Saturday, July 11, 2009

Attorney General Cuomo... Education and Information... You Tube Videos

I wanted to learn more about Attorney General Cuomo, so the videos that follow - stemming from 2008-2009 - are the result of my search - passed on to anyone else that might want to feel more familiar with our State authorities / resources / options:

["Andrew Cuomo brings us up to speed"; as submitted to You Tube by Dominowski on August 06, 2008;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxKF3sokUNQ]

["Andrew Cuomo "The Empire State Strikes Back: A Plan to Reform Local Government"; as submitted to You Tube by UBLawSchool on April 30, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWAZTtTYC9M]

["Cut taxes and reduce government waste"; as submitted to You Tube by WIVBTV on July 02, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrPaxuZsq5Q]

This is admittedly a lot to take in - and I'm going to have to do a review myself! I do believe, however, that there is a lot of important information here - and that watching these videos is well worth the time invested.

Pertinent (copy and paste the http... into your address bar) links:

OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO:

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/

ReformNYGovernment.com:

http://www.reformnygov.com/

[These links, which lead one to a lot of important information and updates, have also been made available in the sidebar>>>>>]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Friday, July 10, 2009

Women and Mental Health Care... Health Care Reform... Kingston Progressive Posting... Response... Link... Empowering Women... Links... More

Two Videos that are VERY Pertinent to the World (yet another BIG TIME Health Care Reform Issue!) as We Know It...

["National Organization For Women Mental Health (Part 1 of 2)"; as submitted to You Tube by LarryMcMillen68 on July 27, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix3CYIhj7ik]

["National Organization For Women Mental Health (Part 2 of 2)"; as submitted to You Tube by LarryMcMillen68 on July 27, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDeg78LQd9A]

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I Copied and Pasted an Excerpt from the Kingston Progressive Blog (with link) and my entire response to same. It is highly recommended that you read the entry on the Kingston Progressive blog - along with the other responses - and really give some thought (This especially pertains to Women's rights groups and Human Rights groups) to this issue!

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Excert from Mike's Blog and Link:

"Having a baby? If Sen. Chuck Schumer gets his way, the Federal Government will create a savings account at a local bank under your child's name. How much? How-bout a $500 initial deposit for each newborn U.S. citizen?

Schumer unveiled his plan this week to help children save money starting the day they are born. The American Saving for Personal Investment Act is one of the few initiatives that Schumer and Gingrich agree on. Newt had suggested something similar many years back.

According to the AP: The Fed will deposit $500 annually, but additional deposits can be made as well. Up to $2,000/year..."

--- "Newborn Savings Accounts"

http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/

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My Response:

"Mike,

If I read this right - including your last post - this is going to - if passed - turn into another economic - and possibly even sectarian - injustice issue.

People that have a baby and $500-$2000 (or whatever) of "matching funds" will be yet another step ahead of people that have a baby and cannot come up (this is not unusual...) with these kinds of matching funds!

No wonder Newt likes it!

This (if passed...) also has the potential to put loads of money (on behalf of the children...) into the bank accounts of some right-wing religious groups (those that have access to - are wealthy enough - to provide the "matching funds") that don't believe in women's rights and/or birth control and/or freedom of choice
--- and thus (covertly or overtly) encourage their (these issues vary by group affiliation and other factors) female members to have large (the Mormons in Utah, the last I knew, had the highest rate of children in the U.S. - way beyond the rest of us...) broods of children...

Most of whom, if this were to be passed ... and one follows the dots..... would have a nice little nut egg for Joshua, Jeremiah, Mary, etc., etc., etc., etc. to start college with (Pat Robertson's University?????) - whilst the poorer children from the poorer families (often a result of teen pregnancies, abuse situations, date rape, etc... / inclusive of a lot of female-head-of family situations / and also disproportionately affecting minority groups....) that aren't able to grab onto this opportunity will be stuck in the same old "too bad for you, eh..."

Perhaps I'm not reading it right or understanding it all?

Whatever the case, I surely agree with your statement...

'[We] should watch this one.'

