The Catskill Chronicle

By Carol Montana

Some stories are difficult to tell. Witness Arthur Miller’s dramas “All My Sons” and “Death of a Salesman.” When the story is true, it’s even harder to relate the details in a way that doesn’t turn the viewer off. 

Fortunately for theatre lovers, Denizen Theatre in New Paltz, has found not only a play that’s stimulating and well told, but also an actress and a director who are able to translate that play into an energizing and exciting piece of theatre. 

Denizen’s production of “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe tells the heart-wrenching story of a young girl whose mother has “done something stupid.” What she’s done is tried to commit suicide. So the young child starts making a list of things she hopes will keep her mom happy. The list consists of “every brilliant thing” she can think of, everything that makes life worth living, like ice cream and roller coasters, laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose … the list goes on and on and on … 

The Denizen audience has the good fortune to witness a truly remarkable performance by Terri Weagant. Listed not as a performer, but as a Narrator, Weagant embodies the wild energies of a young girl, running all over the theatre, crawling on the floor and almost bouncing off the walls. She tells her story with depth, courage, warmth and purpose. Weagant’s performance is vibrant and lively, and she immediately makes the audience comfortable even while dealing with the difficult topic of depression. 

It’s an interactive play, which sees the Narrator call out numbers that have been given to each audience member before the show starts, each number representing one “brilliant” thing. Additionally, certain audience members assist by playing the Narrator’s father, school counselor, a college lecturer, a veterinarian and a date / fiancee / husband.  

The play is performed “in the round,” allowing Weagant to easily engage with everyone in the audience, and it runs 70 minutes with no intermission to interrupt the often acute and powerful emotions and intensity. 

Denizen Theatre’s choice of a director for “Every Brilliant Thing” is as brilliant as the play itself. Eva Tenuto is the co-founder and executive director of the TMI Project, a non-profit dedicated to using true storytelling for social justice movement building. Allowing people who have difficulties telling their stories or parts thereof to become comfortable with relating those and then performing them as solo events. Who better to direct a play about such a difficult subject as suicide and depression? Tenuto’s skill shines through in every facet of this production. 

If you’re fortunate enough to see “Every Brilliant Thing” on a Wednesday, do stay for the “Talk Back” with Weagant, Tenuto and Denizen’s Co-Artistic Director Brittany Proia or perhaps Co-Artistic Director Ben Williamson or Founder / Producing Artistic Director Harry Lipstein. On a recent Wednesday evening nearly every member of the audience took part in the “Talk Back” – that’s how thoroughly engaging this show is. It’s not something you will easily forget.  

“Every Brilliant Thing” runs through April 28 at the Denizen Theatre, Water Street 

Market, 10 Main Street in New Paltz. Showtimes are Wednesday – Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students, $15 if you’re under 30, $24 for senior citizens and $28 for regular tickets. Call the box office at 845-303-4136 or visit DenizenTheatre.com.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 10, 2015) – Due to a recent personnel change, The Catskill Chronicle is currently on hiatus. We hope to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

In the meantime, please check out our archives for past stories including:

Sullivan Faces: https://thecatskillchronicle.com/sullivan-faces-2/

Tales from the Scrawny Gourmet: https://thecatskillchronicle.com/tales-from-the-scrawny-gourmet/

Twice Divorced Advice Column: https://thecatskillchronicle.com/twice-divorced-advice-column/

Gadfly Political Satire: https://thecatskillchronicle.com/gadfly-opinion/

Elder Berries: https://thecatskillchronicle.com/elder-berries/

or our very popular Theatre Reviews: https://thecatskillchronicle.com/theatre-dance-readings-movies/previews-and-reviews/

ROSCOE, NY (November 8, 2015) – Thunder 102 and China City of America have announced that  ThunderBlast will celebrate Somerville’s 20^th anniversary Friday, November 20^th at the Rockland House in Roscoe with performances by Somerville and Iron Cowboy, whose last two CDs featured songs written by Somerville.

The event begins with a private Meet & Greet at the Roscoe Beer Company at 6:00 p.m. Thunder 102 listeners have a chance win passes over the next few weeks.

Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m. ThunderBlast is free with a new unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots and the M&M Auto Group Mission, “No child in Thunder Country should be a toy for the Holidays.”

“We are so proud that ThunderBlast is back and we are so proud that we can celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Somerville with Iron Cowboy. We’re looking for this to be a great kick off to the M & M Auto Group Mission to benefit Toys for Tots,” said Paul Ciliberto, General Manager and Market Manager of Thunder 102.

Thunder 102 serves the Sullivan County Catskills and can be heard in Sullivan County and parts of Orange, Ulster and Delaware County, NY plus Wayne and Pike County, PA on 102.1 FM. Thunder 102 is also available worldwide on the FREE RadioBOLD app. Thunder 102, a Bold Gold Media Group station, is a Music Row reporting station and is celebrating ten years of Community service in 2015.

NEW YORK STATE (November 4, 2015) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the results of Child Passenger Safety Week seat check events, during which 88 percent of the 931 seats inspected were found to be improperly installed. Technicians found that only 112 had been installed correctly, which demonstrates the importance of learning how to properly install car seats and taking advantage of the state- and local-sponsored safety check events.

“The sheer number of incorrectly installed car seats found during these recent events is truly eye-opening,” Governor Cuomo said. “As a father, I know that there is nothing more important than the safety of our kids. I encourage all parents with younger children to attend one of these free checks, get the facts, and ensure our youngest New Yorkers are being buckled up safely and properly.”

Governor Cuomo announced a number of these September seat checks, which helped parents and caregivers find age- and size- appropriate car seats for their children. Child safety seat checks are coordinated by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in cooperation with state and local law enforcement and community safety partners year round, either by appointment or at events conducted throughout the year. Future scheduled events can be found on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee website.

A 2012 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey revealed that 20 percent of all drivers of child passengers did not read any instructions on how to properly install their child restraints, yet 90 percent felt “confident” or “very confident” that their car seats and booster seats were installed correctly.

Children in improperly installed car seats run greater risks of injury during crashes. According to NHTSA, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children under 13 years old in the United States, and many times, deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Child Passenger Safety Week, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of the proper use and installation of child safety seats, culminated in National Seat Check Saturday on September 19, a day in which free child seat inspections were conducted statewide and across the nation.

“Child passenger safety seat checks are free of charge, quick to perform, and keep thousands of New York’s children safe every year, as the numbers show,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “The importance of these child seat check events cannot be overstated. I encourage parents and caregivers to take the time to ensure their children’s safety seats are installed properly. It could
save your child’s life.”

