Saugerties SRO provides support for students at-risk of not graduating
Saugerties High School senior Salvatore Delair readily admits that in previous years he had followed the wrong path in terms of his commitment to his academics. “I used to get in trouble a lot,” Delair said while reminiscing about his sophomore and junior years. “I used to get sent to the office all the time for being disrespectful, being late to class and not handing in homework.”
During his senior year, the potential consequences of his previous decisions started to hit home. “Honestly, I never thought that I would graduate, but deep down inside I wanted to,” Delair admitted. It was that deeply hidden glimmer of hope, as well as developing a mentoring relationship with Saugerties school resource officer Travis Winchell, that helped turn things around.
Following the recommendation of a former classmate, Delair decided to check out an unofficial program that Officer Winchell started three years ago to help students who were at risk of not graduating. Now called Officer Winchell’s Mentoring Academy, at-risk students can attend a study-hall-like program where they do their work under the watchful eye of their mentor. “I’ve always thought that getting an education was important,” said Winchell. “Sometimes students just need someone in their cheering section to root them on.”
“It’s amazing,” said high school principal Tim Reid about the relationships Winchell has built with this population of students and the difference his attention is making in their lives. “On average, Officer Winchell mentors about 13 junior and senior high school students daily to ensure they are attending their classes and getting their work done.” Reid went on to explain that the data shows that at the end of the first marking period, 11 of 13 mentored students had successfully improved their grades in one or more of their classes. He attributes these students’ successes to Winchell’s caring nature.
While Delair may have entered the program begrudgingly at first, the results have spoken for themselves. His grades have improved significantly, by more than 20 percentage points. “I think that’s pretty good, considering how much I struggled with learning under Covid-19 restrictions,” Delair explained. “It was hard to work remotely.”
Winchell also works closely with all of the teachers to ensure that the students he mentors are meeting class expectations and allow him to head off potential problems before they become severe. “It takes a team effort,” said Winchell.
Delair said Winchell will stop at nothing to make sure the work gets done. “One time he showed up at my house and told me to get to school; he has my cell phone number on speed dial,” Delair said with a smile. Knowing that someone is keeping an eye out for him and is invested in his success is a motivator for Delair to stay on the path to graduation.
The students in Officer Winchell’s Mentoring Academy are an eclectic group of young people, who may not typically socialize with each other. “It’s kind of fulfilling to see this group engaged in their schoolwork and hanging out with each other,” said Winchell.
The environment of the program is very comfortable. It’s quiet, secluded and there are plenty of snacks. “The snacks keep them coming back,” joked Winchell. He often runs to Sam’s Club on the weekends to pick up food and drinks to keep his students nourished and hydrated.
Recently, a community member nominated him for a Hero’s Award from the First Responders Children’s Foundation. Officer Winchell won the award and was given a $2,000 grant. These funds can be used for any items that benefit the students, including pens, paper, small prizes and food.
Principal Reid said, “Travis exemplifies a true mentor.” The relationships he has fostered over the past three years with students will certainly stand the test of time.
When thinking about the future, Delair said, “I think after graduation, I want to go to college to become a physical education teacher.”
Call for submissions to annual art show
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of the Village of New Paltz and Elting Memorial Library will once again co-sponsor its art exhibit featuring local and area artists’ depictions of historic architecture, iconic landscapes and interpretations of life within a historic context.
As in 2020, when the art show moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 art show will be viewable on the Historic Preservation Commission’s and Elting Memorial Library’s Facebook pages and subsequently available in the Village HPC’s digital archives.
The deadline for submissions is May 30. Artists may submit images of up to three pieces in each of these categories: painting, drawing/mixed media, photography. Images can be emailed to kamilla.nagy@gmail.com, along with the artist’s name and contact information; title, medium and size of each artwork; and an optional artist statement/bio.
For more information, please contact exhibit coordinator Kamilla Nagy at the above email address or go to https://www.facebook.com/historicpreservationartcontest/.
Maya Gold Foundation appoints new member to the board of directors
The Maya Gold Foundation welcomes Dayna Thomas as the newest member of its Board of Directors. The Maya Gold Foundation is governed by an eight-member board, and each board member brings a sincere commitment to its work and unique skills and qualities that the Foundation values.
Thomas’s connection to the Maya Gold Foundation precedes her newly appointed position: She was a member of the Youth Action Team and has served on multiple committees prior to board appointment. “Through my work with the Foundation in the past, I have learned the importance of creating a local and global community. On my two trips to Nepal with the Foundation, I was able to help empower others, which simultaneously helped me empower myself.”
Thomas is a graduate of New Paltz High School and currently a graphic design student at SUNY New Paltz. She was recently recognized as a Fall 2020 Dean’s List member.
Thomas believes that her past involvement with the Maya Gold Foundation has prepared her for this new role as a board member. She shares that, “As a board member, I am looking forward to continuing to help plan important events for our community, as well as working to create meaningful experiences and connections for future trips to Nepal. The Maya Gold Foundation has allowed me the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me in a meaningful way.”
For additional information about the Maya Gold Foundation, visit www.mayagoldfoundation.org.
Meet the candidates for a new library director in New Paltz
The Elting Memorial Library Director Search Committee invites members of the New Paltz community to meet the top candidates for the position of library director, a role in which retiring director John Giralico has served for 47 years.
Candidate presentations will be hosted on Zoom, the first candidate on Wednesday, February 10 at 1 p.m. and the second candidate on Friday, February 12 at 4 p.m. A brief Q & A will follow each candidate’s presentation, as well as the opportunity to contribute feedback to the committee.
To register and be sent a link for this event, please write to boardpresident@eltinglibrary.org.
The Friends of Historic Saugerties present five years of presentations
The Friends of Historic Saugerties Steering Committee have put together a virtual reminiscence and celebration of the 57 monthly talks that they held at the Saugerties Public Library from February 2015 through March 2020.
“We dedicate this deck of visual reminders to you, our audience, who faithfully attended our lecture series and to the library for their generous support of our initiative,” said Friends of Historic Saugerties Steering Committee member Susan Davis.
The Friends are working on several virtual “snapshots of local history” that they plan to unveil in the coming months. Their goal is to resume the in-person monthly lecture series in the Saugerties Public Library community room as soon as it is safe to do so.
To view the history presentation, visit https://sway.office.com/PXno9v4tU1fxys7z.
“As you tap the stack of program flyers, we hope that you will enjoy thinking back to the talks you may have attended and that you feel encouraged to explore some of the many wonderful history topics they represent,” said Davis.
Kindergarten registration in Saugerties
The Saugerties Central School District will hold its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration on February 22 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Registrar’s Office at Cahill Elementary School. You must have a photo ID to enter the building.
Eligibility for pre-kindergarten Fall 2021: Child must be four years of age on or before December 1, 2021.
Eligibility for kindergarten Fall 2021: Child must be five years of age on or before December 1, 2021.
In addition to the age requirement, all registrants must provide complete immunization records. New York State Public Health Law Section 2164 and New York Codes, Rules and Regulations Title 10, Subpart 66-1 require every student entering or attending public, private or parochial school in New York State to be immune to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, varicella and meningococcus, in accordance with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations.
Registration documents will be mailed to parent(s)/guardian(s) in early February. If you need registration forms and have not received them, please call the Registrar’s Office at (845) 247-6550, extension 211.
Snowshoe stream walk along Little Beaver Kill on February 13
Register now for a winter snowshoe stream walk with the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program along a tributary to the Little Beaver Kill on the grounds of Kenneth Wilson State Campground, located at 859 Wittenberg Road in Mount Tremper, on Saturday, February 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If there is not enough snow for snowshoeing, a “no-snow” date is scheduled for Saturday, February 20. If there is still no snow on this date, a regular stream walk will be held without snowshoes.
Snowshoes and walking poles will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own gear. Those with limited or no experience snowshoeing are encouraged to attend. Instruction on how to snowshoe properly and safely will be given before venturing out on the trail.
