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91st Sojourners – BPSA Scout Group Info Meeting February 8th

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In this day and age,  fewer families are spending time out-of-doors in their natural environments. Given this unfortunate trend, options have diminished, too that are accessible and affordable. Under the leadership of the accomplished husband and wife team of Andy Bicking and Jenny Lee Fowler however, some of that is about to change in our area.
Andy is a 5th generation scout and serves as director of Public Policy at Scenic Hudson.  Jenny is an educator of 20 years and a professional artist.  The two are launching a local  branch of a the Baden Powell Service Association (BPSA) that will offer opportunities “to develop character, improve resourcefulness, learn responsibility and skills in public service through participation in the traditional game of scouting.”
An informational meeting is scheduled for February 8th from 7:00pm – 8:00pm at the Center for Creative Education in Kingston, NY.
We sat down with Andy for a minute to learn more about his background and effort.   – RM
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KingstonCitizens.org:   Can you share your history with the Boy Scouts of America organization? What inspired you to create the 91st Sojourners Scout Group?

Andy Bicking: My family has a 5 generation history with scouting programs that began in the early 1900s.  The skills and values that I learned as an Eagle Scout are important to me and ones we’ve worked to pass on to our children and the kids in our lives.  My wife, Jenny Lee Fowler, and I learned about the Baden-Powell Service Association (BPSA) this summer when searching for scouting programs with inclusive membership policies.  BPSA was more than we had hoped for.  It focuses on developing proficiency in traditional outdoor skills (in the spirit of pioneers and explorers) and serving your community. Anyone can join – youth or adult, boys or girls, and you can do it as a family.
BPSA is a national organization and part of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (active in over 40 countries).  We’re creating the first BPSA group in the Hudson Valley, the 91st Sojourners.  “91st” is for Hudson River Mile 91, our mile mark on the river.  “Sojourners” honors of Sojourner Truth. Born in Ulster County, she overcame many challenges in her life and brought her message of freedom and equality to the world.
 
KC.org: Can you describe how you are organizing age groups, and how do you intend to organize them?
AB: Groups are organized by age as follows:
Otters (5-7)
Timberwolves (8-10)
Pathfinders (11-17)
Rovers (18+)
Our programs offer opportunities to develop character, improve resourcefulness, learn responsibility through serving our community and participating in the traditional game of scouting.  Kids are organized in small groups and learn by doing, usually in the outdoors. For example, younger scouts take short hikes, learn to tie basic knots and may care for garden planters in public spaces.  Older scouts camp overnight in the Catskills, learn wilderness first aid, craft pioneer-style structures, and may help build trails in our community.  Each age section has two adult volunteers who provide guidance appropriate to ages and skill levels, and mentor kids in the leadership of the program.  As scouts mature they move from observing skills in action to doing them and teaching them on their own.
KC.org: Are there any associated costs with becoming involved?

AB: The membership fee is $20 a year.  Since BPSA is a volunteer organization, costs and overhead are very low.  The group is responsible for earning funds to pay for its own program.  We’ll be using our traditional scouting skills to raise funds to support the group’s activities.
 
KC.org: You have an informational meeting scheduled on February 8th. What do you expect to cover that evening?
AB: There’ll be an overview of the BPSA program and information about future activities.  You can meet the volunteer leaders, ask questions, and find out how you can get involved and support the group.  We’ll have registration packets available at the meeting for all who want to join.
In the meantime, interested families are encouraged to check out the Baden-Powell Service Association’s website at www.bpsa-us.org.  The 91st Sojourners also have a Facebook page.  For more information, I can be reached at:  91************@***il.com

Special Notice: Educate NY Now Schedules Bus Pick-Up to Albany From Kingston, NY December 5th.

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Educate Now! Kingston Bus Pick-Up Flyer

Bus tour Itinerary subject to change

scroll project- A dream deferred is a dream denied

 

WHO: Parents, students, teachers, administrators, school board members, and community members

WHAT: A 3’ x 6’ scroll, created by each district which is participating, highlighting what educational opportunities districts have been forced to cut due to reduced state aid for education in New York.
The theme for these scrolls is “A dream deferred is a dream denied”. All scrolls should have the name of the district, school, or organization displayed.
Participants should be creative in creating a scroll to bring to Albany. Using student artwork, essays, or any other appropriate creative idea, create a design that is unique for your school! If you can’t make it to a bus stop, but would like to submit a scroll, please contact a NYS United Teachers regional office near you. To find the nearest regional office check this link. http://www.nysut.org/about_offices.htm

WHEN: On December 5, 2012, In every corner of the state, school buses representing thousands of students from rural, suburban, and urban schools will journey to Albany demanding that The governor and the legislature provide each student a sound, basic education that is guaranteed by the New York State Constitution.

WHERE: From your local school district to the Capitol in Albany, Educate NY Now endorsers will hold local press events in various locations along the way to Albany. At each event, local districts will load their scroll and any participants on the bus. In Albany, the scrolls will be joined together and presented to our elected officials

WHY: In the past few budgets, there have been $2.7 billion in cuts made to state education aid. At the same time, the State has enacted a limit on state aid and the property tax cap. These two state policies combined ensure that our schools will be made to cut from their already devastated programs year in and year out. We must demand that the Governor and the legislature comply with the state Constitution that they swore to uphold, and provide a Sound, Basic Education to all children in New York state regardless of zip code!!

KingstonCitizens.org Blog Retires: 2007 – 2011

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They say that things move in seven year cycles. Although the blog has been in existence since 2007,  KingstonCitizens.org has been at it now for just about that long.

…and so,  it is time now to move along. To pass the baton and to witness future new and exciting citizen initiatives in the city of Kingston.

It’s been a full, rich experience with so much to be grateful for. I leave you with this blog, filled with wonderful writings by citizens since 2007.   The Ward Yahoo! Groups will remain open for citizens to participate and to encourage ward-centric dialogue throughout the city with their elected Alderman.

A very special thanks to all of the citizens who lent a hand, had a innovative idea or shared their personal vision for the city of Kingston.

Below are some of KC.org’s “Best of”  accomplishments. Enjoy, and keep the fire burning Kingston citizens.

Rebecca Martin

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Ward 9 Community Meetings
Where it all began.  With a  public meeting to collect petition signatures asking the Citgo Station on Broadway and W. Chester Street to stop  selling dangerous knives  to minors in Ward 9,  a monthly meeting on a relevant topic in the city of Kingston was organized for over a year.  With experts as special guests, residents learned about Mandatory Leaf Bagging, GAR Associates and the reval, Comprehensive Planning and much, much more. Many great resident ideas became programs and even businesses, including the current Organic Buying Club organized by Jennifer McKinley-Rakov.

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PlanKingston.org
PlanKingston.org was a website completely dedicated to encouraging a comprehensive plan in the city of Kingston. Established in 2009, this citizen initiative created “Kingston2020”  (get it?) that led to the City of Kingston applying for $50,000 from the CDBG for monies to go toward a consultant and some visioning.  Low and behold, they won for a Comprehensive Plan back then. Through the grapevine, though – we heard that our planning department learned that the funds were now not available to be used for a CP (I have never quite understood how a grant application could be submitted, won, awarded then taken back on grounds that the idea didn’t qualify. Kind of strange, right?). Instead, they had decided to use the grant award twoard hiring what was to be an “Uptown Manager”.  Business districts in the Midtown and Downtown area were unhappy to not be included – and eventually, the idea expanded to include all three business districts. The city applied for an additional $50,000 to create the “Main Street Manager” position filled by Nancy Donskoj.

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Ward 9 Is Mine!  Visioning on Broadway
Frustrated by the lack of response by the city of Kingston to initiate a Comprehensive Plan, KingstonCitizens.org hosted a visioning session to show how simple it really would be,  titled “Ward 9 is Mine!”  to focus on Broadway between Brewster and W. Chester Streets.  This successful event was moderated, citizens envisioned the changes and it was all documented both with text and a mural painted by two local artists. The mural now hangs in the conference room at the Kingston Land Trust.

