Honorable Pierre Vimont Coming to theHudson River Valley

After several visits recently to France I am glad that the Hudson River Valley is getting a visit from a VIP Frenchman, the Ambassador himself. The Honorable, Pierre Vimont will be in good hands as he will be shown around by long time congressman and good guy Mo Hinchey. I fully plan on joining in on this great occasion and spread the news joyously. The French Tourism people have been ever so good to me and my fellow GoNOMAD writers. Below is part of the email I got about the day.

We are delighted to invite you to join Rep. Maurice Hinchey and Rep. Nita Lowey in welcoming The Honorable Pierre Vimont, Ambassador of France to the United States, who will visit and tour the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area on Saturday, July 25, 2009.

The Ambassador will participate in a number of public events to celebrate the passage earlier this year of federal legislation that formally designated the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. The "W3R" Trail traces and commemorates the 600-mile route from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia taken in 1781 and 1782 by the armies of General George Washington and General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau of France.Call (845) 344-3211 for info.

Maurice D Hinchey at the Old Dutch Church, Kingston NY

One of the best things about moving back to my roots in Ulster County NY is the people; I’ve known many for most of my life. Last night I went to the 85^th Annual George Washington Dinner at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston. The Church is on the National Register of Historic Places and should be listed as a designated historic landmark soon. It is fitting as George while not sleeping there did stop by and the church is a magnificent structure with numerous historical ties. I was reminded of my own ties when the city historian Edwin Ford spoke and mentioned that my grandparents were the first to bring him there many years ago, Edwin is in his nineties and has a memory like a steel trap.

Our Congressman Maurice Hinchey was the key note speaker and a very popular guy around these parts. He is now serving his eighth term and serves on the House Appropriations Committee amongst other powerful positions. Perhaps to me his biggest appeal is being approachable. I asked Maurice if possibly we could run some of his photos and take from a government trip to Cuba on GoNOMAD. He graciously agreed and that was so pleasing.

Young and old, Republican and Democrat, at this dinner all are accepted and local fellowship shines. If all politics are local then I am glad to deal with my local politicians here in Ulster. If you ever get a chance to stop by Kingston take some time to wander the uptown streets with its old stone buildings and the Church, it will take you back to the days when politics were especially crucial, during the Revolution and even further back. Thanks Congressman for your accessibility.