City of Kingston awarded $50K grant for street trees
Kingston mayor Steven Noble has announced that the City of Kingston was awarded $50,000 from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Urban and Community Forestry Grant program to be used for citywide tree-planting. With the $50,000 grant and with a 25 percent match from the City of Kingston, tree-planting funds will total $62,500 and be specifically used for street trees. The Tree Commission estimates to plant between 70 and 90 trees with this funding, focusing on neighborhoods that currently lack trees and would benefit from additional shade and streetscape amenities.
The Tree Commission has reviewed the city’s tree inventory to identify locations that are most in need of tree cover. The City of Kingston is taking applications from homeowners and business-owners who would like to request a tree in front of their property, with special consideration to priority areas identified on the map. The Midtown area has been identified as the most highly trafficked area that is underserved for street trees.
Plantings will be in the public right-of-way, with a commitment from property-owners to ensure that the new trees are well-maintained, particularly in the early stages of planting. Species will be chosen by the Tree Commission, who will identify types of trees that will have a positive impact on biodiversity and will be the appropriate size for the planting locations.
“Our community is passionate about trees, as we know they provide shade, beautify our streetscapes and are beneficial for our mental health and general wellbeing,” said Mayor Noble. “We are grateful to the DEC for this grant, which will provide so many trees for our community to enjoy for generations to come.”
“We agree with Mayor Noble: Our urban forest provides numerous benefits for our community,” said Suzanne Cahill, planning director. “It is also important to understand that approved locations will require that the property-owners abutting the planting will be responsible for the continued maintenance of the street tree. This will ensure the sustainability of the overall program and its success.”
The Tree Commission is accepting applications until September 15. City staff and commission members will need to review the sites and verify suitability. Final locations will be chosen by December 2021, with planting expected to take place spring 2022. Applications are available in the Planning Office at City Hall and on the City of Kingston website.
For more information, visit www.kingston-ny.gov/trees or contact the Planning Office at (845) 334-3954 or planning@kingston-ny.gov for an application.
Food, music and fun under the Gunks
A Moosic Fest will take place on Saturday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Kiernan Farm in Gardiner. The doors open at 11 a.m., and music will be performed from 12:30 to 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and/or a picnic blanket.
Enjoy all-you-can-eat Kiernan Farm 100 percent grass-fed beef and barbecue catered by Mancave Meat Co. Burgers, hot dogs and fries will be available all day. Specialty items will be available at the lunch and dinner hour.
Admission costs $55; children aged ten and under get in free. The ticket price includes all-day food, non-alcoholic drinks and music. Alcohol will be available for purchase for attendees ages 21+. To purchase a ticket, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/moosic-fest-tickets-160332784675?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Moosic Fest will occur rain or shine. Performers include Slam Allen, the Dan Brother Band, the John Malino Band, Book of James and Ian Moore on fiddle.
Kiernan Farm is located at 1308 Bruynswick Road in Gardiner.
Mohonk Preserve hosts family equity days
Mohonk Preserve is inviting New York State SNAP and EBT recipients to sign up for free family equity programs in July and August.
Each family equity day offers free 90-minute, back-to-nature themed programs for up to eight family members ages five and up, expertly guided by a professional Mohonk Preserve environmental educator. Multiple programs will be offered on July 20, July 29, August 2 and August 17 covering a variety of topics including “pond exploration,” a hike to explore pond life at the water’s edge; “Lenape lifeways,” a day of discovery about these indigenous people and their rich culture; “stream family discovery,” exploring a stream habitat and creatures; and “family orienteering for beginners,” building outdoor skills through an on-land compass wayfinding game.
For full descriptions, dates offered and online registration information, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org/equitydays. If you do not have internet access or need help with registration, contact the Preserve’s education coordinator for public and youth programs at (845) 255-0919, extension 1239.
For more information about visiting the Preserve, go to www.mohonkpreserve.org/visit.
Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock July 24 & 25
Charles Dennis Productions will present Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock, a festival of short works of dance, film, music, performance art, poetry and puppetry on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. at the Mountain View Studio, located at 20 Mountain View Avenue in Woodstock.
Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock presents the artists in an informal cabaret setting and will be hosted by Charles Dennis. Performances will occur both inside the Mountain View Studio and on the studio’s outdoor stage. Avant-Garde-Arama Lands in Woodstock will feature Adia Tamar Whitaker and her dance film On the Matter, a reaction to the 30th anniversary of the Rodney King murder in Los Angeles; Charles Dennis and his dance duet with a stack of two-by-four lumber, 2 x 2 x 4, featuring live electric guitar music by Sal Cataldi (a/k/a Spaghetti Eastern Music); Isobel Seabrook and her dance solo Mattress Dance, a piece inspired by Larry Keigwin’s hourlong work, Mattress Suite, and the universal experience of having difficulty falling asleep. Based on the stages of the sleep cycle, the piece traces the mover’s brain activity through dance, beginning and ending with wakefulness, but never quite achieving stillness and rest in the process. Sal Cataldi will present his Spaghetti Eastern Music, which fuses krautrock and jazz-fusion-fired guitar instrumentals with intimate vocal ballads. Shayna Strype will perform an excerpt from her most recent work of eco-feminist puppetry/performance art, MINE.
Also on hand will be Phillip X. Levine reading his poetry, as well as hosting a poetry raffle in which poets in attendance can pay $3 to enter to win a chance to read a poem. The winner receives a $20 admission refund. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Family of Woodstock.
Refreshments, including beer and wine, will be available. Admission costs $20. For further information, call (917) 673-9023 or e-mail charles@charlesdennis.net.
OMC Mink Hollow hike
Join Overlook Mountain Center (OMC) for a guided hike to view the cairn fields and megawalls in Mink Hollow, a potential Native American ceremonial stone landscape, on Sunday, July 1.
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Mink Hollow DEC trailhead parking lot, at the very end of Mink Hollow Road in Lake Hill.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water, a snack or lunch and bug repellent as need.
Dress for the forecast. In case of rain, the hike will be postponed. Call (845) 417-8484 for more information or to register to attend. Group size limited.
Conversations with Police in New Paltz
Pastor Jennifer Berry and the New Paltz United Methodist Church will be hosting the July “Conversations with the Police.” The session will take place on Wednesday, July 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the New Paltz United Methodist Church at 1 Grove Street.
The program is intended to bring the public and their Police Department together informally to discuss issues concerning the community. For 2021, the get-togethers will be held on the third Wednesday of the month, with times and locations varying to accommodate as many people as possible.
Please check the Police Department’s Facebook page or website calendar at www.townofnewpaltz.org/police for more information. If a group/organization is interested in hosting the monthly conversation, please contact Chief Lucchesi at the New Paltz Police Department at (845) 255-1323.
Woodstock Library Fair returns: Renascence, Rebirth, Renaissance 2021
The Friends of the Woodstock Library have announced that “Renascence,” the 90th-anniversary Woodstock Library Fair, will be held on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the library lawn. “After a year of death and isolation, let us find the joy of life in our natural surroundings,” said Friends president Michael Hunt. “Renascence,” the title of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s famed poem, means “the revival of something that has been dormant,” he added.
The Library Fair was dormant last year because of the pandemic and its accompanying tragedies. This year, however, the fair returns in a burst of promise, focusing on the future: children. They line up in costume at 9:45 a.m. at the upper Comeau, march across Tinker Street onto the library lawn and then dance around the colorful maypole.
This year, the Fair Dining Row includes edibles from Provisions Pop-Up, Woodstock Shaved Ice, Tapped into the Catskills, The Land of the Tamal (tamales) and The Friends Pop-Up, with a menu from the famed Colony Café. All-day live music features Tracy Bonham and Melodeon Music House, the Rock Academy and many talented musicians, presented by Colony. The book barn is back, filled to the rafters with books and CDs and great deals for shoppers.
Inspired by the library’s own Peter the Horse, a beloved fixture of the Children’s Room for generations, a 16-person carousel will carry children, parents and friends ‘round and ‘round on the library lawn. The children’s area this year reintroduces youngsters to Steve Charney’s ventriloquism and magic show. Kids will also create ingenious craft projects such as solar Mason-jar lights, colored pencil packs, mini-stretched canvases and photosensitive paper.
