The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (December 31, 2010) – Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis announced that the Sullivan County Legislature adopted a resolution at its final meeting of 2010 that implores the New York State Legislature to enact substantive reform of the real property tax law section governing tax exempt criteria.

“During each of the informational meetings on the County Budget that were held in seven locations throughout Sullivan County, a recurring compliant about New York’s public policy centered on the need to reform tax exempt criteria,” said Rouis. “The current tax exemption criteria has nearly 20% of all real property parcels exempt from taxation, leaving 80% of the property owners to essentially pay 100% of the property tax burden,” added Rouis.

Sullivan County has about $11.05 billion of equalized value real property assessments. However, more than $2.17 billion is exempt from real property taxation. If all non-governmental properties were subject to the real property tax, there would be an additional $6.46 million realized at the 2011 County tax rate. If all non-governmental tax exempt real property were presently subject to real property taxation there could be a net reduction of the property tax by 13.25% or there would be no appropriation of Fund Balance or a greatly reduced appropriation of Fund Balance.

“There must be an ability authorized enacted by the New York State Legislature to provide County Governments the ability to realize revenues from the impacts of providing County Government services associated with improvements on tax exempt properties, so that the eighty percent (80%) of the balance of taxable real property owners do not have to shoulder the burden of one hundred percent (100%) of the property tax levy,” concluded Rouis.

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HARRIS, NY (December 29, 2010) – Catskill Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) Cancer Support Group, in conjunction with the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, will host the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 in Boardroom A at CRMC’s main Harris campus.

Ms. Patricia Morris, owner and operator of Fantasy Hair in Wurtsboro, N.Y., will present the program, which helps cancer patients fight the side effects of chemotherapy by enhancing their appearance through the use of makeup, turbans and other accessories.

Pre-registration is required and participants should bring a hand mirror. To register, or for more information about the cancer support group, please contact 845-794-3300 ext. 2831. Cosmetologists who want information about certification classes should call 1-800-395-5665 (LOOK).

A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, visit www.crmcny.org.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

SMALLWOOD, NY (December 27, 2010) – Sometime around the middle of November, Lillian Hendrickson, Executive Director of Sullivan County CASA (SC CASA) wrote to Paul Ciliberto, New York Regional Manager for radio station Thunder 102.

Hendrickson, told Ciliberto that SC CASA was in financial trouble. “We can’t get funding from the state anymore,” said Hendrickson (center in photo left). “We’re supported from the unified court system only now. Senator Bonacic and Assemblywoman Gunther can’t get the funding anymore because the state is in so much trouble.”

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization that advocates for children in Family Court, children who are abused and neglected, children under guardianship or children that are at risk for going to foster homes.

And so, on Wednesday, December 22, an event was held at Friends Restaurant and Pub in Smallwood to help raise funds for SC CASA. Not coincidentally, there was a special on CBS-TV the same evening called “Home for the Holidays,” which featured, among other performers, country music artist Jimmy Wayne (photo right, provided) who knows a thing or two about foster care. Having been abandoned at a bus station when he was 13 years old, and having been shuffled through 12 schools and nine foster placements, Wayne finally met Russell and Bea Costner. The couple was in their 70s when they opened their hearts and home to Wayne who was homeless at the time.

As a way of giving back, Wayne started his Meet Me Halfway project and on January 1, 2010 set out on a 1,660 mile hike from Tennessee to Phoenix to raise awareness about homeless children and, more specifically, about children who age out of the foster-care system. He eventually aims to walk across the whole country.

Wayne performed at Monticello Raceway as part of 5th Annual ThunderBash on May 8, 2010. And now, a large crowd gathered at Friends to see the 12th Annual Home for the Holidays special, watch Wayne perform and raise money for CASA through donations, raffles, and photos by Jeff Siegel of the Spencer Daniels Agency (photo left).

A heartfelt donation was brought in by Dakota Born, a young lady from Livingston Manor who went Christmas caroling with her family in Claryville. “We explained what we were caroling for and people donated,” said Born who presented $45.

Throughout the night, Santa’s elves sold raffle tickets and accepted donations on behalf of CASA. Thunder 102 radio personalities Ciliberto, Michelle Semerano (photo above left) and Mike Sakell (photo below with his wife Sue), drew the winning numbers and handed out prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.

Hendrickson said the money collected will be used to train volunteers. “Every bit of money stays in Sullivan County,” said Hendrickson. “Volunteers go to the children’s home, they advocate for the children, try to find a family member to take them in, or advocate for them to be in a safe home. Children fall through the cracks. We have much more time to investigate than social workers. We can go to more places because we’re volunteers. I can go to Orange County and Pennsylvania, a social worker can’t.” Board of Elections Commissioner Faith Kaplan was also in attendance. She was a CASA volunteer for 11 years before becoming a board member, which is also a volunteer position.

