No longer will seeing your traffic lights, eerily glowing on foggy nights, make me feel part of a suspense thriller or Sherlock Holmes novel.  Your firework displays were always a special treat.

No. We’re not moving away.  It’s just that the long-vacant lot adjacent to our property has been sold and the house to be built on it will block our views of the entire village.
Worse yet, the occupants will be close enough to borrow a cup of sugar, or share a bottle of Grey Poupon mustard without much of a stretch.

We always knew this day would come. We’d taken advantage of these views for years, through the property developer’s misfortune. As long as lots remained available, we had our private perch above the village.

According to the floor plan, the master bedroom is on the side of the house facing us, its bathroom window directly across from ours.
This new homestead will put a cramp on our lifestyle, forcing changes in some long-standing rituals.  And, we must surrender the land we’ve cultivated and stewarded—well, invaded, really—for years.

This means moving the trampoline fifteen feet closer to our house, transplanting trees and shrubs back to our side of the property line and no more ‘composting’ our leaves and grass clippings in their deep woods.  A few chomps of a backhoe bucket will obliterate the stone patio that represents our most egregious trespass.

Of all the adjustments, however, the most disconcerting will be the end of a favorite morning ritual—frenetic chases through the house, usually ‘in-the-buff’, brought about by the reticence of our child, who shall remain nameless, to brush teeth or use the bathroom or to simply get dressed.

Our floor-to-ceiling windows will provide the new neighbors front row seats for these romps.  No longer shared solely with local fauna, I fear the goings-on will be misconstrued, perhaps as lewd, at the very least crude.

But who knows, perhaps they will be similarly inclined toward ‘au naturale’ living. Then, though I’ll lose some views of the Nyack’s land and nighttime sky, I might get to see a different type of moon!

Jon Feldman is the owner of G. biloba Garden Environments.  Reach him at www.gbiloba.com or at 353-3448.

Interestingly, one site encourages users to go to sellers with their computerized printout as proof of what the value of the home is.  As a seller would you accept less just because a computer says you should?  As a buyer, whose determination of value is more important—yours or a software program’s? Technology is great, but when it comes to valuing real estate I still remain pro-human.

Summary  Source: GHVMLS YTD Comparison Report
Year End 2011 YTD vs. Year End 2010 YTD – Single Family Homes
New inventory (the number of homes going on the market) decreased 15.8% (229 YTD 2011 vs. 272 YTD 2010). The number of sales decreased 18.8% (82 YTD 2011 vs. 101 YTD 2010).  The average sales price of homes that have sold decreased approximately 11.9% to $585,129. Overall, the average sales price for single family homes that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $435,854, down 2.7% over the same period last year.

Year End 2011 YTD vs. Year End 2010 YTD – Condos
New inventory (the number of condos going on the market) decreased 18.8% (82 YTD 2011 vs. 101 YTD 2010). The number of sales decreased 2.9% (36 YTD 2011 vs. 35 YTD 2010). The average sales price of condos that have sold decreased approximately 18.5% to $390,321. Overall, the average sales price for condos that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $241,095, down 9.3% over the same period last year.

In addition to STAR WARS, this is one film that gained a reputation of multiple viewing by its enormous number of fans.

This 1992 film was virtually ignored when it first came out.  It wasn’t until its release on DVD in 1999 that it became a cult classic and gained recognition as one of the best period piece films of all time.  People love this film.  After 20 years, both men and women are moved by its style, music and genuinely romantic spirit.  On viewing it, the first thing to get your attention is the gorgeous scenery, the second is the pre-CGI battle scenes, and finally it’s the exquisite re-creation of 1757 life in America.

By now we all know the story—loosely based on the famous novel by James Fenimore Cooper.  You might know that Cooper was a Hudson River Valley novelist and his story takes place in 1757 New York State.

The novel itself is not a very good one; its portrayal of Native Americans is distinctly racist.  The film attempts to improve the story, bringing an updated sensibility to just about every aspect of the novel.  Before we examine the film, we should first look at the background.   Although Cooper sets his story in the Adirondacks and features Lake George and Fort William McHenry, the picture was shot in North Carolina. The director, (the excellent Michael Mann), scouted locations around Lake Placid but noticed that 19th Century logging trails and tree scars were still too visible to replicate the 18th Century.

Like all spectacles, filming became a nightmare.  It was over budget, and Mann insisted on about 30 takes of a scene.  He wanted his movie to be accurate and near-perfect.  One funny story was after an all-night shoot filming the siege of the fort, Mann barked, “What is that orange light?  Somebody put out that orange light.”  To which an assistant director replied, “It’s the sun Michael.”

