22 people enjoyed a scenic walk through the scenic streets and beautiful shoreline of Old Greenwich. The group had met at the Old Greenwich train station at 11:40 am. After everyone had signed in, we walked along Sound Shore Rd while observing a small park with a peaceful stream. We then proceeded to the Civic Center to pick up our passes for the park at the Civic Center. On our journey to Greenwich Point Park we passed along many upscale homes many of a ranch architectural style. Many of these homes were located on private roads.

Once we arrived at the park, we walked on the beach and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Long Island Sound. We soon stopped for lunch. At that point we met up with Howard Israel and another participant. Both had transportation difficulties but caught up with us rather quickly considering the circumstances. Howard had brought his trademark imported cookies which were a treat for the group.

After lunch, Howard led us on a tour around the park and through some very scenic gardens. These spots were a perfect photo opportunity. After this stop, we proceeded back to the beach where some of us took in a sun while I was brave enough to go for a swim.

Shortly afterwards, we walked back to Old Greenwich and eleven of us had dinner in a Chinese Restaurant. It truly was a delightful day of magnificent scenery, architecture, and good company.

Glenn Wiener/Howard Israel

by Lanny Wexler, Club President of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of Greater New York

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27 CHICAGO PRE TOUR - Early Wednesday morning I flew
to O'Hare Airport in Chicago. Though missing the group at O'Hare Airport, I found the subway and made my way downtown to our overnight accommodations at the Columbia College dorms, right in the heart of downtown Chicago, only a few blocks from the Loop. Thank God for wheels on luggage!

After settling in at the surprisingly comfortable, clean and air conditioned dorms I began to meet most of our group. There was Fred from Texas, Jon from Philadelphia, Brenlee from Toronto, Neri from Michigan, Leon from Maryland, Barry from Massachusetts, Marcy from Atlanta, Elisa from Chicago, Rob from South Florida and Steve all the way from Los Angeles. Jews had come from all their respective Mosaic Clubs around their country for the once a year get together. The backgrounds and accents (including my own) made for some interesting conversation.

The pre-tour kicked off with a spectacular kayak/canoe trip on the Chicago River through the heart of downtown. The put in was a bit awkward as it took an hour for us to get the flotilla loaded on the
river. My canoe mate was Brenlee Robinson President of the Mosaic Toronto Club who gave me a few tips on kayaking. Well the kayak trip was really spectacular.

Picture gliding down a river along 6th Avenue with many pedestrian and vehicular bridges and all sorts of modern gleaming office buildings and luxury condos rising up on both sides and you get the idea. Also your companions on the river include rusting barges and luxury yachts. For some reason our guide led us up river and into the wind to the puzzlement of some. Don't you normally go downstream but the local watering hole was the objective.

At dinner we went to a fancy supper club called the Cliff Dwellers where we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner as the lights of Chicago came on below us. From our vantage point we could look out on the
blue waters of Lake Michigan and the planet Mars rising off to the southeast, somewhere over the state of Indiana. The Mosaic Chicago chapter were our hosts. After dinner, the Chicago President took us
out on the balcony where we enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Michigan. Someone joked, who arranged the fireworks for Mosaic. 

After dinner some people went to a jazz club to listen to blues.   Chicago is the home of the blues.

The next day was sunny and hot. I awoke early and enjoyed breakfast at Lake Michigan, by the Chicago Yacht Club where a cooling breeze could be had. Joel Berman and a friend of his took us on an architectural walking tour of downtown. One of our first stops was the magnificent Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world.

About mid day we bought lunch and boarded our air conditioned coach for a three and a half hour ride to camp. Traffic was slow on the I90 Tollway but the time passed as I discussed Star Trek trivia with
Atlanta President, Gary Vogin.

Late afternoon arrived in a hot and dusty Camp Chi. Our accommodations were in typical camp bunkhouses with 20 to a bunk, double deck bunk beds. Yes it was hot. As soon as people got there they pried off the wooden boards over the windows to ventilate the bunks. Fortunately, that evening at dinner, strong thunderstorms with loud thunder, vivid lightning displays and heavy down pours rolled through dropping temperatures. Cool refreshing breezes placed the torrid heat and the rest of the weekend was dry and cool with low humidity.

Food tonight at dinner was a Mexican fiesta. The menu at the International Event was planned by our own member Nadine Resnick from New Jersey.

The International Event like all event at Mosaic is run by volunteers. At the International Event I was one of the Outings Coordinators. I was responsible for assigning people to lead events, to get information, sign in sheets and radios to them and for them to get this back to me by the end of the day. If someone got lost or
injured the leader was responsible for communicating this information back to me. Fortunately, there were no incidents and the event ran relatively smoothly.

