The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY – Achieve Rehab and Nursing has announced a partnership with Crystal Run Healthcare to offer on-site medical specialties for its residents and short-term patients at its facility in Liberty, NY.

The joint venture between the health care firms means more convenience for Achieve patients. According to Achieve Administrator E. Jay Zelman, the move eliminates the burden of lengthy wait times and costly transportation fees. The Crystal Run physicians and specialists will offer services including internal medicine, wound care, orthopedic services, Urology and Cardiac Care.

Crystal Run’s Dr. Laurence Tawil will serve as Medical Director at Achieve and oversee the new partnership. Tawil is board-certified in Internal Medicine. He received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency training in internal medicine at Stamford Hospital, an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Tawil is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Achieve’s Zelman, said, “I welcome Dr. Tawil in his new role and believe our partnership will advance our facility as the area’s leading provider of long and short term care services.”

Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility offers both short term and long term care in its rehabilitation center, featuring physical, speech and occupational therapy in a rehab department open seven (7) days a week. Achieve’s new Avalon private suites offer hotel like accommodations with flat screen cable TV, WIFI internet, optional in room digital safe, and local and long distance telephone service. Achieve is located at 170 Lake Street in Liberty, NY for information on the web: AchieveRehabNY.com.

Crystal Run Healthcare is a multi-specialty group practice with over 170 board-certified or board eligible physicians in multiple locations throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley and lower Catskill regions. For information on the web: CrystalRunHealthcare.com

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YOUNGSVILLE – The students at Sullivan County BOCES’ Youngsville School had an eye opening discussion with District Attorney Jim Farrell, as he discussed life altering issues like sexting, sexual predators, and gangs.

When asked why he was taking the time to address students, D.A. Farrell stated, “It’s about educating and alerting the students about the dangers involved with making poor decisions and the impact practices like sexting and gangs pose for the rest of their lives.”

The primary focus of the discussion was on sexting and how the practice is becoming more and more prevalent with the use of cell phones, computers and the internet. Today is no longer the day when you write a letter to a person and it only goes to that person. With a simple push of a button someone can send a message to one person to 100 people and even across the world. Technology has the ability to be good or bad, depending on how it is used. A person’s individual choice is the key in determining how technology will affect ones life.

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones. According to recent statistics; 20% of teens are sexting. With that age group 22% are teen girls and 18% are teen boys. This is a practice that is not only limited to teens, 30% of adults have committed a form of sexting at one point or more in their lives. “What people don’t realize”, state Farrell, “You have no control over it. Your friend today may be your enemy tomorrow. You have no idea who that person will send the message to or even who has viewed it.” A simple joke or gesture could lead to a lifetime of misery for the person who took the picture and sent the message or for the person who received the message. “Sexting creates a lifetime of consequences and you can’t take it back,” added Farrell.

D.A. Farrell shocked the students when he spoke about the lifetime of consequences sexting could pose on a person convicted of sexting. If a person is charged with the possession of any form of sexting or if an individual took a picture of themselves and sent it to someone. They can be charged as a criminal. If subject of sexting, is a under the age of 18, it is considered child pornography and all individuals involved will be charged as a sexual predator – A title what you will have for the rest of your life.

The day ended in silence as the students watched videos and listened to stories of how sexting impacted the lives of those involved in that simple joke or gesture. “It’s all about make good choices,” ended Farrell.

The Alternative Education Program at Sullivan BOCES is designed to provide students with an educational environment that provides smaller classrooms and an alternative approach, suited for the student who is not successful in the typical classroom or large school. Students benefit from the increased staff support, team building activities, and community partnership that reinforce academic objectives, as well as social and emotional growth. For more information about the Alternative Education Program at BOCES, please call Linda Blanton, Director of the Alternative Education Program (845) 482-4141.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY – Reverend Carlotta D. Wilson, pastor of Word of Life Church in Youngsville has been ministering to the elderly of the community for almost 13 years. “I’ve seen very often that the elderly are isolated and lonely,” said Rev. Wilson. “They are separated from society. My interest is to bring them back into the mainstream of society and to integrate them with our youth.”

To that end, Reverend Wilson and large contingent of community members have created Dayspring Elder Center, scheduled to open in June at the Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church.

And on Saturday, April 24, an event was held at the church to introduce Dayspring to the community and raise much-needed startup funds.

Guest speakers included several registered nurses: Kathleen Anderson – Director of Adult Day Care at Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), Patty Armstrong – Assistant Executive Director of Sullivan ARC and former Chief Nursing Officer at CRMC, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, and Carol Ryan – Director of Sullivan County Public Health Nursing.

Dayspring gets its name from the Gospel of Luke: 1:78-79: “…the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Seniors who are eligible for this new program are those who are frail and have some sort of limitation and are home alone, but can still get around, says Rev Wilson, who hopes that the Center will take some of the burden off the caregivers.

Rev. Wilson is encouraging the community to get involved. “We have partnered with other churches to bring their young people in to entertain, to do gardening,” she said. “We’ve partnered with Job Corps in Callicoon whose students will be helping in the culinary arts, cooking the meals and integrating the elderly in the preparation of the meals. We hope to get the Girl Scouts, 4H club and others because we believe that the elderly have something to offer.”

The program will provide breakfast and lunch, offer choices of recreational, faith-based, and educational pursuits, as well as assist with overall well being in a loving, supervised and safe atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, said Rev. Wilson, no matter what their faith or beliefs.

Because Rev. Wilson and the startup committee know that they can’t do it by themselves, they are “asking that the community become a part of it,” said Wilson. “We will embrace the elderly and take them in as full participants of our society. We want the community to get involved in volunteer activities, coming in and sitting with them, making friends with them, being available, giving them a phone call.”

Saturday’s event was catered by the Delaware Valley Job Corps food service program students under the direction of Alice Guss, the head of the culinary department at the school. “It was such an elegant presentation,” said Rev. Wilson. The young people were professional and kind and loving and enthusiastic.”

In addition to the guest speakers and refreshments, Elvis’ Lost Brother, Eric Bressi had the crowd rocking in the church aisles with his renditions of C.C. Ryder, Burnin’ Love and Blue Suede Shoes.

