La Villas y la revitalización de Plattekill

 

El otro día tuve la fortuna de conocer a Ismael “Ish” martínez, autor de Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County.  Por suerte, mi buen amigo, Juan Figueroa me compró un ejemplar del libro autografiado; y major aún, tuve tiempo de leer esa joya de libro a inicio de semana.

Si Usted es residente de Plattekill, Nueva York y quiere inspiración sobre la historia del pueblo donde vive, entonces debe leer el libro.

También debe leer el libro si le interesa:

* El norte de Nueva York en general.

* El Bronx, New York en general

·                     Cultura latinoamericana

·                     Cocina latinoamericana.

·                     Música latina

·                     Esparcimiento en los Estados Unidos.

·                     El Valle del Hudson

·                     La condición humana

Entre 1920 y el 2000 el pueblo de Plattekill, respetuosamente conocido por muchos como el centro de los Alpes Españoles[1], sirvieron como el sitio para afincarse para miles de neoyorquinos, muchos de los cuales eran de ascendencia Latina. Las importantes e históricas Villas que menciona el libro son Sunny Acres, La Copa, Casa Los Andes, Villa García y Villa Victoria. Ellas sirvieron de refugio para los citadinos que buscaban aire fresco, tardes frescas, noches frias, puerco asado y música en vivo destinada a grupos de personas de toda edad.

Las Villas, sirvieron a buses repletos de personas que llegaban los fines de semana todo el verano por decadas, y jugaron un rol sustancial en el desarrollo y las vidas de miles de neoyorquinos através de los años.

Mira Usted a veces alreadedor de Plattekill y se pregunta para qué servían algunas de esas estructuras grandes y anticuadas? Se pregunta cúal era la base económica del pueblo en ese entonces? Se imagina este tranquilo pueblo al norte de NYC lleno de vida de punta a punta?

Si lo hace, entonces, de pronto, sin quererlo, está Usted conjurando recuerdos de días pasados.  Ish cuenta la historia de la era dorada de Plattekil através de fotografías y de pasajes organizados diligentemente. Erase una vez, Plattekill, NY,  una tierra majestuosa, llena de vida y encanto.

Quiere creer en Plattekill? Quiere saber como sería un Plattekill vibrante y progresivo? Entonces, debe leer el libro de Ish.

Y si no cree en el futuro de Plattekill, entonces déjeme recordarle esta sabia máxima:. La historia se repite a sí misma. En mi mente (como lo he sugerido en otras ocasiones), otra Era Dorada se asoma en el horizonte para el tranquilo pueblo al norte de NYC que miles de nosotros llamamos nuestro hogar.

La revitalización de Plattekill está tan solo a unos pasos. Si necesita algo concreto para acompañar nuestros deseos, sugiero que compre un ejemplar del libro de Ish. Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County, el cual es convincente, muy bien organizado e importante. Si Usted vive en el Valle del Hudson y está buscando un buen libro, le recomiendo altamente el libro de Ish, disponible en Amazon.

Brindemos por nuestra bella historia compatida, por un futuro en común, y en honor de Las Villas

---

[1] Nota de la traductora:  A pesar que la acepción  correcta del  término “español”, además del lenguaje, se refiere a las personas o cosas procedentes de España y  de la Península Ibérica en general, en Nueva York y la costa este de Estados Unidos, se usa dicho término [incorrectamente] para describir a las personas de procedencia de países de habla hispana, en general, incluyendo Latinoamérica.

Referencia

Martinez, I. (2016). Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. 

Miryam Antunez De Mayolo: Gracias por la traducción

---

[1] Nota de la traductora:  A pesar que la acepción  correcta del  término “español,” además del lenguaje, se refiere a las personas o cosas procedentes de España y  de la Península Ibérica en general, en Nueva York y la costa este de Estados Unidos, se usa dicho término [incorrectamente] para describir a las personas de procedencia de países de habla hispana, en general, incluyendo Latinoamérica.

