The Catskill Chronicle

HARRIS, NY (May 20, 2013) – The Greater Hudson Valley Health System (GHVHS) has announced that it has been forced to immediately reduce its labor force. Catskill Regional Medical Center will lay off the equivalent of 60 full-time positions. Orange Regional Medical Center will lay off the equivalent of 80 full-time positions. 

GHVHS President & CEO, Scott Batulis said, “While we value every position within the System, we are making every effort to minimize the impact within nursing and departments that provide direct patient care. It is with heartfelt sadness that our need to reduce staffing has come at a time in which our highly productive workforce is ranked among the top 25% in productivity for hospitals across the nation. Federal sequestration cuts and other major reimbursement reductions hit hard and fast; without any transition plan or conversion funding that would have allowed us to reduce costs through attrition or other means.”

At Catskill Regional, revenue has declined due to government cuts and lower patient volume. The hospital is therefore restructuring and downsizing management and non-nursing areas to reduce expense by $5M annually. At Orange Regional, expenses for employee wages and benefits, medical supplies and prescription drugs have increased by $12M with no revenue increase expected due to these direct reimbursement cuts. Therefore, Orange Regional has to reduce costs by $12M to make up this shortfall. Combined, staffing reductions are 5.0% of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System’s total workforce. At this time, there are no plans for further staff reductions.

Batulis stated, “We are committed and will work diligently to assist employees directly affected by this reduction in workforce. Our Human Resources Department will review open positions within the System and will also help to research career opportunities at other local healthcare organizations. Career counseling services will also be provided.”

Employee forums are scheduled at both hospitals for employees to voice concerns and ask questions.                                                       

FROST VALLEY (May 19, 2013) – On April 14, Frost Valley YMCA received the Eagle Award from the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) in Vancouver, Canada where over 1,200 YMCA professionals gathered from over 30 countries. Every year, NAYDO recognizes YMCAs who have been exemplary in their philanthropic endeavors.

Frost Valley was nominated for the Eagle Award by YMCA Camp Manito-wish. Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Ellie Orbison, wrote: “It is my pleasure to nominate Frost Valley YMCA for the 2013 Eagle Award. Frost Valley exemplifies quality financial development practices and is lifted up as the leader in the YMCA camping movement as the model we should all be following to achieve success.

NAYDO Awards Chair, Bryan Webber had this to say about Frost Valley’s nomination: “CEO Jerry Huncosky and Development Director Kathryn Dobbs have built a staff and volunteer team who has achieved strong results in all facets of their development program. A highly innovative communications plan, in support of the annual fundraising campaign, has enabled Frost Valley to grow the annual campaign and donor base significantly. Equally impressive is the recent success of a $7.5 million capital campaign, and continued growth in the endowment fund with assets at approximately $11,000,000. And, in the middle of all of this, was a creative and resourceful response to two hurricanes that devastated Frost Valley – Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Super Storm Sandy in 2012.”

Equally important as the philanthropic efforts of Frost Valley in it’s selection as an Eagle Award recipient is the way these dollars are used to impact and advance its mission. The annual philanthropic dollars raised support financial assistance of over $700,000 yearly for the marquee summer camp program – including Kidney Camp for children on dialysis and with chronic kidney disease. In 2012, Frost Valley was able to offer free weekend stays and a Thanksgiving celebration for victims ravaged by Super Storm Sandy – at no charge. Dozens of families took part in these weekend respites and over $15,000 in assistance was given.

Story provided, photos by Carol Montana

CALLICOON, NY (May 17, 2013) – The 40th Annual Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Recognition Day Luncheon was held on Monday, May 13 at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Club House in Callicoon.

Deborah Allen, Director of the Office for the Aging, welcomed the 225+ crowd that gathered to honor the seniors. Caryn Mathews, Director, RSVP gave opening remarks, Pastor Bob Paquet, gave the invocation.

Marcia Heller, Attorney at Law, sang “God Bless America”. Scott Samuelson, Chairperson, Sullivan County Legislature, Cindy Kurpil-Gieger, Sullivan County Health Chairperson Health & Family Services spoke to the 40 year success of RSVP in Sullivan County.

A total of 283 RSVP volunteers performed over 55,000+ hours during 2012. The RSVP volunteers are making a difference in our community. Nine volunteers served over 1,000 volunteer hours during 2012 received a special award certificate Members of the “1,000 Hour Club.” The awards were presented by Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist to: Barbara Burns – 1,072, William Burns – 1,105, Patricia Curtis – 4,800, Margaret Ippolito – 1,016, Helen “Pat” Muniz – 1006, Sharon Rider – 1,072, Sonny Smith – 1,536, Barbara Viele – 1,071, Marcelle Wagner – 2,420.

