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Anula Courtis will be great as the next supervisor in Woodstock
In the last couple of years that I’ve known Anula Courtis, she has impressed me as someone with a strong moral compass, empathy and exceptional leadership skills.
In the bear task force, which she chairs, she exhibits her passion for always doing the right thing, advocating for what’s good for both people and nature. She inspires a diverse group of individuals to work together toward a common goal to keep humans and bears safe. She has taught us how to collaborate effectively with various groups in our community and beyond to implement our outreach work.
I’ve watched her at town board meetings where she is always the respectful one, reliably even keeled, no matter how wild some critics’ statements and questions are or unkind their tones.
At Woodstock Rotary Club, where she is one of the founding members, she had good ideas on constructive projects we can do for our town, e.g. how to have a more inclusive and healthful annual community Thanksgiving dinner.
With these qualities I’ve seen up close, along with a) her experience as a serial entrepreneur; b) her unique position as the only one of the three candidates to have spent time — and with flying colors at that — on the elected town council; and c) her conduct, preparedness and answers under pressure at all four candidate forums, I have no doubt in my mind that Anula will be great as our next town supervisor.
Rachel R Jackson
Woodstock
Dear Laura Ricci:
In response to your letter last week; the truth is, you are an elected official, a board member and you chose to write a letter attacking me personally and publicly. Not saying anything about what I have accomplished or how I have fought for the environment for almost seven years. Nothing of my knowledge of the town laws and how they were not being enforced at the violation at 10 Church Road. This is what is wrong with our town board. You are a part of the problem. You think it is OK to publicly attack someone and lie about their character, via a letter to the editor, only to try and promote your candidate. You are literally doing what you accuse me of. And the worst part, is that you are mentoring another town board member, demonstrating that this behavior is acceptable. Have you been part of such a dysfunctional board for so long that you have lost sight of right and wrong?
Your attendance at the WEC meetings as town board liaison, were anything but helpful. For much too long we, the members of the WEC, were frustrated by your lack of knowledge of what we were working on, despite your attendance at our meetings. We were frustrated with how you continually voted against what we were working for, to help protect Woodstock’s environment. We were shocked at how you would sabotage our efforts. You were not just constantly adding confusion to our meetings, but intentionally inhibiting our efforts.
You were a strong opponent of the CEA, and enforcing the laws for 10 Church Road, among other environmental issues. Yet, when it came time to vote, knowing it would be recorded, you deceitfully voted in a way that would suit your resume. We realized that we needed to have you removed as liaison, which was the only way we could have productive meetings and move things along. That is why you stopped attending meetings.
The truth is, I was publicly disrespected by you at meetings, and had to often bite my tongue to keep the peace.
You are threatened by me because I have the courage to call you out. Woodstock needs honesty and thoughtful dialogue now more than ever. Even though you chose to write this, I forgive you. I know that I can move past our differences, which I have already promised you, and I still stand by those words. Because it’s not about whether you like me or not. It is about what’s right for the residents and the environment of Woodstock. I am not running for supervisor for approval. I am running for supervisor because Woodstock needs a leader who can lead by example. Who has thick skin and can make the tough decisions that are best for Woodstock. I am that person.
To the Democratic voters of Woodstock;
Please show your support for a respectful town board, by voting for the candidate who will bring civility back to our town; Erin Moran for town supervisor on June 24th.
Erin Moran
Bearsville
Diana Cline will make a great town clerk
Town of Hurley has a Democratic primary June 24th. Our mom Diana Cline is running for town clerk. Our mom loves Hurley and she will do a wonderful job representing all residents in the town clerk capacity. Growing up the last 30-plus years, we can remember going with her for church events, bus trips thru the recreation department, summer program at the Dughill Park through the recreation department, the Easter egg hunts at the Dughill Park and many school events. These were fun events.
Vote for our mom Diana Cline in the Democratic primary June 24; early voting June 14-22. She will make a great town clerk.
Rachel and Alison Cline
Hurley
Marcel Nagele will do the right thing for Woodstock
Marcel Nagele is the right choice for Woodstock Town Board. A lifelong resident of Woodstock, Nagele is a strong and principled man. His character and convictions were forged over a lifetime of hard work running a business and involvement in local land use issues. If elected, I believe he will uphold the law without showing favoritism or bias. In some ways Nagele is the antithesis of many politicians. His vote on issues cannot be bought or influenced. He has no personal agenda other than to do the right thing for our town.
Mark Gray
Bearsville
Double impact
Not only did I lose my virginity, I lost someone else’s virginity as well.
Sparrow
Phoenicia
David Wallis offers Woodstock much-needed change
I advocate for real change in Woodstock’s town leadership, so I am voting for David Wallis for supervisor in the upcoming Democratic primary. His background as a journalist, writer and researcher is well-suited to investigating and actually resolving the many problems pending in town: Shady dump, declining water quality (possibly related), homelessness, lack of affordable housing, police department sexual harassment, new music regulations, STR laws, our high property taxes squeezing so many long-term homeowners who bought their homes under a different economy and other less publicized problems a town supervisor has direct control over.
I have attended many Woodstock Democratic primary events, as well as copious town board meetings and committee meetings in recent years, either in person or via Zoom. I have concerns about how our local government is being run. I recently have engaged Wallis in a number of conversations. Wallis has plans for Woodstock, doable but ambitious. He is accessible and easy to talk to. He is an honest, affable person who has the record and ability to get the work done, not table issues indefinitely. He says what he thinks, and has not pandered to what he perceives voters want to hear. As a bonus, he has a good sense of self-irony and humor, especially when people make unfounded and unfair attacks against him — all too familiar to our local elections. With every question I have asked, he has a thoughtful, knowledgeable response. Most importantly, Wallis rejects the kind of cronyism that has dominated our town politics for far too long. Wallis offers a healthy, sound and progressive new direction for Woodstock. I hope my fellow Woodstock Democrats will vote in this important primary and give serious consideration to Wallis’s candidacy for town supervisor on June 24.
Laura Hinton
Woodstock
Vote for Marcel Nagele for a better town board in Woodstock
Living just outside the voting district, you may wonder why I give a darn about Woodstock politics. Well for one thing, I’ve been visiting, working or living in and around town for some 52 years or so, and just kept coming back until I found my home in Highwoods this past decade.
Also, I spent much of my career in air, water and soil quality and more recently, having witnessed the utter disregard by the current Woodstock supervisor and his enablers, for the overall health of residents and visitors, became alarmed and eventually disgusted.
Considering the entire cast of political characters here, I only know we need to replace at least one current board member who has voted consistently to support Bill McKenna’s destructive agenda, and against the town’s best interest and particularly someone that cares about their neighbors. Know what I mean?
I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working alongside Marcel Nagele on such issues in recent years and found him to be just that kind of rare sort, that cares more about community than his personal agenda and more about cooperation than simply defending his position. I have found over the past few years that he has listened carefully, even when we disagree, and tries to do the honorable thing, even when it’s not easy. I may not be able to vote for Marcel, but for the sake of the little town I love, I hope you do.
