Letters 11/5/2009

Dear Editor,
I am truly saddened to read [Phoenicia Times 10-22-09] that Pastor Johann Christoph Arnold was saddened and disappointed that the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace prize to President Barak Obama. Why not? It was conferred on Yassar Arafat.
My wife [who is German] and I [a Norwegian] have a sign hanging at a conspicuous location on our entrance wall which declares "Living with a Norwegian Builds Character". Knowing descendantsI [of the Vikings] is certainly beneficial. I believe the Committee determined this award for this particular recipient because of his stated campaign commitments and evidence of his veracity and sincerity. Mr. Obama obviously appealed to the Nobel Committee substantially more than other candidates in the arena. They saw "transparency" as a virtue.
Pastor Arnold recognizes this president's notion of diplomacy over his predecessor's "bomb first, ask questions later" mind set. The good Pastor notes that the President has yet to commit to a peaceful resolution in Afghanistan even as he weighs the wisdom of more troops to that drug producing, genocidal region [hardly a complicated dilemma]. Dr. Arnold writes a fair and even handed missal which leaves the most alert and cognizant among us quite confused and bewildered.
I believe President Obama has not only achieved the improbable within eleven days but has inspired others who might otherwise "scoff" in utter disbelief. the President has also brought about economic stability [Oct. 28-09] by taking control of failing corporations, equalizing the salary base and of course attempting to establish "cost free" Health Care for all.
Ah, Karl; where are you when we need you?
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
How truly sad what happened at the junction of 28 and 28A, knocking down these magnificent trees that gave my eyes, and I'm sure many others here in Olive, so much Joy over the 29 years I'm living in Boiceville, inspiring me as a musician. Our hearts are here, dear neighbors, you know what I mean.
When driving out of 28A onto 28 just seeing the Old trees so grand in there part in natures way, reminding me of the seasons and why I came to the country so many years ago.
Visually barren enough is Boiceville, and sad, for it IS the gateway to the Catskills, might as well be Blind In Boiceville destroying the very heart of being here, living here in nature, yes God's country, the mountains and yes trees. Trees ? Hello !!
So who has the right to destroy OUR mansion, I ask you ? The phone company ? The electric company ? and on and on. I'm not naive, but let's do things within the realm of reason, when such an impact is at hand the community, the citizens of Olive, should always have a say or why Live here at all.
No love of nature in the middle of it ? eventually we will be as barren as Boiceville without trees.
G. Mancini
Boiceville, NY

