It took us longer than expected, but I’m pleased to announce the results of our annual Photo Contest. As I mentioned in my last letter, we had an unprecedented number of entries in this year’s contest, and the quality of those entries was higher than I’ve ever seen. I’ve always suspected that these mountains held a lot of talented people, and now I’m certain of it. Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to all our winners! Over the course of the next year, you’ll see most of these photographs published in the pages of the Guide. Even if you didn’t win, take heart: your photograph still may be published.

Here’s a list of the winners:

Grand Prize
“Middle Earth,” by Linda Gordetsky

Mountain Scenes
1. “Middle Earth,” by Linda Gordetsky
2. “Twin Mountain,” by Kelly Sinclair
3. “Eastern Catskills from Giant Ledge,” by Henning Vahlenkamp

Fall
1. “Enchanted Forest,” by Paula Friedman
2. Untitled photograph by Loraine Arnold
3. “Blaze of Glory,” by Al Alexsa

Water Scenes
1. “Outstretch,” by Kent Babcock
2. “Kingston Reservoir, Sawkill Road,” by Kelly Sinclair
3. Untitled photograph by Patricia Robinson Wisniewski

Farm Scenes
1. “Happy Sheep,” by Linda Gordetsky
2. “Wagons on Lawn,” by Beth Rappleyea
3. “Barn Door Sky,” by R. Michael Virinsky

Tree and Forest Scenes
1. “Trillium Red,” by Bernie Walters
2. “After a Summer Rain,” by Paula Friedman
3. “Trees & Snow 2,” by Joan Barker

Winter
1. “Fog,” by Kelly Sinclair
2. “Winter Reeds,” by Carol Manno
3. Untitled photograph by Judy Burns

Spring/Summer
1. “Ferns Unfurl,” by B. Docktor
2. “Apple Blossoms,” by James McCracken
3. “Rainbow Horizon,” by Gina L. Tilke

Outdoor Sports
1. “Fisherman in the Fog,” by Heather M. Seamon

Wildlife
1. “Oriole in May,” by Stefanie Blanchard
2. “Heron Over Pond,” by Pat Yeaman
3. “Ladybug,” by Heather M. Seamon

People of the Region
1. “Erin Reck at Hudson Opera House,” by B. Docktor
2. “Rain Dance,” by Christina Tison
3. “Amish Boy at Farm Auction,” by Barbara Nark

Again, thank to everyone who entered. I hope everyone enters again next year: I’ll be announcing next year’s contest in the February issue of the Guide. See you in the mountains!

Yours sincerely,



Sarah Taft
Managing Editor
tafts@catskillmtn.org