On TV This week: December Town Board meeting, November Planning Board meeting Mondays on Time Warner Public Access TV Channel 23, 7pm

The Town Board will accept Letters of Intent by December 18, 2006 for upcoming vacancies on the following Boards and Commissions: Youth Commission – 2 vacancies; Zoning Board of Appeals – 2 vacancies – one 5 year term member and 1 alternate; Planning Board – 2 vacancies - one -7 year term member and one Alternate; Ethics Board – 2 vacancies; Historic Preservation Commission – 2 Vacancies.  
The Town will also accept Letters of Intent for appointment to the Business Development Committee until December 18, 2006.
Interviews for all these positions will be held on December 20, 2006 beginning at 4:30 pm.

 

Five Year Term:

Robert Garrett – 184

David Lawrence – 304

One Year Term

Wayne Gray, Sr. – 322

Steve Stephens – 126

 

Accord Fire District Company 3 is holding a pancake breakfast on Saturday, December 16th at the fire house in Alligerville from 7am to 11am.  Cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids up to 12 years old, and $4.00 for older kids and seniors.  At 4:00pm , there will be a tree lighting in front of “A Store in Alligerville”

 

The Rochester Food Pantry has received more than $3,000 in donations from friends and readers of the Town Crier in addition to large quantities of food.  Thank you for your generosity.  Donations made by check can still be mailed to:  Rochester Food Pantry, PO Box 12, Accord, NY 12404.  Food donations can still be dropped off at Skate Time 209 or at Saunderskill Farms until December 21st.

 

Roller Derby team members and SkateTime209 were featured in a story that aired on ABC News

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2685866

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imU-hITxlCQ

Watch the video (and the short required commercial) at
http://abcnews.go.com/search\?searchtext=roller%20derby&type=video

 

Public Invited to an Evening Talk  with this Author, Teacher and Shaman

Herbalists, healers, naturalists and the general public will be interested in meeting Eliot Cowan when he comes to Stone Ridge on Wednesday, December 13th at 7:15 p.m.  Mr. Cowan, who is a Tsaurirrikame -- a fully initiated shaman in the Huichol tradition, will speak to the community about healing, plant spirits, and the search for warmth and connection in our hectic world.

Mr. Cowan was a licensed acupuncturist when he synthesized herbalism, Chinese Five-Element theory and shamanism into a healing modality called “Plant Spirit Medicine” in the early 1980s.  His book, “Plant Spirit Medicine” (Swan Raven & Co.) captivated readers with its new look at some very old methods of healing, methods that seek not to simply relieve symptoms but to correct imbalances at their core.

Since then, Mr. Cowan has taught Plant Spirit Medicine to hundreds of students in the U.S., Great Britain and Canada.  He will begin a new course series in New York at the Blue Deer Center, beginning in May, 2006 and one near Moab, Utah beginning in August 2007.  

The public is invited to meet Mr. Cowan for an evening of talk on Wednesday, December 13th at 7:15 pm.  The event is free.  For location information contact Lena Hilton at 845- 434-0520 or at   happytrails@catskill.net. 

Informal Meet-and-Greet Talk (No Charge) Thursday December 14th at 7:15 pm

Upstairs at Stone Ridge Healing Arts Building 3457 Main Street, Stone Ridge NY 12484

(Note: NOT The Marbletown Multiple Arts Center) http://www.stoneridgehealingarts.com

 

Private Healing Sessions

Friday December 15th thru Sunday December 17th, 116 Sundale Road, Accord NY 12404

For details on Brother Gregorio, FAQs and in depth info about the Healing Sessions: http://www.marybontempo.org/brothergregorio.htm

 

Group Healing and Blessing Ceremony (No Charge)

Saturday December 16th at 7:00 pm

116 Sundale Road, Accord NY 12404

Brother Gregorio preserves the mystical tradition of Spiritual Healing in the Philippines. He was born with the energetic matrix or 'wiring' to be a conduit for the Divinity. This is a chance to meet Brother Gregorio in a lovely casual setting and hear him tell his life story and explain his healing gifts.Topics will include Spiritual Healing through the Sacred Opening ('Psychic Surgery'), Sacred Cupping and Sacred Plate. 

 

Take this opportunity to experience a gifted healer who has been doing his Spiritual Opening (aka "psychic surgery") work for over 30 years. Deeply rooted in Spirit, yet compassionately human, Brother Gregorio's wisdom, humor and love allow for profound healing on every level. 

Please call or e-mail for further information, appointments and accommodations: 

Rob Norris, 116 Sundale Road, Accord, NY 12404, (845) 626-3266, robnorris@hvi.net

New York Magazine’s December 4th issue featured a write up on our region, along with recommendations on local dining and other establishments.  To see the article, visit:

http://www.townofrochester.net/Pages/RochesterNY_News/S00BBAF03-00BBAF25

KYSERIKE - Rondout Valley school district voters on Thursday said "no" to a proposed $27 million school renovation project.

The vote, 1,142 against to 980 in favor of the project, surprised Board of Education President Maureen Sheehan, who said, "Wow," upon hearing the results at about 9:15 p.m. Thursday in the high school gymnasium.

"It was absolutely not what I thought," Sheehan commented later, saying she was surprised the proposition had failed by such a wide margin. She speculated the plan may have failed because of a late-emerging group of concerned citizens who complained the project did not incorporate enough "green energy" techniques.

"They didn't reach out until the last minute," Sheehan said. "If it was zapped because of that, it's disappointing."

Sheehan said the project also may have failed amid criticism by the Citizens Facilities Task Force, a district-appointed volunteer group led by Joseph Triplo, which maintained throughout the building campaign that the project cost was $8 million to $10 million more than necessary.

"The public has spoken," Sheehan said. "It is up to the Board of Education to look how we can do things in a scaled-down way."

Interim Superintendent Eileen Camasso said she was disappointed with the results. "We'll review the exit polls and review the entire situation with the board and decide on safety repairs and assess where we are going," Camasso said.

After skimming over the exit polls, Trustee Rebecca Reeder said they contained "a lot of comments, which is terrific - it will help us understand what voters are feeling."

Trustee Imre Beke Jr. Said the buildings "still have things that need to be done" even though the proposition failed. "(The) school has to be brought into shape to provide the best education for our students," Beke said. "Even those who voted 'no' realize that things have to be done."

"It's disappointing," Sheehan said. "There was a lot of time and effort spent."

Sheehan, who said Camasso "put her heart and soul" into the project, added that she is "looking forward to moving forward in a positive way."

The project called for renovations at both the middle school and high school.  (Freeman 12/8/06)

NAPANOCH - Remember the buzz around southern Ulster County when everyone thought a casino might be located just outside Ellenville? The speculation, the objections, the rejoicing, the controversy?

The buzz is back, but this time Wal-Mart is the hot topic.

Longtime Ellenville resident and real estate developer Joe Tso recently announced an agreement with the mammoth retailer to build a Wal-Mart Supercenter on the current site of the Valley Mall in Napanoch.

Local residents are divided over whether a Wal-Mart will be good for the community, but, recalling the furor over "the casino that never was," they wonder if this will turn out to be another mirage.

What are the odds? Tso thinks it will happen, but he cautioned: "Let's just say Wal-Mart calls the shots."

The deal, according to Tso, is this: Wal-Mart will buy the Napanoch site for $5.5 million, and Tso will buy back 0.8 acres for $500,000, on which Wal-Mart will build a small retail complex for the four current mall tenants that have leases: a post office, Katherine's Korner, No. 1 Chinese Restaurant and Valley Mall Wines and Liquors.

Once the tenants are in the new building, according to a non-binding agreement signed by Tso and Brian Hooper, senior real estate manager for Wal-Mart, the existing building will be demolished and construction will begin on the new Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Final contracts are await signatures at Wal-Mart's headquarters. in Bentonville, Ark.

Ellenville Village Board member Steve Krulick fears the worst.

"I foresee neighbors coming to blows over this, and local officials having to make the decision of their lives, as threats, bribes and conflicts of interest overwhelm common sense and good public policy," Krulick in a published statement.

Krulick has shown the film "Independent America" and collected other information that he says will show how Wal-Mart "decimates communities, ruins the environment, eats up local revenues, promotes sweatshop labor, brings down local wages, practices racial and gender discrimination and leaves a wake of destroyed local business behind."

At the same time, he has offered to help organize a local group "to discuss and review this situation, not with minds closed, but so that the truth is revealed through research and honest debate."

Ellenville Village Manager Elliott Auerbach has a broader perspective. "The town (or Wawarsing) is starved for certain goods and services," he said. "Whatever goes in there will fill a void in the community."

Auerbach said there may be a "paradigm shift" and that new retail models and new product mixes may be developed by retailers around local demographics.

Responding to Krulick's statement about Wal-Mart paying low wages, Auerbach said the area has enough of a "casual labor" force to fill the jobs.

"That's one of our resources right now," he said.

Town of Wawarsing Supervisor James Dolaway, who owns a business in Napanoch, said he still is mulling over the prospect of Wal-Mart setting up shop.

"There are so many ramifications. There will be pluses and negatives," he said. "We really need to sit down and examine a couple of similar areas where Wal-Mart has located, to see what it will mean for us."

Dolaway said Wal-Mart's wages don't bother him.

"Working there won't make you rich, but they are jobs that can help provide for a family," he said.

If Wal-Mart does decide to build, the next question is when.

Tso said Wal-Mart has its own construction crews and procedures and can put up a building in 90 days once the permits are issued.

Aware that many communities have bitterly fought having Wal-Mart come to their town, Tso said local officials can speed the permitting process by being cooperative.

Local residents who long have wanted more products available to them confess to having mixed feelings about the plan. They want the convenience, but the wonder about the effect Wal-Mart will have on smaller local businesses.

Bella Volchick has been running an opinion poll in her Valley Mall liquor store, and the response in support of Wal-Mart "has been overwhelming," she said.

"We have close to 200 signatures, and only 2 people were against it," she said. "They don't feel it will hurt local business."

And like Auerbach, she notes a local "unskilled labor force" will have access to jobs within walking distance of their homes.

"There is so much negative said about Wal-Mart, but there are pluses," she said. "The community will be fine. It will prosper."  (Freeman 12/6/06)

The pristine halls of Ellenville Regional Hospital now sport splashes of color thanks to an artist's donation of 24 large acrylic paintings.

Astrid Fitzgerald spent most of her art career exploring abstract painting and geometric images. Her work, spanning 40 years, later delved into the philosophy of the Golden Mean and the history of two-dimensional art as a healing tool.

When her husband, Richard Geldard, recently spent a couple of days getting tests at the hospital, his chief complaint was the lack of visual distraction from the long white hallways and unornamented patient rooms.

Fitzgerald, a Manhattan-based artist with a studio in Kerhonkson, knew that Ellenville would be an ideal place for an Arts for Healing Grant she offers health institutions through her Web site.

Last week the hospital received and hung two dozen of Fitzgerald's large, color-filled acrylic paintings made in the same era as the hospital itself. The only patient room with her art in it, a painting called "Rock Mandala," is the one her husband stayed in.

"On my watch we've painted everything white. It's bright and clean — some might say sterile — which is a good thing in a hospital," hospital CEO Steven Kelley said. "Fitzgerald was extremely generous in donating her art to us. It cheers the place up. Makes it friendlier and warmer. Her donation is a vote of confidence from her. She wouldn't donate her life's work if she didn't think we'd be here to display it."

The hospital continues its re-emergence from its 1999 bankruptcy by celebrating its second year "in the black" and launching the construction of a new emergency wing.

Medical director Dr. Lucinda Grovenburg said Fitzgerald's donation spurred two other art projects that will liven up the corridors and rooms as the hospital expands for the first time since it was built in 1966.

"It's wonderful. Astrid offered to donate the paintings to us, and it's skyrocketed from there. The radiology unit has a long corridor that will be a bimonthly rotating exhibit by local artists. As you know, Ellenville's become very focused on the arts and the artists are very excited about participating," Grovenburg said. "We have a hospice room. Artist William Winters will do a painting in honor of his late wife to decorate that room."

"We think Ellenville is ideally suited for healing. We have a natural setting that larger hospitals imitate with murals and nature paintings. Here you just have to look out the window. It's absolutely beautiful," Grovenburg said.

For more information about future art exhibits at the hospital, call 647-6400. For information about Fitzgerald's Art for Healing Grant Program, go to www.astridfitzgerald.com. (TH-Record 11/2/06)

ACCORD - Christmas trees from a farm here could be on their way to troops stationed abroad as part of a nationwide initiative.

Gordon Bell, who co-owns Bell's Christmas Trees with his wife and son, said the farm donated three trees to the Trees for Troops cause out of some 300 donated statewide. The program delivers trees to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan and on military bases around the world.

"This is about the only way Christmas tree growers can really help - to send trees," Bell said.

The program began last year. Paula Bell said this is the first year she and her husband involved with it. The Christmas Spirit Foundation, which started the program, said 11,000 trees have been pledged this year from 27 states.