Dear Editor,
I am writing to share with others concerned about the H1N1 flu vaccine information about how to obtain the thimerosal-free formulation: Have your doctor's office call the NY State Bureau of Immunization at 518-473-4437 and ask for it. Even if medical research indicates no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism, what parent wants to expose their child to heavy metals even in "trace amounts" when a mercury-free vaccine is available? A nurse at my son's pediatrician's office informed me that they looked into it but couldn't find out how to obtain the thimerosal-free (mercury-free) vaccine. They couldn't have tried very hard. She offered to give me the phone number of Sanofi, one of the pharmaceutical companies producing the vaccine, if I wanted to try to find out. I did. Sanofi told me that vaccine distribution is controlled by the government; the nurse should have known that. Sanofi's rep gave me the number for the N.Y. State Health Dept. They bounced me over the to the Bureau of Immunization, where I was told that lo and behold, the mercury-free vaccine is available if your doctor's office will simply call and order it: 518-473-4437.
Let's put the pressure on the medical industry to make safer vaccines more widely available.
Carol Cadmus
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
I was amazed and distressed to learn that the Board of Trustees of the Phoenicia Library has instituted disciplinary proceedings against Regina Johnson, the chief librarian, and is intending to fire her.
I have been a resident of Phoenicia since about 1986. During that time, I have been a regular and constant user of the library. I have been there through a number of librarians including Amy Wright, Hillary Gold, and now, Regina Johnson.
I am a lawyer, a writer and a mediator. I say this because in my early years in Phoenicia, I spent many hours upstairs on the second floor writing in longhand. This was during Amy's days when there was nothing going on upstairs and before the Jerry Bartlett Mermorial collection was established.
I liked Amy and always got along with her. But it was Hillary who began to turn the place into a real library. She encouraged reading, the borrowing of books, and developing the library into a social center.
And then Regina came and fully created a living, viable entity. The library became a focal point in town. People came in not only to borrow books, but to talk, to browse, to meet their neighbors, and to learn about events. There was an air of warmth and convivialtiy. The collection grew. The shelves were moved to make the area more spacious. Computers came in. And VCR's and DVD's.
And through it all, Regina maintained a warm welcoming attitude towards all who came in. People were always smiling as they entered the library and were greeted by the staff. All of which served only to encourage more and more unse of the library its facilities.
I don't know what the alleged bases are for your decision to fire her, but I would urge you to remember that she has been an asset to the library and thus, an asset to the town.
At the very least, you ought to have a public meeting to make any charges public, to listen to the townfolk and to hear their opinions about Regina. And then, have a full public hearing about the issues before you make an arbitrary decision.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter.
P.S. The writer sent this letter to each member of the Board of Trustees at the beginning of October. None of them has ever respnded.
Roger Ziman
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
I have been a part timer in the Shandaken area since 1955 and their have always been people selling there wares out of their homes; Fresh eggs and fresh killed chickens, Smoked trout, Homemade soup & Pot pies, Fire wood, Christmas trees, Handmade furniture, perpetual Garage sales, and I could go on.
Al Higley's Farm Stand is no different. It too belongs. Ever since he opened he and his stand has been a great asset to the area. For me personally, as a part time resident, it's great to have a fresh produce stand, that also sells other necessities for the following morning, open late at night when I'm coming up to my second home. We all know that every other place is locked up by 8:00 P.M.
Farm Stands belong in the Catskills! Let this one stand.
Robert E. Steiner
Big Indian, NY

Dear Editor,
Our federal government is out of control. Most federal representatives completely ignore our Constitution that they took a solemn oath to uphold. The feds are responsible, but the real blame is that we the people have allowed it to happen. And it will continue to get worse unless we stop it.
We can start by contacting our Senators and Congressman and demand that they make no changes to our health care. The current administration wants, over time, to take total control of our heath care.
Our dollar is no longer backed by gold or silver. It is fiat money made legal tender by the federal government. Furthermore, the unconstitutional Federal Reserve Bank, a private entity not responsible to anyone, determines how much money should be in circulation. We need to make a first true audit of this organization by urging Congress to pass H.R. 1207, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009.
If we can get enough people to contact Congress about these two items, we will be well on the way to reining in our runaway federal government.
Edward Milton Ventresca
Canyon Country, CA

Dear Editor,
Of all the disasters our misguided country has visited on the rest of the world, one stands out as paramount.
It isn't My Lai, that Vietnamese Village of murdered civilians. Nor Fallujah, that free fire zone of American imperial ambitions in Iraq. It isn't based on cumulative deaths either. There is no comparing the killing of one million in Iraq with the two million in Vietnam. Numbers of charred bodies don't dictate just how heinous war crimes are.
Oh, places like Hiroshima, My Lai and Fallujah count. As do war crimes committed by U.S. allies in East Timor, Guatemala, Chili, and so many other countries. These names will be markers of shame when the US empire falters and others begin to write history. When America finally gains its rightful place in the pantheon of regimes that rupture their borders and spread like cancer throughout the rest of the world.
But the crime that will stand above them all is the inhuman and terribly racist treatment of the Palestinians by our Israeli allies. The strangulation and starvation of 1.5 million in Gaza is a life changing glimpse into the abyss of evil.
Twelve residents of the Mid Hudson are going to Gaza to bear witness to these wrongs being committed by Israel and funded by the United States. Would you like to help us stand up against these war crimes? Make a donation to our trip, or come to our Arabic Feast to Break the Siege of Gaza on Sunday, November 8 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. All details on http://www.hudsontogaza.blogspot.com.
Fred Nagel
Rhinebeck, NY

