Saugerties veterans adopt a highway cleanup
Saugerties VFW & American Legion Post 72 members participated in a clean-up day on Saturday, October 3. Sixteen veterans picked up 20 bags of trash along a four-mile section of the Adopt a Highway program on Route 32 North and 9W South in Saugerties. “If you couldn’t join us for our 2020 fall clean, our veterans will be back at it in the spring for our 2021 Adopt A Highway spring clean-up,” said Kevin Pendergast. “So if you’re available, please feel free to join in 2021. Veterans, your work and volunteering is greatly appreciated by your Saugerties community.”
Woodstock Museum Fest/Woodstock Drive In
For two decades, the Woodstock Museum – actually located in West Saugerties – would host a free festival of alternative, hope-inspiring films and video works (plus live performances) right after the Woodstock Film Festival played in and around town (they started off before the WFF, in Woodstock, but then shifted their timing and location to give both entities more room to be themselves).
Festival and museum organizers Nathan Koenig and Shelli Lipton were looking forward to their 21st outing, working from their winter home in Mexico, and had hit upon a theme for the festival: Impact!
Then Covid hit and Koenig and Lipton decided it best not to open their museum this year. But the festival will go on similar to the Woodstock Film Festival that drew to a close this past weekend. And in tandem with a new arts-themed entity, WoodstockDriveIn.com, by going outdoors with a drive-in motif starting Friday evening, October 9 on the large lawn in front of the Woodstock Playhouse, just off Mill Hill Road.
That first screening will follow a 6 p.m. dress-up gala opening for Woodstock Drive In, run by Stephanie DeVolles, who moved to town last year, as well as an 8 p.m. screening of a classic Hollywood movie.
This year’s Woodstock Museum festival screenings will then continue with showings of the rest of the festival’s three features on Saturday, October 10, also at 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 11 beginning at 8 p.m.. There will be another 22 shorter films of various lengths, culled from between 300 and 400 submissions, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, October 12-14, with live music curated by Paul McMahon pre-screening each evening at 6 p.m.
It’s all an assured blast of old- and new-Woodstock fun. There will be per-car prices, plus room for those without cars. Try and purchase tickets beforehand by visiting WoodstockDriveIn.com, or calling Koenig at (845) 246-9995.
See you at the movies!
— Paul Smart
Documentary on Esopus Creek
Mountain River – The Esopus Creek: Headwaters to the Hudson will be released on October 12. Covid concerns will limit the initial release to online sources, including Vimeo-on-Demand and on DVD available from willowmixedmedia.org and at selected retail outlets. The trailer can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/435489256.
The 73-minute film follows the Esopus Creek from its headwaters on Slide Mountain to the Ashokan Reservoir and on to the Hudson River at Saugerties. Mountain River is produced and directed by Glenford filmmaker Tobe Carey and co-produced by photographer and Catskills’ fishing guide Mark Loete. It is filled with personal stories and anecdotes and features a lively mix of vintage and contemporary photographs and images. Music is by Tim Kapeluck, Evan Pritchard, Artie Traum and Jay Ungar.
Mountain River highlights the continuing challenges of climate change and ongoing conservation efforts on the creek.
SUNY Ulster recognized
SUNY Ulster was recently ranked as the Number One community college in the state by BestColleges.com/. Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan noted the award at the 2021 county budget presentation October 1 at Quimby Auditorium on the college’s Stone Ridge campus. Ryan particularly noted the dedication of college president Alan Roberts in personally delivering diplomas to all graduates after commencement was cancelled this year
SUNY Ulster was also named “business of the year” by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. This and other awards will be presented at the Ulster County business recognition award celebration, which will be held virtually from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 22.
New Paltz fall plant sale
The New Paltz Garden Club will hold its fall plant sale on Saturday, October 10 (rain date, October 11) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 222 Main Street in New Paltz. Mums, bulbs, shrubs, hostas, seeds, perennials, house plants and more will be available to purchase.
Fall for Art show
The Fall for Art juried art show and fundraiser, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, will celebrate 24 years virtual from Sunday, October 25 through Friday, October 30. Relax in your home while supporting the artwork from 37 Hudson Valley artists at www.fallforart.org.
Participating artists are: Lori Adams, photography; Harriet Forman Barrett, jewelry; Janet Baskerville, jewelry; Sara Beames, fused glass/jewelry; Neville Bean, stoneware ceramics; Fay Biegun, oil on canvas; Miriam Bisceglia, textiles; Bruce Bundock, acrylic; Harris Diamant, mixed media; Nancy Donskoj, photography; Jim Dratfield, photography; Stephen Fabrico, clay; Howard Finkelson, photography; John Fisher, photography; John Franklin, wood; Alexandra Fraser, photography; Julia Fry, hand cut paper designs; Alexa Ginsberg, felted fiber; Glenn Grubard, paper cut fine art; Melanie Hall, children’s books; Helen Hosking, enamel jewelry/sculpture; Nicole Jurain, pottery; Louise Lefkovits, mixed media; Joel Mandelbaum, photography; Lisa Queeney Matthews, jewelry; Suzanne Neusner, quilts; Annie O’Neil, decorated functional earthenware; Ellen Perantoni, oil; Judy Polinsky, handwoven beaded jewelry; Bentley Potter, metal and canvas prints; Leslie Reich, porcelain; Sally Rothchild, ceramics; Marsya Sacerdote, jewelry; Jonathan Talbot, painting/collage assemblage; Renee and Howard Vichinsky, clay; Karen Whitman, linoleum block print;Marlene Wiedenbaum, pastel.
Event proceeds support community not-for-profit organizations including Circle of Friends for the Dying, the Oncology Support Program, Family of Woodstock, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, People’s Place and Jewish Family Services. Fall for Art virtual is available at www.fallforart.org. Or call 338-8131.
Gardiner teen magazine meeting
As Gardiner Library prepares to launch its literary magazine, teens continue to meet virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 13 at 7 p.m. Middle and high school students who enjoy writing poetry, short stories and graphic novels are invited to join. Submit work through email and fellow authors will share critiques, suggestions and compliments. The first issue will be published in December both online and as a hard copy to be checked out. All proceeds will benefit teen programming.
Coming soon. Zines! Consider being part of the Gardiner Library Zine Team. Contact Carolyn Thorenz at cthorenz@rcls.org. Virtual teen literary magazine meetings will continue on the second Monday of each month. For information, visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Boulevard paving
Boulevard (Route 32) in Kingston will be paved from the city line to Greenkill Avenue, the City of Kingston reports. Preparation has begun, with milling to begin next week and paving to be completed by October 16, weather depending.
NYS Department of Transportation crews are currently moving along Boulevard installing sidewalks and retaining walls, with flaggers directing traffic. Drivers should expect long delays in traffic during the next two weeks and are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
Drivers should also be aware of changing traffic patterns along Greenkill Avenue. The paved and landscaped trail travels along Boulevard/Route 32, Greenkill Avenue and Broadway. Funding for the Empire State Trail project comes from NY State-dedicated transportation funds.
Woodstock honors Climate Smart
The Town of Woodstock congratulates its Climate Smart Communities (CSC) task force in achieving a state certification from the New York State Climate Smart Communities Program this year. Woodstock and twelve other communities across the state achieved that level.
The Woodstock CSC task force was formally established by a town resolution in February this year. The town appointed Erin Moran as the coordinator. “Woodstock has always been a leader in environmental concerns, not only throughout the county, but right in our own backyard,” said Moran. “Surprisingly, most residents don’t know that Woodstock achieved carbon neutrally in 2015, two years earlier than the Woodstock Environmental Commission committed to inaugurate a zero-carbon initiative. Becoming certified as a CSC was another step Woodstock is taking towards being better stewards of our town.”
To join a meeting or to become a member, contact Moran at csctf@woodstockny.org .
