Deck the Halls! Create Your Own Victorian Holiday Kissing Ball!

November 27th, 2012

The holiday season is approaching so why not start thinking about decorating your home with a charming Victorian decoration for your doorway. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s Master Gardener Program will provide the evergreen boughs and know-how at this hands-on workshop on Monday, December 10, 2012 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the CCEUC Education Center, located at 232 Plaza Road in Kingston.

Learn the secrets to making an old fashioned kissing ball. They’re fragrant, beautiful and not as hard to create as they look. Please bring gloves and pruning shears or wire clippers if you have them, all other supplies will be provided. The fee is $25 per person.

Class size is limited; registration deadline is Wednesday, December 5. Pre-registration is required to participate.

Please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County Master Gardener Program at 845-340-3990 for registration information, or visit our website www.cceulster.org and click on Registration Forms to download a registration form or simply click here.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s community programs and events visit our online calendar at www.cceulster.org. Follow us on www.facebook.com. CCEUC provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the CCEUC office at 845-340-3990 if you have any special needs.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC) is a 501(c) 3 subordinate government agency of the State of New York under Article 5, 224(b) of the NYS County Laws organization that utilizes research based knowledge through their partnership with Cornell University. This information is disseminated through their on-going community programming in the areas of Agriculture, Horticulture, 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Science and Environmental programs held throughout Ulster County.

 

 

City of Kingston Unveils New Park Signs

August 14th, 2012

The City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department has developed new park signage for all thirteen parks as well as for the Community Centers, the Van Buren Street playground and the Andretta pool.  The signs were produced by the City of Kingston’s Department of Public Works.

These signs were created with the intent of making it easier for people to locate the parks and take advantage of their many amenities.  The signs are one of the many ways the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation are promoting the parks through Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work & Play project. This project is fighting obesity and type 2 diabetes through environment, system and policy change.

The City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department are one of CCEUC’s many partners working to make it easier for the people of Ulster County to eat healthier foods and become more physically active.  In addition to the new signage, the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation have cleared two trails, one at Hasbrouck Park, and one at the Rotary Park at Kingston Point.  Trail markers, a trail registry and educational programs incorporating the trails will be put into place this Fall.  They have also created new park brochures, and new website, www.kingstonparksandrec.org, which will allow users to register for park programs and facilities online.  Through the Creating Healthy Places project the Forsyth Nature Center is also offering a Naturalist’s Passport to the Parks program for families, with twenty-two outdoor activities held at various city parks.  The program began in May and runs through September. It is held every Tuesday at 3:30pm. Children who complete six programs will receive a free gift and a certificate from the Nature Center. 

Visit www.kingstonparksandrec.org to learn more about parks and rec programs, and www.creatinghealthyplacesulster.org  to learn more about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s Creating Healthy Places project.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s community programs and events call 845-340-3990 or visit us online at www.cceulster.org. Follow us on www.facebook.com

Hudson River Day

July 16th, 2012

Clearwater and HRMM Partner for “Hudson River Day” on July 21, 2012


Hudson River Day” is a special day designated to collectively celebrate the Hudson River and its tributaries along with the vibrant and diverse communities of the Hudson Valley region.
Come down to the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston for our own “Hudson River Day” event, Saturday, July 21, from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Lighthouse tours:
Both the Rondout and the Esopus-Meadows Lighthouses will be offering guided tours.
Rondout will be at 10:00 and 11:30 am; Esopus-Meadows will be at 1:00 pm. Fees and reservations apply for each.
12:30 Official Groundbreaking:
The highlight of Saturday’s celebration will be the official groundbreaking ceremony at 12:30 pm for the much anticipated “Kingston Home Port and Education Center” which will serve as the winter home for the sloop Clearwater. It is built in partnership with the museum on the grounds of the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

Discounted admission:
The museum is offering “discounted admission” to tour the exhibits. Free admission is offered to the museum’s courtyard, informational booths, musical performances, deck tours, and children’s art show and activities unless otherwise noted. Charges for other activities, such as tours of the Rondout and Esopus-Meadows lighthouses; photo booth; model boat building; and food vendors, will be posted.

Clearwater Public Sail: Clearwater Sunset Sail and Music Jam:
6:00 – 8:00 pm – Passengers are invited to bring musical instruments and join in a pick up jam aboard Clearwater. For registration and tickets, contact Catherine Stankowski, 845.265.8080, ext. 7107, Sched@Clearwater.org or to register online click here.
Related activities continue on Sunday, July 22

Tour “The Face of Work TODAY in the Hudson Valley” exhibit, sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, with the co-curators, Russell and Allynne Lange at 3:30 pm; then from5:00 – 7:00 pm, take a public sail on the Clearwater and listen to a lively onboard presentation by Lisa Berger, Ulster County Tourism, about the impact of cultural tourism in Ulster County and New York State. For registration and tickets, contact Catherine Stankowski, 845.265.8080, ext. 7107, Sched@Clearwater.org or to register online click here.
Clam & Jam! Fundraiser on the Pennsy 399 Barge
Join with the Pennsy Barge Collective for their 2nd “Clam & Jam” Fundraiser from 5:00 – 8:00 pm featuring “clams and beer for your belly and music for your soul”. The Ivory Brothers Band will provide the rhythm. Keegan Ales beer will sell for $5; $10 will get you clams, corn and potatoes. For more info about the historic covered railroad barge and its restoration efforts, visit www.pennsy399.org.
For more information about “Hudson River Day”, please visit www.hrmm.org and click on “Upcoming Events”.

Midtown Make a Difference Day

June 12th, 2012

Saturday, June 16th, will be the 7th Annual Midtown Make a Difference Day.  The City of Kingston in conjunction with the Everette Hodge Community Center, the Kingston Library, the Rose Women’s Care Service, the Y.W.C.A., Ulster BOCES, Center for Creative Education and Kingston Cares have joined together with local community-based agencies and businesses to sponsor this event. The festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. and run until 3:00 p.m. The event will occur on Franklin Street between Broadway and Prospect Street.

In honor of Healthy Ulster’s “Let’s Move” initiative the theme for this year’s Make a Difference Day is “Let’s Move in Midtown Kingston!” There will be on-site instruction for Zumba, Soul Line Dancing, and other dances as well. There will be performances by The Energizers and Team Leggo.  A “Midtown Olympics” course will be set up for children and teens to enjoy friendly competition and win exciting prizes.

Forty-plus community-based organizations will be on hand to share information on topics such as health, education, legal, recreation and more.There will be food, snacks, door-prizes, arts and crafts, a chalk-walk mural contest and recipe demonstrations. There will also be indoor opportunities at two anchor locations. The Kingston Library will host this year’s Bicycle Safety Courses which are required for youth who wish to be entered for the chance to win a free bicycle.

Ulster BOCES will be available at the Everette Hodge Center for adults seeking employment, resume assistance or information on going back to school. Local garden mentors from the Dig Kids, a gardening program sponsored by the Kingston Land Trust and Kingston Cares, will be on hand to give tours of the Children’s Garden at the Everette Hodge Center throughout the day.

Guest speakers include City of Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo, Kingston High School Principal Adrian Manuel and Fourth Ward Alderwoman Shirley Whitlock.

Admission, food and all activities are all FREE due to the generosity of the sponsors. A full list of sponsors will be available at www.midtownmakeadifferenceday.org  prior to the event. The event is rain-or-shine. For further information, please contact Megan Weiss at Kingston Cares at (845) 331-1110 or845-594-6997.

 

 

Reher Center Exhibit Opens at the Matthewis Person House

May 15th, 2012

The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History announces the opening of its exhibit, Rondout Revisited, at the Matthewis Persen House, in conjunction with NY Heritage Weekend, May 19, 2012.  The exhibit has been installed atUlsterCounty’s Matthewis Persen House, located on the corner of John and Crown Streets in uptownKingston.  There will be an opening reception from 11 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on May 19th, and the public is invited.

