(letters from December 7, 2006)

Dear Editor,
It is unfortunate that Rev. James David Audlin misunderstood the Olive Jar column in the October 26 issue of the Olive Press. We would like to clarify some misinformation that was written in his November 9 letter to the editor. On October 12, the seventh grade humanities classes invited parents, board members, and local press to observe a Native American Mock Museum presentation. The students played the role of curators and explained the significance of the pre-Columbian artifacts that they had researched. The essential question posed to the students was, “How does the environment affect the development of a culture?” Six separate pre-Columbian Native American culture regions were used as the basis for their research. The students did an outstanding job of presenting their research and making connections to their individual theories. The opportunity to speak to an authentic audience and the feedback they received was exciting for them. Our “visitors” also enjoyed the experience commenting that it was very informative and a fabulous way to help the students gain confidence with public speaking. Our next student public speaking opportunity will be a Publishers’ Convention in mid-December. We welcome all community members to attend.
Mary Ann Bruck
Laura Loheide
Onteora Middle School

Dear Editor,
We are writing in response to Reverend Audlin's letter, which appeared in the November 9th edition of The Olive Press. Reverend Audlin expressed concern that someone who was not a Native American was asked to speak to the seventh grade Humanities class at the Onteora Middle School about Native American culture.
As parents of a seventh grade student, we would like to assure Revered Audlin that the only speakers who made presentations at the native American Museum were the seventh grade students themselves - and a fine job they did! In each of the three Humanities classes involved, the students were divided into teams. Each child was responsible for researching one aspect of life of the particular group of Native Americans that he or she had chosen. When the individual research was completed, team members worked together to develop a presentation to share what they had learned with the other members of their class and the school community. The seventh grade humanities teachers, Mrs. Mary Ann Bruck and Mrs. Laura Loheide, invited not only the seventh grade parents to participate, but also fellow students, teachers, school administrators, members of the Board of Education and representatives from the local newspapers. Perhaps that is where the confusion occurred, as the columnist to whom Reverend Audlin referred would have "participated" by attending the Native American Museum to listen to the students' presentations.
As parents, we applaud the Native American Museum project for many reasons. First, it was a wonderful way to introduce the students to public speaking. They were in their own classroom, with an extremely supportive audience of classmates, parents, and school officials - a group in front of which it was safe to take those first public speaking steps. Second, we were impressed by the abundance of knowledge these students had gained on Native Americans over the course of their research. Third, it offered an opportunity for school administrators and Board of Education trustees to attend one of the District's fine educational programs. We know that Middle School Principal Gayle Kavanagh, Interim Superintendent Jack Jordan and at least one member of the Board of Education, Herb Rosenfeld, accepted the invitation. We know because we saw them there, taking time from their busy day to acknowledge our children and their efforts. Last, we sincerely appreciated the fact that Mrs. Bruck and Mrs.Loheide reached out to parents by offering us an opportunity for involvement in the educational activities of our children.
We do hope that this information, from our perspective as parents who attended the Native American Museum program at Onteora Middle School, has helped clear up any misunderstanding.
Mary and Alan Hornung
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
The Island of Shokan (Reservoir Rd. and Van Steenburg Ln.) is seceding from the Town of Olive since we don't receive any of the tax benefits that the rest of the town receives. Snowplowing is the only benefit and that will be supplied anyway from NYS DOT unless we deny them usage of our roads as thoroughfares. I'm sure that we can, through secession, barter flood control for usage of our roads.
Since my phone conversation with Mr. Tim Weiner of DOT this month, I realize that NYS DOT has no plans to alleviate the flooding situation on the lost Island of Shokan. Hell, most of us are just senior citizens anyway - not worthy of the cost of remediation. It's easier to have the
fire department use their resources and volunteer manpower to pump our basements out every time it rains hard or the ground is saturated.
My sump pump runs for days after a heavy or lengthy rain. Water springs into my basement from many spots all around the perimeter of the basement floor. If it weren't for the influx of chipmunks this year, I'd have to deal with worms and slugs in my house and garage from all the flooding. Musty odors emanate when the hidden mold spores plume their mycotoxins.
My rear entry utility room greets me with a lineup of several pairs of different height waterproof boots. The living room is storage to boxes that would normally be housed in the garage if it weren't for the river that flows through it when it rains. One neighbor lives on the second level of her house because of that same river. Another neighbor has a pretty lake that takes command of her driveway and front yard after the skies open up.
Besides the nice ring that "The Island of Shokan" has to it, we may capitalize on our new status by going into the mini-moat drawbridge business.
Pat Barth
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
As always, nature gives me a look into my emotional whereabouts, and this week was right on schedule. As I was pondering how long I'd be celebrating the takeover of the Congress by the Democratic party, I caught, out of the side of my eye, the most magnificent young deer bounding through the fields. His white tail was pure as new fallen snow, and his leaps, I estimated at more than 20 feet long.. For about 30 seconds, I watched in wonder, with a long ecstatic inhalation. Then, as I began to exhale, I realized that it was hunting season and It was back to reality for me.
Reality for me was the realization that even if the Democrats began to change everything, one step at a time, it will take years to restore democracy. The day before my encounter with Bambi, I felt the effects with a very costly experience in court against Central Hudson. To sum up, there is a law put in place around 2003, during the past government take-over, which basically holds them harmless for anything caused by electrical damage to your home or person.
So, along with Bambi, I too hope that I will get through the winter. As the mystery of life continues to evade me, I am thankful that I am blessed to live in the Catskill Mountains, with KTD sitting above me, and a community of people surrounding me who are also seeking the answer to how we can live in peace. With gratitude in my heart for that, and for the wonder of nature, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
It has recently been reported that Eliot Spitzer said Medicaid reform will involve closing some hospitals. He also said, “Which hospitals will be affected will depend on a ‘bunch of factors.’”
This is an issue of concern to all in Ulster County as well as citizens of nearby counties who use our hospitals. Nine years ago I was part of a group that worked to save The Kingston Hospital from merging with Benedictine. The merger would have forced Kingston Hospital to be subject to the Catholic Directives which prohibit access to in-hospital reproductive healthcare. The community learned details of the planned merger only when it was announced.
After a lengthy campaign to educate the public that included a petition with almost 10,000 signatures, the hospitals realized their mistake and decided not to merge.
We’re told these two hospitals are once again considering some form of cooperation, possibly even a merger, which, like the original proposal, will leave the people of Ulster County without much-needed services.
This is happening at the urging of the government via the New York State Commission on the Future of Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century. It is commonly referred to as the Berger Commission – or the hospital closing commission because it is widely expected to close hospitals to save money. The Commission is not telling the community anything, nor is the administration of either hospital.
We don’t want another experience like that of 1997, where “final” decisions were sprung on us. The community must have input during the consideration of these issues so that administrators will consider the real needs of the community.
After the decision not to merge in 1998, The Kingston Hospital’s Mission Statement was changed to reflect its commitment to secular values. The administration held several forums to dialogue with people around the county. But we are concerned about this commitment.
The Berger Commission has held public hearings around the state. When they came to New Paltz, we made clear our concerns about The Kingston Hospital merging with a religiously-governed hospital because of its restrictions on certain healthcare services. The hearings, which included ten-minute presentations with no questions or opportunity to reply, are not enough. The community must be a part of the discussions between the hospitals.
Mildred M. Meyer
High Falls NY

Dear Editor,
Like many other American, I am outraged by the money spent in the last election and the corrupting influence of money in our politcal system. But with the election of Eliot Spitzer to be our next Governor I am more hopeful than ever that we can end this terrible threat to democracy. Spitzer has been talking about full public funding of campaigns with a Clean Money Clean Elections system ever since 1998, when he first ran for Attorney General. He also talked about Clean Elections throughout his campaign for Governor. And he showed his strong commitment to it by chosing as his Lt. Governor David Paterson, who is the prime sponsor of the Clean Elections bill in the NY State Senate. With Clean Elections, we can get back good jobs, have universal healthcare, clean up the environment, and make sure all children are well educated, because those elected can then feel free to serve all the people without worrying what their big contributors want from them.
But Spitzer and Paterson cannot do it alone. They need to know New Yorkers are with them. Go to http://www.transitionny.org/ and click on "Participate" to tell them you want Clean Money Clean Elections so that we can stop the corrupting influence of money in New York politics.
