New bike racks at Kingston Plaza
Newly installed bicycle infrastructure has been installed at the Kingston Plaza for shoppers and commuters with connections to the Midtown linear park and the UCAT bus system. The two racks are covered to protect cyclists from weather and are located near shopping and transportation hubs. A third shelter is planned for the front lot off Schwenk Drive at the main entrance near Mac Fitness.
“Thanks to Herzog’s for installing the brand new covered bicycle racks at the Kingston Plaza,” says Emily Flynn, president of Bike-Friendly Kingston. “This infrastructure will support a culture of bicycling in the City of Kingston. Combined with the new rail-trails that are part of the Kingston Greenline and the protected bike lane coming to Broadway, more people will see bicycling as an alternative to driving.”
The Midtown linear park, which will have a trailhead at the southeast corner of the plaza, is being developed by Ulster County and moving towards construction in late 2020 or early 2021. This future shared-use path is part of the Kingston Greenline network of trails that connect to the Empire State Trail. The bicycle shelters are part of a larger improvement to the parking lots at the Kingston Plaza which have been repaved and new landscaping added.
Two dead in Kingston fire; cause not yet known
The names of the two people killed in a fire that tore through the home at 36 Sherman St., Kingston have been released: the victims were Myron Rosenkranse, 78, and Briana Elting, 49. Both were residents of the house. Police as well as fire officials are investigate the blaze, as is standard when there are fatalities. No cause for the fire has been released to date.
The first report of the fire came in minutes after midnight on Sunday, September 20, according to Mark Brown, Kingston’s fire chief, and it was already quite large by the time firefighters arrived on the scene at 12:37 a.m. Heavy fire was burning the back of the house, and the detached garage was completely ablaze. The vehicle in the driveway was also burning, and when the fuel tank ruptured gasoline came running down the driveway, adding another dangerous complication.
City firefighters were assisted by volunteers from Ulster Hose, and the Port Ewen ladder truck crew was on standby.
Rosenkranse and Elting were positively identified following autopsies the following day and their names released after next-of-kin were notified.
According to Detective Lt. Thierry Croizer of the Kingston police department, law enforcement involvement would become relevant if fire investigators found anything at the scene that would suggest a suspicious origin for the blaze. Results of that investigation had not been released as of Monday, September 28.
-Terence P Ward
Police investigate serious head-on collision in Saugerties
On September 26 at approximately 10 p.m., a state trooper patrolling State Route 212 in the Town of Saugerties came upon a two-vehicle crash. The trooper immediately rendered first aid to the injured people involved in the crash.
Initial investigation revealed that a 2005 Audi A4, operated by David Lowy, 64, of Chappequa, along with a passenger, was traveling west on State Route 212 when he crossed over into the opposite lane and collided head on with a 2008 Pontiac G6 traveling east. The Pontiac was operated by Ann Tucker, 75, of Saugerties. Both vehicles had massive front-end damage. The Pontiac came to rest in a ditch off the east shoulder.
The operators of both vehicles were airlifted to Albany Medical center. The passenger in Lowy’s vehicle was transported by Mobile Life to Northern Dutchess Hospital. While speaking with Lowy, troopers determined that he was impaired by drugs and he was subsequently charged with Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) Drugs. He is scheduled to return to the Town of Saugerties Court on October 21, 2020 at 6 p.m.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicles prior to the crash are asked to call the state police at Kingston at (845) 338-1702 and reference SJS 9842798.
Fatal car crash in Gardiner
On September 23 at approximately 7:20 a.m. troopers responded to Bruynswick Road in the Town of Gardiner for a report of a two-vehicle crash. Initial investigation revealed that a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, operated by Thomas Griffin of the hamlet of Wallkill was traveling north on Bruynswick Road when he crossed over into the southbound lane and struck at 2007 Honda Accord traveling south.
Griffin was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. The operator of the Honda, James Phelan, 68, of New Paltz, was flown to Westchester Medical Center.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to the State Police in Highland at 691-2922 and reference sjs # 9835358.
Police investigate fatal accident involving deer in town of Lloyd
Monday, September 28 at 1:19 p.m., state police from the Highland barracks responded to State Route 9W in the town of Lloyd for a car crash involving a deer.
