The Catskill Chronicle

Photos are of a set of planters in front of the Serendipity Cafe, run by Sullivan County BOCES,  on Main Street. – Leni Santoro photos

LIBERTY – In addition to its new Community Garden on South Main Street, the village of Liberty is also home to a Sullivan Renaissance Category C project it has entitled Liberty Pride.

The objective of Liberty Pride is to beautify the main commercial corridor throughout the Village of Liberty, from Exit 99 in the North of the Village, through the Main Street and Mill Street corridor, and all the way across Rt. 17 to Sullivan Avenue. The team plans to landscape specific focal areas along that route and enhance existing streetscapes with planting boxes, hanging baskets, and banners.

Under the organizational framework of Liberty ALIVE, Liberty Pride brings together a wide variety of community groups. Participating groups include the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce, the Assembly for Liberty’s Investment in Visual Enhancement (ALIVE), the Liberty Community Development Corporation, the Town of Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the local Girl Scout Troop, the Liberty Presbyterian Church, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Sullivan County BOCES and representatives from dozens of locally-owned and operated businesses. 

The project consists of four key beautification components:

1 – Planting of the roundabout in the Village of Liberty with perennial flowering shrubs

2 – Banners spanning State Route 52 at the junction of State Route 17 to encourage a free flow between the two areas

3- Flowering hanging baskets, and

4 – New planters with annual flowers. 

In addition, as part of the Category C program from Sullivan Renaissance, visioning will occur to propose ideas for improving the visual aesthetics of the Village of Liberty to attract new business to vacant storefronts.

Now, after months of planning, the first major volunteer opportunity will occur on the weekend of Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6. 

Liberty Pride is calling all volunteers to come out for its first work weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6. The Assembly point is the Town of Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Corps’ building on Mill Street. Start time is 8 a.m. and volunteers are requested to bring shovels, gloves and any other tools that they may find useful for planting. A BOCES team has built new planting boxes; now it is time to get them filled and pretty for the season.

This project is supported with a Category C grant from Sullivan Renaissance. For more information contact Dale VanDenberg at 845-292-5770.

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LIBERTY – On Saturday, May 22, community members gathered at the vacant lot next to the bus depot on South Main Street in Liberty. A table was laid with refreshments. Information about the newly created Liberty Community Garden, as well as garden plot contracts was available in both English and Spanish (see below).

The lot is owned by Peter Belgard, who made the property available to the Liberty Garden Team consisting of Olivia Lightle, Heinrich Strauch, Akira Ohiso, JonJon Thomas, Sullivan Renaissance intern Margaret Goble and Tim Shera. Thomas designed the visual plan that includes three huge rough hewn timbers at the entrance point; giving the garden a “Stonehenge look” as one Liberty resident put it.

Ohiso, a Liberty resident and one of the team members, has been documenting the garden’s process since its beginnings. To view his photos of the work in progress visit Zinc Plate Press and read his story “Community Garden – Challenging Indifference.

The Liberty Community Garden project began with the grading of the site by machine. Then a layer of cardboard was put in place over the entire lot which was then covered in a thick layer of mulch. The individual raised bed garden plots will then be constructed on top of the mulch.

“The group is still playing with the lay-out [of the planned 15-20 individual garden plots],” explained Heinrich Strauch, the Liberty CDC’s Executive Director. The venture is a collaboration of community residents and the Liberty CDC made possible, in part, with a grant from Sullivan Renaissance’s Environmental Initiatives Program.

“The top soil will be provided,” added Strauch. “All folks have to do is bring their own plants, etc.”

The team’s hope is that “the Liberty Community Garden will become a space for residents to come together, share ideas, promote engagement in the community and interact with each other and everybody around them.”

There is also “an intent to teach sustainable gardening techniques” and to “help gardeners improve their nutrition by eating their own fresh and healthy produce.” There will be instruction for those first time gardeners needing a helping hand and everyone is asked to keep to an “organic” philosophy regarding fertilizer and/or pest control. The group hopes to announce the first of several classes in basic gardening and the how’s and why’s of organic gardening soon.

While a generous grant from Sullivan Renaissance’s Environmental Initiatives Program made the creation of the garden space possible, more money is needed to buy additional gardening supplies, raw materials and a living fence. The group is seeking contributions. Contributions of $10 – for one perennial plant, $25 – for materials for one 8 x 4 ft. garden box, $30 for 10 feet of living fence, or any other amount that folks feel comfortable giving may be made out and sent to: Liberty CDC “Community Garden,” 167 North Main Street, Liberty, NY 12754.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Get Ready, Get Set, Get Gardening visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Gardening Agreements in English and Spanish

For garden space availability and more information call the Liberty CDC at 845-292-8202. Garden contracts may be printed out; simply highlight the contract and print.

Liberty Community Garden – 2010 Participant Agreement

1. I will pay a fee of $20.00 to help cover garden expenses.

2. I will have something planted in the garden by June 15^th and keep it planted all summer long

3. If I must abandon my plot for any reason, I will notify the manager (name of manager??)

4. I will keep weeds down and maintain the areas immediately surrounding my plot.

5. If my plot becomes unkempt, I understand I will be given 1 week notice to clean it up. At that time, it will be reassigned or tilled in.

6. NOTE: Sullivan Renaissance ‘Showing of Flowers’ Judging Weekend is on ____________

7. I will keep trash and litter cleaned from the plot, as well as from adjacent pathways and fences.

8. I will participate in the fall clean-up of the garden.

9. I will not plant tall crops where they will shade neighboring plots.

10. I will pick only my own crops unless given permission by the other plot user.

11. I will not use fertilizers, insecticides or weed repellents that will in any way affect other plots. The Liberty Community Garden is and shall be maintained organically.

12. I agree to volunteer 1 hour per month toward community gardening efforts (a list of volunteer tasks will be provided)

13. I will not bring pets into the garden

I understand the neither the garden group nor the owner of the land are responsible for my actions. I therefore agree to hold harmless the Liberty Community Garden, the Liberty Community Development Corporation, the Garden Group and the owner of the land for any liability, damage, loss or claim that occurs in connection with the use of the garden by me or any of my guests.

Signature: Date:

Name (print):

Address:

Phone / email:

_______________________________________________________________

Liberty Community Garden – Acuerdo de Participante 2010

1. Pagare una cuota de $20.00 para ayudar cubrir los gastos del jardín.

2. Tendré algo sembrado en el jardín para el 15 de Junio y lo mantendré sembrado todo el verano.

3. Al tener que abandonar mi solar por cualquier razón, notificare al encargado.

4. Cuidare de mantener la hierba mala baja y mantendré las áreas alrededor de mi solar.

5. Si mi polar se descuida, comprehendo que se me dará una semana de notificación para limpiarlo. En eso momento será reasignado o labrado.

6. NOTA: Sullivan Renaissance jurado de la ‘Exhibición de Flores’ será el fin de semana de __________

7. Mantendré el solar limpio de basura y sucio, así como los caminos y cercas.

8. Participare en la limpieza de otoño del jardín.

9. No sembrare plantas altas donde echara sombra al solar vecino.

10. Solo escogeré mi propia cosecha amenos que me de permiso el usuario de otro solar.

11. No usare fertilizantes, insecticidas o repelentes de mala hierba que afectara de manera alguna a otros solares. El Liberty Community Garden es y será mantenido orgánicamente.

12. Acuerdo en dar voluntariamente una ora al mes hacia los esfuerzo de jardinería de la comunidad (se proveerá una lista de voluntarios).

13. No traeré ninguna clase de mascota al jardín.

Yo comprehendo que ni el grupo del jardín ni el dueño del terreno son responsables por mis acciones. Desde luego yo acuerdo de sostener inofensivo al Liberty Community Garden, la Corporación del Desarrollo de la Comunidad de Liberty, el Grupo del Jardín y los dueños del terreno de cualquier responsabilidad, daño, perdida o reclamación que ocurra en conexión con el uso de jardín por mi o cualquier invitado.

