Letters 12/6/2007

Dear Editor,
Save the dates!
"Resorting to Madness: Taking Back Our Mountain Communities" a documentary film, is going to be shown Thursday December 6 at Claude's Bistro, Route 214, Phoenicia at 7:30 p.m., followed by a discussion of the proposed Belleayre Mega-Resort. The film addresses the impacts of the modern ski resort industry on
mountain communities and environments. Then, the NYS-Department of Conservation and the Developer are presenting the new proposal for the Belleayre Mega Resort on Monday, December 10 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort in the Discovery Lodge Conference room. The Scoping Session is Tuesday December 11, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Showing up, is good, speaking up is great!
Scoping is the forum for Public Concerns on the impacts of the proposal.
Written comments may also be entered into the record.
What is scoping?
The lead agency (NYS-DEC) must provides an opportunity for the public and other interested agencies to participate in the scoping process, which is the means by which the issues to be addressed in the (DEIS) Draft Environmental Impact Statement are identified. Scoping (sessions) provide the public with an the opportunity to participate in the identification of impacts. Scoping focuses the draft EIS on potentially significant adverse environmental impacts.
It is vital to point out significant issues at this time, so that they be included in the review process. Anything that concerns you about this project can be included. Be as specific and concise as possible. Hand in the written comment to be included in scoping on Dec 11, OR Send or Email it by January 7, 2008 to:
Daniel T. Whitehead, Environmental Analyst, Division of environmental Permits, 625 Broadway, 4th floor
Albany, NY 12333-1750
Tel: (518) 402-9167
Email: wildacre@gw.dec.state.ny.us
For further information on what’s being proposed, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/permits_ej_operations_pdf/Belleayreposdec.pdf; http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/permits_ej_operations_pdf/ or http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6061.html
Here is a Brief Overview of State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR)
process: 1) Scoping - December 10: Developer Presents the Plan; December 11: Public Comments on Plan's Impacts;
2) DEIS is issued (Draft Environmental Impact Statement)
3) NYS-DEC determines the DEIS is adequate (or not)
4) Public commentary period (and possible Public Hearings)
5) Issues Conference (if enough serious impacts ae raised in Scoping that need further discussion).
Sincerely,
Michelle Spark
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
I am extremely concerned about all the money that we, as tax payers, are going to have to put into this proposed Belleayre mega-resort. I have included below some choice portions of the Agreement in Principle (AIP) which raise my eyebrows, either because they have gaping loopholes or because they do not satisfactorily answer important issues.
Ambulance service: I have not heard any mention of the ambulance situation or the firehouse situation. Belleayre Ski Mountain has been using the local Shandaken ambulance, whereas other ski resorts employ their own. Our usual local population is a few thousand people with one ambulance; when skiers come, the headcount rises to a few thousand or more people. This resort boasts that it will bring 500,000 visitors per year; that's at least 5 times the current peak number, each weekend. The expected number of workmen needed during construction phase is also expected to double the local population. Who will pay for the added ambulance needs? If this issue is not addressed, the local residents will be paying for the ambulance and fire services; since this issue is not even mentioned in the AIP, are we to assume that Gitter doesn't even consider it an issue?
Route 28 upgrade: As state and local taxpayers, we will be paying for the update of Rte 28 to make it into a four-lane highway, as Spitzer and Gitter have plans to have Route 28 upgraded into a parkway. Whether it is converted into a parkway or not, Rte 28 will be either a traffic jam or a speedway.
We will also be paying for the tens of millions of dollars Spitzer has promised to upgrade Belleayre and make additional chairlifts to bring the new tourists back to the mega-resort. From the AIP; "In addition, Crossroads will convey, for valuable
consideration, a permanent easement to the State of New York .to enable NYSDEC to construct and operate ski trails and a ski lift that will be available to all patrons of the BMSC." This is in addition to the $14 million that will be paid to Gitter for his parcel that will revert back to the State; I wonder if all the landowners along Rte 28 will get a similar deal when their properties are commandeered for the widening of Rte 28?
Does this area really need another golf course? There are more than 10 golf courses in the immediate area; Kerhonkson has received PGA approval for a mountaintop golf course near the Mohonk Spa and golf resort. Hanna Golf Resort is just less than 10 miles from Belleayre. The Nevele golf resort in Ellenville has beautiful views and has failed.