Parents and caregivers can also get proactive about checking their child’s safety seat at home. NHTSA produced a series of videos which are available on its website and which instruct parents and caregivers how to install rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, and booster seats. Additionally, Safe Kids and NHTSA recommend the following Safe Kids checklist:

· Right Seat: Check the label on the car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for a child’s age, weight, and height.
· Right Place: Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13 years old. Doing this, along with correctly using the appropriate child restraints, greatly reduces the risk of injury.
· Right Direction: Keep the child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. When he or she outgrows the seat, move the child to a forward-facing car seat, and attach the top tether after tightening and locking the seat belt or lower anchors.
· Inch Test: Once the car seat is installed, shake it at the base. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
· Pinch Test: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check the manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at the child’s shoulder. If unable to pinch any excess webbing, the seat is installed properly.

New York State’s first child passenger restraint law went into effect in 1982 and has since been strengthened. According to the current law, all children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system that meets their size and weight recommended by the manufacturer until they reach their eighth birthday while riding in a motor vehicle. It also notes that a vehicle’s safety belts are not defined as a child restraint system under the law, as safety belts are not designed for children under four feet, nine inches tall, and therefore do not protect young children.

In 2014, 375 child safety seat check events were conducted across the state. At these events, 6,223 seats were inspected and 87 percent of the seats inspected were found to have been installed incorrectly, which can include a range of issues: for example, the seat could be expired or not height-and-weight appropriate. It could also mean that children were not using booster seats, which can help seat belts fit properly.

Car seat rankings are available here. For more information on vehicle restraints, car seat recommendations for children, and child passenger safety, visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee website.

The following are area sites where safety checks are available:

NEW YORK STATE (November 3, 2015) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the beginning of a new, statewide cooperative effort to crack down on illegal credit/debit card skimmers at gas pumps across New York, seeking to end criminals’ ability to empty the bank accounts of their victims. With card data theft incidents on the rise across the country, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Weights and Measures Bureau is conducting New York’s first-ever training and sweep of gas station dispensers across the state to proactively protect consumers and gas station owners. Agriculture and Markets staffers will train county weights and measures officials to spot skimming devices in their communities.

“Credit card fraud is a nightmare that could have a long-lasting impact on a victim’s finances and credit rating,” said Governor Cuomo. “With this aggressive new action, we’re aiming to crackdown on this fraud before it starts by capturing these scammers in the act, and protecting the financial future of thousands of New Yorkers.”

Skimmers are devices attached to ATMs or credit card processing devices to steal the credit card and PIN numbers of customers. ATMs and open point-of-sale terminals, such as gas pumps, are targets for criminals, ranging from local thieves to international crime syndicates. The credit scoring company FICO estimates about 30 percent of all credit card fraud happens at point-of-sale locations such as gas pumps. Government and private research sources indicate that the cost to consumers of point-of-sale card fraud is between $3 billion and $6 billion a year. This spring, a mass inspection of more than 7,500 gas stations in Florida found 103 credit card skimmers in use.

The Weights and Measures Bureau developed a training module, which it used to educate its own supervisors and inspectors along with county-level weights and measures staff in how to identify the skimming devices. Those inspectors spot-checked approximately 500 gas dispensers in the last several weeks across the state. A local weights and measures inspector spotted a skimmer in a gas dispenser in Niagara Falls, while an Agriculture and Markets weights and measures specialist found one in a dispenser in Rochester. A subsequent investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and the Rochester Police Department turned up four more skimmers at gas stations in Rochester, Scottsville, Wheatland, and Fairport. There are approximately 42,000 gas dispensers in New York State.

“Preventing gas pump fraud is not part of the mandate for our Weights and Measures Bureau, but our department’s leaders felt they had the expertise to help protect New Yorkers from this growing scam. I believe we will be able to work together with county bureaus to help prevent and deter some of this fraudulent activity,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

Staff members are trained to look for various types of skimming devices:

· Pig-tailed skimmers installed at the card reader inside the dispenser, the most common type of skimming device;
· False keypads or card readers installed on the outside of the dispenser;
· Bluetooth enabled skimmers that transmit stolen information over short distances.

If a device is identified, Weights and Measures staff members will alert the gas station owner and local police.

“These credit card skimmers cause immense problems for people. This is a natural addition to our skill set and we are looking forward to working together with the counties to help pull the plug on criminals who take advantage of innocent people,” said Mike Sikula, Director of the Weights and Measures Bureau, who helped develop the training program.

Experts offer several ways in which people can spot skimmers and help keep themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Check the gas pump or ATM carefully for signs of a skimmer, such as:

· A keypad that’s raised above the surface of the device;
· A card scanner that seems loose, which is a sign of a skimmer that’s snapped on top of the actual card scanner;
· A tiny camera attached to the top or sides of the device, sometimes with temporary lighting, to capture credit card numbers and PIN entries on video.

Other ways consumers can protect themselves when using their debit or credit cards include:

· Use a credit card for purchases whenever possible because of its superior fraud protection;
· If using a debit card, use it as a credit card if possible so a PIN number does not have to be used;
· When inputting a PIN number, cover the keypad with your free hand.

If a consumer suspects a device on a gas pump, they should report it to the police. Consumers should check their bank accounts regularly for signs of fraud and report compromises immediately to police and their credit card provider.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets Bureau of Weights and Measures works to assure measurement accuracy for a fair and equitable commercial marketplace. State and local weights and measures officials annually inspect thousands of scales, gas pumps, and other types of devices as well as thousands of different packaged commodities. The weights and measures programs are a critical part of New York State’s infrastructure, protecting every consumer and every business. In addition to the State Bureau of Weights and Measures, which has jurisdiction over the entire State, there are 64 county and city weights and measures departments or offices providing services to their communities.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 2, 2015) – Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day. Polling places throughout Sullivan County will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In Sullivan County there is a State Supreme Court Judge race, as well as county-wide races for clerk, treasurer and coroner, and races in all nine legislative districts. There are also towns races and a race in the Village of Woodridge.

There are ballot propositions in the Towns of Fallsburg, Mamakating and Neversink. Propositions are located on the back of your ballot. Be sure to turn your ballot over after selecting your candidates.

If you’re not sure where your polling place is, check here:https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx

For additional information, call the Sullivan County Board of Elections at 845-807-0400. The Sullivan County Board of Elections is located at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.