Dear Editor,
Almost 500,000 schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip started their academic year without adequate paper, textbooks, school uniforms, book bags, or computers - the result of Israeli's blockade. What classrooms still exist after last January's bombings are severely overcrowded. Even when supplies are available, many Gazans can't afford to buy them: 80 per cent of Gaza's 1.5 million people live below the poverty line.
An Arabic Feast will be served on Sunday, November 8, at 1 p.m. at La Florentina Restaurant in Kingston to raise money for supplies for children and their families. Supplies will be distributed in Gaza by local residents participating in the Gaza Freedom March. From December 27-January 2, people from around the globe will march hand in hand with Palestinians to end Israel's siege, a siege that hurts those who most need protection - Gaza's children.
Tickets for the Arabic Feast are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Mail checks to: MECR, PO Box 1362, Woodstock, NY 12498. For information, visit www.hudsontogaza.blogspot.com.
Lisa Mullenneaux
Mt. Tremper, NY

Dear Editor;
This is to thank all the people who came to Olive Day who gave me blankets and towels for the doggies. Thank you so much! Thank you for giving me donations and buying me candy!!! You guys rock!!! The Dogs are so happy!!! I'll see you next year! Love,
Annie Lee Vankleek
Shokan, NY
Dear Editor,
Olive Day has evolved over thirty-six years into a community affair, a day the whole town turns out to hang out and enjoy with neighbors. After decades of community enjoyment, the trash from this event became a campaign issue. As a key organizer of this wonderful day, I am angry that a clean park became a political issue aimed to discredit the Democratic Club that spends months of planning to make this day possible.
Over thirty-five vendors participated at this past fall event, many of them given free space because fire departments, churches, scouts, libraries, rescue squads, police, etc. use this time for their fundraising. Yes, the Olive Democrats are the organizers and reap any profits from sale of beer and the hamburger and hotdog concession. All other vendors maintain their profits without giving the host a share of profits. The Democratic Club also pays for all the advertising, trophies, ribbons, and t-shirts given to runners and to the participants of the Egg Toss. They hire a petting zoo and the Wayfinder Experience to entertain the children, and they pay for the prizes for all events. Some bands are paid and others donate their service.
No admission is charged, and, at the end of the day, the Park Rangers, which, by the way are not part of the Town Highway Department and are hourly employees, clean the parks. Their job is to clean the restrooms and keep the grounds neat and clean, empty the trash barrels as they do for every other picnic, softball game, soccer practice, memorial service, fundraiser or family reunion. Our parks are used for school events, public and private events. Each time the Park Rangers remove any garbage that would attract rodents, raccoons and bears.
When did the wonderful opportunity to use our parks and the daily cleaning and maintenance of these areas become a partisan issue?
Ternice Winne
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
Having just returned from the rally for gay marriage in Washington, DC, I am deeply disappointed in Congressman Barney Frank's comments that this effort was a "waste of time at best." While lobbying Congress may be a politically more efficient way of getting through to government officials, the rally was an important event for gays and lesbians, and their supporters, to connect with each other and ignite a passionate call for more action. Perhaps Frank is forgetting how demonstrations like this one helped motivate other civil rights and anti-war movements. Not all disenfranchised people can or will lobby Congress; they are doing what they can at a grassroots level to make their voices heard, inspire each other to bring the message back home, and push the movement forward. For me, it was a reminder that I need to do more at home to raise awareness, call my representatives, and become more involved. I don't see how that is a waste of time.
Molly Eagan
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
Congressman Charles Rangel has made himself the prime Billboard Character for Term Limits. He has been elected and reelected from an essentially safe Democratic district for the past 40 some years. By manipulating the seniority system, cutting deals, swapping votes, raising vast sums of campaign contributions, some of which he gives to other democratic congressmen, he has built a fiefdom which makes him immune to accountability.
Speaker Pelosi said she was going to drain the political swamp of corruption in Washington, but she has not. She has built her legacy which is: Pelosi Protector of Political Pollution. Recently the Congressional Black Caucus, usually an obedient voting block for Pelosi, threatened Pelosi that it would abandon her if she abandons Rangel.
Even if Rangel goes, it will not stop another Rangel from emerging to take his place. The core problem is the lack of Term Limits.
A congressman should be limited to six two year terms for a total of twelve years in the congress and Senators should be limited to two six year terms for a total of twelve years. After twelve years they should go back to the private sector. They will not be able to make as much money but they will still enjoy a very generous health plan for which they pay nothing and receive a life time generous pension to which they contribute nothing, along with many other perks and privileges.
The term limits should be instituted by constitutional amendment so that it can not be tinkered with legislatively, as did Bloomberg.
Thomas Jefferson, the third president, advocated periodic revolution" at least once every 20 years as a medicine necessary for the sound health of the republic." He summed it nicely when he said: "Politicians, like diapers, need to be changed often, and often for the same reason."
H. Clark Bell
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
As majority leader of the Ulster County Legislature, it is my responsibility to ensure that the public is well-informed on all areas of the newly enacted Ulster County Charter. That obligation becomes more important when misinformation is being spread.
During this campaign season, some of my constituents have expressed an interest in how legislative reapportionment will be accomplished. Section C-10 of the Ulster County Charter is very clear in mandating the formation of a commission on reapportionment that is made up of regular citizens, eligible to vote in Ulster County and not holding an elective office. No legislators will be involved with reapportionment. The charter ensures that there can be no "gerrymandering," or setting up districts to favor one political party over another. Representation will be based on very strict criteria set out in the charter, including the keeping of districts within town boundaries whenever possible.
I urge everyone who is interested to see for themselves and become more educated voters. Read Section C-10 of the County Charter (available on the Ulster County webpage at: http://www.ulstercountyny.gov.) I am sure you will conclude that when the 2010 census is concluded, the Ulster County legislative district reapportionment will be conducted in a 100 percent bi-partisan manner.
Legislator Brian B. Cahill
Ulster, NY

