Historic Preservation Commission and Elting Memorial Library to sponsor a juried art show
The Village of New Paltz Historic Preservation Commission and its partner Elting Memorial Library will sponsor a juried art show from June 1 to June 30 at Elting Memorial Library, 93 Main Street in New Paltz. Two-dimensional works that explore the theme of historic preservation, iconic landscapes and living life within a historic context are invited from artists of all ages.
First-, second- and third-place winners in three media categories: Painting (watercolor, oil, acrylic, gouache, tempera); drawing and mixed media (colored or graphite pencil, ink, pastel, charcoal, chalk, crayon, marker or a combination of different mediums and collages); photography (black and white or colored photos) will be chosen by a panel of local judges during a reception on Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the library’s Steinberg Reading Room. There is no charge for submissions and no charge for the public to see the exhibit.
Entries, not larger than 40”x 50” and weighing under 20 pounds, can be submitted at the Elting Memorial Library on May 23 and 24, from noon to 4 p.m. and on May 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information, please contact exhibit coordinator Kamilla Nagy at kamilla.nagy@gmail.com or go to https://www.facebook.com/historicpreservationartcontest/.
Historical society to present illustrated talk with Paul O’Neill
The New Paltz Historical Society will present an illustrated talk, “The New York State Constitution and the Convention of 1777 held in Kingston,” on Wednesday, March 4, 7 p.m., at the New Paltz Community Center, located at 3 Veterans Drive. The guest speaker will be Paul O’Neill.
In March of 1777, a group of individuals met in Kingston to determine the future of New York. What they achieved led not only to the birth of New York State, but laid the building blocks for a brave new nation.
This group became the New York State Constitutional Convention and met formally in the Ulster County Courthouse for the first time on March 6, 1777. The Constitution, read in public for the first time on the front steps of the Ulster County Courthouse on April 22, 1777, went on to become the model for the United States Constitution.
O’Neill grew up in New Paltz, was an attorney in New Paltz and Kingston for 15 years, including 14 years as the Assistant District Attorney covering New Paltz and is now the Commissioner of Jurors for Ulster County.
Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.
Welcome lady golfers
The New Paltz Womens’ Golf Association will soon be sending out applications for its 2020 season.
The full season of the Tuesday recreation league is May 12 through August 18. For a shorter seven-week season, there are two choices: May 12 through June 23 or July 7 through August 18. The tee time is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. each Tuesday.
This league is non-competitive and no handicap is required.
For information, call Leslie Drojak at (845) 339-0417 or email leslom444@aol.com.
Feedback needed about state high school graduation measures
The Board of Regents and State Education Department will host a regional meeting on March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Ulster BOCES Conference Center, 175 Route 32 North in New Paltz to gather feedback on what a state diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for every student in New York State. This regional meeting is part of a series being held across New York State to gather stakeholder input and is an integral part of Phase I in the review of graduation measures. Parents, students, educators, community and business representatives are encouraged to attend.
Regent Josephine Finn, 3rd Judicial District, will host the meeting in collaboration with Robert Dufour, Ed.D., Sullivan BOCES District Superintendent, and Charles Khoury, Ed.D., Ulster BOCES District Superintendent.
Harry Potter Escape Room at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library will host a Harry Potter Escape Room on Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wizards and muggles ages nine and up are invited to sign up during one 30-minute time slot, individually or as a team. Participants will have only 30 minutes to solve four puzzles and escape the library. Pre-register for a time slot by March 4. Space is limited.
The program takes place in the library Community Room, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Retired men to meet on March 2
Retired men of the New Paltz community invite retired men everywhere to the monthly breakfast meeting of Monday, March 2, 8 a.m., at the New Paltz Plaza Diner.
Julie Seyfert-Lillis, executive director of the MillBrook Preserve Inc., will share the story of this 134-acre wildlife sanctuary straddling the northern border of the Village and Town of New Paltz — a cost-free escape to nature for residents and a vibrant habitat where natural processes can take place unimpeded.
For additional information, contact Rob Greene at rasjgreene@earthlink.net or 256-9003.
Tipsy Tuesday on March 3
Roost Studios will hold its third Tuesday’s Tipsy Topics taking place on March 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 69 Main Street in New Paltz.