MONTICELLO, NY (November 1, 2015) – Your help is needed: The community meal Committee of the Monticello Interfaith Council in cooperation with the Monticello Central School District is
holding its Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal on Saturday November 21 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Monticello High School Cafeteria.

The committee is seeking donations from organizations, local businesses and individuals in the form of paper goods, which include (1,500), napkins, forks, knives, spoons, take out containers, hot and cold cups.

Monetary contributions will help pay for food and desserts.

Volunteers are also needed to decorate the cafeteria as well as set up, serve food and clean up after the event.

Tax-deductible donations by check can be made out to “Community Thanksgiving Dinner” and mailed to PO Box 528, Monticello, NY 12701.

Volunteers please email us at monticellocommunitymeal@gmail.com or call 845-239-2142.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 26, 2015) – A Lions Clubs International Foundation matching grant of $20,000.00 was obtained by Lions District 20-O for use by Sight and Hearing Committees in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties.  Eleven Sullivan County Lions Clubs each made donations, along with donations from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, the SYDA Foundation, Monticello Rotary and Liberty Elks.  These generous donations have enabled Sullivan County Sight and Hearing to procure two screeners.

On September 29, thirty-four Lions from Sullivan County gathered to be trained.  All Sullivan County Lions Clubs are eager to provide free screenings of children under the age of six at schools, day care centyers and any indoor function they are invited to.

On October 15, 16 and 21, 224 children from Head Start facilities in Woodbourne and Monticello were screened.  Of those 224 children, a number were referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further exams.

For additional information, contact Irene O’Leary at 845-583-5252.  To schedule a screening, call Al Frangipane at 845-583-6540.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 25, 2015) – US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded over $190,500 in funding to Sullivan County organizations that will support local foods infrastructure and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The awards will support two projects: expansion of programming at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen to help food entrepreneurs develop new products, and a County-led initiative to increase utilization of the seven farmers’ markets here, particularly among lower income residents.

CCESC has been awarded $94,000 over two years from the USDA Local Food Promotion Program to support the development and delivery of workshops and technical assistance through its EaT Kitchen. These efforts will help existing and potential food entrepreneurs and agricultural producers interested in adding value to items produced on their farms to grow their business. Participants will have an opportunity to utilize the shared-use commercial kitchen facilities at the Extension Education Center in Liberty at no cost to develop, test, license, produce, and market potential products.

Adding locally produced and value-added products to shelves across the county will increase consumer access to fresh, healthy foods. The program also seeks to provide a forum for food processors to connect with farmers in the region to source raw ingredients, further contributing to economic development efforts by keeping dollars flowing locally. The public can expect monthly workshops in 2016 and a conference highlighting regional opportunities for local food promotion in the spring.

“We’re pleased to be able to offset start up, product development, and production costs for farmers and small businesses getting started,” said Colleen Monaghan, executive director at CCESC.

The USDA awarded an additional $96,595.66 to the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management to partner with CCESC and Sullivan County Public Health Services on the Sullivan Fresh Initiative. The Sullivan Fresh Initiative seeks to increase awareness of agriculture locally and augment sales at the county’s seven farmers’ markets. This partnership will operate by creating and implementing a county-wide marketing, coordination, and promotional plan; developing and distributing educational materials for the public through news releases and radio interviews; conducting workshops and cooking demonstrations at the markets and the EaT Kitchen to help consumers understand how to prepare food sold at the markets; and training staff to process and promote consumer use of nutrition assistance program benefits at the markets.

The Sullivan Fresh campaign intends to:

·         Sustain long term viability and growth of the farmers’ markets by getting more people to know about and use them;

·         Increase the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)/ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) redemption rate at the farmers’ markets;

·         Improve nutrition and health in Sullivan County through increased consumption of fresh, local food;

·         Coordinate management and promotion of the farmers’ markets to stretch marketing budgets and maximize access to multiple markets; and

·         Enhance the impact of the farmers’ markets on overall quality of life and Sullivan County’s ability to attract new residents, businesses, and tourists.

“The proposed Sullivan Fresh project will work to sustain local farm operations by increasing more profitable direct-to-consumer sales while also addressing the need for Sullivan County residents to have better access to, and eat more of, fresh, healthy, locally grown foods,” said Freda Eisenberg, Sullivan County Commissioner of Planning and Environmental Management.

More information on USDA local foods program funding can be found by visiting the USDA website, calling CCESC at 845-292-6180 or emailing Melinda Meddaugh at mm2592@cornell.edu.

These projects will implement recommendations in the Sullivan County Farmland Protection Plan (FLPP). More information on the FLPP can be found on the Sullivan County website.

Proposed Tax Levy Less than the Tax Cap; Homeowners to Receive Rebate Equal to their Increase in Taxes; Addresses Critical Infrastructure Needs Facing the County

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 21, 2015) – Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek issued the following statement: “The 2016 Tentative Budget proposes a tax levy increase less than what is allowed under the New York State tax cap law.  This budget maintains vital services that are needed in the community and is achieved in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining our fund balance levels at a level recommended by rating agencies and by our own Fund Balance Policy.”

2016 Tentative Budget Fiscal Summary

• Total Budgetary Appropriations: $207,471,547

• Property Tax Levy: $57,471,954

• Property Tax Levy Increase: 1.58%

• County Property Tax Rate Increase: 0.93%
  • Less than the tax levy increase due to an increase in taxable assessed value

• Increase in tax liability for $100,000 of assessment: $10

New York State Tax Cap Rebate Program: Under the proposed budget all STAR eligible homeowners would receive a check from New York State equal to their increase in taxes.

• Sales Tax Anticipation: $37 million
  

“I am extremely pleased with the Tentative Budget that the County Manager has presented to the Legislature for review.  The proposed increase in funding to support county road and bridge infrastructure improvements, the continuation of the Plans and Progress Small grants program, and the addition of staff to ensure the effectiveness of services to our most vulnerable citizens and many other new initiatives is an exceptional place to start,” stated Scott Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature. “I would like to applaud County Manager Josh Potosek along with the Office of Management and Budget and staff for all their hard work and for once again delivering a tentative budget under the State mandated Tax Cap,” added Samuelson.

“Our office is pleased to provide the Legislature and the public with the new budget layout this year. It has been enhanced to provide its reader with a better understanding of County government operations, the issues the County officials are currently facing, how they are addressing those issues and how decisions for the County are made,” added Potosek.

