Dear Editor,
We read your article regarding the Woodland Community Association
filing suit against the Town Board for its decision to allow
the Andrew Poncic’s Good Water Corporation to build
a water harvesting system in Woodland Valley. We have lived
in the Valley for 30 years and we treasure the peace and tranquility
that we thought we could take for granted. We have lived through
bridge replacements, and floods, and watched with grave concern
when access for emergency vehicles has been near impossible
too many times.
The decision by the Planning Board to allow this proposal
to go through, after hearing so overwhelming objection to
this from 120 families living in the Valley, is beyond irresponsible.
It makes us wonder what could be driving this proposal. We
do not need to be rocket scientists to know that once you
introduce an 18 wheeler tankard truck to haul water in and
out of the Valley several times a day – accidents will
happen.
We (120 families) all were obviously ignored when we attended
the Planning Board meeting in an effort to convince these
supposed public servants about all the dangers this proposal
was fraught with, including:
- the danger to other cars traversing a narrow 2 lane road
when confronted with an 18 wheeler on a blind turn
- the risk to daily walkers and kids playing near the road
- The risk that it could forever change the ecological balance
of the Woodland Valley stream and all the fish who habitat
there
- the risk to the many bicyclers and back packers headed for
the State campground
- the probable lack of access for emergency vehicles if an
accident happens, or a bridge is destroyed
- the probably destruction of the integrity of Woodland Valley
Rd. with the weight of this multi ton 18 wheeler and
- with the most heartfelt testimony coming from young boys
who told the Planning Board that they will lose all their
bicycle privileges if this truck is on the road.
In spite of all the evidence produced that night before the
Planning Board, and the overwhelming community objection to
this project, the Planning Board voted to endorse this proposal.
We cannot get past how irresponsible this decision was, and
we are proud to have been one family of many who contributed
to the legal fund set up to fight actions these public servants
took approving a variance to allow a commercial venture deep
in the heart of the most pristine part of Shandaken, that
in no way serves the public good. We appreciate your continued
coverage and we truly hope the little people can prevail.
For all our sakes, and for the preservation of the area John
Burroughs called the must beautiful part of the Catskill Mountains,
we urge the powers that be to revisit this decision and put
a stop to it now.
Mo and Mickey Winograd
Woodland Valley, NY
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,
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
Helping Feet
Highmount, NY