January 31, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

We were proud and honored to kick-off Black History Month Kingston here at City Hall this morning. I hope you will join in this important conversation to celebrate and honor the history and contributions of African-Americans. There are many opportunities to join in with a month of events and happenings. It's important that we are all in this conversation together.

Tomorrow City Hall will host an opening reception for a new art exhibition in our downstairs gallery space. The artwork on display is from local African-American artists and is not to be missed!

-Steve
Mondays with the Mayor: Black History Month Kingston

This week on "Mondays with the Mayor" on Radio Kingston, Mayor Noble spoke with former Harambee Executive Director and Black History Month Kingston Co-Organizer Tyrone Wilson, about all the upcoming events for Black History Month Kingston and about his new role as the Ulster County's Human Rights Commissioner. Click below to hear their conversation! 

Black History Month Kingston Kick-off Breakfast

We had a wonderful crowd at City Hall this morning for a breakfast reception honoring the start of Black History Month Kingston. Mayor Noble presented a proclamation followed by remarks from Black History Month Kingston organizers Frank Waters and Tyrone Wilson. You can watch the ceremony via Radio Kingston here. 

Follow Black History Month Kingston on Facebook for a full calendar of events, or visit their website at: http://mykingstonkids.com/bhmk/

Mayor Noble's City of Kingston Proclamation:

Whereas, the greatest strength of the City of Kingston is its diverse community; and 

Whereas, it is with great joy and pride that we celebrate the 3rd Annual Black History Month Kingston; and

Whereas, the mission of Kingston's month-long celebration is to showcase and pay tribute to the legacy and myriad contributions of African-Americans in Kingston and the surrounding areas; and

Whereas, this year we honor Esther Taylor-Evans, a dedicated community organizer, and strive to lead by her stellar example; and
Whereas, this month long celebration is the embodiment of Harambee's "bringing together of people"; and My Kingston Kids' inspired leadership through education and engagement; and

Whereas, Black History Month Kingston reminds our city that deep understanding of the diverse cultural roots of people in our community should be spread by learning from and collaborating with one another.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Steven T. Noble, Mayor of the City of Kingston, do hereby proclaim February 2020 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in the City of Kingston and urge all residents to honor the legacy and contributions of African-Americans. 

Tyrone Wilson and Frank Waters (Photo courtesy of Gloria Waslyn)
Mayor Noble Appoints Confidential Secretary

Mayor Steve Noble is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Confidential Secretary, Roy Verspoor. Roy is a Kingston resident with two Masters Degrees from SUNY New Paltz. He has been working in local and nearby schools as a long-term substitute and as a Summer School ELA teacher at Kingston High School for the last few years. He is an excellent writer and copyeditor with experience in grant writing.
 
"The Confidential Secretary is a key position in my administration and the first face that greets visitors to my office," said Mayor Noble. "I am impressed with Roy's eagerness to be an integral part of City Hall and to engage with the greater community. I welcome Roy to this role and look forward to working with him."

Roy Verspoor will start as Confidential Secretary to Mayor Noble on Monday.

Opening Reception for City Hall Art Exhibition - Tomorrow

Please join us at City Hall for the opening reception for Past, Present & Future: A Black History Month Exhibition. This inter-generational exhibition will feature works from local African-American artists of all ages, curated in partnership with the City of Kingston's Art & Cultural Affairs department, Broadway Arts and Black History Month Kingston.

The opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 1, from 4:00- 6:00pm in the downstairs gallery space at City Hall. This event is free and open to the public. 

The Past, Present & Future: A Black History Month Exhibition will be on display through March 2020 and is open during City Hall business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:40pm). 

Call for Boards & Commissions

We are currently looking for engaged residents from diverse backgrounds who are  interested in serving their community on a board or commission. Current openings include: 

Tree Commission
Community Development Advisory  Board
Conservation Advisory Council
Human Rights Commission
Planning Board 
Kingston City Land Bank
Heritage Area Commission

We encourage all individuals who are interested to complete an application online . 

This information will be used in determining which individuals are best suited to serve on each Board, Commission and Committee, based on their qualifications, backgrounds, skills and interests. The purpose of this application process is to enable the City to recruit individuals who have a strong desire and ability to serve and to ensure that each Board, Commission and Committee reflects the rich diversity of our community. We are striving to build an inclusive process that seeks to attract applicants who embody the values and principles of our community and who are committed to serving in this important role with integrity, respect, compassion, and professionalism.  The online application can be  found here .

Kingston 311
The  Kingston 311 app, website and phone  system allow residents to quickly and easily report issues and submit service requests. The Kingston 311  app, available for  Android  &  iPhones , is a fast and simple way to connect to City officials in non-emergency situations. 

This system is a valuable resource to submit service requests for streetlight replacement, roadwork, City signage, traffic calming measures and other concerns. Issues with snow removal and reporting of vehicles and sidewalks not in accordance with the Snow Emergency restrictions can also be submitted via Kingston 311.  Photos can also be attached to illustrate service orders. Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us. 
Kingston Happenings
The City of Kingston often receives requests to share upcoming events happening in our community. Our partners at 
KingstonHappenings.org  do an excellent job of centralizing this community information. So while our website is the best resource to gain information about City of Kingston sponsored events and important municipal information, Kingston Happenings can give you a greater preview of community events. Check them out today!
Sent on behalf of:
Mayor Steven T. Noble
845.334.3902
mayor@kingston-ny.gov

The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, project updates, pictures and news from the City of Kingston. For more detailed information, visit: