the hidden ridge gem newsletters 2008/issue 08...the president’s message jewel of the catskills...

Jewel of the Catskills

The Hidden Ridge GEM April 2008 Issue 08-01

From the Editor The President’s Message

Dear Hidden Ridgers,

I hope this message finds all of our residents in good

health. Spring has arrived and, hopefully, the firm grip of

the worst winter in years will finally loosen. P.J. has battled

both the weather and equipment/truck breakdowns since

December 1st and we called in Richard Frasca and friends

to help out with the ice and snow. Although, most of the

Board is in Florida for the winter, we have been in touch

with the workers at Hidden Ridge almost daily to provide as

much support and constructive suggestions as possible.

Many changes are in the works as the Board attempts to

make corrections and reparations that will improve the qual-

ity of life at Hidden Ridge. The entire Board has met at

least monthly this winter in Florida so that we can remain

on top of all of the issues concerning all of our residents.

In an attempt to bring the best entertainment possible to

Hidden Ridge, the Board has met with the Rapp Agency,

the providers of entertainment to Kutsher‟s, the Concord,

and hundreds of other fine entertainment venues. They will

provide quality shows for our summer season at very rea-

sonable rates. To hear about Kutsher’s Hotel’s plans for

this summer, read the column, End of an Era, on page 6.

Construction on our walkways and retainer walls will

resume this spring once the weather allows. And with the

spring, our thoughts also turn to beautifying our commu-

nity. The Beautification Committee will be looking for ad-

ditional assistance in May as the replanting of our grounds,

a primary concern, is undertaken. Anyone who would like

to volunteer their time for this project is requested to contact

Rhoda Hertz. It has been agreed upon that among the first

areas worked on will be the front entrance and grounds

around the clubhouse. We look forward to all of our com-

mittees working cooperatively to enhance the beauty of our

community and our lives together.

Jeffrey Lynn, President

Dear Fellow Hidden Ridgers,

As I take over the reins of responsibility

for the content and quality of the Hidden Ridge GEM, I

look forward to ensuring that this newsletter continues to

be an entertaining and informative means of communica-

tion for Hidden Ridge.

However, this cannot be a one woman operation, so I

thank Bonnie Siegel for continuing to be my “red pencil.”

I also want to thank all of our regular and occasional con-

tributing editors: Michael Mondschein, Betty Fuchs, Terry

Steinberg, Sheila Rozzo, Sonia and Bronia, Rhoda Hertz,

Zena Gensberg, Gerry Epstein, Jerry Bernstein, and the

anticipated future and numerous contributors to the

“Remember When….” column.

Once we are back up north, please feel free to leave in-

formation/contributions in the special folder on our door at

6 Hidden Ridge Terrace or stop in if we are at home. I

look forward to meeting and getting to know more and

more members of the Hidden Ridge community.

This summer looks to be one of more social activity at

Hidden Ridge than ever before. In the next newsletter

(June 2008), we will post the Clubhouse entertainment ros-

ter, the social calendar, and a list of clubs and club con-

tacts. If you wish to use the newsletter to post a “person (s)

wanted” for a particular club or game (cards, dominos,

etc.), please send those requests to me.

Also, please take a moment and complete the inserted

bio form if you have not done so before. We want to honor

all our fellow Hidden Ridger’s birthdays, anniversaries and

special occasions. This form will also allow us to provide

you with access to our upcoming new website. Read about

it on page 2.

On behalf of the entire GEM staff, we wish all of our

fellow Hidden Ridgers, a wonderful spring and for those

who celebrate the holiday, a Zeissen Pesach! And to all the

mothers in our community and their children, a very Happy

Mother’s Day. See you in June!

Linda Solomon, Editor-in-Chief

Jeff Lynn President 791-4632

Helene Schulman Vice-Pres. 794-0467

Arthur Press Treasurer 794-2060

Bonnie Siegel Secretary 791-6056

Jerry Bernstein Director 796-0077

Gerry Epstein Director 791-8826

Bob Turetsky Director 791-1051

Hidden Ridge H.O.A.

PO Box 976

Monticello, NY 12701

Patrol/Safety number: 845-794-8180

Jeff Lynn’s cell number: 954-461-4858

Plumber (Alan): 845-794-5331

Beautification Jeff Lynn, Liaison

Grievances Jeff Lynn, Liaison Maintenance Bob Turetsky, Liaison

Pool and Clubhouse Jerry Bernstein, Liaison

Safety & Snow Removal Jeff Lynn, Liaison

Sanitation & Recycling Gerry Epstein, Liaison

Special Projects & Rentals Helene Schulman, Liaison

Social Committee Bonnie Siegel, Liaison

HR GEM Newsletter Bonnie Siegel, Liaison

HR Website Gerry Epstein, Liaison

Next Board Meeting: May, 21, 2008, 10 AM - H.R. Clubhouse

Editor-in-Chief Linda Solomon

Senior Editor Bonnie Siegel

Contributing Writers Jerry Bernstein

Zena Gensberg

Rhoda Hertz

Sonia and Bronia

Terry Steinberg

Lori Tromberg-Beldiny

Please send your information to:

Linda Solomon at [email protected] or 845-791-6056

Winter address: 6675 Overland Drive,

(through Apr. 25) Delray Beach, FL 33484

561-498-9338

Where Are You?

