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August 28, 2010

The last hurrah of summer: Sales, parties, vacations and more on locals' lists of must-dos

By M.K. Moynahan Contributing Writer

Each year, as spring begins, as if awakening from hibernation, I take stock of my surroundings. I revel in the beauty of the daffodils peeking through the snow and the way the trees begin to lose their barren appearance with the formation of clusters that will soon be leaves.

At this time, I plan for the dog days of summer and make lists, rather wish lists, of where I would like to travel, how big my garden will be, and of all the things I would like to accomplish before the hot summer sun and scorched parched grasses of August give way to the colorful majesty of autumn.

Always on top of my list is a trip to the ocean. Each year, I long for a splash amidst the waves along the shores. Because I haven't visited the shore yet this year, that will be my last hurrah of summer. Many area residents, like I do, plan vacations, outings and such each summer. And, much like I do, they realize the days come and go much too quickly and that summer's almost gone.

Many parents begin realizing this when they begin preparing their children to return to school.

Usually, during the first week of August, stores begin advertising back-to-school sales. Also, seasonal businesses begin to count the days before their shops will close.

While summer nears to a close, a push begins to squeeze in as much summer sun and just one more event filled with summer fun.

If canoeing or boating is on your list as a last hurrah of summer event, area canoe and kayak shops are slashing prices. In Portlandville, Brent Baysinger, co-owner and operator of Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales, is gearing up for his end-of-season sale. Baysinger along with his mother, Lonetta Swartout, opened shops two years ago to offer customers an option to rent or purchase canoes, kayaks and equipment.

The shop, open from mid-May until the beginning of October, begins selling used rental boats in September. "We're having a big end of season sale that will last through the fall and the remainder of the season until we close for the winter," he said. "I'm hoping for a warm Columbus Day weekend, so we can remain open a bit longer."

Baysinger said that while his business has been good this year, he is expanding operations and has big plans for the future. "Last year, it rained a lot and it was tough on business. This year it's been great. It's been a hot summer," he said. "I'm working toward providing guided tours. I'm researching what the requirements are."

Baysinger delivers equipment and canoes/kayaks to customers from his shop on the banks of Goodyear Lake. Eventually, he said he would like to be able to allow customers the option and ability to park their cars at his shop, be shuttled over to Cooperstown or Milford and then dropped into the water there, to paddle back to his shop.

One not-for-profit business' owners are gearing up for an end-of-season Labor Day Weekend bash.

According to Dave Turan, co-owner and operator of the Michael Kudish Natural History Preserve, they will host a weekend-long gathering open to the public, which will include live entertainment, camping, hikes, yoga, community cooking and more. The preserve, located on 100 acres in the town of Stamford, is the creation of Turan and his partner Kelly Keck to honor retired professor, author, botanist, forester and railroad and Catskill historian Michael Kudish, as well as a way to protect the land in its natural form. The preserve conducts and distributes research, studies and analysis related to the natural history of the Catskill Mountains.

According to Turan, as stewards of 100 acres of permanently protected land, the preserve supports a biologically rich and diverse population of flora and fauna, in perpetuity. In furtherance of these activities, the preserve offers primitive temporary shelter to scientists, historians, artists and the general public.

"The upcoming gathering, as are all the events, is donation-based. We have to build community and obtain support for the preserve," he said. "Volunteers are needed to help clear trails and help build platforms. In September, we will also host a Mongolian Ger raising party. The Ger, (a replica of the ancient nomadic structure), will be used as a temporary shelter for guests of the preserve."

Additionally, Turan and Keck own and operate Goldenheart Unidiversity, LLC, a 40-acre farm operated with a group of individuals committed to embracing and utilizing, teaching and learning the principles of sustainable living. The products and services include eggs, honey, seasonal produce, bat houses, bluebird boxes, livestock and classes regarding permaculture, or the practice of living within the natural cycles of the seasons. "Permaculture offers a road map to a softer energy descent and a more stable future while being applicable on many scales. More than just a way of farming, it is a way of living that strives to balance human needs with the natural environment," Turan said.

Upon course completion, students will be equipped with sustainable living skills such as designing energy, food and shelter systems reflecting nature's patterns. "Through our Pure Catskills producing partners, we will highlight the importance of knowing your food supply at every meal," he added.

Additional events include stargazing parties, theatrical performances and outdoor art workshops. For more information or to sign up for preserve newsletter go to mknhp.com

While seasonal businesses are cutting prices and preparing to close and the preserve and farm are readying the barn for winter and planning a party for the public, parents are busy readying their kids for school and planning their last family outings. While these families plan trips to the shore, or get-aways to the lakes, in South Kortright, one family is planning several more Civil War re-enactment weekends as part of their living history commitment.

Ruth and Rob Freund, along with their six children, have been traipsing across the state and into Pennsylvania for many years. Ruth and her daughters are "camp followers," women who followed the troops during the Civil War in an effort to feed the men and to wash their clothes. The men are infantry. Most of these outings, according to Ruth, are weekend-long events. The family camps in tents, wear period-clothing and submerse themselves into the history and battle of the time.

"We sleep in canvas tents on the ground. We live the life of the 1860s," Ruth said. "Each season there are about eight re-enactments we participate in. We still have two more to go. We travel all over New York and Pennsylvania."

As far as prepping for the upcoming school year, she said, "I've had so many (children), I don't do anything special anymore. We shop for clothes year-round. I just get them what they need in terms of school supplies to begin."

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