Trip Reports

Sunday Dec 21, 2002 -Dim Sum Chinatown Brunch, Museum of The American Indian and Walk from Battery Park to the West Village

On Dec 21, 2002, at 12:00 PM, 27 Mosaic members met in Manhattan Chinatown for a Dim Sum Brunch which was a culinary delight. We sampled many new dishes and everyone was very pleased with the meal. 10 People went to a different Dim Sum restaurant which had a strictly vegetarian menu and we all met afterwards to continue our excursion. Everyone at both restaurants explored and tasted new culinary dishes from the non-English speaking Chinese waitresses who presented carts of exotic foods to us. Everyone was delighted with this new Culinary experience. I want to thank Sandra Frank and Glenn Wiener for helping me manage such a large group.

After a very satisfying meal we us walked through Chinatown to Bowling Green to the Museum of The American Indian which is at the Site of the Old Custom House. It is a beautiful Museum and there was a magnificent exhibit of the Indians of Mexico and their culture and crafts.

After the Museum we walked to the World Financial Center where we saw the Architectural Design plans and Models for the New World Trade Center Site. The Models were in the Wintergarden where the palm trees were decorated with lights for the holiday season. It was very festive. It was a well attended exhibit which was very stimulating and exciting.

Afterwards we walked along the Esplanade of Battery Park City. We walked North along the Hudson River going North from Chambers street along the rebuilt Esplanade as we saw a beautiful sunset over the Hudson River. About 6 of us walked to the West Village where we had a light dinner of Cuban food before going Contra Dancing. Three of us ended the evening by dancing the night away and everyone had a great time.

ATTENDEES: Robert Silverman, Ann Toffel, DePincus, Rhoda Weiskopf, Bruce Siegell, Nadia Reisfeld, Mark Schleisner, Mitchell Saltz, Patti Rosen, Van Wallach, F. Garnn, David Drogin, Rob Friedman, Sandy Frank, Cheryl Kastel, Elise Rawlinson, Robin Becker, Leslie Garris, Bernard Friedman, Craig Rosenthal, Ruth Gotto, Carl Galfen, Bob Scharin, Carol Weidman, Herb Gecht, Glenn Weiner.

TRIP DESCRIPTION: About 20 people met at 14th Street and University Place and we walked south through the East Village noting sites of the Old Yiddish Theaters and other Gentrifications of Second Avenue. We stopped at Yonna Schimmel's for Knishes before going to the Synagogue on Broome Street.

The Synagogue is the only Greek Synagogue in the entire Western hemisphere. It is one of the last remnants of a unique ancient Jewish tradition. It is a tradition that was born of the fusion of Greek and Jewish civilizations following the conquests of Alexander. This group of Jewish people are known today as the Romaniote. The Synagogue is run today mostly by a small group of people devoted to preserving their ancient traditions. They are in need of men for a Minyon for their Saturday morning services. Two of the Mosaic attendees were Greek Jews who were new to Mosaic but they had some interesting history to add about the current life of Jews in Greece. At the Synagogue we all saw a new experimental film on the Jews of Greece and after cookies and drinks we had a tour of the Synagogue.

Later on in the day, the Mosaic group walked to Chinatown, and before dinner we went to a Buddist temple and observed a Chanting service in a Temple that was once a Synagogue. We ended the day with a Malaysian dinner in Chinatown.

Attendees: Myron Escenazi, David Drogin, Leslie Grunes, Segal Katz, Perry Kohen, Daniel Kestin, Rita Kestin, Esther Wohl, Fred Michael, Roberta Saltzman, Jay Schwartz, Michael Kalman, Bob Scharin, Sandy Frank, Cheryl Kastel, Giser Colbert, Mark Grayson.

Location: Harriman State Park (Pine Meadow)
Date: 11/29/02
Activity: Hike to Pine Meadow Lake

Members: (5) Alan Israel, Sarah Condiotti, Robert Leifer, Mark Grayson, Ed Goldman
Non Member: (1) Mark Schwartz

This post Thanksgiving Day hike was modified to 6 level miles due to snowfall 2 days earlier. The early season snow and unseasonable cold weather made for a beautiful winter hike. We started at the Reeves Meadow Visitors Center. The popular Pine Meadow Trail offered the safest route to Pine Meadow Lake despite some snow on the ground and some icy spots.