“This place is so awesome,” said Bressi, who together with his wife, Ruth, were caregivers for his mom for several years.  

He then turned serious and more contemplative as he wowed the crowd with his rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” which he described as his favorite song. 

There are currently no public funds available for the project, but Rev. Wilson, who, in addition to her pastoral duties is also the founder, president and administrator of Dayspring Elder Center says, “We’re not waiting for them.” 

And that’s where the public comes in. For more information on Dayspring Elder Center, to volunteer your time or to make a monetary donation, call Reverend Carlotta D. Wilson at 845-482-4584.

To view more photos, or to purchase prints from Dayspring Elder Center Becomes a Reality in Jeffersonville, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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LIVINGSTON MANOR – The final night of the Mike Levine Workshop is open to the public for a discussion of media in the 21^st century 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, in Livingston Manor. Neil Swidey of the Boston Globe and Leslie Thornton of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State will lead a roundtable discussion on the Future of News.

Swidey, Thornton and more than 20 journalists from across the nation will talk about what’s happening to journalism and the news business as it goes through its biggest transformation in recent history. The open discussion welcomes comments and questions from the public. The roundtable starts at 7 p.m. at the Shandelee Lake Inn, Livingston Manor, NY.

All those attending the roundtable are then welcome to stick around for a rare Catskills performance of the Dan Brother Band, now at the top of the notch for the kind of rock-edged blues that has become the calling card of the DBB. The music starts at 9 p.m. A donation of $10 is suggested for the News & Blues doubleheader.

The event is a benefit for the Mike Levine Workshop, an annual gathering of journalists which is named for the late Times Herald-Record columnist, editor and mentor to many. Journalists meet for hands-on training and for a weekend of discovery about their craft. This year’s gathering includes journalists from Kansas City, Tennessee, Wyoming and nearer by and is led, in part, by recently named Pulitzer Prize finalist Ben Montgomery of the St. Petersburg Times in Florida.

To get to the Shandelee Lake Inn, take Route 17, Exit 96, make a quick right, left and then right onto Main Street, Livingston Manor; keep going straight up the hill about 4 miles to the Back Shandelee Road. See a sign for the Shandelee Lake Inn. Make a right, inn is just ahead. Address: 31 Back Shandelee Road, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Contact: info@mikelevineworkshop.org or call 845-741-8146.

Can’t make it? Follow the Mike Levine Workshop and the Future of News roundtable through live blogs at www.mikelevineworkshop.org

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LIBERTY -  Earth Day at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County was recognized this year by the employees holding a litter pickup of the campus and the par course in Ferndale, NY. “The par course looks great and is ready for some foot traffic” according to Sean Welsh Consumer Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Picking up garbage around your home or business is just one of the many things you can do to recognize Earth Day. Earth day and the EPA are forty years old this year! To learn about everyday activities that you can do year round visit the EPA website to learn more at: www.epa.gov/earthday

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FALLSBURG, NY – The Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County will present the former Fallsburg High School English department chairman and well-known author Andrew Neiderman, on Sunday, May 2 at 1:45 p.m. at the Fallsburg High School.

Neiderman has published over 100 novels under his name and the V.C. Andrews franchise which he took over in 1987. In addition, his novel, The Devil’s Advocate was made into a major film featuring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and Charlize Theron, and has many more TV and Hollywood credits to his name.

On October 19, 2010, Neiderman’s libretto adaptation of The Devil’s Advocate will premiere in London at the Leicester Square Theater. The stage musical version created by Neiderman and his composer, Sarif Tribou will then be developed for the American theater market as well as Western Europe. Offers are out to major American stage and film stars to assume the Al Pacino role of Satan.

Neiderman is married to the former Diane Wilson of Fallsburg, who was recently featured on the cover of Desert Magazine. The couple have two children, Melissa, a teacher at Palm Valley School, and Erik, a private Learjet Captain flying out of Chino, California. They have three grandchildren all living in the Palm Springs area.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit the LVSC in its ongoing mission, as a non-profit organization, to provide a variety of free services to help individuals achieve personal goals through literacy.

Tickets for An Afternoon with Andrew Neiderman are $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors and $8 for students. Tickets will be available at the Literacy Center 794-0017 as well as at the door.

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The mission of Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County is to foster and enhance family literacy through the efforts of the corps of LVSC trained volunteer tutors who assist individuals functioning at the lowest literacy levels. Further proficiency in ESL is available for those who wish it.

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Attendees at the Elementary Art Show marvel over the talent
of the students.

HURLEYVILLE –  The Elementary Art Show held its opening reception on
Friday, April 16th at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville. Over 250 people attended the reception to view over 500 pieces of student artwork. 

Simone Evans, Entertains the groups as they admire the talent of the students.

The reception not only allowed the attendees to marvel at the talent of the students, it provided live music from Sullivan County students, crafts, and face painting activities for the kids.  Each school district from around the county and BOCES (grades K-8) submitted artwork for the show.

The Elementary Art Show, sponsored by the Sullivan County BOCES Arts In Education Program and the Sullivan County Historical Society, is a great opportunity for our young artists to showcase his or her pieces of work and show off their talent. 

The artwork will be on display at Museum from April 16th through May 5th. If you are interested in viewing these exemplary pieces of work the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Announcing the 2010 High School Chair Auction

While you are at the Museum you will also have the opportunity to view the chairs that will be auctioned off at the High School Chair Auction on May 2nd.  The auction is a unique scholarship fundraiser created to benefit area high school seniors majoring Art. If you see a chair that you would like to have, you can place a bid in the bid box next to the chair.  The highest bid in the bid box will start the auction for that chair the day of the auction. Proceeds from the sale of the chairs will be offered as scholarships at the respective schools.

For more information about the Sullivan County BOCES’ Arts and Education Program please contact Lisa Pacht, Director of Instructional Technology/Arts In Education at (845) 295-4033.

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Photos by Leni Santoro

LIBERTY – Encouraged by gardening expert C.L. Fornari’s keynote address to grant recipients, volunteers will begin dozens of beautification, environmental and community development projects throughout Sullivan County.  For the 10^th consecutive year, Sullivan Renaissance awarded grants during its annual Spring Forum on April 22 at the CVI Building in Liberty. 