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Stop CVS and Replan/Revitalize Uptown Kingston!
Several years back, CVS proposed to build a new location in uptown Kingston.  Residents all over the city were upset by the lack of vision of our city government at that time, and some pointed out their concern of potentially losing our local pharmacy Nekos-Dedricks on North Front Street with what would be three corporate pharmacies within a 1/2 mile radius.  We saw it as another opportunity to illustrate the need for an updated comprehensive plan.  A petition was drawn asking the city for a six month moratorium on any new development on a section of Washington Ave.  By utilizing a Greenway Grant that the city had acquired, we asked for this along with a request that our planning department organize visioning sessions as an excercise (if nothing else) for the said location.  Led by several of our alderman, we had made quite a bit of positive headway. In a turn of disappointing events, the same public officials collaborating with our citizen effort at the last moment during the council vote, requested a moratorium excluding CVS which of course, passed unanimously.   Although the process strained many relationships between citizens and their elected officials, it was an excellent illustration of a well orchestrated citizen movement.

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Stop, Shop and Get to Know
One of the things that came out of the CVS disappointment was an initiative by KC.org called “Stop, Shop and Get to Know”. Here, we could highlight local business (and we began with Nekos Pharmacy) to encourage residents to shop local. One of the great things about each week’s featured business is that they would provide us with an incentive for shoppers (10% off of this or that) that was really great for citizens.   When the Main Street Manager blog and newsletter came about, Nancy Donskoj picked up the idea and ran with it which we were very pleased by. Today, a featured business or person in the “People who make Kingston special” section of her weekly is shared with a growing mailing list.

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The Kingston Victory Garden Project
Years ago, the Kingston Victory Garden Project took hold in Kingston that created a resurgence of gardens for both homes and schools.  Gardens in Kingston is now common place with gardens now in almost all of our schools, an Urban Farm in Midtown (South Pine Street City Farm) and other initiatives and programs that followed such as Healthy Kingston for Kids.  We’re very proud of the great success we’ve had here.

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Annual Bluestone Festival to take place on October 2nd, 2011

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The 2011 Annual Kingston Historic Bluestone Festival is October 2, Sunday, at The Hudson River Maritime Museum  Grounds, HRMM, free.  There will be music and events, no admission charge.  There will be speakers at the Rondout Heritage Center, across the street from HRMM.  Artists may exhibit at no entry fee and no commission. To register, contact Ed Pell, Director at bl***************@***oo.com

 

 

 

 

Get to know the GW Elementary/Montessori Program in Kingston

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By Rebecca Martin

The current articles in our local papers on test scores being “low” in the higher grade levels at The GW Elementary/Montessori program concerned me in that one might jump to the conclusion that the recent implementation of the Montessori program was unsuccessful.

Over the years, I have come to find that what makes something great or not is typically due to its leadership. In the case of The GW Elementary/Montessori program, a unique opportunity is underway for our youth in the hands of Valerie Hannum, one of the more capable leaders I have come across in my time living in Kingston or anywhere.

Valerie came to Kingston a little over a decade ago with her family as principal of the Robert Graves Elementary school. As a former Montessori child, teacher and administrator from the Pennsylvania area, she brought her rich background into our public educational system. After ten successful years there, Valerie wrote a proposal for funding to create a ‘Public Montessori’ in Kingston making Kingston 1 in just over 300 in the nation. In what the Legislature reported as being ‘one of the best educational proposals they had ever read’, the monies were approved for a $350,000 start-up in 2008/2009 – just three short years ago!  Superintendent Gerard Gretzinger had the foresight to select the GW Elementary School as the pilot for the program. It’s a legacy that he can be most proud of as he reaches his retirement in the new year.

