New Kingston

Staff report
Part-time New Kingston resident David France is making his directorial debut.  France, who splits his time between New York City and the Catskills, has a new documentary entitled, “How to Survive a Plague.” It hits theaters on September 21.

Based on some very favorable screenings, including one which took place at The Roxbury Arts Group, the film is already generating early Oscar buzz. So far, the film is slated to be shown at a number of Landmark Theaters in 28 cities, as well as the IFC Center in New York City, said France.

By Pauline Liu
A new and improved New Kingston Film Festival debuted Saturday night, despite the rain. For the first time, festivalgoers were able to park their cars in the field behind the New Kingston Presbyterian Church and watch the films from the comfort of their cars, “drive-in style.”

New Kingston — In a place where residents know each other by first names only, phone numbers are exchanged using only the last four digits and a trip involving a major highway requires over an hour of driving, a local couple brings conceptual, controversial, spectacular, and whimsical films to the screen at the New Kingston Film Festival.

By Brian Sweeney
A New Kingston home sustained only minor damage in a fire Sunday evening. The fire on the property of Richard and Pat Connell reportedly started in a woodpile adjacent to the house, according to Margaretville Fire Chief Gene Rosa.

New Kingston — The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown and the New Kingston Valley Association unveiled a historic marker near the post office in the hamlet of New Kingston on Sunday.
Fran Faulkner, longtime executive committee member of the historical society, former postmaster and “unofficial mayor” of New Kingston, unveiled the marker with her grandson, Brian Faulkner.
Former New Kingston resident Bill Birns, a retired teacher, spoke following the unveiling of the marker to the assembled audience of more than 60 people.

New Kingston — The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) and the New Kingston Valley Association will unveil a historic marker near the post office in the hamlet of New Kingston on Sunday, June 20 at 1 p.m.

New Kingston — The State Department announced that it is planning to raise passport fees, but customers can avoid the increase by getting their passports now. As a convenience to postal customers, New Kingston Post Office will host a passport day and accept passport applications on Saturday, March 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the New Kingston Post Office.

By Brian Sweeney
The good news from last week’s historic snowstorm was that the predicted high winds never materialized. As a result, the broken trees and power outages that many had feared, were minimal.

New Kingston Valley Grange held its regular meeting Thursday night. Several members took a collection for the Food Bank. The Lecturer, Sandra Greene, announced the birthdays of Lynda Ploutz the 18th, Loretta Keator 29th, Sandra Greene 27th and Marian Schimmel 31st.

New Kingston Valley Grange held their Good Granger dinner Thursday night at the Inn Between. Master Edwin Vermilyea presented the Granger of the Year aware to Patrick Clark. Everyone enjoyed the meal.