Monday Morning Madness

As today is the first Monday after Thanksgiving, that means two things: it is the first day of wrestling practice in CT and it is the first day for BIC reservations to be made. Even though I no longer coach, the start of the season still has meaning, and Jen & I took the boys up to Troy, NY (Bud and Mary's hometown) to see Tyler B wrestling for Hofstra. He and the team had a tough day against many nationally ranked teams, but it was worth the drive. Looking ahead to tonight's MNF with the Saints and Pats. It has been nice to speak with many of our frequent campers who have called (or driven out to see us, as in the case of Mike W and John D and a few others). Always nice to find any little glitches today for the 100 or so BIC campers before the real craziness of Jan 2 (and thanks to George P for finding an error on the website regarding check-in days for the log cabins). As usual, the phones are constantly busy from 8am until about 10am, but by then, 90% of the BIC folks have gotten through...so it is fairly quiet for the rest of the day. Still trying to work out one little kink in the rez system, which is not giving our 4th of July week campers the regular weekly rate (as it should), and is instead calculating the holiday weekend plus 4 nights. I am sure our tech support friends up in Canada can figure out the error in my ways.

Obituary & Funeral Information for Jacob Biber

The obituary for Buck's father appeared in the local papers today http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=jacob-biber&pid=136404088, and as noted, funeral service will be held on Sunday at 1PM. Please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday, and congrats to Kenny F, part-time Rec Staff member, on his acceptance to the school of pharmacy in his accelerated degree program. Maybe CVS will give you a raise and you can buy your sister Lexi that horse she's been wanting.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our campers

Hope everyone has a great holiday and enjoys some football, whether on TV (Lions could be boring, Cowboys have scored about 10 points in 3 weeks and the Giants are on too late for my turkey-induced bedtime) or of the local high school variety (my alma mater NFA is playing New London, and it could be a long day for the Wildcats). The Strawberry Park office will be closed on Thanksgiving, and we will also be closing early on Wednesday. We will re-open on Friday, and this coming weekend is the last weekend with office hours until January, as December features Mon-Fri office hours. On Monday, we begin taking reservations from those enrolled in our BIC Program (and the real football game this week is on Monday night, with Saints vs Pats). Last week, I had mentioned a tought start for summer rec staffer Tyler B and his collegiate wrestling debut with Hofstra, but he rebounded quite well and placed 2nd in a tournament in North Carolina, defeating last year's high school national champion in the semis. At this time, it appears that the funeral service for Buck's father will be held on Sunday, November 29 in Norwich at the Beth Jacob Synagogue http://www.bethjacobnorwich.org/ 400 New London Tpk (about 10-15 minutes from the campground) tentatively at 1pm. Details should be finalized later today, and the obituary is expected to appear in the local paper on Wednesday. I will send out an email and post the specifics on Wednesday morning, once everything is determined.