Firma : Fecha:

Nombre (letra separada):

Dirección:

Teléfono / email:

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NY ALERT – Strong thunderstorms will affect East Central Wayne and Pike counties as well as Southwestern Sullivan County. At 5:08 p.m. the National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm capable of producing small hail and strong gusty winds was located near Hawley, PA and moving southeast at 35 mph.

The strong thunderstorm will be near Rowland and Paupack at 5:15 p.m., Greeley and Blooming Grove at 5:20 p.m., Lords Valley and Twin Lakes at 5:25 p.m., Pecks Pond at 5:30 p.m., Dingmans Ferry at 5:45 p.m., Forest Park and Tamiment at 5:50 p.m. and Bushkill at 5:55 p.m.

This storm has the potential to become severe and produce large hail and/or damaging winds.

Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV station for more information.

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HARRIS – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and Catskill Regional Emergency Physician Services, PLLC, an affiliate of MedExcel USA, Inc., held a recognition event for local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies on May 17 at the Garden Level Café of CRMC’s main Harris campus. The event coincided with National EMS Week, which was May 16 to 22.

The well-attended event recognized the significant contributions made by EMS agencies throughout the region, and honored their dedication and commitment to protecting community members in Sullivan County and its surrounding communities.

The event was filled with accolades and appreciation, including kind remarks from Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Anthony Ruvo, President and CEO of MedExcel. A written proclamation was sent from Governor David Paterson, as was a letter of appreciation from Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Appreciation certificates were handed out to the local EMS agencies from Senator John Bonacic’s office, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther’s office and Legislator Leni Binder, who also serves as Chair of Public Safety in Sullivan County. More than 100 attendees enjoyed the evening.

An affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.

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MONTICELLO – County Manager David P. Fanslau announced that Sullivan County will hold an auction of the County’s surplus equipment and vehicles, and the County has offered the auction as a shared service for the Towns and Villages to be participants. The equipment and vehicle auction will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at the Sullivan County Division of Public Works facility on Route 17B in Maplewood.

“The auctioning off of surplus or unneeded equipment and vehicles will bring much needed revenues to the County,” said Fanslau. “The selling of the surplus equipment and vehicles will also clear space that is currently occupied by such surplus equipment and vehicles,” added Fanslau.

Following a practice that has worked well for the County’s Villages in relation to the real property auction, the County Legislature directed the County Manager to offer the ability to the County’s Towns and Villages to participate in the August 18^th equipment and vehicle auction, by including Town or Village surplus equipment and vehicles in the auction. The proceeds from Town or Village equipment and vehicles will be accounted for separately, and distributed to the respective Town or Village.

“Sullivan County last held an equipment and vehicle auction in May of 2008, which was just prior to the official beginning of this continuing national “Great Recession” that have significantly impacted the County’s economy,” said Fanslau.

“I sent letters to each Town Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, and Village Mayor advising them of this opportunity, as a shared service. Also, the combining of County, Town, and Village surplus equipment and vehicles may make the upcoming auction more successful, by attracting more bidders on more options,” concluded Fanslau.

For additional information regarding the equipment and vehicle auction, please contact Jeff Froehlich at 845-807-0450.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY – Mom used to call it Decoration Day, which is what it was known by when she was growing up. Today it is officially called Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor those men and women who died in the service of their country.

The custom of decorating graves of fallen soldiers goes back, it is told, to ancient Greece. In this country, the custom started after the Civil War. And the city of Waterloo, NY is the acknowledged first city to hold a memorial service on May 5, 1866.

It was 1882 before the term Memorial Day was first used, and that became the official name of the remembrance in 1967. One year later Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their original dates to a specific Monday. Memorial Day, traditionally celebrated on May 30 was moved to the last Monday in May. This year, that day is May 31.

Canada celebrates a similar observance and calls it Victoria Day, There it is celebrated on May 24 or the last Monday before that date.

Volunteers, many of them veterans, observe Memorial Day by placing American flags on each grave site at all the 146 national cemeteries.

Here in Sullivan County, Memorial Day will be celebrated with parades, services and more. Here is just a partial list of services, parades and other remembrances that are happening during Memorial Day weekend:

BETHEL WOODS FILM SERIES: “IN THE YEAR OF THE PIG”

Friday, May 28, Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

The Museum at Bethel Woods will show a screening of “In the Year of the Pig” as a part of their Spring Film Series. Released in the midst of the war, this Oscar nominee for Best Picture (1969) documents the Vietnam War from its French colonialism to the Tet Offensive. From rickshaws to Dien Bien Phu, this is history, death, battles, and ideas as only film can do it. Tickets $8 per person. Film begins at 7:00 p.m. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Hurd Road, Bethel. 454-3388 or 866-781-2922.

MEMORIAL DAY ART SHOW

Saturday May 29, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Barryville Area Arts Association is hosting a Memorial Day Art Show at the Roebling View on Route 97 in Barryville, rain or shine from

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

Sunday, May 30, 4:00 p.m.

Service at Veterans Park, on Roosevelt Avenue in Woodridge, refreshments to follow at the Village Hall.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Sunday, May 30, 1:00 p.m.

Parade, starting at the New Bloomingburg Firehouse and ending at the Bloomingburg Rural Cemetery. Service by American Legion Post 1266 and VFW Post 4947. Sponsored by Village of Bloomingburg.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES

Monday, May 31

Barryville: 9:30 .am. – Service at Barryville Cemetery, Mail Road, Barryville

Bethel, 11:00 a.m. – Service at Town of Bethel Veterans Park, Kauneonga Lake

County Service: Liberty: 1:00 p.m. – Service and Wreath Ceremony at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery, Sunset Lake Road, Liberty. Master of Ceremonies: John Bridges. Keynote Speaker is Donald W. Stuart, U.S. Navy veteran (Vietnam Era), Administrative Officer, Facilities Management Service, Albany VA Medical Center.

Eldred: 9:00 a.m. – Service at Eldred Cemetery and Montaz Cemetery, Rt. 55, North of Eldred High School, in Eldred

Fremont: 9:30 a.m. – Service at Intersections of Rt. 93, 94 and 95, Downtown Freemont Center.

Fremont: 10:00 a.m. – Freemont Memorial Day Parade; following parade, Presentation of Memorial Flag to Shirley Stabbert, in Memory of Frederick Stabbert.

Fremont: Memorial Day Ham Dinner – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Fremont Center Community Church, Fremont Center. Tickets, $9; children ages 5-12; children ages 4 and under are admitted Free. Call 887-4229.

Forestburgh: Service at Veterans Triangle, Rt. 42 South, Forestburgh. Refreshments to follow at the Forestburgh Fire House. Sponsored by the Town of Forestburgh, The American Legion, Jewish War Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Glen Spey: 10:00 a.m. – Service at Town of Lumberland Hall, 1054 Proctor Road, Glen Spey
Refreshments to follow.

Liberty: 10:00 a.m. – Parade Line-up on West Liberty Street and North Main Street in Liberty. Parade will start at 10:30 a.m. and travel through the business district in the Village of Liberty, proceed down Church Street, and end at the Liberty Veterans Cemetery on Cold Spring Road. At the cemetery, there will be a short program.

Long Eddy: 1:00 p.m. – Service at the Graveside of Allan Milk, refreshments to follow at the Long Eddy Firehouse.

Monticello: 10:30 a.m. – Service at Veterans Monument, County Government Center, 100 North St., Monticello. Master of Ceremonies: Al Etkin. Keynote Speaker is Francis Currey, Medal of Honor Recipient – World War II.

Neversink: 11:00 a.m. – Service at the Grahamsville Cemetery. Refreshments to follow at the Grahamsville Reformed Church.

Obernburg: 3:00 p.m. – Service at St. Mary’s Church, refreshments to follow.