But not so much for the same reasons (although some valid concerns have been raised on that end as well) that your other writers have provided!"

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["Thirty Years of Empowering Women 1976-2006"; as submitted to You Tube by ICRW on November 15, 2007;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khV-UvBUXtI]

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Pertinent Links:

Kingston Progressive Blogspot:

http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/

YouTube - ICRW's Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khV-UvBUXtI

"NOW's Feminist Action Agenda for 2009 And Beyond":

http://www.now.org/issues/agenda2009.html

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NS

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Fuzzy Fuzzy... You Tube... KAPA Meeting Tonight... Agenda

Just something silly...

["Fuzzy Fuzzy Cute Cute - Parry Gripp"; as submitted to You Tube by ParryGripp on March 12, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2F4EFYM_MA]

KAPA Meeting: Tonight 7PM Kingston City Hall 7PM Conference Room I

KAPA Meeting Agenda --- Posted (Modified Slightly for Placement Here) on Behalf of KAPA Commissioner Bob Smith:

July 9, 2009

1. Public Comment (3 Minutes Per Person)

2. Discussion of FOPA

------- In Relation to Channel 23
------- In Relation to the KAPA Commission

3. Rules From the Ellenbogen Building

4. Results From the Common Council Voucher

5. Rent and Lease Agreement with 7-21 Media Center

6. Possible New Non-Profit & Associated Bank Account / Suggested Names:

------- IMPACT (Intermedia Public Access Television)
------- CATch23 (Community Access Television Channel 23)

7. Extra Meetings Until Channel 23 is Up & Running

------ Meetings
------ Workshops
------ Delegation of Responsibilities
------ Fundraiser
------ Liaison with Kevin Cahill for Grants

8. Public Comment (3 Minutes Per Person)

9. Adjournment

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Have a Happy!

NS

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

KAPA.... Governor Paterson Webcast... Dog Park Idea... Kingston Citizens... Turkeys Gone Wild Turk Wilder... You Tube

["Turkeys Gone Wild-Turk Wilder"; as submitted to You Tube by turkwilder26 on February 13, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JKe7Vu51fU]

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I got a nifty visit this am from what I believe were two large turkeys and a bunch of baby turkeys --- all of whom crossed the road towards me --- and appeared as if they (one especially) were going to waddle right up the front steps and knock (so to speak) on the door!

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To the best of my knowledge:

Today (Wednesday, July 8th) at 5:30PM there will be a meeting regarding Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) at the 7-21 Media Center on Broadway.

The next meeting regarding KAPA will be held tomorrow (Thursday, July 9th) night at
7PM at Kingston City Hall (generally these meetings are held on the 2nd floor in Conference Room 1).

All interested parties, the general public, potential producers, potential donors, etc. are welcome to attend.

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Passed on From KingstonCitizens.org and my E-Mail:

"One of the most [extraordinary] uniquely Kingston experiences is the wonderful group of dog lovers who walk their dogs off leash around the fields, Lenape trail and Kingston Point. The dogs have their "playdates' and run ragged together while the owners, a cross section of the wild diversity that we all love about Kingston pick up poop, share stories and have a brisk walk. This has in the last month been crushed by the dog warden who sometimes hides in the woods to pounce on dog owners with tickets for unleashed dog walking. I spoke with the mayor who told me people were complaining about lying on blankets in the park and being disturbed by off leash dogs and the ball park crew complaining about dog poop. Well, at least give us before 9AM when the essential before work crowd assembles to give their pooches a good run with their buddies: there are certainly no people out with blankets then. The mayor wrote down a note but then yesterday the dog warden was back ticketing at 8 AM. The other suggestion was to make the large field to the left of the entrance to Kingston Point Beach (across the road from the playground) into a fenced in official off leash area. If anybody is interested in helping move that effort please chime in." [kingstoncitizensnews@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Peter Wetzler (peterwetzler@mac.com); Wed 7/08/09 5:18 AM]

[A special fenced in area for friendly dogs and dog walkers sounds like a pretty good idea to me (though still having the potential for some problems...) - and (if this were to work out...) perhaps special places such as this could be fenced in / made appropriate in some other areas of the city (I am not anti-dog / just pro-safety) as well?]

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Passed on from my E-Mail:

"Dear New Yorker,

Governor Paterson will address the current Senate stalemate and its impact on all New Yorkers this afternoon at 5:00 p.m.

A webcast of the address will be available at www.ny.gov/governor/webcast.

- The Office of Governor David A. Paterson" [News from the Governor's Office (news@ny.gov) / Wed 7/08/09 8:20 AM]

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Respectfully posted by,

NS

Hero... Mariah Carey... You Tube... Musings... Common Council Meeting... Activism...

["Mariah Carey Hero lyrics"; as submitted to You Tube by youarenotconfused on February 14, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr6K0RAc7Fg]

I don't know how many people actually read this blog, as people rarely leave comments, even though I address issues - local, statewide and national - that general pertain to all of us.

I don't know, therefore, how many people actually care about these issues - one way or another; and frankly, find KingstonCitizens.org (Thank You) to be more informative (and active) in that regard.

Thus, it is sometimes discouraging in regard to keeping this blog going; even though I love creating it - and have hopes that this blog - in some way - helps someone, somewhere - smile (at the silly stuff) - and perhaps gain a deeper understanding and/or attain another perspective (Perhaps a different perspective?) on the newsy stuff.

I did go to the Common Council meeting last night. I did relay some concerns regarding Ward 5 that my neighbors (and, in some cases, myself) have on their minds... and I was publicly told (Thank You!) that the situation - regarding some of the dogs in the neighborhood - will be looked into.

However, it is also apparent that I'm "stepping on some toes" - in a sense - and that folks should either contact Alderwoman DiBella about these issues and/or attend meetings (as able) to speak (Or at least support me in speaking for them?) on their behalf.

"One" is indeed a "lonely number" - and a lot of big issues are facing this city (or vice versa?) that require more than one voice - or even four [the number of folks that spoke (I believe) during the open speaking session last night] - or even.............???

I understand that it is easier for some folks to write down their thoughts and feelings - than it is to speak out publicly (This is definitely true for me, as well!) - but I've found out (most times, the hard way...) that if you don't stand up for your needs, your rights, your dreams - and I do mean (as able) physically and verbally stand up...

You are not going to be HEARD [Even the folks involved deeply in KingstonCitizens.org and/or Neighborhood / Community Watch groups seem to shy away - most times - from the official City and County meetings?????] - and thus, your issues (whatever they might be) are not likely (one way or the other) to be responded to!

We have loads of activist, quasi-political and political groups in this city - including everything (and everyone) from the Democratic Committee, the Republican Committee, Ulster County Democratic Women, local representatives of the League of Women Voters (who do have some of their members, including myself, cover some of these meetings); activists associated with MoveOn.org, BarackObama.com, etc... - whom one "might" think would want to attend official (some of them, at least) City and County meetings...

And we have a few folks running for office locally - and at the County level - whom one "might" think (there were a couple such folks present last night) - would be interested in attending - observing - and speaking up (if only for the experience / to build confidence / to relay their own concerns) at City Council meetings - etc. - as well.

Bringing me to the questions:

"Why aren't more of the above mentioned people at these meetings?"

And on a personal level:

"Why should I bother?"

Which is defeatist at best... but sure would make my life (even touching upon the local political scene has raised havoc in my personal life, negatively affected my mental health, etc) a heck of a lot easier!

So...

What am I trying to say?

That I could use a little feedback and support here sometimes...?

That this is YOUR city - and if you value it - YOU need to confront (where needed) and or nurture (where needed) it...!

That if you have problems in your home or on the street you CAN call or email your Alderperson, the police, the DPW, the Mayor - or whomever else (sometimes a call or email to all of these might be required) the situation best applies to...

Put a post on KingstonCitizens.org ...

Put a post on here....

Call your local radio station...

Find out what has happened to your Public Access television station (where one used to be able to do on the air call ins about community issues / problems) - and get involved in solving whatever problems (in that regard) exist...

Make some of the City and County meetings and speak up!

I am discouraged this am...

While at the same time wanting to convey to you that being involved / staying on top of what is going on / speaking up about the issues that one feels are important is also an invigorating, rewarding - "feel good when your head hits the pillow at night" ("at least I tried...") - experience.

--------------------------------------------

I will tell you that some allegations were made (during the open speaking session) regarding alleged human rights violations (and / or abuses) at the Queens Galley last night...

I will tell you that the $400 from the Mayor and City of Kingston - for KAPA (as I understand it, this is to be used for children's programming) was noted on the "General Bills" section of last night's meeting Agenda.

I will tell you that a concerned citizen spoke about his environmental concerns, the number of our children that are on Ritalin and some other issues that are important to him - and to all of us...

And I will tell you that I left soon after the open speaking session ended - because it does suck sometimes - and I'll be real honest and forthright here - to be just one out of four people that had anything to say (publicly - taking on all of the risk that this could potentially entail...) [There is strength in numbers.] - at all.

Perhaps I'll choose to come back and remove this later - I really don't know.

But for right now this is what I needed to say.

Truth, Love, Peace and Humane Justice,

NS

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Independence Day Photos and Coverage... City Council Meeting... News from the Governor's Office... Some Interesting and Pertinent Links... More

[Photo of Turtle from Forsyth Nature Center --- Forsythe Park (at the Independence Day Celebration 2009 Kingston Waterfront) / For More Photos from the Day... Please See Below!)

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Don't forget the City Council Meeting starts at 7:30 PM tonight at City Hall! (They might not know it, but they need us! :)

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Direct (copied and pasted ) from my E-Mail [condensed and revised very little for inclusion here] to you:

"GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY GRANTS FOR THE HUDSON VALLEY... Projects to Consolidate and Share Services to Save $105 Million Across the State

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the award of more than $1 million in Local Government Efficiency (LGE) program grants for the Hudson Valley area. The Governor made the announcement in Kingston at the Ulster County Highway Bridge Department, one of the LGE grant recipients, and was joined by Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, Ulster County Comptroller Elliot Auerbach and Kingston Mayor James Sottile. The LGE awards support projects that consolidate local government services to eliminate waste, make operations more effective and reduce costs. The Hudson Valley region was awarded 11 grants that total $1.35 million and are expected to save area taxpayers more than $6 million.

Ulster County, in partnership with seven additional municipalities, will receive $500,000 to help streamline highway maintenance services and is estimated to save taxpayers more than $4.7 million. The grant will help to reduce the duplication of highway maintenance activities, decreasing the need for equipment replacement, increasing energy efficiency and streamlining highway service delivery. With the funds, the County will have assistance as it develops the deployment of 241 highway vehicles that will be unrestricted by the jurisdictional boundaries.

'At a time of fiscal crisis, it is essential that we continue working to make New York more affordable for businesses and families. We need to reduce the property tax burden, and one way to do that is to modernize the delivery of local government services,' Governor Paterson said. 'The Local Government Efficiency Grant Program helps municipalities to invest in their future savings, consolidating services to reduce waste and improve operations. These shared-service programs are an effective cost-saving measure that helps us build sustainable, high-quality services that will benefit communities across the State.'

Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez said: 'In this difficult time for all Americans, reducing expenses is as important on the State and local municipal level as it is for every household. Now, more than ever, New Yorkers must work together and support one another as we build a better, stronger future. Whether through the sharing of services or through consolidation, local municipalities continue to spend effectively to help control the rising cost of property taxes. These Local Government Efficiency grants will help New York’s local governments continue to find ways to become even more efficient and to effect the changes to help lower costs and lessen rising property taxes.'

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said: 'The State can play a key role in providing real and long lasting property tax relief by assisting our schools and local governments with the resources, expertise and guidance they need to find ways to economize in the way we deliver services to the people of New York State. We will make significant progress towards addressing the property tax crisis by continuing to emphasize consolidations, shared services and innovative cost saving solutions like the ones announced today.'

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said: 'Shared municipal services are important to taxpayers throughout New York State for one primary reason; it saves them money. This grant protects Ulster County taxpayers in this time of great need, ensures greater accountability and helps all local municipalities embrace the reality that we all serve the same taxpayer.'