The woods were peaceful and for awhile it seemed our group would be the only hikers in the park. As we approached the wooden bridge crossing Stony Brook, we met a group of 3 hikers. We passed "Ga-Nus-Quah" rock (the Stone Giant) and continued our path to the lake. As we circled the lake, we spotted a bird rumbling through the bushes to our right. Someone thought it may have been a ruffed grouse.

As the snow flurries and wind intensified, I decided that we should find our lunch spot and not go any further. We found a dry spot beneath a huge boulder and sat against the rock while trying to protect ourselves from the wind and blowing flurries. I rumbled through my daypack and found my stainless steel thermos filled with hot chocolate which I offered to share with the group.

We returned on the same trail for what turned out to be an exciting and most enjoyable day.

Marvin Pasternak

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24 - CAUMSETT STATE PARK, LI WOODS & BEACH WALK (see photo album)

32 walkers enjoyed a brisk late fall afternoon on the Marshall Field Estate on Lloyd Harbor, Long Island. We met at the Syosset train station and began a 14 car procession to the park following each other along winding country roads. We walked 5 miles through a variety of woodlands, meadows, salt marsh and beach. At the beach we could clearly see Norwalk, Connecticut on the other side of Long Island Sound. We watched the surf break along the shore and observed prickly pear cactus ((row 43- last photo on right and row 4 - first photo on left). Near the end of our walk we observed an exhibit where injured birds are rehabilitated. These include bald eagles from Alaska (last photo row 4), kestrels, red tail hawks and several species of owls. We returned to our cars at dusk and some of us capped off the day for a meal of brick oven pizza and pasta at Bertuccis in Huntington.

Trip participants included: Lanny Wexler (CL), Joanne Goldstein (CL), Ezra Aboodi, Robin Becker, Miriam Ben-Ezra, Marc Bizer, Deva Cohen, Len Feuer, Doug Fower, Sandy Frank, Peter Froyton, Jane Fuchsberg, Carol Garfein, Steven Gelb, Ed Goldman, Herb Gecht, Lorraine Inden, Rochelle Lancey, Laura Liebman, Andrea Miller, Nadia Reisfeld, Jeffrey Silverberg, Robert Silverman, Larry Stack, Bill Sugarman, Glenn Wiener Non-members: Michael Bilgrey, Kimberly Leighton, Stanley Nathanson, Judy Ray, Alene Taub

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 - MOSAIC Has a Howl at The Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem, NY

Attendees: Don Pachner (leader), Artie Bennett, Linda Neiman, Cecelia Reisfeld, Joyce Adler, Sandy Frank, Marshall Rubin, Deva Cohen, Howard Fay, Pam Weston, Cathie Carmen, M DiMattia, Robin Becker, Stuart Ellison, Steve Edlin, Loren Edlin, Felicia Eisenstadt, Rochelle Lancey, Doug Fower, Michelle Garazi, Manny Ratafia, Dennis Gross, Glenn Wiener,
Peter Froyton, Laura Liebman

