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Catskill Mountain Railroad Last Day Of The Season Tomorrow: Sunday, December 27th

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Today we took our little boy to ‘catch the train’ at the Kingston Plaza.

The Catskill Mountain Railroad will have it’s last day of the season tomorrow (Sunday), December 27th. Running hourly, the fun begins at 1:00pm. Last train at 6:00pm. Their Caboose has a woodstove – so you can choose to be out in the elements, or warm and cozy by the fire. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children. Children four and under are free.

If you are looking for something to do tomorrow, give it a try.

Visit their SITE for more details.

– Rebecca Martin

Looking Back On Kingston In 2009

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Shortly, we will have traveled through the first decade of the 21st century. Huh? How’d that happen? If you are like me, then you are a bit bewildered that the year 2000 is now ten years ago. Granted, it’s been a jammed packed decade. But still, time flies as they say. Does it ever.

Looking back on Kingston in 2009, I’d like to mark the top 10 memorable land marks from all of us here at the KingstonCitizens.org’s blog.

1. The Kingston Digital Corridor – Here’s a concept that is as timely as it is brilliant. Local resident and tech geek #1 Mark Green created a way for Kingston to capitalize on it’s digital community and it’s proximity to New York City. Working with KJ McIntyre of Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty, they communicated to our local real estate community, banks and government how an independent contractor ticks, making it easier and attractive to those who work in the ‘tech’ world inside and out of the local area.  Mark’s solid team included Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Paul Rakov, Sharron Bower, Mark Marshall and Nancy Tierney who helped to bring it. Kudos. Perhaps one of the biggest advancements to Kingston this year.

2. The Main Street Manager Program It was with great pleasure (and to some degree of surprise) that the city of Kingston hired local artist Nancy Donskoy as Main Street Manager in Kingston this year. Her part time position is helping to bring together all three business districts and to create a BID which is so badly needed. I know first hand that Nancy works 60+ hours per week in helping to keep our small business community together while marketing the city of Kingston to the outside world.  There are many people who were involved in making this position so. Patrice Courtney Strong, Larry Zalinsky and Alderman Tom Hoffay to only name a few. I hope that 2010 brings more citizen support for this important role. I’m equally hopeful that perhaps some uniform signage in all the right spots will finally be put in place. Boy, do we need it.

3. Community Gardens Let’s face it. It’s been the year of gardens in the city of Kingston. In a years time now almost all of our schools have one. So does Kingston’s City Hall, who showcased a small ‘victory garden’ in their side yard for all to see.

4.  Julie and Steve Noble I don’t mean to harp on the subject as I have many times before, but I’ve got to publicly hand it to these two. Our Kingston raised environmental eductators could have settled down anywhere in the US with their expertise. But they came back home here to make the community a more forward and healthy one.  This dynamic duo continue to provide outdoor programs for Kingston’s elderly and our youth population and are experts on many subjects ranging from garbage to our sewer system to storm clouds. They are making a tremendous contribution to our community in more ways than I think most even realize. This year, they introduced the sadly misunderstood ‘Pay As You Throw‘ program. It’s a proven concept that could save the city residents a bundle in tax dollars over time while making our waste stream better managed. I’m certain it will come up again in the next few months which is a good thing. Do a little homework on the topic before pouncing on negative sound bites so to come to a reasonable conclusion.

5. The Kingston Land Trust Finally!  A trust for properties in the city of Kingston. You’d think that being an official ‘tree city’ Kingston would have had a trust a long time ago. The brainchild of Arthur Zaczkiewicz, this is an organization ready to collaborate with future developers and residents who wish to ‘trust’ their open space to their home town of Kingston (a tip of the hat must be given to Kevin McEvoy and Barbara Epstein. The two are behind the scenes in every good way imaginable, and The Land Trust probably wouldn’t have continued to exist as it does without their expertise and support).

6. The Queens Galley Hooray for Diane Reeder! In the worst economic downturn since the great depression, she continues to provide three meals a day to our families in need – no questions asked. But that’s only the beginning of what Diane does. This year, she started the ‘Operation Frontline‘ program in Kingston and acquired land on South Pine Street with Farmer Frank Navarro to start a one acre community garden that will provide local fresh produce to her kitchen. One acre makes a whole lot of food. To me, Diane is the Queen of Kingston.

7.  New Blood on Kingston’s Common Council I’m particularly pleased to have some new people to politics elected to the common council in 2010. I think it’s safe to say, it’s a little unprecedented. For our slow changing City of Kingston, that’s a good thing. Ward 1 Alderman Andi Turco-Levin, Ward 5 Alderman Jen Fuentes and Ward 9 Hayes Clement will no doubt be a breath of fresh air in helping our alumni work through all that ails us at this time in the city of Kingston. I think we quickly forget how much effort goes into running for office – and that our council members are ‘common’ men and women wishing to serve their community. Let’s complain less and help them out this season by taking part in more of their monthly meetings at City Hall. It’s the people’s city afterall – but not so much if you don’t come forward.

8. KPATV Back On Air It’s grand to have our programs up and running again on Kingston’s Public Access TV. Whether you are a fan or not of PA, I think we can all agree that it’s important that it exists. Many citizens worked tirelessly to make it so in the last 12 monhts. A big thanks to them and to 721 Media who has provided a new space to broadcast. 721 is most certainly one of our city’s gems.

9. Kingston Natural Foods What once was a simple and small effort to help provide locals with affordable organic foods has now turned into a tsunami. Local resident Jennifer McKinley-Rakov started an organic buying club that is now one of the top ten buyers in the nation and landed her a storefront in the rondout section of Kingston (33 Broadway). 2010 looks bright for us all in finally having an organic foods market in the city of Kingston thanks to her. Look for her winter Wednesday ‘Farmer’s Market’ where she has organized local farms who are still growing or making their hearty, healthy local foods for our citizens here and in the Hudson Valley. Bravo!

10. Kingston Local Business Fleisher’s Grass Fed and Organic Meats In The National Press Have you all been following Fleisher’s Grass Fed Meat’s recent press? Joshua and Jessica Applestone have given Kingston an enormous amount of national attention and stature as our local butcher in the Hudson Valley. The New York Times, Saveur and, GQ Magazine just to name a few. Josh was recently a guest on the hit Food Network series ‘IRON CHEF’. Thank you for landing – and staying in the city of Kingston you two! Mucho Brava.

…and there is more. Way more. With all the unruly and sometimes downright negative news here and beyond, take a moment to change your perspective and love the city you live in. There are so many people working hard to make Kingston great. It’s all perspective – and I hope that this post has softened yours.

We want to learn of your favorite city achievement this year. What have we missed? Please, do tell.

Happy Holidays to all of our readers.

– Rebecca Martin

Environmental Focus on Kingston: O’ Christmas Tree

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It’s here, again.  Looking at the calendar I can’t deny it anymore.  The holidays are coming even if I’m not ready.

Once this indulgent time of year has passed, what’s left behind will be evident in what’s put out curbside.  Plaintiffs’ exhibit one being the Christmas tree.

I suppose there’s an ongoing debate over artificial versus real trees.  I fall on the side of bah-humbug with regard to all things Christmas.  But if it became compulsory to display a Christmas tree and I had to make a choice between a real tree or its artificial counterpart, I would choose real any year.

Last year 28 million real Christmas trees were sold in the US.  They are grown in each of the fifty states and Canada.  With nearly 21,000 tree growing farms, the industry employs more than 100,000 full or part time annually.

Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource.  For every tree harvested, up to 3 seedlings are planted.  An acre of tree farm can provide enough oxygen for 18 people, while also providing a natural habitat to a variety of animals.

Once the glamour, glitz and glory of the holiday fade, all those trees begin their journey to their final resting place.  In Kingston we have two organized options available to local residents.

Bring your family and your tree to the annual Winterfest event held at Hasbrouck Park on January 16th between 10:00 – 2:00.  Your tree will be mulched for free!  You can take your mulch home with you or leave it to be distributed and used in Kingston’s extensive park system.

This growing and popular event is sponsored by the Kingston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Forsyth Nature Center.  Other planned activities include snowshoeing lessons, snow animal building contest and children’s crafts.  The latter will be held inside of the heated and historic Hasbrouck Park Stone Building.  For directions to the event, click here.

If you are unable to make it to Winterfest, you may place your defrocked tree curbside for pickup through Jan 31st according to the city code.  Please note that if you get your tree out before January 16th the DPW will transport them to event site for chipping.  Any trees hauled away after that date will go to our local brush dump.

Still want more green tips for Christmas?  Check out these ideas.

Did You Know: 85% of artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in China and are made with non bio-degradable plastics?