The walk will be approximately two hours in length on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation land. The walk is designed for beginners, but the group at times may go off-trail. During the walk, educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County will share information about local streams and protecting water resources and investigate signs of local wildlife. There will be frequent stops to point out interesting features of the stream or to discuss environmental topics. Be sure to bring your own snack and beverage.
Meet at the Kenneth Wilson State Campground parking area by 10 a.m. Participants must fill out and return a Liability and Media Release Form and a Stream Safety Pledge in order to participate.
The event is free of charge, but space is limited. Register early to hold your spot at https://tinyurl.com/snowshoestreamwalk2021 or contact Brent Gotsch at the AWSMP office at bwg37@cornell.edu or (845) 688-3047, extension 103.
Events and services from the Saugerties Public Library
The Saugerties Public Library currently offers the following services and events:
• Book Bundles – new! Stumped for reading and viewing titles? Try out Book Bundles. Visit saugertiespubliclibrary.org and click on the Book or DVD Bundle ads. Submit the form describing what you like, and library staff will select material customized to your tastes and needs.
• Hoopla! Stream free digital movies, television, comics, music and audiobooks with your library card. Go to hoopladigital.com and select Saugerties Public Library as your library. You can check out five titles a month.
• Need a library card? Stop by during open hours and ring the doorbell. Bring your photo ID. For further information or program details, visit http://saugertiespubliclibrary.org.
• Homework help! Use tutor.com via the library’s website and take advantage of free online tutoring sessions with professionals. Meet tutors for virtual face-to-face sessions or via chat from 2 to 9 p.m. daily. For kids and adults.
• Fun programs for kids! Keep the little ones busy watching pre-recorded Story Times on the library’s Facebook page at your convenience, or join a live online Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. And stop by outside the library to pick up a Take-and-Make craft kit for a fun and creative time with your child.
The Saugerties Public Library is open and serving the community with curbside pickup of materials and in-house visits by appointment for browsing, faxing and using the computer, printer and copier. Call (845) 246-4317, extension 4 to schedule an appointment. Hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Six arrested in Ulster County interstate heroin bust
Members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team, a task force made up of law enforcement from throughout Ulster County, report the arrest of six individuals following a long-term investigation into heroin and fentanyl sales throughout Ulster County.
Starting in late September 2020, URGENT began investigating the trafficking of heroin and fentanyl from Springfield, Massachusetts and Paterson, New Jersey to Ulster County. Investigators believed narcotics were being distributed by an organization using local hotels and motels as distribution points. Investigators conducted numerous undercover buys into several individuals identified as part of the organization. Additionally, members conducted traffic stops and executed search warrants resulting in the recovery of over 1,000 bags of heroin and fentanyl over the course of the investigation.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with the following:
Steven D. Warrick, 51, of Springfield, Massachusetts
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (two counts)
Louis S. Bellaro, 32, of Wawarsing, New York
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (six counts)
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (six counts)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Amber L. Mansfield, 27, of Ulster, New York
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Julie A. Kogut, 41, of Saugerties, New York
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
Dylan W. Case, 51, of New Paltz, New York
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (two counts)
Andrew D. Coddington, 29, of Ulster, New York
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (two counts)
All defendants were released to appear in court on a later date, with the exception of Mansfield, who was remanded to the Ulster County Jail on a probation violation as a result of the new charges.
The following agencies have members assigned to URGENT: Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Town of Shandaken Police, Ulster County Probation, Town of Plattekill Police, Village of Ellenville Police, Town of Lloyd Police and the US Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
Note: As always, any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Town of Kingston women arrested on drug sales charges
The City of Kingston Police Department reports the arrest of 25-year-old Meredith S. McSpirit of Rymrock Road, Town of Kingston.
Last week, the Kingston Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit concluded an investigation into the sale of heroin and fentanyl occurring throughout the City of Kingston with the arrest of Meredith McSpirit. McSpirit was taken into custody at her residence on Rymrock Road and brought to the Kingston Police Department, where she was charged with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree; two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree; and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
McSpirit was at the center of one of the most tragic local stories of the last decade. She was behind the wheel of a vehicle in a Saugerties crash that claimed the lives of four young men in 2015. A grand jury found that McSpirit wasn’t impaired at the time of the crash and declined to indict her on any charges.
