The Catskill Chronicle

ROSCOE, NY (May 31, 2011) – At 6:00 p.m. today, with just a little under a 2200 vote lead, Roscoe, NY, Trout Town USA, is the unofficial winner of the Ultimate Fishing Town Contest sponsored by the World Fishing Network.

Official results will be announced June 6th.

Hundreds of volunteers spent hundreds of hours voting for Roscoe, which was in a close race, most of the time, with Waddington, NY, a small town on the Saint Lawrence River.

The winner of the Ultimate Fishing Town Contest will get a $25,000 prize, as well as a half- hour video made about their town.

The Catskill Chronicle would like to send an official congratulations to Roscoe, the unofficial winner.

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Director of Community Unity Bill Sipos (left), Chief Medical Officer at Catskill Regional Medical Center Dr. Peter Panzarino, and Director of RISE Program Cindy Zingher.

MONTICELLO, NY (May 26, 2011) – Mr. Willy’s Restaurant was rocking to the sounds of the VanTwistics when Mr. Willy, Bill Sipos, stepped to the microphone to remind everyone why they were there on Saturday, May 21.

As Chairman of Community Unity, he had helped organize an evening of music, along with a lobster bake and buffet dinner to recognize Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and to raise funds for Community Unity.

Two years ago, the hospital, under the leadership of then CEO Steve Ruwoldt, answered the call to save the Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) of Sullivan County by finding the program a home at CRMC.

RISE is one of the four key members of Community Unity along with D.R.E.A.M. Tank, Federation for the Homeless, and Recovery Center.

Dr. Peter Panzarino, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Mental Health and Biochemical Dependency at CRMC, received a plaque from Bill Sipos and Cindy Zingher, Director of RISE.

Dr. Panzarino thanked Community Unity and expressed the hospital’s thanks and appreciation for the much needed services that RISE provides to the Sullivan County community in caring for the needs of families that are victimized by rape and sexual assault crimes. He said that RISE’s immediate response and ongoing care is too valuable a resource to not have a home to operate from. The space RISE obtained had been Dr. Panzarino’s own office.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for Community Unity should e-mail billsipos@gmail.com.

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(Left to right) Rosemary Steuber, CRMC Blood Bank Supervisor; Patti Anderson, CRMC Lab Quality Assurance; Mona Makofsky, CRMC Lab Administrative Director and Claudia Schroeder, American Red Cross Account Manager

HARRIS, NY (May 24, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has announced that its Blood Donor Center has received the Life Share Platinum Level Achievement Award from the American Red Cross for outstanding employee participation in 2010 blood drive donations.

The award was formally presented by Claudia Schroeder of the American Red Cross at a ceremony on May 11.

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.

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ROSCOE, NY (May 24, 2011) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) is optimistic and hopeful that Roscoe, New York will win the first ever "Ultimate Fishing Town" national championship, but highlighted that it’s going to take thousands of additional votes to ensure a victory for the Catskill Region’s local favorite in the contest.

Fishing enthusiasts from around the globe have been logging on to WorldFishingNetwork.com to vote for their favorite fishing town in the first ever "Ultimate Fishing Town" championship.

The contest ends May 31, and over the past day, Roscoe, also known as "Trout Town USA," had taken a slight lead in the online voting.

"With the number of the world’s top trout streams, anglers from around the globe already recognize Roscoe, New York as the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing and as America’s ultimate fishing town," said Hinchey.

"The question now is will we have the votes to ensure Roscoe gets the national recognition through this competition that it deserves? Right now, Roscoe is in the lead, but the margin is thin, and people can continue voting until May 31."

The final round of voting began Tuesday, May 10. Each person can vote a maximum of four times per e-mail address, per day, at WorldFishingNetwork.com.

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LIBERTY, NY (May 23, 2011) – Two opportunities are offered for area residents to join the Caregiver Resource Center’s “What Should We Do With Grandma’s Treasures?”

The first presentation is offered on Tuesday, June 21, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and again on Thursday, June 23, 6:00 –9:00 p.m. both at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty.

This free program is a great opportunity to learn how to save the history and special memories associated with the artifacts/treasures of a senior’s life as well as dispersing these items of personal property (who gets what & how do you decide).

We encourage our older family members to put their estate in order (power of attorney, a health care proxy, a will or trust) but what is the missing link? The family history and family artifacts.

It can take just two generations for memories of an ancestor to disappear from the memories of our descendants. What happens to the family memories, artifacts, stories, and photographs is really up to you.

Topics presented by the guest speakers: Carol Smythe, Town of Neversink Historian and Dot Muthig, Sullivan County antique collector and dealer.

The topics will include:

· Documenting your family history that is tied into these precious family artifacts;

· Evaluating your options when distributing the treasured family possessions; 

· What is fair? Family experiences and being sensitive to what ‘fair’ means in your family;

· Setting up ground rules and managing the conflicts if they arise.

