As a long-term, full-time resident of the Catskills, I’ve been on boards and community organizations for almost 15 years, starting with a 7-year stint on community radio at WIOX in Roxbury in 2011. Since then, with the exception of the COVID years, I have been a board member of The Catskills Center, John Burroughs’ Woodchuck Lodge, and briefly for the Catskills Water Discovery Center (CWDC). I am now returning to the CWDC.

The CWDC is an educational organization that tells the story, past and present, of the New York City water supply system. It has also recently completed the wonderful East Branch Nature Preserve in Arkville.

Water is one of the world’s most precious resources, and here in the Catskills, residents are burdened with an additional obligation to protect it now that is the drinking water for millions of downstate residents. It’s a complicated, and sometimes painful history, for many Catskillians. The CWDC is tasked with conveying that story, and promoting good land and water stewardship.

To this end the CWDC is hosting an outreach and fundraising event at Putt Putt Van Winkle, one of the most delightful places in the Catskills to pass the time.

In my new role in communications for the organization, I have been asked to get the word out. I’m mostly just excited to have a party, to be honest, because I’ve have been working all through summer: writing for the Mountain Eagle Arts & Culture section, running an arts studio and building up a body of artwork, running my own business consulting operation, and managing Tree Juice Maple syrup. Summer is a bittersweet time for residents who work here, because we endure a miserably frigid six-month winter waiting for it – then we have to work all the way through it, only for it to pass by in a blinding flash.

So please buy a ticket – minimum donation of $25 – and join me at Putt Putt Van Winkle on Saturday September 27th, 2025 from 5-7.30pm for a relaxing twilight social event of mini-golf, local music, seasonal beverages and light fare. There will be local beer served by Calico Outlaw Brewery and more vendors are signing up as I write.

It would lovely to be able to see people I haven’t seen for years because we all work too much. If you feel so inclined, you can also sponsor the event with a $200 sponsorship investment that includes company/ organization recognition before, during, and after the event, as well as two complimentary tickets.

All donations are tax deductible. The CWDC is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization.

Hope to see you there!