Jacob Biber 1915-2009

On Saturday, Jacob Biber passed away in Florida with his sons Buck, Ben and Joe at his side. He is survived by his wife Eva. Jake had battled cancer, and it had recently returned. As many of you know, the past few months have been very difficult. At this time, funeral arrangements are incomplete, but they will take place here in CT, most likely on Monday, Nov 30. While many of you know Buck & Sonia and Josh and Melissa, most of our current campers may be unaware of Jake's story, for while you may know that he founded the Preston Trading Post, this was long after his emigration and struggles that were documented in his first book "Survivors", published in 1982. It is still available in print, and the following are excerpts from some reviews: "This is a story of man's inhumanity to man and the struggle of two people whose very survival is in itself a miracle. It is a story that needs to be told... it is a true story." "For those who were not interned in the camps, the War was no less real or devastating in its impact. Survivors brings that point home with telling force." ~Ivan Katz, New Haven Register"Survivors by Jacob Biber is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting." ~Elizabeth Lengyel, The Day, New London"Once in a while, a book arrives from a little publishing house that turns out to be a little diamond. Such a book is Survivors by Jacob Biber." ~Bill Pike, Willimantic Cronicle"Despite its tragic theme, Survivors is not a depressing book, it is an inspiring one." ~Margaret Vasington, Hartford Courant. The following comes from an early issue of The Preston Pipeline, and offers a glimpse into Jake's story (as he often contributed poetry to that publication). Preston Trading Post was started in 1974, by Jacob Biber, in the then vacant Biber Egg Farms, processing plant. Jacob, a Holocaust survivor, settled in Preston with his wife Eva, and had three sons. They settled on a dairy farm, the barn of which, later would become the original Preston Trading Post. Mr. Biber eventually converted his dairy farm to chicken farming, as this was a popular activity in Preston in the 50's and 60's. The extent of the business grew and the business was shipping eggs to large chains in New England and New York. In 1973, Jacob sold the business, but kept the property. In traditional New England style, Jacob was restive and industrious. He determined to occupy himself, and the buildings, with a small retail business, and still sell some eggs, but also sell estate furniture, antiques, collectibles, and the like. This was the Trading Post's beginnings. In 198 1, two weeks before Christmas, a terrible fire destroyed the original structure. The Bibers were undeterred. Using their existing warehouse, (a former chicken coop), they converted it to the store that stands today. His son Joe continues to operate PTP. Jake published another book titled "Risen from the Ashes" just a few years ago, and despite being 94 years old, retained his accuity. His 2nd book is described as follows: When Jacob Biber and his wife Eva escaped from the Ukraine, after a series of harrowing adventures that saw most of his family killed by the Nazis, an uncertain future awaited the refugee Jews. In the ruins of postwar Germany, Biber and his family and the other survivors were herded into temporary camps erected by the Allied soldiers, unable to return to their destroyed homes in Russia and other parts of Europe. Many would go to Israel, others would come to the United States, still others would seek South American homes. This is the moving story of what happened to the remnants of the great Jewish civilization in Europe, and how each individual began rebuilding his and her life anew.

Buck and his family have appreciated the concern that so many campers have expressed over the course of these last few months. On a personal level, I must thank Jake for playing a great part in where I am today. When the holidays roll around and you watch Jimmy Stewart's "It's a Wonderful Life", about how one life can impact so many, you sometimes forget how true that is. If you remove all the obvious ancestral ties, there are probably a few hundred people, perhaps more, who, if not for their existence, your own life would be readically different. As I began working summers at a local tomato farm, my father had recently changed jobs and after many years at Gorin's Furniture and Campo's in New London, had begun working at the Preston Trading Post selling furniture for Jake. Being a Preston native, I had recalled visiting the Post many times, and distinctly remember buying thousands of baseball cards from the "original store", and remarking that I was getting a great deal because they were selling "old" cards at current prices. When I was old enough to find a non-farming summer job, I applied to Strawberry Park, and I am sure that there was a little nepostism in helping me land work at the business run by my dad's boss's son. If not for Jacob Biber, I would not be working at Strawberry Park, would never have met Jen and had our two wonderful boys. Thank you Jacob, and in an attempt to offer the proper Yiddish blessing, "Alav hashalom". Our thoughts are with the entire Biber family.

Can we trade Nov for Oct (and a month to be named later)?

Once again, looks like another beautiful November weekend, already surpassing the number of great weekend days in October. The "summer water" is now off to all sites (winter water remains on for our long term winter caretakers), and some preliminary leaf work has begun. I did get a few emails from folks who could not see the new website, but in most cases it was the result of a "bookmark" not being refreshed. The office will be open this weekend, but just a reminder that the month of December is the only time when the office is closed on weekends, as we resume reservations and office hours in January. Today's website feature note: On the directions page, you can zoom in and see an aerial of the campground. While we were able to donate any unopened goods from the Grill & Creamery to the local shelter, we do have a few tubs of opened ice cream that we can't donate, and since the freezers will be going off soon, we may have some free dessert for your Thanksgiving dinner if you can't find a pumpkin pie. I am tempted to put up a survey question about a remaining performer slot at the BG Fest, but until the festival crowd starts viewing, it may be a limited response...so I will wait. I did add a little google search tool to the blog in case you want to find something from blogs gone by. Speaking of days gone by, heading to a surprise birthday party tonight for a former fellow employee. It was so long ago (she worked here during HS and college and is now celebrating the big 4-0) that there is absolutely no risk of her finding out from this blog--but if you do run into Kevin or Nini between now and 6:30 tonight, don't say anything. Now that the website is updated, time to focus on the brochure, since RV Show Season is less than 2 months away.