Irene Miller
Palenville, NY

Dear Editor,
The United Nations World Health Organization did an in-depth study of health care systems throughout the world. Guess which ones had the best systems? France, Italy and Japan! The United States was number 37! In the U.S., special interests make us sick. Insurance companies, HMOs and drug companies are standing in the way of us having the best health care system in the world; they are more interested in their profits than in our health care. Their goal: profits before people. We need a non-profit system that provides the following: 1) it has to take care of everybody. It must cover all of us equally, under the same plan, and not be tied to employment or age or where one lives; 2) it has to cover all the health care we need, determined by providers and patients, not insurance companies; 3) it has to be affordable; 4) it has to allow us to choose our providers; 5) it has to be publicly accountable, with changes in the system if it needs correction.
Two examples of how desperately we need universal health care: a new group - Central Hudson Amputees Providing Support - is mad as hell because they are denied coverage from insurance companies. Many vets coming home are facing these problems also. A fundraising effort is currently in force at Adams Fairacre Farms to raise money for medical bills for a small child with cancer. Why should this be happening in this country? Why should the rich get the best care and the rest of us have to have bake sales to raise money for health needs? Health care is a right. We need to get really mad and demand that we become number one regarding health care. There is money to help the airlines, the banks, the super rich, with tax cuts. I encourage everyone to scream out their windows: "We're mad as hell and we're not gonna take it anymore!" And then do something about it.
Diana Witkus
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
Governor George Pataki two years ago proposed closing hospitals and nursing homes as a means of balancing the New York State’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid when it first became law helped elderly people in their final stages of life. Over the years the program has been further regulated and several times cut by all parties concerned. The federal, state and county governments are all trying to balance their misspending and war credits equaling billions of dollars. The profits made as a result of the war in Iraq and other countries during the same period Medicaid has been in existence. This is true with the exclusive Medicare program for the elderly and disabled. Instead of planning a national health plan the government instead embraces the neo-conservatives and their myth of free market capitalism extended to stocks, mutual funds, insurance companies. Because they are no longer taxed for any capital gains tax. All of this are protected interests and earnings designed to promote the wealthily, becoming more wealthier.
So the goal is to dismantle our health care system all over New York State as to balance the government deficits. Once again the people must suffer from the need f appropriate medical care. So the existing hospitals the bedrock of the Health systems and drive up the costs of home health care by for all with same access to any such appropriate health treatment. The recent document speaks of closing down hospitals and nursing care homes as a solution. At the same times these cuts are designed to make accepting Medicaid into a liability. The Medicaid program is just about worthless, and recipients cannot locate doctors willing to accept assignment.
If hospitals are closed then the poor, elderly and people with disabilities will have to travel long distances to get their medical services or hospitalization. The alleged duplication of services and the cost savings of closing down such institutions is a myth. Most of these institutions when they finally obtain technology it is already obsolete. Yet this is called a duplication of services. Before this recent report is accepted as being truth I recommend the Governor Elect Spitzer and the NYS Legislature do a more complete investigation. In the past Governors of New York appoint real policy and research analysis rather than self-serving committees designed to rubber stamp the rubric of neo-conservatism and policy analysis without any justification
Tom Siblo
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
Cries of "More, More" greeted the end of each musical set at New World Home Cooking on Sunday afternoon as we enjoyed a too short but very successful party/fundraiser in support of the Kings Mall 7. The terrific New World Home Cooking appetizers kept coming, warming bellies. Betty McDonald called herself stage manager but was truly the gracious hostess, warming hearts.
Murali Coryell led a world class musical line up and gained the rapt attention of the audience, not easy in a chattering, bustling Ulster County group. Bob Lusk, one of the Kings Mall 7, sang an original song which could become the Iraq War lament with a strong, from the heart, baritone. Betty McDonald, Jim Curtin and Peggy Stern made music which stopped me in my running-around-attending-to-everything tracks. Such deep beauty and wild wisdom.
Julie Parisi Kirby and T.G.Vanini's songs were alternately witty and soulful, both with impeccable musicality. Mikhail Horowitz and Giles Malkine must have written new work for this sophisticated crowd. They topped themselves and had us doubled up, helpless with biting hilarity. Peggy Mulligan piped some plaintive bag pipe offerings for "healing." Yes, Bagpipes! And then the chairs disappeared like magic from the sheer force of the need to dance to Rennie Cantine and Rip Van Ren. If you weren't there but thought you felt an earthquake Sunday afternoon, it was that rocking group.
Sincere thanks to all of the above. It was the happiest fund raiser ever. And the celebratory mood was enhanced by an announcement of the Kings Mall 7's attorneys, Stephen Bergstein and Alan Sussman. The New York ACLU considers this case important enough for their over loaded docket. They will join the appeal! As WWII Vet Joan Keefe told the supportive crowd, freedom of speech and assembly is not limited to two hours a week.
Joan Walker
Enlist For Peace
Legal Defense Fund
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
News from Family of Woodstock tells us that the many invaluable services, which includes a homeless shelter along with vitally needed services to those in society who most need them, is going strong. We are proud that there are big hearted people like Michael Berg with his vision as well as the many volunteers who are there for the many who would fall through the economic cracks without them. This society with its "vigorous economy"(?) contains a record number of homeless and hungry people as well as many very troubled people who desperately need the kind of help that Family provides. This summer the rainy weekends were responsible for a decrease in expected income that Family depends on because HITS, Horses In The Sun, could not have its shows. The annual Thanksgiving dinner, which Family provides for Woodstock folks will go on as usual. There is no organization in Ulster County more deserving of our support than Family Of Woodstock, PO box 3516, Kingston NY, 12402. Family operates in Kingston, Ellenville, and New Paltz as well as Woodstock. This message doesn't begin to touch the many services provided.
Mescal Hornbeck
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Did you know that in early October 2006 the Onteora School posted a FOIL request form on their Web Page? A Foil (Freedom of Information Law) request allows you to obtain just about any information that you’re interested in. If you compare Onteora’s foil request form to the Rondout Valley Schools foil request form Onteora’s form doesn’t appear to be complete. Onteora’s form doesn’t tell you that you can request a reproduction or a copy of what you’re interested in researching. That way you do not have to go to the school. If you prefer not to go to the school to read the record the school must send you a copy of the record that you’re requesting. The school will charge the standard 25 cents per sheet.
It would be nice if Onteora’s FOIL request form contained more information, but it isn’t really all that important. Most tax payers do not go to the School Board meetings so we the tax payers of the Onteora School District now have an uncomplicated way to get involved. We can find out how our tax dollars are being spent. We can obtain information about any part of the budget at budget time to find out what the School Board is going to charge us compared to other schools. I say charge us because basically when they set the budget they charge us by way of our taxes. Of coarse there is other information that you may be interested in. At the present time there is some very big spending being discussed.
To access the form go to the School’s Web Page, hold your mouse over community at the top of the first page and click on foil request. It’s that simple. If you’re not on the Internet ask your friend or relative to print the form for you. You can also obtain the form the school. If you’re concerned about Onteora’s cost per student being the highest in Ulster County and beyond get involved and get the facts.
William Warnecke
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
As a lifelong registered Democrat and past committeeman, [Richmond County] I am dismayed, discouraged and disappointed with the debacle in Albany. Alan Hevesi has brought shame and question of integrity on himself, not to mention those who voted for him in spite of his confession(s). Elliot Spitzer is weakened as Governor in that as Attornry General he failed to begin the legal process that is being pursued by Albany County DA David Soares. Attorney Gen. elect Andrew Cuomo has likewise demonstrated timidity in his silence as to enforcing the NY State Civil Service Laws and/or Fitness for public office when he fills his new position.
The lame excuse by many for voting for Hevesi is that they "did not want a 'failed and inexperienced' person [Callahan] however trusted and honest to oversee NY State's contracts, expenditures. thievery and cost over runs". Others have stated on Radio and TV that Hevesi won and should be installed as the choice of the voters. That logic escapes me totally.
Needless to confess, I did not vote for any or all of the above. I hesitate however, to follow the practice of those who do not vote for anyone. I prefer to vote for Mr. or Mrs. "Clean" when confronted at the ballot box by a choice of an able but greedy candidate or an inexperienced. less profficient nominee. A few months ago I pontificated on the value of candidates being "as clean as a hounds tooth" as it was when I was a boy in Olive. It was difficult for my parents and grandparents as they agonized over the choice of either Republican or Democrat for a certain office. Today one or the other makes it quite simple by their personal core beliefs and behavior. Quite often both/all smell bad.
Now it is a game in which none of us will select/elect the Comptroller but rather the Senate will reach into their bag of tricks. In any even Mr. Callahan will not be the Controller. He has been politically deprived of legitimate election by allowing a confessed felon to remain on the ballot. The felon will now collect a third pension. It's not even democracy and Mr Hevesi has given new meaning to "Hutz Pah" in his defiance! Can I rob a bank to feed my family, however noble without consequences?
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
Last Wednesday morning (11/29) our 10 year old dog, a Sheppard -Boarder Collie mix, was killed by a large animal trap while walking through our woods with our 10 year old son.
The trap was on private property within view of our neighbor’s house. It was hidden under dry leaves and was apparently scented. Our dog, Alyja, on a lead, pulled free from our son, Brandon, and ran to the trap. Brandon heard Alyja cry out and ran to see his dog jumping and barking with pain and fear. The large trap had clapped around the dogs head and neck, choking him. Brandon< frozen with terror and helpless, witnessed his beloved friend strangled to death in front of him. His mother ran to the cries of Alyja and Brandon, desperately tried to release the trap but she could not remove the choke clamp of the trap from the dog’s neck and head. She could only helplessly hold our dying dog and cry with her son, alone in the woods.
The Police were called and we learned that this was an illegal non-release kill trap, with no identification tags, placed on private property without permission. The property owner, our neighbor, was contacted and she said she had no knowledge of the trap, did not believe her husband granted permission and that he did not trap.
The town police and the DEC officers on the scene could not release the trap. Together both officer’s tried and failed to compress the trap spring and finally resorting to cutting the trap off the dog with bolt cutters. The officers on the scene also conducted an investigation for evidence to the identity of the individual(s) who committed this cruel in-human act and if found could be prosecuted.
Anyone who enjoys a walk in the woods is vulnerable to this random tragic act. Our woods and walking trails no longer feel safe. Shouldn’t state land and location of traps require warning signs of this hidden danger? I have started learning more on the use of animal traps on private as well as state land. Steps need to be taken to protect our pets, our children and ourselves. If you would like to become involved establishing better regulations and controls over trapping please contact me at raja@hvc.rr.com.
Ron Aja
West Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
Congratulations to Andrew Ugolino of Onteora for being the first Onteora runner to win the MHAL championship, as reported in your November 8 issue.
MHAL (Mid-Hudson Athletic League) was created in the early 80's; prior to that time Ulster County schools (with the exception of Kingston) formed the UCAL - Ulster County Athletic League, dating back to 1953. It consisted of Onteora, Wallkill, Pine Bush, Red Hook, Coleman, Highland, Marlboro, Saugerties, Ellenville, and Liberty.
During the "UCAL days," Onteora had several Championship Meet winners - Kurt Hahn in 1956, Craig Hubbell in 1967, Dorianne Lambelet in 1976, and Lisa Hardy in 1978.
While Andrew Ugolino is the first Onteora runner to win the MHAL Championship meet, there were four other Onteora runners who also excelled in UCAL Championship meets.
Sincerely,
Bernie Stahl
Onteora Cross Country Coach,
1954 - 1984

Dear Editor,
For those of you who haven't yet heard the news, after a decade of service to The Catskill Center, I will be moving on to accept a position closer to home beginning at the start of the new year. I've made so many friends and had a chance to work on many exciting projects during my tenure here, and it is gratifying to know that my work has made a difference.
Beginning in January I will be joining the Gerry Foundation as part of its "Sullivan Renaissance" program. Sullivan Renaissance is a grant program and beautification initiative designed to spruce up Sullivan County and instill a sense of community pride and volunteerism. I will be providing planning assistance to communities throughout Sullivan County, helping them take their beautification efforts to the next level and incorporate aesthetic improvements into a broader vision for their future. To find out more about this program, go to http://www.sullivanrenaissance.org/
It was a difficult decision, but the shorter commute and smaller service area will enable me to spend more time with my family. I will forever cherish the relationships that I have built over the years and The Catskill Center will always hold a special place in my heart.
Warmest regards,
Helen Budrock
The Catskill Center
for Conservation & Development
Arkville, NY


Dear Editor,
Hello, we are a new community service group made up of 6th graders, called the Helping Feet. We would like to help the community in any way we can. If you know someone that needs their leaves raked, snow shoveled or anything else you can think of that we can do please contact us. We are open to any suggestions but we do not want to make any promises that we can not keep.
If you have any ideas you can send a letter to
Helping Feet
P.O. Box 240
Highmount NY, 12441
or e-mail
tomollylandesslater@yahoo.com
Molly Slater
Highmount, NY