–          Wilbur Girl

Help To Secure The Future Of The Rosendale Theatre

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After 60 years, the family owned and operated “The Rosendale Theatre” is looking to sell the space. Last night, I received this information from the remarkable Amy Poux who is working with her collective to help raise the necessary funds to secure the space and keep it in operation as we all know and love it. An informative meeting will take place on Thursday, December 10th at 7:00pm at the Rosendale Recreation Center. The Rosendale Theatre Collective will explain what they are doing and talk about their plans for the future. All questions, ideas and expertise welcome.

She writes:

“The Rosendale Theatre is one of the few family-owned, single screen movie theatres still operating in the United States. In Particular, this theatre has a rich history of supporting independent filmmakers, artists and civil and human rights organizations worldwide. In addition to providing high quality art films, the theatre has been a community space used by organizations to fundraise, meet, inform, inspire and educate.

The sole responsibility for this gift to the community has rested on the Cacchio family for 60 years. They have now decided to sell the theatre.

A recently formed community group, currently called the Rosendale Theatre Collective, is negotiating with the Cacchio family to purchase the theatre. The Cacchio’s asked to receive a binder in the amount of $20,000 by December 1st. They have now generously extended us another two weeks. So far, we’ve raised $10,000. Please consider making a donation and help us reach this goal! No amount is too small – or too large. Currently, the Rosendale Theatre Collective is fundraising under the fiscal umbrella of The Children’s Media Project and donate through their site, indicating Rosendale Theatre Collective in your donation instructions. Or, make out a check to Children’s Media Project. Please be sure to write “Rosendale Theatre Collective” in the memo space on your check.

Checks to:   Rosendale Theatre Collective    PO Box 250   Rosendale, NY.  12472

Thank you for joining us in this exciting and important project!  Please share this with anyone who loves the Rosendale Theatre!”

Current Board Members of the Rosendale Theatre Collective: F-Stop Fitzgerald, Ron Parenti, Nicole Quinn, Gale McGovern, Betty Greenwald, Fre Atlast, Ellen Sribnick, Beverly Keith, Amy Trompetter, Jan Melchior, Yuvai Scorer, Lisa Sterer, Abba Johnes, Dan Guenther, Dana Rudkoff, Livia Vanaver, Linda Park, Jane Hollinger, Marty Moltoris, Anissa Kapsales, Bill Brooks, Sophia Raab Downs, Laura Shaine, Bob Godwin, Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt, Ali Gruber, Louis Torchio, Annette and Max Finestone, Carol Garfunkel, Jane Hollinger, Eve Waltermaurer, Jennifer Metzger, Ann Citron.

In the City of Kingston, More Pharmacies Than Food

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Driving around Kingston this morning I was struck by the number of chain pharmacies there were to grocery stores within a 1/2 mile radius. 50 years ago, could one imagine it would be easier to get a prescription of some sort over a bag of fresh produce?

There isn’t any doubt that having meds when we need (or can afford) them is a great advancement to modern medicine. But what ever happened to healthy eating first? It’s kind of poetic that a new Walgreens is opening next to a Burger King – across from a gas station that sells all the beer and cigarettes one could want.

Luckily for the people living in that part of town, there is also a small locally owned market hidden away (the locals know where it is). Although it might be more accurate to call it a ‘deli’ rather than ‘market’, it is one of the very few in the city that at least carry some fruits and vegetables (even if the distance their produce has traveled to get to Kingston is anyone’s guess).

Food for thought at least.

Here is a little reading on this very thing:  MORE PHARMACIES THAN FOOD

– Rebecca Martin

My Heart Lives In Wilbur. Where Does Yours?

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Let me tell you what, I’ve got some mad crazy love for Wilbur.

(What follows is an essay in which a totally selfish and self-serving way,  I attempt to explain and quantify my love affair with the hamlet of Wilbur.)

Wilbur is not just a street, it’s the name given to one of Kingston’s older industrial neighborhoods in the southwest corner of Kingston.  Historically speaking, it’s one third of the reason we have city hall.  Local history attributes the 1875 completion of city hall as a symbol of the joining together and incorporation of the villages of Wilbur, Rondout and Kingston into the City of Kingston.

Unofficially, I consider the boundaries of Wilbur to encompass the area along Abeel St., starting at the base of Hudson St. and traveling south along the Rondout Creek to Hamilton St.  The “Heart of Wilbur” lies in the triangle bound by Davis & Dunn.  It then extends from Wilbur Ave, which runs up the middle of the “heart,” to its imaginary end at the corner of South Wall and Brook St.  It includes a handful of other streets along the way; Dewitt, Purvis, Rodney, Chapel, Burnett, Fitch and DuFlon.