When it was completed, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS ran 31/2 hours.  Its stars—even Daniel Day Lewis—were relative unknowns. The movie opened to unspectacular reviews. Many critics said it was a romanticized vision of a cruel time.  Today it’s recognized as a true masterpiece, a stimulating visual adventure.

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS follows the adventures of a group of pioneers trying to reach Fort William McHenry during the French and Indian War.  Amid rugged battle scenes, a love story develops between Hawkeye (Lewis) and the British Colonel’s daughter, Cora Munroe, (Madeleine Stow) and between Chingachgook, (Russell Means) and Alice Munro, (Jodhi May).  When Hawk-eye and Cora get separated, he speaks the immortal line, “I will find you.” (How romantic is that?)—and he goes through immense hardship to find her.  The cast and music are wonderful.  If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend it.

Note: Russell Means is a Native American.  Before he became a film actor, he was hired by the Ohio Bicentennial Festival to portray one of the Native Americans who welcomed the Mayflower.  The story that made the rounds had it that, to the horror of the festival planners, Means and his fellow Native Americans prevented Pilgrim re-enactors from landing on American soil by shooting real arrows at them on the beach.  Great story.

Ric Pantale writer and director, is an independent film maker.  His latest film, Delilah Rose, is scheduled for release soon.

Many of my colleagues knew that they wanted to be veterinarians when they were young, but not me; I’ll let you in on a little secret— I didn’t always want to be a veterinarian.

When I was young I really had no idea what I wanted to do; one day it was a lawyer, the next it was a dancer and to be honest, I never thought about it too seriously.  Throughout my early teens and twenties I had to deal with several devastating tragedies.  Once I graduated from college, I adopted my first dog, a pug puppy named Oliver.  It was this furry, little, smoosh-faced dog that helped me figure things out.

This Valentine’s Day, we must realize that love comes in many forms and can be about more than the typical type of romance.  In our society, many people think of their pets as more than just pets but as a part of their family and the topic of the human-animal bond is being looked at more and more.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines the human-animal bond as follows, “a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment.”

My dog’s unconditional love helped me deal with the loses I had faced and it was this connection that helped me realize that I wanted to be a veterinarian; not only to help animals, but to help their owners as well.

Our pets make us laugh, they keep us healthy, they cheer us up when we are sad and they keep us company when we are lonely.  They don’t ask for much but give a tremendous amount in return.  As a veterinarian, I am fortunate to hear stories of the love people have for their pets everyday and I know from personal experience the healing affect they can have.

Oliver has been with me for the past 14 years; he has traveled from state to state, even to another country with me; he inspired me when I felt defeated and always kept me on track; essentially, he is a huge part of why I am where I am.

This Valentine’s Day I will be celebrating the love I have for my pet.  I encourage you to not only think of your human honey on February 14th, but think of your furry ones as well—just don’t share your chocolate with them.

Originally from Ohio, Dr. Ritchie trained at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  She is part of the Valley Cottage Animal Hospital team.

Homemade Chicken Stock

2-3 skinless chicken breasts on the bone
or 1 whole chicken (I use the breasts to lower the fat content)

Bottom, top & middle of celery bunch (keep the beautiful stalks for soup)

3 whole carrots cut in half (do no peel)
2 whole onions cut in half (do not peel)

4-6 cloves of garlic (no need to chop)

6 black peppercorns

4 bay leaves

Place everything in a large pot and cover by 2 inches with water.  Simmer for 4 hours, skimming the fat from the top as needed
Reserve chicken and liquid for soup and discard the rest.  Once it’s cool enough to work with, remove all fat and bones from chicken and set aside.  When the stock is cool, remove all solids that rise to the top.

Chicken Vegetable Soup
12 cups assorted vegetables— my favorites are carrots, celery, onion (these 3 should be used, other vegetables are changeable);  zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, corn and asparagus or green beans. You can use any or all of these, or substitute favorite family veggies.
2 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes (feel free to use a can for this)
2 bay leaves
salt & pepper
2 Tablespoons olive oil
10 cups chicken stock (I have included the homemade recipe but store bought works if you are short on time).

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add all vegetables (except tomatoes).
Season with salt & pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Add tomatoes, chicken, stock and bay leaves.

Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the vegetables are soft.  Enjoy!