Vince Mow
Saugerties
Dear Woodstock Democrats
There is one thing mentioned by several candidates that I agree with, it is time for a change. As Supervisor, it has been my great frustration these last two years to have a majority of the Board unwilling to do the work. (I will leave it to you to figure out the one working Councilperson, thank you Laura.) I have been asked by a number of folks for whom I am voting. It is no secret I support Erin Moran for Supervisor. Erin is hard working and has a number of accomplishments as a volunteer of the WEC and Climate Smart Task Force. Erin has a clear vision for Woodstock but is willing to listen and work with others. Erin showed her leadership ability recently in sending out an email to the other candidates and the Democratic Committee raising the question of whether to postpone the last forum because it conflicted with the Pride celebration this past Sunday. Though she thought it should be cancelled, she respected the wishes of the majority who responded. During the forum, an inappropriate question was asked, singling out a specific Town employee. In true leadership form, Erin requested the WDC consider whether this was proper. The question was re-tracked.
I sat through all four forums and listened to each candidate. For Councilpersons, my first vote will be for Lily Korolkoff. My other vote will be for Marcel Nagele. While I do not agree with a number of their positions, I believe Lily and Marcel to be hard working individuals who will put in the time to do a proper job. Individuals do not have to agree, they only need be willing to work together to seek compromise. Woodstock deserves this, I feel strongly that Erin Moran, Lily Korolkoff and Marcel Nagele will work with the two sitting Councilpersons to move Woodstock forward.
Bill McKenna
Woodstock
Anula Courtis for town supervisor
We have all watched with horror the ongoing implosion of public discourse. We need a calm, centered, insightful leader who will establish a safe space for all residents to come together and address the serious issues we are facing. We need a leader with a love for this community who listens to all sides of the issues and can distill raw emotion into effective action. Anula Courtis is that leader.
I have spent over 30 years as a city manager. I established and led the team that brought the City of Asbury Park, New Jersey back to life. Like Woodstock, Asbury Park is known for its artistic and musical heritage. It is with this background that I have been listening to our candidates for public office. What impresses me the most about Anula Courtis is that she possesses a rare combination of gifts: the ability for critical thinking and result-oriented action, a calm demeanor and sincere humility. Anula knows that the people of Woodstock have the experience and desire to contribute their talent to our community, and she understands that establishing a gathering place in our town where we can come together in safety is critical. Although my wife and her family have been here for over 50 years, I am a relatively new member of the Woodstock community. So, the observations and insights I offer are drawn from decades of managing diverse workforces and communities.
Finally, to be an effective supervisor, you have to be able to suffer setbacks with grace and use them to move forward with good humor and transparency. You must be both a team leader and a team member. To lead you must first know how to serve. Anula Courtis has demonstrated these qualities in her service to Woodstock and has earned my vote.
Terence Reidy
Mount Tremper
A note of clarification
I greatly appreciate Michael Veitch’s kind words about my run for supervisor of Woodstock. To be clear, I am a proud member of the fire police, but I am not trained to put out fires. But I will do my damndest to put out proverbial fires if elected.
David Wallis
Bearsville
One board in New Paltz will save time for staff and electeds
(Continued from last week’s letter, more examples.)
As mayor, I spend a great deal of time keeping track of and figuring out various puzzles. Having two boards involves puzzles that are merely unnecessary, but also ones with unintended consequences that create inequities for different community members. Staff and electeds could spend more of their valuable time on local government tasks that directly serve the community, instead of preserving a propped up bureaucratic layer of government.
New Paltz needs to finalize work on one empowered local government of staff and electeds. More examples in which our community is burdened by two governments:
Water and sewer
1. Water and sewer conveyance system planning and capital improvements (village has spent millions, town = $0. Although the town is planning a smoke test in its sewer pipes to identify inflow and infiltration (I&I) problems which is a great first step to do its part to protect the Wallkill River.)
2. Licensed plant operators and separate contracts with town and village (while there is just one water conveyance system plus one water filtration plant and one sewer conveyance system plus one sewer treatment plant.)
3. Metering, billing and noticing software, and redundant back office efforts.
Capital facilities maintenance & planning
4. Capital project cost sharing at Moriello Pool park (50/50 split between town and village, per an intermunicipal agreement (IMA) from a few New Paltz administrations ago.) Its operations are paid for via the Townwide A Fund.
5. Paving, plowing and buildings and grounds across the community should be planned for and taken care of by one team. Additionally, collective bargaining could become more efficient and equitable without two governing bodies.
Government administration
6. Town and village do not need two offices with separate clerks and records management systems. Residents shouldn’t have to call or visit two different offices because they’re not sure whether what they’re dealing with is town or village. This happens daily in our clerk’s office and building department. Reorganizing the same number of existing staff so no jobs are lost but service is streamlined, provides an excellent opportunity.
7. Intermunicipal agreements (IMAs) require the town and village to use attorneys to write and review, and then the boards to review and deliberate: Examples: A) who fixes waterman breaks in new Plains Road Water District #5, B) Operating procedure defining how to use water from District #5 when NYC’s Catskill Aqueduct is offline, C) figuring out and metering how village pays town for water sourced from District #5 during shutdowns — while it is one connected system, D) when water or sewer is extended outside the village or an existing town water district — like we are doing for the new county emergency building, E) how Main Street decorations and flowers are installed and maintained and by which town or village staff and which town or village equipment is being used, and of course F) for parades: who figures out whose liability insurance is being used, the correct mix of staffing from the police and village DPW, and then two boards need to review and approve the parade separately.
Mayor Tim Rogers
New Paltz
Erin Moran will make an excellent town supervisor
As highway superintendent and a lifelong resident of Woodstock, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Erin Moran in her service to our town. I’ve also come to know her as a friend. From both perspectives, I believe she brings the right mix of dedication, collaboration and forward thinking that would make her an excellent town supervisor. Erin understands the importance of investing in infrastructure and supporting the work of departments like mine. I’m confident she’ll be a strong partner in modernizing and improving the highway department’s service to our community. I commend all the candidates for shining a light on the issues that matter most to our town. No matter the outcome, my crew and I remain committed to working with whoever the voters choose.
Donald Allen
Woodstock Highway Superintendent
Annual Curtis for Woodstock town supervisor
We support town board member Anula Courtis for Woodstock town supervisor. She has demonstrated the ability to cut through the noise. She will do this with grace, empathy and humility. We believe Anula will work harder and stay focused solving our complicated town issues. We have watched her grow in her current position and find Anula stronger today than she was yesterday.
Richard and Denise Edelson
Woodstock
The blame does not begin or end with me
This letter is in response to the letter impugning my character by Ellen Levine. As the domestic partner of the current Town of Hurley supervisor, Ms Levine is not an unbiased observer. The desk she referenced in the letter belonged to me and replaced a small, broken metal desk without file drawers.
Upon my defeat in the general election by 30 votes, thanks to the efforts of two former town supervisors working with the current town supervisor, I removed my personal property.
Regarding the “mess” she says I caused in the town, my response is that the Town of Hurley finances — according to the CPA hired by the town — have been a mess for decades. I can absolutely attest to the truth of that statement. When the town board — including Mr. Boms — voted to bring the bookkeeping in-house, it was an attempt to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. During the process, I discovered many instances of profound inefficiencies (i.e. payroll data having to be entered more than once for every payroll because of a clumsy process that existed before I took office).
It may be convenient to blame me, the first woman to serve as town supervisor, for causing all the problems that exist in Hurley, but the blame does not begin or end with me.
Every person to ever serve in the position of town supervisor played a part in the poor recordkeeping. I now know that the reserve funds were not set up properly when they were created decades ago and every supervisor has done the best they could with what they were faced with. Now that this town board and this town supervisor are aware of the situation, have they fixed it? No.
I ask Ms Levine to consider whether she would rather come into an office without a desk or without the ability to access health insurance, which I faced as I came into office thanks to actions of the previous supervisor?
