I want to soar like an eagle

With the Narrowsburg, NY, 9th annual EagleFest just around the corner, I have been doing some research of my own, starting with a visit to the River Gallery - The Art of Living ( rivergalleryny.com ) this past Saturday night. John and Yoke Digiorgio were both on hand to converse with guests of the gallery about EagleFest and their work with the eagle alliance ( eaglealliance.org ).

The event featured a 50/50 raffle and guests mingled, sipping wine and snacking on appetizers provided by 15 Main. John Digiorgio was very informative, and his passion for the cause was evident as he explained the information that the organization provides to wildlife experts, naturalists and educational facilities around the globe.

EagleFest is scheduled for Saturday, January 16. For more information see page 16.

That same evening, the Old North Branch Inn ( theoldnorthbranchinn.com ) will be hosting musician Joe Crookston. I’ve yet to hear him play, but understand from others that my trip there will be quite worthwhile, and I look forward to a great evening. Reservations are filling up, so this may be a good time to try and get in on the act.

Now that New Year’s is behind us, the arts in the surrounding counties are reawakening, and my calendar is once again burgeoning with upcoming events. Concerts, high school musicals, gallery exhibits and the like are creeping into my psyche as I approach 2010 with renewed vigor and a vitality that (in my humble opinion ) I must attribute to my newfound Zen attitude, courtesy of the Kadampa Meditation Center ( kadampanewyork.org ) located in Glen Spey, NY. I went there on business, but feel as if I have found a new home.

I plan to expand my horizons a bit in the new year and venture out further into Pennsylvania (and a bit of New Jersey ) as I become more informed, more aware and more excited at the host of opportunities that await. I managed to get in a nap this week, so am more determined than ever in leaving no stone unturned as I explore and share the wonders of the Catskills.

As I gaze out my office window, I see eagles soaring in skies over my house, joined by red tailed hawks, woodpeckers and owls, and wonder how their natural habitat became so violated in such a short period of time. The upcoming event in Narrowsburg this weekend has reminded me of how fragile the environment is and that together, we can indeed make a difference, one bird at a time.

It’s easy, living in the country, to think that all is well, as I observe the hawk soaring overhead and while away the hours tending to the trees, observing nature on a daily basis. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that this is not the norm, and need events like EagleFest to remind me that there is much work to be done in order to restore what has been lost, not only here in the Catskills, but on a global basis. Chatting with the Digiorgios brought that process home for me, reminded me of what treasures are in danger of vanishing forever, and my heartfelt thanks go out to all of the wonderful folks who dedicate their lives to enriching us all.

Participating rather than observing from the sidelines has become so important to me in recent years that I scarcely know where to begin. I’ll start the year off with eagles and work my way through the myriad of causes that are out there, always looking for new support and enthusiasm.

Refreshed from the nap, I’ll gather my wits about me (no mean feat ), and set off in search of adventure, education and enlightenment, knowing that a “spring awakening’ is literally just around the corner. I like to think that I can join the others out there who are accomplishing the Herculean tasks that few dare to attempt but all embrace, as we continue to build community. Well past Christmas, there is no time like the present to expand on “good will towards men” (and women ) and all creatures, great and small.