My Favored Local Political Candidates... Good Luck... Personal Views... More...

[Flowers Outside KC Hall Summer 2009]

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I've got a lot going on between today and Tuesday, so I'm going to give a "shout out" [which I might add to later...] to some of my favored local political candidates:

[For Ward 5 Alderman: Jen Fuentes [Your energy, commitment and (as I know them) values are inspiring! Best of luck! (Photo from October 2009 Kingston Uptown Residents Alliance - KURA - Meeting)] [Ms. Fuentes, who has a Masters Degree from Cornell University (after having started out from a GED!) is running for Ward 5 Alderman on the Working Families and Democratic Parties Line]

[For U.C. District 6 Legislature: Michael Madsen [You have been a respected friend and KC Alderman for a while now --- and I'm on the same page (this from knowing you and reading your blogs) as you on almost... every (as has been stated) issue. Your energy, commitment and (as I know them) values are likewise inspiring... Best of luck! (Photo from Barack Obama Inauguration Party)] [Michael Madsen is a member of the Democratic Party]

[Photo from Barack Obama Inauguration Party... "Gobbled Up By Giggles"]

For U.C. District 6 Legislature: Jeanette Provenzano [You and I have touched base on some issues very close to my heart - you have always responded to me promptly (Thank you!) - and I know that "our" children (the children in the City of Kingston) have an advocate in you! Best of luck!] [Ms. Provenzano is a Democrat that is also running on the Working Families and Independence Lines / She has served 10 terms, garnering much respect, as County Legislature]

[Photo from KC Waterfront Celebration / "Uncle Willie"]

For U.C. Clerk: Gilda Riccardi [We haven't met - but I think this position is due (challenger, Nina Postupack has been in the position for 30 years..) for a change --- and your (Ms. Riccardi) experience (as I have read about it) is impressive! Good luck!]

[Photo from DARE Presentation at Miller School]

For U.C. Court Judge: Current (via appointment by Governor Paterson) UC Court Judge Deborah Schneer [My views - on most of the topics I've heard you discuss (and/or read about) are pretty much on the same wavelength as yours(Most of my picks share the same commitment to social justice... We met briefly at the local Domestic Violence Awareness event... Best of luck!)] [Endorsed by the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party / Link to Website: http://wwwDeborahSchneer.com]



For State Supreme Court Judge District 3: James Gilpatric - whom I know personally and via his formal law practice - and know to be a highly competent, compassionate and fair man. Mr. Gilpatric has an impressive education and employment history, including his service as Kingston City Court Judge, the UC Drug Treatment Court Judge and more!] [Photo from UC Domestic Violence Awareness Event; Mr. Gilpatric is endorsed on Conservative, Democratic and Independence lines]

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All of that said...

Let us not forget that there will be two New York (statewide) propositions in the ballot box, as well --- one of which is very pertinent / important to Kingstonians. This particular proposition (I am not going to cover the other, but feel free to look it up) "asks voters to authorize the Legislature to let prisoners do work for not-for-profit agencies" [From "Election 2009... VOTE"; Supplement to the Thursday edition of the "Daily Freeman", 10/29/09; p 14 (Bottom)--- Under "State Propositions"]

I am personally NOT on board with this as I understand it. I "might" [later] be open to a modified version [with some very intricate specifics written in...] where this proposed inmate work (be it for not-for-profits or whomever...) was to be performed within the context of the jail - or in a confined place set up specifically for "same." However, I would think, even then, that those that work - in any capacity (including volunteers) for not-for-profits or any legitimate enterprise (particularly in the child care field, human services field, etc.) should be of the highest caliber (certainly NOT any violent felons!) --- with training and/or education in whatever field the not-for-profit (or other organization) represents.

A couple of old sayings (for me) come into play here:

1. Do we really want the "blind leading the blind?" [There appears to be too much of this going on already...]; and...

2. "Two sickies [no offense; but having good ethics, healthy boundaries and serving as a "power of example" are (I believe) one of the highest priorities when it comes to working with or around our children, our elderly, our needy, our homes...) do not a 'welly' (the stated goal, more or less, of many not-for-profits...)] make."

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[All of that said... Let us not forget that we are nearing the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month... but the problem (I hope all candidates will keep this in mind...) is still [along with all of the economic issues...] there!(Photo of UC Domestic Violence Awareness Event)]

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Let us not forget What Matters Most............!

[Photo from 2009 Fall Festival at Forsyth Park]

Truth, Love, Peace, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

[For more information on the candidates noted above (as well as some photos and/or information on some of the other candidates) please scroll down and/or check out the Blog links / other links in the sidebar]

Matthew Shepard Act... Single Payer Insurance Activism Opportunity... Womens Health... Activism Opportunity

[Photo (by NS) of Creative Art / Memorial at Gallo Park]

Passing These (from my email) On:

1: "In a campaign promise fulfilled, President Obama signed the first significant pro-lesbian, pro-woman, pro-disability rights legislation today. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expands the 1969 federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability.

