Current and Past Newsletters - links below
OUR VERY FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD DEMOCRATS MEETING WAS A SUCCESS!
(hint: future meetings will be even better with you there)
**** Meetings are the third Monday of the month at the Town Hall - put it on your calendar ****
NEXT MEETING IS MONDAY, JUNE 18th at 7 pm - Livingston Town Hall
Welcome to the Livingston Neighborhood Democrats monthly newsletter. We held our kickoff meeting on Monday, May 21st with twenty-two members attending - a great turnout for our first meeting. Here are the highlights of our meeting.
Highlights in this month's issue
- Solar committee formed to attend June Town Board meeting
- Fundraising committee for Oktoberfest event
- Our officers, town appointments and volunteers
- Print and mail our questionnaire
Solar Committee
Melanie Nelson suggested that we attend a Town Board meeting (next one is Thursday, June 14th at 7 pm) to suggest that the town take advantage of grants that are available to install solar at the Town Hall. This will defray electricity costs while helping the environment. Several members have solar panels and were very interested in lobbying the Town Board for this worthwhile endeavor. Melanie Nelson, Pam Kline, Karen Fetty, Pat Goldsmith and Steve Blair will meet with Will Yandik (meeting to be scheduled) to prepare our suggestions for the upcoming Town Board meeting. Let us know if you are interested in this project.
Fundraising Committee for Oktoberfest
Contributions help candidates and allow us to hold events and create materials to inform our members. We need volunteers to help with an event we are planning at a local brewery in the Fall to raise money. Lewis and Risa Dimm will chair this event with Pam Kline, Leigh Scott, Steve Blair, Karen Fetty and Pat Goldsmith volunteering to help. More volunteers to help with this event will make it a success - please let us know if you can help.
Our elected officials, officers, town appointments and volunteers
The following members are elected officials, hold positions in Livingston Neighborhood Democrats or have been appointed to important Town positions or are volunteers in our community. If you have any interest in any of these areas, please let us know.
Livingston Deputy Supervisor (Democrat) - Will Yandik
Livingston Neighborhood Democrats Officers:
Pam Kline - Chair
Karen Fetty - Vice Chair
Eileen Yandik - Secretary
Lewis Dimm - Treasurer
Columbia County Democratic Committee District Reps:
District 1 - Pam Kline, Zach Feuer
District 2 - Sarah Price, Steve Blair
Democratic members of Livingston Zoning Board of Appeals:
Sarah Price, Zach Feuer, Stan Yarian
Columbia County Livingston Environmental Reps:
Stan and Lucy Yarian
Elizaville Lake Association Report - Steve Blair
Livingston Senior Citizens Committee - Pauline Czajka
Livingston History Barn - Vince Dicks
Livingston Emergency Management Committee - Lewis Dimm needs volunteers to sign onto this important task which would involve being a reliable contact to help coordinate temporary shelter in case of power loss or weather emergencies.
Print and Mail our questionnaire
We would like to get your input and ideas so print, complete and mail our questionnaire below.
Print the two-page Questionnaire here
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CALENDAR
Voter Registration and Canvassing
When: Saturday, June 2nd at 10 am and every Saturday thereafter
Where: Email tpklinee@gmail.com for meeting place and more information
Something discussed at our meeting was how handicapped we were during the last election because we were missing so many Democrats contact information - phone numbers and email addresses to help us GOTV (get out the vote) during election season. Every Saturday morning at 10 am we will be meeting to canvass our Democratic neighbors to obtain this information. It's really easy and even fun! Can you join us?
FASO FRIDAY
When: Friday, June 1 and every Friday, noon to 1:00 pm
Where: In front of John Faso's office, 2 Hudson Street, Kinderhook
Bring a friend. It's fun, it's social, it's time to connect with others and participate in the resistance.
Columbia County CD19 Candidate Debate - Monday, June 4th
League of Women Voters
Columbia County CD19 Debate
Monday, June 4th
6:30p-8:30p
Montgomery C. Smith Middle School
102 Harry Howard Blvd.
Hudson, NY 12534
Tickets Required - get tickets here:
https://ccny-cd19debate.eventbrite.com/
Facebook Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/375530232946059??ti=ia
Livingston Town Board Meetings - Solar Committee
The Solar Committee will attend the next meeting to discuss Solar grants for Town Hall
When: June 14th at 7:00 pm
Where: Livingston Town Hall
Contact info@livingstondemocrats.com for more information.
In addition, Vince Dicks and Pauline Czajka volunteered to attend all Town Board meetings to keep us informed. Town Board meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at the Town Hall at 7:00 pm and all are encouraged to attend.
Next Livingston Neighborhood Democrats Meeting
When: June 18th at 7:00 pm
Where: Livingston Town Hall
Contact info@livingstondemocrats.com for more information.
Federal Congressional Primary - Tuesday, June 26th
Where: Voting will be at Livingston Town Hall and Elizaville Firehouse
When: 12 noon to 9 pm
Community Events
Senior Lunches at Linlithgo Reformed Church
Wednesdays and Fridays @ 10:30 am
To volunteer, email us at info@livingstondemocrats.com or contact the County Office of Aging
GUN LAWS SCHOOL SAFTEY MENTAL HEALTH
When: June 1 from 6-8 pm
Where: Hudson High School, 215 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson
Panel discussion with Congressman John Faso, National Security Advisor Malcolm Nance, Sheriff David Bartlett and others. Sponsored by Bill Hughes. Space may be limited. Get free tickets here.
Flag Day Parade - March with us
We have a new Livingston Democrats banner and will be marching on:
Saturday, June 9th (gather early if possible)
Step off 2:00 pm in Hudson's 7th Street Park
Pride Parade - March with us
We have a new Livingston Democrats banner and will be marching on:
Saturday, June 16th (gather early if possible)
Step off 2:00 pm in Hudson's 7th Street Park
Contact us at info@livingstondemocrats.com if you have an event you think the community should be aware of.
Information about community events is provided as a service to our members. This should not be construed as endorsement of any event, organization, or political candidate, unless otherwise noted.
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Be Involved.
Contact Livingston Neighborhood Democrats.
Know other people who would like to be on our mailing list? They can sign up here
We try to limit our emails to once a week. So follow us on Facebook for up to the minute updates on actions and more.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, we are always available by email at info@livingstondemocrats as well as on Facebook.
Important CD19 Event
Reserve your tickets now
The Primary is Tuesday, June 26th
Meet all 6 Congressional Candidates in one place.
If you are serious about unseating John Faso, you need to be well informed. Don’t let history repeat itself! Don't let someone else choose the candidate to beat Faso. We are only going to get one shot at this. Let’s make it the right one! Make your reservation now. It’s free! Choosing the wrong candidate will cost you!
If you are serious about unseating John Faso, you need to be well informed. Don’t let history repeat itself! Don't let someone else choose the candidate to beat Faso. We are only going to get one shot at this. Let’s make it the right one! Make your reservation now. It’s free! Choosing the wrong candidate will cost you!
Two Democratic Town Board Challengers Nominated in June 11th Caucus
Our 2017 Livingston Democratic Caucus was well attended on Sunday, June 11th. We are thrilled to announce that we nominated two terrific candidates to challenge Town Board seats in the November 7th election.
Lewis Dimm accepted his nomination and has lived in Livingston since 1973. He and his wife Risa opened "The Livingston Pottery" in the barn they restored. As craftspeople and artists, they achieved wide recognition and success both locally and nationally. In 1990, Lewis opened "Fairview Wines & Spirits" in Hudson from which he has recently retired. Along with Risa, they grew the business into the area's largest wine and liquor retailer. As a long time resident who raised his family in Livingston, Lewis has witnessed many changes and much growth in the town. He looks forward to using his business experience to help manage Livingston to successfully develop and grow in the future while retaining its rural character.
Natalie Sosnowski has been a resident of the Hudson valley for over ten years, Natalie has made the transition from college student to homeowner, to small business owner, to mother. Settling in Elizaville in 2012, she and her husband Kazio restored the vacant farmhouse that had formerly been the site of the Green Pastures egg farm on Rte. 19. In 2014 Natalie and her husband opened Tivoli General, a small grocery store and sandwich shop in neighboring Tivoli, through which Natalie has had the opportunity to work with numerous family farms and small producers in Livingston and the surrounding region.
In addition to these nominations, the Caucus cross-endorsed three worthy Republican candidates who are running for reelection in November: Jimmy Guzzi for Town Supervisor, Tammy Molinski for Town Clerk, and Dave Lyons for Highway Superintendent. As these nominations were made and passed, very positive comments were made about each candidate doing a great job, working well with colleagues across the aisle, and happy to seek our endorsement. The Caucus met again on July 5th to cross-endorse Bob Moore for Town Justice.
The candidates are expected to be on the Democratic line on the November ballot. For cross-endorsements, it will be a show of strength for Democrats to vote for these candidates on the Democratic line.
We'll be in touch as campaign events evolve and the election gets closer. In the meantime, enjoy your summer!
Lewis Dimm accepted his nomination and has lived in Livingston since 1973. He and his wife Risa opened "The Livingston Pottery" in the barn they restored. As craftspeople and artists, they achieved wide recognition and success both locally and nationally. In 1990, Lewis opened "Fairview Wines & Spirits" in Hudson from which he has recently retired. Along with Risa, they grew the business into the area's largest wine and liquor retailer. As a long time resident who raised his family in Livingston, Lewis has witnessed many changes and much growth in the town. He looks forward to using his business experience to help manage Livingston to successfully develop and grow in the future while retaining its rural character.
Natalie Sosnowski has been a resident of the Hudson valley for over ten years, Natalie has made the transition from college student to homeowner, to small business owner, to mother. Settling in Elizaville in 2012, she and her husband Kazio restored the vacant farmhouse that had formerly been the site of the Green Pastures egg farm on Rte. 19. In 2014 Natalie and her husband opened Tivoli General, a small grocery store and sandwich shop in neighboring Tivoli, through which Natalie has had the opportunity to work with numerous family farms and small producers in Livingston and the surrounding region.
In addition to these nominations, the Caucus cross-endorsed three worthy Republican candidates who are running for reelection in November: Jimmy Guzzi for Town Supervisor, Tammy Molinski for Town Clerk, and Dave Lyons for Highway Superintendent. As these nominations were made and passed, very positive comments were made about each candidate doing a great job, working well with colleagues across the aisle, and happy to seek our endorsement. The Caucus met again on July 5th to cross-endorse Bob Moore for Town Justice.
The candidates are expected to be on the Democratic line on the November ballot. For cross-endorsements, it will be a show of strength for Democrats to vote for these candidates on the Democratic line.
We'll be in touch as campaign events evolve and the election gets closer. In the meantime, enjoy your summer!
PRIMARY - VOTE JUNE 28th (12 noon to 7pm)
2016 is and continues to be the most exciting election season in recent memory. Now we have a chance to elect Will Yandik to represent us in Congress. Hopefully you've attended one of the many Meet & Greet events that happened across District NY-19 and heard what Will plans to do when he is elected to Congress. He is our very own local farmer, an environmental leader and he will fight to make sure the economy works for all.
This is your greatest opportunity to show your support of Will and votes here in Livingston and Columbia County could make the difference in the election. When someone like Will steps up to run, it is incumbent on all of us to show our support in the strongest way possible. Candidates like Will are so rare and we need to let him know we are behind him. Every vote is going to count…
But, in order for that dream to come true, we must turn out the vote on Tuesday for this election. So please vote this Tuesday on June 28th and call a friend and remind them to vote too.
This is your greatest opportunity to show your support of Will and votes here in Livingston and Columbia County could make the difference in the election. When someone like Will steps up to run, it is incumbent on all of us to show our support in the strongest way possible. Candidates like Will are so rare and we need to let him know we are behind him. Every vote is going to count…
But, in order for that dream to come true, we must turn out the vote on Tuesday for this election. So please vote this Tuesday on June 28th and call a friend and remind them to vote too.
RETAKE THE HOUSE WITH WILL YANDIK
April 25, 2016
The following is a quote from the Daily Kos, the premier online political community with 2.5 million unique visitors per month and a quarter of a million registered users.
"In New York 19, this is an open seat being vacated by Chris Gibson. We have progressive activist, 2014 Cuomo challenger, and carpetbagger Zephyr Teachout and Livingston Councilman Will Yandik. While Teachout will forever hold my respect for primarying Cuomo, she’s too NYC for this district. I want to win, and Yandik is the man for that."
The above quote is from the Community section which monitors the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. This race is one of 30 that will determine which party controls the House. The race in NY-19 is being closely watched all over the country. And savvy internet sites like the Daily Kos know that Will Yandik is our best bet to win in November. But to do that, Will must win the primary on June 28th.
Let's all pull together to get the word out: tell your neighbors and friends about Will. He is the person who can win the election and re-election because he appeals to Democrats and Independents.
Will Yandik is a fourth-generation farmer in New York’s Hudson Valley, an accomplished journalist and educator, and an environmental leader. Will serves on the Livingston Town Council in Columbia County and he is the first Democrat to be appointed Deputy Town Supervisor.
WILL YANDIK RUNNING FOR CONGRESS
COME AND MEET THE CANDIDATE
January 2016
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year to all, and what an exciting year this is going to be!
We are thrilled to let you know that Columbia County has an exciting candidate for the 19th Congressional District seat.
His name is Will Yandik and he currently represents you on the Livingston Town Board.
As you know, the 19th will be vacant after Chris Gibson's term ends. We have a unique opportunity to take back the seat with a dynamic, intelligent, engaged candidate and we believe Will is just the person we need to represent us. Will was recently re-elected to the Town of Livingston’s board and serves as Deputy Supervisor. He is an activist for the environment and cofounded and championed Farmers and Families for Livingston to protect the Hudson Valley from Monster Power Lines.
We hope you will get to know Will by reading his narrative below. We know you will be impressed by his experience, qualifications for the job, education, and commitment to Columbia County.
If you don't already know Will, we are excited to have you meet Will as the campaign progresses and this newsletter will keep you up to date on opportunities to meet and engage directly with Will.
Here are two events within the next few days that will give you a chance to meet Will in person:
• Saturday, January 16th @ 3:30 pm – Chatham Brewery on Main Street
• Monday, January 18th @ 10:00 am – Crossroads Restaurant in Hillsdale on Route 23
We hope to see you there and help get our home grown candidate elected to Congress!
Will Yandik - Narrative
Family farmer, environmental leader, and Livingston Deputy Town Supervisor
Will Yandik is a fourth-generation farmer in New York’s Hudson Valley, an accomplished journalist and educator, and an environmental leader. Will serves on the Livingston Town Council in Columbia County and he is the first Democrat to be appointed Deputy Town Supervisor.
For the past 15 years, Will has been an advocate and leader for sustainable farming, clean and renewable energy, historic preservation, and empowering seniors to ensure their retirement security. He is a leader in the Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition, a group of farmers and families dedicated to protecting both the local economy and ratepayer dollars by advocating for an improved electricity transmission system to replace expensive, unsightly, and dangerous transmission towers.
Born and raised in Hudson, Will learned the values of hard work and community on the family farm and bakery in Livingston. The 1996 Valedictorian at Hudson High School, he earned a scholarship to Princeton then went to work as a writer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Will earned an additional degree in biology and completed his graduate studies at Brown University’s Center for Environmental Studies, all while working as a field ecology technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a regional state news reporter for AARP.
Will won two prestigious Switzer Fellowship awards to work at the offices of the Environmental Defense Fund and study and co-author a nationally-recognized public policy guide on how medium and small municipalities can reduce their carbon footprint.
In 2009, Will returned to Livingston to manage and work the 190-acre farm his great-grandfather purchased in 1915 with money he had saved while working as a local iron miner. The Green Acres Farm grows a variety of sustainable fruits and vegetables, along with eggs and honey. The farm operates a popular roadside stand and a bakery that has been a regional staple for 50 years.
Will also spent the past five years as an adjunct professor of biology at Columbia-Greene Community College and still writes a monthly report on issues and legislation affecting seniors that is featured in the AARP Bulletin.
