SUNY New Paltz has developed a budget plan for 2011-12 in the face of an estimated $6.3M cut in state funding that will adjust the College’s economy while preserving academic programs and student support services and protecting current full-time employees, according to Interim President Donald Christian.
The College will reduce the number of adjunct faculty next year, and plans further workforce reduction of about 45 positions (beyond adjuncts and other contingent employees) through retirements and resignations.
“We are able to meet the challenges of the budget reductions while protecting academic programs and support services,” Christian said. “The highest considerations throughout our planning process have been to preserve access and the quality of the academic and co-curricular experience of our students. This includes providing the courses students need in the sequence that they need them to achieve their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner.”
The plan emphasizes approaches such as attrition, consolidation and reorganization, more-effective use of all-funds budgeting, and reduced allocations for energy and non-personnel expenses. With 87% of its state operating budget in personnel, the College must reduce its workforce, and this reduction has been achieved with no involuntary loss of full-time employees due to budget considerations.
A more detailed budget plan is available at http://budget.newpaltz.edu.
Stand up and be counted in Albany on Monday
On Monday, May 2, New York residents will stand together in Albany to call for a permanent ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in our state. The rally starts at 10:30 a.m. on the west lawn of the Capitol and the program includes speakers like Josh Fox, director of Gasland, and legislators supporting the ban, music and an official call for a permanent ban. At 12:30 p.m. there will be a march from the lawn to the DEC office and gas industry lobbyists’ offices. Participants will return to the west lawn of the Capitol between 1:30 and 2 p.m. for music and networking with citizens of like mind. You can even set up a visit with your legislators. For information, visit frackaction.com or tinyurl.com/3l9xerx. Bring signs, banners and musical instruments.
Spring book sale in Highland
A book sale to benefit the Highland Public Library will be held this Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 at the Highland Fire Department from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (early bird access at 9 a.m. for a $10 fee) and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Highland Hose Co. No. 1 Ladies’ Auxiliary, the sale will benefit the special community programs of the library. Thousands of books and videos will be on sale, with special sections for children’s books, cookbooks, gardening books and other categories. Refreshments will also be available on Saturday. To volunteer to help with set-up or take-down, please e-mail highlandlibraryfriends@gmail.com or call 691-2275.
“We are very happy that the community supports the library so generously,” said Julie Dempsey, head librarian. “We work hard to make sure that every dollar raised or donated does the most possible for the children, young adults, seniors and everyone else who visits the library or uses our services. A big thank-you to Highland and to our neighboring towns and libraries, and we hope to see you all at the book sale. Visit the Walkway Over the Hudson and then stop by the sale for coffee, cookies and some good books!”
“War Dances” chosen for community read
The One Book/One New Paltz (ON/ONP) Committee and the SUNY New Paltz Common Summer Reading Program (CSR) have chosen “War Dances” by Sherman Alexie as their featured book for the fall of 2011. Alexie was named the winner of the 2009 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for this work, which was selected from 350 novels and short-story collections published by American authors that year.
“War Dances” is a collection of 23 stories and poems about ordinary lives; with humor, and in a variety of styles, Alexie addresses topics relating to love and betrayal, race, Indian stereotypes and definitions of fatherhood and success. A lively and diverse schedule of activities (discussions, panels, etc.) relating to the book will take place in the fall.
This is the first year that One Book has joined with Common Summer Reading in selecting a book. The Common Summer Reading Program provides a unifying reading experience for first-year students. They read during the summer and are prepared to discuss and write about the book in Composition I classes. For more information on the Common Summer Reading Program, go to http://www.newpaltz.edu/orientation/firstyear_summerreading.html.
OB/ONP and CSR will collaborate to develop programming of interest to both the college and the larger community, in concert with the shared mission of celebrating reading. Anyone with suggestions for discussion topics and possible discussion leaders is welcome to e-mail ideas to Onebook@newpaltz.edu.
“War Dances” is available both in hardback and paperback by Grove Press. It may be purchased at local bookstores or borrowed through the Elting Library. Further details may be found, as time goes on, at www.onebookonenewpaltz.org.
