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This comes our way from the organizers of the Annual Artists’ Soap Box Derby:

The first time ever online auction to benefit the Annual Artists’ Soapbox Derby is ending live on May 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donskoj & Company Gallery at 93 Broadway in Kingston.

Over 90 items will be auctioned by fellow gallery owner, Chris Gonyea at 7 p.m. The auction itself will become a performance piece by renowed performance artist Linda Montano. There will be musical entertainment during the preview from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food and wine donated by local restuarants and the best beer in the Hudson Valley from our hometown brewer Keegan Ales.

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I was surprised to learn that Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world, although on different dates. My cynical side dismissed it as a Hallmark Card invention until I realized how important is the recognition of our mothers.

As a long-time friend once said, “We all enter this world through a portal called Mom.” Yes, we owe much to her. My own, who passed away in 2004, brought four children into this world. She did a wonderful job in raising these kids, who grew into parents, and great mothers too.

But what makes a mother so special?

Well, of course she offers unconditional love. Who else does that?

She also worries more for our well being than anyone else, right?

Mothers also tend to our needs from the moment we’re born, and will take up that task even as we grow into adults.

She also feeds us. As infants, she can feed us from her body. As adults, she loves to have us over and sitting around the table. And she feeds our emotions too, offering an endless fount of love.

So on this Mother’s Day, take a moment to reflect and recognize what she has done for you. And thank her. Call her or see her, and wish your mom well.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz

The City Council meets tonight and it is expected that lawmakers will approve funding from the Federal Entitlement Program for a variety of projects and initiatives as well as to several non-profits, the Daily Freeman reports today.

The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

On the agenda is funding for a main street manager, money for the Boys & Girls Club, and the Hodge Center, among other items. To see a list, read the Freeman article here.

Kingston City Schools officials are finalizing a plan to create a “closed campus” for the high school, according to this Kingston Times article.

The idea is to create a safer environment for students and for people in the community. Of note, from a local business perspective, is to work with area vendors who currently benefit from an “open campus.”

The Kingston Times reports that “Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Robert Pritchard also raised the issue of allowing local food vendors into the school, saying that administrators were exploring ways to lessen the impact a closed campus plan would have on area eateries.”

A closed campus might also lessen the amount of trash on streets adjacent to the high school where students frequent. With a closed campus, homeowners near the school are hoping there would be less Burger King bags, empty soda bottles and other food-generated trash on their sidewalks and lawns.

In a statement today, Ulster County Executive Michael Hein named Beatrice Havranek, Esq. to the post of Ulster County Attorny — the first woman named to the position in the history of the county.

“Ms. Havranek is the first woman to hold the office of County Attorney in the history of Ulster County and had previously served as Deputy County Executive,” said the statement. “Ms. Havranek’s appointment follows the retirement of County Attorney, Joshua Koplovitz. Ms. Havranek’s current position will be filled by the former Probation Director, Robert Sudlow.”

To read the full statement, click here.

Saturday was a busy day for those who worked to clean up the city, beautify it and help people grow food. But there was also a much-needed break to enjoy the sun. Check out this article on the Kingston Land Trust site for details.