Jest for the Health of It
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
The Greater Fair Haven Area Women's Club held their annual luncheon on Monday, August 5th, in the cool and breezy surroundings of The Pleasant Beach Hotel. Amid much friendly chatter, over 50 women gathered to enjoy a light social lunch and hear the wisdom of a retired Oswego State professor and native of Fair Haven. Dr. Bruce Lester gave an intriguing motivational talk. "Jest for the Health of It" was full of humorous anecdotes and striking bits of common sense wisdom.
At the heart of the Dr.'s talk was something evident in all our lives, stress. Dr. Lester pointed out that all stress is not bad, in fact, most stress is good and tends to be a motivating factor in our lives. Disstress is what you need to watch out for. No one enjoys being "stressed out" but it seems that our perceptions cause us most of this frustration. Dr. Lester's key points to curbing distress were laid out simply following the letters in the word RISE.
R; learn to relax. Ask anyone who has recently retired and they will tell you that they had to learn how to relax. Everyone is used to go, go, going all the time. Take an hour to do absolutely nothing.
I; be inviting to yourself. It seems today people are itching for a fight. The next time someone gives you the finger in traffic just shake your head and shake it off. They haven't done anything to you unless you choose to let them upset you.
S; search for alternatives. You always have a choice in life, even if the options aren't the best. It feels better to say, "I choose to" than to say "I have to."
E; Enjoy today. Stop waiting for that perfect moment or forcing yourself to be perfect before you try something. As Dr. Lester aptly put it, "The world needs a few lousy singers." Attack that karaoke machine.
And on that note the meeting ended with a song appropriately called Perfect Rationality sung to the tune of Denza, Funicult, Funicula.
Continuing the Tradition
Continuing the Tradition
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
It all started some 50 years ago when Walter Sheer would walk from Syracuse to Fair haven every week as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' effort to provide jobs after the depression. Walter helped build the original cabins down at Fair Haven Beach State Park. Young Walter passed on the news to Edgar and Hilda Ulrich about the wonderful cabins he was building and succeeded in piquing their interest. Edgar and Hilda enjoyed the summers at the Park so strongly that they traveled 14 hours from the Bronx in a '52 Woody just to relax at Fair Haven Beach State Park. After a couple of years in 1962, they decided to purchase a 24-acre lot in Sterling to ensure their family trips could continue each summer. The extended Ulrich family is thankful for that summer cottage up on Juniper Hill because of the fierce competition for cabins at the Park today. Through the years they have created many memories. In 1982 the Ulrichs has a wedding in cabin 21, their favorite spot, Sand Point. Every year they aim to create a comfy haven for family and friends at Sand Point where they can bask in the laziness of summer.
August 8th the Ulrich family has a small party in commemoration of 50 years of family communion at Fair Haven Beach State Park. A plastic mounted flounder danced and sang as a little girl bounced with the music. Balloons and a party tent spoke of the atmosphere surrounding this family get-together. Bright white t-shirts were handed out to all, friend and family alike. The uniquely decorated shirts were specially designed by the grandson of Edgar and Hilda, Christopher Ulrich. He went into such detail as to include his grandparents' initials on a tiny sailboat gliding on the back. Shirts created for the direct descendants of the Ulrichs included the family crest printed on the sleeve. The revelers traveled from all around; New York and Masschussets, Florida and Utah, even L.A., to join in the celebration.
Robert and Edgar Ulrich, sons of Edgar and Hilda Ulrich, received a special surprise visit from two people familiar with the start of the tradition. Erwin Finout was the superintendent of the Park a couple years after the Ulrich family first started visiting. Bill Sawyer worked at the Park with the superintendent before Erwin. They both reminisced with Robert and Edgar about old memories and presented them with two Certificates of Appreciation from the Park.
Later in the day the family gathered for a hearty and bountiful buffet spotlighting a steaming pot of lobster bisque along with a large variety of savory family favorites. As everyone dug in, Robert and Edgar sat down to the tunes of a singing plastic lobster. The brothers were presented with a series of gifts. Cleverly rolled up and placed within the ribbons was a tube of papers. Unrolled they released a flood of memories as the pictures they held brought back visions of family from years past. New memories were created as camcorders and cameras archived this 50 year celebration surprise. After the pictures were passed all around, the smallest of two gifts was opened to show a golden plaque engraved with the words, "Continuing the Tradition... 1952-2002." The remaining gift revealed itself to be a wooden bench which the plaque would fit perfectly on. By the end of this 50th summer, the bench and plaque will be installed on the Ulrichs' property in Sterling for all to enjoy as they continue the tradition of family gathering in the relaxing surroundings of our summer community.