Roscoe: 10:00 a.m. – Parade, line up 9:30 a.m., starting at Roscoe Central School. Service to follow at the Roscoe Presbyterian Church, Main St. in Roscoe. After the service attendees are invited to join Bill Streeter, director of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center for Close Encounters With Birds of Prey. The show will include a bald eagle, and will take place directly across from the Veterans’ Memorial at the Niforatos field. Live poppy plants will be available for sale. Bring your own lawn chair. Call 439-4039.

Wurtsboro: 1:00 p.m. – Parade, Lineup at 12:30 p.m.; Parade starts at the American Legion Home for Post 1266, Pine Street, Wurtsboro. Services follow at Wurtsboro Veterans’ Park on Sullivan Street. Sponsored by American Legion Post 1266 and VFW Post 4947.

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Kimmy Simon, age 10, takes a break (with a book, of course). She’s transferring donated children’s books from bags to boxes in preparation for the Giant Children’s Book Sale on Labor Day in conjunction with the 2010 DeBruce Labor Day Parade. Kelly Bertholf, age 9, also helped on another day.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – Tackling your spring cleaning? Dusting off your bookshelves? Finding books that your child has outgrown? Please don’t throw them out! Bring them to the Livingston Manor Library.

The 2010 DeBruce Labor Day Parade to benefit the Livingston Manor Library will be all about Books, Bubbles and Balloons. And the library is currently collecting picture books, chapter books and young-adult books for their Giant Children’s Book Sale at the parade.

Please drop off donated books during regular library hours only. The Livingston Manor Library is open: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Livingston Manor Library is located at 92 Main Street, across from the fire department. For more information call the library at 845-439-5440.

Stay tuned for more information about the 2010 DeBruce Labor Day Parade including details on music, entertainment, food and much, much more.

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HARRIS – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has announced that it is pleased to welcome Dr. Brij Mohan, a general surgeon to its medical staff.Dr. Mohan received his M.D. from Government Medical College in India, and performed his surgical residency and chief residency in general surgery at New York Medical College in Bronx, N.Y. He was awarded a Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

The CRMC Surgical Services Unit is staffed by a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, nurses and other caregivers. Located on the second floor of CRMC’s Harris campus, the unit is equipped with leading-edge technology and delivers general, vascular and other surgery. For more information on CRMC’s Surgical Services Unit please visit www.crmcny.org or call 845-794-3300 extension 2398.

An affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.

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LIVINGSTON MANOR – When is an antique store located in Livingston Manor more than just another place to shop vintage? When it is also a cooperative venture that will help to keep alive memories from the past in the form of a museum located in Grahamsville.

On Friday, May 28^th, a new not-for-profit antique shop, Calliope-on-Main, is opening at 36A Main Street in Livingston Manor. The public is invited for a special Opening Day celebration on May 29^th, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., to look around and to share homemade treats, surrounded by the lovely artifacts of days gone by.

Calliope-on-Main is different from other shops in that all proceeds from the shop will go to the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville, New York. The unique relationship between Calliope-on-Main and Time and the Valleys Museum is one of creative and cooperative collaboration. Museum supporters will staff the antiques store and contribute items for sale. And the store will support the museum.

The shop will feature many unusual antiques, including white Ironstone serving pieces, blue sponge ware pitchers and mottled brown Bennington pie plates. 19^th century quilts, homespun coverlets and bright paisleys will be for sale. The shop also features furniture, glassware and toys, as well as a selection of other 19^th and early 20^th century items. And the Willowemoc flows just below the back deck.

The focus of the store is the appreciation of items used in the everyday life of 19^th and early 20^th century America; and the focus of the museum is the role of water in the everyday lives of people in Sullivan County from the days of the Native Americans, through the period of relocation and reservoir building in the 1930s and 40s, to the present. Both Calliope-on-Main and the Time and the Valleys Museum celebrate the daily life of those who lived in a time now past, but is still interesting and valuable.

Barbara Martinsons, the organizer of Calliope-on-Main, is in the process of moving to Sullivan County and has collected 19^th century antiques for many years. She has recently retired as a teacher in the College Program at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility and Marymount Manhattan College. She founded College and Community Fellowship to support women leaving prison wishing to continue college and graduate school and is currently a Vice President at LyonsPride Realty in Yonkers, NY.

Starting on May 28^th, Calliope-on-Main will be open Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For more information please call 845 439-3300 during business hours.

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HARRIS – The Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), an internationally recognized standard of excellence.

Based on the results of a recent onsite survey and a rigorous set of requirements, CRMC’s Laboratory earned this prestigious accreditation for the 45^th consecutive year. CRMC joins nearly 6,000 CAP-accredited labs worldwide that meet CAP’s stringent standards for quality and patient safety.  CRMC’s lab is also accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and licensed by New York State.

Last year, the CRMC lab performed over 450,000 tests to help diagnose and treat illness. The lab is also very active in the community by sponsoring a wide array of events. CRMC hosts monthly blood drives in collaboration with the American Red Cross and sponsors its own fundraiser, aptly named ‘Dracula’s Pub,’ every Halloween to raise money for the hospital’s Outpatient Oncology Fund.

For more information on the CRMC lab, please visit www.crmcny.org or call 794-3300 extension 2198.

An affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.

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LIBERTY- The Board of Directors of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. John Selover as Executive Director.

Mr. Selover, who is originally from the Cooperstown area, has had several years experience in educational administration, financial management and grantsmanship. He served as K-12 Principal of Worchester Center School in Worchester, NY from July 2001 to December 2005 and became Superintendent in January 2005. During his 3 year tenure he administered a 7.7 million dollar budget and oversaw a staff of 75 along with 440 students.

John’s most recent experience has been at the Imagine School at Land O’Lakes, Florida. He is the Founding Principal of this new K-8 Charter School and was responsible for all aspects of the school start-up including leasing of the site, purchase of all equipment and furniture and hiring of all staff.

John began his teaching career at Bellview High School in Ocala, Florida as a Social Studies teacher from 1997 to 2000.

John is anxious to return to his roots in New York and believes strongly in the outreach mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

CCE Board President Marc Jaffe said that the Search Committee was highly impressed with John’s financial management skills and his vision for CCE Sullivan. He expressed great confidence in John’s ability to lead the Association through the difficult economic times ahead and to help direct strong educational programs for all the people of Sullivan County.

Mr. Selover was chosen from a field of 30 applicants.

It is expected that he will assume his new responsibilities in early July.

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Liberty students Emily Hartman and Nora Townsend show off their garden-themed rain barrel that would be a beautiful addition to any garden. – Kath Lambert photos

LIBERTY – A colorful, creative way to conserve thousands of gallons of water is on display throughout Sullivan County.  The “Rain Barrel Connection” – a collaboration of almost 100 students from three schools – has created 30 beautifully painted rain barrels that will be auctioned off on June 12^th at the Livingston Manor Trout Parade.  The barrels have the potential to save homeowners 1300 gallons of water during peak summer months.

The project – supported by Sullivan Renaissance, Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management and the Delaware Highlands Conservancy – brought together the talents of students from the Tri-Valley Natural Resources Program, BOCES Career & Tech Auto Body students and art students from Liberty Central School.

The Tri-Valley and BOCES students built the rain barrels, outfitting a 55 gallon food-grade plastic barrel with a spout, overflow and lid that lets water in, but keep mosquitoes out.  They were then painted by the Liberty art students, who turned the plain blue barrels into individual works of art.

“This project allowed so many students to become more aware of their environment AND their abilities – in creating, in giving and in being a part of a multifaceted project,” said Liberty High School Art Teacher, Kathy Lambert.

The goal of the project is to raise awareness about the benefits and impacts of storm water runoff.  The use of rain barrels to collect rooftop runoff can save homeowner 1300 gallons of water per summer season.  Lawn and garden watering makes up nearly 40% of total household water use during this time period.

The barrels also help to protect the environment by diverting storm water runoff, which is the leading type of non-point source pollution in streams and rivers.  Plants also thrive when watered with rainwater, which, unlike tap water, is free of chlorine and minerals.

