Derek Grout of Harvest Spirits in Valatie, New York, loves to fool around. With tousled blonde hair, and turtleneck sweater, he looks like a guy who just walked out of an LL Bean catalog or into a ski lodge. And he’s got a pleasant disposition to boot. He is confident and cheerful, with a wry sense of humor. Derek is the moving force behind Harvest Spirits (along with his wife Ashley) which is the home of the now famous Core Vodka, made from 100% apples.

Harvest Spirits is based at Golden Harvest Farm, which has been in Derek’s family for three generations. It is one of the largest commercial farms in the region, and is one of the biggest points of interest in Columbia County, popular for its farm store, filled with fresh apples, baked pies, cider doughnuts, and in the fall, pumpkins. On Saturdays and Sundays the most difficult part of getting to Harvest Spirits in sneaking in and out of the parking lot.

Derek, in the meantime, has fun fermenting and distilling almost anything. He seems to want to try anything once. While on my recent trip to Harvest Spirits, he had a dozen different concoctions going, and on any visit he might pay us, he’s always got something new to try. The distillery is packed with highly decorated barrels and tons of mason jars with anything from fruits to herbs to other spices trying to find the next fun flavor. So it was no surprise when he enticed me over to his tasting counter and started talking, that I would try something new.

The first thing he wanted me to try was the new Core Black Raspberry Vodka, made from distilled apples and raspberries. Packed in the classic Core package, the vodka is decisively dark pink, with the same distinctive lettering that has made Core Vodka such a hit, and which has made Harvest Spirits one of the most highly regarded distillers on the east coast. The nose is all raspberry. And the taste is fantastic.It’s not sweet by any measure. I had to taste it twice. Looking at the liquid and smelling it, one could taste a very robust essence of raspberry, but with eyes closed, it finished like a fine vodka. This was an exceptional flavored vodka. An incredible accomplishment. Great alone or an intense part of any cocktail.

The next thing that was new was the Cornelius Applejack. Now, I have had and drank much Cornelius Applejack. Nothing like a cold night, with a glass of crushed ice, and you pour three fingers of Cornelius Applejack in a glass, and relax by your favorite fireplace with your loving companion. Mmmmm. It’s like a fine apple bourbon.

What you need to know is that Derek is a traveler, and he has spent lots of nights in France as part of a cider and wine making exchange program in concert with French cider makers and distillers. While in France, Derek learned how to put the fruit in the bottle. Cornelius Applejack now comes with a locally grown apple inside. A little bit of old France right here in the Hudson Valley.

Harvest Spirits is an excellent small craft distiller. And you need to try their products.

East Coast Wineries

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Addiction

Without rehab, an addicted person could eventually die from their addiction. All it takes is one bad batch or one batch that was too strong. Street heroin is often cut with items like baby powder or sugar, but there is an increasing amount that is much purer, possibly leading to death. There is also the possibility of coming into contact with a contaminated needle which could lead to health conditions that are deadly, such as AIDS.

Detoxification

Once a person has decided they need to get into a treatment program, the first step is detoxification. During the detox process, the patient could become very ill physically including nausea, convulsions, shakes, headaches, nightmares, night sweats and much more. Sometimes medicine is given to them in order to help with these symptoms.

Detox

A treatment plan is then written for the new patient. Each plan is tailor made for the individual, because their needs are not exactly the same as anyone else’s. The doctors will take several factors into consideration when making the treatment plan. Factors include age, gender and severity of the addiction. Their physical health at the time of admission is also taken into consideration. The plan can be adjusted as needs change.

Therapy

One detox is finished the next phase of rehab begins, which is therapy. Therapy helps the individual understand the process and destructive nature of addiction. Individual, group or family therapy may all be prescribed to help the patient achieve this understanding and acceptance.

Aftercare

Therapy is not just for the rehab facility. It should continue long after the patient leaves rehab. This therapy helps keep the addict sober, as there are many temptations after leaving the facility. It also provides a place where they can vent and ask questions as they try to stay on the right path.

Relapse

The post-heroin addiction detoxification therapy helps them continue to build the life skills necessary to deal with the challenges to their sobriety. It helps them understand that they will forever be an addict but that doesn’t meant they can’t stay sober. This is especially important with heroin addicts because it has one of the highest relapse rates of all the addictive drugs available. Only 30-50% of heroin addicts stay sober a year after treatment.

