The Pink Ladies -  Jackie Ellmauer as Jan, Margaret Bruetsch as
Marty and Hannah Rettoun as Betty Rizzo.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

Anthony Zelenka as Danny Zuko and Catherine Peters as Sandy Dombrowski.

LAKE HUNTINGTON – The Sullivan West High School Musical Production Club will present “Grease”, the classic rock ‘n roll musical in three performances at the auditorium: Friday and Saturday, March 12-13 at 7:00 p.m. followed by a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee on March 14.

Based upon the book, music and lyrics of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the 1972 musical is named for the 1950s American working class subculture known as the “greasers.”

The show was first staged as “Grease Lightning”, and the script was loosely based on Jacob’s experience at William Howard Taft High School in Chicago.

“Grease” is set at the fictional Rydell High School during 1959 and tackles relevant social issues impacting the lives of young adults such as gang violence, teenage pregnancy, rebellion, sexual awakening, love and friendship.

A fight breaks out between rivals Betty Rizzo,(Hannah Rettoun) and Sandy Dombrowski,(Catherine Peters).

The underlying tones of class consciousness and class conflict resonate through the production, as three of the main characters interact on stage: Danny Zuko, the protagonist, cocky leader of the Burger Palace Boys (later on the T-Birds), as portrayed by Anthony Zelenka; Sandy Dombrowski, the new girl in town, pure, kind and innocent, but with a bit of the devil in her heart as played by Catherine Peters; and Betty Rizzo, the tough and sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies, portrayed by Hannah Rettoun.

In a closely guarded secret that has to be revealed, superintendent of schools Dr. Kenneth Hilton, appears as Teen Angel, the guardian angel from heaven who tries to offer advice to Frenchy (played by Kate Bunch) after she drops out of beauty school.

Chris Murphy as Johnny Casino.

“They wanted me to be Teen Angel because I’m the only one around here old enough to remember the 50s,” quipped Dr. Hilton. “I’m the only one who knew what a malt shop was.”

Presented in two acts, “Grease”, which in its record-breaking original Broadway production was raunchy and raw, but has since been toned down, will be presented in two acts and a finale, all filled with spirited songs and dance routines, choreographed by Jamie Ward.

The local high school production is directed by Nick Iacovitti, assisted by Kim Eschenberg (vocal director), Ross Reynolds (pit orchestra director), and Patricia Ellmauer (producer).

Dr. Kenneth Hilton as Teen Angel with Kindra Barker, prom singer

The cast (in order of appearance): Sommer Johansen as Miss Lynch, Allie Ellmauer  as Patty Simcox, Brian Recktenwall-Calvert as Eugene Florczyk, Jackie Ellmauer as Jan, Margaret Bruetsch as Marty, Hannah Rettoun as Betty Rizzo, Sam Satanovsky as Doody, Brendan Creegan as Roger, RJ Smith as Kenickie,  Artie Norden as Sonny LaTierri, Kate Bunch as Frenchy, Catherine Peters as Sandy Dombrowski, Anthony Zelenka as Danny Zuko, Austin Erlwein as Vince Fontaine, Chris Murphy as Johnny Casino, Adina Fadis as Cha-Cha DiGregorio, and Dr. Kenneth Hilton as Teen Angel.

Alma Mater Ensemble: Amanda Bercze, Taylor Brockner, Leeann Bruetsch, Kaylan Cemelli, Melissa Goggin, Olivia Grady, Elaine Gwathney, Chrissy
Lare, Lizzie Nicoletti, Gracie O’Conner, Maggie Paciga and Lillie Wheaton.

Hannah Rettoun as Betty Rizzo, RJ Smith as Kenickie, Adina Fadis as Cha-Cha DiGregorio, Anthony Zalenka as Danny Zuko.

Magic Changes Ensemble: Leeann Bruetsch, Melissa Goggin, Olivia Grady and
Gracie O’Conner.

Prom Singers: Kendra Barker, Katie Dnistrain, Rianne Erlwein and Morgan Hawkins.

“My background was in the music business for quite a number of years, then I switched to teaching,” said Iacovitti, director of Sullivan West’s staging of Grease.

“They asked me to direct a musical, and for years the seniors wanted to do [Grease] ever since 7th grade…it just caught fire.“

“The kids were just great, and the work they put into it was just unbelievable…a lot of people think it’s about a good girl going bad, but it isn’t. It’s about trying to be who you are, and yet fitting in with your peers, something that is timeless no matter what age,” added Iacovitti.

To view more photos from Greased Lightning or to purchase prints visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Every year, tens of thousands of volunteer “shavees” shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.

This is Liberty’s 4th annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, started after Cerullo’s son Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

“Our involvement with St. Baldrick’s began in 2005, when Ryan, then 15years old, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” said Cerullo. “While in treatment at Westchester Medical Center, we met a family whose son had non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. They had already been involved with St. Baldrick’s fundraisers in Nanuet. That spring, we were invited to be special guests by the organizer, Vinny Garrison, who now runs St. Baldrick’s Fundraisers at Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY. The spirit and energy of the volunteers was so contagious that I decided to bring St. Baldrick’s to Liberty.”

“At the time, five other kids in our area were also sick or recuperating from cancer,” added Cerullo. It moved her to action, and so far over $50,000 has been raised for pediatric cancer research.