Highland man indicted for sexual assault against child
Natividad Rodriguez-Rivera, 35, formerly of South Street, Highland, was indicted last week by an Ulster County grand jury on the charge of predatory sexual assault of a child.
Rodriguez-Rivera is accused of engaging in a course of sexual conduct between August of 2017 and August of 2019, which included multiple acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old in the Town of Plattekill. Predatory sexual assault against a child is a Class A felony.
Rodriguez-Rivera was arrested by the New York State Police in Ellenville on August 21, 2019. He was arraigned in the Town of Plattekill and has been held in the Ulster County Jail with bail set in the amount of $250,000 cash or $500,000 secured bond or $750,000 unsecured bond.
Ulster County district attorney David Clegg commended the courage of the child victim who came forward to report “these abhorrent acts” and her family who took swift action by quickly reporting the offenses to the police.
When asked about the amount of time elapsed between the arrest and indictment, chief assistant district attorney Katherine R. Van Loan provided a few reasons. She said the defendant waived his right to a speedy trial shortly after his arrest and subsequently switched defense attorneys. The case was scheduled for conference at the time when the courts (including grand juries) were shut down for several months due to the pandemic. “There have been several virtual court appearances in an attempt to explore the possibility of a plea, which would have limited the child victim’s required participation in the process; but ultimately, as is sometimes the case, a resolution agreeable to all could not be reached,” stated Van Loan, who is prosecuting the case. “If the period of time that the courts and grand jury was shut down is subtracted, this case is still on the longer side, but not unusual.”
Rodriguez-Rivera is represented by David Curtain, Esq. of Larkin & Ingrassia, LLP. He will be arraigned virtually by Ulster County Court in the coming weeks.
The New York State Police in Ellenville were assisted in their investigation by the Ulster County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s Unit, which is part of the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Forensic Investigation Center in Albany, which is a division of the New York State Police.
Read-a-thon participant raises money for youth programming
The Gardiner Library honors 11-year-old Miles Eyler for his efforts in their winter readathon raising $1,000 to be put towards youth programming. According to library director Nicole Lane, “We wanted to give the youth in our community a chance to combine their love of reading with an opportunity to make a difference locally. Miles not only spent time reading, but also finding friends and family to sponsor his endeavor. The entire Gardiner Library staff is grateful for Miles’ dedication to the library and our community.”
For further information, visit www.gardinerlibrary.org or the library’s Facebook page.
Virtual college admissions and financial aid presentation
The Gardiner Library will host “Calculating your Expected Family Contribution and Navigating the SAT and ACT landscape” with Elizabeth Levine and Marc Hoberman virtually via Zoom on Thursday, February 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. Preregistration for this free presentation is required by e-mailing Nicole at nlane@rcls.org. The presentation is geared toward any student in high school and their parents.
For further information, visit www.gardinerlibrary.org or the library’s Facebook page.
Esopus Library lending out mobile Wi-Fi hotspots
The Esopus Library has mobile Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout. Hotspots are available to Esopus Library cardholders in good standing who are 18 years old and live in the Town of Esopus. The lending period for the hotspots is three weeks. Borrowers can connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices to a hotspot, which is connected with T-Mobile data service provided by the library. Once connected to the hotspots, devices are ready to connect to the Internet.
Reservations can be made by placing a hold on a device through Mid-Hudson Library System’s online catalog at https://search.midhudsonlibraries.org or by contacting the Esopus Library at (845) 338-5580 or info@esopuslibrary.org. Reserved devices can be picked up during curbside pickup times. A completed borrowing agreement form is required before checkout.
For additional information, visit www.esopuslibrary.org/mobile-hotspot-lending.
Work by Nicole Ida Fossi on display at ASK
“Grounding Narratives,” the February exhibition at Arts Society of Kingston (ASK), features a series of new paintings from Nicole Ida Fossi focusing on personal narratives and overcoming adversity and trauma in a way that celebrates the healing and freeing aspects of that recovery. The joy and struggle of these experiences is accessible to all audiences and the overall tone of the pieces is upbeat and colorful, rendered on large canvases, which invite the viewer into a unique, all-encompassing experience. This is an exhibition about healing, which is especially relevant now.