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
It all started some 50 years ago when Walter Sheer would walk from Syracuse to Fair haven every week as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' effort to provide jobs after the depression. Walter helped build the original cabins down at Fair Haven Beach State Park. Young Walter passed on the news to Edgar and Hilda Ulrich about the wonderful cabins he was building and succeeded in piquing their interest. Edgar and Hilda enjoyed the summers at the Park so strongly that they traveled 14 hours from the Bronx in a '52 Woody just to relax at Fair Haven Beach State Park. After a couple of years in 1962, they decided to purchase a 24-acre lot in Sterling to ensure their family trips could continue each summer. The extended Ulrich family is thankful for that summer cottage up on Juniper Hill because of the fierce competition for cabins at the Park today. Through the years they have created many memories. In 1982 the Ulrichs has a wedding in cabin 21, their favorite spot, Sand Point. Every year they aim to create a comfy haven for family and friends at Sand Point where they can bask in the laziness of summer.
August 8th the Ulrich family has a small party in commemoration of 50 years of family communion at Fair Haven Beach State Park. A plastic mounted flounder danced and sang as a little girl bounced with the music. Balloons and a party tent spoke of the atmosphere surrounding this family get-together. Bright white t-shirts were handed out to all, friend and family alike. The uniquely decorated shirts were specially designed by the grandson of Edgar and Hilda, Christopher Ulrich. He went into such detail as to include his grandparents' initials on a tiny sailboat gliding on the back. Shirts created for the direct descendants of the Ulrichs included the family crest printed on the sleeve. The revelers traveled from all around; New York and Masschussets, Florida and Utah, even L.A., to join in the celebration.
Robert and Edgar Ulrich, sons of Edgar and Hilda Ulrich, received a special surprise visit from two people familiar with the start of the tradition. Erwin Finout was the superintendent of the Park a couple years after the Ulrich family first started visiting. Bill Sawyer worked at the Park with the superintendent before Erwin. They both reminisced with Robert and Edgar about old memories and presented them with two Certificates of Appreciation from the Park.
Later in the day the family gathered for a hearty and bountiful buffet spotlighting a steaming pot of lobster bisque along with a large variety of savory family favorites. As everyone dug in, Robert and Edgar sat down to the tunes of a singing plastic lobster. The brothers were presented with a series of gifts. Cleverly rolled up and placed within the ribbons was a tube of papers. Unrolled they released a flood of memories as the pictures they held brought back visions of family from years past. New memories were created as camcorders and cameras archived this 50 year celebration surprise. After the pictures were passed all around, the smallest of two gifts was opened to show a golden plaque engraved with the words, "Continuing the Tradition... 1952-2002." The remaining gift revealed itself to be a wooden bench which the plaque would fit perfectly on. By the end of this 50th summer, the bench and plaque will be installed on the Ulrichs' property in Sterling for all to enjoy as they continue the tradition of family gathering in the relaxing surroundings of our summer community.
Watch for the Buoys!
Watch for the Buoys!
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
Bright orange buoys have been placed strategically throughout Little Sodus Bay and seven other small bodies of water bordering Lake Ontario. Cornell University, Syracuse University, and a variety of other sponsors are working in conjunction with a project called the Lake Ontario Biocomplexity Study. According to Todd Cowen, a professor at Cornell's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the main goal of this project is to determine the rate at which the bays exchange water with Lake Ontario and how that affects the ecosystem within the bays and the lake. As stated from the official website about this project, "the research will have major practical value for resolving technical questions about Great Lakes water level regulation." The bright orange buoys out in Little Sodus contain instruments to measure the water temperature and pressure. These are two key things that circulate the water in the bay as well as wind and tide. The seven other bays being studies include Blind Sodus, Sterling Pond, Juniper Pond, South Sandy, North Sandy, South Colwell and Floodwood. This study is being funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. If you would like more information about this project please visit the website at http://ontario.cfe.cornell.edu
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
Bright orange buoys have been placed strategically throughout Little Sodus Bay and seven other small bodies of water bordering Lake Ontario. Cornell University, Syracuse University, and a variety of other sponsors are working in conjunction with a project called the Lake Ontario Biocomplexity Study. According to Todd Cowen, a professor at Cornell's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the main goal of this project is to determine the rate at which the bays exchange water with Lake Ontario and how that affects the ecosystem within the bays and the lake. As stated from the official website about this project, "the research will have major practical value for resolving technical questions about Great Lakes water level regulation." The bright orange buoys out in Little Sodus contain instruments to measure the water temperature and pressure. These are two key things that circulate the water in the bay as well as wind and tide. The seven other bays being studies include Blind Sodus, Sterling Pond, Juniper Pond, South Sandy, North Sandy, South Colwell and Floodwood. This study is being funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. If you would like more information about this project please visit the website at http://ontario.cfe.cornell.edu
West Barrier Bar Project
West Barrier Bar Project
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
West Barrier bar is due for a make-over and the Cayuga County Legislature has set up a small budget of $8,900 to do just that according to the Cayuga County Legislature webpage. For many years the Legislature has simply ignored the problems surrounding the West Side in the summer season. Many of the natives know that when the hot weather comes so does the noise and commotion down at the Lake. As stated by the webpage, "the Legislature did set up a committee to study the situation at the West Barrier Bar which has tried to determine a plan that would result in control of the area at the least possible cost to taxpayers." According to the mayor of Fair Haven, Loren Geer, they want to create a "safe haven" for local residents of the community. A few steps have already been taken to achieve this goal.