To be sure Wilbur is in my heart, my soul, the very core of who I am.  I can’t think of another place on this earth that I feel so deeply connected to.  And I never saw it coming.  It’s easy to assume that the love affair begins and ends with my family.  But that’s not entirely true.  I think that’s because living in Wilbur changes the way you consider things.

My grandmother lived her entire life in Wilbur.  Her brother Charley did as well, living less than a mile down the road in the home they grew up in.  I think that’s because when you live in Wilbur, you tend to grow deep roots.

I never met my grandfather, but have heard he was one hell of a guy.  One of the family jokes often told is that he married a younger woman because he needed someone to keep up with him.  And Gram sure knew how to do just that.  I think that’s because if you live in Wilbur, you know the value of a hard day’s work and the reward that comes from it.

Having love for Wilbur is a tricky thing – the result of an imprint perhaps.  Some have it, others only witness it.  While my aunts and uncles have an appreciation for where they came from, only my Uncle Bruce shares my affinity for Wilbur.  The yarns he spins on any topic related to it are not for the easily distracted – unless you appreciate his glorified but still understated retellings of his Wilbur history.

Despite my familiarity and early bond with it, it was tough living in Wilbur at first.  There was much to come to grips with.  Perhaps even more difficult to bear was the environment of Wilbur itself.  It’s not for the faint of heart.  To live in Wilbur is to understand the duality of its nature.

During the day, it is a noisy, gritty industrial hotbed – really.  Alarm clocks are optional here.  The shipyard starts up at 7 A.M. sharp Monday-Friday.  They’ve been known to start early on the weekends too.  Sunday is the best chance for sleeping in.  We have other industry concentrated along this stretch of the creek as well as the train trestle.  Although there are few blaring train crossing whistles to endure, the sound of a lumbering train over the water is certainly a unique sound.

Wilbur is also home to the only remaining junk yard on the Rondout today.

At night Wilbur becomes something entirely different.  It’s sleek and quiet, even a little thick and inky at times.  Although I’ve lived in the city my whole life, I didn’t recognize its sounds at first.  More often than not, you don’t even realize that you are living in the city.

Every season brings something new to love and marvel at.  From the peepers of late March, operatic frogs of summer that inhabit my yard, turkeys that roost up in trees on the ridge of Fly Mountain, deliciously sweet wild berries, an enveloping fog that rises from the creek, a blaze of fall color along the hillsides, the last ray of sunlight awash on the old brick chimney across the creek, to a full moon low on the horizon just beyond the trestle, or the hushed silence of a snow fall, Wilbur is truly a humbling place to be.

My entire life Wilbur has been defined by family, shipyard, train trestle, brook, water spigot, creek, fishing, caves and church bizarres.  They resonate deeply in my memory.  The rest eludes me in distant whispers and curiosities as I travel past historic stone foundations and remnants of a bluestone empire not quite fathomed.

But living here I found something else, something deeper than romanticized childhood memories.  I found my community spirit.  And I blame Wilbur for it.  The first year and a half I was overwhelmed by everything, all my senses affronted a daily basis, my spirit tested often as I allowed the grittiness to seep into how I saw Wilbur.  And then a small series of unconnected events put the pieces together.  I woke up from the chronic complainer I was becoming.  I realized that I could love Wilbur fully, as long I was contributing to making it a better place to be, rather than just accepting it as it was. 

It’s nothing more than a small step, but I helped to organize a small community garden on a sweet little corner at the apex of the Wilbur Triangle – at it’s heart.  It’s the first step towards demonstrating our spirit and pride for our little hamlet.  I can’t wait to start phase 2 in the coming spring.

Perhaps my finest moment – and most selfish – in my short time in Wilbur is happening right now.  The hill I live on overlooks the creek and the shipyard.  It’s a loop comprised of 3 streets, 7 houses and the old church.  To say that traveling these streets compares to driving on an off-road trail wouldn’t be an exaggeration.  Early on I started writing letters about the conditions with the sole intent of getting something done about it.  Thirty nine months later, the hill is getting the makeover of a lifetime thanks to a Community Block Development Grant.  It turns out that patience is a virtue after all.  It gives me tremendous hope for Wilbur’s future.