Experienced educators, respected and trusted in our community, enthusiastically stepped up to the plate for the rigorous training. To become a certified Montessori teacher is an enormous commitment of time and resources. Pre-K teachers (The Childrens House) requires 1,800 hours of study, while Elementary certification is a whopping 3,600 hours. Pre-school staff have by now successfully become certified, and come November all of the Elementary staff will be fully certified too.

With the upper grades having only just begun their transition from public to Montessori last fall, it is obvious that it will require time to implement what is a long term solution to the dilemma of education.  In addition, 80% of the children attending the GW Montessori School are eligible for free or reduced school lunches, illustrating that many of the students are at or near the poverty line. With the demographic of the upper grades heavily populated by the poorest of all in the city of Kingston and given the recent economic hardships, it’s unfair to expect that the children “perform” to meet mainstream test requirements. I’m not letting them off the hook by saying so. It’s just that it is far more complicated then simply basing a child’s development on something as one dimensional as test scores in this case.

The Montessori method is about making a long term impact. Studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally.  They are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations. But if it’s test scores that we’re particularly distracted by, missing from these recent articles was that The GW Elementary/Montessori program’s 4th graders scored 87.5% overall in Science. It’s an impressive piece of data proving that the new Montessori materials are making an early impact.

One of the primary reasons families choose to live in any community is on the basis of the quality of its schools, and the GW Elementary/Montessori program is the only school in the city with a waiting list.  In fact, numerous parents can attest to having chosen this particular neighborhood specifically because of GW’s outstanding reputation far beyond Kingston.  Demand was so great last year that another classroom was added to make room in the first weeks of enrollment. An added benefit is that the classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse. Children are exposed to all different nationalities, languages and socio-economic backgrounds. Mixed age classrooms give the older children a chance to act as ‘mentors’ while the younger children benefit to learn from their older classmates.

This kind of quality eduction in midtown Kingston brings something that generally is only afforded to children who have the monetary means, as a Montessori education can cost upwards to $10,000 – $15,000 per year, more in larger cities. In Kingston, the school tax is a very large portion of the community’s burden, and it behooves the Kingston School District to heed this trend by not only supporting the GW program for our own children’s sake, but in proudly promoting its asset to attract families to the city as is critical to our overall economic stability.

I encourage you to call Valerie who will happily take you on a tour of the school.  Better yet,  meet her out front of the school on  any given morning of the school year where she greets students one by one with a hug or a handshake. You will be amazed at the overall quiet and calm of the students throughout the day that is not imposed by an adult.  Instead, you’ll witness the students engaged in their work activities, supported and encouraged to be the very best that they can be.

…and listen. Don’t take the Daily Freeman’s word.  If you are curious or have concerns – go to the source and get information that way. You – and everyone else – will be far better off.
Additional Reading:

* Harvard Business Review:  Montessori Builds Innovators

* The Wall Street Journal: The Montessori Mafia

* University of Virginia:  Montessori Education Provides Better Outcomes Than Traditional Methods, Study Indicates.

* Science Magazine:  Evaluating Montessori Education

Clean-up Squad Concept Identifies Needs and Helps to Organize Kingston Youth. It’s Really That Simple.

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By Rebecca Martin

Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. Here is a fine and welcomed example of it.

I am so impressed with the recent effort made by Ward 9 Alderman Hayes Clement and Ward 4 Alderwoman Shirley Whitlock. With the support and guidance of Kingston Cares (A program of Family of Woodstock)  up to 25  youth have been organized to perform public service work while in return, having a hand in making their neighborhood more beautiful, making a positive impact in the community overall  and earning a most valuable $50 gift card for back to school supplies.

It’s that simple. Correctly identifying what is needed coupled with little bit of common sense and organization goes a very long way in the short and long term.

Below are photos taken from Kingston Care’s website – and the PRESS RELEASE  announcing the effort.

The Clean-up Squad works on Van Buren Park.
Graffiti and grit no more.

What's next?