Dear Editor,
The story reported in this and other local papers over the last few months about a conflict between Mr. Eisenson and his Town of Olive officials was an eye-opener for me.
Mr. Eisenson's experience in the Town of Olive was disturbing, but it taught me that I need to pay more attention to what is happening in my immediate community. Local governments are the breeding grounds for politicians. It is here where we can have personal contact and personal knowledge of them. It is here where we teach them how to treat us and how to regard public service. If we allow officials at the local level to act in their own interests and in the interests of their friends, we can't be surprised when public service is sought in order to promote private gain.
Mr. Eisenson's plight aroused my acute interest because as a patron of his former shops in Woodstock and on Route 28, I came to deeply respect his stewardship of his property and his business, and to regard him as a model citizen - which is why I tuned into his story more closely than I ever followed local issues. What a story!
To fully grasp his plight, imagine you are him. You have been living on your property for decades. A few years ago, your neighbor began housing heavy trucks and industrial equipment on his property. You hear them rumbling at all hours of the day and night. He makes changes to his land that floods yours. So you talk to him, you reach an agreement with him about correcting the adverse impact on you - but nothing happens. So you ask your local boards why you were not given an opportunity to object to his plan at the hearing that the law requires before such alterations are allowed.
Here is what you find out. Your neighbor was actually denied approval for his project four years ago, but the board which denied it has since been dissolved by the actions of the Town Supervisor and - lo and behold - the Town Supervisor has appointed your neighbor to sit on the new board!
Don't jump to any conclusions! Just because your neighbor sits on the board doesn't mean it has granted approval for his project. Oh no! It hasn't even required him to get it! Then, when you ask why the law has not been followed you are told that you are an outsider and don't really understand how things are done in the Town of Olive. And besides, since your neighbor doesn't have a business phone listed, he can't be running a business there (I suppose those officials don't know about cell phones). You show your officials the black and white letter of the law requiring approval and a public hearing on it, but it doesn't matter. What does matter to the planning board chairman was that you misspelled his name!
So I suppose that these officials are telling people that if you live in the Town of Olive, don't bother knowing the law and expecting your town officials to follow them. Instead, make sure you spell their names right!
If many years in public office allows an official to help his friends skirt the law, and to deny an ordinary citizen his rights under the law - and especially when they have enough time to concern themselves with how their names were spelled - then it's a good thing elections are coming, and it would be a better thing if the voters knew who they were voting for.
Len Chodosh
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Regarding your October 22 pre-election issue (our election settled by the time this next issue is published): As a professional artist I know from observation and even firsthand experience what ability it takes to draw a good characature. One must be not only a careful observor of physical features but must have the ability to exaggerate features which stand out or in some way differ from the norm. Do I detect the hand of your New Thermos’ cartoonist Gus Murphy on the cover of your 2009 Shandaken Voter’s Guide? I recognize challenger Rob Stanley’s portrait but am appalled by the representation of incumbent Town Supervisor, Peter DiSclafani, specifically the two crossed eyes. I took a careful look at Peter following church service this Sunday and noted that in no way are his eyes crossed and expressed this to him, along with my dismay over the vicious cartoon (which it was suggested looked “like Rob Stanley drew it”). Now I have a good sense of humor and ordinarily have a keen appreciation of cartooning as social commentary...but there is no excuse for this kind of untruthful characterization. Especially when the same venom is not taken to the likeness of the contender.
Babette Kiesel
Chichester, NY

