Mavis Cain's blog

Author: 
Mavis Cain

On July 16, a talented group of performers recruited by the Friends, told stories, sang songs, demonstrated martial arts, described their own group activities and told of their relationship with the Aqueduct. The event was attended by over a hundred local residents.

The festival was planned to expand the outreach of the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and to encourage knowledge and appreciation of the Trail. “Aqueduct Day in Yonkers” was supported by funding from the New York Parks and Trails Partnership.

Author: 
Mavis Cain

One of our docents, Maura Roche, took the lovely image above of Ossining's Double Arch Bridge, which is popular with bridge fans (yes there's a whole world of bridge fans out there.)

Our Friend Fred Charles sent us the image below of Devil's Bridge in Ceredigion, Wales that looks pretty similar. In the Welsh case, these three were built over a period of hundreds of years. The oldest is from 1100, the one above that from 1753 and the top one from 1901.

Author: 
Mavis Cain

Visitors to the Keeper’s House in Dobbs Ferry often provide stories as intriguing as the house itself. Here’s a few; providing a big reward for those of us who work as docents there.

Echoes of Downton Abbey

Author: 
Mavis Cain

Summer hours for the High Bridge

Author: 
Mavis Cain

“ I haven’t had so much fun in years”

That's what one of our new docents said after serving as guide/docent on our weekend Open Days at the Keepers House. He admitted he signed up out of duty since he loves the trail, then discovered what fun it is meeting people from all over the world... Yes, all over the world!

We have had a group from Croatia, five visitors from Germany, and two Quebeqois, among others. Even one Icelander.

Author: 
Mavis Cain

The Friends were delighted to host the Annual Awards Event of the Association of Social Studies Teachers of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties.

Author: 
Mavis Cain

The Friends were thrilled to be asked to give a presentation on February 28 at Wave Hill, the amazing 28 acre estate in the Riverdale section of the Bronx overlooking the Hudson River. Since Wave Hill is within NYC city limits, the neighborhood is not one where we have many members. Although many of us know Wave Hill well as individuals, it is new territory for our outreach. We were not entirely confident of a good audience.

But what a turnout we had! 115 people attended!

Author: 
Mavis Cain

Painters love the Aqueduct Trail because it's so beautiful, in any season.

On May 28, Mavis Cain led a group of walkers on the trail in Yonkers, making a detour into Untermyer Park to see the artistic gardens, so colorful, as well as the amazing sculptures brought here by Untermyer, who also commissioned sculpture to be done here.

Author: 
Mavis Cain

The drawing took place on November 20 on the porch of the Keeper's House. AND THE WINNERS ARE...
lst prize: Eugenie Anderson of Washington DC wins the Transeo bike.
2nd prize: Soo Chin of Dobbs Ferry wins Dinner for Two at Orissa restaurant in Dobbs Ferry.
3rd Prize: Jo Brimmer of Dobbs Ferry wins a basket of Aqueduct gifts.
The Friends want to thank everyone who participated to help our big project. Thanks, too, to Jason at Endless Trail for working with us.

Author: 
Mavis Cain

This has been a big season for field trips. PS 116 of Manhattan sent 4th and 5th graders with their enthusiastic leader, Michelle Yonkell. These kids know a lot about the water system of New York - enough to keep us on our toes with accurate facts. After seeing the movie and listening to Mavis' stories about John Jervis, the kids had to test the echo in the tunnel and hunt for bats. They went back to the city wearing their Aqueduct bracelets and armed with a fact sheet.