Midtown Kingston Urban Farm Opens Farm Stand.

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By Rebecca Martin

As many know, the South Pine Street City Farm located at 27 South Pine Street off of Greenkill Avenue in Midtown Kingston has transformed a city lot into a farm to help feed the community local, organic vegetables. As of yesterday, Farmer Jesica Clark is offering a ‘farm stand’ where neighbors can purchase fresh from the garden vegetables right at the farm. Her stand should be in place by Friday – and you can bet that come fall, the Kingston Land Trust will do a big push in helping to make it known.

It doesn’t get any better than that for a city like ours. Unless, of course, you’re growing your own food yourself.

Special thanks to Hugh Cummings of Hugh Name It Builders who donated his time and materials in building the Midtown stand.

 

Benefit Concert for Kingston Cares (a program of Family of Woodstock) at Stella May Theater on Tuesday, August 9th.

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By Rebecca Martin

For years, I have been working with Megan Weiss of Kingston Cares out of the Everett Hodge Center.  The garden space in front had caught my attention as a potential location to create a garden to grow food and to use as a showcase in the neighborhood to inspire others who might wish to do the same.

Today, the front garden thrives due in part to donations from the Bruderhoff Church Community (with a fence to mark a clear boundary) and “The Dig Kids” Urban Farming Program (created by the Kingston Land Trust) where five youth were paid in 2011 to work with Farmer Jesica Clark, a first generation organic farmer and the creator of the South Pine Street City Farm in Midtown, Kingston. (Have you seen the garden lately by the way? The sunflowers in the center are enormous!)

Back to Megan. At only 25 years old, she has the wisdom of an elder with the children.  I don’t know how many are aware of the impact she has made, though soon I have a hunch that is all about to change.

Larry and I were offered a performance as part of Laura Hartman’s  wonderful Jazz Series that takes place at Stella May Theater off of Greenkill Avenue right around the time I learned that Kingston Cares was losing its funding come September. I suggested that we do a benefit for them to literally ‘buy’ a little time.

What started as a simple concert has now grown due to a relationship struck  between Stella May and the Ivan Lajara of the Daily Freeman after the civic engagement panel took place in July. With live streaming of the event being a success,  ‘The Freeman Sessions’ was created.

I hope you’ll try to make it to support Kingston Cares on Tuesday night – and to enjoy an evening of warmth and music.  Thanks to the Freeman Sessions, however – if you cannot get out that evening you can watch it at home.  Please consider making a donation.

For more, read all about it in the DAILY FREEMAN  – an excellent piece written by Paula Ann Mitchell.

Free “Yoga in the Park!” on Sunday, August 7th

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By Rebecca Martin
 
Free yoga, meditation and T’ai Chi in two of Kingston’s beautiful parks continues with it’s monthly series created by the Kingston Land Trust.  Take advantage of spending time out of doors with several inspiring yogis.
 
 
Free “Yoga in the Park” is offered in two parks by the Kingston Land Trust in partnership with Shakti Yoga Studios, MAC Fitness, Mudita Yoga Studios and the City of Kingston’s Park and Recreation department. The series is held in both Cornell Park off of Wurts Street in the Rondout and the Academy Green Park in Uptown Kingston simultaneously on Sunday August 7th at 10:00am. 

Kingston, NY–  The Kingston Land Trust proudly offers the Kingston community free “Yoga in the Park!” in partnership with Shakti Yoga Studios, MAC Fitness, Mudita Yoga Studio and the City of Kingston’s Park and Recreation Department all summer long.Originally set in Cornell Park and programmed by Shakti Yoga and MAC Fitness with Adult and Youth yoga, the series has expanded to include the Academy Green Park programmed by Mudita Yoga Studios with Yoga and T’ai Chi classes.  Both park programs will run simultaneously on the first Sunday of each month June – September at 10:00am.