After all the raffle money and donations had been tallied, and after a $100 donation from Jim DiCarlo, the owner of Friends (in photo at right with elf Dave Dunlap from Hilltop Homes), over $500 had been raised for SC CASA.

“They say you can save one child, but you can’t save them all. I want to save them all,” said Jimmy Wayne during his Home for the Holidays performance. Based on the enthusiasm at Friends, the attendees wanted to “save them all,” too.

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Story and photos by Leni Santoro – Illustrations by Ed Lamphier

Mr. Ellmauer says, “Science!” – just one of the illustrations created by Ed Lamphier for the YRP.

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (December 22, 2010) – I was invited to photograph the YRP as they put the finishing touches on their annual holiday radio play last night.

The production room at WJFF is small to say the least, but it was filled to the brim with creativity and excitement last night.

Each year the YRP chooses a theme for their radio play. This year’s theme is zombies. “Zombie Bells: Night of the Giving Dead” asked the question, “Who will be the last one standing against Zombie Santa?”

“Zombie Bells…” is an original “holiday, horror radio comedy” written and produced by the YRP. Not intended for the small fry, older young people and adults will laugh and find all their “zombie” dreams fulfilled.

Seth Wegener is listed as head writer. But as instructor Jason Dole points out, it really is a group project with many of the YRP contributing scenes and lines, even it would seem, at the last minute; as was the case last night.

After the voice recording was done, sitting  in the WJFF studio last night, I watched WJFF’s Youth Radio Project putting the finishing touches on their X-mas X-travaganza. Audio editing was going on in the production room while Seth was editing and researching sound effects in the main room. Curtis appears and grabs pieces of a script before rushing out the door, vowing to put music to the background.

Through it all YRP instructor Jason Dole is running from room to room coordinating, answering questions, pointing out good shots to me and all with a smile and a belief that it all comes together in the end.

Tonight WJFF’s Youth Radio Project’s Radio Revolution listeners will reap the rewards of the YRP’s efforts. The show airs on WJFF 90.5 FM at 9 p.m. And as a special Christmas gift the show will also air again at 1 a.m. Christmas morning. WJFF also streams live on the web and the YRP’s radio play will be available for the coming two weeks in the audio archive‘; also available online.

Below are the images created by Ed Lamphier for tonite’s broadcast:

Above photo captions: 1- Jenny’s Got a Gun. 2- Kyneilia Doesn’t Care. 3- Rudolph and Snap Fight Zombies with Music!! 4- Scotty is Good and Follows his Inner Santa. 5- Britney and Chug are Popular and Expendable. 6- Poster created for the production.

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 22, 2010) – County Manager David P Fanslau has announced that Sullivan County has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). 

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The Treasurer’s Department is to be commended for once again receiving this recognition.

“The County Treasurer and the Deputy County Manager/Commissioner of Management and Budget are members of GFOA, and both offices have developed an excellent professional working relationship that has permitted Sullivan County to receive the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by GFOA for the last number of years,” said Fanslau. “There is a considerable amount of work that all of the county’s departments are required to fulfill, culminating in a financial management process that clearly shows the professionalism of these offices, and I commend Treasurer Cohen for his annual and sustainable accomplishment as duly noted by the GFOA,” added Fanslau.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story to motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. 

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

“The CAFR reviews and is supported by the County budget process that was changed to be more transparent in 2007, with the incorporation of performance based management and budgeting. The prior vacancy variance process that eluded transparency was abolished in 2007 to provide for a more readily identifiable budgetary process that identifies revenues, appropriations, positions budgeted, and a capital plan,” concluded Fanslau.

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Among those nominated is Christopher Whipple of Neversink. He attends Tri-Valley Central School. He is seen here at the Tri-Valley ceremony to honor veterans. – Carol Montana photo

Washington, DC (December 18, 2010) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies for the Class of 2015.  After a thorough examination process in which his office reviewed numerous applications, Hinchey selected 16 local high school students whom he believes would excel at the U.S. Air Force, Military, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies.  West Point Military Academy has already offered an appointment to Joseph "Bobby" Kulp III of Vestal, New York, and Hinchey expects that more nominees will also receive appointments.

"It is a great honor to nominate 16 young men and women from our area to our nation’s service academies," Hinchey said.  "These young leaders have demonstrated their dedication to community and country. They have excelled in scholastics, physical fitness and extracurricular activities. They represent the best and brightest, and I know that each would serve with honor and distinction.  I wish them all the very best with the rest of the application process."

The selection process for the nominees was based on each student’s scholastic record, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, professional recommendations and a personal interview.  The process is highly competitive and the admissions departments of the service academies make the final decision on acceptance.