Trip Report: The full contingent of 25 (maximum allowed on this trip) met in the waiting area of the Katonah Metro North Railroad Station at noon before going to lunch at three different Katonah Restaurants...my group found some interesting food at a health food store, then sat down to eat it with first-rate coffees, teas and baked goods at a local, coffee house...others at at a local café or coffee shop. Walking the streets of this quaint northern Westchester town and window shopping its small boutiques and stores was a treat. We met at a pre-arranged spot after lunch to carpool to The Wolf Conservation center in South Salem, a not-for-profit center dedicated to educating the public about the
natural history and politics of wolves in North America. At the end of a steep, narrow private road, we packed our cars into a small parking lot at the center before walking over to the rustic wood frame structure that serves as the education center. The weather was COLD and wet, and the kerosine heater in the front of the room helped keep it tolerably warm. Around the perimeter of room were educational posters about wolves, letters and crafts from school children who had visited, wolf skulls and a stuffed coyote, as well as hats, t-shirts and other fundraising merchandise for sale at a small table near the entrance. We were greeted by a friendly and engaging docent appropriately named Howard Wolfson (his smile resembled the smile of a wolf!) who would be our guide and teacher for the afternoon. Howard presented a slide show and lecture about the natural history of wolves, concentrating on the gray wolves we would be visiting after the presentation...our MOSAIC members asked so many good questions, which Howard answered in informatively and with good humor, that Howard later told me that this was the type of group that he really enjoys talking to, one of the one or two most interesting groups he had spoken to all year, and the type of group that makes his volunteer job worthwhile! After speaking to Howard about Wolf re-introduction, wolf genetics, wolf behavior and wolf morphology, we were instructed to follow and stay behind him, to sit not stand (to avoid stimulating submissive behavior in the Wolves) and not to touch the Wolves as we trudged through the COLD, damp weather up to the 8 foot high enclosure where the wolves live. The wolves were in top fom due to the cold, wet weather! Not only did we see typical wolf pack behavior (such as snarling as a sign of dominance to protect food) but also howled along with the alpha wolf Lucas...if you haven't heard a wolf howl, you wouldn't believe how musical the sound is, and how exciting to elicit this incredibly beautiful behavior of the mysterious wolves we met up close and personal on a cold, drizzly Saturday afternoon.

SAT NOV 9 PEPSICO SCULPTURE GARDEN - 31 people met for a walk of the Pepsico Sculpture Gardens. Overall there were 28 members and 3 non members. Steve Gelb joined as a member at this event. The weather was very seasonable (high fifties-low sixties)I arranged for car pooling from the White Plains Train Station. At 10:19, Dana Robbin(non member, Barbara Traub(non member), Peter Froyton, and myself met Joanne Goldstein, Herb Gecht, Leslie Garris, Steve Gelb, Sandra Fried, Joyce Adler, and Laurie Brager at White Plains and drove them to meet the rest of the group at Pepsico at 10:45. Dennis Gross, Mitchell Saltz, Doug Fower, Ruth Gitto, and Rochelle Lancey helped with transportation from their areas. Herb Gecht assisted me greatly as a sweep for the event. Eric Robinson left the group before we started as he decided to go elsewhere with a friend.

After some brief announcements, at 11 am we proceded to walk through the grounds to explore the many sculptures ranging from totem poles, rotating mobiles, sculptures of dancers holding a bird, and intricate sculptures displaying ancestors of man (family tree). The group was intrigued to the point where people were frequently stopping to touch the sculpture and explore it from different angles. Others took pictures of the many works of art against the pretty fall foliage. I had original anticipated the tour taking 90 minutes but the groups interest stretched it out to an extra hour.

We then carpooled over to Jason's Hilltop where I had made a reservation for lunch at 1:30. Some people left the group at this point as the count dwindled down to 25. The restaurant was EXTREMELY hospitable to us as they grouped seven tables of four into one long table. When non member Michael Gross inquired about Greek dishes, the chef/owner brought out Grape Leaves, Feta Cheese, Pita Bread, Olives, and other assorted appetizers on the house for our group. Needless to say everyone was delighted with the service and the main dishes they ordered. At 3 PM some people left the group while fifteen of us went to the Neuberger Museum to observe African Art, Modern Paintings, Photography, and mroe sculpture. At 4:30 we called it a day.

SUN NOV 3 - Allis Trail Maintenance - (see Photo Album) Rick Levey (CL), Hanna Benesch (CL),Lanny Wexler (CL), Stuart Ellison, Aaron Cohen, Maya Elyashevich, Shirei Goldberg, and Brian Liszewski were out for our bi-annual trail maintenance on the Allis Trail in Sterling Forest. WE used loppers and clippers to snip and prune. Rick painted some fresh blazes while Lanny worked with a small group to channelize the trail better by constructing a small rock wall. The group finished early and enjoyed cheese and vegetarian kosher pizza in Monsey in the Orthodox Jewish community of Monsey.