The ReherCenterfor Immigrant Culture and History, a project of the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, is undertaking an extensive renovation and restoration of its building at 99-101 Broadway.  While the Reher Bakery building is under construction, the Countyof Ulsterhas provided the ReherCenterspace on the second floor of the Matthewis Persen House for its exhibit, Rondout Revisited, highlighting three stages in the history of Rondout.

 

The schedule of events for this Grand Opening includes the following activities, and the public is encouraged to stop by the House and take part in the day’s events.

11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.:

Kingston Oral History Project.  Kingston residents are invited to share their stories of Rondout and Kingston to help establish a video archive.  People wishing to participate are encouraged to call ahead for an appointment (338-8131), though walk-ins are welcome.

12:00 Noon:    A slide presentation of 200 photographs taken by Eugene Dauner during the urban renewal years.  Mr. Dauner will discuss his experience of urban renewal and why he decided to document the process.

2:00 p.m.:   A slide presentation by Jack Matthews showing a selection of photographs of Downtown, Midtown and Uptown Kingston during the first half of the 20th century.

 

For more information contact:

Jewish Federation ofUlsterCounty

1 Albany Avenue, Suite G-8,Kingston,NY12401

845-338-8131

Info@ucjf.org

 

For more information on the Matthewis Persen House contact:

NinaPostupack,UlsterCountyClerk

PO Box1800,244 Fair Street,Kingston,NY12402

845-340-3040

www.co.ulster.ny.us/countyclerk

ULSTER COUNTY TO WELCOME SPARE SEAT KAYAK EXPEDITION

May 15th, 2012

Kayakers will make stop in Kingston’s Rondout Creek


Ulster County will host two prominent adventurers embarking on the well-known Spare Seat Expedition, an epic journey of more than 500 miles by kayak, on May 16-17.

The kayakers, British expeditioner Richard Harpham and fellow adventurer and photographer Glenn Charles, will reach the Rondout Creek in Kingston, on May 16, the 16th day of their 21-day voyage. They will dock at the Hudson River Maritime Museum and attend an event featuring Mayor Shayne Gallo and an evening of entertainment from local performance groups.

“We are honored and excited to welcome the Spare Seat Expedition to Ulster County,” said Richard J. Remsnyder, Director of Ulster County Tourism. “We have a wonderful event planned that should be a lot of fun. This kayak expedition has drawn local, national and international attention, and we look forward to being part of the journey.”

The New York State Division of Tourism’s U.K. office teamed up with Harpham and Charles to launch the Spare Seat Expedition, which takes the kayakers across the beautiful landscapes of the state of New York. The expedition kicked off May 1 in Buffalo and will take the kayakers along the Erie Canal and Hudson River, finishing up in Manhattan at the Statue of Liberty.

Harpham and Charles will make stops in cities and counties along their route to interact with community members and invite local kayakers to paddle with them. The spare seat in one of the kayaks will be made available to various community leaders, journalists and others who will help document the voyage.

Mayor Gallo will paddle out from Kingston Point Beach to the Kingston Lighthouse where he will meet up with the international delegation as they approach Kingston. Boaters and kayakers are encouraged to join in the fun by lining the Rondout Creek to welcome the contingent into Kingston.  Once ashore the dock at the Maritime Museum, Mayor Gallo will offer a few words of welcome and the Percussion Orchestra of Kingston (POOK) and Energy Dance Group will perform. The public is encouraged to attend.
“This visit from the Spare Seat Expedition is a unique and memorable event for Ulster County, and we encourage community members and visitors alike to join us in welcoming the kayakers to our scenic city and county,” said Gallo. “Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the excitement of kayaking, but it’s also our chance to invite Mr. Harpham, Mr. Charles and the rest of their team to discover the culture, history and natural beauty that make Ulster County and the City of Kingston so special.”
For more details about events in Kingston and all of Ulster County, visitwww.UlsterCountyAlive.com. To learn more about the Spare Seat Expedition, visitwww.thespareseat.com.