Thank you to the 80+ homeowners and renters who have sup-

plied us with a completed bio form. It is very helpful to us when we

need to get the Newsletter out and to recognize Hidden Ridgers‟

birthdays, etc.

Please, would the rest of you send them to us before the next

Newsletter deadline, which is May 15, 2008.

Thanks from the GEM staff!

We are missing bios from the following addresses:

On the Drive: 10, 23, 25, 29, 31, 39, 43, 46, 48, 59, 65, 67, 73, 74,

89, 90, 96, 99, 101, 103, 117, 134, 136, 146, 149, 151, 153, 155,

157, 159, 165, 173, 183, 187, 193, 196, 197, 198, 200, 202, 203,

205, 210, 214.

On the Terrace: 12, 18, 26, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 43, 45, 50, 51,

54, 55, 56, 58. Those of you for whom we have forms, only send

us changes to your information. Thanks.

Wanted: Ads to defray costs of printing the GEM,

such as, business cards, etc.

Prices for ad space in newsletter:

full page $25/issue $100/year

1/2 page $15/issue $ 75/year

1/4 page $10/issue $ 50/year

business card $ 5/issue $ 25/year Call Linda at 845-791-6056

561-498-9338 (Nov-May)

Hidden Ridge GEM . April 2008

Important Reminder 2007-2008 Board of Directors

Hidden Ridge H.O.A. Committees

Upcoming Events

Classifieds

Treasurer Arthur Press is again reminding all home-

owners that insurance certification is required by our

HOA. The forms should indicate home unit number.

Handwritten details are unacceptable for these docu-

ments. If we do not receive these documents, we will

have to provide your unit with insurance and charge

the homeowner for the policy. Send your certification

forms directly to Arthur at: 20090 Boca West Drive,

Boca Raton, FL33434, fax # 561-477-5828.

GEM Staff

Important Notice

Watch for it, coming soon! The Official Hidden Ridge Homeowners Association web site! If you haven’t done so already, please return enclosed bio sheet so that you can get your personal access code to the website. Gerry Epstein will be our webmaster. Thanks, Gerry!

Life Cycle Events

SPECIAL GEMS

04-04 Benita Goldstein

04-06 Donald Singer

04-07 Carole Levine

04-08 Milton Firsker

04-09 Robbie Schecter

04-16 Stan Schecter

04-20 Charney Greenberg

04-20 Sy Rosdeitcher

04-24 Betty Fuchs

04-25 Joe Gluck

04-27 Harvey Levine

04-28 Debbie Hackel

05-03 Roberta Shapiro

05-04 Frank Katz

05-04 Brian Levine

05-09 Henry Hackel

05-12 Joel Karp

05-13 Stewart Goldstein

05-16 Marlene Marcus

05-17 Irving Allen

05-17 Allan Shapiro

05-25 Jerry Bassik

05-25 Thelma Friedenthal

05-26 Aaron Friedenthal

05-27 Diane Silber

05-28 Norm Katz

Happy Anniversary

1. Clocks and Watches 15. Watches

2. China 16. Silver Hollowware

3. Crystal and Glass 17. Furniture 4. Electrical Appliances 18. Porcelain

5. Silverware 19. Bronze

6. Wood 20. Platinum Watches and Jewelry 7. Desk Sets –Pens and Pencil Sets 25. Sterling Silver Jubilee

8. Linens and Laces 30. Diamond Watches and Jewelry

9. Leather 35. Jade 10. Diamond Watches and Jewelry 40. Ruby

11. Fashion Jewelry and Accessories 45. Sapphire

12. Pearl or Colored Gems 50. Golden Jubilee

13. Textiles or Furs 55. Emerald 14. Gold Watches and Jewelry 60. Diamond Jubilee

Happy Birthday December—Birthstone: Turquoise Sagittarius (Nov. 23—Dec 23)

January—Birthstone: Garnet Capricorn (Dec. 24—Jan. 20)

February—Birthstone: Amethyst Aquarius (Jan. 21—Feb. 19)

March—Birthstone:Aquamarine Pisces (Feb. 20—Mar. 20)

Aries (Mar. 21—Apr. 20)


Corrections and Additions

Happy Birthday! 01-11 Helene Schulman

Happy Anniversary!