Workshop participants will also enjoy the fun evaluations of family artifacts/treasures.

Bring an item to the workshop, for an evaluation by Dot Muthig. Participants can submit a picture and description of the item by June 3 for a better evaluation of the item. There is a suggested donation of $5/item. Donations benefit Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Family & Consumer Science Scholarship Fund.

Call 292-5250 to make your reservation. Light refreshments will be served.

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LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (May 22, 2011) – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Sullivan County gives everyone in the community a chance to help the organization save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Relay For Life takes place from 12 noon on Saturday, June 4 until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 5 at Sullivan County Community College, Leroy Road, Loch Sheldrake.

Register your team today by visiting RelayForLife.org or by calling 1-800-227-2345.

Former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, faith-based and civic organizations, and anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer are invited to take part in this exciting team event.

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening.

Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay.

Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

“Relay For Life draws attention to the progress being made in the fight against cancer,” said Gayle Irving, Sullivan County volunteer Relay event co-chair. “Many participants are our family, friends, and neighbors who have faced cancer themselves. Their involvement helps brings hope that, together, we can eliminate cancer as a major health problem.”

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available at RelayForLife.org or by calling 800-227-2345.

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CALLICOON, NY (May 19, 2011) – The 38th Annual Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Recognition Day Luncheon was held on Monday, May 9 at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center in Callicoon.

A total of 266 RSVP volunteers performed over 57,000 hours during 2010. Nine  volunteers who served over 1,000 volunteer hours during 2010 received special award certificates as members of the 1,000-Hour Club. The awards were presented by Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist.

Members of the “1,000 Hour Club” are: Ruth Auerbach – 3,450 hours; Barbara Burns – 1,771; William Burns – 1,073; Helen Hey – 1,207; Margaret Ippolito – 1,212; Marie Quetel – 1,043; Theresa Roach – 1,053; Marcelle Wagner – 2,428; Elisabeth Zink – 1,300.

Marie Zalesky received a “Flower Arrangement” for being the oldest RSVP Volunteer. Marie is 103 years young, with 145 hours of volunteer time served at the Grover Hermann Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center. She continues to be an inspiration to everyone.

Special awards were presented by Caryn Mathews RSVP Program Director with honor to the Noah’s Arch Thrift Shop: Ann M Nagoda, Bob Owens, Ruth Owens, Ron Royster, Betty Kelly and Ruth Burton. A certificate was presented to, Director; Nellie Culligan of Noah’s Arch Thrift Shop for her willingness to serve and the difference she makes in the lives of others.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Michelle Semerano of WDNB Thunder 102.1/Bold Gold Media Group for announcing the RSVP volunteers birthdays each morning on the radio and their on-air support of the RSVP program. During 2010 there were 308 RSVP volunteers’ birthdays announced.

Each township chose a “RSVP Senior of the Year.” From these 15 nominations, one senior was chosen as the Sullivan County RSVP Senior of the Year. Town seniors are: Bethel -Robert Rosengard; Callicoon – Pilar McLaughlin; Cochecton – Ethel Hulse, Delaware – Anna Theodore; Fallsburg – Ruth Ann Mickelson; Forestburgh – Donald Elliott; Fremont – Joanna “Joan” Papa; Highland – George Nieke; Liberty – Arthur & Barbara Viele; Lumberland – Nancy Murray; Mamakating – Ruth Auerbach; Neversink – Marion & Robert Ehrhardt; Rockland – Sally Buck; Thompson – Marjorie “Jean” Cocot; Tusten – Betty Crandall.

Sullivan County Legislature, Ron Hiatt, presented Joanna “Joan” Papa from the Town of Fremont, with a plaque as the Sullivan County “RSVP” Senior of the Year for 2010.

To find out more information about RSVP call Project Director Caryn Mathews at 807-0251 or RSVP Specialist Elaine Finkle at 807-0255.

Sullivan County RSVP is sponsored by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. Funded by the County of Sullivan, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the Corporation for National & Community Service.

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LIBERTY, NY (May 18, 2011) – Do you help an ill or frail family member or friend? Would you like to help them by knowing where and how you might get help?

Because We Care, a free afternoon program with a dozen Sullivan County agencies, will be held on Thursday, June 2 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. It will be presented by the Caregiver Resource Center.

Current and future informal family caregivers will have the opportunity to meet guest speakers from area agencies who will provide further insight into their services and when they can provide assistance.

The afternoon will start with each agency briefly presenting their services, followed by a forum discussion of care coordination and navigating the maze of finding services.

An informational senior and health services fair will follow; guests can then meet representatives individually.

Participating agencies include: Achieve Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility, Alzheimer’s Association, Catskill Regional Medical Center, Dispute Resolution Center, Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, NYS EPIC, Social Security Administration, Sullivan County Office for the Aging and NYConnects, Sullivan County Public Health, Wellness Home Care and the First National Bank of Jeffersonville.