All of this but really, I’m just an old and loyal soul who’s here to hash out a living in a life that is often uncertain in its path and direction.  After all, I’m just a girl from Wilbur.

Where this ridiculously wordy pontification of my ultimate crush ends, yours begins.  Come on people!  We know you’re out there waiting for a topic you would love to write about, maybe this is it.  Write us and tell us how you’re inspired by your community or neighborhood.  Captivate us with your own love story so that others can share your enthusiasm.  Perhaps your ultimate gift will be to inspire others to do the same.  Send me an email submission   wilburgirl@hvc.rr.com

–    Wilbur Girl

(Also Known As ~ Kate Lawson)

Water Water Everywhere (But Not The Kind To Drink). Does Kingston Have A Plan?

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I’m traveling abroad currently and have happened into the recent floods that Ireland is experiencing now. Due to unprecedented bouts of rain in short periods of time, a good deal of their infrastructure (such as roadways) and residential properties built in the last 20 years are now underwater. Most were built on flood plains. Not a particularly wise move on the Planner’s part, but not particularly unique either.

Although some are slow to blame global warming for the weather’s strange behavior, what is happening in Ireland is right on track with past predictions of warming consequences there.

Flying out of Galway this morning and seeing so much of it consumed by flood water, I wondered whether or not planner’s in Kingston have given the topic the attention it really deserves.

It isn’t unreasonable to make this a top priority, and it would be wise to hold ongoing public meetings and host special guest speakers to help flesh it out. Kingston is already in the midst of some pretty serious flooding and sewage overflow issues.

While we’re at it, how about developing an overall master plan? I don’t think the cost concerns is a good enough reason not to pursue it. Kingston can’t afford not to do it in some shape or form.

FURTHER READING:

KingstonCitzens.org’s “ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS ON KINGSTON” took a closer look at storm water collection as part of a solution. Read more  HERE

On Ireland’s current flood:    FLOOD WATERS.

– Rebecca Martin

Monthly Winter Farmer’s Market hosted by Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club

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A Winter Farmer’s Market in the city of Kingston? Yes indeed.

Jennifer McKinley, founder of Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club, has started a winter Farmer’s Market at 33 Broadway in Kingston.  The ‘Winter Wednesday’s’ market will occur once a month on the following Wednesdays. Market hours are from 2:30pm – 6:30pm.

November 18th, 2009
December 16th, 2009
January 13th, 2010
Feburary 10th, 2010
March 10th, 2010

The Winter market coincides with the United Natural and Winter Sun Farms deliveries for members.

At this time, the local farm vendors present will include: Fitzgerald Farms, Four Winds Farm, Gardiner Eucalyptus, Liberty View Farms, Oliverea Schoolhouse Maple, Wild Hive Bakery, Winter Sun Farms – and more…

Find out how you can become a member of one of the top buying clubs in the nation (right here in Kingston!).  Save a bundle on natural and organic foods or learn more on Kingston’s Winter Farmers Market.  Visit the KINGSTON NATURAL FOODS BUYING CLUB website.   You can also call Jennifer McKinley at (914) 474-2676

Enjoy, and support our local farms and business.

– Rebecca Martin

Hey, Anonymous – Stand Behind Your Words

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What’s up with the anonymous posts on blogs?

I frequent blogs with anonymous posters, and question their validity. The author of the blog could easily be one of those ‘anonymous’ voices. That’s not transparent. What’s more, is that it allows a person to say things that they certainly wouldn’t if their name were attached. How is that useful in moving any debate forward?

Request that your favorite blog who accepts anonymous posts move toward a member driven format.

– Rebecca Martin

Important Kingston Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting Next Week

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This just in from the office of Steve Finkle:

Waterfront Advisory Committee

&

other interested parties


Wednesday, November 18, 2009
5:00 – 6:30
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
420 Broadway, Kingston, New York

There will be a meeting to update the Waterfront Advisory Committee and all other interested parties  on the progress and projects currently planned or underway.  They include:

1. The Waterfront Promenade and Bulkhead Project.

2. The Trolley Museum and Sewer Plant Facade Projects.

3. The upcoming work with the Army Corps of Engineers

4. Kingston Point Stabilization and Dayline Dock Design.

5. Ferry Feasibility Study

6. East Strand Flooding and other Engineering issues.

7. Update on Senator Schumer’s rail refurbishment funding.


 This will be an opportunity for members, residents and others to ask questions, make suggestions and get up to speed on the waterfront revitalization.
The meeting will begin at 5:00 pm and end at 6:30 pm.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please call (845) 334-3960.  We are looking forward to seeing you there- your input is important to us!