A Woodstock getaway is once again First Prize in the Great Expectations Raffle. The getaway includes a two-night stay for two at the scenic Onteora Mountain House, culinary delight in a dinner for two at Cucina Restaurant and a pair of yoga classes at top Woodstock studio Euphoria Yoga. Other prizes include $100 gift cards from scores of Woodstock businesses, including the Garden Café, The Golden Notebook, Catskill Mountain Pizza, Jarita’s Florist, Village Apothecary, H. Houst & Son, Yum Yum Noodle Bar, Cub Market, Woodstock Design, Silvia, Bread Alone, Joshua’s, The Framing Piazza, Jean Turmo and The Tea Shop of Woodstock.
A highlight of the library fair, the annual honoree, is this year’s town hero: Neal Smoller of Village Apothecary and leader of the COVID-Busting Volunteer Army, responsible for vaccinating over 23,000 people in Ulster and Dutchess counties.
If you are so inclined, send an anecdote, a memory or a story from the Woodstock Library Fair. Your first fair? The fair at which you met your love? Fair food? Fair books? Fair antics? Anything and everything fair. Organizers will be posting your memories on a memory wall at the 90th Library Fair.
For additional information, e-mail Sheila Isenberg at sheila.isenberg@gmail.com.
Candidate petitions available for Saugerties Library trustee
Candidate petitions for the position of Saugerties Library trustee are available at the Saugerties Public Library. Two five-year terms and one one-year term are up for election in September. Anyone who is a resident of the Town of Saugerties is eligible to run. Petitions must be signed by at least 25 Town of Saugerties residents who are registered to vote in the town. Petitions must be returned by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in order to be on the September ballot.
Copies of the proposed 2022 budget will be available at the library beginning Tuesday, July 20 and may be picked up any time when the library is open. The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2022 budget at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Thursday, August 12, 6 p.m., at the library, 91 Washington Avenue.
For additional information, call the library at 246-4317.
Royal KhaoZ at Phillies Bridge Farm
Royal KhaoZ will be performing at Phillies Bridge Farm on Sunday, July 18. Hailing out of Jamaica, young natives formed what is now known as Royal KhaoZ. The unit’s sole purpose is to bring an energetic and raw vibe through their art, presently in the form of music. Why the name Royal KhaoZ? “No revolution will be had without chaos, no change without disruption. From the crumbled standards and forms, a royal way of thinking will rise,” the collective comprises of Jermaine “Bama” Williams, Andre “DreTegs” Hawthorne, Kavi “Coco” Forgie and Damion Hawthorne. The group, which officially formed in 2010 out of New York City, has evolved over the years as they continue to create music that delivers an empowering message to their audience — old and new listeners alike.
Gates open at 1 p.m. Royal KhaoZ will perform at 2 p.m. This event is outdoors and in the event of rain, it will be moved into the open-air barn. Food and drinks available for purchase. Proceeds go directly to the musicians and support Phillies Bridge Farm’s Food Justice and education programs.
Tickets can be purchased online at philliesbridge.org/events. The farm is located at 45 Phillies Bridge Road in New Paltz.
Olivia Staby is awarded the Saugerties Lions Club scholarship
Saugerties High Shool Class of 2021 valedictorian Olivia Staby has been presented with the Saugerties Lions Club scholarship. Each year, the Lions Club presents a four-year scholarship to a graduating senior. Staby will attend SUNY New Paltz in the fall, majoring in speech pathology.
Man arrested on weapons charges following Saugerties road-rage incident
Last week, Saugerties Police responded to a complaint of a reported road-rage incident that occurred on Route 212 in the Town of Saugerties. A man reported to officers that another driver had pulled up alongside his vehicle screaming at the man about his driving and then used several racial slurs towards the victim. The victim then reportedly followed the other driver to the parking lot of the Dunkin Donuts on Ulster Avenue in the Village of Saugerties, where the complainant reported that the other driver displayed a handgun and then threatened the victim.
The offender, identified as Douglas Melka, 30, of Purling, was located on Livingston Street in the Village of Saugerties, where police found Melka in possession of three unregistered handguns, all loaded. According to police, the handguns lacked any identifying serial numbers as required by law. Melka was arrested on the following charges: menacing in the second degree and criminal possession of weapon in the second degree (three counts), felonies.
He was processed at Saugerties Police Headquarters and then arraigned in the Village of Saugerties Justice Court and released.
Dutch Barn to open as gallery for Saugerties Artists’ Tour
Celebrating its 19th year, the 2021 Saugerties Artists’ Tour hosts 31 artists skilled in at least 14 creative disciplines who will open their studios; six virtual artists will also participate with personal, in-depth videos on the tour’s website. The tour will include work by painters, sculptors, ceramic artists, photographers, printmakers, collagists, digital and mixed-media artists and handmade furniture.