12-4 Myra and Joe Gluck

Passover

April. 19

Memorial Day

May 26

Mother‟s Day

May 11

04-03 Hermine & Barry Block

04-04 Zena & Michael Gensberg

04-09 Sylvia & Donald Singer

04-23 Jacqueline & Rebecca Levine

05-23 Irene & Jerry Bernstein

05-29 Roberta & Allan Shapiro

Happy 43th Anniversary to Zena & Michael Gensberg who

celebrated grandson Matthew Ryan’s 1st birthday on De-

cember 30th while anxiously awaiting his brother or sister

this coming July.

Mazal Tov to grandparents, Sylvia and Donald Singer on

the birth of their grandson, Aron (son of Esin & Paul

Singer) on September 21, 2007.

Mazal Tov to grandparents Jerry and Irene Bernstein

granddaughter Kara’s marriage to Nick on January 26th.

If your birthday/anniversary/ special occasion falls be-tween now and the December ’08 issue of the GEM, look for our acknowledgement on Page 3 of the appropriate issue. If we missed your birthday or anniversary this past year, look for our acknowledgement in the next year’s is-sues. Send in your bios so that we can recognize your birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.

Get Well Wishes

The Hidden Ridge Community sends our wishes for a

full and speedy recovery to Judith Stein and Irene

Bernstein.

In Memoriam

The Hidden Ridge Community sends our deepest con-

dolences to Arlene Silver and the entire Silver family

on the death of Stan Silver this past February. May his

memory be for a blessing.

Dining and Entertainment

Munch’s Dining Report

Since most of us are away for the

winter and it’s staying home by the warm

fire that occupies the minds of those few Hidden Ridgers

who live or weekend in our little Catskill jewel, Munch’s

Dining Report has taken a hiatus for the remainder of the

winter. In order to ensure that you all don’t go hungry until

the next Dining Report, here are a couple of recipes that

will keep your bellies healthfully full while satisfying your

taste buds.

Linda’s Recipe for Orange Glazed Salmon

This recipe was adapted from Sandra Lee of the Food

Channel. It has become one of my tried and true en-

trees which serves well for guests who are on special

diets (vegetarian, dietetic, weight watching).

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet

1/3 cup orange marmalade (substitute: sugar free marmalade)

1/2 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons salt free citrus-herb seasoning

Rinse salmon filet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Cut into 6 serving portions and place salmon filets in a large zip-

top bag; set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together remaining ingredients. Pour into zip-

top bag. Squeeze air from bag and seal. Marinate in refrigerator

for 1 to 2 hours.

Remove salmon from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, and

bring to room temperature.

Light broiler and line baking sheet or broiler pan with aluminum

foil.

Remove salmon from marinade and place on baking sheet. Dis-

card marinade. Broil salmon 6 to 8 inches from heat source for 6

to 8 minutes* or until cooked through. Do not overcook.

* I have found that I needed to cook the fish longer in an electric

oven.

Tarragon Brown Rice

This recipe is one of Sandra Lee‟s as well. I served

this with the glazed salmon as did Ms. Lee.

4 cups chicken broth*

2 packets boil-in-bag brown rice

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 sprigs fresh tarragon chopped

In a medium sized heavy-bottomed pot, bring the chicken broth,

balsamic vinegar to a boil. Add the packets of rice and cook ac-

cording to box directions. Remove bags and open. Garnish with

tarragon.

*I have adapted this recipe to use long cooking rice by following

the directions on the jar for preparation. I use vegetable stock

and balsamic vinegar to replace the water in the recipe. I do not

chop the tarragon, but place the sprigs whole in the pot while the

rice is cooking.

Comments from Hidden Ridgers

“It is a joy to receive the GEM. We are elated to see the

community come together and become cohesive. Kudos to

both Bonnie Siegel and Linda Solomon for their efforts.”

Joe & Myra Gluck

“Nice piece of work. Keep it up. “

Irv Allen

“[The] newsletter was great. Keep up [the] good work.”

Terry Steinberg


Our Favorite Places

WANTED (by Rhoda Hertz) If anyone has photos of the Puptuals that took place last September 9, 2007 between Baby Girl Hertz and Golden Boy Jacobs, please contact Rhoda at 561-391-8982 and she will arrange to pick the photos up for duplication. Thanks!

If any of you Hidden Ridgers would like to contribute

to Munch‟s Dining Report with a restaurant of your

choice or a recipe that you are willing to share, please

contact the editor of our GEM newsletter. Thanks!


Our very own Bonnie Siegel has joined the Board of Di-

rectors as the Secretary for the remainder of this year’s

Board’s term. We have asked her to provide Hidden Ridge

with information about herself as have the other Board Di-

rectors.

Sincerely,

Linda Solomon, Editor-in-Chief

Bonnie Siegel, Secretary

I was asked to be Recording Secretary to

the Board last August since I was attending

meetings regularly both before and after we started to write

the GEM. At the time when a vacancy became available due

to the resignation of our former Board President, I was voted

onto the Board for the duration of the term and asked to take

over all of the duties of secretary, which I willingly did. As

the Secretary to the Board, I replicated forms and ensured

their timely delivery to all Hidden Ridgers this past Decem-

ber.