Story writing contest winners
The Gardiner Library announces the winners for its 2020 Great American Tall Tales Summer Short Story Writing Contest. For the kids short story writing contest, children ages eleven and under wrote a tall tale beginning with the phrase, “Dear Librarian, I could not return my book on time because.” The writers were asked to finish the statement with a tall tale filled with exaggerations and outlandish characters. Winners were: first place: Sophie Anne Meier (11 years old), second place: Meghan Hofer (11 years old) and third place: Lucille Maendel (6th grade)/
Teens and adults were asked to write a tall tale inspired by local history and community to create a short story filled with fantastical intrigue and outlandish characters. The winners were: first place: Marlys Swinger (12 years old), second Place: Madilyn Becker (14 years old) and third place: Steve Liss (adult).
All entries will be printed in the first issue of the teen literary magazine debuting in December. Hard copies will be available to view and purchase (all proceeds will be used for teen programming) as well as to be available to read online. Visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
October 9 voter deadline
The deadline to register to vote for the 2020 general election is Friday, October 9. You can pick up a voter registration form at the Ulster County Board of Elections, 284 Wall Street, Kingston, as well as any local post office, library, city or town clerk’s office. For information or to download a registration form, visit elections.ulstercountyny.gov/voter-registration.
Woodstock Democratic fundraiser
The Woodstock Democratic Committee (WDC) will host an advanced livestream concert fundraiser on Thursday, October 8 at 8 p.m. Contributions to the WDC will help get the word out for local candidates Michelle Hinchey for State Senate, Kevin Cahill running for State Assembly, Antonio Delgado for Congress and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to take back the White House.
To register and purchase a ticket for the event, go to https://secure.actblue.com/donate/election2020concert. A link will be emailed to those who register in advance. Tickets start at $25.
Local artists performing in the event include Happy Traum, Jack DeJohnette, Tracy Bonham with Kevin Salem, Marc Delgado, Justin Tracy, Billie Williams, Marc Black and Shamsi Ruhe. Julie Last of Coldbrook Productions taped, edited and engineered the livestream which was produced by Maria-Elena Conte and Bennet Ratcliff. Encore performance dates of the livestream will be announced on the WDC’s Facebook page.
Galleria returns to normal hours
The Poughkeepsie Galleria has returned to normal hours of operation. The mall will be open: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Restaurant venues may continue to offer extended hours into the evening.
For information, visit https://www.poughkeepsiegalleriamall.com/directory/.
Memorial tree planting in Woodstock
The Woodstock Tree Committee and the Town of Woodstock will be honoring the late highway superintendent Bill Harder with the planting of a memorial tree on Monday, October 12 at noon. The planting will take place in front of the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce on Rock City Road. A red oak has been selected.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the tree fund should send their check to Town of Woodstock, c/o town clerk Jackie Early, 46 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, NY 12498 and put Memorial Tree Fund T&A in the memo.
“Fight” for food pantries
The Ulster County “Food Fight” is a food collection contest held in cooperation with eleven libraries throughout Ulster County until October 17. The “Food Fight” is part of the Great Give Back throughout New York State. The common goal is to “spread food all over Ulster County” by filling up the shelves of local food pantries and to putting an end to hunger in our communities. The library that collects the highest average of food during this period wins the “Food Fight” and receives a winners’ certificate.
The following libraries will be participating: Olive Free Library: 657-2482, Phoenicia Library: 688-7811, Plattekill Library: 883-7286, Stone Ridge Library: 687-7023, Elting Memorial Library (New Paltz): 255-5030, Morton Memorial Library (Pine Hill): 254-4222, Kingston Library: 331-0507, Rosendale Library: 658-9013, Woodstock Public Library District: 679-2213, Gardiner Library: 255-1255, Wallkill Library: 895-3707.
Contact your local library to find out what local food pantry they are supporting and how you can donate food items.
Zero Place landscaping
In the coming weeks, residents and visitors of the Village of New Paltz will start to see work at the construction site at Zero Place in New Paltz. The landscape plan includes an extensive renovation to the green environment surrounding the property i.e. tree cutting and re-grading. Much of this work will be performed on the west side of the property which borders the Wallkill Valley rail-trail. “Please be aware of the work being performed if you plan to be in this area, as there may be increased contractor traffic,” said building inspector Cory Wirthmann.