The Dutch Barn will be open as a gallery, displaying the art that is part of this year’s tour, on the following dates/times: Saturday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, August 1 from 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, August 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The actual tour of open studios takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at artists’ studios throughout the Town of Saugerties. Pick up a map for this free self-guided tour at many Saugerties businesses, including the Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center, 138 Partition Street; Smith Hardware, 227 Main Street; and Town & Country Liquors, 303 Route 212 at CVS Plaza.
The Dutch Barn is located at 119 Main Street (behind the Kiersted House) in Saugerties. For additional information, visit https://saugertiesarttour.org.
Junior ‘Zines at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library hosts Junior ‘Zine-Making on Sunday, July 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. for ages 8+. A ‘zine is a small self-published work of original art, text or images that can be reproduced on a copy machine and shared. It can be a comic, collage, poetry or art that expresses a feeling or passion about something that is important to you. It can revolve around a theme such as animals, the environment, music or shoes. Your ideas and creativity generate what is included.
Supplies will be provided. Preregistration is necessary and limited. For more information and registration, contact Carolyn at cthorenz@rcls.org.
The Library is located at 133 Farmers’ Turnpike. For additional information, call (845) 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Highland native named commander of local state police troop
State Police superintendent Kevin P. Bruen named major Paul M. DeQuarto the new Troop F commander. Troop F includes Ulster, Orange, Sullivan and Greene counties.
DeQuarto, a native of Ulster County, started his law enforcement career in 1998 as a town police officer before joining the State Police in 2000. Upon graduation from the New York State Police Academy, he was stationed at the State Police station in Highland, where he worked as a trooper before transferring to Troop T (Thruway) in 2002.
In 2005, Major DeQuarto was appointed to investigator in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), assigned to Troop NYC before transferring back to Troop F in Middletown as an investigator, and then assigned to the Major Crimes Unit. In 2006, he attained the permanent rank of sergeant and in 2012 was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the New York State Intelligence Center.
In 2013, he transferred to Troop K as a lieutenant overseeing the BCI. He was promoted to captain in 2016 and assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau, Troop H, before transferring back to Troop K in 2017 as the Zone 2 commander in Wappinger. As zone commander, DeQuarto oversaw all State Police uniform operations in most of Dutchess and Putnam counties until 2019, when he was assigned as the detail commander of the Special Investigations Unit.
He was appointed acting major of Troop F on May 27 of this year and then promoted to the rank of major on June 24.
“I am honored to return to Troop F, where I started my career, and to work alongside some of the most professional men and women in law enforcement,” said DeQuarto. “Troop F has a proud history of providing high-quality police services and building strong relationships with the communities we serve. I look forward to strengthening those relationships.”
DeQuarto obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Marist College and is a graduate of the 249th Session of the FBI National Academy. He resides in Ulster County with his wife and two children.
Slow Jam at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library hosts a Slow Jam on Sunday, July 18 from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. All musicians and acoustic instruments are welcome.
The Slow Jam allows those new to playing an acoustic instrument to practice with some friendly local musicians. Musicians gather to play old-time, folk, bluegrass, Western and other homespun-type songs. Participants play at a slower pace, so everyone is given the chance to learn the songs. There is no audience and no pressure.
The Slow Jam takes place on the third Sunday of every month. Participants will be required to wear masks and/or maintain social distancing.
The Library is located at 133 Farmers’ Turnpike. For more information, call (845) 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Lex Grey & Urban Pioneers to perform at Bronck Museum
The Greene County Historical Society has announced that award-winning recording artists Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers will be performing on Sunday, July 18, 1:30 p.m. at the Bronck Museum. Listen to old-time American music featuring songs from the Revolution, Civil War and Prohibition eras. Refreshments will be available for sale from the Wiener Wagon, which will be on-site that day for the concert.
Adult admission for this event costs $10, children and members of the Greene County Historical Society $5. The Bronck Museum is located just off US 9W near Coxsackie. For additional information about the Bronck Museum’s special events, visit www.gchistory.org or contact the museum at (518) 731-6490.