“This budget reflects the needs of all of our County residents.  The additional funding for infrastructure is encouraging, and while the budget is a work in progress and there is still much to be done the 2016 Tentative Budget provides a great foundation to build upon,” stated Kathleen LaBuda, Sullivan County Majority Leader and District 2 Legislator.

“While I still need time to review all the details, I feel the 2016 Tentative Budget strikes the balance of providing funding for critical infrastructure improvements and services for those in need, while holding the line on ounty taxes,” stated Alan Sorensen, Sullivan County Minority Leader and District 9 Legislator.

Potosek added, “I strongly believe that the initiatives that I have outlined and included in the 2016 Tentative Budget will help to improve the quality of life of our community. I look forward to working with the Sullivan County Legislature to see these projects through to fruition.”

To view the 2016 Tentative Sullivan County Budget please visit:

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2016_Executive_Summary.pdf

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2016_Detail.pdf

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/Capital_Budget_2016-2021_Tentative.pdf

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 20, 2015) – The following events are planned for Sullivan County and the surrounding area, on and around Veteran’s Day.
Saturday, November 7 – The 17^th Annual Veterans Day Parade, sponsored by The Woodbourne Fire Company No. 1.  Line up: 12:00 p.m. – Step Off:  1:00 p.m.; Route 42/52 (Main Street), Woodbourne. Parade Marshall:  John T. Dertinger, Jr.  Service to follow at Woodbourne Firehouse. 

Tuesday, November 10 – 5:00 p.m. Liberty Elks Lodge 1545, Annual Veterans Dinner (Spaghetti and Meatball).  Veterans eat Free, Veterans’ Guests $7.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Sgt. Andrew Brucher VFW Post 5499 will be conducting Veterans Day Services at the Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake.  All veterans and the public are invited.  Please arrive by 10:45 a.m., hence the service can start promptly.

Wednesday, November 11- 9:00 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at VFW Post 4947. 9:30 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at the Bloomingburg Firehouse.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Tusten-Highland-Lumberland VFW Post 6427 and the Sylvan-Liebla American Legion Post 1363 will hold a Veterans Day Service at Heroes Park in Eldred, in honor of all veterans.  Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served and we will have our annual Raffle Drawing.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Grahamsville Rural Cemetery – Flag Exchange Ceremony sponsored by the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Dennis Ackerley Memorial Post 8648 will provide the Honor Guard.

Wednesday, November 11 –
11:00 a.m. – The Allan Milk Memorial VFW Post 7276 will conduct Veterans Day Observances at the Long Eddy Firehouse.  Area veterans and the public are welcome to join us.  Our Ladies Auxiliary will be serving lunch following the program.

Wednesday, November 11 – 10:00 a.m.  “Veterans Day” Services will be conducted in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.  Hosting the ceremonies are American Legion, Jewish War Veterans (JWV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).  The Keynote Speaker will be Capt. Eric Durkins, Chief of Staff, Stewart Air National Guard Base.  Refreshments follow the services at the Monticello Elks Lodge.  The public is cordially invited to attend.  Master of ceremonies is Al Etkin.  For further information, contact (845) 794-7271

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Post 4947 Color Guard Ceremony at Napanoch Elks Lodge #1971.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at the Roscoe Firehouse.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – American Legion Post 1266 will conduct Veterans Day Services at the Veterans Park, Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro.  Refreshments to follow at the Legion Post, 92 Pine Street.

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY (October 19, 2015) – The SYDA Foundation has announced that Gary Siegel of Liberty, has been selected as the recipient of the 2015 SYDA Foundation Community Service Award. The prestigious award includes a certificate of merit for outstanding service to the local community and a monetary gift of $5,000.

The SYDA Foundation Community Service Award will be presented to Mr. Siegel on Thursday, November 19, at 2:00 p.m., at the monthly meeting of the Sullivan County Legislature, at the Government Center in Monticello. The public is warmly invited to attend the presentation.

Since 1986, the SYDA Foundation has sponsored this annual award — one of Sullivan County’s highest distinctions — to recognize and honor local citizens for outstanding community service.  A committee of past SYDA Foundation Community Service Award recipients and local civic leaders selected Gary Siegel to receive this year’s award. Gary was selected in recognition of his years of service educating and enriching the lives of the young people of Sullivan County as well as his leadership role in organizing and fundraising for many charitable projects that have had a local, national and global impact.

As a music educator for over 30 years in the Liberty Central School District, Gary mentored thousands of young people.  He taught students musical skills, helped to build their self-esteem and instilled discipline, all qualities that help ensure their success as adults. During his tenure, Gary served as chair of Sullivan County Music Educators Association and New York State School Music Association Music Festivals.  He organized more than a dozen Area, State and County festivals, engaging thousands of young people from the greater Hudson Valley.

Mr. Siegel has also been an outstanding leader in his community, with decades of service as an organizer and fundraiser for a wide variety of projects. Gary was a founding member of Liberty ALIVE, a precursor to Sullivan Renaissance, a beautification and community development program.

Currently, he is Co-chair of the WSUL/WVOS radio Heart-a-thon, which has raised thousands of dollars annually to benefit Catskill Regional Medical Center.

For the last five years, Siegel has served on a committee to organize a series of fundraising events sponsored by Thunder 102 radio to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  He can often be seen at Bethel Woods selling fundraising cards, bowling in a bowl-a-thon, or swinging a club at the annual golf outing–all fundraising events that he helped organize and for which he built sponsorship and support.

As Co-chair of the Liberty Rotary Club Haiti Clean Water Project, Siegel raised funds for and participated in two of Archangel Airborne’s missions to Haiti to deliver water filtration systems to Haitian families. He is planning a third trip to Haiti in November 2015.

After retiring as a teacher in 2013, he started a tour company, CD Trips LLC, which organizes bus tours from Sullivan County and donates a portion of its proceeds to many of the charities that he supports. In 2014, CD Trips donated over $23,000 to local charitable organizations.

In 2013, Siegel created the Barry Foster Memorial Fund, which provides financial support for children to experience team sports and participate in field trips to visit special places such as Radio City Music Hall where they might not otherwise be able to go.

He has been married to his wife Judy for 30 years and is the father of two adult children, Georgia and Max.

The SYDA Foundation, located in the Town of Fallsburg since 1979, is a not-for-profit organization that makes Siddha Yoga meditation available to students around the world. The SYDA Foundation contributes to the Sullivan County community through regular monetary donations to the local volunteer fire departments, police, school district, and hospital, and through its philanthropic expression — PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program.