The foundation reports the trees will reach 25 military bases in 17 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar. Gordon Bell said he didn't know where the local trees would end up.

Paula Bell said this is an important initiative because there are no pine trees in Iraq or Afghanistan.

"So many of (the soldiers) have been away from home for so long," she said. "For some, it's even their second Christmas away."

Next year, the farm intends to team with a local Brownie troop that has volunteered to make ornaments to send along with the trees, Paula Bell said.

"Next year, we're going to plan better because we'll understand the process more," she said.

Federal Express is delivering the trees to the troops. (Freeman 12/2/06)

Donations by check and of canned goods are still being accepted by the Rochester Food Pantry.  Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at collection boxes at Saunderskill Farms and at Skatetime 209.  Tax deductible donations can be mailed to: Rochester Food Pantry, PO Box 12, Accord, NY 12404. 

 

The Rondout Valley Central School District will hold a referendum on Thursday, December 7th to seek voter approval for its $23 million capital expenditures plan.  Voting will be conducted from 6am to 9pm at the Middle School Auditorium on Kyserike Road.

 

The AFD will hold its annual commissioner election on Tuesday, December 12th from 6pm to 9pm at the Fire District HQ on Main Street Accord and at Rochester FD headquarters at 922 Samsonville Road.  Candidates for the Five Year Term are: Robert Garrett and David Lawrence.  Candidates for the One Year Term are Wayne Gray and Steve Stephens.

 

 

 

HOLIDAY BAZAAR
The Little Ones Learning Center and the Town of Rochester Youth Commission will hold a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 2, 2006, 10AM – 4PM, at the Rochester Reformed Church on Rt. 209, Accord.  Come and stock up for the holidays with gifts of the season, such as jewelry, ornaments, homemade chocolate creations, candy, toys, handmade items, and more.  Santa Claus will visit from 11AM – 1PM.  Call 626-4112 or 626-2115 for more information.


BEDTIME WITH BOOKS
Come and join us at the Little Ones Learning Center for Bedtime With Books on Friday, December 8, 2006 at the Rochester Reformed Church, Route 209 in Accord.  Stories will begin at 6:30.  Be sure to wear you favorite pajamas and bring along your favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Children will make craft projects and a bedtime snack will be available.  The program is free and a gift will be given to all who attend.  Snow-date is January 12, 2007. For more information, call 626-4112. Added note:  The Little Ones Learning Center will be closed from December 24, 2006 – January 1, 2007, reopening January 2, 2007.


LITTLE ONES LEARNING CENTER  MATCHING GRANT
The Little Ones Learning Center has been presented with an exciting opportunity.  A local family has offered us a challenge grant of $1,000 to be completed by December 20, 2006.  The grant is in honor of Susan Mangan and Jennie Birckmayer.   Susan is the children’s librarian at Ellenville
Public Library who got the original grant of 90 books through the Bookstart Program for the Little Ones Library in 2000 and who has been on the board ever since.  Jennie is the co-author of the Bookstart Program and a retired senior extension associate of Cornell Cooperative Extension.  Cornell Cooperative Extension funded and administered the Little Ones Library until 2005 when Friends of Little Ones Inc. was established and the program became the Little Ones Learning Center.  Friends of Little Ones, a not-for-profit, is responsible for raising all funding for the Little Ones Learning Center. With the grant, every dollar that we raise will be matched dollar for dollar
up to $1,000.  The Little Ones Learning Center is a free early literacy program and lending library for children ages 0 – early elementary school located in the Rochester Reformed Church.  Our mission is to provide developmentally appropriate language and early literacy experiences with
caring adults to help support child development and readiness for school. We have approximately 3,000 books for loan.   Support our little ones and make a donation to help us make our match.  A donation in memory of someone or as a gift for the person who has everything is a great idea.  All
donations are tax deductible.  Donations should be mailed to Friends of Little Ones Inc., 5142 Route 209, Accord, New York 12404.     Come and check us out at any of our story times – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10AM – 12 Noon.

 

 

Legislators Joe Stoeckeler, Jr., Mary Sheeley, and Leonard Distel cordially invite you to join them and special guest Congressman Maurice Hinchey

For a HOLIDAY PARTY

 Saturday, December 9, 4 to 6 pm,

At Oscar’s Restaurant, Rte 44-55, Kerhonkson

 Donation: $25

 All proceeds to benefit the District 1 Democratic Committee.

 For tickets, please send checks (payable to D1DC) to, D1DC, 210 Palentown Rd

Kerhonkson, NY 12446, or call 706-2996 to make reservations

Come join your fellow Democrats and our forward-thinking friends for a glass of eggnog, great food, and a conversation with Congressman Hinchey about the upcoming Congress.

 

[note on political notices:  Our policy is to publish notices for political events as a community service.  We reserve the right to edit such notices to conform to community standards of good taste.  Publication does not constitute endorsement of any candidates or parties.]

 

 

The preliminary Town budget for 2007 was presented by Supervisor Pam Duke at the most recent Town Board meeting and it shows a combined 2.79 percent increase in total town taxes.

Increases in the budget included an emergency generator for town hall, funds to rehabilitate a building at the transfer station, a bus for the youth commission, the planned Veterans’ Park, the summer twilight concert series, and increased fuel and utility costs and employee compensation.  These were offset by savings on the town’s cellular telephone contract, the fuel supply contract and more efficient use of official town vehicles.  The increase to taxpayers is expected to be about $1.50 for every $100,000 in assessed value for 2007.

“My goal is to keep the taxes below 3 percent and I think we can do that,” Duke said.

            An update on the wireless infrastructure plan was given.  Better cell coverage grows ever closer to the Town of Rochester.  Testing was conducted on October 19th at the two proposed cell tower sites. Both tested well for the projected service and when used in conjunction, will provide coverage for most of Rochester and parts of Marbletown.  Unfortunately, coverage will still be inconsistent along parts of Route 3, Clove Valley Road and Upper Cherrytown Road.  Aesthetically, the towers will be “pretty much invisible from the transfer station and surprisingly hidden from the diner,” according to the service rep.

            The Environmental Conservation Commission reported that they have been researching alternative energy sources for town buildings and plans to make a presentation to the town board.  The commission is also concerned with the removal of recycling bins from the Accord Post Office as well as the potential impact of a proposed propane and fuel oil storage facility on the wetlands at the project site (Whitfield Road and Route 209).  The storage facility, if approved, will house two 30,000 gallon propane tanks and two 20,000 gallon fuel oil tanks.  There has been significant opposition to the project from neighboring property owners, who have stated that the proximity to residential homes makes the site unsuitable for an industrial application.

 

 

We’ve received enquiries about local broadband providers.  Here’s a summary:

Verizon DSL is available in certain parts of town with introductory rates as low as $14.95 per month.  www.verizon.com

Time Warner Cable offers its RoadRunner cable based broadband in certain parts of town at an introductory rate of $29.95 per month (about $45/month thereafter). www.roadrunner.com

There are three satellite-based broadband providers that start at about about $60.00 per month.  Service is generally available anywhere in town, provided you have line-of-sight to the southern sky.

    www.starband.net

    www.Hughes.net (formerly Direcway)

    www.wildblue.com

Local individuals and businesses have also had T-1 lines installed at a cost of about $800 per month.

 

 

State Police from Ellenville barracks arrested Arthur Roe Jr. 20, of Samsonville road last week and charged with sexual abuse in the first degree.   Police said that Roe allegedly abused a 17-year old girl at his mother’s home in Accord.  The mother is the legal guardian of the 17-year old.  They added that Roe entered the girl’s bedroom on Nov. 9 and initiated unwanted sexual contact with the victim.  Roe’s mother and the teen filed a criminal complaint against the man.  He was arrested and sent to the Ulster County Jail on $20,000 bail (UC Press 11/22/06).

 

 

 

Dear Editor:

 

I was glad to read in the Blue Stone Press about the fiscal discipline that Supervisor Pam Duke and the Town Board have kept in the Town of Rochester. 

 

While no one likes to pay taxes, I was pleased to see that the combined tax rate increase for the town general fund and highway fund taxes will be less than 1/2 of one percent.  I calculate that to be about $1.50 for every $100,000 in assessed value.  The fear mongers said that the Duke Administration would be one of tax and spend (and I’m sure they’ll twist the numbers around to suit their purposes), yet in taking the time to learn about the budget, it’s very lean – the main increases appear to be long neglected building repairs and capital investments that will pay off in the long run.  It also looks like the Town’s finally doing something to pay down all the Highway Department’s debt.

 

I think our Town Board should teach our representatives in Washington something about tight budgets and lower taxes.

 

Sincerely,

J. Reilly

Kerhonkson

 

 

DEAR EDITOR,

As the area continues to grow in popularity and desirability,  I believe it is vitally important to consider commercial growth and where it takes place.  In the long term, every industrial prospect  should be hidden from view. ie not on 209 which is a connector to many destination areas  such as Saunderskill Farms/ Ivans and golf course and most importantly residential communities.  If the original landholders and investors even from afar wish to see the area grow in a smart way, have land values escalate, bring in new restaurants and shops, and utilize the local talent that  exists...well we must consider how we assign and utilize existing properties.  

 

As a taxpayer and contributor to the community, I  vehemently oppose the location of the  Propane Transfer Station on 209 near the intersection of Whitfield Road. 

Eve Mannes

 

 

Dear Editor:

A new business in town ? Could be a good thing ! What does primarily residental mean ? Is it going to provide competition for Suburban, that is now charging escalated deposits on gas tanks. Good !

 

Congrats to Jim and Sue Cusack and Joe Stoeckler for getting a new venue for  dependency treatment in our local. It is hoped that the clients are kept on premises.

No to the school issue. Papers indicated work to the High School, not the Middle School. Way too much money for such little benefit to the general population. Update, if necessary, and start graduating students that can make something out of themselves. Far too few are making the grade. Our children may be forced to graduate, but are far behind others. This has been going on for too long. Let the teachers teach (class work, polital views do not count) and don't hold them back!

No to reducing the speed limit on UC Rte 1 ....Lucas Tpk. If you want to see the views, pull over. There is nothing wrong with this section of highway. A few deer collisions and some unfortunate accidents. Other than Kyserike Road intersection and the terminus, at Route 209, there are no hazardous segments.

Congrats to the Friends of Historic Rochester for a great job. The museum is a place of honor, for those who have worked so hard.

It's great to have someone like Jonathan Nedbor to preserve our history and follow in the footsteps of past tradesman.

John C. Motzer Sr.

There’s a lonely female dog in the Rochester Dog Pound who’s looking for a warm home for Thanksgiving. http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7269895

For more information call Dog Warden Jill Shufeldt at 626-5979.  A temporary foster home would also be welcome.

As you change your clocks from Daylight Savings Time, please check or change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries.

Spaghetti Dinner, November 17^th 5pm to 9pm.

Pancake Breakfast, December 16^th, 7am to 11am

A free Community Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 23^rd from 11:30 to 2:00 at the Community Center in Accord.  All are welcome.

A number of homeowners on Route 209 near the intersection of Whitfield Road have been putting up lawn signs on their properties saying “No Propane Transfer Facility Here.”  These have been in response to plans by a Sullivan County businessman to install four 30,000 gallon storage tanks on land that is now predominantly residential in nature.  The business, if approved, would also include a retail operation to sell welding supplies and other retail equipment.  Photographs of the businessman’s other operations are located at www.accord-kerhonkson.com/CES.htm

130 new jobs coming to Town of Rochester

 

Kerhonkson — Hazelden, a leading alcohol and drug treatment program, plans to build a multimillion-dollar youth treatment center at Veritas Villa, a local rehabilitation center.
Jim and Sue Cusack, the founders and owners of Veritas Villa, made the proposal possible with the donation of the 40-acre site to Hazelden. The new center could create 130 jobs.
"We are just charged up," Jim Cusack said yesterday. "Our missions are the same, and we are happy to play a role in helping more young people find the road to recovery from addiction."
Hazelden and Veritas Villa will be separate operations but will complement each other, said Joe Stoeckeler, executive director at Veritas Villa. The local center has 85 beds and treats adult men and women. It was established in 1973 and moved to its current site in 1981.
Once Hazelden completes the planning and approval process, it will construct a 70,000- to 75,000-square-foot facility. It will sit on a hill overlooking Veritas Villa, which is off Samsonville Road in the Town of Rochester, about 20 miles west of New Paltz.
Hazelden is still firming up its construction plans, but commercial construction that size is running at least $15 million to $19 million.
The center can be expected to employ about 130 people, including counselors and other professionals. If the approval process goes smoothly, the center could open in early 2009, Hazelden said.
Up to 75 youths, ages 14 to 25, would stay at the facility for up to two months at a time and then return to their homes, Stoeckeler said. The new center would serve residents in the Northeast, Stoeckeler said.
"We are very excited about this project and extremely grateful to Jim and Sue Cusack for making it possible," said Ellen Breyer, Hazelden president and CEO. "There is an incredible demand for residential programs for young people all across the country, and especially in New York and the rest of the Northeast."
Hazelden was founded in 1949 in Minnesota. It has treatment centers in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois and in New York City.  In 2005, Hazelden served nearly 9,000 clients.
Rochester Supervisor Pam Duke said the Town Board supports the proposal. "All the board really thinks it is needed. It is a win-win," Duke said.
The agreement with Hazelden takes Jim Cusack back four decades to when he went to Hazelden for training as a counselor. "It's like coming full circle," Sue Cusack said. (TH-Record 11/7/06)

 

 

KERHONKSON - Veritas Villa, which has successfully treated adults for drug and alcohol abuse at its Samsonville Road treatment center since 1981, is ready to add a facility for young people ages 14-21.