Citizens’ Police Academy in New Paltz
The New Paltz Police Department will be hosting a Citizens’ Police Academy starting Wednesday, September 8 through October 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. This eight-week program consists of a series of classes and discussions and is designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the New Paltz Police Department and the county criminal justice system.
Community members will learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in New Paltz and Ulster County and how to develop a partnership with law enforcement. Participants will have a “hands-on” opportunity in a variety of law enforcement tasks and responsibilities.
One of the recommendations of the New Paltz Reform and Reinvention Committee was greater community outreach and engagement. Therefore, the New Paltz Police Department has initiated the Academy to improve communication and obtain input and support from the community. It is their hope that the graduates will become partners with them in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting the community.
Individuals who apply for the Academy must be at least 18 years of age. They must also live, work or own property in the Town or Village of New Paltz. Class size will be capped at 20 participants. There is no cost to anyone who enrolls.
Those interested in participating can e-mail questions to citizensacademy@newpaltzny.org.
New Paltz BOE seeks volunteers for 3 committees
The New Paltz Central School District Board of Education (BOE) is seeking one community volunteer to serve on the Legislative Action Committee for a two-year term (2021-2023). The committee is designed to inform, educate and advise the Board of Education and community concerning legislative issues and matters affecting public education; provide the community with a practical way to get involved in legislative issues relating to the school district; advocate for the school district on the federal, state and local levels; review and monitor legislation to determine its impact on the school district; build positive relationships with legislators for the school district; make known the school district’s needs to our elected officials; enlist community support for legislative issues that affect our schools; and inform and make recommendations to the Board of Education accordingly.
The BOE is seeking two community volunteers with expertise in construction, architecture, facilities project management, facilities planning or related fields to serve on the Facilities Committee for a two-year term. The Facilities Committee assists the Board of Education in providing oversight and support to the administration and staff of the district. The Facilities Committee also advises and recommends to the full Board of Education action pertaining to the district’s facilities.
The BOE is also seeking one community volunteer with expertise in finance to serve on the Audit Committee for a two-year term. The Audit Committee assists the Board of Education in carrying out fiscal oversight responsibilities.
Interested parties are invited to send a letter and résumé by July 22 indicating interest in being considered for the Facilities, Audit or Legislative Action Committee to Sandra Ermo, District Clerk, New Paltz Central School District, 196 Main Street, New Paltz NY 12561 or boe@newpaltz.k12.ny.us.
Planned Parenthood reopens Kingston location
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) announced last week that it has resumed in-person, full-time sexual and reproductive healthcare services at its Kingston health center, located at 21 Grand Street. Appointments for in-person care are now available at (800) 230-PLAN and www.ppgreaterny.org. The location had been closed since spring of last year.
According to Planned Parenthood, the location previously served more than 5,600 patient visits per year. Since March 2020, local residents have had to travel to the next-closest location in Newburgh.
Planned Parenthood offers cancer screenings, birth control, emergency contraceptives, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and prevention, pregnancy testing and options counseling. Patients can also turn to PPGNY for compassionate, nonjudgmental abortion care.
“We are so pleased to welcome patients back into our Kingston health center,” said Joy D. Calloway, interim CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. “With the pace of the pandemic waning and more people receiving lifesaving COVID-19 vaccinations, we’re proud to be able to connect people to care during this time of tremendous healing.”
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York launched in January 2020, after the merger of five local Planned Parenthood affiliates. The organization said that closure of small- and mid-sized locations during the pandemic was needed in order to consolidate clinical resources, staff and PPE.
Legoland® New York Resort opens all seven Lego®-themed lands
Legoland® New York Resort in Goshen has announced the opening of all seven of its Lego®-themed lands: the latest step in its phased opening. Annual pass and single-day ticketholders can enjoy Brick Street, Bricktopia, Lego® Ninjago® World, Lego® Castle, Lego® City, Miniland and now, Lego® Pirates.
“We’re so proud to welcome guests from far and wide into our family theme park with all seven lands open for the first time,” said Legoland New York Resort divisional director Stephanie Johnson. “To see the smiles on the faces of children and their families during our successful preview period has been the thrill of a lifetime. The feedback we’ve received from these devoted fans and early adopters has been invaluable as we work to create the ultimate Lego® theme park experience here in the Hudson Valley.”