“The big picture here is for the Kingston Land Trust to provide free “Yoga in the Park” in each park in Kingston”, says Rebecca Martin, Executive Director of the Kingston Land Trust. “It is a privilege to work with the many unique Yoga studios in the area and to provide free Yoga or T’ai Chi to residents who can walk to their immediate park space and enjoy a class each month. It is also nice, because it allows the Yogi community a chance to develop a wide partnership base in the city of Kingston. Partnerships are key to any of our success”.

All yoga participants are encouraged to dress comfortably in exercise attire and to bring mats, blocks and belts.
 

 
“Yoga in the Park” Schedule
FREE Yoga in the Park!
Rain or ShineShakti Yoga in the Park! at Cornell Park Rondout
Cornell Park, Wurts Street in the Rondout Kingston
10:00am – 11:00am:  Adult Yoga (All Levels) w/Linda

Mudita Yoga in the Park! at Academy Green Park Uptown
Yoga and T’ai Chi
Academy Green Park, Uptown Kingston
10:00am – 5 Cloud Meditation
10:30am – 11:30am  Adult yoga with Shawn
11:45am – 12:45am  T’ai Chi with Steven Sharkey

Sunday, August 7th 2011
Sunday, September 4th, 2011

About the Kingston Land Trust –  An urban trust, the Kingston Land Trust is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to theprotection and preservation of open space, historic sites, wetlands, scenic areas, and forests in the City of Kingston and thesurrounding region to include the Town of Ulster and the Town of Kingston. www.kingstonlandtrust.org 

 
About Shakti Yoga Studios –  Shakti Yoga Studios helps students increase their flexibility, strength, alignment and confidence through an intelligent, dynamic and safe yoga discipline. Founder Linda Lalita Winnick has created an insightful approach to theyoga  practice drawing from her 25 years experience as a student and teacher.  A rich knowledge of yogic philosophy, anatomy, and physiology, and intensive ayurvedic  background adds a deeper dimension shared during  classes at Shakti Yoga of Woodstock, Saugerties, and Kingston.   www.shaktiyogawoodstock.comAbout MAC Fitness –  A top rated award-winning facility with fully certified professional training staff to custom design fitness programs built entirely around their clients lifestyle.    Two state of the art facilities are located on 9W and the Kingston Plaza in uptown, Kingston.  www.macfitness.net/

 
About Mudita Yoga Center –  Mudita Yoga Center is dedicated to yoga, wellness and community. Translated from Sanskrit, Mudita describes a state of joyfulness, with is exactly what Mudita Yoga strives to cultivate through yoga, meditation, tai chi and a variety of workshops and discussion groups. Mudita has a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere and classes that are accessible to everyone regardless of flexibility or level of fitness.   Following a year of intense training in India, Shawn Harrison of Mudita immersed herself in a yogic lifestyle – living, working, teaching and studying at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY for four years. Her classes encourage peace and ease in the body and mind by focusing on the breath and relaxing into each posture, creating space to tune in to our natural rhythm.
Shawn’s class will be followed by Stephen Sharkey with T’ai Chi Ch’uan in the park, an ancient healing art. Begin by learning each movement in a step by step process while simultaneously learning the principles of natural movement to enable you ultimately to experience the entire set as one movement.  Open to all of any age or condition of health.   www.muditayogacenter.com About the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department – Led by Director Kevin Gilfeather, the Kingston Parks and Recreation Department oversees Kingston’s park system and organizes many programs for residents and tourists that include boating, kayaking, youth, adult and senior programs, environmental education, adult sports and more.  www.kingston-ny.gov 

Public Meeting on Lower Esopus Creek

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By Rebecca Martin

The health of the Esopus Creek is critical overall to our area. It’s an asset that runs through Kingston and the Town of Ulster on its way out eventually to the Hudson River. As it currently stands, there are few access points to the Esopus here at home. In most cases, it is bypassed by roadways in these modern times – making the tributary forgotten by many. Certainly, the Kingston Land Trust hopes to make it possible for more public access by teaming up with the many partners who have dedicated their energies towards the creek.
 Try to get to this public meeting to learn more about the recent and upcoming releases.

