There was an interesting story in The New York Times this past week on the challenges libraries and librarians face during a recession. The bulk of the story talked about how library staffers face increased stress associated with higher usage from resume-writers, kids and homeless folks.
kingstonnavigator
‘Something Extraordinary’
Last night, “something extraordinary happened” at Gabriel’s on John Street: twenty six community leaders gathered for an intimate meal and a “pointed discussion on the positive efforts being had in the city of Kingston,” according to Plankingston.org.
What You Can Do
As you most likely heard already, the Key Bank on Wall Street was robbed again — the second time within a week. Police have a suspect in the first robbery, and are pursuing leads in the second, and unrelated, robbery yesterday.
It’s important to note that bank tellers, employees and other staff of banks and credit unions are trained what to do during a robbery. But consumers are not. However, About.com has a great page on what consumers can do during such an unfortunate incident.
“Every law enforcement official will tell you the same thing: the most heroic act you should take in a bank robbery is noticing any details about the robber,” the site suggests adding that remaining calm is essential. For more information, see here.
Feds Ask People to Avoid Caves
There’s an article from the Associated Press that was sent out this weekend asking people to stay out of caves that might be inhabited by bats, who have been taken ill with a myterious illness. Given that the Kingston and Rosendale areas are full of caves, the advice should be of particular concern. Read the story, here.
Upcoming League Meeting to Discuss Future of Golden Hill
One execellent resource on county-wide issues is the work of the League of Women Voters. Of note is a consensus committee charged with determing the future of the Golden Hill facility here in Kingston. On April 18, the league is holding a meeting at the Port Ewen Library regarding the facility.
“The Mid-Hudson League of Women Voters will present a program in order to come to consensus on the future of the Golden Hill Health Related Facility in Ulster County,” the League says on its website. “It will include an overview of our study and the pros and cons of the consensus questions will be discussed.” For detailed information about the league, see its website and calender, here.
Lessons in Civil Disobedience
Over 200 Kingston High School students walked off campus and gathered on the sidewalk at City Hall about 11 a.m. today to protest the school’s pending “closed campus” proposal. One student said she wasn’t sure who had organized the walkout, but said school officials had warned students earlier in the day that they would be suspend any student who participated in the walk out.
Such a Sap
My wife Nell and our daughter Marina recently spent a cool March Sunday boiling down five gallons of maple water into three, small jars of the best maple syrup I’ve tasted in some time. The sap was tapped at our friend Jeff Parker’s house in Hurley.
Nell boiled the sap water on a hot wood fire in our backyard, for several hours. Nell and Marina said it was well worth the time.
— Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Ward 1 Sets Meeting Date
Maria Loeffel, who runs the Ward 1 Yahoo! Group has set March 31 for the group’s first community meeting. The event will be at the Kingston Library, and runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Alberman Al Teetsel and Rebecca Martin will be there.
“In regards to Neighborhood Watch, Mr. Teetsel will have information on any criminal activities that have accorded recently in our ward and Rebecca Martin will discuss community involvement in regards to Government and Community outreach,” Maria wrote on her post in the discussion group. For more information about the group, see the discussion page here.
Forbes Cites Kingston as Top Place for Small Biz
Check this post from KingstonDigitalCorridor.org, which cites a Forbes story rating Kingston number 90 on a list of the top places for small business and career. Go K-town!
What Worries Us
According to this article today, the Kingston Planning Board is set to vote on April 13 on the environmental findings statement for AVR’s Hudson Landing project, which is on the site of the Tilcon property. This would be the last step for the project to move forward. This project has been years in the making, and involved many reviews and hearings.
City Gardens Projects Sows Seeds
Check out this item on the Kingston Land Trust website involving the City Gardens projects, volunteers and kids from the Kingston Boys and Girls Club.
Leafed Alone
While clearing the garden for spring today, I found a nice surprise hidden under fallen stalks of squash and tomato: new lettuce sprouting up. What a comfort. The lettuce was planted last year by my wife, Nell, who let the plant go to seed late in the season in the hopes it would return. And yes, nature found a way.
Sights on Forsyth
People in Kingston often talk about the importance of our cultural or historical assets, and with good reason. Our arts, museums, architecture, historical buildings and such set Kingston apart from many other cities, towns and villages.
But I would have to add two people to the list of what’s important in Kingston: Julie and Steve Noble. I couldn’t imagine what the city would do if they ever left. And if you’re not aware of the programs they have developed for Kingston, check out the Forsyth Nature Center website, here.
These talented, skilled and compassionate environmental educators have developed programming for children and adults that includes: “Warbler Walks;” adult nature walks; “Turtle Talks;” morning and evening kayak tours; full moon hikes; snowshoe hikes; “Mammal Mania;” and children hikes; among other things such as eco-tours and environmental excursions.
In addition, both are active in helping teachers develop environmental education programs for elementary schools. Again, check out the website to get an idea of what is offered.
On a personal note, I’m proud to serve with the Nobles at the Kingston Land Trust. Despite working 60-plus hours each week, the Nobles find the time and energy to work with the land trust. Amazing.
So, join me with some virtual applause for Julie and Steve Noble, whom I’m sure have some great stuff planned for this year.
— Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Land Grab!
The Ulster County Commissioner of Finance’s office has set April 22 for an auction of land that is owned by the county. The one-day sale will be held at Ulster County Community College. For more information and to download details about the auction, check out the county website, here.