MONTICELLO, NY (October 18, 2015) — Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Ethelbert B. Crawford Library, which just held a book brigade and ribbon cutting, must re-open Monday, October 26th instead of the morning of October 19th, as planned.

Items (some bookcases, computers and computer desks) have not arrived and key technologies that would allow them to circulate materials (security gates and checkout pads at circulation stations) are not yet functioning as they should.

There are no simple workarounds to these issues leaving them no other option than to delay re-opening until they can get the necessary items delivered, installed and up and running.  The library appreciates your patience.

Feel free to use the bookdrop at the new library now.  If you suspended your holds and they are now due to begin coming in, the library will do their best to manage them so those that do arrive in delivery are there for you when we re-open Monday, October 26th.

The Book Brigade conducted on the afternoon of Sunday, October 18, was phenomenal thanks to 250 plus participants braving the chilly weather to make library history.  The EBCPL hopes that those that stayed for the ribbon-cutting ceremony following the book brigade enjoyed getting a glimpse at what is to come.

NARROWSBURG, NY (October 14, 2015) — The Upper Delaware River Valley’s local Slow Food Chapter hosts a Free Apple Cider Pressing on Saturday, October 24, between

11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Hans and Cornelia Kung are hosting at 1300 Crystal Lake Road in Narrowsburg.

Bring your own apples and clean containers to this first come/first served event.

Maria Grimaldi will talk about both the well known and unexpected health benefits of apples. Sonja Hedlund, from Apple Pond Farm, will be on hand to discuss easy ways to preserve the bounty.  Slow Food Chapter Co-Leader Sally Ann Parsons will explain the Slow Food Ark of Taste and identify heirloom apple varieties that have boarded the Ark.

There will also be samples of the delicious syrup made from boiled cider, an historic
farm-based product made solely from the concentration of fresh, unfermented cider.

This will be a fun, child-friendly outdoor event, and attendees are encouraged to pack a lunch and a thermos of warm beverages. You may also bring an apple-based dish to share, but it is definitely not a requirement.

It takes about 15 pounds of apples to create a gallon of cider, so plan on bringing enough for a few gallons. Cider freezes very well.

Slow Food UpDeRiva (Upper Delaware River Valley) is part of Slow Food USA, the grass roots and global network of over 100,000 members in more than 150 countries. They link the pleasures of the table with a commitment to protect the community, culture, knowledge and environment that make this pleasure possible. Slow Food promotes good, clean and fair food for all.

For more information, call 866-270-2015, e-mail upderiva@gmail.com, and ‘like’ the Slow Food UpDeRiva Facebook page for information on local apple sellers, potential weather cancellations, and upcoming events.

MONTICELLO, NY— The public can benefit from a one-on-one, interactive experience using a new research-informed workbook, “Guiding Senior Transitions,” designed to provide the tools needed for greater healthcare self-efficacy. On Monday October 19, 2015 from noon to 3:00 pm, older adults are invited to attend a free workshop on this new resource book developed and initiated by Dr. Karin Pantel, EdD, RN, CNE of Older Adult Transitional Support (OATS).

Sullivan County students from the BOCES Health Academy and Touro College of Medicine in Middletown are encouraged to attend the event.

The purpose of the workshop is to enhance self-empowerment during healthcare transitions, promote positive healthcare outcomes, and decrease often unnecessary re-hospitalizations. The workshop will take place at Action for Independence on 309 East Broadway in Monticello. Lunch will be provided, sponsored by Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility.

Dr. Pantel and Bonnie Lewis, RN, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) dependent care educator and Caregiver Resource Center coordinator, will help participants complete the transportable workbook, which is to be utilized during urgent and routine primary care visits and during hospitalization for better care and a more prudent discharge. The three hour session will include information that can make future transitions between medical facilities and home a more beneficial process by giving the medical consumer enhanced self-advocacy and communication skills.

Space is limited and pre-registration for this free program is requested. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845-292-6180 or emailing sullivan@cornell.edu.

OATS is a collaboration of community stakeholders, county healthcare facilities, and county supported older adult resource agencies with about 25 active members.  The mission of OATS is to promote, strengthen, and enhance healthcare self-efficacy, potentiating the ability of our older population to remain in the community housing of their choice; preparing seniors, professional caregivers and family caregivers with the tools to maintain and sustain this goal.

The Caregiver Resource Center is a co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County and is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging’s Caregiver Program.

MONTICELLO, NY (October 12, 2015) — The Sullivan County Office for the Aging has scheduled a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 2 Jefferson Street, Monticello, NY to gain input from older residents, baby boomers, and other interested parties on programs and services provided by the agency. The Public Hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a free continental breakfast.

The Office for the Aging provides such programs as home delivered meals and congregate meals, in-home services, assistance to informal caregivers, information and assistance, Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Sullivan NYCONNECTS, shopping bus and medical transportation. Information gathered at the public hearing will be
used in the development of the Agency’s Annual Plan for services which must be submitted to the New York State Office for the Aging by December 1, 2015.

Following the Public Hearing, Senior Safety Day: Domestic Violence; Senior Services Expo: Learn about senior programs and services.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 11, 2015) — Each year the Sullivan County Historical Society presents deserving groups or individuals with awards honoring them as either Sullivan County history maker or Sullivan County history preserver.

This year’s award recipients are Harold Gold as History Maker and Elsie Winterberger as History Preserver.

The importance of the History Maker Award recognizes efforts made by Harold Gold, a resident of South Fallsburg, for his over 65 years of community involvement and his role, as a charter member of the College Board of Trustees, with the establishment of the Sullivan County Community College. Mr. Gold is well known throughout the county and does not need much introduction. He has worked tirelessly in many organizations, both within his town and throughout the county, always taking the long view. While the education of young people has always been of great ongoing value, there was a time when it was not clear if Sullivan County would ever have a school of higher learning to attract students and teachers from all over the world. It took a major fight to navigate the paperwork, the politics and the financial wherewithal to make the college a reality. Harold Gold is a popular civic leader and the last remaining member of the nine original College Trustees. He is well deserving of the History Maker Award for this and untold community organizations in which he participates.

The importance of the History Preserver Award recognizes the efforts made by Elsie Winterberger, a past resident of the Town Forestburgh. Elsie spent seventeen years as Forestburgh Town Historian, contributing to the historical preservation of the details of historical events large and small, yet all of specific interest to many. Appointed in 1974, her activities included not only gathering of historical material, but also spearheading many preservation projects within the town. Most importantly, Elsie shared her historical knowledge though a weekly newspaper column, Forestburgh Lore, in the pages of the Sullivan County Democrat and other local publications beginning in 1977.

