New Paltz Times

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Funny is in the eyes of the reader

Funny is in the eyes of the reader

Typically at this time of year I depart from my usual attempts to lighten things up, and I write a serious column. But today things seem so serious in the world, I believe it is my responsibility to try to get you to laugh. Or at least to snicker.

Planner’s review of Zero Place in New Paltz nears conclusion

Planner’s review of Zero Place in New Paltz nears conclusion

As site plan review for Zero Place in New Paltz nears a conclusion, village planning board members on December 19 tackled issues around access to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and compliance with the village’s affordable housing law in advance of setting a public hearing on these and other aspects of the project that must be fleshed out before any approval might be granted.

New Paltz’s Gomen-Kudasai celebrates New Year with tenth annual mochi-pounding

New Paltz’s Gomen-Kudasai celebrates New Year with tenth annual mochi-pounding

In Japan, mochi is comfort food: sticky balls of rice with a satisfyingly chewy texture, topped with a variety of sweet or savory toppings. It’s also said to bring good fortune, so it’s traditional to serve it at holiday meals. The New Year is an extra-special time when it comes to mochi: Not only are you supposed to eat it, but you’re also supposed to get involved in making it. Pounding the rice, or mochi-suki, is a raucous group ritual meant to purge yourself of all the things that you want to put behind you in the old year.