Melinda McKnight
West Hurley
“No Kings Day”
To go doddering into dotage
While the weary world wobbles
In the grabby, grubby paws
Of a beast upon whom
Age has conferred no wisdom,
No diminishment of, no rein on
Its most destructive impulses,
Is to shake not only
With age’s normal palsies,
But to shudder in fear
Of the world we’ll leave behind—
Fearing whether it’s even safe
To leave, knowing as we do
That our children will inherit
The world this would-be god
Is creating in its own warped image.
So let us make No Kings Day
A national holiday,
To be celebrated often,
And let us not foist the future
On our children (and maybe theirs!),
Praying they have the will,
The strength and the fortitude,
To cure the ills we bequeathed them.
No, the time is now:
This is no legacy to leave our children.
The uprising began on June 14,
The monster’s birth date—let it, too,
Be the day that commemorates
The death of its reign of terror;
Let even we dodderers take matters
Into our own still-strong hands,
And strangle this madness
Before it strangles the world.
Tom Cherwin
Saugerties
In support of Erin Moran
I am writing to endorse Erin Moran for the Town of Woodstock supervisor. I have had the opportunity to work with Erin on the Woodstock Police Reimagination Task Force over the past several months and found her to be extremely well informed and open minded to hearing different opinions and ideas.
Erin has come across as intelligent, articulate and has demonstrated an ability to work across the spectrum to try and resolve the various issues the Woodstock Police Department and our community have experienced over the past several years.
As a Woodstock resident for over 30 years and a former member of law enforcement, I believe it is imperative that we elect a supervisor who is committed to improving our police department by listening to the concerns of our police officers, the community and the various experts that have offered insight to assist the task force.
I believe Erin Moran possesses the necessary skills and personal qualities to be the Town of Woodstock supervisor.
Robert Nuzzo
Woodstock
A quiet, unsung hero
Many of us know Amanda Gotto from her volunteer work on the Climate Smart Task Force, her Tiffin Talks, our town and county planning board and the jointly adopted town/village Natural Resource Inventory.
Since serving as her deputy Supervisor, I have gotten to know Amanda in a new role: Finance hawks
The Supervisor is the town’s chief fiscal officer and chief executive officer.
I have now served with five town supervisors. It is a big, demanding job with a steep learning curve. I’ve never seen anyone get up to speed as fast as Amanda.
She is the first to personally remind us to take a good look at that little box that says “I hereby certify that funds are available for this purchase” when we sign vouchers.
And then, Amanda goes through them all again.
On Saturday, Amanda gave a great speech at the No Kings rally.
On Sunday, she spoke at the ribbon cutting for the Henry W. DuBois bike path.
Those are the public events that endear Amanda to us.
But it is those quiet, unsung hours performing the “proper administration of town affairs,” that make Amanda Gotto worthy of your vote for town supervisor.
Kitty Brown, Deputy Supervisor
New Paltz
Please vote
The primary election is June 24, 2025. Early voting has already begun. In this election, Woodstock Democrats will choose the supervisor and two town council members who will be on the Democratic line on the ballot for the November 4, 2025, general election.
It matters who is governing our town. Our Woodstock Town Board is made up of five members. Because three are up for election this year, and the three incumbents are not running, the majority of our Woodstock Town Board will be new starting January 1, 2026.
Who the Woodstock Democrats select in this primary election matters greatly. For Woodstock positions, because of the size of the Democratic Party in Woodstock, the Democratic candidates have an advantage in the November general election. And sometimes other parties do not offer alternative candidates. It is very likely that Democratic primary voters will be choosing our next Woodstock supervisor and town council members in this primary election.
In my HV1 letter last week, I stated the reasons I believe Anula Courtis is clearly the top choice to be elected as Woodstock supervisor.
Voters will see four town council member candidates on the primary ballot. Serena Da Conceicao, has let it be known that she no longer seeks the position, and has not been campaigning. The other candidates are Lily Korolkoff, Laurie Osmond and Marcel Nagele.
The Woodstock Democratic Committee (WDC) held four forums with the three supervisor candidates and the three active council member candidates answering key questions. You can learn more about each candidate by accessing the Woodstock Democratic Committee Facebook page and listening to the recording of each forum. The WDC is also holding a candidate meet and greet in the Woodstock town hall on Sunday, June 22, from 2 to 4 p.m.
I have already voted. Democracy works best when everyone votes. I hope you will also vote. The website https://elections.ulstercountyny.gov/ gives information on early voting times and places, or you can vote at your regular polling place on June 24, 2025.
Laura Ricci
Woodstock
Support the fresh candidacy of David Wallis for Woodstock town supervisor
My partner and I moved to Woodstock several years ago because we were charmed by its natural beauty and small town environment. We quickly found out the town has a series of stubborn problems that its deeply embedded politicians have been unable to solve. That’s why we’re supporting the fresh candidacy of David Wallis for Woodstock town supervisor.
David is a proactive, no-nonsense journalist eager to keep our water safe by cleaning up the massive Shady sump toxic wastesite. He has fearlessly called for new leadership for the police department and an end to the long string of lawsuits that have drained this town. Instead, David would use that money to upgrade the youth center and improve sidewalks and street lighting. David has specific proposals to reduce costs and taxes for Woodstock seniors, disabled residents, and first-time homebuyers. As a longtime Ulster County resident and volunteer for the Woodstock Fire Department, he is a proponent for emergency alerts in case of fire or flood. We were surprised that Woodstock currently has no such notification system in place. David has a background as an award-winning contributor to the New York Times, New Yorker and Washington Post. He has also worked as an advocate for those in economic hardship. Woodstock elections are on June 24, but early voting has already begun.
Mark Watt
Woodstock
William Murray for Ulster County legislator
I first met Bill when I was elected to the New Paltz Village Board in 2019, where he was a serving member. I learned quickly how helpful, kind and thoughtful Bill is as we got to work planning the community build of the Hasbrouck Park playground. I was thankful for his dedication to finding solutions and thinking of the specific needs of our community as we worked.
You’ll likely read many letters and endorsements that share details about Bill’s advocacy of equity and equality, how he is a volunteer firefighter, and that he was instrumental in saving the Ann Oliver House — and all these achievements show his thoughtfulness and his ability to think creatively with the community at the forefront. But I’d like to share that even in everyday life, without the eyes of the public, Bill is the ultimate helper with the biggest heart. He is the person who will go the extra mile to help people, friends, neighbors, strangers. And this is because Bill cares so deeply about humanity and community, about finding ways to strengthen and better our community for every one of us.
In the years of working with Bill, we became friends. I learned so much about him, his love of his family, the bees he keeps and the family dog. We’ve talked about the state of the sidewalks, how to make streets safer, outreach for our seniors, the issues of child care and working parents, social justice, dreams of an LGBTQIA+ center, along with art and music and writing and so much more.
Bill is a lovely human and I’m thankful to call him friend, and ever so hopeful to have him as our county legislator.
Please join me in voting for Bill — William Murray — on June 24th.
Michele Zipp
Village of New Paltz
In support of candidate Bill Murray
Dear New Paltz voters, We offer our family’s enthusiastic support for candidate Bill Murray for Ulster County Village of New Paltz 20th District Legislature. It’s been our pleasure to come to know Mr. Murray as trusted friend, neighbor, parent, fellow community volunteer and colleague since settling in New Paltz in 2009. Bill holds a solid record of community impact through years of active service in New Paltz and Ulster County, and we’re certain his experience qualifies him for district legislature office.