Public Meeting on Lower Esopus Creek

The Ashokan Release Working Group is holding a public informational meeting on July 28th at the Town of Ulster Town Hall.  The meeting will start at 7:30pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update to the public about the work the group has been doing regarding the water releases that occurred this past fall and winter from the Ashokan Reservoir.  Water releases made by the NYCDEP generated community concerns downstream because of the turbid nature of those releases.
The meeting will provide an overview of the Ashokan Reservoir, an update on an impact assessment that is being conducted, including field visits, to follow up on a questionnaire sent out by the ARWG in May.  The meeting will also describe next steps regarding the management of releases from the Ashokan Reservoir.
For questions pertaining to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection contact:    Farrell Sklerov / Michael Saucier (718) 595-6600
For questions pertaining to Ulster County contact:    Amanda LaValle (845) 338-7455
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ARWG Members:
The Ashokan Release Working Group consists of representatives from the Ashokan Foundation, City of Kingston, County of Ulster, Esopus Creek Conservancy, Federated Sportsman of Ulster County, Lower Esopus Watershed Partnership, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, New York Public Interest Research Group, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, RCAP Solutions, Riverkeeper, Towns of Hurley, Marbletown, Olive, Saugerties and Ulster, United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Village of Saugerties.
ARWG Mission:
The Ashokan Release Working Group (ARWG) will, through a collaborative consensus building process:
  • Assist with the development, implementation and review of an assessment of ecological, physical and economic impacts of the releases that occurred from October 7, 2010 through February 1, 2011.
  • Develop a protocol for, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of, releases from the Ashokan Reservoir to advance the protection and improvement of water quantity and quality and provide flood hazard reduction benefits of the lower Esopus Creek.
  • Ensure the release protocol is protective of the ecological, physical and economic interests of the lower Esopus and its adjoining communities while remaining protective of the NYC water supply.

Marriage Equality Begins Tomorrow and Kingston is Ready.

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Photo credit: Paul Joffe
By Rebecca Martin

Tomorrow is a big day for New Yorkers – and Kingston is ready in support.

Celebration Chapel, created by Kingston resident Paul Joffe is a restored 150 year old church with a pipe organ and bell  – and access to a beautiful park overlooking the Hudson River.   Paul’s vision to officiate gay weddings was a long time coming. He bought the property in the early 2000’s with that solely in mind.

The Clerks office in Kingston will be available to issue marriage licenses tomorrow (Sunday), the first day same sex marriage will be legal in New York State.  Clerk hours will be 9am – noon.  No appointment necessary.  Contact Arlene Rion at 845/334-3915.  Kingston City Hall  420 Broadway, Kingston.    Marriage licenses are $40 (24-hour waiting period, identification required. Both individuals must be present and both must bring, birth certificate (hospital birth certificates and photo copies are not acceptable), photo identification, social security number, and all divorce papers and death certificates from each marriage if applicable.  Call for additional information and requirements.)

A Brooklyn native, Paul is also the founder of AFTER THE PRESS , a project that follows up on the mass media news narratives. Currently, he lives in Kingston, NY with his wife Ingrid.  He is a good friend and beloved by many.

“The Dig Kids” an Urban Farming Program Host BBQ in Midtown Kingston on Thursday, July 28th.

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The Dig Kids, an Urban Farming Program created by the Kingston Land Trust, host a BBQ in Midtown to celebrate their garden successes in 2011 on Thursday, July 28th.Citizens are invited to meet at the Everett Hodge Center at 5:00pm for a garden walk to the South Pine Street City Farm where they will enjoy Fleisher’s grass fed and organic meatshamburgers and hot dogs and a performance by the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale.

Kingston – The Dig Kids, an Urban Farming Program created by the Kingston Land Trust with a grant from the Columbia Foundation and donation by Family of Woodstock invites Kingston Citizens to celebrate their success.

