The Catskill Chronicle

Lori Rubinstein-Fleck (front row – 3^rd from left), a guest lecturer at a Monticello Academy of Finance class, shown here with student entrepreneurs.

MONTICELLO – Recently, Monticello Academy of Finance Advisory Board Member and Founder/Creative Director of RubyFlecks Creative Consulting, Lori Rubinstein-Fleck, visited a Monticello AOF class to guest lecture about the power and importance of strong public relations and well-placed press releases.

The students of the Monticello AOF class are taking this information to create their own press releases to advertise the VITA program where students use their skills as newly-certified tax preparers to provide low to mid-income families FREE tax preparation.

The Monticello High School Academy of Finance is a two-year program that students apply to at the end of tenth grade. This program is a member program of the National Academy Foundation which was founded in New York City by a partnership of schools and the financial services business. There are approximately 300 Academy programs in the United States.

The Academy works with local businesses and both education and government leaders to design and offer financial education opportunities for Monticello High School students. This includes a comprehensive summer internship.

To learn more about the Academy of Finance or the VITA tax program, e-mail advisor Wendy Levinson at wlevinson@k12mcsd.net or visit the National Academy Foundation (NAF) website at www.naf.org.

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Chamber members present check to teachers at the annual Chamber membership meeting in December 2009. From left, Chamber President Christopher Andreola, LMCS art and music teachers Christina Desmond, Val Taggart, Jessica Mall, Chad Miller, and Chamber Officers Van Morrow, Lisa Lyons, and Carolin Walton-Brown.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – Livingston Manor’s Trout Parade is Sullivan County’s premier arts parade as well as a fundraiser to support the arts at the Livingston Manor Central School. Completely original to Livingston Manor, this Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event, with generous support from individuals and businesses, netted $4,200 in 2009, which was contributed to Livingston Manor Central School’s (LMCS) Art & Music programs.

The LMCS art department used the funds to improve their ceramics program with a new pottery wheel, glazes, and adjustable stools so that students no longer need to stack books on their seats. “Support from the community is priceless in that our students learn the value in giving back to their community and being a part of something greater than themselves – because at the end of the day, they are the community,” said high school art teacher, Jessica Mall. 

In addition, the funds are helping revitalize the LMCS drama programs. New sound equipment “will allow students to be heard clearly after months of hard work,” said high school music/drama teacher Chad Miller. “It will be a critical part of every production.” Superintendent Deborah Fox summed it up this way, "Because of the Chamber’s generosity, we will be able to expand and enhance the quality of the programs for our children.  We are very grateful."

The 7^th Annual Trout Parade will proudly step off on Saturday, June 12^th at 1:00pm.

This marks the first year the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Catskill Art Society (CAS) to produce the Parade.

Artists, community groups, and those who would like to add creative flair to the parade are invited to download an application at www.troutparade.com or pick one up at the CAS Arts Center or Morgan Outdoors. To register your fishy entry, call or email Kathryn at 845-436-4227 or Kathryn@catskillartsociety.org. For more parade day details, check the official Trout Parade website www.troutparade.com. We’ve set the bait, now cast your line and reel in a day filled with zany creativity and community pride.

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Sullivan County Sheriff  Mike Schiff (l) congratulates Sgt. Luis Alvarez (r) on receiving the NYS Sheriff’s Association Carl Draxler Award.

MONTICELLO – On Tuesday, February 23, 2010, The New York State Sheriffs Association bestowed its prestigious “Carl Draxler Award” upon Sergeant Luis Alvarez of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Patrol.

The Carl Draxler award is named after the late Sheriff of Chemung County and is presented annually to a Sheriff’s Office employee within the state, whose career has demonstrated outstanding devotion to his or her agency and community, above and beyond the normal call of duty.

Sergeant Alvarez was cited for his years of service in the Sheriff’s community affairs and youth programs, including DARE, the Sheriff’s summer camp, and Neighborhood Watch programs. Sergeant Alvarez is also credited with initiating what is believed to be the first School Resource Officer program in a college in New York State.

Sheriff Mike Schiff, who nominated Sergeant Alvarez for the award, called him “a true public servant” and ”a role model for our county’s youth.”

Sergeant Alvarez received his award at the Sheriff’s Association annual winter conference at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.

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Liberty Rotary Club’s president Jack Strassman (right) presents a donation to Habitat For Humanity of Sullivan County President Patricia Pomeroy (left) and Habitat member Judy Brennan (center).

LIBERTY – At a recent Liberty Rotary Club meeting at Charlies Restaurant (Formerly Cobblers), Rotary members found out that Habitat For Humanity of Sullivan County is beginning a new project.

according to the program presentation by Habitat President Patricia Pomeroy and representative Judy Brennan, Habitat will be building their next house in Fallsburg. They are looking for volunteers and donations from the Sullivan County community.

At the meeting, the duo talked about the two houses that were built during the past 5 years in Monticello and Liberty and are occupied by families that benefited from the program. The new house will be built on Laurel Avenue in South Fallsburg.

Liberty Rotary Club president Jack Strassman presented Pomeroy and Brennan with a donation from the club and the members offered to volunteer when they could.

“This is a viable, active organization and our club likes to support community endeavors like these in Sullivan County,” said Strassman.

For more information about membership and activities of the Liberty Rotary Club, call 292-5100.

For more information about Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity or to volunteer or make a donation, contact Pat Pomeroy at 607 498-5757.

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MONTICELLO – Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff warned citizens on Sunday of two scams currently being perpetrated in the county.

The first scam involves a telephone caller posing as a Direct TV salesman offering an upgrade in the satellite service. The caller offers a "special deal" for $9.95 to upgrade the number of channels the person receives. The caller then asks the victim for an ATM card number and the security code on the back, to complete the transaction.

"The con men are very crafty,” said the Sheriff. "We don’t know if they are working off a list of Direct TV subscribers or if they are calling randomly until they find someone who has the service.”

In the one case the Sheriff’s Office investigated in the Town of Liberty, the con artist conducted the entire scam in the Spanish language, and wiped out the victim’s bank account within several hours.

"Once you have established an account, Direct TV will always bill you. They will not be looking for an ATM card number over the telephone,” said the Sheriff.

In the second scam, a telephone caller with a heavy Indian accent called a woman in White Lake and advised her that she had received a $7,000 stimulus grant from the US government. All she had to do was send a $200 processing fee via Western Union, to the company handling the grant. The company was located in New Delhi, India. When the woman questioned why the US government was using a company in India to distribute stimulus grants, she was quickly told by the caller, "What is the matter, haven’t you heard of outsourcing?" The women quickly notified Sheriff’s Detectives who investigated the scam.

"These scam artists are using a telephone forwarding system to hide their identity and location," said Sheriff Mike Schiff. "When you call their telephone number which is located in California, the phone ring 3 times, pauses, and then gets redirected to another number overseas. These telephone numbers often get disconnected within a few days,” said the Sheriff. 