“The fact that Sullivan Renaissance is celebrating its 10^th year is a testament to our dedicated volunteers and their commitment to their community and neighbors.  The volunteers have taken the lead and have demonstrated in a marvelous way that the planting of flowers does more than beautify – it makes us feel better about ourselves – and that anything is possible,” said Sandra Gerry, who chairs the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee.

C.L. Fornari’s keynote address – “Ready, Set, Grow!” – was webcast live.  She spoke about garden design (including the “wow” factor), maintenance (weeding, watering) and critters (woodchucks, deer) before concluding with a Q&A session.  The keynote was followed by refreshments and distribution of grants and “flower dollars” to beautification and community development projects in the atrium of the CVI Building.  Recipients had a chance to talk with organizations that have volunteers interested in helping with individual projects. 

A total of 64 grants worth over $65,000 have been given in nine categories.  A list of participating communities and projects is attached.  Additional grants may be awarded in the next several weeks. 

Sullivan Renaissance Flower Dollars are a new resource this year that allow groups to purchase additional annual plants by July 9.  The dollars can only be used at a local participating nursery, greenhouse or garden center; and they must be matched with plantings of an equal or greater value.

The beautification and community development projects must be completed by August 2.  Those vying for a Phase II grant will be judged on August 6, 7 and 8.  The second round of grants will then be announced at the Renaissance Awards Ceremony on August 9 at Monticello High School. 

Phase II awards range between $1000 and $10,000 – with the Golden Feather Grant of $50,000 going to a Category C project.  A special Showing of Flowers award up to $5000 will be given to the community that has the best showing of flowers, along with four $1000 judge’s choice flower awards.  There are also three $1000 Stewardship Awards in each category: historic, environmental and best maintenance practices ($1000).  A Silver Feather Award of $5000 is given in Category C for planning.  All projects that finish will receive a completion grant.

Nine categories of community beautification grants were announced on Thursday, April 22.

• 14 single element projects in Category A received $1000 grants and $100 in flower dollars; (with support from WSUL/WVOS).

• 10 multiple element projects in Category B got $1500 grants, $250 in flower dollars and paid youth internships; (with support from Thunder 102)

• 5 three-year community development projects in Category C were given $5000 grants (with another $5000 in August), $250 in flower dollars, as well as interns and technical assistance; (with support from Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther).
• 2 communities received $5,000 community development grants and $250 in flower dollars as well as interns and technical assistance for special projects: the O&W Rail Trail in Fallsburg, Mountaindale and Woodridge; and the Daniel Pierce Library in Neversink;
• 3 maintenance grants up to $750 and $100 in flower dollars went to help well-established groups maintain and embellish previously-funded projects;
• 8 environmental initiative grants up to $2500 will support new approaches to education, rain barrel demonstrations and community garden projects;
• 4 seasonal matching grants up to $2500 will improve facades and landscape properties; (with support from Thompson Sanitation).
• 5 school and youth initiative awards went to class projects with amounts ranging up to $400 for gardens or theme projects with an educational component;
• 13 mini-grant projects will be reimbursed up to $200

Grants for municipal cleanup projects and technical assistance are awarded at a later date.  Additional mini-grants, seasonal demonstration grants and environmental initiative grants may also be awarded.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, a limited number of scholarships to the college of one’s choice will be offered to volunteers who make a significant contribution to a Renaissance project.  The Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) Foundation also offers full and part-time scholarships to Renaissance volunteers. 

Sullivan Renaissance collaborates with many organizations and agencies.  The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce continues to sponsor the merchant discount program, with over 60 businesses offering discounts for community projects.  The Center for Workforce Development administers the youth internship program. 

Several organizations help local groups supplement their projects by providing some level of volunteer help such as general clean-up, site preparation, planting and painting.  Other assistance may also be available.  Some of these agencies include: Alternatives to Incarceration; Camp Shomria; Daytop; Delaware Valley Job Corps Center; New Hope Community; Occupations, Inc.; Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Sullivan County BOCES; and Workforce Development Board of Sullivan County, Inc.  Requests for assistance go through the Sullivan Renaissance office.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.  Additional funding has been secured by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther.  Sponsorships are also provided by WSUL/WVOS for Category A projects and by Thunder 102 for Category B projects.

Since 2001 Sullivan Renaissance has funded hundreds of projects throughout Sullivan County.  For more information about programs, call Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2445 or visit the website at www.sullivanrenaissance.org.    

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GRAHAMSVILLE, NY – TRIAD of Sullivan County has planned a meeting to discuss “Community Empowerment,” a statewide concept aimed at creating livable communities for people of all ages and abilities. The grass-roots campaign aims at beginning the discussion on how to create better neighborhoods and positive living environments for New Yorkers who would like to “age in community.”

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Neversink Town Hall on Route 55 in Grahamsville.

All Neversink residents and seniors, interested in safe, secure communities that enhance the ability to age in place are encouraged to attend. Share your motivation, skills and talents to enhance our future community. Registration is appreciated (contact Bonnie Lewis at 292-5250 at the Cooperative Extension) but is not required. Light refreshments will be served.

The local meeting is being organized by TRIAD, an organization created over two years ago to focus on senior violence and elder abuse prevention, and improving the quality of life for our older citizens. Representatives of the TRIAD steering committee — Bonnie Lewis, Priscilla Bassett, Carol Smythe and Kathi Hitt — will be present at the livable community’s action meeting with ideas and programs that are currently being utilized in New York State.

“Our community has a rapidly growing aging population and TRIAD is interested in fostering a supportive community for all ages and abilities. It has been clearly documented that older New Yorkers want to live independently and age with dignity in the community, but may not be able to if needs and preferences can’t be met. Neversink residents’ ideas are needed to determine what specific needs must be addressed to create an age friendly community” said Bonnie Lewis, RN/Coordinator of the Caregiver Resource Center and Coordinator of TRIAD’s Community Empowerment for Aging in the Community project.