Gates have been strategically placed at the entrance to the Park. These gates are expected to be locked at night during the summer season and opened September 1st through the winter. This will allow for control of the area at night during the summer as well as access in the winter by school buses and snow plows. Further inside the park, gates have been placed just past the boat launch and parking area. They are coupled with a row of boulders spanning the peninsula and blocking entrance by vehicle any further onto the beach area. Those gates are expected to be locked at all times. At this time none of the gates are locked and are not going to be locked until next season.
Currently, RG&E is cutting brush and trees to read the area for expansive lighting and bids are out for installation of the proper informative signage. Mr. Geer has noted that with the increased police presence in the area this season the disruption has seemed to decrease. Entry will remain free since the goal is to provide a clean, quiet place to enjoy your free time in Fair Haven.
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
West Barrier bar is due for a make-over and the Cayuga County Legislature has set up a small budget of $8,900 to do just that according to the Cayuga County Legislature webpage. For many years the Legislature has simply ignored the problems surrounding the West Side in the summer season. Many of the natives know that when the hot weather comes so does the noise and commotion down at the Lake. As stated by the webpage, "the Legislature did set up a committee to study the situation at the West Barrier Bar which has tried to determine a plan that would result in control of the area at the least possible cost to taxpayers." According to the mayor of Fair Haven, Loren Geer, they want to create a "safe haven" for local residents of the community. A few steps have already been taken to achieve this goal.
Gates have been strategically placed at the entrance to the Park. These gates are expected to be locked at night during the summer season and opened September 1st through the winter. This will allow for control of the area at night during the summer as well as access in the winter by school buses and snow plows. Further inside the park, gates have been placed just past the boat launch and parking area. They are coupled with a row of boulders spanning the peninsula and blocking entrance by vehicle any further onto the beach area. Those gates are expected to be locked at all times. At this time none of the gates are locked and are not going to be locked until next season.
Currently, RG&E is cutting brush and trees to read the area for expansive lighting and bids are out for installation of the proper informative signage. Mr. Geer has noted that with the increased police presence in the area this season the disruption has seemed to decrease. Entry will remain free since the goal is to provide a clean, quiet place to enjoy your free time in Fair Haven.
Treading darkly
This story seems to grow quietly in the dark corners of my mind. While I'm not looking, new twists and turns develop for these 3 characters. It is at a good "resting" place, though I am sure this is not the end to say the least.
Please, come and visit the boytoy, his Mistress, and her guest.
Please, come and visit the boytoy, his Mistress, and her guest.
My Aquatic Muse
My poetry sketchbook has a few new poems up today with a decidedly aquatic theme. Once I've polished Overwhelmed and Mermaid, they will show up here in the poetry section!
Also unearthed an old painful draft from two years ago. Ouch is a reflection of my feelings at the time, thankfully, I do not feel the same way today!
Also unearthed an old painful draft from two years ago. Ouch is a reflection of my feelings at the time, thankfully, I do not feel the same way today!
Cover Art for Steampunk Lovestory
At times my prose is inspired by a visual muse though the opposite is just as common. A cycle of eyes to ears and back again, spinning around my pretty little head.
The steampunk valentine story I Give You My Heart primed my mind for the digital illustration you see below.
The steampunk valentine story I Give You My Heart primed my mind for the digital illustration you see below.
I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Poetry Blogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)