“Grounding Narratives” will be available to view starting on Saturday, February 6 at 1 p.m. at the gallery at 97 Broadway in Kingston and online at askforarts.org.
The Member’s Gallery Exhibition “Widest Sense” will also be available to view starting Saturday, February 6, at 1 p.m., both in the gallery and online.
Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. For additional information, call (845) 338-0333.
School of Business at SUNY New Paltz to provide free online income tax assistance
The SUNY New Paltz School of Business announces the return of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax help to individuals with a gross income below $66,000.
For years, the VITA program has connected Hudson Valley residents with certified student volunteers who have received IRS training to provide basic tax return preparation assistance and free e-filing.
In 2021, the program is adapting to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic by moving online.
Beginning on February 1, qualifying taxpayers can visit www.getyourrefund.org/sunynewpaltz to access the free service and send documents safely. VITA will remain available through April 12, 2021.
A team of certified students will follow up with taxpayers during the following hours: Mondays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you’d like to take advantage of this free service, simply visit the 2021 VITA program website to get started. Please be ready with your photo ID, Social Security cards, all informational statements such as W-2s and 1099s, last year’s tax return (if available) and your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit available for upload.
For additional information, contact the VITA program at sunynpvita@gmail.com.
Bardavon presents “Albums Revisited”: Carole King’s Tapestry 50th Anniversary stream
The Bardavon has announced that Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winners Annie Lennox and Carly Simon will headline the next “Albums Revisited”: Carole King’s Tapestry 50th Anniversary stream on Wednesday, February 10 at 8 p.m. at Bardavon Presents @You Tube. The event is curated by Bardavon production manager Stephen LaMarca with commentary by Bardavon executive director Chris Silva and others.
Celebrated and named as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone Magazine, Lennox’s iconic musical career spans over four decades, going back to the early ‘80s when the internationally renowned Eurythmics were formed in collaboration with Dave Stewart. Having sold over 83 million albums worldwide, she is the first woman to be recognized with an ASCAP Fellowship. Over the years, she has worked on behalf of countless organizations. Working with UNAIDS as a Goodwill Ambassador, she became well known for her work as a tireless HIV/AIDS activist and advocate.
Simon rose to fame in the 1970s with back-to-back hit records. She has written many of her own songs and has authored a number of children’s books. She had a deep interest in music from childhood and taught herself to play the guitar. She began a music group, the Simon Sisters, with her sister Lucy. The group enjoyed minor success and made three albums together before Lucy left the band to start a family. Carly went solo in 1971 with her self-titled album Carly Simon. She had her first big hit with her single “You’re So Vain,” which remains one of her most successful songs and is generally regarded as her “signature song.” A Grammy Award followed, and she became one of the most famous singers of the 1970s. Her trail of success continued well into the next decade.
A portion of all donations from this streaming series will benefit People’s Place in Kingston and Dutchess Outreach in Poughkeepsie.
For additional information, e-mail boxoffice@bardavon.org.
Volunteer for the Village of New Paltz
The Village of New Paltz is currently seeking volunteers for the following boards, committees and commissions:
• The Affordable Housing Board. Vacancy: one seat. Purpose: to promote identification, construction and continue availability and access to affordable housing.
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee. Vacancies: two village-resident seats. Purpose: a joint Village/Town committee that promotes safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian routes in the Village and Town.
• Board of Ethics. Vacancy: one seat. Purpose: meets as needed when ethical issues are raised.
• Environmental Policy Board. Vacancy: one seat. Purpose: works on conservation and sustainability initiatives and has the ability to influence policy and local laws.
• Historic Preservation Commission. Vacancy: one alternate seat. Purpose: to protect, enhance and perpetuate the heritage of the Village of New Paltz.
• Landlord/Tenant Relations Council. Vacancies: two tenant seats, two landlord seats and alternates for a landlord and a tenant. Purpose: to advise, counsel, mediate problems and disputes and to improve relations between landlords and tenants.