Children’s surprise book bundle
Fill out a survey and Gardiner librarians will surprise you with a bundle of three special books. All books will be selected from the library’s collection. Once your surprise book bundle is ready, you will be contacted to arrange pick up during library hours. Visit the kids/teens section at www.gardinerlibrary.org to find and complete the form.
For information, visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Route 213 lane closure
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect one lane to close along Route 213 eastbound and westbound, between Keator Avenue and Binnewater Road in Rosendale, beginning Monday, October 5 through approximately Friday, October 30 at 7 a.m., to facilitate road reconstruction, weather permitting.
Motorists should anticipate delays and plan accordingly. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.
For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
Recycling center closure
The Town of New Paltz ReUse and Recycling Center will be closed on Tuesday, October 13 for Lenape Day (the day after a holiday that falls on a Monday). The center will reopen Wednesday, October 14 at 9 a.m.
Walking club for seniors
The Gardiner Library holds a weekly walking club for seniors on Thursdays from 9 to 9:45 a.m., weather permitting. Those interested can meet in the upper parking lot at the library. Contact Nicole at nlane@rcls.org for information.
Fall bakery and market at the Reformed Church of New Paltz
The Reformed Church of new Paltz will hold a fall bakery and market on Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church located on Huguenot Street in New Paltz. This socially distanced fundraiser will feature pies and apple fritters with curbside, contactless pick-up. Apple, Dutch apple and pumpkin pies ($15 each) can be pre-ordered and pre-paid online at https://bit.ly/2GsTYHn. If you prefer to order your pies by phone, call Cheryl at (845) 430-0025. The deadline for ordering pies is Tuesday, October 13. Apple fritters will be available the day of the sale (no pre-orders).
Covid-19 precautions for volunteers and customers will be taken at all times, this includes during prep, as well as at the time of pickup. A small select group of vendors will be set up on the lawn next to the Jamison House. Plans are in place to do this socially distanced. Masks are required.
Orders will be confirmed via email or phone. For pick-ups on October 17, please follow signs from North Chestnut Street (Route 32) at Broadhead Street to Huguenot Street.
Meeting cancellation
The Town of Woodstock is cancelling its October 13 town board meeting.
New Paltz seeks volunteers
The Town of New Paltz is looking for volunteers to serve on the Bike-Ped Committee, Clean Water Open Space Preservation Commission, Environmental Conservation Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Police Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Public Access Committee, Recreation Committee and Zoning Board. Interested parties are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume to the supervisor’s office at P.O. Box 550, New Paltz, NY 12561 or email assistant@townofnewpaltz.org.
Internet access for the Town of Gardiner
While most of the Town of Gardiner is able to get online, there are still a few isolated residential areas that do not have internet accessibility.
According to supervisor Marybeth Majestic, the Town of Gardiner wants to help. “We have funding to construct new infrastructure that will allow these areas reliable access to the internet,” said Majestic. “We are aware of deficiencies on Phillies Bridge Road, Windsor Drive and Clove Road.”
Majestic said that if you don’t live on these roads and you do not have internet, the town would like to hear from you and to reach out to them via Facebook, email townofgardiner.assistant@gmail.com, or call 255-9675, ext. 109.
“Working together, we hope to make internet access available to all Gardiner residents,” said Majestic.
Four falcons released
The Open Space Institute, in coordination with research scientist and Cub Scout representative Christopher Nadareski, recently four rehabilitated peregrine falcons on OSI’s River-to-Ridge Trail in New Paltz. Having worked on the nest-site management and peregrine falcon rehabilitation and release program in the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island for the past 35 years, Nadareski has extensive experience rescuing and nursing peregrine falcons back to health before setting the birds free. In addition to performing peregrine falcon rehabilitation and release as part of his professional responsibilities at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP),
Peregrine falcons are known as the fastest bird for their ability to reach speeds over 200 mph while diving for prey. Peregrine falcons prefer to nest at high altitudes and along cliff faces, like those found at the nearby ridge. “Not only is the River-to-Ridge Trail popular with people, it turns out we have a great launching site for rehabilitated birds,” said Kim Elliman, OSI’s president and CEO.
