While not NY related, these are awesome artworks of nature that I couldn’t resist sharing: Icebergs in the Antarctic area sometimes have stripes, formed by layers of snow that react to different conditions. Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet fills up with meltwater and freezes so quickly that no [...]

In this WROC article, the trail opening is old news (see previous post “Trail Between Hemlock & Canadice Lakes Opens June 28), but the “for sale” info is interesting: There’s a new addition to Hemlock Lake which opens Saturday. The Nature Conservancy will unveil a hiking trail on the lake. The trail is one [...]

Chris Davenport, the Aspen based professional skier and alpinist, hasn't been sitting on his laurels since his epic 2006 feat of climbing up and skiing down all of Colorado's fifty-four...

Here’s a map showing some of the many waterfalls across New York State. (This photo was taken in Fillmore Glen State Park)

Sorry to mislead you - this is for runners and triathletes, not nudists: Join Team Bear Naked 2008

At the eastern edge of the Catskills, the Forsyth Nature Center is sponsoring numerous Kayaking programs this summer on the Hudson River. These programs are great for beginners and experts alike.

Here’s an innovation that’s on the drawing board: Katie Scott reported from the UK: We’re all being encouraged to ditch our motors, dust off our cycles and saddle up. But there are certain dangers to cycling, especially in London town, and especially at night, even with lights. This concept jacket, should it go into production, could save [...]

Monthly noon-time walks and talks sponsored by the Chemung Valley History Museum: Chemung River Walks & Talks

In Ski Resort Happenings and Events, I've been searching out ski resorts around the country that run summer programs. I intend to take this one step further now that summer...

Hand Drum Circle Returns to Sculpture Park July 7

BY DOUG SITLER

ASHFORD HOLLOW - After the tremendous success of last summer, Griffis Sculpture Park will once again host three evenings of hand drum circle and lessons. The first night of drumming will take place on Monday, July 7 at 7pm. The lesson and circle will take place place underneath the monumental sculptures at the Rohr Hill Road site of the sculpture park. Drummers are asked to make a $5 donation to the park. Spectators are welcome.
Instructors T.R. McKotch and Charity Nuse will lead the group in hand drum lessons, and eventually a drum circle. McKotch is a percussion instructor and currently plays in the Gahu Drum Ensemble and the Steve Johnson Band. Charity Nuse is one of the founding members of Big Leg Emma and has studied percussion for many years.
Participants are asked to bring a hand drum and a chair. There will be a limited amount of hand drums available for those who do not have a drum.
There will be two additional nights of drumming this summer: Monday, July 21 and Monday, August 11.
Last year, the park brought in drum instructor TR. McKotch to provide a night of drum lessons and open drum circle. Some people had their own drums, others used a few that were provided. The first week, organizers were surprised when over 20 people of all ages showed up to play. It was the perfect mix - experienced drummers playing alongside someone playing for the first time. By the third and final drum evening, almost 40 people circled around.
The best part about hand drumming is that anyone can do it. Drum circle groups are very welcoming, so one should never be intimidated to play. The health benefits of drumming continues to be explored, but is extensively known to reduce stress, expand team building skills, increase concentration, and serve as a creative output.
For more information about drumming at Griffis Sculpture Park, contact Doug Sitler at 716-984-7595 or e-mail dsitler@gmail.com.