Investigation revealed that a large truck traveling south on State Route 9W struck a deer that entered the roadway from the west shoulder. The deer was thrown airborne into the opposite lane and struck a 2001 Subaru Legacy that was traveling north on State Route 9W. The deer went through the windshield and back window of the Legacy.
The driver of the Subaru, Sean Boles, 25 of Washington Township, NJ, and his passenger, Toni Redner, 23 of Newburgh, were transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital by Mobile Life where Redner was pronounced deceased. Boles was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Tiny Terrors — a call for creepy art
“Tiny Terrors” is an annual call for art and exhibition of spooky and seasonal mini artworks presented by the Rhinebeck Artist Shop in New Paltz. The show invites all creatives to submit 6” x 6” pieces inspired by the enchanting season upon us. Creepy, crawly, autumn, chilly, transformation — all interpretations of the theme welcome. Submitted works will culminate in the Tiny Terrors exhibition displayed at the shop in New Paltz starting the last week of October and running to the end of November. Last year’s “Tiny Terrors” show included over 50 works of art. The deadline to submit is October 12. All pieces will be for sale with 100% of the profits going to the artist.
All submitted artworks must be 6 x 6 inches, hang-ready and in 2D or 3D forma. Clearly indicate on the back of the piece the artists’ name and a contact phone number/email. There is a limit of two submissions per artist.
Submissions may be dropped off at 188 Main Street in New Paltz on Monday through Saturday between the hours of 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. and on Sundays, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
For additional information, contact Tamara at 255-5533.
Bike-path meeting October 7
Alta Planning + Design will hold a virtual public information meeting for the Henry W. Dubois Drive project in New Paltz on Wednesday, October 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session. If you would like to attend but are in need of accessibility services, please contact Alta directly via email at HWD@altaplanning.com.
Participants must register for the Zoom meeting using the link https://tinyurl.com/HWDzoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Participants are encouraged to complete the online survey. For information and to ask questions, visit the FAQ page on the project website (https://walkbikehwd.weebly.com/frequently-asked-questions.h…), or reach out to our team.
Rosendale Library election
The Rosendale Library will hold its annual trustee election and budget vote on Thursday, October 8 from noon to 7 p.m. at the library. Absentee ballot applications are available on the library’s website and by request at the library. Details of the 2021 budget can be found on the library’s website and hard copies are available at the library. Rosendale voters will consider the library’s 2021 annual tax levy in the amount of $320,000, with the total operating budget of the library for 2021 being $338,500. The tax levy for 2020 was $320,485.
Two trustees are seeking election, each for a partial term ending December 31, 2020. The trustees seeking election are Rose Unes and William Stamm. Visit the library’s website or call the library at 658-9013.
Saugerties gives back
Public libraries across NYS are encouraging their neighbors to build good will though contributing to their community through the Great Give Back. This year, the Saugerties Public Library is partnering with the Saugerties Animal Shelter to fill their shelves with cat food, cat litter, bedding, sheets, towels, blankets, cat and dog toys, paper towels and wipes. Drop off your donation items at the library, located at 91 Washington Avenue in Saugerties from October 1 to 17.
Kingston Point Beach access
A gate has been installed at the entrance of the Kingston Point Beach parking lot. The gate will be locked nightly at dusk and reopened in the morning.
“All of our parks are open from dawn to dusk. Having the beach open after hours has led to safety hazards, vandalism and other issues,” said Mayor Noble. “In order to mitigate these disturbances, a gate has been installed at the entrance to the Kingston Point Beach parking lot. The beach will be open and accessible during daylight hours and, though there is no lifeguard on duty, we encourage visitors to the beach during the day. However, to ensure the safety of all, we will be locking the gate at nightfall. We are discouraging nighttime use of all our parks.”
Emergency personnel will have access to the locks.
Call for New Paltz art walk
Mohonk Preserve and Roost Studios are collaborating on a project that connects land, art and community on Saturday, October 17 (rain date, October 18).
A group of Hudson Valley artists will be stationed along the Testimonial Gateway trailhead and along the Pin Oak Allee near Gatehouse Road. Each artist will create one or more works in the form of a painting or drawing, on site in plein air. The theme is nature and the outdoors. The process and finished artworks will be photographed throughout the day and will be included in an online auction through Mohonk Preserve’s online auction platform for 24 hours following the event.