Welcome to the NEW strawberrypark.net!!

Thanks to the many folks who helped find any little glitches with the new website, as it officially launched today. We are still in the process of going through all the "links" to make sure that they do not refer to an "old" web page. Also, thanks to those who have taken the time to provide reviews at either Trip Advisor or the ARVC website. Strawberry Park had a high enough score average to receive national recognition, but did not have enough total reviews (50 were needed and we had 40-something). Special thanks to our facebook friends who took the time to offer a review--hope your crops didn't fail while they went unattended. It is now time to focus on the brochure, as camping shows are just around the corner, with Hartford and Boston each happening in January. Now that virtually all the leaves have fallen, the first round of leaf clean up has begun. Thanks again to so many who bagged and raked their own site (and in the case of some folks like Bob G down around site 261, some sites around them). Many of the large piles have already been picked up, and the bagged leaves are next. As noted recently, the line-up for Bluegrass is nearly complete, and we are now focusing on finalizing Cajun/Zydeco. If you have not already signed up for the email notified on the new website, it will alert you whenever anything new is posted to the homepage...which will probably be a weekly type of thing, not nearly as frequent, in-depth or personal as the blog.

Camper Reviews & Comments

One of our website pages features information about various campground review & ratings pages. There are quite a few out there, and some are easier to navigate than others. Whenever you have guests posting comments, you have to expect that there will be a few folks that were unhappy with some aspect of their visit. Overall, the vast majority of comments that are posted are quite positive, and our overall average scores represent some of the highest of any campgrounds. As we prepare to launch our new website this week, we invite any of our campers who have not already posted a review or provided a rating to do so. Although Trip Advisor is not for "campgrounds only" (like most others), it has earned a reputation among travelers as a resource, so feel free to add your two cents http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g33894-d119854-Reviews-Strawberry_Park_Resort-Preston_Connecticut.html. A fairly recent addition has been reviews through "Go Camping America", part of the Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, http://www.guestreviews.com/Members/EmailTemplates/SurveyInvitation.aspx?CustomerId=273. They offer a simple scoring survey and provide feedback to the campgrounds (unlike many of the other review sites). Many folks appear to view "RV Park Reviews", but their format can be a little confusing, as multiple campgrounds show up together if they are in the same town http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Connecticut/Preston.html. If you have a few minutes, we invite you to offer your thoughts.

Festivals vs Concerts

Every now and then, someone shows up at one of our music festivals thinking that it is some sort of free offering. Not quite sure how they figure the bands would get paid, but it would be good to consider the value of attending a festival vs attending a concert. Let's even assume that the headliners are the same for each, with a concert offering a perhaps a preliminary act followed by the star of the show. If you attend a concert in any city, you need to pay for parking. This could range from $5 if you are lucky, to upwards of $20 or more. Joining us for the day at the festival? Parking is free. If you attend a concert, you can't bring in any food or drink, so be prepared for movie theater pricing if you want a soda or a snack. At a festival, you can pack a picnic basket or cooler of your favorite food (or you can visit our snack bar...or try something you can't get at a concert: food from a specialty vendor such as The Chili Brothers). Ever think about taking your kids to the concert with you? If you do, you'll need to pay full price for a seat, same as an adult. If you plan on leaving them home, you need to shell out $$$ for a sitter. At most festivals (including ours) kids are free, and teens are 1/2 price. Ever consider asking the hotel next door to the concert venue if you can take a swim in their pool? Not likely, but at one of our music festivals, you and the family can swim in the pools, realx in the hot tubs etc. At a concert, you might get to see 1 or 2 performers, while on a Saturday during Bluegrass, there are 7-10 different acts taking the stage. At a concert, what are the chances you can talk with the stars either before or after their performance? Not very likely, but at festivals, most of the acts are hanging out, selling CDs and mingling with their fans. Lastly, just a thought for some festival attendees who don't understand why it costs more to see a Cajun/Zydeco band up here than it does to see them in their home state of LA or TX...please consider travel costs for the bands, many of whom must fly up north. And for the folks who expect the shows to be free? In these days of fiscal care, there are not many towns that are budgeting free concerts for their residents (although some events are still subsidized by the towns that host them). Strawberry Park is once again looking forward to presenting a world-class line-up of talent for both our Bluegrass Festival on June 3-6 and our Blast from the Bayou Cajun/Zydeco Fest on June 10-13. It should also be noted that the price for a weekend pass has gone up a total of $1 in the last 5 years, with more big names than ever. We look forward to you joining us in June.