More than $10 million will be distributed to 63 grant recipients across the State. New York’s taxpayers are projected to save $105 million. The LGE Program, which began in 2005, has already awarded $29 million in grants, producing an estimated savings of more than $250 million.

The announcement of the LGE grants is latest in a series of measures the Governor has taken to lower the cost of government, a priority of his Administration. Last month, he announced the creation of the Office of Taxpayer Accountability to manage efforts that reduce waste and fraud in State government. The Governor also signed the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act to establish procedures for the consolidation and dissolution of special districts. Through these commitments, the Governor has applied administrative and legislative tools that will help to decrease spending, achieve reform and reduce property taxes.

'Our property taxes have skyrocketed to levels that discourage residents and businesses. True economic recovery will address the fiscal challenges we now face, but must also establish new standards that ensure we manage our spending at all levels of government, so as not to burden the people who work to make New York the Empire State,' Governor Paterson added.

Hudson Valley Local Government Efficiency Grant Recipients:

$481,012 for Ulster County in partnership with the Towns of Kingston, Esopus, Marbletown, New Paltz, Shandaken, and Shawangunk and the Village of Ellenville. The funds will be used to develop a more efficient process to for the deployment of their highway department apparatus. This project will reduce municipal costs by using Global Positioning Satellite systems (GPS) to determine vehicle location, speed and heading, allowing deployment of the closest vehicle for a situation.

$600,000 for the Village of Millbrook to fund shared water and sewer facilities and services, allowing the Village of Millbrook and the Town of Washington to develop a single water and sewer system. The grant will support the engineering and remediation activities needed for the joint water and sewer system.

$49,500 for the Town of New Paltz to fund a Municipal Shared Services and Consolidation Study. The Town and Village of New Paltz will assess potential municipal shared service and consolidation opportunities to improve governmental efficiency and lower taxes. This project will consider all potential governance models and incorporate recommendations that will produce better government for the benefit of all current and future citizens.

$47,990 for the Taconic Hills Central School District to fund a Multi-Municipal Park Maintenance Collaboration. The Taconic Hills Central School District and the neighboring Towns of Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale will begin implementation of a joint school district and municipal grounds maintenance program. $27,000 for the Nyack Union Free School District (UFSD) for the Rockland School Districts Pupil Transportation Consolidation Project. A coalition of Rockland County School Districts, including Nanuet UFSD, Nyack UFSD, Pearl River UFSD, and the South Orangetown CSD, will conduct a feasibility study to consolidate their pupil transportation services. $26,000 for the City of Middletown to fund the Orange Municipalities Health Benefits Consolidation Project. The Orange County municipalities of Middletown, Otisville and Wawayanda will identify options for the consolidation of municipal employee and retiree health benefits plans. The participating municipalities project that the study will result in significant reductions in health care benefits costs as well as enhanced access to quality health care services.

$26,000 for the Village of Ossining to fund a Shared and Consolidated Public Works and Highway Study. The Town of Ossining, the Village of Ossining and the Village of Briarcliff Manor will develop potential options to reduce public works and highway department costs, including full consolidation of departments. $25,000 for New Rochelle to fund the Technology Efficiency Project. The City of New Rochelle and School District of New Rochelle will develop the Technology Efficiency Project to identify cost efficiencies and service improvements through joint implementation of technology services. The feasibility study will assess the technology needs citywide and district wide, capital and operational outlays for technology services, procurement policies and practices and outline various models for the improved provision of technology services.

$25,000 for the Town of Chester to fund a Police Consolidation Study. The Town and Village of Chester will analyze police operations and potential areas for consolidation and shared services. The study will examine ways that more efficiently provide police services and increase the quality of service delivery while saving tax dollars. $24,750 for Greene County to fund Mountaintop Ambulance Shared Services Feasibility Study. Greene County with the towns of Ashland, Jewett, Lexington, Prattsville and Windham, will examine alternatives for improving ambulance service on the Mountaintop. Among other aspects, the study will look at cost reduction and service improvement.

$22,500 for the Town of Wappinger to fund a Shared Town/Village Highway Garage Feasibility Study. The Town of Wappinger and the Village of Wappinger Falls will develop plans and a feasibility study for shared highway services. The project will improve productivity and safety and may result in a full functional consolidation.

From: James Hanson (chamber@ny.gov)/ The Office of Governor David A. Paterson

"This a message from the New York State Executive Chamber, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224. If you would prefer not to receive e-mail like this, please for our unsubscribe options. Our privacy policy is available here. Copyright 2009 New York State. All rights reserved."

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Some interesting links I came upon either yesterday or today:


Cash for Clunkers FAQ CARS Questions and Answers: http://www.cashforclunkersfacts.com/bill-faq

Can Expanding Food Stamps Jolt The Economy NPR:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106307995&sc=nl&cc=bh-20090707

Can We Cure the Ailing U.S. Health Care System:
http://www.now.org/news/note/070609.html

CDC National Center for Environmental Health:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/

CDC Newsroom Press Release July 7, 2009:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090707.htm

Celebrating Title IX at 35 Enhancing Enforcement In a New Administration:
http://www.now.org/press/06-09/06-23b.html

Chris Brown Gets Off Easy... Even Paris Hilton Got More Jail Time:
http://www.now.org/press/06-09/06-23.html

FDA Warns Not to Consume Two Liquid “Energy” Products:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm170631.htm

NOW Activists Elect New President Terry O'Neill to Succeed Kim Gandy
http://www.now.org/press/06-09/06-20.html

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And if you haven't checked this out (The turtle got me...) --- please do!

Forsyth Nature Center:
http://www.forsythnaturecenter.org/

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Truth, Peace, Love and Humane Justice,

NS

July 2009 Independence Day Celebration Kingston Waterfront... Tina Turner Video You Tube

Thanks to Mainetti, Mainetti & O'Connor, other donors, some local musicians and other local talents, volunteers --- the Independence Day Celebration on the Roundout Waterfront was a nifty and diverse event!

Something for Everyone:

[I know this guy, who hosts at a lot of community events, as "Uncle Willy" (Thank You!)]

[This turtle, along with what I think was a parrot (?) fascinated the children (and the clown as well!) (Thank You!)]

[The Big Smoothies with D. Magill (sp?) doing an awesome Tina Turner act! How could you not love this? (Thank You!)]

["Tina Turner - River Deep Mountain High"; as submitted to You Tube by otizlotiz on March 17, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqMJjmkCqEM]

[Chips of Chips'NDips Entertainment (Yours Truly) made it around and around and around! (I think I might have had the most fun... right up until I started to melt...)]

[This smile, for me, is what it is all about! (Thank You!)]

[An awesome dance troop that really grabbed my attention! (Thank You!)]

[Main Stage]

[A tribute by local talents on behalf (I believe) of cancer victims and survivors (A place of peace, tranquility and beauty...) Thank You!]

[Enjoying the Clown (Mom/Grandma :), the Face Painting, the Turtle, the Storytelling... and More in the Children's Area! (Thank You to all the Contributors!)]

[Children's "Ride" Area... Could we somehow make these rides free (a lot of families can't afford the fee!) next year?]

[Ditto... Ideas (An advance raffle for the children or something?) anyone?]

[The Big Smoothies, D. Magill (sp?) and Associated Dance Troop (Thank You!)]

[A General Span of the Crowd Near the Stage... (Why is there not more dancing? It is FUN!)]

[This is not only beautiful... It is also a quiet and peaceful getaway...)

[This photo is associated with events at the Steel House restaurant... which I decided (They have been very good to me / host a lot of great events) to take a photo of, as well(Thank You!)]

Respectfully submitted (A thank you to Kathy, as well, for getting me there!) by,

NS

For More Photographs of the Event and/or a Video of the Fireworks (Thank you to these community bloggers, as well!) please go to (copy and paste the http... into your address bar)...

Kingston Progressive:

http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/

The Kingston News Blog:

http://ucpnews.blogspot.com/