Artists are required to submit a small digital portfolio and brief artist statement in order to be considered for the event. Apply at https://www.roostcoop.org/plein-air-art-walk.
Boces names principals
Ulster Boces Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen (CITL-PE) and Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Anna Devine (CITL-AD) have appointed new principals. Richard Karl Meng-Haviland will now serve as principal of the CITL-PE, and Gwen Kramer-Gold will take the lead at the CITL-AD. Both campuses provide education for students identified as needing specialized programs and/or supports.
According to Ulster Boces district superintendent Dr. Charles Khoury, Haviland and Kramer-Gold are experienced educators with the educational skill sets to make them natural choices for the positions. In addition to their administrative knowledge and experience, Khoury said, “Karl and Gwen are both intuitive and possess calming natures, which are beneficial characteristics for both the students, their families, and staff.”
New Paltz seeks volunteers
The Town of New Paltz is looking for volunteers to serve on the Bike-Ped Committee, Clean Water Open Space Preservation Commission, Environmental Conservation Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Police Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Public Access Committee, Recreation Committee and Zoning Board. Interested parties are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume to the supervisor’s office at P.O. Box 550, New Paltz, NY 12561 or email assistant@townofnewpaltz.org.
SUNY Ulster Hall of Fame
SUNY Ulster hosted a virtual alumni hall of fame induction ceremony to recognize six alumni for their educational and professional success and their community and public service on Thursday, September 24. The inductees are Dr. Lynn May Brown of Fanwood, NJ, Scott Davis of Stone Ridge, John A. DeGasperis of Kingston, Robert R. Jacobsen of Kingston, Kenneth L. Ronk Jr. of Wallkill and ambassador Beatrice Wilkinson Welters of McLean, VA.
For information about the inductees and the virtual ceremony, visit https://www.sunyulster.edu/.
Highland school leaders honored
Four members of the Highland School District community are being honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC). Food service director Maria McCarthy, Highland Middle School (HMS) nurse Heidi Schlipmann, school board vice president Thomas Miller and school-bus dispatcher Linda Calvo will recognized during the MHSSC’s annual program this fall. The virtual event will recognize outstanding abilities in administration, community service, pupil personnel services, school board service and support staff services.
McCarthy has served as the district’s food service director for the past twelve years. When the school shutdown happened last spring, she was faced with the task of feeding students at home. “Mrs. McCarthy organized her staff, and while most people were working from the safety of their homes, she and her staff were in the building several days a week preparing, organizing, and delivering food to students and families in need,” said Highland superintendent Thomas Bongiovi. “Her dedication to helping others is truly awe-inspiring.”
As the school nurse at HMS for the past two years, Schlipmann is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of middle-school students. She has built strong relationships with the students in her care, as well as their families. “When schools closed, she became our go-to staff member advising us on all relevant information and procedures, as well as equipment that would be needed to keep our students safe,” said retired HMS principal Daniel Wetzel. “I cannot think of a more deserving individual for this award than Mrs. Schlipmann.”
Miller, a school-board member for ten years, serves on the district’s support services committee, negotiations committee and audit committee. His knowledge of schools, expertise in construction and commitment to improvement has made him a valuable school-board member. “In a time when we are all very concerned about what the future will bring, Mr. Miller has always been the voice of reason, always working to unite our school board and our district,” Bongiovi said.
As Highland’s school-bus dispatcher for the past 14 years, Calvo works with the company Transfinder to develop and optimize transportation logistics, including routing, scheduling and fleet maintenance. Bongiovi said the district was fortunate to have Calvo in charge of its bus runs. “Her knowledge of transportation and the layout of the town, as well as her background with the families and their specific needs, has proven invaluable,” he said. “She is such an incredible resource, and her love of students is evident every day.”
Naccarato acquires Academy
Naccarato Insurance has acquired Academy General Insurance on 237 Fair Street in Uptown Kingston. The purchase adds a third office for Naccarato, whose other locations are in Saugerties and New Paltz.
The former owner of Academy General Insurance, Maryann DeGroodt, will remain as branch manager of the Kingston office. Acquiring the Kingston office will enable Naccarato to more easily introduce new customers to the extensive variety of insurance carriers it represents.
According to John Naccarato, president of the company, “We are extremely happy to be able to open this office in Kingston where many of our clients reside.” Additionally, “this will enable us to more readily provide the Kingston community our outstanding customer service, including over 50 carrier options to serve every insurance need.”