These organizational skills came by me naturally and had

served me in my working life as a district administrator and

an elementary school principal in the South Bronx as well as

now in my avocational retirement life! I look forward to

continuing to work closely with the Board of Directors of

Hidden Ridge and hope to meet and greet many people of the

community as the summer of 2008 progresses.

A Warning - Drivers Beware!

submitted by Jerry Bernstein

Car thieves can peer through the windshield of your car or

truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the

dash, go to the local car dealership and request a duplicate

key based on the VIN #. The car dealer‟s parts department

will make a duplicate key from the VIN #, collect payment

from the thief, who will go return to your vehicle, enter with

the key and take it to the local “chop shop!” To avoid this

from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical,

duct, masking, etc.) across the VIN # metal label located on

the dash board. By law, you cannot remove the VIN, but you

CAN cover it so it can‟t be viewed through the windshield by

a car thief.

You are invited to participate in this column by sending in

your personal fond memories of the Catskills—or other areas

where you spent your young days (the Rockaway's, the Jersey

shore, etc.) . Share your memories with the rest of us.

The following piece has been making its way around the

internet, from one reminiscing e-mailer to another. We

thought the subject to be timely for our own Hidden Ridgers.

Thank you, Rhoda for bringing it to our attention. Enjoy!

Subject: The Catskills Submitted by Rhoda Hertz

On a recent Saturday night in the Catskills an old-time comic

leaned down from the stage and informed a ringside patron that she

had a won a fabulous prize.

“A weekend at the Raleigh!” he hollered. “Or the Concord! Or

Brown‟s!”

He then clarified, for the uninformed: “They‟re all gone! It‟s

over up here!”

It may have been funny, but it was no joke: The stage was at

Kutsher‟s in Monticello, and that stage is nearly the only one left.

Kutsher‟s is the last major family owned resort in the Jewish Cats-

kills, for which it deserves a big hand, because there once were

hundreds.

The Catskill Mountains were not only the foremost vacation

spot for Jews, they also were one of the best-known vacation spots

in the world. And the region‟s hotels and bungalow colonies re-

main the source of sweet nostalgia for millions of metro New

Yorkers who remember its days in the sun.

Most of the resorts may be gone, but the memories can be re-

awakened in a new exhibition at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in

Manhattan. It‟s called “The Other Promised Land: Vacationing,

Identity and the Jewish-American Dream.” And, naturally, at the

heart of the show are The Mountains.

The exhibition also visits Atlantic City, Miami Beach and the

“heritage” destinations of Europe, Israel and New York City. It

explores Jewish vacations from the 1890‟s to the present, on the

premise that those trips helped to define and spread Jewish values

and culture.

“Vacations were one way of proving that you had made it in

America,” says Melissa Martens, who created the show for The

Jewish Museum of Maryland. “At the same time, they were an op-

portunity for a group to crystallize its identities [sic] - and an op-

portunity for the group to escape its realities.”

“While on vacation,” the exhibit elaborates, “Jews enjoyed the

food, people, and activities they cherished most - reinforcing a

sense of Jewish identity while fulfilling American aspirations.”

And at no destination was this truer - especially the part about the

food - than in the Catskills.

The inspiration for a Jewish retreat is embodied in one of the

show‟s first artifacts: a sign reading “We Cater to Gentiles Only.”

Jews in America were unwelcome in myriad scenic spots, includ-

ing, for a while, the Catskills themselves.

But around the turn of the 20th Century, Jewish immigrants

from the Lower East Side began making their way upstate to get

some air - by becoming farmers. To bolster their incomes, they

opened their farmhouses to boarders in the summer. Other Jews

came up to the farms to escape the stifling city. (continued on page 6)


Meet One More Board Member

The path to our destination is not always a straight

one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn

back. Maybe it doesn’t matter which road we embark

on. Maybe what matters is that we embark. ~ Barbara Hall, Northern Exposure, Rosebud, 1993

Words to Live By

Remember when…

(continued from page 5)

By the „20s, lodging ranged from the boarding houses to kocha-

layns (with shared kitchens) to bungalow colonies to hotels to ever-

grander resorts. By mid-century, writes Catskills historian, Phil

Brown, the Catskills were “not only the world‟s largest Jewish re-

sort enclave, but also the world‟s largest contiguous resort area.”

No exhibit could capture a century of summers at a couple thou-

sand resorts. But through photographs, signs and souvenirs, the

new show captures its share. For that alone, it‟s a treasure since the

Jewish Catskills phenomenon, for all its vastness, has been largely

left to ruin.

The joy of the Catskills vacation is, in fact, stunningly captured

in the photo of Bessie and Harry Levy embracing at the entrance to

Grossinger‟s, circa 1950. Other shots offer other glimpses: dance

contest winners at the Raleigh, circa 1957. Florence and Bernard

Sachs on the patio of the Nevele in 1949.