Want to own a rain barrel?  The barrels are on display throughout Sullivan County [a location map is available] for a firsthand look.  On May 18 and 19, photos of the barrels will be on display at Liberty High School, where bidding on a silent auction will begin.  On June 6 they can be seen at the Liberty Museum (Main Street, Liberty) during the Liberty High School Art Show opening from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.  The barrel’s final destination is the Trout Parade in Livingston Manor on June 12, where they will be auctioned off following the parade.  The money raised will be donated to student scholarships.

Sponsors have the rain barrels on display at these locations:

• Ethelbert B. Crawford Library and the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello;
• Morgan Outdoors, Livingston Manor Free Library and Peck’s Market in Livingston Manor;
• David Sager Chiropractic and Peck’s Market in Jeffersonville;
• Catskill Hudson Bank in Neversink and Tri-Valley Central School in Grahamsville;
• The Bashakill Vineyard in Wurtsboro;
• Fosterdale Motor Lodge in Fosterdale;
• Dutch’s Tavern in Rock Hill;
• Sullivan County Airport in White Lake;
• Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and Peck’s Market in Narrowsburg;
• Peck’s Market in Eldred;
• Peck’s Market in Callicoon;
• Roscoe Renaissance in Roscoe;
• CVI Building in Ferndale;
• Liberty Central School in Liberty.

For more information contact Kathy Lambert via email at lambertkat@libertyk12.org or visit the Liberty Central School Web site at www.libertyk12.org.

* Photo captions – Above Right – Liberty students Charles McNellis, Patrick Ramos and Pedro Garcia created a tranquil scene on their rain barrel. Above Left – Liberty students Justin Frunzi and Anthony Saravia put the final touches on their beach-themed barrel.

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LIBERTY -  A group of Liberty residents, in collaboration with the Liberty Community Development Corporation (CDC), are creating a Community Garden in the heart of downtown – in an empty lot next to the bus shelter on South Main Street. Residents and future gardeners are invited to join the project team on Saturday, May 22, beginning at 10 a.m. at the garden site to learn how they can get involved as volunteers or supporters, or even sign up for one of the approximately 20 gardening beds for the 2010 season.

Says Akira Ohiso, a new Liberty resident and one of the team members: “Our hope is that the garden will become a space for Liberty residents to come together, share ideas, promote engagement in the community and interact with each other and everybody around them. From a practical side, we want to offer people who don’t have private outdoor space the opportunity to build a garden and grow their own food. And together we want to learn about sustainable gardening techniques and how we can live and eat healthier by growing our own produce.”

Heinrich Strauch, the Liberty CDC’s Executive Director, adds: “We are very grateful to the property owner Peter Belgard, who made this lot available to us for our garden. We’re looking forward to presenting him with the first (ripe) South Main tomatoe in honor of his support.”

Start-up funding for the garden comes from Sullivan Renaissance’s Environmental Initiatives Program. "We are really looking forward to working with the Community Vegetable Garden project on Main Street in Liberty," said Denise Frangipane, Program Officer at Sullivan Renaissance.  "This project is sure to have a lasting and positive impact on Liberty and the surrounding community."

To provide general information, to sign up gardeners and volunteers, and to raise additional funds, The Liberty Community Garden project team is inviting Liberty residents to visit the garden site on South Main Street on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

**For more on this subject visit Growing a Sustainable Future in the Op & Ed section.

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Photo from the new Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce website.

MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce recently launched its brand new, redesigned website to the public. The site features a members-only section; which allows members to post member to member discounts, the ability to pay invoices on-line, a job bank for posting job opportunities, the ability to edit and update contact info, post coupons for their business as well as post events on the community events calendar.

The site also has upgraded search engines as well as the opportunity to advertise your business directly on the Chamber site. Non-profits, businesses, and other community organizations will be able to post their events on this free community calendar.

In addition, the site will have links to a quarterly e-newsletter and the annual Relocation Guide.

Check out the new site at www.catskills.com.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 845.791-4200

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CALLICOON, NY – On Sunday, May 16 Sullivan County D.A.R.E. students who were essay winners in their respective schools, were treated to lunch and a day of activities with their families.

Sponsored by the Villa Roma Hotel and Resort since 2001, D.A.R.E. Day has gotten help the last two years from Kohl’s Department Stores.

Through their “A-Team” Community Outreach program, Kohls provides personnel from their Distribution Center located in Wurtsboro, as well as a $500 grant to assist the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office with DARE Day.

“The Villa Roma and Kohl’s are great partners with law enforcement,” said Sheriff Mike Schiff. “We are very fortunate to have businesses like these in Sullivan County who get involved and give back to the community.” Pictured above with the DARE students at the Villa Roma are (l to r) Liberty Police Officer Anthony Dos Santos, Kohl’s Loss Prevention Manager Jim Milnor, Sheriff Mike Schiff, Kohl’s employee Ben McMinn, and Sheriff’s Sergeant Luis Alvarez.

D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. This year millions of school children around the world will benefit from the highly acclaimed program.

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MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development (Partnership) announced the immediate availability of a Web-based listing service for commercial properties in Sullivan County.

Realtors with commercial listings will now be able to post properties on the Partnership Web site which allows for greater distribution and improved exposure. The free service is designed to both promote the sale of commercial properties and to build a commercial inventory database.

Site selectors, commercial real estate developers and economic development professionals frequently visit the Partnership Web site to access resources and other information.

This dynamic service will help stimulate the commercial market and draw more attention to the spectrum of property types in Sullivan County. The Partnership, founded in 1994, is a non-profit organization focused on the marketing of Sullivan County, leading to job creation and investment in the county.

Over the years, The Partnership has worked to solidify its organizational structure, develop and strengthen relationships with its partners, the County of Sullivan, the Sullivan County Industrial Development Association, the business community and other service organizations. Through leadership in both the government and private sector, successful strategies were developed that worked to create an environment that makes investing in Sullivan County viable. Due to its balanced approach to assisting small and large business, The Partnership plays a pivotal role in providing facilitative services and carrying the message of a positive outlook for the future of Sullivan County.

For more information about the Commercial Listing Service, visit www.scpartnership.com, and click on the “Real Estate” link.

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Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro

CALLICOON, NY – The volunteer statistics are stunning, and the people involved truly inspiring.

On Monday, May 10, the Sullivan County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) held a luncheon honoring over 200 people for their countless hours of volunteerism.

In her opening remarks, RSVP Project Director Carol Kelly commented on the dedication of the volunteers. “You’re here because you share a commitment and a desire to serve others in the community. You have confidence in yourself and faith in your fellow human being. You volunteer simply because you’re a good neighbor… because it’s the right thing to do.”

Sullivan County Legislative Chair Jonathan Rouis remarked how he and his colleagues on the Legislature “are continually amazed to find out that more than 274 individuals volunteered in 2009. The youngest RSVP is 55 years old, and 144 volunteers are older than 75.”

Rouis called the RSVP volunteers “the brightest and best example of service within our county.”

RSVP members serve the community by volunteering as literacy tutors, at nutrition sites, for medical transportation, and in cultural and community activities. They put in over 62,000 hours in 2009, serving over 33,766 individuals. The volunteers delivered 62,728 homebound meals and served 17,865 congregate meals. They also served 35,000 hot meals to the homeless, and delivered 38,000 pantry items.

Volunteers work at the Dispute Resolution Center or Court Appointed Special Advocates Program. They do daily telephone contacts and friendly visiting.There are 35 medical transporters who put in more than 2000 collective hours and drove more than 41,000 total miles. There are 18 volunteers who are 90+ years old, and eight people volunteered over 1000 hours in 2009.

Marie Zalesky, who is 102 years old, received special recognition as the program’s oldest volunteer. Zalesky volunteers at the Grover Hermann Hospital in Callicoon where she put in 121 hours assisting patients, and logged more hours in 2009 than she did in 2008.