Description: On a cold, windy day with more clouds than sun and temperatures below 45`F, seven people, including two guests, met the leader in front of Century 21, half a block from Ground Zero. To avoid the wind we walked down Broadway to the Staten Island ferry, which is now free both ways but no longer takes cars. We were on Staten Island by noon, with a 2 km (1.2 mi) walk west along Richmond Terrace to Snug Harbor. For more than half the walk we used a bike path along the water's edge. Snug Harbor started out more than 150 yr ago as a home for indigent and decrepit sailors; now it is the Staten Island Botanical Gardens. The old buildings house a visitors center and a few small museums. But the greatest attraction is the Chinese Scholar's Garden ($5 admission), the only authentic Chinese garden outside China. Chinese Gardens are very different from American or European gardens. They are enclosed within walls, include a house, and always a pond, trees, and rocks, no flowers. The Chinese are very fond of holey limestone. It was better than the gardens I saw in China because of the many signs explaining things. Windows and doorways frame pictures, everyone different. We were all fascinated. Everyone went their separate ways after seeing the garden. Ken King

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27 - Popolopen Gorge & Torne - (See Photo Album) Twenty four adventursome hikers gathered at the Bear Mountain Inn for a fall foliage hike of Popolopen Gorge and Torne on a partially overcast and cool Sunday. The first part of the hike involved a mile of road walking, much of it along US 9W because the trail crossing over Popolopen Creek was out forcing us to make this detour. Along the way we stopped briefly at the site of Fort Montgomery to read the hoistoric signs. Fort Montgomery played a key role during the Revolutionary War.

As we hiked into the woods along the lovely Popolopen Gorge Trail we along Fall colors we encountered some outstanding yellow foliage besides the Popolopen Creek. The color was so nice I shot a few photos that I saved to use as wall paper on my computer.

After the creek walk we began to ascend Popolopen Torne. We split into two groups. About two thirds of us took the short but steeper approach which involved some serious rock scrambling. The smaller group led by Al Baxter took a longer but somewhat less steep approach.

Lunch was on top with awesome 360 degree views of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge and surrouding views. We shad lunch on the windy summit and posed for group shots.

We hiked down and reached the Bear Mountain Inn abou 4:30 pm. Several of us were invited by Irina Bochkis to a fine Italian restaurant in Tarrytown where we enjoyed good food and conversation in a pleasant setting before returning home.

Trip participants included Lanny Wexler (L), Stuart Ellison, Marshall Rubin, Robert Leifer, Irina Bochkis, Al Baxter, Patti Kass, Alan Israel, Ilya Fayer, Paul Huberman, Harriett Wolf, Randi Schlesinger, Rochelle Lancey, Ellen Shaw, Herb Gecht, Suki Rae, Segal Katz, Glenn Wiener, Arthur Zingher and Non-members: Jacqueline Brickel, Tanya Lurye, Elise Liebowitz, Ellen Shaw, Casey Lauren and Myles Gordon. Myles came all the way from Philadelphia.

Lanny Wexler

SATURDAY OCTOBER 19 DINNER AND JAZZ IN GREENWICH VILLAGE (see Photo Album)

On a mild evening in October, an adventurous group of 22 people showed up at a cozy Tibetan restaurant, Dokpa, at the edge of Greenwich Village. Peaceful Tibetan music played in the background as the group was treated to a multi-course feast of varied (mostly vegetarian) dishes, ranging from dumplings and pancakes to colorful vegetable and pasta dishes, and a flavorful chicken and basil dish. Conversation flowed as we sampled 12 different, organically prepared dishes. Following the very filling dinner, most of the group continued on for a brisk walk, under a clear sky, through the charming streets of the West Village, as the leader pointed out historical details and picturesque spots along the way. Lots of interest in this, and members added anecdotes of their own. After the walk, a small group stayed for a late night jazz at a small club in the Village.

Attendees: Susan Mason (L), Miriam Baruch, Ed Goldman, Carol Weidberg, Sarina Meones, Leslie Garris, Robin Becker, Leslie Grunes, Sandy Frank, Joyce Adler, Audrey Sher, Ellen Shapiro, Gail Raskin, Jane Fuchsberg, Mitchell Saltz, Glenn Wiener, Doreen Selinger, Rochelle Lancey, and (NM) Sarah Tobin, Stuart MinkoffJazz Only: Steven Gelb, Helen Goodman, David Drogin, Jeffrey Starr and Ann Boldin