The names of Hinchey’s nominees, by academy, are as follows:

United States Air Force Academy

Matthew Presutti of Newburgh – Valley Central High School

US Air Force Academy Preparatory School

United States Military Academy

Anneliese Antonucci of Poughkeepsie – Poughkeepsie High School

Daniel Crisci of Newburgh – Valley Central High School

Joseph Gaynor of Bloomingburg – Pine Bush High School

Timothy Goldstone of Accord – Rondout Valley High School

Jared Jenson of Kingston – Kingston High School

Joseph "Bobby" Kulp III of Vestal – Vestal Senior High School

Valley Forge Military College

Lukas Saul of Ithaca – Ithaca High School

Tompkins Cortland Community College

Kateri Sibley of Windsor – Windsor Central High School

Matthew Webster of Apalachin – Owego Free Academy

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Christopher Whipple of Neversink – Tri-Valley Central School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Padraig Loughlin of Esopus – Nile C. Kinnick High School

United States Naval Academy

Christopher Chase of Middletown – Pine Bush High School

Luke Miller of Ithaca – Ithaca High School

Joshua Nysenbaum of Binghamton – Binghamton High School

Megan Rausch of Glen Spey – Home School

Members of the House and Senate may nominate eligible candidates for appointments to the nation’s service academies. Senators nominate applicants statewide, while representatives, such as Hinchey, nominate applicants only from the congressional district they represent.

Students who are interested in being nominated by Hinchey in the future should first contact the service academy of their choice during their junior year in high school and then request a nomination from the congressman’s office shortly thereafter.  The deadline for the Class of 2016 nominations is October 21, 2011.  For more information on the application process, students and parents are encouraged to visit Hinchey’s website page on academy nominations at http://hinchey.house.gov .

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 18,2010) – Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis has announced that the County Legislature will appoint John J. Crotty as the Director of the Sullivan County Veterans Services Agency. Mr. Crotty served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era, and he was honorably discharged after his service to the country. The official action will take place on Thursday, December 16, 2010.

“Mr. Crotty has a long history of service to Sullivan County through the fire service and EMS. He has brought this energy and dedication to the Veterans community as a Veterans Service Officer since 2007,” said Rouis. “This has provided him with a strong understanding of the issues facing Veterans and their families,” added Rouis

The future brings both challenges and opportunities to the Sullivan County Veterans Services Agency. There are new federal Veterans Administration (VA) medical and mental health programs that will offer substantial services that were previously unavailable.

“The Legislature and Veterans Coalition are both satisfied that John Crotty will meet the challenge of maintaining the stellar performance record of the Sullivan County Veterans Services Agency,” said Frank Armstrong, Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee. “Increasing numbers of recently discharged veterans are applying for the VA benefits that they have earned, and we are confident that John Crotty has the skills to successfully assist our veterans,” added Armstrong.

The VA has added new disabilities to the Agent Orange list, and as Vietnam Veterans reach their new retirement status they are discovering unexpected issues that demand attention. The Veterans Services Agency will be increasing coordination with other care and service providers by improving the delivery of critical assistance to both Veterans and family members in 2011.

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Stories and photos by Carol Montana

ROCK HILL, NY (December 16, 2010) – The main phrase used by most of the speakers at Monday’s Catskill Casino Coalition Luncheon Meeting at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill was “one signature away.”

The “signature” to which they were referring is that of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, in whose  hands rests the current fate of casino gaming in Sullivan County.

Last month, New York State Governor David Paterson settled a land claim and signed a compact with the Wisconsin-based Stockbridge Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, paving the way for them to build a casino gaming and destination resort in Bridgeville.  

Monday’s meeting was hosted by Todd Diorio (photo left), President of Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council (HVBCTC) and President of the Catskill Casino Coalition. The latter group is “focused on supporting gaming, jobs and economic development in Sullivan County,” said Diorio. “We’re one signature away from a gaming facility and destination resort in Sullivan County.”

HVBCTC represents building and construction workers and affiliates in Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess Counties.

Speakers both thanked the attendees and exhorted them to come together and write letters of support and contact those in power. Chris White, representative for Congressman Maurice Hinchey said, “We’ve been in constant contact with the Department of the Interior. We are in the process of setting up a call with the Secretary of the Interior, … we hope that will happen in the next week.”

Other speakers included Joanne Drake, Senator John Bonacic’s representative; Vince Benedetto, owner of Bold Gold Media Group; Jacob Billig, local lawyer and representative of the Stockbridge Munsees; Steve Quaranto, President and Business Manager of Sheet Metal Workers 38 and Vice President of HVBCTC; and Josh Sommers, Chairman of the Sullivan County Partnership.

In addition to addressing the right of the Stockbridge Munsees to claim New York land, Billig (speaker photo right) also focused on the agreements they have in place “with the county of Sullivan, Village of Monticello and the Town of Thompson. Now we have the land claim settlement with the state of New York, and we have a compact with the state of New York. The last government that has to sign off on this is the Federal Government.”

