Gardiner Gazette Issue #58 Summer 2023

The Gardiner Gazette

HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY

by Misha Fredericks

Letter to the Community

It is with great sadness that I must announce that the operations of The Gardiner Gazette will be ceasing immediately. Our current team has kept the Gazette afloat since its founding General Manager, Carol O’Biso, retired from this publication, and we’ve done our best to further its mission and be a unifying force in our fair town. We thank you for the love and support that you have shown us through these years and to Carol for passing the baton and entrusting it to me.

Food. Many of us take for granted where our next meal comes from. With a few dollars, most folks can stop by a convenience store, gas station, supermarket, or restaurant to pick up a bite to eat. But for millions of Americans, food insecurity is a daily threat. People with food insecurity have the difficult decision to choose between paying the bills or feeding themselves and their families. More than 34 million people in the US face this hard reality annually according to feedamerica.org. That is 10.2% of the US population (ers.usda.gov) and includes 9 million children. That staggering statistic has only gotten worse with rising prices due to inflation and wages that fail to match the cost of living. Thankfully in our town there is a place residents can go if they need food –Helping Hands Food Pantry, Inc. (a 501C3 non-profit) at St. Charles Borromeo Church Hall Building. On Thursdays from 11am to 12:30pm anyone can stop by to get food. All that is required is a photo ID, proof of residency, and for the person to complete a simple form that asks for the household composition (the number of children, adults, elderly, and pets). Dedicated volunteers then bring food out to the recipient’s vehicle. The form is important not only to provide the family with the correct amount of food they need but also to track food the organization has distributed, data that is valuable when applying for the next grant. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, the pantry offers holiday meals and gifts for children and clothes.

Grants and donations of food and money have been instrumental in supporting the operation of Helping Hands for over 40 years. Food is supplied from our local Hannaford store in Modena. They donated 38,015 pounds of produce, bread, deli, and bakery items, dairy products and meats in 2022. A food bank

Continued on page 12

The Gazette would have been nothing without the hard work and dedication of its most recent General Manager, Misha Fredericks, all the volunteer writers and editors, our loyal webmaster, Marty Brutvan, the talented board members, and advertisers too numerous to mention who have contributed to its success. We have been seeking a replacement General Manager for some time, but no prospects have appeared, so with regret the Gazette will no longer be published. Of course, we will refund to advertisers any outstanding ad monies held for future issues and will satisfy any outstanding commitments.

Although this marks the end of this chapter in the Gazette’s 14-year story, it is my hope that what we are leaving behind will find itself in someone else’s capable hands so that the Gardiner Gazette will live on. If that might be you, please reach out to gardinergazetteny@ gmail.com or through our Facebook page or website, and I’ll be there willing to pass the baton on to the most qualified candidate and help with the transition. All past issues can be accessed at issuu.com/gardinergazette.

Thank you for all the love you have shown us. With gratitude,

L.A. McMahon Executive Director Gardiner Gazette

Photo: Misha Fredericks

CIVIC NEWS

CLIMATE SMART GARDINER (CSG)

We had our annual Riverkeeper Sweep, cleaning garbage and recycling from our river. We are partnering with the Cornell Cooperative Extension on a Disaster Preparedness Outreach Project. They will assist Gardiner in publicizing available local resources in the event of a disaster. We are continuing to move forward with CCA implementation and hope to bring renewable energy to Gardiner. Gardiner Library’s “Bags to Bench Challenge” has been so successful that they will continue to collect plastic for a second bench! Learn more at: www.facebook.com/climatesmartgardiner

GARDINER FIRE & RESCUE

The Gardiner Fire Department will be hosting the Gardiner 5K Classic on Thursday, July 20th at 6:30pm at Majestic Park. This fundraiser offers a great time for everyone. This run brings out the serious runners and the not so serious runners/walkers who just want to compete with their friends and have a good time. Awards will be given to the overall male and female contestants and also to the male and female challengers in each of the age categories who finish in first and second place. There will be a barbeque after the run and like always, there

will also be a “kids run” in the ball field, after the adult run, where all will receive an ice pop, a medal, a coupon to Stewart’s for an ice cream cone and a goodie bag from New Paltz Karate Academy. You can register for the run by going to the Gardiner Fire Department website (gardinerfireandrescue.org) and either sign up on-line or print, complete and mail in an application. We are also looking for sponsors for the run. Contact Donna Lyons at 845-255-5887 for sponsorship levels. So put on your running shoes and come out to Majestic Park on July 20th. We look forward to seeing you there.

GARDINER HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

April showers bring new CELL TOWER. Construction has begun at the highway garage – Can You Hear Me Now? Cement pouring began in May at McKinstry Road Bridge with a projected completion of the bridge repair by the end of June 2023.

Springtime brings the rebirth of the trees, flowers and migrating birds to our area; a new beginning to get outside and put winter behind us. What Winter? Yard work is upon us, please don’t blow your grass clippings or leaves or any other debris into the roadway.

Please check, secure and repair your mailbox posts to meet Town Code and keep your basketball hoops & garbage cans out of the traveling roadway (place them in your driveway).

Stay ALERT – It’s Construction Season. Please slow down

and watch for Town Highway, County DPW & State DOT Departments Road Crews and don’t tailgate large trucks. If we don’t see you in the mirrors, we won’t know you’re behind us! Also watch out for people, bicycles, motorcycles, and wildlife. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

GARDINER LIBRARY

In anticipation of all your summer reading needs the Gardiner Library will now hold its annual book sale on Saturday, June 24 from 10-4 PM and Sunday, June 25 from 10-2 PM. Browse a large collection of hardcovers, paperbacks, classics, DVDs, music, audiobooks, kids’ books and more. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). There will be live music throughout the day on Saturday. Choose a free book if you bring in a non-perishable food item to donate to the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Gardiner.

Get prepared to take part in some fun summer programming following the 4th of July weekend. Don’t miss out on programs and events for all ages including performances by Joe Wos, Robinson Wildlife and Story Faces, chess, gaming and D&D clubs, adult art classes, story times and more. Visit the library’s website (gardinerlibrary.org), subscribe to the newsletter and see information on social media to get more information. Don’t forget the library is a great place to hang out with beautiful views to enjoy from inside and outside, free WiFi, art shows and more. We’d love to see you!

LOCAL ELECTIONS

There will be a Democratic Primary on June 27th. Incumbent Supervisor Marybeth Majestic is being challenged by Tim Hunter. The winner of the primary will be the Democratic Party candidate who will run in the Fall election against Scott Arnold, the Republican Party candidate The Republican Party is not having a primary in June but will be having a caucus in July. Please contact Gardiner Republican Party Chair Patty Jacobsen at 845-895-1082 or pj81955@aol.com for more information.

RIVERBEND TRAILS

Riverbend Trails is located at the end of Steve’s Lane through the entrance of the Transfer Station. Proceed to the trail kiosk where the trails begin. Trail maps can be viewed at www.trailforks.com/region/riverbend-trails-gardiner-park ❧

Despite multiple calls and emails made by the Gardiner Gazette staff last Fall to Republicans at the local, county, and state levels we received no content or ads to include in the Fall 2023 Election Issue.

TUTHILLTOWN GRISTMILL

by Jose Moreno-Lacalle

Situated just off Albany Post Road on the Shawangunk Kill’s west bank, the Tuthilltown gristmill was until recently the oldest continuously-operated, water-powered gristmill in New York State. Built in 1788 by 18-year-old Selah Tuthill, it spurred the settlement of Tuthilltown, which remained a commercial hub and the social and cultural center of Gardiner Township until the construction of the Wallkill Valley Railroad in 1869.

The main building is a three-story frame structure, with a gabled roof surmounted by a clerestory, on a field-stone foundation. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the mill underwent a series of upgrades and additions. A more powerful overshot water wheel replaced the undershot wheel as the power source. Between the 1880s and 1910 a vertical-shaft turbine drive system replaced earlier grinding technologies. From the 1980s until 2003, the mill was used to grind kosher matzoh flour. It became home to a restaurant in 2010, which closed in 2019. The wood-beamed interiors and continued presence of functional equipment and stone grinding wheels remain—primarily on the second floor—befitting its 1982 National Register of Historic Places designation. The Gristmill and 36 acres of surrounding property were purchased in 2017 by William Grant & Sons, a fifth-generation Scottish distillery, which already owns Tuthilltown Spirits and Distillery, which is located across the street.

According to Leann Vanderheyden, Site Ambassador for the distillery, the gristmill bar on the first floor is open for business and kept very busy with local visitors and outof-town tourists. Customers can buy beer, wine, spirits— Tuthilltown’s very own, of course—and mixed drinks at the bar; a highly-regarded taco wagon outside sells food that can be eaten on the outdoor veranda or inside. On the second floor, there is a bar and tables for VIP tours, whiskey

tastings, and private events. For example, Corporate customers may taste whiskeys from different barrels and then buy a barrel from the distillery to have the contents bottled with a private label to give to their clients.

Jacob Tschetter, the distillery’s Visitor Experience Manager, explained that work is ongoing to establish a visitor’s center in the gristmill, downstairs where the main bar is located. This should be completed by the end of the year. The community experience is important, and the gristmill and the farm market are to be considered a community space. People should expect to enjoy good food, drink, and music, and have a good time. It matters that the experience be attractive and enjoyable to as wide a range of people as possible, and not just oriented to one group or another.

The owners have been approached about having weddings on site, but this means that they have to be careful regarding issues such as noise ordinances. For example, sound levels cannot exceed 60 decibels after 8:00 pm, which is rather quiet. Obviously, the neighbors must be respected.

On Saturdays a farm market is held in the courtyard/parking lot next to the distillery.

Adding a restaurant in the gristmill is an option that the owners are considering, but it would be a partnership rather than one owned and operated by the distillery.

Across

2. Spiritual and supernatural arts of a ninja, utilized

6. Tau, not Tao

7. Dragsters do this to an engine

10. “--- daily bread”

12. British slang for lie

13. Campers balneal essential, abbrv.

14. Memo of Understanding, if you know what I mean

16. The most important navigational star

19. Greek and British Isles, abbrv.

20. Summer roads mainly void of this school aged people mover

22. Room and board here for weary travelers

23. Town on the Sheepscot River, southeast of Gardiner, Maine

24. Dorm supervisor on campus

25. Find iconic costumed artisans in this district of Kyoto, Japan

Across, continued

28. Cash convenience at Gables Plaza and Ulster Savings Bank

29. In No Cal-- a valley, a reservoir, and a water system; repeat-ey

30. Gunks climbing route named for leader, Ms. Millar in 1946

31. Wild harvested plant exploited in the wicker trade, a.k.a. Manila cane

34. “__ apple a day keeps away…”

35. Female player currently on WTA tour, (get help from 19 & 30 across)

37. Qualifying suffix to write a script for illness, say

38. Swimwear brand

40. Purple wildflower grows in meadows and on roadsides in summer

41. Flavorful food stick for the grill

Down

1. Community organization that gives pantry items and gifts at Christmastime

2. Neighboring village with a vibe, abbrv.

3. Four Winds Farm method that keeps beneficial soil organisms healthy

4. Gardiner Gazette debut event in June 2023, haute canine

5. State home to Willamette Valley, abbrv.

8. White grape varietal, only for Condrieu in Rhone Valley, but also in NY blends

9. Unincluded duckling of a past generation’s children’s book

11. Find this product at Willow Pond Sheep Farm

15. Bear of the northern sky that contains clue 16 across

17. Pioneering female aviator, lost

18. Railway Labor Act, abbrv.

21. Cream based sauce for mussels; “Billi- __”

21. Gingko Petrified Forest and Mt. Rainer both located in this state, abbrv.

26. Company installed the first NYC elevator in 1857, also the inline railway on Mt. Beacon in 1902

27. National Collegiate Athletic Association, abbrv.

30. An ewe is this kid’s ____

32. Former Mariner, retired Yankee, silver slugger with 25 career grand slams; initials

33. He makes gluten free vodka

(answers on page 15)

Crossword by L. C. Wiley

FOLLOW THE MUSIC

By Joann Chack

Live music and the great outdoors - this is what Gardiner, in the shadow of “The Gunks”, is all about to my husband John and me. And although Gardiner is not well known for being a music mecca, we have stumbled, through trial and error, upon a way to enjoy live music and learn more about Gardiner’s surrounding area at the same time.

We started close to home when the live music wafted over to our property on the Wallkill River from Robibero Winery (714 Albany Post Road, New Paltz); it’s an easy drive around the river to check out the music, wines and sweeping views. Then, Base Camp (2809 Route 44 55, Gardiner) opened, and we loved sitting on the big Adirondack chairs, soaking in the sun after biking in the Gunks, having great beers, food from the food trucks, and music so sweet and so close to home. They may not have music next summer, but we’ll see what next season brings. Gardiner Brewing Company, at Wright’s Farm (699 Route 208, Gardiner), which has live music every Saturday and Sunday nights, has become our go-to place because the folks and the music there are great! The owners post a list of who is playing for the entire month in-house on their bar and also on Instagram. Once we bag the list of the bands, we look them up on social media and see where else they may be playing. Then, when we go hear a band that we really like, we’ll check on Instagram or Facebook to see where else they are playing next. Sometimes they’re booked to play at a venue close to Gardiner.

In any case, looking up bands brings more local venues to our attention. For example, we found Brooklyn Cider House (155 N. Ohioville Road, New Paltz) where the pizza is amazing, the apple ciders are fantastic, the pond soothing, and the setting sun delightful. BTW—Their orchard is organic so be sure to check them out when apple picking time comes around. “Ugly Apples Taste Better” is their motto. Another venue, not too far away from home, is The Groovy Blueberry (1 Water St, New Paltz) which has live music on the weekends in the afternoons. We bike down from Gardiner on the newly resurfaced rail trail, getting some exercise, and then listen to live music. Pretty Groovy!

Sometimes we go further afield and will head up north:

Keegan Ales (20 James Street, Kingston), where there always seems to be great music outdoors under the tent in their parking lot, along with their great brews. If you are looking for a unique musical experience, try Widow Jane Mine (668 Route 213, Rosendale) for a concert in a cave. We’ve been there a few times and have never been disappointed. Bring a chair and be prepared for some drips of condensation from the cave’s rock ceiling overhead. All part of the experience. Radio Woodstock Sunset Sessions are a Friday night treat with innovative cross-platform entertainment at various venues; OPUS 40 (356 George Sickle Road, Saugerties) is a must-see unique venue with a 6.5 acres environmental

sculpture park built entirely by artist Harvey Fite; at Walkway Over The Hudson (Highland side) we saw a Reggae Band with a sweet little 4-year-old drummer playing along; Stone Ridge Orchards (3012 Route 213, Stone Ridge) is a 200-yearold historic working farm where we saw Joelle & River and Megg Farrell as well as a Blues Festival; Maverick Concert Hall (120 Maverick Road, Woodstock) offers chamber, classical, jazz and contemporary music; Arrowood Farms (236 Lower Whitfield Road, Accord) is a sustainably-minded farm brewery, distillery, food and event destination just over the ridge that hosted some festivals like The Dirt Farmer Festival (2018) with Amy Helm (Levon’s daughter), Larry Campbell and Theresa Williams. And of course, The Colony (22 Rock City Road, Woodstock), a restored 1929 theater, never disappoints. There is so much to enjoy! Mountains, Music and Fresh Air... Ahhhhh ❧

Photo: Joann Chack

POLLINATOR RIPARIAN BUFFER ON THE WALLKILL

By Angela Sisson

A riparian (forested) buffer zone is an area along a shoreline, wetland or stream where land disturbance is restricted or prohibited. The primary function of a riparian buffer is to physically protect and separate a stream, lake, or wetland from future disturbance or encroachment and pollinators (bees, butterflies, bats, beetles, birds, flies, wasps, ants, moths, etc.) love them. This summer and fall, two exciting projects are merging into one pollinator-riparian buffer on a Wallkill River farm. The Hardenbergh-Jenkins Farm, founded in 1743, is listed on the national register of historic places. The farm sits on a rich alluvial level floodplain, with expansive views of fields, including river views, ending at distant woodlands. The lawn is surrounded by hayfields which are periodically cut. Adjacent fields contain alfalfa and sometimes corn. The farm has been in continuous production since its inception in the 18th century and has never been anything but a farm. Owner Vals Osborne put the farm under a conservation easement in 2004 with the Wallkill Valley Land Trust in order to protect it from development. Now it needs other kinds of protection.

Growing up here 70 years ago, Vals remembers a very different riverbank. “I would say that we’ve lost about 10 feet of riverbank, judging from some markers in the river since I was a kid.” With almost a mile of riverfront, she became increasingly concerned about the erosion to the bank and fields, and contacted the DEC’s Trees for Tribs (TFT) program. TFT has been providing free trees for volunteer plantings over the past 15 years to great success. In fact, through the TFT program, the Gardiner Trail Alliance planted 670 trees just across the river from the farm!

Vals also enquired about a new project called Pollinate Now! – an initiative from the Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley. They were seeking four model sites on which to install plantings in support of at-risk pollinators. Vals had already begun planting more native plants in support of pollinators. She says “I really am seriously interested in preserving our insect life, our pollinators, and other wildlife.”

Vals applied for and was accepted by both the TFT and Pollinate Now! projects.

“Both these projects are community-oriented, learning experiences for everybody. One of the things that we love is that TFT and Pollinate Now! are working in collaboration. TFT has done an amazing job planting trees over the years, providing riparian buffers which protect riverbanks—but they have never approached the plantings from a pollinator perspective and they are willing to work with us to provide pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs.”

In addition to protecting the riverbank with a plant buffer and supporting pollinators by using appropriate plant species, Vals decided to further support pollinators and the environment by reducing the size of her lawn. The pollinator riparian buffer project includes two meadows, one of which will replace about 5000 square feet of lawn near the farmhouse, and the other meadow will replace about 5000 square feet of hayfield along the river.

Three volunteer events will be used to prepare and install the plantings for the pollinator-riparian buffer. The first event, held on May 21st, was for the pollinator meadow preparation and involved covering the two meadow areas with tarps. Volunteers laid plastic tarps held down by sandbags. The plastic will smother the existing plants over the summer so that the meadows can be planted in the fall. The second event will be held on October 1st for the tree- and shrubplanting along the river. On November 18th, volunteers will sow meadow-seeds. These events are an excellent learning opportunity for people interested in meadows or ways to reduce lawns, how to plant trees, and how to provide erosion protection from the river. Anyone interested in volunteering for the October 1st or November 18th events can contact wildonesMHV@gmail.com or register on Wild Ones

Mid-Hudson Valley events page: https://midhudsonvalley. wildones.org/events. Tasty refreshments will be provided to the hungry volunteers.

Anyone with similar sites or conditions can adapt this model project for their riparian-buffer plantings on the Wallkill River or for other meadow plantings. The Partners for Climate Action will be offering a “Toolkit” for the Pollinate Now! projects—all in the Hudson Valley Eco-region using native-plant designs specifically tied to their pollinator interactions. To learn more visit www.climateactionhv.org/ initiatives/pollinate-now.❧

Photo: Angela Sisson

CANNABIS 101, PART 2:

THC EDIBLES

by Courtney Beaupre

Edibles refer to ingestible THC products which include anything from gummies, chocolate, mints, and cookies to seltzer, coffee, salad dressing, and other creative culinary concepts. Edibles can offer a healthier alternative to the traditional means of ingesting cannabis-derived THC such as smoking or vaping. Those trying edibles must keep in mind that edibles can produce a longer lasting effect and create a different experience than smoking. The THC effects edibles provide often take significantly longer to kick in when compared to the almost immediate effect one gets from smoking cannabis, so it’s important to understand the difference between various products. In addition, different forms of edibles vary within the class. For example, seltzers, drinks or dissolvables may take only 10-15 minutes to feel an effect where gummies or cookies may take an hour or longer. Everyone’s body chemistry and tolerance levels are different so if you are trying a new product or not sure of your tolerance level, it’s helpful to remember the golden rule of “start low and go slow.”

Dosing

Again, different people experience different effects. One person may get high from a 5mg edible while the other person may not feel it all. However, it helps to understand dosing, especially as a beginner. The following list provides some general information related to dosing but is not in any way a recommendation of use:

1-2.5mg- Microdose- 2.5mgs may be a good starting dose for a first-time user or for people who like to microdose.

People may experience little to no intoxication.

3-5mg- Low Dose- 5mg is a standard dose for edibles and has more effect in the average person. This may be an effective dose for those looking for a sleep aid.

10-15mg- Moderate Dose- This dose is generally for a more experienced consumer or someone who has a higher tolerance.

20-30mg- High Dose- This dose is for people with higher tolerances and may have unpleasant effects for a less experienced user.

50-500mg- Very High Dose- This dose is often used medically for people experiencing cancer or other significant health conditions. This dose range is not recommended for the average user.

Most edibles that are purchased from a licensed dispensary often come in 5mg or 10mg doses and most can be cut into smaller doses as needed. If trying an edible product for the first time, it is recommended to wait at least 1 hour before increasing the dose as it may take some time to kick in. Consult a friendly and knowledgeable budtender for best product recommendations. For more information, contact Honey’s Cannabis at (845) 337-8875 or visit us at 133 Main St in Gardiner.❧

Outdoor dining -- tent, patio, and porch. Dramatic locust grove

Photo: Courtney Beaupre

J.B. CROWELL & SON BRICK MOULDS

by Vals Osborne

At the intersection of Albany Post Road and the Dwaar Kill several miles from the Tuthilltown Grist Mill, the James B. Crowell and Son brick mold factory, a National Register property since 1983, has been in continuous operation for nearly 150 years under Crowell family ownership since its founding in 1872. The building burned to the ground several times and was last rebuilt in 1915. For many years a water-powered industry, the factory converted to electric power in 1948. Today, the Crowell plant is filled with exotic machines, most installed many decades ago, some invented and patented by James B. Crowell himself. The rather ancient machines still function well—old machines are known for their quality, simplicity, and easy repair. Following the vicissitudes of the pandemic, the sad but necessary decision has been made this year to sell all the equipment and to rent or sell the building that housed them, bringing to an end one of the last successful brick-making factories in the Hudson Valley. ❧

Asked of the Hummingbird

by Linda Sisto

Wee-winged wonder, Whirring to and fro, Whence did you come

And wither do you go?

Air-strand weaver, Wefting tiny beams of sun, When suddenly your shuttle stops, Do you admire what you’ve done?

Green-glinted gleamer

Whizzing while you hum, Wherever did you go

And when next will you come?

Photo: Jose Moreno-Lacalle

HEALTHIER LAWNS IN GARDINER

by Joan Parker

It is early summer and the lawns appear lush and green in Gardiner. There is, however, another way to describe that lawn-scape: unhealthy. While a conventional lawn offers a standardized look and management regime, an expanse of green lawn can also be an unbalanced artificial environment where the birds and the bees cannot thrive. Current lawn maintenance practices often create pollution and expose us to harmful chemicals. Turning lawns into a diverse habitat, reducing pesticide and fertilizer application and changing mowing practices are keys to a healthier lawn-scape. To power a transition to healthier lawn and landscape practices for both do-it-yourselfers and professionals, there are an increasing number of organizations providing information, resources, and support.

A mantra and movement that has gained a following for lawn change is “No Mow May”. Started by Plantlife, an organization based in the UK, this practice allows early season flowering plants and wildflowers to get a head start in the spring, providing nectar at a critical time in the annual growth cycle. Wild Ones, a non-profit native plants and landscapes organization with a new Mid-Hudson group, encourages switching turf grass for native plants. Their website provides native garden designs, developed specifically for non-professionals and novices, including installation instructions and tips. Both organizations encourage using at least two different heights of native plants in your lawn to provide a variety of sources for nectar, seed, and habitat for pollinators.

Healthy Yards is a Westchester NY based organization that promotes “mowing high” and avoiding chemical pesticides in their “10 Healthy Steps” to create a healthier yard environment. They also encourage reducing lawn to what is only needed for entertaining, pets, and play areas. Their website suggests options for replacing remaining lawn such as rain gardens, ground covers, and meadow grasses. For the areas that remain as lawn, Cornell CALS Turf Program has “Four Steps to Success” for keeping an attractive lawn an environmental asset. One step is to use only sharp mower blades. Dull blades increase fuel consumption by as much as 20% and they leave the tips of the grass blades ragged and brown. The Turf Program recommends mowing no lower than 3 inches for good root growth and to maintain consistent moisture. Consistently mowing lower than recommended can create bare spots and stresses root structure. Maintaining your lawn through better mowing practices will mostly eliminate the need for fertilizer application.

Many Gardiner residents use a trusted landscaping service to mow regularly and to assist with lawn maintenance throughout the year. Professional landscapers now have

more tools and resources for implementing a healthier management program for your lawn. The current generation of electrical landscaping tools includes commercial grade stand-up and seated mowers with a longer battery life and faster recharge. As professionals replace equipment, the option to go electric is now feasible. Electric equipment greatly reduces maintenance costs and creates a healthier environment by decreasing air pollution, reducing gas consumption and eliminating much of the noise that lawn maintenance with gas powered equipment creates. Let your landscaper know that you want a healthier yard and discuss it with them. After all, a healthier yard is a better environment for landscapers, too. ❧

SEASONAL FAMILY ALMANAC: A NEW BOOK AND RESOURCE

by Kathy Kronick

Jana Blankenship, a Gardiner resident since 2014, recently published her second book, titled “Seasonal Family Almanac: Recipes, Rituals, and Crafts to Embrace the Magic of the Year.” The book, co-authored with Emma Frisch, is a handson resource for families to strengthen their connection with nature through recipes for cooking, wellness, personal care, and crafts suitable for each season. Blankenship is wellversed on this topic. Her first book, “Wild Beauty: Wisdom & Recipes for Natural Self-Care,” was published in 2019. Her business, Captain Blankenship, began in 2009, but her love for blending beauty products was discovered much earlier. “I was always that kid outside making potions,” said Blankenship. “My mom was a fashion designer; growing up she saw my passion for alchemy and let me mix all her perfumes together. In the early 80s perfumes were so different than they are now, they were entirely synthetic, but so much more alluring.” Blankenship developed a sensitivity to the perfumes’ synthetic ingredients, but she still loved the scents of the natural world. Twenty years later she was living in Berkeley, California, and she noticed, “the hills there smelled like jasmine and citrus. I ended up going into a friend’s store and discovered this sterling silver compact of solid perfume and it smelled just like jasmine and blood orange, and grapefruit.” It was the first perfume she had experienced that didn’t make her feel sick. She found out the perfume maker, Mandy Aftel, lived nearby and Blankenship began studying with Aftel. Captain Blankenship started in her Berkeley kitchen in 2009. Her first products were essential oil-based perfumes, but the company grew to include skin care, hair care, and body care. Blankenship explained “my passion is really plant-based formulas and education around plant-based ingredients.”

The growth of clean beauty has exploded in the past five years, but back in 2009 there were few options. “You could find some products in a natural grocery store,” explained Blankenship, “but the scents were pretty simple and onenoted like lavender or vanilla. It was all about timing, there were so few options back then.” Eventually the market became saturated as the big skin-care companies entered the clean beauty market. Haircare products such as dry shampoo, sea salt hairspray, and hair and scalp serums were the first products Blankenship formulated back in 2009-2010 and the company is again focusing on hair care which still has room for innovation.

Blankenship met Emma Frisch four years ago when they were introduced by a mutual friend after they both had their second child. Blankenship said “it quickly became clear there was so much synergy between us. When we met, we were both independently pitching new book ideas to the same publisher, so we kind of compared what we were doing, and it turned out we had very similar ideas. Both proposals were

about plant education and culinary recipes involving kids.” They decided to pair up and work together. The book has culinary recipes written by Frisch, and herbal and personalcare recipes contributed by Blankenship. They both worked on beverages and included nature-based crafts and activities for the whole family. The recipes and activities spread through the year, from early spring through late winter. There is also an element of wild harvesting and foraging for ingredients. The authors want this to be available to everyone no matter where they live, in a city or the country.

In addition to the recipes and activities written by Blankenship and Frisch, 18 other women wrote pieces on various topics, ranging from Juneteenth to natural dental care. Andrea Draznowsky, owner of Gatehouse Greens in New Paltz, wrote a piece on microgreens. Both Ritualist and Inquiring Minds in New Paltz are selling this book and it is available for purchase online at Amazon and many independent book sellers. ❧

Photo: Chelsy Mitchell

PANTRY, CONTINUED

in Cornwall delivers a box truck full of food every third Thursday which is split evenly between Helping Hands and other local food pantries. During the growing season, Four Winds Farm donates vegetables. In 2022 they donated 1,147 pounds to Helping Hands while Ulster Correctional Facility in Napanoch donated 621 pounds of fresh grown vegetables. Farm to Food Pantry Collaborative brings produce every Thursday. Even pets are helped by the Walden Humane Society, which donates pet food to the food pantry.

“During Covid, many food pantries in the area closed down because they were run by volunteers who were senior or elderly and vulnerable to Covid. For this reason, people started coming to Helping Hands from as far away as Monticello and Kerhonkson,” Jean LeRose, the Coordinator of Helping Hands, explained, “We will not turn anyone away but this increased need has also caused an increase in the amount of food and the number of volunteers needed to serve those who come to us.”

Many local businesses have assisted Helping Hands to serve the less fortunate: Walden Savings Bank instituted “Dress-down Fridays”. Employees who chose to wear pajamas or casual clothes donated $5 to do so. That money was then donated to local charities with Helping Hands being one of them. Another Gardiner-based business, Gillette Creamery, provides freezer space for the pantry to store its food when the amount they have exceeds what the pantry’s 7 freezers can hold. Gardiner Library has held food

and coat drives and donated to Helping Hands. Rycor in partnership with local boy scouts had a hugely successful food drive which helped the pantry immensely. Supervisor Majestic made sure the pantry was well-stocked with masks and hand sanitizer during the height of the pandemic. Uptown Attic donates clothing to the outside “Boutique” at the Helping Hands. The Rotary Club of Southern Ulster County donates money plus baby diapers and winter coats and clothing. Wallkill High School donates to Helping Hands items collected during their annual Winter Coat Drive. Man with a Van is contracted to pick up the pallets of food from the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in Cornwall that are beyond the weight capacity of the volunteers to handle.

“As you can see, it takes a village to run a food pantry. Without the help from all these good neighbors, we could not continue to function,” Jean LeRose asserted.

To offset the cost of insurance and rent for the space at the St. Charles Borromeo, Helping Hands has acquired grants but it only covers part of its expenses. Financial donations would help them to continue to provide this vital service to the community. You may donate by credit card through a GoFundMe link on their website helpinghandsofgardiner. com, or mail checks to: Helping Hands Food Pantry, Inc., PO Box 190, Gardiner, NY 12525. To volunteer, please call Jean LeRose at (845)-863-3222 or (845)-564-1153 or email Neeyajean@aol.com. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsGardiner. ❧

THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION FUND IS ACCRUING! SO,

WHAT’S NEXT?

by Jean McGrane and Laura Rose

Since its formation in 2009, the Gardiner Open Space Commission (GOSC) has been very active in our community. GOSC’s role is to advise and assist the Town Board in protecting undeveloped land and other natural and cultural resources as defined in the Gardiner Open Space Plan.

Among other projects, and with quite a few additional community activists, members of this all-volunteer Commission worked tirelessly on the groundwork that led to the development of a Community Preservation Plan (CPP) in 2021. The Town’s adoption of this plan led to the Community Preservation Fund referendum that was on the ballot in November 2022.

Voted in overwhelmingly by Gardiner’s voters, the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) will provide a continuing and key source of funds for Gardiner open space preservation.

The Community Preservation Law sets out the terms for using the funds, and calls for the establishment of a Community Preservation Advisory Board to review and make recommendations on the use of monies from the fund, once a significant amount accrues. The role of this Advisory Board, (which has not yet been formed) would be very similar to the role of the Open Space Commission.

After the CPF referendum was passed, members of GOSC debated as to whether or not it would be in the Town’s best interest to have two separate volunteer boards, both trying to do similar things, or to combine these functions into a single new Commission. Unanimously, GOSC agreed we’d be in a better position to do a better job if combined.

The Town Board agreed that having two separate boards would be less effective. To move this forward, they requested David Church, planning consultant working on revising the Town laws to accommodate the newly updated Comprehensive Plan, to combine the Community Preservation Law with the 2009 Open Space Preservation and Acquisition Law, the law under which the Open Space Commission was formed, as part of his work plan.Once the combined law is approved by the Town Board, Gardiner’s current Open Space Commission will be dissolved, and a new Community Preservation/Open Space Advisory Commission will be appointed. Several of the current members will stay with the new group, for continuity, but additional members will also be added. Target date for completion is the end of August. ❧

THE HIGH COST OF EGGS CAN MAKE YOU SICK--LITERALLY

by L.A. McMahon

Inflation has pushed the price of basic food necessities into the stratosphere, and because of avian influenza, millions of chickens were euthanized this past year increasing the price of a dozen organic eggs to over $7.00. This caused many Gardiner residents to be motivated to try raising backyard poultry. Seriously, it seems like every other person you talk with has started or is starting to raise chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and sometimes, turkeys. When you think about it, with today’s prices, who wouldn’t want to raise a few chickens? There are many upsides to raising poultry, first of which is enjoyment; people enjoy raising baby chicks, ducklings, goslings, keets, and poults. They are adorable, soft, and fluffy, and eventually when they grow up, they give fresh eggs. In the last century when farming was the main pursuit in this area, the knowledge of how to manage livestock was handed down from generation to generation, but there’s been a gap since then and now, instead, there’s Google, YouTube and TikTok to educate the poultry naïve, and every year people are getting sick from bird-borne germs that can cause a variety of illnesses ranging from minor skin infections to serious illnesses that may cause death. Now, compared to COVID-19, getting sick from a chicken may seem almost ridiculous, but like COVID-19, the CDC2 has guidelines to prevent poultry-related infection, loosely summarized below:

• Don’t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth. (This one is easy as I’ve never had a bird willing to kiss me, but it may be a hardship for those with affectionate birds.)

• Don’t let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drinks are prepared, served, or stored. (Only dead chickens are allowed in the kitchen, and no geese in the bed--there’s only room for the dogs.)

• Don’t eat or drink in areas where poultry live or roam. (Coop-side soirees, even socially distant ones, are out.)

• Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house. (Alert to Gardiner inventors: I googled “outdoor shoe garage” and came up empty.)

• Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages or food and water containers. (May be a challenge during a NY winter, but OK.)

• Safe egg handling is also important because eggshells may become contaminated with Salmonella and other germs from poultry droppings (poop) or the area where they are laid; CDC recommendations include:

• Keep a clean coop. The cleaner the coop, the cleaner the eggs.

• Collect eggs often. The longer they sit, the dirtier they get. Throw away cracked eggs; bacteria on the shell can more easily enter a cracked shell.

• Don’t wash warm, fresh eggs in water that is even 10-degrees colder than the temperature of the egg because doing so can pull bacteria into the egg. Eggs with dirt and debris can be cleaned carefully with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth

• Refrigerate eggs after collection to maintain freshness and slow bacterial growth.

• As with all raw animal products, it is safest to cook eggs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or hotter to kill potentially harmful organisms.

For more info: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov❧

Photo: CDC

CELL TOWER RECAP

by Supervisor Marybeth Majestic

Questions have been raised about the Town Boards’ decision to honor a lease placing a Wireless Telecommunications Facility (WTF) at the Highway Garage on South Mountain Road. Here are some facts to help set the record straight.

The lease for the Highway property was signed by the Town Board in May 2011. There was no activity on this lease until September of 2021 when Wireless Edge submitted an application to build a tower. The Town Board held public hearings for 2 months, had 2 balloon tests performed, hired a radio frequency engineer and approved the application in August 2022.

The Cell Tower Background

Wireless Edge, demonstrated a capacity and coverage issue within town and reported that this project would remedy the gap. The radio frequency engineer hired by the town confirmed that, and also stated the area suffers from sector saturation; unreliable service would continue to be an issue if the proposed facility were not constructed, especially as demand continues to increase.

The Cell Tower Property

The location provides a natural buffer of trees along the road so the ground equipment will be concealed at the lower level. The project will have a limited impact on community-wide scenic views and is the least intrusive available site, from those submitted in 2010. The facility will be 1,200’ lower than the ridgeline.

Conditions Required by Town Board

This being a difficult decision to make, the current Town Board

reviewed the comments from the public and placed additional conditions on the special use permit. These were: limit the height to 110’, provide annual rf emissions compliance reports, provide an acceptable decommissioning and removal agreement, provide a performance guaranty, paint the tower a mottled gray and brown to represent tree bark, install sound attenuating enclosure around the generator, provide details on ice management, prohibit illumination other than safety lights, require all utility wires be placed underground.

It is important to note that the Town Board was prohibited from considering alleged health impacts from the proposed tower by the US Telecommunications Act, which regulates the placement and construction of WTFs as well as the ability of local governments to enact their own regulations regarding towers. TCA§332 states local governments retain authority to make certain decisions regarding the development of WTFs subject to limitations in the TCA such as “no local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions.” Courts have determined that “environmental effects include health concerns about biological effects of RF radiation.” (T-Mobile Northeast LLC v Town of Ramapo, SDNY 2009).

To address this concern, the Town Board suggested residents contact Congressman Pat Ryan to address the FCC regulations, since it is a federal, not a town regulation.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of the process. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this further at 845-255-9675 x101 or supervisor.tog@gmail.com. ❧

THE GARDINER GAZETTE

PO Box 333, Gardiner, NY 12525

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & ARTIST

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SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS AT DENIZEN

by Larry and Jill Feldman

Many of you, like us, are fans of the Denizen Theatre in New Paltz, run by Kirsty and Andy Gaukel. Andy, who is a renowned puppeteer, puppet educator, and multiple grant recipient of the Jim Henson Foundation, will be offering programs for children this summer at the Denizen Theatre: Wee Stories - a FREE interactive storytelling hour with puppet-making for young children. During each session, a popular storybook will be read aloud and explored through creative play and movement with puppets that kids can take home with them. (Scheduled dates: June 3, July 8 and August 5.) This program is geared towards ages 3-7, but children of all ages are welcome

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

The Gardiner Gazette is a quarterly publication funded entirely by advertising and contributions.

Articles have been written by community members, not by paid reporters.

Summer Youth Workshops in Stop-Motion Animation and Puppetry:

Stop-Motion Animation workshops will be July 10-14 for grades 2-3, and July 17-21 for grades 4-5. Campers will be taught stop-motion techniques using a variety of materials. Their movies will debut at Denizen later in July.

Puppetry workshops will be July 31-Aug 4 for grades 2-3 and Aug 7-11 for grades 4-5. Students will study several puppetry styles; program will culminate with a performance for family and friends.

For more detailed information and to register, go to the Denizen website: www.denizentheatre.org. ❧

All past issues can be accessed at issuu.com/gardinergazette.

The 1st Annual

On behalf of Bleu’s K9 Rescue and the Gardiner Gazette, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who paraded their pups, as well as to those who donated and/or were vendors at the Pups on Parade event. We’d also like to thank our event ambassadors, Hot Toddie, and her human, Christine Compeau, and all our volunteers whose diligent efforts helped make the Pups on Parade event a success Kudos also to the Shawangunk Kennel Club for their amazing doggy demonstrations, and a round of applause for the Town of Gardiner for use of the field and to the Gardiner Highway Dept, for the excellent traffic control they supplied. The following socially -responsible businesses sponsored Pups on Parade. Please patronize these businesses -they’ve proven that they care for our community and our canine companions.

GOLD SPONSORS

Democratic Success in Gardiner

Key Dates and Web Resources:

Tuesday, June 27, Democratic Primary Vote Marybeth Majestic for Gardiner Town Supervisor! Early Voting is June 17-25; June 26 is last day to apply in person at BOE for absentee ballot; other information at elections.ulstercounty.gov. For election ballot procedures and additional candidate information, go to gardinerdemocrats.com and ulstervotes.com

Gardiner Comprehensive Plan Aims for “A Progressive Community, ” by Marybeth Majestic

The Gardiner Town Board and I have been working intently to do two things: first, to manage the town well and keep taxes as low as possible; and second, to build for the future based on our desire to build a progressive community we can all be proud of. That doesn’t happen without a clear vision for the future and good planning.

A comprehensive plan is the foundational document of municipal planning and zoning. It starts with a vision for the future of a community, continues in the development of a concrete plan to achieve that vision, and then works to adjust zoning codes (rules for who can build where, what, and why) to meet the plan goals.

The Town of Gardiner developed master plans last in 1992 and 2004, so we were in need of an update several years ago. We engaged a professional planner, Dave Church, and set about the process of creating a new plan.

We worked diligently through a pandemic, to reach our residents, boards, committee and commission members as well as our business owners and farming community.

We updated the plan and outlined new goals and recommendations and in 2022 the Town Board adopted a the new Comprehensive Plan (it can be viewed at townofgardiner.org/comprehensive -plan).

Taking Stock in a Democratic Board’s Achievements, By

Franco Carucci

As a member of the Town Board since 2019, I am very proud of what we have accomplished over the past four years, ranging from infrastructure and public safety to park improvements, open space, and environmental sustainability. We have made strategic investments in roads, bridges, and sewer systems to enhance the quality of life for our residents. The Board has also promoted innovative programs for community involvement and civic pride, while safeguarding our natural beauty and resources.

Gardiner Comprehensive Plan Vision: Our Vision for Gardiner is to make the Town an even more attractive and vibrant place for people to make their home. To do this we need to solidify the protection of our environment: including saving open space, ensuring water quality, sustaining our climate, and savoring our agricultural heritage. Also, we need to improve Gardiner’s infrastructure and housing options for current residents so we can offer a warm welcome to new families.

The new plan brings important new elements to the Town, which include:

• Adapting to a changing climate while ensuring open space protection and a balance of economic, environmental and community sustainability.

• Housing diversity and affordability that meet both the residents’, the community’s, and Gardiner’s share of the region’ s housing needs, which are in crisis.

• Meeting seniors’ needs with unique facilities and services so they can remain active participants in the community.

• Natural Resources Inventory to be used as a resource for planning and zoning decisions.

• Government Operations to maintain and improve a smart and efficient Town government.

The process of having the zoning law align with the new goals in the comprehensive plan will be a public process. Topics will be discussed at town board meetings, local laws affecting the zoning will be drafted and public hearings will take place.

You should be a part of this process! Please, if you do not already receive copies of town board agendas, sign up to do so. Share your thoughts and be involved, it ’s your town and we really want your input.

Working collaboratively, the board has made significant progress in preserving natural resources, including the adoption of a Natural Resource Inventory and the Community Preservation Plan, which implemented a 1.25% real estate transfer tax fund to protect resources and open space. We have also prioritized infrastructure improvements by installing an EV Charging Station, improving the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and replacing the Clove Road Bridge.

We have invested in an Infiltration and Inflow Study of the hamlet’s sewer district, for which we received a $100,000 grant. Recommended improvements will be funded by the American Relief Plan.

We have promoted renewable energy by adopting the Community Choice Aggregation local law, joining a network of other local towns to bring green electricity to our residents and small businesses. The town is also working to purchase and convert its streetlights to automated LEDs, which will be more energy -efficient and create an improved Dark Sky experience.

The town has shown its commitment to disaster preparedness and community preservation by engaging the New York Rural Water Authority to analyze the quantity and quality of its water in the central hamlet. The Board has also passed a new local law regulating campgrounds, addressing the justified noise and other concerns of residents about Lazy River.

We are proud of the recent adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan, which outlines the Town's vision for the future and how to get there. The plan is a huge accomplishment, setting the direction of Gardiner for the next decade or more.

Good planning, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, disaster preparedness, and community preservation are key to a town ’ s success. Our teamwork in these areas has set the stage for a successful future in building a strong, vibrant, and welcoming community.

Marybeth Majestic is running for a fifth two-year term as Gardiner’s Supervisor to build on the successes of the last 7 years. She first took office in 2016.

Franco Carucci has been a Gardiner Town Board Member since he was appointed to a vacated seat in May 2019. He then won the election to his first full term later that year in November. He is now seeking a second four year term on that body

Paid political; advertising by the Gardiner Democratic Committee, P.O. Box 145, Gardiner, NY 12525, Stephen Weir Treasurer

2023 Election Briefing

Odd year elections New York are a time to elect county and local leaders. This year, at the Ulster County level we will be a time to reelect Jen Metzger to a full term as County Executive (she won last year for the last year of Pat Ryan ’s term). We expect a serious battle for Ulster County District Attorney between our candidate, Manny Nneji, and Republican Michael Kavanaugh. At stake is the effective implementation of criminal justice reforms put in place by Democrats and now under threat by Republicans. Ulster Cou nty voters will also be casting ballots for their county legislators. Our candidate for County Legislature, District 16, which incl udes all of Gardiner and the northern part of Plattekill, is Gardiner ’ s own Debra Gregg Clinton , who will be running against a Plattekill Republican. For more information on the county races, go to UlsterVotes.com.

This year, the Gardiner Democratic Committee has chosen a great slate of candidates running for Supervisor ( Marybeth Majestic), Town Board (Franco Carucci and Michael Hartner), Town Justice (Laura Wong-Pan), and Town Clerk (Julia Hansen). Only Supervisor Majestic has a challenger in the Democratic Primary on June 27 ( please remember to vote for Marybeth). In all other contests Gardiner voters will be weighing in on the Tuesday, November 7 general election ballot. We profile our new candidate s below.

Meet Our New Democratic Candidates

Introducing Debra Gregg Clinton, Candidate for Ulster County Legislature, District 16 (Gardiner & Plattekill)

Debra Gregg Clinton is a lifelong resident of Gardiner, having been raised on her family ’s farm on Denniston Road. Deb earned three degrees from SUNY New Paltz and, after college, taught government and politics at New Paltz High School for many years. Fifteen years ago, she was hired first as Assistant Principal at Marlboro Middle School, and then Principal, a position she has held for 14 years. A natural problemsolver, Deb always taught her students to actively exercise their citizenship responsibilities and be the change they want to see happen. She is now walking the talk by running for her first public office.

Debra is best known for her activism on the environment, good government, and women ’s rights with her founding of the local organization, Move Forward New York (MFNY), formed in 2016 to spur community engagement in local, regional, and national political action. Foremost on Debra ’s agenda for the County Legislature are affordable housing, sustainable economic development, adaptation to climate change, and the wise use of tax dol lars.

Introducing Michael Hartner, Candidate for Gardiner Town Board

Michael Hartner concluded a 38-year career in the field of education in 2012, retiring as school superintendent in a community on Long Island. He has since kept busy volunteering in local civic organizations, including Gardiner’s Board of Assessment Review and Environmental Conservation Commission, where he recently served as chair for two years. Mike serves as a volunteer mediator for Small Claims Court matters with the Dispute Resolution Center. He is an avid biker on the trails of Mohonk, Minnewaska, and on the rail trails.

Michael believes his experience and skills are well suited to the community he loves, one with unique natural beauty and plentiful recreational opportunities. Mike believes his experience as a problem solver and mediator will fit in nicely to the Town Board, especially on contentious issues. He looks forward to helping effectively implement the town’s new Comprehensive Plan, including on issues of drinking water, affordable housing, and economic growth within Gardiner.

Introducing Laura Matlow Wong -Pan, Candidate for Gardiner Town Justice

Laura Matlow Wong -Pan is the endorsed Democratic candidate for Gardiner Town Justice. She has practiced law for over 28 years, focusing on employment law and litigation, and practices in Federal, State and local courts. She brings to the bench a commitment to neutrality and professionalism. She serves as a neutral arbitrator for a Federal agency (FINRA), where she is required to render decisions on legal disputes brought by customers and others against financial firms, and is a Court -Appointed foreclosure Referee. Laura is President of the Mid-Hudson Women’s Bar Association, having served three terms.

Laura has lived in Gardiner since 2001 with her husband and two college -age daughters. She has been actively involved in Town government, including the Open Space Commission, the ZBA, and other volunteer committees. She states that “it would be an honor to serve as one of the two Town Justices for this community. ” If Laura is elected as Town Justice, she would be the first female to hold that role in our Town.

Introducing Julia Hansen, Candidate for Gardiner Town Clerk

Julia Hansen currently holds the position of Acting Town Clerk for the Town of Gardiner. Prior to being appointed to that position, she served as the Deputy Town Clerk. She was mentored by and recommended for the position by long-time Town Clerk, Michelle Mosher. Before her career with the Town of Gardiner, Julia was the Food Program Coordinator at the People ’s Place, a food pantry in Kingston. She is the mother of an eight-year-old boy.

Julia knows the town well and has very strong ties to our community, as she was born in Gardiner and has lived here all her life. Julia prides herself on being able to work with residents, many of whom she knows by name, and help them navigate the town’s sometimes complex procedures. Julia sees her demonstrated competence, her skill with people, and her personal stake in the community as her greatest assets.

For more information on this year’s election, go to www.gardinerdemocrats.com.

Julia Hansen

Michael Hartner

Debra Gregg Clinton

Laura Wong Pan

S. OHIOVILLE RD | NEW PALTZ

$475,000

Truly a move in ready home, sited down a private drive setting it back off the road.

• New hardwood floors & windows

• Kitchen has quartz countertops & new stainless-steel appliances

• Newly added is a 328 sq ft addition creating a gorgeous primary en-suite bath

$2,900,000

On 32+ Acres and 5000+ SF, this home is truly a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

• Chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances

• First or second floor primary suite

• 3-Car garage with 2 bedroom guest suite/home office (an additional 920 sq ft) above.

• Blue-stone patio surrounds the gunite pool

23 CRAGSWOOD RD | NEW PALTZ