Cindy Coligan is a native of Houston, Texas.
A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan, she is the chef/owner of Lanie Lou’s Cafe at 135 East Erie Street (just off Route 303) in Blauvelt, NY.  Reach her at (845) 680-6199.

One night, I came home and found Sunflower lethargic.  I rushed him to the animal hospital.  He was diagnosed with diabetes and needed insulin.  For about a year, I gave him injections every twelve hours.  Then, he had a really bad seizure.  I brought him to the vet, who was not able to save him.  When I returned without his brother, Sweetpea didn’t look for him.  He didn’t call for him.  He didn’t seemed surprised.  He continued to spend every moment he could with me.

I went to New York over Thanksgiving, leaving Sweetpea in Seattle with a cat sitter.  I fell in love with the family dogs and began to wish for a puppy.  Someone to keep Sweetpea company.  Someone to  go on hikes and run with me.   So I asked the cat.

Me: I know you were lonely,  spending your first Thanksgiving without your brother.  What would you think about having a puppy to play with and keep you company?

Sweetpea: Where would it sleep?

Me:  On the bed, with us.

Sweetpea:  But, I sleep on the bed.

Me:  You are eight pounds, and don’t take up much space.  There would be room.

Sweetpea: I like moving around the bed, and sitting on any part of you I want.   And you would pet it, wouldn’t you?

Me:  Yes.

Sweetpea: Which would take away from your time with me.

Me:  So, what I hear you saying is that you don’t want a puppy?

Sweetpea: I’m very happy having you to myself.   How ‘bout we keep it that way?

Me: OK.

Leslie Haber lives in Washington State and is an organizer with SEIU, the Service Employees International Union.

Tonight (well, last month as you read this) is the Golden Globe awards. They are Oscar-Lite, less pretentious, and a lot more fun—like a Bar Mitzvah, but where your uncle is played by George Clooney.  Unlike the staid Oscar ceremony, the Globes involves food and, more importantly, alcohol.  Stars drink too much and are more loose-lipped if they win. There’s something entertaining, too, about listening to a lifetime achievement award winner, hearing forks tapping against plates.

While a Globe award is of course worth winning, it’s the Oscar that is deemed the Holy Grail. I can’t miss the Oscar ceremony either, although they rarely fail to disappoint. Here’s how it usually goes for me:

A month before the show: “OOH, the Oscars are on next month!” Excitement level 8, on a scale of 1 to 10.

Two weeks before the show:
“I can’t wait for the Oscars!  Billy Crystal is hosting again!!”
Excitement level 9.

A week before the show: “OMG, it’s next Sunday!!”  Excitement level 9.5

The day of the show: “I have Oscar Fever! Do I want cashews or sunflower seeds as my Oscar-watching snack of choice?”
Excitement level 10.

Five minutes before the show starts: “Ooh, ooh, ooh!”  Excitement level sky high.

The arrivals: “That’s the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen.  Did she need another face lift? He is so handsome. They are still dating?”  Excitement level 11.

Five minutes after the show starts: “Why are the clips so fast?  I can’t see this fast.  I am getting old.  I’m tired. How long is this show?”
Excitement level 7.

An hour into the show: “Time to check my e-mail.”  Excitement level 4.

Four hours into the show: “Would it be bad to miss the Best Picture winner?”  Excitement level 0.5.

However, year after year, I do watch the Oscars, and the Golden Globes, and the Tony awards, too.  Why?
I love the glamour, and I love entertainment.

I started watching movies in the womb.  I’m in awe of the talent I see on stage in Manhattan.  These award shows, as bad or boring as they may be, are the equivalent of our own Nyack High School Honor’s Night.  I may not really care who wins “Most Improved Student,” but I want to be there to support the kids. And I wish I were there, at the Oscar ceremony, or Vanity Fair afterparty, chatting with Anjelica Huston, with whom I’m certain I could be great friends.  And maybe Michael Caine will show up, and maybe I’ll leave my husband and he’ll leave his wife and we’ll run off together and live happily ever after?  Who knows? This is show biz, where anything can happen!

Holly Caster has lived in Nyack with her playwright husband, two kids, and two cats for over 10 years.  She is by trade a writer and by nature a fan of theater, movies, books, history, & art.

This month, hearts can be found everywhere—on cards, balloons, t-shirts, cupcakes, and wrapping paper.  Now’s the perfect opportunity to learn some basic “heart facts”—and find out what those numbers really mean.

• Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats and rests.  The recommended range is less than 130/80 mm Hg.

• Cholesterol
High cholesterol indicates an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.  A lipoprotein profile gives information about total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides (blood fats).

