Broadway shooting kills Antonio Bryant

(Newburgh) - A Newburgh City Police officer shot and killed a Newburgh man after the man allegedly fired shots at two officers Monday evening. The victim was identified as Antonio Bryant, 23, son of community activist Raymond Bryant, also known as Omari Shakur.

The incident began around 7 p.m., when, according to police, Sgt. Frank Labrada attempted to stop a red Jeep Cherokee in the area of City Terrace and Van Ness Street. The driver’s side rear passenger exited the vehicle, dressed all in black with a black hood and allegedly fired a shot at Sgt. Labrada as he attempted to exit the vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot southbound on City Terrace toward Broadway.

Officer William Lahar was clearing an unrelated traffic stop on Broadway when he observed the suspect still allegedly carrying the gun. At one point police say Bryant attempted to blend in with pedestrians along Broadway, but was soon spotted by police. Bryant then allegedly fired at Labrada and Lahar and Officer Lahar returned fire, striking Bryant, who was transported to St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital just blocks away where he died. Police say that both Lahar and Bryant, each fired three shots.

The shooting brought large crowds of people out into the streets and city police called New Windsor and Town of Newburgh Police as well as State Police to the scene for assistance. A Police helicopter flew over Newburgh, scanning the streets with its spotlight beaming on residents.

“It appears from the facts that we know at this time, that Officer Lahar’s response was justified and necessary in light of Bryant’s actions,” Police Chief Eric Paolilli said in a written statement issued early Tuesday morning. He later added that a gun was recovered.

No information was released by police or the district attorney’s office as to the location of the bullet wounds or the number of bullet’s that hit Antonio Bryant. An autopsy will be performed.

People who witnessed the incident have a slightly different story. They claim Bryant was running away from six or seven police, not two, when he was shot twice in the back of the head, almost execution style. When Antonio Bryant’s mother, Julia Bryant, heard the news of her son’s death Tuesday morning, she collapsed in front of 14 Dubois Street. She, like her son the night before, was transported to St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. A visibly distraught Shakur accompanied her to the hospital. No further information as to her condition was available as of press time.

Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips said his office is conducting an investigation into the shooting. At a press conference held Tuesday afternoon, Phillips outlined the processes and procedures for investigating a shooting involving a police officer. Currently Officer Lahar is on administrative leave. They ask that anyone who witnessed the incident contact the police (561-3131) or district attorney’s office (291-2050) with any information. Phillips promised that a grand jury would be called in to “address the facts as they find them to be and we will apply the law accordingly.”

In a city where the majority of the police department is white and a majority of the city’s population is minority, this incident only strains relations between the two.

Pictured above from top to bottom: A memorial of candles stand on the street corner of Dubois and Broadway where Antonio Bryant, son of Omari Shakur, was tragically shot and killed by a City of Newburgh Police officer early Monday evening and Omari Shakur.

Upcoming “Swim for the River” program

Most of us will never know what it’s like to swim the Hudson River for 315 miles from Lake Tear of the Clouds in the Adirondacks past the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and out into the Atlantic Ocean . But a Vermont man name Christopher Swain did it in 2004. On Tuesday, November 7 at 12:30 p.m., Dutchess Community College will preview Swim for the River - a 56-minute documentary of his journey - in advance of the film’s national release on public television. The program also includes a representative from Riverkeeper, an advocacy group that monitors the Hudson River ecosystem and challenges polluters, using both legal and grass roots campaigns.
This free event, which is sponsored by DCC’s biology club BIOS and the PBS station WMHT in Troy, takes place in the Louis Greenspan North Cafeteria, Drumlin Hall, at the main campus in Poughkeepsie. For information, contact BIOS Advisor Wendy Bohlinger at (845) 431-8089.
Swain takes a very personal approach to environmental and waterway activism. He has completed clean water swims in nine U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. These include a 210-mile swim of the lower Connecticut River, a 1,243-mile swim of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, a 125-mile swim the length of Lake Champlain, and an 80-mile swim on the Charles River. On the Hudson, Swain followed the river from its wilderness beginnings 4,293 feet up Mt. Marcy to its end in one of the nation’s densest population centers. Along the way, he braved whitewater, sewage, snapping turtles, hydroelectric dams, homeland security patrols, factory outfalls, PCB contamination, and well-meaning rescue attempts.
The documentary provides an historical perspective to Swain’s feat. The 19th century destruction and redemption of the Adirondacks compliments the modern-day story of citizens fighting to block the building of a huge trash plant that would burn one quarter of New York City’s garbage, and Riverkeeper’s battles with the ExxonMobil Corporation to force it to clean up the largest oil spill in the United States .
But to Swain, the story isn’t about how polluted the river has been, but how clean it has become. “The Hudson [River] whose filth galvanized environmentalists is hardly in evidence today,” said Swain. “We used to have to convince folks that the Hudson River was in trouble, and that cities and corporations were on track to slaughter the waterway. Now, we need to convince folks that we have a chance to turn the Hudson River back into a diamond.”
Hudson River water quality has improved measurably since the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972, said Swain, “But public perceptions of the waterway have failed to keep pace. I suggest it is time to hope for more than a somewhat dirty river. That it is time to dream of the kind of river we want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to inherit. To me, this looks like a Hudson River that is drinkable without treatment all the way down to Troy, and swim-able all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, every single day of the year.”
The documentary Swim for the River was created by independent filmmaker Tom Weidlinger, who has been writing, directing, and producing documentary films for 30 years. Seventeen of his films have received national broadcasts on public television. Many have won prestigious festival and industry awards and are in education distribution.
Pictured Above: Chris Swain swimming in the Hudson River.