In 2011, Will earned the trust of his community and was elected to the Livingston Town Council. Despite a 4-1 Republican majority, Will has worked with his colleagues to pass progressive policies including a ban on hydrofracking, a reduction in the town’s carbon footprint, and additional investments in green spaces. He worked to balance the budget every year and was recently re-elected to the Livingston Town Board, receiving the most votes of any council candidate from an electorate dominated by Republicans.
Will has a broad and deep background on issues critical to rural farmers and families, working-class families, and retirees. His work ethic, collaborative approach, vision, and unique blend of rural values and science-based solutions have built a record of results. That’s exactly what we need in Congress today.
COME AND MEET THE CANDIDATE
January 2016
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year to all, and what an exciting year this is going to be!
We are thrilled to let you know that Columbia County has an exciting candidate for the 19th Congressional District seat.
His name is Will Yandik and he currently represents you on the Livingston Town Board.
As you know, the 19th will be vacant after Chris Gibson's term ends. We have a unique opportunity to take back the seat with a dynamic, intelligent, engaged candidate and we believe Will is just the person we need to represent us. Will was recently re-elected to the Town of Livingston’s board and serves as Deputy Supervisor. He is an activist for the environment and cofounded and championed Farmers and Families for Livingston to protect the Hudson Valley from Monster Power Lines.
We hope you will get to know Will by reading his narrative below. We know you will be impressed by his experience, qualifications for the job, education, and commitment to Columbia County.
If you don't already know Will, we are excited to have you meet Will as the campaign progresses and this newsletter will keep you up to date on opportunities to meet and engage directly with Will.
Here are two events within the next few days that will give you a chance to meet Will in person:
• Saturday, January 16th @ 3:30 pm – Chatham Brewery on Main Street
• Monday, January 18th @ 10:00 am – Crossroads Restaurant in Hillsdale on Route 23
We hope to see you there and help get our home grown candidate elected to Congress!
Will Yandik - Narrative
Family farmer, environmental leader, and Livingston Deputy Town Supervisor
Will Yandik is a fourth-generation farmer in New York’s Hudson Valley, an accomplished journalist and educator, and an environmental leader. Will serves on the Livingston Town Council in Columbia County and he is the first Democrat to be appointed Deputy Town Supervisor.
For the past 15 years, Will has been an advocate and leader for sustainable farming, clean and renewable energy, historic preservation, and empowering seniors to ensure their retirement security. He is a leader in the Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition, a group of farmers and families dedicated to protecting both the local economy and ratepayer dollars by advocating for an improved electricity transmission system to replace expensive, unsightly, and dangerous transmission towers.
Born and raised in Hudson, Will learned the values of hard work and community on the family farm and bakery in Livingston. The 1996 Valedictorian at Hudson High School, he earned a scholarship to Princeton then went to work as a writer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Will earned an additional degree in biology and completed his graduate studies at Brown University’s Center for Environmental Studies, all while working as a field ecology technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a regional state news reporter for AARP.
Will won two prestigious Switzer Fellowship awards to work at the offices of the Environmental Defense Fund and study and co-author a nationally-recognized public policy guide on how medium and small municipalities can reduce their carbon footprint.
In 2009, Will returned to Livingston to manage and work the 190-acre farm his great-grandfather purchased in 1915 with money he had saved while working as a local iron miner. The Green Acres Farm grows a variety of sustainable fruits and vegetables, along with eggs and honey. The farm operates a popular roadside stand and a bakery that has been a regional staple for 50 years.
Will also spent the past five years as an adjunct professor of biology at Columbia-Greene Community College and still writes a monthly report on issues and legislation affecting seniors that is featured in the AARP Bulletin.
In 2011, Will earned the trust of his community and was elected to the Livingston Town Council. Despite a 4-1 Republican majority, Will has worked with his colleagues to pass progressive policies including a ban on hydrofracking, a reduction in the town’s carbon footprint, and additional investments in green spaces. He worked to balance the budget every year and was recently re-elected to the Livingston Town Board, receiving the most votes of any council candidate from an electorate dominated by Republicans.
Will has a broad and deep background on issues critical to rural farmers and families, working-class families, and retirees. His work ethic, collaborative approach, vision, and unique blend of rural values and science-based solutions have built a record of results. That’s exactly what we need in Congress today.