HISTORY AT THE STREET LEVEL by Lowell Thing: The Woman In White

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One evening in May 1912, at a rather late hour, Jacob Greenwald and “his two young lady cousins” were walking down West Chestnut Street in Kingston.  Near the elaborate and perhaps at this hour vaguely ominous Van Deusen residence (the house that sits way up and back from the street and with the tower that then and still today commands a view of the Hudson), someone appeared behind Jacob and his cousins and seemed to be following them.  This someone was dressed all in white and when they crossed the street, so did the mysterious blob of white.  At any rate, Jacob’s frightened cousins began to walk ahead of him.  Jacob himself apparently kept calm enough to observe in the gaslight that the figure “was a woman about five feet eight inches in height, was scantily clad, and wore a white sheet thrown over her head.” No one believed this had anything to do with Halloween because it was not even summer yet.  Jacob’s cousins finally began to run wildly ahead toward Montrepose Avenue but soon after, when Jacob looked back, the phantom figure had disappeared.

Meanwhile, on nearby West Chester Street (not to be confused with West Chestnut as I often have to tell people delivering a pizza), another young man, presumably at a different time of the evening, saw this woman in white, who sprang up out of some bushes.  He got a good look at her, saw that she was woman wearing a sheet, and then decided to run away after she began to pursue him.  (I’m paraphrasing the story from the Kingston Daily Freeman.)

On a later night, another two people, two “drummers,” salesmen from out of town staying at a hotel, encountered the woman in white on West Chester Street.  As they were lighting their cigarettes, someone dressed all in white appeared around the corner of a house.  Apparently, the appearance was intimidating because the men immediately ran back to their hotel where they reported something that was nine feet tall with “a most terrifying aspect”!

By the time this story was reported in the Freeman, headed “Woman in White Sought by Police,” several gangs of youths had formed to look for this person or whatever it was.  Meanwhile, at least one young man who thought to have some fun donned a white sheet in imitation of the woman in white and reportedly received “a severe pummeling” from one of the youthful gangs.  All of this right here in my own neighborhood and only slightly more than one hundred years ago.

I happen to know this story because last week Margie Menard, Kingston Library Director, sent a note to the Friends of Historic Kingston to tell them that, beginning immediately, one no longer has to visit the Library to access the local newspaper archives, or at least the Kingston Daily Freeman archives from 1878 through 1969.  I quickly went to the Web site and entered “West Chestnut Street.”  Not only did I read about the mysterious Woman in White, but I learned that my neighbor up the street, Harry Coykendall, son of Ulster County’s greatest businessman ever, Samuel Coykendall, had shot himself hunting but was now at home resting comfortably.  As of October 15, 1905, that is.

In society notes of June 25, 1910, I learned that an earlier neighbor across the street, Edwin Shultz, the brick manufacturer, was entertaining Mr. and Mrs. T. Akahoshi of Tokyo, a couple he had met on the Lusitania.  More tragically, down the street right next to the Ulster Academy, recently made into some condo apartments with blackboards, a man named Clemmons disappeared, leaving a suicide note (February 17, 1904).

And finally some evidence about when the first house on West Chestnut Street met its end, a fact of interest for anyone interested in the Chestnut Street Historic District since this would have been its most historic building.  On May 11, also in 1904, appeared a notice that Samuel Coykendall had put up for sale and removal from his property the original home of James McEntee.  McEntee came to Kingston in 1825 as the resident engineer for the D&H Canal Company.  He later owned the Mansion House by the creek and built the Island Dock in the creek before buying the land that my end of West Chestnut is now on.  There he built the first house and subdivided the property into lots.  McEntee essentially built my street, beginning in 1848.  His daughter Sarah, one of America’s first women physicians, was one of the last McEntees to live in the house and sometime after she died, the McEntee home, the first house on West Chestnut, a large Hudson River Bracketed Italian villa, no longer existed.  But I never knew exactly when that was.  Now I do.  It must have been gone by well before the beginning of 1905.  And that more or less solves that.

But what about the Woman in White?  I could find no follow-up stories in the Freeman, at least in the year 1912 where the file I was looking at ended.  Perhaps the special detail assigned to the case by Chief of Police Wood, if not the gang of ruffians, was enough to encourage her to put the sheet back on the line.  Who she was remains another one of those stories without an ending.