For more information about this local meeting, call Bonnie Lewis at 292-5250 or e-mail her at bjl25@cornell.edu. For more information about the Community Empowerment Initiative, visit www.aging.ny.gov/empoweringcommunities.

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Story and photos by Leni Santoro

GRAHAMSVILLE – If you don’t do anything else this weekend get to the Tri-Valley Central School on either Friday or Saturday evening to see the Tri-Valley  School’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Truly an amazing performance by outstanding local teens, this is something for the whole family to see.

According to the program, “Beauty and the Beast first premiered at Houston’s Theater Under the Stars in December 1993.” Once the show moved to Broadway the show “broke box office records for single-day ticket sales.” It has since been nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and has been performed in “15 countries and 7 languages.”

Tri-Valley’s Beauty and the Beast stars: Patricia Singh as Belle, Brendan Sanok as the Beast and Matthew Bogorad as Gaston. Mrs. Potts is played charmingly by Rachel Adriaans, Ethan Terwilliger (as Cogsworth) and Matthew Cavanaugh (as Lumiere) complete the trio, whose immediate intention is to get the Beast and Belle to fall in love before they, Potts, Cogsworth, Lumiere (and everyone else in the castle) are turned into inanimate objects forever.

The love story of the Beauty and the Beast is told by this talented group of young people with all its fine and subtle nuances. Both Singh as Belle and Sanok as the Beast are to be commended for their performances; which run the gamut from the early stages of love to the deepest despair when they find themselves almost undone by both the enchantress’s curse and the jealousy and pride of Gaston (played by Matthew Bogorad.)

But, Beauty and the Beast is not just the story of two young people in love against all odds. It is also the story of an inventor father (played by Logan Ackerly) and his daughter. It is the story of a town and its people. It is the story of a kingdom and its servants. It is the story of what happens when jealousy and pride is allowed to reign instead of goodness, kindness and love. And it is the story of how love and generosity of spirit can overcome even the most monumental odds.

Beauty and the Beast at Tri-Valley School is produced by Keith Edwards and directed by Regina Hartman with vocal direction by Elizabeth Bengels. The theatre orchestra conductor is Matthew Wynant. The technical advisor is Seth Sternberg.

Both the set and the costumes for Beauty and the Beast are remarkable in their artistry and the production extends a “special thanks and appreciation to Cobalt Studios and Mr. and Mrs. Mario Martinez of MARTCO for their assistance with this production.”

Tri-Valley School’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes place Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. Both performances are at 7 p.m. in the Tri-Valley School Theatre. Admission: adults – $5, students/seniors – $3. Tickets are available at the door or call 985-2296, ext. 4138.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Beauty and the Beast Comes to Tri-Valley visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro, Kathy Lounsbury and Carol Montana

Grahamsville, NY – “There’s something about living in Wyoming … I was just writing music all the time,” says Grahamsville resident Paul Lounsbury.

Now his, friends, family and fans can hear that music and more in Lounsbury’s first CD From My Perspective, released this past November.

Lounsbury is that rare breed, a Sullivan County native. He grew up on his family’s farm at the top of Columbia Hill in Hurleyville and attended Monticello Schools. “My family were dairy farmers, here since the 1700s .”

After graduating high school, Lounsbury attended SUNY Farmingdale during the Vietnam War. “The only lottery I ever won was the 1970 draft lottery. They picked your birthday and assigned a number to it – mine was 5. While in college, the army called me for my physical. I went to the Whitehall Street Army Induction Center (made famous in Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant) where you get infected, detected and selected.” He was given a 4-F because of his “horrible flat feet.”

Graduating with a two-year degree in Electronics Technology, Lounsbury came back home and worked installing cable TV systems for awhile, then got a job with NYSEG as a field engineer.

Getting married changed his life in more ways than one. “My wife always wanted to go west. Prior to going, I sent out resumes to power companies out there. We flew into Billings, MT, started driving south and got to Casper Wyoming, where I eventually got a job with Pacific Power and Light.”

Up till the 1960s, there hadn’t been any musicians in the Lounsbury family. Even when he was in 4^th grade, none of the instruments available in the school band appealed to Lounsbury. But in the 60s, with the songs of Simon and Garfunkel, and Peter, Paul and Mary, “that’s when the music clicked for me. My parents got me my first guitar from Jamesway when I was 14 or 15.”

His parents also got him a beginning guitar book, but it wasn’t quite what he had in mind. “I didn’t want to play Polly Wolly Doodle. I wanted to play Bob Dylan …” During lunch break at school, Lounsbury would hang out at Bill Sedlack’s appliance store on Broadway in Monticello, where they also sold records and sheet music.

One day, “there on the rack was Snoopy vs. the Red Baron, a big hit at that time. … I opened it up and over the music were chord diagrams. … At the end of that night I could play a D, G and an A chord.”

Lounsbury kept going back for more music.

To read the full story go to – From His Perspective – A Profile of Singer / Songwriter Paul Lounsbury in the new Sullivan Faces Section of The Catskill Chronicle.

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MONTICELLO – Les Kristt was presented with a plaque of appreciation by co-chairpersons Sheila Lashinsky and Marcia Fink on behalf of the Sullivan County Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Committee. Les did a fantastic job as their honorary chairperson for many years and graciously offered to continue his efforts as an active committee member.

Dan Briggs accepted the role as the new Honorary Chairperson. He is helping prepare for the Kick-Off Breakfast for potential Team Captains, scheduled for June 23, 2010 at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center in Monticello, NY.

The Alzheimer’s  Memory Walk  will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2010, at the Frontier Building in Rock Hill, NY.  These are new venues for both events.  For further information about the events or about Alzheimer’s Disease, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 794-3774.

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MONTICELLO – Kiwanis Past Lt. Governor Jim Lawler, recently presented the Kiwanis Club of Monticello with the Distinguished Club Award for 2008-2009. Rose Raimond was presented with a Distinguished President Pin and Kathy Garlick was presented with a Distinguished Secretary Pin. Rose Raimond also received a Sponsored Youth Award for the Kiwanis Club of Monticello for the work done during her Presidency in 2008-2009.  Pictured in photo are Jim Lawler, Rose Raimond and Kathy Garlick

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Story, photos and video by Leni Santoro

HORTONVILLE – On Saturday, April 10, the Hortonville Presbyterian Church hosted the Annual Hortonville Talent Show. In addition to being a wonderful night of fun, the show also raises much-needed funds for Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity.

