Local Ukrainians and other supporters mark 1-year anniversary of Russian invasion

Jeff Slater BSP Reporter

It’s been a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and local Ukrainians are still passionately supporting their country. Local folks had a prayer service for all the victims of the war and the people of Ukraine on the evening of Feb. 24 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson.

“The event was co-organized by the parish, the Hudson Valley chapter of the Ukrainian American Youth Association and the Poughkeepsie-Kerhonkson chapter of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America,” said Peter Kosciolek, president of the local UAYA branch. “Several elected officials joined us, including Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, along with others. Youth from the organization participated in a moving presentation of what Ukrainians need as well as showing photos of residential buildings, schools and hospitals bombed out by the aggressors.

“The vigil was attended by over 140 people. A wonderful gathering of love and support for Ukraine as we vowed to remember the 365 days of brutal atrocities,” said Danylo Mykula, Stone Ridge resident and Ukrainian supporter. “We prayed for peace, for continued resolve of all Ukraine’s defenders, helpers and citizens. For light and warmth to return to every home, for reunions, and a final end to Russia’s evils. We expressed our gratitude to all those who continue to care.

Marielena Ferrer’s ‘Broken Monarchs’ art exhibit at Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

SUNY Ulster welcomes Marielena

Ferrer as Visiting Artist. Her “Broken Monarchs” exhibit will have its opening reception, 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 10, in Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at SUNY Ulster, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. Ferrer will present a lecture at the beginning of the event, which is free and open to the public. “Broken Monarchs” is a unique representation of the effects of confining animals that naturally migrate and how there are similar activities in society today. In her art exhibition, Ferrer takes the audience on a trip through her eyes on the “zero tolerance” policy at the U.S.-Mexican border.

Ferrer will also host two 45-minute public workshops in collective artmaking, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 21, and 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in the Gallery. Learn about the monarch butterfly migration quest and its symbolic connection to migrant children at the U.S.-Mexican border. Registration is required at https:// conta.cc/3J79Wo4.

Parishioners, friends and the community were thanked for their support. The event was live streamed. Kids from the youth group presented a flag that was signed by Ukrainian soldiers as a thank-you for supporting them, as well as candles placed on a large map signifying where cities were brutalized. The prayer service was followed by refreshments and baked goods in the undercroft where people chatted and enjoy fellowship,” said Mykula.

Some local Ukrainians spoke about the year anniversary of the war.

Maria Nemelivsky, a counselor for the UAYA, and a dentist and Kerhonkson resident since 2016, said, “I remember the first few weeks after the invasion we had a closing for our first family home, which should have been one of the happiest days of our lives, on March 1, and my husband and I just sat there like zombies. I came to the U.S. in 1996 when I was 10 years old and grew up in the East Village in Manhattan, and moved to Kerhonkson in 2016. It has been a year long nightmare that I still can’t wake up from. I have been living in a trance and still can not fathom that this is happening in the 21st century. Now I finally believe the abhorrence that my great-grandparents felt after surviving the Soviet regime. I believe, pray and hope that this will end soon, and Ukraine will thrive once again. For now, I will do everything possible in order to get closer to victory.”

Lesya Kotsyumbas, of Kerhonkson, a refugee who left Ukraine three days after the invasion because she wanted to keep her children safe, said, “I perceive this date rather as a full year of the Ukrainian people’s resilience and unprecedented bravery. This is also a full year of a completely new reality to my country and the world. I feel great sorrow for all the lost lives of brave soldiers and innocent people in Ukraine, for broken destinies and separated families, but I am also hopeful that the second year, which just started, will bring us victory and put this war to its end. The one-year anniversary makes us feel homesick and compassionate with all our countrymen. At the same time, we feel extremely grateful to the United States for the safety we found here, as well as for the immense amount of help and support that the American government and people provide to Ukrainians.”