As for Western Union, Schiff cautioned citizens about using this service. "Western Union, Moneygram and similar companies are great for sending money to relatives or friends in an emergency, when they can’t wait for a check in the mail. If someone wants you to "wire" money to pay a fee for funds they will send you later, or as part of a work at home program, a red flag should go up immediately,” said the Sheriff. "The scamsters love to use money telegram systems because they  typically have the victim wire the funds to a large city. The scammers can then retrieve the money from any one of several hundred telegram agents within that geographic area. Even if you were to catch it in time, it would be very difficult to have the police on the other end watch every single location,” said Schiff.

Anyone who may have been a victim of these scams are urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 845-794-7100.

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Sullivan County District 7 Legislady Leni Binder (R) was among those who welcomed the new district superintendent, Larry Thomas, as students from the Culinary Arts department  served an impressive array of hors d’oevres specially created for the occasion.

Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro

LIBERTY – Thirty years as a teacher and principal at the Marathon School District just south of Cortland, NY, and five years as the superintendent of the Otselic Valley Central School District in Chenango County, NY have prepared Larry Thomas well for his new job at Sullivan County BOCES.

Thomas had been interviewing for different educational jobs around the state when he found out about the opening in Sullivan County. He asked friends who were superintendents of other BOCES how their jobs differed from administering public school systems. Evidently he liked what he heard, and, the feeling was mutual on the part of the Board of Education of the Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), which appointed Thomas as the new district superintendent on January 13. The position had been filled on a temporary basis by Anthony Micha and Martin Ruglis since long-time superintendent Martin Handler resigned back in September of 2008.

“We are very excited about filling the District Superintendent position,” stated Herb Bauernfeind, Vice President of the Board. “Larry Thomas is highly qualified and is known for his open communication style and his ability to make decisions based on facts and the best interest of the organization. His innovative approach and experience makes him an excellent choice for our BOCES,” added Bauernfeind.

So on February 1, 2010, Thomas began his new job. And, on Thursday of his third week, a reception was held to welcome him. Fellow BOCES staff members, teachers and administrators from area school districts, community members, business owners and advocates, and members of the media congregated at the BOCES Career and Tech dining room in Liberty.

Feasting on lamb chops, hummus and phyllo-dough pizza, to name just a few of the delectable dishes prepared by the culinary students, and admiring the creative centerpieces made by Early Education and Special Education students, the crowd mingled and got to know the new superintendent in an informal atmosphere where they could talk to him about his ideas.

“There’s a long-standing tradition of thinking of BOCES as a place where we’re training people to do manual labor, and we’re given a negative connotation to that,” said Thomas. “What we need to do over the next couple of years, is to help people see that the jobs our kids are doing today are very technical in nature, and because they are technical in nature they do require a different level of study.”

Thomas used the example of how there was once a time when he could service his own car. “I can’t do that anymore,” he said, “I have to rely on someone who is very, very sophisticated in their ability and their thinking and their ability to diagnose problems and use computers and specialized tools. … The people who are doing that get their training here.”

In recent years, BOCES has been using a new catch phrase to describe their evolution – “It’s not your uncle’s BOCES.” Thomas explained the reasoning. “The world is changed, and we’ve changed with it. If you take a little closer look than just a cursory look at the program, beyond listening to what your parents or your grandfather said about their experience here, I think you’ll see that the technical aspects of this program have increased immensely; the expectation for our kids has increased immensely. You want our kids fixing your car and taking care of your air conditioner, and taking care of your refrigerator and taking care of your television and your sound system, and putting in your networking system … So we’re much more technical than people give us credit for, and we have to work over the next couple of years. “

Thomas went on to describe how BOCES’ programs challenge students. “BOCES is a huge option in your education. People used to think there were two types of diplomas in the state. You would get a Regents Diploma, which was for college-bound people, and then you would get this other diploma. … Now our kids who are taking BOCES courses are still required to take the same number of years of science as a Regents student, the same number of years of math as Regents students, and the same types of math in many cases, the same numbers of years of English and Social Studies as Regents students. And oh, by the way, they have to learn how to deal with sophisticated machinery to fix your car. And oh, by the way, they have to learn how to run a business like you’re seeing here tonight,” said Thomas referring to the students who had cooked, and were now serving the food. “There are so many different facets in accounting, ordering food, being able to follow recipes, not on a small scale, but on a huge scale. … What we do here is unique for kids that can handle it, not kids that are dropped here, kids that can take it. We challenge them.”

Reflecting on his vision for the future, Thomas mentioned that there has been concern over whether or not there was even going to be a BOCES program in Sullivan County. “My hope is that a year from now, all of that tension will have been alleviated, and that people will have a sense that BOCES is here to stay,” said Thomas. “And not only that, but that it’s an important player in our workforce and in the training of our kids, in their futures, and all the different types of careers that are available out there.”

Thomas wishes more people had attended the recent BOCES open house. “There were two things that impressed me about the open house,” he said. “One was articulation agreements with colleges. Almost every one of our Career and Technical Education programs have articulation agreements with colleges, not just two year colleges, four year colleges specializing in culinary arts for example, and a lot of great prestigious programs. And the second thing is that each one of those displays had a list of different types of careers that you can step off into because you participated in the programs here. People think of this (BOCES) as being the end of the road. It’s not. It’s the beginning of a long road from which you can make lots of choices because you got a great foundation in your selected area, whether it’s communications, human services, health care, culinary arts. And that’s very impressive when you look at all that, and you say ‘if I take a program here and get a certificate from this program, and, of course, if I’m a good student, then I can choose between 50 different careers.’ That’s pretty exciting.”

As he began his fourth week on the job, Thomas praised his staff. “(When) I go home at night, I am tired because it’s a demanding job. But the folks here make me very comfortable. They are very, very helpful and seem willing to want to make some things happen. If anything does happen here, it won’t be because of me, it will be because of these folks here and I’m just lucky to be part of that.”

About BOCES

The mission of Sullivan County BOCES is to increase student performance in all component districts and communities. BOCES is known for its career and technical education programs, alterative education programs and special education programs offered to students K-12. BOCES also offers a whole host of programs for individuals and community members including: adult and continuing education, community and family support services, instructional support services for districts, curriculum development for teachers, and management services for school districts. For more information contact Sullivan County BOCES at 295-4016.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Larry Thomas Considers Himself “Lucky To Be Part Of BOCES” visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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MOUNTAINDALE – The Mountaindale Community Development Project and Big Sky Productions proudly present a staged reading of John Ford Noonan’s hilarious play, A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7.

A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking was originally seen Off-Broadway with Eileen Brennan and Susan Sarandon.

The story takes place in the kitchen of an upscale Westchester County home. Maude Mix is a suburban housewife who bakes cookies for good causes and schedules her life – reading, running, tennis lessons, etc. – down to the minute.

