This morning in the freeman, there was a small news item on a local Red Hook fellow who has created a website to aid homeowners in reducing their property taxes – when applicable.
Visit Property Tax Data Base for more information.
We are interested in learning if it is useful to our readers. Please leave a comment if you use it with your results either way.
Were you aware that the Kingston Library has an upcoming election and budget vote?
Attached is the proposed budget, trustee bios and a letter to all Kingston citizens from Kingston Library Director Margie Menard.
Please mark your calendars to vote!
– Rebecca Martin
A couple of weeks to go to help raise funds to make this race roll.
Can you make a small donation?
Check out this LINK for more.
There has always been a good amount of citizen activity in the city of Kingston. But I’ve found that the mood has changed pretty dramatically as of late.
In general, the lack of good public information made widely available has created a plethora of independent blogs and the like – where a person can now air their opinions and thoughts on any given topic. That’s a good thing in theory. Unfortunately, there is a lot of poor fact finding and planning that now can be broadcast for all to read or hear. In the age of sound bites, it’s more important than ever to be thoughtful in what you provoke.
Over the past few months, I have had many different discussions with citizens who are concerned on subjects where citizen involvement is key. Crime (thank you Michael and Claudia D’Arcy), Taxes (thank you KURA), the Safety Net (thank you Mary Ann Parker), Food Security (thank you Diane Reeder), Children’s Programming (thank you YMCA, YWCA, CCE, the Boys and Girls Club and the Hodge Center to name a few), Comprehensive Planning and Term Limits (thank you….TBA) and more. Garbage Disposal, Recycling, Water Source Solutions, a Local Economy, Bike Paths and Safe Routes to Schools, Parks, Schools – you name it. There is no shortage of issues that need to be addressed.
Bombarded by problems and bad news, how does one begin the process of lending a hand to make productive changes? Here are a few tips:
1. Is there an effort already underway? Take a moment and reach out to others to learn if what is of concern to you is already in motion, than join and lift them. You are not alone, and there is no need to reinvent the wheel as they say.
If not….
2. Choose a topic that interests you and that needs reform. Lord knows, there are many and you are only one person with only so much time in a day who wishes to volunteer. Selecting a cause and contributing to a change no matter how small or large is a really big deal.
3. Investigate and get the facts. Learn what is at the very core of a problem and become familiar with it’s history and what options are available to make the greatest impact. This is the most important aspect in helping you to speak literately about the subject. There is a great wealth of information as to who leads what on the city of Kingston’s website. Find out who leads a committee, find out when they meet – and take a few months to frequent their meetings.
4. Devise a well thought out plan with others, being clear about what you are asking citizens and public officials to do to support the effort. When turning over stones, don’t be surprised to find opposition. That’s alright. Take that, and go back to item #2. Use all of what you find along the way to finesse your effort. It’s always a dance, and it is never linear.
5. Check in with yourself. Make sure that you are continually moving outward from an authentic place. How many times have you witnessed ones ego, desire, belief or emotions derail an entire effort in the long run? Too many I’m afraid.
6. Build trust by following through and stay the course. If you don’t do so intelligently, you risk losing the support that you initially had. Don’t give up, land the bird and trust that the outcome will be exactly what it needs to be.
7. It takes a village. Shining the light on a subject will most probably attract new ideas and better ways to proceed. ‘Saving the world’ is not the goal, really. Inspiring people to become active productively and to make their voices heard…IS.
Got further thoughts on the subject? Post them in the comment section of this blog post. Got questions as to who the best person might be to connect with on a matter that’s important to you? Contact me at rebbytunes@earthlink.net . I’ll be happy to connect you to the source if I can.
Thanks for stepping up to the plate, and the very best of luck in your endeavors.
– Rebecca Martin
There was a tribute to city clerk Kathy Janeczek (who passed last year quite suddenly) this week on the lawns of Kingston’s City Hall. If there was ever one deserving of such a thing, it is most certainly she.
I had the opportunity to work with her in breaking ground for the Victory Garden at City Hall in 2009 – and it was a great pleasure to do so.
While reading about the ceremony in the Freeman, I learned that the Mayor wished to recommend to the council to move $50,000 away from the Carnegie Library renovation this year in order to create (in addition to the City Hall tribute) a stage/screen in the Rondout for films, plays and the like in her honor.
What an odd thing to find in the midst of a memorial read.
I think this is important for citizens of Kingston to pay close attention to, as I’m not sure this is such a good idea.
Why? Overall, there is a lack of long term planning and proper follow through on any given project in the city of Kingston. As a matter of fact, though this idea might have been kicking around City Hall, I have never heard it mentioned anywhere until just the other day.
