The Catskill Chronicle

HASBROUCK, NY (August 16, 2011) – The Old Stone House of Hasbrouck, NY, has been officially granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service and New York State.

The new status – commonly known as 501(c)3 because of the section of federal tax code dealing with charitable groups – allows supporters who donate money to the community center to deduct their donations on personal income tax returns. A group’s tax-exempt status can result in dramatic savings for individuals who make large donations, so charitable groups sometimes see contributions spike after becoming tax exempt.

The Old Stone House, originally built about the same time Thomas Jefferson yielded the Presidency to James Madison, was purchased by the grassroots community group Concerned Citizens of Hasbrouck in 1977, as the first step in providing improved local access to regional arts, culture, and history. More than three decades later, the building hosts regular classes in writing, painting and pottery – for both kids and adults – along with monthly art and photography exhibitions in its two main display rooms.

Just last winter, generous donations of time, money and material allowed The Old Stone House to complete a number of needed interior renovations. The new tax-exempt status, says the group’s President, Alana Sherman, "will let more and more area supporters freely contribute to our organization, while gaining the maximum allowable personal tax benefit."

Ms. Sherman asks that contributions be made payable to Old Stone House of Hasbrouck, Inc. and mailed to The Old Stone House, P.O. Box 355, Woodbourne, NY 12788.

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MONTICELLO, NY (August 15, 2011) – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau has issued Water Safety Guidelines, in an effort to prevent any additional drownings this summer. 

The latest tragedy occurred Thursday, August 11 in the Town of Lumberland.

"The drownings this summer, have shown that the victims were not wearing life jackets, nor were they swimming in areas that are guarded by lifeguards," said Fanslau. “Sullivan County wants to make sure that everyone is safe while enjoying water activities. Although drowning can occur while swimming, boating, fishing, jet or waterskiing, these deaths can be prevented.

"Shallow water near shore may seem warm, but temperatures can fall quickly as water deepens," said Fanslau. According to the New York State Department of Health, even when temperatures climb into the 80s, water temperatures can remain cold. In 50-degree water, even good swimmers will find it difficult to cover a distance of more than a half mile.

Fanslau advises following these water safety guidelines:
A. Always swim with a buddy.  Never swim alone.
B. Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol and water activities don’t mix. Hot weather, fatigue and alcohol can be a deadly mixture.  Also, operating a boat while intoxicated is a crime.
C. Parents with small children should share supervisory responsibilities with lifeguards. Vigilance is required; a small child can struggle for as little as 20 seconds before submerging.
D. Don’t overestimate swimming ability. Currents can be deceiving and treacherous, posing a risk for even the strongest swimmers. Be particularly careful in unfamiliar areas where you are not certain of water depth, hidden obstacles or other hazards.
E. At home, properly fence your swimming pool, and always supervise children using the pool. 
F. Don’t swim in unregulated areas, such as quarries, rivers or ponds.
G. To be safe, always swim at regulated pools and beaches. These facilities are designed and maintained to protect swimmers from hazards, and many provide lifeguards.  But, be aware, that drowning can still happen at those facilities.

"The bottom line is to be safe while enjoying the summer water activities in Sullivan County," said Fanslau. "Don’t swim in unregulated or guarded areas, and always wear a properly fitted lifejacket on boats, jet or water skies in areas that are unregulated," he added.

"The summer of 2011 has already seen far too many drowning incidents, particularly on the Delaware River," concluded Fanslau. "Wear properly fitted lifejackets!"

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SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY (August 16, 2011) – Fallsburg’s families came out in droves to celebrate the Annual National Night Out Against Crime on August 2 at Brian Ingber Park. Thanks to the collaboration of Fallsburg Communities That Care, The Recovery Center, the Town of Fallsburg and the Fallsburg Police Department, dozens of children enjoyed an evening of fun and great barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, alongside parents and community agencies offering guidance in safety, health and caring for the needs of the town’s youngsters.

Mark York, a Fallsburg High School graduate and nurse at New Hope Community, spoke to the young people and encouraged them to follow their dreams and make good decisions. Town Police Chief and Fallsburg graduate Simmie Williams welcomed everyone and reminded all the kids how many of them went through the Dare Program when he introduced it when they were younger. He focused on each person doing the right thing while they had fun. Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell was a busy man during the evening and would be heading over to Monticello’s First National Night Out Program right after he thanked the kids for being there at Fallsburg’s annual celebration and doing their share to stay crime free. As he said, “I definitely prefer seeing you all here at the playground than in the courts.”