Special Honor Awards were presented to: Mae Kratz (photo above with Caryn Matthews) – the longest active term volunteer since 1973; Marie Zalesky (photo right with Elaine Finkle and Caryn Matthews) for being the eldest RSVP Volunteer at 105 years young, serving at Grover Hermann Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center since 1975; and Marcelle Wagner (photo below) for most number of hours served: 41,000 hours since 1988.

Special Service awards were presented to 50 RSVP Medical Transporters: Leonard Bauer, Marcia Bauer, Richard W. Beach, Sylvia Ann Bogusz, Virginia Bossley, Bruce Buckman, RoseMarie Carr,Yoriko Cherry,Marjorie “Jean” Cocot. Edward Coney Donald Downs, Edith “Edie” Downs, Carmen “Letty” Figueroa, Barbara Fogarty, Robert Grab, Sr., Burton  Greenberg, Lorraine Greenberg, Richard “Dick” Harding, Anita Hartmann, Star Hesse, Agi Hyman, Norton Hyman, Mary Inghrim, Denise Jakaitis, Bernard “Bob” Kassman, Zinnia Konviser, Ralph Liff, Barbara MacGhee, Joann MacKinnon, Paul Mader ,Stanley “Stan” Martin,Yvonne Martin, Letha McCausland, Eva Molnar,Noreen Mudge, Arleen Nieke, George Nieke, James “Jim” O’Rourke, Gail Owen, Gloria Paquet, Robert “Bob” Paquet, Peter Rogers, Thomas “Tom” Rudzinskas, Vincent Santoro, Joseph Stifano, Helena Terpis, Peter Toscano, Hulda Vernooy, Arthur Viele, Barbara Viele.

Medical volunteers served 3,587 hours and travelled over 66, 000 miles providing; 1,690 trips to needed medical appointments to the elderly of Sullivan County.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Michelle Semerano and Mike Sakell at WDNB Thunder 102.1/Bold Gold Media Group for announcing the RSVP volunteers birthdays each weekday on the radio, and their continued on-air support of the RSVP program. During 2012 there were 330 RSVP volunteers’ birthdays announced.

Each Legislative District chose a “RSVP Senior of the Year.” From these 9 nominations, one senior was chosen as the Sullivan County RSVP Senior of the Year. Sullivan County Legislature & Health Chairperson/Health & Family Services Cindy Kurpil-Gieger and Kathleen LaBuda, the District # 2 Legislator announced Sophia Martynec, Town of Lumberland /Legislative District # 2, as the Sullivan County “RSVP” Senior of the Year for 2012.

The Seniors of the Year from each legislative district are:

Bethel/District #1 – Claudia Chaiet

Lumberland/ District #2 – Sophia Martynec

Rockland/ District #3 – Stanley & Yvonne Martin

Thomas Seiderer – Mamakating/District # 4

Callicoon /District #5 – Norvin “Fred“ Fries

Liberty/ District #6 – Barbara Burns

Neversink/ District #7 – Marlene Stoutenburg

Fallsburg /District #8 – Norma Selman

Thompson/ District #9 – Sharon Rider

Special congratulations also for also being nominated go to: Grace Tewes – Town of Highland, Julianna Maxwell – Town of Delaware, Marylin Toomey – Town of Forestburgh, and Arthur Hessinger – Town of Freemont.

Sullivan County RSVP is sponsored by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. Funded by the County of Sullivan, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the Corporation for National & Community Service.

If you are interested in joining, call Caryn Mathews, RSVP Project Director at 807-0251 for more information.

Below is an album of photos. To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 40th Annual RSVP Recognition Day Luncheon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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NEW YORK STATE (May 16, 2013) – This week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that a 14-day statewide “Buckle Up New York” campaign to crack down on drivers and their passengers who are not wearing seat belts will be conducted by law enforcement agencies throughout New York State from May 20 through June 2.

“The importance of wearing a seat belt is clear – seat belts save lives," said Governor Cuomo. “Taking a few seconds to fasten your seat belt or to properly secure a child’s safety seat is the easiest thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe.”

According to the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. NHTSA also reports that in 2011 seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide including 444 in New York State. 

“Buckle Up New York” is part of the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign. During this year’s campaign, law enforcement agencies that share state borders will team up in what is being called “Operation Border to Border” to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites, sending a zero tolerance message that driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what state you are in.

“Buckling up is the easiest way to prevent injuries and fatalities should you become involved in a crash,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Barbara J. Fiala. “In New York State, we have had a seat belt compliance rate of 90 or better for the past three years. However, we won’t be satisfied until every driver and passenger buckles up – every time.”

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “Seat belts save lives in New York State. By using safety belts and child safety seats properly, operators and passengers dramatically reduce their risk of severe injury or death when in a motor vehicle crash. For more than two decades, the New York State Police have been stressing the importance of safety restraint use in motor vehicles. We will continue to do our part to reduce senseless injuries and deaths that result from not buckling up and remind drivers to click it or they will get a ticket.” 