When her “hyper-friendly” neighbor, Hannah Mae Bindler – just moved up from Austin, Texas – walks in uninvited and asks for some coffee and girl talk, Maude tells her “this is not going to work, we have no future as neighbors.” But Hannah Mae is not so easily deterred and she pesters Maude into a friendship that will eventually go above and beyond the normal definition. The N.Y. Daily News said "A Coupla White Chicks…"was ‘dandy’” and Time Magazine called it "A lighter than air comedy."

The show will feature local actresses Sharlene Hartman of Middletown as Maude Mix and Carol Montana of Grahamsville as Hannah Mae Bindler.

Sharlene Hartman has a B.A. in Broadcast Communications from San Francisco State University and is the creator of the Emmy nominated children’s show "Kid’s Stuff", which she also hosted. She attended The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. After graduating from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, she came to New York. She has done numerous commercials and live industrial work for many corporations, as well as many plays.

Carol Montana has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from SUNY at Stony Brook and a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Form and Structure from the University of Connecticut. She’s the founder and artistic director of Big Sky Productions and has directed over 40 plays, and acted in more than 15.

A portion of the proceeds from both performances will benefit the Mountaindale Community Development Project (MCDP). The MCDP is committed to the sustainable development of Mountaindale as a year-round business and arts community that enriches the lives of residents, merchants and visitors through creative and innovative initiatives. The MCDP embarks on meaningful projects that foster the growth of Mountaindale through the support of economic development, arts, culture & history, the environment, recreation, education and housing.

In conjunction with this production, Nonni’s Trattoria & Pizzeria of Mountaindale is offering a “Good Neighbor” Dinner Special: two delicious dinners for $21.95. Entrees include: Stuffed Flounder, Stuffed Pork Chop, Chicken Francese, Shrimp Fra Diabolo, or Chicken Cordon Bleu. All dinners served with antipasto and fresh homemade bread. This special is only good with ticket purchase for the Mountaindale production of A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking. Nonni’s Trattoria & Pizzeria is located at 4 Post Hill Road in Mountaindale. Please ask for details when you call to make your show reservations.

Tickets for A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking are $10 plus one non-perishable food item which will be donated to Sullivan County food pantries.

"A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking" will be performed on Saturday, March 6 at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mountaindale Community Room at 62 Main Street in Mountaindale.

Reservations are suggested; please call 845-434-4747 or 845-985-7783.

"A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking" is being performed by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

*Photo Caption – Big Sky Productions’ Carol Montana (left) and Sharlene Hartman perform in "A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking."

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Claire Coleman with one of her early oil portraits.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

The grand opening poster.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – “It’s PUNK with an ‘L’, it’s edgy but fun,” said Claire Coleman of “The Plunk Shop”, her new store on the main drag in Livingston Manor. Coleman said she wanted to incorporate an onomatopoeia in the name of the store she runs with her husband and fellow artist James Karpowicz.

“It’s like plunk yourself down, and it rhymes with funk or junk,” she said.

On Saturday, February 6, The Plunk Shop held its grand opening featuring “Realer Than Real – A Collection of Lenticular Images and 3-D Photo Wonders” an exhibition by M. Henry Jones and Mark Friedlander.

“We spent two weeks painting it with all the colors left over in our basement,” said Coleman of getting the new store ready for business, as they worked day and late night shifts preparing for the grand opening celebration.

A few of the ‘edgy but fun’ works on display.

“We had to work like crazy to get it open, and the focus of the store is on the creative element in the area, as regional artists need an outlet.”

Once things get a little bit settled, The Plunk Shop will screen alternative films and children’s movies in the intimate space.

The store showcases the wares of “lots of consigners” such as jewelry, artwork, t-shirts, and greeting cards. Of particular note are Coleman’s “Armeffects” handmade handbags and her tutus, painted constructions by Karpowicz, Heirloom Botanicals (Herbal, all natural skin care products), MiLu Couture baby accessories, and ink drawings by Barnaby Frumess.

Claire Coleman helps 5-year old Kara Schutte of the Manor try on a tutu.

Coleman describes herself as an “interdisciplinary artist” as she explores oil painting, collage, video animation, video shorts/installations, photography and the written word.

The Plunk Shop is located at 41B Main Street, the site of the former Outsider Studio in Livingston Manor. Winter hours are Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. For information, call 646-320-6895 or visit Coleman website at www.clairecolemanart.com .

To view more photos or to purchase prints from “Plunk” It visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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The lead guitarist in “The Here and Now” is a blur of motion.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

“Echo” took 1st place honors.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – In 1969, Darlene Roberta “Dar” Simpson was a junior in Livingston Manor Central School’s Class of 1970 when, as 11th graders the class decided to hold a fundraising Battle of the Bands.

After she graduated, Darlene Smith (formerly Simpson), came back to work at her high school alma mater, first from1970 to 1972, then from ’75-76’, before returning in 1983 until the 2009-2010 school year. Today she serves as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools, District Clerk and in her spare time, she is custodian of Manor’s archives, including a collection of Manor’s priceless yearbooks called “Manorisms.”

Darlene Smith shows off a photo from the original Battle of of the Bands.

Delving into the Class of 1970 history as outlined in the vintage edition of “Manorisms,” Smith pointed out mention of the first battle of the bands, “Although we discussed having a play, we found our time too limited. On February 24, 1970 we sponsored our second money-making activity for the year, a dance entitled ‘Censored.”

“It was early in March that the initiators of S and S Con, Joel Silverman and Neil Schwatz, presented the class with their latest fund-raising scheme, a Battle of the Bands. For three consecutive Saturdays, music presented by eight different competing bands was enjoyed by people from all areas of the county who came to follow their favorite bands.” When all the votes were in, “Every Soul’s Promise” was selected as the winner and “the project was a great success with the profits totaling $900.”

Recalling those glorious days of ‘69, Smith said, “That’s when the band craze started and everybody got guitars and drums.”

“They picked winners every Saturday night, and on the last Saturday night the final three bands came back…it was great.”

The Class of 1970 used the proceeds of the event to help pay for their senior trip and gifts to the school; including benches for the old pool. 

Body surfing the mosh pit.

On February 12, 2010, the Class of 2011 hosted a 21st century version of the
“Battle of the Bands”, under the supervision of class advisors Diana Fredenburg and Sandy Taggart, with junior Molly Stahl taking a lead role in organizing the event.

After it was all over, the fund-raiser raked in $1,400 which was split down the middle between the three participating bands and the Class of 2011 which will use the money for their senior class trip, caps and gowns, graduation invitations and the senior class photo.

Allie Ellmauer and Jeffrey Yeung of “Paint the City."

First Place ($280) “Echo” with Joey Fredenburg, Danny Turner and Justin Maggio.

Second Place ($233) “Paint the City” featuring Max Carmack, Jeffrey Yeung, Allie Ellmauer and Christian Calvo.

Third Place ($200) “The Here and Now” with Josh Lawrence, Adam Chin, Dan Lacasse and Ryan Perez.