Other venerated hotels are revived on vintage souvenirs: an ash-

tray from Brown‟s, a matchbook from the Fallsview, a viewfinder

key chain from The Pines, a menu from the Concord. That 1971

menu offers choices such as Cold Beet Borscht - which sprung the

region‟s nickname, the Borscht Belt.

That sobriquet, glib as it is, conjures up what the exhibit hints at

- the days of swimming pools, mah-jongg and Simon Says; nights

of dancing, singing, laughter and love. People who lived those

days and nights have been streaming into the museum. And each

has a unique summer story to tell.

“My mother‟s first cousin was the owner of the Esther Manor.

She was Esther,” Al Zeitchick of Tarrytown said on a recent week-

day visit to the show. “I was a busboy at the Gibber. And the

daughter of Esther and Irving Strassberg, Leba Strassberg, married

Neil Sedaka. How‟s that for a Catskills story?”

There are, of course, stories, too, from the show‟s other destina-

tions, each of which has its place in Jewish vacation lore. Indeed,

frequenters of the Jewish Catskills are very likely to have gathered

their share of memories in one or more of the other hot spots.

Miami Beach also had a history of discrimination, but after

World War II, the exhibit recounts, it became “a boomtown for

Jewish entrepreneurs and vacationers.” By the „50s -with a resort

life not unlike that of the Catskills - it was “an unmistakably Jewish

version of paradise.”

For East Coast Jews, Atlantic City offered a natural choice but

also, unlike the Catskills, a spiritual challenge. “Public bathing,

scantily clad women, and treyfe (non-kosher) seafood posed temp-

tations,” the exhibit explains. Moreover, vacationers took to skip-

ping services, leading to chargers of “summer Judaism.”

Europe, Israel and New York City are recognized as vacation

choices for Jews in search of their cultural history and their per-

sonal roots. But these are not always pleasure trips; they are

“complicated by the Diaspora, the Holocaust, declining populations

and incidents of anti-Semitism.”

Such “complications” by contrast, could be somewhat escaped

with a weekend, a week or a summer in the Catskills. Neverthe-

less, the region, big and beloved though it was, lapsed into decline

that left it a life span virtually in sync with that of the last century.

The reasons are many, but all under one umbrella: change.

Some Jews moved to the suburbs; some Jews moved away. Jew-

ish women went to work and couldn‟t spend a whole summer up-

state. Air conditioning cooled homes. Airplanes flew to Europe.

Younger Jews were less inclined to embrace the pleasures of fruit

soup and bingo.

Most of all, Jews assimilated, and discrimination against them

receded. They could go anywhere they wanted on vacation.

They didn‟t need their Jewish resort, so they left it behind.

Except for those last holdouts who still carry on at Kutsher‟s.

Many of the old hotels and colonies have become the second

homes of Orthodox Jews, who now live a summer life that echoes

that of the past. But for Jews not part of those groups in search of

the traditional Catskills experience, Kutsher‟s Country Club is

pretty much it.

A sign in the hotel‟s lobby proclaims: “We enjoy the distinction

of being the only Catskill hotel owned and operated by the same

family for 100 years.” Patrons fear its demise. But with the spirit

that created the Jewish Catskills, the sign‟s message ends with

these words: “The future is bright.”

~

End of An Era

Hidden Ridger’s have been wondering the fate of Kutsher’s since

last summer. Rumors have abounded that the hotel is being taken

over by “Chassidim” and will be closed to the former recidivist

guests. The following is a summary of the article which appeared

in the Times Herald Record, recordonline.com, on March 8, 2008:

The Kutsher family has agreed to sell the Country Club to now

Concord owner Louis Cappelli, who has paid $2.5 million of the

$35 million contract with an option to buy within the year. Cap-

pelli has also paid the Kutsher‟s another $1 million to keep the re-

sort open through 2008.

Mark Kutsher has said that Kutsher‟s will be opening in April,

one week before Passover with 228 rooms and renovations

throughout the hotel. Also, Americas Best Value Inn will be mar-

keting 60 rooms in the “Marquis” building. The golf course restau-

rant and some catering will be under the supervision of Bill Sipos,

of Mr. Willy‟s Restaurant. Camp Rov Tov, a summer camp af-

filiated with a Satmar Jewish school in Williamsburg in Brooklyn,

will lease the Sports Academy for one year.

Cappelli, who also owns Grossinger‟s resort, has reached an

agreement with Empire Resorts to move Monticello Gaming and

Raceway to the Concord property and to build on an “entertain-

ment city” with a gambling area, hotel and convention center. He

also says that he plans to “construct a hotel on the same Kutsher

site where Harrah‟s once promised to build.”

Mark Kutsher was quoted in this article, “come summer, there

will be a new, streamlined Kutsher‟s opening…The old Catskill

model is broken...We see this as a win-win for everyone.” This

may be the end of an era, but it‟s the beginning of a new one.