Regional Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Thomas Louizou said, “Click It or Ticket is the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever, helping to increase the national seat belt usage rate. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple – Click It or Ticket.” 

Story and Photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY (May 15, 2013) – For the 6th year, the Annual Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom was held at the Monticello Firehouse.

A true intergenerational prom, the event held on Saturday, May 11 was organized by a committee of adults from the Monticello Senior Club, along with the leaders and children from the Boys & Girls Club.

The prom is held annually in May to honor the memory of Alice Kreiter.

This year’s theme was “Hooray for Hollywood,” and several guests were appropriately attired. Entertainment was provided by Kitt Potter and her accompanist, and The Slam Allen Band.

Guests feasted on food prepared by Craig Duffy and Geri’s Creative Catering, and finished with a dessert of fresh fruit and festive cake.

Food and drink were cheerfully served by children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sullivan County: Sara Sorensen, Khristonya Mills, Ariana Irelan, Annelly Connor, Jessica Connor, John Connor, Nathan Guzman, Lauren LaRue, Renee LaRue, Steban Medina, Kristine Perez, Aaliyah Brown and Madison Graham, under the  leadership of Barbi Neumann-Marty, Lisa Moore and Eric Walker.

Dancing and merriment were a big part of the festivities, and at the end of the evening, Kathy Kreiter (the honoree’s daughter), thanked a multitude of people included the entire planning committee, the students and the sponsors.

Below are some photos from the event. To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 6th Annual Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (May 14, 2013) – An opening reception for the new exhibition “Toil and Trouble: New York City’s Quest for Water and the Rondout-Neversink Story,” featuring keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will take place on Wednesday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. at the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville, NY.

Other speakers are Alan Rosa, Catskill Watershed Corporation and Carter H. Strickland, Jr. Commissioner, NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

The reception will also include participation from the Tri-Valley School District and local area youth groups. 

This new interactive exhibition spans the very beginnings of New York City history through the Clean Water Act and beyond. It tells the story of NYC’s Water Supply System, with a special concentration on the Rondout and Neversink reservoirs and “The Takings” – the emotional story of local residents who were forced to sell their land to New York City for the building of the water system. Family members who lived in the communities where the reservoirs now stand are expected to attend the reception.

In addition to focusing on the different systems and how they work together, the exhibit also includes a part called “Would You Drink This Water?,” which illustrates the type of contaminants in early NYC water, “How Would You Feel?,” which delves into the lands taken and how local lives changed, and “Those Who Did the Dirty Work,” which is about the men who built the tunnels and reservoirs.

Through photographs, artifacts, video, audio, interactive computer programs and hands on activities, visitors will be immersed in the fascinating story of the water system’s development. They will “Spin the Wheel” of dirty water, listen to lost town residents talk about being forced to move from their homes, touch rocks dug from hundreds of feet below the earth, play a “Beat the Clock” game and complete an aqueduct puzzle. They will even build their own dam (including sinking and covering caissons) and dig a real tunnel.

Designed to entertain and enlighten visitors of all ages, the exhibition is perfect for school classes, youth organizations and adult groups seeking to learn more about the water system and its impact on the local area. For more information or to book a group tour, call the Museum at 845-985-7700.

The Time & the Valleys Museum is located at 332 Main Street in Grahamsville (State Route 55), and starting on May 23, the Museum will be open Thursday to Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. through Labor Day, and September and October weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m. Suggested donation for adults is $5, Children under 16 $2, and children under six are free.

NARROWSBURG, NY (May 13, 2013) – Eighteenth century folk musician Linda Russell will be among the highlights of a three-day Market Fair when Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History opens for the 2013 season Memorial Day weekend.

Ms. Russell, who explores history through music, served for many years as a balladeer for the National Park Service at Federal Hall on Wall Street, the site of George Washington’s Presidential inauguration.

Accompanying herself on hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar, pennywhistle and limberjack, she will bring life to ballads, broadsides, love songs, marches, drinking songs and dance tunes common to the early settlers of the Upper Delaware River valley.

In New York, Ms. Russell has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Out of Doors and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has recorded eight albums of traditional and popular music of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries.

Joining her at the Colonial Market Fair will be “General Mad Anthony Wayne” (for whom Wayne County, PA is named,) members of the National Living History and Rendezvous Foundation, Navasing Long rifles, Brigade of the American Revolution, and dozens of other reenactors, artisans, and sutlers demonstrating – and selling – their period-correct crafts and wares.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 and Monday, May 27; and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.

Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History is located along the New York State Scenic Byway at 6615 State Route 97, Narrowsburg, New York 12764. For further information, call Museum Director Debra Conway at 845-252-6660.

There is still some room for additional craftspeople and sutlers. (Must be French & Indian or Revolutionary War era.) There is no fee, but you must bring your own set up. And you must pre-register at: fortdelaware@hotmail.com.