Susan Mason

SUNDAY OCTOBER 6 STORM KING ART CENTER AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
The weather was sunny and about 67 degrees. I arranged for carpooling from the White Plains Train Station for people arriving from NYC who did not drive. Marshall Rubin, Arthur Zingher, and Ellen Miller helped with transportation from Westchester while Dennis Gross assisted as he drove Deva Cohen, Debbie Spitz, and two others from Queens to Storm King. Everyone else drove one lady took a bus to Storm King. We were scheduled to arrive at 11:15 at Storm King. Unfortunately construction by the Tappan Zee Bridge delayed our arrival to around Noon. After everyone signed in, we took a tram tour of the Storm King to get an overview of the place. Afterwards we walked around the grounds and had lunch. The group was intrigued by several of the sculptures and the fall foliage. Some people visited the indoor exhibits which included films and paintings. Sandy Frank, Leslie Garris, Debbie Spitz, Dennis Gross, Madeline Okladek(new member), David Lutzer (new member), Marshall Rubin, Linda Grant, Art Zingher, Ellen Miller, Tiki Mordechai, Jay Silverman, and Deva Cohen were among the attendees.

Glenn Wiener

Leader: Les Judd
Location: Madras Cafe, 79 2nd Avenue
Date: September 12, 2002
Activity: After Work Vegetarian Dinner

People who attended:

Irving Goldberg
Joseph Hochberg NM
Gayle Toonkel
Meryl Mazursky
Dennis Gross
Mitchell Saltz
Sandy Frank
Susan Greenfield NM
Ellen Shapiro
Lisa Crair
Robin Gale NM
Sarina Meones
Robin Becker
Daryl Goodman NM
Leslie Garris

Outing description: We had a very pleasant dinner together.

Where did non-members learn about the event? Jewish Week and Web-site

How many phone calls vs e-mails were received? approx 12 e-mails and 8 phone calls.

Date: August 18, 2002
Activity: Fire Island Jaunt
Leader: Les Judd
Location: Fire Island

People who attended:
Victoria Beder NM
Daisy B. NM
Andrea Miller
Sid Leibowitz
Larry Stack
Herb Gecht
Lanny Wexler

Mileage covered: approximately 3
Route Taken: Kismet to Ocean Beach, via the Burma Rd.
Weather: sunny, with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s

Outing description:
We met at the Bayshore Ferry terminal at 9:30 AM and took the ferry to Kismet. Shortly after arriving in Kismet, the two non-members objected to paying the non-member fee and left the group. They later paid $5 each. We proceeded to walk east in the interior of the island, through Kismet, Fair Harbor, Lonely Woods and Atlantique. In Atlantique, Larry took us to the AMC house for a short visit. We then continued on the Ocean Beach. Larry and Sid went to Rachels for lunch. The rest of us ate our bag lunches in a gazebo near the bay. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and took the 4:40 PM ferry back to Bayshore.

How did non-members learn about the outing? The Blueprint
Terrain covered: level
Were there any injuries or illness? No
Did anyone leave early? The two non-members left early. We saw them again later in the day.

How many phone calls? approx 10
How many e-mails? approx 10
7 people actually showed up

I was disappointed in the low turn-out. I was expecting many more people. Subsequently, I found out that some people were not aware that activities had resumed again after the insurance problem was resolved. Others did not join us because the departure time was very early. I have to think of a way to do this trip in a way that would be early, but not too early. Also, I may try to do this trip in the Spring next year. That way, it wouldn't be so hot and we could walk a longer distance.

Date: July 11, 2002
Location: Vegetarian House, 139 East 45th Street
Leader: Les Judd
Activity: after work dinner

People who attended:
Harold Aronowitz
Ben Herman NM
Don Isler
Mark Traiger NM
Aaron Cohen
Rob Schildkraut
Eileen Lowenstein NM
Nadine Krueger NM
Robin Becker NM
Heather Chait
Carol Weidberg NM
Susanne Roseman NM
Lisa Crair
Ellen Shapiro
Nina Horak NM
Sarina Meones

Outings Description:
16 people joined me for dinner at Vegetarian House, a Chinese Vegetarian restaurant. This was the biggest turn-out I've had for these dinners. They keep getting bigger and bigger.

How did non-members learn of the outing?
Jewish Week 3
Internet 3
Friend 2

How many phone calls? 15
How many e-mails? 10
How many people attended? 16