'This is a true victory, especially for women,' said NOW President Terry O'Neill. 'NOW's activists have worked tirelessly for years to have gender-based and sexual orientation-based hate crimes included in federal law -- hate crimes that warrant federal prosecution and federal punishment,' said O'Neill.

Federal authorities will now have the power to pursue hate crimes when individuals are targeted for sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability -- authority the federal government never had before.

This legislation is especially important for the girls and women of this nation because it extends existing federal hate crimes laws beyond the narrow scope of protected federal activities and also includes -- for the first time -- violent crimes committed on the basis of actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity. Women know first hand how vicious crimes of sexual and hate-filled violence can affect our lives, especially if local law enforcement is ill-equipped to investigate and prosecute these crimes. We know that hate crimes are more than individual assaults -- they send shock waves and fear throughout a whole community. Girls' and women's lives are restricted and often ruined by the fear as well as the reality of vicious hate crimes, be they based on our religion, race, gender identity or just because we are women.

'The Matthew Shepard Act is a significant victory for all of us,' said O'Neill. 'I am thrilled that the dedication and hard work of our activists around the county have paid off' ["NOW Applauds Passage of Landmark Hate Crimes Legislation‏;" NOW Media Relations (press@now.org); Received via email on 10/28/09]

2. "Fax Speaker Pelosi and Congress to Bring Single-Payer Amendment to House Floor...

Congressman Wiener needs your help on his Single-Payer Medicare For All amendment.

Contact Speaker Pelosi and ask her to keep her promise to allow a floor amendment and floor debate on a single payer amendment to the House bill. Although the Speaker promised such a floor amendment in July, there is a strong likelihood that she will back down on that promise.

Remarkably, Speaker Pelosi said in Democratic Caucus "If it were up to me, we would have single payer." Let's remind Nancy Pelosi with a FLOOD of faxes: it IS up to her because she is the Speaker.

Contact Congresspersons with calls to push them to support the single payer Medicare For All amendment. About 100 Congressmen are solidly behind it now, even blue dogs are wavering, so Wiener thinks a push on Congress will help a great deal.

Send a FREE fax to Pelosi and Congress very simply and easily by clicking:
http://www.1payer.net/faxapp/senders/add/cid:40

The Pelosi fax linked above is very important. You can also call her office at 202-225-4965" [As Received via email from Ulster County Democratic Women / jchamberlain@ucdw.org on 10/28/09]

3. Petition: "Let Congress know Being a Woman is NOT a Pre-Existing Condition...

Health care isn’t fair. Women pay more and get less coverage than they need. Yet women have been left out of the debate on health care reform. It’s time to make our voices heard.

Women are regularly denied coverage for 'pre-existing conditions' including pregnancy, a previous C-Section or past domestic abuse. Insurance companies charge women as much as 48 percent more for individual health care coverage than men. And it is expensive, difficult and in some states impossible for women to find coverage for maternity care when purchasing their own health insurance plan" [Sponsored by: National Women's Law Center; As Received via email from Ulster County Democratic Women / jchamberlain@ucdw.org on 10/28/09]

Sign the associated petition (also available in the sidebar >) at:

http://www.change.org/actions/view/being_a_woman_is_not_a_pre-existing_condition

With Due Respect...

[I apologize for copying and pasting - I am exhausted!]

NS

Kennetts Gymnastics Monster Mash.. Chips NS, Shrek BS, BJS, KS and Lots of Children... One Zap for the Grant that Wasn't.. Happy Halloween...

Kennetts Gymnastics in Goshen, where my son is head coach, throws one doozy of a "Monster Mash!"

[BS... Coach Extraordinaire... as Shrek...]

[Chips and Super-Duper Kennetts Coach (Love Ya Kid!) BS]

[Chips at Kennetts Gymnastics Monster Mash... (Yo, I'm Not Exactly a Gymnast!)]

[Wow! Over 50 Monsters (and Princesses!) in One Big (Who Does That Bald Head in the Back Belong To?????) Swoop! (BJS did most of the photography - Thank You!)]

[Beautiful costumes! Silly Costumes! Scary Costumes!]

[Coloring (Very Successsfully!) with the Magic Crayon...]

[Aye Pirate! You Are Chock Full of Magic!]

[KS (I Love You Bunches! Happy Birthday)]

[Chips (Foreground) and Shrek (Background) at Kennetts Monster Mash...]

[A Treasure Chest Full of Magic Tricks and Goodies...]

[Chips Makes "Cindy Lou" Dissappear... (Geesh... Can That Girl Run!)]