Literacy Volunteers Director Connie Keller introduced guest speaker Larry McCall. Once one of the literacy students himself, McCall spoke about his learning to read as being a gift. “It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world. There will never be another day that I will walk through this world without a book in my hand.” McCall is now a volunteer himself.

The 2010 Seniors of the Year by township are:

Brenda Safer – Bethel, Sheila Coleman – Callicoon, Jacalyn Robisch – Cochecton, Judy Tolkacz – Delaware, Max Selman – Fallsburg, Elaine Alenky – Forestburgh, Donald Downs – Fremont, Grace Tews – Highland, Beatrice Martin – Liberty, Sheila Hocker – Lumberland, Robert Conner –Mamakating, Dorothy Muthig – Neversink, Elizabeth Policoro – Rockland, Barbara Fogarty –Thompson, Charles Scheibling – Tusten.

In addition to winning the award as Senior of the Year from his town, Donald Downs from the Town of Fremont also won as overall Senior of the Year.

Downs has an amazing list of accomplishments including being a medical transporter and a member of the Town of Fremont Planning Board. He’s active in planning the municipal water system in Long Eddy, is a member of the design and planning committee for Fremont Town Hall, and volunteers at WJFF Radio. He’s President of the Board of Directors of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, and is a member of Scenic Byway Committee. Additionally, Downs volunteers for the Historical Society of Long Eddy.

“I volunteer as a payback for living in such a wonderful place. Fremont is a beautiful town, we live on the river and we enjoy it. … People should volunteer to become involved with their community so that they understand what makes things work. It’s important that they get outside themselves.”

As RSVP Project Director Carol Kelly told the assembled volunteers, “You make Sullivan County a better place to be.”

To see more photos from Senior Volunteers Celebrated at 37th Annual RSVP Luncheon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro

BETHEL, NY — With the shining sun in the background, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC was officially opened for display at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Thursday, May 13.

Usually referred to as The Wall That Heals, the replica has been to over 300 cities and towns throughout the nation. Like the larger version, the one on display in Bethel has the names of 58,261 soldiers who were killed or missing in action during the Vietnam conflict.

During an opening ceremony that was both solemn and emotional, The Wall was dedicated in front of an audience of current and retired service people, state, county and town officials, members of the media and the general public.

Chairman of the Board of the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Alan Gerry said that the exhibit was “Truly an honor for all of us.” He also talked about envisioning The Wall coming to Bethel Woods when the original plans for the site were being laid out. Gerry thanked the organizations “whose generous support brought The Wall to Bethel Woods,” including A & J Hometown Oil and the Vallone Family of Companies, as well as ShopRite Supermarkets for their in-kind support.

Sara Sicuro and two other team teachers from Monticello High School brought a group of students from the 9th grade social studies class. The group had been to the Museum at Bethel Woods before and had been invited back. Sicuro said “It was a great opportunity to see the Museum and again and view The Wall, because a lot of the students haven’t been able to get down to Washington, DC.

The keynote address was delivered by Medal of Honor recipient and retired U.S. Army Colonel Jack Jacobs, co-author of the book If Not Now, When?: Duty and Sacrifice in America’s Time of Need.

Jacobs was severely wounded in Vietnam, losing the sight in one eye and never quite regaining his sense of smell and taste.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Jacobs is also the recipient of three Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, and a couple of Purple Hearts. He serves on many boards, teaches at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is a Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation, and a military analyst for NBC and MSNBC.

Jacobs address was both serious and lighthearted. “It’s good to be here,” he joked, “although at my age, it’s good to be anywhere.” He told the crowd what he learned from serving in the military. Things that he carried through to civilian life. “You should never separate authority and responsibility – don’t give people authority unless you also give them responsibility for their actions. And don’t give them responsibility for doing things, unless you also give them the authority to carry it out.

“Anybody who ever tells you he was not scared in combat is a lying dog,” continued Jacobs. “I was always scared in combat. And anybody who says they weren’t is either a liar or a psycho. They could be a lying psycho. …”

Jacobs humor comes from his New York City upbringing he says. When he was in Vietnam and taking language classes, he got good enough to make jokes in Vietnamese. “You gotta put people at ease. Being in combat is a very, very scary proposition. … You’ll only get the best out of your troops if they know that you’re scared but confident, and the best way to do that is to get them to relax a little bit. It’s amazing what a little bit of humor will get you, even in combat.”

Jacobs said that whenever someone asks what he misses most about the army, his response is, “The people. I can’t get those brave and dedicated people who served with me and who defend the country out of my mind. Would that the rest of the country felt the same way.

“One of the most significant things I learned, and everybody else who’s successful in the military has learned is the love for one another. Today is a day of love. War is craziness and violence, and you have to overcome it. But at the end of the day, it’s all about love,” said Jacobs.

“We live today in this country free because people before us decided they would make sacrifices for succeeding generations … I am reminded about the last line of the Declaration of Independence, the people who signed it were fairly well-to-do people, they wrote down and signed the following statement: ‘ … We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.’ and they weren’t kidding.” Jacobs said.

“We do fight for the country, and we do fight to accomplish the mission. But most of all, we fight for each other.”

Following the keynote address, a wreath was laid at the foot of The Wall by a soldier accompanied by Gold Star Mother Mabel Brucher, after which a bugler played Taps, and a 21-gun salute followed. and the crowd was allowed on the lawn to view The Wall.

The Wall is accompanied on its journey by a mobile museum containing both photos of those whose names are on the Wall, and items that people have left at the Wall in Washington, DC.

Veteran Volunteer John Halvorsen was a helicopter pilot in Plaiku, Vietnam in 1971 and 1972. He currently lives just north of Albany. “I try to volunteer anytime the Wall is in the area. I figured what better place to be at than Woodstock.

Halvorsen explained that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC has a collection of items that have been left at The Wall. “There are probably hundreds of thousands of items there now. I don’t believe that any of them are ever thrown away,” said Halvorsen.

Inside the mobile museum are: photos and cards, gloves, ribbons, letters, patches, bullets and more.

And Halvorsen explained, “These items meant something to at least two people …”

The Wall That Heals will be on display at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Hurd Road in Bethel, NY for 24 hours a day through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 17. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to visit.

Also on display in the Bethel Woods Museum Special Exhibits Gallery is the exhibit Eddie Adams: Vietnam.

Legendary photojournalist Eddie Adams worked for The Associated Press, Time and Parade Magazines, and he enjoyed a 45-year career that covered thirteen wars. As a working photographer, Adams’ images were never exhibited. Bethel Woods is the first museum to exhibit this collection of photographs to celebrate his extraordinary record of our world. This exhibit includes 50 black and white images from Vietnam, including his highly influential images of the Vietnam boat people, which were presented to Congress and subsequently influenced the government’s decision to admit 200,000 South Vietnamese refugees to the United States.

The photos will be on exhibit now through July 11. Call 454-3388 or 866-781-2922 for more information.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from The Wall That Heals visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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HARRIS, NY – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) announced that its Blood Donor Center has received the Life Share Platinum Level Achievement Award from the American Red Cross for outstanding employee participation in 2009 blood drive donations.

The award was formally presented by Shawn James of the American Red Cross at a ceremony on May 12. In the photo at left are (l-r): CRMC staff Rosemary Steuber, Patti Anderson, Steve Ruwoldt and Dr. Joseph Napolitano with Shawn James of the American Red Cross.

The ceremony also celebrated the Center’s fifth anniversary.

CRMC’s Blood Donor Center sponsors monthly blood drives at the hospital. Last year, the center registered 331 donors and collected 250 units of blood, which can save up to 750 lives.

An affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.

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Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro and Stephen Lavelle

MONTICELLO, NY – To paraphrase an old song “Thunderheads built this city on country music.” The city was Monticello, the country music courtesy of Thunder 102 radio and The Town of Thompson along with other corporate sponsors, the place was Monticello Casino and Raceway, and the event was the 5th Annual ThunderBash held on Saturday, May 8.