Town-wide clean-up in Gardiner
A town-wide road clean-up will take place in Gardiner on May 6, 7 and 8. Bags are available at the Gardiner Town Hall, the Gardiner Library and Majestic’s Hardware. Volunteers are asked to leave filled bags on the roadside for pick-up on May 9.
New Paltz Clean Sweep to make community sparkle
The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 15th annual New Paltz Clean Sweep will be held this Saturday, April 30. Clean Sweep is a New Paltz tradition and great way for the community to join together to make New Paltz sparkle by giving it a fresh spring cleaning. A continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 34 South Chestnut Street, after which volunteers will don gloves, grab trash bags and join area business owners, residents, local politicians, community organizations, schools and fraternities to tidy up the parks, sidewalks and streets of New Paltz. Kids will receive a free official 15th annual Clean Sweep t-shirt while supplies last. Walk-in volunteers are welcome, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged for groups and organizations. To pre-register, please call Katie Flavin at Mohonk Mountain house, 256-2043 or e-mail kflavin@mohonk.com.
Book lovers, save the date
There will be a spring book sale in the parking lot behind the Elting Memorial Library Building in New Paltz on May 14 (rain date is May 15). Thousands of books will be available, including books on art, cooking, crafts and technology, gardening, history and biography. Books will be sorted by categories -- hard covers will be $2 and special books will be priced as marked. Because the library’s shed is overflowing with books, donations are currently on hold until after the sale. For additional information, e-mail rswartzberg@yahoo.com.
Donate to Unison’s barn sale
Unison is currently accepting donated items for its spring barn sale, which will take place on May 28-30. Please drop off items at Unison Arts Center, 68 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz, Monday-Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Suggested donations include art, small appliances, small furniture, collectibles, sporting equipment, children’s items, books, tools, new/gently used clothes or kitchenware. Clean house and support your local arts center at the same time. Call 255-1559 for more information or visit www.unisonarts.org.
For the record
In last week’s New Paltz Times, an article about the recent New Paltz Volunteer Fire Department elections wrongly stated that Roger Thorpe and Scott Schulte were “newly appointed officers” to the NPFD. In fact, Schulte served as assistant chief last year and every year prior to that for 12 years has been an officer of the NPFD. Thorpe, is also not a “new official,” but in fact was 2nd Lt. last year and a lieutenant the year prior to that. This is his third consecutive year as a lieutenant with the NPFD. Our apologies.
Shakespeare in spring
The Gardiner Library will be hosting the second meeting of “Shakespeare in Spring” -- a Shakespeare read aloud this Sunday, May 1 at 4 p.m. Participants will choose a play in advance, gather at the library and divvy up the parts to perform a cold reading with refreshments between acts. To join the group and get further information, go to http://www.meetup.com/Shakespeare-in-Spring/. The reading will take place in the Gardiner Library community room, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Comic Club to meet at Elting Library
The next Comic Club at Elting Memorial Library will meet this Sunday, May 1 at 4:15 p.m. The Comic Club is geared for kids ages eight to 13 and focuses on all aspects of creating your own comics. On May 1 the children will have the opportunity to learn how to develop characters and their own personal, artistic style. Lending her expertise will be local artist Eileen Hedley, who is responsible for the paintings that decorate the children’s room in the library. Elting Library is located at 93 Main Street in New Paltz. For additional information, call 255-5030.
Mother and daughter to display work at LaBella’s
A reception for “Dramatic Strokes, Artwork by Two Women,” will be held this Sunday, May 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at LaBella Bistro in New Paltz. Drawings, paintings and graphic arts by Cheryl and Connie Noelle will be on exhibit through May 10. This mother-and-daughter show has surprising similarity’s and contrasts of bold strong drawings to dramatic landscapes. The works were done before and during the years the two women began to battle Cheryl’s fast-developing paralysis caused by progressive multiple sclerosis. For further information, call 255-2633 or go to
www.labellapizzabistro.com.
Girl Scouts raise money to help children in Japan
The Sojourner Truth Girl Scout Community will hold a rummage sale this Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to noon at The Postage Inn on Route 32 in Tillson. There will be something for everyone -- household items, toys, tools, electronics, books, plants, baked goods and Girl Scout cookies. Local Girl Scout troops hope to raise money to help the Girl Scouts of Japan as they struggle to rebuild in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami last month. There will also be a special origami crane-making table where participants can make paper cranes to send to the people of Japan as a symbol of peace and friendship.
