Cambridge Life 3/31/08 Cambridge Life 3/31/08

Cambridge, NY on brighter days.(Photo: John Carlson)

Here we are, one day away from April and guess what...it's snowing/sleeting/raining again. I thought that the 6ish inches of snow that fell last week would be the last of it, but Nooooo! March came in like a lion and is going out exactly the same way. Is this some sort of Cosmic pre-April Fools joke? Now I'm wondering if this scene outside my window will ever change.


Another beautiful day in the neighborhood. (Photo: Debra Pearlman)

However,I remain an optimist. The snow will end, the days are getting warmer and longer, and this past weekend, I went out and bought patio furniture (some assembly required). I'm preparing for spring, restocking the bird feeders and keeping faith with the inevitable season to come. I see the beauty in the snow and hear the rhythm in the hail as it plays to the birdsong around me. Enjoying life in Cambridge, NY is always easy.

So what's your take on Cambridge Life? Let your friends and neighbors know by sending an email to me, Debra Pearlman. I'll put it on The Buzz!

Views From The Hil 21 Views From The Hil 21

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Cooks: Slow Cooker Lasagna Stew Cambridge Cooks: Slow Cooker Lasagna Stew

Photos: Debra Pearlman

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 lb. uncooked lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1-1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
6 items dry, no-cook lasagna noodles
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese - strong-flavored like Parmigiano Reggiano or Romano

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic and cook stiring frequently and breaking up meat as it cooks -- approx. 5-7 minutes.

2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and crushed red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

3. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta and 1 cup of mozzarella cheeses.

4. Spoon 1/3 beef mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker. Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over beef mixture; top with half of ricotta mixture. Repeat with another layer and finish with remaining 1/3 beef mixture.

5. Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours. Remove cover; turn off heat and season to taste, if desired.

6. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup of mozarella and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over beef mixture. Cover and set aside until cheese melts and lasagna firms up - approx. 10 minutes.

Serving size is 1/6 of dish.

This is a recipe I got at my Weight Watcher's meeting. Believe it or not, it's amazingly tasty and filling. For those of you who are on the program, the Points Value is 8. For those who are not on the program, don't tell anyone, they'll never know it's a low fat version of a family favorite.

Serve with a side salad for an easy-cook, tasty meal.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Reminder - Join us this evening, Tuesday, March 25 at 7 PM at the Greenwich High School Media Center for an evening with garbage visionary Dr. Paul Connett.

Dr. Connett's talk is entitled "A Sustainable Waste Management Strategy for the 21st Century". He will address Zero Waste, a feasible alternative to landfilling and incinerating our ever increasing amounts of trash. Embraced by some Fortune 500 corporations and a number of towns and cities in U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and elsewhere, Zero Waste has dramatically reduced waste and costs.

Dr. Connett brings a wealth of knowledge, an important message, and a great sense of humor to his audiences. In the last 23 years he has made approximately 2,000 presentations about waste management around the U.S., Canada, and 48 other countries. Until his retirement in 2006, Dr. Connett was a professor of Chemistry at St. Lawrence University. His speciality is Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology.

Sponsored by the Greenwich Citizens Committee, this program will be the first in a series on what we can do to conserve energy and resources and reduce global climate-changing emissions.

Greenwich High School is located at 10 Gray Ave. in Greenwich. It is several blocks north of the only traffic light on Main Street in the village (intersection of Rt. 29 and start of Rt. 378), and is the further building on the school campus. For more info and directions, see www.greenwichconcerned.org, call 518/692-8242, or just email Tracy Frisch at: tracyf@fastermac.net

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

Fresh Start
On yet another, freezing, early spring morning, here is to the promise of renewal and the hope of sunny and warmer days to come!
-John Carlson

(Photo copyright John Carlson 2007)
Email me at:
jdcarlson2001@yahoo.com.

Cambridge Life 3/24/08 Cambridge Life 3/24/08

Cambridge, NY residents no longer need to wonder what will happen with the historic Depot building. The Depot has long been a building waiting for a purpose and when the Community Partnership purchased the property they wanted to find a way for it to be integrated into community life. Through the determination and drive of local resident Gerry Holzman, last Thursday that problems was solved.


Photos:Sara Kelly, Over the Moon Graphics

Gerry knows a lot about restoring antique carousels and he and his wife, Arlene, have volunteered their services to begin a community project to bring one to the Battenkill Valley. Gerry was the designer and head carver of the beautiful Empire State Carousel on permanent exhibit at the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown. The Holzmans have begun working with the Community Partnership to bring a charming 1947 “kiddie” carousel to the local area. This 20-foot-diameter carousel will become a community project for local residents, including artisans, schoolchildren, businesspeople, and anyone else interested in getting involved in the restoration.