Billig also addressed questions about the environmental impact study. “Every i had been dotted and t has been crossed. There are mussel species in the Neversink River, we hired a mussel expert. We’ve looked at other endangered species. We’ve looked at runoff … I can tell you that our runoff plan complies with all DEC regulations so that there will be no runoff on the site. … We’ve looked into municipal water and sewer. …

Diorio also clarified that it’s not just the Stockbridge Munsees that the group is backing. “We don’t support just one (casino), we support the local Monticello Gaming, we support the next group that’s close to a casino … whether it’s five, three or one …”

Sommers (photo left) called the Bridgeville resort and others like it “the game changers that we really need.”

Addressing those who see casinos as instruments of vice and magnets for crime, Diorio stated, “They’re going to gamble whether it’s here or whether it’s in the backyard. I believe that in the plans, there are some ways to address it if someone develops the problem. You’re probably better off with a casino because there will be more groups that are going to be able to deal with gambling issues.”

Regarding increased crime, Diorio believes that “the main reason people commit crimes is they have to eat, they have no jobs, they need everyday necessities, so maybe when we have more jobs there will be less crime.”

And jobs were indeed the focus of the afternoon. Billig, in stating that the project would lead to a rebirth of the middle class in Sullivan County said, “… we need jobs … this particular project is going to generate 4600 construction jobs, and then, after its doors are open, 8100 direct and indirect jobs. It will yield almost $430 million to the local economy.”

Steve Quaranto (photo right), President and Business Manager of Sheet Metal Workers 38 and Vice President of HVBCTC pointed out that “The Stockbridge Munsees have offered to collect sales tax on everything for the county and state – everything –cigarettes, gas, hotel taxes. No other tribe has offered that to the state of New York.”

And then he returned once again to the subject of jobs. “These people (the Stockbridge Munsees) have offered the people who work in the casino the right to join the union if they want it. What that means is they’re going to make a half-way decent living, they’re going to have health and welfare coverage, they’re going to have a pension and a 401k. I don’t see any other industry coming up to Sullivan County and making that offer to the people,” said Quaranto. “This is all about jobs. Do you want people to starve up here forever? Or do you want to give them the opportunity to make a decent living?”

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From L to R: CES co-owner Mike Taylor, CRMC AVP Professional Services Geri Orr, CRMC CEO Steven Ruwoldt, CRMC Women’s Health Center Office Manager Lisa Timpone,  Drs. Florence Jean-Lewis and Khorsheda Ali, of the CRMC Women’s Health Center. Combined Energy Services raised $2,500 through its Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, which included donating a portion of proceeds from oil delivered in its themed delivery truck to Catskill Regional Medical Center.

MONTICELLO, NY (December 15, 2010) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) received a $2,500 donation toward the cost of new digital mammography services to be offered at its Women’s Health Center from Combined Energy Services, a Sullivan County energy supplier.

In conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Combined Energy Services (CES), a dependable supplier of gas energy to the Catskills, donated 1 cent to CRMC for every gallon delivered by its “pink” delivery truck during the month. The funds will be used to support new digital mammography services to be offered at Catskill Regional’s Women’s Health Center, at 60 Jefferson Street in Monticello. 

“Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to improving the health of our community by providing exceptional health care services and the latest state-of-the-art equipment,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “This generous gift from CES will help enable CRMC to promote our digital mammography services throughout Sullivan County when our new diagnostic center in Monticello opens in 2011.”  

CES began their philanthropic program in 2006. In 2009, the company’s principals selected Catskill Regional Medical Center to ensure the local community would directly benefit.

CES co-owner Mike Taylor said, “This program is a good way to give to a great cause while at the same time help to increase public awareness that early detection is the key to survival. We believe if this campaign sparks one person to get a mammogram and it saves them, then it was all worth it.”

The CRMC Women’s Health Center offers services for women of all ages, including gynecological exams, mammography, ultrasound, bone densitometry and obstetrical care. For more information on the Women’s Health Center, please call 845-794-7897.

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

Family owned and operated since 1968, Combined Energy Services is one of the largest propane gas suppliers in the Hudson Valley. With two offices in operation, CES has provided customers throughout the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Eastern Pennsylvania and Northern New Jersey with dependable propane gas, fuel oil and kerosene deliveries, as well as unmatched, around-the-clock repair service. For more info, please visit www.combinedenergyservices.com.

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Liberty Torch Club at the Liberty Rotary’s Pasta Dinner. From L to R: Kiara Washington and Tiana King.

WALLKILL, NY (December 14, 2010) – The Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs announced today that their youth club members have participated in a staggering 20,000 of community service in Orange and Sullivan Counties in 2010.