ASK is Celebrating the Arts and Havin’ a Ball Doing So!

April 30th, 2012

The 2012 ASK Gala, “Havin’ A Ball: ASK Celebrates the Arts” will take place on Saturday, May 19th from 5 pm – 9:30 pm at The Steel House, 88 East Strand, Kingston, New York.  ASK is proud to have Jane Bloodgood-Abrams, Philippe Petit and Peter Schickele as our special guest honorees.

Peter Schickele

The evening will include an enticing silent auction starting at 5 pm, hors d’oeuvres by Joaia, dinner, cash bar, and performances by: Woodstock Youth, Castaway Players, Got 2 Lindy, and Brandon Chrisjohn.

Woodstock Youth Theater is proud to present one of their actors singing Somewhere over the Rainbow; Got2Lindy will be performaning one of their amazing dance routines; Castaway Players will be performing a scene from one of their upcoming performances, and the finale performance will feature a local artist who will create a painting set to music and then auctioning off the painting at the very end of the show.

Philippe Petit—universal poet laureate of the high wire—is a street juggler and the author of seven books; he draws, performs close-up magic, practices lock-picking and 18th century timber framing, plays chess, studies French wine, and gives lectures on creativity and motivation. On August 7, 1974, Philippe accomplished what may be the most astounding “artistic crime” of all time, when he walked a high wire (illegally) rigged between the rooftops of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. His adventure is the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary, MAN ON WIRE.

Peter Schickele is a composer, musician, author and satirist, Peter Schickele is internationally recognized as one of the most versatile artists in the field of music. His works, now well in excess of 100 for symphony orchestra, choral groups, chamber ensembles, voice, movies and television, have given him “a leading role in the ever-more-prominent school of American composers who unselfconsciously blend all levels of American music.” – John Rockwell, The New York Times

Jane Bloodgood Abrams

Jane Bloodgood-Abrams is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and listed in “Who’s Who in American Art,” in 2002 Jane Bloodgood-Abrams was inducted into the National Association of Women Artists. Her work has been chosen for numerous regional, national and international exhibitions, including the New York State Biennial at the New York State Museum in Albany, as well as exhibitions in Austria, Italy and Germany.

About ASK

The Arts Society of Kingston, a regional center for the arts, presents a diverse range of visual art exhibitions, performances, workshops, classes, and other arts-related programming for the benefit of artists, art-lovers, and the general community of the Hudson Valley. Through its initiatives, ASK provides opportunities, resources, and education for artists. In carrying out this mission, ASK enriches the quality of life, bridges cultural gaps, and increases awareness and appreciation of the arts. For more information, please visit ASKforArts.org.

KINGSTON TO CELEBRATE LIFE OF GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON

April 17th, 2012

April 20th event will honor legacy of New York’s Founding Father

The city of Kingston will hold a celebration on Friday, April 20th, in remembrance of the death of former New York Governor and U.S. Vice President George Clinton.

Clinton served as the first governor of New York and started both the New York public school system and the State University of New York during his time in office. He later went on to serve as vice president under two memorable commanders in chief: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. As vice president, Clinton strongly supported the addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution and was chiefly responsible for its eventual inclusion.

The Kingston celebration marks the 200th anniversary of Clinton’s death, on April 20, 1812. Clinton’s remains were moved from Washington, DC, to Kingston’s Old Dutch Church burial ground in 1909. The city is the site of one of the state’s first settlements, and the original New York state constitution was written at the old Ulster County courthouse.

“We hope that this remembrance of Governor Clinton’s life will introduce those who are unfamiliar with him to some of his tremendous accomplishments for both the state of New York and the U.S. as a whole,” said City of Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo. “We invite everyone to come out to Kingston and help us celebrate his achievements and his lasting legacy, which impacts us to this day.”

On April 20th, celebration attendees will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Academy Green Park and march with the Kingston High School band to Clinton’s gravesite at the Old Dutch Reformed Church, 272 Wall St. The laying of ceremonial wreaths will take place at noon. After the ceremony, author John P. Kaminski will give a presentation at 1:30 p.m. at the Ulster County Courthouse, 285 Wall St., exploring Clinton’s life in greater detail. A reception will follow at 3:00 p.m. at DAR Headquarters, 3 Crown St. (behind the courthouse).

There will be a first viewing of a large work on canvas of Clinton by area artist Joe Tantillo, who is also making 13-inch by 19-inch signed and numbered giclee prints for sale at the Old Dutch Church. Call 845-338-6759 to inquire.

Born in Little Britain, N.Y., which at the time was part of Ulster County, Clinton served with the British in the French and Indian War, rising to lieutenant. He later became an outspoken anti-British voice, and in 1776 he assumed a position as a brigadier general in the New York militia. He was elected vice president in 1804 and 1808, and was the only person who has served in the position with two different presidents.

“As governor of New York and later as our country’s vice president, George Clinton played a vital role in creating opportunities for education and personal freedom,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “He truly is a founding father of our state and our country, and this is a great opportunity to honor him on the anniversary of his death two centuries ago.”

“This is as much a celebration of our history and our heritage as it is of George Clinton, a man who served with distinction as our Governor and later as our country’s Vice President,” said Nina Postupack, Ulster County Clerk. “An individual that holds the honor of being the longest serving County Clerk in our state, 53 years.”

For more information about the celebration, contact Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack at 845-340-3040 or countyclerk@co.ulster.ny.us or call Ulster County Historian Anne Gordon at 845-331-7380.

3RD ANNUAL KINGSTON CLEAN SWEEP EXPANDS ITS “SWEEP”

March 20th, 2012

Several new organizations are joining the Third Annual Kingston Clean Sweep this year, raising the number of participating groups to more than 20 and the volunteer corps to more than 200.  New to the event this year are Cornell Cooperative Extension, Friends of Senate House, Kingston Cares, Kingston Catholic School, Kingston Library, St. Joseph’s School and Viridian Energy.

The Sweep will take place Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon with volunteers picking up litter lying along the “Kingston Corridor” from Washington Avenue through the uptown business district, down Broadway to the Rondout waterfront. Last year, approximately 200 volunteers from students to senior citizens picked up nearly four tons of litter.

“Litter-free streets affect the quality of life for residents as well as creating a favorable perception of the city by tourists. As citizens of Kingston, we all share the responsibility for helping to maintain a clean environment. We hope people will join us and pitch in,” says Friends of Historic Kingston President Patricia Murphy.

The Kingston Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Friends of Historic Kingston with support from the City of Kingston and numerous other business and service organizations.  Returning organizations are the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, Business Alliance of Kingston, Junior League of Kingston, Kingston Rotary Club, Kingston Sunrise Rotary Club, Kingston Uptown Business Association, Kingston Farmers Market, Kingston Uptown Residents Association,  Kingston Kiwanis Club, Kingston Land Trust, Kingston Lions Club, Kingston Opera House, Ulstercorps, Ulster Garden Club and Ward 9. Organizations oversee a designated section of the “Sweep Corridor.”

“The “Clean Sweep” will not only spruce up the ‘Kingston Corridor,’ but hopefully inspire hundreds of Kingstonians of all ages to do the same in their own neighborhoods,” says Steve Noble, Environmental Educator for the City of Kingston. The event, timed to occur near the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, helps to promote environmental stewardship, Noble says.

Individuals are welcome to participate. Trash bags and plastic gloves are provided. Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call the Friends of Historic Kingston at (845) 339-0720 or e-mail fohk@hvc.rr.com.

2012 KIWANIS KINGSTON CLASSIC

March 20th, 2012

PRE-REGISTRATIONS TRIPLE NUMBER FROM LAST YEAR

Organizers expect 1,000 to participate in April 15th races

 The Kiwanis Kingston Classic weekend promises to be much larger this year. Event organizers are signing up pre-registered runners at nearly triple the rate as last year.

The races – the official Kiwanis Kingston Classic 10K and the 2.1 mile run/walk – have 295 runners registered so far. Last year, the event’s first year back after a one-year hiatus, had 101 people registered with a month to go before the event. Participants will be coming from the Albany area, as well as Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey and as far away as Colorado. Organizers expect a total of 1,000 runners this year, well over last year’s total of 760.

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, in a news conference on Thursday, March 15, said the event is part of the county’s Healthy Ulster County approach and an important event to kick off the warmer weather tourism season.

“The Kiwanis Kingston Classic shows us that the warmer weather is here, it’s time to get outdoors and get moving and active, and we at the county shift tourism gears to show everyone all that Ulster County has to offer during the warmer months of the year,” said Hein, who will run in the event for the second straight year. “Every year we have thousands of visitors who come to Ulster County to enjoy a walk, run or bicycle ride in the country.  The Kiwanis Kingston Classic is a great way to kick off the season and a great way to promote both the City of Kingston and Ulster County.”

“The Kiwanis Kingston Classic is a tremendous event that annually draws scores of people to the City of Kingston,” said Mayor Shayne R. Gallo, City of Kingston Mayor. “This year’s event promises to bring many visitors to Kingston and we hope they take advantage of our fantastic restaurants, shopping and attractions that we have here.”

The Kingston Classic began in 1982. In its heyday during the early 1990s the race attracted more than 1,000 entrants and finishers, including elite international runners.

A year ago, the race returned after a year off with a new organizer – The Kiwanis Club of Kingston, which made it more of a community event rather than just another weekend road race. Proceeds of the event benefit Kiwanis-funded youth programs in and around the Kingston area, event organizer Greg Riley said.

“I think the success we are having this year with the larger number of participants is because people are enjoying the Kiwanis Kingston Classic as a community event,” Riley said. “The growth of this event certainly helps the children in the Kingston area with expanded programs and opportunities for them.”

“During my presidency of the Kiwanis Club of Kingston, club members voted to take on the Kingston Classic as our major project for the community,” said Joe Fay, executive director at Kingston Boys & Girls Club. “I never thought it would be such a great opportunity for Kiwanis and more importantly for the community we serve. The first year we took over this event proved to be a huge success and this year we have added many new features which will just enhance this great event. Kiwanians are actively working to make sure everything is ready and we are pushing for large numbers of runners volunteers and spectators and I hope you all come out.”

“Last year, the Kiwanis club put on a wonderful event and the number of early entrants this year proves that people are attracted to this revitalized event,” Ulster County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder said. “Kingston is the place to be for a competitive spring run and as the weather continues to warm, people locally, regionally and throughout the state and Northeast will again enjoy Ulster County as a premier location for fun and recreation.”

Of the more than $430 million spent by tourists in Ulster each year, $10 million is spent on recreation. Ulster offers a myriad of recreational assets such as hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and more.

The Kids’ Classic starts things off on Saturday, April 14. Sponsored by the YMCA of Kingston, there will be racing categories for children ages pre-school through middle school. Entertainment, activities and awards will be part of the day’s highlights.

Saturday night, runners registered for Sunday’s Classic are invited to carb-load by dining with their competitors. They will join fellow runners for camaraderie, pasta, music, sports expos and more.

On Sunday, April 15, the Kiwanis Kingston Classic starts at 1 p.m. at Historic North Front Street. The event ends in Dietz Stadium. The route is the same as last year’s event, which is certified by the USA Track & Field. Race-day registration is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is $25. Pre-registration can be done online at www.kiwaniskingstonclassic.com and is $20.