Photos: Sara Kelly, Over the Moon Graphics

With Gerry and members of the Community Partnership standing by, the "kiddie" carousel was set-up in the Depot. It took the better part of last Thursday to set the merry-go-round up, but once it was done, local children were invited to check it out.
Gerry is one of the many local residents who have been featured in Treasures of Cambridge where you can read more about Gerry and his many talents. It's exciting news for Cambridge, NY residents and visitors alike. Look for updates on the carousel on this blog.

Cambridge Life is interested in hearing how you spend your time in and around the area. Let your neighbors and friends know what's going on. Send an email to Debra Pearlman to learn more about posting on the Cambridge Buzz.

IMPORTANT INFO ON WATER RATE INCREASES IMPORTANT INFO ON WATER RATE INCREASES

To read the document the water company submitted to the NYS Public Service Commission as justification for the rate increase in Cambridge, click on this link to PSC: Aqua-NY, select Pending, Case Number Search, then enter 08-W-0107, hit submit.

This is the information the PSC will review in order to determine whether to allow the increase. The documents provide the financial background which Aqua-NY feels illustrates their serial losses in Cambridge (due to capital investment) which they want to recover.

The PSC is the state regulatory agency for the water company in this case. Their mission: "... to ensure safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, at just and reasonable rates. The Department seeks to stimulate innovation, strategic infrastructure investment, consumer awareness, competitive markets where feasible, and the use of resources in an efficient and environmentally sound manner."

Questions should be sent directly to Chris either by phone or email:

Chris Callahan, Trustee
Village of Cambridge, NY
Phone: 518-677-3953
Email: Chris Callahan

Cambridge Cooks: Biscotti Bites for the Pooches Cambridge Cooks: Biscotti Bites for the Pooches

Photos: Debra Pearlman

My sister has become obsessed with agility training for her 2 English Cocker Spaniels. She likes to give them something special after a hard workout. So for all the dog lovers in and around Cambridge, NY, my sister sends this recipe for homemade dog treats.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
3 Tbsp. canola oil
6 Tbsp. honey
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

2. Stir together the flour and baking powder in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil and honey until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time and then the vanilla, stirring to combine.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to form a smooth dough, Mix in the peanuts

4. Divide the dough in half and form each half into a log, about 12" long and 4" wide.

5. Place the logs on the baking sheet and bake 14-16 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Transfer the logs to a cutting board and cool for 5 minutes. Slice at a 45 degree angle, about 1/2" thick. Place the slices on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes to slightly dry.

7. Transfer biscotti to wire racks to cool. Once cool, store in an airtight continer for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Yields: 4 dozen biscotti

Cambridge Life 3/17/08 Cambridge Life 3/17/08

It's the day for wearing green and that is exactly what I'm beginning to see in my garden. Yes, folks, it looks like our long and snowy winter is finally giving way to spring. Last fall I planted over 100 daffodil and tulip bulbs in my garden, and this past Saturday, little green shoots started appearing. It's still March, and we all know the weather can turn on a dime, but today is sunny so enjoy.

As I emerge from my winter hibernation, I have discovered all sorts of activity going on in the Village. Hubbard Hall's latest production is up and running. They're doing George Bernard Shaw's Heartbreak House. This play is a comedy, and the run ends on March 30th.

The next two weekends, March 21-23 & 28-30 are the annual Maple Sugar Festival. You can tour the many sugar houses in our area. For information, check out the Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley website or go to www.newyorkmaple.com
to find a sugar house in Washington County.

The Tour of the Battenkill cycling race, April 19th, has now become the largest single day bicycling race in the entire USA! Great job Deiter. I know they still need volunteers...how about it folks! Visit the website for details and more information on becoming a volunteer.

All these events and soon fishing season will open. Can life get any better than it is in Cambridge, NY?

We'd love to hear your stories of life in Cambridge. To post on this blog, email your stories and/or photos (jpg format only) to Debra Pearlman. Celebrate what's great about our region.

2008 Tour of the Battenkill Update 2008 Tour of the Battenkill Update

Organizers of the 2008 Tour of the Battenkill Cycling Race announce that with more than 1200 current registrants, the race has surpassed Monterey California's prestigious Sea Otter Classic as the largest single-day road cycling race in the United States. 1600 racers from more than 25 States and Canada are expected to race on April 19. The event is hosted in cooperation with the Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley. Proceeds will benefit Farm Team Cycling of Cambridge, NY - an area Junior-level cycling team, and the Public Libraries of Southern Washington County, NY. See www.tourofthebattenkill.com for race details, contact information, and the many sponsorship opportunities still available.