St. Baldrick’s is a non-profit organization that raises and donates funds to pediatric cancer research. One of the amazing things that I learned is that St. Baldrick’s had previously donated to Ryan’s hospital and to the group that developed the chemotherapy protocol that helped to save Ryan’s life. With a connection like that it seemed like fate that I should be so involved with St. Baldrick’s.

“This year there’s a new twist,” said Cerullo. “Since Ryan left for college, my son Dillon has taken the lead as the student organizer. Liberty High School is presenting the musical Grease on March 19 and 20, and Dillon has the role of Kinickie, the second rough and tough guy. Drew Maier has the role of Roger, another Greaser. Dan McConnell, Liberty High School band director, Dillon, and Drew will all need their hair for the play. So, we’ve arranged for them to shave on stage immediately following the last performance on Saturday night. We’re hoping that the audience will help donate and stay to see the Greasers shave their hair for pediatric cancer research!”

Cerullo would like folks to understand that while times are tough and people are struggling more than in the past, the sad truth is that kids are still getting sick with cancer.

“Cancer knows no boundaries. It strikes indiscriminately,” Cerullo said. “That’s why I keep fighting this battle. Ryan’s well now. Thank God he’s been in remission for four years, but this is not the time to sit back on my laurels and take it easy. Not only do we have to be vigilant to watch his health, but we have to continue to fight for all kids who are sick or could get sick with cancer. The nightmare is still very real in my memory. I won’t let it fade for all the other children who could benefit from my energy.”

This year the event at the Liberty Fire House includes two barbers so far. The lead barber is Erin Allen from Image of Beauty. The other barber is Melanie Polomcean from Beauty Control.

If anyone is willing to volunteer their time, please contact Fay Cerullo at 845 707-3618.

You can also learn more, donate or register to shave directly on our St. Baldricks website page http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/eventid/4050/eventyear/2010

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

LIBERTY – The folks who organized the Sullivan County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) 56th Annual All-County Music Festival had a musical field day as they packed the house at Liberty High School for two soul-stirring concerts on Saturday, March 6.

As a 4th grader at Livingston Manor, Gary Siegel participated in his first all-county music festival, and for the last 45 years has been involved with the popular festival, either as a music student until graduating in 1976, or a few years down the road as chairperson.

Siegel is now the director of music at Liberty High and served as chairperson of the 2010 music festival that featured approximately 450 students representing Sullivan County schools.

Concert I – Music: The Universal Language

“Today you will hear hundreds of students from all eight Sullivan County school districts as we carry on a 56-year musical tradition,” Siegel said during his opening remarks… “in times like these, advocacy of music and arts programs is essential”, and encouraged parents to step up to the plate for their kids’ total-package education to let board members and administrators “know how essential music education in a child’s life to make them a whole person.”

“Music teaches kids to critically think and problem-solve, and as you have probably heard studies show that students who participate in music in school score better on standardized tests.”

In addition to family and friends of the students and teachers, in attendance were several dignitaries who addressed the assemblage and who attended the first round of the concerts: John Bonacic. NYS Senator, 42nd Senatorial District; Aileen Gunther, NYS Assemblywoman, 98th Assembly District; and Jodi Goodman, Sullivan County Legislator, District 6.

“Whatever sunshine we have today and tomorrow, it will pale in the light of the  talent of these young men and women that you will hear today,” said NYS Senator John Bonacic in addressing the crowd assembled in Liberty High School’s auditorium before the start of the 56th Annual Sullivan County Music Educators Association’s (SCMEA) All-County Music Festival.

Bonacic then read a legislative resolution that recognized the 2010 music festival. “The young people of Sullivan County…have demonstrated exceptional talent in musical pursuits…the Sullivan County music educators have come together to form the [SCMEA) in an effort to improve and expand the many talents of the young people…”

“This festival is illustrative of the commitment of the administrators of all eight Sullivan County schools district to provide a full and comprehensive music programs in their districts,” he added.

NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther called for a round of applause for the festival and then told the crowd that music education played an important part in the life of her son Jacob, as after learning how to play the trumpet and piano in high school, “now he has a wonderful career as a teacher.”

“The young people of Sullivan County have developed exceptional talent in music,” she said before reading a proclamation from the assembly, which said in part, “It is the sense of this legislative body that music contributes significantly to the cultural enrichment and quality of life” in the state, [and} music has evolved to be an important part of the education of the young people.”

Concert I took place at 3 p.m. and featured the string orchestra, the elementary chorus and the middle school band.

The string orchestra was conducted by Christine Gero, who has studied and performed in various setting, from Carnegie Hall to CBGB’ in New York/ Her work in alternative musical genres include studies with acclaimed jazz violinist John Blake, Jr as well as performances and recording with rock groups in NYC and Seattle. Gero currently is orchestra director at Nyack High School, liberty and Valley Cottage Elementary Schools.

The string orchestra performed “Folk Tune with Fiddle Dance” by Percy Fletcher, “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair” by Claude Debussy (arranged by Deborah Baker Monday), and Alan Lee Silva’s “The Spirit”.

The elementary chorus was conducted by Naomi Katz Cohen, currently in her 16th year of teaching vocal and general music. In the wake of teaching for 11 years at The Chapin School of Music in the city, she now serves as music director at the SAR Academy, a Modern Orthodox co-ed Yeshiva in Riverdale, NY. Cohen was recently the featured soloist with the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and was featured as a soprano soloist singing the Vivaldi Gloria and the Shubert Mass in G with the Glass Menagerie.

The elementary chorus performed Bob Chilcott’s “Can You Hear Me?”, “Cold and Fugue Season” by J. S. Bach (arr. by Ellen Foncannon), “Al Schlosha D’Varim” by Allan Naplan, and “Sansa Kroma, an African folksong arranged by Michael Scott.

Richard Johnson, a graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potdam, was guest conductor of the middle school band. After working as director of instrumental music and musical activities at Roscoe Central School, Johnson had the opportunity to live and study composition in Melbourne, Australia where he studied under the renowned Australian composers Brenton Broadstock and Stuart Greenbaum.

The middle school band performed a wide range of works including “fanfare and Flourishes” by James Curnow, three classic miniatures as arranged by Leroy Jackson (a German dance by Joseph Haydn, a minuet by George Philipp Telemann, and a trumpet tune by Henry Purcell), what was billed as a ‘Dixieland Spectacular’ by John Edmondson (“Dinah”, “Tin Roof Blues,” “High Society”) and from “Indiana Jones,” one of the most rousing adventure films of all time, John Williams’ “Raiders March” as arranged by Jack Bullock.

Concert II – The Illuminating Light of Music in Our Hearts

After the conclusion of Concert I, Concert II, held at 5:30 p.m. featured performances by the junior high jazz ensemble, junior high women’s chorus, junior high mixed chorus, and the senior high band.

Frank Petrocelli, a graduate of Liberty Class of 1985 returned to his high school alma mater as guest conductor of the junior high jazz ensemble. As an active freelance musician who performs with big bands, jazz trios, and wind ensembles, he has also been a soloist and performed with the Kalamazoo Symphony, West Shore Symphony and Greater Newburgh Symphony.

The junior high jazz ensemble performed four spirited works: “”Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson (arr. by Mark Taylor), “Cubano Chant” by Ray Bryant (arranged by Mike Story), “My Funny Valentine by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers (arr. Sammy Nestico), and Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island” arr. Mike Kamuf.

Janiece Kohler, founder of the Halcyon Singers and music director of the Orange County Classic Choral Society and Orchestra, conducted the junior high women’s chorus. She is also director at the First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville and minister of music at the Blooming Grove United Church of Christ.

The junior high women’s choir, accompanied by Leon Hilfsten on piano, performed “Gloria Deo (arr. Mary Lynn Lightfoot, “When I Close My Eyes” (arr. Jim Papoulis & Francesco Nunez), “Ding-A Ding-Ding”  )arr. Greg Gilpin, “Firefly” (arr. Andy Beck), and Aaron Copeland’s “Zion’s Walls” (arr. Glenn Kopenen.

Penelope Cruz directed the junior mixed chorus, which was accompanied on piano by Dominic Daurio. She is currently the choir director at White Plains High School and serves on the NYS board of the American Choral Directors Association as the repertoire and standards chair for multicultural and ethnic
perspectives, as a member of the NYSSMA diversity committee, and as area all-state chorus co-chair for Westchester County.

The junior high mixed chorus performed G. F. Handel’s “Hallelujah, Amen” (arr. Liebergen), “I’ll Say it Anyway” (Je le vous diral!) by Pierre Certon, “My Heart’s in the Highlands” by Lon Berry, a Sephardic folk song titled “Durme, Durme” (arr. Snyder), and “The Storm is Passing” by Charles Albert Tindley (arr. Baker).

Michael Williams returned to Liberty High after a decade as the school’s band director in the role of guest conductor of the senior high band, and in a noteworthy sidebar, his daughters Brittany and Gillian both took center stage during the all-county music festival. Williams is a founding member of the Anthracite Brass Quartet, and in the past has worked with heavy hitters in the music biz such as Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and Frank Sinatra.

The senior high band performed “Pentland Hills March” by Capt. James W. Howe, “Chorale and Alleluia” by Howard Hanson,”Fantasy On American Sailing Songs” by Clare Grundman, and in honor of out recent record snow storms, Robert W. Smith’s “Into the Storm”.

Gary Siegel, chairperson of the 56th All-County Music Festival, quoted Victor Hugo as he reminded the crowd, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”

“Music is truly the universal language,” said Siegel. “Let there always be music in our hearts and music programs in our schools.”

To view more photos or to purchase prints from the 56th Annual All-County Music Festival visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Current law, which Hinchey has long opposed and voted against, specifically forbids the federal government from trying to get the best deal for Medicare recipients. The legislation that Hinchey is pushing along with Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) and dozens of their House colleagues, known as the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare Part D beneficiaries for the first time since 2004, a move that could save taxpayers $156 billion over ten years.  Hinchey and his colleagues are calling for swift action on the standalone drug price negotiation bill, even as Congress works with President Obama to finalize and pass comprehensive health reform legislation. 

"Today we seek to finally put an end to the outrageous policy enacted by the previous administration that for no good reason prevents the federal government from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies for discounts on drugs that are being bought in bulk for the Medicare Part D program," said Hinchey. "While Congress continues to work toward a final health care overhaul, this bill would ensure seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries don’t have to wait any longer for reduced priced drugs. This bill would put the government on the side of seniors, instead of the drug industry by enabling the government to finally negotiate with drug companies for better prices."

Taxpayers fund more than three-quarters of the cost of the Medicare Part D drug benefit, accounting for $50 billion worth of drugs in 2009 alone. Yet the program, which serves 28 million seniors, has been barred from negotiating rates with the pharmaceutical industry since 2004.  The Department of Veterans Affairs has reduced costs significantly by negotiating rates. One Families USA report found that the top five Medicare Part D insurers charged prices 58 percent higher than the VA for 20 commonly prescribed drugs.