~ The Board and the Social Committee at Hidden Ridge are at-

tempting to ensure that our dependence upon Kutsher‟s Country

Club is kept to a minimum. The 2008 social calendar for Hidden

Ridge promises to be fun-packed and full of activities for all Hid-

den Ridgers to enjoy. The June issue of the GEM will feature a

full page calendar of all activities. If anyone cares to include any

items that will be open to all of Hidden Ridge, please contact the

editor before the deadline of May 15, 2008.


Remember when…

Focus on Fitness

submitted by Terry Steinberg

Walking Your Way to Better Health

There is a fitness walker inside of everyone at every age.

Each step of the way, you can develop a greater awareness of

yourself as you carve out (daily) time in your current exercise

program or begin to exercise through fitness walking. Any per-

son can deepen the relationship of body and mind through

walking. Simply through the natural rhythm and flow of walk-

ing, you will experience pleasure and life enhancing benefits.

Walking for fitness is not a competitive sport. There are no

judges out there checking to see that you are using an official

fitness walking technique. Since we have all been brainwashed

to some extent about what is “exercise” and what is not, we

have been caught in a whirlwind of expectations and goals or

demands that tell us what is the proper form of exercise. There-

fore, we must let go of the image of harsh rules and techniques

of walking which use punching arms, pumping chests or fast

jogging steps to be the example of fitness walking. The art of

your walking program will be an individual sport and your

style of walking depends on your personality. The only must is

that you MUST DO IT consistently and continually - no ex-

cuses ever! You can add speed, arm movements, hand weights,

or simply walk. Keep the walking terrain flat at the start -

hills are much more challenging and should only be incorpo-

rated when your fitness level improves or you are already an

advanced exerciser. Each one of our bodies has its own walk-

ing pulse and individual style, its own natural way of moving.

No matter what your walking regimen is, your body will

achieve strength, flexibility, relaxation, weight loss, peace of

mind, muscle tone, and a healthier heart if you keep walking.

So, let‟s get started. You will need: (1) a good, comfortable

pair of sneakers/walking shoes and appropriate exercise

(weather coordinated) clothes; (2) time set aside specifically

for your walking program - 20 minutes (to start), 4 -7 days per

week, then increased time; (3) a walking buddy or portable

music device to make your program more fun and interesting.

Whether you begin on the beautiful walking paths of Hid-

den Ridge or any street where you live or even on an indoor

track or treadmill, just do it! Good luck [and I‟ll be watching

for you as I continue to pursue my passionate walking practice

this summer in Monticello]!

Here are the very basic ideas to keep in mind whether you

are a novice or a “pro.” Start slowly, check with a physician

before starting any new exercise regime and increase your

time, skills and intensity as you improve. Success comes

quickly to dedicated walkers

1 - Always do your favorite simple stretches before you start

fitness walking (2 - 3 minutes).

2 - Imagine a center line going down your path. Try to walk a

normal stride parallel to the line.

3 - Feel the ground with your feet, walking heel to toe.

4 - Walk as smoothly as possible trying to sustain a gliding,

effortless motion.

5 - Find a comfortable stride length that feels good to you. As

you improve, steps will adjust, i.e., faster or shorter steps.

6 - Shoulders should be relaxed and dropped. Arms can swing

naturally in counterbalance to the legs like normal walking).

7 - Keep hands closed softly and in a straight line with wrists.

8 - Arms should hang naturally with slight bend at the elbows -

as your arms swing back and forth, allow elbows to skim your

body.

9 - Remember, good posture always - aim for a dance like

rhythmic freedom in the hips.

In conclusion, remember the mind-body link! Let your body

do the walking and let your busy, thinking reasoning mind just

rest for a change!

Next article: Introducing Yoga - The Gift You Give Yourself

Keep Dancing, Keep Smiling!

Submitted by Zena Gensberg

For Your Information


Terry’s Fitness Corner

Our neighbor, Zena Gensberg has been a ballroom dance

instructor for many years. She teaches social, ballroom danc-

ing, for adults, both smooth and rhythmic American and Latin

Styles, and runs her own dances, to include Line Dancing and

Square Dancing at Libraries, Senior Centers, Organizations, in

Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and Staten Island, as well as

privately. She belongs to Dance Educators of America. She

writes, “Terry Steinberg's [first article] caught my eye. She is

so very right. Let me attach an article that I have come across.”

“Dance is so important for mental health and physical re-

laxation as well as keeping your cardiovascular in good shape.

It is a wonderful escape. So keep smiling, keep dancing.”

(continued on page 8)

Welcome to our New Neighbors

Renter’s Corner

On behalf of the Hidden Ridge Community, we would like

to welcome our new neighbors and wish them many years

of happiness. We look forward to meeting and greeting you

next summer.

Dr. Albert and Dotty Levine - 46 HR Terrace

Jane Petry - 8 HR Terrace

Henri & Michelle Mazeres - 200 HR Drive

For Your Information


The following article was submitted by Rhoda Hertz

IF YOU USE A MICROWAVE, YOU MUST READ THIS!