Naccarato Insurance is a family-owned business started in 1963 in Saugerties. The agency offers auto, home, business, life and health insurance throughout the Hudson Valley. For information visit www.naccaratoinsurance.com.
Rescue Christmas during pandemic
For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country. The funds raised through the organization’s iconic red kettles are at risk this year due to Covid-19, while requests for services are at an all-time high.
Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people nationwide in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree — assuming the resources are available. Visit empire.salvationarmy.org to donate or learn more.
Elting Library Fair cancelled
The Elting Library Fair Committee in New Paltz has cancelled the library fair for 2020. The decision was made due to the Covid pandemic and to ensure the safety of the public, the many volunteers and the staff. This would have been the 64th year of the fair.
The fair is a major event put on by the library to support the library. Organizers are hoping for the best next year (2021), which will be the 64th annual event, but 65 years since the very first library fair. In the meantime, donations are welcome. For information, visit http://www.eltinglibrary.org/.
Gardiner Library crafts
The Gardiner Library hosts an outdoor up-cycled paper jewelry workshop on Saturday, October 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-register for this event by October 9 by emailing Nicole at nlane@rcls.org. Limited space is available. The event will be held outside, under the pavilion at Majestic Park (rain or shine). Social distancing and masks will be required.
Learn about up-cycling unwanted things into new useful things. Holiday gift-wrapping paper is rolled, glued and glazed into beads that can be worn as necklaces or bracelets. All craft supplies provided. Recommended for children third grade and up and their families.
Retired Men to meet
Retired Men of the New Paltz community invite retired men everywhere to their monthly breakfast meeting of Monday, October 5, 8 a.m., at the New Paltz Plaza Diner. Marilou Abrams will talk about how transportation and education helped influence the growth of New Paltz.
For information, contact Rob Greene at rasjgreene@earthlink.net or 256-9003.
Spooky stories book club
The Gardiner Library spooky-stories book club with Carolyn meets for four consecutive Wednesdays from October 7 through October 28 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. For children ages 4 and up, hear spine-tingling tales of the season and receive a special ghostly project to make. Book club meets virtually via Zoom. Registration is required before each session by contacting Carolyn Thorez at cthorenz@rcls.org for select or all dates.
Films to be shown outdoors at Saugerties Public Library
The Saugerties Film Society, co-sponsored with ShoutOut Saugerties, will present a series of films outdoors throughout October. Screenings are free and will be held at 7 p.m. on the lawn at the Saugerties Public Library. Reservations are suggested but not required, and can be made the week of the screening at this address: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/shoutout-saugerties-26928288707. Movies are subject to cancellation due to cold weather.
October 2: Black Panther, 2018, 134 mins., based upon Marvel Comic character, in honor of Chadwick Boseman
October 9: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948, 88 mins., comedy/horror, the first and arguably the best of the Abbott/Costello horror movies with Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr.
October 16: Labyrinth, 1986, 101 mins., fantasy/musical, directed by Jim Henson starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly
October 17: Arsenic and Old Lace, 1944, 118 mins., dark comedy, directed by Frank Capra starring Cary Grant, Raymond Massey and Peter Lorre
October 23: Hocus Pocus, 1993, 96 mins., fantasy/comedy starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker as witches on Halloween night
October 24: Fearless Vampire Killers, 1967, 108 mins., comedy/horror, written and directed by Roman Polanski, starring Sharon Tate
October 30: Young Frankenstein, 1974, 106 mins., comedy/horror, written and directed by Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, Madeline Kahn.
Woodstock Library election October 1
The annual Woodstock Library budget and trustee election will be held on Thursday, October 1 from noon to 9 p.m. at the library. There are two uncontested trustee candidates for two vacancies — newcomer Linda Lover and incumbent Jeffery Collins. For a second year in a row, the trustees have approved a zero-increase tax levy, $28,000 below the NYS tax cap. The 2021 budget tax levy will remain the same as 2020. For information, visit woodstock.org/2021-vote.
Gardiner spreads the food
Gardiner Library will participate in the Ulster County food-fight food collection contest in cooperation with other libraries through the county from October 1-17. The “Food Fight” is part of the Great Give Back that is happening on October 17 throughout New York State. The common goal is to “spread food all over Ulster County” by filling up the shelves of local food pantries and putting an end to hunger in our communities.