Special groups entertained the crowd. Liberty’s Kathy Evans and her troupe got everyone moving to the music on the basketball court. Mountaindale’s Alexandra Lalieu and her students of six years and older had everyone mesmerized by their stunning karate demonstration. Monticello’s Tweeds Gymnastics kids were dazzling with their acrobatic maneuvers and encouraged children as young as two to roll around the mats.

If you would like to participate in planning for next year, please contact Charles Davis at 434-7730, ext 4332.

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“Broadway Craft & Farm Fest” on Sunday, August 21

MONTICELLO,NY (August 15, 2011) – Building on the success of the recent “National Night Out” event that was attended by over a thousand people, the Village of Monticello is proud to announce that it will be holding a “Broadway Craft & Farm Fest” on Sunday, August 21 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. 

The festival will be held at the vacant lot on the corner of Broadway and St. John’s Street (across from the County Courthouse). A portion of Broadway (from Bank Street to Liberty Street) will also be closed off for most of the day.

The event has been organized to celebrate the completion of the reconstruction of Broadway and will include a parade at noon, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m. The festival includes vendors, antique cars, free entertainment by local bands and dance troupes, inflatables and children’s activities, remote broadcasts by local radio stations, and more. The event will conclude at 6:00 p.m. with a special concert on the courthouse lawn sponsored by the Monticello Business Association.

“It was great seeing Broadway lined with thousands of people having a good time at National Night Out,” remarked Mayor Gordon Jenkins. “We are hoping to have an even bigger turnout for this event and we want to use this as an opportunity to celebrate Monticello’s new beginnings.”

There is still room for more vendors, and the village has waived the application fee. Anyone interested in being a vendor, marching in the parade, or participating in the car show should contact Village Manager John LiGreci at 845-794-6130 x 306.

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August 11, 2011 – Editor’s note: Due to a death in my husband’s family, I will be unable to post anything for the next four days. I apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding.

Carol Montana, Editor, The Catskill Chronicle

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Photos and text provided by Catskill Mountainkeeper

CALLICOON CENTER, NY (August 11, 2011) – Last Saturday afternoon on August 6, more than 500 people gathered at the Hills Resort in Callicoon Center to celebratethe Catskills, discuss issues relative to the region’s environment, be entertained, enjoy deliciously prepared Catskills Food, listen to the wisdom of keynote speaker Dr. Fred Kirschenmann and more.

Fred, who is one of our nation’s most important voices on sustainability, spoke with great clarity about what has to happen with energy and food for our planet to sustain itself for future generations. The audience was quite moved and Fred, who speaks frequently, commented on the palpable energetic spirit in the room. Fred was introduced by Anna Lappé, bestselling author of “Diet for a Hot Planet" and social activist Bethany Yarrow sang a Native American ballad.

In only its third year, Barnfest has become the Catskill’s environmental event of the year and a powerful statement of support for the work of Catskill Mountainkeeper . If the rain or other circumstances kept you away, you missed a great time and an important gathering, but we look forward to seeing you next year.

Meanwhile, there is another important way we need your continuing support. As Mountainkeeper continuously takes on more issues to protect the Catskills and pursue sustainable growth our need for financial contributions is also increasing.  In the next six months alone our resources will be stretched as never before as our battle to prevent unsafe gas drilling in New York State and the massive health threat it represents escalates in the face of the current DEC plan to issue drilling permits in the spring of 2012.

So please click below and help us continue to fight for you and the Catskills. Give more if you can or less if you can’t. All contributions are tax deductible. And visit us at www.catskillmountainkeeper.org to learn more about our work.

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LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (August 9, 2011) – On Saturday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m., Morgan Outdoors at 46 Main Street in Livingston Manor, will host forest historian and author, Michael Kudish, who will present a geographic tour of three historic tributary railroads that connected with the Ontario & Western (O&W) main line. 

Map lovers, hikers, historians and railroad buffs will especially enjoy the free public program, which includes a series of hand-drawn maps from Kudish’s book "Where Did the Tracks Go in the Catskills?" just published by Purple Mountain Press.

Much has been written about the O&W, but have you heard of the Treyz Railroad that ran along Russell Brook north of Roscoe? It was a short logging railroad, barely four miles long that almost connected with the O&W at Butternut Grove.

Further along the O&W tracks from Livingston Manor, the Delaware & Northern (D&N) Railroad connected at East Branch station. This history of the D&N could fill a whole college short course, but Kudish will scratch the surface with a description of East Branch yard.

The third railroad covered in the program is in Walton, where the O&W’s Delhi Branch connected with the main. The author will be available before and after the presentation to autograph copies of "Where Did the Tracks Go in the Catskills?"

RSVPs are encouraged due to limited space. Call Morgan Outdoors at 845-439-5507.