“We have been absolutely blown away by our youth members this year, and their commitment to getting involved in their local communities. They’ve held clothing drives, food drives, even pet food drives, to help those less fortunate. Through their service they’ve developed a wonderful sense of community pride, and a true sense of how civic engagement can positively impact a community,” said Executive Director Alexis Eggleton.

Boys & Girls Clubs has made it a priority for each afterschool program in Orange & Sullivan Counties to complete at least one community service project a month,  though most complete 4-5 projects per month. Their projects range from weekly activities like visiting patients at Achieve Rehabilitation in Liberty, NY to sending cards to veterans at the VA Hospital in Castle Point, NY in honor of Veterans Day.

Torch Club is Boys & Girls Clubs’ own service club within the Boys & Girls Clubs, and each program with youth ages 11-13 has its own Torch Club, elects its own officers and chooses its own service projects. Earlier this year, the Crispell Middle School Torch Club won 2^nd Place in the national “Be Great, Be Green” competition through The Staples Foundation for Learning. They took a vacant space and built a beautiful garden and butterfly habitat in their middle school courtyard and won a $1000 prize to be used in their garden next spring.

Izzie Dwarka, a seventh grader and the BGC Torch Club President from Crispell Middle School, said “It makes me feel good knowing I can help out other people by doing community service. My favorite community service event this year was creating a mural for Hodgson’s Farms’ Harvest Festival.”

For more information regarding the Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs, please contact the Clubs at 845-361-2222.

Bottom photo – Crispell Torch Club at Hodgson’s Farm. From L to R: Torch Club Member Sky Sebeste, Program Leader Ashley Bauer and Torch Club President Izzie Dwarka.

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Edited by Carol Montana, Photos by Jeff Siegel (Spencer Daniels Agency)

LIBERTY, NY (December 12, 2010) – The Sullivan County Visitors Association celebrated the holidays with its Annual Meeting yesterday evening at the Monticello Casino and Raceway.

Paul Carlucci, (in photo at left) Vice President of the Villa Roma Resort and Chairman of the Visitors Association, welcomed the members and addressed the dignitaries who were attending from the state, county and local governments. He also recognized the Sullivan County Visitors Association staff, members and businesses for their efforts promoting tourism in Sullivan County.

Carlucci also awarded the Tourism Advocate Award to Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature, for his support of the tourism industry in his tenure as Chairman.

Rouis (photo right) praised the SCVA membership on their dedication to Sullivan County and their deep commitment to generating economic growth and quality of life to the county. He also quipped that in a county where nothing is secret, he was totally surprised by the award.

County Manager David Fanslau praised the SCVA on its ability to utilize additional funding for small businesses to advertise locally and the benefit that it made to tax generation and the small businesses in the county. He assured the SCVA that that funding would be available for 2011.

President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood (in photo left with Rich Delia) discussed the many and varied accomplishments of the SCVA over the past year and outlined some of the marketing and goals the association will take in the coming year.

Richard Delia of the Ferndale Antiques Marketplace announced the results of the Board of Directors election. Paul Carlucci of the Villa Roma, Jim Rafferty of the Monticello Casino and Raceway and Jill Wiener of Earthgirl Pottery were re-elected to serve another three-year term on the board. In addition, the group  welcomed newly elected board members Larry Steiger of Last Licks, Jeanne Tulp of Lazy Pond B&B and Alan Rosenblatt of ECCE B&B.

The officers for 2010 were also announced: Paul Carlucci of the Villa Roma is Chairman of the Board, Rick Lander of Landers River Trips is Vice Chair, Michele Caltabellotta of The Dog House is Secretary, and Norman Duttweiler of Forestburgh Playhouse is Treasurer. Richard Delia was also re-elected to the Executive Board.

The Association awarded their 9^th Annual TOAST (Tribute to Outstanding Associate Serving Tourism) Award to Fran Gager (photo below) from the Rally New York at the Annual Meeting. Kathleen Ferris (photo right) from Crystal Run Healthcare, this year’s runner up for the TOAST award, was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

Each year the Visitors Association honors an employee involved in the tourism industry who has shown outstanding dedication and hospitality to the industry nominated by the membership business. Association members were asked to nominate someone who they felt met the criteria. Ivan Orisek from Rally New York nominated Fran Gager who, with an outstanding manner, recruits and manages a staff of 100-150 members who carry out the Rally New York events taking place in the county several times each year.

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Co-chairs of Congressional Delaware River Task Force Say Environmental Impact Studies Must Be Completed First

Washington, D.C. (December 10, 2010) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) sharply criticized the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) for releasing draft regulations to govern hydraulic fracturing without first completing a cumulative water impact study. The members slammed the agency’s failure to adequately protect the basin’s high quality water resources on, which millions of residents from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania rely on the basin for drinking water and other needs.