Addiction

Relapse is the process whereby previous users are unable to effectively manage recovery and fall back into the repetitive behavior of addiction. This should not be criticized as being a failure for recovery, but instead the identification of a rehabilitation program which was simply not suitable for the requirements of the individual. This may be attributed to a number of reasons from co-morbid disorders which were not addressed to programs that were not created for an individualized plan.

Relapse Prevention

The importance of a relapse prevention program pertains to assisting individuals with the creation of resources to incorporate into daily living. Once previous addicts have completed a rehabilitation program, the integration process back into society can be considerably difficult. An effective plan should be designed based on available resources such as family, supportive groups, counseling and environmental changes.

Success

Successful plans are based on the environment, support groups, skill and coping strategies. During rehabilitation, individuals are provided with professional contacts and support groups for the establishment of lifelong relationships in getting through difficult periods and in sharing experiences. Families play a significant role in increased sobriety living support in the life of previous addicts and are often educated with regards to strategies for assisting in coping mechanisms.

Surrounding Environment

Environment is further incorporated into plans as previous areas of living can serve as the biggest trigger for returning to addictive patterns of behavior. Programs are designed to assist individuals in finding new places of living, within supportive communities for a fresh start. This is especially true in instances where neighborhoods are supportive of drug use or the home of the previous addict is close to obtaining the previously used substances.

Skills

Plans should be centered around the guidelines and various skills which were taught during the rehabilitative process. This ensures that individuals are better equipped to deal with stress and difficulties instead of engaging in substance use. Establish appropriate support groups and networks so that one has increased access to support from those who are going through similar experiences.

Maintaining Sobriety

The process for recovery does not end once the individual has completed a rehabilitation program. This is the reason effective programs are important to assist others in maintaining sobriety and for the prevention of overwhelming emotions during difficult stages. This further contributes to a focus on personality and emotion matters for creating positive and strong belief systems.

Latest Activity on Paso Robles Downtown Wineries

Washington’s Birthday is the official name designated to what many of us know as President’s Day. During the month of February the birthday of two of our greatest President’s takes place. Both George Washington who was born on Feb. 22nd and Abraham Lincoln born on Feb. 12th.

However, Washington’s birthday has been publicly celebrated since he was in office, before Abraham Lincoln was even born. Much of the debate over the name of the holiday springs from the fact that state’s can follow their own holidays how they see fit and many of them chose to also honor Lincoln, calling the celebration President’s Day.

It was in 1968 that the term President’s Day came up for legal consideration in the Congress but was shot down, though the holiday was moved to fall between the two President’s birthdays. Again in the 1980′s there was a resurgence of the term with advertisers which solidified the holiday name in American culture. Today, few Americans prefer to call the holiday Washington’s Birthday in lieu of President’s Day.

Come join us for an All American Tasting! Here is our line up:

Independent Vineyard “La Bourgeoisie” Chardonnay
Charles & Charles Rose
Liberty School Red Cuvee
Independent Vineyard “La Bourgeoisie” Merlot
Freedom Cellars Revolution Red
The Federalist Visionary Red Zinfandel
The beer line up will be:

21st Amendment “Bitter American Ale”
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Sam Adams Alpine Spring
R.J. Rockers Bald Eagle Brown
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Four Pages or Less

One of the most important things you must realize is that your document should have less than four visa pages remaining which will signify the need to get more. If this is not the case, you cannot make such an application. If your document satisfies this condition, you can prepare for the application.

What You Need

This process, just like applying for a new document, requires a fee to have your application processed. Your current passport is also required because the new pages will be added to it. Applicants must fill out form DS-4085 and complete all sections accurately. The form provides the address to be used when sending in your existing traveling document.

Traceable Mail

Since you will be submitting the document via mail, it is important to ensure you use a method that allows tracing of the package. Choosing this option will prove invaluable in case of shipment problems. If possible, you should also opt for a secure mailing option since it is the only way you can be sure that the contents of your document are protected.

At or Near Expiration

If perhaps you run out of time and your passport expires before you request the additional pages, you may still ask for more at the time you apply for a new document. This option may be well suited for people who travel often and realize the need to get additional pages before the new passport they applied for is delivered to them.

Written Request Required

In this case, you must prepare a written request for the additional pages. This request should also be signed. If you are eligible, you can just fill out the DS-82 form and mail it to the address provided. In case you are not eligible, you can complete the DS-11 form and present it in person.

Tracking Mail

For eligible applicants who mail their forms, it is advisable to use a mailing option that is traceable and reliable. This will save you major loses in case a problem arises in the delivery. It is important to use mailing options that are secure so your pasport renewal will be safe from unauthorized use and to give you peace of mind.