[Kennetts Monster Mash / Scariest Costume Contest]

[There was Some Absolutely Amazing Creativity Here!]

[Kennetts Monster Mash / Princess Costume Contest]

[Chips at Kennets Gymnastics Monster Mash... (Yo, I'm Not Exactly a Ballerina or a Gymnast!) But I Bet (Smile) You Can't Do This!]

The "Zap" comment is local...

The "Monster Mash" was a blast!

NS

At Least Two County Clerks in New York State Oppose Licence Plate Fee Hike... Online Petition Link... Related You Tube Videos and Commentary

["Patty Ritchie fights Albany's New License Plate mandate"; as submitted to You Tube by RPFlower13601
on October 24, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUEEYBb_8rk]

A County Clerk, Patricia Ritchie [who has since been joined, according to the video above, by a Clerk from another county] has an online petition circulating to oppose "Governor Paterson's plan" to mandate license plate renewals accross the board (As of April 2010) - in New York State.

With many, if not most families, already suffering from the recession, increased mandates (certain license fees; such as fishing, hunting, etc...) and/or tax hikes (property, school, cigarettes...) - this new requirement would mean that everyone - as of April 2010 - would have to renew license plates for every vehicle [estimated to be over 10 Million, collectively; including all ATVs, cars, trucks and trailers] they own and/or register - at $25.00 [a ten dollar hike for new plates even minus the proposed (and almost set in stone...) mandate] each.

Over 5,000-6,000 people plus have reputedly signed Clerk Ritchies online petition, and if you [this would particularly effect those of us - living upstate and/or in rural communities that don't rely on the public transit system] would like to join them [sign onto the petition, as I have] - a direct link to www.nonewplates.com is provided in the sidebar >>>

For more information on this topic, see:

ward9kingston@yahoogroups.com on behalf of William Berardi

"License Plates in New York"; Brian Cubbison; The "Post-Standard"; 10/22/09

www.nonewplates.com [Petition]

You can also call your representatives in Albany regarding this issue - which is strongly suggested - because apparently New Yorkers need to be heard on this issue as soon as possible [See Alderman Mike Madsen's blog, "Kingston Progressive" (there is a blog link in the sidebar >>>)] for more information on this topic.

["The Beatles - Taxman"; as submitted by Beatles4ever70 on June 22, 2006; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El9RZvbXIj4]

Bottom line (My Opinion...) --- we are still living in the aftermath of the above [I do not agree with the generalized partisan (targeting all Republicans) commentary...] --- and we (collectively) need to get a grip!

For example, if the people in New York State can't afford their taxes, lose their homes, can't afford to keep vehicles on the road, can't afford to engage in the wonderful privileges that New York State has to offer (tourism, fishing, hunting, etc...) and keep having their constitutional rights [I still believe former President Bush Jrs funding of Faith-based organizations was a violation of the "Separation and Church and State" - and I'm not happy with the fact that President Obama has kept it (modified somewhat) in place...] stomped on --- what good will all the revenue - raised by all of these rate increases, tax increases and/or new "control mechanisms" [Is all of this in the best interest of the majority of the population?] do?????

No one will choose - if this goes on and on in this manner - to LIVE (or DO BUSINESS!) HERE...

Which is already, for far too many people [Is New York State going to become purely a "Welfare State?" A "Bankrupt State?" A ghost of what could have and should have been?] - the case!

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Some Photos from the Uptown KURA "Meet the Candidates" Forum... More Info Pending

Some photos [Some include candidates for Alderman - Wards 1-5 - some do not...] I took at the Kingston Uptown Residents Alliance (KURA) "Meet the Candidates" (Wards 1-5 Only) Forum:

[Chart #1 as Presented by a KURA Representative and/or Associate: "Expenses are increasing more rapidly than revenues while population declines"]

[Chart #2 as Presented by a KURA Representative and/or Associate: "Kingston has the highest per capital taxes (except for White Plains & Rye)"]

[Chart #3 as Presented by a KURA Representative and/or Associate: "The Key Element of Expenses is Personnel Services Including Benefits"]

[Jen Fuentes, Candidate for Alderman, Ward 5]

[Center of Photo: Rich Cahill Sr., Candidate for Alderman, Ward 5]

[Tom Hoffay, Candidate for Alderman, Ward 2 (Mr. Hoffay is the current Alderman in Ward 2)]

[On Left: Andi Turco-Levin, Candidate for Alderman, Ward 1; On Right: Jon Hoyt, Candidate for Alderman, Ward 2]

[Matthew Ryan, Former Ward 4 Candidate for Alderman --- and a commendable community activist].

Thank You KURA!

Thank You to the Candidates that attended!

Thank You to the Hosts and the Participants!