Since May, five Kingston youth between the ages of 15 – 19 have been paid to work weekly and grow vegetables under the stewardship of Farmer Jesica Clark, a first generation organic farmer. Through the Dig Kids program, the teenagers have transformed the front of the community center while learning valuable farming skills that include garden visioning, soil construction, companion planting, harvesting and preparing or donating their vegetables.

Kingston citizens are invited to meet the Dig Kids at the Everett Hodge Center 15-21 Franklin Street on Thursday, July 28th at 5:00pm for a balloon garden walk to the South Pine Street City Farm on South Pine Street for Fleisher’s grass-fed and organic meats hamburgers and hot dogs.  The Hudson Valley Youth Chorale led by Executive Artistic Director Mathew Camara will perform.

Donations for ‘The Dig Kids’ program for 2012 are currently being accepted. Please contact Rebecca Martin, Executive Director of the Kingston Land Trust at 845/877-5263or email re*****@***************st.org for more information on the event, or how you might be a future donor or sponsors.

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About “The Dig Kids: An Urban Farming Program” for Youth Created by the Kingston Land Trust with a grant from  the Columbia Foundation and a donation by Family of Woodstock, ‘The Dig Kids” is charged in working with Kingston youth to grow food, learn farming practices, encourage entrepreneurship, beautification, pride and good health through hands on farming experiences.

About the South Pine Street City Farm The South Pine Street City Farm is an urban farm located in the Hudson Valley’s Kingston, NY.  On a 1/4 acre lot, we grow produce destined for our city’s various tables.  We strive to provide  absolutely delicious vegetables and fruits grown minutes from their destination using responsible and regenerative growing practices.  As part of The Queens Galley, all proceeds help fund the organization’s mission to provide awareness, education, relief and prevention of food insecurity in America.  With our Partners The Kingston Land Trust and Binnewater Ice Co. we are building a community that values open, green and productive spaces.

About Fleishers Grass Fed and Organic Meats Fleisher’s Meats carries premium products from local farmers who have raised their animals on a primarily grass-based diet or organically-raised. These animals live natural stress-free lives and are not treated with antibiotics, hormones or fed animal-by-products and therefore produce healthy, great-tasting meat, milk and eggs. We consider ourselves partners with farmers who share our standards and practices.

About the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale The Hudson Valley Youth Chorale has delighted audiences since 1995 with its engaging musical presentations and sparkling musicality. The chorus captures the hearts of their audience with their pure love of singing. The singers, 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls, are drawn from throughout New York’s Hudson Valley. Their repertoire spans an array of musical styles: classical (both secular and sacred songs) multicultural folk music, popular song, spirituals, gospel and jazz.  HVYC performances are often highlighted with choreography.

Mayoral Candidates in Kingston Current Issues

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By Rebecca Martin

In the case that you’ve missed it, here’s a snapshot of the issues that our Mayoral candidates are currently pressing for in the city of Kingston.

Hayes Clement
“Clement calls for re-establishment of special Midtown-focused police unit”

Andi Turco-Levin
“What Needs To Be Done” and “Term Limits” 

Shayne Gallo
“Task Force on Youth Problems” 

Steve Ladin
“Promote personal and civic responsibility” 

Richard Cahill
“New Crime Proposal” 

Ron Polacco
There are no current issues at this time, though you can visit his WEBSITE.

Jean Jacobs
Mayoral Safety Plan Proposal: Guardian Angels

“A Forum for Engagement” Now Available to View Online.

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If you were not able to be present at the Forum on Civic Engagement on Thursday, July 14th, 2011 the program is now available online to view.

“A Forum for Engagement” with panelists NY State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Kingston Neighborhood Watch’s Michael D’Arcy, Elizabeth Hare, ReadyCollective, Kingston Alderman Tom Hoffay, Kingston Land Trust Executive Director Rebecca Martin and Beahive’s Scott Tillit. Moderated by Brian Mahoney of Chronogram. Hosted by Stella May Theater.



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