The 2015 honors will be presented their awards during the SCHS Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Sunday, October 18th at the Rockland House, in Roscoe, New York. The event will begin with a 4:00 p.m. social hour followed by the dinner served at 5:00 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $30 per person.

The public is also invited to support the nominees by advertising in the SCHS Annual Meeting and Awards Diner Journal.

Dinner reservations for the opportunity to honor these deserving recipients and for more information concerning placing journal advertisements please contact the Sullivan County Historical Society at 845-434-8044. It is hoped that the public will take this moment to share in celebration of the honorees’ achievements.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 8, 2015) — Sullivan County has taken an important step toward a more secure, sustainable and affordable energy future. On October 2nd the not-for-profit Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development (SASD) submitted a petition to the New York State Public Service Commission seeking authorization to establish a countywide Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.

A CCA program allows a municipality, in this case Sullivan County, to bundle the electricity purchases of all residents and businesses within its jurisdiction to secure a lower price. Because a CCA can purchase energy on behalf of tens of thousands of customers, it can negotiate lower rates that are not otherwise available to retail customers.

Under the terms of a resolution unanimously adopted by the county legislature, the Sullivan County CCA (SCCCA) must offer an electric rate that is equal to, or lower than, the prevailing rate. SCCCA may also offer customers a premium, 100% renewable energy option.

But SCCCA is not only about achieving immediate cost savings for consumers. It will also seek to develop local renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric.

SASD founder Dick Riseling explains, “Renewable energy production will create good local jobs, provide county residents with reliable energy supplies for years to come, and insulate us from the wildly fluctuating prices of fossil fuels.” Riseling also points out that “To the extent that Sullivan County can produce its own power, the money that customers spend on electricity will stay within the county.”

The SCCCA proposal was written by SASD board members and staff in consultation with the offices of the County Attorney and the County Manager. SCCCA will be developed and administered at no cost to county taxpayers.

For further information: E-mail sasdonline@gmail.com. Telephone: Carol Roig at 845-557-0343, or Bruce Ferguson at 845-482-5037.

NEW YORK STATE (October 7, 2015) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the names of eight fallen firefighters who have been added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial located at the Empire State Plaza. With the addition of these eight firefighters, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial now contains the names of 2,398 individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Today, we pay tribute to these brave individuals who gave their lives while protecting their neighbors and their communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “With the additions to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, we will help ensure that their sacrifices and their dedication to the safety of others will not be forgotten.”

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials recognized the contributions of these eight courageous individuals at the 18th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony today in Albany. During the ceremony, Governor Cuomo issued two proclamations honoring the state’s career and volunteer firefighters. The proclamations mark Tuesday, October 6, as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of October 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week.

Lieutenant Governor Hochul said, “New York is proud to honor the heroic service of our firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of protecting us from danger. This memorial is an enduring reminder that we cherish their bravery, their mission, and their loved ones. We bestow our everlasting gratitude to these eight individuals today, and on behalf of Governor Cuomo, we vow to never forget.”

New York State Fire Administrator Bryant D. Stevens said, “This memorial serves as an everlasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. While firefighters understand the dangers they face, the names enshrined on this wall is a stark reminder to every New Yorker of this fact and of the sacrifices made by firefighters every day.”

“Today, I join fire chiefs and emergency responders from throughout New York State to recognize and remember our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice. We pay tribute to the families of the fallen and will ensure that their sacrifice will be forever honored,” said New York State Association of Fire Chiefs President Chief Daniel J. Schwertfeger.

“Today we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Tens of thousands of firefighters across this great State put their lives on the line every day in to protect their families, their friends, their neighbors, and complete strangers alike. It is our duty never to forget those who have answered their final call,” said Firemen’s Association of the State of New York President Robert McConville.

And New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association President Michael McManus said, “It is with heavy hearts that we remember the brave men and women who we have lost in the line of duty, protecting the citizens of New York State. We recall their bravery and sacrifice and extend our thoughts and prayers to their families and fellow firefighters.”

This year’s additions to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial are:

· Timothy T. Gunther, Firefighter, Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Dutchess County – May 5, 2015
· Joseph Sanford, Jr., Firefighter, Inwood Fire Department, Nassau County – December 23, 2014
· Gordon M. Ambelas, Lieutenant, New York City Fire Department, Kings County – July 5, 2014
· Fred Edwards, Firefighter, Liberty Fire Department, Sullivan County – May 7, 2014
· Kevin J. Bristol, Firefighter, Peekskill Fire Department, Westchester County – March 3, 2014
· Ross E. Huffer, Firefighter, Nesconset Fire Department, Suffolk County – February 27, 2014
· Kevin E. Townes, Sr., Firefighter, Mount Vernon Fire Department, Westchester County – December 8, 2011
· David E. Smith, Captain, Howells Fire Company #1, Orange County – April 11, 2006

Fred Edwards joined the Liberty Hose and Truck Co. No. 2 in August 1967 and remained an active member for 47 years. He served as fire commissioner, lieutenant and trustee with the Liberty Fire Department and also served with the Hudson Valley Firemen and Red Vest Associations. He was a lifelong resident of Liberty and a member of the Fraternal Order of Free Masons and Liberty Elks Lodge.

Fred passed away, at age 66, at his home on May 7, 2014 after participating in a training drill the night before and one earlier in the day, leaving behind his wife Diane, two brothers who also served in the Liberty Fire Department and several other family members. 

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated in 1998, honors the memory and the valor of our fallen firefighters, as well as pays tribute to the more than 100,000 New York State firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. On average, New York’s firefighters respond to over 1.3 million incidents annually, which represents approximately 3561 events every day, 148 calls per hour, and 2.47 calls per minute.

MONTICELLO, NY (October 6, 2015) — Senior safety is an ongoing theme for the Sullivan County TRIAD collaboration with a continued effort to prevent elder abuse and maintain the quality and integrity of senior life. TRIAD, a partnership between senior citizens, law enforcement, and senior support agencies, announces the sixth annual Senior Safety Day on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

The public can learn about senior programs and services at this free event occurring from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Ted Stroeble Recreation Center on 10 Jefferson Street in Monticello. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) and Office for the Aging (OFA) will collaborate through the Caregiver Resource Center to offer this free opportunity emphasizing National Domestic Violence Prevention month.