ThunderBash featured the music of Somerville with Alyssa Startup, Elissa Maliss, Iron Cowboy and Valory recording artist, Jimmy Wayne.

Thousands of Thunderheads (the station’s nickname for their legions of fans) came ready to party, with many dressed for the occasion in cowboy hats, boots and bandanas. A requested donation of $1.02 went to benefit the St. Jude  Children’s Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County.

“Thunder Country has been very supportive of the YMCA, and helping to bring one here to Sullivan Country,” said Linda Cellini, Financial Development Director for the YMCA. She beamed as she talked about the recent donation of 155 acres of environmental property with a lake bordering the Town of Thompson and Mamakating on Wild Turnpike Road. The YMCA is  looking for about 12 acres of land for building in Sullivan County. “So if anyone has some land they want to donate … it should be about 15 minutes off Route 17.” The money that they raised from ThunderBash will go to the YMCA building fund.

Ann McGuire of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was thrilled to be the other beneficiary of ThunderBash. St. Jude is located in Memphis, TN and is a children’s hospital that focuses on research.

“When the hospital opened in 1962, the overall survival rate for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – the most common form of childhood cancer – was 4%, today it’s 94%,” said McGuire. In addition to cancer research, St. Jude also researches and treats pediatric aids, sickle cell and other childhood diseases. And any treatment or cure that they find is shared freely with the rest of the medical community at large.

St. Jude never turns away a family because of their inability to pay. “We pay for their trip to Memphis, their housing, we give them a food card from Kroeger’s to go grocery shopping. The only thing they have to worry about is their kid,” McGuire said as she thanked Thunder Country and the community for their generosity.  “Everyone has been so kindhearted.”

In addition to the two charities benefiting from the event, performer Jimmy Wayne talked about a charity that he has started for to raise awareness of homeless teens and young adults who age out of the foster care system.

Wayne is walking halfway across America encouraging people to become foster parents or volunteer for an organization for a local organization that helps troubled youth.

Before and during the concert, guests were treated to a variety of vendors featuring everything from Silpada jewelry to party planning by Spencer Daniels Agency, and from Provident Bank to Sullivan County First Refuse and Recycling. Most of the vendors were giving away items or holding raffles. There were also charities handing out information about the American Cancer Relay for Life, the Monticello Panthers Youth Football and Cheerleading Organization and the Families of Iraqi and Afghanistan War Veterans hoping to get some volunteers for the annual Radiothon.

While the U.S. Army, the Marines and the Sullivan County Civil Air Patrol continued to showcase their stuff in the hall, the crowd of thousands was going wild for music. Thunderous cheers ended every song and each artist was welcomed warmly and enthusiastically.

Also in the hall, several lovely ladies graced the crowd with their crowns and banners. North Branch resident Kathryn Miller is Mrs. Thunder County, Anna Rose Mongiello from Monticello is Miss Teen Thunder Country, Callicoon resident Jessica Goins is Miss Sullivan County, Jennifer Ferris from  Mountaindale is Mrs. Sullivan County, Wurtsboro resident Felicia Ramos is Miss Catskills, and 10-year-old Dara Schiff from Liberty is Miss Sullivan County Pre-teen.

The older ladies have platforms ranging from polycystic kidney disease awareness, to volunteerism, and from bullying prevention to preventing teen pregnancy. But adorable Dara is just enjoying the spotlight. “I like all the attention, cause my dad (Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff) usually gets all the attention, and it’s usually all about him, so I like it being about me now.”

For more information about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital visit www.stjude.org or call the Albany office at 518-453-6800.

The Sullivan County YMCA can be reached at 807-1273, www.MiddletownYMCA.org.

For more information about Jimmy Wayne’s “Meet Me Halfway” initiative, visit http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/.

All donations are tax deductible.

And to find out more about Thunder Country radio station, go to Thunder102.com.

To view more photographs or to purchase prints from ThunderBash 2010, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce held its 19^th Annual Pride of Sullivan County Awards on Sunday, May 2^nd at The Club at Villa Roma in Callicoon, NY.

With a crowd of more than 250 guests, Chamber Board members, along with Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Senator John Bonacic, presented 15 leaders with township awards.

Four honorees received special recognition including Howard Siegel (pictured above), who was selected as the 2010 Business Person of the Year. "This is truly and honor," said Siegel. "But, this isn’t something that I’ve done alone. There are so many people, including some who are sitting at our table, who have made Siegel Agency a success."

Recognition was also given to Charles ‘Chuck’ H. Myers for Distinguished Service; Philip Coombe Jr. (pictured above left) for Distinguished Achievement, and Sara Ingber, who was honored with the Young Emerging Leader Award for her new business, "Sara’s Gourmet BBQ Sauce".

2010 Pride of Sullivan Honorees:

Business Person of the Year: Howard Siegel of The Siegel Agency

Distinguished Service Award: Charles "Chuck" H. Myers

Distinguished Achievement Award: Philip Coombe, Jr.

Young Emerging Leader: Sara Ingber, Sara’s Gourmet BBQ Sauce (pictured at right)

Town of Bethel: Patricia & William Burns

Town of Callicoon: Deming Krum (Posthumous nomination), Krum & Son Excavation

Town of Cochecton: Salvatore B. Indelicato

Town of Delaware: The Janice Center

Town of Fallsburg: Fallsburg Lumber

Town of Forestburgh: Eileen & Ron Geysen

Town of Fremont: Loreen Gebelein, VP/ Loan Servicing/ Collections Manager Jeff Bank

Town of Highland: Frederick Reber, Cedar Rapids

Town of Liberty: Dale & Carol VanDenBerg, Hillside Greenhouse

Town of Lumberland: Mack B. & Susan B. Morley

Town of Mamakating: Michael Spiegl, The Eagle’s Nest Restaurant

Town of Neversink: The Denman Agency

Town of Rockland: Pete DeVantier, Roscoe Lumber Yard

Town of Thompson: Cooper, Niemann & Co. LLP, CPAS

Town of Tusten: Jill Padua, Jill’s Kitchen

For more information, please feel free to call the Chamber at 845-791-4200 or log on to: www.catskills.com.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY — Since 2008, the Monticello community, under the guidance of Kathy Kreiter, community activist and Director of the Dispute Resolution Center, has honored its senior citizens with an inter-generational “Senior” prom.

This year, Kathy wasn’t sure she could pull it off.

Back in March, her mom Alice passed away. Alice had been an active part of the Senior Prom Committee, and Kathy didn’t know if she had the time or the heart to plan it this year. There was also no time to solicit the community donations that usually funded the prom.

But Kathy’s decision was, in essence, taken out of her hands. “A couple of weeks before she died, my mom asked me to please try to do the prom,” said Kathy. “I told her she might have to let me off the hook this year.” But a dear friend who had been out of the country when Alice passed away sent Kathy an Easter card. The card said, “Have the prom, name it after your mom and don’t worry about the funding.” In the card was a check for $2000.

So thanks to Yvonne Grimes of Connecticut, and thanks to a committee made up of various Monticello residents and young folks from the Boys and Girls Club, Monticello was not only able to hold their Senior Prom, but also christened it with a new name: The Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom.

Held at the Monticello Firehouse, this year’s theme — which had been previously chose by Alice and Kathy — was “Rock ‘n Roll, and it came complete with a Drive-In menu. Elvis’ Lost Brother, Eric Bressi and Times Herald-Record editor and columnist Barry Lewis as MC.

Bressi had so many people up and dancing, that hardly anyone was left seated. He got the “Monticello Rockettes” on the floor, held a dessert eating contest (no hands) that had four of the kids wearing vanilla pudding, and even organized a conga line that stretched around the fire house.

The event was catered by Craig Duffy of Geri’s Catskill Cafe. The menu included: hamburgers, hot dogs, cole slaw, potato salad, pickles and chicken fingers all packaged up in little baskets, and served by the younger folks to the older folks.