On Long Island golf courses have polluted their aquifer to such an extent that all golf courses must be organic. In this environmentally sensitive area, an area that has been the wellspring of New York City water, how can they be allowed to have a golf course which only has to be organic for 5 years? Look at the section of the AIP below:
"Following five years of Wildacres Golf Course operation pursuant to this Agreement, Crossroads may seek approval from the NYSDEC to discontinue organic golf course operation and to remove such requirement from its SPDES permit." Governor Spitzer touted this golf course as organic in his press conference,
but he didn't mention that the organic practices could be scrapped in five years. This is quite a loophole.
If we were just given 26 million dollars, as a county, maybe we would come up with different ways to spend it rather than this mega-resort. Why aren’t we all
involved in having a say in how our tax monies are spent? I think a corporation with better jobs, such as the new Solar Consortium, would be wonderful. If we had a choice as to what to do with this money, how about a BOCES extension in the Pine Hill - Arkville area; that way we would have better jobs than maid service and bell hop jobs.
Neighbors, we are giving up our communities, our ability to continue walking on Route 28 because it will be a highway; our communities will be divided by a highway with exit ramps; our taxes will go up with this development and we are not even promised health insurance with these jobs. In the end, Gov. Spitzer, embroiled in controversial use of power, just needed to tell the unhappy residents of NY that he has job expansion plans in every county, even if it's not the best thing for us.
I want to remind everyone that the Belleayre Resort has not been determined yet and we all have the wonderful opportunity to have our say at the “scoping meeting” December 11 at 6:00pm in the upper Belleayre Lodge. Bring any concerns you have and voice them!
Jennifer Benusis
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
The time has come for someone to expose the propaganda and fear that the "Save the Mountain.Net" is spreading around with their full-page ad in the Catskill Mtn News, and their little road signs.
Maybe the resort will take 8 years to build and employ 1800 workers. But the people of the surrounding area will have the opportunity to work there for 8 years. Not all the workers will be from outside the town. And if some workers are from outside the town they will be from Andes, from Roxbury, from Shokan or Kingston? What's wrong with that? They certainly are NOT bringing their wives, husbands and children here to live or go to school. I'm sure the remaining last few restaurants that we do have will welcome the business with open arms. And I really wouldn't worry about getting a pizza delivered. I live in Shandaken and that is a complete fantasy. Who are you kidding with who will mow your lawn? Yeah, like you people would pay for something like that. Most of the workforce in our town drives every day out of town to work. WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE and what do you do for a living?
And don't even compare the resort to 34 Nursing homes end to end. When you all were still living somewhere else and years ago, this area was booming with huge hotels and people coming up for the weekends or the whole summer. You just don't want to hear it because it doesn't fit into YOUR personal agenda. Don't try to make people think you care about them, YOU DON'T. You care only about yourselves. But that's how you sucker them in to support your cause.
And I think if we can provide NYC with drinking water, firefighting water (yes, they have the drinking water flowing into the fire hydrants) showers and what have you for millions (which by the way, they have meters on every building in the city and charge people for the water) we can use a few gallons for showers and spas and watering the grass up here.
The resort IS "an economic catalyst” and is sorely needed in Shandaken and Middletown. And if it generates a need for more police and more fire protection and more teachers, and more health care, and road improvements, then it provides MORE JOBS FOR US. How stupid do you think people are?
I support the Belleayre Resort and Expansion. I will be on the mountain on Dec 11th and I hope the intelligent (not the self-serving) people of both sides of the hill are there also.
John & Jane Rossitz
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
Imagine that you are driving off Route 28 into one of those small country roads. It winds up and down, and you go round the bends of the streams, following the valleys and between the mountains. Sometimes it turns into a dirt road. Sometimes it passes by old residences. Then, all of a sudden, you are facing a massive development that is entirely man-made, artificially landscaped all at one time with planted trees, that appears to be a poor materialization of the urban consumer fantasy about “nature”. It is out of place naturally and culturally, in a perfect discord with the rest of the mountains... This would break my heart.