Jim and Sue Cusack, the owners of Veritas Villa, have set aside 40 of the villa's 106 acres to bring in Hazelden, a leading alcohol and drug treatment program based in Minnesota, to create and operate a youth treatment center. The new facility would continue to adhere to the principles of Veritas Villa.

Many of the center's employees are recovering alcoholics - the Cusacks prefer the term "recovered alcoholics" - and are devoted to sharing their success with newcomers to the recovery process.

When the Cusacks established Veritas Villa in 1973, it was the first licenced facility in New York state to treat both drug and alcohol addiction. In 1981, the couple brought their program to the former Rubins resort in Kerhonkson.

"We started with a mission and a dream," Sue Cusack said.

Jim Cusack has been in the business a lot longer. Finding his own first years of sobriety "very rough," he said he wanted to make it easier for others.

"There was no detox, nothing, in those early days," he said.

His response to the lack of treatment options was to build a program that made him a pioneer in the field, and with his wife, he has built Veritas Villa into an 85-bed facility, with a staff of 70, that treats about 1,000 men, women and seniors annually with a 12-step program.

As Jim Cusack's involvement grew, so did his stature, as he helped create the accreditation process that now sets the standards for such facilities statewide.

When the time came for expansion, the Cusacks were careful with the selection process. Although Jim Cusack received his early training at Hazelden, the couple looked at other treatment models before selecting Hazelden. Sue Cusack said they shopped for 10 years to find "the right fit."

The Cusacks also are selective when it comes to clients. Although they bill their center as a place for "the working class," rather than the upper-echelon, Betty Ford-style clinics or the state-run centers for the very poor, Jim Cusack said they don't accept everyone for treatment.

"We don't take clients who don't really want to get well, who obviously don't want to recognize the problems associated with their addiction and change their lives," he said.

Hazelden plans to build a 75,000-square-foot building for the new youth center, which Veritas Villa Executive Director Joe Stoeckeler said is roughly twice the size of the main floor of Ellenville Regional Hospital. Construction costs are expected to exceed $30 million.

The new center is expected to have 70 beds and a staff that will provide 110 new local jobs.

Stoeckeler, an Ulster County legislator and a former Wawarsing town supervisor, sees both the villa and the new youth center as an updated version of the site's traditional use, a place of re-creation.

"It's consistent with land use in the last 150 years in the Catskills," Stoeckeler said. "A place to heal and rejuvenate."

The youth center will be patterned on the villa's program of schooling, living skills, group and individual counseling, and something the Cusacks call "family healing," which they see as an important part of the process.  (Daily Freeman 11/11/06)

 

.

KYSERIKE - While some Rondout Valley school district parents, students, and other residents lauded a proposed $27 million capital project as a much needed step in the right direction at an informal community session at the high school this week, members of the Citizens Facility Task Force decried the project as too large and too expensive.

The project to repair and renovate portions of the middle school and high school will be put to district voters on Dec. 7.

Eighty percent of the project will be funded by state aid, and the tax impact will be spread over the next 15 years, school officials say. A district resident with a home assessed at $200,000 could expect to pay $48 per year; those would a basic state School Tax Relief (STAR) exemption would pay $41; those with a senior STAR exemption would pay $36 a year over the life of the bond.

Joseph Triplo was one of three volunteer task force members who attended the session. One of a group of eight volunteers who had completed a 10-page report on building needs in 2005, Triplo has urged the Board of Education to follow the task force's recommendations, saying the proposal on the table is too big.

The current project is $8 million to $10 million above what the task force had viewed as a priority, said Triplo, who visited the school's business office Wednesday to ensure copies of the task force report would be distributed along with district materials.

"Once again, this whole process is a sham. I mean to expose it as best I can," said Triplo. He said he felt the task force recommendations were never seriously considered.

Kevin Cothren, who also served on the task force, said the district listened to the recommendations for the high school, but he agreed with Triplo that the project might be too big.

"Most of what is in it is needed, but (I) don't know how much is needed right now," Cothren said. He argued that it might be prudent to put off some of the work to future years.

"Some of the work could be done on a continuing basis," he said.

A retired elementary school teacher, Cothren said he always votes in favor of school budgets, but is concerned about the ability of such a large capital project to pass.

Parent Jessica Knapp was concerned that current plans do not allocate adequate practice space for music students. Her daughter, Charlotte Knapp, said present conditions at the middle school make it difficult to be productive in drama and music, and that students spend instructional time moving equipment.

Music teacher Jill Arden said she hoped that the project could be "reconfigured" to include more space for her department. "It's not going to do what we need it do," she said.

"It's maybe a little bigger than we have right now." Overall, however, "We want the referendum to pass," Arden added.

Music teacher Barbara Jones, who also said she favors the project, requested a modification of the music department section of the building, suggesting a possible addendum to the project.

School board Trustee Imre Beke Jr., who in June voted against moving ahead with the project because, he said, it combined vital reconstruction needs with other, less important items, declined to comment on whether the proposed project still combines essentials and extras.

"Perception is reality," Beke said. "What people believe to be true is what matters because that affects their vote."

If approved by voters, construction would begin in the summer of 2008, with an anticipated completion date of 2010. This means current Rondout Valley High School freshmen would see the construction completed.  (Freeman 11/11/06)

 Nestled in a hillside overlooking the Rondout Creek, sits a long, narrow house with great windows.
The faded writing on the shutters is a reminder of days past. Pork, fish, flour and salt, the shutters advertise, but there is no store in sight.
This house, built in 1820, is in the now-sleepy town of High Falls.
During the construction of the D&H Canal in the 1820s, the area was transformed into a bustling mining and shipping community. New York City's growing demand for anthracite coal and Rosendale cement created an economic boom in the Hudson Valley. Miners, boat builders, merchants and blacksmiths served as an integral part of the system.
The original homeowner, Thomas C. Harnden, owned and operated a general store and a four-room inn during the peak of the D&H. Located off the towpath of the canal, the house is situated in a place that saw much traffic from those traveling to the Hudson.
The Harnden property also featured a stable for mules and horses, used to guide the 20-ton barges down the canal, and a blacksmith forge that belonged to Ira Broadhead. Broadhead's forge has been lost through the years, but blacksmithing has been rekindled on the towpath.
Jonathan Nedbor, the owner, has discovered many interesting items during his years in the house.
During a renovation of an upstairs bedroom, Nedbor found a panel in the wall that hid an opening. Inside were a slew of patent medicine bottles. Throughout the house, Nedbor has found shoes, a harness bell and a shot bag.
"In one of the walls, I found shoes," Nedbor said. "I think they may have been some sort of good luck talisman."
The most interesting find was in Nedbor's yard. While digging trenches for the footings of his blacksmith shop, he discovered a brick wall. After some research, he learned the wall belonged to Broadhead's forge.
"A number of other homes I looked at had something to do with blacksmithing," Nedbor said. "I was surprised to find out this one did, too."
Two decades of smithing
For the last 20 years, Nedbor has been hard at work in his shop only feet away from where Broadhead toiled more than a century ago. His specialty is Dutch colonial and English contemporary hardware and tools. The quality of hand-forged items is what Nedbor likes most.
"Some are simple designs," he said, "while others are an expression of art."
Brian Parker restores old houses in the Albany area. He has used Nedbor's talent to help recreate missing hardware for many of his projects.
"I think his work is great," Parker said. "He does all of his reproductions with great integrity."
Keeping the tradition alive, Nedbor teaches smithing to people of all ages and skill levels. His door is open to visitors interested in the long history of this ancient art form. (Poughkeepsie Journal 10/25/06)

Rochester Election Results (please note these are only for Rochester and do not reflect the larger districts for which candidates sought office).  A number of absentee and provisional ballots have not yet been counted.

 

 

Governor:

Spitzer (D)             63.4% (winner statewide)

Faso (R)             32.9%

Others              3.7%

 

Comptroller

Hevesi (D)            53.4% (winner statewide)

Callahan (R)            41.1%

Others              5.5%

 

Attorney General

Cuomo (D)             47.9%            (winner statewide)

Pirro (R)            47.8%

Others              4.2%

 

Congress

Hinchey            100%            Unopposed

 

U.S. Senate

Clinton (D)            57.7% (winner statewide)

Spencer            37.3%

Others              5.1%

 

NY State Senate

Zimet (D)            48%

Bonacic (R)            52% (winner districtwide)

 

NY State Assembly

Keck (D)            58.3%

Crouch (R)            41.7%  (winner districtwide)

 

Ulster County Sheriff

Van Blarcum (D)       63.6% (winner countywide)

Costello (R)                  36.4%

Fine Community Event 

Friends of Historic Rochester would like to thank the many volunteers and community organizations who cooperated in producing the recent Heritage Day in the Town of Rochester.  Many, many people who attended Heritage Day have remarked on their enjoyment of the event that featured a Regatta on the Rondout Creek, the history of Main Street, Accord, the Museum with local history exhibits and genealogy, a Country Store, quilts, artwork, candlemaking, musical groups, and breakfast, lunch, and presentations at the Fire House.

What a wonderful accomplishment of a memorable “happening” when so many individuals and groups in the Town can work together for a common cause.  Thank you to all. 

Sincerely,

Friends of Historic Rochester 

Kerhonkson resident,  legendary jazz trombonist, Roswell Rudd will perform with a Mongolian Buryat Band

Saturday · October 28 · 8pm
at McKenna Theater at SUNY New Paltz
$12 student / $20 members / $25 non-members

For tickets, email the SUNY New Paltz box office or call 845-257-3880 -

Roswell Rudd and Badma Khanda - a Mongolian Buryat Band

Master trombonist Roswell Rudd teams up with Badma Khans and The Mongolian Buryat Band to create a unique concert from seemingly disparate musical traditions: Mongolian throat-singing and American blues and jazz. The traditional Mongolian songs are full of rich tonal sonorities and gorgeous melodies which are magically blended with everything Rudd knows about jazz and blues, and even some straight-up countrified blues on "Buryat Boogie." The Buryat Band is led by Badma Kanda, a vocalist of supreme range and expressive beauty, accompanied by Battuvshin Baldantseren throat singer and multi intrumentalist as well as thee other outstandings instrumentalists who play everything from horse-head basses and fiddles to lute, dulcimer and flute. Roswell Rudd, according to John Wilson of The New York Times "...is a trombonist of such sweeping power and majesty that he transcends all styles."

http://www.roswellrudd.com   for complete tour schedule

Accord residents Lisa and Yuval Sterer were the subject of a business profile in the Ulster County Press on October 18^th.  The Stearers have owned an operate “The Big Cheese,” a show on Main Street in Rosendale that features artisanal and bio-dynamic cheeses, including many regional features.  For more information see the October 18^th issue of the Ulster County Press.  The Big Cheese is located at 402 Main Street, Rosendale in the rear courtyard next to the Rosendale Theatre.  Open Wednesdays through Thursdays 2pm to 10pm.  658-7175.

The Blue Stone Press published a profile of the newly opened Country and Farm B&B in Accord on October 20th.  The Bed and Breakfast, located on Stonykill Road, is operated by Tim Ganon and Beth Woronoff and contains a beautiful pet friendly one bedroom apartment located on a 20 acre working horse farm with walking and horse trails.  There is also room for horse boarding.  To learn more, visit www.countryandfarm.com or call 845-626-4596.

SKATE Time 209 - a 30,000-square-foot skate park, roller rink and arcade that opened in April on U.S. Route 209 in Accord - will be honored with the Ulster County Small Business of the Year award by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and the Ulster County Development Corp. on Thursday at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in the town of Ulster.

Skate Time's proprietors, Len and Terry Bernardo, wanted to create a family-friendly atmosphere at the facility - a characteristic that's evident in its video games, song lyrics and healthy food choices.

Len Bernardo said Skate Time was selected for the small business award for putting a business plan together and seeing it through to the end.

The business grew out of Terry Bernardo's years as a competitive roller skater. She offers lessons on Skate Time's large maple rink, which is canopied with lights and surrounded by music.

"My wife, Terry, and I are ecstatic," Len Bernardo said. "We put a lot of energy and time into making it happen. It all kind of came together and it's really exciting."

