Winter 2009

Last week’s Chamber of Commerce gathering with expert community coach Paul Roth brought about conversation and agreement. Paul, an amazing workshop facilitator, encouraged us all to discover a new paradigm for these changing times. We are seeking short and long term solutions to serve the needs of the community and the global impact Woodstock emits as the worldwide phenomenon it is. “There are many visions of Woodstock,” we say at the Woodstock Museum, “the town, the festival(s) and the notion.”

A group of nearly 20 chamber members showed up on a frozen winter night at Mountain View Studio to participate in a lively discussion and to experience what a conversation piece “Woodstock” truly is. “What makes a community,” says Roth, “is a conversation.” How we can rise above the past is the key to our future! Out of the many Woodstock notions held in hearts, minds and spirits, a theme emerges. Woodstock is a very special place.
Although many tourists come in search of 1969, Woodstock is much more than that for those of us living here. Still, many visitors and locals alike share the values of the world wide social revolution of the 1960s, which was about inclusiveness, cooperation and even better, collaboration in a dream to make the world a better place to be. Why not start locally by mutually supporting our differences within the larger oneness? This actually turns out to be a pragmatic approach to the peace and love community we really are.

Woodstock Museum has experienced a tremendous surge in Woodstock interest, brought about by the 40th anniversary of ’69 as well as last years’ multi-million dollar opening in Bethel. This will increase as summer approaches and the release of the film “Taking Woodstock” is publicized. Like it or not, many people from everywhere are coming in search of “Woodstock,” a powerful, cultural icon, representing peace, love, music, art, awesome beauty, freedom, creativity and, above all, respect for the environment dating back to the Indians, who savored Woodstock not as a place to live but to enact sacred ceremonies. Our job is to meet, greet and share in the Woodstock experience. Brooding about the influx of visiting baby boomers and new youth with all their baggage is not the Woodstock way.

Actually, we are meeting the next generation, who accompany their parents to the museum, and they are activated and empowered by the Obama phenomenon. They are dressing in tie-dyes and patchwork jeans but make no mistake about it. They are not hippies looking for a handout and smelling foul from days without a shower. The next generation has the will to thrive and a vision to make it work, even in this crumbling economy. Visitors agree when we say: “The hippies were right.” And, the definition for “flower child” is “those of us who are more closely connected to the earth.” That sounds like most of us.

Let’s share our dreams of Woodstock. It’s not going away. Woodstock Museum has a whole series of events for this summer, mostly free. Call 845 246-0600 or email hello@WoodstockMuseum.org or visit our website www.WoodstockMuseum.org to stay tuned in for summer fun. Please volunteer. What is good for the town is good for the world! And now for the drum roll. Let there be music & art!

Nathan Koenig, Pres.
Shelli Lipton, Dir.
Woodstock Museum