I came from Japan. I go back there every so often. It is a very small country, and over the past decades, I have seen its rural areas systematically mutilated end to end by the civil engineering that is often government-lead. The country sides and mountains are still there, but very few, if any, are left unchanged by the modern development. Ubiquitous paved farm roads and passages that cut through the land. Disfigured “flood-controlled” streams that were robbed of all their functions but drainage. You don’t see people playing by the streams any more. These are the Japanese examples. They even invented a new word for it, and it does mean something like systematical change, change of the ways. The old ways disappeared completely. Younger people wouldn’t even know what it used to be like. Ironically, what I call the “nature” fantasy is very popular, as if people feel an urge to fill this void with something. The Eastern US is geographically more densely formed than some other parts of the country, and because of this it is closer to Japan by comparison. Mr. Gitter may insist that his Resort will have a minimum impact on its surroundings. To me it appears to be one significant step toward destruction that is not so dissimilar to the one that already took place in Japan and has been completed.
Mr. Gitter’s attempt to build his enterprise is dividing people in its process. This, by itself, should be a clear sign of warning. I wonder what he is really trying to accomplish. Does he realize that if he does get a go, his Resort will likely serve only one of the divided sides and those who are in ignorance of this division?
Maki Kurokawa
Mt. Tremper/Roxbury, NY

Dear Editor,
I've been running from developers all my life. From Astoria, NY when the City took our homes in the 40's to build low income housing projects, a disaster. To College Point, Queens, where after an article in the New York Times proclaimed it as a beautiful little town 50 years behind the times, that was a kiss of death. To Putnam County, NY where my taxes went from $900 to $5,000 a year after the developers came in with their condos and townhouses.
I came here almost 20 years ago after retiring from F.D.N.Y., where I thought I'd be safe. But now "The Grim Reaper" has followed me to the Catskill Park, where soon our beautiful quality of life will go down the toilet if we let it.
Developers have one thing in common, they lie, a lot. One being that their massive projects will bring us "tax relief" that never happens, ever.
A firm whose "Corporate Motto" is: "Don't let the Bastards :(You and Me) beat you down," should not get a 10-year tax incentive. They will try to push their gigantic resort down our throats no matter what.
They should not get a tax break while our taxes will be going up and as sure as "Death & Taxes" they will go up and we'll be lucky if we can afford to continue to live here.
Maybe my next move should be Alaska. Ya think? Save the Mountain!
Hap Roell
Fleischmanns, NY

Dear Editor,
Looking for the perfect Christmas present? Something that can put your wife way in front of all of her neighbors? Well, you can get a C2 Taser online for $349.95 in PINK!!! I’m not going to give you the website, because I’m still working on a way to get my piece of the action - maybe I can get their advertising campaign.
But seriously, you never know when she’ll need a taser of her own. Surely, it can help take the fear way down. I’ve been watching the video’s on traffic violators getting tasered, and I’ll tell you, it’s truly influenced my entire state of being.
For instance, the other day I was pulled over on the Upper West Side. When the officer came over to my window and asked for my license and registration, I asked him what I’d done wrong. He told me that I was talking on the cell phone while driving. Although this is a somewhat embarrassing thing to fess up to, I’m going to reveal the truth here, as I did to the officer. I said: “Officer, I don’t have a cell phone”. He looked me in the eye and said: “Don’t lie to me- I saw you.” Ringing in my head was “Don’t taser me”. I couldn’t tone it down enough to protest further. I simply reached for my wallet and gave him the documents.
When I got to the family Thanksgiving celebration, I told the story to about 10 adults and one came up with his story of getting a ticket for driving without a seat belt. Since he was parked at the time, he argued a bit, but finally decided to pay the ticket in order to avoid the hassle of going to court. Since then, I’ve heard a few more stories like this- all paid up. Now, I understand the inconvenience of standing up for right versus wrong, however, with a recession coming, how much will we have to sacrifice in order to pay for the Oil Companies wars?
So my friends and neighbors, I’m thinking that this could make a good article. If you agree and have a story about unjust fines, you can contribute to this story by writing a Letter to the Editor here, or by writing to me. I’m in the phone book. Oh, I forgot to wrap this up. If anyone’s thinking of getting me a pink C2 for Christmas, I was only kidding. I walk ants out of the house.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
The invasion of Iraq caused hundreds of thousands of people to be killed, thousands to suffer horrendous injuries and millions to be displaced from their homes.