In 2007, the House passed a bill with Hinchey’s support similar to the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2010 by a vote of 255 to 170 with strong bipartisan support and 198 cosponsors. The measure gathered further momentum last November when it was included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act and passed by the House with Hinchey’s support.

"No one walks into a car dealership and asks for the most expensive car at sticker price, but that’s exactly how the federal government is being forced to deal with the drug companies," Hinchey said. "It’s outrageous.  With such a large number of drugs being bought by Medicare, the federal government should receive a significant bulk discount, which would save a lot of money and lower the costs of this critical health program.  This is a common-sense piece of legislation that would end an enormous subsidy to greedy drug companies."

Hinchey also highlighted how the broader health care bill being debated in Congress would benefit seniors in other ways, including through the closing of the so-called donut hole — which is a gap in prescription drug coverage that forces Medicare Part D enrollees to pay 100 percent of the cost for drugs once they exceed $2,700 in annual drug costs.  Approximately, 7,200 seniors living in the district that Hinchey represents are forced to spend $3,454 in out-of-pocket expenses, on top of their monthly premiums, before the donut hole closes and they can begin receiving drug coverage again.  Hinchey has helped lead the effort in Congress to close the donut hole and such efforts are critical to a successful health care reform bill.  

The congressman also discussed his support of a bill that was recently signed into law that protects seniors’ access to their physicians by blocking a 21 percent fee reduction that was scheduled to occur on January 1, 2010.  Without the legislation, many doctors would have stopped treating Medicare patients because the reimbursement rates would have been too low.

Hinchey also talked with seniors about his efforts to strengthen the economy and to ensure that the children and grandchildren of older Americans have good, well-paying jobs.  Last week, Hinchey helped the House pass a bill to create hundreds of thousands of new small business and construction jobs this year, spur private sector hiring, and help rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. The bipartisan Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act is part of a larger congressional agenda Hinchey has been supporting to create jobs and strengthen the economy. 

The HIRE Act includes a payroll tax holiday for businesses that hire unemployed workers to create some 300,000 jobs and an income tax credit of $1,000 for businesses that retain these employees. It also includes tax incentives to help small businesses invest, expand, and hire more workers; provisions to make it easier for states to take up infrastructure projects such as school construction and energy retrofitting; and an extension of the Highway Trust Fund that allows for billions of dollars in infrastructure development around the country.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Hinchey actively supported and helped pass last year, has already saved or created more than 2 million jobs – rebuilding our infrastructure and economy for global competitiveness. Through the Recovery Act, 95 percent of working Americans continue to see the benefit of one of the largest tax cuts in history in every paycheck.  With Hinchey’s support, the House also passed the comprehensive Jobs for Main Street Act to make targeted investments in areas that will grow our economy over the long term – including highways, public transit, construction, small businesses, job training, and hiring and retaining teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff as himself, Michele Klugman, Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, in her “Academy Awards” gown and Sullivan County Partnership President Tim McCausland in his disco-themed outfit.

Monticello Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel as himself, Event Honorary Chair Lori Rubinstein-Fleck as the “Cheese” of “Mak & Cheese” and Fallsburg Superintendent Dr . Ivan Katz in formalwear.

ROCK HILL – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sullivan County raised more than $10,500 Friday night during their second annual “Celebrity Dinner” at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill.

Jacob Lerner, of the Irwin Siegel Agency, with his “History of The Boys & Girls Clubs” themed table.

Honorary Event Chair Lori Rubinstein-Fleck and her partner John Makovic joined local celebrities including Superintendents Dr. Pat Michel, Dr. Ivan Katz and Mike Vanyo, Liberty Principal Mary Greynolds, Bethel Councilperson Denise Frangipane and Dr. Bill Pammer, Bill “The Mouth That Roars” Liblick and District Attorney Jim Farrell, Thunder 102’s Paul Ciliberto and Michelle Semerano, Sullivan County Partnership President Tim McCausland, Legislators Alan Sorensen and Ron Hiatt, Irwin Siegel Agency’s Jacob Lerner, Sullivan County Chamber Board Chairman Jeremy Gorelick and YEL! Co-Chair Matt Dorcas, Fallsburg Councilman Nathan Steingart and the birthday boy himself, Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Vegliante.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, her Chief of Staff Michele Klugman and Democratic Party Chairman Steve Wilkinson took home the coveted “Tip Challenge” First Place Plaque, raising $1180 in tips. Jared Kaufman of PN Alarm and Julie Goodman of Monticello Casino & Raceway came in second with $1165 in tips, and Sheriff Mike Schiff & Undersheriff Eric Chaboty came in third with $800 in tips.

Sullivan County Legislators Ron Hiatt & Alan Sorensen went singing for their tips!

The local celebrities served a sold-out crowd of more than 210 guests- a new record for this benefit! Several servers assembled more than one table of guests to wait on, but the server pair that drew the most guests was Jared Kaufman and Julie Goodman, with a whopping 23 guests!

This year the Celebrity Servers were each asked to decorate their table or tables to represent their “inner child” or memories from childhood. While SCVA President Roberta Byron Lockwood and Liberty CDC Executive Director Heinrich Strauch had one of the most decorated tables in the room celebrating the 1960’s, other themes included disco, the 80’s, the Academy Awards, He-Man, Liberty Middle School art and the New York Yankees.