Truly one of the most lively and endearing events to be held in Sullivan, or any other county, the talent show has been a hit for 24 years running, with many local performers returning year after year. For instance, Walter Egner, whose solo operatic performance of an aria from Tosca ala Luciano Pavarotti, complete with beret and signature handkerchief, brought applause and cheers of delight from the audience, Egner’s act has been a part of the magic for all those years, as have others including emcee Richard Ross.

“This is a real talent show,” said Ross as his opening monologue got underway. “And I have to make a distinction here because; the idea of talent shows has been totally corrupted by television. We have American Idol, we have Dancing with Stars, and even Survivor is kind of a talent show; if you live to next week. But, in all those shows there’s something terribly wrong – they need to come back into “the source.” We started it – here … In our show, nobody gets booted out,” Ross continued, as he addressed audience and performers, “We welcome tea-baggers, carpet-baggers, lunch-baggers; whatever you are, you got talent, you like talent, you’re in the right place,” said Ross. “…we love you.”

Over the years, performers have included solo vocalists, barbershop quartets, solo musicians, bands and even poets. Each performer receives an award; there are no first place, second place or third place winners, everyone is a winner; especially the audience. And, as for its popularity, the Hortonville Talent show remarkably fills every pew in the Hortonville Presbyterian Church and even seats folks in the “crying loft.”

The awards are created on-the-spot by Hortonville’s collection of “celebrity judges.” Past judges have included Jeanne Sager, journalist from the Sullivan County Democrat and Laurie Stuart, publisher of the River Reporter. This year the judges were Carol Montana and Leni Santoro editors, of the Catskill Chronicle and Minnette Kramer, legislative aide to Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. The titles of the awards reflect the performer and the selections presented. (See list below)

Among those performing in this year’s talent show was Amelia Brooks. Amelia, a 9-year-old pianist and violinist, has charmed talent show audiences for the past several years with her musical accomplishments. Having started to play the violin at the ripe old age of three, she has lately added several piano pieces to her repertoire.

Joe Hofsommer, another long-time participant in the talent show played several well-known pieces such as an excerpt from the “1812 Overture” on the pen, a truly unique talent and one that was oh, so appreciated by the audience.

Other performances included: soloists Kathy Bernitt and Nancy Hobbs, piano duets and trumpet solos by Harris Myers, “Shawn Squared” comprised of Shawn Bailey and Shawn Bailey Jr. on guitar, who then went on to accompany vocalist Shannon Bailey, The Sturbridge Lions Quartet, a duet by Betty Knack and Henry Herman, and guitar and vocals by Steve Fleckenstein.

Each year Kathy Aleschus and Company has surprised the audience with clever skits. This year was no exception as Kathy, Ken Rodgers and Dennis Bernitt brought forth tears of joy and laughter from the audience as the group sang songs and told jokes that would make any Irish mother blush.

The Sturbridge Lions Quartet traveled from Pennsylvania to take part in the talent show. Perhaps they did not understand how the judging was to go. For before starting their performance, in an attempt to make sure they won first place, they gave a bribe of three dollars to Judge Carol for her to split with the other two judges. It’s hard to say which brought more applause and laughter, the bribe or the acceptance. For when presented with the option of keeping the bribe or donating it to Habitat for Humanity, Judge Carol said, while tucking the cash into her shirt, “It’s already in the best habitat I got.”

However, when it came time for representatives from Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity to speak to the audience, Judge Carol quickly rose and “donated” the money to the cause. In all, Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity was presented with a little over $400 to further their efforts in constructing their next home (possibly two homes) in Fallsburg. For more information contact: by mail: Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity, Post Office Box 695,Harris, NY 12742; phone: (845) 791-8305 or e-mail SCHabitat@gmail.com.

Presenting the 24^th Annual Hortonville Talent Show Awards

Amelia Brooks – Piano and Violin – On Your Way to Carnegie Hall Award

Kathy Bernitt – Solo – Song of Peace Award

Harris Myers – Piano Duets – Special Duet Award

Walter Egner – Aria from “Tosca” – 24^th Anniversary Opera Lovers Award

Kathy Aleschus and Company – Skit with Song – Irish Drunks Are Dizzy Award

The Sturbridge Lions Quartet – Barbershop Quartet – Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da! Award

Joe Hofsommer – Pen – Most Ornate Instrument Award

Betty Knack and Henry Herman – Duet – Two Shy Violets Award

Harris Myer – Trumpet – Louis Armstrong Award

Nancy Hobbs – Solo – Way Off Broadway Award

Shawn and Shawn Bailey – Guitar and Vocal – Einstein’s E=MC ^Shawn Award

Shawn and Shannon Bailey – Guitar and Vocal – Song of Praise Award

Steve Fleckenstein – Guitar/Vocal – You Can Quit Your Day Job Award

Jane Orcutt – Musical Accompanist – Bestest Accompanist Award

Richard Ross – Emcee – MC with the Mostest Award

To see more videos from The 24th Annual Hortonville Talent Show including performances by: Harris Myers and Jane Orcutt, Betty Knack and Henry Herman, Joe Hofsommer, Walter Egner, Kathy Aleschus and Dennis Bernitt and Steve Fleckenstein visit the Chronicle on YouTube.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Hortonville and Habitat – A Winning Combination visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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MONTICELLO, NY – Stephanie and Craig Johnson, together with family and friends have sent over 20 tons of care packages to solders stationed overseas. “It’s a way to build up the morale,” says Stephanie. Each box is sent to an individual soldier, who then shares their box with other soldiers.

The local branch of Operation Support our troops is seeking donations – food, non-food, and monetary donations (to help with shipping) for their next shipment. For drop-off locations, date and time to volunteer with packing, and other information about how you can help, contact the Johnsons by mail: Craig and Stephanie Johnson, 279 Cantrell Road, Monticello, NY 12701, phone: (845) 796-2339 or e-mail:Osot2004@aol.com

The troop wish list and items currently needed are as follows:

Food items:

· Trail mix

· Slim Jims

· Beef jerky

· Granola bars/breakfast bars

· Peanuts

· Hard candy (individually wrapped)

· “Chiclets”-type gum

· Pop-top canned pasta

· Ready-to-eat tuna pack

· Microwave popcorn

· Drink mix (individual single-serving packets for water bottles)

Non-food items — foot care:

· Tube socks (black or white)

· Foot powder

· Athlete’s-foot cream

· Band-Aids (for blisters)

Non-food items — other personal care:

· Baby Wipes

· Toothbrush/toothpaste

· Deodorant

· Body wash (no soap)

· Non-medicated eye drops

· Lens wipes (found in Vision Centers)

Next packing date: Wednesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 27

Monticello Elks Lodge, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monetary donations postage are always welcome.

The Johnsons know that the most important item needed for the care package is a letter from you. “Tell these young men and women that you appreciate their sacrifice. This is what makes these packages a ‘gift,’” says Stephanie.

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MONTICELLO – County Manager David P. Fanslau has announced that Richard A. Martinkovic has been elected President of the County Fire Coordinators Association of New York State.  Martinkovic serves as the Commissioner of the Division of Public Safety for Sullivan County, which includes responsibilities for Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Bureau of Fire, Fire Advisory Board, EMS Advisory Board, E911 Communications Center, Probation Department, and liaison to the County District Attorney and County Sheriff.

“Whenever a Sullivan County official is selected to serve in a leadership capacity in a Statewide association, then the interests of Sullivan County are well served, essentially ensuring Sullivan County a voice and seat at the table,” said Fanslau.  “Dick has served the County well as Commissioner of Public Safety and as the County Fire Coordinator,” added Fanslau.

“It is imperative that Sullivan County’s voice is heard on matters of Statewide significance, particularly when State funding for firefighter training and other resources may be discussed, and public policy input that affects our firefighters is deliberated,” said Fanslau.

Martinkovic’s term as President of the County Fire Coordinator’s Association commenced on April 9, 2010, and he will serve in that capacity for a two year term.

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FERNDALE – “Ready, Set, Grow!” will be the theme of gardening expert C.L. Fornari, when she addresses Sullivan Renaissance grant recipients at the 2010 Spring Forum on Earth Day, April 22 at CVI Building in Ferndale.  The talk will also be available through a live webcast at 7:00 p.m. by going to www.sullivanrenaissance.org.

The keynote will be followed by refreshments and distribution of grants and “flower dollars” to 34 beautification and community development projects.  Recipients will have a chance to talk with organizations that have volunteers interested in helping with individual projects. 

C.L. Fornari will speak about garden design (including the “wow” factor), maintenance (weeding, watering) and critters (woodchucks, deer) before concluding with a Q&A session.  She is a regular speaker at garden clubs, civic associations, green industry conferences and flower shows including the New England Flower Show, Philadelphia Flower Show and San Francisco Flower Show.  The host of “Gardenline” on WXTK radio, she has written several books and articles on gardening. 

The spring forum was originally scheduled for the week earlier but was moved to accommodate the speaker’s schedule. 

Several Sullivan Renaissance grant programs have rolling deadlines and are still accepting applications including: environmental, municipal and seasonal grants; mini-grant; and college scholarships for volunteers.  Check the website for more details.  For more information call 845-295-2445. 

Since 2001 Sullivan Renaissance has funded hundreds of projects throughout Sullivan County. Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.  Additional funding has been secured by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther. 

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MONTICELLO – Lori Rubinstein-Fleck, Founder and Creative Director of RubyFlecks Creative Consulting, was appointed to the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Rubinstein-Fleck was recently honored with the Community Service Award by the Catskill Mountain Business & Professional Women’s Club and serves on numerous boards which include that of the Monticello Academy of Finance Advisory Board, and as media liaison for Community Unity. She is also an active member of Monticello Rotary.

She has served as the media liaison for the Chamber for many years as well as a former board member and was selected as the 2006 SC Chamber Pride Award recipient for the Town of Mamakating.

Her professional experience includes her work as a public relations, social media, fundraising and advertising professional for businesses throughout the Hudson Valley region. She is the former Director of Communications for the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.

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NEW WINDSOR, NY – County Manager David P Fanslau, Commissioner of Public Safety Richard A. Martinkovic, and Sheriff Michael Schiff attended the Mid-Hudson region Stop-DWI coordinators awards ceremony Thursday in New Windsor.

They were there to witness six law enforcement officers from Sullivan County honored as Top Cops by the Stop-DWI program.

The honorees were: Officer Michael G. Davis of the Village of Monticello Police Department; Sergeant Scott A. McAfee of the Village of Liberty Police Department; Deputy Sean Grady and Deputy Joseph Gagliardo of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office; Trooper Brian T. Christofferson and Trooper David J. Myers of the New York State Police Troop F in Liberty.

The awards ceremony was part of the Mid-Hudson Region 27th Enforcement/Prosecution Conference of the Stop DWI New York program.

The keynote address was presented by Jason Booher, Assistant Principal and Head Boys Basketball Coach of Shelby Valley High School in Pikeville, Kentucky. Mr. Booher survived the Carrollton, Kentucky bus accident in 1988 that is the worst DWI accident in history, having resulted in 27 deaths and 34 injuries.

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MONTICELLO – County Manager David P Fanslau has announced that Sullivan County has secured a $200,000.00 ACCESS to Home Program grant from the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corp. / Division of Housing and Community Renewal. The Sullivan County Access to Home Program is available only to residents of Sullivan County.

“The goal of the Sullivan County ACCESS to Home Program is to provide financial assistance to property owners and renters in order to make a limited number of dwelling units accessible for low- and moderate-income persons with disabilities,” said Fanslau. 

The program is available on a countywide basis.

“Under the program, home adaptations and alterations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to remain or return to their own homes rather than enter or stay in more costly and more restrictive institutional settings,” added Fanslau.

“The Access to Home program helps disabled persons remain in their residence and maintain their activities of daily living routines. Qualified applicants can have their residence modified to become more user-friendly and manageable,” said Kathi Hitt, Director of Family Services Administration and Case Management.

Examples of Eligible Modifications Include:

• · Installations of ramps, lifts, and other similar measures to permit access to an existing residential unit from the exterior of the building
• · Widening a door entrance way to 36"
• · Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms to provide access to persons with mobility limitations or disabling conditions
• · Interior accessibility modifications that will permit access within the unit for persons with mobility limitations or other disabling conditions
• · Installation of devices to permit safe use by persons with hearing or visual impairments.

“Funding will be limited to modifications and repairs for accessibility issues only, with a capped maximum allowable amount. There may not be any funding used for any additional construction activities,” added Hitt.

The Access to Home Program is subject to income eligibility guidelines.

An applicant’s household income must not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI), adjusted for household size (or the household income does not exceed 120% of AMI, adjusted for household size, if the household includes a disable veteran).

Proof of household income and a physician’s note describing the disability and recommended accessibility improvements are required for program participation.

For more information about the Access to Home Program application or if you have questions / concerns about participating in the program, please contact:

Sullivan County Department of Family Services – Attn: Kathi Hitt, Director of Family Services Administration and Case Management, 16 Community Lane, Liberty, New York 12754 or phone Ms. Hitt at  (845) 292-0100 Ext: 2279.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

Back in 1927, the Jerome Kern / Oscar Hammerstein II musical Show Boat broke new ground in the American theatre. Up till then, musical theatre had featured light operas, revues with dancing girls, and vaudeville-type comedy with musical numbers. With Show Boat, a real story became the focal point. For the first time in theatre history, drama was being set to music. No longer could this genre be called “musical comedy,” and a whole new description had to be invented to talk about musical theatre.

In the best tradition of that legacy, the Fallsburg Junior / Senior High School Drama Club, under the direction of Ellen Pavloff, presents Bat Boy as their spring 2010 musical Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10.

Bat Boy, which had its world premiere in Los Angeles in October of 1997, was inspired by a 1992 story in the tabloid Weekly World News, alleging that a half-bat half-human boy was discovered living in a cave in West Virginia. The music was written by Laurence O’Keefe, the story and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming.

Pavloff and the students could not have found a more topical show, as Bat Boy covers such serious and current themes as racism, revenge, hypocrisy, mob mentality and fundamentalist-type religion. While one family tries to humanize the creature, neighbors and townspeople fear for their safety. Throw in raging jealousy and prejudice, and view a snapshot of what could be any place in America. 

With musical direction by Liz Toleno, the five-piece pit band directed by John Lusk gets to provide a wide variety of musical styles including ballads, religious revival-type songs and dance numbers. 

The set, designed by Harold Tighe, is simple and useful, and doesn’t get in the way of the story. Under the guidance of stage manager Heidi Woloszczak, the set crew is quick and efficient. Indeed the whole show is well paced, helped along by lively musical numbers choreographed by Jane Lawski.

Featured performers are: Christopher Sheridan as Bat Boy, Adam Dohrenwend as the Sheriff, Sierra Spechler as Mayor Maggie and Mother Nature, Jamie Parker as Shelley, Violeta Loarca as Meredith, and Aaron Tremper as Dr. Parker. Additional performers include Tadeusz Loarca, Joel Berrian, Ilyssa Weiner, Jonathan Schlosser, Brittany Borko, Gabriella Ginsberg, Elizabeth Loarca, Lindsay Malman, Sorrina Negru, Courtney Stack, Matt Bonnell, Kourtney-lyn Cannon, Carina Ciaramitaro and Dayana Dendariarena. 

Director Ellen Pavloff mentioned that Sheridan is so dedicated to his role that, after realizing the bald pate used to hide his hair wasn’t working, insisted on shaving his head for the part.

Originally, Pavloff was at a loss for what show to do this year, and didn’t know anything about Bat Boy before she chose it with input from her Drama Club students. But once she read the script and listened to the CD she knew she would be able to cast it. “We talked about it, and the kids didn’t want to do Grease or something run-of-the-mill. They’re very into this show and what it’s all about. I think that one of the things they like about it is the topical nature.”

Rehearsals started in January and were held even during the recent spring break.

Bat Boy won awards for best Off-Broadway musical including both the Lucille Lortel Award and Outer Critics Circle Award in 2001. In addition, regional productions have won several awards. A New York Times review of the Off-Broadway production stated, “It’s remarkable what this show’s intelligent wit can accomplish.”

Performances of Bat Boy are Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10 at  7:00 p.m. in the Fallsburg High School Auditorium, 115 Brickman Road, Fallsburg, NY 12733. The show is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Tickets are $8.00 for adults, and $5.00 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at the door.

Make a night of it and arrive early on Friday, April 9 for the Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Fallsburg High School Class of 2014. Dinner is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and students, and children 3 and under are free. 

To view more photos or to purchase prints from the Fallsburg Junior / Senior High School Drama Club’s production of Bat Boy visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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LIBERTY – Wondering what to do with your unused, unwanted electronics? Bring them to the electronics recycling event sponsored by the 4-H Youth Development Program of Sullivan County.

Old monitors can contain lead and other hazardous materials. In partnership with Advanced Recovery, Inc. and the Sullivan County Division of Solid Waste & Recycling, the Sullivan County 4-H Program is working to keep “E-Waste” out of landfills. Advanced Recovery is a recycling company that will collect the materials, salvage for reuse or otherwise recycle each component of your electronic equipment, so that no hazardous materials are sent to your landfills.

June 18^th is reserved for commercially generated e-scrap from businesses, government agencies, banks, school districts and other institutions. Organizations will be invoiced $10 per monitor, laptop, LCD or plasma television with all other electronic equipment accepted free of charge.

June 19^th is open to the public for residentially-generated materials at a charge of $10 per carload (maximum 7 items per car).

Both the commercial collection event on June 18^th and the residential collection event on June 19^th take place at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty. Please visit the Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension website www.sullivancce.org for more information, or call 845-292-6180.