Some have call upon Bush and Cheney to step aside for the good of our nation and allow others, who are competent and true to our nation’s values to take their place. Others have called for Bush and Cheney to be impeached and removed from office, without further delay. Some claim that the Democratic majority cares more about political gain in 2008, than it does about the vindication of our Constitution, the rule of law and accountability. None of these are viable options. Ideally,
Bush and Cheney should be impeached, but impeachment would be a waste of time and a major distraction from dealing with the war, health care and illegal immigration.
Our only alternative is to nominate and elect presidential candidates in both major parties, who have not aided and abetted the invasion and occupation of Iraq. We need candidates for president, who will publically admit that the invasion of Iraq was about oil reserves.
We need representatives in Congress, who will read the National Intelligence Estimates, before voting to go to war. We need members in Congress, who will guard Congress’s sole prerogative to declare war. We need independent representatives that are capable of critical thinking, who will not submit to being rubber stamps, should a president requests a blank checks for preemptive wars or dangerous, irresponsible, saber-rattling legislation like the recent Kyl-Lieberman amendment.
Bush and Cheney were enabled by members of both parties in Congress and
a pathetic mainstream news media. Ultimately, Bush and Cheney were enabled by the 40% of the American people, who are so ill-informed that they still think Iraq and Iran were behind the 9/11 attacks.
Jim O'Leary
Delhi, NY

Dear Editor,
Now that the local elections are over the most important election for this country looms close. America must change its course or allow itself to flounder around at a very low place among the nations of the world. We need a person at the helm of our government who can release us from the bonds of servitude to moneyed interests and to those who are willing to sacrifice people on the altar of financial gain and domination of the world. Those who are seeking nomination for president on the Democratic ticket all support the idea of change. Some have clearly defined their goals and the means of same. Some are in the limelight and they will have wide name recognition, because of frequent appearances on TV and the news. Health care coverage and Social Security continuance are extremely vital to a healthy future.
Dennis Kuchinich has always been a strong supporter of Universal Health Care under the aegis of the Government. I feel that the Health Insurance industry has contributed to his lack of coverage.
It was very wonderful to hear what Barak Obama said when asked at the recent “debate.” He said he would increase taxes on that extremely wealthy sector who hold a colossal amount of America’s wealth to support Social Security and that he would expand Medicare coverage to all with no use of private insurers. Billions of dollars and millions of lives would be saved by this move.
Media coverage is ample for Hillary with her ties to the Murdoch media power and close relationship to the corporate world. Her health care insurance seems to always include private insurers and health care management. Sometimes she is referred to in the news as if she were the only one.
Mescal Hornbeck
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
The Ulster County Bar Association wishes to express solidarity with our beleaguered colleagues at the Pakistani Bar. We also join in the efforts of the New York State Bar Association, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in their efforts to publicly rally support of our Pakistani colleagues. The suspension of law and the legal system in Pakistan, and the repression of judges and lawyers there require that we reflect upon the important role of lawyers and judges in protecting our own constitutional rights.
Many lawyers have been confronted with William Shakespeare’s quotation from King Henry VI, Part II: The first thing we do - let’s kill all the lawyers. What traditionally goes unexplained is the context of the quotation, which was a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Many of us are old enough to remember the pre-Watergate era when lawyering was perceived as a noble profession. Our Bar Association, and Bar Associations throughout the country, have worked very hard to once again earn the public’s trust and respect. It is in this spirit and in our collective oath to uphold the Constitution of the State of New York and the Constitution of the United States, that we publicly decry the repression of Pakistani lawyers and strongly support their brave and courageous efforts to defend their Constitution.
The lawyers are protesting in the streets of Pakistan because Musharraf has suspended the Constitution “in exercise of all powers.” The lawyers of Pakistan are risking their lives and liberty because Musharraf has suspended the basic rights of the people of Pakistan. The constitutional right that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty save in accordance with law, has been suspended. This suspension means that the citizens of Pakistan may be imprisoned with no protection of law. No longer does the arrested person have any right to consult or to be defended by a lawyer.
The lawyers of Pakistan are protesting on the courthouse grounds because Musharraf has suspended the freedom of movement. Many Supreme Court Justices and politicians have been detained in their houses. Numerous human rights lawyers have been made political prisoners in their own homes.
Musharraf has suspended the right to free speech and the freedom of press. The electronic media have been turned off. The newspapers are no longer free to report the crimes of the regime. They are not free to comment on the news or criticize a lawless government. The Pakistani lawyers are marching in unison because a nation without free speech is a dead nation and a nation without a free press is vulnerable to gross violations of human rights.
When lawyers and judges of the world are fearless and determined to uphold the rule of law, the tide of tyranny can be abated. The power of law lies in the lawyer’s commitment to subvert injustice. Lawyers are the guardians of the law.
The lawyers and judges of Pakistan need the moral support of lawyers around the world. They have that support from the Ulster County Bar Association.
Robert C. Grieco, President
Ulster County Bar Association
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
Reforming the current school funding system based on local property taxes often comes down to the basic question: Do New Yorkers prefer to fund schools with taxes based on the ability to pay -- such as an income tax -- or with the current, unfair tax on the value of your home? According to a recent poll by the highly regarded Marist Institute for Public Opinion, the answer is resounding -- 65% of residents surveyed think funding should be based on the state income tax to achieve a more equitable contribution among taxpayers.
Isn't that what many of us have been saying? The Property Tax Reform Task Force, of which I'm a member, has been saying it. Other school funding reform groups around the state have been saying it. Town supervisors and other elected officials have been saying it. Equitable school funding reform is the topic of newspaper articles and radio programs. You'd think that lawmakers in Albany would get the message and take action. But, no. The leader of the Assembly recently asserted -- in error -- that there is no reform legislation on the table or in sight. The leader of the Senate competes to be the biggest steamroller of all and passes bills in the last days of the legislative session that will go no where. And they all claim to need a grassroots groundswell to support real reform. We're all yelling at the top of our lungs to no effect.
Now there is evidence in black and white in the objective Marist survey about public views of public education in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Marist documented the fact that New Yorkers want change -- 56% of respondents think the school funding structure needs a major overhaul (vs. 12% who think it's okay as is). And 50% think the state should cover the cost of education (vs. 17% who think funding should remain local, and the rest -- go whistle Dixie! -- want the federal government to do so).
Is that a groundswell, or what? To our elected officials in Albany, and especially all our elected representatives in Dutchess and Ulster Counties, I say: Wake Up And Smell The Coffee. It is time that our representatives all worked together in the New York Legislature and solve the problem that is forcing so many of our friends and neighbors to move out of state because of the huge, inequitable property tax burden.
Judith Gustafson
Cottekill, NY

Dear Editor,
The following was sent to Congressman Hinchey:
Today I am requesting that you stand with Congressmen Kucinich, Conyers and Pascrell in demanding a wide-scale investigation into the criminal behavior of the Bush administration.
You surely know more than I about the scope of their transgressions: the intent to rob the American people of their freedoms and treasure, election fraud, the callous disregard for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and the willingness to murder Iraqi and American citizens alike in an immoral and illegal war based on greed. The most recent example has been former White House press secretary Scott McClellan’s revelation that he was misled about the involvement of five senior executive branch officials in the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame.
I am a member of various groups who have any number of concerns about the actions (or lack thereof) of the Bush administration. These organizations include the Hudson Valley Impeachment Group, the Women in Black for Peace and Justice (an international organization), the ACLU, MoveOn.org and Russ Feingold’s Patriot Partners. Millions of citizens in this country are now speaking out to their legislators, demanding that Bush, Cheney, and their henchmen be investigated for their wrongdoings. All believe that the rule of law must be restored. That number is growing exponentially, and is only impeded by the refusal of the media to give any publicity to the growing dissent.
The Democratic leadership has made it their major platform to reform government, but I believe that this Orwellian nightmare will continue unless the unethical behavior of the Bush administration and neoconservative movement is checked. This attempt to usurp power, limit information, and abolish freedoms cannot go unremarked. This regime must be called to account if any true political reform is to occur. The numerous and blatant crimes against democracy and humanity must be addressed even if it is to set a precedent that no president is above the law.