Moving funds now in the tune of $50,000 away from a project long underway with much support from the community and otherwise doesn’t make much sense in what appears to be an instant. Especially given the current budget crisis. I have my doubts that that money could be replaced. Who knows what next year is going to bring?
…and the Carnegie Library restoration project needs to occur for our children and in providing an opportunity to protect our rich history.
Though I didn’t know Kathy well, what I suspect by her endeavors and her heart is that she would prefer the Carnegie Library restoration over a small stage for films. Especially in these tough economic times where there are no guarantees from year to year now on the resource front.
We’ll pursue this further, and we encourage you to do the same. Speak to your Alderman to get relevant details and voice your opinion because that’s really all we are hoping to inspire in this post. If we all take a moment to move meaningfully forward, than we’re going to be in far better shape in the long run. Every decision is an important one, and the council is there to represent you.
Here is a LINK to the Daily Freeman article.
– Rebecca Martin
In Saturday’s (5/1) Daily Freeman Life Section Legals, there is a notice of all that is upcoming for our schools Budgets, Operations and Management.
I’ve asked Camille for a copy of it and will post shortly.
In the meantime, there is a public hearing that is upcoming and too important for citizens to not know about. If you are interested in being present, I hope that this heads up allows you the time to coordinate your schedules.
Thanks.
– Rebecca Martin
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 5:30pm at the BOE, 61 Crown Street Kingston
– The Board of Education of the City School District of the city of Kingston will hold a public hearing on the budget at the Cioni Administration Building for the purpose of presenting the budget for the 2010-2011 School Year (Budget) to the Public. Budgets to view will be available on May 4th in each school building.
Tuesday, May 11th 2010 6:30pm at Miller School
Meet the Candidates night. For a list of candidates, visit the Board Of Education’s WEBSITE or, read the Daily Freeman ARTICLE from the other day.
School Board Elections are Tuesday, May 18th. More information posted shortly.
Years ago, I had the privilege to work for Ev Mann of the Center for Creative Education. At that time, their headquarters were in Stone Ridge, NY. Coming up from New York City as a musician with a background in Production Management, it was my good fortune to have seen their ad for someone like me to assist the Administrative Director, Mary Farel.
Those couple of years were two of the most fulfilling in my professional life.
Although Ev has had close ties working with the children and schools in the city of Kingston, he moved his operation from Stone Ridge into Midtown back in 2005/2006 where he continues to bring music, culture, dance and drums to the youth and families in our area.
On Friday night (4/30) The Center for Creative Education in partnership with Active Voice and Participant Media bring a FREE screening of the ever important film FOOD INC to UPAC in the city of Kingston. Click on this LINK to see the flyer for this event.
On the ground, we are witnessing alarming numbers in childhood obesity – yet at the same time, 1 in 8 children will go hungry each and every day.
It’s critical that as a community, we work to change our daily habits. In Kingston, every one of our schools (and I believe there are 14) will have some form of garden in them. That’s a huge accomplishment that has taken place in just two years time.
Gardens are the buzz word in Kingston. Let’s continue to nurture them and encourage our children to get growing at home and at school. Take your family and visit a local farm, and pick something fresh off the vine to taste.
There is nothing quite like it.
– Rebecca Martin
With all the current infrastructure problems in the city of Kingston, I thought this informative meeting was important to post – as is.
Thanks.
– Rebecca
GI Introductory Handout – Kingston
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING PROJECT COMMUNITY MEETING
When: Wednesday, April 28
Time: 6-7 pm
Where: Ulster County Legislative Chambers, 6th Floor Ulster County Office Building (COB), 244 Fair Street, Kingston NY 12401 (enter from parking lot in back of building)
Hi everyone this is Victor-Pierre and on behalf of Clearwater and The Hudson Valley Regional Council I would like to invite you to our Green Infrastructure (GI) Community meeting to discuss Green Infrastructure Planning. I have had the privilege of meeting most of you at recent training in Kingston on Green Jobs and at the Climate Smart Community Pledge meeting and was excited that you expressed interest in attending our GI community planning meeting. Hope to see you soon.
The Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC) is implementing a green infrastructure (GI) planning project in Kingston and six other communities in the Hudson Valley region in New York State. In each locale, community-based teams, guided by our community outreach leaders, will participate in site assessment training workshops, public outreach and the planning of 10 concept projects at promising sites.
Goals –
1. In Kingston we want to build the capacity of municipalities, their consultants and other local stakeholders to understand, plan for, implement, and maintain GI practices.
2. We will develop an inventory exisitng GI demonstration projects and identify the potential for expanded GI projects and sites, including at least 10 detailed conceptual plans in each of seven selected communities in the region.
Who is this meeting for?
We need a local team that can provide a variety of skills and resources:
Students and teachers · Municipal officials · Business leaders and owners · Homeowners and neighborhood groups · Scouting groups · Garden clubs and community gardeners · Design professionals · Builders, landscaping contractors, plumbers · Environmental/Conservation committees · Other interested citizens
Contacts at Clearwater for this project in the City of Kingston are:
Victor-Pierre Melendez: victor@clearwater.org (845) 265-8080 ext. 7144
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. 724 Wolcott Ave Beacon, NY 12508
Kudos to Valerie Hannum and the The George Washington Montessori School. Of all of the percolating ideas and efforts in the city of Kingston, Hannum and her program to us is in the ‘pinch me’ category. How lucky that she has landed here.
With only approximately 200 public Montessori schools in the US and Canada, to have one in our community and particularly in the heart of Midtown is no small thing. Soon, ours will accommodate grades K-5. Generally, a Montessori eductation is costly making it impossible for most families to pursue. Here, the program is covered by grant money and ultimately, as a public school by our taxes. Imagine that. Paying school tax and actually using the schools.
Of course, we realize that there are some parents who feel the program isn’t suited for their child. But the GW Montessori School is a great option to have. To force a mandated public education on every young mind is not a healthy approach.
A special thanks to Gerard Gretzinger, Robert Pritchard, and all of the GW Supporters who recognized a good thing. Most of all, to the staff and teachers (some who have served the community as educators for decades and who come out of retirement to teach in this new way) that have taken between 1200 – 1800 hours of study to become certified Montessori teachers.
Reach out to Valerie Hannum (845/338-1978) and ask for a tour of the school to see for yourself. Perhaps one day, more of our public schools will have the same approach.
Read about the program in Today’s DAILY FREEMAN.
To get a better sense of the Montessori principals, visit this LINK
The Everett Hodge Center on Franklin Street in Kingston has always been an important place to us. Almost in the heart of Midtown, it works hard to service and run programs for the children and families living in Ward 4 and beyond.
Every Friday night, Ward 4 resident Jeanne Edwards helps to organize a healthy warm meal for the children as part of the “Hodge Food For Thought/Rewards For Excellence” program. They are always in need of healthy food donation as well as volunteers. Visitors and presentations for the children are a great gift, and always welcomed.
Visit their BLOG for weekly posts, and contact information for more on the program and how you can help.
By the way, the 5th Annual Midtown Make A Difference Day has been set for June 19th from 11am – 4pm at the Hodge Center. If you wish to learn more, contact Megan Weiss (Kingston Cares) at 845/331-1110.
– Rebecca Martin
Today, I received the agenda for the Finance Economic Development committee from Ward 1 Alderman Andi Turco-Levin (who also has a seat on this committee).
The meeting takes place tomorrow. The agenda link is posted below for any citizens interested in participating.
Click HERE to get to the meeting calendar on the City of Kingston’s website
The Safe Routes to Schools and Parks Committee of the Healthy Kingston for Kids Project seeks adult and youth volunteers for a GPS mapping project that centers on conducting walkability assessments in area neighborhoods. Volunteer training workshops are set for Saturday, May 1 at the Forsyth Nature Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Friday, May 7 at Hutton Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The workshops are free, but registrants are expected to use the knowledge gained to conduct at least one 1/2-mile walkability audit with GPS in a Kingston City School District neighborhood.
To register for the workshops or for more information, contact Kristen Wilson at 845-340-3990 or email kew67@cornell.edu. Click HERE to download the registration form.
There are a whole week of events scheduled in celebration of Earth Day this year, 2010. Here’s the scoop:
EARTH WEEK 2010: Kingston Celebrates Earth Day’s 40th AnniversaryGreen Streetscape Improvements on Broadway
Date: April 20, 2010
Time: 2:30pm
Location: Adjacent to 630 Broadway (Intersection of Broadway and Oneil Street)
The City of Kingston will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Broadway to signify the installation of Mr. Big Belly Solar Compactors and dozens of Bicycle Racks along the Midtown Broadway Corridor. These streetscape improvements were made possible through the NYS Main Street Program, administered through the Rural Ulster Preservation Company. This funding has allowed the City of Kingston to improve amenities along Broadway with the purchase of 4 solar powered trash compactors and recycling units. Kingston will be one of the first cities in New York to purchase and implement these unique waste handling systems. Over time, these units will decrease the number of trips necessary to empty refuse along Broadway, while working to beautify the Midtown Area. Representatives from Direct Environmental Corporation, makers of Mr. Big Belly will be on hand to demonstrate the units and answer questions.