Once the young men and women were finished with the serving and the clearing, they joined in the fun of the dancing. “The kids that came this year were just tremendous,” said Kathy. “These are my two favorites groups of people, seniors and kids – just bouncing ideas off each other and working and planning, and applauding each other.”

Committee member Roz Sharoff echoed the sentiment, “The kids were amazing. They fulfilled everything they had to do and more.”

And Sharoff had high praise for the woman behind it all. “Kathy Kreiter is one of the most remarkable women I’ve ever met. She’s so capable and so caring. … it’s Kathy who’s the heart and soul of all this. She’s an amazing woman. … She talks to the seniors and youngsters with the same heart. …”

County Court Judge candidate, Marty Miller has been a friend of the Kreiter family for years. “We’ve known each other since we were kids, and for many years our families were neighbors — going back to the 1920s and 1930s. … It’s great to get everyone together. And it’s great that it’s in Alice’s honor.”

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Seniors Celebrated at 3rd Annual Prom, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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The First National Bank of Jeffersonville has announced the winners of its 2011 Photo Calendar Contest. The calendar, available this fall, will depict the Four Seasons of Nature & Landscapes in Sullivan County, NY.

The winners are: Jane Biron, James Carney, Jerry Cohen, whose photo Blue Boat – Pleasure Lake is pictured above, Stephen J. Davis, Tom Kelemen, Judith Meyerowitz, Holly Miller-Pollack, Charles Rehm and Virginia Sanborn.

The initiative was created by Jeff Bank to support the Catskill Art Society and the arts community.

A launch party for the calendar is scheduled for Friday, October 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Catskill Art Society Arts Center in Livingston Manor.

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MONTICELLO, NY – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan Partnership for Economic Development and S.C.O.R.E will offer an informational seminar entitled Careers in Franchise and Business Ownership on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sullivan County Partnership Office Board Room located at 198 Bridgeville Road in Monticello, NY.

The seminar will be presented by Frank Dunne, who will share his insights into the world of the franchise business experience. Dunne is the owner of FranNet of the Hudson Valley (www.frannet.com)

Topics will include: How to identify franchise business choices that best fit your skill set, needs, and goals; why consider business ownership now; growth trends and choices in franchise ownership that offer stability and success in weak and strong economies; safely and affordably transitioning from employment into business ownership; costly mistakes to avoid; advantages of buying a franchise vs. other businesses, and what franchises cost and how to finance the purchase.

If you want to own your own business to take control of your future and enjoy a more flexible lifestyle but, you’re not sure of the costs involved, if the timing is right, if you’re cut out for it, not sure what business makes sense or you’re not sure if it is safe, then this seminar is for you.

To register for this seminar, contact the Chamber office at (845) 791-4200 or e-mail: chamber@catskills.com.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

According to the 2000 census, the senior population in Sullivan County is expected to grow by leaps and bounds. The number of people over the age of 60 will increase by 32 percent, and those over 85 will rise by 51 percent. Most of these people will want to remain in their own homes and be productive members of their community. In fact, statistics have proven that there is an economic benefit to having that very population in a neighborhood. 

According to Bonnie Lewis, Coordinator of the Caregiver Resource Center at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, we need to look at “what we can do to enhance our communities so we can live here safely for as long as we want.”

Lewis is one of the driving forces behind TRIAD, a partnership among senior citizens, senior providers and law enforcement created to keep seniors safe and reduce victimization.

According to a study on Livable Communities conducted by AARP, the things seniors need to stay in their community, and live comfortably include: health care, housing, transportation, adequate nutrition, life-long learning opportunities, maintenance of driving ability, isolation prevention and civic engagement.

In a recent forum on Community Empowerment for Aging in the Community sponsored by TRIAD, residents of the Town of Neversink and surrounding areas discussed the towns strengths and weaknesses, as well as the necessary improvements to accomplish that goal. “America’s communities are just getting started with testing their aging readiness,” said Lewis.

Grahamsville resident Priscilla Bassett, who serves the senior community as a member of both the Senior Legislative Action Committee and TRIAD, helped those present list the strengths and weaknesses of the community. Strengths include: the availability of a shopping bus through the Sullivan County Office for the Aging, an AARP group, luncheons at Grahamsville Methodist church, walking programs at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds and the Tri-Valley School, congregate meals at the Neversink Fire House, The Tri-Valley Townsman, The Catskill Chronicle, the Department of Motor Vehicle’s outreach once a month, the very active Parks and Recreation Department in the town, and lots of good neighbors who care about each other and reach out when someone needs help.

And speaking of help, Town of Neversink Supervisor Greg Goldstein and Office for the Aging Director Debbie Allen both talked about how hard it is to get people to ask for help. “It takes an average of seven phone calls before people accept help,” said Allen. For his part, Goldstein pleaded with people to call and ask for help of any kind if they need it. “Part of Neversink’s strength is that people are very close in this community and will help people,” he said. 

Among the town’s weaknesses and needs, Goldstein expressed dismay about the lack of cell service in a big portion of the town. New York City, which controls much of the land around the town because of the NYC watershed, is a good neighbor said Goldstein, but it also limits the amount of development in the town. Promising to continue to work on the  cell tower issue, Goldstein also is pursuing bringing a pharmacy to the area as well as a doctor.

In addition, there was discussion about the possibility of bringing some new programs to the community.

Carol Smythe who serves a Town of Neversink Historian talked about the program A Matter of Balance, a national exercise program designed to strengthen joints and prevent falls.

Kathi Hitt, Director of the Sullivan County Department of Health and Family Services discussed the  Umbrella Program, which has been implemented in several other communities. The program, which is  for seniors and disabled people only, requires a reasonable membership fee, and then a nominal amount for services like plumbing, landscaping, housecleaning, etc. The Umbrella Program is a not-for-profit, and acts on a sliding scale. The people who do the work are retired seniors who used to work in their field, so participants can be assured of quality work.

Other forums will be conducted throughout Sullivan County in the coming months. “We’re trying to hit each quarter in different areas because each community may have unique needs,” said Lewis.

She hopes to have funding to implement the ideas at end of summer. “The state has indicated that the funds are there to build around already existing programs.”

In conjunction with the forums, The Cornell Cooperative Caregiver Resource Center is doing a survey to ascertain other aging-related issues in our region. “Each community has things in common and also unique issues,” reiterated Lewis. “So we’re looking for programs that many people would utilize.”

For more information about TRIAD, call the Sullivan County Office for the Aging at 794-3000, ext. 5000 or the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office at 794-3344. To find out more about the Caregiver Resource Center at Cornell Cooperative Extension, or to find out about the next community forum, or to request a copy of the aging-empowerment survey, call 292-6180, or visit Cornell Cooperative Extension on the Internet.

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LIVINGSTON MANOR – Blue sky, golden sun and community spirit brought more than two dozen Renaissance members, students, residents and shopkeepers onto Main Street, Livingston Manor, Saturday May 1^st for a "Clean Sweep."

Armed with brooms, shovels and boundless enthusiasm, 27 volunteers helped sweep up the sand and residue from last winter’s numerous snowstorms. From 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. crews of happy workers cleaned up Main Street and enjoyed refreshments provided by Livingston Manor Renaissance.

The opening event in this year’s Renaissance project, it will be followed by an additional sweep up on Wednesday, May 19^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome. For more information call 439-5507.

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JIMMY WAYNE HEADLINES

MONTICELLO, NY — Thunder 102 Radio and The Town of Thompson present the 5^th annual ThunderBash at the Monticello Casino and Raceway on Saturday, May 8.

This free event will be headlined by Valory recording artist, Jimmy Wayne. Also appearing are Iron Cowboy and Somerville with special guest Alyssa Startup.

Last summer Wayne toured with Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley and played Bethel Woods Center for The Arts and Madison Square Garden.

Nashville Lifestyles magazine named him one of its "Beautiful People of 2009."

