February 14, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

It is sad for me to share that this week we had another homicide. As Mayor of this great city, it is troubling that we continue to see violence occur in our neighborhoods, and even though these were all targeted, it is disheartening to see. My number one concern is to guarantee the safety and the feeling of security for all the City's residents.
 
There has been a lot of discussion in our community about police accountability in recent weeks. There's much we have done and always more we can do to improve community-police relations, and I will be making that one of my priorities this year. You will be hearing more about that from me in the near future. 
 
But at a time like this, it is important to remember how hard the women and men of law enforcement work, and how they are putting their lives on the line for the safety of their community every single day. I support the Kingston Police Department and have full confidence that they will bring these shooters to justice. I hope we as a community can be strengthened and bound by these troublesome events, and not torn further apart.
 
-Steve
President's Day Holiday on Monday

SERVICES UPDATE: Monday, February 17 is President's Day and a holiday for City staff. Garbage and recycling will not be picked up on Monday and will be delayed one day next week. An updated refuse/recycling calendar has been added to the City's website. 

City Hall offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. We will re-open with business as usual on Tuesday, February 18. 
Mondays with the Mayor: New Confidential Secretary

This week on "Mondays with the Mayor" on Radio Kingston, Mayor Noble spoke with Roy Verspoor, newly hired Confidential Secretary. They discussed his role as the Mayor's secretary, how the public can interact with the Mayor's office and some upcoming events. 

YMCA's Bicycle Repair Program

The YMCA announced the fourth year of the Midtown Mechanics program, which gives 10 students ( aged 14-24)  the opportunity to learn bike mechanics and earn their own bicycle.  The program will run weekly from February 24 - April 13, 2020 on Mondays from 6:00-9:00pm at the YMCA in Midtown Kingston.
 
Students will be given an old bike, and in each session they will focus on a different bike component so that by the end of the course, the whole bike will be completely rebuilt and ready to ride.
 
The cost is $20.00 and a commitment to attend all 8 sessions is required. Financial assistance is available. All students will receive pizza dinner each night and a bike helmet, lights and lock on completion of the program.  I've enclosed a registration form, and they are also available at the YMCA Membership Office, or online.
 
Midtown Mechanics is supported by the Tour de Kingston, Helen's Hope Foundation, New Belgium Brewing Company, Bike Brothers Bike Shop, Overlook Mountain Bicycles, and the Park Tool Company.
Second Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk on February 22

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk, a  part of  Black History Month Kingston , which highlights legendary abolitionist Sojourner Truth's life, including her escape route to freedom. The walk begins in Port Ewen and will include brief informative stops along the way, ending with a live reenactment of Truth's famous "Ain't I a Woman" speech by Deborah Zuill at the  Old Dutch Church.  Free bus service will be available at Dietz Stadium for pick-up & drop off. The bus will take participants to the starting point in Port Ewen.

Following the Walk will be an artists' presentation by  Meredith Bergmann and Vinnie  Bagwell . Each of these talented sculptors have been commissioned to create larger-than-life sculptures of Sojourner Truth. Ms. Bergmann's statue will be installed in Central Park and Ms. Bagwell's statue will be at the entrance to Walkway Over the Hudson in Highland. The artists will talk about their research into Sojourner Truth's life, their monumental artworks, and the power of art to tell our stories.  Free and open to the public event on February 22 at 4:00pm 


Parks & Recreation Black History Events - Next Week!


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: 

Police Commission
Tree Commission
Community Development Advisory  Board
Human Rights Commission
Planning Board 
Kingston City Land Bank

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
[email protected]

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: