The game is never over
As the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus put it, “Change is the only constant in life.” We should be careful about what we anticipate. Change always takes unexpected turns.
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Shandaken supervisor Rob Stanley looks ahead
His time in office has run concurrent with a transformation in his hometown — alterations in demographics, climate, and economics. These factors come into play as he assesses ongoing issues concerning the Phoenicia water system, short-term-rentals, and infrastructure, all increasingly affected by escalating Upstate New York tourism, which he sees as a positive. “We’re attracting new people to the Catskills,” he says proudly.
Retiring Ulster County Judge Don Williams reflects on 40 years in law enforcement
Despite his reputation for toughness, Williams has also worked to make his vision of punishment — followed by redemption and reform — manifest in efforts to assist addicts and help the formerly incarcerated reintegrate into society. As he prepared to step down from the bench at year’s end, Williams sat down with Ulster Publishing for the first time since his election as county court judge to talk about his 40-year career in Ulster County’s criminal justice system.
Ulster legislature OKs new composting law
A local law that would impose mandatory composting and food diversion requirements on businesses that produce large amounts of food waste was approved unanimously by the Ulster County legislature at their Dec. 18 meeting.
Waghkonk Notes: Rollercoaster Sky
Cold arctic winds blow across the mountains, bringing their fierce reminder of winter’s power, scattering brown leaves and making the deer in their winter yards hunker down a little more. While protected somewhat from the worst of the polar blast by the hills themselves, these powerful winds still course through the cloves and down the hollows of the southeast Catskills. I pity any creature caught out in this season.
Woodstock Vet for Peace released from Irish detainment
“I’m actually missing Ireland,” Woodstock activist and Veteran for Peace Tarak Kauff commented this week, some 21 days since he returned from a forced detention in the nation where he was arrested last spring for protesting U.S. military flights using Shannon Airport in the allegedly neutral country for a stopover. “I liked the people’s support. It wasn’t a perfect stay, but it was inspiring.”
Recount continues in Ulster DA race
So far, Democrat David Clegg’s lead is holding.
Date set for next review of proposed concrete plant on Route 28
The Town of Kingston Planning Board has set a Wednesday, January 22 date to continue review of the 850 Route 28 Project that’s been roiling the Town of Kingston, as well as users of the Onteora Lake trails and Forever Wild lands that surround it.
Challenging times for artists
Melinda Stickney-Gibson talks of the effect art world changes have on the work.
Six-hour poetry marathon on New Year’s Day
For decades, New York City poetry lovers have celebrated New Year’s Day at one (or both) of two marathon poetry readings held in (or near) the East Village. Now poet Bruce Weber has been joined by Teresa Costa of “Word of Mouth” to create a free six-hour Hudson Valley performance marathon of 100 poets and poetic musicians. “Brain Storms” kicks off on January 1, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Beverly Lounge, 224 Foxhall Avenue, Kingston.