So Thursday evening I helped stuff envelopes and monitored sign up sheets. People were signing up for hikes, mountain biking, scuba, rock climbing, and an Americana Tour featuring a tour of a cheese
factory and Frank Lloyd Wright's house.  On Thursday evening the Event volunteers and MOCA Board was
introduced followed by icebreakers and a nature slideshow given by David Liebman of North Carolina.

On Friday I went caving with about 16 others. We were told to get dirty, I mean real dirty. The cave we were going to was full of mud and tight spaces to slither through. At one point at a section of the
cave called the Birthing Canal I turned back as the space I would have to squeeze through would have had about 6 inches of clearance!  Back at camp that night there was Shabbas services before dinner for
those who wish to participate.

On Saturday I canoed the Wisconsin River led by our own Marsha Zellner from Connecticut. I canoed with Marcy from Atlanta who joked I would be Driving Miss Daisy as I was in the back of the canoe which
does the steering. Due to a hot dry summer in Wisconsin, water levels were low forcing me to get out of the canoe on several occasions to push off sand and gravel bars.

On Saturday evening I attended a MOCA (Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America) Board meeting of which I am a Board member. Tonight we elected a new Treasurer and Member at Large. Believe it or not these
positions were contested, so it was necessary to have an election.  Each of the candidates delivered a speech of why they would be the best person for the job. Heidi Fleischer of South Florida was elected
the new MOCA Treasurer and Carol Dunwitz of the Michigan club was elected Member at Large. Carol, who holds PhD will be directing PR efforts to make MOCA known nationwide in the same vein as Bnai Brith.
With business put aside, everyone packed on to school buses and vans to the short ride to kitschy Wisconsin Dells for a night time boat ride on the Wisconsin River. A havdallah service was done as the boat
left dock and then the partying began as the music was cranked up and people danced under starlit skies as we floated down the dark river with walls of sandstone and dark pine trees on either side.

On Sunday I led a nine mile "difficult rated" hike on the Ice Age Trail. The only reason the hike was rated difficult was the distance.  The terrain was wooded and rolling with occasional meadows, nothing
like the steep climbs we have here in the Hudson Highlands. About 16 of us hiked and we finished the day at scenic Devils Lake State Park.

Devils Lake is a rather interesting area and has steep cliffs which drop 500 feet down to a lake. There were some great views of the lake from above. We hiked down to a spot called Balanced Rock, where we
could see some people from another Mosaic group doing rock climbing.

Sunday night was a lakeside chicken barbecue, followed by a campfire with the Tribal Council. We literally went to war as we split into two tribes; the Schlimiels and the Smohawks. Chief Yaacov Gotthard
and Chief Schmooli (a.k.a ) Rick Dronsky of Atlanta facilitated the intertribal warfare as each tribe had to compete against each other in ritual exercises. These included throwing the fastest group to
fill a bucket with bottles and bottles and cans and articles of clothing.

Schmooli also engaged the tribes in an exercise of Schmooli Sez. Well who do you think won these contests, why it was the Smohawks.  Well Monday came all too fast as we all said goodbyes from our new
found friends before boarding the buses for the long ride back to Chicago. I departed the next day after visiting a Chicago friend with many good memories.

Can't wait till next year. I hear they're thinking about the Berkshires.

Atlantic Highlands Fishing Trip, Sunday August 24

Attendees: Larry Neumann (Leader), Barbara Rothstein, Harold Sarapin,
Michael Kaplan, Merril Finkler, Kevin Cohen, Vlad Dasnevsuy, Lanny
Wexler (Mosaic-GNY President),

On the beautiful day of Sunday August 24th, 8 brave souls came by planes, trains, buses, ferries, bicycles, and automobiles (well ok maybe Not planes. But, yes we did have someone come by ferry and
bicycle.) To go on a 4 1/2 hour fishing tour. (which we hoped would Not end by landing on a deserted island.) The outing turned out to be spectacular. We boarded the boat, The Emerald Tide, for an
afternoon of fishing, on a warm sunny afternoon.

The first hour or so of fishing was kind of slow, with only one member of our group to catching a fish. The next two hours or so, were even slower. Only two members caught little stingrays that could Not be kept, but, needed to be thrown back in the sea. With the afternoon winding down, (and us not catching anything) we all kept our sprits up by remarking that at least it was a perfect afternoon to go boating. Suddenly, with only less than an hour of fishing left, something happened. Our group caught 4 nice big flukes amongst
us. This lifted our sprits tremendously, as the entire boat seemed to be cheering us on.

