Local Wisdom

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Kudos too Ulster County Legislature Majority Leader Brian Cahill for proposing a “use what we make” initiative that would require area businesses to be notified when Ulster County government seeks services or goods.

According to the Kingston Daily Freeman, Cahill “drafted a resolution requesting the county Purchasing Department [to] create a database of Ulster County-based businesses by category and notify those business when the county is seeking bids for goods or services the businesses offer.”

From the perspective of local businesses and a responsible government, such as policy makes good business sense.

The move comes as our neighbors in Orange County urges local businesses there to bid on products, goods and services. Read that story, here.

Area businesses have much to offer, and taxes used for operating costs should go back into the local business pool. What do you think?

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz

Reminder: Groundbreaking at City Hall

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Just a quick reminder of the Victory Garden groundbreaking at City Hall this Wednesday at 9 a.m. If you’re free, stop by to see the installation of a “Three Sisters” garden. Meanwhile, the seeds that are being grown at the Kingston Land Trust are growing fast. For more on this, see the story here.

Make a Difference This Week

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The Parks and Recreation Department announced its annual “spring cleanup” of city parks and is encouraging folks to volunteer on April 25 in the effort as part of Global Youth Services Day. See the Freeman story, here.

Noteworthy is that Ward 1 resident Alina Denarie is organizing the Kinderland Playgound cleanup that day. Interested in helping? Contact her at de******@***oo.com.

If unable to  pitch in on the public projects, residents are urged to clean up their neighborhoods. Thanks to Steve and Julie Noble and other community leaders who are spearheading this campaign. Well done!

Under the constraints of current budget conditions, this year is more important than ever in regard to pitching in to help the parks and recreation department and our city. Moreover, cleaning up our neighborhoods is not only a great way to beautify the area, but also to meet your neighbors.

Would you consider organizing a neighborhood clean up? If yes, just do it. Invite your neighbors over for a planning meeting this week. Pool together resources such as brooms and bags. See if someone can serve as a recycling volunteer. Make a difference in your neighborhood this week.

Landing Lands, But What is Mixed Use?

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AVR’s Hudson Landing project cleared its final environmental review hurdle last night. The Kingston Freeman reports that the Kingston planning board “unanimously adopted a findings statement, a document that outlines what developer AVR Acquisition Corp. of Yonkers needs to do to mitigate potential environmental impacts from the proposed 1,750-unit project.” Read the story here.

Read more…

Wellness Events in Kingston

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There’s much happening on the wellness front. On Thursday, April 16 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Benedictine Hospital’s Administrative Services Building Auditorium will be a free afternoon lecture with Warren Kramer, a macrobiotic educator and health counselor. He will dicuss “Macrobiotics: A Lifestyle for Health and Healing.” The program is being presented by The Miso Happy Cooking Club in conjunction with the Oncology Support Program. To register, call the OSP at 339-2071, ext. 100.

Read more…

Trash Fee for Non-profits? What Do You Think?

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As the City of Kingston contemplates a trash fee for non-profits, see story in today’s Freeman here, it’s important to discuss this issue as a community. The Freeman story notes that residents and commercial property owners carry the financial burden left over from non-profits who don’t pay for trash pick-up. The story also notes that putting in place a fee would also force non-profits to recycle more of their waste.

Read more…

Adam Snyder Benefit April 18

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Adam Snyder is performing a benefit concert for the Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club on April 18. Here are the details from the press release:

“Adam Snyder, globally re-known for for his solo music as well as his work with The Waterboys and Mercury Rev, will be performing a benefit concert for the Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club at 7 p.m. on April 18.

The concert will take place at the buying club’s storefront at 33 Broadway in the Rondout section of Kingston. Seating for this intimate performance is limited. Suggested donations are $25 for KNF members and $30 for non-members. For more information, email ki******************@***il.com.”

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If you’ve never heard Adam’s work before, this is a great opportunity to see him perform live. What makes this performance special is the setting is intimate setting. Every row is front row.

Regarding his music, check out this review of a prior record by Adam: BBC Review.

Earth Day Street Fair Set for April 25

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earth_from_spaceIn celebration of Earth Day there will be a street fair on Satuday, April 25 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church, which is on the corner of Clinton Avenue and Liberty Street in Kingston.

There will be information on green living, organic gardening, composting, green pets and more. Activities for the kids are also planned. Live music will be by Glory Road. For for more information call 331-7188.

Walgreen’s Construction to Begin

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The Daily Freeman reports today that construction of the Walgreen’s on the corner of Broadway and East Chester will begin soon. The contractor is Rondack Construction, a local owner-managed firm based in Red Hook. To learn more about the contractor, see its website here.

Recent projects by Rondack include the First Hudson Valley Bank in Newburgh, an affordable housing unit in Beacon and renovation of the Dutchess Amulatory Surgical Center.

Regarding Walgreen’s, the $60 billion company has been faring well in the recession. As its competitors have posted steep declines in sales and profits, Walgreen’s profits have fallen, but not as much as other companies in the sector. The company had delayed store openings and reduced its debt load over the past year. If the opening in Kingston reflects any changes in strategy, it seems the company is back in an expansion mode. The drug retailer has spent about $2.2 billion on capital expenditures, and with $60 billion in sales could easily spend the same amount over the next few years on new store openings.

Elephant Featured on Stop, Shop and Get to Know

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Our favorite tapas bar is now being featured on the Stop, Shop and Get to Know website. See it here. As you may know, Elephant offers top-notch tapas and wine that is simply amazing. Check out their website for details. Menu items include roasted carrots and baby arugula. A must have are the Spainish almonds, and check for the marrow bones, which will change your life — if you eat meat 😉