The Women's Equality Party Ballot Line

In my current bid for the Ulster County District 12 legislative seat, I am honored to say that I have been awarded the ballot line for the Women's Equality Party - a political party that stands for the rights of women in a world that has been historically biased against them. I applied for the Women's Equality line because I strongly believe in the foundation of their platform and was thrilled to have been endorsed by the Party.

To my mind, government at all levels needs to take steps to facilitate equality among people across all lines - including lines of gender. As a teacher at SUNY New Paltz for years, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to mentor students from a broad array of backgrounds - and have to say that many of my alumni, such as Laura Johnsen (now in a PhD program in biological anthropology), Rachael Carmen (author of over a dozen academic articles), Nicole Wedberg (winner of the SUNY New Paltz President's elite Outstanding Student Award), and more regularly remind me of how important the women's movement is. These young women, who are among the brightest people I know, inspire my work every day. As an educator, I see directly, day in and day out, how important it is to provide equal opportunities across gender lines. I am also aware of how much needs to be done to further advance women's rights. And I get concerned when I see markers of women being exploited or not treated on a par with men.

Concerning Advertising


A few weeks ago, someone asked me to check out the YouTube channel for the business of our current legislator in Ulster County District 12. The below pictures are screenshots of "clickbait" advertisements that I found there. While I have no reason to think anything negative about the business itself, I have to say that I don't fully appreciate this approach to advertising. As a candidate running for office on the Women's Equality Party line, I have to say that I have a problem with this.

"Clickbait" used in advertising for the YouTube ads for the business of Ulster County Legislator, District 12

Bottom Line

In the broader scheme of things, gender equality matters a ton. This issue is a major priority of programs across our nation for good reason - and, to my mind, it is up to all of us as Americans to strongly stand for steps toward structural equality when it comes to gender.

On November 7, the voters of Ulster County District 12 will have a choice to make. If you stand for the platform of Women's Equality, I strongly recommend that you give my candidacy your strongest consideration. I'll be more than glad to talk with voters at any point about my platform, background, etc. Women's equality matters. Our shared future matters.

Open Letter to Kevin Roberts

Dear Legislator Roberts,

I write to you in my capacity not as your opponent in the current race for the seat in the Ulster County Legislature for District 12, but, rather, in my capacity as a constituent of yours.

As you likely recall, in my capacity as your opponent in the race, on August 24 I sent you a certified letter asking you to agree to join me in a public debate. This event would provide an opportunity for the voters in District 12 to get to know our different backgrounds, ideologies, visions, etc. I'd asked that you respond to me prior to 9/1 via email. I was disappointed to have not received any response from you on this, in spite of the fact that I received a receipt indicating that it was received.

As a constituent, I think it is essential that candidates for elected office are willing to engage in public dialog with their opponents. Further, as a constituent, it concerns me that a candidate in any race for office refuses to engage in a public debate with his or her opponent. Honestly, such a situation is a red flag. It makes a person wonder the following:

* Is this candidate not willing to stand in support of his or her record?
* Does this candidate lack a clear vision that he or she could articulate relevant to the office under consideration?
* Does this candidate have something to hide?

As a constituent, I want my elected officials to be fully willing and able to effectively engage in a public debate regarding the issues at hand.

Note that I'd be more than glad to engage in such a debate if you'd be willing to consider it between now and the general election on November 7. I think the public would benefit from hearing us discuss our thoughts on such issues as:

* How to best revitalize Plattekill's distressed economy.
* The primary needs of the people of Plattekill and how to best address these needs.
* The most effective approaches to lobby for County, State, or Federal monies to initiate programs that would benefit the people of our district.
* The recent Green Party controversy
* and more.

As your constituent, I truly believe that you should reconsider my offer to engage in a debate. To my mind, we are at a time in our nation's history when we must have the absolute highest of expectations for all of our elected officials - and a public debate would be precisely the kind of forum that would allow constituents like myself to learn about your background and your vision for our shared future. Don't hesitate to contact me - I'll be glad to do the legwork to set this up.

Genuinely, Glenn Geher - Modena