Rounding out the evening, several kids took center stage with their guitars and vocals between the band performances: Dylan Bowers, Bonnie Neist and Justin Maggio, “November Fallen” with Chris Murphy, Russell Bryant and Anthony Nicoletti, and Beth Hoffman-Patalona.

Max Carmack, drummer for “Paint the City."

Looking back on her tenure at Manor, Smith said, “It feels like home, it’s a family that I never left.”

To view more photos or to purchase prints from “Echoes” of the Past visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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HARRIS – Join WSUL 98.3 / 95.7 and WVOS 95.9 as they join forces to raise money for the Cardio-Pulmonary Department of Catskill Regional Medical Center. This year’s 32^nd Annual Heart-a-thon will take place at Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Garden Level Food Court on Saturday, February 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This year’s event honors former Town of Thompson Supervisor and community activist David Kaufman (in photo at left with his wife Shirley) for a Lifetime of Achievement and his Ongoing Support of the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon and Catskill Regional Medical Center.

Over the last 32 years, the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon has raised over $1.5 million dollars in name of “Heart Health.”

For the last 3 years Watermark Communications – owner of WSUL and WVOS – has committed 100 percent of all proceeds to the Cardio Pulmonary Department at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris.

Total for the last three years are in excess of $175,000.

This year, all contributions will go to CRMC’s Cardio-Pulmonary Department for the purchase of a new Telemetry system, which provides wireless bedside monitoring between a central station and patient, and continuous surveillance for ambulatory cardiac patients.

WSUL and WVOS will both broadcast live from the hospital for the entire event.

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The first curtain revealed a 1951 Ford farm tractor, Pictured with Tara Berescik are John Jarbine and Kevin Stanly from Johnson’s Toyota, along with superintendent Thomas W. Palmer.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

GRAHAMSVILLE – Talk about a switcheroo! Instead of getting a new 2010 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, it looked like that – in these tough economic times – Ag teacher Tara “Ms. B” Berescik was going to wind up with a down-scaled 1951 Ford farm tractor.

This is not my new truck! Tara Berescik on the vintage tractor.

On November 18, 2009 Berescik was selected by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) as one of six individuals in the country to be a recipient of the organization’s annual Outstanding Teacher Award. Along with a dinner, a plaque, a free trip to the NAAE convention in Nashville, each winner got a two-year no-strings attached lease on a pickup.

“Ms. Berescik leads the way in providing opportunities for her students outside of the classroom,” said Thomas W. Palmer, superintendent of Tri-Valley Central School.“She embraces the opportunity for change and makes it her personal responsibility to provide an environment that produces productive and competent future leaders for our society…she’s a super student-oriented teacher.”

On February 12, a special assembly of 800-some 5th through 12th graders watched as Berescik was called up onstage. After a few words by Palmer, who said that since times were tough, Toyota had to cut back a bit on the award, and instead of a 2010 truck she would be getting something a little different, the curtain rose to reveal a rusty old farm tractor owned by her Co-Ag teacher and FFA advisor Robert Hayes. Berescik’s heart dropped, but she rose to the occasion and sat down on the tractor.

Berescik and Stanley stand by the 2010 Toyota Tundra.

Then curtain number two was hauled up, and in the best tradition of game show hosts, Palmer said it was all just a prank, and yes, the new truck was hers.

John Jarbine, owner of Johnson’s Toyota of Monticello was on hand with his sales manager Kevin Stanley to hand over the keys to Berescik. “This is really neat to see the kids appreciate their teacher,” said Jarbine.

Berescik’s daily ride is a 1994 Honda Accord, with tons of miles on the clock, a window that doesn’t roll down and a muffler with a hole in it, so the 2010 truck was a welcome sight.

“Hauling sod in my Honda is not a good thing, and it’s older than a lot of my students. Right now, it’s an entertaining car.”

The 1951 ford farm tractor and Berescik’s new Toyota.

“I love the new truck, and I’ve been excited about it ever since I heard I was getting it…life is good.”

Berescik went on record to say that when the lease runs out in a couple of years on the new pickup, she plans to buy it, and hopes to trade in the old Honda, “Even though by then it will only be worth three dollars.”

Snapshots from the Cabaret

Prior to the unveiling, on Friday morning, about 800 5th through 12th graders at Tri-Valley Central School got a treat before witnessing Ag teacher Tara Berescik react to thinking she got a rusty old tractor instead of the new
truck she was promised.

Taking to the stage before the curtains revealed the 1951 Ford farm tractor and then the brand new pickup, several students performed selections from Cabaret 2010 “The Wonderful World of Disney” to be held later that evening featuring the middle school jazz band, high school jazz band, and soloists from the mixed chorus & women’s ensemble.

Ashley Exner sang “Someday,” Matt Bogorad and Patty Singh teamed up to perform “A Whole New World,” Teah Sisti sang “Reflection,” Christina Neist sang “God Help the Outcasts,” Kathryn Schneyer performed “When She Loved Me,” and Matt Cavenaugh and Maria TerBush joined forces to sing “Written in the Stars.”

*Captions for above photos – left to right.

Patty Singh and Matt Bogorad sang “A Whole New World.”

Kathryn Schneyer performed “When She Loved Me.”

Maria TerBush teamed up with Matt Cavenaugh to sing “Written in the Stars.”

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Tara’s Truck visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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David Dann, was one of the hosts for the on-air 20^th Anniversary broadcast. 

Story and photos by Ted Waddell 

JEFFERSONVILLE – It all started with a dream by a dam site. On February 12, 1990 Glenn Wooddell took a deep breath, switched on his mike, cranked up the sound board and announced to the listening world-at-large, “WJFF in Jeffersonville is now beginning its inaugural day of broadcasting.” 

Barbara Gref, former two-time president of the board, supplier of hydro-power to WJFF, and volunteer chats with Bette Popovich, former station manager.

Twenty years and a day later on February 13, 2010 Wooddell and a small cadre of long-time volunteer broadcasters were back on-air to celebrate WJFF Public Radio’s 20th Anniversary with a party that attracted more than 50 folks from both sides of the river to honor the station’s efforts to bring an electric mix of broadcasting to our area and beyond. 

Recalling what it was like to be the station’s first on-air voice, Wooddell said, “I’m surprised at how calm I sounded, I was probably too dumb to be nervous.” 

After a while David Dann, host of “Jazz Profiles,” who has been involved with the station since 1986 – a few years before it went up on the airwaves, explained, “It’s a focus for our culture, all kinds of people on Sullivan County and the surrounding counties,” he said, taking a break from cueing up some local blasts from the past. 

A few of memorable archival clips stored in the radio vaults and replayed on February 13, 2010: an interview by Walter Keller “The People Talk Back” in which Bill Klaber talked about the JFK Assassination; Composer Lee Hoiby performed his original “Schubert Variations” on “Performance Today” hosted by Martin Goldsmith; and singer/pianist Kazzrie Jaxon accompanied by percussionist Kurt Knuth performing a work dedicated to WJFF on it’s 15th anniversary. 

