Ulster County Development and China

On the front page of the Kingston Daily Freeman today the headline was Opportunity knocks with China. It was all about the Ulster County Development Corp’s recent two week trip through China searching for opportunities for local businesses in China. One opportunity for example is in the solar energy industry, god knows that getting China to use greener energy could only help our planet. In fact there are already some Ulster County companies supplying Chinese manufacturers with specialized components.

I had lunch with Ward Todd, Ulster County Chamber of Commerce President before the trip. In his quest for pre-trip info he wanted to discuss my recent foray to China. I saw the busy and ambitious itinerary that the group had set up. I salute all involved for going out into the world to build a better future here in Ulster County.

Ulster County and Oscar Winners, Tim McArdle and the Future

We are all hoping for a Melissa Leo victory in the Oscars for the best actress category tomorrow night. Leo is a Stone Ridge resident with a rep for fitting right in. Ulster County also is home to some past victors in the hunt for Oscar, husband and wife Joel Coen and Frances McDormand being prime examples. The talented and gorgeous Jennifer Connelly grew up here and any county would hold that dear. Forget the fact that Dafoe, DeNiro, and Adian Quinn fit in here with their houses, many more walk Ulster’s domain.

Now though I want to think about upcoming talent such as my friend Tim T George McArdle, a very gifted guy, better yet a gentleman. Tim is also a very skilled musician as well as screenwriter and director, award winning I may add. I am so looking forward to the release of his new movie, “Spin Slowly”. On April 18th I plan on being at the party, I wouldn’t miss it. Perhaps some day I will add Tim into the Ulster County Oscar Club, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. You are sticking it out Tim and that gets an award and thumbs up from me.

John Burroughs, Living Green Long Ago in Ulster County

Even with the cost of gas higher than a 737 I cannot help going for rambling afternoon rides. Today we visited the retreat of naturalist John Burroughs named Slabsides, a small cabin left pretty much as Burroughs had it. For the last 20 years of his life he came here to write and be amidst nature. In his guest book are the names John Muir, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Teddy Roosevelt. From 1897 to 1921 John had his own Green Movement going at Slabsides, just 8 miles from my own little retreat here in Ulster County.

Harvesting at the Gill Farm, Ulster County New York

Picking produce isn't an easy job but these guys at the Gill Farm here in Ulster County were doing just fine and smiling. Every year the same folks come back to harvest the great growth. They have living quarters and their own lifestyle. It is great to see people working hard and taking pride in hard work. I doubt if it fits my rambling but markets and farm stands have always drawn me in.

Tour Ulster County NY for History

I happen to live in Ulster County and that makes me one lucky guy. The area is filled with history; it is unique as it was a Dutch colony before becoming British. The area still has Dutch family names from long ago. The city of Kingston was the first capital of NY and was burned by the British during the Revolution as it was said to be a hotbed of scoundrels and filled with those unloyal to the King. It wasn’t the first time the city was torched. The Native Americans burned the city twice before.

Ulster County Tourism and the City of Kingston have websites that will fill you in on all of the history of this scenic and pastoral paradise. Names such as George Clinton, Sojourner Truth, Peter Stuyvesant and even George Washington have a place in the history of Ulster County. Indeed I am one lucky guy!