After we returned to the dock, we decided to pool out 5 trophy fish together and have a fish BBQ dinner, while watching a spectacular sunset over the water.
It was very tasty.

Larry Neumann

Fire Island Jaunt, Sunday August 10

Leader: Les Judd
Location: Fire Island

Attendees: Andrea M., Pam W., Larry G., Steve D. (joined that day), Robert L., Debby B., Helene F., Milana R. (NM) , Vitaly F. (NM) , Sherry B. , Jeff S. (NM)

Weather: Despite predictions of possible showers, we had partly sunny skies most of the day and no rain at all.

Outing Description: We met at the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal at 11:00 AM and took the 11:15 ferry to Ocean Beach. Some people went swimming for about an hour while the rest of us sat and relaxed on the beach. At about 12:30 we moved to the center of town and ate our lunches in a gazebo near the harbor.

After lunch, we started walking to Sunken Forest. We began walking along the South Bay side of the island and gradually moved to the beach side. Shortly before reaching the Sunken Forest, we came to a section of the beach that was roped off to protect Piping Plovers, a species of bird that lays its nests in the sand. Some people were so absorbed in conversation that they didn't notice the roped off area and walked right through it, to the consternation of the leader.

When we arrived at the Sunken Forest, most of the participants were very tired. We decided to take a water taxi back to Ocean Beach. We were hoping to have dinner together in Ocean Beach and get a 7:00 or 8:00 ferry back to Bay Shore. After waiting almost an hour for the water taxi, we discovered that everyone could not fit in the boat. Three of us stayed behind and waited for another boat, which was supposed to come in a few minutes. A few minutes turned into more than an hour. By the time the three of us that stayed behind got back to Ocean Beach, it was
after 8 PM. Although the others waited to have dinner with us for almost 2 hours, they finally took the 8:00 ferry back to Bay Shore and had dinner there. All of us finally got back together in Bay Shore after 10:00 PM.

All the non-members learned about the outing from a friend.

How many phone calls and e-mails did you receive? About 20 all together

Les Judd

Kayak Trip to Constitution Marsh, Saturday August 2

On a steamy, showery Saturday Lanny Wexler (L), Heidi Mauricio, Elana fine, Ed Goldman, Peter Froyton, Jerry & Gail Klein, non members Joanne Rosenthal and Mickey Martz who came all the way from Philadelphia met in the village of Cold Spring to go kayaking. Our outfitter, Pack & Paddle Adventures had been at our recent Picnic in June. Having had a taste of how fun kayaking was at the Picnic, we now spent three hours on the water and an additional one hour prep and instruction on land.

We floated out on to the Hudson with billowing white and black clouds over the surrounding green hills which rose dramatically from the shore line.

We headed over to Constitution Marsh, to enter the marsh we had to duck, I mean duck our heads under a railroad trestle and paddle about 100 yards in a rather confining position. Once we emerged from underneath the trestle we entered Constitution Marsh. 

As we entered Constitution Marsh the sun emerged, raising the discomfort. In the distance helicopters could be heard whirring through the thick air on Army training missions for West Point. The tall grass rising up from the marsh, lush green hills and rank humidity took on an aura of what it may have been like in Vietnam.

After an hour exploring the marsh we headed back going under the same trestle and then taking a brief foray out on to the Hudson. Hard to believe such a treasure of natural respite is so close by.

After the kayak tour, many of us gathered at a fine Tuscan restaurant in downtown Cold Spring for a delicious pasta meal. A nice way to end a fine day.

Lanny Wexler

An 11 mile hike on a delightfully dry sunny day- They hiked Mossy Brook to the Long Path to Hamilton Carriageway Lake Awosting . The group was in good shape and had a lot of fun and enjoyed a spectacular lunch stop overlooking Catskills as well as a refreshing swim in Lake Awosting.

Elana Fine

Walking Tour of Smaller Parks of Manhattan, Thursday July 17, 2003

Attendees: Pam W. , Cheryl K.  , Glenn W. , Sarina M. , Adrienne S. (NM), Irving G. , Mark G. , Mitch S. , Esther N. , Esther W. , Denise P. , Alex A. , JJ G. (NM), Carol W., Jonathan E.

Weather: Sunny and warm

Outing Description:
We met in Stuyvesant Square Park at 6 PM. From there, we went to Union Square Park, Madison Square Park and Bryant Park. Along the way, we saw statues of Peter Stuyvesant, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Mahatma Gandhi, William Seward, William Bryant and others. After the walk, we ate dinner at Vegetarian House, a Chinese Vegetarian restaurant on East 45th Street.

