By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
As you may have read, a recent study revealed that open space in the nearby Shawangunks — Minnewaska, Sam’s Point and Mohonk preserves — feeds over $12 million to the local economy each year. The money comes from the 392,000 or so annual visitors to these areas. This spotlights an important trend: open space has value.
At the half year point of 2010, KingstonCitizens.org would like to get feedback on what grass root effort this year has inspired you the most.
It has been an especially productive year amidst the hardships. We at KingstonCitizens.org are particularly fond of The Hodge Food For Thought Program, Queens Galley’s Hudson Valley Hunger Banquet, Kingston, NY’s Neighborhood Watch, The Citywide Clean-up and Lawn Sale effort and KURA to name a few.
Help us to shine the light and share with us the many others, seen or unseen.
By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
The convergence of activists working for human rights, health care reform, climate change, and social justice, among others is happening right now in Detroit, Mich. Over 20,000 people have flocked to the Motor City this week for the US Social Forum to exchange ideas, participate in people’s movement assemblies (PMAs) and attend (and present) 1,000s of workshops with topics ranging from grassroots networking to change immigration law to learning how to mobilize citizens for better access to public funds.
The folks at Kingston Digital Corridor have scheduled their montly mixer on Wednesday, June 30th at Keegan Ales in Kingston. Join them from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. It sounds like fun!
“Calling all independents, creatives, and digerati! Get out of your pyjamas and bring your non-digital selves over to Keegan Ales!
Out of focus? We are, too! Let’s come together and inspire some collaborative thought!
Our goal in hosting the ‘KDC Happier Hour!’ every last Wednesday of the month is to get all of you talented local yokels together so you can meet others of your species, talk shop (or not), share resources, and by all means, have some fun!
Congrats to Kingston residents Valeria Gheorghiu and Arthur Zaczkiewicz who were selected to present Kingston’s recent ‘Civic Involvement’ at the U.S. Social Forum in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, June 25th. A great accomplishment for Kingston!
Read on…
– Rebecca Martin
By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
The spat between the mayor and lawmakers over spending money on a gazebo at T.R. Gallo Park in the Rondout, as reported by the Daily Freeman today, can be easily resolved.
According to the Freeman, Mayor James Sottile is miffed over a decision by the Finance/Economic Development Committee to table — for a second time — his $4,000 request for installing the gazebo.
The South Pine Street Childrens/Community Garden off of Greenkill Avenue in Ward 5 made a large food donation of Turnip Greens to Queens Galley.
By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Earlier this month I attended a conference in North Carolina relating to the national effort behind the local “Healthy Kingston for Kids” project, which aims to reverse childhood obesity through environmental and policy change. It was a “mind-opening” experience to meet others working on the same issues from places such as Buffalo, Oakland and Chicago.
The Kingston Drum Circle is a newly formed group of drummers and percussionists who will be meeting weekly at various parks this summer to build community, express musical creativity and to connect with the earth through ancient tribal rhythms. The first gathering will be this Friday at 6 p.m. at the Academy Green Park on Albany Avenue and Maiden Lane.
By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Did you see this pic of the new CVS on Rebecca Martin’s Facebook page? The “poetic justice” as described in the caption is spot on. A chain store’s impact on a community can have long-term negative effects. Most obviously is the fact that profits generated by a chain store aren’t reinvested into the local economy as is the case with local, independent businesses. This is at the core of why shopping and buying local contributes to the creation of a sustainable community.
If you have a minute, please comment here on the local businesses you support:
Forbes.com has a terrific, interactive map that shows the outflow and influx of people in Ulster County. Based on IRS data, the map displays U.S. counties where Ulster County residents have moved to or from. Check it out here.
Looking for something to do later this month? How about immersing into the local history scene? This just in from the Friends of Historic Kingston (includes a few calendar items):
RONDOUT NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOUR OFFERED
KINGSTON – The monthly walking tour of the Rondout National Historic District, offered by Friends of Historic Kingston, will take place on Saturday, June 26, departing at 11 a.m. from the Kingston Heritage Area Visitors Center, 20 Broadway.
By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
There’s some good green things going on behind the YMCA on Broadway that involves shovels, seeds and sweat. Led by volunteers from the New York City DEP office here in Kingston, a children’s and community garden is taking shape adjacent to the playground. Kudos to the volunteers! See more at the Kingston City Gardens Coalition Facebook page here.
By Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Hello.
Long time, no hear – from me. Sorry I’ve been away for so long.
Much has happened since I’ve edited and posted to this blog. I’ve got much on my mind. One thing weighing me down is the weight of Kingston’s children, who are above average in regard to being overweight and obese. That’s dark news for their current health and their future health. I don’t have to tell you that obesity leads to heart disease, cancer and other ailments.
One of the City of Kingston’s most notorious derelict properties will be the subject of a July forum, designed to let architects, city dwellers and business owners envision a re-birth of the property.
The King’s Inn site, located at 615 Broadway, will be the subject of a design charrette set for July 16th at 721 Media Center. Sponsored by the Business Alliance of Kingston, the Upstate New York Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and others, the event will follow the conventions of design charrettes across the nation, which typically invite architects, neighborhood residents, business owners and interested others to work in small teams to craft a preliminary concept for a new building.