This informational fair and forum will be held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY. Coffee, light refreshments and door prizes will be provided.

Please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845-292-5250 or 845-292-6180 to register.

This Caregiver Resource Center program is free and supported by the NYS Office for the Aging Caregiver Grant.

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LIBERTY, NY (May 17, 2011) – The 4-H Program brings back its popular electronics scrap recycling event on June 3 and 4, and this time, it’s free! Donations are welcome at a suggested $5 per carload for community members or $20 for businesses and organizations.

Participants can be assured of proper disposal of e-waste and data security – hard drives will be shredded.

Supporters will also enjoy the benefits of having assistance in unloading their equipment as well as a tax-deductible receipt for their donation.

Collection will take place at Cornell Cooperative Extension on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

This E-scrap recycling event initiates the 4-H Program’s 2011 fundraising efforts to make the Sullivan County Youth Fair an opportunity for all young people ages 5-19.

The Youth Fair, which will take place August 16-21, showcases youth projects in both animal and static exhibits, as well as offers a variety of activities for the public, residents and visitors alike.

Clear your homes and office spaces of unwanted electronic equipment and help your County’s 4-H Program.

Friday, June 3 is set to collect E-Scrap from businesses, schools, municipalities and institutions from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will be devoted to the collection of residentially generated electronics from homes.

Business/organization E-Scrap generators must pre-register by contacting Bob Travers at Advanced Recovery at 845-858-8809 or e-mail rtravers@advancedrecovery.com prior to the event.

For more information on the event, or for information on how to get involved in the Youth Fair, please contact Marylin in the 4-H office, Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 845-292-6180.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY (May 16, 2011) – Some came by car, some came by bus, some probably even walked, but thousands came to the Monticello Casino and Raceway on Saturday for the 6th Annual ThunderBash, organized by radio station Thunder 102.

And together, those thousands of Thunderheads, as fans of the radio station have dubbed themselves, raised almost $4,000 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County.

Headlined by American Idol finalist Bucky Covington, ThunderBash featured both national and local country artists. The evening opened with a presentation of the colors and a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung by Liberty High School student Dan Braunstein.

Nashville recording artist David Adam Byrnes (photo right) was one of the country singers who helped Thunder 102 celebrate their 5th birthday last summer. And Saturday night, the 23-year-old singer from Sherwood, Arkansas came back to Thunder Country to open the show, wowing the crowd with, among other songs, his current hit “Sweet Distraction.”

Tommy Steele (photo below) comes from a country music family. His mother, a former Nashville country singer and his father, encouraged young Tommy to work hard so he could earn money to buy his own instruments. Tommy just released his new CD “The Long Haul,” and Thunderheads went wild as he belted out his newest songs.

Even though Cooper Boone (photo below) was on his way to another gig, he stopped by long enough to serenade the crowd.

Sullivan County natives Ken and Barry Somerville have been entertaining their whole lives, not only playing music, but also writing it. They are signed to Nashville’s RPM Music Group. Recently, Somerville has taken 16-year-old Alyssa Startup (photo below with Barry Somerville), a past finalist in the Thunder Country 102 Colgate Country Showdown, under their wing. Together their performance was clearly a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Toward the end of their set, Ken and Barry brought Big John from Iron Cowboy (photo below) onstage to perform Somerville’s song “Tattoo of You,” which Iron Cowboy’s has recorded and used as the title of their debut CD. Living up to their motto “Country Music with Horsepower,” Iron Cowboy entertained their hearts out for the cheering crowd.

Just before the headliner took the stage, the Thunder 102 personalities, Mike Sakell, Paul Ciliberto and Michelle Semerano brought a bunch of their friends from the morning show “Ciliberto and Friends” onto the stage for the celebrated (and coordinated) T-shirt toss. This year, the lucky audience got not one, but two tosses, one from the stage and one from the aisles.

The crowd just about exploded as American Idol finalist Bucky Covington (photo left) ran along the aisle and up onto the stage. The former rock singer from North Carolina who graduated into was he calls Southern Country had the crowd standing on its feet and crowding the aisles, roaring its approval with cheers, whistles and applause.

In addition to the entertainment, tables were set up on the third floor of the Monticello Casino and Raceway showcasing all sorts of vendors and service organizations. From Edible Arrangements to Catskill Regional Medical Center, and from Cornell Cooperative Extension to the U.S. Army and Marines, from one of the newest Sullivan County businesses – Medicar – to the Sullivan County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and from ShopRite and Achieve Rehabilitation and Nursing Home to Premier Care Physical Therapy, all the tables enjoyed a healthy parade of passers-by and curious visitors.

The Committee for the Families of Iraqi and Afghanistan War Veterans had a stunning painting that will be raffled off 9/9/11 that depicts a collage from September 11, 2001. Call 794-0060 for information on how to buy a raffle ticket.