Advance Screening of new website

We are offering an advance screening of our newly designed website (Sherman would be proud of my theatrical terminology), as we expect to launch the new site later this week. Please let us know if you find anything that does not seem to work (such as any links), as it may take a week to work out any kinks. http://www2.strawberrypark.net/ I don't really know how some of the technical stuff works, but Leslie and her fine friends at Streamlined Development have been working to make the transfer painless. Tough day for some football fans on Sunday...what is worse, getting dominated all game and knowing it was ugly (the Cowboys vs Packers), or winning all game and blowing a late lead (the Pats)? I'd lean toward the Pats loss being more painful. For those who recall our Rec Staff from the summer, Tyler B is a former Griswold wrestler who made it to the New England finals as a senior, and is now at Hofstra, a top 25 division 1 program (there have been very few CT wrestlers who have gone on to wrestle at major college programs). He beat a blue-chip recruit from Minnesota to earn his first ever varsity start on Sunday, and wouldn't you know that he drew the last bout of the day, and despite Hofstra being favored over Buffalo, it all came down to his match. He wrestled well, and kept his opponent scoreless, getting a lead, and increasing it to 4-0 with a takedown with just over 15 seconds left. Suddenly, something that I don't recall happening to him in a long, long time...he got caught, reversed and taken to his back for a 5 point move and lost 5-4, giving Buffalo a 16-16 tie. Jen and I watched on the internet ($5 for a live feed), while Matt was actually in Long Island and went to watch. Just want to let him know that we are all proud of his accomplishments, and hope he rebounds well. I don't know if I have been so involved in watching a match since I left coaching many years ago, but Tyler and his classmate Brock (yes, there are more Brocks out there) were both part of our Griswold program, and were both State Champs and New England finalists as seniors (the last time I watched such a painful loss). Good new is that since I have no close ties to any current wrestlers/athletes, I won't be a suffering fan until Brock & Reed start playing sports.

New website almost ready

Hoping to launch the new website by the end of next week, as we prepare for the early BIC reservation calls on Nov 30. For you music festival fans, the line-ups are becoming finalized, and should have a list of Bluegrass performers early next week...with the Cajun/Zydeco roster to follow shortly thereafter. Look for some new photos, many of which were submitted by campers. Speaking of photos, Bill & Brenda Dias (winners of our Bocce Tournament on Columbus Day Weekend) recently returned from Vegas where they renewed their wedding vows in celebration of their 40th anniversary. They would like to invite their Strawberry Park friends to view the video from Graceland Chapel (Elvis presides over the ceremony), and it is available on the www.gracelandchapel.com website until Nov 23--just search for William and Brenda Dias. While their daughters and grandchildren could not make the trip to Vegas, they were fortunate to meet up with some dear friends who now reside in Las Vegas and were able to serve as Best Man and Matron of Honor, Pastor Linda M and her husband Ernie. Congrats to the couple on 40 years of marriage.

Thanks for the photos

Thanks to so many for sending some great photos that we hope to use in the 2010 brochure and on the new website (launching by Nov 25). Nice to see so many have joined our Facebook "fan" site, up over 140 now. I had mentioned seeking newer photos, and made reference to some of our former campers, which made me think of how often odd items become permanent nick-names. At teen softball in the 80's, there was a camper named Rob who often wore a Mets jersey (Dykstra), and his nickname became Lenny. In fact, most people here thought his name was actually "Lenny", and 20 years later, when his parents refer to him in talking with me, they say "Lenny" because they know that I'll know who they mean. Another prime example is long-time employee Jon M. There are probably plenty of folks who think his nickname of "Pills" is some inappropriate quaalude reference, but it came from his classic Pillsbury Doughboy t-shirt. I guess I even answer to "Gilligan" pretty regularly due to the hat. A few others that come to mind, including another Mets fan, this time an adult. Since "Bud" was already a nickname for Walter, it did not change...but when a 2nd adult starting showing up at adult softball in a Met jersey, he became "Bud Light", which 15 years later is still how he is known by many (in fact, I am not sure I know his real name). Camp nicknames are often needed when there are multiple people with the same first name (we had 5 Georges pose for a photo last year, and half the horseshoe players one weekend were named Tom), and some classics have been provided by Rich L. Unfortunately, most of the ones he attaches are derogatory and sarcastic, so I can't repeat them (but they are very funny). Ever since "Cranky Phil" left, there has been no real need to refer to "Black Sox Phil", as he is the only Phil in town. And yes, Cranky Phil earned that one (how many horseshoe players force their inexperienced partners to practice at the trees between games?). I am sure there are plenty of other examples, but that is more than enough. One Gene becomes "Scoop", one John becomes "LJ" (how is someone that big Little John? I don't want to see Big John). And who could forget the one that many kids called "the many with the funny hats". Not sure what the native American translation would be for that title that Roger had...might just have to ask Eskimo Dave.