Meanwhile, with this new and powerful local history search tool at our command, the possibilities seem worth thinking about.  You could look up what happened on your own street or, if you’ve lived in Kingston a while, some earlier members of your family.   You could look to find out what brands of automobile were being driven in Kingston in the early 1900s or who sold knickers (the advertisements are included, too).  I have a feeling that even more significant facts could be uncovered by a serious student of history.  At any rate, we owe thanks to Margie Menard, the Kingston Library, the Southeastern Library Council and all the other groups that collaborated to put this historical information online.  Visit the WEB SITE. The search engine is waiting.

– Lowell Thing

Introducing “History At The Street Level” by KingstonCitizens.org blogger Lowell Thing

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I am very pleased to introduce the recent series added to our KingstonCitizens.org blogspot.

Long time city of Kingston resident Lowell Thing will write ‘History At The Street Level’. In his ongoing entries, Lowell’s theme will highlight what he calls ‘citizen’s local history’. We are very excited to not only have Lowell on board, but to also have what we feel is a very unique topic “generally overlooked by the more ‘major event’ oriented historical perspective” as Lowell points out.

About Lowell Thing – Lowell Thing is Chairman of the Friends of Historic Kingston’s Preservation Committee. He also served on Kingston’s Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission. Some years ago, he helped the Friends put the Chestnut Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places (joining Kingston’s three other historic districts). He helps out with the annual Bluestone Festival and, with a number of other people, is helping the County to find a future for the Persen House.

Welcome aboard, Lowell – and enjoy Kingston Citizens.

Thanks.

– Rebecca Martin
info@kingstoncitizens.org

PS – We are always looking to add new citizen writer’s to the KingstonCitizens.org blog. If you have an idea for a series, please contact me at the email address above.


 

VOLUNTEER: Lend A Hand To Heart Street

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We have a great volunteer opportunity for our local Citizens.

“Chiz’s Heart Street” located at 106 West Chestnut Street is looking for compassionate Kingston citizens to help around the house.

2009 YWCA Tribute to Women ‘Community Advocate Award’ honoree Mary ‘Chiz’ Chisholm has been called to some of the most important work in our community.  At her ‘house on the hill’, Mary provides residents suffering from mental illness a safe and loving home. She also maintains one of the food pantries in the city of Kingston that feeds our local families on a regular basis.

Can you make a contribution of your time? Two hours a month is all it takes to help to change lives in a profound way. Yours included.

An example of time of days and tasks:

Mondays, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Monday Task: Help to re-stock food pantry once a month.

Tuesdays, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Tuesday Task: Musicians to play in-house piano or bring an acoustic instrument.

Wednesday’s, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Wednesday Task: Musicians to play in-house piano or bring an acoustic instrument.

Thursday’s, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Thursday Task: Musicians to play in-house piano or bring an acoustic instrument.

Friday’s, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Monday Task:   Musicians to play in-house piano or bring an acoustic instrument.

Saturday’s, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Saturday Task:  Musicians to play in-house piano or bring an acoustic instrument.

Sunday’s, 10am – 6pm
10-12, Lunch prep / anytime: laundry or light cleaning / 3-6 dinner prep
* Special Sunday Task:  Musicians to play in-house piano or bring an acoustic  instrument.


For more information, Contact Mary ‘Chiz’ Chisholm at   845-399-7891 or email heartstreet106 at yahoo.com

Lend a hand…and a heart.  Thank you.

– Rebecca Martin, KingstonCitizens.org

Read the short interview of Mary and press below, and click on the link to watch the short film ‘Touched’ on Mary and the residents.

TOUCHED by Malcolm Burn – A beautiful short film on Mary and the residents of ‘Chiz’s Heart Street’ by Grammy Award producer Malcolm Burn.

Press, Times Herald Record: “Heart Street Will Beat On Screen”

When did Chiz’s Heart Street begin, and why?
Heart street began in 2003, when i was working in the jail and then for Mental Health Association. I saw the sadness of those who were far out of the margins. People who were mentally ill and had not been successful in other homes. When I saw this house, I knew that it was a place that could offer a home to people who were lost and left for the street.

