space. Your guests would know in advance that it is a fundraiser. You can set a suggested donation price or ask guests to contribute what they can. Then on Sunday, April 11, everyone’s guests will be invited to a gratis brunch, open house and silent auction at the Delaware Arts Center in Narrowsburg.
“We already have 14 commitments,” says Executive Director Elaine Giguere, “and the possibilities are endless. While these events can be very simple, we have one very creative party committed that will serve pasta on a handmade glass plate that guests can take home.”
Call DVAA at (845) 252-7576 for details on how to create and host a party.
The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance was founded in 1976 and serves as Arts Council for Sullivan County, New York. DVAA presents programs in the visual, performing, literary, and media arts and services a county-and valley-wide constituency of artists, arts groups and the general public.
DVAA sponsors an outstanding variety of arts and cultural programs in its facilities, the Delaware Arts Center and the Tusten Theatre, a fully-renovated 160-seat facility, both located in Narrowsburg, NY. The Delaware Arts Center building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
DVAA also publishes the ”Artsletter,” a bi-monthly publication, and maintains the www.ArtsAllianceSite.org website to serve its members and the general public.
There’s Still Time – Ensure Your Inclusion in the 2010 Visitor’s Guide
Tuesday, 12 January 2010 By leniFERNDALE - The Sullivan County Visitors Association has been accumulating information for the 2010 edition of their Sullivan County Catskills Visitors Guide. The guide features detailed listings of a wide range of tourism businesses including attractions, outdoor recreation, accommodations and restaurants. Over 150,000 copies of the guide are produced and will be used in response to all inquiries received as a result of the Association’s and the Catskill Region’s advertising campaigns. They will also be distributed at travel shows in which the Association and its members participate as well as at paid information centers in the northeast.
A listing in this guide is free of charge. All a tourism business needs to do in order to be included is to fill out the association’s Tourism Business Profile. Although the deadline for submission of information has passed, the Visitors Association wants to be sure to list as many as possible of the county’s tourism businesses in the guide. In order to ensure your inclusion in the 2010 Sullivan County Catskills Visitors Guide, please contact the SCVA at 747-4449.