Socially distanced weddings
Coronavirus guidelines have altered and cancelled many wedding plans, but some folks still want to make a commitment to each other. Mayor Steve Noble is able to offer socially-distanced marriage ceremonies outside the city hall on the lawn under a trellis. To schedule a socially-distanced marriage ceremony, contact the mayor’s office at 334-3902.
School budget vote June 9
Local school districts are sending paper ballots through the mail, with any vote returned by Tuesday, June 9 at 5 p.m. counting. Kingston school officials are touting a $187.4-million budget that maintains programs and extracurricular activities and doesn’t include reductions in staff. The spending plan is an increase of 3.65 percent over the 2019-20 budget, and includes a tax-levy increase of 1.73 percent. State aid is projected at $64.92 million, an increase of 2.3 percent over the current school year’s aid total.
Local residents will also vote for open seats on their school boards. There are three candidates for three seats: Priscilla Lowe, Nora Scherer and Cathy Collins.
Ballots cannot be opened until after the June 9 deadline.
Trailways resumes bus service
Trailways of New York has resumed bus service on a limited basis between Kingston and New York City. Buses leave the Kingston station at Washington Avenue and North Front Street, at 4:10 a.m., 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Buses from New York City to Kingston will depart from the city at 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Because of Covid 19, Trailways discontinued all its service in New York State on March 30. Passengers are now required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing. For information, call 800-858-8555 or visit www.trailways.com.
From the ground up
The Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery board of trustees announced last week the appointment of Matthew Sirni has been appointed the new cemetery superintendent of the Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery on Pine Grove Avenue in Kingston. Sirni brings to the job 25 years of experience in project, operations, cemetery and business management.
“When we had to secure new leadership, we looked for a candidate with a cemetery management background. Mr. Sirni has an extensive services background and will be an excellent superintendent,” said cemetery board of trustees secretary David Rylance.
“Wiltwyck Cemetery is a place of quiet reflection and remembrance,” Sirni said. “It’s an honor to care for these grounds and serve the families. My family has been in Kingston for 100 years, and I have a deep appreciation of our local history and these grounds.”
For information, call 331-0199 or visit https://wiltwyck-rural-cemetery.hub.biz/
Man drowns in the Hudson River
Members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of an Arkville man, located unconscious and unresponsive in the Hudson River in the Town of Ulster.
On May 30 at 5:30 p.m., deputies from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Navigation Unit responded to a 911 call for an unconscious man in the Hudson River off East Kingston in the Town of Ulster. James Lamborn, 70, of Arkville was found in the water, near his vessel by passing kayakers. Preliminary investigation suggests Mr. Lamborn accidentally drowned, however the investigation is ongoing.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Ulster Hose Fire Department, Ulster Police Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police.
Free farmstand at market
A weekly free farmstand at People’s Place in Kingston began on June 2 in the 17 St. James Street parking lot. The farm stand distributes fresh produce, much of which is donated by local Hudson Valley farms. Ulster County residents with financial challenges can utilize this seasonal program, which runs every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. through October. Participants must wear a face mask, and social distancing circles are to be respected. No ID is required for this program, and produce will be pre-packed.
This program is in partnership with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and made possible by the Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley through a grant from the Novo Foundation. For more info about this or any of the 21 other programs offered at People’s Place, visit www.peoplesplaceuc.org or www.facebook.com/PeoplesPlaceKingston.
Kingston wins silver status
The City of Kingston has received the Climate Smart Communities’ Silver Certification from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.Kingston was one of only four communities in the state to officially be listed as Silver-Certified, and the only city to reach this designation.
Climate Smart Communities is a state program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Certified communities have completed actions that mitigate and adapt to climate change at the local level.
“By taking proactive steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change locally, we have been recognized by the DEC as a leader in the state,” said Julie Noble, environmental educator and sustainability coordinator. “This is urgent and essential work, and we are honored to accept this certification. We will continue to take every necessary action to move Kingston forward, and preserve our city for generations to come.”
Roadwork update in Kingston
State roadwork in Kingston over the next two weeks will be limited to work at various intersections. Traffic delays should be minimal.
Sewer installation will continue on Broadway and will start on East St. James next week. Drainage work will continue on Route 578 and continue for next few weeks. Traffic delays should be expected.
Grading of the sidewalk areas on Broadway between Henry Street and the YMCA, including the areas near the UPAC, will be ongoing. Curbing and bioswales will be installed. New pole bases will be installed.
Central Hudson provides weekly updates of its Kingston gas-line replacement work.
Getting an absentee ballot
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Ulster County elections board in Kingston encourages voters to vote by absentee ballot for all elections taking place on June 23. All voters eligible to participate in the June 23 elections have been mailed an absentee ballot application with return postage paid. Eligible voters can also send an absentee ballot request by email to elections@co.ulster.ny.us.
Voters concerned about exposure to Covid should select “temporary illness or physical disability” as the reason for requesting the absentee ballot.
Completed absentee ballot applications must be received by the county board of elections postmarked no later than June 16 if the voter wants to receive their ballot by mail. For the elections on June 23, voters may also email, fax or call the board of elections to request an absentee ballot without the use of the application They need to provide their name and address.
The last day to return a ballot by mail is postmarked June 22 and received by June 30. If returned personally, it must be received by the board of elections before 9 p.m. on June 23. Poll sites will be open in Ulster County from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 23.
Finally, there are nine days of early voting from June 13 to 21. Early-voting sites in Ulster County are located at the Saugerties Senior Center, New Paltz High School and the Edson School in Kingston. All eligible voters may vote early at any of the three early-voting centers.
YMCA’s Lend-A-Wheel
The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County is offering a bicycle program for essentials workers. If you need a bike to get to work, shop or for appointments, request one by contacting Tom Polk.
The YMCA Lend-a-Wheel program also says it needs adult mountain bikes or hybrid bikes to keep the program going.
Join the family! 