There were even a couple of beauty queens walking around, graciously posing for photos and signing autographs: Felicia Ramos (left in photo) of Wurtsboro, 2011 Miss Sullivan County International and Annarose Mongiello of Monticello, 2010 Miss Teen Thunder Country.

Tickets to ThunderBash were free and available at many Sullivan County businesses. A voluntary donation at the door resulted in the collection of almost $4,000 for St. Jude’s and the YMCA of Sullivan County, all from the hearts of the biggest fans of country music, Sullivan County’s Thunderhead’s.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from 2011 ThunderBash Takes Monticello by Storm, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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Final Round of Voting Ends May 31st

ROSCOE, NY (May 16, 2011) – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau is urging all Sullivan County residents and visitors to support the County’s tourism and economy by voting in an online contest to have Roscoe, NY named as the Ultimate Fishing Town.

The contest is sponsored by the World Fishing Network, and the first place prize is $25,000 for the community and a half-hour cable television show.

The final voting round began at 12:00 noon on May 10 and continues through May 31.  The following link may be used to vote for Roscoe:  http://www.wfnfishingtown.com/town/roscoe-ny.

"The Greater Roscoe Community thrives on an active fishing season, and the tourism impacts increase exponentially, which increases sales tax revenues, and promotes business for Sullivan County’s small business enterprises," said Legislator Elwin "Woody" Wood, Vice Chairman of the Legislature and Chairman of the Community and Economic Development Committee.

Already known as "Trout Town, USA" – Roscoe is considered the birthplace of the American Dry Fly Fishing, developed by Theodore Gordon and his followers.  A two-hour drive from New York City, Roscoe is home to the junction of two trophy trout streams, the Willowemoc and the Beaverkill, in addition to many nearby lakes, ponds and reservoirs.

Voting is done via email by going to www.wfnfishingtown.com and following a simple procedure.  Individuals are able to vote four times a day (once each in specific blocks of time) for each e-mail address they have.  Those who voted in the first round are already registered.

First time voters need to follow a set of directions.

1. Go to http://www.wfnfishingtown.com/town/roscoe-ny  and cast a vote for Roscoe
2. Individuals will receive an e-mail from WFN to verify their e-mail vote – and must respond to the WFN by clicking on the link
3. This process may be repeated for every e-mail account an individual has
4. Votes may be cast every six hours until May 31.

"The entire Sullivan County economy would benefit from Roscoe prevailing in the Ultimate Fishing Town contest, as visitors will look for additional venues to spend their tourism dollars, such as overnight accommodations, Bethel Woods, Forestburgh Playhouse, and the Monticello Casino and Raceway, along with numerous small businesses that offer value-added experiences for residents and visitors alike," concluded Fanslau.

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 Barbi Neumann (back) is the Program Leader / Unit Director for the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School Boys and Girls Club. Nine of the club’s members served as wait staff, and acted as hosts and hostesses for the 4th Annual Alice Kreiter Senior Prom. From left the youngsters are: Timothy Wilber, Hariel Mangual, Sebastian McElrath, Denise Duman, Naeelah Shakelford, Raquel Egeland, Ashley Campbell, Ellenrose Duffy and Justin Moore.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY (May 16, 2011) – Just a little over a week ago, there was a hoe-down of sorts at the Monticello Firehouse. For the fourth year in a row, Monticello Seniors and their friends were guests of honor at the Annual Alice Kreiter Senior Prom.

This year’s event was a Rock & Rodeo prom with entertainment by Elvis’ Lost Brother, Eric Bressi and catering by Craig Duffy of Geri’s Catskill Cafe in Neversink.

The list of sponsors grows every year according to Kathy Kreiter, one of the event coordinators. The Senior Prom is put on by a committee of approximately 14, seven adults and seven children from the Robert J. Kaiser Boys and Girls Club.

Barbi Neuman, Program Leader/Unit Director for the Robert J. Kaiser Boys and Girls Club said “The concept is to bring the generations together, bridge the gap, communicate … This is a good way for (the young people) to give back and pay if forward. One kid actually gave up a softball game to be here today.” 

According to Kreiter, the committee “meets once a month, then once a week as the event gets closer.”

As Elvis’ Lost Brother entertained, the attendees were served a meal of rolls and salad, baked beans, barbecued chicken and more, topped off with a scrumptious dessert. The young people attended to the senior’s like seasoned wait staff.

Later, The King and Queen were crowned with Myrna Krauss and Peter Kreiter (photo left) bringing home the honors for the seniors, and Raquel Egeland and Timothy Wilber (photo below) carrying the night for the youngsters as Crown Princess and Prince. 

And this year, New York City even had a presence. Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan, a professional portrait photographer who does editorial and commercial work for Forbes, Fortune, Inc. Magazine, Smart Money and others was there to document the event.

“I  love photographing events and I love to come to events like this to volunteer,” said Poon.

The New York City resident and Thailand native found out about the Monticello event by researching it online. “A couple of years ago, I saw one in a high school and I’ve always wanted to photograph a senior prom.”

Here are some additional photos from the event. To see more, click the link at the bottom of this story.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 4th Annual Monticello Intergenerational Prom, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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WOODBOURNE, NY (May 15, 2011) – For the second year in a row, Kohl’s Associates came out to volunteer for a good cause.

One hundred thirty-three Kohl’s Associates from the Kohl’s Distribution Center in Wurtsboro, who, along with their families totaled over 180 volunteers, showed up on a Saturday to help SullivanArc build a vegetable garden in Woodbourne, NY.

The community garden was started a year ago when Kohl’s Associate volunteers originally fenced in the one-acre garden in a matter of a few hours.

This year, Kohl’s Associates built additional garden beds, hauling thousands of stones to create the borders. They also built the foundations for two raised beds that will allow people in wheelchairs easy access to tend to the plantings.

Kohl’s Associates pushed wheelbarrows, hauled hay, shoveled compost and prepared the soil on the sunny Saturday as part of the company’s second annual Kohl’s National Go Green volunteer event in celebration of Earth Day National Volunteer Week.

SullivanArc, based in Monticello, provides supports and services to over 850 people with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

According to Susan Diamond, the Executive Director of the SullivanArc Foundation, “Kohl’s Associates did in 5 hours what would have taken us 5 weeks. We now can concentrate on getting our seeds in the ground and get the growing season off to a good start.”

In recognition of the Associates’ efforts, Kohl’s will provide $1,500 in grants to SullivanArc, which will further enhance their ability to teach children with disabilities about the joys of gardening.

For more pictures of the event, visit www.sullivanarc.org.

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HARRIS, NY (May 15, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Foundation recently received a $1,000 donation from the SYDA Foundation of South Fallsburg, NY.

Christopher Williams, SYDA Foundation Manager for Community Relations, presented the check to Joan Farrow, CRMC Foundation President and member of CRMC’s Board of Directors, at CRMC’s main Harris campus on May 3.

“We are very grateful for the SYDA Foundation’s continued generosity to Catskill Regional Medical Center. The donation will be put to good use in purchasing equipment to provide the latest technology for our community,” said Farrow.

The SYDA Foundation has a history of providing generous donations to CRMC. In 1991, the SYDA Foundation organized, sponsored and hosted a gala to raise funds for CRMC (formerly Community General Hospital). Close to 1,300 people attended, raising $80,000 for the hospital.

“For the past 20 years, SYDA has made regular donations to CRMC as part of our program of ongoing contributions to the local community in the areas of health, safety and education,” said Williams.

The SYDA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in South Fallsburg, NY, that makes Siddha Yoga Meditation available to students around the world.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (May 12, 2011) – Beautiful skies and just the right amount of wind greeted hundreds of visitors on Saturday, May 7.

The occasion was the annual Kite Day at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake.

And, in addition to loads of kites, there was also an art show, campus tours, a film festival, vendors and informational booths of all kinds, bouncy houses, face painting, music and plenty of food.

Enjoy the photos here and then find lots more at the link on the bottom of the article.

To see more photos and to purchase prints from Flying a Kite at SUNY Sullivan, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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NEW LIBERTY PARK GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY

LIBERTY, NY (May 12, 2011) – On Saturday, April 30, Phoenix Enterprises, led by Dan Ratner Jr., broke ground on the new Liberty Park behind LaPolt Park Stage, through volunteer efforts supported by Liberty Chamber of Commerce, Liberty CDC, Liberty Police Department, Sullivan County District 6 Legislature Jodi Goodman and Liberty Town Council Maurice Gerry, accompanied by local supporters and friends. Park will include large green area, picnic area, BBQ pits and more. Plans are for park to be completed this summer. Volunteers and donations welcome. Please contact chair@catskills.com to get involved or call 845-292-9797.

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LIBERTY, NY (May 11, 2011) – Bucky Covington, American Idol Finalist and country artist, is heading to Thunder Country to headline the 6^th annual ThunderBash presented by Thunder 102 and The Town of Thompson at the Monticello Casino and Raceway on May 14. Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Sullivan County and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

This free event will also feature Nashville recording artists David Adam Byrnes and Tommy Steele, along with regional favorites Iron Cowboy and Sullivan County’s own and Nashville singer/songwriters Somerville featuring Alyssa Startup.

Bucky Covington is that most remarkable of entertainers, a man known and loved as much for his engaging personality as for his formidable talent. The talent has shone through on three hit singles. His undeniable likeability and his ability to wear his stardom as comfortably as his jeans, has done the rest. Both come together on stage, where the long-haired North Carolinian with the rocker’s charisma and country boy charm thrills old and new fans alike.

