Dear Editor,
I have read with interest the recent articles concerning the lawsuit that Shandaken faces for raising the assessments of property owners who have more than 20 acres. As a party to this suit I feel that the true motivation behind the suit should be clarified. A short explanation of how property taxes SHOULD work is called for.
All properties within a town should be assessed at the same time using some standard decided by The Town to determine the value of land and buildings. The standards will never be 100% fair but at least everyone is valued using the same standards during the same year. The town then adds up the assessments for the entire town and divides it by the budget. Everyone pays their equal share. When a property owner makes a change, perhaps making an addition to a home, building a home, demolishing a building that has been assessed, the Town Tax Assessor should then, and only then, make a change to that property’s assessment and that change should reflect only the improvement made.
When an assessor decides on her own to increase or decrease assessments arbitrarily, without following standard principles some people end up with assessments based in 1979 dollar values while a neighbor’s assessment is in 2006 dollar values. We all know how that works.
For many years the tax assessors of Shandaken have raised the assessment of individual property owners arbitrarily. By that I mean that even if nothing had been done to a property, the assessor would “decided” to raise the property assessment to reflect what he/she thinks it should be, whilst keeping a neighbors property at previous levels. This is not only grossly unfair, it’s illegal.
Until now, this arbitrary system of tax assessment has been done on an individual basis and challenges were dealt with individually. This time however the selective reassessment was done to an entire property class – those over 20 acres. As we taxpayers gathered together to discuss this violation we discovered that many of us had been subjected to this arbitrary reassessment multiple times. We also discovered that for most of us, going before the Tax Grievance Committee was at best an insulting experience.
After thoroughly researching the subject we found that not only is The Town liable for the practice, but the individuals involved are also personally liable for the illegalities. To save the Town the costs associated with a lawsuit we approached the Shandaken Supervisor to ask that our grievance be heard by the entire Board. Even with early assurances of cooperation, this was not to happen. As taxpayers that have been illegally treated by our own government we have been forced to seek legal remedies to reverse the discrimination.
Today there are members and financial supporters of our organization who do not want their names publicized for fear of retribution by some in Town Hall. Can you imagine a more telling statement? It is a very sad day when residents are fearful of reprisals from those who are elected to serve them. Perhaps in addition to reversing the injustice and creating objective standards for assessments this lawsuit will help rid the Town government of some of its pompousness and arrogance.
John Michelotti
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
(The following was addressed to a recent piece written by Blake Killan, Editor of the Ulster Townsman.)
This is in response to your article and the editorial in your newspaper, Ulster Townsman, on the “Set-up” pertaining to the Town Supervisor Bob Cross and Peter Vinci. I am outraged and perplexed at the blatant lies and the twists on the truth that you have peppered throughout your “reporting”.
You are a man who makes his “living” reporting on the events that happen in this area. I am talking to your conscience now, if that is still alive at this time in your life. It is so obvious that you made sure your twisted “view”, or whoever is supporting your newspaper that their “view”, is made clear to the reader. Unfortunately, either you are in total denial of the lies you are reporting that you actually believe them to be true or you know you are lying and do not care as long as those lies are supporting your lifestyle.
All I have to say is that I pity you Mr. Blake for who you turned out to be….deceiving your readers, using the public forum of your newspaper to feed the people with lies that you want them to eat. It is people like you that have ruined the good name of this country—you have no conscience. You know what I am talking about. Deep inside you, there is a truth that you cannot deny. You may be able to fool everybody, but you can’t fool yourself and this is what you have to live with everyday. I am your conscience talking to you so if there is any glimmer of light, you may hear me and see what you have done and what you are doing to yourself and others.
Tim H.Verum
Mt. Tremper, NY

DearEditor,
Let me extend my gratitude to the Onteora board of education for considering my analysis and input on the Large Parcel option. This is the fourth consecutive year in which this poorly contrived and deceitfully enacted law continues to divide the OCS community. In 2003 the board should have disregarded the LP option; it would have prevented the overwhelming divisiveness and anxiety which had to result from entertaining this “prescription for plunder.” Over 90 percent of the other affected school districts have ignored the option, and I urge the current OCS board to follow their example. It is the only way to restore harmony in our school community, and there are excellent reasons upon which OCS may base this decision.