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup

of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he

had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the

timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer

shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked

into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but suddenly

the water in the cup “blew up” into his face. The cup remained intact

until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into

his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and

he has 1at and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scar-

ring.

He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the

hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a

fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated

in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something

should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden

stir stick, tea bag, etc. (nothing metal).

It is, however, a much safer choice to boil water in a tea kettle.

General Electric’s Response

Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail

that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do

not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actu-

ally get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid

will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something

like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat

any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the

cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or

adding anything to it.

Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the

matter: Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen be-

fore. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can

occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the ves-

sel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount

of water (less than half a cup).

What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles

can form. If the cup is very new, then it is unlikely to have small

surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to

form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat [that]

has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat

up well past its boiling point.

What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred,

which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubble to rapidly form

and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why

carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken.

Focus on Fitness (continued from page 7)

Keep Dancing, Keep Smiling!

The following ad found in a dance professional magazine

was submitted by Zena Gensberg DANCING IS ____

A LIFETIME INVESTMENT

Whether it be a classic fox trot, a lively lindy, or a roman-tic rumba, dancing is an investment in your marriage or rela-tionship that lasts a lifetime! It will pay future dividends knowing that you will never have to say “no” to your partner when he or she asks you to dance. It brings couples closer together and knowing how to dance is a great way to meet people and break the ice for singles.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Couples have been Ballroom Dancing for years, but re-cently it has been recognized for doing more for you than just knowing how to dance for social events.

Today we have learned that dancing enhances our lives in many other ways: increases stamina, improves alertness, and is great for cardiovascular health. And combined with having fun, improving confidence, feeling more relaxed, and adding more “romance” to a relationship—a person cannot find a better SPORT with as many diversified benefits—Get More Fun out of Life….DANCING!

Welcome back to Minna and Arthur Blander, who will be

spending their summer in 17 Hidden Ridge Drive this year.

Want to start a club? Advertise here!


H.R. Club News

PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS! Let them know you are from Hidden Ridge - they will appreciate your business.

I would like to start a Hidden Ridge Book

Club. If you are interested in reading good

books and discussing them with others of

like mind, please RSVP to this invitation for

the first meeting of the HR Book Club at the

Clubhouse at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 31st.

May I suggest we read Water for Elephants

by Sara Gruen for our first discussion that

day? We will plan for future Book Club

meetings on that day. Bring ideas for other

books to read this summer. Linda Solomon,

791-6056.

Wanted: players for a new canasta

or mah jongg game. Time is

flexible.

Please call (after May 15):

Linda/Bonnie, 791-6056.

Helpful Hints from Sonia & Bronia


Two of our own darlings want to make life easier and more pleas-

ant for all of us. Here is their first list of helpful hints:

Ten Easy Ways for Going Green

Sonia and Bronia want us all to know that as we try to help

“fix” the Earth by going “green” (doing things to use less en-

ergy and save the environment), we can also be helping our-

selves. While there are over one hundred ways (101 accord-

ing to the Sun Sentinel, Florida) here are ten that will be most

useful to all of us.

1. Give your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air condi-

tioning) a tune-up every two to three years in order to

help it operate more efficiently. This will save money and

energy.

2. Replace air filters every month or buy one that is perma-

nent that can be washed and re-used.

3. If your air conditioner, furnace or other major appliance

is more than ten years old, consider replacing it with a

newer more energy-efficient model.

4. Many appliances use electricity even when not in use.

This is called “vampire electricity” or “a phantom load.”

Some estimates put the load of power used for small ap-

pliances and home electronics when they are turned off at

75%! Unplug them when not in use or plug them into a

power strip and turn off the power strip when appliances

are idle.

5. Lowering the thermostat of your water heater from 145

degrees to 120 degrees will save money.

6. Stop running the water while you brush your teeth. This

can save 5 gallons of water a day!

7. Turn off the lights when a room is not being used.

8. Power down your computer when it is not in use by put-

ting it in “sleep mode.” This cuts energy use by as much

as 70%.

9. Giving a party? Write the names of your guests (or use

another type of marker, (i.e., wineglass rings) on their

disposable cups. In this way, they will only use one.

Hint: Make it fun for all and have them write their own

names in different color markers or crayons.

10. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout

your home to save 75% more energy. While these bulbs

may be more expensive to purchase, they will save

money because they last up to 10 times longer. To save

even more money, use dimmer switches.

Watch for more helpful hints from Sonia and Bronia in our

next issue!

The Social Committee is planning a full summer of fun

events and entertainment for Hidden Ridge. We are

looking for people to become members of the Commit-

tee who have ideas for even more planned activities!

Contact Bonnie Siegel, liaison to the Board at 561-498-

9338 if you can attend the next meeting on April 8,

2008 at 1:00 PM at Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant, 6245

N. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale (just north of NE

62nd Street).

HOLD THE DATE!