Just in time for summer, families can set sail for the seventh and final themed land, Lego® Pirates: the place for young buccaneers to find adventure. Prepare to get wet on Splash Battle as you aim a water cannon at spectators on the sidelines – and they can return the blasts back! You can also test your seaworthiness on Anchors Away as you sway back and forth on a pirate ship that sits on a U-shaped track and rotates in two directions.
Families can also experience the world-premiere Lego® Factory Adventure Ride, where they’ll join madcap Professor Brick in his fantastical Lego® factory, shrink down to miniature size and witness the colorful creation process of a Lego® brick. At the culmination of the journey, riders will be part of the professor’s latest experiment and will see themselves transformed into Lego® Minifigures.
Other adventures include iconic rides such as the Dragon Coaster in Lego® Castle and Lego® Ninjago® World’s Lego® Ninjago® The Ride. Children can then head to Lego® City to expand their imaginations and earn their very own Legoland® Driver’s License at Driving School, team up to save the day at Fire Rescue Academy and catch Lego® movies in 4D at Palace Cinema.
The final phase of the Resort will be the opening of Legoland® Hotel, which is available for bookings from August 6.
For additional information, visit www.legoland.com/new-york.
NJ man pleads guilty to fentanyl sale in Ulster County
Farrad Thompson of Patterson, New Jersey entered a guilty plea on Tuesday in Ulster County Court on felony drug sale and conspiracy charges before judge Bryan Rounds. In pleading guilty, Thompson admitted to selling drugs that he knew contained fentanyl to an Ulster County resident on July 7, 2020. Additionally, he admitted that on March 5, 2021, he conspired to sell heroin to an Ulster County resident.
According to the district attorney’s office, the charges stemmed from an extensive investigation into bulk trafficking of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine from Patterson to mid-level dealers in Ulster County. The investigation was conducted by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and the URGENT task force, with the assistance of the Town of Lloyd Police Department and New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team.
“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the Ulster County opioid epidemic,” said district attorney David Clegg. “This office is holding those responsible for the illegal sale and distribution of this dangerous drug accountable to fullest extent of the law.”
This case was prosecuted by assistant district attorney Shanza Malik. The defendant was represented by conflict defender Bradford White of the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office.
Police: Olive man stole cow
Members from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office report the arrest of a 30-year-old Olive man for the misdemeanor of petit larceny for theft of a calf.
On Tuesday, July 6 at approximately 7 p.m., deputies responded to a farm in the Town of Marbletown for a report of a larceny. A subsequent investigation alleges that the accused, identified in local media reports as Scott M. Brooks, stole a Jersey/Holstein calf and later sold it. Brooks was released with an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Marbletown Court on a later date.
The Sheriff’s Office saw fit to remind recipients of this item that any person charged with an offense is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Summer concert at Kiersted House in Saugerties
The Saugerties Community Band will hold its first free summer concert on Sunday, July 18 at 5 p.m. on the lawn at the Kiersted House, located at 119 Main Street in Saugerties. Donations are appreciated.
Civic volunteers needed in New Paltz
The Town of New Paltz is looking for volunteers to serve on the Bike/Ped Committee, Clean Water/Open Space Preservation Commission, Community Improvement Team, Environmental Conservation Board, Ethics Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board (two alternates) and the Public Access Committee. Interested parties may submit a letter of interest and résumé to the Supervisor’s Office at PO Box 550, New Paltz NY 12561 or e-mail assistant@townofnewpaltz.org.
The Golden Notebook Bookstore opens second floor children’s store: The Little Golden Notebook
The 40-year-old Golden Notebook Bookstore in Woodstock has announced the opening of a new magical space, a store within its store, just for kids: The Little Golden Notebook. At the top of the stairs, children will find a gate that opens to a secret garden, a celebration of childhood dreams. They can search for picture books on their own, sit down and read or share them with friends, beneath a canopy of the moon, stars and Overlook Mountain out the window and across the second floor. The natural scenery was the brainchild of Hudson Valley artist (and illustrator of Thorneater Comics) Will Lytle. His imaginative mural of the variety of local wildlife has been given a second home on the walls of the store. A visitor to the upstairs can enjoy and count the natural wonders on display.
Myoshin and Kevin O’Brien of the renowned Kevin O’Brien studio generously offered their services with the interior design of the space. Every enchanting color, fabric and piece of carpet were personally selected by them to bring the previously empty space to life.