Q: What should my total blood cholesterol level be?
A: Less than 200 mg/dL = Desirable (lower risk)

200 to 239 mg/dL = Borderline high (higher risk)

240 mg/dL and above = High blood cholesterol (more than twice the risk as desirable level)

Q: What should my HDL cholesterol level be?
A: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is “good” cholesterol because it seems to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Unlike other cholesterol levels, the higher the HDL, the better.
HDL Cholesterol Levels: Less than 40 mg/dL for men = Low HDL (higher risk)

Less than 50 mg/dL for women = Low HDL (higher risk)

40 to 59 mg/dL = The higher, the better

60 mg/dL and above = High HDL (lower risk)
Q: What should my LDL cholesterol level be?
A: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol. The Higher the LDL, the higher the risk of heart disease and stroke.

LDL Cholesterol Levels: Less than 70 mg/dL = Optional goal if you’re at very high risk of a heart attack or death from heart attack.

Less than 100 mg/dL = Optimal for people with stable heart disease or diabetes
100 to 129 mg/dL = Near or above optimal

130 to 159 mg/dL = Borderline high

160 to 189 mg/dL = High

190 mg/dL and above = Very High

Q: What should my triglyceride level be?
A: Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They’re also a major energy source.   Some studies indicate that people with above-normal fasting triglyceride levels (150 mg/ dL or higher) have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Persistently high triglyceride levels can also be seen with diabetes.

Triglyceride Levels:

Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal

150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline High

200 to 499 mg/dL = High

500 mg/dL and above = Very High

• Glucose
Glucose tests measure the amount of sugar in the blood.  Fasting and non-fasting tests are used to determine glucose levels.

Q: What should my glucose (blood sugar) level be?

A: Glucose Levels:

HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) less than 7%

On a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPGT), less than 100 mg/dL

On an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), less than 140mg/dL

It’s never too early, or too late, to monitor these numbers.  Talk to your healthcare professional about how you can take charge of your heart health.

For further information about this month’s health tip, please visit nyackhospital.org

I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who didn’t feel envious.  Not you, of course.  You are a very kind, generous, loving person, and you are very content with what you have, very grateful, not boastful, all that good stuff.  I even know that you are aware that even the most glamorous, successful, seemingly happy people have their troubles and woes, that the grass may always seem greener but really it isn’t, and all that.  I know you remind yourself of this as much as possible, and you really try not to succumb.  But face it—you feel envy, I know you do.  We all do.

So look, a little envy—not a big deal.  This one’s house, that one’s garden, car, job, kids, clothes, money, pool, friends, hair, abs, boobs, waist, golf handicap, biceps, all the other body parts, someone else’s spouse, someone else’s unmarried status … Don’t try to tell me that one of those things didn’t ring a bell.  You know what I envy?  People who don’t like sweets.  In fact, I hate people who don’t like sweets.  Not really … but sort of.

Why envy matters, and it really does, is that for some people, envy is what spoils everything.  It’s as though they’ve got a Hank Williams-inspired bucket with their self-esteem in it—and their bucket’s got a hole in it.  Nothing that goes in stays in—it’s empty the minute it gets filled.  For this kind of person, it’s hard not to envy everyone and everything.   What’s sad is that often, these people are admirable—competent, talented, generous.  They can have so many good qualities, and even be recognized, praised and admired—and still, none of that stays with them.  It’s almost as though their preferred self-state, their default, is the one that says I’m small, you’re big; I’m nothing, you’re something.

When someone has this kind of envy problem, it’s usually more complicated, because lurking behind the self-deprecation and envy, there is often a hidden sense of superiority and contempt of those they envy.  And when those people they envy crash and burn, oh, the schadenfreude!  “See?” we say?  “All that money and beauty, and look what happened!   Tsk tsk tsk.  I’m glad we’re poor and homely looking, aren’t you?”  Yeah, right.

Well, as Abe Lincoln once said, “It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.”  We all have to work on dealing with envy.  It’s good to realize how corrosive it can get, if you let it.  The only cure for it, when it gets chronic, is to recognize that there is a conflict going on, one that isn’t clear.  I see this quite often, in so many of the people I work with in therapy.  The conflict is this:  One part of you knows you are worth paying attention to, caring about, worthy of being respected, loved and cherished.  Another part, that feels inadequate and without power, perhaps representing experiences of being belittled, is unfortunately working overtime to disagree, to hold on to feelings of worthlessness and shame.

