The alderpeople sponsored a delicious and joyful BBQ to celebrate the efforts of the young people participating, with their friends, neighbors and parents cheering for them in the crowd. Scott Harrington, owner of Sav-On Party Supplies, not only donated a large amount of food and the use of a high-powered grill, but served as our grillmaster the entire day, encouraging all who attended to “eat more, eat more!” Food was also donated by Hannaford (in the Kingston Plaza). The BBQ itself took place on the beautiful grounds of the Kingston Library, who decorated the courtyard in honor of the young people attending the celebration.
One of the reasons this week long program was so special was because young people were recognized for positively contributing to their community. In a time when many in the community are struggling, neighbors still went out of their way to applaud the children’s efforts. Every “good job kids!” and “Thanks for doing this!” from the adults in their community made a difference in their young lives. The attitude that the young people brought to this effort was wonderful. The whole initiative was documented by a local music therapist, Rick Soshensky, and a video made by the youth themselves is available on youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqV5wa03Uyg or at www.facebook.com/kingstoncares. It is well worth watching.
The coverage by the Kingston Times, including two weeks of front page stories, was truly exceptional. While it would have been easier and perhaps even more profitable to lead with negative stories, your publication chose to recognize your youngest readers and give them an opportunity to be heard.
Above all, thank you to the Clean Up Squad, a group of 40 young Kingston citizens shaping the community they will one day lead.
Megan Weiss, Kingston Cares Project Coordinator
What is truly best for the people
Last week, a majority of the members of the Ulster County Legislature voted in a non-binding resolution, against keeping Golden Hill Health Care Center as a public facility. For those who voted against the resolution to keep the facility in the public domain, I understand that it is easy to base the decision on numbers and to say that “we cannot afford to maintain the facility.” As a 12th-generation native of Ulster County, I find the actions of our legislature and the Office of the County Executive to be an embarrassing representation of our community.
In my work as a public historian and character development educator, I have found that the values of a community are reflected in how it chooses to spend its money. Communities that function well invest their money in their people — in jobs, in education, in caring for its residents, in recreation and in the arts. Those investments help create a more caring and more vibrant community.
It may seem, on the surface, that ridding itself of the “burden” of Golden Hill Health Care Center is the right decision but I ask you to consider two questions:
1) What would you do if you needed long term care but did not have the money to afford a private facility (or had a mental health diagnosis) and also did not have a loved one to care for you at home?
2) What kind of community do you want to live in?
It is often said that our children leave Ulster County to find employment elsewhere. I chose to stay in Ulster County, even though finding full-time employment that provides a living wage has been virtually impossible — and I have an advanced degree. My financial situation virtually insures that, if I needed long term care, I would need to be at Golden Hill. In choosing to sell, what our lawmakers are saying is that if you choose to stay here and make very little money, there is no care for you when you are old.
My vision of community is a bit old-fashioned and, perhaps, idealistic. It is one where people work hard and take care of themselves, look out for one another and understand that sometimes people need help. Economic wealth should not be a deciding factor in who gets care and who doesn’t. A healthy, vibrant community works together and understands that, in the end, it really isn’t about the money. There is no place in the decision-making process for ego, or greed or re-election strategies. This decision must be based on the kind of community we want and figuring out what steps will help us create that reality. I ask our leaders to call upon their integrity, humility and humanity to proceed on a path that is truly best for the people.
Melinda Terpening McKnight, West Hurley
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