Resnick series continues
The Louis and Mildred Resnick Institute for the Study of Modern Jewish Life will continue its lecture series via WebEx with Jonathan Rosen on “Louis Brandeis and the Imbeciles: A Closer Look at a Progressive Prophet” on Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. To join the lecture, please sign on at least five minutes before the scheduled lecture time at https://newpaltz.webex.com/newpaltz/j.php?MTID=ma30479474262b526613f7127e4e0912b. There is a possibility that you will need the following information: meeting number — 161 853 7923, password: gMJPtTeQ222
The series is directed by Gerald Sorin. The final lecture will take place on October 15 — Benjamin Taylor on “Here We Are: My Friendship with Philip Roth.”
U-Act voter drive-thru
Ulster Activists (U-Act) is conducting a voter drive-thru, where voters can pick up a voter registration form, application for an absentee ballot and information about the elections. The voter drive thru will be held every Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. at the New Paltz Community Center, 3 Veteran’s Drive. The dates are October 10 and October 17.
Volunteers will be masked and gloved. Voters are asked to remain in their cars, wear a mask and bring a pen to complete the requested form. Voters can return the completed form to volunteers for drop off at the Ulster County board of elections.
Italian American Foundation mini festival on October 11
Due to the restrictions of Covid-19, the Ulster County Italian American Foundation (UCIAF) has changed plans and will present a special mini festival on Sunday, October 11, 6:15 p.m., at Tech City in Kingston.
Local dignitaries will join in honoring Dr. John Ioia and Linda Saccoman as the 2020 Signore and Signora of the Year. Both individuals have been a part of the foundation with Dr. Ioia being the chairman of the by-laws committee and Saccoman, the co-chairperson of the ambitious cultural committee.
The ceremonies will be directed by Anna Brett and opened by local singer Andrew Hoben, with the American and Italian anthems. Various elected officials and dignitaries will be introduced followed by a welcome by UCIAF president, Les Lombardi.
Last year’s honors recipients will introduce the 2020 Man and Woman of the Year. Former UCIAF president, Tony Marmo and Linda Palladino will bestow the honors.
Following these ceremonies, Italian singer Joe De Sarle will perform and lead the attendees in two sing-a-longs, “Volare” and “That’s Amore.”
To close out the evening, there will be a special big-screen showing of the Italian classic comedy, My Cousin Vinny staring Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei.
Bring your own food or take advantage of three food options. Reginato Ristorante will offer pre-event dining, take out and free Italian popcorn to take out; Michael’s Diner will have special pre-order Italian sandwiches to go; and the Green Palate will offer onsite ordering and car delivery.
UCIAF t-shirts and masks will be available and tickets will be sold for the annual raffle benefitting the Oncology Support Group at the Runer House.
Free carload tickets are available through “Eventbrite” with gates scheduled to open at 5:15 p.m. for ticket holders only. Social distancing, masks and no alcohol will be enforced.
Donations will be accepted for the UCIAF Education and Community Grant Fund.
For further information and free tickets, visit www.uciaf.org.
Catholic Charities to host pop-up farm stand in Kingston
Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster invites community members to visit its pop-up farmstand on Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 80 Elmendorf Street in Kingston on the grounds of 2nda Iglesia La Mision. Guests will have access to fresh produce and other pantry items made available through the Catholic Charities Food Pantry at 6 Adams Street.
“These have been tough times, many of our neighbors are struggling to keep food on their table, and farm fresh produce is a luxury that many can’t afford right now,” said Dominique Mills of,Catholic Charities. “We are happy to bring the farmstand into the community to make it easier for people to access delicious produce and learn more about other Catholic Charities services.”
Community members will have the opportunity to sign up for immigration consultations and speak with case managers about eviction prevention and other emergency assistance. For information, contact 340-9170, ext. 3000 or email dulce.coyt@cccsos.org.
Fall foliage paddle tour
A fall foliage paddle tour along the Hudson River in Kingston will take place on Saturday, October 10 from 9:30 a.m. and noon. All tours are two hours and include equipment and guide. The cost is $30 for Kingston residents/$40 non-residents.
For information, call 481-7336 or register online at www.kingstonparksandrec.org.
Join the family! 