Sullivan County Chamber Board Chair Jeremy Gorelick and YEL! Co-Chair Matthew Dorcas in their He-man themed costumes.

Every dollar raised from this event will remain in Sullivan County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sullivan County serves nearly 500 local youths each day in the Monticello, Fallsburg and Liberty School Districts, and continues to strive each day to achieve the Boys & Girls Clubs of America mission, “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush Receives $2,500 donation from Stewart’s “Holiday Match”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush are pleased to announce they have received a $2500 grant donation from Stewart’s Holiday Match program through Stewart’s Foundation.

Bethel Councilperson Denise Frangipane as a “Child of the 1980’s.”

From Thanksgiving to Christmas Stewart’s Shops take in customer donations in each of their locations. These donations are matched by Stewart’s Foundation, and distributed amongst local community organizations. The Boys & Girls Clubs are proud to receive such a generous donation, which will help to support our afterschool programming in Wallkill and Pine Bush.

It is with the help from community sponsors like Stewart’s the Clubs can continue to meet the mission of all Boys & Girls Clubs, “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens.”

For more information about The Boys & Girls Clubs of Town of Wallkill, Pine Bush and Sullivan County, please contact Alexis Eggleton, Executive Director, at 845-361-2222 or alexis@bgcorange.org.

HARRIS – In spite of four days of snow, snow and more snow, volunteers turned out in force for the 32nd annual WSUL / WVOS Heart-a-thon, held at the garden level food court at Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Harris, NY.

On this 32nd year of the Heart-a-thon, the planning committee decided to honor longtime volunteer David Kaufman. Although receiving a standing ovation as he entered the food court with his wife Shirley, the former supervisor of the Town of Thompson was typically humble. “I’m not sure what this is all about. I suppose I’ve been attending these for 32 years. I was at the first one and … I’m out of words, I don’t know what to say, other than I’m greatly honored, and I’m sure there are many people out there who have given as much or more. But this is truly an honor for me and I’m very, very pleased. I’m a past chair of the event. I served most of those years on the executive committee. I was the regional president of the American Heart Association. I hope I have the opportunity to continue to do this for more years.”

General Manager of WSUL / WVOS, Helena Manzione has been working on the event for more than 20 years. She explained the theory behind not setting a monetary goal for the event. “You can set a goal and totally knock yourself out, and for one reason or another not achieve it. But it doesn’t minimize the effort of the volunteers, the people who donate. Because circumstances make things different. Now we’re in a very bad economy. If I was to set a goal, I wouldn’t want the people who count on us to be disappointed. So anything that we have is more than we had if we didn’t do the event. I don’t think it’s necessary to put that kind of pressure on people when they’re working as hard as they can work, and getting as much as they can get.”

Manzione also talked about the evolution of the event. In the beginning, 100% of the proceeds went to the American Heart Association (AHA). Then 10% went to the hospital and 90% to the AHA, and in later years, the split was 50-50. “… and then we said ‘We need it here,’ said Manzione. With the Heart Association, some goes for research. This way it goes 100% to serve Sullivan County. I made that decision when Watermark Communications bought WSUL, and then we bought WVOS. So once we had those stations under our umbrella, we decided we needed to change this. We got so much support.” So now 100% of the funds collected goes to the Cardio Pulmonary Department of CRMC.

Throughout the years of the Heart-a-thon, Manzione explained, the young people of the community have become more and more involved. “They’ve sold the cardboard hearts all over,” said Manzione, “sold them at basketball games to raise money. It’s given them a sense of community that will take them into the future. We’ve had girl scouts, Fallsburg school students, and they challenged Liberty and then Monticello.” As Manzione spoke, a group of young nursing students from BOCES took blood pressure readings in the corner of the room. 

An astonishing 95% of pledges are collected. “It’s not just people having their names read on the air,” said Manzione. “They’re putting their money where their mouth is.”

This year, the co-chairs of the Heart-a-thon were Jacquie Leventoff of Kohl’s Distribution Center and Howard Braunstein, owner of M & M Auto Group.

Leventoff has a personal interest heart disease. “My mom died of heart disease, my father had a massive stroke, and my 34-year-old brother died of a massive coronary. It’s something very near and dear to me. This is the fourth time I’m chairing this event.” Leventoff chaired the event 18 years ago also. “It’s a lot of coordination with groups coming in to man our phones, getting the pledges in prior to the event, so that they’re not just sitting here waiting for the phones to ring.” She explained that the team is out in the community at least two months ahead of time. She praised the local service groups including the Monticello and Woodridge Kiwanis, Mamakating Lions, Bethel First, Bethel Lions Club and many others. “A lot of groups are here every single year,” said Leventoff. “They call us and ask when is it and how soon can we start gathering money. Whatever we get we’re grateful for. This is our community hospital, and when people come here they want us to have the latest equipment. This is our backyard and we have to take care of our own.”

In contrast to Leventoff’s many years on the job, Braunstein calls himself “the new guy on the block. My business has been supportive for 20 years … collecting money at the dealership … My dad and mom, my wife and I we’ve all supported the Heart-a-thon by writing a check, but I’ve never been involved with the organization before. This year Jacquie was back at the helm and she talked to Helena and they liked my energy.