Skate Time grew from public input and advice, with the help of a youth board of directors. From taste-testing the snack bar specialties to choosing a name through a "You Can Name It" campaign that brought in 700 suggestions, teens were able to weigh in on the park's every aspect.

Skate Time also features an after-school program for Rondout Valley middle school and high school students, who can take a bus directly to the park and get help on their homework before skating up a sweat until their parents arrive.

The skate park's director, Mat Warner, offers skateboarding lessons, sets up demos and supervises the skaters. Warner said the 10,000-square-foot skate park area - outfitted with half pipes, mini-ramps, hubbas and a bank ramp - is one of the few with a lifeguard on duty to watch out for skaters' safety.

Warner said the skate park attracts people ages 5 to 30, depending on the night's session, which ranges from adult disco to teen and 'tween nights.

"There's a huge demand for it (a skateboarding facility)," Warner said. "During the week, we usually see more business in the skate park than the (roller) rink. On weekends, the rink is really hopping -birthday parties are an integral part of the business."

Len Bernardo said the business has about 370 members who receive a discount on admission, which ranges from a $5 after-school skate to $7.50 for family night sessions.

Skate Time 209 is open from 2:30-6 p.m. Mondays; 2:30-6 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays; 2:30-6 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Fridays; noon to 5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Saturdays; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays. It's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the fall.

 (Freeman 10/15/06)

Three local youths have been arrested and charged for allegedly breaking into and vandalizing the Federated Church of Kerhonkson, a reformed Methodist Church.

Two of the boys are 12 years old and the third is 15, and the state police have charged them with felony burglary and criminal mischief.

The three are accused of breaking into the church on Columbus Day, a day off from school, and spraying fire extinguishers throughout the inside of the church. They also allegedly stole a video camera and food from the kitchen.

After talking to neighbors of the church, police were able to identify the three youths.  Two of them were found hiding in a wooded area near the Rondout Creek and the third turned himself into police.  They were all released into the custody of their parents (Ulster Press 10/18/06)  [Editor’s note: in an unrelated case, the nearby Kerhonkson Synagogue was also vandalized several weeks ago.]

Accord — A 48-year-old Accord man could spend up to two years in prison if convicted on charges filed Wednesday of felony animal cruelty after police say he snapped the neck of a local woman's pet cat and then left it in a bag in front of the victim's home.
Ulster County sheriff's deputies responded to the home of Phyllis Barringer of County Route 2 following a report that she was being harassed. On their arrival, deputies found a bag of what turned out be Barringer's clothing that included the dead cat.
A sheriff's spokesman said Barringer and Raymond J. Oreily had had a dispute earlier in the day at Oreily's home on Mettacahonts Road in Accord.
Oreily was charged under the state's Agriculture and Markets law with cruelty to animals with depraved indifference, a felony with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Oreilly was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor.
Oreily was released from Ulster County Jail after posting $2,000 bail. He's scheduled to return to Town of Rochester court on Tuesday. (TH-RECORD)

The Jennie Bell Pie Festival last weekend at Kelder's Farm on Route 209 netted prize-winning pies, talented young performers and vintage cars.

Of the more than two dozen homemade pie entries, the winners in the children's category were Julie Mulhfeld for her first-prize apple pie; Jessica Brush, second-prize pecan pie; and Alexandria Rosa, third-prize apple pie.
The all-around best pie, for both child and adult categories, was Julie Mulhfeld's apple pie. Second prize went to Christine Zoler's pecan pie. Third place went to Marlene Shaver's pumpkin pie.
In the Youth Talent Show, Daniel Vogel took first place for his magic show, bagpiper Dorothy Sommer took second place, and a rock band consisting of Stephanie Rzeszewicz on drums with Matt and Derek Hull on guitars took third place. Honorable mentions went to musicians Talia Baker, Andria Stoddard and Josh DeWoody.
The car and motorcycle show was judged by ballot. The Best in Show Motorcycle was a chopper shown by Elliott Sondak. Best in Vintage Car was Mike Redmond's 1955 T-Bird. Stock division was taken by Joanne Carpino's 1967 Chevy Camaro. Best car was a four-door Chevy muscle car owned by Carl and Cathy Olsson.
The Rondout Valley High School Junior Class took in $600 parking cars for the event. Proceeds will benefit class projects. (Freeman)

KYSERIKE - A proposed Rondout Valley school district capital project will cost taxpayers less than initially anticipated, now that school trustees have agreed to apply district fund reserves to the project, but state aid for the project will also be less than anticipated.

At a Board of Education meeting Tuesday, trustees agreed to apply $3 million of the district's fund balance toward the project, estimated at $27 million. Vice President Gail Hutchins and trustees Rebecca Reeder, Michael Redmond, Pamela Longley, Holly Elliot, Imre Beke Jr., and Kent Anderson voted in favor of the motion; Trustee James Ayers voted against. Board President Maureen Sheehan was absent.

"I had questions ... about giving such a large amount of money back to this project that would compromise the long-term plan we had laid out for giving moneys back to voters each May when the budget vote takes place," said Ayers. He said he is concerned that using the entire fund balance would leave the district no money for emergencies.

Ayers also says he was "unsettled" by the news that state aid would offset only 65 percent of the cost of the project, when the district had originally anticipated being reimbursed for 75 percent.

With state EXCEL aid, the district will receive $871,330 of additional state aid over the 65.5 percent normally funded by the state, according to a press release from the district. That brings the reimbursement percentage to about 68.7 percent.

The district will host a high school tour for the general public at 7 p.m. Nov. 1, when administrators will show areas of the school that are slated for improvements. Two informational sessions are planned at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 16 at the high school, where administrators and representatives from architects Einhorn, Yafee, Prescott and Turner Construction will discuss the project.

"Once they see how old parts of the building are, they will understand how much this is needed," interim district Superintendent Eileen Camasso said Wednesday.

The project was originally estimated to cost $92 per year for the next 15 years for a district taxpayer with a home assessed at $200,000, said Roy McMaster, vice president of Capital Market Advisors, an Elmira-based consulting firm. With the $3 million fund balance applied, that number will decrease, McMaster said, but he was unable to say by how much.  (Freeman 10/26/06)

Silda Wall Spitzer, the wife of NYS Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer is hosting a fundraising event at the Dupuy Canal House on Sunday, October 29^th.  You can download an invitation and RSVP at http://www.susanzimetforsenate.com/calendar.aspx

Tickets are $250. per person or $300 for two.  Mail RSVP and checks to: Susan Zimet for Senate/Silda Afternoon Event, P.O. Box 444, New Paltz, NY 12561For more information about the event, or to join the Host Committee, contact Rachel Padgett at (845)255-2369  or email her at: rachpadgett@gmail.com

 

 

[Editor’s Note on political announcements:  We do publish political event announcements of local relevance received from any candidate committee.  Publication does not signify endorsement of any political candidate or party.]

Michael K. Oremus, 21, a private first class in the U.S. Army, was killed by sniper fire in Baghdad while responding to an explosion on October 2^nd.  The 2002 graduate of Highland High School in Lloyd had been in Iraq for about three months of a one-year deployment.  Michael’s mother, Madeline Oremus-Palmese, and her husband, Daniel Palmese, live on Samsonville Road in Kerhonkson.  Oremus’ father, Bruce, died in 1995.  Oremus was a member of the varsity soccer and tennis teams at Highland.  After graduation, he attended Dutchess Community College and was a member of the soccer team.  Michael joined the Army in February 2005 and, after basic training, he was stationed with the 57^th MP company in South Korea.  He was deployed to Iraq in July 2006.  He was born October 21^st 1984 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie.  Besides his mother and step-father, he is survived by a brother Eric of Las Vegas and another brother, Richard, of New York City.  A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 10am at the Highland Cemetery on October 11^th.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michael Oremus Scholarship Fund, Highland High School, Attn: Athletic Dept., 320 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland, NY 12528.

Born in West Kill, Norman van Valkenburgh is the recognized historical authority on New York State's Forest Preserve in the Catskills and Adirondacks. His career was devoted to the DEC where he worked from 1955-1986. He has written numerous books and articles concerning historical perspectives and facts about preserve lands, and the beautiful stone walls that grace our hills. Following a reading from "Old Stone Walls" (2004) will be a Q&A period concerning our most valuable resource: the lands and waters that surround us. Book-signing follows. Rosendale Library , Wed., Oct. 25th , 7:00-8:30pm Free/ Call 658-9013 for info and directions

Main Street, Accord was alive with pedestrians and activity on October 6 for the Friends of Historic Rochester’s annual Heritage Day.  Markers with old photographs showed how homes and other buildings on Main Street looked a generation ago.  Did you know that the Honda Accord was introduced in a print ad photographed in front of the general store (now Philliber Research) on Main Street.  Ronald Reagan also stopped in to say hello in the 1970s as governor of California.  Many Main Street businesses were open, including Stone Window Gallery, owned by Brinton Baker, Accord Garage owned by Ed Fehring, Ron Sharkey’s antique store and Jeff Shapiro’s pottery studio.  The highlight of the tour was an open house of the Friends’ library and museum, featuring extensive archives and photographs of the region.  Local artists and quilters presented their work in an exhibition marquee on the back lawn to the accompaniment of local musicians.  The Accord Fire Department also sponsored a breakfast featuring their famous pancakes and sausage.  The most entertaining sight, however, was watching the finish of the Rondout Regatta, in which several boats of varying degrees of seaworthiness were attended by brave individuals of varying degrees of nautical ability.  All this was topped off by a glorious day and the peak of our fall foliage.

The October 6, 2006 issue of the Blue Stone Press features an interview with Accord resident Alice Schoonmaker.  Mrs. Schoonmaker and her husband, Jack, have nurtured and cherished Saunderskill Farms, seeing their enterprise continuing to thrive, with son Dan and his wife Cathy running the farm market and son Dave running the farm.  Their daughter, Dianne, runs Flying Change Stables and riding school.  Pick up the Blue Stone Press to read more.

Sculptor David Stoltz, who lives and works in the former Port Jackson Methodist Church on Main Street in Accord, has mounted a new exhibition of his latest work in the garden in front of the former sanctuary.   Stoltz uses sacred symbols from different religions as inspiration for his work.  For a private tour, call 626-5842.

A Sullivan County-based oil and propane company has proposed a storage and distribution operation for what some say is an environmentally sensitive site in Accord.

 

Steve Fornal, chairman of the Town of Rochester Planning Board, said  Mike Taylor, doing business as Combined Energy Services, has submitted a pre-application for an oil and propane storage, distribution and retail operation.

 

The plans, Fornal said, would include four 30,000 gallon storage tanks – two for propane and two for oil; a distribution process that would include three tankers fueling once in the morning and refueling once during the day; and a retail business to sell welding supplies and other retail equipment.

 

           

Fornal said while the site, located near the junction of Route 209 and Whitfield Road, is actually zoned for such use, there is some trepidation over the nature of the property and its proximity to the Roundout Creek.  “One concern is a part of the property is prone to wet conditions,” Fornal said.  “We need to make sure there are no wetlands.” 

 

Fornal said that environmental records of the locale are “a little suspect” since the state Department of Environmental Conservation hasn’t mapped the area since the 1980s.

 

But two Town of Rochester residents, Christine Cohoe and David Persell, issued a press release after the pre-application was presented on September 19 that said the site “is within feet of the Rondout Creek flood plain and is directly in the path of all ground water running from higher elevations in the Rondout Creek.”

 

The press release also said that undeveloped land contiguous to the Accord site ishome to vegetation like purple loosestrife and cattails, as well as birds like the kingfisher, green heron, great blue heron and egret feed in a pond within 300 feet of the proposed fuel storage and distribution facility.

 

“The pond has been the home for a nesting pair of Canadian geese for at least five seasons< Cohoe and Persell said, “and they have produced many offspring.”

 

And, the press release states, “the location proposed is visible to the naked eye from the lookout tower of the Mohonk Mountain House.”

 

Taylor was not reached for comment on his proposal by press time.

 

Fornal said Taylor is very aware of what needs to be done to protect the site and surrounding property and stressed that, at this point, the pre-application is simply a general outline.  The Town of Rochester’s planning consultant, Chazen Co., will review the proposal.

 

“As that process goes along,” Fornal said, “Chazen will review the information and study the property.”  (Ulster County Press, Oct 4).

Photos of Combined Energy Services' other facilities can be viewed here.

Times Herald-Record, 10/3/06

Liberty - Three days ago in the dead of night, Barbara Albert heard the crunch, crunch, crunch of an animal tearing apart her garbage. It sounded big. She peaked outside her window in the Village of Liberty and spotted a black bear near her house.
"He was pretty big," she said.
This year, there have been more close encounters with black bears than normal, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
In general, the bulk of the nuisance complaints are still confined to places on the edges of bear habitats, places such as Monticello and Liberty and Fallsburg, DEC authorities said.
But there are signs the bears are getting bolder.
Last week, a big black bear pushed over a dumpster in broad daylight at the Sleepy Hollow Apartments off Route 42 in Monticello. Several kids stood around watching him peaking through the oak leaves. A policeman chased him away by shooting plastic bullets.
Two weeks ago in the Town of Crawford, a male black bear, standing 5 feet 4 inches, scaled an 8-foot fence and attacked and killed a goat in the yard of a home, then was shooed away. Within hours, the bear returned two more times and was finally shot and killed.
Last month, a black bear killed and dragged a 350-pound bull calf on a farm in Callicoon.
This year, the DEC's region three office has logged 370 nuisance complaints, up by a 100 complaints compared to last year.
"Bear populations are increasing in that whole area, and that is part of the reason for their visibility," said Paul Curtis, the associate professor of Natural Resources at Cornell University.
So far, there have been no bear attacks on humans. New York has had one documented attack. In 2002, a bear killed an infant it grabbed out of a stroller at a summer camp in Woodridge.
As the winter approaches, bears are rummaging for whatever food is available to fatten up for hibernation. A big part of the problem is people.
People are leaving their garbage out. Apartment complexes aren't covering their dumpsters.
Attacks are possible, but highly unlikely, Curtis said, adding that most bears are just looking for a quick meal.

KEEPING BEARS AWAY:
Store garbage in cans or dumpsters and keep them in a secure place like a garage.
Put garbage out only on the morning pickup. Burning and composting of garbage might attract bears.
Feed birds only from Dec. 1 to April 1. During the rest of the year, you may be attracting more bears than birds.
Bird seed and garbage are favorite foods for bears. In many cases, bears will choose them over natural food sources.

BEAR FACTS:
New York has a healthy population of about 8,000 black bears
The average adult male bear weighs about 300 pounds, females weigh about 160 pounds.
Black bears are New York's second largest land mammal after the moose.
Preferred natural foods include nuts, roots, fruit, plants and insects. Bears will scavenge dead animals but rarely feed on live prey.
Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

(TH Record 10/3/06)

BOOKS AND PLANTS SALE
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS, 12:00P.M.- 4:00P.M. , OCT. 15TH - 22ND - 26TH , 2030 BERME RD. KERHONKSON

The Rochester Residents Association is pleased to announce the winners of its Creative Sign Contest.  The grand prize winning entry, submitted by Kerhonkson resident Joyce Greenough, read:

 

Mini-golf and berry picking                              $22.00

Roller skating and snacks                                $30.00

Ice cream on the way home                            $10.50

Living in a town where everyone gets along:  PRICELESS

 

Joyce will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to the Rochester business of her choice.

 

Winners in other categories were:

 

Most Inspiring, submitted by Kim Massie, of Accord:

 

            With all the acres here around

            We’ll surely find some common ground

 

Most Creative, submitted by John Adams of Kerhonkson:

 

            Tourist Info

                And

            Road Kill Recipies

Most Accurate, submitted by Ron Bonner of Kerhonkson:

           

            Rochester:

            Town with a history

            Town with a future

 

Most Humorous, submitted by John Adams of Kerhonkson

 

            HELP ME!

            I’m making signs and I can’t stop.

 

Most Misleading, seen along the road

 

            No Lawn Mowers   

 

Honorable Mention, submitted by Walter Levy:

 

            Support C.A.V.E.

            (Committee Against Virtually Everything)

 

Overall, approximately 160 entries were received.  Many signs of a personal nature were disqualified.  Anyone who volunteered to be a judge was asked to judge the entries at Skate Time 209 on October 1^st.  There were eight judges, although one volunteer was unable to attend because of a schedule conflict. 

 

As part of the contest, the Rochester Residents Association donated $1.00 for every entry (up to $100) to the Little Ones Learning Center, a non-profit early childhood learning center with a reading room at the Rochester Reformed Church.

 

Do you remember the days when…  today’s Accord Post Office building was the site of Breslow’s Pharmacy, Les Aaron’s Luncheonette, the Town Clerk’s Office, and  the Accord P.O.?  Were you there when Philliber’s right-hand building was Turner and Cohen’s Grocery Store, or Kanover and Layne’s Grocery, or Kolvenbach’s Accord General and Soda Fountain,?  Or when Ronald Reagan came to town? Or when Honda Motor Car Company used Kolvenbach’s Accord General as the backdrop for introducing the world to its new model, the Accord!

On Saturday, October 7, 2006 the Annual Fall Tour sponsored by Friends of Historic Rochester will focus on   Historic Main Street, Accord.  Guided and self-guided walking tours will begin at Friends’ Museum, 12 Main Street  between   10 a.m. and   2 p.m.  Proceeding from there up and down Main Street, many of the buildings will be open so visitors can observe what is left from the past and how they have been adapted for use in the present – “Accord Then and Now”.  The tour will feature personal recollections of long-time residents, enlargements of old photographs, and descriptions of each property over the years.  Visitors will experience Accord of the 19th and 20th centuries, of the D & H Canal and O & W Railway Eras.

Many activities are being planned throughout the day, including breakfast and demonstrations at the Fire House, displays and activities at the Community Center, focus on the railroad station, music, and shows under a tent in the back yard of the Museum.  Details of these and other events will follow.  Please save the date and join us at this celebration of the Town of Rochester.

Support for this celebration of the Town’s history is coming from many of the Town’s organizations and individual residents.

If you have memories, photographs or other memorabilia. or would like to participate in the celebration of Main Street in any way, please call 845-626-7104, 687-9998, or  626-3140.

[Ed note: the Rochester Residents Association is a sponsor of this event]

Saturday October 7, 8AM-11AM, Accord Fire Company #1, 22 Main Street, Accord

&

Open Fire House In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, 12PM-4PM

Demonstrations including, Auto Extrication, Roof Venting, Ulster County Arson Investigation Dog,

Fire Safety, Ulster County Smoke House, Antique Fire Trucks & More!

Rain or Shine

ACCORD - Fire Commission members have adopted a 2007 Accord Fire District budget of $667,143 that has a 19.26 percent reduction of $159,127 and a $652,143 property tax levy representing a 21.07 percent decrease of $174,127 from this year's budget.

Spokeswoman Kathy Kuthy said the budget includes training for members to become part of a proposed district rescue and first aid squad.

"The first eight will be coming out of the 2006 budget," she said. "We have about $3,800 left in our training, then we have $5,000 in our training budget for 2007, which we believe will be adequate because most of our training is paid by the state."

Kuthy said there are about 48 active volunteers who respond to about 370 calls per year in the 88-square-mile district.

District officials in a press release said the need for a fire district-based rescue squad was raised earlier this month by Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad members.

"Representatives of KAFAS pleaded with the Accord Fire District to support them with medical assistance because, as they stated, sometimes their response time is 15-20 minutes behind the firefighters, who currently respond to vehicle accidents and other life-threatening emergencies in a firefighter capacity," they wrote. "EMT and Paramedics of KAFAS expressed grave concern over their response time explaining how there is a very small window of time, referred to as 'The Golden Hour,' in which lifesaving measures are considered to be significantly more effective."

Under state law, volunteers will require 45 hours of training and six hours of examination in CPR and defibrillation training, which Kuthy said is scheduled to be given in Modena.

In a press release, the budget reduction is said to be a result of paying off a $371,224 ladder truck "without an adequate funding plan. The 2006 budget, while greatly expanded to accommodate the truck payment, was not properly designed and left the district to scramble in order to fund its operating expenses for 2006."

Kuthy said the levy was also reduced because revenues are expected to include $1,000 in interest on bank accounts and fire company spending on social activities was cut by $14,000.

Other action taken by district commissioners during a meeting last week included approval of exemptions for agricultural properties beginning with 2008 tax rolls. (Freeman 9/26/06)

Accord, NY; Based on Statements made on September 20, 2006, by members of the Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad (KAFAS), during the September meeting of the Accord Board of Fire Commissioners, the Rochester community is facing an emergency. Representatives of KAFAS pleaded with the Accord Fire District to support them with medical assistance because, as they
stated, sometimes their response time is 15 – 20 minutes behind the firefighters, who currently respond to vehicle accidents and other life threatening emergencies in a firefighter capacity. EMT and Paramedics of KAFAS expressed grave concern over their response time explaining how
there is a very small window of time, referred to as ‘The Golden Hour,’ in which life-saving measures are considered to be significantly more effective.

In response to this emergency, The Accord Board of Fire Commissioners have devoted themselves to developing an immediate solution. With the assistance of legal counsel and State of New York (NYS) officials, the board has determined that the creation of a Rescue/First Aid Squad would enable the members of the district’s fire companies, known for their dedication and rapid response time, to be available to assist KAFAS in emergencies by being NYS Certified First Responders.

In order for the Accord Fire District to create a squad, a minimum of eight (8) Fire Department personnel must complete NYS CERTIFIED FIRST RESPONDER with CPR & AED Defibrillation Training (CFR-D) and be certified by NYS. The Training consists of 45 hours of classroom
training followed by a review class and exam for a total of 51 hours of training. The Accord Fire District will pay for the cost of this training.

After successful completion of this course, each CFR-D Firefighter will  be capable of performing the following functions at the minimum entry level: recognize the nature and seriousness of a patient's condition or extent of injuries to assess requirements for emergency medical care;
administer appropriate emergency medical care for life-threatening injuries relative to airway, breathing, and circulation; perform safely and effectively the expectations of the job description. CFR-D serve as liaisons with other emergency services, this course provides an
introduction to this concept. Specific instructional topics include the well-being of the CFR-D; medical, legal, and ethical issues; the human body; lifting and moving patients; airway management; patient assessment; illness and injury; childbirth, infants, and children; EMS
operations. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED) training are included in this program.

 

KYSERIKE - Two Rondout Valley High School students accused by police of shooting BB rifles at a school bus Monday afternoon were allowed to ride the bus to school Tuesday morning, a district official confirmed.

The students, David G. Stephens, 16, of Mettacahonts Road, town of Rochester, and an unidentified 14-year-old, were charged Monday with shooting BB pellets at the bus from the woods near 19 Mettacahonts Road at about 2:45 p.m., state police at Ellenville said. One pellet struck the rear window of the school bus, causing the glass to "spider," or crack, said state police Investigator Matthew Skarkas, who responded to the incident.

The pellet did not penetrate the glass, and no students on board were injured, Skarkas said.

The bus remained at the scene for about 40 minutes, according to police, who were assisted by Ulster County Sheriff's deputies.

The two teenagers were taken into custody and later confessed to the incident, police said. Both were charged with reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, misdemeanors, and were released to their parents at about 6 p.m. Two BB rifles were confiscated by police.

Tuesday morning, the two students were allowed to board and ride the school bus to the high school, where they were then suspended for five days pending a school hearing, said Interim Superintendent Eileen Camasso. Five days is the maximum suspension period allowed without a hearing, she said.

Questioned about the decision to allow the students to ride the school bus Tuesday morning after being arrested, Camasso said, "It turned out to be OK." She later added that because the bus ride Tuesday morning took place without further incident, "clearly, it was a safe decision."

Camasso said the school district allowed the students to ride the bus because the district had not yet had the opportunity to discipline the students. "They are entitled to due process ... as all students are," she said.

District parent Adelemaria Kirshy said she was "mortified" her 10-year-old son had to ride the school bus Tuesday morning with the two students who were arrested.

"Why are they on the bus? It is not fair to the kids," Kirshy said of the bus ride Tuesday. Letting the students ride the bus the next morning "sends the wrong message," she said. (Freeman 9/27/06)

 

The Business Development Committee, established under the guidance of Town Councilman Francis Gray,  is seeking new members.  The charge, established by the Town Board is given below.  Anyone interested in participating should contact Supervisor Pam Duke.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PURPOSE:  To analyze existing business activity in the Town, develop a business recruitment plan with incentives and to make recommendations on zoning law changes that support targeted businesses in the Town of Rochester. The committee plans will be in a manner consistent with the Town’s rural character, preservation of natural resources, and the quality of residential life.