What truly distinguishes his candidacy and character is his applied respect for the spirit of creative collaboration. Bill’s 40-year career as a national advocate for visual and performing arts informs and enhances his approach to complex issues within our community. He understands considering multiple perspectives is crucial in any creative approach to problem-solving, mitigating tensions and completing projects. Collaboration and support have been the generous spine of Bill’s work helping cross-cultural creative artists succeed, and this mindset now sustains his approach to fair and cooperative leadership.
Bill’s representative vision for New Paltz can work toward addressing our community’s diverse demands. He grasps the urgent needs for space for innovation, attention to sustainability, housing and transit, while also considering balance with the rich histories bolstering the beloved character of our town and village. Bill Murray is the candidate best able to apply this creative approach to challenges and policy with an open, curious mind and dedicated collaborative spirit. Vote and vote early!
Rachelle Gibson
Jason Vandermer
Oscar Vandermer
New Paltz
Vote for Bill Murray!
Bill Murray is pretty new to me. I’ve known him only a short time, but he’s impressed me so deeply that I am keen to see him elected to be the Village of New Paltz’s Ulster County legislator.
Working together lately to organize protest action in response to Trump’s efforts to undermine our democracy, Bill and I have had almost daily contact.
What I have learned about Bill include the following:
• He tells the truth.
• If he says he’s going to do something, he does.
• He’s a smart, gentle, straightforward, and kindhearted leader.
• He takes his volunteer firefighter job so seriously that he will put to the side other personal and business commitments to respond to calls, sometimes several times a day. His humor and presence is seemingly always present and intact. That impresses me.
I’m a lesbian and run several projects related to keeping the LGBTQI+ community safe. Because of his experience, energy, strong character and broad understanding of our communities, he is someone I want to see advocating and working for my community and all of us in the Ulster County Legislature.
So, cast your vote for Bill Murray, now with early voting underway or, on primary day, Tuesday, June 24!
Isa Coffey
Kingston
Woodstock will be well served by Anula Courtis
Anula Courtis is the best choice for town supervisor. I have had the privilege of working with Anula Courtis: We served together on the Woodstock Human Rights Commission of which she was the chair. She led with a spirit of inclusiveness. Each member had an equal voice in researching a situation and communicating the results. She was a thoughtful and accessible leader. She also did the prior research to investigating each case and followed up with the supervisor. She was a pleasure to work with because she was a very good listener and an excellent communicator. These skills will serve her well as the supervisor.
I also worked with Anula on the women’s marches. She was eager to get suggestions for speakers and performers. I also helped her with some of the logistics and scheduling. To Anula’s credit she is very willing to listen and the implement suggestions. Each March was an incredible success. It was her energy that brought this event to Woodstock. Woodstock will be well served by Anula Courtis as supervisor.
Bonnie Wagner
West Hurley
Marcel Nagele and David Wallis are the best for Woodstock
There comes a time when we have to take a stance, whether on the national level, or on the local level. Take the national level — the situation is perilous. The situation in Woodstock is also perilous. Two candidates in the upcoming primary, Marcel Nagele for town board and David Wallis for supervisor, both have the vision, the determination, and practical but powerful plans to lead Woodstock to a better future.
Nagele is particularly strong in his work to protect Woodstock’s water supplies and in keeping a watchful eye on excessive development projects. Many of us know about his outstanding years of service to the Woodstock Guild.
Wallis has the courage, the friendly outreach and the leadership ability to serve well as the helmsperson of the Woodstock ship. He’ll have all of Woodstock’s residents in mind. He comes to the supervisor position after 30 years as an investigative reporter for major newspapers. He’s served on the school board and on the Woodstock Fire Department. He’ll be excellent in listening and heeding all voices. As he wrote, “Whether you are wildly wealthy or flat broke, I’ll treat you the same.”
Nagele and Wallis— the best for Woodstock.
Ed Sanders
Woodstock
The Democratic Primary
I know who I am not voting for and I also know who I am voting for: Marcel Nagel
Howard Harris
Woodstock
Please vote for Michael Boms and Michael Shultis in the upcoming election
We endorse Michael Boms and Michael Shultis for Hurley town supervisor and highway superintendent. We have known Mr. Boms and Mr. Shultis for several years now, and can confidently say they possess the necessary qualities to excel in these positions.
Prior to 2024, our property was inundated with runoff from inadequate drainage systems affecting our home. Our home was unliveable due to flooding conditions. We could not flush our toilets, use our washing machine or dishwasher. For long periods of time, our septic tank took in more runoff than it could drain.
We brought our concerns to the attention of the town board in early 2023. With the election of the current administration, our concerns were addressed and our problems remedied through the addition of a sufficient drainage system. We have not had any of our former problems with flooding into our septic system and are free to use our home again.
We believe that it is essential to elect leaders who are committed to improving our community, and Mr. Boms and Mr. Shultis are two such leaders. They have demonstrated their commitment to public service and we believe they will continue to work to make our community a better place.
I strongly urge you to vote for Michael Boms and Michael Shultis in the upcoming election. I am confident they will make a positive impact and work towards the betterment of our community. Please join me in supporting these two candidates.
Nanine Funiciello
Christian Moller
Hurley
Tim Rogers has my vote
Vote for Tim Rogers for supervisor for Town of New Paltz on June 24th (early voting started on June 14)! Timmy and I served on student government together as New Paltz High School students and even way back then he had a steady and calm disposition and a fair sense of justice. His dedication to our beautiful Hudson Valley little town is obvious! I am thankful for his commitment all these years, and I hope he can continue to watch over our town as supervisor. He has my vote!
Hannah Fox
New Paltz
Diana Cline for town clerk
I am writing on behalf of my sister Diana Cline as she is seeking the Democratic nomination in the Town of Hurley primary. In my opinion, she is the best candidate for town clerk. Diana Smedman Cline was born and raised in Hurley, growing up on Russell Road. In 1987 she purchased her home on Fairview Avenue, raising her four children in the town she feels fortunate to have grown up in. Diana worked for 35 years in the US Postal Service, most of them right here in Hurley!
Diana has a deep commitment to the Town of Hurley, having served on many boards and committees in service to the people of the town she loves. She’s a 30+ year volunteer on the Town of Hurley recreation committee, 20+ year volunteer on the Hurley zoning board, followed by the planning board trustee for the Hurley Library board, former deacon of the Hurley Reformed Church and a current member of the town board. Diana would like to continue her service to the town, this time as Hurley town clerk. She has many years of customer service under her belt and has proven, as a current town board member, that she will listen to all the people living in Hurley. She plans to work with the recreation committee to increase the number of town trips, as well as providing notary service and fishing and hunting licenses at town hall.
Janet Briggs
Hurley
Marcel Nagele for Woodstock Town Board
Many of you know Marcel Nagele, some for many years as a friend, colleague or client. Others of you have gotten to know him through the town board candidates’ forums, his visibility in the efforts to clean up the Shady dump and remediate our town water contamination, or impromptu conversations on the street. What most clearly come across, regardless of how you’ve gotten to know him, are his integrity, transparency, independence, work ethic, generosity and commitment to facts, not rhetoric. He is uncompromised by any allegiances or alliances, any reversals of positions or principles, or any questions of character or conduct.
Marcel’s platform has remained consistent throughout this campaign: cleaning up the Shady dump; conducting independent, professional source tracing of the PFAS contamination of our drinking water; reinstituting our environmental and human rights commissions; initiating policy changes that will assure discrimination and harassment free workplace environments, including independent investigations and timely redressing of complaints; and fixing all impediments to open and effective communication between town governance and the public.