At 23 years old, newcomer David Adam Byrnes has been called a backwoods redneck and he’ll be the first to tell you, he wears the label well. He sports a ball cap, plaid is “the fabric of his life,” he loves a barroom band, cranks his music up loud, adores his family, respects his country and is no stranger to hard work nor heartache. Regardless of the “brand,” this good ol’ honky-tonkin’ country boy from Sherwood, Arkansas is poised to make a brand new impression.

With great passion and a fiery drive, Tommy Steele (photo left) is earning his place in country music. Encouraged by his mother, a former Nashville country singer, and father, Tommy toiled for months before he was able to afford his modest beginner’s drum set.  It was all worth it, however, when, with the first bang on the set, Tommy realized his destiny.  From then on he spent every waking moment either earning money to buy musical instruments or honing his own musical abilities.

Sullivan County’s own and Nashville singer/songwriters, Somerville (photo right with Alyssa Startup), have been entertaining audiences their whole lives all across the country from festival stages, concert halls, radio and television shows, intimate in the round gatherings to numerous night club appearances. Ken and Barry are signed to Nashville’s RPM Music Group, one of Nashville’s top publishing companies. Appearing with Somerville will be 16 year old Alyssa Startup, a past finalist in the Thunder 102 Colgate Country Showdown.

Iron Cowboy has opened for major acts, including Bucky Covington, over the past few years. This Northeast Pennsylvania modern country band with a heart of Southern rock brings on the “Country Music With Horsepower” and is perennial ThunderBash Favorite.

ThunderBash is a FREE event, but you need a ticket to get in. Keep listening to Thunder 102, download the Thunder 102 iPhone or Android apps or go online at www.thunder102.com for more details.

Saturday, May 14 in the Grandstand at Monticello Casino & Raceway. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and show starts at 7:00 p.m., Thunder Bash is presented by The Town of Thompson and Your On-Air, Online and On You Cell Phone Station…Thunder 102.

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LIBERTY, NY (May 10, 2011) – On Tuesday, May 24, the Caregiver Resource Center of Sullivan County will present “Caregiving and the Art of Communication” from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Communication problems are often considered to be one of the great stressors for caregivers.

“Caregiving and the Art of Communication” workshop, led by Donna Davies LCSW from the Alzheimer’s Association, will help caregivers learn effective ways to communicate and enhance the caregiving experience.

Some common communication problems that arise are: How do you talk with your parent about getting more help? How do you communicate with the person you’re caring for without arguing or yelling? How do you speak with your siblings when you need help and you feel stuck with all the caregiving?

A special segment on communication and Alzheimer’s disease will be included during the workshop, held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty.

This class is a free program, funded by the NYS Office for the Aging Caregiver Program. Reservations are appreciated – five registered participants are required – please call 845-292-5250.

The Caregiver Resource Center is a partnered program of Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging.

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MONTICELLO, NY (May 8, 2011) – Join Community Unity for a Lobster Bake and Buffet Spectacular at Mr. Willy’s Restaurant on May 21, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m. 

Community Unity will be honoring Catskill Regional Medical Center for its part in preserving RISE (Rape Intervention Services and Education).

The VanTwistics will keep the dance floor packed and Mr. Willy’s superlative buffet and mouthwatering lobster will keep everyone happy. Tickets are $55 each or two for $100. 

Event sponsorships and table pricing are available. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling Steve White at 845-583 4808, Claire Sullivan at 845-557-3642 or RISE at 845-794-3300 ext. 2442.

Community Unity is a coalition of four established organizations in Sullivan County: RISE, Federation for the Homeless, the Recovery Center and the Dream Tank. The organizations are small, in the trenches, dynamic and, except for the Recovery Center, volunteer driven.  

Last year the Federation for the Homeless served 38,000 hot meals and another 44,000 take home meals at the soup kitchen in Monticello. 

RISE, the only sexual assault survivor advocacy organization in Sullivan County, advocates for survivors, meets them at the hospital, accompanies them to the police stations and court houses, offers confidential counseling and goes into the schools to offer counseling there, a necessity given that 80% of the survivors seen by RISE are under the age of 18. 

The Dream Tank offers an alternative to gangs and unhealthy influences. It has received kudos from the Monticello Police Department and the Monticello Central Schools for their work with young men between the ages of 13 and 25.

The Recovery Center is a long-standing drug and alcohol rehab facility in Sullivan County.

Individually, these organizations provide meals, housing, intervention, prevention, education, treatment, counseling, support and advocacy to the most vulnerable of our neighbors. Every penny  raised stays in Sullivan County.  Help out your neighbors and have a great evening, too!

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Back row (l – r): Assistant Director – Amy Bernhardt, 2011 Mrs. Sullivan County International – Elizabeth Brown, 2011 Miss Teen Sullivan County International – Brianna Worden, 2011 Miss Sullivan County International – Felicia Ramos, Executive Director – Christina Buckler. Front row (l – r): 2011 Miss Sullivan County Pre-Teen – Danielle Curry, 2011 Young Miss Sullivan County.