The library that collects the highest average of food during the time period will receive a winners’ certificate. Help Gardiner Library win the Food Fight with donations of non-perishable (and non-expired) food items for local food pantries.
Woodstock’s natural resources
Staff from the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program will provide an overview of the rich habitats and wildlife of Woodstock on Monday, October 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. The Zoom presentation will be led by Ingrid Haeckel. The meeting will highlight the effort under way to create a natural resources inventory (NRI) for the Town of Woodstock.
Woodstock’s NRI project seeks to compile information on important, naturally occurring resources within the township — such as streams, forests, wetlands and critical habitats. The completed NRI report will include a series of maps, narrative descriptions and supporting data. Woodstock’s NRI will serve as an essential tool for the town, by identifying sensitive land, water and habitat resources. Close to two dozen maps already completed may be accessed on the Town of Woodstock’s WEC page at https://townwoodstock.digitaltowpath.org:10111/content/Boards/View/2. Interested members of the public are asked to register beforehand.
Historic Plattekill sign
The Plattekill Historical Preservation Society will hold a dedication ceremony and an unveiling of a historic marker sign for the industry and resorts of “Las Villas” on October 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Thomas Felton Community Park on Route 32 in Modena. Light refreshments will be served.
This sign is the result of a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. The sign will permanently be placed at the corner of Huckleberry Turnpike and Plattekill/Ardonia Road in the Village of Plattekill after the unveiling.
Las Villas were a group of Spanish, Puerto Rican and other Latin summer resorts that provided music, food and a number of other diversions for its guests. These resorts had a significant cultural and economic impact on the community during the time they were in existence.Ismael “Ish” Martinez Jr., the author of Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County, will be present.
Starry night virtual benefit
Join honorary chairs Rob Dyson and Lucy Waletzky and event hosts Michael Dupree, Ron Lane and Elizabeth Waldstein to support the Friends of the Walkway on Friday, October 2 at Starry Starry Night. This virtual event features the premiere of a Walkway-inspired video, plus entertainment by musicians with ties to the Hudson River including Herb Alpert, Happy Traum with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason and Dar Williams and an online auction of unique Hudson Valley experiences and products.
Connect to Walkway history and stories about why our park in the sky is so special via appearances by Mary Stuart Masterson and others recognizable to those that love the Walkway. The celebration pairs with the starry starry night party and gift box featuring a choice of wine from Millbrook Vineyards, whiskey from Tuthilltown Distillery or beer from Mill House Brewing Company, accompanied by local charcuterie and cheeses sourced by Main Course Catering, griddled bruschetta, smoked almonds, cake balls for dessert from Auntie Liana’s Baked With Love, plus Ma and Pa Kettle Corn, Hudson Valley-made artisanal products, Walkway souvenirs and more.
The party starts when you visit walkway.org/starrystarrynight.
Walktoberfest and Essential Farmers’ Market on October 3-4
Sample the bounty of the Hudson Valley at Walktoberfest and the Essential Farmers’ Market on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 from noon to 5 p.m. at Walkway over the Hudson’s western end at 87 Haviland Road in Highland. With more than 80 vendors, the event will feature food and drink tastings, cooking and cocktail demonstrations, farm-fresh products, artisan goods, art installations, a special area for children’s activities and more.
All vendors will exhibit their wares for both tasting and purchase as appropriate, allowing participants to support local agribusinesses, Walktoberfest is planned in compliance with state mandates for safety.
The cost is $25 for tasting tickets and $10 for non-tasting. Tickets will be limited to avoid crowding. All proceeds from Walktoberfest benefit the Friends of the Walkway and Hudson Valley rail-trail. Tickets are required for access to the Walktoberfest tasting and showcase area.
To see the current list of participants, visit walkway.org/walktoberfest. Vendor space and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information, contact Jami Anson at 454-9649.
Resnick series continues
The Louis and Mildred Resnick Institute for the Study of Modern Jewish Life will continue its lecture series via WebEx with Gerald Sorin on “The Early Years of Saul Bellow” this Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. To join the lecture, please sign on at least five minutes before the scheduled lecture time at https://newpaltz.webex.com/newpaltz/j.php?MTID=mf9128965a0ac4258365e67f3b08d3150. There is a possibility that you will need the following information: meeting number — 161 853 7923, password: gMJPtTeQ222
The series is directed by Gerald Sorin. Upcoming lectures include: October 7 — Jonathan Rosen on “Louis Brandeis and the Imbeciles: A Closer Look at a Progressive Prophet”; and October 15 — Benjamin Taylor on “Here We Are: My Friendship with Philip Roth.”