The short-list continued with a selection Ursula Good, host of “Café Ursula” from 1991 until her passing in 2004; writer Myra Winner, former producer of the WJFF Arts Calendar, reading her story “Ornery Ice”; 40-seconds of funky fundraising sound by jazz host Tony DeVito; NPR’s “E-Town” E-chievement award presented to WJFF co-founder Malcolm Brown; and the Phil Ochs Song Night, produced by Kevin Gref. 

WJFF founders Malcolm Brown and Anne Larsen talk about old times with Steve Richter, host of “The Richter Scale.”

Fast forwarding a couple of decades, the stations founders Brown and Anne Larsen, a husband and wife team of retired college professors showed up to celebrate the creation of “The Best Radio Station by a Dam Site” on the shores of Lake Jefferson. 

When it was built, WJFF had the distinction of being the only hydro-powered radio station in the United States, and now with the advent of the internet streaming is heard around the globe. 

In 1988, Sullivan County cut Brown a check for $15,000 to jump-start the idea of public radio, and 20-years later a mouse-eared copy of the check was all the buzz during the special three-hour birthday broadcast. 

According to Brown, NPR recognized the area as “underserved”, and “we wanted to make sure our sound was proactive locally…the station was built by a labor budget of zero.” 

“Praises be, it hasn’t lost its diversity,” he added. 

As WJFF first went on air with only 14 hours of broadcasting, it fell a bit short of the FCC regulations that required a NYS educational radio station be on on-air for at least 18 hours daily. 

“Washington put us on notice that we were ‘non-compliant, [and’ you don’t want to hear words like that,” recalled Brown. “So we started complying
in a hurry.” 

When Brown called up Mark Sachs, a heavy hitter at the time with the feds to plead his case for getting a couple of days to add the extra time, he was told “you have until the day.” 

Christine Ahern, former station manager and Malcolm Brown, co-founder of WJFF.

“We polled the troops, and Steve Richter answered the call,” he said. Richter joined WJFF on its second day of broadcasting and the host of “The Richter Scale” known for it’s weekly array of “music with something to say” never left. 

“I was always into radio,” said Richter. “WJFF is never boring, there’s always something happening, it’s open-minded, non-commercial, community oriented, and it has progressive ideas.” 

Cecily Fortescue turns 80 in October and she showed up for WJFF’s 20th Anniversary. The host of “Afternoon Classics” joined in 1995, and is known as ”The Queen of Dead Air”. 

“It’s gone through a number of managers, all with as distinct imprint on the station,” said the graduate of St. Paul’s Girl’s School of London. “It’s definitely expanded, and the fact that’s its now online has increased its scope around the world…people can now listen to us in Europe.” 

Before the birthday cake was cut and glasses of bubbly raised high, WJFF station manager Winston Clark toasted the occasion. 

Timothy Desmond, 4, ‘at the mike.’ His pilot father Dan has been an on-air volunteer for about three years.

“Here’s to Malcolm Brown and Anne Larsen, founders of the feast…here’s to Glenn Wooddell, our first and forever voice…and closest to our hearts, here’s to all of you who hear us through the ether and over the waves…” 

“May hydro-powered, community-supported, multi-voiced, listener-beloved radio continue to thrive and prosper long after we are but happy memories.” 

To view photos or to purchase prints from Local Public Radio Station Celebrates 20 Years On-Air visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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YOUNGSVILLE – Catskill Mountainkeeper – the leading advocacy organization dedicated to the Catskill Mountain Region – has hired Aaron Bennett as Regional Director for Greene, Ulster, and Delaware counties. A lifelong resident of the area, Bennett was previously employed for more than 11 years by The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development – most recently as the Director of Programming – where he oversaw their education and natural resource programs.

Bennett brings extensive knowledge of the issues facing the northeastern Catskills, the high peaks region, the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve, and the NYC Watershed to Mountainkeeper. He will augment the work that the organization is doing regarding the challenges of the proposed Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park development, sustainable energy projects, ridge-top development, land preservation, the revival of our town centers, advancement of recreation opportunities and other important issues.

In response to his appointment Bennett said, "What I respect so much about Catskill Mountainkeeper is that they are honest brokers. While their primary goals are to protect the resources and well-being of the region, as well as pursue much needed sustainable growth, they have the integrity and courage to acknowledge both the pros and cons of complicated and difficult issues, and work toward realistic and satisfactory resolutions. They are beholden to no one, do not follow any other organization’s agenda, and are dedicated solely to what’s in the best interest of the region."

Ramsay Adams, Executive Director of Catskill Mountainkeeper, is excited about Bennett’s ability to contribute to Mountainkeeper’s mission. "Aaron is the right person at the right time. He brings over a decade of community activism, extensive knowledge of the issues in the region and achievement to us. He is a great fit for Mountainkeeper."

Bennett was raised on a dead-end dirt road in Oliverea, near the headwaters of the Esopus Creek in the heart of the Catskill Mountain high peaks region. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Water Resource Management from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), he returned to the Catskill Mountain Region to work at The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. He is a founding member of the Catskill Mountain Club and past President of the Pine Hill Community Center. Additionally, Bennett is a NYS-licensed hiking guide, and he authors an outdoor column in two local newspapers. Bennett, his wife Jeanenne, sons Hudson and Samuel, and their black lab Piper live on Brush Ridge in eastern Delaware County.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Catskill Mountainkeeper is a community-based environmental advocacy organization, dedicated to creating a flourishing sustainable economy in the Catskills, and preserving and protecting the area’s long-term health. They address issues of water integrity for the Delaware and Susquehanna River Systems, the defense of the vast woodlands that encompass the Catskill Forest Preserve and the New York City Watershed as well as farmland protection. They promote smart development that balances the economic needs and concerns of the Catskill regions’ citizens and the protection of our abundant, but exceedingly vulnerable natural resources. To contact Catskill Mountainkeeper, e-mail them at info@catskillmountainkeeper.org, or phone 482-5400.

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A few of Tri-Valley’s FFA members.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

GRAHAMSVILLE – The theme of FFA Week 2010 (February 20-27) is “Lead Out Loud”, and members of the national organization, founded in 1928, realize that success in life is not attained by sitting quietly in the background.

In order to reach their personal goals and rise above the rest of the herd, they have to step up and be counted as leaders in school, their community and eventually the world at large.

Meet the Tri-Valley Central School FFA

Tri-Valley’s FFA Chapter was founded in 1951, with Richard Strangeway serving as the first advisor.

Tara Berescik, Tri-Valley FFA Chapter co-advisor.

For the last decade, agricultural teacher Tara “Ms B.’” Berescik has been the chapter’s advisor, and two years ago was joined by Robert Hayes as an Ag instructor and co-advisor to the award winning local FFA chapter.

“The greatest thing about FFA is that you can start in 6^th grade and continue for four years after you graduate [high school] on a state or a national level,” said Ms. B.