CALLICOON, NY – This year’s Sullivan County International Pageant was hosted by the Villa Roma Resort on Saturday, April 23 in front of over 250 people.

Stacey Minchin, 2011 Miss New York International, emceed the event, which had as its them “Go Red for Women,” which encourages awareness of women and heart disease. Donations of $5 for every contestant resulted in a $160 donation to The American Heart Association.

The show kicked off shortly after 4:00 p.m. with a colorful opening number choreographed to the song “Firework.” 

Thirty-one contestants competed for five different titles: Young Miss Sullivan County (5-8 years old), Miss Sullivan County Pre-Teen (9-12 years old), Miss Teen Sullivan County International (13-18 years old), Miss Sullivan County International (19-29 years old) and Mrs. Sullivan County International (21-56 years old & married). 

Competition events included a private interview, casual wear, fitness wear, evening wear and onstage questions.

Each Teen, Miss and Mrs. contestant presented a platform that they would be promoting throughout their reign. The winners’ platforms include raising awareness and finding a cure for Neurofibromatosis, supporting the Hudson Valley Chapter of Child Help: prevention and treatment of children who are victims of child abuse, and infertility awareness.

The winners will also promote these platforms when they compete in the New York International Pageant on October 1.

Winners of the pageant are:

People’s Choice Award Winner – Brianna Worden, Grahamsville

Director’s Choice Award Winner – Jessyca Wolcott, Livingston Manor

Most Photogenic – Young Miss – Danielle Bertholf, Woodbourne

Most Photogenic – Pre-Teen – Stephanie Krom, White Sulphur Springs

Most Photogenic – Teen – Ynez Jones, Monticello

Most Photogenic –Miss – Annarose Mongiello, Monticello

Most Photogenic – Mrs. – Elizabeth Brown, White Lake

Young Miss Sullivan County – Jada May, Liberty

Miss Sullivan County Pre-Teen – Danielle Curry, Swan Lake

1^st runner up – Tatianna Ackerley, Liberty

2^nd runner up – Stephanie Krom, White Sulphur Springs

3^rd runner up – Krystal Warf, Monticello

4^th runner up – Amanda Rampe, Roscoe

Miss Teen Sullivan County International, Brianna Worden – Grahamsville

1^st runner up – Micaela Bishop, Roscoe

2^nd runner up – Zariina Padu, Narrowsburg

3^rd runner up – Jessyca Wolcott, Livingston Manor

4^th runner up – Ynez Jones, Monticello

Miss Sullivan County International, Felicia Ramos – Wurtsboro

1^st runner up – Lakin Castillo, Woodridge

Mrs. Sullivan County International, Elizabeth Brown – White Lake

Visit the Sullivan County International Pageant website: http://sullivancountypageant.web.officelive.com. And you can check out the Sullivan County International Pageant on Facebook.

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GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (May 5, 2011) – A new museum is coming to Sullivan County this June.

Time and the Valleys Museum will open the doors to a new museum facility in Grahamsville, NY. Within this brand new facility will be three floors of exhibitions on local history and the watershed area, a research center and museum shop.

The Museum is currently seeking interested individuals, young and old, who would like to become involved in the Museum at this exciting time.

Volunteers are needed in the reception area, Museum Shop, as exhibition guides, in the research center and offices.

It’s easy, worthwhile and fun. All information and training will be provided. Volunteers can help one or two afternoons a month or more, whatever suits their lifestyle, as much or as little as they like.

Get more information (and refreshments) at a Volunteer Open House on Thursday, May 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Neversink Town Hall, second floor on State Route 55 in Grahamsville.

For more information on the new Time and the Valleys Museum and the different volunteer positions and ways to get involved and volunteer benefits and training, please call Mary Inghrim at 985-2262 x 313 or 985-2903 or go online at www.timeandthevalleysmuseum.org.

The Time and the Valleys Museum is a living and interactive resource that preserves the past, educates the present and ensures the uniqueness of the Rondout and Neversink watersheds for all generations. Currently located in the Neversink Town Hall, the Museum provides educational programming for the public and is actively raising funds to install exhibitions in the Museum’s new home, 332 Main Street, Grahamsville.

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Over 200 jobs available!

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (May 4, 2011) – The 2011 Sullivan County Job Fair will be held Tuesday May 10 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Sullivan County Community College Paul Gerry Field House.

Sullivan County Manager David P. Fanslau said “The Job Fair is being sponsored by the Sullivan Works One Stop system (a partnership of the Center for Workforce Development, New York State Department of Labor, Sullivan County Community College, BOCES, CACHE, ACCES-VR and Delaware Valley Job Corps), the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and Watermark Communications.

“Position yourself for success by meeting with businesses who represent over 200 job openings in a variety of industries including healthcare, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing and financial services,” added Fanslau.

Take time to talk to local training providers about opportunities to upgrade and learn new skills.