Please contact Amy Van Pelt, volunteer community chair of the Sojourner Truth Girl Scout Community, at 658-8324 for more information or to find out how to donate to this event.
Dinner to benefit Relay For Life
New Paltz Elks Lodge #2568 will host a dinner to benefit ACS’s Relay For Life this Saturday, April 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes roast pork, salad, baked potato, vegetable, homemade apple sauce, coffee and tea and a dessert table. The cost is $12.00 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children 5-10. For additional information, call 255-1633 or 883-7992.
Movie night at Elting Library
A free viewing of the movie “Inside Job” will take place this Friday, April 29, 8:15 p.m. at Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz. The Academy Award-winning documentary deals with the current financial crisis and explains the shift within the American financial industry over the last decade -- exposing the elements, the decisions and the people who destabilized the global economy. For additional information, e-mail tellall45@yahoo.com.
Author Carole Bell Ford at the Gardiner Library
Author Carole Bell Ford will discuss her book After the Girls Club: How Teenaged Holocaust Survivors Built New Lives in America, in the Gardiner Library community room on Wednesday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m. After World War II, the Girls Club of Brooklyn, became both home and safe haven to orphaned teenagers who were Holocaust survivors. They are a small group, but taken together these women’s stories represent the broad range of experiences that most Jews suffered during and after the Holocaust. The library is located at 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Amnesty International to meet in New Paltz
Amnesty International USA local New Paltz chapter will be holding an informational and planning meeting at New Paltz Village Hall on Wednesday, May 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. Amnesty International undertakes research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights. The local chapter is looking to bring together local human rights activists to join the efforts of Amnesty International USA on many issues related to human rights. For more information, contact Ilgu Ozler at ilgu_ozler@yahoo.com.
Pilates presentation
Claudia Forest, of the Forest Studio, will speak about the history and applications of pilates on Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. in the Steinberg Room of the Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz. For additional information, call 255-5030.
Retired men to meet on May 2
The retired men of the New Paltz community invite all retired men to their monthly breakfast meeting on Monday, May 2, 8 a.m., at the New Paltz Plaza Diner. Shane Eversfield will explain the benefits of mindful exercise, as well as the concept of “Total Immersion Swimming” and his approach to teaching swimming. For additional information, call Phil Kissinger at 256-5472.
Ninety Miles Off Broadway to perform “Grey Gardens” Ninety Miles Off Broadway will perform its spring musical “Grey Gardens” at New Paltz High School on May 6, May 7, May 13 and May 14 at 7:30 p.m. and May 15 at 2 p.m. The play is based on the true story of Big & Little Edie Beal, eccentric relatives of Jackie Kennedy, featured in the cult classic documentary “Grey Gardens.”
Tickets are $10 for 90 Miles members, New Paltz High School students and groups of 10 or more; $12 for students, seniors and advance sales; and $15 at the door. For tickets, reservations and information, call 256-9657 or visit www.ninetymilesoffbroadway.com.
Artists Salon at Woodland Pond
An exhibition of work by Woodland Pond artists Stephanie Lauer and Lucille Weinstadt, along with work by local artist April Warren, will be on display this Friday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., at Woodland Pond. Each artist will speak about their work and refreshments will be served.
Brian Wallace, local curator and co-founder of Town/Gown Connect, said, “I am not surprised to discover there is a wealth of artistic talent among the residents of Woodland Pond. Through my time there, I have found them to be a very cultured and eclectic group of individuals. I feel honored to be invited into their homes and share their art and stories. This Salon reveals distinct moments in history that come alive through their art depicting ‘real life moments’.”
Woodland Pond is located at North Putt Corners Road in New Paltz. The Artists Salon is organized by Town/Gown Connect and Unframed Artist Gallery.
New Paltz youth to hold car wash
The New Paltz Youth Program will hold its annual car wash fundraiser this Saturday, April 30 (rain date May 1) from noon to 4 p.m. at the middle school. Support local youth as they work to raise money for their trip to Six Flags Great Adventure. The cost is $5. Middle or high school students interested in going on the trip to Six Flags should call 255-5140. The cost is $50, but the fundraiser reduces the price.