Starting & finishing in the rural Washington County New York village of Salem, the race features one of the most challenging and unique race courses on the North American calendar - with a single 55 mile loop, rolling countryside, direct passes through small villages, covered bridges, and the unpaved roads that have become the race's trademark.


Challenging sections of the course include Juniper Swamp Road in the Town of Salem - a 1/4 mile unpaved climb with a 15% grade, Meeting House and Becker Roads in Easton,and the challenging climb up Willard Mountain at mile 30. The Elite and Professional Men will race on an extended 82 mile course that will feature the rarely-traveled McKie Hollow Road in the Town of White Creek - a 1/2 mile unpaved climb that averages 12-15% in grade, and a final 7 mile circuit in the Town of Salem. Along the way, racers will pass directly through the Villages of Cambridge and Greenwich giving spectators several opportunities to see the race.

There are 17 separate races from Junior to Professional Men's & Women's races. Among the Professional teams attending are the Advil/Chapstick Women's Professional Cycling Team, Kenda/Raleigh Men's Cycling Team, Calyon-Litespeed Professional Cycling of Montreal, Target Training Elite Development Team, Team RACE Professional Cycling of Ontario, Fitness Together / IF pb Lionette's Men's Elite Cycling, MetLife Pro-Am Cycling, and VW/Trek of Quebec.

The race also features a race expo organized by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at the finish line on West Broadway in Salem featuring food, local crafts, cycling vendors, and live entertainment, as well as several viewing areas around the course.

Major 2008 Race Sponsors include Glens Falls Hospital, Trade Manage Capital, WestoodVelo, Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company, Reynolds Real Estate of Greenwich, Cabot of Vermont, Echappe Equipment, 53x11 Coffee,Flex Power, and Adidas Eyewear.

Many volunteers are needed for the safe hosting of the race. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Christine Hoffer at volunteers@battenkillroubaix.com or 518-677-5741 for details.

Views From The Hil 20 Views From The Hil 20

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Thanks! Thanks!

Dear CambridgeBuzz Readers,

The team here at BuzzWave, and especially Debra Pearlman and myself, John Carlson, want to thank you for reading the CambridgeBuzz.

We have recently past another milestone with over 40,000 hits!

Thank you for your support in reading this blog. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions or ideas you may have to expand this community resource.

Become involved, develop a thread, share a favorite photo.

Also, thanks to everyone who has participated in helping to provide materials, text, imagination, artworks, especially, June Mohan and Hilary Allison, we love you guys!

Enjoy the coming spring! I know I will.

Email me at:
jdcarlson2001@yahoo.com.


(Photo copyright John Carlson 2007)

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

(Photo copyright John Carlson 2008)

Winter at the Depot

Winter seems to be hanging on a little longer than I would like this year. It has, however, afforded me many wonderful photo opportunities! I love walking around the village on nights like this one when the weather defines not only the mood of the town but the spaces between the places that are my landmarks, buildings that give me a sense of my hometown.
-John Carlson

You can contact me at:
jdcarlson2001@yahoo.com.

Views From The Hil 19 Views From The Hil 19

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Cooks: Eggplant Parmesan Cambridge Cooks: Eggplant Parmesan

Photos: Debra Pearlman

This recipe comes from friends Scott and Amanda K. They say it can be made ahead and reheated at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. It is usually baked uncovered, but be careful not to let the cheese get too brown on top.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 small eggplants, about 2 lbs. total
1 1/2 c roasted fresh tomatoes sauce or your favorite purchased brand, but not chunky
4 oz. part skim mozzarella, grated
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1/3 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 1/2 oz.)
Non-stick vegetable oil
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste

WHAT YOU DO

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

2. Peal the eggplants and slice cross-wise, 1/2" thick

3. Arrange the slices in one layer on a baking sheet and spray with the non-stick veggie spray. Sprinkle them with the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Bake 10 minutes; turn over and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden

5. Spread 2 tbsp. of the tomato sauce in the bottom of an 8-inch round quiche dish or pie plate.

6. Arrange one half of the eggplant slices over the sauce, overlapping them slightly and top the eggplant with half of the remaining tomato sauce, half of the mozarella, half of the parsley and half of the Parmesan.

7. Repeat the procedure with the reaining ingredients and bake for 30 minutes or until very hot and bubbly.

This is another easy game-day recipe. You can make it ahead and heat it up during the first half, serve during half-time, and get back to the game for the start of the 3rd quarter -- that is if you're watching the Final Four during March Madness.

Baking the eggplant reduces the calories, making it good for those trying to keep their New Year's Resolution.

Enjoy Everyone!