Wayne survived a turbulent, abusive childhood. His father abandoned the family. His mother went to prison, and he was shuttled to a series of foster homes. He was a homeless teen, living by his wits on the street when a North Carolina couple took him in and encouraged his evolving love of music.

Jimmy Wayne worked his way through school in a textile mill. Then he became a North Carolina prison guard. When talent scouts from Nashville’s Opryland theme park came through his area, auditioning potential performers, an audition led to an offer for him to write songs for the Opryland Music Group’s famed Acuff-Rose firm. He turned in his resignation at the prison, moved to Nashville to start writing songs full time.

Wayne co-wrote Tracy Byrd’s hit, "Put Your Hand in Mine," In 2003, His debut CD spawned the top ten hits "Stay Gone" and "I Love You This Much," plus the top-20 chart successes "You Are" and "Paper Angels." Paper Angels won him the William Booth Award from the Salvation Army and has since become a perennial holiday favorite.

“I don’t see myself as anything like a ‘star.’ I don’t think that I’m better than the person I’m singing to. I’m just doing what I love to do. And the fans are the reason I’m allowed to do it.”

Inspired by his experience with homelessness, Wayne is now walking halfway across America to raise awareness of the initiative he named “Meet Me Halfway.” Specifically, the campaign is designed to raise awareness of homeless teens and young adults who age out of the foster care system.

Wayne began his walk on January 1, 2010, and the endeavor has taken some interesting twists and turns along the way, including the unusually high number of snow and ice storms the artist has encountered, as well as temperatures that have been the coldest in decades. But according to Wayne, the people he has met along the way have more than made up for the unpleasant weather conditions.

“Walking through the small towns and farmlands in Tennessee and Arkansas has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Wayne said. “I have met some incredible and generous people who have offered me meals, a warm and dry place to sleep and companionship.

“When I started this walk, I really had no expectations. I thought I would be alone, sleeping in a tent at night. But as the saying goes, ’man makes plans and God laughs.’ There have been many times I’ve slept outside, but even more times that because of a kind and generous soul, I have had a roof over my head.”

Wayne is now logging about 20 miles a day. Phoenix is still quite a distance, but with every step Wayne takes, he continues to raise awareness and start conversation about the plight of these young people.

In addition to Jimmy Wayne, Pennsylvania’s hottest country band and Thunder Country favorite, Iron Cowboy, will open for Wayne bringing “Country Music With Horsepower” back to ThunderBash.

Sullivan County’s own Somerville, along with special guest Alyssa Startup will kick off ThunderBash.

Ken and Barry Somerville have been making music their whole lives, entertaining audiences all across the country from festival stages, concert halls, radio and television shows, intimate in the round gatherings to numerous night club appearances. Their sound has often been referred to as refreshing, seasoned, genuine music with lyrics reflecting stories of everyday life experiences. Ken and Barry are both signed to Nashville’s RPM Music Group, one of Nashville’s top publishing companies headed by Scott Simon, Blake Chancey and home to Curb recording artist Tim McGraw. With several CDs out to date, they continue to collaborate with hit songwriters on music row and perform with their band at various shows and venues. 

Performing as a special guest with Somerville is local singing sensation Alyssa Startup, pictured with Ken and Barry Somerville at left.

Fans who want to make a weekend of it can check out the Villa Roma for a Thunderbash weekend getaway package deal. Activities include music, entertainment, line dancing and more. Or call (845) 887-4880 or (800) 533-6767

ThunderBash is a FREE event, but you need a ticket to get in. Keep listening to Thunder 102 or checkout the ThunderBash page for ticket locations.

A requested donation of $1.02 will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7 pm.

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MONTICELLO – Legislator Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis has announced that the County Legislature will commence a review of the County’s Strategic Plan, during Legislative Committee meetings on Thursday, May 6, 2010, and Thursday, May 13, 2010. The County’s Strategic Plan will set the budget and programmatic priorities for 2011 and 2012.

“The Legislative Committees will receive presentations from the Division Commissioners and Department Heads, during the regularly scheduled May meetings,” said Rouis. “This process will begin the opportunity for the Legislature to formulate the foundation upon which the County’s budget will be developed,” added Rouis.

The County Manager, David P. Fanslau, submitted his recommendations, along with the requests of the Division Commissioners, Elected Officers, and Department Heads to the Clerk of the County Legislature on April 1, 2010. The Sullivan County Charter requires that the County Manager submit recommendations by April 1^st, bi-annually. Thereafter, the County Legislature must adopt a two-year strategic plan by June 30, 2010.

The Strategic Plan requirement was added to the County Charter as part of the fiscal improvements recommended by the County Manager in 2007. The Strategic Plan sets the foundation of the County budget process, followed by the six-year Capital Plan as amended, and finalized with the tentative budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The Strategic Plan provides the intent and priorities of the County Legislature to the County Manager, as he develops the tentative budget.

“The prolonged national Great Recession will require that the Strategic Plan incorporates initiatives to avoid costs wherever possible,” said Rouis.  “There will be a desire to build upon the successful cost avoidance that the County has experienced through the implementation of the Multi-Functional Devices that replaced more than 300 stand alone office machines, and the cost avoidance by transforming the telephone system to a more cost-effective approach.”

“The County Government must continue to review every idea, and develop approaches to reduce the cost of providing the services that the citizenry has come to expect,” concluded Rouis.

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MONTICELLO, NY – Aileen M. Gunther (D, C, I – Forestburgh) announced her run for re-election for Assemblywoman of the 98th Assembly District, drawing nearly 200 supporters to the event at The Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg.

Roz Sharoff, President of the Monticello Seniors, Highland Supervisor Andrew Boyar, Susan Baren, Commissioner of the Orange County Board of Elections, and Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano were among the colleagues and friends who spoke.

DeStefano said, “We have a friend in Aileen Gunther. It has and always will be a privilege to work with her. Her concerns are our concerns and we can all sleep well knowing that she is fighting hard for us up in Albany.”

For her part, Gunther praised her constituents. “What I do as an Assemblywoman is only as effective as the people who support me … You are the reason I go to to work every day; your causes, your concerns and your issues. Unlike other Legislators, I do not have another job. I work 7 days a week for you … and to me, each need and each individual are equally important and deserving of service.”

Last year, Assemblywoman Gunther was listed as #6 in the Assembly out of 150 Assembly members for getting legislation passed up in Albany which was then signed into law by the Governor. She was 12th overall — combining Senate and Assembly — out of 112 Legislators.

Gunther pledged to continue to do what is right, adding, “Yes, doing what is right isn’t always easy, and certainly isn’t glamorous, but this is what I do. Over the next six months, I will continue to work hard for my constituents as we move forward toward victory in November.”

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LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY – Sullivan County Community College will hold its 46^th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse. 

This year’s class speaker will be Miriam Asare of Mount Vernon, NY. Asare will be graduating with honors from the college’s nursing program. During her time at SCCC, she took part in the Honors Program which stresses academic excellence, personal achievement and community service. In addition, Asare is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, and received the organization’s All-USA Academic Team award. She also will be recognized with a State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. 

Approximately 236 students are expected to graduate this academic year.    

Commencement speakers include SCCC President Dr. Mamie Howard-Golladay, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sullivan County Legislator Leni Binder and SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees Chairperson Phyllis Coombe. As part of the ceremony, there will be three faculty/staff SUNY Chancellor’s Award presentations: 

· SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Debra Lewkiewicz, assistant professor and chair, division of mathematics and natural sciences;

· SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Cheryl Welsch, data development specialist, IT department; and 

· SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service: Anne Gattus, administrative secretary, division of liberal arts and humanities.

In addition, the pinning ceremony for the college’s nursing program graduates will be held in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at 9:00 a.m. on the same day. Approximately 52 nursing students are expected to graduate.

Founded in 1962, SUNY Sullivan is a two-year community college and a part of the State University of New York.  It offers 40 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as a variety of continuing education and specialty courses, on its 405-acre campus, online and through its distance learning program.  For more information, visit www.sunysullivan.edu.

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