Braunstein said that being asked to co-chair this year was great timing. “I was looking for something where I could help give a little more back to the community in some other way than just writing a check. This year we instituted a new heart system – we sold those cardboard hearts for $1.00, but we also put $10 gold hearts out there. And I joked with our group and I said, ‘Women will give from their heart because they want to give $10. But guys think with their bravado, and it’s almost embarrassing for a guy to give a dollar, so they’ll reach in their pocket and give $10. And then you think that there’s somebody who might not want to spend $10, but they may buy two, three, four or five. So we’ve seen that the total dollar volume that we’ve generated from heart sales which is really the grass roots part of this, I think the totals will be this year better than they’ve ever been.”

Crediting his contacts and customers, Braunstein said, “I’m so blessed to have such a great customer base and my customers are stepping up on my behalf and I think I’ll end up doing it for a couple of years.

Throughout the day, different people were asked to speak on the radio whether as community representatives or acknowledged experts. Les Kristt of The Kristt Company is the person in charge of coordinating the speakers. “I make sure they’re in cue properly and make sure they’re getting interviewed when they should be. It’s kind of pre-arranged. We have about two or three an hour that we schedule throughout the day, and then there’s a variety of other dignitaries and such that we pick out of the audience and we get up here to talk when there’s a lull in the action. For the last two years I was one of the co-chairs.”

Kristt said that it’s not only an important event for the hospital but, “but it’s a fun event for the entire community to participate in and we’re all joking and laughing and we’re really having a good time.”

When so many people come together in one place for so long, they have to be fed. And Mark Siezcek sales promotion director for WSUL / WVOS is the person who was in charge of that and many other things. “They call me the radio guy,” said Siezcek. “My function with the Heart-a-thon is to make sure that everything goes smooth. Everything from printing to signage, to food to setting this place up. You name it, I’ve been doing it for 12 years.”

Siezcek is from Orange County but has been working in Sullivan County for 20 years. And in case anyone doubts his dedication, Siezcek was one of the few people on the road during the blizzard, driving 70 miles one-way to make sure everything was set up in time for the Heart-a-thon to run smoothly. The food for the multitude of volunteers was donated by the following businesses: ShopRite of Monticello, Cohen’s Bakery of Monticello, River’s Edge Restaurant and Bakery of Mongaup Valley, Blue Horizon Diner of Monticello, Dutch’s Tavern of Rock Hill, Mr. Willy’s of Monticello, Carmine’s Monticello Meat Market, Charlie’s II Restaurant and Pizzeria of Liberty, and County Fountain of Monticello.

The spirit of volunteerism was rampant. Avid volunteer, former Monticello School Board member. teacher and local actor, Jack Leshner was answering phones with his brother. “We’ve lived in this community for our entire 81 and 82 years, and we’ve got to give back, and this is the way to do that,” said Leshner. “Even with this very depressed area, we love this area, we were born and raised here. We’ve lived our entire lives here except for our college and service time, and we feel it’s very important for citizens of our community to do their very best to help their community.”

To view more photos or to purchase prints from the 32nd Annual Heart-a-thon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Sky and Kiley Asher-Stalbaum of Goshen attend the Homestead School in Glen Spey and were among those in attendance at the meeting on February 20, 2010.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

CALLICOON – A lot of folks think the pristine beauty of Upper Delaware River Valley is under attack by corporate interests, and instead of widespread development, believe it should be preserved for future generations, while some companies are convinced the area’s natural resources are the solution to the nation’s energy crisis and represent potential ripe pickings for corporate profits.

A few years ago, New York Regional Interconnection (NYRI), a Canadian-based energy gorilla, wanted to erect giant towers throughout the region including portions of the federally protected Upper Delaware River Scenic & Recreational River to transmit high-voltage electricity to the metro area.

On March 31, 2009 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) turned down NYRI’s request to review the recently approved rules on the NYS Independent System Operator (NYSSO) for transmission tariffs, in a move that NYRI said  “created an unacceptable financial risk” for their investors, and on April 3 issued a press release stating it had suspended participation in the NYS Public Service Commission (PSC) Article VII process for the 1200MW HVDC project.

About 18 months ago, several natural gas drilling companies began to show  up in the region, both to tout the benefits to the national/local economy and get landowners to sign leases to allow gas drilling on their property.

On Saturday, February 20, the Delaware Youth Center was packed with a standing room only crowd as they turned out to hear the mayor of a small town in rural northern Texas talk about his first hand experiences with gas drilling.

Also on the program was Nancy Janyszeski, Pa. chair of the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River, an environmental advocacy organization, and chairman of the board of supervisors in Nockamixon Township, Pa.

Mayor Calvin Tillman of Dish, Texas.

Calvin Tillman, mayor of Dish, Texas said that while he wasn’t opposed top gas drilling, local residents should be aware of problems associated with the complicated extraction process, and said that in his view landowners should get their legal ducks in line before it’s too late. “If you do it wrong, ain’t nobody gonna want to live here,” he said. “This is a delicate process that has to be regulated…” Proving that in addition to being a straight shooter from Texas, as well as a master of understatement, Tillman said the issue to gas drilling in the valley “seems to be a top topic up here.”

He likened natural gas drilling to drugs or a game show, “It’s a lot like heroin because you get addicted to it…I’ve got a deal for you.” Tillman called for local regulations “you’re local officials need to get back that control” and the imposition of a severance tax that would pay for damages to the infrastructure caused by heavy truck traffic, adding, “there should be some places that are off-limits.”

“You don’t have to put a well in a schoolyard or pipelines in somebody’s front yard.”

