Mid-Hudson Region enters phase III of reopening
For the first time in three months, local residents are now able to enjoy a sit-down indoor restaurant meal, visit a nail salon, massage parlor or spa. The Mid-Hudson region, which includes the counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester, entered phase III of reopening on June 23.
“In New York, we’ve been following the science and the data and the metrics from day one. We have the best numbers that we’ve had since this started today in New York,” Governor Cuomo said on Monday. “Yesterday, we only had ten deaths, down from a high of 800. We have about 1,000 people in our hospitals, which is one of the lowest numbers we’ve had since this began. Because of the changes New Yorkers made, we now have the lowest transmission rate in the United States of America.”
Restaurant capacity is limited to 50 percent and parties must be able to keep at least six-feet apart.
In addition, gatherings of up to 25 people (up from 10) will be allowed.
Kingston playgrounds open
The City of Kingston playgrounds re-opened on June 19 with health and safety guidelines in place. City playgrounds will be open on a use-at-your-own-risk basis. The state Health Department strongly suggests using hand sanitizer before and after using playground equipment and frequently throughout play. Family groups should maintain a distance of six feet
Tennis courts in Kingston parks are open, and the Kingston Point Beach opened on June 20. Bathrooms in the parks and at Dietz Stadium will open on June 29 and will be cleaned and sanitized often.
Kingston scholarship
On Thursday, June 18, Jennelle Ohene-Agyei, a Kingston High School graduate, was awarded the Spicer Family Living the Dream Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to the African-American graduate with the highest GPA, who is also planning to attend college in the fall.
The scholarship was a new laptop computer, donated by the Spicer family. The presenter of the award was current Kingston school board member Steven Spicer. Spicer himself arrived at Ohene-Agyei’s door last Friday and to her surprise, presented her with the laptop, brightly wrapped and arrayed in balloons. “We will not let Covid 19 rob this young woman of her moment,” said Spicer.
Wilbur Avenue paving project
The Wilbur Avenue paving project will correct drainage issues on Wilbur Avenue (NYS Route 213), which have caused deterioration of the road and resulted in hazardous driving conditions. The project includes two eleven-foot travel lanes with three-foot shoulders being constructed along the proposed roadway section. Gutters, swales and culverts will be added to better direct storm water runoff to the Twaalfskill Creek. Guardrails and signage will be upgraded and the roadway will be paved from south of Greenkill Avenue to north of West O’Reilly.
More information and design plans are posted at EngageKingston.com/wilburave. Comments will be open until July 15.
“Even through these difficult times, we continue to move forward on projects to improve many aspects of life in the City of Kingston,” said mayor Steve Noble. “It’s important that we keep these projects moving forward, but we want to make sure we hear the community’s feedback as we do so. I encourage residents to visit Engage Kingston and see all the projects we are currently working on and all the different ways you can contribute.”
Kingston garden-bed project
The Kingston YMCA Farm Project, Hudson Valley Farm Hub, Hudson Valley Seed Co and Kingston Land Trust are offering materials, labor and guidance to support folks in Kingston to create raised-bed gardens outside of their homes or in their neighborhoods. The goal is to install a garden bed at 20 residential locations in the City of Kingston in 2020.
With limited resources available, the project will prioritize low-income, elderly, disabled people and those with chronic illness, migrant, refugee, black, indigenous, or people of color, families with children, women and trans non-binary folks.
If you or someone you know would be interested in a garden bed, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/o47kh7TLxFs414fa7.
Hansen wins major award
Kingston’s water department superintendent Judith Hansen has received an award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) — the George Warren Fuller Award. “It’s been an honor and privilege to be able to work alongside Judy,” said Kingston mayor Steve Noble. “She’s done so much for our city and for the state. I might be biased, but I feel we have the best water department and the best superintendent in New York State. I feel very confident that our water department is in her hands.”
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