Scott Risdal of Risdal Homes built the woodcraft of the shelves and banquets. He even managed to straighten some of the uneven lines of the building.
Dennis O’Clair and his team at Joyous Home Handyman did the painting, carpet laying, bookshelf hanging, more painting and even crystal ball polishing.
In 2010 when The Golden Notebook almost closed, the building which housed the speciality children’s store, The Golden Bough, was sold in a separate sale. Gaela Pearson was the manager and creator of that space and she has remained as the children’s buyer and so much more since then. The Little Golden Notebook is most capably stocked with 40 years of her valuable book-buying experience.
Booksellers Christopher Bottomley, Jamie Keller and Gretchen Primack are always on hand to help clientele select just the right book.
The bookstore is located at 29 Tinker Street in Woodstock. For additional information, visit goldennotebook.com or call (845) 679-8000.
YMCA receives grant from Fat Tire Amber Ale
The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County has been awarded a $1,216 grant from Fat Tire Amber Ale to support its Lend-A-Wheel bicycle recycling program. Through the program, bikes are given to any low- to moderate-income resident of Ulster County who needs a bike. The Lend-A-Wheel program also offers bike locks, helmets, lights and bells.
The YMCA has responded to the community need for used bicycles that can be fixed and recycled through the program, and the support from Fat Tire Amber Ale will enable more people to receive bikes. “We’ve given out hundreds of bikes since Lend-A-Wheel started in 2014, and today we see the need on the rise,” YMCA CEO Heidi Kirschner said.
“This will be our third grant from Fat Tire Amber Ale, and it will help us buy parts to get more bikes back on the road. We really appreciate their continuing efforts to promote access to bicycle transportation,” according to Tom Polk, YMCA bicycle program manager.
For details on donating to the Lend-A-Wheel program, or if you wish to request a bike, contact Polk at (845) 338-3810, extension 102, or tpolk@ymcaulster.org.
Phased reopening of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum has announce a phased reopening of the museum beginning on Saturday, July 17, with online timed ticket sales only, limited hours and attendance. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with last entry time at 2:45 p.m.). Initially, the library’s research room will remain closed. For research queries, or requests for archival reproductions, email roosevelt.library@nara.gov.
The library and museum will be open five days a week beginning Wednesday, August 18.
The library is located at 4079 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park.
Contact Cliff Laube at (845) 486-7745 or email fdr.tickets@nara.gov, with questions about the phased reopening and purchasing online tickets.
For more information about the library or its programs call (800) 337-8474 or visit www.fdrlibrary.org.
Woodstock seniors to meet
The Woodstock Senior Citizen’s Club will meet this summer for a picnic on Wednesday, July 21, 12:30 p.m., at the Woodstock Fire Company #1, located on Route 212 in Woodstock.
The group’s August meeting will be an ice cream social on Wednesday, August 4 at noon at the Woodstock Fire Company #1, located on Route 212 in Woodstock.
The club welcomes new members ages 60 years and older. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of the month at noon.
For additional information, call Marie VanDeBogart at 679-8537.
City of Kingston to create a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
Kingston Mayor Steven Noble has announced that the City of Kingston is creating a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP) that will inform efforts to improve conditions for active transportation users, reduce vehicle congestion and emissions and support community health. Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. has been selected as the consultant for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
The grant-funded Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan will analyze the city’s existing and planned pedestrian and bicycle networks and will identify gaps in those systems. Assessment will include a sidewalk inventory, bicycle infrastructure inventory, measuring bicycle and pedestrian use and public input. The PBMP will provide recommendations including: prioritization of projects, an ADA Transition Plan, a list of recommended education, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation programs, policies and a set of branded maps. The PBMP will also advise how pedestrians and cyclists should be considered in all future transportation projects and infrastructure investments.
“An ideal local transportation network has well-connected streets and paths that link to public transit,” said Mayor Noble. “Making these routes safe and convenient for all travelers promotes physical activity, access to recreation, investment in environmental preservation and helps to improve positive health results. The PBMP will allow us to identify gaps in our existing infrastructure, like missing sidewalks, and will help us prioritize future projects. The plan will provide recommendations of policy, programming and education to increase walkability for our community and better overall quality of life.”
During the process, there will be several opportunities for public participation and community feedback. Once complete, the PBMP will be presented to the Common Council for approval.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan has been funded in part by the Climate Smart Community Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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