According to Tillman, when residents of his 180-folks town complained about noxious odors, the drilling operators hired a couple of guys to drive around town in a Toyota Rav 4 for a few hours during a time “when there was still some trust there.”

After being told the results showed “no natural gas leaks were found detectable to the human nose, Tillman said he decided to spend 15-percent of his town’s annual budget to conduct their own study conducted by Wolf Eagle Environmental.

Nancy Janyszeski, Pa. chair of the Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River

“They came back with 16 others toxins that were above the effect stream level…and also confirmed the presence of multiple recognized and suspected human carcinogens (such as benzene)….now that you know, you can’t not know.”

The Dish health assessment tallied the answers to a questionnaire filled out by 31 citizens and former residents, and according to the report,  61-percent of the health effects reported “are known health effects of the chemicals detected…(and include) difficulty in breathing, brain disorders, chronic eye irritation, dizziness, frequent nausea, increased fatigue, muscle aches, severe headaches, sinus problems, throat irritations, and allergies.”

Tillman called his little town the ”Grand Central Station of the Barnett Shale”, and said mineral leases range from $75 to $30,000 per acre, and 12% to 3)5 royalties, and then cautioned the audience to be cautious of “moles” in their midst, folks who get a small percentage of mineral leases.

On the subject of hydraulic fracturing – a technique used to increase (or restore) the rate at which fluids, such as oil, natural gas or water, can be produced from a reservoir (including shale rock or coal beds) with reported environmental concerns such as contamination of aquifers with fracturing chemicals or waste fluids – Tillmam said, while noting that in Dish, Texas most drillers use horizontal drilling methods, hydrofracking is exempt from the Clean Water Act (and amendments).

“I was a complete mystery for a while what was in the fracking fluid…[now] we know there are over 250 chemicals used [and] over 90-percent of them have adverse health effects…each well site will have a different mix, and they (the gas drilling companies) don’t have to tell you what’s in your mix.”

Tillman said that of the 32 states in the country where there is oil and natural gads drilling, 30 of them have imposed a severance tax on the companies to pay for damages: NY and PA are the exceptions.

“Based upon my experience in Texas, I was shocked to find that the local governments did not develop ordinances….it needs to be brought back to the local level…together we bargain, divided we beg.”

Tillman never called for banning gas drilling, but rather said the area should establish baseline air and water tests, impose severance taxes, and advocate for greener drilling techniques.

“There’s folks who want to paint me as some environmental wacko,” he said. “Don’t assume nothing will happen, prepare ahead of time. “You have an opportunity to do this better than we did.”

“New York has an opportunity to do this a little better than we did,” added Tillman, advising people to visit Dimock Township in Susquehanna County, PA to get a firsthand idea of how gas drilling can impact a community “whether you’re for against drilling, are on the fence, or just have questions…go, it will become clear what the risks are.”

Janyszeski said, “We need to be educated and on top of exactly what gas drilling means to the Upper Delaware River.”

“I think everyone understands there will be drilling, we just have to make sure it’s done responsibly,” she added.

Fred Peckham is a quarryman from Hancock, NY.

“I’m in favor of responsible drilling, and I think New York State should jump on the boat like any other state in making sure the environment is protected.” he said. “Nobody in Hancock basically has jobs…the logging industry is down, the stone industry is down, basically that’s all you have…most people are self-employed, so there’s no unemployment benefits.”

Noel van Swol,(l) president of the Sullivan-Delaware Property Owners Association and Fred Peckham, (ctr) a quarryman from Hancock speak with Calvin Tillman, (r) mayor of Dish, Texas.

Noel van Swol, of Long Eddy, president of the Sullivan-Delaware Property Owners Association  “representing 70,000 acres in the Marcellus Shale”, called the February 20 information forum “a propaganda meeting” and said that according to articles appearing on the internet, Tillman “is rumored to be running for the Texas Railroad Commission”, an allegation Tillman later denied.

“The railroad commission regulates the oil and gas industry, and everyone is convinced that I’m going to run for that office, but I’m not,” said Tillman, an aviation consultant who serves as the unpaid mayor of Dish, Texas.

Von Swol said the newly added NYS DEC draft regulations “will take care of all the problems that have been raised” with the first 800-some page document.

“If you can’t regulate this industry with these kinds of regulations, then every bureaucrat in Albany that has anything to do with the environment or with oil and gas drilling should be fire and replaced.”

Barbara Arrindel of Damascus Citizens for Sustainability and Josh Fox, winner of the special documentary jury prize for his film “Gasland.”

Josh Fox, of Milanville, PA, winner the special jury prize for documentary films at Sundance for his film “Gasland” attended the meeting, and the day before the gas drilling meeting won the special jury prize at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

“I am convinced having been in 34 states with gas drilling sites all over America, that if it starts in this area I will not be able to live in my home. I know what happens to the air, what happens to the water…I won’t be able to live in my house.”

“The one thing I would like to say in response to this meeting is that drilling is not inevitable…we will do everything in our power to stop it, and we will win.”

“The rabbit hole keeps getter deeper and deeper…and the dangers are too great. People must realize it will mean the destruction of the Catskills as they know it,” added Fox.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Hundreds Turn Out for Gas Drilling Meeting visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Presently the holder of the title of Miss New York High 2010, Ariana will compete with 50 other high school girls for the title of Miss High School America 2010.

The Miss High School America 2010 pageant takes place March 3-6.

The local 16-year-old is no stranger to pageants as she has been competing since she was 9 years old. 

