What will keep them hopeful and inspired in New Paltz?

Across age, gender and political perspective there are issues that may bring people in New Paltz together. A half-dozen interviews is not a representative sample, but maybe there’s something to be said about what those responses have in common. The incredible outdoors. The sense of community. The traffic. In short, it’s the love of a small-town, semi-rural community — and the wish that it won’t grow up too fast. Has that perspective changed all that much in the past 50 years?

What is something you are looking forward to in 2025?

Joe Laudati, maker of dragons: I admit to feeling somewhat depressed after the results of this November’s election, so it’s hard for me to imagine the future at all. Everything looks bleak. I remain focused on my immediate needs, and take things one day at a time. Keep breathing, keep moving and strive for continued growth. Hopefully, there will be bright spots in the coming years that I can’t foresee right now.

Jane Schanberg, usually-retired newspaper editor, reporter and blogger: Next year there are plans for a women’s summit conference to learn what local women want and need in terms of social services. The conference will give us the opportunity to share our stories. Plus, we will provide experts and information on how to find support in times of crisis. I see this gathering as a prelude to an Office for Women in Ulster County. Both the conference and an eventual Office for Women are initiatives of the Ulster County Democratic Women’s Club, of which I am president.

Butch Dener, retired road manager, the Band: I’m looking forward to the expansion of adult cannabis cafes, where adults can gather without alcohol and socialize in a civilized setting and enjoy the healing flower.

Zach Bialecki, software developer: I’m looking forward to going skiing as much as possible this winter (if we get some good snowstorms that is).

MaryJo Martin, resident counselor for runaway and homeless youth, Family of Woodstock: My son and I just registered for “The Power of Black Art: Black History & American History Series” at Elting Memorial Library which runs from December through May! Looking forward to that!

Griffin Bacon, Student: Graduating [high school] — that’s happening.

What is the best thing about the community you live in?

Joe Laudati: I often describe New Paltz as “a mountain village with a college town dropped onto it from the sky.” We are a perfect community that combines the smallness of a little town — filled with two-story buildings, artisan shops and restaurants — with the collegiate atmosphere of a big-city university. The college is one of the oldest in America, dating back to the Huguenot settlers of the early 1600s. Yet, it also invites students from all over the world, who contribute their progressive hopes for the future. I can attend free lectures, or go to see Broadway-quality student theater productions, and they’re all right up the hill from me. And then there’s the landscape, a wonderful combination of rural and suburban environments. I grew up in a little town in the Catskills, where you had to drive over 20 minutes to get to a supermarket, restaurant, hardware store, or movie theater. Here, I can do all of that within one mile from my home, while also enjoying the breathtaking views of the rail trails, Wallkill River, forests and mountains. Someone once told me that the SUNY campus was “garish,” with its strange mixture of old buildings and more modern architectural structures. But then I walk around that pond, with its population of ducks, geese, turtles and blue herons, or look to that incredible horizon with the beautiful Gunks mountain range, and think, “what buildings?” 

Jane Schanberg: I’ve lived in New Paltz for the last 20 years, and I love having friends and neighbors living close by for an impromptu glass of wine or cappuccino at my place, or a fun dinner out for baked clams at Ciao Bella, antipasto at Apizza, or Aperol spritzes and singalongs at the Lemon Squeeze. It’s great to walk to a neighbor’s house to play mahjong. I also treasure the view when I’m driving over the Carmine Liberta Bridge towards the Wallkill View Farm Market to buy fresh San Marzano tomatoes in August.

Butch Dener: Naturally we all will say it’s the nature and the Shawangunk mountains, but equally wonderful are the deep friendships I’ve made on my 56 years here, especially within the farm community #oldguard.

Zach Bialecki: It’s hard to beat the access we have to nature here. From my house in the village I can walk or bike to the River-to-Ridge, Empire State and Wallkill Valley Rail trails. Mohonk, Minnewaska and Sam’s Point are a short drive. And if that’s not enough, the Catskills are just up the Thruway.

MaryJo Martin: The best thing about living in New Paltz: the people. So often when I go into town for an errand or a walk, I run into folks that I know from different aspects of my life. I enjoy the connection and conversations that happen here on the day-to-day.

Griffin Bacon: It’s accepting.

What are the issues facing your town in 2025?

Joe Laudati: Being a well-known “hippy town” in the Hudson Valley, New Paltz is a safe harbor for those with progressive views, but it can also make us a target for the far-right who may seek to target us for our more liberal beliefs. I work for the local “witch shop.” Witches tend not to fare well against radicalized Christian conservatives. We will need to be vigilant and guard against harassment from such groups.

Jane Schanberg: Oy. I don’t feel it’s an understatement to say that New Paltz — both town and village — is in a time of flux. We need better communication between the two governmental boards. Rising taxes are a critical issue, as is home ownership and rent affordability. Decisions that are made now in terms of infrastructure, the environment, schools, and our community goals will shape our quality of life and public services for the next decade and beyond. And I’m just warming up.

Butch Dener: For me personally the biggest issue is the two openly anti-Semitic members of the town and village boards. Their mere presence and acceptance is a shameful blight on the wonderful town and village I’ve lived in for 56 years. The acceptance by other leaders is damning. Secondly, I’d like to see more affordable housing for seniors.

Zach Bialecki: There’s a serious lack of good swimming holes in the Gunks. It can be problematic in the summer. Just kidding; I would say the lack of housing in the Hudson Valley is a major issue that’s affecting New Paltz. Fortunately, the steps the village board has taken, and the new developments that the village planning board has approved over the last year should help. But it will take time.

MaryJo Martin: Naturally we are concerned with the growing traffic and population, while desiring to keep the joys of a small community life.

Griffin Bacon: I don’t know of any.

What changes would you like to see made in the community you live in?

Joe Laudati: Less traffic on Main Street, but that isn’t likely to change.

Jane Schanberg: We have so many talented and intelligent residents it would be great to see broader community participation. Better sidewalks. An outlook that allows for respectful public discourse while working towards constructive problem-solving. Real change comes from setting broadly shared goals, building a consensus and understanding how to communicate and innovate effectively.

Butch Dener: Stricter enforcement of DWI laws. And I’d love to see the community turn out in force for our Memorial Day parade and our 9/11 ceremony.

Zach Bialecki: I’ve been following the debate over consolidation for far too long and I’m hoping 2025 is the year it finally happens. I think it’s essential if we want New Paltz to keep developing in a healthy and responsible way. I’m also hoping the village is able to make some improvements to its recreational facilities, including the pickleball courts.

MaryJo Martin: There has been talk for a while regarding the development of an LGBTQIA+ center of some kind in New Paltz. I would love to see that happen.

Griffin Bacon: There are a lot of tourists and a lot of traffic. 

What’s one goal you are setting for the year? 

Joe Laudati: I generally don’t set goals. My life has been a constant and repeated lesson of things happening as they will, regardless of my intent, so I focus on the here and now, and meet each challenge as it comes. I’ll keep working as an artist, and accept whatever opportunities come along. All the best things in my life were “happy accidents.” I didn’t plan on them, nor could I see them coming. I make and sell dinosaurs for a living. Who could have foreseen that? Like the old joke, “how do you make God laugh? Tell him you have a plan.”

Jane Schanberg: To spend less time at the computer and more time outside walking in the fresh air on our wonderful trails.

Butch Dener: To do more to spread organ donation awareness throughout our community. As a 19-year successful liver transplant recipient, I know full well the joy of life and I feel the need to try to save others through organ donation.

Zach Bialecki: This coming year I want to dedicate more time to playing the sax, both practicing and playing with friends. I also want to learn to play the drums, which is something I’ve been meaning to do for a while. 

MaryJo Martin: I really enjoy getting involved with community events locally. I hope to continue to participate more in some of the local events that are happening. 

Griffin Bacon: Passing my classes. Participation in government and economics are the hardest. I may take a gap year after I graduate.

If you could run away today and do anything you liked, what would you do? 

Joe Laudati: I’d take time to write another book, and maybe get one produced into a movie. Beyond that, if I ever have the time and resources to do it, I would travel. I’d see as much of the world as I can, before I die.

Jane Schanberg: Take a motorcycle trip through the Himalayas.

Butch Dener: If I can’t run away to 30 years ago and be on the road with The Band again, I’d like to take my wife to Israel and live as a proud free and safe Jewish man.

Zach Bialecki: There are lots of ways that question could be interpreted. I guess I’d go be a ski instructor in the Swiss Alps or something, but I’d probably get bored after a few seasons.

MaryJo Martin: Probably I would want to travel to the Alamo to see if I could find Pee-Wee’s bike in the basement. Otherwise I would likely just be walking my dog. 

Griffin Bacon: I would like to do a lot of traveling, see a lot of mountains and [beautiful] landscapes.