Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY OFFICE

DATE: February 14, 2005 

Chairman Richard A. Gerentine presented his State of the County address to the Legislature during the February session. Chairman Gerentine highlighted achievements from 2004 while also speaking about various undertakings facing the Legislature for the upcoming year.

After the Chairman’s speech, the Legislature passed a resolution appointing and reappointing members to the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency. The new members include Jacqueline A. Cook, from New Paltz and Sheldon Zimbler, from Kingston. Alfred J. Ford, Kingston; Thomas W. Roach, Jr., New Paltz; John F. Crews, Port Ewen; Eugene Gruner, Kingston; and Michael Murphy, Kingston were all reappointed.

Additionally, a resolution proclaiming Black History Month in memory of Ossie Davis and Sojourner Truth was unanimously supported. Truth, whose real name is Isabella Baumfree, was a resident of Hurley and became a national icon during the fight for the emancipation of slaves throughout much of the 1800’s. Ossie Davis also fought for equality for African-Americans and was a resident of Ulster County.

The Legislature also voted on a resolution asking to be designated as a community partner in support of the 2005 Volunteer and Community Showcase. The Showcase recognizes volunteers and non-profit groups that offer services to Ulster County residents.

Participants will include emergency food suppliers, service and school organizations, senior residences, business counselors and health, disability, literacy, and housing advocacy groups.

During the presentation segment of the session, Heather Lynn Williams, of Kingston, was presented with a Pride of Ulster County Award for being named Miss Ulster County 2004. The League of Women’s Voters of the Mid-Hudson Region was awarded a Proclamation for ongoing service to the communities. The Proclamation designated February 10, 2005 as League of Women’s Voters Day throughout Ulster County.

The next meeting of the Legislature will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 7 PM on the 6^th Floor of the Ulster County Office Building, 244 Fair St. Kingston, New York.