In 2008 Berescik was honored by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) as a Region 6 Ag Teacher of the Year, and in the 2009-2010 school year was selected as the region’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year (out of 18 state regional winners), thus becoming one of only six such teachers recognized at that level for the current school year.

In November, Berescik got a free trip to the annual NAAE conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where she and the others top award winners were told they would be getting the free use of a Toyota Tundra pickup for two years, compliments of Toyota Motor Corporation, a major FFA sponsor.

Robert Hayes, FFA co-advisor out in the greenhouse.

“It’s exciting because I drive a 1994 Honda Accord and I can definitely use a new vehicle, because the window gets stuck in the down position, and it’s very cold right now,” said Berescik.

Seventeen-year old Krista Devore, is a senior and president of Tri-Valley’s Senior FFA Chapter, and has been a member since she joined in 7^th grade.

“My friend Laurie Elberth really influence me, she got me in the hallway and brought me down to the Ag room,” recalled Devore.

At the time, she was interested in becoming a vet, but has since switched career paths to studying psychology.

Michelle McNutt, a 17-year old 12^th grader, serves as 1^st Vice President.

“I’ve gotten a lot of experience with FFA , and through it decided I want to be a florist,” she said, noting that in the local FFA she has served previously in the roles of parliamentarian and sub-district officer.

This year’s 2^nd Vice President is 16-year sophomore Liz Bracken, who joined in 7^th grade. In Tri-Valley’s junior chapter, she was secretary and later co-president, and in 2008-09 served as senior chapter secretary.

“I’m running for district president this year, so we’ll see how that turns out,” said Bracken.

Asked what she’s gotten out of FAA, Bracken replied, “A lot of fun meeting new people and going to a lot of awesome places.”

FFA members take recycling seriously, as Nat Tompkins is pictured inside a vintage RCA TV.

Last year members of Tri-Valley’s FFA traveled to New Zealand and Australia.

“My favorite part was getting to hold a baby dingo at an Australian zoo, and we got to interact with some koalas,” said Bracken.

Hannah Lindquist is a 16-year old junior, and is this year’s treasurer.

As an 8^th grader, she said, she wasn’t having a lot of fun in a few other clubs at school, so she joined FFA.

“I was looking for something more and all my friends were in FFA. They were having a lot of exciting activities, and I wanted to be part of that…I have gotten really good leadership skills, I can talk in front of people, and I am good with teamwork and cooperation.”

“FFA has really helped me in public speaking, and through FFA I became the Sullivan County Dairy Princess,” added Lindquist.

Sixteen-year old 10^th grader Ethan Terwilliger is one of the senior chapter’s four reporters, who said of his FFA experience since joining in 8^th grade, “I hope to own my own farm one day.

Emily Devore, a 16-year junior is also a reporter.

“I’ve developed better leadership skills,” she said. “When I started in seventh grade I was this quiet shy kid who really didn’t talk much…FFA helped me get out of my shell and learn more about the world we live in.”

Dan Short, Brenden Sanok and Christina Neist with floral arrangements created by Alana Levan, Khristian Newkirk and Sarah Coney.

Another reporter is 16-year old 11^th grader Caroline Bertholf.

“FFA is a great experience for leadership, business, public speaking and communication with my peers,” she said.

In addition to serving as co-secretary of the senior chapter, Christina Neist is president of the student council.

“They are very similar,” she said of the two high school organization. “All our student council officers and advisors are in FFA.”

Last year Neist was part of an 85-some show choir (as one of three participants from NYS) that performed before more than 50,000 folks at the National FFA Convention.

“It was a really cool experience,” she said.

About the FFA

The Future Farmers of America was founded in 1928 to bring together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. Thirty-three young farm boys met in Kansas City’s Baltimore Hotel to chart a course for the future.

In 1950, the U.S. Congress granted FFA a federal charter (Title 36 USC), making it an integral, intra-curricular part of public agricultural instruction under the National Vocational Education Acts (NCEA).

The name of the organization was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization to reflect the expanding career field of Eg Education, thus transforming the popular public perceptions that FFA was only about “weeds, seeds and feeds” or “plows and cows.”

Next year, FFA students will start raising tilapia in one of the greenhouses.

As FFA gears up to celebrate National FFA Week, it has come a long way since 33 farm boys gathered in a hotel in Kansas City, Missouri in the heart of America’s farm belt: at the end of the 2007-2008 school year, the national organization boasted 506,199 FFA members, aged 12-21, in 7,429 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, marking a 31-year membership high.

Since 1944, the National FFA Foundation has raised more than $187 million for the National FFA Organization; since 2008, more than 2,500 sponsors provided over $14.5 million for FFA and Ag programs; and each year, the national organization awards approximately $2 million in scholarships, benefitting over 1,600 students.

The largest national event is the National FFA Convention, which last year had an attendance of 53,473.

During it’s 82-years of existence, millions of agriculture students have donned the distinctive National Blue and Corn Gold corduroy jacket, which was originally created by Dr. Gus Linter to be worn by the Fredericktown Band of the Fredericktown FFA Chapter.

The FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for “premier leadership, personal growth and career success” through Ag ed, as members work to live up to the National FFA Organization motto “Learning to Do; Doing to Learn; Earning to Live; Living to Serve”.

FFA operates on local, state and national levels, and students belong to chapters organized at the local school level, with agricultural teachers serving as chapter advisors.

The youth organization was originally created to serve high school students, but the FFA has recently expanded its role to include middle schools where membership may begin as early as age 12.

In addition, collegiate chapters exist as well.

A long list of notables have proudly worn the blue and jacket: President Jimmy Carter, Jim Davis (creator of the Garfield comic strip), NASCAR driver Sterling Martin, football and baseball star Bo Jackson, Mark Tauscher of the NFL, Brad Mester of the NFL, and from the entertainment industry a long list including Matthew Fox, Don Henley, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, and Steve Doocy.

FFA accomplishes its national mission by promoting agricultural education: as it strives to “develop competent and assertive agricultural leadership; increase the awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being; strengthen the confidence of agricultural students in themselves and their work; promote the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career; encourage achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs; encourage wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community; develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction; build character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism; promote cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people; promote health lifestyles; [and] encourage excellence in scholarship.”

The FFA creed was written by Erwin Milton “E.M.” Tiffany of Wisconsin and adopted at the 3^rd national convention (revised at the 38^th and 63^rd conventions), and is recited by new members:

“I believe in the future of agriculture; with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly with such knowledge and skill as I can secure and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so-for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand sold for my part in that inspiring task.”

To view more photos or to purchase prints from FFA “Leads Out Loud” visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

To view a full listing of Tri-Valleys FFA membership and a listing of this year’s upcoming events visit FFA “Leads Out Loud” Membership/Events in our School Pages section under the heading Academically Speaking.

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MONTICELLO – Sullivan County Manager David P. Fanslau sent letters on January 29, 2010 to Orange County Executive Edward Diana and Ulster County Executive Mike Hein regarding the ability of their respective counties to provide guaranteed cell space for a fixed amount of inmates, both short-term and long-term.

The Sullivan County Jail has portions that date to 1909, and recently the Chairman of the New York State Commission of Correction [Thomas A. Beilein] verbally ordered a section of the circa 1909 jail closed due to “crumbling infrastructure.” There may be a need to house inmates in another county’s jail during the period that portions of the Sullivan County jail are deemed unusable in the short-term, as well as, an option to enter into a long-term Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) between counties for a fixed and known escalator in boarding fees.

“Sullivan County would need to determine the fixed contract rate for housing sentenced inmates at another county’s jail, in comparison to the capital cost avoidance of constructing a cell pod at Sullivan County’s potential new facility,” said Fanslau.

Additionally, Fanslau has arranged for Sullivan County officials and engineers to tour the closed Woodbourne Annex located at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility to determine whether the Woodbourne Annex and property associated with the Annex would provide a solution and alternative to the needs of Sullivan County’s jail situation. That tour will take place on Tuesday, February 16^th, as arranged by the Office of Governor Paterson.

Fanslau is also exploring options available to permit Sullivan County to engage the private sector to construct the new Sullivan County Jail, and the County would lease the facility back from the organization that constructs the facility. This arrangement would allow the County to have more attractive financing terms, as well as, it may insulate the County against any construction costs overruns. Any private sector arrangement would provide for a Project Labor Agreement to ensure that the project maintains conditions acceptable to Sullivan County.

“The County Legislature has directed me to explore all of the potential options available, and provide them with a full body of research,” said Fanslau.

Fanslau added that an initial report will be made to the County Legislature in March 2010.

To view the letters sent to Orange County Executive Edward Diana and Ulster County Executive Mike Hein visit the Our Government section of the Chronicle.

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“Folk Plus,” with Angela Page airs every Saturday at 11 a.m. and is just one of the many programs available to WJFF listeners.

JEFFERSONVILLE – Sullivan County’s only public radio station, WJFF 90.5 FM, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 13 with a special 3-hour live broadcast and open house. Current and former radio personalities, local celebrities, listeners and supporters will gather at the station’s studios on Route 52 in Jeffersonville to reminisce about and acknowledge the many contributions WJFF has made to the quality of life in the region over the last two decades.

The celebratory broadcast will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and will continue until 1 p.m. Featured will be voices of past WJFF personalities, clips from former shows, excerpts from past musical and cultural events, and stories and testimonials from staff members and supporters. In addition, phone lines will be open for listeners to call in with their own recollections. The public is also invited to come to the studios and join the celebration in person. Refreshments — including tempting baked goods, coffee and tea, and birthday cake — will be offered.

WJFF/Radio Catskill had its start in 1986 when its founders, Anne Larsen and Malcolm Brown of Jeffersonville, held an organizational meeting at the former Jeffersonville Hotel. Over 80 interested persons attended, and after much organizing and hard work, the station received its public broadcast license in 1988.

A year later, volunteers built a studio building adjacent to Lake Jefferson on the property of Jeffersonville Hydroelectric, and on Feb. 12, 1990, WJFF began broadcasting 12 hours per day. Within a decade, it had become a 24-hour, full-service community radio station with a staff of three employees and over 60 volunteers, 1,400 dues-paying members and an annual budget of nearly $250,000. In addition, WJFF has the distinction of being the nation’s only hydroelectrically-powered radio station, run in part on renewable energy provided by Jeffersonville Hydroelectric Co.

Since its on-air debut, WJFF has offered listeners a broad variety of arts, cultural and community programming. As a National Public Radio affiliate member, the station has brought popular news programs like “Morning Edition” and “All things Considered” to listeners; it also offers alternative sources of information from Pacifica’s “Democracy Now” and “Free Speech Radio News.” Local news and information programming includes “Community Voices,” “Making Waves” and “WJFF Connections.” In addition, WJFF brings diversity to the airwaves by airing Spanish-language shows like “Panorama” and “Spanglish,” and presents the gay-and-lesbian perspective with “Outloud and Queer.” Other locally-produced shows cover a wide range of musical tastes, from “Folk Plus” to “Old Skool Sessions,” “Afternoon Classics” to “Stolen Moments.” Part of WJFF’s mission has been to broaden the horizons of its listeners, and the station has endeavored to do that for the past twenty years.

*Captions for photos –

Top right – Malcolm Brown points to the dam that provides power for WJFF radio in Jeffersonville, N.Y.

Top left – Hydro electricity is produced by directing water from Lake Jefferson into a pair of turbines, where the force of the moving water causes the turbine to spin.

Bottom right – Among the innovative programs that can be heard on WJFF each week is “Radio Revolution,” a program “produced by teens for teens.”

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NARROWSBURG – Nineteen Sullivan County non-profit organizations received $20,000 in Decentralization Grants (DEC) for 2010 cultural programming at a special awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 6 at the Delaware Arts Center in Narrowsburg, NY. Assemblymember Aileen Gunther was on hand to present the award checks. And in the photo on left Gunther is shown presenting a Decentralization grant to Carolyn Steinberg of the Delaware Valley Chamber Orchestra for a 2010 local composers concert.

Allocated by the New York State Council on the Arts, the funding is administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA). The granted organizations represent 10 townships throughout Sullivan County, including the Towns of Tusten, Delaware, Callicoon, Liberty, Fallsburg, Lumberland, Forestburgh, Rockland, Thompson, and Highland.

Granted organizations are:

   Callicoon Center Band for a summer concert series

   Callicoon Creek Park Association for a concert series

   Cornell Cooperative of Sullivan County for art workshops

   Delaware Valley Chamber Orchestra for a local composers series

   Delaware Youth Center for art and theatre workshops

   Ethelbert B. Crawford Library for 12 free family events

   Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center for a theatrical production

   Friends of Sunshine Hall Free Library for winter cultural program

   Icehouse Arts for three youth video workshops

   Liberty Free Theatre for theatrical production

   Livingston Manor Free Library for a Johnny Darling Frolic

   Sullivan County Community Chorus for two concerts

   Sullivan County Historical Society for music at the museum

   Sullivan Performing Arts for the Liberty Jazz Festival

   Town of Fallsburg for two free Chamber Music at St. Andrews

   Town of Lumberland for concert cultural series

   Triad Dance Ensemble for a post modern dance performance

   Tusten Historical Society for a Narrowsburg Women’s Chorus concert

   Western Sullivan Public Library theatre classes for young people

DVAA seeks candidates to serve on future grant review panels. A likely panelist is a citizen informed about the arts and/or county cultural events. Duties consist of reading applications and participating in two meetings. To be considered, or for more information about the Decentralization Grant program, call (845) 252-7576. For more about this and other DVAA programs, visit ArtsAllianceSite.org.

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Story and photos by Ted Waddell

MONTICELLO– Times are tough for 20-year old Matthew Mann and his girlfriend Christina Conklin, 34, and even more so for nine-month old Ryan.