Attention water consumers in Saugerties
The Village of Saugerties water department, in conjunction with the town water department, will begin to flush hydrants and blow-offs. This may result in discolored water. The work will continue throughout the weeks starting October 5-16, with most of the work being done during evening hours. If you have a problem, call the town at 246-8671 or the village at 246-2321, ext. 5 depending on your provider.
Bethel Woods programming
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts last week announced a full calendar of programming through the fall at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Events will emphasize a commitment to health, wellness and shared experiences, despite circumstances changing a typical programming schedule.
Following a launch earlier in the summer that guests described as having “…good food in a place whose history and soul is powerfully tangible,” the More Than A Meal series highlights the historical expertise of The Museum at Bethel Woods. The dinner series includes:
October 1, Dinner with the Folks. This dinner explores the roots of contemporary cuisine through traditional folk dishes.
October 8, Jazz Fusion/Food Fusion. This experience will pair unusual items that should not go together, but do.
October 15, Hawaii in Contrast. Enjoy a culinary experience of the history of Hawaii, featuring traditional and fusion dishes from this Pacific paradise lost.
The Art of Wellness is a new initiative designed to combat the impact the Covid-19 crisis has had on the physical and mental well-being of individuals. The series creates opportunities for guests to practice optimal well-being in body and mind.
The Museum at Bethel Woods is currently open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum has been modified for guests’ safety and features outdoor exhibits including Meet Me At Woodstock — an augmented reality tour that uses authentic stories and sounds to immerse a visitor in the sights and surroundings of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. For more information on ticketing, event programming or to purchase tickets, visit BethelWoodsCenter.org.
100 years of voting and still marching for women’s rights
The Historical Society of Woodstock, together with Humanities New York and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, invites the public to a year-long celebration of the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which recognized women’s right to vote. The series, Standing on their Shoulders: 100 Years of Voting and Still Marching for Women’s Rights, highlights Woodstock’s connection to the women’s rights movement.
Tune in to HistoricalSocietyofWoodstock.org starting Saturday, October 3 and view two short videos that are part of the virtual votes-for-women centennial celebration by the Historical Society. First is a musical presentation, Standing on the Shoulders, a four-minute song by Joyce Rouse that honors the spirit of Edna Kearns and Elisabeth Freeman, NYS suffrage activists with Woodstock connections who helped lay the base for successive waves of women’s activism during the 20th century and into the 21st.
The second video, Women’s March on Woodstock, 2019 by filmmaker Tobe Carey, features the estimated 800 diverse participants marching in Woodstock. This colorful film, edited by Bart Friedman, can be seen at http://www.historicalsocietyofwoodstock.org starting October 3.
A panel discussion will be held on Saturday, October 10 entitled “100 Years of Voting: Past, Present and Future.” Topics will include historic women’s events, the effects of the Woodstock Women’s March and ideas for future activism to promote equal rights. Panelists include Marguerite (Culp) Kearns and Peg Johnston — direct descendants of early 1900’s activists with Woodstock connections — and Anula Courtis and Maria-Elena Conte, organizers of the Woodstock Women’s March. Discussion will be moderated by the project director, Olivia Twine.
U-Act voter drive-thru
Ulster Activists (U-Act) is conducting a voter drive-thru, where voters can pick up a voter registration form, application for an absentee ballot and information about the elections. The voter drive thru will be held every Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. at the New Paltz Community Center, 3 Veteran’s Drive. The dates are October 3, October 10 and October 17.
Volunteers will be masked and gloved. Voters are asked to remain in their cars, wear a mask and bring a pen to complete the requested form. Voters can return the completed form to volunteers for drop off at the Ulster County board of elections.
Lend a wheel
The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County will offer a bike repair clinic on Tuesday, October 6 (rain date, Wednesday, October 7) from 3 to 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 507 Broadway in Kingston. The clinic is free, but donations will be accepted.
No advance registration is required, but please wear a mask.
Join the family! 