The OFA’s annual public forum will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by guest speakers’ programs on domestic violence and elder abuse. A buffet lunch with homemade dessert will be provided and door prizes awarded at the conclusion of the event.

Speakers include Liliam Stettner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Christine Fiorile Harrington, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley attorney. Stettner discuss elder abuse and share an informative video entitled, “An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America”. Harrington will facilitate a conversation on financial abuse.

Pre-registration for this free event is requested in advance. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845-292-6180 or emailing sullivan@cornell.edu.

The Caregiver Resource Center is a co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County and is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging’s Caregiver Program.

LIBERTY, NY (October 5, 2015) — The public is invited to take advantage of the bountiful harvest of apples this fall at an educational workshop on safe home food preservation techniques using healthy apples as the main ingredient. On Saturday, October 24, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) will offer this unique class from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the shared-use, Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen at its Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty. A light lunch will be provided.

CCESC Master Food Preserver Volunteers, Jessica Gibbons, Bonnie Makofsky, Karen Mariner, Wendy Tushak, and Cheyenne Zigmund will demonstrate home food preservation methods as recommended by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Participants will gain hands-on experience in hot water bath canning, freezing, and dehydration and will learn ways to store foods for an extended period of time. No prior knowledge of food preservation is needed. Attendees will receive food samples.

Cost is $45.00 per person, including lunch. Space is limited and pre-registration with non-refundable payment is required in advance. Seats are only guaranteed with payment. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845-292-6180, emailing sullivan@cornell.edu, or visiting www.sullivancce.org. Payment can be made in advance by check, cash, or credit. Additional donations for CCESC programs are appreciated.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 4, 2015) – The editor and staff of the Catskill Chronicle apologize for the inactivity of the past week. Our computer died (this one is borrowed), and it may be another few days before we are back up and running.

In the meantime, please take this opportunity to catch up on some of our past stories and columns. Thanks so much for your patience.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 29, 2015) – Catskill Animal Rescue, CARe, is celebrating its first anniversary with a dinner, dance and silent auction on  Saturday, October 10, 2015.

The celebration will be held at Mr. Willy’s, 3695 Route 42 South in Monticello starting at 6:30 p.m. with a theme of “Down on the Farm,” and the dress is casual farm attire. 

In the first year of its existence, CARe has re-homed in excess of 70 dogs, has spayed or neutered over 650 cats, and re-homed 150 cats. CARe has also made sure most of those furry friends have gotten their wellness checks, vaccines and cured of any health problems.

CARe will be honoring three veterinarians at their dinner who have been more than helpful in their first year of existence. Those vets are Dr. Scott Quick of Quality Pet care in Monticello, Dr. Joseph D’Abbraccio of the Catskill Veterinary Services in Wurtsboro and Dr. Joseph Nebbyzdoski of the Youngsville Veterinary Clinic.

To purchase tickets to the dinner please send $65 per person (or $600 for a table of 10) to Catskill Animal Rescue, PO Box 88, Monticello, NY.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 29, 2015) – Issued By: NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions:  Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Yates Counties

…Flood Watch Remains In Effect Through Wednesday Morning…The Flood Watch Continues For* Portions Of Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania…Including The Following In Central …New York…Broome…Chemung…Chenango…Cortland…Delaware…Madison…Northern Oneida…Onondaga…Otsego…Schuyler…Seneca…Southern Cayuga…Southern Oneida…Steuben…Sullivan…Tioga…Tompkins And Yates. In Northeast Pennsylvania…Bradford…Northern Wayne…Susquehanna And Wyoming.

*Through Wednesday Morning

* Rain Will Continue Overnight, Heavy At Times. Rain Will gradually Diminish During The Day Wednesday.

* An Average Of 2 To 4 Inches Of Rain Is Expected Across The Watch area, But With A Very Moist Atmosphere, And A Stalling Front, Somel ocations Could Exceed 4 Inches. This May Lead To Localized flash Flooding. Significant River Rises May Also Occur.

A Flood Watch Means There Is A Potential For Flooding Or Flashflooding Based On Current Forecasts.You Should Monitor Later Forecasts And Be Alert For Possible flood Warnings. Those Living In Areas Prone To Flooding Should Be prepared To Take Action Should Flooding Develop.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 28, 2015) – The need has never been greater and it’s never been easier to make a difference in our community. Here is your opportunity to make sure that a child does not go without the basic necessity of a coat this winter.

WSUL, together with Fidelis Care and NBDC Bank are collecting new and clean, gently used coats and jackets to be distributed directly to local children.

Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome.

The Coats for Kids drive is an easy way for you and your family to pass along coats and jackets that you no longer need.

WSUL, Fidelis Care and NBDC Bank have made donating a coat simple. Just bring in new or clean, gently used coats and jackets to the collection boxes located at any NBDC Bank branch during regular business hours from October l to October 19. WSUL, Fidelis Care, and NBDC will take care of the rest.

All donated coats will be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Sullivan County for distribution to local children in need.

NBDC Bank branch locations are River Road, Callicoon; Main Street, Narrowsburg; Stewart Avenue, Roscoe; Route 52, Liberty; Route 42, Monticello and Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro.

More people than ever need your help these days. WSUL, Fidelis Care and NBDC Bank thank those whose generosity will make a real difference in our own communities.

The coat drive runs from October 1 to October 19. For more information call Helena Manzione, General Manager, WSUL, 845-794-9898 Ext 301 or email Helena@WatermarkCommunications.net.

MONTICELLO, NY (September 27, 2015) – The Sullivan County site for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, Two Jefferson Street, Monticello, NY.

The walk will be held on Saturday, October 10, with registration at 9:00 a.m., and the walk beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This 1.5 mile walk is a Sullivan County Committee volunteer event to accommodate people in the community to participate in the Sullivan/Orange Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

George L. Cooke, Sullivan County Commissioner of Jurors, has graciously agreed to be the Honorary Chairperson for this event.

All donations support Alzheimer’s research as well as programs and services provided to the community by our Hudson Valley Alzheimer’s Association.

Refreshments and beautiful raffle prizes available. For further info visit www.tinyurl.com/sullivanwalk or call 845-866-2800.

Photos by Carol Montana

NEW YORK STATE (September 21, 2015) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the I LOVE NEW YORK fall foliage report is available for the 2015 season. The foliage report charts color conditions across the State and will be updated every Wednesday through the end of autumn. In addition, travelers are encouraged to share their unfiltered New York State fall photos for the 2015 Foliage Photog of the Week social media campaign, by using the hashtag #NYLovesFall. The campaign will run through November to promote autumn tourism in New York.