Kathy Mykula, Stone Ridge resident and counselor for the UAYA, said, “I have experienced grief like never before because of Russia’s brutal invasion and tactics during this year. Sometimes it’s white-hot anger as I see Ukrainians facing unspeakable tragedies. At the same time, I am inspired by the courage, strength and resilience of the defenders, first responders and everyday Ukrainian citizens. As a family we are compelled to help and remain hopeful that Ukraine will stand free and whole, one day soon.”

As a socially engaged artist, Ferrer serves as the chair for both Kingston City Arts Commission and the Alianza Cultural de Kingston. The Commission’s purpose is to strengthen the local economy by attracting and promoting artists, arts venues, and arts entrepreneurs and encouraging cultural tourism. The Alianza Cultural de Kingston is a committee that is working on the findings of the Kingston Latino Cultural Study to bring programming and other activities to the Hispanic/Latino community. Additionally, Ferrer sits on the Family of Woodstock board of directors, Arts Mid-Hudson advisory board, and is a teaching artist at the Department of Regional Art Workers, the D.R.A.W., in Midtown Kingston.

Originally studying architecture at Central University of Venezuela, she later earned a certificate of distinction in “Leadership and Empowerment” from Spain’s Polytechnic University of Valencia and a diploma in “Gender Leadership” through the EQUAL Transnational Cooperation Community Initiative of the European Social Fund. Ferrer also earned a Univer- sity Expert Diploma in “Mental Health, Cultural Processes and Psychological Interventions with Immigrants, Minorities and the Socially Excluded” from the University of Barcelona. She holds a BFA in sculpture and is currently pursuing her MFA in sculpture from SUNY New Paltz. Gallery hours for “Broken Monarchs” are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and the exhibit will be on display through Friday, April 14.

For more information, contact Christopher Seubert at 845-687-5134.

Elizabeth C. Young

ACCORD—Elizabeth Catherine Young, affectionately known as “Betty,” died on Feb.23, 2023, at Vassar Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was 90. Betty was born on Staten Island on Sept. 20, 1932, to George and Amanda Bozzo. She married the love of her life, Robert David Young, on April 19, 1952, and settled in Accord in 1957. Betty worked for many years as a teacher’s aide at the Rondout Valley Middle School library and worked diligently for union membership. Betty sang in the church choir and volunteered for many years at the Church of Christ the King Food Pantry. Betty is survived by their three children, Linda, Robert and Daniel; nine grandchildren, David, Greg, Mercedes, Maddison, Heather, Robert, Jenny, Micaela and Michelle; and seven great-grandchildren, Sean, Parker, Alice, Peter, Audrey, Robert and Jack. On Saturday, March 4, 2023, family and friends will be received at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge for visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A church service will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a reception in the parish hall. All are invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Betty’s name to the Episcopal Church of Christ the King in Stone Ridge. Betty's services will be live streamed through the Christ the King Episcopal Church's website at https://www.ctkstoneridge.org/

Ann Catherine Jensen

HIGH FALLS—Ann Catherine Jensen was born in January 1939 in Brooklyn, the youngest of four siblings. She was raised in Rockville Centre. Ann passed away Feb. 24, 2023, in her home in High Falls after an extended illness. Ann married Roy Jensen Sr. in 1958. They had two children, Donna and Roy Jr. Donna parented two children, Julian and Jarrett, with Jay Honold. Roy Jr. and Marianne Jensen had three sons, Stephen, Martin and Michael. Ann became the proud and loving grandmother of five grandsons. After Ann and Roy Sr. divorced, she moved into an apartment in Greenwich Village. She worked as a paralegal in the city. Ann and Sal Matera met in 1978 and were married in St Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University in May 1986. They were the love of each other’s lives. Together, they bought a rundown farmhouse in High Falls. Ann, who could have been a professional architect, designed two additions, transforming the house into a large beautiful home on the Rondout Creek. The home became a gathering place for friends and family. Ann and Sal celebrated life by hosting events, traveling extensively, eating, drinking, attending concerts, theater and movies. Ann’s love of life, family, friends and good times was contagious. She taught, by example, what were the important things in life. Even as her health was failing, her first question to each visitor was “Is there anything I can get for you?” Ann left behind a legacy of a life well lived, filled with love, joy and laughter. She will be greatly missed by all who enjoyed her company and gracious hospitality.