Photos Wanted for 2010 Brochure

As we put together the 2010 brochure and update the website, we are seeking some new photos to be included. Probably have enough Halloween costume photos, but other than that, looking for HW decorated sites, activity action shots (other than mud wrestling), or anything else that you think might be usable. Keep in mind that it should hopefully include stuff that makes it a "Strawberry Park" photo, differentiating it from a shot that could have been taken at home. Could use a kid on a bike (with helmet, off course), and maybe a volleyball, washer toss, disc golf and bocce photo, among others. I guess the easiest plan would be for the photos (please don't include too many in one email) to be sent to me at david@strawberrypark.net, with subject "photos". I will also put a note on the Facebook page, which last I knew had almost 100 fans. Hope everyone enjoyed the nicest weather weekend of the entire fall season.

Congrats & Best Wishes to Emily on her Wedding Day

Long time gate staffer Emily is getting married today, and it looks like a beautiful day. I think the reception is over at Lake of Isles, so crashers will be welcome. Perhaps some of them will eventually meander over to Jewett City tonight where the Outriggers will be playing. As for me, looking forward to enjoying the first weekend off since April. Perhaps some raking leaves and gutter cleaning is in order...but only if Brock's raking blisters have healed and Reed can overcome his fear of heights. Just kidding--have a great weekend, and enjoy UConn vs Cinci in primetime football action tonight (I keep thinking former employee and UConn alum Dave "Hinch-Cat" must be a wreck after the Huskies have been winning every game of the season late in the 4th quarter, only to find themselves 4-4 and dealing with the aftermath of their tragedy. Tonight is the night for redemption Hinchey!

Enjoy this weekend's weather

Maybe my much-maligned meteorologists will be right and the weekend will be nice, for although there are no activities happening (other than perhaps a celebratory Yankee Victory Parade), the water is on through at least Nov 8. Probably a good weekend to do a final cleaning of the trailer and to bring home any stuff that might freeze up over the winter, such as jars of baby food. If you are heading this way, a reminder that The Outriggers are playing just a few miles down the road on Saturday night in Jewett City. Jen & I did enjoy a nice anniversary dinner at the Inn at Woodstock Hill last night, which is where we had our brunch the day after the wedding. Nice place. Got home just in time to see Godzilla wreak havoc on Petey and his Philly phriends. Jen is thrilled that she can now associate our anniversary with World Title #27.

November Reminders

Will be sending out a November reminder to all of our long term campers along with the final electric billing of the season. Thanks to Jen for setting up the new Facebook page--hope you "friend" us. Or "fan" us, whatever the terminology might be. Working on the new website design, and hope to go live just before Thanksgiving. For our blog followers, you get advance notice of the newsletter highlights. Some leaf work is being done, but most will take place in the spring. Remember, daily trash pick up has concluded for the season. Next year's calendar of events shows that Oldies Weekend will be a couple of weeks later than it has been, with Memorial Day happening so late. All 4 Halloweens will be in October, including HW #4 on Oct 29-31. The annual unit owners budget meeting was hopefully going to happen in November, but still working on the details and waiting for the accountants, so it looks like it may be delayed until January (notice will be mailed once the date is set, and will be posted here as well). Our annual New Year's Eve Party is taking a one year break. With New Year's Eve on a Thursday this year, we may face the struggles of last year, with many having difficulty getting here after work. Already looking forward to next year, and will try to check with The Outriggers this weekend (they are playing just down the road in Griswold on Sat night) about next year. To be honest, it is not a bad idea to take a year off from the usual routine. Also, there were a significant number of guests who were unable to make it last year and expected a refund. Many had trouble understanding that the ticket price simply covers costs of entertainment and door prizes. Also, a quick reminder that unless you are a designated long term caretaker, the daily use of your campsite has concluded for the season. You can still drop in for weekends, but daily use is not permitted this time of year. Looks like the water will remain on through the upcoming weekend, even though some cold temps are predicted and perhaps even a little frozen precip. Since the Yankees did not clinch on Monday, looks like I may need to get score updates during our date night out for our anniversary tonight.

New Addition to Facebook

Today we've launched our Facebook Page. On the right hand side of this page, you will see a link to become a Fan of Strawberry Park. We will be posting regular updates and some photos throughout the year. We will continue the blog for those of you looking for further wit and satire from Dave.

As in golf, "winter rules" now in place

Just like when some folks hit the links this time of year and play by "winter rules", such as lift, clean and place or perhaps moving the branch that fell on your ball, there are a few winter rules just kicking in here at Strawberry Park. First of all, for any of our long-term campers, please note that daily trash pick up is now on hold until the spring. Please bring your trash to the dumpster (it will give you a chance to see the vultures, which until recently had all been turkey vultures, but recently have begun seeing some black vultures, which are typically a smaller, more southern bird). Also, our seasonals and unit owners are reminded that daily use of your site is restricted to our designated year-round caretakers (although you may continue to use the site on weekends). The forecast for this week is not too cold, so while Glenn and Jimmy are doing many RV winterizations, it looks like the water will remain live to all sites at least through this coming weekend (Nov 6-8). However, the restrooms in the Timber Trails are closed for the season. Even though many of the oak leaves remain attached, many leaves have been raked, bagged or piled. Those that have been bagged will be removed, and there will be an attempt to remove some of the larger piles. Please make sure that if you are blowing leaves that you do not pile and block a neighbor's driveway, or blow them under an RV. Fo any of our BIC members looking to reserve early for 2010, we will begin taking calls on Monday, November 30 at 8am. Also, BIC members are reminded that you may purchase discounted gift certificates during the month of November. Some of the wiser folks buy each other gift certificates this time of year, saving 5% and putting the amount on their Strawberry Park account...which would then simply be applied on November 30 when reserving a site for next year. Nice 2-out rally by the Yanks last night (too bad I had dozed off during Damon's marathon at bat, just waking to see A-Rod's post-game interview). Might be tough wrapping things up tonight against Cliff Lee, but would prefer that over trying to convince my wife the Red Sox fan to watch the clincher on Wednesday night, as that is our anniversary. As much as I would like to make reservations for a nice restaurant, now I have to wait until Tues to see if we need one with a TV (luckily, we did just get those coupons for the 99 in the Sunday paper--they have TVs everywhere, and even let kids eat free when the Sox win, an offer obviously on hiatus until the spring).

Is Monday the tiredess day of the year?

Couple of factors could cause tomorrow to be a fatigue filled day. Although the "extra hour" of sleep was to be gained last night due to the end of DST, for those with toddlers, infants, kids or pets, this usually does not become reality. In addition, the World Series rain delay pushed back the start of game 3 until after 9pm. Today, it gets dark early for the first time, so everyone will want to go to sleep earlier. However, although all other starting times for the Series are 7:57, the Sunday first pitch is not until 8:20. I guess this is because everyone knows that it is much more likely that the fans can stay up late on Sunday night, with work on Monday, than on a Fri or Sat night. While it won't happen, there are so many fans who would love a day game. Sunday is a later start because of Fox TV sports monopoly today, with Giants vs Eagles at 1, Packers and Vikes at 4 and the Yanks/Phils tonight (heaven forbid they shorten the post-game football or pre-game baseball shows). Scrambled to get enough Bingo players last night for our final game of the season, and ended up with about 18 people on what turned out to be a warm night for trick or treating. As far as we are concerned, camping "season" officially ends today, since it is the end of activities on weekends...and therefore the start of the off-season with some weekend time to spend with the family. Thanks!