If non-members participated, where did they learn of the event? Both non-members were friends of a member.

How many phone calls and e-mails did you receive? About 30 calls and e-mails all together.

Les Judd

Club Getaway Weekend, Friday July 11 - Sunday July 13

A beautiful summer's weekend found seventeen Mosaic members enjoying the hospitality and fun of Club Getaway. There was something for everyone at at this retreat in the beautiful Berkshire hills of northwest Connecticut. Drove up on Friday evening with menacing storm clouds. About 20 minutes before arriving at Club Getaway a cloudburst sent torrential rains down while driving up US 7 from Danbury. However, just as I arrived in Kent, the sun came out with a beautiful rainbow, promising a fantastic weekend.

We were met by Club Getaway staff, many with British and Australian accents as we parked our cars in in a grassy field and ourselves and our baggage were transported to our cabins. Free of our bags we headed over to the party tent, we're music, drink and nachos were going full blast as we were greeted by friendly Club Getaway staff. Dinner soon followed and featured a fresh salad, pecan chicken, asparagus and almond brown rice. A yummy dessert followed. Friday night was Mardi Gras night. Club Getaway staff were there actively engaging people to introduce each other. We were given a bead for asking someone where they came from, or what their cat's name was. The music was a blast and featured a lot of songs from the
70s.

Saturday morning dawned sunny, cool and fresh. Rather remarkable in this summer of rain. I started the morning with a brisk walk around Club Getaway grounds. Others enjoyed yoga. Breakfast was delicious with a choice of cereals, eggs, pancakes and french toast. Made to order Belgian waffles, and omelettes were available. After breakfast I signed up for the golf clinic. Having not played golf since college, I found the instruction rather good. The golf instructor took a real interest in his students to make sure they had the right posture and swing. While I golfed others played tennis, volleyball and the aerial trapeze. Still others hiked the Appalachian Tail, mountain biked and rock climbed.

Other people just hung out at the lakeside beach catching up on their tan or schmoozing with the opposite sex. People had the opportunity to talk with the opposite sex with Hurry Date. People would talk with someone for three minutes before moving on to the next partner. This took place for about an hour allowing about twenty three minute dates.
Just before lunch I enjoyed a game of Trivial Pursuit with the indomitable Cosmo, the "man with all the answers". Lunch was a Mexican fiesta buffet held under a tent outdoors. Plenty of fresh healthy salads, and make your own taco or burrito.
After lunch I played some volleyball and then later on in the afternoon enjoyed a bike ride into town along the scenic Housatonic River, before heading for ice cream. At the same time, a bus took people on a tour of nearby wineries.

Saturday dinner, featured prime ribs of beef, salad and another wonderful dessert. On Saturday night was the highlight of the weekend as our DJ Cosmo made everyone hit the dance floor to the sounds of "Saturday Night Fever". We were transported back to the disco age  as Club Getaway staff got dressed up as John Travolta, YMCA and The Blues Brothers. It was a real riot as we partied the night away.

Sunday, woke up a little later before heading for another delicious breakfast. This morning I took a hike at nearby Kent Falls State Park with about 40 others. The waterfalls were really beautiful after all the rain we had.

Back at Club Getaway, I took a spin out in the lake in one of the funyaks. Arriving back on dry land I became part of a conga line, as we did the conga out on to the dock to the beat of reggae and calypso. Yes we were hot, hot, hot..
One more delicious barbecue lunch with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob and water melon and all types of ice cream sundaes and pastries. The staff gave out awards and put on a few more stints before closing out the weekend. A really, really nice time that I recommend you try at least once.

Lanny Wexler

Club President of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of Greater New York

Early Summer Golf Trip to Chelsea Piers

Attendees: Glenn Wiener(leader), Sarina Meones, Neil Dorfman, Marvin Pasternak, Susan Mason, Aileen Margolis, Sharon Fogleman, Lisa Criar, Eric Robinson, Vicky Shiefman

Eleven people enjoyed a night of Burgers and Golf at Chelsea Piers. At 7:15 the group met at Rita's Barbecue for a casual meal of Burgers, Hand Cut Fries, Coleslaw, Ice Cream, and Sodas. The small atmosphere allowed for people to mix easily. Afterwards while we waited for golf stalls to open up, some attendees borrowed some clubs and practiced putting on the practice green. When some driving stalls opened up, some of us practiced our driving. Mitch Saltz and Aileen Margolis showed some great form and the ability to hit for the long distance. Others walked around the pier to enjoy a peaceful Thursday Night in NYC. At 9:30 the group dispersed for the evening.

^{Glenn Wiener}