She started out with the Sullivan County Pageant and won Miss Sullivan County Pre-Teen 2004 and went on to win the Miss Sullivan County Teenager title in 2008.

In 2008 her reign as Miss Sullivan County Teenager was shortened due to her winning the Miss Teen New York International 2009 pageant.

Miss Kaminski then went on to compete for the title of Miss Teen International in Skokie, Illinois.

The daughter of Jamie and Monica Kaminski, Ariana is a member of the Tri-Valley Varsity Cheerleading squad, historian of Senior Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, a member of the high honor roll each quarter since the 5th grade, an Art Club member, a set designer with the Stage Crew, a flutist in the Senior High School band, an Agricultural floral planner with FFA, a Children’s church worker, a volunteer at St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, a public speaker on platform " Appreciating Diversity", a summer camp counselor and a participant in Hip Hop dance.

Ariana will be among 51 outstanding high school girls from across the United States when she travels to Branson to compete for the title of Miss High School America at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater.

These 51 beautiful young women will be representing their high schools and state as they compete in three phases of competition. They will all have a five minute interview with the judges and compete onstage in both the Fashion and Evening Gown portion of the competition.

The new 2010 Miss High School America will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship, a photo shoot with designer Tony Bowls, a photo shoot with the leading prom and pageant manufacturer Jaszy Couture along side a prize package totaling over $20,000.

The top 5 contestants will be chosen to be the lead fashion models for the 2011 Cool Book whose publications are distributed to every junior and senior girl in high school.

Over a million people will see the face of the top 5 contestants of the Miss High School America Pageant.

During their stay in Branson, Ariana along with all the delegates, will attend an array of activities that will make their week more than a pageant. One of the week’s highlights will see the contestants as special guests at Legends In Concert, said to be the best show in Branson.

The Miss High School America production will also include some of the best entertainment that Branson has to offer.

Miss Kaminski is also in a contest where the girl with the most votes can win a bracelet that she will design from a sponsor and everyone can help Ariana out by voting as many times as you like, everyday from now until March 6. Voting is free and the link to vote for her as Miss New York High is http://beautyandthebling.com/miss_high_school_america Just hit vote and refresh.

Each server will decorate their table according to their “inner child,” so it’s bound to be hilarious.

The Celebrity Dinner takes place on Friday, March 5 at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill, NY. The evening will start with a Social Hour (cash bar) at 6:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres donated by Jay and Shelly Weinstein, owners of Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant. Then, at 7:00 p.m. the three-course gourmet dinner will be present by celebrity servers – some of whom will work in teams – who will be also be competing in the Annual Tip Challenge. 

Local celebrity servers include:

Roberta Byron-Lockwood & Heinrich Strauch

Legislators Ron Hiatt & Alan Sorensen (pictured at left with his daughter)

Steve Wilkinson

Lori Rubinstein-Fleck (pictured at left) & John Makovic

Jeremy Gorelick (pictured) & Matt Dorcas

Paul Ciliberto & Michelle Semerano,

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther

District Attorney Jim Farrell  & Bill Liblick

And also: Sheriff Michael Schiff & Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, Supervisor Steven Vegliante & Councilman Nathan Steingart, Dr. Patrick Michel, Tim McCausland, Jacob Lerner, Jared Kaufman & Julie Goodman, Supervisor Greg Goldstein, Councilperson Denise Frangipane & Dr. Bill Pammer, Dr. Ivan Katz, and Superintendent Michael Vanyo & Principal Mary Greynolds.

Tickets for this fun-filled evening are $35 per person. All proceeds from ticket sales and the Tip Challenge will benefit the local Boys & Girls Clubs programs in Monticello, Fallsburg and Liberty.

To make reservations, please RSVP to Valerie by Wednesday, February 26, at 361-2222 or e-mail her at vragusa@bgcorange.org.

Be sure to indicate which celebrity server(s) you would like to be pampered by.

LIBERTY, NY - Over 450 music students from eight Sullivan County School Districts will be participating in the 56^th Annual Sullivan County Music Educator’s Association’s (SCMEA) All-County Music Festival to be held at Liberty High and Middle School March 5 and 6.

According to Festival Chairperson, Gary Siegel, students are selected on the basis of teacher recommendations to the chairpersons of each performing ensemble.

The top music students from all eight Sullivan County school districts participate in the festival. with a total of approximately 450 being involved countywide.

Ensembles in this year’s festival are Elementary Chorus, Middle School Band, Junior High Chorus, String Orchestra, Senior High Band, Women’s Chorus and Jazz Ensemble. Each ensemble is chaired by a member of SCMEA and is directed by a guest conductor from outside the Sullivan County districts who are prominent in the music education field.

All groups will gather at Liberty High and Middle School on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 for rehearsals, with the festival culminating with two concerts on the afternoon of March 6 in Liberty High School’s David E. Panebaker Auditorium on Buckley Street in Liberty, NY.

Concert 1 will begin at 3:00 p.m. and feature the Elementary Chorus, String Orchestra and Middle School Band. Concert 2 starts at 5:00 p.m. and will feature the Jazz Ensemble, Junior High Mixed Chorus, Women’s Chorus and High School Band.

Tickets will be available for purchase on Friday, March 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6 in the Liberty High School lobby while they last.

Donation is $6 and all proceeds go to SCMEA to defray the costs of the festival. For more information call 292-5400, ext. 5117 or e-mail Gary Siegel at siegelgar@libertyk12.org.