Please do not delay in supporting this growing movement, because the assault on our democracy is unrelenting (think about the Department of Justice lawsuit against the NYS Board of Elections). And an attack on Iran and the beginning of World War III seems imminent under the present administration. The people are speaking as loudly as they can with the diminishing resources available to them. Please act now.
I find myself praying for the healing of our planet every day. Let us work for peace and justice for all peoples.
Regina Reilly-Lydon
Wallkill, NY

Dear Editor,
Call it a donation, call it a bribe, money in American politics is the grease that spins government’s wheels and usually not for the benefit of people. We can blame politicians for taking money to buy their votes, but it is the system itself that is corrupt. There is a solution: full public financing of elections so that politicians, who are supposed to protect the interests of their constituents, can actually do so.
“Clean Money, Clean Elections” has changed the face of politics in Maine and Arizona; it can work in NYS, and when New York takes the lead the rest of the country follows. Please call your state senator, assemblyman and Gov. Eliot Spitzer and urge them to pass a Clean Elections bill by the end of the legislative session.
Judith Simon
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
On behalf of all of us at Breast Cancer Options I would like to thank everyone who helped to make our recent fundraiser at the Bearsville Theater a great success.
Special thanks to Lisa Hantes, Ellen Osgood, Warren Bernhardt, Marc Black, Betty McDonald, Michael Esposito, David (Fathead) Newman and the Breast Cancer Options board of directors; Food from Armadillo, Bittersweet Bakery, Bread Alone, Cafe Mezzaluna Bistro Latina, Deisings, Downtown Caf, Ellen Osgood, Garden Cafe on the Green, Hannaford, Hudson Valley Dessert Company, Hurley Ridge Market, Inka Savra, Lori’s Creative Catering, Maxine’s Catering, Meri Puccio, New World Home Cooking, Oliver Kita Confections, Sunflower Natural Foods, Wittenberg Store. Thanks also to Abbie Rose for the flowers; to our fantastic volunteers who helped to set up and run the event, and to everyone who donated goods and/or services to our silent and live auction.
We are a valuable community-based resource for women in the Hudson Valley with breast cancer concerns and all the money we raise provides free local services. As a nonprofit we depend on our community for support and are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we received not only for this event but for all our endeavors this year.
Please see our website (www.breastcanceroptions.org) for our programs or call (339-4673) for a copy of our Breast Cancer Resource Guide or Healthy Lifestyles Calendar.
Hope Nemiroff, Executive Director
Breast Cancer Options
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
The Ulster County Health Department will hold an influenza and pneumococcal vaccination clinic on December 13 from 9am- 12pm at the Town of Olive Legion Hall. No appointments are necessary, and any county resident may attend. I strongly encourage residents of Olive, Hurley, Shandaken and Woodstock to attend this clinic.
Residents who are at greatest risk for influenza-related conditions are encouraged to receive the flu vaccination. This high-risk group includes those over the age of 50, as well as adults aged 18 and over who have heart disease, chronic broncho-pulmonary disease, renal disease, diabetes mellitus, other chronic metabolic disorders, severe anemia and/or compromised immune function, and others who are at risk of influenza-related conditions. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for home care providers and others (including household members) who may be in close contact with high-risk individuals.
Senior citizens who have Medicare Part B benefits will be able to obtain their vaccinations through Medicare. The recipient must be entitled to Part B coverage on the date of service, Medicare Part B must be the primary insurance coverage, and the Medicare Card must be presented on the date of service. For those not eligible for Medicare Part B coverage, there will be a $20.00 charge for influenza vaccination and a $35.00 charge for pneumococcal vaccination. County residents enrolled in Medicare Managed Care programs should consult with their primary care physician prior to presenting at one of the Health Department’s sites.
Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is a highly contagious disease. Its symptoms include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, runny nose and body aches. While most people fully recover from the flu in two to seven days, older adults are particularly vulnerable to dangerous complications, such as pneumonia, that may develop after infection with the flu.
For more information, please call the Ulster County Health Department Flu Hotline at 340-3093. Information can also be obtained through our web site: www.co.ulster.ny.us/health or by visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Robert S. Parete
Ulster County Legislator, District 3
Chairman, Health Committee

Dear Editor,
All that Gitters ...is not gold.
Sincerely,
Don F. Wyman
Olivebridge, NY