First: Onteora does not gain one cent in tax revenue by imposing the Large Parcel option.
Second: Throughout this “Civil War” Shandaken and Woodstock clamored for Olive to do a reval. It is completed and it is implemented.
Third: The law is a sham. The bill’s very memorandum of intent was breached prior to it becoming law. Within in the bill were provisions for Home Rule which according to chief sponsor William Larkin, in a letter to Olive attorney Richard Smith, specifically stated the LP “can only be used if all affected municipalities opt to use the LP equalization process.” Olive read this letter to the school board in 2004, and it went on record that it was totally against implementation of this law. The board disregarded Olive’s desire to invoke Home Rule by the “host community. “ Thus the board did not adhere to the original intent as understood by Senator Larkin, and as presented in the sponsor’s memorandum. Its failure to do so was a grave error.
Fourth: In response to the preposterous tax burden placed on Olive in 2004, its citizens have proven that they will go to extremes to defeat a law which is not “fair and equitable.” In fact, as early as August 2003, when the original debates began, nearly 500 Olive taxpayers attended the meeting held in the brutally hot auditorium. Woodstock and Shandaken were represented by only a handful of politicians and several constituents. The board should have recognized then that Olive considered itself the victim of this manipulated masquerade. It didn’t.
As a result of tax increases of as much as $10,000 when coupled with the county legislature enacting the LP, Olive formed the group, Olive Matters to fight back. On a blustery February in 2005, over 20 percent of Olive’s full time residents picketed the Ulster County Legislature to undo this travesty. A more determined group I have not encountered. As a spin-off, Charles Blumstein filed a pro se citizens lawsuit on behalf of Olive. Onteora was named as a defendant. In May, 2005 over 1500 Olive residents voted down the budget and elected three board members who recognized this divisive law for the evil it is. In May 2006 a nearly successful write-in campaign was waged for another prospective board member who agrees that the LP is destroying our school. Again Olive voted down the budget. Olive’s behavior clearly shows that it has the resolve and resources to fight until this injustice is overthrown. And Olive is not alone in its recognition of the unfairness of the law.
Phoenicia Times publisher Brian Powers in a May 25, 2006 editorial wrote, “ we wish Olive well in its effort to exclude reservoir properties from Large Parcel in the future; we certainly agree they shouldn’t be included.” Even Assemblyman Kevin Cahill claimed in 2003 that if any town was going to be injured as much as Olive that the option was best not to be implemented. And with the chief sponsor insisting that the original intent was to address wild swings, none of which exist with regard to the Ashokan reservoir, this board knows what is the best decision to make to restore harmony in our school district.
The evidence is clear that this option should be disregarded by this board, and any future board. It is unfair. By its very nature it pits one town against another. Our district cannot afford to continue this “Civil War.” Any one with an ounce of sensitivity realizes this law was poorly thought out regarding its potential for destroying the harmony in a school community. OCS needs to step away from this insanity NOW!!! The board is faced with many challenges which directly involve the education of our children. I urge you to focus ALL of your energy on those areas. Please ignore this law.
John Tisch
Olive, NY

Dear Editor,
As New York State assesses the damage from the most recent round of devastating floods it is a good time for voters to consider how the filling and development of wetlands contributed to the damage that we suffered during the flood. The small wetlands that are scattered around our state serve as important buffers for rainwater during periods of peak rainfall. Wetlands protect us because they effectively absorb and slow the velocity of run-off from rain and snowmelt. They also help to protect topsoil because the sediments carried by the floodwaters are trapped by the vegetation in the wetlands.
For the last two New York State legislative sessions a majority of our Assemblyman and Senators have supported legislation that would offer us better flood protection. The bill is entitled the Clean Water
Protection /Flood Protection Act. This bill protects small isolated wetlands from development. It also offers us better protection for our drinking water. Wetlands filter and break down pollution before it flows into streams and aquifers. So why hasn't this bill passed one might ask? The answer to that question is that for the last two years the Republican Senate Majority leader Joe Bruno has refused to allow this bill to be submitted to the floor for a vote. In a 7/3/2005 article, the Albany Times Union documented Mr. Bruno’s involvement in real estate transactions that involved the sale of wetlands that had been filled in violation of federal wetlands protections. It is a sad state of affairs when one man’s self interest can thwart the will of the majority and limit our ability to protect ourselves from future flooding.
In the most recent flood, houses were destroyed, roads washed out, lives were lost, and the clean up costs are now projected to be in the tens of millions. A significant proportion of these cleanup costs will come out of the taxpapers wallets. New York State voters are slowly coming to the realization that every time we decide to allow another wetland to be filled for yet another parking lot or housing development we increase the severity of the next flood down the road. With global warming increasing the severity of storms, it is time for the voters to ask their representatives to pass the Clean Water Protection/Flood Control Act.
Ron Urban
NY Trout Unlimited Council Chairman
Port Ewen, NY

Dear Editor, Those of us who come from the first wave of Disability Rights advocates began our struggle within the civil rights movement of the 1960s. We learned an important lesson from the civil rights movement as to how a minority of citizens could change the way a society views the rights of all the people. In the case of the civil rights movement Afro-Americans gained freedom as a direct result of the civil war remaining second-class citizens.
In the southern states Afro-Americans lived mostly separated lives from the white majority. Afro-American’s personally experienced Post Reconstruction period of reaction that assured white supremacy. Racism in the northern states existed but never publicly acknowledged. When FDR dedicated the Lincoln Memorial Afro-Americans did not participate directly and old Jim Crow ruled the day. Those Afro-Americans who stood up for their rights such as Malcolm Little’s father very often found themselves dangling as “bitter fruit” on the nearest tree or lamppost. Only a mass civil rights movement actively demanding equal opportunity and jobs raised Afro-Americans to equal citizenship.
The years of civil rights struggle taught the first wave of disability rights advocates if we wanted to live barrier free we needed to carry out the same struggle for equal opportunities. We had to follow the path cleared by the Afro-American civil rights movement and demand that people with disabilities be treated fairly and no different than any other citizen. As human beings we should not be limited from participating within the mainstreams of life and have the same equal opportunities as all able-bodied citizens.
The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voters Right Act of 1965, and the establishment of affirmative action within the workplace inspired people with disabilities. The federal government by these laws is forced to develop policies designed to uproot institutional racism of the North and Jim Crow of the South, ending the practice segregation in public schools, stopping job discrimination and offering real job opportunities. The disability rights movement demanded the least restrictive environment in public education for students with disabilities. The federal government exercised its power of the state to access the police and the National Guard to enforce these new policies of desegregation and integration in the workplace, the classroom, housing because of all mass people’s social movements. People with disabilities using the Voters Rights Act as a model demanded the passage of the new Help America Vote Act (HAVA). HAVA provides funds to state and local governments to upgrade their voting machines and to make all of their polling places accessible to people with disabilities.
The Civil Rights movement is a non-violent peaceful revolution. The progressive transformation that came about due to the civil rights movement influenced the disability rights movement and many of the other social movements of the 70s and 80s.The reforms won b the Civil Rights movement is the model for mass demonstrations and civil disobedience as a means of putting pressure on the federal government to change its policies. The public disclosure of CONTELPRO illustrates how the government violently attacked the civil rights movement by creating an atmosphere where its leaders were jailed or assassinated.
The disability rights movement fought and pushed the Reagan and Bush administrations to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is entirely based on the Civil Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court since the passage of the ADA is striking down one section after another indicating that even the passage of progressive laws as long as the right wing thugs rule the Congress. The Supreme Court and the Executive Office all of the progress made over the past 50 years is subject to the Bush counter-revolution.
Recent massive cuts in housing, benefits, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid by the right wing Bush Congress is a direct attack on the low income working people, the frail elderly and people with disabilities. This is why this fall election is so important to all oppressed people and we need to organize an all people’s movement to throw these reactionaries out of office and take back our government and restore the cuts and restore the laws designed correct the injustices of the past. After the elections this fall we need to keep up the pressure and make sure our rights and benefits are safe and protected.
Tom Siblo-Landsman
West Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
Who benefits from the policies of the Bush dictatorship and his Saudi Arabian buddies?
Exxon-Mobil and Chevron sure do!
As reported by CNNMoney.com, “The company's profit - which amounts to a cool $1,318 a second - is the second biggest ever reported by a U.S. company, behind only the $10.7 billion Exxon itself earned in the fourth quarter of 2005.”