JUNE 8, 2008 - Welcome Back Brunch

Watch for the 2008 Hidden

Ridge Social Calendar

in our June Issue of the GEM!

Issues of the Hidden Ridge GEM Newsletter are printed at

Page AD1 Hidden Ridge GEM . April 2008

BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME STU’S Professional Painting

Installation of:

·Fixtures ·Verticals ·Shades ·Faucets ·Medicine Chests ·And more!!!

CALL STU

19 Hidden Ridge Drive Century Village Monticello, NY 12701 Boca Raton, FL 845-313-0490 561-487-7450

Enclosed is a copy of the advertising con-

tract. If you are interested in running an ad

in any subsequent issue, please use the con-

tract and return to Linda Solomon with pay-

ment.

through October: 6 Hidden Ridge Terrace,

Monticello, 12701

Nov. - Apr.: 6675 Overland Dr.

Delray Beach, FL 33484

Classifieds

Deadline:

Date for submission of articles/

reviews, life cycle events, ads, etc.

May 15, 2008

Next Issue: June 2008

Page AD2 Hidden Ridge GEM . April 2008

Page AD 3 Hidden Ridge GEM . April 2008

Neighbors, tell your friends.

Use this space to list your

house for rent or sale in 2008.

Real Estate

Empty Nesters Submitted by Lori Beldiny

Have you ever wondered what the term “empty nester” really

means? Perhaps the term reflects a certain lifestyle. In the real

estate business, clients and customers are categorized according to

their lifestyle. As a fellow Hidden Ridge homeowner and Realtor

for the last 17 years, I have followed this rule of thumb. In the

beginning (remember?) our first purchase qualified us as “first

time buyers.” As we matured and our families grew, we graduated

to “trade-up homes.” Then our lifestyles were generally settled in

suburban communities. Eventually, those of us lucky enough were

able to purchase second homes or vacation properties (like Hidden

Ridge). As our children grew and eventually settled into their own

homes reflecting their lifestyle, we found ourselves in our beauti-

ful, large and expensively maintained residences. And so we

graduated to the highly acclaimed status of “Empty Nesters.”

Naturally the next step is to create a smaller nest or a couple of

nests to rest our bodies. With many of our family members in

New York, our relocation to Florida and other areas can be emo-

tionally difficult. Holidays and celebrations are often missed.

One suggestion I can make as a realtor is to have a small nest

close to our families in New York. The current real estate market

is geared for buyers and mortgage interest rates are at an all time

low. Instead of letting your savings sit in low interest accounts,

put your money into a quality of life investment. There are co-

op‟s on Long Island for as low as $160,000! Passing on real estate

to our families is a loving and living legacy. Please feel free to e-

mail me for a free consultation or listings of available units any-

where in New York. All referrals to my firm from Hidden Ridge

resulting in a sale will be honored by a contribution to our Hidden

Ridge Beautification Committee. Spring into Real Estate!

Your Neighbor,

Lori Beldiny

[email protected]

Please Complete and return to Linda Solomon

6 Hidden Ridge Terrace, Monticello, NY 12701

6675 Overland Drive, Delray Beach, FL 33484* Deadline for submission of all items for next issue: May 15, 2008

*Please do not mail forms to the Florida address after April 25, 2008. This information will remain the confidential property of the Hidden Ridge GEM.

Those of you for whom we have forms, only send us changes to your information. Thanks.

Name(s) (please print)

Hidden Ridge Address own rent

Hidden Ridge Telephone #

Email Address:

Winter Residence

Alternate Telephone # Cell phone (winter telephone if other than Hidden Ridge)

Birthday(s) (name/date)

(use as many lines as necessary for members of your household residing in Hidden Ridge)

Anniversary number of years (mm/dd/yyyy)

Other information or comments to share: (eg., congratulations to Sheila Rozzo on the birth of a new granddaughter, Samantha Jane, 7/11/07 in Atlanta)

If you are interested in writing a column in a particular edition or on a long term basis,

please contact Linda Solomon (see page 2).

The Hidden Ridge GEM

Advertising Contract

Date

Business Name

Address

(city/state) (zip code)

Telephone number

Contact Person

Check size of advertisement

Full page [$25/issue—$100/year (6 issues)] 1/2 page [$15/issue—$75/year (6 issues)]

1/4 page [$10/issue—$50/year (6 issues)] Business card [$5/issue—$25/year (6 issues)]

Check publication dates

June 2008 July 2008 August 2008

September 2008 December 2008 ______April 2009

Attach camera-ready ad to this form. (For assistance, see Linda Solomon, GEM graphic designer.)

Make checks payable to Hidden Ridge Homeowners Association.

Total Amount Due

Signatures (customer) GEM Staff Member/H.R. Board Member

For Office Use Only:

Size No. of Issues Dates

Total Paid

Jewel of the Catskills

the hidden ridge gem newsletters 2008/issue 08...the president’s message jewel of the catskills...

Documents