More work ordered along Henry Dubois
It’s unlikely that anyone is enjoying having to deal with the construction along Henry W. Dubois Drive. Even those who are looking forward to being able to more safely navigate that popular shunpike on foot or a bicycle probably don’t relish the traffic backups and road closures resulting from installing that path. Town leaders have decided to take advantage of the current construction to address some other issues that have been discovered due to the digging, which might mean that the chances of this road being ripped up again in the near future will be lessened. It will also mean that these repairs will cost less than if they were to be handled separately.
One of these changes will be to put in some new water lines and drainage infrastructure related to a green infrastructure project, at a cost of $324,240 and ten additional work days. The other is to put in additional water main valves, to allow the replacement of a valve after it was inspected. That will run $22,225.
— Terence P Ward
Hunger walk for food justice — helping end hunger one step at a time
The Ulster County CROP Hunger Walk for Food Justice will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 3:30 p.m., at 92 Huguenot Street (New Paltz Reformed Church).
The Crop walks in New Paltz stopped a few years ago, but this year, the SUNY New Paltz Student Christian Center and local faith organizations are hoping to renew interest in this important fundraiser. In the Crop Walk’s previous incarnation, Ulster County walkers raised a total of over $200,000 over the years. Organizers hope to begin with raising awareness of food justice issues through this year’s walk.
This year, the Wallkill Valley Land Trust has agreed to allow participants to walk from Huguenot Street to Water Street Market and back on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Those who register for the walk will then be treated to a meal of “Oprah’s favorite vegetable soup” and bread, followed by a concert with artist Bobby Jo Valentine at the Reformed Church.
All are encouraged to register for the walk even if they do not plan to donate or collect donations. Registration is free and can be obtained through the website at crophungerwalk.org.
Looking to make a difference in the local community and in communities worldwide, the Ulster County CROP Hunger Walk for Food Justice has set a goal of 50 walkers and hopes to raise awareness of food justice as well as money to help end hunger and poverty through long-term sustainable approaches. Twenty-five percent of any funds raised here will go to Family of New Paltz and the Food For All Pantry at SUNY New Paltz.
For information and free tickets for walkers to the Bobby Jo Valentine concert, visit https://bobbyjovalentine.com/shows.
Volunteers needed in New Paltz
The Town of New Paltz is looking for volunteers to serve on the bike-ped committee, environmental conservation board, ethics board, planning board (two alternate positions), police commission, public access committee and the zoning board of appeals. Interested parties may 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.
Clothing drive for the Kyle Brewer Memorial Scholarship Fund
Montessori of New Paltz will be running a clothing drive for their Kyle Brewer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The school will be accepting gently used clothing, bedding, towels, curtains and bath rugs, as well as shoes, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on October 23rd, 24th and 25th, as well as Saturday, October 26th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, October 27th from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Drop off items at 130 Dubois Road in New Paltz.
Montessori of New Paltz partners with ClothingDriveFundraiser.com for this event, a company committed to reducing waste and giving cast-off items another life in local communities and abroad. Items not suitable for reuse will be recycled. Unfortunately, they cannot accept toys, books, furniture or appliances. The more clothes collected the more funds the school scholarship receives. For more information on the school’s scholarship or the fundraiser, check out www.montessoriofnewpaltz.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montessoriofnewpaltz/.
SUNY New Paltz fire hydrant testing
SUNY New Paltz will be conducting routine fire hydrant flow testing throughout campus on October 14th and 15th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a result, there is potential for temporary water discoloration and a decrease in water pressure in the town and village surrounding SUNY New Paltz.
If you see discoloration, let the water run until it is clear. If the problem persists, please contact the department of public works in the Village of New Paltz at 845-255-0130.
Old school farming, are farmers conservationists?
The Third Thursday Environmental Series will present “Old School Farming, Are Farmers Conservationists?” on Thursday, October 17, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.
On the surface, farmers and environmentalists seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum but how true is that? Is there a tradeoff between producing food and preserving wildlife habitat? How do farmers protect ground-nesting birds, turtles, and amphibians? How do herbicide treatments and fertilizers affect groundwater, soils, and streams? Are conventional farmers getting a bad rap?
Jake Wedemeyer has been with the Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District for 22 years. His passion is dairy farming, and he worked for Crystal Spring Dairy Farm in Andes, one of the nation’s top Jersey herds. Wedemeyer will answer any of your questions on the impact of farmers’ choices on the environment.
This is a free, interactive webinar via Zoom. Simply navigate to https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83538684901 on Thursday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m., or send an email to thirdthursdayseries@gmail.com any time before the event to obtain a clickable version of the link.
The Third Thursday Environmental Series is a program of free, online events, organized by members of the Rochester, Marbletown, Rosendale, Gardiner, and Olive Environmental Conservation Commissions (ECC’s). Each month, every third Thursday, the series presents a free, online program on an environmental topic of interest to residents of Ulster County. To view videos of prior presentations, go to the Third Thursday Environmental Series channel on YouTube.
Correction
In last week’s article about the Elting Memorial Library Fair, it was inaccurately reported that the New Paltz Garden Club is not active. However, they are very much active and can be found at www.newpaltzgardenclub.org.
Our apologies.
Join the family! 