Audrey M. Temple

TILLSON—Audrey M. Temple, a former longtime resident of Tillson, died on Feb. 23, 2023. She was 83. She was born in Walden on Jan. 19, 1940, a daughter of the late Clifford G. and Gertrude Schoonmaker Howe. Audrey had been employed in the Clerical Department at Ulster County Community College for 30 years until her retirement. She enjoyed plants, flowers, camping, reading and puzzle books. She especially loved all of her animals. Her husband, Bruce K. Temple Sr., died Jan. 5, 2013, and a son-in-law, Mitchell S. Miller, died Aug. 25, 2012. She is survived by her children, Bruce Temple Jr., Curtis Temple (Cindee) and Dawn Miller (Eric), all of Rosendale; three grandchildren, Shawna Bruno (Evan), Daniel Miller (Isabel) and Amber Temple (Rick). Also survived by great-grandchildren, McKinley, Sydney and Karsyn Bruno and Sophia, Natalie and Hannah Miller. Audrey's family extends special thanks to her personal care aides, Island View Adult Home Care in Rosendale, Ivy Lodge in Saugerties and Hudson Valley Hospice. Funeral services and cremation were held privately. George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., Rosendale, assisted the family.

William Carl Ennist

TILLSON—William Carl Ennist, tugboat engineer of Bloomington and Red Hook, affectionately called Tugboat Willy by friends, passed away on Feb. 23, 2023. He was 77. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Laurence and Doris Elizabeth; his brother, Jack; and his beloved son, Paul. He is survived by his longtime partner, Eleanor Friery, and his two daughters, Laurie Hudson (Tim) and Melissa Decker (Dylan Bogart); grandchildren, Matthew Hudson (Ashley), Courtney Mayo (Sean), Matthew Deschenes and Jack Bogart; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Hudson and Charlotte May. His funeral service was held at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Rosendale. The Rev. Arlene Dawber officiated. Cremation was held privately. Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund www.KindeyFund.org.

Sneak Peek: Stone Dock Café coming in April with fresh, local food for the whole community

Chelsea Miller

BSP Reporter

Just two years after purchasing all 19 acres of Stone Dock Golf Course, proprietors Francis and Jennifer O’Donnell are preparing to open the Stone Dock Café in the space on premises that formerly held the High Falls Café. The Gribbon family who ran The Café at Stone Dock for many years have purchased a restaurant on Route 209 in north Marbletown that will be opening soon. Full renovations are underfoot at both restaurants.

The O’Donnells are busy, changes are being made under the skillful hand of Francis while Jennifer oversees the permits, design and hiring. “We love this work and we are excited to see it unfold,” says Jennifer. The café will be in line with the couple’s overall goals for the golf course. “We are calling it Stone Dock Cafe because we want it to be a part of the course and reflect what we are doing with the course,” Jennifer says. “In keeping with our backgrounds in organic farming and sustainable development, Francis and I are taking the course itself in a more sustainable direction, working with scientists and educators to incorporate ‘green’ and organic practices that will make the landscape more resilient to flooding and climate change.”

When pressed to talk about the anticipated menu, Jennifer divulges that the plan is a playful mixture of familiar favorites, comfort food and globally inspired dishes prepared with fresh and local ingredients. A soft opening is set in time to welcome golfers on April 1, with expanded service hours outside of golfing hours to follow as the season progresses. Jennifer says that the goal is to create a place where the entire community feels welcome. “The important thing for people to know for now is that it will be a very welcoming place for our existing and longstanding community as well as the newcomers who are increasingly coming to the course.”