If that conflict is not made conscious, it’s like you are forever straddling a fence—and we all know what that feels like.  Aside from not choosing which side to stand on—are you worthy of love, care and respect, or not?  Sitting on top of a fence hurts like the dickens.  And that pain is what it feels like when the feeling is envy.

Daniel Shaw, LCSW, practices psychotherapy in Nyack and in New York City.  He can be reached at (845) 548-2561 in Nyack and in NY City at (212) 581-6658, shawdan@aol.com  or online at www.danielshawlcsw.com

Maurice Oliver used to sneak into the back of the Opera House on the corner of Franklin & Depew to listen to music back in the “roaring twenties.”  He dreamed of being a musician.  He wasn’t interested in the normal careers available to African-American kids during the depression.  Maurice had a dream: he longed to be a drummer.

He made friends with another Nyack boy who loved drumming—Howard “Buddy” Christian.  Maurice idolized Buddy even though they were about the same age. The young men would put on records in the living room, turn up the volume to blasting level and beat out rhythms on Christian’s front porch on Shadyside Ave. The would-be drummers often wondered at the patience of neighbors who accepted the racket without complaint.  Maurice stayed in school and learned music from Getrude Maged who, in the 1930s taught him the basics and also to appreciate music.  Turning 14, he had his first music gig and a brand new nickname that would stick with him for the rest of his life.  He started playing drums with Willie Williams’ band, The Utopians, at the Opera House.  The name Willie Williams may not mean much to Nyackers today, but back in the 20s and 30s, The Utopians were the top band in Rockland County.  They played the dances at the elegant Nyack Boat Club and other hot spots.  The band members loved Maurice’s ever-present ear-to-ear grin, and nicknamed him “Sunny.”

Sunny was not only a budding musician, he was also an athlete.  From 1934 to ‘36 he played fullback for Nyack High and was the school’s star 100 and 220-yard dash man. He was co-captain of the football team in 1936 with Jack Haigh and made Rockland’s all-county team.  As good as Sunny was at football and track, college sports were not in the wind; music was.   He returned to his drums.  He played at Scotty’s Restaurant in West Nyack, near the old airport and Sheckies garage, with Charlie Shavers, one of the greatest trumpet players of all time.  Shavers later played with Benny Goodman.  Sunny would also perform at the Bobin Inn on Route 9W in Rockland Lake, playing jazz well into the early morning hours.

World War II came along and Sunny played drums with a U.S.O. camp show, touring the front lines in Europe.  When back in Nyack, he played the dances at the U.S.O. club on Broadway and High Avenue.  During this time he started thinking he would like to be a bandleader, but it was quite a few years before he formed a band. He had more drums to play.

The end of the war found Sunny playing the Palais Royale on Cedar Hill Avenue, just west of Franklin Street.  By 1950 he worked out some financing and purchased the club renaming it Sunny’s Paradise, featuring top talent, including Buddy Christian on drums.  Unfortunately the club burned down in 1953 and Oliver went back to his drumming.

Sunny’s big break in the music business came when he played with Sam “The Man” Taylor on Allen Freed’s Rock & Roll Show. While touring with Taylor he received a frantic call from Louis Jordan and his “Tympany Five” to hop on the next plane to Las Vegas to play at the Sands Hotel.  Jordan was playing there with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.  For those who can’t quite place the Louis Jordan Band, this group recorded some of the big hits of the day, Caledonia, Let the Good Times Roll and Nobody Here But Us Chickens.  It was Sunny’s dream to be with a top caliber band like this one and overnight he was in.  The band traveled to major cities in the US playing every type of music.  Sunny worked on the Jackie Gleason show, filling in on the drums for Buddy Rich.  He played in Las Vegas with Nat “King” Cole, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis Jr. (whom Sunny regarded as one of the real talents in show business), Jane Russell, Eartha Kitt, Steve Laurence, Frank Sinatra, Patti Page, Peggy Lee, Xavier Cugat and a young kid named Elvis Presley.

Throughout his life, Maurice (Sunny) Oliver followed his dream. He worked hard, spent long hours, days and weeks on the road playing in places far from Nyack, far from his wife and children.  He seemed always to be heading out on the road to another gig somewhere across the country.

I met Sunny Oliver when I worked at Gambetti’s Getty Station on Route 9W many years ago.  While I was pumping gas in his car, Sunny always had his special grin and often told me “It’s been a great life kid!”

The Nyack Villager thanks Jim Leiner for helping us all ‘Remember the Days .’