Find out about local resources such as health insurance, dressing for success and starting your own business by visiting with a variety of community organizations.

Come prepared for a job interview. Make sure to dress in appropriate business attire and bring several copies of your resume.

If you would like your resume reviewed or need additional copies before the Job Fair please stop by or call the Sullivan Works One Stop Center, 50 North Street, Monticello, 845-794-3340.

If you are a business looking to hire and would like to participate in the Job Fair please call Pat Bevacqua, Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development, 845-807-0385.

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Liberty Rotary Club members (back row l to r) Gary Siegel, Jack Etter and Jack Strassman, present Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Director of Volunteers Jodi Goodman (front row left) with some of the 40 dozen roses donated to the hospital. Also in photo are CRMC volunteers (front row) Melodie Denner (center) and Corrina Rausch (right).

LIBERTY, NY (May 3, 2011) – The Liberty Rotary Club recently conducted their annual Rose Sale to benefit the Liberty Rotary Scholarship Fund.

According to Rotary Rose Sale Chairperson, Pat Abbott over 400 dozen roses were sold during the club’s annual fundraiser raising over $2400 for scholarships. “Each year the Liberty Rotary Club presents several scholarships to seniors at the Liberty High School that have exhibited “Service Above Self” to their school and community” says Abbott. “The Annual Rose Sale helps us to provide funds to award these scholarships for which applications will be available at the Liberty High School Guidance Office.

The club also donated over 40 dozen roses to patients and staff at Catskill Regional Medical Center “We are so grateful to be able to distribute these beautiful roses throughout our hospital for the patients and staff”, said CRMC Director of Volunteers Jodi Goodman. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Liberty Rotary Club members for their generosity and thoughtfulness.”

The Liberty Rotary Club is part of Rotary International which is the world’s first service club organization with over 1.2 million members who volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

For more information about membership and activities of the Liberty Rotary Club log on to http://www.libertynyrotary.org or call 292-5100.

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LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY – (May 2, 2011) After a number of attempts to re-engineer the vertical shaft wind turbine on the campus of SUNY Sullivan, Sam Ikeda, President of Environmental Technologies  LLC (ETLLC), announced, with regret, that his company will be dismantling the turbine and restoring the property to its original condition.

The final decision was made only after a series of meetings with SUNY Sullivan’s President, Dr. Mamie Howard-Golladay, who, despite the engineering problems with the turbine, believed the wind turbine could provide the college and the community with an exceptional learning tool.

“It is indeed unfortunate that the vertical shaft wind turbine is coming down,” said Dr. Howard-Golladay. “Even though the turbine gear box was not capable of delivering the intended results, we were hoping to use it to support our planned Wind Turbine Technology program and enhance our Green Building Maintenance & Management and Environmental Studies programs.”

The turbine gear box, which is located in a concrete casing below ground, and the turbine shafts as they were turned by the wind, could not work together properly to generate sufficient enough power to satisfy Ikeda.

“Despite the engineering problems, the college worked closely with Mr. Ikeda to find a solution that worked for both parties,” Dr. Howard-Golladay added. “In the end, however, Mr. Ikeda, whose company owns the turbine, made a decision that he believed was in the best interest of Environmental Technologies.”

Groundbreaking for ETLLC’s 1.25-megawatt, vertical shaft wind turbine (model ETC-LU) took place on an acre of land leased from SUNY Sullivan and the County of Sullivan in November 2008. Albany-based Clough Harbour & Associates LLC, an engineering firm, completed construction of the world’s first grid-scale, vertical shaft wind turbine in 2009.

A private company will begin dismantling the turbine for ETLLC on June 1.

(Kenneth Walter, photo)

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LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (May 1, 2011) – Local progressive rock band MazMyth, was selected the grand prize winner in the final round of School of Rock’s official Bamboozle Festival battle of the bands. The event was entitled “The Break Contest.”

On Saturday April 23, MazMyth traveled from Livingston Manor to the Gramercy Theater in New York City. Accompanied by two fan-filled buses from the Sullivan County Area, band members Matt Smith, Jordan Dumond, Danny Smith, Steven DeFreitas and Joe Papp played against four other local bands, also winners of The Break Contest Regional Finals.

MazMyth performed two original works of music in addition to a musical cover of Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group. Judged by a panel of music industry representatives, MazMyth was announced the grand prize winner.

As a result of that designation, MazMyth went on to play three stages at the Bamboozle Festival at The Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey this weekend.

For information regarding MazMyth and their upcoming shows please visit www.MazMyth.com.

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Sergeant Luis Alvarez left, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff rear, and Corporal Cheryl Crumley right, congratulate recent DARE graduates at the Tri-Valley School in Grahamsville.

These intrepid 5^th graders completed an 18-week program that included drug awareness, peer pressure, violence prevention, cyber safety and awareness of bullying. 

These young citizens have now been armed with some of the basic tools necessary to make informed decisions as they grow.

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