Hinchey and Holt, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Delaware River Task Force, have joined environmentalists, local officials and public citizens in calling for the DRBC to conduct and complete a Cumulative Environmental Impact Study prior to the issuance of its regulatory framework that would allow hydraulic fracturing for natural gas to move forward in the basin. In spite of these calls and pending federal funding for the study as requested by DRBC, the Commission this week issued draft regulations without conducting such an analysis.

"The Delaware River Basin Commission has failed significantly in its mission to protect the tremendously important water resources of the basin. By developing and issuing draft regulations without the completion of comprehensive scientific analysis of the cumulative impacts of hydraulic fracturing, the DRBC has put in jeopardy the River’s Special Protection Waters, upon which millions of residents of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania rely for drinking water and other uses.

It should seem obvious that it is impossible to construct a proper regulatory framework without the guidance of the science that these studies would provide.  Nevertheless, the commission has moved forward with draft regulations governing natural gas drilling in the Basin without quantifying, examining or understanding the cumulative impacts that such regulations need to mitigate.

We urge the Delaware River Basin Commission to suspend any further action to allow natural gas drilling to move forward until it completes a comprehensive study of the impacts of those activities.  Failing to do so undermines the agency’s ability to effectively control and minimize the impacts of drilling on our water resources and protect the health of the 15 million people who rely on the Delaware River for clean drinking water and recreation. The DRBC’s decision in this matter is highly regrettable and deeply concerning."

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 9, 2010) – On Wednesday December 8, 2010, Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff presented the New York State Sheriff’s Association Institute’s 2010 Criminal Justice Scholarship to Liberty resident Tanairi Morales. Ms. Morales received a check for $500 dollars.

Ms. Morales is a criminal justice major at Sullivan County Community College where she is carrying a 3.6 GPA. She hopes to pursue a career in criminal justice, with the FBI being a possibility.

Congratulating Ms. Morales (center) are (l to r), Chairman of the Criminal Justice Program Art Riegal, Sheriff Michael Schiff, Vice President of Academics and Student Affairs, Dr. Robert Schultz and Criminal Justice Professor Douglas Evans.

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Seth Wegener, Catherine Peters, Drew Maier, Dylan Reno, and Sam Sedlack – 2009’s Santa’s Elves and Assorted Characters. – Provided photo

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (December 8,2010) – WJFF’s Youth Radio Project is airing a special Pledge Drive edition of Radio Revolution tonight, Wednesday, December 8, from 9–10 p.m., and they’re looking for any and all alumni, parents, community members, and friends of the YRP to listen in and call in.

Right now, the Youth Radio producers are hard at work on their 8th Annual X-Mas X-Travaganza, an all-original comedic radio play that will premiere  Wednesday, December 22, on Radio Revolution. Every year the YRP plans, writes, performs, and produces its own satirical holiday play, in less than seven weeks!

Tonight’s Pledge Drive Show prepares listeners for this year’s play. The live YRP hosts will present clips of their previous X-Mas plays, and shorter plays like “Judge Frosty” and “A YRP Christmas Carol” in their entirety. In between, they’ll talk about the process of making the plays and ask for your contribution to WJFF.

If you or someone you know has been in the YRP, or if you support the ideals of community radio, youth radio, and radio drama in general, WJFF’s “Giving Thanks” pledge drive is an excellent opportunity to show your support. Making a pledge during Radio Revolution supports WJFF. It also gives our youth producers a jolt of encouragement as they work hard in the next few weeks turning impossible ideas into hilarious reality. Don’t be afraid to encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to call, too!

It would be great to hear from listeners tonight, but you can call WJFF any time at (845) 482-4141 with your pledge. If the line is busy, please try again.

WJFF’S YOUTH RADIO PROJECT is a program that teaches high-school-age students in the Sullivan County area the techniques and technologies behind good radio production. They use these skills to produce Radio Revolution, the only weekly teen-produced, teen-hosted youth radio show in the region.

This program is funded by a grant from NYS Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau, and by WJFF Radio Catskill through the support of members and listeners like you.

https://thecatskillchronicle.com/2009/12/22/wjffs-youth-radio-project-goes-across-the-santaverse/

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Compiled by Leni Santoro

WASHINGTON, DC. (December 6, 2010) – Recent press releases sent from Congressman Maurice Hinchey and US Senator Kirsten Gillbrand emphasize the need to extend unemployment insurance benefits for those who need them.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has emphasized the need to pass emergency legislation to extend unemployment benefits for 1.7 million American families. In July, Hinchey voted to pass the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act, which extended benefits through November 30. With benefits now expiring for 143,000 New Yorkers, Hinchey is calling for an immediate vote on the measure.

"Without quick action, the economic lifeline for 1.7 million Americans who are struggling to find jobs will be cut off during the holidays," said Hinchey. "We simply cannot afford to end this Congress without responding to far too many Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. When New Yorkers who are relying on unemployment insurance to make ends meet start to see their benefits run out, it will reduce their ability to buy the necessities. That reduces demand for goods, which hurts local merchants, job growth and the overall economy. We can’t afford to not extend these benefits."