• Planning Board. Vacancies: one alternate seat. Purpose: reviews land-use issues that pertain to the Village of New Paltz Code including proposed site plan reviews, special use permits and subdivisions, as well as general planning and zoning throughout the Village.
• Shade Tree Commission. Vacancy: one seat. Purpose: to keep our community both green and safe by ensuring that we remain a Tree City and processing tree-removal applications.
• Zoning Board of Appeals. Vacancies: two alternate seats. Purpose: reviews land-use issues that pertain to Village of New Paltz Code, including proposed variations from zoning and appeals of decisions made by the building inspector.
The Village of New Paltz operates under a model in which its residents are empowered to manage many important functions of the government and advise the mayor and Village Board.
Each of these entities meets once per month, except for the Planning Board, which meets twice per month. No special background or training is required to join these citizen-led commissions and boards.
To get involved or to learn more, please send a brief letter of interest to the clerk’s office at assistant@villageofnewpaltz.org and clerk@villageofnewpaltz.org.
Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation First Fridays return for 2021
After taking a hiatus in January, the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation (HVALF)’s First Fridays virtual series will resume on February 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with a focus on Black Lives Matter @ Work, with special guests Terrence L. Melvin, secretary/treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO and president of the National Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and Bill Fletcher Jr., former president of the TransAfrica Forum, senior scholar with the Institute of Policy Studies and editorial board member of BlackCommentator.com.
The discussion will address the history of black workers in the union movement and how issues of race and racism are at play in our organizing work today.
The union movement today includes many kinds of workers: men and women in service industries, health care and the public sector, in addition to the more traditional blue-collar sectors. How can we learn from each other and bring concerns for social justice into our organizing efforts? What challenges do we face, and what can we gain by centering the history and experiences of Black workers, as we build our movement today?
This Zoom/Facebook live meeting will start with presentations by the featured speakers, each of whom have long experience in the union movement. There will be a moderated question-and-answer session taking questions from the audience to extend the discussion.
To receive a Zoom meeting invitation, register at www.facebook.com/hvlabor.
Town of Olive receives Rural Initiative Grant from Laura Jane Musser Fund
The Town of Olive has procured a Rural Initiative Grant from the Laura Jane Musser Fund. The grant encourages collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens in rural communities that help to strengthen towns and regions in a number of civic areas, including economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements and education. The $5,000 grant to the Town of Olive is to be used to develop a land-use plan for town-owned flood buyout properties in Boiceville.
“These are flood-prone, vacant properties located in the heart of Boiceville that we hope to one day develop into a parklike centerpiece for our community,” said Olive supervisor Jim Sofranko. “This grant is the first step toward that goal, and I thank the Laura Jane Musser Fund for this opportunity.”
Sofranko also thanked Ulster County comptroller March Gallagher for sharing information on the availability of the grant to the town in October.
The land-use plan is expected to be completed by July 2022.
Gardiner Library presents ARKAI String Duo live virtual concert
Ulster County Libraries hosts the ARKAI String Duos live virtual concert on Thursday, February 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. Contact Nicole at nlane@rcls.org for reservations through the Gardiner Library, or contact your local library for more details.
This program will include a selection of ARKAI’s original compositions and arrangements that draw on musical influences worldwide. Following the performance, audiences will have the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with the artists.
Drawing their name from the Greek word meaning “source of action,” ARKAI channels the diversity of the world through genre-bending music and sonic exploration. ARKAI’s past engagements have included performances at the Met Breuer, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, 92nd Street Y and TED.
For further information, visit www.gardinerlibrary.org or the library’s Facebook page.
Bethel Woods to host virtual Q & A session for prospective volunteers
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, will host a virtual volunteer Open House on Wednesday, February 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. to provide information on volunteering opportunities during the upcoming year. The first of its kind, the Open House moved to a digital streaming platform this year in accordance with Covid-19 regulations.
As a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, Bethel Woods relies on the generosity of volunteers who give their time, talent and attention to the center every year. The digital question-and-answer session will include the opportunity to talk to current volunteers and staff members about training, scheduling and the rewards of volunteering. It will also detail the measures put into place this past year to keep volunteers safe during their time spent on the historic grounds.
