All of us at the American Legion Post 111 in Ellenville would like to thank all of the businesses that donated items for the Senior Citizen Christmas/ Holiday bags. We assembled and delivered 140 bags of goodies this year to the 3 Senior Citizen residences in the Town of Wawarsing. This would not have happened with out the generous contributions made by Matthews Pharmacy, Freskeeto Foods, Duso Foods, Peters Market and Shoprite of Ellenville. Special thanks to Mrs. Linda Gillette and the Ellenville Middle School singers for their holiday song performance at each senior home. Rolling V Bus Company again donated the transportation for the school singers.

Again thanks to all who helped make the holidays a little brighter for our Very important senior citizens.

Paul McAndrews
Sons of the American Legion Commander

Hey Folks, remember driving into Ellenville and seeing tulips at different locations. One of the brightest and most colorful at the Ellenville Public Library and Museum. Tulips were all over Ulster County as a sign to kick off the 400 Year celebration of the voyage of Henry Hudson. Artswave decorates store fronts and sides of buildings with art work, even dress up some empty buildings with art work. Artswave helps connect Ellenville to the "Walkway Over the Hudson."

The Playground started and finished in spite of the worst possible conditions for construction, frequent washouts. Remember the wet and cold summer, heavy rain, no tomatoes. (I can hear people say, ugh, don't remind me.) The completion and grand opening of Buttermilk Falls, a showcase for housing, income eligible, designed to be neighbor friendly, agreeable to the environment. I call that win- win. The Shadowland Theatre boasts a sold- out season.

Now east to the Walkway Over the Hudson, a linear park of the N.Y. State Park system. It's a DESTINATION, a new use for the former railroad bridge. You know railroad, rail trail, Hudson valley heritage. You can feel the momentum of this phenomenal landmark uniting the county. Ellenville is a logical DESTINATION to Southern Ulster County. There already exists a physical structure in Honors Haven Resort to anchor the area. The Nevele may be a sister anchor some time in the future.

The heritage of the D & H Canal evolved into the Rail Trail. It has state and county recognition. My fellow citizens, reclamation of former R. R. tracks and canals as linear parks are the theme for the millennium. Imagine, bicycle clubs, organizing trips from Ellenville to the Walkway Bridge, via New Paltz and Minnewaska State Park! TOURISTS.

The usual issues of despair will always be there, so it's important for each of us to take some time and smell the roses. I listed some admirable achievements. I admit the "Walkway On Air," instigates wishy solutions, but sometimes that's necessary to find the path.

John Nodar
Kerhonkson

What is to become of this little town? Nestled in between two of the few remaining stores on Canal Street "Julias Fashion Boutique" closed its doors tonight. During the day and evening, bags, boxes and display cases were removed sadly as yet another business that has been in this town for many year closed its doors.

Is this a karmic change in the quaint peaceful town of Ellenville? Transition can be painful yet I am praying for a happy ending to the big picture relating to yet another year of economic hardship.

I moved to Ellenville almost five years ago and have come to enjoy the view of the mountains the people who own the stores and the general convince of having everything at my front door.

In view of the currant events based on the financial realm of life as we have it ­ what I see is an opportunity to reinvent the town. The stores that are still standing should pull together and find a common thread in order to stay connected and allow for growth.

This is a beautiful place worth saving.

From a concerned person in Ellenville.

I wish to be anonymous if you do print my words...

Name Witheld By Request