ACCOUNTABILITY:  The subcommittee members will be appointed by and are accountable to the Town Board and shall solicit and receive public input.  TERM:  The committee shall exist until dissolved by the Town Board.  The Town Board can add new members at any time.
SCOPE OF WORK:  
1.      Take an inventory of:

a.      Existing businesses
b.      Existing experience and talent within the Town to support new businesses
c.      Services the town lacks that would identify and support new businesses
d.      Targeted businesses to relocate or expand to the Town to satisfy town needs
e.      Existing town zoning codes and conditions that impede economic development

2.      Evaluate and make recommendations on how the Town Government might assist in the recruitment of new local businesses and engines of economic activity
3.      Analyze and make recommendations on infrastructure improvements that the Town Government might assist with in order to attract targeted businesses
4.      Review the Town’s current zoning and subdivision codes to identify areas in need of amendment along with recommendations on the priority of such amendments.
5.      Research sources of outside funding to support report recommendations and draft funding request as added incentives to targeted businesses
6.      Prepare written recommendations to the Town Board based on committee deliberations, resident input, and responses from businesses   

 

 

Jeffrey Lawrence was crushed to death in an excavator accident in Accord in February.  Now, the federal government has leveled a $2,500 fine against the Rosendale company he worked for, citing two code violations.  An inspector from the US Dept. of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) announced that DHL Excavating of Rosendale failed to provide adequate training for Lawrence and had neither initiated nor maintained an accident prevention program for that particular work site.  Lawrence, 47, was killed when he inadvertently hit a lever while trying to exit the cab of an excavator and was pinned between the cab and a tree.  Donald Hasenflue of Rosendale is the owner of the company and was also injured in the February mishap.  (Ulster Press 9/20/06)

Full horse board available in New Barn in Kerhonkson. Barn is on property on Berme Road, adjoining the rail trail between Accord and Kerhonkson. Email me at mactnif@hotmail.com.  Phone (cell) is 845/283-8062

Show opens at the Enderlin Gallery on Sept. 2.
Local artist Sara Harris will be featured in the Enderlin Gallery’s upcoming show, which opens with an artists’ reception on September 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and runs through October 8.  A resident of Accord, Harris has had a number of solo and group gallery exhibitions throughout the Northeast and her work is in held in many private and corporate collections. She is a member of the New York Society of Women Artists and the Arts Society of Kingston, NY.  The Enderlin Gallery is located on Main Street in the historic community of Roxbury, New York.  Gallery hours are Sunday, Monday, Friday and holidays, 11-5; Saturday, 11-7 or by appointment. For more information or directions, call (607) 326-3200 or visit www.enderlingallery.com

The Accord Fire District will hold a Public Hearing for the Proposed 2007 Budget on Wednesday, September 6 at 7:30 PM in the Social Hall at the Fire District Headquarters on Main Street, Accord.    The proposed budget reduces the budget by approximately $150,000, following a 44% increase between 2005 and 2006. 

There will be a primary election on September 12^th for the Conservative, Democratic, Independence, and Independence Parties.  On a local level, the Conservative and Independence parties are holding an “opportunity to ballot” in which Kevin Costello, the Republican candidate, is attempting a write in campaign to take away the nomination by those parties of Paul Van Blarcum.

 

Please note that in the Town of Rochester voting districts 1 and 5 have changed location from Town Hall to the Accord Fire District on Main Street.  The move was made by the Town Board earlier this year to alleviate over-crowding.  Polls are open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm.

The Annual Meeting of the Friends of Historic Rochester will take place on Friday, September 15^th at the Rochester Reformed Church on Route 209 in Accord.  The meeting will start at 7pm.  After a presentation by board members on the group’s activities and plans, Gretchen Reed and Tracy McNally will make a slide presentation on “The Delaware and Hudson Canal.  Refreshments will be served.

The Kerhonkson Synagugue has experienced yet another incident in its history of vandalism, which stems back to 1923, when the temple was first built.  Synagogue president Goldie Goldenberg said, “The original temple had a wooden Jewish star on top which was torn down shortly after the synagogue was build.  It’s history all over again: our new stained glass window of a Jewish star that was a little over a year old was broken.  Rocks were thrown right throu the center of this visible symbol.”  The incident occurred in August.  Goldberg affirmed that thiw is a time for the community to come together.  “With the High Holidays coming, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it’s an important time for us; a time to reflect and to move forward.  The stained glass window, which will cost in excess of $1,000 to fix, will be paid through the temple’s general fund, insurance, and with donations.  She assured that the window would be repaired before the holiday services.  “We are a strong community, we deal with it, and move on,” said Goldberg.  To donate money for the repair of the stained glass window, contact Goldie at 626-2530. (from the BSP 9/1/06)

The Blue Stone Press’ August 18^th issue  featured a full page article on Accord’s beloved Saunderskill Farm, owned and operated by the Schoonmaker Family for more than 300 years.  The farm, which grows local produce for sale at its shop and nursery on Route 209 is now operated by Jack Schoonmaker and his sons David and Dan, the twelfth generation of the family.

A Sheriff Deputy and volunteers from the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid squad responded to a call regarding a collision involving a cyclist on Queens Highway, just north of Sundale Road on August 28^th.  The unnamed male cyclist struck a chicken as it was crossing the road and appeared to suffer only minor injuries.  The chicken, however, succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.  Authorities were unable to answer the question of why the chicken was crossing the road.

Approximately 100 people attended the Town of Rochester’s Planning and Zoning Committee public hearing on August 29^th at the Accord Fire Station.  The meeting, chaired by Supervisor Pam Duke, was held to hear public comments on the committee’s draft Comprehensive Plan, which it has been working on since January.  Aside from 13 members of the committee, which included representatives from the Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historical Preservation Commission, local businesses, contractors/developers, and farmers, Peter Fairweather of Fairweather Associates, the land use consulting firm engaged by the Town, was on hand to answer questions.

Resident Kandy Santoski stated that she believed the plan made the Town “look like Westchester,”  and that it emphasized the promotion of tourism and second homeownership with little consideration for the expansion of small businesses and other commercial activity.  She asked how the development of second homeowners strengthened the local economy or community any more than full time residents.

Marge Bonner of Kerhonkson said that she had a different take on the plan and that the most recent draft appeared to place a greater emphasis on promoting local commerce and business.  She also raised the relationship between increased development and higher taxes and cited the Town’s Cost of Community Services Report, of which she was an author.  The report shows that the second homeowners significantly subsidize local taxes because they generally use fewer services by not having children in the school system, etc.

Kathy Kuthy of Accord raised the suggestion of placing “sunset provisions” on special use permits granted by the Town and suggested that this would be a good means of ensuring that businesses operating in residential zones do no not negatively impact their neighbors. 

Andy Gilchrest, an attorney for the Kerhonkson/Accord Business Alliance, recently formed by local mining interests, stated that he submitted his group’s comments in writing and asked for permission to present maps of the Town.  The committee agreed and John Orzo gave a presentation of maps overlaying open spaces, commercial zones, recreational assets, soil types and introduced the concept of expanded “resource extraction areas” where shale, gravel and stone extraction activity could be expanded.   

Several residents cited the increasing need for affordable housing so that their children could live and work in the community.  Others

One issue that drew many comments was the potential implementation of a noise ordinance. Trisha Kortright said she grew up in a community that had a noise ordinance and that it was nice, however she was “100% against” a similar ordinance in Rochester.  Billie Launzinger said that she lived in many communities that had noise ordinances, and that they were tailored to the local communities.  She went on to say that many people moved here to enjoy the “peace and quiet’ of a rural community.  Brit Baker cited the importance of “striking a balance” on this and other issues and to look at the big picture.

Imre Beke said that property rights should be protected and that rights of property are a basic civil right, a theme raised by many people present.  Beke went on to say that the many recommendations and implementations reduced the rights of property owners.

Zali Win, president of the Rochester Residents Association, noted that property rights did indeed need to be recognized.  He said that everyone had the right to the quiet enjoyment of their property and that government, through its regulations, had an obligation to preserve the equity that people have built in their homes by protecting against the “trespassing on that right by noise, dust, and water pollution” by nuisance neighbors and businesses.  He disputed the fact that all these businesses paid their full share of taxes and cited the 90 acre Metro mine on Queens Highway and said that the local tax revenue generated by that property was significantly less than the negative impact that it had on neighboring homes and that all property owners in Town were, in effect, subsidizing that mine’s operation as they do many other local business properties.

Pine Grove Ranch owner David O’Halloran said that he didn’t think that the plan recognized the fact that his ranch and the Hudson Valley Resort were the town’s biggest employers.

Supervisor Duke thanked the audience for coming to express their views and said that the committee would carefully review them all.  The committee meets twice a month, with the next meeting at 7pm on September 13 at Town Hall.  A copy of the current draft of the report is available online at www.townofrochester.net.

Combined Energy Services of Montecello, the prospective buyers of a single family home currently owned by Kenneth Coddington, located across the street from the Accord Quik Mart, have been approaching residential neighbors to discuss plans and to assess potential neighborhood opposition to the company’s plans to create a fuel oil and propane gas distribution center on the 2.6 acre property.  Plans call for two 75 foot long “bullet” type propane tanks and at least two additional tanks for an unspecified volume of liquid petroleum products.  While there are already some existing businesses in the neighborhood, there remain a number of single family homes and the property’s immediate neighbors are all private residences.  Any plans would have to go before the Planning Board in order to obtain a Special Use Permit.

Do you remember the days when ……..today’s Accord Post Office building was the site of Breslow’s Pharmacy, Les Aaron’s Luncheonette, the Town Clerk’s Office, and  the Accord P.O.?  Were you there when Philliber’s right-hand building was Turner and Cohen’s Grocery Store, or Kanover and Layne’s Grocery, or Kolvenbach’s Accord General and Soda Fountain,?  Or when Ronald Reagan came to town? Or when Honda Motor Car Company used Kolvenbach’s Accord General as the backdrop for introducing the world to its new model, the Accord!

On Saturday, October 7, 2006 the Annual Fall Tour sponsored by Friends of Historic Rochester will focus on   Historic Main Street, Accord.  Guided and self-guided walking tours will begin at Friends’ Museum,   12 Main Street  between   10 a.m. and   2 p.m.  Proceeding from there up and down Main Street, many of the buildings will be open so visitors can observe what is left from the past and how they have been adapted for use in the present – “Accord Then and Now”.  The tour will feature personal recollections of long-time residents, enlargements of old photographs, and descriptions of each property over the years.  Visitors will experience Accord of the 19th and 20th centuries, of the D & H Canal and O & W Railway Eras.

Many activities are being planned throughout the day, including breakfast and demonstrations at the Fire House, displays and activities at the Community Center, focus on the railroad station, music, and shows under a tent in the back yard of the Museum.  Details of these and other events will follow.  Please save the date and join us at this celebration of the Town of Rochester.

Support for this celebration of the Town’s history is coming from many of the Town’s organizations and individual residents.

If you have memories, photographs or other memorabilia. or would like to participate in the celebration of Main Street in any way, please call 845-626-7104, 687-9998, or  626-3140.

KERHONKSON - A 13.5-foot yard gnome off U.S. Route 209 should soon grace the pages of "Guinness World Records."

The gnome, called Chomsky, will hold the record for the world's largest yard gnome. It stands sentry over Gnome on the Grange, a mini-golf course at Kelder's Farm.

Chris Kelder, whose family has owned the farm for more than 200 years, said it's nice to have such an attraction.

"It's a lot like having the world's largest ball of string," he said. "We used to say were right across from NAPA (Auto Parts). Now we'll say we're right next to the gnome."

The gnome was the brainchild of Maria Reidelbach, who also built the mini-golf course on Kelder's Farm. The record-setting gnome is actually Chomsky II, Reidelbach explains. The original Chomsky was built in 2003, but was made out of the wrong material to be qualified for the world record.

Guinness said that for Chomsky to be record-setting, he would have to be built out of the same materials as other yard gnomes: cement. Reidelbach said she was committed to making the world's biggest gnome and enlisted artist Ken Hutchinson to craft Chomsky II out of cement, straw and chicken wire.

Reidelbach said Chomsky didn't dethrone any other big yard gnomes. Guinness did not have a previous record in this category.

So, building a gnome for a mini-golf course is historically appropriate, Reidelbach said. The first mini-golf course built had gnomes on it. Building a gnome of Chomsky's size just fulfilled an old desire of hers, Reidelbach said.

"It's been a dream of mine for about 10 years to build a roadside attraction," she said.

The measurements were ceremoniously taken with an oversized ruler Thursday evening. As part of the rules of Guinness, Reidelbach assembled a board of "local luminaries" that included Ulster County Legislator Rich Parete, Rochester Town Supervisor Pamela Duke and Mark Brown, leader of a local country-rock band, to witness the event.

Brown, who wrote a song about U.S. Route 209, said the gnome is in a very fitting place.

"If you were going to find it, it would be on 209 or at least in this part of the world," he said.

Also among the luminaries was David Work, a local mushroom enthusiast with the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association. He said the history of gnomes and mushrooms is a lengthy one, which is why he was invited to attend the event. Reidelbach said she is considering adding an oversized mushroom next to the gnome in the future.

 

Amid the lack of a firm opening date for the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center and state concerns over the facility's physical plant and staffing level, county legislators worry the already overdue jail might have to wait for a 2007 opening.

"Everything is slow. It's how we operate. Two speeds: slow and slower," a frustrated Richard Parete, chairman of the Law Enforcement Center Project Committee, said at a meeting Tuesday.

The state commissioner of correction threw a wrench into the committee's plans by telling Sheriff J. Richard Bockelmann earlier this month that the jail's requirement of 148 full-time corrections officers could not be met because seven officers are out on disability. Some county members are meeting with the commissioner Sept. 14 for a clarification, but Parete, D-Accord, didn't think that was soon enough because if the county has to hire new people, they'll need two months of training.

