Hello Ellenville

Nearly 10 years ago, my family moved away from Ellenville for the likes of Vermont. Since this move, my many memories of Ellenville have never dimmed and in fact, I still love Ellenville. Each day, I think about the beautiful mountains, the gorgeous views from Route 52. All of the good things that are in Ellenville are extremely difficult for me to forget.

Vermont does not have what little lady Ellenville had for me. I think about the time I spent living on Edwards Place, waking up on Saturdays to the sun in my face, welcoming me to a new day. I look at Ellenville like a gift from God and a gift that should not be returned.

I am deeply grateful to the Shawangunk Journal for allowing me to join the many subscribers in enjoying the news of the old place. I am also happy to report that after all this time, I am making plans to return to my Ellenville.

Nicholas Searles
Center Rutland, VT

Let's put aside for a few minutes the pros and cons of Walmart and get into the Quadricentennial Celebration of the Hudson River.

My memory recall spins back to social studies class and the explorers. Yes, Henry Hudson discovered the Hudson River, Columbus discovered America. Well thanks to the "Quad" I'm finding out its better described as Henry Hudson and the River that discovered him. While we're at it; who were the mutual strangers, who was Robert Juet, and why was Hudson sent northeast to find a new route to the land of spices.

I'm finding out again the enjoyment of learning and what better opportunity than the events offered by the Ellenville Public Library and Museum. The Hudson River summer program is in fours. Each presentation became stimulating enough to want to see the next one.

For the third event on Wednesday evening we brought lawn chairs to the farmer's market site and marveled at the story telling ability of the Arm of the Sea, Mask and Puppet Threatre. An audience of children of all ages, families, grandparents; captivated by the expressionistic puppets, music, sound effects, and narration.

Mother nature was kind, no rain, a glorious evening. By the way admission was free. Stay in touch with the library calendar for the forth event.

The "Quad" is here for all to embrace whether the events through the Eleenville Public Library and Museum or viewing the Half Moon replica. The ship has been up and down the Hudson River with stops at Kingston, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh. See the vessel up close and imagine sailing across the Atlantic Ocean in such a small boat.

Refresh, reflect and open up to learning our Hudson Valley history.

John Nodar
Kerhonkson

The owner of the Image store stated she wished there were better alternatives to Walmart being built at the once thriving Napanoch Mall. Unfortunately we cannot click our heels three times to make it a perfect situation for all concerned.

The reality is there are a few jobs within a 10 mile radius of Ellenville that pay $19,000 a year, let alone $10.84 an hour. I would be interested to know if the Image or any other business in the area starts its full or part time workers off at $10.84 an hour. I'd venture to say there are very few that do.

Whether it's Walmart, Kohls, Target, Home Depot or any one of the myriad of box stores that would be interested in the Napanoch Mall area, there will always be someone or group opposed to them for one reason or another. No matter whether the workers are paid $19,000 or $80,000 dollars a year.

I guess the bright to all of this is that if no one takes over the Napanoch Mall property, the local artists can display their artwork on the side of the building (this should give the locals and visitors to our area something nice to look at as they travel down Rt. 209 to shop in Kingston or Middletown). Who knows, maybe someone will purchase some of the artwork and the proceeds can be donated to the Family of Ellenville to feed some of the unemployed families in the area. First thing though is someone will have to cut the grass in the Napanoch Valley Mall parking lot so that the artwork can be viewed.

I hope in the end, common sense will prevail and we are all shopping at Walmart in a few short years and enjoying their everyday low prices and being greeted by a retired neighbor or co-worker, who is supplementing his/her retirement income.

R.L. Scott
Ellenville

The shut down of the State Senate is not a good thing, it is a Great thing. Since January, when all of New York State government was turned over to three New York City Democrats, the Hudson Valley has suffered.

Democrats claimed to be "one New York" and claimed to be reformers, but one party rule has brought us these horrible new public policies:

• A $500 tax on SUNY tuition;
• New taxes on utilities, cell phones, and health insurance premiums;
• A new law sealing the record of convicted felons so they can become teachers without school administrators or parents ever knowing their background;
• A tax on small businesses in the Hudson Valley to pay for the New York City subway system.

I'll take a Senate that does nothing over a Senate that has done that type of damage in just the last five months under one party control. New Yorkers need the State Legislature to get out of our lives, not spend more time making laws like those I mention above. We need smaller government, we need to hear a balance of ideas ­ neither of which has happened since the State came under all Democratic control.

Senate Democrats had their chance to be the reformers and champions of working New Yorkers that they claimed they would be. Instead they proved they could not lead and had a New York City bias which hurt the rest of the State.

I'll take a Senate stalemate over the higher taxes rammed through so far this year by the Democrat - New York City controlled State Legislature.

Maureine Lucas