Attendees will enjoy tastings and talks by the creators of two local award-winning beverages. Gable Erenzo, the founder, owner and operator of Gardiner Liquid Mercantile and Tim Dressel from Kettleborough Cider house will be presenting.
Register in advance online at www.roostcoop.org/show. Walk-ins welcome. Participants must be 21 to be served. Donation $15, $10 for seniors.
Black+White+Color art exhibit by David Holt
The Gardiner Library is currently hosting an exhibit entitled Black+White+Color by David Holt showcased in the community room through April 28. Meet the artist and see his works at the artist reception this Sunday, March 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. Black+White+Color contains 10 to 15 black and white linocuts that vary in subject matter but are mostly about the human condition. This show also includes an equal number of colorful paintings of the Gunks and Newburgh.
Holt is an author, print-maker and painter living in New Paltz. After a career as an art teacher and professor of education, he published the book The Search for Aesthetic Meaning in the Visual Arts and created prints and paintings. His paintings, linocuts and silkscreens have been included in many national shows, and he has had numerous one-person shows. His work is in the collection of the Amity Art Foundation, Inc., the Woodstock Artist Association and many private collections.
The works will be on display in the library exhibit space, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike, through March 24. For further information, call the library at 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Board openings in the Town of Gardiner
The Town of Gardiner has vacancies on the following boards and committees: Assessment Review Board, Environmental Conservation Commission and Parks & Recreation Committee.
Interested parties should send a letter of interest with a resume to Supervisor Majestic at supervisor.tog@gmail.com or mail to P.O. Box #1, Gardiner, NY 12525.
Lloyd Historical Society presents Steven Schimmrich on March 2
At the Monday, March 2 program of the Town of Lloyd Historical Preservation Society, professor Steven Schimmrich will speak on the geology and history of Rosendale cement, how it ties into the history of our local area and its inevitable decline. A geology professor at SUNY Ulster, Schimmrich will show how Rosendale’s geology paved its way to becoming the most prominent supplier of natural cement in the country. His presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at Vineyard Commons in Highland.
For more information about the Town of Lloyd Historical Preservation Society, visit www.TOLHPS.org or call (845) 255-7742.
Ulster Savings Bank in Gardiner to feature author and illustrator Victoria St. George
Ulster Savings Bank will hold an opening reception at its 2201 Route 44/55 Gardiner branch this Friday, February 28, from noon to 2 p.m. for an art exhibit by author and painter Victoria St. George, whose exhibit will feature paintings and illustrations and be on display until April 9.
St. George has authored and illustrated various articles, cookbooks and children’s books. In her artwork, she adds a sense of whimsy, childlike innocence, charm and a sense of kindness, all while utilizing multiple media, including acrylic, pastels and watercolors.
For more information, call (845) 255-4262, extension 4401.
BestColleges.com ranks SUNY Ulster #1 Best Community College in New York State
Best Colleges has ranked SUNY Ulster as #1 in its annual ranking of Top Ten Best Community Colleges in New York State for 2020, recognizing the College in several important categories:
• High quality academics
• Affordability
• Diverse opportunities for involvement that includes clubs, athletics, and cultural events
• Balance of transferable and career-ready associate degrees
Best Colleges noted the wide variety of fields and disciplines SUNY Ulster offers including arts, education, human services, nursing, public safety and STEM and also mentioned its selection of online courses.
For more information about SUNY Ulster, visit the website at http://www.sunyulster.edu.
Business plan basics workshop with Jennifer Thayer
The Gardiner Library will host a business plan basics workshop with Jennifer Thayer this Saturday, February 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. Whether you’re starting a business or a not-for-profit, a business plan provides a road map through the rough terrain of starting up anything. In two hours, participants move from mission and purpose through developing a go-to-market strategy and back of envelope financial planning.
Those who wish to attend can pre-register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-plan-basics-tickets-93956314867
The workshop takes place in the library community room, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Gardiner library book club meeting
The Gardiner Library book club will meet on Wednesday, March 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. to discuss this month’s book, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe. From the award-winning New Yorker staff writer the novel delves into the intricate narrative about the notorious killing of a Northern Ireland mother and its aftermath. Everyone is welcome.
The club meets in the library community room, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Join the family! 