What does a day in the life of Heart Street look like?
I am up at 4 am to get breakfast started and to put all of the medications out. I spend a lot of time talking and getting people ready for day treatment programs, figuring out the accounting of the house, holding hearts, cleaning rooms and bathrooms. Nurses arrive at about 8 am and all throughout the day. Lunch is served at 11, and dinner at 3: 30. Each day is different. People who are ill need to get to the hospital. Time is given talking with all of the necessary agencies. Sitting with what is and seeing and recognizing the frailties and stopping long enough to stroke a brow. The work is endless. Laundry done 7 days a week. Stocking the food pantry and doing yard work. The nights are also filled with tenderness to quell the fear and anxieties that speak to mental illness. Going to the ER to pick up homeless people who have no where to go. Giving the medication sleeves to people who are resistant to taking their meds. Taking pictures, laughing, crying. Running up and down the stairs….

Describe the residents living in the house.
Most people are schizophrenic, schizoaffective, bipolar. The “throw always”, and each one a human being. A gift on this earth filled with the pain of mental illness and the joy of a moment in the sun.

If you had one wish for the house, what would it be?
That people would come here and hold what I know are the most beautiful people in the whole world.

Local Business: “Stop, Shop and Get To Know” Wants You!

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With the holiday’s fast approaching, I think it’s time to turn our attention to our local business. With whatever extra money one plans to spend this season – if you aren’t going to ‘make it yourself’, than stay close to home and support your local business and neighbors.

In preparation, I invite all of our local business in the Kingston area to please take part in our ‘Stop, Shop and Get To Know’ campaign.

If you’d like to be listed, send the following in an email to info@kingstoncitizens.org

1. A short bio on your business and on you.
2. A special offer for the holidays
3. 10 fun facts about you and your business.

Keep it local…

– Rebecca Martin

Nationally Known and Critically Acclaimed Children’s Program “Gustafer Yellowgold” Coming To Kingston

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Morgan Taylor — illustrator, songwriter, and creator of the Gustafer Yellowgold multimedia “musical moving storybook” concert experience — is hailed as one of today’s most original performers on the family music scene. GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD’S SHOW makes its KINGSTON, NY DEBUT with a show at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6 at the Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway, Kingston. As a special treat, on Saturday, December 5, Morgan Taylor will offer a Cartooning Workshop for ages 7 – 12 at 10:00 a.m. and a Songwriting Workshop for ages 12 – 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Art Society of Kingston.

Named “Best Kids’ Performer 2008” by New York Magazine, Morgan Taylor developed the Gustafer Yellowgold experience as equal parts pop rock concert and minimally animated movie. A natural storyteller with a comedic bent, Taylor has dreamed up a whole world of catchy and original story-songs about Gustafer (a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun), performed alongside a large screen displaying vividly colored animations with karaoke-style subtitles. Gustafer lives out an explorer’s life in a slightly psychedelic version of the Minnesota woods, where he resides in a cottage with his menagerie of friends, including a pet eel, a tuxedo-wearing pterodactyl, and a dragon named Asparagus who inhabits the fireplace and loves corn on the cob. For recreation, Gustafer enjoys jumping on cake.

Since his creation in 2005, Gustafer Yellowgold has become an international phenomenon, praised by Newsweek as “full of great pop tunes and hand-drawn animation about a li’l fella from the sun.” The Los Angeles Times enthused, “Taylor’s whimsical, lightly psychedelic world forms an interesting bridge between adult and kids’ music.” The Washington Post declared, “He’s a star on stage and screen! … The mix of catchy tunes and offbeat stories has endeared Taylor, and Gustafer, to teenagers as well.” The Chicago Tribune wrote, “Gustafer Yellowgold has made kids’ music so cool that teenagers and ultra-hip bands such as Wilco want to get in on the act … a shiny blend of pop art and pop tunes.” Parenting magazine called Gustafer “The coolest little space invader since E.T. … a hip and trippy sunsation. Parental warning: You, too, will become hooked on the tunes.”

Gustafer is not just for kids! Possessing an unusual crossover appeal, GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD’S SHOW has performed as the support act for Wilco and The Polyphonic Spree. Gustafer recently made his off-Broadway debut in a new production, Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellow Sensation. Tours to performing arts centers, concert halls, theatres, festivals, museums, libraries, and cinemas have taken Gustafer across the U.S., the U.K., and even to Korea.

Morgan Taylor was a Grand Prize-winner in this year’s John Lennon Songwriting Contest. His other activities include playing bass for The Autumn Defense (John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of WIlco) and a recording project with Tony Award winning songwriter Duncan Sheik.