"If they're going to say on the 14th you need to hire five guys, why not just hire them now?" he asked.

Another bump in the road for the jail is installing the phone system. County Corrections Superintendent Brad Ebel said bids are now being taken to install phones in the jail, but the bidding process lasts a month. The committee approved bids for phone contracts two months ago, but Ebel said he waited while he tried to find a price low enough to eliminate bidding. The county doesn't have to seek competitive bids for projects costing less than $20,000.

Individual cell windows also need to be tinted or blocked somehow, both to prevent male and female inmates from looking into each others' cells and to keep inmates from seeing confidential informants entering the building. That creates a problem, because each cell is required to have some natural light. So, jail officials need to find a way to obstruct the view while letting light in.

If the windows are tinted, the tinting must go on the outside of the windows to prevent prisoners from peeling it off. This would create an expensive process because crews would have to do it with lifts and scaffolds, increasing labor costs.

The jail project is already tens of millions of dollars over budget, but some legislators said Tuesday that the county should worry less about cost and more about simply getting it open.

"The No. 1 priority is finish the job," said Legislature Chairman David Donaldson, D-Kingston.

Also Tuesday, Ebel said corrections officers should be trained and acclimated to the new jail by the end of October. Each corrections officer is required to have 40 hours of training - five days - in the new facility. Ebel said all officers have completed the first two days.

After the initial five days of training, each officer must undergo specialized training, which will stretch until the end of October.

"Hopefully, we'll be done a little before that, but that's a stretch," Ebel said.

However, some training cannot occur until numbers are put on all the cell doors. Some issues had arisen earlier in the meeting about whether the numbers should be vinyl attachments or directly painted on the doors.

[Editor’s Note, Sheriff Bockelman’s term expires in December.  He is not seeking re-election and a successor will be elected in the November ballot.]

Fact or Fiction?

To the Editor:

  I write this letter as a Rochester resident and the following statements do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of members of the Rochester Environmental Conservation Commission, of which I am chair.
  My interest was piqued last week when I saw your cover article ["Intimidation or Making a Statement?" p.1, BSP 8/18/06]. I thought the article would focus on the misleading, erroneous signs that dot the roadways of Rochester. The large photo of the handmade sign and the title sucked me in.
  But instead the signs were barely mentioned and were taken at face value. The article didn¹t even uncover who posted the signs. It also turned out that the intimidation mentioned in the title had nothing to do with the signs, so the title was poorly juxtaposed with that photo.
  The intimidation factor had to do with a group of truckers who attended a town hall meeting but refused to speak. Who were these people and what were they trying to say? Councilman Ron Santosky purported to know what they were doing there, so does he represent this group of people who were trying to "make a statement?" The article doesn¹t get to the bottom of this.
  Regarding the signs, I like to see community members with the energy and conviction to get their message out to other residents. But when the message is deceptive and contradictory it serves to divide and confuse the community.
  One sign says, "No Lawn Mowers," which presumably refers to a possible noise ordinance for the town. All preliminary work that the town Environmental Commission has done on such an ordinance specifically excludes noises made by lawn mowers, farm equipment, and other machinery. Another sign, which you placed on your cover, says "Duked Out, Taxed Out," which implies that Pam Duke has raised taxes. In fact, local taxes have decreased under the current board.
  Some signs contradict themselves. For example, a sign reading "Laws by the Few for the Few" is posted about a quarter mile from a sign that says "Committeed Out." The current administration consistently strives to include as many people as possible in making decisions, hence the healthy array of committees.
  In this beautiful town with a wide spectrum of people and opinions, healthy communication is key.
Chris Hewitt
Kerhonkson

In recognition of all the creative signs that have been posted around Town in the past few weeks, the Rochester Residents Association announces an online “Creative Sign Contest.”   There will be prizes for the winner of several different categories and the grand prize winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate redeemable at Saunderskill Farms or other Rochester businesses at the recipient’s option.  In order to encourage participation in the contest, the RRA will donate $1.00 to a local childhood literacy program for each accepted entry (up to $100).

As people all have different levels of graphic capability, we’ll only be judging the sign slogan and only the slogan needs to be submitted. 

Prizes will be given for:
Most Creative Sign Slogan
Most Inspiring Sign Slogan
Most Humorous Slogan
Most Accurate Sign Slogan
Most Misleading Sign Slogan

Submit entries to:  accordtowncrier@aol.com

Judges wanted:
If you would like to help judge entries, please send us an email at accordtowncrier@aol.com.  Being a judge does not preclude you from entering sign ideas, but you will not be able to judge your own entry.

Contest Rules

1.    Sign slogans must be submitted by email to AccordTownCrier@aol.com by 11:59 pm on September 15, 2006 (the sponsors reserve the right to extend the submission deadline). 
2.    Emails submissions should include (a) the sign slogan, (b) the entrant’s name.  If an entrant wishes to remain anonymous, however, we will keep the name confidential.
3.    While not required, if you would like to submit a graphic rendering of an entry, please send it as an attached jpg, gif or pdf file.
4.    Slogans of signs that have been posted around Town will automatically be entered in the contest.
5.    There is no limit on the number of submissions that a participant may submit.  Multiple entries may be submitted on the same email. 
6.    Entries will be entered into different categories by the contest judges.  If you would like to ensure that your entry(ies) are considered for specific or multiple categories, please note that in your email.

Good luck to all our entrants!

Saturday, August 19^th: Movie Night in the Park, Rochester Town Park, adjacent to Town Hall.  “Don the Magic Man” will present his magic starting at 8pm, movie begins at dusk: Feature: “Walk the Line.”  Film series sponsored by Rochester Democrats.  Bring: refreshments and lawn chairs.

“Among the pantheon of great country singers, Johnny Cash (played here by Joaquin Phoenix) may just be the most enigmatic. James Mangold's film distills Cash's transformation from man to icon -- from his hardscrabble days on an Arkansas farm to Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn., where Cash finally found a way for his talent to come into its own. Reese Witherspoon plays his beloved June, alongside co-stars Robert Patrick and Shelby Lynne.”

If you’ve driven along Route 209 or other roads in Kerhonkson recently, you would probably have noticed a series of hand-made signs posted.  We've researched the topics of some of the signs:

“Out Duked, Out Taxed”

The intended message here is probably that property taxes have risen during the tenure of Supervisor Pam Duke.  While that is true, the fact is that more than 72 percent of total property taxes in the Town of Rochester are determined by the School Budget that is approved each year by voters.  A further 12% is paid to Ulster County as a result of the tax levy determined by the budget prepared by the Ulster County Legislature (and includes costs associated with the controversial still-uncompleted jail project).  Four percent was paid to the Accord Fire District, which presented a 43% tax increase for 2006.  Seven percent was paid to the Town’s Highway Department in accordance with a budget presented by the Highway Superintendent.  Only five percent was paid to the Town’s general fund, which is determined by the Town Board.  Contrary to what the signs try to imply, the 2006 tax rate for the Town of Rochester’s general fund actually declined by a small percentage.

 

“No Cluster Housing”

This sign probably refers to a discussion in the Draft Comprehensive Plan and expresses opposition to the “new” idea of cluster housing.  Cluster Housing is a site plan layout concept that suggests that housing units in new subdivisions be laid out in denser walkable neighborhoods, while at the same time keeping large portions of proposed subdivisions in permanent open green space.  The intent of the concept is to preserve open views and spaces in order to minimize the impact of housing on the landscape and to minimize future costs to the town for things like road maintenance.  The concept is not a new one, it was wholeheartedly recommended in the Town’s existing 1969 Comprehensive Plan and its inclusion in the new draft plan merely repeats and endorses the 1969 concept.

 

“Taxed out of Business”

This sign implies that rising taxes have forced local businesses to go out of business or that they have prevented new businesses from coming to Rochester.  As noted above, most taxes are determined by entities or individuals other than our Town Board.  Property taxes are indeed a major problem across New York State.  The Town of Rochester was one of the first proponents and organizers of the Hudson Valley Property Tax Reform Task Force, which is dedicated to finding alternate ways to fund very burdensome local education costs.  While we can’t determine if any business have avoided coming to Rochester, we can say that many new popular and profitable businesses have been created in Town in the last two years.  Rochester is predominantly a residential community and it always has been.  An overwhelmingly large percentage of property taxes in town are collected from private residential property and land, not from commercial property.   And some businesses actually cause other property owners to pay higher taxes.  For example, the 86.6 acre gravel mine owned by Metro Recycling on Queens Highway is assessed at only $109,700, while some adjacent residences are assessed at 2.5 times higher (nearly $300,000), with only 2 acres.  Given the high impact use that Metro’s constant flow of truck traffic (and the resulting required road repairs and maintenance), one could argue that some commercial properties are not pulling their fair weight with respect to Town and highway taxes.

 

“No Sewer Plant”

It has been a long known fact that many homes in certain neighborhoods in town do not have adequate supplies of drinking water, a problem exacerbated by their location on small lots.  A recent presentation by hydrologists working under a state grant actually laid out the town’s hydrology and mapped out many of these areas.  The report also recommended increasing minimum acreage zoning requirements to address water sustainability.  The idea of a public water system in limited areas has been in place at least since the 1969 Comprehensive Plan, which stated that a public water system was desirable and should be implemented in certain areas.  Nothing has happened in the 37 years since 1969 and the severity of the problem has increased with additional development and a higher population.  Despite this, the Town Board has no present plans to create a public water system and no such plans have been discussed.

 

We’ll be examining other signs in future issues.  If you have any questions in the meantime, let us know.

Rochester resident Barbara Arum will be exhibiting 7 sculptures at the Enderlin Gallery in Roxbury, NY during the month of August. The exhibit runs from August 5 through August 27. The gallery is open Saturdays 11:00-7:00, Sundays 11:00-5:00 and also by appointment. Directions to the gallery are Rt. 28 West to Arkville, then Rt. 30 N

A general store on Tow Path Road in Alligerville reopened after being closed for many years.  The store originally opened in the early 1900s.  The store, called “A Store in Alligerville, is owned by Marijane Knudsen, who said “The store was more than just a store, it was the hub of the hamlet – a place to catch up on the events of the day and to get the most current gossip.”  Knudsen stocks local products whenever possible and has a supply of essential groceries, beverages, ice cream, newspapers, gifts and helium balloons. 

The Rondout Valley Central School District Board of Education approved a $27 million high school facilities project recommended by the Board’s Facilities Committee.  Details of the project’s scope, including costs and financial impact, will be distributed by the School District in a newletter to all residents. 

Following more than six months of work involving numerous committee meetings and 9 town-wide meetings, a preliminary draft of the Town’s updated Comprehensive Plan has been made available for public view. 

 

The current draft is expected to be formally reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Committee (PZC) during its August 9 and August 21 meetings, to which the public is invited.  An important part of the review process will be a public hearing that is scheduled to take place on August 29 at 7:00 pm in the Accord Fire Department Social Hall.

 

The Town Board does not have a formal role at this stage of the Plan’s development.  Rather, it will wait to review the version of the Plan that is recommended to it by the PZC.  The Town Board’s review will also be done in open meetings and with the benefit of a separate public hearing process.

 

 A summary of the Preliminary Draft is provided below and continues on the back.  It is only a brief outline of the draft; readers are strongly encouraged to read the complete document, which can be downloaded from the website (www.townofrocherster.net) or from the Town Clerk’s office.

 

Summary of Draft Plan

 

 The Town of Rochester began the process of updating its comprehensive plan in January 2006.  The updated Comprehensive Plan is intended to ensure that the Town of Rochester has policies in place so that the property rights of landowners and the community as a whole are both protected by employing a balanced set of standards for preserving the rights to use land as desired while also addressing the impacts of such development on adjacent landowners and their property rights.  This plan is to replace the Town’s current plan, which was completed and adopted in 1969.

 

Since 1969, Rochester has remained a community with great natural beauty, a strong sense of history and a high quality of life.  To be an effective guide for the future, a plan should consider all of these factors—natural beauty, history and quality of life—along with others such as economic opportunities and community values.  This plan and its recommendations are intended to enable to the Town to respond to changes it faces in ways that keep these essential qualities intact.

 

The General Approach of the Plan has been to seek a reasonable balance in all of its recommendations, meaning balance among the varying interests of different citizens.  It also means finding balance among the types of development promoted.  In sum, this means keeping reasonable balance between important community goals and the rights of individual property owners so that:

Growth can take place without compromising the quantity and quality of drinking water available to residents.

New development is sited and designed to minimize the amount of taxes that must be raised to provide new facilities and services to support it.

Town government expands its ability to collaborate and share services and purchasing with a variety of other government entities, including the School District as part of cost-saving efforts.

Rochester may take advantage of changes in the national and regional economy to build the Town’s economic base by encouraging small business, tourism, arts, agriculture and historic preservation.

To the extent possible, the Town remains an affordable place for all to live.

Development complements and strengthens Rochester’s small town quality.

Growth occurs in a way that minimizes loss of open spaces or scenic views.

 

As indicated above, the Comprehensive Plan is intended to set a direction for development in the Town and then define the actions, policies and other tools that will be used to move the Town in that direction

 

The Plan provides 6 goals that set a direction for subsequent actions by the Town related to its growth and development.  These goals are listed below, along with related objectives.

 

1. Environmental Quality

 

Goal: Strike a balance so that growth can take place in a way that protects the environmental resources we all need to live.

 

Objectives:

i. Protect the quantity and quality of the water supply by:

strengthening measures to prevent groundwater contamination, such as limiting density of development in areas of lowest groundwater yields and in aquifer recharge areas

developing standards to assure protection of surface waters, including standards for development to assure stream bank protection

protecting the quality of wetlands and other water bodies

providing sewage collection and treatment for hamlets such as Accord

ii. Protect the Town's important natural resources as identified through the Town’s Natural Resources Inventory as adopted by the Town Board.

iii. Minimize disturbance to wildlife and vegetation from the effects of new development and the activities that accompany it.

 

2. Land Use

 

Goal: Shape future development so that it a) minimizes tax increases needed to support new growth b) maximizes the ability of people of all means to find an affordable place to live in Rochester by providing for a range of housing choices and lot sizes

 

Objectives:

i. Direct growth to where it works best by encouraging concentrations of new residential and mixed-used, and nonresidential developments in areas which presently are or which can conveniently be served by roads, utilities, schools and other facilities.

ii. Direct large-scale or intensive development away from more remote areas with difficult accessibility which would likely result in greater environmental impacts and would involve excessive costs for road improvements, road maintenance, and utility installation.

iii. Broaden housing opportunities in the Town of Rochester to provide housing for all populations including senior citizens, working families and households, single adults, and others.

iv. Use incentives to encourage better site design and green design principles in new development projects.

 

3. Community Character

 

Goal: Shape growth so that it contributes to and strengthens the qualities that make Rochester unique and define the character of the area from a public perspective, including such qualities as scenic views, open space and history.

 

Objectives:

i. Develop standards of ridgeline protection for the Catskills and the Shawangunk Ridge that limit clearing and intensity of use so as to maintain existing character.

ii. Create standards and/or guidelines for development and landscaping that maintain a high quality built environment while preserving and using natural beauty wherever possible.

iii. Where appropriate, recognize historical small neighborhoods or settlements in zoning to preserve small-scale mixed use where it remains viable.

iv. Protect and preserve the Town's historically significant buildings and sites in a manner that actively involves private owners of such properties.

v. Prevent intrusion of incompatible uses in residential areas

vi. Ensure that signage in Town is both attractive and functional.

vii. Create an Open Space Plan to provide for significant areas of open space including preserving wooded areas and agricultural lands to the extent possible. The plan should define a system of open spaces and park and recreation facilities.

 

4. Economic Development

 

Goal: Enhance both the tax base and local employment opportunities by supporting a diverse economic base that includes tourism, agriculture, services and manufacturing all sited and scaled to blend in with the historic character of Rochester.

 

Objectives:

i. Encourage the tourism and vacation industry in the Town including but not limited to well planned resort, recreation and Bed and Breakfast development.

ii. Recognize and respond to the economic impact of 2nd home development in ways that strengthens Rochester’s economy and community.

iii. Provide for continued commercial and industrial growth compatible with the Land Use Goals of the Comprehensive Plan, including but not limited to allowing higher density development in hamlet areas.

iv. Create community and cultural facilities integrated with commercial development in hamlet areas.

v. Promote hiking, sightseeing and other outdoor recreation related businesses.

vi. Provide sites for compatible industries (keeping in mind that the predominant character of the Town is residential)

vii. Permit home occupations while regulating their size and the type of use permitted.

viii. Promote energy conservation and renewable energy resources.

ix. Promote broadband Internet access and expanded cellular access throughout the Town.

x. Take measures to preserve productive farmlands as a viable industry resource and as a means for maintaining open space by maintaining right to farm protections.

xi. Support creation of local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs and/or Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs designed to encourage participation by farmers.

xii. Provide opportunities for farmers to earn supplemental income as a means for remaining in farming.

xiii. Encourage or support agri-tourism activities by farms in the town.

xiv. Consider creating a plan to proactively promote & develop agriculture in the Town.

 

5. Infrastructure

 

Goal: Adopt Town Policies to minimize costs associated with constructing and maintaining public infrastructure needed to accommodate growth.

 

Objectives:

i. Provide adequate sewer and water capacity to accommodate growth of the Accord hamlet or other hamlets, if appropriate.

ii. Promote concepts to reduce traffic congestion along highways in the Town.

iii. Improve the safety of the roads in the Town by: developing high standards for constructing and maintaining private roads; evaluating and addressing the intensity of use compared to highway capacity when reviewing proposed land uses and/or development projects; employing capital improvement programming to correct safety problems.

iv. Require adequate setbacks and off-street parking for both residential and nonresidential uses with public road frontage.

v. Seek alternatives to strip commercial development along Route 209 and other frontage access highways, by directing such development to hamlet areas and/or concentrated nodes that minimize the road frontage and necessary curb cuts.

vi. Ensure that new construction provides adequate access for emergency services.

 

6. Government Services

 

Goal: Provide effective and cost-efficient services for the residents of the Town.

 

Objectives:

i. Create and maintain reliable communication resources for the town so that residents can better participate in local government.

ii. Improve municipal codes and code enforcement by improving the clarity of code language, simplifying enforcement procedures and seeking to continually improve code enforcement practices in the Town.

iii. Provide a capital facilities planning process with appropriate policies and incentives to ensure that the Town has adequate equipment and facilities for such needs as public safety (e.g., fire and rescue services), highways and transportation, recreation, and overall administration.

iv. Ensure that local policies and regulations encourage development that minimizes the risk from fire and other hazards.

v. Continue to pursue opportunities to work with other municipalities and agencies to reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of government services such as: planning for open space for recreation (e.g., the rail trail); identification and conservation of contiguous areas of natural habitat; economic development including agriculture; planning for areas such as the Route 209 corridor.

 

Public Hearing

 

A public hearing on the draft Comprehensive Plan Update will be conducted by the Planning & Zoning Committee on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the Accord Fire House.  All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

As reported in the June Rochester Reporter, Homeland Towers was to conduct reception tests throughout Rochester, with the intention of identifying potential sites to erect towers for improving cell phone and broadband capabilities.  These tests are now done.

 

The test results provided reception levels on all county and state roads in the town.  The next phase of the assessment will be to set transmitters on cranes at two recommended sites and then conduct a second series of drive-around tests.

 

If these results are positive and the recommended site(s) involve Town property, Homeland Towers will propose entering into a contract with the Town, whereby the Town receives fees in exchange for the right to erect and operate the new communications facility, similar to the arrangements involving the cable services provider, Time Warner.  Stayed tuned!

 

Hello everyone,

 

You may have heard about this in the news, but in case you haven't, the Ulster County Sheriff's Dept. recently seized a large number of cats and dogs from a person in Lake Katrine. The Ulster County SPCA is taking on the care of the animals until the case is ended. This has put a huge burden on our shelter, as there were over 50 dogs involved and approximately 30 cats.

 

We are a private non-profit agency which does not receive any public funding. In other words, we rely solely on donations.

 

I am appealing to each of you, if you can, to assist us with collecting items we need to care for the animals. Even if you cannot donate anything at this time, please consider forwarding this email to anyone you can.

 

We are in critical need of the following items:

 

paper towels

towels

bleach

newspapers

blankets

wire dog crates (especially larger ones)

cat food and dog food

 

Thank you for your help and support.

 

Sincerely,

 Jackie McDowell, Interim Executive Director

For more information, visit www.ucspca.org 

 

 

Dear Editor:

Please note that there is an error in your newsletter:  Kevin Mahoney, Mahoney Development, LLC is not the first applicant to request and be
granted a variance from the Moratorium.  John Dawson of Dawson Homes Inc. was granted a Variance for Mount Laurel Estates (22-lot subdivision) on
Samsonville Road in late February 2006.  Please correct this since Mr. Dawson worked very hard on writing & securing his variance due to financial
hardship caused by expenses already invested on the Subdivision.   Thank You.  

Edward Sprague
Project Manager
Medenbach & Eggers Civil Engineering and Land Surveying P.C.
(845) 687-0047  x109

Editor’s Reply.  We were indeed incorrect.  The Mahoney exemption was actually the third one granted.  Prior exemptions were granted to John Dawson and the Rusolo family.  Subsequently, an additional exemption was granted to Victor Van Borkulo for Van Borkulo Enterprises

 

Dear Fellow Rochesterites:

Before I state my comments I would like everyone who reads this to know that I am a registered Democrat who believes in community involvement and I serve our community as a Fire Commissioner of the Accord Fire District.  I am writing this a private citizen and my comments do not reflect the viewpoint of the fire district nor the Democratic Party.

First the positives; we are a community of between 7,000 - 7,400 people.  About half of all residents are either children or super seniors who no longer are active in community affairs.  The remaining 3,400 or so residents are in various stages of the prime of their lives and are busy with their families, careers and other important pursuits.  Despite pressing schedules approximately 10% of your neighbors find some time and muster up a little energy to volunteer in actives ranging from; Little League; Friends of Historic Rochester; The Fire Department; First Aid Squad; The Food Pantry; Chamber of Commerce; senior events; pre-school and school based children's organizations; church and synagogue based groups; political party activities; and the many committees and commissions associated with our town and county government.  The fact that we have 10% of adults in our community actively involved is nothing short of phenomenal and I am both proud and humbled to be part of our awesome community.

The negatives; we have very high seasonal unemployment and very few jobs that offer significant and stable economic incentives or opportunities.  Based on the recently published school district report card, the Rondout Valley High School's dropout rate has increased from 3% in 2003, to 3.1% in 2004, to 5.2% in 2005!  Our rates of poverty, as measured by the numbers of children qualifying for free and reduced lunch, is increasing.  Based on casual discussions with our local deputies it appears that violent crime is increasing in our region due to the increasing blights of gangs and drugs spreading from other areas.  All across our country, including right here at home, too many families face the horrific combination of poverty, alcoholism and spousal abuse/abandonment with little help or hope.  Our environment appears is under constant attack with pressures to develop every inch of our community's wealth of natural resources, pitting neighbor against neighbor in battles that divide this community with claims of eminent domain and other untrue yet extremely inflammatory rumors of a town government seeking to prevent car washing and lawn mowing.  We have very few doctors or dentists and virtually no local specialists.  Just to go to the grocery store involves a using several gallons of fuel because we do not have enough local spending power to attract more stores and services to our town.  Last, but far from least, we are being strangled by taxes and our state is significantly overdue for a property tax and school funding overhaul which would eliminate to inequities between property taxpayers in rural, suburban and urban communities to provide a fairer way to pay for public education and other services New York provides.

As you can see, we have real and significant problems and as neighbors we need to continue to work towards solutions that satisfy the needs and desires of the majority, this is democracy at its best.  I am extremely disheartened when I read in a variety of local publications and web sites many personal attacks towards those whose only crime is to have a different opinion from their neighbors.  Most locally political aware people are well aware that there exists an intra Republican Party power battle is between the Republican Club and the officially recognized Republican Committee.  This is hardly the first time this has occurred and I am certain it will not be the last.  However, the continuous battle will not provide a single solution to our community's needs.  What the battle does do is it drains energy and effort those who are willing to work for a better community and it discourages those who want to roll up their sleeves and help.

What bothers me most of all is this idea that if you are a ‘real republican’ the democrats are your sworn enemy and visa versa.  This simply is not so.  Even on the big national issues, many republicans agree with democratic positions contrary to their party's position and many democrats do the same and agree with republican positions on issues.

Our community is being hurt by those who point their finger at involved people and publicly ridiculing them for being members of the democratic party or chastising moderate republicans for not being 'real republicans’ because they happen to agree with democrats on an issue.  We cannot afford to sink into this morass of attacking our neighbors and follow community members because that have a different opinion which is not in perfect keeping with someone's perceived notion that we need to think exactly the same way.  Isn't this type of forced allegiance to a single set of ideas exactly why we, united in our commitment to freedom & democracy, have stood opposed to dictators and fascist regimes from Jos. Stalin to Kim Jong IL today.

I ask everyone who reads this, republican and democrat alike; do you believe that as a community we can work together, for the sake of a brighter future instead of focusing on political party battles?  Would you like to see those who volunteer to focus on things like better education, a environment that attracts economic opportunities such as more tourism, property tax reform, helping seniors and children, planning and funding for storms, floods and other emergencies and quality growth that will bring opportunities for entrepreneurs to build upon?  If you want a prosperous future for our community than get involved in some sort of activity and work towards our common good without asking if those who are also volunteering are democrats or a republicans, after all, we are all Americans and Rochesterites.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I thank The Accord Town Crier for indulging me by printing this.

Sincerely,
Kathy Kuthy

 

At its July meeting