Despite the challenges of 2020, volunteers still donated almost 5,000 hours to Bethel Woods, connecting visitors to the events of the 1960s in the Museum and creating memorable, high-quality experiences during festivals and programs. “We cannot thank our volunteers enough for the time, dedication and passion they contribute to Bethel Woods each year. Our events and programs would not be the same without their support and generosity,” said chief executive officer Eric Frances.
“No words could ever convey the excitement, inspiration and simple pleasure of extending oneself to others that volunteering at Bethel Woods brings to my life,” added Patricia Willard, a Bethel Woods volunteer since 2011.
Bethel Woods offers volunteer positions for people of all ages, with flexibility regarding schedules and interests. Those interested but unable to tune in can fill out an application to receive more information. To RSVP, please visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org.
YMCA partners with Bard College to offer virtual writing workshop
The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County is partnering with the Bard College Institute for Writing & Thinking (IWT), the Bard College Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT) and the A. J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center to offer Girls Write Kingston (GWK). GWK is a free workshop that will offer girls ages 13 to 18 years old the opportunity to experiment, experience and explore the writing process through a range of fun creative activities, in the company of a supportive learning community.
Girls Write Kingston will be offered at both the YMCA and African Roots Center. The YMCA group will meet online Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the African Roots Center group will meet online Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each class will serve 15 youth, for a total of 30. Participants will work with experienced writing staff and published authors Kristy McMorris, dean of the Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock. Literature faculty and faculty in the Bard College Language & Thinking Workshop will teach the Thursday class, and Kingston High School English teacher, co-founder of The Underground Center and mentor teacher for Bard MAT Cassandra Taylor will teach the Saturday class.
The workshop will be held online until at least April, then in person if conditions permit. Each registered participant will receive a Girls Write Kingston journal and pen set. Additionally, the workshop will conclude with a celebratory reading and launch of an online youth-directed publication.
To register for the Thursday class, please go to http://bit.ly/GWK-YMCA; for the Saturday class, visit http://bit.ly/GWKRegistration.
The story of historic Kingston
Historians and authors Stephen Blauweiss and Karen Berelowitz will present the first part of their current book in the works called The Story of Historic Kingston: A Journey through the Hudson Valley and its Connections with New York City in a free multimedia presentation on Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
The new book will feature over 800 photographs, “then-and-now” comparisons and lesser-known anecdotes. The first PhotoTalk covers a thriving era in Kingston and Hudson Valley history and their intricate relationship with New York City’s development. Titled “The Birth of Industry, Leisure and the Arts in the Hudson Valley,” this presentation covers:
• Glass, tanning and barrels
• Mountain houses and tourism
• Hudson River School painters
• The Delaware & Hudson Canal
• Bluestone, brick, cement
• Ice harvesting
There will also be time for discussion and a question-and-answer session. Register (free) at www.hudsonvalleyhistoryandart.com/phototalks.
Openings in Gardiner
The Town of Gardiner is looking for an assessor; interested, qualified individuals should send a letter with resume to Supervisor Majestic at the address listed below by February 1.
Gardiner will also have terms expiring on both the Planning Board and the Open Space Commission. Seated members will have the opportunity to reapply along with any other interested parties. Send your letter of interest, with resume to Supervisor Majestic at supervisor.tog@gmail.com, by February 28.
If you have any questions regarding these openings, you can call Supervisor Majestic at (845) 255-9675, extension 101.
Friday food drive supports Family of New Paltz and Rondout Valley Food Pantry
Thanks to the generosity of Preserve members, visitors and the local community, a January food drive at Mohonk Preserve was a great success, providing seven truckloads of food and supplies. The Preserve is now expanding to two locations and organizations. They will be supporting Family of New Paltz at the Preserve’s Testimonial Gateway Trailhead, 35 Route 299 in New Paltz and Rondout Valley Food Pantry at the Preserve’s Spring Farm Trailhead, 50 Upper 27 Knolls Road in High Falls during their Friday food drive on February 5 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Preserve will provide curbside drop-off near the trailhead visitor contact stations for donations of the following non-perishable items:
• Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, juices, jelly, peanut butter)
• Dry goods (cereals, rice, pasta)
• Personal care items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, sanitary napkins)
• Household products (laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap)
The Preserve is proud to collaborate with Family of New Paltz and Rondout Valley Food Pantry as they provide help to those in need and looks forward to welcoming everyone at the Testimonial Gateway and/or Spring Farm Trailheads for the Friday food drive on February 5.