Marcel comes from a working-class family whose struggles have made him particularly empathetic to those that ordinary Woodstockers face. He is committed to developing bold yet realistic plans for affordable housing. At the same time, he will not support any proposal that would significantly damage our environment or result in an over-developed, over-congested pseudo-suburb that favors the wealthy at the expense of those who have too long been marginalized.
Election Day is on Tuesday, June 24th, but early voting has already begun. I urge you to cast your vote for Woodstock Town Board for Marcel Nagele.
Alan Weber
Woodstock
Community service is a democratic value
As an undergrad, I learned a concept that has been at the heart of my life since: altruism. It was passionately discussed by my university’s Jesuit priests, sometimes with more reverence than the fundamentals of faith. These many years later, I’m running for a county legislature position representing our Village of New Paltz community and this idea is front of mind. What’s the connection?
Altruism and community are deeply intertwined. You can’t achieve community cohesion without citizens’ collective altruism. As a 22-year resident of New Paltz, I’ve witnessed this as a member of community boards and committees, organizations and activist groups. For over a decade, identifying and delivering on the needs of our community has been a personal priority. I’m a two-term village trustee, a nine-year member of the Ulster County planning board (which provides a panoramic view into what’s happening outside of New Paltz) and a New Paltz volunteer firefighter. I’ve organized 800 New Paltzians to assemble our new Julia Jackson playground at Hasbrouck Park, taken meaningful steps to improve the lives of our tenants with short-term rental and fire sprinkler laws, and recognized the potential of a condemned historic house now saved to be a future black cultural center. A few years ago, I established a college scholarship program for college-bound students interested in pursuing a life dedicated to economic and social justice, and brought an ethical circus to town twice, with proceeds benefiting our youth. Along the way I’ve had the privilege to meet, work with, and learn from many community members who share this altruistic perspective, which ultimately makes things happen.
In keeping with this ideal, my priorities as your elected legislator include increasing affordable home building by finding avenues to prioritize board approvals, as well as championing workforce development, since these are intrinsically paired. I’ll support and introduce county legislation that benefits our marginalized and vulnerable populations, expand efforts to protect our climate, tenants and members of our LGBTQIA+ community, develop solutions to allow for aging in place and home care support and increase efforts to keep fentanyl out of our community by supporting existing programs like ORACLE. We need a micro transit system so residents not near a UCAT route can get to where they need to go. We need to increase our dwindling numbers of volunteer emergency personnel who are the backbone of our communities.
As your legislator, I’ll step up and get the work done that will benefit you, my District 20 community, as I always have in the spirit of altruism.
Respectfully, I hope I have earned your vote on Democratic primary day, Tuesday, June 24th.
William “Bill” Murray, Democratic Candidate
Ulster County Legislative District 20
New Paltz
Vote Moran
I am writing to express my endorsement for Erin Moran for town supervisor. Erin has a deep commitment to our community, a strong work ethic and fresh perspective that make her an excellent candidate.
I have known Erin for many years and I have always been impressed by her passion and determination to make our town a better place for all who live and work here. What Erin may lack in elected political experience, she makes up for with excellent real-world understanding, hands-on involvement, and a genuine desire to listen and lead. Whatever the current issue, Erin will ask the right questions, do the research and will always be prepared to lead the debate. I promise you she will not be outworked.
As a native of Woodstock, I care deeply about our town and its future. I have seen up close what it takes to get big things done and make Woodstock a better place for everyone. I can tell you that what it takes is incredible perseverance. The Erin I know will never give up or give in.
I think Erin has the ability to understand our new demographics, synthesize the issues and do the right thing for our town. She will be an effective leader who will listen to all points of view and collaborate with every constituency to move the town forward in a sustainable and thoughtful way.
Woodstock deserves a leader who understands this town, all it’s people and one who sincerely cares about its future.
Please support Erin Moran on June 24th.
Kieran Bell
Woodstock
The cold, hard truth
On a recent trip to Utah with my husband to visit our national parks — while we still have them — I found myself, at times, brought to tears. Not only by the beauty of so much unspoiled land, but by the many good people we met along the way. People like Emily and Joe, innkeepers in a tiny town near Bryce Canyon, two of the most generous souls we’d ever met. Not only were they running a hospitality business, cooking up hearty breakfasts each morning for their guests, but they were also caring for four of their six boys who still live at home, managing a farm with sheep and goats and chickens and running a small cattle operation. And, as if that wasn’t enough to do, while we were staying with them, they had temporarily taken in their neighbors, two sisters with mental disabilities who’d recently suffered the sudden and unimaginable loss of both parents in the space of a week.
My husband and I never discussed politics with Emily and Joe. But I think it’s probable we did not vote for the same presidential candidate (the county where they live voted overwhelmingly for Trump). Still, it was a necessary reminder for me, a person who lives inside of a blue bubble here in Ulster County, of the dimensionality of my fellow humans. It was a reminder that there are reasons people who work as hard as Emily and Joe might have voted for a man who promised to make their lives better. And yet, the tragedy — one of so many being foisted upon us at such an alarming rate — is that Trump is a liar. He doesn’t care about people like Emily and Joe. He never has and never will. The only person Trump cares about is Trump. I will continue to hope that a majority of my fellow Americans will wake up — sooner, rather than later — to this cold, hard truth.
Charlotte Adamis
Kingston
Join me in voting for Tim Rogers
I’ll be voting for Tim Rogers for New Paltz town supervisor. Please join me!
Tim has shown years of devotion to the larger community of New Paltz, town and village, despite the village focus his official duties have necessarily required. In my personal interactions with him, he has always been courteous, considerate, prepared and frank.
He is an excellent communicator. He writes to this paper on a regular basis to explain and inform.
Tim Rogers deserves this chance to lead the larger community.
Please join me in voting for Tim Rogers.
William Weinstein
(Town of) New Paltz
Vote Chris Allen for Ulster County Legislature
Chris Allen was my county legislator for four years, and during this time he helped my mother with a very dangerous situation at her house. From the time she moved in, there were four dangerous trees hanging over her roof from the forest behind her backyard. The property directly behind us was originally owned by a developer who did not pay their taxes, so the county owned the property for awhile. On Memorial Day weekend of 2016, two trees fell down from the forest onto our property and were in our backyard. My mother immediately phoned Chris, and he responded quickly over the weekend and had the county over to look at the damage within a few days. Within nine days, the two trees that fell and the four trees looming over our house were all removed.
As our county legislator, Chris always responded to the requests for service very promptly, and he is quick to answer any questions one may have about county or Saugerties government. Chris stays informed and goes to a lot of extra meetings, he really seems to know more than others in politics. If you ever watched Chris perform in a debate or have spoken to him about local politics and government, you know what I mean. On June 24, vote for Chris Allen for Ulster County Legislature in the Democratic party primary to continue the outstanding service he gave to us!
Amy Mccoy-Turner
Saugerties
Remember to vote for Chris Allen on June 24
I have known Chris Allen for over 42years since he was friends with my son. When he ran for county legislature and won, I was happy for him and Saugerties because Chris is very intelligent and a great communicator.
As I followed Chris in the county legislature, I was impressed with his work ethic in the time he put into being our legislator and with the knowledge he gained. Watching Chris debate on television against his political opponents was very special to see, as he came across as the smartest and most well informed out of all the candidates. On June 24th, remember to vote for Chris Allen for Ulster County Legislature. His service to the community and the elderly population is unparalleled.
Sharon Mckeever
Saugerties
Let’s keep the positive agenda going in Hurley
The Town of Hurley has a Democratic primary on June 24. We are fortunate to have Michael Boms, supervisor; Michael Shultis, highway superintendent; Diana Cline, town clerk; and Tim Kelly, town council running for these positions.
In 2024, Michael Boms and these candidates who are running were in office and made great strides. Some of their accomplishments include:
• A plan for the old Hurley Library, which had been vacant for over ten years to be the Hurley Heritage Community Center with a grant for 75% of the cost
• Setting up a paid EMS ambulance service which our aging community needs
• Completing drainage issues that plagued the town for 15 years
• Restart our volunteer recreation department which has already gotten a $80,000 grant to improve the ball fields at Dug Hill Park with drinking water, electricity for lights, improve the fields to name a few items
• The biggest win for our town is the successful pilot-tested cutting edge environmental solution (at no cost the town) to filter leachate at our closed landfill site-this has cost residents 100,000’s of thousands of dollars over the years so will be a huge savings for the future monetarily and environmentally.
Let’s keep this positive agenda going. Vote for these Hurley Democrats who are getting things done in the Democratic Primary June 24 (early voting June 14-22).
Cheryl Herdmdan
West Hurley
Amanda Gotto asks for four more years to continue working for everyone
As I seek re-election as New Paltz supervisor, one question continually comes up: Do I support consolidation? Here’s my answer: I want to take a hard look. So far, our steering committee meetings haven’t identified any problems that more years of consultant fees and committee meetings will solve. As supervisor, I’m glad we have another year to take a hard look. There are red flags that concern me.
No consolidation has ever been approved by New York voters. The most recent attempt was the Pawling consolidation. It was rejected by both town and village voters. Even both the town supervisor and village mayor opposed it. Why? They took a hard look.
Of the dissolutions that have been attempted, some went through and some didn’t.
Just this year, 78% of Tannersville voters rejected village dissolution. Why? They took a hard look.
In 2022, the Village of Lake George voted not to dissolve. Why? They took a hard look. The mayor of Lake George explains: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That was the general theme of people walking into the vote last night,” says village mayor Robert Blais. “Lake George does have a lot of debt,” the mayor concedes. “But the heart of tourism activity centers in the village, and we are proud that we have never raised taxes in ten years (sound familiar?) in the Village of Lake George, because of those revenues. All that would have been lost.”
Te Village of S. Nyack did recently vote to dissolve into the Town of Orangetown. Why? I took a hard look and found that rather than taxes going down, they went up. Even with the $1 million from the state. The finance director explained: “Taxes went up less than they would have without the CETC credit.”
Every fiscal impact prepared by LaBerge, the consultant hired by the Village of New Paltz for dissolution, estimates taxes going down. I will take a hard look at how realistic that would be for consolidation in New Paltz.
Thank you, New Paltz, for electing me as supervisor in 2024. Please give me four more years to continue to work for all of us.
Amanda Gotto
Town of New Paltz Supervisor
Paradigm Shift
I want to talk about the future — maybe it’s the Aquarian in me. Woodstock needs a paradigm shift — a new lens for approaching everything. A creative community must evolve with the times and now’s our chance.
That’s why I’m urging us to move forward by electing Anula Courtis, Laurie Osmond and Lily Korolkoff to the town board.
I’ve worked with all three of these incredibly intelligent, independent and collaborative women on community efforts. Together, they bring a powerful blend of experience, heart and vision — exactly what we need to face our biggest challenges.
Anula Courtis brings sharp insight, deep economic experience, and a bold willingness to rethink our toughest issues: housing, the environment, governance and more. With two years of firsthand observation on the town board, she’s ready to step into the supervisor role with clarity and inclusion. Anula is who I want fighting in our corner when ICE or a vulture capitalist comes to town. She is calm, firm (but fair), and innovative.
Laurie Osmond is a doer. She shows up with humility, working wherever needed — whether leading or supporting — to get things done. Her compassion, leadership and quiet wisdom are impressive. Laurie is a true teammate.
Lily Korolkoff brings a grounded, compassionate presence that reminds us of the hardworking individuals in our local hospitality industry — where small businesses, artists, volunteers and community connections thrive. She’s a voice for the vulnerable and a champion for dignity and inclusion.
This is our moment to move forward — rooted in care, community and the courage to see through a new lens with a united team of women who offer an innovative and exciting shift. Here’s to a new chapter — join us!
Urana Kinlen
Woodstock
Woodstock’s future is female
I am a constituent in Woodstock sharing my perspective on the upcoming primary election for our town board. Our nation is experiencing a crisis of competent leadership. The planet has been brought to its knees by greed, aggression, selfish behavior and incompetence. A look at history shows the fact that, aside from a small percentage, the “leaders” bringing us war, famine, human rights violations, and climate crisis have been overwhelmingly male.
I’ve promised myself to help change this dynamic. To promote qualified females into positions of leadership whenever and however I can. If there is an adept and ethical candidate for office who is female, she has my vote. Luckily for the Town of Woodstock, we have three such candidates. We have a chance to make history by electing Anula, Lily and Laurie to our town board, giving Woodstock a fully female-led administration. Each of these candidates holds a prestigious pedigree. All three are successful small business owners, handling staff, building systems, working in community-focused and communication fields. Even though the weight of being a small business owner can be 24/7, every single one of these principled leaders consistently volunteers in this town. Each of their records of unpaid service to this town goes back to when they first joined our community. These are ethical, focused and successful human beings who possess the proven skills and empathy to help heal the divisions in Woodstock, providing us with the supportive, community-focused leadership we all crave.
We need look no further than the last candidate forum to support my perspective. I encourage all to look this up and see who lost their decorum, and who egged it on. It was a sad display of arrogance that no longer serves our community. Let’s vote for change.
Erin Cadigan
Woodstock
Democracy at risk in Kingston Schools
Many families at George Washington (GW) Elementary are disappointed by the recent vote to eliminate the Montessori program. While some are ready to move on, others remain committed to preserving it. But this letter is not about the merits of Montessori or the GW teachers and staff — though both are undoubtedly worth defending. It’s about the serious breakdown in process that led to its removal.
At the most recent KCSD BOE meeting, a vote to terminate the program was forced through — unplanned, not on the agenda and without public notice or comment. Padalino pushed for the vote, and the board complied, bypassing the transparency and community engagement our district deserves.
This decision came after the district budget had already been voted on and approved by Kingston residents, meaning the program’s funding was and is in place.
So I ask the Kingston community: Are you comfortable with decisions being made this way? If a program or teaching method your child values was suddenly ended without warning, discussion, or accountability, would you fight?
This is not about Montessori. This is about governance. We elect the board to represent us — not to be swayed by the last-minute demands of an imposing superintendent. Decisions that affect our schools should be made with care, deliberation and public input.
Even if the board ultimately chooses to end the program, I urge them to rescind this rushed decision and hold a proper vote — with community notice and the opportunity for public comment.
Our schools deserve better. So does our democratic process.
So please, if you can, show up to the BOE meeting on Wednesday, June 18th and show your support for democracy and equality in our schools.
Marie Miller
Kingston
Pat Ryan and the brutality of ICE
Representative Ryan: I was horrified to see that you voted with Republicans to express gratitude to ICE and to urge stronger cooperation between ICE and local government.
You live in a community that includes many immigrant families — our neighbors, friends, co-workers, employees — who are now in danger of summary detention and deportation. Parents live in constant fear of ICE appearing at their homes, their workplaces, on the street. Children have nightmares about their parents being taken away.
