Salute to the grunts
There is a saying in the military, when someone calls you a POG, pronounced “POOG,” it means “Person other than grunt.” A grunt can take anything.
The local volunteer Fire Department companies, EMS, Sheriff’s Department, State Police and National Guard along with the countless local organizations, to many to mention in this letter, went downstate into a war zone, I witnessed the destruction firsthand.
In this writer’s opinion without question you are all grunts, and please take that word as the highest compliment a soldier can bestow on a fellow warrior. You know who you are.
I would also like to thank the local trucking companies who without any compensation in this economy, with the price of gas and tolls donated their time, equipment, manpower, compassion and energy for bringing vital supplies to people who had nothing.
Thank you all for your service to our country.
Harold Kelly
Durham
Season’s greetings
To our patrons and supporters in Saugerties, Woodstock and Shandaken: season’s greetings from the staffs of the Town of Saugerties Transfer Station and Animal Shelter. We thank you for your support. God bless you all with peace, good health and prosperity
Marie Post
Manager
Heart-warming Veterans Day
On Nov. 9, 2012, the students, staff, and faculty of Mt. Marion Elementary School in Saugerties hosted a Veteran’s Day Ceremony that spotlighted my husband, Staff Sergeant David Dargan, of the NYARNG. (David is currently serving his second tour of duty and has been overseas since March.) The dedication and compassion that went into this ceremony must be commended!
As part of the tribute to David’s service, a stirring and heartrending video presentation was shown that included pictures of him as a Saugerties High School quarterback and graduate, a young recruit into the National Guard, a husband, father, son and brother. Marine DiPaola did an amazing job showcasing the important moments we’ve shared as a family, and touched our hearts with joy!
Many of the students performed skits, read poetry, and sang songs on stage in celebration of our veterans. This was meaningful to the veterans in the audience, as well as to those of us whose beloved family members are serving. Please let this letter serve as a thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the time, commitment, and consideration that went into the preparations for the event.
I’d especially like to thank first grade teacher Mrs. Wade for nominating David as one of the spotlighted veterans. Including us in this poignant ceremony was more than thoughtful, and served as an excellent source of recognition of David’s achievements for our family, especially our small children.
Jennifer Dargan and Family
Saugerties
Tax receiver thanks
I’d like to take this opportunity to express a heartfelt thank you to the people of Saugerties for electing me as your receiver of taxes. I am truly overwhelmed by your kindness and support. There are too many people to name individually as I would be afraid of leaving someone out. But so many of you placed signs in your yard, donated money and time, attended fundraisers or gave words of encouragement along the campaign trail and for that, I am eternally grateful. I would be remiss if I did not thank the Saugerties Democratic and Conservative Parties for putting politics aside and endorsing me as their candidate; it was an honor to be your candidate. In closing, I promise to honor your vote by providing the level of service to this town that you have become accustomed to. Again, thank you Saugerties.
Suzi Filak
Saugerties
Join the family! 