… Prior to the most recent extension that expired on November 30, a handful of senators delayed action on a bill that Hinchey supported to extend benefits for 13 weeks in the fall of 2009.  In February, Hinchey voted to pass emergency legislation to extend unemployment insurance for 30 days. That bill also died in the Senate. In March, one senator blocked passage of a crucial package that would have extended the benefits. And in June, Hinchey voted to extend the benefits for six months, but on four separate occasions, a handful of senators blocked the legislation.

According to a new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers, New York State would lose more than 40,000 jobs over the next year if Congress fails to extend emergency unemployment assistance. More than 200,000 New Yorkers, who are currently looking for work, could lose their assistance by the end of the year if an extension is not passed.

US Senator Kirsten Gillbrand has issued the following statement urging Congress to pass an extension of emergency unemployment assistance:

“This report shows that if we do not get bipartisan cooperation to pass unemployment assistance then New York’s economy could lose 40,000 jobs. Unemployment assistance is not only critical for the families that depend on it, but it has a positive and important effect on our economy.

“What we are seeing right now is failed economic leadership and failed moral leadership. The stonewalling is disastrous for unemployed workers and bad for our entire economy.

“Republicans want to borrow $700 billion from China to extend Bush tax giveaways to millionaires and billionaires and simply turn their back on thousands of Americans who are sick and dying from 9/11 related diseases, middle class families who need tax cuts, and 200,000 New Yorkers who will lose unemployment assistance by the end of the year.”

History of Unemployment Benefits Since 1959

Since 1959, the government has never allowed extended unemployment benefits to expire when the national unemployment rate is above 7.2 percent. The current national unemployment rate stands at 9.6 percent. In New York the unemployment rate is 8.3 percent. Unemployment insurance injects demand into the economy and is a proven economic booster according to independent non-partisan analysis and economic experts: 

• The Congressional Budget Office notes that "extensions of unemployment insurance benefits in the past few years increased both employment and participation in the labor force…." [CBO 11/17/10] 
• Chief Economist Mark Zandi of Moodys.com found that unemployment insurance is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy. [Labor Department, 11/16/10; CBO, 1/14/10; Testimony, 7/1/10]
• The Labor Department reported that during the Bush recession, unemployment insurance benefits kept an average of 1.6 million Americans on the job, and kept the unemployment rate about 1.2 percentage points lower. [Labor Department, 11/16/10]
• The Wall Street Journal reports that experts have estimated that if the extensions were allowed to expire it would shave half a percentage point from economic growth.  [Wall Street Journal, 11/16/10]

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SYRACUSE, NY (December 6, 2010) — New York landowners, farmers, and forestland owners have until January 14, 2011 to apply for 2011 conservation program funding. The programs falling within this deadline include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

Conservation programs were authorized by Congress under the 2008 Farm Bill to provide funding and technical assistance to landowners who voluntarily implement conservation practices. These practices improve natural resources and wildlife habitat on privately owned agricultural land and forestlands.

“We are pleased to offer landowners in New York opportunities to address resource concerns related to soil, water, air, plants and animals through a variety of programs,” said NRCS State Conservationist Astor Boozer.  “The result will be cleaner water, more productive soils, healthier forests, improved grasslands, and more abundant wildlife for all New York residents.”

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers funding assistance in the form of engineered structures, such as manure handling facilities, and conservation practices such as grassed waterways.  Focus areas within the EQIP program include livestock waste, cropland, and grazing. Private forestland owners have opportunities to improve forest health and productivity under the woodland program focus area.

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) assists producers to help minimize excess nutrients and sediments in order to restore, preserve, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.  In New York, the Bay program offers funding and technical assistance to producers in the priority areas of the Upper Susquehanna Watershed.

The Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) focuses on improving irrigation efficiency.  A primary goal of the program is to assist agricultural producers in mitigating risk through production diversification or installation of conservation practices.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) focuses on improving habitat for at-risk shrub-dwelling birds. Additional funding for this program was received as part of the New England/New York Forestry Initiative. Another focus within the program is establishing and enhancing grassland habitat for declining bird species, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Applications for EQIP, CBWI, AMA, and WHIP are competitive and ranked based on national, state, and locally identified resource priorities, and their overall benefit to the environment.  Interested landowners can apply for all programs at their local USDA-NRCS office.  For sign-up details or additional conservation program information contact your local USDA-NRCS office or visit www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov. 

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 3, 2010) – Last year Sullivan ARC celebrated it’s 60th Anniversary (see video below). This year it is expanding on the programs that it already provides.

In November, SullivanArc, introduced the first “Children’s Mobile Crisis Intervention” service in the area. The program, which is for children under 18, is designed to assist a parent or guardian in need of an intervention during a time of crisis.