Dear Editor,
On October 11, 2009, Joni and Rob hosted a “Sunday Gospel Brunch” at their home, Logstock, in Woodstock, NY.
The Brunch was a benefit for Family of Woodstock Domestic Violence Services and featured the transcendent Alexis P. Suter Band. Many community organizations and local businesses lent a hand in making this a fantastically successful artistic and financial event.
On behalf of the women and children of our County who are survivors of domestic violence we would like to express our deep appreciation to our hosts, and to all those who attended, assisted, contributed, and performed.
Kathleen Moretti, Program Director
Family Domestic Violence Services
The Washbourne House

Dear Editor,
My response is on behalf of all of the working and possibly non working people of the Onteora Central School District community to a letter written to you by Donna Bryan. We are all “Wowed” by the letter written by Ms. Bryan and her use of the English language. It is very apparent by the length of the letter that Ms. Bryan does in fact enjoy language and is very passionate about expressing her thoughts with the proper use of the English language. Ms. Bryan’s ability to articulate her words on paper is masterful and proves that a college education does have its benefits. I do not wish to challenge Ms. Bryan on her dedication or commitment as a teacher. I will venture a guess and say that Ms. Bryan is probably a good teacher and truly does what is expected of her by her administrators. Why Ms. Bryan chooses to drive 100 miles per day may also illustrate her passion to teach or may show that Onteora Central School was the only school willing to pay a good salary for such a talented individual, you decide.
The point is simple; many people in our community are not working or are in danger of losing their jobs their homes, cars or not able to afford health care. Whether you believe Ms. Vanacore’s view or Ms. Bryan’s view is a choice each of us can make. The fact is, we are in the worst economic times this country has seen in a long time. It is very hard for the non-teaching public to understand the validation by OTA {Onteora Teachers Association} to ask for 3 to 4 percent increases each year. Some people won’t see a raise this year or next. Most of us are just happy to have a steady job and a good paycheck.
We can debate all day long, the truth is many teachers are very good at what they do and do it with the utmost integrity and accountability and do deserve a good wage for their work. Others do not perform as well and yet they get the same good wage, keep their job, get an increase the following year along with the other benefits that go with being employed by the Onteora School District. it.
By the time this letter is published an agreement will have been reached, both parties will sit back and declare their victories and the rest of us will continue to marvel on how it all happened
So, on behalf of the people not employed by the Onteora School District, I ask the following of you, please insure you go to work everyday and be very thankful that you are employed, have great medical coverage, a great retirement program and receive a good wage for your work. Many others in this community are not as lucky !
Donald Tweetie
Fleischmanns, NY

Dear Editor,
I'm writing to publicly thank those hardworking and creative folks who helped make the Phoenicia PTA-sponsored Haunted House such a fun part of the town's annual Halloween parade festivities. For the fourth year, Jen Dragon led the efforts and this year she was aided by a fantastic crew including Maxanne Resnick; Mary Gormley; Lisa Williiams; Christina, Peter, Gracie & Milo Himberger; Matthew, Rachel Powers; Zoe O'Bryon; Ellen Kinnally; Ann & Augie McGillicuddy; Paul Deltaufo; Chuck Cornelis; Sharon Breslau; Eugenia & Duane Kraus; Rebecca Ffrench;Tom; Carolyn Mow; Tamara Lang; Ben Scholl; Joey Dragon; Francesca & Tobias Warnes; Janet Baus; Robert & Jack Warren; and the Haunted House Kool Skool students. We're also grateful to the Rotary Club for the refreshments. All of us ghouls appreciate your supernatural efforts!
Holly George-Warren,
President, Phoenicia School PTA

Dear Editor,
When I went to drop off some food at the Shandaken Food Pantry recently, I was shocked to see its schedule changed from every Thursday to only the last Thursday of the month, from 10am-12pm. I called Jane Todd, who runs the pantry, and she said the hours were cut due to diminishing funds and contributions. The pantry depends on $2000 per year from the Town Budget, several small fund-raising activities, cash contributions, and food donations. The number of people who visit the Pantry has grown from 7 or 8 people a week in Fall 2008 to 27 or 28 people a week in Fall 2009. Many of those people have families. Jane said “the need is outrageous; it's awful.” She hopes this will be a temporary cutback in services.
If you are in need, you qualify to use the Food Pantry. Jane said they ask about income, but don't require proof. Even people who have an income above poverty level at times qualify for short-term help because of illness in the family that may prevent someone from working.
If you wish to donate money, send a check made out to Shandaken Food Pantry to:
Shandaken Food Pantry
c/o Town Clerk
PO Box 67
Allaben, NY 12480
You can easily drop of a donation of food, etc., at the Methodist Church Hall in Phoenicia. On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday when the Thrift Shop is open, just go upstairs and leave your donation by the door at the back of the room. Jane suggested that in addition to food, you could donate items that are not covered by Food Stamps: toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, and personal hygene articles such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap. It also accepts pet food.
The Food Pantry, located at the Methodist Church Hall, serves all residents of Shandaken.
Elizabeth Holland Kern
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
To the Community
We have survived another political season and been dazzled by this year’s Halloween festivities. The leaves have turned and it’s definitely chilly. What's next? Thanksgiving! Family of Woodstock invites everyone to our truly wonderful 34th annual FREE Thanksgiving Day Feast. It is a heartwarming day filled with good conversation, amazing and delicious food, home made music and a loving spirit of giving thanks for all that we have.
We will serve between three and four hundred meals on Thursday, November 26th this year from 1PM to 4PM at the Woodstock Community Center. We will also provide "take home" to people who cannot join us and to our police officers and hotline staff who work on the holiday. We cannot do this without your help. If you can make your favorite dish to share, cook a turkey which has been purchased by someone else or would like to contribute time or money for the Thanksgiving Feast, contact Family right away at 679-2485.
Sincerely,
Susan Goldman, Family volunteer
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
With perfect weather approximately 250 goblins, ghouls, and witches marched through Phoenicia joining in the town’s annual Halloween Parade. Sponsored by the M.F. Whitney Hose Company, overseen by our Town’s police, the kids navigated Main Street quickly with the goal of reaching the fabulous refreshments provided each year by the Phoenicia Rotary. The PTA is also grateful to the St. Francis de Sales Parish for providing the hall in which to stage our Haunted House.
Maxanne Resnick
Halloween Parade Organizer
Phoenicia, NY