The only thing mitigating the anxiety that these families endure is the knowledge that Ulster County is generally welcoming to immigrants, regardless of status — a position that you once endorsed as county executive. Police will not do ICE’s dirty work. School districts are staunch in their protection of their students.
Perhaps it was the “antisemitism” aspect of this House resolution that particularly appealed to you — you’d like to see ICE abduct and deport more protesters under the totally specious argument that protesting genocide is antisemitic. What would you say to the courageous Israelis who are now standing up and declaring horror over the atrocities committed by the IDF, with the full material support of the US?
At this point in history, the old labels — antisemitism, anti-Zionist, pro-Israel, anti-Israel, etc. — are irrelevant. You are either pro-genocide or anti-genocide.
It is unbearable to know that I am represented in Congress by someone who supports both genocide and the brutality of ICE.
Jo Salas
New Paltz
The courage to care
Friends, what you see happening today in LA may be the beginning of a long, hot and volatile summer. Our way of life may be at a crossroads. It’s very scary for any of us who are still open to feeling our humanity. Surely we’d all prefer to be joyful, but at this moment the emotion at hand is fear. Are you feeling it? Or are you numb?
All our lives we’ve been trained to either freeze when scared, fight desperately, or run away when threatened. But now we must make a new decision to face the fear while acting in a new way. I also want you all to know that I have been totally blind for over 50 years since the end of the war in Vietnam. Yes, I am a blind veteran. I learned over the years to face my fears. It took me a long time, but I found that facing my fears helped me create a meaningful and halfway decent life for myself. I learned that just crossing the street brought up incredible fear. But facing that fear took lots of courage every day. It wasn’t comfortable and it wasn’t fun. But I learned that when you keep deciding to face your fears, well they lose their power over you. There always is fear. But the more courage you develop, the less those fears have power to run your lives.
Now we all need to make a new decision. Our way of life is being threatened. But facing our fears will lead us to our courage. Our courage will lead us to our power. And our power will find the way to help us thwart the undermining of our democracy. Each one must face our fears, and those who are successful with facing our fears, and finding new courage, will be the ones who will lead us to a stronger, more honest and more compassionate way of life. We are now all learning of what it is to be a first responder. Fear or courage. Which one are you going to focus on?
What follows is an old quote from a cherished spiritual leader named Ram Dass. Please read it and think about his words. He speaks about a good strategy. Some wisdom for those troubled in this current moment.
“I can disagree with a political leader’s actions. I can legislate. I can do civil disobedience if I think what they support is wrong. I can disagree with actions that are not compassionate. But I want to keep my heart open. If I don’t, I am part of the problem, not part of the solution. And that’s just not interesting enough. That’s what the inner work is — to become part of the solution.
So going around being angry at everything and everybody is a cheap pie. It really is. You don’t have to act out of anger in order to oppose something. You can act to oppose something because it creates suffering. You can become an instrument of that which relieves suffering, but you don’t have to get angry about it.
Social action does not have to be pumped up by righteous indignation or anger. That’s working with the dark forces. That’s working with fear. You can work with love. You can oppose somebody out of love. You can do social action out of love. And that’s the way you win the whole war, not just the battle”
May God bless the United States of America!
Marty Klein
Kingston
Graceful aging: The hawk, part 1 of 3
I look up from my book, and suddenly out the window — no more than 20 feet away — I see a big bird has landed on the peak of a trellis on which we have started purple passion flowers; it is surveying the turf below our bird feeder where moments earlier small sparrows, mourning doves, and a chipmunk had been feeding on fallen seeds.
My body registers the surprise, the shock really, before my mind can name what I am perceiving. Then the neurons fire and the label comes: “Hawk!” Then the phone comes out of my pocket and I snap some pictures. I am already domesticating this experience — something to post to others – but also I am aware that I am holding off the question that trembles in this encounter: “What does this mean?” For it is reflexive for me to take this as a visitation, an omen. In that fundamental certainty, I know I will, sooner or later, ponder the pertinence of this experience, this interruption.
What I have been reading at the moment of this encounter is a book about aging called Winter Radiance. The hawk has appeared in relation to that deeply personal and widely shared experience in my life subsumed under the term “graceful aging.” The recognition comes that I am two months short of 84, the age my mother died, the age my ailing father came to live with Susan and me before he died months later. The hawk lands like an exclamation point in the midst of my life, a feathered arrow from the blue, quivering.
Might the meaning I make personally of this encounter also belong to the “we” with whom I think about these matters in Graceful Aging? I sit with this riddle; I let it resonate in memory and imagination. Now, weeks later, I know one thing for sure: the hawk has brought in its wake the word “overview.” Perhaps the link came to me in the folk-way we talk about “overview” as “a bird’s eye view.” What does the bird’s eye view have to do with my aging, and perhaps ours?
I find that the beginning of the answer is contained in the question. An overview gives us perspective from which the jangle of parts are seen in some relation to one another. We see the whole, the pattern, the story. Perhaps, in regard to my aging and to ours, we need to get some distance from the churn and chaos, the anxiety and disruption, the fixations and the fret of aging in order to remember something we keep forgetting, something vitally important that comes only with an overview … the bird’s eye view … the hawk’s eye view. What do I see from that altitude? What would you?
Peter Pitzele
New Paltz
Respecting the word limit on letters to the editor, I will end this here and continue it the following two weeks.
Graceful Aging is an open group, meeting at the Elting Library on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. You are welcome to check it out.
Dandelions
Ubiquitous and yellow,
the inflorescence of your
flowers and lush greenness
of lion’s tooth leaves, appear
overnight. Standing on my lawn,
a new house and first spring,
this year I do not shun but
admire your overflowing suns,
content in your short lives,
and less than rich soil. I take
to you like bees and other
pollinators: a nectar so soon
in the season. All too soon
eclipsed by moons with white
seed heads that float away,
billowing on the breeze, starting
new colonies without me.
Patrick Hammer, Jr.
Saugerties
A big thank you to Police Chief Clayton Keefe and Officer Van de Bogart
Thank you ever so much for rescuing me when I was lost all day trying to return home from Albany. It was a very frightening experience for me, and I was so happy to be pulled over by Officer Van De Bogart. I had been trying to return, but was going in circles. I didn’t have a phone with me and pay phones are non-existent. My family and friends where very upset when they received a call from the doctor’s office informing them that I didn’t show up for my appointment. I certainly was lucky that they thought to report the incident to our Woodstock Police Department. I was thrilled when Officer Van De Bogart signaled me to pull over. This has never happened to me before. Thank you again.
Toby Heilbrunn
Bearsville
Thank you Larry Winters
Thank you Larry Winters for writing about … I don’t care what you write about, I will
always read what you write. I will laugh and cry with you as well.
Arzi McKeown
Saugerties
The Trump White House assault on America is without precedent
Here is the scenario: Masked men in military gear, armed to the teeth, kidnap citizens of all ages and of diverse backgrounds from the street, from immigration centers where they have reported to complete their civic duty, from businesses where they work, and from near campuses at which they study. They are whisked away to nobody knows where, could be to “black sites” for all the public is told; often they are moved from East Coast cities to “red” states like Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee. And they are moved repeatedly, so that family, advocates and lawyers cannot get access to them. The people abducted have not, in most cases, been charged with a crime — they have not been given their due process rights, they are virtually “prisoners of The State.”
This scenario was only the opening salvo of Trump/MAGA’s orchestrated betrayal of the much-vaulted “American Exceptionalism” — with these brutal assaults on American and immigrant citizens, this would-be King has inverted The American Dream, making us in line with historically murderous military dictatorships from North Korea to Soviet Russia to Kmer Rouge-controlled Cambodia.