Businesses must pre-register with Bob Travers at 845-858-8809 or e-mail rtravers@advancedrecovery.com.

A portion of the proceeds will be returned directly to 4-H of Sullivan County, so a successful electronics collection event benefits us all!

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Steve Sharoff, Library Trustee (left) and Steve White, Director of the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless in Monticello, N.Y. (right) alongside one of the two shopping carts full of food collected during the library’s ‘Food for Fines’ program earlier this year.

MONTICELLO – Many patrons with overdue fines on their library cards took advantage of the ‘Food for Fines’ program offered by the library earlier this year. So much so that two shopping carts full of food were donated to the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless in Monticello.

Patrons whose fines total more than $5 have their borrowing privileges suspended. For every nonperishable food item they brought in $1 in fines was removed from their card. Patrons were able to start borrowing again – and in the process they assisted in keeping the shelves in the Federation for the Homeless kitchen stocked.

“This was a win-win proposition,” states Alan Barrish, library director. “The Federation needs the donated food – and we want all our patrons coming in to use the many free services and materials the library has to offer.”

To find out more about the library and how to get a library card (free to all residents of the towns of Thompson, Bethel and Forestburgh within the Monticello Central School District) please call (845)794-4660 ext.6.

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YOUNGSVILLE – “The Times Herald-Record today raised awareness of our campaign to have the New York State DEC withhold its final report on gas drilling using hydraulic fracturing until the EPA completes its new study’” says the Catskill Mountainkeeper.

In an article by Steve Israel titled "Environmental Group Wants Drilling Postponed", Israel writes:

New York should not issue new rules to allow gas drilling until a new federal study – which will take at least two years – determines whether that drilling is safe. So says a leading environmental group, Catskill Mountainkeeper, based in the western Sullivan County hamlet of Youngsville; the hamlet, like the rest of Sullivan and parts of Ulster, sits on the gas-rich Marcellus shale.

‘Why wouldn’t (the Department of Environmental Conservation) wait? It’s only common sense,’ says Ramsay Adams, Executive Director of Mountainkeeper, which like other local and national environmental groups – and New York City – says the horizontal drilling method of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," pollutes drinking water.  Click here to continue reading the article.

“Now is the time to take action,” says the Catskill Mountainkeeper. “Despite the argument that the State will lose millions in the short-term, we have much more at stake in the long run if drilling using toxic chemicals is approved in New York State. We must press the New York State DEC to withhold their final SGEIS report until they have the advantage of reviewing the research done by the EPA.”

About Catskill Mountainkeeper

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. We 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. We 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.

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2010 Pride Awards Slated for May 2 at Villa Roma

Monticello, NY – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Howard Siegel, CEO of The Siegel Agency has been selected as the 2010 Business Person of the Year.

Siegel will be honored, along with several other individuals, and 15 township notables at this year’s 19^th Annual Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Pride Awards which will take place on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at The Club at Villa Roma in Callicoon, New York.

The Pride Awards will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. with brunch. Although invitations will be mailed to honorees and Chamber members, tickets are available to members and non-members who would like to attend and enjoy the award presentations. Ticket prices are $50 per person.

To purchase tickets or make reservations, please contact the Chamber at 791-4200.

2010 Pride of Sullivan Honorees:

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

Distinguished Service Award: Charles "Chuck" H. Myers

Distinguished Achievement Award: Philip Coombe Jr.

Young Emerging Leader: Sara Ingber, Sara’s Gourmet BBQ Sauce

Town of Bethel: Patricia & William Burns

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

Town of Cochecton: Salvatore B. Indelicato

Town of Delaware: The Janice Center

Town of Fallsburg: Fallsburg Lumber

Town of Forestburgh: Eileen & Ron Geyson

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

Town of Highland: Frederick Reber, Cedar Rapids

Town of Liberty: Dale & Carol VanDenBerg, Hillside Greenhouse

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

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

Town of Neversink: The Denman Agency

Town of Rockland: Pete DeVantier, Roscoe Lumber Yard

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

Town of Tusten: Jill Padua, Jill’s Kitchen

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MONTICELLO – Sullivan County Manager, David P. Fanslau, today announced the launch of the County of Sullivan’s newly redesigned website, giving county residents greater access to their county government. Developed, designed and maintained by the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department, www.co.sullivan.ny.us offers new features and services for residents, businesses and visitors.

“This redesigned website will also link to the County’s economic development partner agencies, the Sullivan County Visitors Association, the Partnership for Economic Development, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the Sullivan County I.D.A., and the Center for Workforce Development,” said Jonathan F. Rouis, Chairman of the County Legislature. “The eventual linking to the economic development partner agencies will provide a virtual one-stop shop to assist with the county’s economic recovery and economic growth,” added Rouis.

“Some of the most significant new features are the improvements made to site navigation and appearance. Visitors can now more easily locate information and move from page to page throughout every County department within a consistent, professional format,” said Jodi I. Goodman, Chair of the Management and Budget Committee. “In addition, the County has updated the site with new content, faster search capability and greater speed to press,” added Goodman.

Long standing popular features remain such as all monthly Legislative meeting agendas and minutes in Adobe PDF format, ensuring compatibility for all visitors to our County’s site. Real-time parcel data has recently been enhanced as well to reflect the efforts of the Real Property Tax Services digitized tax map project. In Personnel Office, the civil service exam announcement pages have been enhanced to reflect real-time updates rather than the daily evening updates previously in place.

The County’s CIO, Lorne Green, commended his staff for all of their hard work in developing the new web site and is committed to continue the process of making more of the county’s information available via the Internet. “Our long term goal is to eliminate the need for our County residents to be forced to visit County offices for answers to basic questions or to pick up standard forms or applications” said Mr. Green. He added, “We hope to have these items available on our web site for people to obtain from the convenience of their own homes any time of day or night.”

“The redesign offers residents a new level of convenience when accessing information and services from their county government,” said Fanslau. “The new website is the product of months of careful planning and design by the MIS staff in cooperation with each county department. The result is a modern website that is user friendly, updated and accurately communicates the best of the County of Sullivan to everyone who discovers our county through the Internet, Fanslau concluded.

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