The program operates after traditional business hours, when most children are at home. It provides immediate assistance to children and their families when the child is experiencing a crisis. A certified Social Worker is available to provide guidance and support via telephone. If more assistance is needed, the Social Worker will travel to the home and provide a one–on–one intervention. When possible, the Social Worker arrives quickly and quietly as to not cause a disturbance.

Maureen Stewart, director of the program, says the goal is to help children avoid being hospitalized needlessly for psychiatric reasons, as well as “to be there after hours to help families with their children during a crisis”.

SullivanArc endorses a progressive philosophy that is proactive and their approach involves techniques that are preventative and positive as opposed to reactive.

The “Children’s Mobile Crisis Intervention” service provided by Sullivan ARC is free. To be eligible, the child must be diagnosed with, or presumed to have a developmental disability or a serious emotional disturbance.

In addition to the immediate intervention, the family will be given recommendations or referrals for services or treatment in Sullivan County, as well as receive follow up support.

The phone number to access the service is 845-701-3777. The hours of operation are weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends and holidays.

To learn more about the program, please call Maureen Stewart at SullivanArc at 845-796-1350 ext. 2801.

Courtesy of SullivanARC December 1, 2009

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 2, 2010) – Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, C – Forestburgh) announced today that she was named to be on the transition team for Healthcare. Lieutenant Governor-Elect Bob Duffy is serving as Chair of the Cuomo-Duffy transition.

“I was honored to be asked by Governor-Elect Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Duffy to be a part of this prestigious team,” said Gunther. “I look forward to working closely with the new Governor and support his efforts to get New York back on the right path.”

The Transition Team is appointed to ensure the best and brightest talent is attracted to the Cuomo Administration. The sub-committees of the Transition Team are Environment, Health & Education, Human Services & Housing, Public Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure and Economic Development & Labor.

“Governor-Elect Cuomo met with my conference earlier this week to discuss his plans for the coming year,” Gunther said. “He spoke passionately about his agenda for reform and his intentions to make make New York State #1 when it comes to being a business-friendly state. He spoke about his push for a real property tax and ethics reform, which I support. I am excited about working with the new Governor for all the people of New York State.”

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NY ALERT – National Weather Service, Binghamton, NY  (December 1, 2010) – A flood warning has been issued for the following rivers in New York: The Beaverkill near Cooks Falls affecting Delaware and Sullivan counties. At 3:00 p.m. Wednesday the stage was 9.5 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet. Minor flooding is forecast.

The forecast is for rise above flood stage to near 11.0 feet by tonight. Then the river will fall below flood stage by tonight. Impact at 10.0 feet when minor flooding begins.

Safety message… Do not drive over flooded roads or bridges.

For further river and weather information, visit weather.gov/bgm

This warning expires December 2 at 11:52 a.m. unless canceled earlier.

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In the photo left to right are Lions Larry Schafman, Ilene Wizwer and Hank Speckhardt, CRMC CEO Steven Ruwoldt, Lions Loretta Speckhardt, Sy Berenson, Steve Miller, Stacey Gelb, Tim Pantel, Bruce Perlmutter, Dale Berenson, and Steve Lippen. – Provided photo

Story edited by Leni Santoro

FALLSBURG, NY (December 1, 2010) – Larry Schafman explains, “The Town of Fallsburg Lions Club lives the international motto, ‘We Serve’ and offers support to many worthy causes during the course of the year.”

One of the major beneficiaries of the Fallsburg Lions Club’s generosity over the years has been Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC). In the past ten years, the Fallsburg Lions have donated $36,000 to enhance hospital services to the community.

For the past several years CRMC has shown its thanks by “serving” an Annual Lions Club Appreciation Dinner held in the Hospital Cafeteria.

Hospital CEO and Fallsburg Lions Club First Vice President Steve Ruwoldt welcomed the attendees and thanked them for their on-going support. He spoke about some of the most recent advances and projects such as state-of-the art radiology equipment, a greatly anticipated expanded emergency room, and support for the Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE). (CRMC rescued RISE so that it can continue to aid and educate Sullivan County in the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse.)

One of the most recent programs administered by CRMC is the Cancer Services Program of Sullivan County. Outreach Coordinator Ms. Lisa Odom urged the dinner guests to help educate everyone about the free screenings for uninsured women and men now available by CRMC to save countless lives every day.

Uninsured women over 40 may be eligible for a clinical breast exam, a pelvic exam with Pap test and a mammogram. For uninsured women and men there are also colon cancer screening kits and a screening colonoscopy for those at elevated or high risk for developing colon cancer.

The Fallsburg Lions Club joins with CRMC in reaching out to the uninsured residents of Sullivan County and asks them to call the hospital at (845) 794-3300, ext 2115 to check for eligibility and to schedule an appointment.

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