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.
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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.
St. Diversity Day
Last weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, here in Kingston, was one magnificent event. Before the Shamrock Run began, which paved the way for the paraders from the Gov. Clinton Hotel to the Rondout, I rode my bike down the course as folks were setting up chairs, positioning themselves for the best view.
New CSA in Kingston
Just in time for Spring, this comes to us from KayCee Wimbish:
I am working with some people in Kingston to set up a new CSA site at Keegan Ales. Hearty Roots Community Farm, located in Tivoli, will be delivering 50 shares of locally-grown, pesticide-free produce to Keegan’s Wednesdays from June 3-October 28. People can choose a weekly share for $575 or an every other week share for $300. A weekly share is designed to feed a family of 4 for a week.
For more information, see: www.heartyroots.com
Stop, Shop and Get to Know Launched
Whenever there’s been a discussion about our community and consumerism, the talk always evolves into the importance of shopping and buying local, and supporting local businesses.
It’s with this in mind, that KingstonCitizens.org presents an initiative, created by KingstonCitizens.org founder Rebecca Martin, titled: STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW. Supported by a website (see it here), the program puts a fresh face on the shop local trend with the inclusion of some fun facts about our local businesses. The first business profiled is Nekos-Dedricks Pharmacy, located on North Front Street.
Check out the website, and support our local businesses. They need us as much as we need them.
Food Safety Laws Threaten CSAs and Organic Farms?
Food safety has become a critical issue over the past few years with the most recent peanut butter recall causing lawmakers to strengthen laws to protect consumers.
But in the process, there’s been much chatter this past week regarding how several food safety bills — notably senate bill 425 — impact local farmers, CSAs, and small organic farms. One blogger who has studied the bill says aside from the threat to CSAs and organic farms, small, backyard farm plots would be subject to fines if the bill was passed into law.
The interpretation of any proposed law is tricky and the implications are hard to guess. What’s important, though, is that lawmakers carefully read the bill to make a sound choice. Consumers should also weigh in on the topic. A good place to start is this blog by Sacred Lotus Photography, which has links to the proposed law. I’ll also continue to poke around and see what others are saying, and if you run into anything that’s related, please let us know.
— Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Vegetably Engaged
More than two dozen families picked up organic produce shares at the Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club yesterday, which included fruits and veggies such as: kale; Swiss “Rainbow” chard; apples; pears; avocados; carrots; onions; Romaine lettuce; cilantro; and an orange.
What was most enjoyable, to me, was that everyone who stopped by 33 Broadway to pick up shares were happy. I mean they were brimming-with-grins happy. Folks talked to one another, catching up after a long winter. Some new friends were made. The boxes of fresh greens and fruits were admired, and people talked about what they were going to make with their produce. They were socially engaged.
All of this was a wonderful reminder why people need to interact with one another, face-to-face, in a meaningful way.
— Arthur Zaczkiewicz
I’ll Have the Chop Suey
As this wiki article points out, Chop Suey is likely a pure American-Chinese invention — one that has found a place in our popular culture. From Edward Hopper to Sinclair Lewis, chop suey is ingrained in our cultural DNA.
The story also has a photo of Kingston’s own Chop Suey sign, which are rare today. The sign belongs to Eng’s Chinese Restaurant on Broadway. If you get a chance to eat there, please do. The food is great. You’ll also learn from a small sign in the lobby that Eng’s was established in 1927 (first on Wall Street, which featured the old “Tea Garden” sign), and is likely to be the oldest Chinese food restaurant between New York and Albany.
— Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Library Funding
The Kingston Library website has a large “call to action” asking visiting to sign a petition to keep funding for public libraries. See the petition here.
According the the petition, funding to libraries is threatened by the state’s executive budget. In support of libraries, the petition cites recent trends that show usage for public libraries are up, and that in many communities, a large majority of users have Internet access solely through their libraries.
On that last point, the work of Ev Mann and Mark Greene (with his KingstonDigitalCorridor.org initiative) seek to bridge the digital divide via programs, workshops and internships. And libraries certainly have a role in doing the same.
— Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Why Design Guidelines are a Good Thing
If you’re a Gen Xer, you likely remember well the image to the left, which is a Borg spaceship hoovering over Earth from an episode of Star Trek: Next Generation.
Freeze, Don’t Move!
According to news reports, including one here, Governor David Patterson ordered a pay freeze for all staff of the Executive Chamber.
Clearly Energized
Last night’s Hudson Valley Progression Coalition meeting — its first formal event — was a big hit. More than 200 people packed Back Stage Studio Productions to hear remarks from Congressman Mo’ Hinchey as well as green economy insights from Melissa Everett of Sustainable Hudson Valley, Jessica Barry of Prism Solar Technologies and Patrice Courtney-Strong of Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities.