Hudson Valley One #03 2025

Critics urge the EPA “to follow the science”

Higher-than-acceptable levels of PCBs remain in Hudson River

by Rokosz Most

Lacking a negative determination of the effectiveness of General Electric’s Hudson River clean-up efforts so far, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 16 announced a finalized review that has been lambasted by an assortment of environmental groups finding fault with the incompleteness of the review.

Tracy Brown, president of Riverkeeper, alleged that “the EPA’s conclusions dismiss clear evidence that PCBs in fish and sediment remain at concentrations hazardous to humans and wildlife.”

Director of policy advocacy and science for Scenic Hudson Pete Lopez said that the conclusions of the five-year review “mean many low-income families will continue eating tainted fish, and millions of dollars of waterfront economic development remains on hold.”

David Toman, executive director of the sloop Clearwater, accused the EPA of ignoring its own data.

It was congressmember Pat Ryan who characterized the report most succinctly. “Total bullshit,” Ryan said. “And you can quote me.”

As its announcement highlighted, whether the cleanup so far has been “protective of people’s health and the environment” is a question that, for the time being, the EPA remains reluctant to answer.

The agency has shared plans with the public to release a protectiveness determination in an addendum to be tacked

Continued on page A14

Bearing witness

Ulster Immigrant Defense Network girds for action under Trump II

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

– “The New Colossus,” Emma Lazarus

by Frances Marion Platt

Here in the United States of America -- a nation intentionally founded as a refuge for people fleeing poverty, religious intolerance and political persecution in many lands -- a new order has just begun. A candidate whose campaign strategy was setting one segment of the working class against another is taking the reins of government, even as these words are being set down. The new president has sworn to begin deportations of undocumented immigrants on Day One of his second term. He has announced

his intent to try to eliminate birthright citizenship as guaranteed in the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. It’s a scenario that the Founders of the Republic could scarcely have imagined, back in the days when “open borders” were a point of national pride and identity.

For many of the 77 million US voters who opted for Trump, kicking out the people they like to denigrate as “illegals” is exactly the outcome they wanted. They bought into the characterization of undocumented workers as “criminals,” despite the studies showing that native-born US citizens are twice as likely as immigrants to commit violent and drug crimes and four times as likely to commit property crimes.

Those who have jumped on the anti-immigrant bandwagon, certainly don’t represent all Americans. Times are about to become a great deal more difficult for immigrants, documented or undocumented, but many citizens are

Top hat in the ring

Mayor to run for supervisor's seat in New Paltz

by Terence P Ward

With roughly ten years' experience running a village, New Paltz Mayor Tim Rogers is now set on running the town with the same name. This news comes even as Rogers works to dismantle the village government entirely; on the same day that village residents will decide if dissolving that layer is preferred, they and all other town residents will choose the supervisor to guide the transition to a post-village future -- should that indeed come to pass. In the text announcement released today, Rogers emphasized fiscal management by pointing to village tax rates, which have not been increased for nine successive years. That's despite updating heavy equipment for the public works and fire departments. The village books have also regularly passed stressed tests conducted by personnel from the state comptroller's office. Rogers has long worked to integrate operations of the town and village governments, but has sometimes been frustrated in those efforts. In an

ROLLING LANDMARK

driving,

Gajdzik

HUDSON VALLEY EXPLORE: WINTER IN THE VALLEY 2025

Moon bathing: Cold hands, warm heart; Walking yourself home: RX for winter; Chef talk with Ric Orlando: Interview and photos by Jason Bover ... INSIDE

LAUREN THOMAS

Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN) vice president Patty Grossman and UIDN clergy spokesperson pastor Liz Estes of the Old Dutch Church of Kingston.

LAUREN THOMAS

New Paltz Mayor Tim Rogers.

Eng’s Chinese Restaurant in Kingston to bring back indoor dining

A Chinese buffet tradition nearly a century in the making is coming back to Kingston.

Eng’s was Kingston’s first Chinese restaurant, established in 1927 by Jimmi Eng and his son Paul. Since 1966, the restaurant has occupied its current address at 726 Broadway, celebrated for its iconic vintage neon “chop suey” sign that is frequently photographed. Before the Covid pandemic, dining in its red-carpeted, dark wood-paneled, retro setting was a cherished experience among locals. Alas, the dining room doors have been shut since the pandemic shutdown, and the restaurant has remained delivery and takeout only.

That is all set to change as of February 5, according to posts on Ulster Chamber Eateries United, which promise the return of indoor dining to Eng’s, including their full menu and popular Chinese buffet.

Hundreds of Eng’s fans left comments on the Facebook posts expressing their excitement.

Henry W. DuBois bike path closed in New Paltz

Due to the Henry W. DuBois bike path in New Paltz not being finished, barricades have been placed at every cross-street along the bike path.

According to a post on the town’s website, “Although the path looks to be mostly finished and the construction equipment has been moved, the path has yet to be accepted by the town due to accessibility issues for town equipment to maintain the path during winter events.”

There are also drainage issues, along with the marking out of the grass areas that have no delineation.

“Once all of the design issues are resolved and we are confident that the trail can be maintained using present equipment, the bike path will be accepted and maintained,” stated the town. “Until then, anyone using the path will do so at their own risk. With a price tag of over $4 million, the town would like to ensure all small and large issues are addressed before taking over responsibility for the path.”

NY governor vetoes bill designed to make school lunch healthier and fresher

Pizza. French toast sticks. Mozzarella sticks. Chicken nuggets. Sloppy Joes. Hot dogs. Ramen noodles. These are some of the entrees you’ll find distributed by large processed food corporations that make their way into Ulster County students’ stomachs every week. What if the options were healthier, fresher and sourced locally?

State residents will continue to wonder after New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently vetoed the Good Food NY bill (sponsored by, among others, Senator Michelle Hinchey). The bill was designed to revolutionize school meals by prioritizing healthier and locally sourced options. The decision has sparked criticism from advocates who argue that the veto prioritizes the interests of major processed food corporations over the nutritional well-being of students.

Briefly noted

The proposed legislation sought to introduce funding incentives for schools to purchase fresh, locally sourced ingredients, thereby supporting regional agriculture and improving meal quality for students. Proponents believed the policy could have served as a model for other states aiming to enhance public school nutrition.

However, the veto ensures that current meal procurement practices remain largely unchanged, favoring large-scale food distributors and processed food companies. These corporations profit from providing low-cost, highly processed meals that often fail to meet basic nutritional standards. The lack of fresh produce and over-reliance on processed foods contribute to childhood obesity and other diet-related conditions. While these meals meet federal guidelines, health experts frequently question their long-term impact on children’s health.

In defense of the veto, Governor Hochul stated that the bill lacked adequate provisions to ensure its implementation without significant administrative burdens on schools and state agencies. She also highlighted concerns about the costs associated with the program, arguing that without clear funding sources, the legislation could strain state budgets and divert resources from other critical educational priorities. Supporters of the veto suggest that more comprehensive planning is necessary to balance health goals with financial feasibility.

Had the bill been signed into law, it could have redirected significant funding toward local farms and producers, fostering economic growth in rural areas while ensuring healthier meals for students. Though area schools have been making efforts to improve the nutritional value of meals, they might have been able to serve fresher fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins had the bill passed. Advocates envisioned a ripple effect, where improved nutrition would enhance student health, academic performance, and long-term wellbeing -- not to mention animal welfare (the ASPCA was a major supporter of the bill) -- and the economic support of sustainable local farms.

Town of Ulster spotlight series

A local public servants spotlight series will be presented by TownofUlsterCitizens.org on the fourth Monday of every month, 7 p.m., at the Russell Brott Center at 1 Town Hall Drive in Lake Katrine. Each presentation is free and open to the public.

The first three guest speakers will be Town of Ulster town clerk, Suzanne Reavy on January 27, Town of Ulster comptroller, Tosca Sweeney on February 24 and Ulster County clerk, Taylor Bruck on March 24. More speakers will be announced soon.

The 2025 general election will be focused on local government, with town and county candidates on the ballot. Typically, local elections have very low voter turnout. Yet, local government is the level of government that affects your daily life the most. What does your local government do for you? How can you be a more informed voter about these various positions? If you are more informed, will it inspire you to go out and vote? These questions, and more, will be answered.

For additional information, visit www.townofulstercitizens.org

TownofUlsterCitizens.org is a non-partisan, citizen-run organization

Pat Ryan sworn in at Hyde Park

If once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence and three times a pattern, then Pat Ryan’s political rise has now been cemented.

Over the course of two years, the West Point graduate, decorated Afghanistan combat veteran, and former elected Ulster County Executive, has bested three Republican competitors -- Colin Schmitt, Marc Molinaro and Allison Esposito -- in one special election and two general elections.

Now representing New York’s 18th congressional district, which comprises most of Ulster and Dutchess counties and all of Orange County, Ryan was sworn in by Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer – on the cusp of becoming Senate minority leader -- at the FDR presidential library and museum in Hyde Park last Saturday, January 18.

Ryan has been a member of the Armed Services and the Transportation Infrastructure committees.

G overnor Kathy Hochul, state attorney general Letitia James and Dutchess County executive Sue Serino also spoke at the event.

After the ceremony, Ryan, borrowing from the speeches of Franklin Roosevelt, identified a litany of freedoms which he worried were under threat: Freedom from want. Freedom from fear. The freedom to make one’s voice heard.

He added to these the freedom to marry whomever one loves, the freedom to cast a ballot without unnecessary hurdles, and the freedom to drink clean water and breathe clean air.

“The freedom to live as you are, wherever you are,” Ryan finished. “Those are core American principles. But I think we have to remain clear-eyed about the reality we’re facing. Too many of those are at risk right now in our country, and I certainly will not stop or rest until we feel comfortable that those are just not protected, but that we’re actually expanding freedom in America.”

Ryan identified reinstating the child tax credit, protecting Social Security, cutting taxes for the working class, and repealing the $10,000 SALT cap on itemized deductions as his priorities during the coming term.

“I actually offered to go down to Mar-a-Lago a week ago,” said Ryan, “… seriously, to sit down with a bunch of Republicans that went down there to talk about this, and unfortunately that offer was not taken up.”

As Ryan noted, if he expects to get anything accomplished, reaching across the aisle will be the only way to do it.

— Rokosz Most

focused on increasing citizen engagement and creating a better Town of Ulster.

Kingston will jack up fees for parking violations, other infractions in 2025

Kingston will intensify its crackdown on “poor parking behaviors” by extending “hours of enforcement for parking violations,” according to a city press release.

This comes on the heels of the city substantially increasing fees for parking violations in 2025 -- the same violations the city is now extending hours

to enforce.

Mayor Steve Noble said the move was partially in response to complaints he’s heard of people “double parking in Uptown and other areas of the city.”

Parking ticket issuance for lapsed meters in Uptown Kingston has been aggressive for decades, but double-parkers were not often given violation tickets until recently. For many years, folks who frequent Uptown have often had to navigate a maze of double-parked passenger cars, work vehicles and delivery trucks, causing confusion, blocked-in cars and traffic safety issues. The historic lack of ticketing double-parkers gave the impression this behavior was previously tolerated by the city, but it appears they may have finally had enough.

ROKOSZ MOST

Senator Chuck Schumer swears Congressman Ryan back into office.

Six million in grants awarded to Ulster County organizations

PROVIDED

A rendering of the proposed Ulster County Government Operations Center on Paradies Lane in New Paltz.

In the new year, Ulster County organizations have received seven grants totaling over $6 million from various state departments.

Two grants were to the county government -- a $2-million Nyserda grant toward the construction of a sustainable and resilient public safety communications building on Paradies Lane in New Paltz and $558,232 for repairs to the Persen House in Kingston.

The City of Kingston received three grants. One was for an waterfront revitalization update, another for a skating rink at Hasbrouck Park and the biggie -- $1.9 million -- for repairs to the Binnewater Dam in the Town of Ulster.

Finally, the Mohonk Preserve got $600,000 for habitat restoration of the Kleine Kill, and Marbletown got $48,500 to establish a beach on the portion of the Esopus Creek in the town.

“The parking department will extend hours of enforcement beginning in February, including enforcement on Saturdays and weekdays after 4:30 p.m.,” the press release said, failing to indicate what time the enforcement period would end each day. Metered parking in Kingston typically ends at 6 p.m.

While it has generally been the case that letting your meter lapse toward the end of the day would be unlikely to get you a ticket, be warned. Though the extended hours are focused on illegal parking and safety issues, “tickets may still be given for expired meters.”

Other ticketable offenses (with newly increased fees) include blocking fire hydrants, parking in crosswalks, fire lanes or bike lanes.

More parking information can be found at the City of Kingston’s website.

Pair of Kingston residents sold cocaine locally, allege Ulster narcotics unit

Law enforcement officials with the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) announced the arrest of a man from the City of Kingston and a woman from the Town of Kingston in connection with alleged distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine in our area.

According to a statement made on the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Anthony N. Harding Jr., 28, and Meredith S. McSpirit, 29, were arrested on a host of charges related to drug sales and possession. Both were arrested, processed and released with court appearances scheduled for January 31.

A six-month investigation

In response to complaints about drug sales in the Town of Kingston, URGENT, alongside the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, began an investigation in July 2024. Authorities identified Harding Jr. and McSpirit as involved in selling cocaine products. Over the course of six months, the investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly expanded their operations throughout Kingston and into nearby townships.

On January 13, a search warrant for the suspects’ residence was executed by URGENT. Crack cocaine, cocaine, cash, ammunition, drug packaging supplies and other paraphernalia were seized during the search.

Previously in the news

McSpirit previously made news in Saugerties after a grand jury declined to file criminal charges against her for a car accident that claimed the lives of four Kingston residents in 2015.

In 2021, the Kingston Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit arrested McSpirit after investigating heroin and fentanyl sales in the city, charging her with two counts each of selling and possessing controlled substances in the third degree, as well as one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

McSpirit was also arrested in April of 2024 and charged with criminal impersonation and aggravated unlicensed operation, both misdemeanors.

Current charges as investigation continues

Harding faces four counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, five counts of Criminal

Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, four counts of Conspiracy in the fourth degree and a misdemeanor charge of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree. McSpirit is charged with five counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, four counts of Conspiracy in the fourth degree and one misdemeanor count of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree.

The investigation remains active, and officials anticipate additional arrests. Agencies collaborating with URGENT include the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments from Shandaken, Lloyd, Marlborough and Plattekill, Ulster County Probation and federal agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Photo center opening draws 2500

If anyone has doubts as to Ulster County’s standing as a significant arts community, they should have been at the opening of the Center for Photography in Woodstock (CPW) at the old cigar factory on Dederick Street in midtown Kingston last Saturday evening, January 18.

CPW had expected 250 people at the 5 to 8 p.m. event. About 2500 showed up. According to CPW treasurer Nadine Lemmon, the actual count was 2300 at 7:30.

Notables from the world of photography mixed easily with tatooed youngsters, lifelong Kingstonians, arts supporters from throughout the county, friends of the 150 or so  local photographers showing one work each in the community “Free, for all” exhibition in the community gallery, and second-homers from the entire region.

Perhaps there’s something about a January arts party that draws a crowd. People jostled to look at the work on the walls. Trays of cold cuts were consumed. Old friends hugged and eternal enemies avoided each other. Speeches were made and applauded.

As the sky darkened, constant traffic from lines of automobile headlights and later taillights patiently crammed the small street. A constant flow of people entered the Dederick Street entrance, passed the reception desk, and mingled in the four first-floor galleries and in

the corridors of the five-story historic structure.

Build it, and they will come.

— Geddy Sveikauskas

Hit-and-run claims

Kingston woman’s life in Rosendale

A Kingston woman lost her life in a hit-and-run incident on the evening of January 16 on Route 32 in Rosendale. Authorities identified the victim as 37-year-old Victoria Cooper.

According to the New York State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 8:19 p.m. when a 2013 Toyota traveling northbound struck Cooper after she entered the roadway on foot. The impact pushed her into the southbound lane, where an unidentified vehicle struck her and left the scene. The driver of the Toyota remained at the location and alerted authorities.

Emergency medical personnel arrived and administered life-saving measures, but Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.

The search for the second vehicle involved is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Kingston’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation by calling (845) 338-1702. Tips will be treated confidentially.

Cooper’s death is our area’s fifth fatal hit-and-run in under a year’s time. It comes just a weeks after Gary White of Kingston was fatally struck by an SUV on Broadway.

Psssst – pass it on! Since 1925, ERIE has grown by word-of-mouth. (It's okay to like your insurance company –and we sure do appreciate the kind words!)

Ursine coexistence

The Woodstock Bear Task Force’s youth art contest solicited the help of students from the Middle Way School and Woodstock Day School in getting out its message. Woodstock children’s librarian Hollie Ferrara and Woodstock youth center director Patrick Acker assisted in getting children to participate in the contest.

Task force members read a story by

Sewer regs by the book

Woodstock’s town board has adopted new sewer regulations more consistent with mandates from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“Last year, I think they realized they

Frances Figart describing the harmful effects of irresponsible behavior in bear country to students.

“Your creativity and heart are what make this event so remarkable.” said task force and town councilmember Anula Courtis at an opening reception at Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM). “Through your art, you’re bringing awareness to an import-

had a little bit of a problem around the state, where there were communities with wastewater treatment plants who were allowing hookups without having the DEC review,” town supervisor Bill McKenna explained. “So they basically went out to all the communities with these systems, and they said, You’ve got to rewrite your law, and you’ve got to rewrite it so that the DEC is notified. I will say that Woodstock is one of the few that was doing it by the book, and the RUPCO project [Woodstock Commons] is a good example of that, where that went through the process with the DEC.”

McKenna said the DEC was not scrutinizing every hookup, but anything over 2500 gallons of daily discharge, such as housing developments. The agency has also made recommendations for

ant cause and helping us protect both our community and the bears who share space with us.”

Art from area students is on exhibit through March 9 to raise awareness about coexisting peacefully with bears. The art exhibit is downstairs at WAAM, 28 Tinker Street.

Maya Rose, a student at Middle Way School, was awarded first place and a $25 gift certificate donated by the Golden Notebook bookstore.

design and materials including pipe size and diameter and manhole size. Those have been incorporated into Woodstock town law.

Woodstock has always required DEC notification for large hookups, but that requirement was never codified into town law.

— Nick Henderson

The dog ate the tax bill

Woodstock officials mail delivery problems are preventing some people from receiving their property tax bills. Bills were mailed December 30, so taxpayers should have received them by now. Not receiving a bill doesn’t get you off the hook for owing it, however, town clerk Jackie Earley says.

“We did talk to the postmaster at Woodstock,” town supervisor Bill McKenna said. “He couldn’t give me a definitive answer, but said it is possible, although a little strange, that the mail is still rolling around in their system, because our mail gets sent to Poughkeepsie and then Albany, then back. If you don’t have your tax bill yet, you can call up the clerk. She does have copies of the bill she can give you. We’re also going to take over a list of the names and addresses of folks who are not getting it for the postmaster to look into.”

After Woodstock was identified as having some of the highest rates of human-bear conflicts in the area, task force members Courtis, Rachel Jackson, Iris Permenter, Keisha Horner and Melanie Marino have worked to educate the public about responsible ways to keep bears away from homes, including properly securing trash. The task force will propose regulations soon. — Nick Henderson

Earley said she has experienced two and a half years of mail problems. “I know I’m not the only town in the county,” she said. Similar problems plagued her office in 2014 when the postal service stopped sorting mail locally.

“It’s beholden on the property owner to know that their taxes are due with or without a bill by January 31 without penalty,” said the town clerk. “So please, if you have not gotten your bill, contact my office.”

Earley can be contacted at 845679-2113, ext. 14. She will tell you the amount due or email you a copy of your bill. Starting February 1, the penalty is one percent per month.

Earley said about 4500 bills were mailed. It is hard to know when they will all arrive. She estimates around 200 taxpayers will complain that they didn’t receive their bill.

“It could be two days or it could be two weeks,” she said.

Water and sewer bills are also getting lost in the mail, but the penalty on a water bill is small compared to that on a property-tax bill.

— Nick Henderson

Onteora universal pre-kindergarten registration is open

It’s time to register your child for universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) in the Onteora School District! In order to be eligible for the program, children must be four years of age on or before December 1, 2025.

To register online, parents or guardians should go to www.onteora.k12. ny.us and click on “Registration & Displaced Families.” The link for online registration is in the middle of the page. Please be sure to choose the 2025-2026 school year.

Once your child is completely registered, their name will be placed in the lottery, which will be held in May.

For additional information, contact Margaret Harkin, secretary to the director of pupil personnel services, at mharkin@onteora.k12.ny.us

Briefly noted | Woodstock

ANULA COURTIS

NICK HENDERSON

Left, the Woodstock Bear Task Force held an art contest and solicited the help of students from the Middle Way School and Woodstock Day School. An opening reception was held last Saturday at the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum; right, art from area students is on exhibit at WAAM, 28 Tinker Street in Woodstock through March 9 to raise awareness about coexisting peacefully with bears.

Woodstock police lawsuit settled for $70,000

No admission of liability or wrongdoing

by Nick Henderson

Woodstock town government has settled a federal civil-rights lawsuit filed by four officers and a former dispatcher for $70,000. The case alleged unlawful discrimination, retaliation and the creation and acceptance of a hostile work environment.

Sergeant Adam McGrath, officers Tiffany Croizer, Gabrielle LaLima and Brian Williams and former dispatcher Michelle Sullivan were plaintiffs in the complaint against the town, the police department, chief Clayton Keefe and officer Phil Sinagra. LaLima withdrew from the case in October.

The settlement amount will be distributed among the four remaining plaintiffs. It includes all costs and attorney fees incurred by the plaintiffs, according to the offer filed in court

The settlement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing.

The offer was made December 2 and accepted December 13, but Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. required the offer, acceptance and proof of service in one filing. Attorney Scott Quesnel of Girvin & Ferlazzo, who represented Keefe, the town, the police department and Keefe, filed the paperwork January 13.

Schools | New Paltz

Sinagra has separate legal representation.

The settlement is awaiting court approval.

The lawsuit alleged officer LaLima was subjected to sexual and threatening comments by Sinagra. When McGrath brought LaLima’s complaints to Keefe’s attention, his concerns were dismissed, according to the lawsuit.

Keefe retaliated against LaLima by continuing to require her to work with Sinagra, the lawsuit alleged.

The chief allegedly retaliated against McGrath by threatening a lawsuit and negative impact on the latter’s career, denying training requests that had been approved in the past, and removing McGrath from involvement in hiring new officers, according to the complaint.

Officer Croizer was subjected to derogatory comments in 2020 for breastfeeding and forced to express milk in an unheated, unsanitary storage room, the complaint stated.

The suit alleges supervisor Bill McKenna and Keefe retaliated against Sullivan’s complaints about Sinagra’s behavior by forcing her to resign and eliminating three of her vacation days.

The town retaliated against Williams’ complaints against Sinagra by depriving him of backup during night shifts and forcing him to work increased hours with Sinagra, the lawsuit further alleged. Sinagra has been on paid administrative leave since May 2023 and since August, has been required to report to a desk in McKenna’s office on Fridays.

McKenna said Sinagra was entitled

One out of three

New Paltz voters say yes to one of three capital improvement propositions

By Crispin Kott

On Thursday, January 16, the New Paltz Central School District (NPCSD) asked voters to decide the fate of a three-tiered capital project which could cost between $17.13 million and $48.46 million. In the end, voters were over whelmingly in favor of a capital improvement proposal comprising what Superintendent Stephen Gratto earlier this month described as “must-have items,” but were less convinced by two other propositions.

Proposition #1 passed by a margin of 1,798-1,128. The plan covers districtwide upgrades to LED lighting to boost energy efficiency, replace windows and

doors at New Paltz High School and Lenape Elementary School, improve the roofs at Lenape and the district bus garage, install new home bleachers at NPHS to meet current manufacturing standards, convert unused locker room showers, upgrade out-of-date boilers. Other improvements include a new water storage tank at Lenape, grease trap replacement at Lenape and Duzine elementary schools, restroom renovations and exterior stair repairs at New Paltz Middle School and science lab and ceiling tile upgrades at NPHS.

Proposition #1 comes in at $17,130,073, rising to $22,950,601 including principal and interest on a 14-year bond at approximately 3.50 percent. 97 percent of everything in Proposition #1 can be covered by state aid, and with the current reimbursement formula for the district, that amounts to an estimated $13,781,765. According to the district, the total cost to taxpayers on the first proposal is $9,168,836, a 1.16 percent tax levy increase.

Proposition #2, which included turf and track replacement at Floyd Patter-

to a hearing prior to dismissal. The two parties are negotiating a date and conditions of the hearing.

McGrath, who is union shop steward and president of the Woodstock PBA, called into question the timing of a recently announced Police Reimagination Task Force to examine spiraling costs and alignment with community values. “The town has recently agreed to settle the lawsuits with four of the members,” he said, “and it is very coincidental that now that the town is settling Mr. McKenna is questioning the cost of the department.”

Rightsizing police costs: Woodstock PBA makes its case

Woodstock’s police union, taken by surprise by the recent announcement of a “police reimagination task force,” has reacted cautiously.

“It is very surprising that the supervisor [Bill McKenna] feels the need to create a committee when he has not relayed the need or reasons to us,” said sergeant Adam McGrath, local PBA president. “In the recent past, the union has requested the town board look into some troubling matters of a select few members, but the actions of one or two officers certainly does not represent the whole department.”

McGrath called the task force “a great opportunity for the department to relay to the town and to the public the needs of the department to better serve the community.”

McGrath said the police department

son Athletic Field and other associated improvements, along with audio-video upgrades, and installation of air-conditioning to large group spaces like auditoriums, fell by a margin of 1,036-1,861.

Proposition #3, which was primarily comprised of a new aquatics center at NPHS, failed by a margin of 409-2,476.

After the votes were counted on Thursday night, Gratto said he was happy with the high voter turnout and grateful to everyone who participated.

“I’m very pleased that the Democratic process worked exactly the way it should,” he said. “People had choices to make, and they had all the information they needed, and they made their choices and I’m pleased by that.”

While the second and third propositions didn’t pass, Gratto said the district would begin looking to get state approval for their Proposition #1 project almost immediately.

“A lot of people have asked why we had the vote in January,” he said. “The answer was we were told that if we could buy the architecture if we could get the vote completed by February, we’d be able to break ground in the summer 2026. So we anticipate breaking ground in summer 2026 and we’re looking forward to it.”

As for the items in the other two propositions, could the Board of Education look to revisit elements of either for a future capital project? That hasn’t been discussed at school board meetings, and on Thursday Gratto said it was too soon to know what trustees might decide.

had been threatened with dissolution or reduction in size several times. It was already down a sergeant, a detective and a full-time dispatcher.

“The town has recently agreed to settle the lawsuits with four of the members, and it is very coincidental that now that the town is settling, Mr. McKenna is questioning the cost of the department,” he said. “The supervisor has not expressed any public opinion on the cost or performance of the police department to me or any of the members, including the police chief.”

Recently, the town settled for $70,000 a federal lawsuit filed by three police officers and a former dispatcher alleging a hostile work environment and sexual harassment by officer Phil Sinagra.

The department operations budget is around $1.2 million, but is closer to $2 million when personnel costs such as retirement -- making up more than one-fifth of the $9.78-million town and highway budget for 2025 -- are included.

“The Woodstock Police Department handles a wide variety of calls for service and I believe we are very much appreciated by the community that we serve,” McGrath said. “Our members truly strive to go above and beyond for our community, and I am confident that the community will agree. We do take on many roles, more than just police officers, and we handle many non-emergency calls that frankly other agencies would not entertain. The need for our department is proven through the almost 10,000 calls for service answered last year and the several lives saved over the past several years.”

McGrath also noted the department has been working without a contract since the beginning of January because McKenna has stepped down from the negotiating team.

— Nick Henderson

Rolling landmark

Under new ownership, Carry Out Kings deliveries continue with flare

by Terence P Ward

When driving, Vici Gajdzik is becoming something of a local celebrity.

Since acquiring the Carry Out Kings delivery service late last year, Gajdzik has tricked out a delivery car in ways that make it hard to forget.

The car that Gajdzik drives, a 2006 Subaru Outback Imprezza Sport, has gotten one of the best-known makeovers in New Paltz. It’s been turning heads for close to three years, for Gajdzik is seriously into car culture -- but remains deliberately on the fringe of that hobbyist group. Tweaking the appearance of this remarkable car is a continual project.

After spending two days -- and a fair amount of purple spray paint -- covering the original gray color, Gajdzik started adding “art pieces” to express some individuality, before repainting the interior. Upon discovering a long-abandoned shopping cart in the woods, Gajdzik

thought, “I need a roof rack,” and got some help securing it to the roof with that the driver cheerfully calls “lobotomy bolts” because they do stick down inside a bit, and anyone riding in the back seat might otherwise be in peril. For safety’s sake, these were covered with rubber ducks, a counterpoint to the doll that’s carried in the cart itself.

Car-focused friends have contributed custom bumper stickers, and eventually realistic street signs like the one that has “Butt Corners” on it, and another that has the business website of carryoutkings. com in the classic silvery-white on green. Graffiti artist Domino Twist brought a crew to a vacant lot to layer on some epic paintings. It’s the kind of vehicle that gets small children pointing, dogs wagging and class traitors cheering.

Gajdzik worked as a driver at the company starting around 2018 when studying at SUNY New Paltz, following a path similar to company founders Mike Katz and Eric Cichinsky, who launched the enterprise as New Paltz Delivery Doctors in 2013 after coming to town for their studies. Katz broke the news

to employees last June that the business was going to be wound down, and Gajdzik used that moment to pitch the idea of buying it outright.

Carry Out Kings continues a legacy of local food-delivery services stretching back at least 20 years, when customers called Fast Lane Delivery on the phone to get orders from Yanni’s, Moonlight Cafe, Neko Sushi, and the College Diner, among others now vanished from the local scene. A lot has changed since then. Now, old-timers order through a web site, but the cool kids download the Carry Out Kings app to their phones. There are 18 different local eateries available that cover everything from the Gadaleto’s seafood to the vegan options of Karma Road, and customers can get food from up to three locations in a single delivery. Orders can be paid for with any kind of plastic, as well as hawk dollars and even cash. Gajdzik continues to work on expanding the offerings as well as the geographic area, with Gajdzik hinting that a Rosendale restaurant might be listed soon.

Gajdzik has also been laboring to

make this service seamless for the food workers themselves. Each partner business has a dedicated tablet on site for receiving orders, in order to avoid clogging phones or otherwise complicating the workflow. The cost for each participating business owner is negotiated directly, human to human, and any problems are resolved the same way.

While the back end has been getting updated, hungry customers have been seeing the same faces when the food arrives: Gajdzik held onto the core drivers. “We have the best ones” compared to those who run for the corporate services. Those other drivers might know that, too; Gajdzik has more applications from people who want to join Carry Out Kings than there are presently deliveries to support.

Customer and partner support is something that is taken very seriously at Carry Out Kings. “There is always a human available to help,” Gajdzik said. Restaurateurs who use corporate services like Door Dash and Grub Hub report that “there’s no one to call with problems,” and Gajdzik recognizes that avoiding bots and call centers and artificial intelligence is a competitive advantage. “I will never change that. I only use human cashiers when I shop.”

For those who have never made contact with the Carry Out Kings, Gajdzik said that the promotional code FIRST5 will yield a five-dollar discount on that premiere order with the service. Weekday promotions are frequent, which means following one or more social media accounts might not be a bad idea for regulars, as well.

LAUREN THOMAS

When driving, Vici Gajdzik is becoming something of a local celebrity. Since acquiring the Carry Out Kings delivery service late last year, Gajdzik has tricked out a delivery car in ways that make it hard to forget.

Flowing strong

115 years on, Binnewater Ice Company sees surge in demand for spring water

by Frances Marion Platt

Although it’s tempting to title this article “Frozen in Time,” the Binnewater Ice Company is anything but. Now in its 115th year of operation, most of that time headquartered at 25 South Pine Street in Kingston, the business has continually modified its methods and products to meet the challenges of a changing market. While the ice the company sells is no longer locally harvested nor manufactured on-site, it is still reliably and affordably delivered to eight counties: Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Delaware and Schoharie.

Gas stations, supermarkets and retail stores make up the primary customer base for ice, but bulk quantities can also be supplied for large events such as fairs and festivals. The company even has a sideline of creating artificial snow for movie sets, utilizing a machine called a crusher/slinger, which was originally acquired to make ice of “snowcone consistency” for cooling truckloads of corn en route to market from Rondout Valley farms, according to Binnewater Ice president Marshall Gogg.

Bottled water from Aqua Valley, a family-owned spring in the tiny town of Edmeston in Otsego County, has become a major component of the company’s offerings in recent decades. “For six months out of the year, ice is very busy, but water is year-round,” explains Gogg. “In dollar amounts, we still sell more ice than water.” They’ve also branched out into delivering rock salt, bundled firewood and coffee products.

The Binnewater Lake Ice Company was first incorporated in 1910 by Walter Crane and Edward Schultis, who cut surface ice from the Binnewater Lakes in the Town of Rosendale and delivered it to customers with their fleet of four ice wagons. By 1925 the company was doing well enough to purchase the Third and Fifth Binnewater Lakes outright, shipping the ice blocks from Rosendale to Kingston by rail. The Williams family, who founded a famed local hotel and resort on First Lake, which they renamed Williams Lake, bought Third and Fifth Lakes in 1929, but granted Crane and Shultis ongoing rights to harvest ice there until 1999.

As it turned out, the company only exercised that right for four more years. “Soon after that, the natural ice business was over. It became cheaper to produce your own,” says Gogg. By the mid-1930s, the Binnewater Lake Ice Company had brought mechanical icemaking to its storage facility on South Pine Street. But it wasn’t the only local business trying to cash in on the new technology, and competition was fierce. The original building was burned to the ground in August of 1938, probably due to arson.

It was rebuilt, but one year later, two bombs were discovered on the premises.

Considering the wild times and the site’s location -- just a block away from what is now Barmann Park, where Legs Diamond famously brewed illegal beer and piped it under city streets to a Midtown bottling and shipping plant -- one might imagine that Binnewater’s owners somehow fell afoul of their mobster neighbor. But rival ice companies were always the prime suspects, according to Gogg, who says, “Of all the old stories I’ve heard of the early days of the company, there was nothing to do with Prohibition or bootlegging.”

Nowadays, in winter, the dark, chilly, cavernous spaces in the company warehouse on South Pine are stacked mainly with big wooden crates of five-gallon plastic jugs of spring water -- the kind used in dispensers for homes and offices. It’s a low-tech, sustainable storage and shipping operation, relying on the insulating properties of double-thick concrete walls and foam panels, but you can see old refrigeration pipes crisscrossing the ceiling from the days when icemaking happened right here and ice was stored in bulk.

In one room sits the rusting hulk of a primitive refrigeration compressor, manufactured in 1829, which used ammonia to cool the storage rooms. The actual icemaking involved metal cans immersed in saltwater brine that would form 300-pound blocks “like giant popsicles,” Gogg says. Remnants can be seen in the building of ramps and cranes where enormous ice blocks were once slid away from the icemaking machinery, hoisted aloft and stacked all the way up to the 20-foot ceiling for storage.

The Binnewater employee who discovered the bombs, Robert Evory, eventually acquired the company and ran it during the 1950s and ‘60s, when cooling local produce for export became a major activity. Gogg says that he has childhood memories of Kingstonians complaining about the “long line of tractor/trailers down Washington Avenue” with loads of sweet corn just harvested in Hurley, Marbletown and Stone Ridge, awaiting their turn to be sprayed down and iced for the road.

Current owner Marshall Gogg is a scion of

of Ulster County’s largest corn-growing operations. Today, most large corn farms have their own refrigeration equipment, but they used to have to outsource an awful lot of ice. So, Gordon and Robert Davenport decided to acquire the Binnewater Lake Ice Company in the 1970s. “It was cheaper for them to buy the building than to buy the ice,” Gogg recalls. “They never wanted to get in the ice business.”

Before long, delivery of bagged ice cubes to retail outlets had become a mainstay of Binnewater’s operation. By the late 1970s, the company had begun buying bagged ice from a larger, more modern icemaking facility, A.T. Reynolds & Sons of Kiamesha Lake, which proved to be more economical than making their own. In the early 1980s, A. T. Reynolds & Sons began supplying Leisure Time Spring Water, and Binnewater got on board as a water distributor.

The relationship continued after the Canadian company Arctic Glacier bought out A. T. Reynolds in 2004 and built a brand-new ice manufacturing facility in Newburgh, which remains the source of all Binnewater’s ice products. But when another Canadian company acquired the Leisure Time line in 2009, Binnewater launched its own brand of water and began phasing out Leisure Time. By 2012, the new product simply called Binnewater, sourced from the Aqua Valley company’s natural springs in Edmeston, had become the company’s flagship water product. For those who prefer mineral water, Mountain Valley is also available in glass bottles.

Adapting to changing technologies and markets has kept the Binnewater Ice

Company viable for more than a century now, and part of Gogg’s job is watching consumer trends with an eye toward the future. Among those trends is “people’s wariness of municipal water sources and desire for controlling what goes into their body,” he says, which means that more and more people are opting for in-home delivery of ozone-disinfected, chlorine-free natural spring water. “There’s the unknown of what’s coming out of your tap, plus the convenience factor of bottled water coming right to your door. There has also been a shift to drinking water over sugar-filled products… They know what they’re getting when it comes from us. It’s great-tasting water, with not a high mineral content.”

Looking forward, Gogg is sensitive to the public’s growing awareness of the “disturbing” problem of global plastic pollution. Although one popular Binnewater sideline is providing custom-branded bottled water for special events like festivals, galas and 5K races, he says, “Our goal is to get as far away from single-serve plastic as we can. There’s a 400-to-500 fill-cycle life for our five-gallon plastic bottles, as opposed to bringing cases of small bottles home from a grocery store. It’s a very easy way to cut down on plastic use.”

Interested in water or ice delivery from Binnewater? The basic delivery size is five bottles, and you don’t have to commit yourself to any long-term contract. Says Gogg, “It’s all pay-as-yougo: the same price, no matter how many. Customer service is very important to us. We make it easy for people.” For more information, call (845) 331-0237 or visit the website at https://binnewater.com

the Davenport family, who run one

LAUREN THOMAS

Marshall Gogg of Binnewater Ice.

Contract extension

Kingston superintendent is looking forward to helping guide the district through what could be a period of significant transformation

by Crispin Kott

Following a 7-1 vote by the Board of Education last week, the contract of Kingston City School District (KCSD) Superintendent Paul Padalino was extended through the end of the 2027-28 academic year.

Under the terms of his extension, Padalino will receive a salary of $269,000 for the 2025-26 school year, with anticipated increases of 4.1 percent in the subsequent two years, culminating in a salary of $291,500 for the 2027-28 year.

Padalino took over as superintendent in January 2012, and in an interview with Hudson Valley One last week he recalled what he was tasked with as he hit the ground running.

“There were some acute needs and the (school) board made very clear that they wanted me work on our graduation rates, deal with our declining population and deal with 100-year-old Kingston High School (KHS), which was deteriorating,” he said. Graduation rates in the district have steadily risen since then, and the district addressed a declining student population by closing and either selling or repurposing four of its elementary schools, bringing the number down to seven. Padalino was also deeply involved with a now completed multi-year $137.5 million KHS renovation project.

Padalino said the community support for that project, as well as an upcoming districtwide $162 million renovation project, was indicative of how the community values the importance of public education, not just with capital projects, but also all aspects of how the district operates.

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“They understand the urgency of that kind of work and also understand the urgency of having a 21st-century high school here for not only our current students, but for the future of the City of Kingston and Ulster County,” he said. “I knew that this is the kind of place where they were going to continue to support education it was right for our kids in our community.”

Though the KCSD is considered a small city school district, Padalino said its geographic diversity, along with other diversity, is part of what makes it so special.

“We talk about our diversity as far as our cultural diversity but we also have geographic diversity,” he said. “We have a strong, urban core and then we have suburbs, and then we have rural areas. It’s a city district, but we really hit all three of the of the general classifications. Our students come from different experiences, including geographically, and I think that that’s something that is kind of unique.”

Padalino has now added a few more years to his commitment to the KCSD, and he said he’s looking forward to helping guide the district through what could be a period of significant transformation.

“There are so many changes coming out of the New York State Education Department, and here in the district we’re implementing new curriculum to meet the next generation standards,” he said. “The state is…creating that portrait of a graduate and looking at things beyond Regents exams for opportunities for students to graduate from high school, and that work is going to be interesting and exciting.”

Padalino said he looks forward to continuing the district’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as ensuring students are getting what they need emotionally to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

“I think continuing our equity work following the culturally responsive framework, and looking at our students is one of the things that we’ve been fo-

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cused on since really even since before COVID,” he said. “There is a mental health crisis with students and families in our community and most communities, so (we’re) continuing that work and the support that we can give our kids in our community that way.”

Padalino said he also looks forward to more collaborations with local organizations, as well as fellow school districts through Ulster BOCES.

“I see no downside to collaborating and cooperating with other schools in our region like we’ve been doing in Ulster County, he said. “I think we all can learn from each other right now, and that’s going to be kind of an exciting thing moving forward.”

Padalino still has his sights set on changing the state’s foundation aid formula, which he’s long said underfunds small city districts like the KCSD.

Other areas he’d like to focus on are capital projects designed toward improving athletic fields at Crosby Elementary and M. Clifford Miller Middle School.

“It’s something we’ve been talking about for a couple years now,” he said. “We did a great job at Dietz (Stadium) in partnership with the City (of Kingston), but we have a lot of other sports facilities in our in our district that need attention. We have almost 1,200 kids play athletics every season, so that impacts a lot of students and families.”

Is Padalino hoping to keep working after his current contract is completed? And if so, would he like to remain in the KCSD?

“That’s what everybody wants to know,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of gas left in the tank. I still love this work. I still love being in Kingston. I got a great team around me, excellent people, fantastic teachers, building leaders and so much community support. So to answer the question, I guess I’ll jump off that bridge when I come to it.”

DION OGUST

Kingston Superintendent of Schools Paul Padalino.

Schools | Saugerties

Ground rules

Saugerties district officials discuss policy covering artificial intelligence

by Crispin Kott

The members of the Saugerties Central School District’s (SCSD) Board of Education agree there should be a district policy covering artificial intelligence (AI), but they’re divided on whether they’ve done enough to establish any ground rules.

The district’s new policy, approved by a slim 4-3 vote during a school board meeting held on Tuesday, January 14, seeks to “proactively address the implications of AI usage to ensure it enhances educational outcomes without compromising academic integrity or equity.”

The policy, which is intended to apply to students, staff, volunteers and contractors, covers the use of AI in text, images, audio and more, “often mimicking human creativity and adaptability.”

Many of the concerns cited in the policy are shared by AI critics globally, including the potential for generative AI (GenAI) to create “plausible, but false or inaccurate, information, a phenomenon known as hallucination/confabulation” due to the technology’s use of human-generated data, which can include biases, prejudices and stereotypes, including those centered around race and gender. The policy also discusses GenAI’s potential for “response bias,” tailoring responses to what it predicts the user wants to hear based on its training data or specific tuning.

Trustees agreed on the need for an AI policy, and there was little said during the discussion to indicate anyone objected to specific passages in the text. But for some, the policy as written, was too ill-defined, lacked a roadmap for implementation, and put the onus on overburdened educators without a clear understanding of how they’ll be supported.

“I do think AI is going to be a huge step,” said Michael Meyer. “It’s going to be revolutionary.”

Buy Meyer said the policy, on its second reading last week, was too vague.

“I think looking at what other school districts are doing and hearing from faculty about what their needs are for having students use AI, I guess I’d be more comfortable if we had a little more time to maybe put some additional guidance or guardrails in,” Meyer said. “I guess my concern is that rather than moving forward with it fully and then trying to close it later on, that we maybe consider a little bit more of a narrow start using AI in the classroom and then grow the use of AI as new creation and resources available.”

Trustee Christine Bellarosa said that since the advent of internet searches, some form of AI has been in the district for decades.

“It’s been growing and growing, and it is only going to continue to grow,” she said. “And we want to make sure that it’s communicated that AI can have biases and things of that nature.”

Bellarosa said the owner of the com-

pany she works for is 70 years old and has begun to embrace the use of ChatGPT for meeting summaries, and other forms of AI to help produces newsletters.

“I do think that it’s important that we do have some sort of introduction to AI in the classroom and some of the faculty and staff,” she said. “I hope that this policy is not stagnant and that we are constantly looking at it. This technology is very fluid and moving and (we should) continue to revisit it and make sure that we do have guardrails in place.Because there are a lot of good things about this, but there can be a lot of negative. And I think that we need to be open minded about that and really move with, you know, what’s going on.”

Board vice-president Katie Emerson-Hoss also recently used ChatGPT to perform “some very, very tiresome work that would have taken me many hours to do otherwise.” But she did not feel the policy was ready yet, in part because it was too vague and focused too little on

Police | Saugerties

the district’s limited resources to provide training and support to teachers.

“I think we can have a better policy,” she said. “I think it could be more limited and I think we can have a language around, you know, these are our concerns and these are our values.”

Others said that it was understood that the policy would evolve as the technology grew, and as the district addressed those challenges. Trustee William Ball said that AI has been here for some time, and the district shouldn’t wait any longer to do something about it.

“What this policy does is this policy acknowledges that first and foremost, that artificial intelligence is here and we acknowledge that artificial intelligence is here,” he said. “It acknowledges the circumstance that exists. It acknowledges that there’s room for the growth, the training and the opportunity. But what it doesn’t do is it doesn’t kick the can down the road.”

Ball added that without a policy establishing guardrails for the use of AI, the SCSD is in the “wild west.”

“If we’ve got 200 different teachers using AI (without a policy), it’s happening 200 different ways,” he said. “So you have to have a starting point. A thousand mile journey starts with one step. So my feeling is that this is a needed policy. It’s like any other policy. It is going to evolve as our information grows. It’s going to evolve as we engage with our instructors.”

Righting wrongs

Town of Saugerties sued over new police chief appointment

by Crispin Kott

Three police officers filed a lawsuit against the Town of Saugerties earlier this month claiming municipal officials unlawfully disregarded legal requirements in appointing Kenneth (K.J.) Swart police chief, arguing that his appointment was improper as he had yet to take the necessary civil service exam.

The 20-page complaint was filed in Ulster County Supreme Court on Friday, January 10 by retired Saugerties Police Captain Stephen W. Filak Sr., Ulster Town Police Lt. James Seyfarth and Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Detective Lt. Abram Markiewicz. The defendants include the Ulster County Department of Personnel, the Town of Saugerties, and the Saugerties Town Board. Albany-area Attorney Stephen G. DeNigris, representing the petitioners, could not be reached for comment.

longtime chief Joseph Sinagra resigned from his position around two months after being placed on administrative leave in the wake of a state attorney general’s office investigation, which claimed to have found evidence of inappropriate sexual conduct by then-Officer Dion Johnson, recommending his termination. In announcing Sinagra’s being placed in administrative leave in July 2023, Town Supervisor Fred Costello cited the controversy and Sinagra’s handling of Johnson’s case as factors impacting the police department’s per-

Ball, Bellarosa, Carole Kelder, and Board President Jeffrey Riozzi all voted in favor of the policy. Emerson-Hoss, Irizarry, and Meyer voted against. Timothy Wells was not in attendance at the meeting.

Saugerties Repair Café

Get your broken household items repaired for free at the Saugerties Repair Café on February 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Citizens Center, 207 Market Street, in Saugerties.

Volunteer repair coaches will be on hand to fix a wide range of household items such as electrical, mechanical, wood repair and glueing, computers, sewing, mending, sewing machines, jewelry and doll restringing. There will even be a visible mending workshop for those who would like to learn how to mend their items.

The Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency and Citizens Concerned About Plastic Pollution will also be available to share information about their programs.

If you’d like to volunteer or find out if a specific repair area specialist will be at the event, email repaircafesaugerties@gmail.com. To find out about additional repair cafés in the Hudson Valley, visit https://www.repaircafehv. org/our-repair-cafes.

otherwise, stating that Swart passed a civil service exam for police chief on March 5, 2016, but that the test was not appropriate for the duties of the current role of chief. The suit further claims that Swart was not included on the civil service list of eligible candidates ahead of his appointment. That list featured six names, including the three petitioners. Of those, Seyfarth scored a 90 percent on his exam, while Filak and Markiewicz each scored 80 percent.

The lawsuit claims Swart’s appointment was: “arbitrary and capricious,” and in violation of civil service laws. It further claims that Swart might be forced to revert to his status as lieutenant if the eligibility list was honored.

Costello said he believed the town acted appropriately in appointing Swart as police chief.

“We worked closely with civil service, both state and local, before we made an appointment and we’re confident that the guidance we received was the correct guidance,” he said.

“The selection of Kenneth J. Swart, Jr. now encumbering the chief of police position…was improper, as the selectee was not a qualified candidate for the role.”

formance. Sinagra has since filed his own lawsuit against the town.

Late last week, Costello responded to the lawsuit involving Swart’s appointment.

The lawsuit seeks to invalidate Swart’s appointment, saying, “The selection of Kenneth J. Swart, Jr. now encumbering the chief of police position…was improper, as the selectee was not a qualified candidate for the role.”

Swart was unanimously appointed chief on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 after serving in an interim capacity during a period of transition for the Saugerties Police Department. In September 2023,

“I’m disappointed,” he said. “It feels like we get sued once a week Fortunately, we’ve done well as we go through the court process, but it still takes time .And even when we win, there’s the cost of defense so it’s it’s not my favorite use of time or resources. That being said, we can’t stop people from exercising their rights under the law and these gentlemen have expressed a grievance. But I disagree with it.”

According to town officials, civil service concerns had been resolved prior to Swart’s appointment. The lawsuit claims

The supervisor added that he expects the process to unfold with deliberate detail after the town passed on the lawsuit to their insurance carrier.

“The carrier will assign counsel, counsel will likely interview us and we will share with them the information that we have from the civil service guidance that we receive from the county and the state and then they’ll likely talk to the representation for the plaintiffs. And if that doesn’t resolve it, they’ll have to go through the courts.”

Costello said he couldn’t predict how long the various stages of discovery and hearings might last, or whether there might be opportunities to settle the lawsuit prior to court proceedings.

“I don’t have the legal background to give a credible answer,” he said, adding that within the next few weeks the town should be notified of who will represent them, and that by the end of winter he expects they will have established a relationship allowing the matter to proceed.

(CONTINUED

saying “Not in my name” and determined to fight back. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’d have been brave enough to harbor escaping slaves in your cellar back in the days of the Underground Railroad, or to provide a “secret annex” for fugitive Jews or members of the Resistance in some European town during the Holocaust, the time is coming soon when comparable contemporary heroes will have opportunities to show their mettle.

Sanctuary city

There are ways to help that won’t get you thrown in jail, thanks to the efforts of a network of churches and not-for-profit organizations that have already laid the groundwork for a growing wave of public support for our immigrant neighbors. Here in Ulster County, an organization called Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN) sprang up shortly after the 2016 election, quickly took root and flourished. Father Frank Alagna, then pastor of Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Episcopal Church in Kingston and a leader of the Kingston Interfaith Council (KIC), had begun hearing troubling reports of bullying of Latino children in his congregation. “A few weeks later I found myself having to advise our Latino congregants that they needed to fill out documents that would indicate to whose care they wanted their children entrusted should they not return home one day because of an ICE initialed deportation,” he writes in his “origin story” for UIDN.

“These poignant experiences moved me to ask the KIC to join with me in petitioning the Kingston Common Council to declare Kingston a Sanctuary City as a way of letting our undocumented friends and neighbors know that they were not alone and that we cared,” Alagna continues. “The issue was raised for discussion at the December meeting of

the Common Council,” which “broke a record for public attendance.” A slightly watered-down measure was adopted at the January 2017 meeting, stopping short of declaring outright noncooperation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but designating Kingston a “welcoming and inclusive community” that would not spend local tax money for local law enforcement agents to act as ICE surrogates.

In February 2017, Alagna called a meeting of clergy to discuss the possible need for houses of worship to offer traditional sanctuary to immigrants and refugees. According to official agency policy established by ICE director John Morton in 2011, churches, along with schools, hospitals, funerals, weddings, marches and rallies are designated “sensitive locations” where immigration enforcement actions can only be taken under very strictly defined circumstances and with high-level authorization.

Community response

Alagna mentioned the planned gathering at a well-attended Kingston Town Hall meeting the night before. The community response was stunning. “That Saturday morning, while I was expecting two dozen clergy, the parish hall was filled to overflowing with 140 people from both Ulster and Dutchess counties. A conversation began that transformed my rather modest idea of implementing traditional sanctuary and grew it into the many ways we could offer our undocumented neighbors an environment of ‘radical hospitality’ by identifying those times of increased vulnerability, like driving without a license to meet essential needs. We could provide drivers. Or anticipating an ICE raid and sending a Rapid Response Team to ensure that the rights of the individual who was being targeted were not violated. For example, entry could be legally refused if the ICE agent did not have a removal order signed by a judge. And very often ICE showed up without this,” he writes.

By the end of that meeting on the potential for offering sanctuary, the priest had a pile of contact information for dozens of people who were eager to volunteer. “UIDN was born that Saturday morning,” he writes. “These folks knew what needed to be done and took charge of and organized one service after another.”

Bilingual interpreters have been essential members of the UIDN volunteer team from the get-go. In 2017, undocumented immigrants could not qualify for a driver’s license in New York State: a major roadblock to integration into American society and economic life that also put them in peril of drawing the ire of ICE if they were caught driving illegally. So, one of UIDN volunteers’ first orders of business was offering transportation to immigrant residents who needed rides. The next step was assisting them with amassing the necessary paperwork to apply for a driver’s license. That task has become much less complicated since the passage in 2019 of the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, a/k/a the Green Light Law, which eliminated the requirement of having a Social Security number. Always having clear identification in the form of a driver’s license has been a game-changer for immigrants.

ICE raids

their records. At the time, according to Patricia Grossman, vice president of UIDN, “A broken taillight was cause for deportation.” New legislation reviving such stringent enforcement, known as the Laken Riley Act, has been passed this week in both the US House and Senate.

“These folks knew what needed to be done and took charge of and organized one service after another.”

A crucial detail in this enforcement process is the legal distinction between a judicial warrant and an administrative warrant. In order for ICE agents to arrest and deport someone, by law they need to present a warrant signed by a judge in whose jurisdiction the targeted person lives. “The Fourth and Fifth Amendments, protecting privacy and due process, apply to all people –not just citizens,” Estes points out. “There’s case law that was established in the 1980s.” But ICE agents will often show up with only an administrative warrant issued by their own agency, and frightened immigrants who don’t know their rights will let them in the door. “During the Trump years, ICE got trickier. They’ll come to the door and tell immigrants, ‘We’re following up on a fraud claim. We want to protect your credit card.’ They can do all kinds of things to intimidate people.” Ensuring that the targeted families know their legal rights is therefore a significant role that UIDN volunteers can play.

Another immediate need, under the first Trump administration, was to train and mobilize Rapid Response Teams to show up whenever an ICE raid was in progress, to inform immigrants of their rights and quell attempts by federal agents to intimidate them. Pastor Liz Estes of the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, clergy spokesperson for UIDN, cited one of the new president’s first executive orders in 2017 as wreaking “by far the most damage to immigrants” by deploying 10,000 new ICE agents to track down and take into custody any “removable aliens” with even the most trivial of criminal convictions on

While working in a parish in New Jersey in 2006, when George W. Bush’s Operation Return to Sender was in effect, Estes witnessed dozens of her parishioners from Indonesia deported without due process, and she’s determined not to let that happen in Ulster County on her watch. “There’s learning that comes from living with people who went through all these things. The ordeal doesn’t end with the raid. These Indonesian families all lost their leases. The families needed to go on Medicaid. The kids were not in school because they didn’t have a stable address. Typically, the parent who stays is not the primary wage-earner, but a caretaker making minimum wage. There are universal consequences. What are we doing to our citizen children?”

Moreover, says Estes, families fearing deportation will often not seek essential services, trying to keep a low profile. “You have people who aren’t going to the hospital, aren’t sending their kids to school.” Incidents of domestic violence and other crimes often go unreported because immigrant victims are afraid to interact with the police. “We can’t have the rule of law if some people don’t feel safe exercising their rights. If you’re at

risk of deportation, you will probably keep silent.”

Grossman concurs: “From the point of view of an immigrant, the law has been broken so many times, including by the police. We know their rights under constitutional law, but we also know what their experience is… You have to know how to protect yourself.”

Support from local officials

Both Grossman and Estes are full of praise for Ulster County sheriff Juan Figueroa, who was elected in 2018 on a platform emphasizing equal protection under the law for immigrants and has been a consistent ally to UIDN. He championed passage of the Green Light Law and is prepared to push back in court against agents who overstep their authority. “I believe in our system of laws. The Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment is the core of our legal system. You have the same rights as everyone else,” Figueroa said at a meeting of UIDN’s Deportation Coalition on December 2, 2024. “I do not want people living in the shadows. If people are afraid to work with law enforcement, there will be no witnesses to crimes. They won’t show up for jobs and schools. This is dangerous for law enforcement! When people live ‘underground,’ this is the lifeline of organized crime. This does not keep a community safe.”

At the same recent meeting, both Ulster County executive Jen Metzger and Kingston mayor Steve Noble reiterated their continued commitment to support the dignity, human rights and constitutional rights of our immigrant neighbors. Metzger, who worked for passage of the Green Light Law as a member of the State Senate in 2018, said, “We must continue to lead. It’s going to take all parts of our community to stand up for immigrants.”

More recently, Metzger’s lack of enthusiasm for ICE raids has put her on the radar of Trump advisor Stephen Miller, who sent an e-mail to her and 248 other officials of “sanctuary jurisdictions” accusing them of “violating federal law.”

Supporting Kingston’s

Most Vulnerable Families

UIDN volunteers, along with two bilingual caseworkers, provide weekly groceries, donated furniture, household and school supplies, emergency financial aid for rent and utility bills, transportation to important meetings, medical appointments and court dates; guidance in filling out forms, navigating unfamiliar bureaucracies and coping with exploitive landlords. They helped a group of women organize a work co-op called the Blooming Queens of Clean that has since spun off into a self-supporting enterprise. “Our main service is our food pantry, which has only gotten bigger. We’re primarily a direct service organization,” Grossman says. “Everything happens through the helpline. That’s the portal to UIDN. They say what they need.”

Thus, there are volunteer opportunities available for people of any skill level who want to get involved, from packing boxes of groceries, delivering furniture, giving lifts or answering the phone to lobbying for legislation in Albany or providing legal advice. In anticipation of greater demand under a second Trump administration, “We’re starting a program for attorneys. Dave Clegg, former DA of Ulster County, has just joined our board. We will now redirect our legal budget to an internal, supervised program.”

Attorneys who might be interested in offering their services pro bono or at reduced rates are encouraged to get in

touch. UIDN is also connecting volunteers with Department of Justice training programs that certify laypersons to represent immigrants in court under the auspices of a recognized organization.

One particular pressing unfilled need is for interpreters who can speak Q’eqchi’, a Mayan language spoken by Indigenous people in a region of Guatemala, Belize and southern Mexico that has been plagued by drought, failed crops and hunger in recent years. Spanish- and French-speakers are also useful.

How else is UIDN girding its loins to cope strategically with aggressive federal action against immigrants in the foreseeable future? “We’re going to do what we’re doing, but with more energy and support,” Estes says. She believes that the foundation has already been laid. “Over eight years, UIDN has developed this trust with the immigrant community, and that’s gold. We work with about 800 families.”

Part of that work right now is streamlining their channels of communication, according to Grossman. “We have plans. We can convene in the church or communicate electronically. Smaller groups are better than large groups.”

Recruiting hearts and minds to the cause is tricky in a time when party affiliations are so intensely polarized, of course. “The Kingston Interfaith Council got together observing Martin Luther King weekend and asking, ‘How are we going to get our congregations involved? They’re not politically homogeneous.’ Our challenge is to speak from a human-

itarian perspective,” says Estes. “People on all sides of the political spectrum have a sense of compassion. What’s coming now can be a lot quieter than the fires in California, but can cause just as much devastation.”

“There may come a time when frightened families may need to be hosted in the homes of volunteers,” Grossman observes. “This would all go away if New York for All was passed.” The proposed piece of legislation known as the New York for All Act, Senate Bill S3076B, would prohibit the use of government resources for immigration enforcement, restrict the disclosure of sensitive information to ICE and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), prohibit 287(g) agreements delegating federal immigration duties to local law enforcement officers and make clear that ICE cannot access non-public areas of government property without a judicial warrant.

“I’ve definitely noticed more involvement from people since [Trump] was elected,” says Grossman. “We need to enlist those feelings of outrage.” For those who are ready to take direct action, joining a neighborhood watch or Rapid Response Team may prove to be a crucial way to help protect vulnerable families. “Take pictures. Talk to the ICE agents,” Estes says. “What we’re asking is not for them to break the law, but simply to witness. It’s a humanitarian gift.”

To learn more about the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network and how you can help, visit https://ulsterimmigrantdefensenetwork.org

Thursday, February 20

Tuesday, February 25 (Virtual)

Veterinary Technology Info Sessions

Tuesday, January 28

Tuesday, March 11

Police Basic Training Info Session

Saturday, April 26 at KCSU

See eligibility requirements.

interview, the current mayor stressed that this is not due to issues of ego or self-interest, but bureaucracy and legality. The current push to reduce the number of local governments from two to one would clear away those impediments, Rogers believes. If dissolution is successful, it would also unlock a million additional dollars in state aid every year, $300,000 of which could be used to fund government operations. The remainder must be applied to reduce property taxes further.

While acknowledging that there will be a learning curve to take on this position, Rogers said, "Every day as an elected official is figuring out puzzles. This will be more of the same." The mayor's primary goal, if elected to the new role, would be to stop the cycle of

The current town supervisor, Amanda Gotto, confirmed the intent to run again.

tax increases that have vexed voters in town elections for some years.

Other village officials are also exploring options. Alex Wojcik is running to become the next county clerk, and both Stana Weisburd and William Wheeler Murray are vying for the local county legislative seat being vacated by Limina Grace Harmon.

The current town supervisor, Amanda Gotto, confirmed the intent to run again via text message. Gotto "submitted a letter of interest" to the Democratic committee "a couple of weeks ago."

Consultant recommends a referendum to dissolve the village of New Paltz on Election Day, November 4, 2025

by Terence P Ward

If the residents of the Village of New Paltz want to dissolve the village government, they could just vote to do that, and be done with it. Ben Syden, a municipal consultant with the Laberge Group, was at a special village meeting on January 15 to explain that there's a better way.

Village trustees are already embarking on a board-initiated dissolution process, which by law has to include a plan. Had this been initiated by citizens, not even that would be necessary in order to have a vote. Plans for all kinds of restructuring of local government have become a specialty at Laberge, and this was one of two informational public meetings that are required to be held during the process.

The dissolution plan is central to what village residents -and village residents only -- would be voting on, should it get that far. In the plan would be laid out how to deal with village assets, including property; liabilities; employees; and the existing village code, including zoning. It would also contain projections about what taxes would look like for town residents, if a referendum to dissolve were to pass.

Whether that plan is followed would depend upon the elected officials left standing after dissolving the village: the member of the town council. It will go a lot more smoothly if town personnel are involved in the conversation, and in this case they appear to be quite engaged. Syden said that the Laberge recommendation is "careful transition planning," which would fix the dissolution date for December 31, 2026 but actually have the process taking place for six months before that.

Voters will be asked to review the report that will be issued this summer, and decide for themselves if they believe it would leave the community better off. Syden said that in addition to finances and laws, voters often consider questions about changes to services they receive, as well as community identity and whether they feel that they will still have a voice in government.

Here's more information about the process to come:

Timeline

Syden laid out a tentative timeline for this dissolution process as follows:

• First information session held January 15, 2025.

• Gathering data and interviewing stakeholders including all municipal leaders and department heads is expected to be completed by February, 2025.

• Plan framework creation, overseen by a steering committee comprised of two village and two town officials, along with three individuals picked because they are subject-matter experts, should be finished by April, 2025. To inform the steering committee, there will be four work groups. One will focus on land use and zoning, another on integrating public works including water and sewer systems, a third will dig into the facilities and finances and administration questions, and the last will make recommendations about which village codes are worth keeping on the town books.

• Informed by these data, second information session will be held in April, 2025; as with the first one, questions asked will probably be answered in writing on the project web site, rather than at the session.

• The draft plan will be released in May, 2025, and revised as needed.

• Village board members will vote to endorse the draft plan in June, 2025; if this vote fails, the process stops.

• A public hearing in July, 2025 will be an opportunity for members of the public to weigh in.

• A trustee vote to approve the final plan should happen August 6, 2025; revisions may have been made following the hearing and prior to this vote, and if the plan is not approved, the process is halted.

• The referendum to dissolve the village will be on Election Day, November 4, 2025; if voters shoot it down, then that is the end for at least four years.

• If approved, village officials will begin transition by transferring or selling assets.

• Village employees will begin working with town colleagues by June or July, 2026.

• Intermunicipal agreements are prepared to ensure no interruption of services during the transition.

• Town officials will decide if any special districts must be

created, such as for street lighting, water and sewer, and fire protection.

• The 2027 town budget process would incorporate everything within the town borders for the first time since 1887.

• Dissolution day would be set for December 31, 2026.

Taxes and finances

Broadly speaking, Syden said that what usually occurs is that village residents save a little money on their property tax bills, while the remaining town residents see no change. That is without considering the Citizens' Empowerment Tax Credit, which ensures that the community gets state funding in perpetuity. Based on its size, the credit would be the maximum, a million dollars a year. $700,000 of that money would have to be used to reduce property taxes, and the remaining $300,000 could be used for any purpose. In the first year or two, that $300,000 would in part be used to cover lingering transition costs.

Syden is confident that "in perpetuity" is reliable. Yes, state legislators could cut that funding off, but there are much larger amounts doled out for highway paving and other local needs which the consultant considers to be a bellwether due to their ongoing stability.

Village residents would remain liable for remaining village debts. Owners of property now in the village would pay their share of remaining bonds and other obligations until those balances reach zero. This includes any outcomes resulting from litigation. Any new borrowing would be shouldered by all town residents.

Laws and zoning

Village code would remain in force for up to two years to ease the transition. Anything that town council members don't decide is worth retaining will fade away at that point. The transition plan will include recommendations on each ordinance and every piece of the zoning code. To keep any of it will require action at a town board meeting during that time. Zoning in the remaining hamlet may end up being largely as it is now in the village.

Fire protection

There's no such thing as a town fire department. One of the questions to be explored is whether the village fire department should be transitioned to a fire district, or a fire protection district. These terms look similar, but are legally quite different.

A fire district is a separate government, run by elected commissioners who approve its budget. The voting in fire districts, per state law, takes place on the second Tuesday in December.

A fire protection district is a tax district within the town government. The finances are tracked separately and the budgeting is distinct within the overall town budget documents. While assets can be owned within a fire protection district, the services would be by contract with the fire company.

Employees

Union contracts will have to be reviewed and compared, and some discussion will have to take place regarding who is included in what bargaining groups. The negotiations will include ensuring that everyone with retirement credit gets to retain their years of service, and to make sure that employees with similar levels of experience end up getting similar pay and benefits packages.

LAUREN THOMAS

Downtown New Paltz.

Let’s make the Winston Farm project happen

I am writing in response to the letter that Beautiful Saugerties replied to in November of 2024 about my letter. As in the political world, one side wants to tell all others that they are wrong. Beautiful Saugerties needs again to understand, along with the people against the Winston Farm project, that this “historical property” was for sale for a long time. And no one bought it. Now that we finally have some traction to do something great -- not only for Saugerties, but Ulster County -- these groups are trying to stop it yet again. You say that the sit down with the owners got you nowhere. But it could be that you are demanding that 75% of the property stay natural. No developer would agree to that. And the next company to buy the farm IF these guys get fed up, won’t be as understanding to want your input. How many more times will someone buy the farm and then move on and do something great elsewhere and we fall father into disappear here in Saugerties? If these groups are not careful, someone will get the governor’s ear and bank account and before you know it, there will be a solar farm or even worse, an AMAZON. Something is and will be built on that site.

I hope that the Saugerties Town Board passes the new zoning law so they can get shovels in the ground. This could be another awesome Silo Ridge like in Amenia or an Eastdale like in Pleasant Valley. Wake up Saugerties, let’s make the Winston Farm project happen before it is too late.

Marty Martin Saugerties

Be the one...

With so much on the plates of so many people, it is essential to maintain an awareness of being the one who listens to another when the world doesn’t. Be alert when someone appears fascinated with death, feelings of helplessness, hopeless-

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Letter guidelines:

HUDSON VALLEY ONE welcomes letters from its readers. Letters should be fewer than 300 words and submitted by noon on Monday. Our policy is to print as many letters to the editor as possible. As with all print publications, available space is determined by ads sold. If there is insufficient space in a given issue, letters will be approved based on established content standards. Points of View will also run at our discretion. Although Hudson Valley One does not specifically limit the number of letters a reader can submit per month, the publication of letters written by frequent correspondents may be delayed to make room for less-often-heard voices, but they will all appear on our website at hudsonvalleyone.com. All letters should be signed and include the author’s address and telephone number.

ness, guilt and like a burden to others. Be sensitive to changes in behavior or mood, isolation from others, loss of interest in one’s health (increased drug or alcohol use), giving away prized possessions, or saying goodbye to friends and family. Be

Hudson Valley One

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especially alert if someone talks about harming themselves or plans for a suicide attempt. Connect the person immediately with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. For more information, type in: Warning Signs of Suicide. As there is a strong correlation between suicide and suicide by guns, gun owners must remain vigilant to store their guns safely. Kudos to all who do.

Expand our active tourism appeal

The Camoin Group is a highly respected economic forecasting and consulting firm known for making conservative projections. They did reliable work for both the Walkway Over the

We are all members of a global and local community. We all have the responsibility NOT to be quiet if we see something that is not right, not fair, not just. Rather, this is a call to say/do something. We cannot afford to not cause others to take notice. The Honorable John Lewis has called us to conduct ourselves in this manner. In our own ways, will each of us be one who cares and acts? Let no one feel that they are not worthy of being cared for.

Terence Lover Woodstock

PAUL ANDREASSEN

The Hudson River in Saugerties on Monday following the storm and frigid temps.

PCBs in Hudson River

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1)

onto the review further down the line.

The EPA maintains that scientifically approved conclusions require a period of fish-data sampling lasting eight years. This data has been collected since 2016. The EPA says that sampling results will most likely be made available this year.

Administrator for the region which includes the Hudson Valley, Lisa F. Garcia, explains the delay by noting that “the science tells us that we can’t make a final determination yet about how well the cleanup is working.”

EPA director of the Hudson River remedial program Gary Klawinski concurs.

“When you do the statistics, it takes about eight years of data to be able to draw a reliable line through that data.” he said. “We can see that some fish are recovering better in some places than other places. We just don’t have enough years of data to, with confidence, say at what rate it’s going down. So we’re very close to having enough fish data to be able to say that.”

The agency was able to use the incomplete science at hand to conclude that the levels of PCBs found in the river water and in the fish specimens taken from that river, were exhibiting a downward trend ‘overall.”

Hudson (2008) and the Ashokan Rail Trail (2013).

Camoin did a 2023 economic research study that estimates total economic impact for the Ashokan Rail Trail at $17.4 million in sales -- this is more than double the 2023 economic benefits reported by the CMRR of $7 million.

“If I showed that chart to 100 people, 99 of them would probably say, yeah, it looks like it’s going down,” Klawinski said. “The problem is we can’t tell with confidence at what rate it’s going down. And so if it’s not going down fast enough, that might be a problem for us.”

The reason for concerns over PCBs in the river have been well documented. PCBs are considered a probable carcinogen, and the EPA has set the maximum

Between 2009 and 2016, GE was compelled by the EPA to undertake dredging operations intended to remediate the sediment which had settled on the river bottom. The company estimates it has removed 2.783 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment.

“Total bullshit,” Ryan said. “And you can quote me.”

contaminant level for that chemical compound in drinking water to under 0.0005 parts per million (ppm).

Limits below that level which PCB ingestion may be considered non-toxic may be beside the point. The levels of the chemical compound ingested in the body increase with each subsequent exposure, a process known as bioaccumulation.

Nearly 1.3 million pounds of PCBs, the result of industrial operations undertaken by GE were discharged directly into the river between 1947 and 1977, with the result that a 200-mile stretch of the river downstream to New York City has been designated a Superfund site since 1984, It is the largest Superfund site in the United States.

The Camoin study also projects that with a connection to Kingston (which means linking to the Empire State Trail and other pedestrian/bike trails in Ulster County), the economic contribution of the trail will increase to $24 million.

Around the nation there’s been explosive growth in active tourism -- trips built

Margaret Yelland

Margaret Gwendoline Yelland, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at her home in Saugerties. Born on September 18, 1948 in Northam, Western Australia, Margaret was the second of six children born to the late Gwendoline and Eric Yelland.

At the age of 18, Margaret’s adventurous

degree in East Asian Studies from Hunter

the natural beauty and charm of the Saugerties community where she reader and gifted writer, Margaret was also a formidable opponent

beauty, creativity and joy to her life.

brother Rod. She is survived by her siblings Keith Yelland, Roma Hurn, Joan Russell and Don Yelland as well as her many nieces, nephews also survived by her beloved cat, Henry, who brought her constant companionship and comfort.

Memorial Service will be held 11:30 AM Saturday, February 15th at

Town of Saugerties Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice, in honor of Margaret’s love of animals and giving spirit. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on Margaret's Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

Margaret’s presence, warmth, generosity, good humor and adventurous

“We did the cleanup in the upper Hudson River, from Saratoga up to Fort Edward area,” says Klawinski. “And the reason why we did the dredging project was it accumulates in the fish that people can consume. We want to get the levels low enough in fish so that people can eat more fish out of this wonderful resource.”

The EPA’s goal is to see data showing that fish in the upper Hudson River contain less than .05 parts per million of PCBs. Expectations to arrive at that number are still decades away.

In the meantime, Klawinski said, certain populations like women of childbearing years and children shouldn’t be eating fish from anywhere in the Hudson.

In announcing the results of the review, administrator Garcia noted how many comments the agency had received during the 120-day public comment period which began in July 2024. She talked about people’s personal connection to the river reflected the passion that so many people had for it. “And this will drive our effort to continue to clean up and protect

around physical activities or sports like hiking, biking, climbing, etc. Whether you’re from NYC or your flight from elsewhere connects there, where’s the most beautiful scenic landscape, with vibrant, exciting culture and delicious local cuisine? Ulster County!! Active tourism is already a major economic driver in Ulster County, and its growth can explode. Into the future it shows a projected annual growth rate of 16.1% from 2025 - 2030. Kingston and Ulster County are perfectly positioned for this, and we should continue to protect our landscapes and build and enhance our county-wide network of trails to benefit all kinds of businesses throughout the county.

First among these priorities should be connecting the destination Ashokan Rail Trail to the trail network hub in Kingston. The county-owned U&D corridor makes this a no-brainer, an easy and economical boost that will geometrically expand our active tourism appeal.

Ralph Durham West Hurley

the Hudson River,” Garcia orated.

Fine sentiments. But as evidenced in every update of the process announced by the EPA so far, the clean-up efforts undertaken up to now have failed to satisfy the defenders of the river.

Congressmember Ryan shows every indication he will continue to be a dogged ally of the critics. He has teamed up with Republican colleagues like the outgoing Marc Molinaro to pressure the agency to demand more clean-up.

Even before the results were known, The two had suggested in a letter sent ahead of the agency’s announcement that the EPA should take its own advice by “following the science” and withholding a “protective” determination.

The pattern continues of caving to these big companies that should be held accountable and not holding them fully accountable,” said Ryan recently. “It’s just outrageous.”

Klawinski said the deliberate pace assumed by the EPA wasn’t related to the likelihood of legal action.

“I suppose we could always get sued,” he said. “We have been sued by New York State before, and GE could sue us. So forgetting about that, If we say it’s working or not working, either way, we will be challenged. And so we want to make sure that when we’re challenged we can be able to say, nope, we’re good, we’re following the science. We’re being cautious not to say anything until when we do say it we can say it with confidence.”

A clerk who works for you

Dear Ulster County neighbors: My name is Alexandria Wojcik, but friends call me Alex. My pronouns are she/ they. I’m writing to enthusiastically announce my decision to run for Ulster County Clerk!

Some believe that the position of county clerk is a routine role without much room for vision, let alone verve. I wholeheartedly disagree and hope the ideas I bring to the table can revolutionize the way we think of government. The office of the clerk is a gateway for constituent interaction and education about government and community services. Imagine if every interaction with the DMV and other parts of the clerk’s office were holistic in its accessibility to all, always resulting in constituents learning exactly what services the county can provide, and public data were instead open data. Immigrants as well as trans+ people face a particularly uncertain future and need a clerk’s office that feels

Donna Aquino

September 29, 1949 - January 10, 2025

Donna Aquino passed away on Friday, January 10th, at her home in Lake Hill.

Donna and her late husband Terry Graham moved to Woodstock full time from New York City in the late 1990’s. Donna had worked as a substance abuse counselor in College, earning a Master’s degree.

Donna was a member of MENSA, an avid history was her particular favorite. She was an active member of the local Wiccan community.

Donna was beloved by her neighbors in the hamlet of Lake Hill. Her kindness and generosity have touched countless lives.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, (Kieran M and Donna G), their spouses, (Grace M and Michael G), and their children, (Jackson M, Declan M, Owen G & Asher G), as well as many dear friends near and far.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Terry in 2021.

A gathering to celebrate the life of Donna will be held in early summer in lake Hill.

You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Donna’s tribute wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com.

welcoming and is truly safe. I have the policy chops and past experience to get such a utopic office off the ground on day one -- and to ensure the positive strides made under my leadership transcend any one person or party.

I’m excited to share more in the coming months about my ideas, and my experiences that make me the best candidate to be the county clerk who works for YOU. Please check out my platform, bio, resume, and other materials related to my candidacy here: linktr.ee/ alexandria4clerk.

I invite everyone who’s interested in learning more about the office of the county clerk, and about my candidacy, to join a kick-off event and community resource fair on Sunday, January 26 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., at the Muse located at 1 Madeline Lane in Rosendale.

Alexandria Wojcik

Candidate for Ulster County Clerk New Paltz

Alexandria Wojcik for Ulster County Clerk

In regards to New Paltz Deputy Mayor Alexandria Wojcik’s campaign for Ulster County Clerk:

Throughout her personal life and professional career, Alexandria Wojcik has consistently been an accessible source for support, information and guidance. In 2017, my dream was to start a small business selling my art, and I presumed vending at a local market would be a practical venue to begin. Knowing that New Paltz did not have a makers market, I reached out to “Alex” to explore the idea of organizing one. She promptly scheduled us a meeting, and we chatted over coffee to work out logistics. Within a week, Alex successfully communicated with the village and orchestrated the inaugural New Paltz Open Air Market on Church Street where I, among many other local makers, sold my product for the first time.

Eight years later, I now own a business with a brick and mortar down the block on North Front Street. To this day, Alex regularly pops into my shop, checking in, excited and ready to provide support. She is present and available, and it is a gift to have such a reliable resource in local government.

My personal story of Alex being an integral part in making ideas become a reality is not an isolated experience. Alex not only has a knack for getting things done, but does it with spirit and vigor, making sure our policies uplift everybody, especially those most marginalized. There is no doubt that Alex has, and always will, advocate for her community. Alexandria Wojcik is the definition of a politician who really is for the people!

committee.

We have always watched rainfall because our municipal water system costs less to run when there is more precipitation. For example, recent rain and snow put us in the optimal position of not buying any DEP water from 12/11/24 through 1/14/25. We sourced all drinking water from our local reservoirs before it goes through our state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar water filtration plant.

Rain and snow melt that ends up in our surface water reservoirs off Mountain Rest Road allows New Paltz to buy less water from the NYC DEP’s Catskill Aqueduct, and therefore, helps us accelerate debt payments that funded our expensive water infrastructure projects.

The Village of New Paltz borrows money for various capital projects using a combination of short- and long-term notes and bonds. Most recently on 1/15/25, our $800,000 bond anticipation note (BAN) was listed on S&P Global’s Ipreo Parity auction system. Only licensed banks and broker dealers may use the system, who bid on lending us money. Banks tend to hold short-term BANs like ours and broker dealers will offer them to their investing clients.

Four licensed institutions offered to lend us money on January 15th. NBT Bank, headquartered in Central NYS’s Norwich, provided the lowest net rate at 3.7% for us to borrow funds starting 1/30/25, to be paid back by 1/30/26.

Mayor Tim Rogers New Paltz

McKenna’s boy

Gordon Wemp, the chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), said, “nobody on the ZBA believed the Woodstock Land Conservancy [the applicant] made a compelling enough argument” regarding a determination made by Woodstock’s zoning enforcement officer.

Yet, he had the ZBA have two decisions ready at its December 12 meeting -one denying the appeal and the other granting it, an approach he perceived as “novel.” The cost to taxpayers for this application in attorney fees was $5,354. Howard Harris Woodstock

To Dems: It wasn’t the price of eggs, but a deficit of compassion

As Democratic analysts try to explain the reasons for the unexpected Trump victories in the last election, we hear, over and over, that it was the high cost of inflation, the cost of eggs in the grocery store or the price of gas at the pump, that was determinative for these voters and their votes for Trump.

However, these same voters must have seen, and heard, and really could not have missed, the ugly, hate filled, cruel, speech of Trump and his MAGA allies during the campaign. Those statements and images were featured prominently on ALL of our media, mainstream media, as well as right and left wing media.

Trump loudly and repeatedly claimed that migrants were “trash,” “criminals and rapists,” “the worst of the worst,” having been sent from the jails and mental institutions of third world (s... hole) countries. Using Adolf Hitler’s hate filled anti-semitic, racist, phrase, Trump described migrants as “poisoning the blood of our country.”

Trump’s call for “mass deportations” was echoed by the ugly spectacle of thousands of his followers at the Republican National Convention, and elsewhere, holding up signs saying “MASS DEPORTATION NOW.”

The cruelty and hate Trump evinced was openly on display for all to see and to feel. Sadly, we must conclude that once inside the privacy of the voting booth,

many of these Trump voters, rather than being offended by the cruelty and hate, in the end, pulled the lever and voted for it.

Dems can stop castigating themselves for the presence of inflation in the grocery aisles of America during the Biden regime. Promises of lower grocery prices will not sway these voters.

Dems would do better to gently remind voters, particularly those on the right, of the voices of some of their own chosen political and spiritual heroes.

Ronald Reagan’s Voice and Vision on Immigration: “Divine Providence placed this land, this land of freedom, America, as a refuge for ALL those people in the world who yearn to be free”.

Reagan’s saw America as the “Shining City on a Hill that was to be a beacon of light to the whole world.”

Reagan endorsed the words on the Statue of Liberty of America as the providential place for “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free.”

Jesus Christ on Immigration -- Jesus Christ, from Matthew 25:31-40: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

“Truly, I say to you, as you do to one of the least of these, you do to me.”

Jesus specifically says of immigrants “Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

Yes Dems, let us do what we can to make America, and its grocery aisles, more affordable, but also, we would do well to remind all Americans that they too have higher selves and hearts capable of love and compassion.

Mel Sadownick West Hurley

•Ulster County’s regional funeral home

•Serving Highland, New Paltz, Milton, Marlboro, Plattekill, Clintondale, Modena, Gardiner, West Park, Esopus & Kingston

•Traditional and non-traditional funeral, burial, cremation and memorial services

•Pre-arrangement counseling Contact us about pre-need arrangements made in the past which can easily be transferred to our Firm

•Complete services available for former residents who have relocated

Rates and rainfall

Paltz

Alexa Floresta Crust and Magic, New

October 2024 was a historically dry month, as we saw a total of 0.8 inches of precipitation. In comparison, average monthly rainfall for the previous ten Octobers was 5.2 inches. In response, local governments and regulators, including New Paltz, issued burn bans and drought watches. Fortunately, our dry spell broke and we finished the year with over ten inches in November and December combined.

Curiously, 2024 overall was a wetter than average year, receiving 59.4 inches. The wettest for the last eleven years was 2018 (69.2’’) and the driest was 2020 (34.6’’). Our precipitation figures are supplied by the Mohonk Preserve. Collection of data by Mohonk began in 1896. With the tragic fires unfolding in Los Angeles, we have also been discussing precipitation volume and the risk of dry periods with our fire chief and New Paltz’s local emergency planning

•New addition more than doubled our capacity

•Vast off-street private parking

•Wheelchair accessible

Clowning around

Clowns sleep in groups of three. Sparrow Phoenicia

“No one should go hungry”

The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at Christ’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock has been offering meals three days each week for over 30 years! Our motto, “No one should go hungry,” has been our guiding principle. Through the generosity of local restaurants, volunteers and donors, we are able to provide meals to all who come to our door. We would like to especially thank the following restaurants and businesses for joining with us in this community service:

Alba’s Kitchen, 138 Tinker Street, Woodstock, 532-0028; Allison’s Restaurant, 51 Tinker Street, Woodstock, 6845887; The Bear Cantina, 295 Tinker Street, Bearsville, 684-5581; Bistro to Go, 948 Route 28, Kingston, 340-9800; Bread Alone, 22 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, 679-2108; Catskill Mountain Pizza, 57 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, 679-7969; Center For Cause Awareness, (201) 566 1076; Cucina, 109 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, 679-9800; Garden Cafe, 6 Old Forge Road, Woodstock, 679-3600; Hickory Smokehouse BBQ, 743 Route 28, Kingston, 338-2424; Oriole 9, 17 Tinker Street, Woodstock,

legal notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of 597 Tuckers Corners Road LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 11/26/24. Office location: Ulster County. Princ. bus. addr.: 50 Quality St. #110357, Trumbull, CT 06611. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Cogency Global Inc., 122 E. 42nd St., 18th Fl., NY, NY 10168. Purpose: all lawful purposes.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: 985MBK LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 985MBK LLC, 61 Wilson Ave., Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC): Jennifer Quintero NP in Psychiatry PLLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Jennifer Quintero NP in Psychiatry PLLC, 7 Cummings La., Highland NY 12528. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which PLLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY(LLC). NAME:

Landen Estates & Property Management LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/19/2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to LLC. Po Box 92 Ulster Park NY. 12487. Purpose for any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Montgomery & Allen, LLC. The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is Montgomery & Allen, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NYS Dept. of State on 12/6/2024. The office of the LLC is in Ulster County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it

OR9-5763; Overlook Bakery, 105 Tinker Street, 684-5898; Pearl Moon, 52 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, 684-5537; Santa Fe, 1802 Route 28, Woodstock, 6575555; The Reservoir Inn, 157 Basin Road, West Hurley, 331-6800; Woodstock Meats, 51 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, 679-7917; Yum Yum, 4 Rock City Road, Woodstock, 679-7992.

Our volunteers are also at the core of this ministry and we are so very grateful for their dedication. Many contribute two hours or more each month to preparing the meals and warmly greeting our guests. New volunteers are very much appreciated and if you are interested, please call the church office at 845-6792336 and someone will return your call. Many thanks again to our restaurants, our volunteers and our donors.

Eleanor Anderson Ulster Park

Our new felon and chief

In shadows where the steadfast truths reside, a bible stands open, yet the words collide -- an oath, a promise, ever so profaned, the sacred whispered, drowned in loud disdain. With head held high, the blind now lead the blind, empires of ignorance, a force unkind. The echoes of deceit twist and churn, while facts, like leaves in autumn, fade and burn.

What folly reigns in halls once bright with light, where reason dims, consumed

may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it is 36 Allen Street, Saugerties, NY 12477. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC): Prime Athletic Events, LLC.  Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/28/2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Prime Athletic Events, LLC 106 Bruceville Road, High Falls, NY 12440. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE THE MINORIKEYS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/14/24. Office in Ulster Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 80 Dashville Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: TOTAL DRY SOLUTIONS LLC. Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/05/2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: TOTAL DRY SOLUTIONS LLC, 61 Wilson Ave., Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of 45 CENTER ST. LLC Arts of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/20/2024. Office location Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 45 CENTER ST. LLC, 18 Deer Path Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: 289 Foxhall LLC Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 9th 2024. Office location: ULSTER County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 28 Hurley Ave. Kingston NY 12401. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

by endless night. The mind, once sharp, now dulled to sound effect, the laughter of the world -- [as they] coldly reflect. Is wisdom lost in chatter, noise, and scorn? A mockery of honor, truth, all torn. In every lie, a promise twisted, spun -ignorance, a tether, binding everyone. Buckle up, ignorance will rule for the next four years. Such a shame. Definition of stupid: “Knowing the truth, seeing evidence of the truth, but still believing the lies.” Facts can be willfully bypassed, rejected and ignored, but they cannot be ceased into non-existence. A lying felon and adjudicated sexual abuser of a woman, yes this frighteningly real moral degenerate swore an oath on a Bible this past Monday, January 20th, and you wonder why the world is laughing at us? It is disappointing to watch. What has happened to people’s brains? So dangerous and unaccountable. He’s simply a pathetic fucking embarrassment. You know exactly who I’m talking about. It’s even worse when it’s willful ignorance. I believe it takes an inflated ego to be as willfully ignorant as the “morons are governing America” supporters.

Yes, I know, a horrible generalization. They aren’t all like that -- but there are plenty who are. They certainly feel no moral duty to protect others from their bad choices. I do know, the MAGAt fascists don’t believe in the greater good unless it serves them first. If one rejects facts, rejection does not prove one’s

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Amsterdam Dream Paradise LLC

The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is Amsterdam Dream Paradise LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NYS Dept. of State on 12/11/2024. The office of the LLC is in Ulster County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it is 3072 Route 32, Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC), Name: ANTSY ANDROID LLC; Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 31, 2024; Office Location: 11 Stanley Street, Kingston, NY 12401; Ulster County; SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served; SSNY shall mail copy of process to 524 Chauncey Street, Apt. 1L, Brooklyn, NY 11233; Term: Until (Perpetual); Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Aspire Counseling & Tutoring LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/11/24. Office location: Ulster. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, PO Box 1131 Kingston NY 12401. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

CLOVER ENGINEERING, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/10/24. Office: Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the PLLC, 511 Commons Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Professional Engineering.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of LLC: HHA NORTH AMERICA INC. Articles of Organization filed with SSNY: 11/22/24. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: HHA NORTH AMERICA INC 318 Main St Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which S-Corp is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company LLC: Hudson Valley Caregivers, LLC. Articles of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of New York on Dec. 12, 2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Hudson Valley Caregivers, LLC, 260 Kings Mall Court, #325, Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC): Hudson Valley Radon Systems, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 19, 2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to: 262 Boulevard; Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of MARBERT HOLDINGS LLC Arts of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/5/2024. Office location Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to NYVETTE REYES-SCIALPI, 18 Deer Path Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of North Red Oak LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 12/4/24. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 11 Krumville-Davis Corner Rd., Olivebridge, NY 12461. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FROMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Roundout Rental LLC. Articles of Organization:were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/16/24. Office location: Kingston, NY, Kevin Sharp has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 37 3rd Ave Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Matryoshka LLC has filed Articles of Organization with the NY Secretary of State on December 13, 2024. The office is in Ulster County. The NY Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process may be

wisdom but less knowledge. “Logic” is a fearsome and frightening thing to those who prefer indoctrination. You could say, he’s “back by popular demand,” but 49.6% is NOT really that popular.

If this doesn’t give you “THE HEEBEEGEEBEES”, well watch and listen as “truth” slips out of their fingers and runs off into the dark night.

Neil Jarmel West Hurley

A moving ceremony

The Saugerties VFW would like to thank all who donated and participated in the Wreaths Across America on December 14 at Saratoga National Cemetery. For the ninth year in a row, all of the veteran graves (almost 17,000), received a remembrance wreath. It is a very moving ceremony.

If you have the opportunity to take a drive up to Saratoga, the wreaths will remain until the first week of March. A special thank you to the Ulster County corrections officers for providing the transportation.

Bob Howe Saugerties VFW

Democratically run food co-ops

The board of directors of the High Falls Food Co-op support the efforts of the Kingston Food Co-op. They are

served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall forward copies of any process is: 278 Leggett Road, High Falls, NY 12440. The purpose of the LLC is any lawful purpose.

Filed by: RYAN, ROACH & RYAN LLP

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. EF2023-567

Plaintiff designates ULSTER as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 31 MAPLE LANE KERHONKSON, NY 12446

Section: 76.1, Block: 2, Lot: 35 CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, INC. 2007-AHL1, ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007AHL1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE Plaintiff, vs. SAMANTHA GILMAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE VAN VALKENBURGH A/K/A KRISTINE VANVALKENBURGH; BRENDAN GENOVESE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE VAN VALKENBURGH A/K/A KRISTINE VANVALKENBURGH; ELIANA VANVALKENBURGH, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE VAN VALKENBURGH A/K/A KRISTINE VANVALKENBURGH; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE VAN VALKENBURGH A/K/A KRISTINE VANVALKENBURGH, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; AMERICAN EXPRESS NATIONAL BANK; NATIONAL COLLEGIATE STUDENT LOAN TRUST 2007-

3; MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC.; KYLE BROWN; KATHRYN GRALLA; BRIAN DOE (LAST NAMED REFUSED), “JOHN DOE #4” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last nine names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $179,200.00 and interest, recorded on September 21, 2006, in Liber M7977 at Page 194, of the Public Records of ULSTER County, New York., covering premises known as 31 MAPLE LANE, KERHONKSON, NY 12446.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

ULSTER County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your

Ulster

a great community asset. While it isn’t always easy and it may take time, a food co-op is an important tool for healthy community engagement and growth.

For proof: we are small (2,400 square feet), in a very rural outpost of Rondout School Valley District (111.4 people per square mile). We have attracted 848 equity members, roughly 12% of our service area. More than a grocery store, we are a vital thread in our local economy. Unlike corporate grocery giants we are owned by our members. Our policy returns any profits we make to these members. We keep profits completely local and directly benefit our members.

In 2024, our co-op spent nearly a third of its purchases on local and regional producers. Studies show that every dollar spent at a local food co-op impacts the local economy and community by more than 160% to every dollar. With our buy-local policies we expand this metric to 240% to every dollar.

We give consumers a voice in our evolution. Conversely, the recent closure of Ellenville’s ShopRite due to “poor sales performance” was made by a large corporate entity outside of its service area. It negatively impacted the community. Our members give input on our performance. They have a real say in operations.

Our model allows us to adapt and be a reliable partner in times of crisis; like during the pandemic when we pivoted to a food pick-up system ensuring families continued access to healthy

property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: December 17th, 2024 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

LEGAL NOTICE

4 WEST UNION, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 10/30/2024. Off. Loc. : Ulster Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to: c/o Eric Byars Freeman, 173 Glenford-Wittenberg Road, Glenford, NY 12433, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of 84 DOWNS STREET LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/13/2024. Office Location: Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 418 Broadway, STE R Albany, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of 176 Smith Ave, LLC, Art. of Org.  filed w/Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 01/02/2025. Office location: Ulster Co., NY.; SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.  SSNY shall mail copy of process c/o the Company, 85 Grand Street, Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE ALWAYS BECOMING LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/30/2024. Office loc: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Henrietta L. Shannon, 821 Watson Hollow Road, West Shokan, NY 12494. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

AZKPIE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/29/2024. Off. Loc.: ULSTER Co. SSNY desig. As agt. upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 103 Deer Haven Rd., Accord, NY 12404. Purposes: Any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

CLOVE VALLEY CREATIVE

and safe groceries. We are bursting at the seams and need to expand. Maybe it’s because our store is accessible to all or made affordable to those in need. We seek angels to assist us with answers for a much-needed expansion we are energized. This energy makes us hopeful for the Kingston Food Co-op. It fills a real need in the community. We thus stand in solidarity with, and strongly support, the ongoing efforts of the Kingston Food Co-op.

Virginia Redgate on behalf of The High Falls Food Co-op Board of Directors

Milk & Bread

What is worse: the long wait for an impending snowstorm that promises to be ‘The Worst’ or the storm itself with nonsensical windchills when we could be inside, with ridiculous inches piling up when we could be inside.

And what is worse than waiting on or dealing with snow when not a flake falls

ARTS THERAPY PLLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 12/18/2024. Off. Loc.: Ulster Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 172 Clove Valley Road, High Falls, NY 12440, USA. Purpose: Creative Arts Therapy.

LEGAL NOTICE

CONSTANCE CARR LCSW, PLLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 10/4/2024. Off. Loc.: Ulster Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The PLLC, P.O. Box 2833, Kingston, NY 12401, USA. Purpose: Licensed Clinical Social Work.

LEGAL NOTICE

GAME PLAN PROPERTIES, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 11/22/2024. Off. Loc. : Ulster Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to: The LLC, 181 Bowne Street, Port Ewen, NY 12466, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. NAME: GP Empire LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/22/2024. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 4 Rondout Hbr. Port Ewen, NY 12466. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. NAME: Guzman Trading LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/2/2025. Office location: Ulster County NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 77 Gage st Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

JERSVILLE ENTERTAINMENT, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 10/18/2024. Off. Loc. : Ulster Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to: The LLC, 109 Mcgree Road, Woodstock, NY 12498, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORE-

CLOSURE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF ULSTER NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, v. LORIE KELLOGG, ET AL, Defendants. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

and we went out to buy up all the milk and bread. Patrick Hammer Saugerties

Big trees

Big trees have always been more than just trees -- sentinels, timekeepers and silent storytellers. When we moved to DuBois Road, I was three, too young to grasp permanence but old enough to feel the pull of those trees. Twenty acres of wild green surrounded our bare-bones house with no running water and an outhouse that leaned precariously. The trees, though, were solid -- constant. One stood out: a massive maple, its six-foot-wide trunk rough and scarred, slowly giving way to rot. Yellow jackets nested in its hollows, teaching me to be cautious with their stings. Still, I climbed it repeatedly, drawn to its quiet lessons in patience. Then there was the pine, sixty feet tall, straight and steady. When the house grew too loud, I’d climb it to breathe, returning sticky with pitch as if the tree offered protection or solace.

Seventy-six years later, I still talk to trees. Driving down Route 32, I nod at the old oak standing like a sentinel at South Putt. It’s been there as long as I can remember, and I wave like greeting an old friend. There’s a sycamore on Old New Paltz Road I never tire of pointing out to my wife. “There it is,” I say every

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Ulster County on February 15, 2024, I, Rod Futerfas, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 05, 2025 at the Ulster County Courthouse, 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401, at 11:00 AM the premises described as follows: 296 Irish Cape Road Wawarsing a/k/a Napanoch, NY 12458 SBL No.: 83.1-2-45  ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Wawarsing, County of Ulster, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. EF2019-1339 in the amount of $110,442.66 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 102207-1 83831

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (PLLC)

Name: Laura Cassar Architect PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on: December 9, 2024. Office Location: Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to Laura Cassar Architect PLLC, 1387 Glasco Turnpike, Saugerties, NY 12477. Term: N/A - No specific date of dissolution. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity for which a professional limited liability company formed for the practice of architecture may be organized.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Robert Briggs Electric LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of the State of New York on 12/27/2024. Office Location: Ulster County. Robert Briggs II has been designated as Agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon her is the LLC, at 432 Ashokan Rd. Kingston NY 12401 Purpose of LLC: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ULSTER

INDEX # EF2011-3846

Filed Date: 12/11/2024 Second Supplemental Sum-

mons WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2007- OPT3, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT3, Plaintiff, against ROSEANN DAW BURTON GULNICK, JR. ULSTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE AS ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF HELEN WASHINGTON, KASEEM H. WASHINGTON, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO HELEN WASHINGTON, SHAWN WASHINGTON, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, JR, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO HELEN WASHINGTON, if living of if dead, his/her heirs at law or next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff MONIQUE WASHINGTON, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, JR, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO HELEN WASHINGTON, CECILIA TAYLOR WASHINGTON, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, JR, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO HELEN WASHINGTON “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” 1 THROUGH 50, Intending To Be The Unknown Heirs, Distributees, Devisees, Grantees, Trustees, Lienors, Creditors, And Assignees Of The Estate Of George H. Washington Jr., Who Was Born In 1954 And Died on August 12, 2015, A Resident Of Ulster County, Whose Last Known Address Was 49 Wurts Street, Kingston, New York 12401, Their Successors In Interest If Any Of The Aforesaid Defendants Be Deceased, Their Respective Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, And Successors In Interest Of The Aforesaid Classes Of Person, If They Or Any Of Them Be Dead, And Their Respective Husbands, Wives Or Widows, If Any, All Of Whom And Whose Names And Places are unknown to the Plaintiff HOWARD MORAN, JR., DYTANIEL WASHINGTON, JOHN DOE (LAST NAME UNKNOWN), ROBERTO DOE (LAST NAME UNKNOWN), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O

time, a secret only I can truly appreciate. She humors me, knowing trees aren’t just trees to me -- they’re stories, memory keepers, landmarks in the shifting landscape of life.

Craig McKinney, a local newspaper legend, used to ask me about big trees. “Seen any good ones lately?” he’d say, and we’d trade sightings like treasures. Trees, we agreed, are living reminders of time’s depth, their roots going far beyond what we can see.

When I think of the trees I’ve known -- those I grew up with and those I’ve only passed by -- I feel profound gratitude. They stand steady, holding the world up quietly as everything around them shifts and crumbles. They’ll outlast us, waving their limbs in the wind like they’re saying goodbye -- or maybe hello.

Larry Winters New Paltz

Dishonest, outrageous, unprincipled

Marcus Arthur’s letter (1/08/25) about the illegitimate use of the Saugerties Climate Smart Task Force logo by the shameless promoters of the latest scheme to “ develop” Winston Farm by the Saugerties Farm LLC is a model of decorum. And so it should be, given his position of responsibility on the Conservation Advisory Committee.

I, however, am free to use less circumspect language to describe this action,

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, THE KINGSTON HOSPITAL, Defendants. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 49 Wurts Street a/k/a 47 Wurts Street, Kingston, NY 12401. TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Modified Mortgage (hereinafter “the Mortgage”) to secure $287,255.08 and interest, and loan modification agreement covering premises known as 49 Wurts Street a/k/a 47 Wurts Street, Kingston, NY 12401. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Ulster County as the place of trail. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2000D, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2000-D AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT This action was commenced to foreclose a mortgage against on real property located at 49 Wurts Street a/k/a 47 Wurts Street, Kingston, NY 12401. McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC By: Caren Bailey, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25 Melville, NY 11747 631-812-

4084 855-845-2584 facsimile File # 560-1922 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non- profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE Taylor TEN LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New

| January 22, 2025

Hudson Valley One

and I describe it as dishonest, outrageous and unprincipled. It is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public into supposing that the LLC has the approval of the committee tasked with advising the town board on environment and climate issues, when it most assuredly does not.

This is only one more example of the misrepresentations made by the Saugerties Farm LLC to rezone Winston Farm to make possible huge profits at the expense of both the environment and the quality of life of the Town of Saugerties. They should publicly apologize for the misuse of the Climate Smart logo and stop the entire disinformation campaign without delay.

Residents of Saugerties interested in learning and exposing the truth about the environmental destruction that would result from the published proposal for development should join up with others who don’t want to see the ecological integrity (or the beauty) of the Winston Farm property destroyed. Citizens for a Beautiful Saugerties is the only public-facing group focused entirely on preserving Winston Farm from overdevelopment. If you care, don’t leave the fate of the property to wishful thinking or chance.

Janet Moss Saugerties

has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Taylor TEN LLC 308 NY-32 N, New Paltz, NY 12561. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that an On Premises liquor license, serial number NA-0370-24-214956 has been applied for by the undersigned to sell Beer, Wine and Liquor at a restaurant and bar under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 4353 ROUTE 32, CATSKILL NY 12414 for On Premises Consumption. CANDLELITE 2 LLC

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Catskills Tradesmen

LLC Articles of organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/31/2022. Office location: 1437 State Route 213 Ulster Park NY 12487. Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 1437 State Route 213 Ulster Park NY 12487. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of HWE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/05/24. Office in Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 973 GLASCO TURNPIKE SAUGERTIES, NY, 12477. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of HAPPY HUDSON HOMES LLC

The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is HAPPY HUDSON HOMES LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NYS Dept. of State on January 8, 2025. The office of the LLC is in Ulster County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it is C/O The Company, 554 Route 213, Rosendale, NY 12472. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of JRNY Management, LLC, Art. of Org. filed w/Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 01/02/2025. Office location: Ulster Co., NY.; SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process c/o the Company, 2 Chilhowie Drive, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of None Shall Pass, LLC, Art. of Org. filed

TDS is still alive and well

Tom Cherwin states his clear perception of what’s to come, in his letter entitled “I was crushed by the election results.” But, will Tom still be “crushed” should Trump have several significant successes that stop the bleeding from a Biden/Harris four-year flop, while satisfying the Republican, Independent AND Democratic voters by showing that someone finally listened to their serious and legitimate concerns and actually did something to noticeably improve their lot in life?

Tom, William Weinstein and others think that climate change was largely responsible for the horrific California wildfire disasters. However, they fail to point out the REAL major contributors -- Governor Gavin Newsom, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Department of California Water Resource’s Karla Nemeth and other incompetent California politicians who, for quite some time, have failed to proactively prepare for such known potential disasters. The need for deforestation and the Santa Ana winds are not phenomena that just showed up three weeks ago. The brilliance of these people

w/Sec. of State of NY (SSNY)

01/07/2025. Office location: Ulster Co., NY.; SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process c/o the Company, PO Box 1206, Port Ewen, NY, 12466. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE PROCREATIONS DS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/03/25. Office: Greene County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 70 Elk Creek Road, Fleischmanns, NY 12430. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ramona Lane LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/18/24. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Ramona Lane LLC 672 Broadway Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a license, number NA-0267-24247971, for wine, cider, and beer has been applied for by Scry Chapelle LLC to sell wine, cider, and beer at retail in a Café, under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 3B Church Street, New Paltz, NY 12561, Ulster County, for on-premises consumption. Scry Chapelle LLC, 3B Church Street, New Paltz, NY 12561

LEGAL NOTICE

SETH AND SHANE LANDSCAPING, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/16/24. Office in Ulster Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 55 Route 66 East St., Kerhonkson, NY 12446, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

AB DIETZ HOLDINGS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/10/25. Office: Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 474 Springtown Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

The Annual Meeting of the Trustees of Elting Memorial Library will be held immediately preceding the regular January meeting on January 23, 2025 at 7pm. The purpose of the meeting is to present board candidates, vote for officers, present the library’s adopted budget and any other business as determined.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Lim-

was magnified by the absurd and significant budget/personnel cuts in the fire department along with extremely poor water management. And, how about that empty reservoir allegedly awaiting repairs? And, of course, let’s not forget the role played by the mentally ill arsonists in these disasters. A quick Google of the Santa Ana winds show that they are at their worst in the winter months, especially December and January. So, that leaves ten other months to repair and fill the reservoir. I think our gradeschool children and grandchildren could have figured that one out.

Switching gears, I’d like to address Biden’s empty, worthless and fear mongering “farewell address” and its incredible hypocrisy. Biden and Tom Cherwin express a fear for our country’s future and loss of democracy due to an anticipated “oligarchy” and its wealth, power and influence “running the show.” Of course, they’re referring to billionaires Elon Musk and many others whose REAL values dwarf the “values” of Biden/Harris and many of their Democratic partners in crime and grime -- not necessarily illegal crime but, potentially worse, moral crime. But, did anyone notice or will they comment on how

ited Liability Company (LLC): CabinForYa Dreamin’ LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on January 3, 2025. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to CabinForYa Dreamin’ LLC, P.O. Box 394, Brighton, CO 80601. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Qual of DELESSIO, LLC, Authority filed with the SSNY on 01/15/2025. Office loc: Ulster County. LLC formed in AZ on 12/10/2019. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Timothy T. Delessio, Managing Member, 2234 Lucas Turnpike, High Falls, NY 12440. Address required to be maintained in AZ: 333 N Wilmot Road, Ste 300, Tucson, AZ 85711. Cert of Formation filed with AZ Corp. Comm, 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Domestic Limited Liability Company. Name: Dirt Dance Projects, LLC. Date of Formation: January 16th, 2025. County: Ulster. Secretary of State of New York designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against LLC may be served with copies then mailed to: Dirt Dance Projects, LLC 24 W Chester St. Kingston, NY 12401. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC): Lady Margo LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/08/2025. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 202 clay rd Ulster Park NY 12487. Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT PROPOSALS VILLAGE OF NEW PALTZ

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed Requests for Proposal will be received at the Office of the Village Clerk, Village of New Paltz, 25 Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz, New York, 12561 until 2PM on March 21, 2025 for Professional Engineering Consultant Services.

Beginning January 15, 2025, copies of the Request for Proposal will be available from the Village (i) in hard copy at the Village Clerk’s Office (address above) between the hours of 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, (ii) by e-mail request to ProjectManager@VillageofNewPaltz.org (iii) as a download from the Village’s Website at www.VillageofNew Paltz.org

The awarding authority for this contract is the Board of Trustees of the Village of New Paltz. The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all submittals of

proposals and abandon the proposal or may reject all submittals and re-advertise at a future date.

BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF NEW PALTZ

BRAD GORFEIN, DEPUTY VILLAGE CLERK VILLAGE OF NEW PALTZ REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES

DUE DATE: MARCH 21, 2025–2PM – Village Clerk’s Office, 25 Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz, NY 12561

The Board of Trustees of the Village of New Paltz (the “Village”) invites qualified firms or individuals to submit proposals for professional engineering consultant services to the Village of New Paltz. Proposals will be accepted until 2:00PM on MARCH 21, 2025, submitted to the Deputy Village Clerk, 25 Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz, NY 12561 or Clerk@VillageofNewPaltz.org. Proposals received after that time will not be considered. No proposal may be withdrawn after the time set for public opening. The Village reserves the right to hire multiple engineers or firms to provide the services described under the specifications herein.

Complete Proposals Required Applicants must submit both a hardcopy and a digital version of their proposals. Applicants are required to provide all of the information requested in this RFP as well as any additional information or alternatives requested. While the Village may solicit additional information during the evaluation of the proposals submitted pursuant to this RFP, the Village will not be responsible for any omissions on the part of any applicant. Applicants are cautioned to read the requirements carefully and follow the response format of this Request for Proposals, as any deviation from the format and requirements listed may be cause for rejection. No proposal will be accepted which contains any changes, additions, omissions or erasures, unless otherwise stated.

Preparation of Proposal

Submitting physical copies

– Each applicant shall be submitted in one or more sealed opaque envelope(s) and shall have printed on the outside “RFP – Engineering Consultant Services” together with the name and address of the person/firm submitting the Proposal. One bound and one unbound paper copy should be included

Submitting electronically –Each applicant should be submitted in a PDF format by email to the Village Clerk at Clerk@ VillageofNewPaltz.org and the subject field should indicate “RFP – Engineering Consultant Services”.

Non-collusion certification. Each proposal must be accompanied by a non-collusion certification, signed by the applicant, as required by General Municipal Law Section 103(d). A copy of a sample non-collusion certification is annexed hereto.

Proposal Content

Biden and Tom clearly failed to mention Biden’s oligarchical billionaires, Reid Hoffman, Michael Bloomberg, Howard Schultz, Michael Moritz and the worst and most dangerous George Soros, and how they’ve been pulling the strings of Biden/Harris and their administration for four years? Of course not. That’s how Democrats always address just one side of any equation.

John N. Butz Modena

Supervisor McKenna

is the fountain of

misinformation

In his first-ever press conference of January 10, Woodstock Supervisor Bill McKenna provided his updated narrative on the detection of PFOS in the town water supply, while alleging misinformation on social media. In our opinion, Supervisor McKenna is himself the fountain of this misinformation. He has claimed that the illegally permitted “Plan E” in Shady properly remediated the known-to-be toxic dumpsite, and has floated theories that distract from that dumpsite being a likely source of the PFOS contamination of Woodstock’s

On a separate sheet, the applicant must provide a description of its capabilities and experience, including the following information:

Name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of the consultant(s) – include local office address if different.

Name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of a contact person.

Narrative describing the history of the firm/practice, including date of inception.

Detailed resumes (professional staff only) for each person including level of responsibility, educational qualifications and previous work assignments that relate to this RFP.

A description of clerical and support staff and library and research capabilities.

Technology support—computers, printers and other equipment.

An outline of the ability to provide the Village with digital files throughout all projects.

Any potential conflicts of interest in representing the Village.

Detailed statement of experience in the areas of engineering described under “General Conditions” and “Specifications” contained herein.

List of all municipal entities currently represented or represented in the past seven years.

Statement of capacity to successfully prioritize and commit to Village tasks/projects and to complete required services, including the scheduling of staff resources.

Demonstration of capacity to control costs.

Other information that the proposer may wish to provide.

Reference Evaluation

A listing of five current or recent references of similar work must be furnished along with the proposal. For each reference, include the name, telephone number, mailing address and email address of a contact person who may be contacted for verification of all data submitted.

Form of Proposal

The proposal submitted should include the following information regarding the annual cost of services:

A detailed hourly fee or fixed rate fee schedule showing the rates for each service described in “Service Specifications” herein. A list of any miscellaneous costs for which the consultant may seek reimbursement, including (a) copying; (b) photographs; (c) overnight delivery at actual cost [Note: reimbursement for overnight delivery shall not be made by the Village UNLESS the matter IS TIME-SENSITIVE]; filing fees; stenographic services; process service fees; and court costs, which shall only be reimbursed at actual cost. Identification of exceptions, if any, to the list of out-of-pocket costs for which the engineer may seek reimbursement but for which a reasonable cost cannot be determined at time of submission of proposal, such as expert witness fees.

Addenda and Interpretations

No interpretation of the specifications or other RFP documents will be made to any applicant orally. Requests for interpretations must be in writing addressed to the Deputy Village Clerk of the Village of New Paltz, 25 Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz, NY 12561 or ProjectManager@ VillageofNewPaltz.org, and must be received at least five (5) days prior to the date fixed for the opening of the proposals. Any and all such interpretations and any supplemental instructions will be in the form of a written addendum to the specifications which, if issued, will be sent, not later than three (3) days prior to the date fixed for the opening of the proposals, by email to all prospective applicants at the respective email addresses furnished for such purposes. Failure of any applicant to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve such applicant from any obligation under his proposal submitted. Any addenda so issued shall become part of the contract document.

Duration of Proposal

Proposals and cost schedules shall remain firm and effective for at least ninety days from the date of the opening of proposals.

Liability for Errors

While the Village has used considerable efforts to ensure an accurate representation of information in this RFP, all applicants are urged to conduct their own investigations into the material facts, and the Village shall not be held liable or accountable for any error or omission in any part of this RFP.

Reimbursement of RFP Costs Costs associated with the preparation of a proposal, including but not limited to any transportation costs to any interviews, shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The following General Conditions apply to all applicants, all proposals submitted in response to this RFP, and all subsequent retainer agreements.

Qualifications of Applicant

The successful applicant shall be (1) an engineer, duly admitted to practice in the State of New York, with at least five years’ experience, or (2) a firm with engineers having the same qualifications

In the performance of the services requested, the engineer shall be an independent contractor.

Limitations on Work During Tenure

The engineer must agree not to represent any party making application to or appearing before any Board, Justice Court, or other instrumentality within the Village while serving as Engineer to the Village. The engineer shall not employ independent consultants or subcontractors to represent or provide services to the Village or any instrumentality thereof without the express written consent of the Village.

Retainer Agreement

Acceptance of Proposal – No applicant shall acquire any legal

drinking water. One pet theory was that a solvent used years ago on one well could have been the source, which would defy explanation of why another well would also show contamination. He has claimed that the town’s testing of individual wells amounts to source tracing, but all it does is confirm the current level of contamination at that location, not where it’s coming from, which requires independent, professional, multi-site testing. His continued unprofessional speculations about where the contamination might be coming from has only wasted time, and put the health of his constituents in further jeopardy.

The citizen’s group Woodstockers United for Change (WUC) has been conducting its own investigations, in concert with experts and professional reports, of the contamination and of the town board’s handling of it. McKenna has tried to dismiss the strong possibility that the Shady dump is a significant potential culprit of the contamination of the aquifer by saying that since it’s upstream and the wells closest to the stream, where one would expect to find levels of contamination, have gotten non-detects. However, the group has discovered that in July 2022,

or equitable rights or privileges whatsoever relative to the services until the Village has delivered either a signed notice in writing to the applicant or a fully-executed written Retainer Agreement to the applicant.

Duration – It is intended that the retainer agreement for engineering services will be effective for a duration of two years and may be extended at the Village’s sole option for additional twoyear terms. Such retainer agreement may be terminated by either party by one hundred twenty (120) days’ advance written notice. The retainer agreement will provide for annual review of compensation and evaluation of performance. The contract is nonexclusive and allows the Village to obtain engineering services from other providers if, for any given project, it determines such services to be necessary.

Payment – The chosen engineer/firm shall submit an invoice for payment of services once a month and shall include a one-twelfth (1/12) annual fee for services accepted by the Village Board of the Village. The invoice shall also include a detailed description of all additional services rendered by the engineer or the engineer’s staff for the preceding month, the task for which reimbursement is sought, the dates on which the work was performed, and the time spent for which reimbursement is sought. The engineer, and any other individual seeking payment, shall at all times maintain a detailed log of time, task, activities and expenses for which payment is sought. The invoice shall be accompanied by a Village voucher form, completed in all respects by the engineer seeking payment.

Assignment – The chosen engineer/firm shall not assign or transfer any part of the retainer agreement, or any right or privilege granted hereunder.

Insurance

The Village requires that applicants provide with their proposal certificates of insurance verifying coverage, as well as a letter from the applicant’s insurance carrier acknowledging that the applicant is able to comply with all insurance requirements.

During the term of its contract with the Village, the engineer/firm shall maintain, at its own sole expense, and without expense to the Village of New Paltz, the minimum insurance as outlined below:

General Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If the insurance includes a general aggregate limit, that limit shall apply separately to the contract with the Village, or it shall be at least twice the required per-occurrence limit

Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability as required by New York State law.

Professional Liability and Er-

well before McKenna has claimed the first indications of PFOS contamination appeared, levels at Pumphouses #1 and #2 showed identical readings of .86 ppt. The fact that they were reported at such precisely identical numbers is itself suspicious and requires further investigation. WUC members have, in fact, caught several reporting mistakes in the professional lab reports that required amendments. It should also be noted that the new library site on Dixon Avenue is also suspected of dangerous contamination, and that needs to be independently investigated as well.

The group has also noted contradictions in the responses of board members McKenna and Courtis. While, on the one hand, McKenna claimed the town cleaned up the Shady dump and has diverted attention from its possible role in the PFOS contamination, to the point of not advancing two resolutions for a real clean up, he has now admitted in communication with the attorney general that the material from the dump came from Karolys operated facilities that were known to have PFOS and other contaminants, and that it does continue to potentially pose a danger to our water supply. Courtis also voted

rors & Omissions Insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $5,000,000 in aggregate.

Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention: Deductibles or self-insured retention must be declared to and approved by the Village. At the option of the Village, either the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retention as respect the Village, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers; or the engineer/firm shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.

Miscellaneous Provisions Compliance with Laws. This RFP and any retainer agreement entered into between the applicant and the Village of New Paltz shall be governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the United States of America. The engineer shall comply with all the laws applicable to the work or the performance of work in this RFP. Conviction of any violation of Federal, State or Local Law shall be reasonable cause for the Village of New Paltz to terminate any retainer agreement.

The engineer/firm shall provide its own electronic equipment, library and clerical, professional and support staff necessary to provide the services described herein. Recordkeeping. The selected engineer under contract to provide services shall maintain complete records and files on any matter in which he or she has rendered services to the Village. All such records compiled by the engineer pursuant to any contract in furtherance of this RFP shall revert to the Village upon termination of the contract, including but not limited to written determinations and/or interpretations, pleadings, transcripts, written reports, studies, computer printouts, graphs, charts, plans and all similar recorded data.

SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS

The following are the primary responsibilities for engineering services the Village requires:

The Village is soliciting sealed proposals from well qualified professional engineering firms to support the Village by providing comprehensive advice and consulting services in connection with a variety of matters including, but not limited to: (i) civil, electrical, environmental, mechanical and structural engineering matters; (ii) surveying, design and architectural matters; (iii) policy guidance; (iv) environmental review and regulatory compliance; (v) acquisition or transfer of real property rights; and (vi) areas incidental thereto.

Work assignments shall be made on an “as needed” or “as requested” basis. Services in connection with Village projects for which the source of payment will be public funds, shall require negotiation and determination of a scope of work prior to commencement of the assignment and may require a not-to-exceed

against the resolution, and actually censored any mention of Shady dump at her “water town hall,” but also signed on to the appeal to the attorney general for help in cleaning up Shady. Additional communications to the attorney general written solely by Courtis further confirm this contamination element. Both have ignored the fact that the state has said that Woodstock has the authority to enforce its own, stricter laws, something McKenna has confirmed in a recent Facebook posting. It could have been cleaned up years ago.

“One of the frustrations, I think for all supervisors,” McKenna said, “is Facebook and Nextdoor, and it’s a quandary (sic) of information and misinformation.” However, had it not been for the disclosing of vital information that our group and others have made on such platforms, given that we are otherwise restricted in making our case to two or three minute, generally ignored “public be heard” statements at board meetings, the misinformation that the supervisor has been spreading for years would have gone unchallenged.

Marcel Nagele on behalf of Woodstockers United for Change

Many thanks to the Woodstock Library!

I had the honor of attending the Woodstock Library forum event, a book talk and book signing of Ghosts of A Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited The Arab-Israeli Conflict, by Yardina Schwartz. The event was a full house, with people representing pro-Israel/pro-Zionism , as well as pro-Palestinian/anti-Zionism points of view; I applaud our host for keeping the Q & A session civil and respectful, putting a stop on people calling out, or making statements that would not allow the author to explain herself. Ms. Schwartz did do a great job -- in a quiet and mostly non-judgemental way -- and she also presented her book’s premise in a lively and informative way. I think that forums like this one -- where the fractious sides of the Israel/Palestine issue can be thrashed out in a dialogue that does not censor or curtail the viewpoint it disagrees with -- are essential to getting past unyielding opinions about the savagery of what has happened -- and hopefully, is coming to an even temporary stop -- in the Middle East. I want to send out an appreciation to

fee for that scope of work. The selected consultant shall employ generally accepted professional standards and provide the Village with the best possible advice and consultation and shall act at all times within the authority and capacity of any title or professional license as issued by the State of New York. Consultant will be expected to provide support services and work proactively with the Village Board, various Village Departments, Committees/ Boards and/or departmental staff.

Services will include consultation, assistance and advice on a ongoing basis involving matters of general engineering, inspection, design, surveying, Village public works projects (both new construction and modification/ rehabilitation), and local land use matters. Tasks may include attendance at meetings and hearings, preparation and review of applicant specifications, project management, technical and support services, review of engineering-related aspects of residential, commercial and redevelopment applications, including testing and analysis, preparation of studies, designs, reports, memoranda and advising the Village Board, various Village Departments, Committees/Boards and/or departmental staff

The Consultant is expected to acquire proficient knowledge of (i) the Village’s policies and regulations and (ii) existing conditions in the Village including but not limited to the community profile; demographics; municipal services; public infrastructure; and economic, natural, recreation, historic and cultural resources.

NON-COLLUSIVE PROPOSAL

AFFIDAVIT

I hereby attest that I am the person responsible within my firm for the final decision as to the price(s) and amount of this applicant on this RFP (hereinafter “project’), or if not, that I have written authorization, enclosed herewith, from that person to make the statements set out below on his or her behalf and on behalf of my firm. I further attest that:

The price(s) and amount of this applicant have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement for the purpose of restricting competition with any other contractor, applicant, or potential applicant; Neither the price(s) nor the amount of this proposal have been disclosed to any other firm or person who is an applicant or potential applicant on this project, and will not be disclosed prior to proposal opening; No attempt has been made nor will be made to solicit, cause, or induce any firm or person to refrain from proposing on this project, or to submit a proposal higher than the proposal of this firm, or any intentionally high or non-competitive proposal, or other form of complementary proposal;

The proposal of my firm is made in good faith and not pursuant to any agreement or

discussion with, or inducement from, any firm or person to submit a complementary proposal; My firm has not offered nor entered into a subcontract or agreement regarding the purchase of materials or services from any firm or person, or offered, promised, or paid cash or anything of value to any firm or person, whether in connection with this or any other project, in consideration for an agreement or promise by any firm or person to refrain from proposing or to submit a complementary proposal on this project; My firm has not accepted nor been promised any subcontract or agreement regarding the sale of materials or services to any firm or person, and has not been promised or paid cash or anything of value by any firm or person, whether in connection with this or any other project, in consideration for my firm’s submitting a complementary proposal, or agreeing to do so, on this project; and

I have made a diligent inquiry of all members, officers, employees, and agents of my firm with responsibilities relating to the preparation, approval, or submission of my firm’s proposal on this project and have been advised by each of them that he or she has not participated in any communication, consultation, discussion, agreement, collusion, act, or other conduct inconsistent with any of the statements and representations made in this affidavit.

Date Signed Signature

Company Name Printed Name and Title

Company Address Phone Number and Email Address STATE OF ) COUNTY OF )

Sworn to me before this day of , 20Notary Public REQUIRED DISCLOSURE OF RELATIONSHIPS TO THE VILLAGE OF NEW PALTZ

Name of Applicant: Address: Telephone: Cell Phone: Fax: Email:

The reporting entity is: {Please check one) Individual Corporation Partnership

A. Related Employees – Are any of the employees who will carry out this contract with the Village of New Paltz also an officer or employee of the Village of New Paltz, or the spouse, child or dependent of a Village officer or employee? Yes No If yes, please provide details:

B1. Related Owners – If you are the owner of the firm, are you or your spouse an officer or employee of the Village? Answer: Yes {If yes, please provide details below) No Not Applicable

B2. Do any officers or employees of the Village have an interest in the Contractor or in any subcontractor that will be used for this contract? The word “interest” as used in the foregoing questions shall mean a direct or indirect pecuniary or material benefit accruing to a Village officer or employee, or his or her spouse, child or dependent, whether as the result of a con-

tract with the Village or otherwise. For the purpose of responding to these questions, a Village officer or employee shall be deemed to have an “interest” in the contract of:

His/her spouse, children and dependents, except a contract of employment with the Village

A firm, partnership or association of which such officer or employee is a member or employee

A corporation of which such officer or employee is an officer, director or employee; and

A corporation of which more than five (5) percent of the outstanding capital stock is owned by any of the aforesaid parties. Answer: Yes {If yes, please provide details below.) No

I am the (Title or Office) of the reporting entity listed above. I make this affirmation based upon my personal review of the books and records of the reporting entity. All of the foregoing information is true to the best of my knowledge, after inquiry. I make these statements under penalty of perjury.

Printed Name and Title Signature

STATE OF ) COUNTY OF )

Sworn to me before this day of , 20Notary Public

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC), Name: RJB CLEANOUTS LLC; Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 17, 2025; Office Location: 12 Vincent Lane, Stone Ridge, NY 12484; Ulster County; SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served; SSNY shall mail copy of process to 12 Vincent Lane, Stone Ridge, NY 12484; Term: Until (Perpetual); Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

SHERIFF’S SALE BY VIRTUE OF a certain Writ of Execution, issued out of the SUPREME COURT, COUNTY of ULSTER, and to me directed and delivered, I have levied upon and taken which I shall expose for sale as the law directs at the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, 380 Boulevard Kingston, NY 12401, on the 6th day of March, 2025 at 10:00 in the forenoon of that day- all the right, title, and interest which JEMETHY MACKAYE had on the 31ST day of OCTOBER, 2024 or at any time thereafter of, in, and to the following property, to wit: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hurley, County of Ulster and State of New York, being bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the center of the road leading from Route 28 to Route 375, commonly known as the (Maverick Road) and runs thence from said point of beginning South 72 degrees 53 minutes East 224.31 feet to a point marked by an iron pipe driven in the ground. Said last mentioned course of South

degrees 53 East at a distance of 25.19 feet passes through the center of an iron pipe driven in the ground.

THENCE South 60 degrees 52 minutes East 99.94 feet to a point marked by an upright stone set in a pile of stones on a ledge; THENCE generally along said ledge South 32 degrees 53 minutes West 93.71 feet to a point; thence still along said ledge South 31 degrees 31 minutes West 83.94 feet to the point of a ledge as described by the old deed; THENCE South 36 degrees 11 minutes West 164.78 dr. to a point marked by an iron pipe driven the ground; THENCE along the lands to be conveyed to Zemlinsky South 86 degrees 47 minutes West 113.28 feet to a point in the center of Maverick Road. Said last mentioned course of South 86 degrees 47 minutes West at a distance of 88.28 feet passes through the center of an iron pipe driven in the ground; THENCE along the center of said road the following (3) courses and distances: North 1 degree 13 minutes West 195.82 feet; North 1 degree 29 minutes West 148.35 feet; North 10 degrees 1 minute East 61.27 feet to the point and place of beginning. Property address: 167 Maverick Road, Woodstock, New York 12498 Sale is subject to all lawful liens.

Terms of the sale are strictly cash or bank check; 10% payable at time of sale and remainder by 4PM of sale date. The Sheriff reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Dated: December 19, 2024 Juan Figueroa Sheriff of Ulster County 380 Boulevard Kingston, NY 12401

Sheriff File: 24001055

Staff Conducting Sale: Melissa Donaldson Chief Civil Administrator (845) 334-5593

Attorney for Plaintiff: Annmarie E. Steward, Esq. 300 International Drive Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 (716) 656-9300

LEGAL NOTICE THREE BEARS WHISKEY COMPANY, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 12/20/2024. Off. Loc.: Ulster Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to: The LLC, 330 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of UNDERSTORY STRATEGIES LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/07/24. Office in Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 69 RIVER RD ULSTER PARK, NY, 12487. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

the Woodstocker who first contacted the library to see if there would be interest in Ms. Schwartz making her presentation (sorry, I don’t know her name!), and also to Ivy Gocker, the Woodstock library director and her marvelous staff, for being willing to act as host for such a controversial topic. The woman who initiated it said that there would be the possibility of a presentation from the Palestinian side of the conflict, or maybe from a critic of Zionism; I look forward to that, especially after myself facilitating/presenting a reading group on “Muslim Journeys” at the library this past fall. People, we need to talk, and to read and to listen -- we need to engage, if we’re ever going to get “passed the Past!”

Martin Haber Woodstock

A tri-ku:

“Inauguration Day”

Due to foul weather

The event was held inside, And there was relief;

The foulness felt worse inside

Than it did outdoors;

For to Trump, some saw, We’re just another cash cow—

One he’ll milk to death.

Tom Cherwin Saugerties

Immigration

Aida Bustamante and myself, John Rosett, met on Silver Singles on September 5, 2021. We hit it off right away and communicated on almost a daily basis. Finally, she came to visit me on October 16 at my home in Highland. It was a very magical day. First, we went to the Walkway Over the Hudson where I am a volunteer ambassador and then hiked Franny Reese Park.

Next, we went to Stone Mountain Farm where one of my closest friends, Robin Larsen, was celebrating her 80th birthday. Aida got to meet about 50 of my friends and was received very warmly, especially by my friend Diana who is a Spanish teacher.

Try

Elizabeth: Ejackson@hudsonvalleyone.com Lynn: lynn@hudsonvalleyone.com Pam: pam@hudsonvalleyone.com

I remember when we said goodbye, I told her that I like her a lot and we kissed.

Even though Aida has been in this country for a long time, in Elizabeth they speak mostly Spanish. So I would help her with her English (which already was pretty good) and she would help with my Spanish, which is fairly adequate after

five years of courses and many lengthy trips to Mexico. I must admit though that her English is much better than my Spanish, but I’m working on it.

After that, we would see each other almost every weekend. Either she would drive up here or I would go down to New Jersey. It is only an hour-and-a-half drive so we really didn’t mind it because it meant we could see each other and we were truly in love.

Between visits, we would communicate daily either by phone calls or messaging. This tradition has continued for three years to the present day. One memorable visit was Halloween when I brought her a Mr. pumpkin head. She was a witch and I was a gorilla. We had a blast.

We have much in common. We are both Gemini’s. I was born on June 15th and she was born on June 18th. So every year we take that week off and spend time together on a staycation. We always have a lot of fun since there is so much to do in my area, as well as hers. Also, we are both left handed and are very much into the spiritual world. We share political and religious views. She attends my Quaker services with me. We are definitely kindred spirits and are both easy going, so we have never had a serious argument. Also, we both have two cats who we love dearly.

On October 7, 2022 we got a marriage certificate from city hall and then were married at a local wedding chapel. Both her children were in attendance with their respective partners, as well as one of her tenants, Raymond. Then we went

to a restaurant and had a special area were we had the reception. We had a really good time even though we all ate too much, as there were a lot of courses.

My wife passed away in 2012 and I never thought I would find another true love, but Aida has fulfilled that dream. For the past three years, she has added much joy to my life. I am prone to depression, but when I am with her, I am always in a good mood. She is very sensitive to my needs and sometimes realizes that I need some alone time.

She takes very good care of me, cleaning my house (which I am not very good at) and cooking for me besides making me very happy. We love to go hiking and swimming together. She has attended many local events with me and all my friends have taken a liking to her.

Also, we spend the holidays with her family and I have become very close to both her daughter and her son and their partners and they have a bond with me, so we are a family. They have been to my house several times for long weekends.

After a few months together we became intimate and that only served to augment our love.

We miss each other a lot so we still communicate daily and send cards often.

Unfortunately, she signed a lease with her landlord to manage the building and stands to lose $6000 if she breaks it which the landlord is not willing to do. But in November, she will be moving in with me permanently, something we have both been looking forward to. She already has a lot of her belongings at my house. Fortunately, I have a big house so there will be plenty of room for her and her possessions.

I am very excited that she will be living with me and look forward to spending the rest of my days with my beloved.

John Rosett Highland

Getting it right now will save taxpayers money later

As I write, snow is falling and I know many residents are concerned about the new bike/ped path alongside Henry W. Dubois, a portion of the New York State Empire State Trail (EST). The EST is, to my knowledge, the only state park that requires local municipalities to provide for its maintenance. State funding is available to help with construction and therefore it is vitally important that design flaws be remedied during the construction phase so they do not become a burden to our local taxpayers.

I have been in constant contact with Alta Planning, the engineering consultants who designed the trail, and Whispering Pines Construction, the firm that is building it. The design that was drawn on paper in 2020 did not sufficiently account for the some of the physical realities of a residential town/ village street. Simply put, there are design flaws that must be remedied before NYS DOT and the Town of New Paltz will sign off that the project is complete.

Several of the flaws negatively impact our ability to carry out necessary winter maintenance. I know  that the temporary barricades on the trail are causing frustration and inconvenience. We are working with Alta and Whispering Pines to resolve the design issues as quickly as possible so that regular winter maintenance can begin.

Please be patient a little longer. Getting it right now will save taxpayers money later and will ensure our town and village staff can provide a safe path all winter long. Like you, I eagerly await the official opening of the new Henry W. Dubois bike/pedestrian path.

I’ll keep you updated.

Amanda Gotto Supervisor, Town of New

Paltz

PAUL ANDREASSEN

The Saugerties lighthouse.

almanac

LOCAL CULTURE

JANUARY 22, 2025 22,

CONSUMED

The Hudson Valley Mall, once a mecca of shopping and culture, is now a ghost town by

Rokosz Most

“[The] garden court has all the evils of the village street and none of its charm” Frank Lloyd Wright

“Yeah, it was such a big deal, you could walk from Macy’s to JCpenney’s and you never had to go outside…”

Woman remembering the mall

There was a time when malls were more popular than churches. People would dress up and get in the car and drive in from the suburbs to spend the day wandering among the tiled corridors of

commerce. Consumerism was the holy spirit that moved through them and packs of adolescents unto teenagers, roamed the halls and rode the escalators and stretched out the cash in their pockets out to the last penny. Or fished some change out of the wishing fountains. There was no internet. There were no cell phones. See and be seen.

That could have been the motto of visionary Victor Gruen when, in 1954, he unleashed his three-story enclosed and escalatored, climate-controlled, shopping masterpiece upon the world, the 800,000 square feet of utilitarian consumerism in Edina, Michigan. America’s first covered mall.

His end game was to see schools and libraries and apartments and post offices and churches all be included under the same roof along with the atriums and escalators, fountains and mezzanines.

Gruen said he was providing a “much needed place and opportunity for participation in modern community life,” like the Greek Agora, the medieval marketplace or the town squares.

Surrounding the mall was a vast expanse of asphalt. 5,200 parking spaces. Utopia.

Hudson Valley Mall

In the Town of Ulster, when the Pyramid Management Group né Pyr-

amid Companies broke ground on top of a wide ridge 200’ above sea level in 1981, the motivation was to develop the only enclosed mall between Albany and Poughkeepsie.

Set on prime real estate which around sunset affords some of the best views of the Catskills in the county, the developers left out the escalators and the atriums. They left out the mezzanines and the fountains. They went with an inexact cruciform layout, comprising 765,704 square feet of shopping potential, all on the ground floor. In the first years of its inception, anchored by Hess’s, JCPenney and Kmart, the Hudson Valley Mall was

ROKOSZ MOST

Shuttered storefronts at the Hudson Valley Mall in the Town of Ulster.

Thursday

calendar of events

1/23

The Lesser Ape at Keegan Ales in Kingston, 5:30pm.

90’s Nostalgia Bingo at Hudson House in West Park, 6pm.

Open Mic Night on the Salon Stage at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 6:30pm.

T4T Open Mic at Blackbird Infoshop in Kingston, 7pm.

Sonny’s Rock Pro Jam at the Colony in Woodstock, 7pm.

Trivia Night at High Falls Cafe in High Falls, 7pm.

Food and Country Documentary

Screening & Panel Discussion at Rosendale Theater in Rosendale, 7pm.

James Dalton at The Lemon Squeeze in New Paltz, 7pm.

Latin Dance w/ Beacon Dance Beat at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 7pm.

Vince Herman & Sam Grisman Duo at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, 7:30pm.

Looms / No No Finger at Avalon Lounge in Catskill, 8pm.

Close Enemies w/ Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 8pm.

Major Mayhem Karaoke at Tinker Street Tavern in Woodstock, 8pm.

Friday

1/24

Blood Drive at Saugerties Public Library in Saugerties, 11am.

Karaoke Night at Angry Orchard in Walden, 5pm.

Indigo Trio at Rough Draft in Kingston, 5:30pm.

Bluegrass Supper Club w/ Conor Wenk at Pearl Moon in Woodstock, 6:30pm.

The Toland Brothers on the Salon Stage at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 6:30pm.

Breakout Kings w/ Cats-Kill Musicians & AM Gold at the Colony in Woodstock, 7pm.

QTTRPG at HV LGBTQ+ Community Center in Kingston, 7pm.

Jaime Lissow at Laugh It Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie, 7pm.

Echo Rhythm Band at the Lemon Squeeze in New Paltz, 7pm.

Rick and Marilyn at Tilda’s Kitchen in Kingston, 7pm.

DJ Dookz at Tubby’s in Kingston, 7pm. Earth, Wind & Fire vs. Kool & The Gang at Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock, 7pm.

Myles Mancuso at Di’Vine Wine Bar in Wappingers, 7pm.

Super Bowl Jersey Dance Party at Hudson House in West Park, 7pm. Emo Night at Silk Factory in Newburgh, 7pm.

Bernstein Bard Quartet w/ Special Guest Sarah Milanovich at The Living

Room at Full Circle in Gardiner, 7pm.

Dancing Lessons This play is laughout-loud funny, yet touching too -- it’s about relationships and our efforts to connect with each other. By Mark St. Germain, directed by Hank Neimark at Mescal Hornbeck Community Center in Woodstock, 7:30pm.

Bailen at The Falcon in Marlboro, 7:30pm.

Freedy Johnston / Rhoseway at Avalon Lounge in Catskill, 8pm.

Shrek the Musical at the Center for the Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, 8pm.

The Gathering Gloom: The Cure Tribute at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 8pm.

Steel at Keegan Ales in Kingston, 8pm.

Harmony & The Magic at Tinker Street Tavern in Woodstock, 8pm.

Ari Hest / Matthew Smith at Park Theater in Hudson, 8pm.

Chris Trapper / Emily Jeanne Brown at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 8pm.

Friday Night Fever w/ DJ Michael V at the Colony in Woodstock, 10:30pm.

Ghost of You Emo Night After Party at Toasted in Newburgh, 11pm.

Saturday

1/25

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of David Bowie & More for Kids at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, 12pm.

Brunch: Chris Vitarello Trio w/ Jay Prince & Andy Abel at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 12pm.

Met Opera Live in HD: Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida at Time and Space Limited in Hudson, 12:30pm.

Tarot Readings for the New Year w/ Tyler Tarot at Twin Star Orchards in New Paltz, 12:30pm, 3:30pm.

Behind the Bar: Cider Cocktail Class at Angry Orchard in Walden, 1pm.

Expert’s Eye: Landscapes of Power w/ Rosanna Flouty at Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, 2pm.

The Catskill Tanneries: An Environmental Disaster with a Happy Ending Multimedia Presentation by Paul Misko at Shandaken Historical Museum in Pine Hill, 2pm.

Bennett Harris at Tinker Street Tavern in Woodstock, 3pm.

Writing Through Resistance. In response to the inauguration, this free in-person workshop will provide inspiration, writing prompts, and opportunities to explore and share our voices in a community-empowered setting. Raise your voice, unleash your creative power, and express your resistance at Inquiring Minds Bookstore & Cafe in Saugerties, 3pm.

Conversazione in Italiano at Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie, 3pm.

Sat. 1/25 • 7pm

The Pink Floyd Project

Colony Woodstock, 22 Rock City Rd. Few albums enjoy the exalted status of The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. It’s simultaneously heady and accessible, a widely influential creative achievement that continues to reverberate throughout our culture. You’ll have the opportunity to hear it performed live in its entirety by a ten-piece band at Colony this weekend. Hearing this timeless album live is a bucket list item any rock fan should experience before that “Great Gig in the Sky”. Other Pink Floyd favorites will be played as well.

Chili Take-Out Sale at Reformed Church of Saugerties in Saugerties, 3pm.

Living in Color Art Show: Opening Reception. The Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center is hosting an exhibition featuring the work of local Queer BIPOC artists at Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center in Kingston, 4pm.

A Celebration of Five Years of Art in Rhinebeck at Art Gallery 71 in Rhinecliff, 4pm.

Watchnight Book Launch w/ Author Cyée Jarelle Johnson at Blackbird Infoshop in Kingston, 6pm.

Andrew Jordan at Hudson House in West Park, 6pm.

Annie Mash Duo on the Salon Stage at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 6pm.

Starlight Duo at Stonehouse Tavern in Accord, 6:30pm.

Jim E. Brown / Burt Murder / Carl Dolphin at Avalon Lounge in Catskill, 7pm.

The Pink Floyd Project at the Colony in Woodstock, 7pm.

Matt Kopeck Spins Vinyl at the Lemon Squeeze in New Paltz, 7pm.

Top Rank Tattoo Presents: Servant of Sorrow / Pitch Black Tomb / Torn Out / Rabbit / Exitum at Tubby’s in Kingston, 7pm.

Earth, Wind & Fire vs. Kool & The Gang at Woodstock Playhouse in Wood-

Sun. 1/26 • 4-6:30pm

Kingston Jazz Jam

Chromatic Studios, 71 Oneil St., Kingston.

The Kingston jazz scene is heating up in the dead of winter, and Midtown is ground zero. Not only can you occasionally catch jazz at Tilda’s Kitchen, The Lace Mill and Tubby’s, but Chromatic Studios hosts a killer open jazz jam in an intimate setting. The musicianship on hand is off the charts, and the night is led by a full five-piece house band. Acoustic instruments and singers are always welcome. Suggested donation is $10 for listeners, $5 for musicians. Could this be the start of the jazzification of Kingston?

stock, 7pm.

Improv Night at The Yard in Beacon, 7pm.

Terrence Trama at Di’Vine Wine Bar in Wappingers, 7pm.

Felix Slim at Pine Hill Community Center in Pine Hill, 7pm.

Soul City at High Falls Cafe in High Falls, 7:30pm.

Dancing Lessons at Mescal Hornbeck Community Center in Woodstock, 7:30pm.

Junco Partners: Mardi Gras Show at The Falcon in Marlboro, 7:30pm.

Lights Out: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, 7:30pm.

Shrek the Musical at the Center for the Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, 8pm. Live at the Fillmore: Allman Brothers Band Tribute at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 8pm.

Cancion Franklin at Tinker Street Tavern in Woodstock, 8pm.

Myles Mancuso at 1915 Wine Cellar in Poughkeepsie, 8pm.

The Sound Minds at Park Theater in Hudson, 8pm.

Burn the Jukebox at Silk Factory in Newburgh, 8pm.

Alexis P. Suter Band at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 8pm.

90 Proof at Keegan Ales in Kingston, 9pm.

DJ TGIF Presents: High Society Gala at the Palace Theater in Albany, 9pm.

DJs Tall Matt / ChizzZik at Avalon Lounge in Catskill, 10pm.

Drama Club: A Queer Dance Party w/ Andramda at Toasted in Newburgh, 10pm.

Sunday

Sashiko Stitching at Yarn Farm in Kingston, 10am.

Fri. 1/24 • 7:30pm

Bailen

The Falcon, 1348 Rt. 9W, Marlboro. Get ready for a harmonious night as Bailen brings their rich, sibling-driven sound to the Main Stage. This indie-folk trio—composed of twins

Daniel and David Bailen alongside their sister Julia—delivers a blend of soaring three-part harmonies and classic rock influences reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Known for their work on hit TV shows and collaborations with industry giants, the band has built a devoted following both stateside and across the pond in London’s folk scene. With a background in opera and a knack for intricate arrangements, Bailen’s performance is packed with surprises. Folk artist Rebecca McCartney opens.

Sun. 1/26 • 8:30am

Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay

Saugerties

The2025 Empire State Winter Games torch relay makes its fiery pass through Saugerties this Sunday, ahead of the statewide sporting event in Lake Placid from January 30 to February 2. The parade will begin at 8:30 a.m., following a designated route through the town and concluding at the Kiwanis Ice Arena at 9:30 a.m., where an on-ice ceremony will take place. Teams from the Saugerties Youth Hockey Association, including the 10U Mustangs boys team and the 12U and 14U Fillies girls teams, will participate. Last year, the 10U Mustangs and 12U Fillies won gold medals, while the 14U Fillies earned bronze.

Thu. 1/23

The Thinking Game Screening & Discussion

Barnfox, 291 Wall St. 4th floor, Kingston.

The Thinking Game is a captivating documentary that takes you inside Google DeepMind’s relentless pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Get a behind-the-scenes look at key milestones, including the groundbreaking success of AlphaFold, which solved a long-standing challenge in biology. Following the screening, attendees will mingle and discuss the film. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just curious about where the technology is headed, this gathering provides an open space for practical insights and thoughtful conversation. Who knows, maybe Ai wrote this? Search for Barnfox on Eventbrite to register.

To Save the Man with John Sayles at Morton Memorial Library in Rhinecliff, 6:30pm.

Open Mic Comedy Night at Tubby’s in Kingston, 7:30pm.

Comedy Night at Snug Harbor in New Paltz, 10pm.

Wednesday

1/29

Be Proud, Be Responsible at SUNY New Paltz in New Paltz, 9am.

Befriend Your Sewing Machine w/ Cal Patch at Yarn Farm in Kingston, 1pm.

Open Mic Night at Stonehouse Tavern in Accord, 6:30pm.

John Newhall Band w/ Natasha B. at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 7pm.

Trivia Night at The Yard in Beacon, 7pm.

Reading & Performance: Music from Elsewhere w/ Doug Skinner at Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz, 7pm. Aaron Dugan Trio at The Pines in Mt Tremper, 7pm.

Miss America / Watercoat at Avalon Lounge in Catskill, 8pm.

Wake in Fright (1972) at Orpheum Theater in Saugerties, 8pm.

Karaoke w/ Amanda at The Half Moon in Hudson, 8pm.

Jazz Brunch w/ Jay Collins’ Gravy Train at Pearl Moon in Woodstock, 11am.

Brunch w/ The Grateful Duo on the Salon Stage at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 11:30am.

Brunch: Bees Deluxe at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 12pm.

Sorcerous Arts Society at Blackbird Infoshop in Kingston, 1pm.

Open House & Volunteer Appreciation Day at Rosendale Theater in Rosendale, 1pm.

Dancing Lessons at Mescal Hornbeck Community Center in Woodstock, 1:30pm.

Winter Plant ID & Foraging Workshop at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, 2pm.

Archive Project Screening and Q&A: Linda Mussmann’s Mao Wow at Time and Space Limited in Hudson, 2pm. Lucky House at Hudson House in West Park, 2pm.

Kingston Jazz Jam at Chromatic Studios in Kingston, 4pm.

Hudson Valley Flyers at Kerhonkytonk Roadhouse at Outpost BBQ in Kerhonkson, 6pm.

Steve Forbert Duo & the Kenn Morr Duo at Daryl’s House in Pawling, 7pm.

Arun Ramamurthy Trio at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, 7pm.

Nonchalant.website Variety Show at Avalon Lounge in Catskill, 7:30pm.

Monday

1/27

Barnfox Co-working Winter Open House at Barnfox Kingston, Barnfox Poughkeepsie, Barnfox Livingston Manor, 9am.

Functional Medicine Introduction to Supplementing the Diet w/ Ashley Lathrop at People’s Place in Kingston, 11:30am.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Presentation & Book

Signing w/ Rebecca Brenner Graham at Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, 2pm.

Trivia Break Tuesdays with Andre at Keegan Ales in Kingston, 6:30pm.

Narcan Training at Blackbird Infoshop in Kingston, 7pm.

It’s All Gonna Break Screening at Orpheum Theater in Saugerties, 7pm.

Food, Inc. 2: Woodstock Film & Discussion Series at Woodstock Jewish Congregation in Woodstock, 7pm.

Tuesday

1/28

Open Table: Free Breakfast & Lunch All Day at Tilda’s Kitchen in Kingston, 10am.

NextGen STEAM at Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum in Poughkeepsie, 2pm. Policy & Politics Book Club at Rough Draft in Kingston, 6pm. Broadway in Beacon at The Yard in Beacon, 6pm.

Open Mic Night at Gunks Gaming Guild in New Paltz, 6:30pm.

ST A RR ORP H EUM

RHINEBECK SAUGERTIES

Friday, January 24

1:45p + 4:45p + 7:45p Nickel Boys 2:15p + 6:30p The Brutalist Saturday, January 25 1:45p + 4:45p + 7:45p Nickel Boys 2:15p + 6:30p The Brutalist Sunday, January 26

1:30p + 4:30p +

Consumed

(Continued from page B1)

a success. By 1989 Sears Roebuck & Co. had added a department store to complete the cardinal cross of anchors and a food court too had sprung up.

Prior to 1995, according to a store roster from a year indeterminate, as many as 77 shops did business there, 10am to 9pm six days a week with shorter hours on Sunday.

Macy’s didn’t show up until 2006. By then, the Kmart had relocated, and its old space had been divided among Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Target had beat them all, arriving in 2001.

Heady times. But then, like an enormous dirigible, internet shopping hove into view, interposing itself between the rays of the mercantile sun and the brickand-mortar operations on the ground. Unacclimated to living in the shadow it cast, the malls below began to shiver in the darkness and die.

Demographics are destiny

In April of 2015, JCPenney closed. 67,000 square feet of retail shopping disappeared, putting 74 people out of work. In April 2016, Macy’s got out. 121,000 square feet freed up and 72 associates hit the bricks. In 2018, Sears went out for cigarettes and never came back.

In October 2020, Best Buy cut the apron strings.

Snapshots of abandonment: “No longer a robust shopping destination.”

“Decline of the area’s retail landscape is to blame.” “We feel this is a necessary business decision”, “While it’s never an easy decision to close stores, especially due to the impact on our valued associates and customers…”,“Unfortunately, retail in this area … has been in decline for many years.” Just business, you understand.

Town of Ulster supervisor Jim Quigley had no choice but to agree.

“We have a fundamental problem with the economy in our community in that we do not have enough high-paying jobs that provide disposable income to support these retailers,” Quigley said. “I have been of the opinion for a long time that to have a successful retail economy, we need good jobs with disposable income that supports the retailers. We are not going to keep retailers in this economy.”

Quigley still bore a grudge against the IBM plant closure in 1995. He said it was responsible for decimating the local economy. He said the community had struggled unsuccessfully to reinvigorate itself ever since. But this is a dependably Quigley-esque point of view.

Out beyond the borders of the town he has supervised for 16 years, malls had been dying all across the United States. Closed IBM factories couldn’t be responsible for them all.

As part of a nationwide downsizing to improve profitability, JCPenney closed 38 stores in 2015.

When Macy’s left in 2016, CEO Terry J. Lundgren mentioned that 40 stores nationwide would be closed “in light of our disappointing 2015 sales and earnings performance.”

When Sears exited, it announced the shuttering of more than 100 stores across the country- part of that company’s “latest cost-cutting move”.

And for those national chains, the bleeding never has stopped.

Two years after they left, JC Penny’s was announcing the closure of 130–140 other stores and two distribution centers.

When Sears left they still had 224 stores across these United States. Today they have 9. Macy’s still had 770 stores in 2016. Now it has 508. And in 2025 it’s been announced 66 more Macy’s will be closed.

shape” when he was growing up, says Cooper. In spite of that, cheap fast food and the drive to see and be seen won out.

“I remember my dad’s friend, Joe Marchetti, who was a Kingston native, refused to set foot into the mall his whole life. He saw what the mall did and what the town of Ulster Commercial District did to the businesses in Uptown and Rondout. He regarded the mall and the entire commercial district on Ulster Avenue that was set up in the 70s or 60s as parasitic.He gave me a different view on all these things. Like, is all this convenience really aspirational? Or is it just sucking the lifeblood out of your community? Like, what are you losing by paying less for things? Or what are you losing by moving all of your social engagement to this low-tax, high-profit, high-corporate area? You know what I mean?”

The Exodus

In 2011, with credible foresight, the Pyramid Companies unloaded the mall to PCK Development. Five years later, when the anchors began to bow out and back away, PCK defaulted on a $52.5 million loan it had taken out from the U.S. National Bank Association. So USNBA took ownership of the mall and began the search for a new property owner. Enter the Georgian, James M. Hull and his Hull Property Group. Based in Augusta, Hull specializes in land-lording malls – 28 of them at last count – located mostly in the Southeast. A photograph of the man available on the company’s webpage shows Hull grinning for all he’s worth, sporting a mini-checkered sports coat, a yellow tie and a toothy smile. His hair appears soft and easily mussed in the wind. Hull acquired the Hudson Valley Mall for $8.1 million, which was at the time estimated to be just about 12 percent of the property’s assessed value – $66 million. A real steal.

As of 2016, just before Hull took over at the Hudson Valley Mall, the Victoria’s Secret was still here. The Foot Locker and Kay Jewelers and LensCrafters were still here. And C&C Unisex Hair Design. Payless Shoesource and Gertrude Hawk. Signature Nails and Spa. Jules Vision Center. Hot Topic and Shoe Department. Zumiez. FYE. Old Navy. Jimmy Jazz. No more.

The trend is obvious, it is insurmountable and it is national.

The halls of memory

Thad Cooper recalls the mall with nostalgia, comparing it to a shining city on a hill.

“A lot of things happened at that mall as a young person. It was where you located all of your hopes and dreams. That’s where the Pokémon was. There was a store that sold video game stuff, and you would just spend as long as your parents could possibly let you in there.”

When he got older he realized that he and all the teenagers hanging out there were poor. In the wake of the IBM closure, Kingston was “really not in good

Confronted with so many vacancies, Hull has exhibited a remarkably canny strategy. He laid down honest-to-god carpeting over the tiles, installed new lighting, and walled off entire corridors of vacant shop fronts with sheetrock. Hallways were plastered with murals depicting scenes of local beauty and community, towering over six feet tall to cover the vast emptiness: That time Princess Beatrix of Netherlands visited Kingston. That time mounted elephants from the Barnum and Bailey Circus marched down Wall Street. Photographs of the Rondout when all the beautiful, brick buildings on the east side of Broadway hadn’t been knocked down yet, and the trolley still ran down the middle of the street. Interspersed between mural and photograph, nonsensical, sentimental and pithy messages of hope and advice have been painted on the walls.

3,440 parking spaces

Walking in Hull’s reinvention, no music plays and the carpeted corridors are wide enough for three DPW trucks to drive down side by side. The tables and chairs of the food court are clean and empty but the defunct food businesses have a bombed out, dusty look. An unknown wag has written ‘Help Me’ in the layer of dust coating the glass cases in the China Wok. The Savonna’s has locked the doors leading to the kitchen

and never returned.

There was nothing to do. Nothing to look at. No one there to see and be seen.

There were only the murals advertising the beauty of somewhere else, the photographs advertising a past gone forever, and the painted messages advertising nothing at all.

Nine businesses remain at the mall. Target, Dick’s, the NCG Cinema, a Muay Thai fighting club, a fitness operation, parkour instruction, a dentist, a hair salon and a medical care outpost.

Mall of the future

To anticipate what comes next in the life cycle of a dead mall, one could do worse than attend to the opinion of Michael Flight, founder of Concordia Realty Corporation. Founded in 1989, Flight says his firm’s raison d’etre is to provide shopping center leasing and development services to third-party owners.

To wit:

“Less dominant Regional Malls with weak anchor tenants may soon be extinct. Some of these malls will make great redevelopment opportunities be-

from a dead mall, Flight offers an anecdote of how he “strategically” developed a movie theater in the rear parking lot, relocated a Walgreens out of the mall to a front pad, while all the while emptying the mall over 2.5 years.

“Once the mall was empty, we completed the demolition, prepared the building pad and sold the entire project to a Walmart developer for $5 million profit.”

If this isn’t what the Hull Property group is planning, the movie theater in the rear parking lot and the gradually emptying shops sure resemble it. Messages left for Hull’s director of marketing and company operations were not answered.

Down from a high of 2,500 malls in the 1980’s, only 700 remained in 2022. By 2032, it’s estimated less than 200 will remain in the United States.

you live here or not. It’s vacuous, almost eerie. It’s like purgatory waiting to be torn down for a profit.”

Ha, who first came to the mall as a child, then chose to hang out there as an adolescent and teenager, and in the course of growing older brought his own child to the mall, confesses to an emotional connection.

“When I went to the mall every week or every other week or once a month, like that was the event of the whole week or month. It was like, you got to go out to eat, see your friends, hang out, you know, go to the arcade, the video game store. That Gamestop was in my blood.”

Ha recounts how, one midnight, he waited in line for an hour to purchase first-person shooter Call of Duty 4.

cause of the large parcel of land located near major intersections. Many malls will be converted to mixed-use as they remain excellent locations for residential and hotel developments. Some parts of these malls may end up as light industrial distribution centers to get e-commerce deliveries closer to consumers.”

Relating how his firm turned a profit

Exit past the gift shop

“Seems like an obvious real estate grab,” says Ulster County resident and local musician Jimmy Ha.

“You’re basically just going through the motions of being plausibly deniably a mall, when really anyone who goes in there is struck emotionally, whether

“They had an army recruiter at the door, so as you went through to get your game that you pre-ordered, they would try to recruit you for the real army while you were waiting to get your army simulator games.”

“Oh, yeah, and this might be tangential,” he added, “but speaking of guns.. who could forget the guy who shot up the Target. I know some people who were in there when it happened.”

In 2005, the day before Valentine’s

PHOTOS BY ROKOSZ MOST

100

Help Wanted

THE POSITION OF SECRETARY to

The Design Review Board and Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of New Paltz

The Design Review Board and Historic Preservation Commission (DRB-HPC) is a volunteer community body comprised of five members and up to two alternates. The DRBHPC’s charge includes reviewing architectural designs for renovations and new projects in many parts of the Village of New Paltz, working to preserve the community’s architectural history, and supporting a variety of design- and preservation-related initiatives, including an annual art show.

The position is part-time, approximately 300 hours per year (about 25 hours per month). Salary and benefits will be commensurate with prior training and/or experience.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills. Accuracy in record keeping, care in meeting deadlines, logical sequencing of tasks, and courteous engagement with the public and with Village employees are essential qualities for this position. Although much of the work can be done on a flexible schedule, the position requires daily or near- daily monitoring of the DRB-HPC’s email account, as well as attendance at monthly meetings. It also requires careful adherence to deadlines, some of which are legal mandates.

The secretary works with the DRB-HPC Chair to plan and organize materials for 10-12 monthly meetings per year, which begin at 7:00 p.m. and typically last 90-120 minutes. With the DRBHPC Chair, the secretary prepares meeting agendas for advance distribution and posting, collects and distributes materials, and coordinates with applicants. Meetings are held in person, streamed live, and recorded. Prior familiarity with Zoom and YouTube would be helpful, but we are willing to train. The secretary sets up the Village’s YouTube and Zoom feeds, then monitors Zoom for online comments or questions from the public, and takes detailed minutes of the meeting. Draft minutes are prepared for the DRB-HPC’s approval at the following meeting.

Between meetings, the secretary serves as the primary liaison for DRB-HPC communications with the public, relevant state agencies and national organizations, members of the DRBHPC, and Village boards and officials, in particular the Planning Board and Building Department staff. As needed, the secretary coordinates with the Village Clerk and Treasurer to order supplies and process invoices.

With the Chair, the secretary keeps records for and aids in the preparation of the DRB-HPC’s annual budget and its annual and quadrennial reports to the State Historic Preservation Office. To apply: send a detailed cover letter and current resumé to Thomas G. Olsen, DRB-HPC Chair, at hpc@villageofnewpaltz.org. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Timely applications are encouraged.

% of Time Description of Duties

65% Monthly Meeting Planning and Management

1) Draft, review with Chair, revise, and distribute monthly meeting agendas.

2) Review applications received from the public to determine completeness, including submission of all required supporting materials; follow up with DRB-HPC members, Building Department, Planning Board, and applicants, as necessary.

3) Ensure timely distribution of materials to be addressed at meetings. Attend and record meetings; draft and distribute minutes.

4) Track and report to the Chair any business of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals that may concern the DRB-HPC.

5) Post-meeting follow-up with Building Department, applicants, Planning and Zoning Boards, as necessary, including all required correspondence.

6) Track open cases and work closely with the Building Department and other agencies, as required, to ensure that applications are processed in a timely manner and that all records are complete, correct, and up to date.

7) Maintain a filing system for agendas, minutes, grants, and other paper and electronic documents.

25% Manage Public Outreach

1) Prepare and submit to newspaper any necessary press releases, legal notices or other public notices; aid applicants in distributing public hearing notices to neighboring property owners.

2) Compose and distribute correspondence or other written notice of DRB-HPC decisions, including certificates of appropriateness, landmark designations, and recommendations to the Building Department, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Village Trustees.

3) As needed, use the Building Department copier to duplicate and distribute materials to DRB-HPC members and others (Building Inspector, Village Clerk, etc.), as required.

4) Prepare the annual calendar of meetings, including associated application submission dates, and an annual letter to Historic District property owners and owners of landmarked properties.

10% Support and Manage the Usual Business of the DRB-HPC

1) Provide administrative support as necessary for normal business and special projects/ initiatives undertaken by the DRB-HPC, including but not limited to the annual art show, conferences, workshops, and occasional programs.

2) Retain records for and assist the Chair in preparing the DRB-HPC’s annual budget, annual report, quadrennial report, and other business that may come before the DRB-HPC

3) Assist the Chair and occasionally others in the administration of grants, including preparation of interim and final reports, and in retaining necessary records.

4) Track and distribute materials by email and occasionally paper, as needed.

5) Order supplies and materials, and process required purchase orders, as needed.

tying your experience to specifics in the job responsibilities and 3 professional references (include phone and email) to employment@mohonkpreserve.org with the subject line “Director of Development application”. Position open until filled. Details: Jobs, Fellowships, and Internships - Mohonk Preserve. EOE

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Animals

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SAUGERTIES ANIMAL SHELTER... Do you feel the chill in the air? Winter is here. Yes, a fireplace and wood burning stove are cozy; but do you know the coziest feeling of all? A LOVING CAT ON YOUR LAP. Our shelter’s cat condos are full. If you’re thinking about getting a cat, this is a wonderful time to do that. If you’d like to spread warmth & joy, consider adopting an angel (or 2)! If you adopt an adult/senior cat, you know you’ve given them a second (or maybe third) chance at love and kindness. NEW THIS WEEK! TWO senior cat girls!!! ABIGAIL; 13-year old black and white, super sweet cat girl. She loves to be carried around! MISSY; dilute tortie, 12- year old, very sweet cat girl. Here are our young adult kittens and cats. If you’re looking to adopt 2 kitten/cat angels, please let the shelter know. They know the animals very well and

Day, Robert Bonelli, age 24, entered the Best Buy with a knock-off AK-47. It was reported that the Glasco native wandered the store firing until his gun ran out of bullets. Gunfire and chaos, the mall shoppers fled for their lives. He was tackled when he ran out of bullets. No one was killed. A national guard recruiter was shot in the knee.

“Luckily the guy was just shooting, not trying to kill people,” Ha asserts. “But bullet holes were still visible days after it happened.”

can make recommendations. Some kittens are already bonded to one another. We STILL have lots of kittens, and more coming in weekly. In case you were wondering: Black kittens grow up to be elegant, beautiful, intelligent, loving adult cats. Living with them (and all cats!) is a joy! A pair of black kitten brothers is GIANT and GABRIEL; 4 months old; very sweet and very affectionate. SARITA; very sweet brown short hair and tiger striped 2-year old cat girl. Her son, Satellite, was just adopted. Time for his mama to get adopted, too! HAZEL; 4-year old very sweet, short hair, brown tiger cat girl. PORK CHOP; 2-year old brown tiger cat boy. He’s opinionated and can be sweet, too. VANNA; 1-year old black and white cat girl. Vanna wants to be your only pet. We have BARN CATS, too. If you’d like to give a cat(s) food and shelter and in return, they’ll help to keep your rodent population under control, consider adopting a barn cat. Get your applications in and approved, so when we welcome more kittens & puppies, which we often do, we’ll call you! We welcome a new group of puppies every month! In order to meet them, you’ll need an approved application and appointment. (We very rarely get small dogs.) Most are in the 40-50lb. range; short-hair southern mixes. LANA; sweet 8-year old, 55 lb. mixed breed dog girl. Although Lana is diabetic, her twice daily insulin shots maintain her proper blood sugar levels. ROSCO; 2-year old, 55 lbs. of love, tri-color love bug. He’s good w/everyone. He can be shy around men at first. LILY; sweet, loving, and happy 1-year old 45 pound mixed breed dog girl. This gray and white dog girl loves people and gets along with other dogs; cats not so much. JENNY; 4-year old lab/shepherd mix, 65 pounds and very sweet. She, like Lily, doesn’t play well with cats. BRUNO; 8-year old super sweet American Bulldog boy. Bruno ate too much over the holidays, and needs to be on a diet. CLOVE; energetic, 2-year old pitty mix dog girl, super sweet and good with EVERYONE!! NEW THIS WEEK!! We have a rabbit!!! SABLE; 2-year old sweet rex mix house bunny. (Lives in the house, and is housebroken.) Healthy, young dogs just arrived from Louisiana! Look at our Facebook page to see some of the wonderful new dogs. The shelter is open by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Please call 845-679-0339 to make an appointment to meet your new love! Saugerties Animal Shelter- (located behind the transfer station); 1765 NY-212, Saugerties, NY 12477. Here in this house... I will never be a substitute for anything I am not. I will never be used to improve peoples’ images of themselves. I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone’s idea of who I should be. I will never suffer for someone’s anger, impatience, or stupidity. I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all. If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame. ~Author Unknown~ ... If you’d like your home to be like the home described, please see the wonderful animals we have at SAS.

Consume or be consumed

There still remains the poetry of the mall to untangle from itself.

In an essay examining the subject of malls published 45 years ago, Joan Didion wrote that malls were “toy garden cities in which no one lives but everyone consumes, profound equalizers, the perfect fusion of the profit motive and the egalitarian ideal.”

But she was commenting upon malls as a living phenomenon. The currently fused manifestation on the hill in the

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Town of Ulster is stone cold. A ghost mall. Didion also called them “air-conditioned monuments” and “pyramids to the boom years”, and these characterizations are more apt. Wandering through the Hudson Valley Mall last week was more like

Call Joe

an exercise in archaeology.

Out in the parking lot, standing under the looming façade of the building where the Sears once was, the shadow of its lettering still remains visible on the exterior, in a darker shade of old adhesive. Placed in its context, the building resembles nothing so much as a bone-white headstone in the expansive commercial graveyard on the hill that is the Hudson Valley Mall.

If it ever commanded any reverence, and it’s said that it did, it must have been in the ledger books of town assessors and the dreams of chambers of commerce presidents, for the taxes it could raise on the one hand, and for the jobs it created and the shopping-minded tourists it could attract on the other. For these characteristics, the mall must have lived in the imagination as a seductive mecca on a hill rather than being judged by its architectural deficiencies. Ugly, uninspired, unremarkable, built as cheaply as possible. No garden courts. No waterfalls. No piano. No grand gestures. Just a series of warehouses built next to each other for locals to wander through. Now that the myth is dead, all that’s left is the corpse a-moldering. The architecture as banal as the black desert of asphalt poured at its feet. A sprawling relic awaiting transformation.

And