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A Photo of Shirley Whitlock, the current Alderwoman in Ward 4 - and a Ward 4 Alderman Candidate (This photo is from a previous event):

[Shirley Whitlock, Alderman Candidate, Ward 4]

My apologies to the candidates [Katie Scott-Childress, Alderman Candidate, Ward 1 and Jeanne Edwards, Alderman Candidate, Ward 4 whom I didn't get to photograph [I ran out of film...] and don't have a photograph (on hand) of.

I will be attempting to amend this [ If you read this, and are so inclined, please feel free to email me a photo @ wingedbirdinflight@live.com ] in the near future.

If any errors are noted please let me know and corrections will be made. Please feel free (appropriately) to comment!

Thank You,

NS

Thank You to KURA, the Citizens and the Candidates at Last Nights Meeting... Photos Pending... Optional Links...

[Photo by BF; Utilized with Permission]

Last nights KURA meeting, at Backstreet Studio Productions, was a well-organized and impressive event. More information on "same" is pending - along with some photo coverage.

For now, however, I would like to provide [Copy and Paste in Address Bar] those that are interested with the following link:

"League of Women Voters of the United States Health Care Reform No Time for Lies"; Video and Links; http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=14348&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm

Peace, Love, Hope, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Too Tired to Blog...

Environmental Protection Agency Update... NPR

National Public Radio (NPR) Broadcast / Environmental Protection Agency Update:

["Top Official: 'The EPA Is Back On The Job'"; National Public Radio (NPR); October 18, 2009; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113884818&sc=nl&cc=ph-20091018]

Click on post title to link directly to the NPR transcript / written version...

Respectfully passed on by,

NS

Solar Energy... Any Local Stories... You Tube Videos

I'm just trying to learn more about this topic - and there are plenty of other videos up on You Tube about it (if you are interested) as well. This isn't meant to be a sales pitch. It is more of a "wow - look what is going on 'out there'"!

I'm also wondering what local folks - those who have been able to invest in solar energy of some sort - have to say about the cost and/or outcomes...

I would love, should I get the chance, to try this out via a relatively small solar (I really caught the garden 'bug') greenhouse.

["Solar Energy Cheaper than Coal"; as submitted to You Tube by JCSSeadog on March 22, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h9FLvj2ZJM]

["Solar Energy Basics for Your Home"; as submitted to You Tube by rethinksolarpower on November 10, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj4KAWZFZOA]

["Repower America with Solar Energy"; as submitted to You Tube by WeCanSolveIt on February 27, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR1nMnaym4w]

Thoughts? Ideas? Feedback?

How do we best harness this - in the most effective way - here in the NorthEast?

Forsyth Park Fall Festival 2009 Photo Blitz... Spooks at Home... Forsyth Clean Up Day...

[Main Stage]

[M & A]

[Sunny & Bright]

[Sunny & Bright II]

[Corn Maze]

[Blimpy Bear]

[Fishing Pond...]

[Catching a "whopper"]

[Blimpy Bear II]

[Balloon Pop]

[Riding Fun]

[A... Pumkin!]

[M... Pumpkin!]

[Corn Maze II]

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[Spooks in the yard at home...]

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Photos (Copyrighted) by NS

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Addendum: I think I read somewhere that there is going to be a cleanup day at Forsyth this coming weekend. If anyone knows more about that please touch base!

Thank You,

NS

As the Seasons Change.. Local and National Tidbits.. Fall Festival at the Park... Halloween Fun... NPR on Columbus Day.. Apology.. Happy Feet You..

[Photo by NS]

Photos from yesterday's family event / Fall Festival at Forsyth Park (Thank you to everyone that made this great family event happen!) are pending...

The event was well intended - the corn maze was super-cool (smile) - and if you missed this year's event, I would highly recommend putting it on the calender (especially for families with young children) for next year! Some things (food, drinks, games) cost money... Some things were free... All of the offerings were pretty "nifty", creative and light-hearted...

[Note: The Italian Fest was so crowded (Must have been good!) that we couldn't find a place to park!]

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[Photo by NS (from a few years ago)]

The Halloween shop in the Town of Ulster (This is not a paid add!) is also awesome - as it is very much like a spook house (possibly too scary for some children) in and of itself... and it is also [unless you choose to shop...) free.

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The Executive committee of the Kingston Uptown Resident's Association (KURA... over one-hundred individuals strong...] is seeking the involvement (no dues or fees) of people (diverse talents are appreciated) to collaborate in the improvement (a collective enterprise) of the community - so please pass the following information on (Help KURA build a collective citizens "voice"!) to anyone that might be interested:

Website: www.uptownresidents.org [Mission Statement & Membership Application]

Address:

KURA
PO Box 3208
Kingston, NY 12402

E-mail: info@uptownresidents.org

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["Happy Feet-I wish"; as submitted to You Tube by pinkyjana on March 24, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_QH3ONcCnc]