Now Introducing Dewayne Woods

Just as powerful as this young man’s incredible vocal ability is his amazing testimony. Described in “DeWayne’s Testimony,” it’s a recollection of God’s incredible healing power. Prior to the stunning ballad, “God Still Heals,” Woods speaks about his dramatic healing from HIV, articulating the awe-inspiring account that started in the early 90s. “I was diagnosed in 1993 with HIV. After the diagnosis, I went through a series of treatments, but back then, they really weren’t sure what to do and what medicines worked. Each time I would go to the doctor’s office, the diagnosis seemed to get worse,” states DeWayne. After a serious health scare, he ended up in the hospital for two weeks. It was what happened in his hospital bed that set him on the path to a miracle.

“During those days, I was in so much pain, that I would just sing,” explains Woods. “I couldn’t do anything else. Then, I said one day, ‘God, if I’m going to sing about You and sing about You being a healer, then I need you to heal my body - not just for me, but so the world will see that you’re still a healer.” It was at that point that he had literally “let it go” and left the matter in the hands of God. A few years later, however, he decided to get rechecked. When he went to the hospital, they tested his blood and DeWayne says, “they told me that I was negative.” The staff was baffled; they were the same people who had originally treated him. He even had to stand before a national medical review board and complete a battery of tests; all to make sure the disease was totally absent from his body. They couldn’t find a trace of it.

Few artists of any genre have entered the industry with the resume of DeWayne Woods. Protege’ of famed producer Donald Lawrence, Woods’ luminous vocals have graced recordings by some of today’s biggest talent, including mega-popstar Celine Dion, jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and Atlantic Starr, for which he sang lead vocals on two albums. Woods has also backed some of Gospel’s finest. John P. Kee, Kurt Carr, Karen Clark Sheard and many others have sought him out for recordings and live performances. Woods, along with Grammy nominated producers PAJAM, also shared Vocal Producer duties on Byron Cage’s “An Invitation to Worship.”

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Woods received his musical education at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, followed by a stint with the group, Joy Unlimited. But it was his “random” meeting with John P. Kee that would define the trajectory of his musical career, as he soon after became a member of The New Life Community Choir and ended up leading the group’s hit, “Show Up.” One opportunity led to another and he began singing with Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, eventually getting his turn at the mic with “Go Get Your Life Back.”

Now, Woods moves from behind the scenes to center stage with his debut project Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet - the first release from Donald Lawrence’s Quiet Water Entertainment under the Zomba Gospel umbrella. Although he’s been comfortable in the shadows, Woods felt now was time to release his solo recording. “I always knew that I wanted to do a solo project - probably since I was 17 years old,” Woods shares. “But I’ve learned in ministry that you have to grow. That was a season for me, doing a lot of background work; and I still do have a passion for being a background vocalist.”

But Woods’ days as a backup singer may be permanently over once listeners catch an earful of “Let Go,” the project’s lead single. Not only is the breathtakingly beautiful ballad destined to become a classic, but it’s a certain tear-jerker for anyone wrestling with a situation seemingly out of hand. Penned by noted songwriter and producer PJ. Morion, the song begs the listener to “let go and let God.”
Pictured Above: Gospel Artist Dewayne Woods