Funds were also use to purchase bike racks, which will be placed along Broadway this Spring to encourage more Kingstonians to bicycle to and from residences and businesses along the Broadway Corridor.
RUPCO worked closely with the City of Kingston and the Green Corridor Project, which includes representatives from Sustainable Hudson Valley, Kingston Parks and Recreation Department, Mid Hudson Energy Smart Communities, RUPCO and numerous environmental professionals and Kingston residents to make this project a success. The Green Corridor Project aims to link environmentally minded businesses and institutions along Kingston’s main thoroughfare to attract and encourage a green economy in Kingston.
For more information, contact Steve Noble, 845-481-7336 or snoble@kingston-ny.gov
Forsyth Nature Center Hosts Kingston’s Storyteller Laureate
Date: April 22, 2010
Time: 4pm
Location: Forsyth Nature Center, Kingston, NY
The Forsyth Nature Center will celebrate a very special Earth Day this year with Karen Pillsworth, Kingston’s Storyteller Laureate. Karen’s vibrant and energetic telling of stories for the earth will inspire audiences of all ages. All participants will receive an Earth Day gift of a tree sapling donated by the Friends of Forysth Nature Center. This event is free and weather permitting. For more information, you can call 845-481-7339 or visit the Forsyth Nature Center’s website.
Kingston Clean Sweep
Date: April 24, 2010
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Kingston Corridor
A spring clean-up of litter lying along the newly instituted “Kingston Corridor” will take place on Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. to noon. The Kingston Clean Sweep is being sponsored by the Friends of Historic Kingston with support from the City of Kingston and more than 20 other local business and service organizations.
The city will be divided into eight sections, each overseen by one or more of the participating organizations. Volunteers will be provided with City-supplied trash bags that will be collected by the Department of Public Works following the event. People are asked to bring their own work gloves and a broom, if possible, to sweep dirt piles from the sidewalks. The event will take place rain or shine.
Volunteers are still needed in several sections along the “Kingston Corridor” which runs from the Thruway Circle down to the Rondout Creek. Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call the Friends of Historic Kingston at (845) 339-0720 or e-mail fohk@hvc.rr.com .
KingstonCitizens.org is helping Queens Galley in their effort to raise funds for a new stove that they desperately need. Can you make a donation of $5, $10, $20 or more? Let’s help Diane to feed families in a crisis.
Click on this LINK to donate.
Diane Reeder, Executive Director of Queens Galley writes:
“The oven at the Queens Galley Soup Kitchen in Kingston has finally given up the ghost. After many MANY years of reliable service and the last few years of unreliable service and often repairs it has become unusable.
The soup kitchen served over 101,000 meals in 2009. We continue to try and meet demand the best way we know how…one meal at a time (but without an oven that is pretty difficult to do!)
If you could please help us raise the funds we need to replace our very much needed range it would be appreciated!
You can donate online or send a check made payable to Queens Galley to 254 Washington Ave Kingston NY 12401.
If you know of a 60 inch 4-6 burner with a griddle/broiler and double oven that is available for donation or at a discount please let us know!”
Today at 1:00pm (4/17) there is a square foot gardening presentation at the Kingston City Hall garden located on the Northwest side of the building. Jesica Pascual who was once a farmer at Phillies Bridge Farm will lead the way. Though wet, it’s a really nice day to be out in the garden. I know because I just came in from mine.
You can read the press release by visiting the Kingston Victory Garden Yahoo! Group (and if you are a local home gardener you might wish to become a member of the group as well). We will also cut and paste it below.
– Rebecca
Learn Square Foot Gardening During Free Workshop at City Hall Garden
Jesica Pascual, volunteer garden manager of the City Hall Victory Garden, will lead a free workshop to on square foot gardening this Saturday, April 17 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The garden is located on the west side of City Hall, which is located on Broadway across from the Kingston High School.
The workshop is designed for anyone looking to learn square foot, or French intensive gardening, which allows gardeners to grow the maximum amount of vegetables in the minimum amount of space and is perfect for backyard (or front yard!) gardens. Square foot gardening is the method being used this year at the City Hall site as a way to encourage residents to grow their own food.
“Using this method, it is also easy to incorporate beautiful flowers and landscaping elements such as trellising and decorative borders,” Pascual said adding that she will cover the basics in setting up a garden plot, planning out the space and where to get high-quality ingredients for soil as well as seeds and transplants.
At the end of the workshop there will be a short swap and share session where fellow gardeners can swap seeds and share resources – so please bring your extra or leftover seeds.
For more information, contact the Kingston Land Trust at Kingstonlandtrust@yahoo.com.