“New York’s already unparalleled scenic destinations become even more beautiful as the leaves change colors – attracting visitors and boosting economic activity in communities across the state,” said Governor Cuomo. “When people see what New York has to offer, they’ll fall in love, so this fall I encourage everyone to keep an eye on the foliage report and take a trip to see what they’ve been missing.”

The fall foliage season is big business in New York and one of the most popular travel times of the year. In 2014 alone, it is estimated that travel spending in New York from September through November had a total economic impact of more than $26 billion, with $16.23 billion in direct spending.

The 2015 fall foliage report is available at www.ILOVENY.com/fall.

The I LOVE NEW YORK team of volunteer Leaf Peepers will continue gathering information for weekly reports, which include a detailed map, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways, and weekly event listings.

To promote extraordinary autumn sites found across New York State, I LOVE NEW YORK will host a social media campaign featuring photos taken by Twitter, Instagram and Facebook users in the state called Foliage Photog of the Week. The campaign will run through the end of the foliage season in early November, and one spectacular New York State fall foliage unfiltered photo posted using #NYLovesFall will be chosen each week and shared across I LOVE NEW YORK social media. Each photo must be tagged with the name of the location of where the photo was taken. Along with bragging rights and elevated status, each Foliage Photog of the Week will receive an I Love NY prize package, including overnight hotel accommodations.

To learn how to become a volunteer Leaf Peeper, e-mail your name, address and phone number to foliage@esd.ny.gov. Fall foliage reports are also available by dialing, toll-free, 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 20, 2015) – The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of the latest scam being perpetrated in the area.

Citizens have been receiving post cards from a company by the name of the United Merchandise Clearinghouse (UMC).

The post card claims to be a "Notice of Parcel Claim" and states that a parcel is being held for the addressee. The post card further claims that the parcel being held contains jewelry and directs the person to call an "800" number.

"Once a person calls the "800" number, they are asked to provide a credit card to pay for an $11.95 processing fee", said Sheriff Mike Schiff. "Our research into this scam indicates that the victim will receive a cheap piece of costume jewelry in the mail and possibly compromise their credit card information in the process.
Senior citizens seem particularly vulnerable to this scam," said the Sheriff.

Anyone who receives such a post card should ignore it.

Citizens are warned not call the "800" number and not give out their credit card information.

NEW YORK STATE (September 19, 2015) – With a standing room only crowd of American Heart Association volunteer advocates in attendance, the New York State Board of Regents on Thursday approved a regulation requiring Hands-Only CPR training in high school, making New York the 26^th state to do so. More than 1.5 million students will be trained each year in the 26 states, including more than 190,000 high school graduates annually in NYS. This was the final step in a 15-year American Heart Association grassroots effort to get CPR training in high schools in New York State.

“I am truly ecstatic knowing that kids in New York State will all have the opportunity to learn lifesaving CPR skills!” said Linda Cotter-Forbes of Rhinebeck, “This will empower so many young people across our state!”

Her daughter Kaitlin was 15 years old in 2005 when she suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a high school softball game. She is alive today, attending Hunter College, because bystanders started CPR and used AED, or automatic external defibrillator quickly to revive her. She and her mother supported lobbying efforts for the law over the years.

Two other Hudson Valley teens who lobbied in support of the legislation are also alive today because of CPR, and both are college students.

“I am so excited that the Board of Regents passed the bill! Knowing that every student needs to know Hands-Only CPR is very meaningful to me because CPR saved my life,” said Katarina Weigel of Yorktown, a student at Pace University. She suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a high school volleyball practice in 2010. She’s alive because her coaches knew CPR and used an AED.

“I’m so pleased that our students will all graduate with a baseline knowledge of CPR so they are able to help someone in the event of an emergency. This training will create future generations of life savers,” said AHA volunteer advocate Veronica Barker, formerly of Washingtonville, who used CPR to save her daughter, Brianna’s life after she collapsed at home after a high school dance. Brianna is now a freshman at Penn State. “My daughter might not be here today if I hadn’t learned CPR in high school. This basic life-saving skill is perhaps the most important thing that a student can learn.”

But for the four mothers in attendance who lost their children to cardiac arrest, it was a bittersweet moment. All four have lobbied for the CPR training, as well as formed foundations that have increased the awareness of sudden cardiac arrest – and helped save lives.

“We are so grateful that the New York Regents saw how important this is,” said Melinda Murray of Queens. She lost her son Dominic in 2009 to cardiac arrest, “We are so pleased that the journey has ended in this positive, life-affirming way. After 15 years of advocacy, beginning Oct. 7, Hands-Only CPR will be taught in New York’s schools.”

Since the passage of Louis’ Law in 2002, which called for the placement of AEDs in public places, 87 lives have been saved in New York,” said Karen Acompora of Northport, whose son died after being struck by a ball in the chest, “Nothing replaces our son Louis, who died of commotio cordis when he was 14, but the CPR in Schools Law honors his short life by giving others a chance at life.”

Suzy McCarthy of Evans, who lost her 5-year old daughter, Madison to cardiac arrest 14 years ago, also worked on Louis’ Law, then turned her attention to CPR in Schools. AHA advocate Annette Adamczak of Akron, has trained 18,000 students in Hands-Only CPR since her 14-year old daughter, Emily Adamczak died six years ago.

“The ripple effects of this action will be felt across the state, as we make a difference in the lives of our children,” Adamczak said. “Together, where hands and hearts meet, a life can be saved; one heartbeat at a time.”

Sudden cardiac arrest survivors also attended the Board of Regents meeting, including 15-year-old Joe Mendrick of Colonie, who was 11 when a baseball hit him in the chest and stopped his heart, and Joel Stashenko, also of Colonie, whose son Casey – who had learned CPR in his school – revived him.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the CPR in Schools bill, sponsored by then-Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, D-Long Beach and then-Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-Buffalo, into law in October of 2014. The law called on the state Department of Education to ask the Regents for a recommendation on the instruction of CPR in Schools. The Regents recommended that it be included in the curriculum, and directed the Department to draft the rule for public comment. The Board of Regents gave the final stamp of approval to the measure during their meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. Volunteers from around the state advocated for the legislation through the American Heart Association’s online grassroots network at www.yourethecure.org . With New York becoming the 26^th state to provide CPR training in schools, it means that 1.5 million students will be trained each year nationally.

Learn CPR today at http://bit.ly/FDAHandsOnlyCPR