Who else benefits? Our wallets don’t, our schools don’t, our elders don’t, our soldiers don’t, our environment - that sustains all life - certainly doesn’t…so I say thank goodness Bush, Cheney, the Republican controlled Congress and the Saudie Princes are helping someone! Congratulations Oil Kings!
David Turan
Stamford, NY

Dear Editor,
President Bush has made History with his first Veto. Families with members who have suffered and sometimes died from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS ,and the big one, cancer, know that President Bush has turned his back on science and has not demonstrated compassion for people who have seem their loved ones suffer and die.
Science knows that anyone within the gene line may benefit from breakthroughs.
Politics is one thing but by now even President Shrub should know that the world is not flat.
H. Clark Bell
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
What is the current nationwide movement for immigrant rights all about?
This is the topic of a public meeting in New Paltz on Sunday, Aug. 6, that will be addressed by immigration organizer and activist Omar Henriquez. In addition, he will discuss the campaign against restrictive legislation in Congress, and the reasons why so many immigrants from Latin America have been coming to the U.S.
Henriquez has worked in this area for 25 years, recently as the SEIU1s Eastern Region Immigration Campaign Coordinator. He also sits on the board of directors of The Workplace Project, Resist, and CASA (the coordinating agency for Spanish Americans of Nassau County).
The event is sponsored by the Caribbean and Latin America Support Project
(CLASP). It begins at 7 p.m. at New Paltz Village Hall on Plattekill Ave., one block south of Main St. (Rt. 299), a mile or so west of Thruway exit 18. (When you reach Starbucks corner, Plattekill Ave., turn south one block. It1s just past the firehouse on the right.) Park in the Village Hall parking lot.
All are invited and it1s free. A potluck dinner begins at 6 p.m. for those who wish to partake. Information and directions, (845) 691-8289 or email jacdon@earthlink.net <mailto:jacdon@earthlink.net> .
Jack Smith
New Paltz, NY

Dear Editor,
Did you know that in the June 25th issue of the Observer in Britain, there was a story reporting that on June 24th, a team of Israeli commandos entered the Gaza Strip to "detain" 2 Palestinians, which Israel claimed were members of Hamas?
According to the Observer, this was "the first arrest raid in the territory since Israel pulled out of the area a year ago”. "More precisely, it was the first time the Israeli army had re-entered the Gaza Strip, directly violating Palestinian control of the territory, since it supposedly left in August last year."
The story continues: "one day later, armed Palestinians slipped past Israeli military to attack an army post close by Gaza. They threw grenades at a tank, and killed two soldiers inside, seized another and disappeared back into Gaza."
That act of retribution and it's media coverage by the BBC, started the war that now threatens the entire Middle East. To this day, there has been no coverage in the U.S. of the original story of the detaining of the 2 Palestinians by Israel.
A Guardian editorial phrased it this way: "Confusion surrounds the precise motives of the gunmen from the Islamist group Hamas and two other armed organizations who captured the Israeli corporal and killed two other soldiers on Sunday. ('Storm over Gaza,' 29 June 2006)
In the Observer, we learnt that Israel had "detained" the two Palestinians in an "arrest raid". These were presented as the legitimate actions of a state that is enforcing the law within the sphere of its sovereignty. Whereas, the Palestinian retaliation was called a "kidnapping". Nevertheless, at least they mentioned the original act by Israel.
Norman Finkelstein, Professor of Political Science at DePaul University in Chicago, tells it this way:
Re: The situation with regard to hostages: "Let's talk about those 9,000 Palestinians who are effectively hostages being held by Israel. 1,000 of them are administrative detainees... Administrative detainees who are being held without any charges or trial. And the other 8,000 are being held after military courts have convicted them, almost always on the basis of confessions which were extracted by torture. So if we're going to look simply at the numbers, we have one hostage on the Palestinian side, and effectively we have about 9,000 on the Israeli side."
I felt it my responsibility to report this to some American people, since this story cannot be found in our Press, but only in Britain's, which may account for why they have broken ranks with us on this issue.