Change of meeting date
The Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of New Paltz will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place remotely, with livestream on YouTube for public access. Check the Village of New Paltz website for the meeting agenda and livestream link. For more information, please contact the commission secretary at hpc@villageofnewpaltz.org.
Candidates sought for Gardiner offices
The Gardiner Democratic Committee (GDC) is looking for Gardiner residents interested in running for town offices this coming November and being endorsed by the GDC. The positions on the ballot include county legislator (UC District 16), town supervisor, town board member (two positions), town clerk, highways and roads superintendent and town court justice.
Residents interested should send an email to chair@gardinerdemocrats.com expressing interest and, briefly, their reasons for possibly seeking office. A resume is also requested if available. Questions can be sent to the same address, but be sure to include a phone number for a return call. Those interested will need to complete a questionnaire that will be sent to them shortly after their initial email.
Town of 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, Ethics Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board (one member and two alternates), Public Access Committee and Recreation Committee.
Interested parties may 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.
Ulster announces $80,000 for food pantries
Ulster County’s Covid-19 response organization, Project Resilience, will be granting $80,000 to 16 pantries to help support the surging needs that pantries are seeing this winter and will be partnering with the YMCA to launch a new drop-in childcare program in Ellenville.
According to a survey, the average Ulster pantry has seen its number of clients double and has been facing shortages of volunteers. These grants, ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 per pantry, are intended to help the pantries increase their services. The county estimates that 120,000 additional meals will be provided through this funding.
Project Resilience is also partnering with the YMCA to help sponsor a new drop-in childcare program for kids in grades K through 6 in Ellenville beginning February 1. The Ellenville School District was in need of a childcare program and afterschool program for youth even prior to the pandemic. Covid-19 has intensified this need.
“We have had a great increase on the number of families that depend on us,” Charlotte Knapp of the Rondout Valley Food Pantry said. “At one point during the summer, we coordinated with county executive Pat Ryan’s Office for Project Resilience and served all but two townships in our county via delivery only. If we did not increase the frequency of our days we are open, or the number of times a guest may receive groceries in a week, our community would have been affected even more so than they already are.”
“We are seeing people at the Pantry who have never had food insufficiency before and the number of people we are serving is almost double,” said Reverend James Childs from Pointe of Praise Family Life Center Pantry. “We are so blessed to have our community stepping up through Project Resilience to support us this winter.”
Pantries receiving funds include: People’s Place, The Table at Woodstock, Hunger is Not an Option, Rondout Valley Food Pantry, Pointe of Praise Family Life Center Pantry, Town of Rochester Food Pantry, Ascension Holy Trinity Mission Center Food Pantries, New Day Food Pantry, Family of New Paltz, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, St. Charles Helping Hands Food Pantry, Plattekill Food Pantry, Good Neighbor Food Pantry of Woodstock, Family of Ellenville, Hodge Center and Family of Woodstock.
Launched in March, Project Resilience started as a community fund and local food distribution efforts established to support residents impacted by Covid-19. It quickly received over $2 million dollars in funding and the county established partnerships with municipal governments, local businesses and not-for-profits. Since launching, Project Resilience has provided nearly 300,000 meals while supporting over 100 small businesses, according to a press release. The project is made possible through partnerships with the United Way and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.
Call (845) 338-3810, extension 122 for more information about Ulster County Project Resilience financial aid for the Y Academy at Ellenville Elementary, or contact Cailin Rooney at crooney@ymcaulster.org or Jhaunelle Anderson at janderson@ymcaulster.org.
For more information on Project Resilience, visit https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/project-resilience.
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