2nd annual Day of the Dead parade

(Newburgh) - The Newburgh Free Library held their second annual parade for Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, on October 29.
Dia de Los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday where families and neighbors come together to celebrate the loved ones that they have lost, but not forgotten. Traditionally being hold on November 1 and 2, Dia de Los Muertos is a day of prayer, festivities and celebration of life and death. La ofrenda or alter is set, arranged with offerings for the spirits such as marigolds, and favorite foods and beverages, for those that are being celebrated.
The parade, which began in the Municipal Parking Lot on Ann Street, ran down Broadway to Grand Street, making its way to the Newburgh Free Library. Cars along the route stopped to look at the larger-than-life puppets, traditional Mexican costumes, dragon, and children in their hand-made masks.
At the library, the community joined in with parade participants to enjoy food in the community room. After which they returned outside where a mariache band performed under the tent on the front lawn, and there was a special presentation by the Mantis Dance Theater from New York City. The group performed a riveting “Feast for the Dead,” an artistic dance, visually depicting Dia de Los Muertos, choreographed by Donna Ahmadi.
“The Library wants to provide access to the entire community. This program today is another example of making everyone in the community feel that this is their library,” said Chuck Thomas, of the Newburgh Free Library. “We collaborated with the Liberty Partnership Program, Newburgh Free Academy’s Government Class, Mount Saint Mary College student’s and faculty and received terrific support,” Thomas said.
The Center for Youth Development collaborated with the Newburgh Free Library to incorporate this tradition into their program. Earlier in the month, students attended a mask and costume-making workshop hosted by the library, where they learned how to make a giant puppet and masks resembling skeletons for the parade.
Ashley Siltz, After School Manager for OCCC’s Center for Youth Development said, “By incorporating this Mexican tradition into our program, The Center for Youth Development hopes to broaden our diversity. Here in Newburgh the population is so diverse. The cultures that thrive on our streets should be preserved and not be kept secret. We are different cultures living side by side with little, to no knowledge about each other. We hope to develop a better understanding within our community and programs about the rich diversity, existing among us.”
Thomas expects next year’s celebration to be even bigger. “We have people calling and coming from out of town about this event. The weather may have held some people back today, but we have a large turnout,” Thomas said, concluding, “It will only get bigger and better next year.” Pictured Above: Children show off their larger than life puppets, while marching in the Day of the Dead parade.

Gain Control Of Your Finances In 5 steps

Would you like to start off 2007 on firm financial footing? By following these five easy steps, recommended by the New York State Society of CPAs, you can gain control of your finances before year end.

Assess
The first step is to assess your current financial situation. Start by calculating your net worth. List all your assets (what you own) and all your liabilities (what you owe). If your assets exceed your liabilities, you have a positive net worth. If you have more liabilities than assets, your net worth is negative. At the end of each year, recalculate your assets and liabilities to determine your progress toward building your net worth.

Identify
Once you have a clear idea of your financial picture, you should set financial goals. Whether your plans call for buying a home, taking a vacation, retiring early, or paying off debt, your financial goals help you determine what is important to you. Financial goals also serve to motivate you - it’s always easier to save money when you know what you are saving for.
CPAs recommend that you divide your goals into short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Be sure each goal is focused, realistic, measurable, and has a specific target date. You should review your goals regularly and make adjustments when necessary.
Budget

Your next step is to create a budget that will help you attain your financial goals. The key is to spend less than you earn. The first step in preparing a budget is to figure out your current cash flow. Start by adding up your income from your salary, bonuses, investment income, and any money you get from other sources.

Next, track all your expenses for a month or two. That includes regular expenses, such as your mortgage or rent, food, transportation, insurance, and credit card payments, as well as discretionary expenses, including entertainment, dining out, and gifts. Be sure to factor in expenses that do not occur every month.

It’s important that you record every dollar you spend, whether it’s with cash, check, or credit card. Seeing how you are spending your money will help you determine where you can make cuts and redirect that money toward meeting your financial goals.
When creating your budget, be sure to pay yourself first. That means deciding how much you can save each month and treating it like any other bill. Better yet, have the money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into a savings account. You won’t miss what you don’t see.

Manage
Managing debt is a critical step in gaining control of your finances. If you are carrying a high level of debt, make paying down your credit cards a priority. There are several strategies you can use, such as consolidating your debt on a credit card with a lower interest rate and/or paying off high-interest debt first. But the best way to reduce debt is to double or triple your card’s minimum monthly payments. Depending on your balance, higher payments could save you thousands in interest payments and shave months, or maybe even years, off your debt.
Prosper

There’s a great deal of peace of mind that comes with gaining control of your finances. If you need help in completing these steps, contact a CPA. He or she can work with you to create a plan for achieving your financial goals.

Safety Procedures Are Expensive

Co-Authored by Bill Zopf, Board President & Dr. Jean Parr, Superintendent (Beacon) - The students and employees of a school district deserve a safe and secure environment. Yet making improvements to facilities in order to maintain and enhance a safe school environment can be costly. In this month’s column we’ll explain Beacon School District’s eligibility for funds to reduce the cost of certain school construction projects through an exciting new state aid program.
New Funding for School Facilities Improvements

New York State has introduced the EXCEL program to provide additional funding for certain types of school construction projects. EXCEL (EXpanding our Children’s Education and Learning) aid can only be used for improving health and safety, making buildings more energy efficient, adding technology for educational purposes, improving accessibility or increasing student capacity by adding additional building space. It can’t be used for such things as a bus garage project or paying off interest on money borrowed to finance building projects. The Facilities Planning Office of the State Education Department has to approve any building project as eligible for EXCEL aid. Unlike standard state aid for a building project which is paid to the district over a 15- to 30-year period, EXCEL aid is paid to the school district as project costs are incurred.

The state calculates the maximum amount of EXCEL aid for which a district is eligible by multiplying the number of students enrolled in the 2005 school year by either $778.22 for a district defined as high need for building aid purposes, or by $320.46 for other eligible districts. Beacon is classified as a high need district for building aid purposes, making us eligible for funding at the rate of $778.22 per student enrolled in 2005. Our aid is calculated at $2,748,000.

If a school district wishes to use EXCEL aid for a building project costing more than the amount of EXCEL aid, the remaining portion of the project qualifies for the standard state building aid. In the case of Beacon, the state would pay roughly 62% of the eligible portion of the project which is in excess of the EXCEL aid and the remaining 38% would be paid from local taxes. Since the contractors involved with building projects expect to be paid during the project, school districts borrow the money by floating a construction bond and then paying back the bond over a period of years using a combination of the annual standard state aid payments and local taxes.

Here are two examples of how EXCEL aid could be used to fund theoretical building projects. Both examples assume 100% of the projects are eligible for building aid, but some portions of an actual building project - such as the interest paid on borrowed funds - wouldn’t be eligible.

Example #1: If the costs of a project are $9,000,000, the state would give Beacon $2,700,000 of EXCEL aid and an estimated $5,580,000 in building aid. This would leave approximately $720,000 to be paid from local taxes. Since this would be paid out over a 15 year period, the yearly cost before interest payments would be $48,000, spread across all tax payers.

Example #2: If the costs of a project are $7,000,000, the state would give Beacon $2,700,000 of EXCEL aid and an estimated $4,495,000 in building aid. This would leave approximately $55,000 to be paid from local taxes. Since this would be paid out over a 15 year period, the yearly cost to tax payers before interest payments would be just $3,666, which would be spread across all tax payers.
The Beacon administrators are working with the Board’s Building Committee to define a list of items to be included in a building project. This list includes such items as roof repairs, repointing brick work, replacing windows, doors and lights; adding insulation, rebuilding an access road, additional heating/cooling systems, and technology improvements. Improvements would be made at all six school buildings in the district and it is estimated the project would cost between $5,690,000 and $7,000,000.

In order to move forward with a building project it has to be put to a vote of the district residents. We are planning on having a referendum in early 2007. Beacon School District’s eligibility for EXCEL program aid offers us an exciting opportunity to make needed improvements and repairs at little cost to taxpayers. Please be on the lookout for more news on the building project and the date of the referendum.

Sales Tax Drop Strains Ductchess

(Poughkeepsie) - Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus said the current 2006 county budget as well as the operating budget presently being developed for 2007 are both suffering substantial holes due to a significant amount of lost sales tax revenue. The loss is causing a major structural imbalance in county finances.

Sales tax is the county’s largest revenue source. Sales tax revenues that flow to county and local town, village and city governments across New York State are a major component of income for municipal budgets and serve to balance property tax increases. In Dutchess County, a change in the law providing for the elimination of sales tax on clothing under $110 is largely responsible for the major decrease in revenue causing the large budget gap in both the 2006 operating budget and soon to be released 2007 county budget.

The current 2006 fiscal year is experiencing a multi-million dollar gap as a result of the lost sales tax revenue. Policy and legislative changes eliminating the sales tax on clothing that came after the adoption of the 2006 budget, plus a projected shrinkage due to softening of general sales tax income compared to what was estimated in the adopted budget, combine to form a projected loss estimated to be approximately 10-12 million dollars.

The 2007 county budget due for release on November 1 is still in the final stage of development. However, the anticipated 2007 loss in sales tax income estimated at 12-14 million dollars, when coupled with the 2006 loss, equals a daunting compounded funding hole in county finances of approximately 22-26 million dollars. Steinhaus said the loss also has had a domino impact to local governments. Recent 2007 budgets proposed by the cities of Poughkeepsie and Beacon already demonstrate the negative impact the lost sales tax revenues will have on finances of local municipalities in Dutchess County.

According to recent news reports, the City of Poughkeepsie’s 2007 budget proposed by Mayor Nancy Cozean includes an average tax increase of $175 for a residential property assessed at $255,000. The Mayor stated half of the tax levy increase can be attributed to the decrease in sales tax revenue as a direct result of the clothing sales tax exemption.

Beacon’s City Administrator Joseph Braun, in announcing Beacon’s proposed 2007 budget and accompanying 9% property tax increase, said the tax hike is “due to a reduction in our sales tax revenues, a rather substantial reduction as a result of the (Dutchess County) exemption on clothing” and he said it has “a major impact” on the city’s budget.

Further contributing to the lower sales tax income to the county, towns, cities and villages are the lower economic growth projections due to energy prices, higher interest costs, and the softening in the housing sector.

According to County Executive Steinhaus, “My administration works very hard to keep spending under control, and I believe we are quite successful considering the constant annual pressure of higher costs. While we are told by state officials we must pay for programs they create, I want to be sure county government can provide the services and quality of life amenities our families tell us are important to them in their daily lives.”

Residents want us to continue to develop our parks and trails systems, our open space and farmland preservation program, our support for healthy and active children, and our focus on housing, transportation, and everyday needs of our seniors, our veterans and our families. These are just some examples of my local priorities. Yet these are the challenges and difficult decisions we face each year – what are the programs we can fund and still remain affordable to our taxpayers.”

The County Executive’s proposed budget will be released November 1. The County Legislature is expected to begin review of the budget in early November and will adopt the budget in December.

Stewart Airport lands JetBlue Airways

(New Windsor) - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed the announcement by JetBlue Airways that it will begin service between Newburgh’s Stewart International Airport, the airline’s sixth New York State destination, and Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, with daily nonstop flights to each city starting December 19.

“Once again, JetBlue has shown its commitment to New York and I am proud that we are continuing to strengthen Stewart Airport’s capabilities as one of New York’s premier regional airports,” said Senator Clinton. “This announcement is good news for the Hudson Valley. JetBlue’s new service to Florida will not only increase low fare travel options for local residents, it will also benefit local businesses and further our efforts to strengthen the local economy.”

“I am proud to have worked with JetBlue for many years now. I have long argued that Stewart Airport is the gateway to the Hudson Valley and I am thrilled that our efforts to bring air service to more and more airports in New York are paying off,” Senator Clinton said.

According to JetBlue, it will begin service between Newburgh’s Stewart International Airport (SWF), the airline’s sixth New York State destination, and Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, with daily nonstop flights to each city beginning December 19. Beginning January 5, a second daily flight will be added to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Additionally, one daily nonstop flight to West Palm Beach, Florida will begin January 5, making the low-cost carrier the largest airline serving Stewart International Airport.

To celebrate the new service to the low-fare carrier’s 49th destination, JetBlue is offering introductory one-way fares to/from Newburgh starting at $79(a) each way, with regular fares ranging between $99(a) and $299(a) each way. Introductory fares, which are subject to availability, must be purchased by November 9, and travel must be completed by February 15, 2007. JetBlue will operate flights to and from Newburgh with its Airbus A320 aircraft.
Pictured Above: Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton

Park officials help in developing Trail

(Middletown) - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) announced that the National Park Service has agreed to grant an additional year of technical assistance to local and county officials and planners who are working to develop the Middletown Orange Heritage Trail. The goal of the Middletown Orange Heritage Trail is develop an 8-mile extension of the existing 12.5-mile Orange Heritage Trail.

“Having the expertise of National Park Service officials on site to help with the development of the Middletown Orange Heritage Trail has assisted Orange County and the City of Middletown in developing plans for the trail extension and applying for several state grants. The National Park Service’s continued involvement in this project will go a long way toward ensuring that this trail is put together in the best way possible,” Hinchey said. “This new trail will enhance the lives of Middletown residents and is going to be something of which we can all be proud.”

The Middletown Orange Heritage Trail will tie the city’s business district with surrounding neighborhoods and create a means for people to travel to within the city, including children traveling to local parks, without walking on streets or sidewalks. It may also create opportunities for revitalization of vacant city-owned parcels for park or commercial purposes. Outside the city limits, the trail will provide visual access to nearby natural areas such as the Wallkill River and Echo Lake. Last year, the National Park Service awarded the City of Middletown a one year technical assistance grant to help determine how to route the trail, deal with road crossings and other technical matters. The application for technical assistance was submitted by the City of Middletown and Orange Pathways, Inc., the non-profit that has worked to extend the Orange Heritage Trail across Orange County.

Through the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program, the National Park Service helps communities and neighborhoods preserve their important local resources, protect river resources, develop new trails and greenways and create new open space. These projects are locally-led with RTCA staff supporting local recreation and conservation leaders. This year, 41 projects were selected as Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance recipients in the Northeast Region, spanning 14 states across New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Pictured Above: Congressman Maurice Hinchey

Hall pulls in even with Kelly

(Croton-On-Hudson) - Democratic Con- gressional candidate John Hall has pulled even with Rep. Sue Kelly in 19th District polling, and the National Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced it now considers the Hall-Kelly contest in the ?Red-to-Blue? class of districts moving from Republican to Democratic control.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who heads up the DCCC Red-to-Blue effort, told a noontime news conference at Croton Point Park that national Democrats believe John Hall is within sight of victory on Election Day.
The news conference was called by the Sierra Club to announce its endorsement of Hall. The 750,000-member environmental organization joins a host of others in supporting Hall, including unions representing two million New York wage-earners.
“The DCCC recognition of our campaign is no surprise to us,” said Tom Staudter, Hall’s press secretary. “Our own polling shows this election to be dead even.”

Staudter attributes the Hall campaign’s success, despite Kelly’s 3-to-1 financial advantage, to its grassroots nature. ?Our hundreds of volunteers throughout the district are knocking on doors and phoning people by the thousands each week,” he said.

“We are taking on Kelly’s ‘air war,’ her incessant and entirely negative on-air commercials paid for by special-interest big donors’ with our ‘ground troops’, ordinary middle-class and working people who live in the district and want change from the Bush-Cheney-Kelly policies,” Staudter said.

Beacon City Water Bills

The City of Beacon has been implementing new water billing software. It is also replacing its water meters with new meters that can be read by radio. These meters can be read from the street eliminating the need for a meter reader to go onto the water customer’s property. Reading is also more efficient. All of the City’s 4200 meters can be read in two days by one person, instead of the 3 months it took almost two people to read with the old meters. Older external reading devices prone malfunction were also replaced.

Unfortunately, transition to the new system has not gone as planned. The contractor hired to install the radio read meters was not able to gain access to a number of homes and some to the meters it installed did not work. Transition to the billing software was more problematic. After delaying the July billing to September to make certain the billing was correct, staff discovered, after mailing the bills that the system generated several bills for some customers and none for others. To get back on schedule and make certain those who did not receive a bill in September got one, customers were billed in October. These bills were for the period after the period billed for in September. Billing is now back on schedule. Water bills will now be sent out at the end of each quarter as in the past.

Duck-A-Thon Winners were Congratulated

Kia Stewart and her son, Xavier Ewen, are congratulated by Peter Fogarty, Executive Director of the Newburgh Family YMCA, and Stephanie Layton, President of the Newburgh Day Nursery for his award winning “adopted duck” in the recent Duck-A-Thon sponsoredby both organizations.

Xavier, 4 years old, has been a student at the Newburgh Day Nursery for a year and was very excited that his duck, one of more than 2,000 launched in Downing Park, crossed the finish line in second place.

President Clinton supports John Hall

(Cortland Manor) - President Bill Clinton came to the 19th Congressional District to stump for Democratic candidate John Hall. Eight days before the election, the former President urged a huge turnout for Hall. Clinton’s appearance will further boost the surging Hall campaign, which enters the last week with great momentum.

Hall welcomed President Clinton and told him that, as part of a new Democratic majority in Congress next year, he looks forward to bringing back, the prosperity, positive global standing and the environmental protection of the Clinton administration.
Introducing Mr. Clinton to the hundreds of supporters who crowded the Colonial Terrace ballroom in Cortlandt Manor, Hall said that the former president is “Still the One,” a reference to Hall’s hit recording in the 1970’s with the band, Orleans.

Also speaking at the rally were Rep. Nita Lowey, Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Maurice Hinchey and many other state and local officials, as well as union officials and community leaders.

“President Clinton’s appearance today, gives us a huge lift,” said Tom Staudter, Hall’s press secretary. “Tomorrow, Eliot Spitzer is coming to Fishkill to campaign with John. Our get-out-the-vote operations are talking to thousands of people on the phone and door-to-door each day. The voters are hungry for a change, and we believe they’ll make that known loudly and clearly on Election Day.”
Pictured Above: President Bill Clinton stumped for Democratic candidate John Hall during his appearance at the 19th Congressional District.

Arlington Wins Pumpkin’ Chunkin’

(Rhinebeck) - The Arlington High School team took the top prize at Dutchess Community College’s Ninth Annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ held Sunday, October 22 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The team scored 345 points with its floating arm trebuchet named the Arlington Assassin in a pumpkin hurling competition where accuracy counted above all else. Students built the machine in their Principles of Engineering class, coached by teacher Dan Listemann.

From the Wappinger’s Central School District, John Jay High School’s machine The Patriot came in second with 290 points. DCC’s entry Star of Dutchess came in third with 222 points, just edging out last year’s winner Newburgh Free Academy, which had 218 points. Teams from Wappinger’s Roy C. Ketcham High School, Brewster High School, Marlboro High School, and Ulster County Community College also participated.

DCC’s Punkin’ Chunkin’ Competition provides students in physics, engineering, and technology classes and clubs the opportunity to design, build, and operate a sophisticated mechanical device, usually something that harkens back to the siege engines of Medieval warfare. The machines must be able to be armed and loaded with no more than two students working together. Absolutely no explosives or compressed gases are allowed in this competition. Accuracy and strategy, rather than brute force, are the most important factors. In fact, any shot longer than 400 feet is disqualified for safety reasons.

Teams were able to locate their targets at any distance between 50 feet and 400 feet from their machine and within one of three target zones. The judges used a scoring formula based on the machine’s distance to the target and how close the pumpkins landed to the target. Any shot that hit its target would receive 1000 points. Each team was judged on three official throws.

With the emphasis on accuracy rather than power, most teams brought scaled down and streamlined machines to the 2006 competition. Variations on the trebuchet, which includes an arm that whips around and flings the pumpkin, remained the most popular entry, but DCC brought a sling-shot design this year, and UCCC brought a traditional catapult.

Arlington’s floating arm trebuchet included an important innovation, according to engineering student Nick Ugarte. “For a counter weight, we used springs – the biggest, baddest garage door springs we could find.” Beyond mechanics, the project took teamwork and commitment. “We created this by working hard,” Ugarte said. “We didn’t have a life for three weeks. We stayed after every day until 7:00 p.m. We also wouldn’t have gotten any of this done if Mr. Listemann hadn’t sacrificed his time for us.”

The Punkin’ Chunkin’ is coordinated by DCC’s Assistant Professor and Engineering Program Chair Mark Courtney and DCC Architecture Instructor Paul Newsome, whose architecture class designed and built the targets. The event received financial and in-kind support from the Dutchess County Fair. DCC was able to provide $200 grants to competing teams to help teams buy building materials and pumpkins, and provide transportation. Pictured Above: Arlington High School team took the top prize at Dutchess Community College’s Ninth Annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ that was held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

National “Make a Difference Day”

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - More than 150 youth and adults participated in “Make a Difference Day” in Newburgh last Saturday.

“Make A Difference Day” is the most encompassing national day of helping others - a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Originally created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, “Make A Difference Day” is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. In the City of Newburgh, Ramona Burton has organized the event for the past six years. “Each year, for the past six years, we prepare and serve up hot lunches to the seniors,” Burton explained.

This year Burton expanded the event from Burton Towers to Elant Choice. “We needed a bigger kitchen to work in due to the increased number of seniors we are preparing meals for,” she said. Burton also increased the number of sites to accommodate more seniors. “This year the Orange County Community College Center for Youth Development Liberty Partnership program teamed up with the City of Newburgh Youth Bureau. In doing so we are able to have two walk-in lunch sites - one at Elant Choice and one at Ebenezer Baptist Church.”

City of Newburgh Youth Bureau Coordinator Joy Pittman headed up the Ebenezer Baptist Church site. The day started early for Pittman who said their work began at six o’clock in the morning, preparing food. She estimated that over 250 people had received hot lunches, either delivered or walk-ins from that site alone. “Mr. John Duck did a wonderful job preparing the food. I have to commend him and all of the volunteers who donated their time today. They truly have made a difference,” Pittman said.

Students from Ms. Fleming’s Senior Government Class at Newburgh Free Academy also volunteered as part of their community service project “Senior to Senior.” They received special training through a service learning activity sponsored by the National Council for Social Studies and the FDR historical site program “Teaching the Hudson Valley.” There they were trained on senior citizen issues and decided to team up with Burton at the Elant Choice site to put that training to use during the “Make a Difference Day.”

The NFA students baked cookies, played Bingo and Scrabble with the seniors. Pumpkin painting was a huge success, as was the musical sing-a-long. Ms. Morales of Elant Choice said, “The seniors had a wonderful day today thanks to all the hard work of Ramona Burton, and all of these other wonderful volunteers.”

Morales words remind us that anyone, young or old, individuals or groups, can carry out a volunteer project that helps others. That’s what “Make a Difference Day” is all about.

Pictured Above: Seniors from Elant Choice enjoy this years “Make a Difference Day” celebration.

Dr. Arif Muslim Receives Lifetime Award

(Newburgh) - Arif M. Muslim, M.D., a highly skilled and dedicated physician who has served our community for nearly 30 years, has received the St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award. The SLCH Physician Leader Reception, which also served to welcome new physicians to the hospital’s medical staff, was held last week at the Powelton Club, Newburgh. More than 125 SLCH physicians, friends and staff attended the event.

Dr. Muslim, a gastroenterologist who practices in New Windsor, has been an active member of the SLCH medical staff for three decades, serving several terms in leadership roles including President of the medical staff and Chair of the Department of Medicine. He spent more than 25 years as the Continuing Medical Education Chair of both St. Luke’s and Cornwall hospitals, and was involved in the successful merger of both organizations. Dr. Muslim currently serves on the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation Board. He also is a Past
President of the Orange County Medical Society, and has been recognized for taking care of the uninsured and underinsured.

“Our hospital and community are extremely fortunate Arif Muslim chose to bring his compassion, common sense, and clinical expertise to our hospital and community,” said SLCH President and CEO Allan E. Atzrott. “His commitment to patients and colleagues, medical education, and quality care is unwavering.” Among those who also spoke of Dr. Muslim’s contributions to medicine in Orange County were longtime friends and colleagues, SLCH Medical Staff President Gurinder Mehar, M.D., and Paul Latonero, M.D.

Dr. Muslim was visibly touched by the honor, thanking his family, friends, and colleagues for their support over the years. “I’m so proud of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, our staff, and our service to this community,” he said. “I look forward to the hospital’s continued evolution as it enhances facilities, programs, and services to provide comprehensive, quality health care to our friends and neighbors.”

The event also welcomed nearly 30 new physicians who joined the SLCH medical staff in the past year. Among the specialties represented were neurology, thoracic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, otolaryngology, hematology/oncology, and cardiology.

Pictured Above: SLCH President and CEO Allan E. Atzrott, honoree Arif Muslim, M.D., and SLCH Medical Staff President Gurinder Mehar, M.D. celebrate with Dr. Arif.

Annual Celebration Of Hope Dinner

(Washingtonville) - In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Safe Homes of Orange County, friends and family gathered for the annual Celebration of Hope Dinner.

The celebration pays tribute to individuals who make a difference in the lives of women and children in Orange County. As Safe Homes Executive Director Michele McKeon said, “There are those who say that on a night like this, I spend my time preaching to the choir. However, to paraphrase Reverend Billings, even the choir practices once a week.”

And so McKeon “preached a sermon to the choir” that was as inspiring as it was challenging. Noting the great progress that has been made since 1986, in the handling of domestic violence police calls, court cases and media coverage, McKeon challenged everyone to step it up, so 20 years from now domestic violence will no longer exist. “I challenge each of you to help us eliminate domestic violence; help us strengthen the safety net for women and children. We must each do our part; working together we will make a difference; we will make women safer; we will save lives. Then, and only then, will each home be a safe home.”

The annual dinner is also a time to honor those who have been inspiring examples of change in the community. Those honors this year went to Margaret O’Neill and Mandy Villodas.

Detective Sergeant Margaret O’Neill received Safe Homes highest award for her work on behalf of victims of domestic violence during her 23-year career as a police officer, uniform sergeant and detective sergeant in the Town of Newburgh Police Department. She conducted the first domestic violence training of police departments in Orange County, nearly 10 years ago. She also served on the Safe Homes Board of Directors. In presenting her with the Hope Award, McKeon said, “her work on behalf of victims continues into her retirement, and we are lucky to have such a strong, passionate advocate working for us.”

Mandy Villodas, Owner of The English Rose Day School received the Mildred Warren Good-Neighbor Award for “her generous initiative to mobilize her school community, and her own family, in support of women and children displaced by domestic violence.” McKeon said, “Whenever we need her, without hesitation or condition she has stepped forward to assist women and children who are using our services and find themselves without even the basic of living supplies. We are fortunate to know we can call on her and her school community and it will be taken care of.”

The first Ursula Forem Scholarship was also awarded. Named in memory of a past Safe Homes’ employee who was killed in a car accident in February of 2001, the scholarship is open to any woman currently enrolled in college, majoring in Women Studies, Human Services or Social Work. The first recipient, Kelly Burley, demonstrated Ursula’s vision for the prevention of violence against women and children, and for the enforcement of the accountability of perpetrators. Pictured Above: Vanessa Green, and Safe Homes Executive Director Michele McKeon celebrated the 20th anniversary of Safe Homes during the annual Celebration of Hope Dinner.