The fact that I am able to write this and have it published is one that should not be taken for granted in the present climate of extreme political and civic repression: Trump has sent 700 marines to “quell” the “rioting” (what is really mostly peaceful protest and non-violent civil disobedience) to the streets of Los Angeles — arriving soon to join The National Guard and an amalgam of state and city police forces. Councilpeople, mayors, union presidents and possibly a governor have been or are in danger of arrest for resisting the abduction and deportation of a projected 3,000 victims a day. This is Kafkaesque. And I haven’t even mentioned Trump’s “foreign policy” agenda!
Martin Haber
Woodstock
God-Given Bread
At one point in the New Testament (MAT 25:35) we are told “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…” Surely these words describe the mission of God Given Bread beautifully! God Given Bread is a food program based at Atonement Lutheran Church in Saugerties, created 33 years ago in response to frequent visits to the church by the hungry in hopes of being fed. The program was spearheaded by Atonement member Lou Vogel who proved to be the perfect person for the job.
In accordance with NYS requirements, Lou’s official title became executive director, but Lou was never much for titles. His service was truly a labor of love. Sadly, Lou passed away three days before this past Christmas. About ten days before his passing Lou asked me to his home to address an “urgency.” I soon found the “urgency” was Lou’s concern for God Given Bread. In his living room, a room now home to his Hospice bed, I listened as he reminisced about God Given Bread’s history. As we were to enter a new year, Lou wanted to thank all of the many people involved in making the wheels of God Given Bread continue to turn. So many supporters!
The community, congregations, organizations. Individuals each wanting to help with simple kindness and caring … retirees and those still employed, students, homemakers, truck drivers with their trucks! And sometimes the return of a past recipient of God Given Bread assistance, now stepping forward to help others. Beautiful. This message gives a resounding THANK YOU to all of you for all you do. Keep on keeping on! Please remember that this message came from Lou Vogel, God’s faithful servant.
Kathleen Winpen
Saugerties
Proud. Present. Permanent?
As a Kingston resident, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and an artist who spent the last four months creating pride-themed paintings, I should feel embraced. Instead, I’ve felt shut out. I’m a bilateral below-the-knee amputee who uses a wheelchair. When I tried to visit the LGBTQIA+ community center, I was told I needed to call ahead so someone could bring out a temporary ramp. That’s not accessibility — it’s an obstacle dressed as an accommodation. I faced the same exclusion at The Unicorn, our area’s best-known queer venue. It, too, is not accessible.
It’s painful to say, but I must: our community’s proclamation of inclusivity feels disingenuous when disabled members are consistently excluded. Apologies without action are empty. Excuses like “we can’t,” “the City of Kingston won’t let us,” or “it costs too much” — these are the very justifications we’ve rejected when others denied our rights. Why offer them from within? We cannot be proud if we are not present. If we are not welcomed, we become invisible — permanently.
I love this community. I believe in its heart. But love without action changes nothing. That’s why I’m calling for a comprehensive accessibility audit of all LGBTQIA+ spaces in Kingston, active partnership with city officials to remove regulatory barriers and a community-led fundraising effort to bring about lasting, physical change. We must do better. We must do better now!
Martin Sherow
Kingston
Banding birds
As a local resident who cherishes the beauty of Mohonk and the birds who call it home, I am writing with deep concern about the continued practice of bird banding during nesting season. This method, which involves capturing birds and attaching metal bands to their legs, may have once served a purpose. But today, it’s both outdated and harmful.
The stress of being trapped causes immense hardship for the birds, who may abandon their nests or become too exhausted to care for their young. Their babies are often left alone during these traumatic events. Even more concerning is the limited scientific value of the data. Only about 3% of banded birds are ever re-sighted, meaning the vast majority of banding efforts provide little long-term insight. It’s an invasive process with minimal return. Mohonk Preserve has long prided itself on its natural beauty and birding trails. But in an age of advanced, non-invasive technology, better methods exist: remote audio monitoring, GPS tracking, trail cameras and citizen science platforms like eBird all offer rich data without harming birds.
This is a heartfelt plea to pause and reassess. With so much joy and peace that birds bring to our lives, let’s make sure our research practices match the care they deserve.
Susan Jacque
New Paltz
A beast within us
In stillness, where the limelight’s glare dissolves, a sanctuary whispers softly, where serenity evolves. Sometimes, the bravest act is simply to retreat, to guard the fragile glow that shadows seek to beat. Not weakness, but wisdom — builds a gentle wall, a fortress within, where the heart can stand tall. She comes with fire, not silence, a mirror held high, revealing truths beneath the glossy lie. Questions like sparks in smoky skies ignite, cracks in the veneer, exposing hidden light. The audience gasps as chaos unfurls, a clash of shadows in a fractured world whirls. Yet in this fleeting storm, the truth is cast — A mirror to the world, both broken and vast. Though screens go dark and curtains close, the echoes of fire continue to pose.
Neil Jarmel
West Hurley
Is there power in vulnerability and kindness?
There is a ravine just west of memory where the wind has learned to speak in the dialect of grief. That is where he walks now — not on the dusty path of yesterday’s decisions, but along the inner fault line where silence split into anger and bewilderment. His boots remember the red clay of Vietnam. But his heart? It remembers something stranger: a promise broken not by bullets, but by betrayal. He trusted the men beside him, not because they were flawless, but because they were present. Flesh and breath. Fallible and whole. He could not, however, trust the ones who remained unseen — those whose names changed with each election cycle but whose appetites did not.
“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain,” said Miyamoto Musashi. But he had not seen the mountain built from bones and banknotes.
Two landscapes mirror each other now. One is the scorched edge of a jungle trail, where fear tastes like metal and blood smells like rusting gods. The other is the sterile blue of a hospital waiting room, where a pharmaceutical poster promises relief but only delivers revenue. In both places, he has known the ache of being used.
He does not name it bitterness. He calls it aporia — the ancient Greek for being at a loss. A doorway, not a dead end. A gaping open space where meaning must be wrestled from silence, where breath is gathered before one speaks again with intention.
In this space, vulnerability is not weakness. It is kenosis — an emptying out. The sacred paradox is that letting go of armor becomes a form of strength. Years after the war, he recalls a fellow Marine who wept quietly over a beer. Not for the ones they lost, but for the parts of themselves they had to kill to keep going. That moment, more than any battlefield victory, was holy. He learned something then: you cannot rebuild trust unless you first grieve what trust was.
The modern world has no patience for grief. It sells speed, solution, spectacle. It feeds off urgency. But trust grows slowly, like moss over stone. It does not shout — it listens. It roots itself in the unseen acts: a hand extended without agenda, an apology given without defense, a kindness when no one is watching.
Limen — Latin for threshold. He senses we are at one now. As a culture, as a people. Caught between our inherited cynicism and the faint memory of what it felt like to believe in each other. To believe in more than profit or tribal loyalty. To believe in care, even when it is inconvenient.
He walks through a town where kindness has become a dialect spoken only by the old, the wounded, and the quietly awake. It survives in libraries, community gardens, hospice centers and handwritten letters. These are the new monasteries — tender resistances against a world that has monetized the sacred.
The weather shifts. Rain begins — not as punishment, but as remembering. Each drop writes a message in the dust: You were not meant to numb this much. And the wind replies with a question: What if kindness is the last true revolution?
Larry Winters
New Paltz
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