Three bands at Bacchus fundraiser this Friday
Three diverse area bands will perform at a concert to benefit the environmental group Hudson River Sloop Clearwater this Friday, April 29 at Bacchus Restaurant on South Chestnut Street in New Paltz. The groups include Clearwater’s own Power of Song, Wind Sprints and Snow Bear, all of which are donating their time and talent to raise funds for the venerable environmental group. Music starts at 8 p.m. and is expected to continue well past midnight. The entire $5 door charge will go to support Clearwater. For more information, call Bacchus at 255-8636 or Clearwater at 265-8080.
Hydrant flushing
On Thursday, May 12, beginning at 10 p.m., hydrants and water lines in the village and town of New Paltz will be flushed. This process will continue through the night and be completed by the following morning. This may cause a discoloration of the water servicing your home. To resolve this problem, let your water run until it is clear.
Gardiner Library offers kids art class
Due to popular demand, the Gardiner Library will again be offering kids art classes this spring. A class geared for kids 7 to 12 years old will be held on Wednesdays May 4, 11, 18 and June 1 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. The cost is $75 for four classes. Instructor Ezra Silverman will help children observe and discuss artworks by famous artists and then explore the techniques used while creating their own art. Children will have drawing, painting and sculpture opportunities.
The classes will be held at the Gardiner Library community room. To pay the $10 deposit to sign up for the class, visit the library at 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Register for the Southern Ulster Yard Sale
Memorial Day weekend marks the return of the Southern Ulster Yard Sale. The sixth annual event will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $3 for individual locations or $15 for a group location. Registration fees are used to advertise the sale. To sign up, interested residents in participating towns should call their own Town Hall and ask for the following individuals: Lloyd -- Wendy, 691-2144; Marlborough -- Tina, 795-2220; New Paltz -- Guy, 255-0604, ext. 1; Plattekill -- Barbara, 883-7331
The deadline to register is Friday, May 20 at 3 p.m. Addresses received after that time will not be included on the master list for distribution.
Looking for restaurants for Eat to Ride/Ride to Eat
The New Paltz Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee will hold its fourth annual Eat to Ride/Ride to Eat restaurant discount week on May 16-22. Over the next several weeks, committee members will be speaking to New Paltz restaurants about participating. More details for potential diners will be announced as the week approaches. If you own or operate a restaurant and have questions, please contact William Weinstein, committee chair, at 255-2070, or at bikeped1@townofnewpaltz.org.
Scholarship auction to benefit the class of 2011
The New Paltz High School Scholarship Committee is hosting its fourth annual scholarship auction on Monday, May 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Gilded Otter Brewing Company. This year, more than 100 prizes will be auctioned off -- ranging in price from $10 to more than $500 in value. There are numerous prizes to bid on: four New York Yankees v. Boston Red Sox tickets; 100 gallons of home heating oil; a private plane ride for two around the Hudson Valley; an autographed New York Jets helmet; tickets to the US Open plus a behind-the-scenes private tour; jewelry; dinner gift certificates; youth sports packages; beautiful artwork and much more.
Each year, the New Paltz Central School District awards 32 scholarships to hard-working students who have achieved excellence in the areas of academics, sports, music, art and citizenship. All proceeds from the auction will fund these awards at graduation in June.
Tickets to the auction cost $10 and include house beer, wine and soda, appetizers and dessert. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
“As always, the business community has been extremely supportive and generous, and we are grateful,” says auction chairperson Dawn Rich.
For more information, call 255-2455.
New Paltz Playschool to hold Fun Fair
The New Paltz Playschool will be holding a Fun Fair on the lawn of the school located at the corner of Main and Grove streets this Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date will be May 7). There will be games, activities, projects and more -- all geared toward 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Food, drinks, snacks and desserts will be available. For more information, call 255-2203.
True Value to hold its annual deck event
True Value of New Paltz will hold its annual deck and prep event on Thursday, May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. True Value will highlight everything that you need to prepare your deck for the summer with deck demonstrations, product knowledge, Cinco de Mayo-themed food and light refreshments. For additional information, call 255-8481.
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