To quote the Dalai Lama: "If we look at history, we find that in time, humanity's love of peace, justice, and freedom always triumphs over cruelty and oppression. This is why I am such a fervent believer in non-violence. Violence begets violence...".
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
In the last issue at the end of my letter I committed to commenting on the latest adventure in the mid-east conflict between Israel, Hasbollah, Lebanon, and the Palestinians. I have decided to relate a real life experience sans name or personal information if I may.
Two weeks prior to Mother's Day I was visited by a person who lives nearby who informed my wife and I that he was getting married on Mother's Day. As we talked he noticed a collection of hand made hunting knives on my coffee table and inquired if I would sell him one so he could present it as a gift to his "best man".
I informed him that of more than 200 knives that I have crafted I do not sell them. These knives are donated to Volunteer Fire Depts., First Aid Units, Museums, Libraries, Churches and Food Pantrys. They also go to groups that work with youth or other charitable organizations, all for raffle or direct sale [but I do not sell them]
I did however have a way of completing a direct sale with the proceeds going to one of the above listed groups. I stated that I would donate a knife of his choice to the St. John's Food Pantry, an ecumenical effort in Woodstock. I would be the sales agent and he would take the knife now. He would write a check to Saint John's Food Pantry for $175.00 [these knives have been appraised at $180-200.00 by the Knife Makers Guild]. He would then mail the check to me and I would get it to the Food Pantry [as I have done prior to this].
As a congratulatory gesture I also presented this Groom to be with a hand made Finnish type hunting knife [with typical round birch handle and "hanging" leather sheath"]. We are not social or employee friends, hardly see each other.
The check was to be mailed in a day or two as the buyer did not have any cash or check book with him. I trusted him which apparantly was/is a mistake. To top it off he has moved and his house is for sale.
I sent a letter 3 weeks later reminding this person of our agreement and it was forewarded to his new address [it did not return]. I will not plead or beg nor will I institute any legal action [not worth it].
What I should like to say to the "best man" is this, "you stood up for the worst; one devoid of honor". Your friend, the groom "ate St. John's lunch" as the saying goes and you have the evidence. To quote a parable, "show me your friends and I will tell you what you are".
Each knife is marked, "Tongore Knives" with a circled "c" so it is recognizable.
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
I'm not the type to write letters to an editor but William Warnecke is. Over and over again, he has written letters complaining about the Onteora School District. In his last letter, Warnecke complained about hiring special education teachers. Anyone who has a kid who needs the extra help knows what a difference that can make in a kid's education. Some kids are just born with a learning disability. It's not their fault and they can be just as good as the "normal" kids if given a little help. I know because I had been a kid like that. But Warnecke doesn't care about the kids. He cares about lowering his taxes since he's retired with a nice house, pension and has no kids in school. William, how about giving Onteora kids the same chance for a nice life as you have?
Tom Anderson
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
Thanks to the many volunteers and signers in our area and statewide who worked hard to put Jonathan Tasini on the September 12 Democratic primary ballot for US Senate, the good news is that nearly 40,000 signatures were filed in Albany last Thursday, assuring a primary race against Senator Clinton. Only 15,000 signatures were required.
Why take on a race against such a well-heeled, celebrity, incumbent Senator? Simply because Jonathan Tasini truly embodies the best values of the people in the Democratic party and refuses to support the wealthy corporate elite. We must ask if Mrs. Clinton represents us well in the Senate?
Jonathan Tasini's positions are in line with the majority of Democrats in New York: an immediate, safe withdrawal of all US troops in Iraq, cut off funding for permanent bases in Iraq, and diplomatic solutions instead of pre-emptive war. By contrast, Sen. Clinton carefully crafts statements can be read many ways; mirroring the Bush administration, she wants to find a plan to "win" the war. She has bills to increase the number of troops and has voted for every Iraq war financial bill submitted by Bush.
Among his many clear positions on domestic issues, Tasini supports "Medicare for All", a simple, affordable plan to provide health care to all Americans. Now that administrative costs and paperwork take a full one-third of what we spend on healthcare, to say nothing of the profiteering by insurance and drug companies. By contrast, Mrs. Clinton has collected $854,462 in campaign contributions by the health care industry so far (NYT), ensuring "early donors will get a seat at the table when health care and other issues are discussed", according to one wealthy major player, even as she won't come clean on universal health care.
Locally, Jonathan Tasini opposes casinos and their detrimental effects on our communities. Instead, he supports smart growth that provides living wage jobs and preserves our environment. Mrs. Clinton is non-responsive to local concerns on this issue. More of his positions can be seen on his webpage, TasiniForNewYork.org.
Support what you believe in; send a contribution to Tasini for New York, PO Box 302, New York, NY 10040. Then vote for what you believe in.
Jane VanDeBogart
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Have you heard people say they don’t see as many butterflies as they used to? This is true, but does not have to be so. This is the second summer of my butterflygardens in Shokan, New York. It is thrilling to see scores of butterflies visiting daily, from little banded hairstreaks, wood nymphs, and skippers to the large great spangled fritillaries, tiger swallowtails and monarchs. Invite them for lunch, and they’ll stay for dinner. As wonderful guests, they bring joy and beauty to your door.
I don’t think we in the Hudson Valley/Catskill region want to wait till our seventy species of native butterflies are on the verge of disappearing before we take simple steps to invite these beautiful creatures into our gardens and our lives.
There are a litany of reasons why butterfly populations have declined, such as pollution, widespread use of insecticides and herbicides, and tremendous loss of habitat. Deer overpopulation also results in loss of herbaceous forest floor plants which many butterflies need for survival.
Can we actually make a difference if we plant what the butterflies need? You bet we can. Providing habitats for all stages of a butterfly’s life is more than an obscure hobby, it is of vital importance if we don’t want to see them disappear.
There are examples of butterfly species being brought back from the edge of extinction. The people in the town of Wilton, New York made a concerted community-wide effort in the Adironacks to restore the habitats of the nearly extinct Karner blue butterfly. By massive planting of wild blue lupines, its only host plant, the Karner blue now graces the area each July. Everyone got involved, from school children to community groups to individuals.
Wouldn’t it be grand for all of us, from individuals to schools and community groups, to plant gardens for the butterflies, the birds and the bees? The Hudson Valley/Catskill region could be known as a haven for butterflies.
By now, in the middle of the summer, you are hopefully seeing many butterflies visiting your gardens. If not, it is still not too late to plant a few nectar sources such as pinwheel zinnias, sedums, cosmos, marigolds, sun flowers, and in the fall, milkweed seeds for next year’s butterflies. No matter the season, it is always time to be inspired by butterflies. From spring through autumn we encounter these beautiful creatures. In the winters, their power of transformation informs our dreams and inspires our souls while we plan our gardens to attract them.
There are many reasons for stopping the decline of butterflies: their sheer beauty, their value as pollinators, and planting for local butterflies helps restore native habitat. Butterflies not only pollinate flowers, but also our souls. Witnessing the transformation of caterpillars to butterflies is a continual reminder of our own potential to transform. They have inspired our ancestors for thousands of years in all parts of our planet through myth, art, poetry, music, literature and more than ever in the popular culture. They are symbolic of eternal love, immortal soul and rebirth.
Butterflies are an ecological symbol, reminding us to take care of our planet, it’s the only one we’ve got. They are the new canaries in the coal mine. If they vanish, it would mean the whole tapestry of life is unraveling beyond repair. If we all gardened with mostly native non-invasive plants, we could make a big difference in keeping our mini-ecosystems vibrant and help not only butterflies, but a myriad of species thrive and flourish.
I will be giving a tour of her butterfly garden and an inspirational talk about butterflies Sunday, August 6th in Shokan. For more information and reservations call: 845-657-8073.
Maraleen Manos-Jones
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
As you enjoy the very best days of summer - whether at the beach, in the mountains, or just in your back yard - I want to thank each one in the Hudson Valley region who has shown overwhelming kindness to me in the past week. As there is no way I can respond to all who wrote or called to pass on greetings, allow me to respond to you through this letter to the editor.
Most of you probably spent July 4 outdoors, but I spent it inside: on the fourteenth floor of a Manhattan teaching hospital, recovering from major heart surgery. I'm telling you this only because I had a lot of time to think in the week I spent there lying in bed, and I want to share my thoughts with you.
When I drove down to the city in late June, I planned to stay only for the day - to see a specialist recommended by my cardiologist in Kingston. But that all changed in an instant when this doctor told me I should have had surgery to repair my valves a month earlier. By the end of the day I was in a hospital gown, and underwent a grueling seven-hour operation the next day.
Many of you have likely undergone major surgery, but until you experience it yourself you can't have any idea what it is like. I'm sure there was a battle raging in me while I was under anesthesia, and when I woke up there wasn't only excruciating physical pain, but also inner turmoil, which was worse. It seemed like dark powers were surrounding me and that God was very far away - though I knew he wasn't. I have to admit I was not a good soldier, and there were times when I wanted to give up. But I knew I couldn't, and that is because of your prayers.
Being absolutely helpless and needing help with every move was at first discouraging, but in the end it was a good experience, because it allowed me to understand what it must be like for so many others - the old and infirm, the weak, the physically or developmentally disabled.
I was also afraid: Afraid that the surgery wouldn't be successful, and that I would have trouble breathing, and that I would choke on the tube in my airway (which I then did, and there was no one around to help me.) But I had to think of the old freedom song from the Civil Rights Movement, which I sang side by side with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965, which says, "We are not afraid - we shall overcome, some day!" and I had to remind myself that even if we are afraid, the best antidote to fear is to step out bravely and believe that we are not.
So I am no longer worried about tomorrow or the next day. There is more than enough to think about for today. I am thankful just to be alive, to see the sky and the birds and flowers and trees, and to see my family and all of my friends and brothers and sisters.
And I hope to see you, too - any Saturday evening dinner here at our Woodcrest Community in Rifton NY.
Again, thank you all.
Johann Christoph Arnold
Rifton, NY

Dear Editor,
Gotta love those Belleayre Resort billboards on Rt. 28. Seems the developers have a taste for architecture that emulates Mayan temples. It would be enough to make one want to head for the hills...if we weren't already in the hills.
Before their demise the Mayans allegedly sacrificed humans to their gods. Dean Gitter and company seem intent on sacrificing the pristine heart of the Catskills. Let's hope all parties come to their senses long before anything like that gets built.
And what's with that roof? Green roofs make sense in cities, where they may help keep air quality problems and temperatures in check, but proposing one for a site surrounded by thousands of square miles of trees seems silly. What's the developers' real goal here? Perhaps "greenwashing" to distract our attention from the herbicides needed to make such a resort's golf courses uniformly green?
A better model for development in the Catskills would be the booming eco-tourism of Costa Rica, where small-scale resorts provide close contact to the natural world while respecting local community life.
Carl Bethge
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
I would like you to print a correction to a statement that I included earlier this year in a letter that you published.
I stated that Kenneth Umhey drove an overloaded gravel truck onto the Fawn Hill bridge in Woodland Valley some years ago, causing its collapse.
Ken has pointed out to me, categorically, that it was not his truck, but one driven by Art Umhay.
Mea culpa and thank you,
Mike O’Neil
Woodland Valley, NY

Dear Editor,
This heat wave is nearly intolerable. Countless numbers of people will suffer severely with heat exhaustion and many will die. Heat exhaustion is a result of loss of water and imbalance of the chemicals vital to keeping the body in balance. There is a severe loss of one of these chemicals, called electrolytes, sodium. Along with the water, tremendous amounts of sodium are lost as a component of sweat. Prevention of heat exhaustion depends on the body getting enough salt as well as water. Early stages of exhaustion can be taken care of orally by drinking salt containing fluids. It can be prevented by eating and drinking food and beverages containing salt. If the exhaustion is severe and one collapses the sodium is given intravenously. Why there isn't more emphasis on the role of the salt replacement is mystery to me as it is very well known and is taught wherever prevention and treatment of the condition is taught. Yes, we know there is a lot of salt in a great deal of foods we eat, especially in prepared foods, canned foods such as tomato juice etc., but many people aware of this read the labels and shy away from salt in order not to get too much. People on low sodium diets keep their salt level down. These people are especially subject to the effects of hot weather and must have salt replacement. So they and the rest of us must get the sodium back into our bodies along with the water, or the heat will makes us feel lousy and/or flatten us out completely. It is very easy to find out the sodium content of foods and beverages these days as the amount is on the labels.
Mescal Hornbeck
Woodstock, NY