Especially when they got a notice from the landlord kicking them out of the apartment at 33 St. John Street that they were sharing with one of Conklin’s girl friends, a single mom with four kids of her own.

Three adults, four kids and a little baby make for some pretty cramped quarters in an apartment no matter how you cut it.

As a perfect example of hard times in the county, Conklin said that when the folks from Child Protective Services (CPS) came calling one day, they found “mold and a number of violations, and the landlord just don’t want to deal with 30 days, so he said everybody had to get out so he could fix it up.”

Mann said he’s looking for a job, but isn’t having any luck finding any work as times are rough these days in a county hard hit by economic trouble, as the woes of Wall Street trickle down to Main Street, Anywhere, USA.

“I’m looking for a job, whatever is available really,” he said.

His take on getting kicked out of the shared apartment, which according to the federal definition of “homeless” (a person is considered homeless if they “lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence…”) qualifies them to be “Homeless in the Land of Plenty.”

“We’ve had to be out in two weeks, the landlord sent a notice cause we’re living with a friend who actually paid for the apartment, but hasn’t been paying rent…it got ‘condemned’ so all eight of us had to get out,” said Mann.

Happy New Year 2010 folks, you’re out of a place to call home and your baby needs a little shelter from the storm.

The other day they showed up at the county’s only soup kitchen to grab a hot lunch and get some help from the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless (SCFH) in finding a place to live.

“This is the first time I’ve ever had to deal with the homeless part you know, I just usually come here to eat,” said Conklin.

*To read the next two installments in this series visit our section – Homeless in the Land of Plenty – A Series and look for more updates on this important topic in the near future.

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Monticello, NY: (Pictured left to right) Kaytee Warren, Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Sullivan County receives a gift of $1,000 for Project Care from M&T Bank Branch Managers, Eileen Mershon, Roscoe, Timothy Brosnan, Liberty and Sean Soliva, Monticello. The contribution was in addition to M&T’s annual corporate support and is designated for the holiday project that helps local residents who are struggling through tough economic times.

United Way of Sullivan County is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize the caring power of the community through participation in fundraising, volunteerism, advocacy, education and partnerships for the purpose of improving lives and building a strong and vital Sullivan County. United Way focuses on identifying and resolving pressing community issues to achieve permanent, measurable changes. To learn more visit the website at www.unitedwayofsullivancounty.org.

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Photos by Lori Rubinstein-Fleck

Monticello, NY – The 2^nd Annual Great Sullivan FoodRaiser proved to be the success it promised and then some. More than 350 guests attended the seven-hour non-stop music festival at Mr. Willy’s Restaurant in Monticello, NY with proceeds topping the $10K point.

“What a great event! Even in such a difficult economy, Sullivan County came out in force to support the Federation for the Homeless. Stacy Cohen and Steve White organized an incredible 2nd year of what I hope will be an annual event. Bravo to all who attended and all who performed,” said Assemblymember Aileen Gunther.

Sabrina Artel, a Community Unity supporter and Creator/Host of Trailer Talk said, “The Community Unity fundraising event on Saturday night at Mr. Willy’s was proof that even in the cold, in the middle of winter and during these challenging economic times, neighbors care about each other as they gathered to show support for the critical community organizations that rely on volunteers and contributions.”

From the moment doors opened, locals poured into the place, donating what they could despite economic hardship. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the 15 food pantries throughout the county of Sullivan.

“This event definitely lived up to our expectations – a great turnout; great music and great people all for a good cause. I am grateful for all the people who made it a successful event,” said Steve White, Program Administrator for Federation for the Homeless.

Coordinated and organized by Stacy Cohen of Stacy and Friends, more than 80 musicians and 15 bands donated their time and talent toward this cause. Local favorites like Somerville, The Slam Allen Band and The Rausch Brothers truly added icing to the cake.

Event organizer Cohen stated, “It is a great feeling to know that every penny raised goes directly to the cause!  I can’t wait to do it all again next year at the 3rd Great Sullivan County FoodRaiser.”

Mr. Willy’s owner Bill Sipos, a longtime community activist spoke from the heart, “Thanks to all who supported the Great Sullivan County food raiser. Not only in this tough economy and trying times, but always we need to stay connected. On a bitter cold winter night caring people come out to show they are connected and truly care. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Stacy Cohen, all the musicians that gave there very precious time, to Steve White, who is continually working overtime to make  better quality of life for people, to the woman who sent a letter stating her husband had just been laid off, sorry she couldn’t be there, and enclosed a $5.00 donation, she is truly connected.”

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All’s well that ends well. RCS Superintendent John Evans holds his kindergarten diploma from Roscoe Central School.

Story and photos by Ted Waddell

ROSCOE – It’s a good thing for Roscoe’s new superintendent that the statute of limitations on elementary school misdeeds has run out, or at least he hopes so…Once former superintendent Carmine Giangreco decided to head to a warmer climate in the south, Craig Stevens took over as interim superintendent for a few short months until Evans was picked to take over the driver’s seat …

The full story can be found in the School Pages section under the heading Academically Speaking, or simply click this link – John Evans Looks to the Future.

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ROSCOE – The Roscoe Rockland Chamber of Commerce is the recipient of a $200,000 grant from the New York State Housing Trust Fund and the Office of Community Renewal.

The grant is part of the agency’s Main Street Program and is designed to assist communities in downtown renewal with an emphasis on façade improvements, capital improvements to businesses within the defined town center and improvements to residential units above business properties.

The Chamber received technical support on applying for the grant through Sullivan County’s Division of Planning and the Sullivan County Department of Grants Administration.

The project is a direct result of a series of community visioning meetings under the auspices of Sullivan Renaissance and Community Planner, Helen Budrock. In addition, the Chamber has also applied its $50,000 Golden Feather award from Sullivan Renaissance to the project in order to include streetscape work in the project in the form of new and improved sidewalks, and enhancements to the downtown business district.

The Grant process, similar to the successful project in Kauneonga Lake several years ago, requires the Chamber to establish design criteria, and solicit applications from building owners. The criteria  will then be assessed as to their readiness and viability by an independent review committee.

The program requires a 75/25 match with 25% of the cost of the renovations being the responsibility of the building owner or additional funding source.

The program is expected to take two years to complete.

The committee has been active in developing partnerships and soliciting and applying for additional funding to assist the business owners, many of whom suffered physical losses in a series of floods in 2004, 2005 and 2006 as well as economic losses due to road closures from the Colchester flood of 2007.

Newly installed Chamber President Elaine Fettig credits her predecessor Rick Baxter with developing the project to this point, and is in the process of organizing a series of public meetings, education and outreach regarding the program and its benefits to building owners in the target area.

Local artist Jack Yelle has been preparing artistic renderings of the concepts which will be displayed at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Roscoe Central School Cafeteria at 7 PM.

For additional information, contact Pat Pomeroy 607-498-5757 or Elaine Fettig 845-439-4039. In the event of inclement weather or school closure the meeting will be rescheduled for the same time on February 11.

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