Scenic Hudson, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve land and farms and create public parks that serve to connect people with the inspirational power of the Hudson River and the natural resources of the Hudson Valley, recently closed on a 303-acre parcel in the Town of Lloyd that borders on the Black Creek, Illinois Mountain and the Hudson Valley rail-trail.
Woodstock has lost one of the beloved characters that have defined the town for generations. Puppy John, born and raised in Oradell, New Jersey as Donald Hanson, died in his early fifties according to a cousin.
After a successful “RiverWise: North River Voyage” completed in June, 2020, the Hudson River Maritime Museum, in partnership with the schooner Apollonia, has announced the continuation of its educational initiative to bring the Hudson River to the general public through virtual programs.
“Parents are thankful it’s open,” said Trustee William Wheeler Murray. The playground provides an opportunity for play in an environment believed to be less likely to result in transmission of the coronavirus. “We did have people hopping the fence before the opening,” he added, but “most people have been very understanding.”
Eighteen years ago, Ward Mintz and his partner, Floyd Lattin, bought an 1850s house in Kingston overlooking the Hudson River. Since then, the two have assembled a significant collection of contemporary and historic art, including many works by artists living in Kingston and the region. Mintz is more than a local art patron. He’s contributed significantly to the enrichment of the city’s arts and cultural community.
In 2016, a five-year federal Drug-Free Communities grant enabling the creation of the position of Greater New Paltz Community Partnership coordinator ran out. “Once we lose her, we’ll never get her back,” said town supervisor Neil Bettez said of Phoenix Kawamoto, “Someone’s going to snap her up somewhere else.” Although the town government did figure out a way to keep Kawamoto on staff as community education coordinator, Bettez’s glowing endorsement proved prophetic.
The ‘‘Our town’’ column is compiled each month by Carol Johnson of the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection. The entries have been copied from the July issues of the New Paltz Independent. To get a closer look at these newspapers of the past, visit the staff of the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection at the Elting Memorial Library at 93 Main Street in New Paltz, or call 255-5030.
For Saugerties High School Class of 2015 alum Biko Skalla, giving up a steady gig with Major League Baseball for a seasonal broadcasting job with the Savannah Bananas was an easy decision.
The Woodstock American Legion honored US Army sergeant Richard (Doc) Quinn on July 12. On that date in 1970, the Woodstock native was killed in action in the Republic of Vietnam. Last year, a ceremony was held in Woodstock renaming Hillcrest Avenue to Sergeant Richard Quinn Drive. This is the road where the local American Legion Hall is located.
While there won’t be a county fair this year at the fairgrounds in New Paltz, there will be county fair fireworks on August 4.