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LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (August 9, 2011) – Nick Speranza, Chair of the SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees, announced that Dr. Mamie Howard-Golladay, whose tenure as president of SUNY Sullivan was to come to a close August 2012, will be retiring as of August 31, 2011. Dr. Golladay was named president of SUNY Sullivan in 1998.

“As the newly elected chair of the SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees, and a colleague of Dr. Golladay,” said Speranza, “I prefer not to focus on her retirement, but on her accomplishments because therein lies her legacy. I would like to be the first to salute Dr. Golladay and on behalf of the college community, thank her for her years of unselfish service.”

Prior to becoming president of SUNY Sullivan, Dr. Golladay served as dean of the Division of Business, Science, Mathematics and Technology at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College in Maryland from 1994-1998. Preceding that, she was dean of the School of Health Sciences and Vocational Education at Mott Community College in Michigan for four years. In addition, she was the founding chair of the Department of Allied Health Education at Pensacola Junior College in Florida from 1978-1990. She also has held faculty appointments at colleges and universities in Alabama and Florida.

Dr. Golladay received her Ph.D. in administration in higher education from the University of Alabama (UA). In addition, she holds a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) and a master of arts degree in educational administration, also from UA. She has a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama as well as an associate of science degree in nursing from Pensacola Junior College in Florida.

An interim president who will preside until a new president is chosen will be announced by Nick Speranza shortly.

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WASHINGTON, DC (August 9, 2011) – As part of his ongoing effort to ensure emergency responders in New York have the equipment and gear they need, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that application materials for the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program are now available online and that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin accepting electronic grant submissions next Monday, August 15.

The congressman’s office is available to assist local fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams with any questions they may have about the grant application process. Hinchey has been a strong supporter of the AFG program, which has delivered nearly $20 million in federal grants to fire and EMS organizations across the district he represents. 

"The Assistance to Firefights Grant program has been an enormous success. This program has provided local fire and EMS departments with critical resources needed to pay for much-needed equipment and protective gear that saves and protects lives," Hinchey said. "Day after day, our first responders put themselves in harm’s way to protect our local communities, and it is up to us to ensure they have the protective equipment and tools needed to safely and effectively do their jobs.  This program also spares local communities from much of the expense associated with the new equipment. I encourage all local fire and EMS departments to apply for grant funding and to contact my office with any questions."

The application guidance and materials are currently available online at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants. The application period for the Fiscal Year 2011 AFG program opens on August 15, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. EST and closes on September 09, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applications must be submitted electronically through the fire grants website.

More than $400 million is available this year from the AFG program. The initiative helps fire departments and non-affiliated EMS meet their firefighting and emergency response needs by funding various types of needed equipment ranging from emergency response vehicles to Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to power generators. The AFG program supports emergency organizations in providing funding for equipment and gear necessary to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel.

Hinchey has sponsored a number of workshops in the district he represents with officials from the DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) in order to assist local fire departments and EMS organizations with their applications for federal grant funding. Those workshops have helped local fire and EMS departments successfully navigate the grant application process. Hinchey is also the author of the SERVE (Supporting Emergency Responders’ Volunteer Efforts) Act, which would provide a $1,000 federal tax credit to individuals who are active members of volunteer firefighting and EMS organizations.

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LIVINGSTON MANOR (August 8, 2011) – The Lazy Beagle Pub & Grill will host its Third Annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 21 at the Tennanah Lake Golf Club in Roscoe, NY.

The 4-ball scramble tournament will benefit the Catskill Art Society (CAS) and will begin with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Registration and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m.

The cost to participate is $70 per player, which includes a golf cart, green fee, lunch, on-course refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres catered by The Lazy Beagle, beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres for guests and spouses can be purchased for $15. A cash bar will also be available, and an awards ceremony with gifts and prizes will immediately follow dinner.

This year’s event will once again include live music and a silent auction featuring items from local artists to benefit CAS. The proceeds CAS receives will fund additional multi-arts programming.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the tournament. Prizes will include Hole In One, Longest Drive, Raffles and On-Course Challenges. Businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor a hole or tee for $50, and/or to donate a raffle item. Sponsorships are also available for the entire tournament for $250.

Designed by PGA Champion Sam Snead, the course at Tennanah Lake offers golfers a challenging game along with a 60 mile, 180 degree panoramic view of the Catskill Mountains. 

Space is limited to the first 36 players on a first come, first served basis. For sponsorship information and reservations, please contact Peter Howley or Ryan Foster at 845-439-3405.

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ALBANY, NY (August 7, 2011) – The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) confirms 2011’s first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, in an Oneida County, NY horse. The 9 year old mare had lived at its current home for several years and had no recent travel history. The horse was unvaccinated. There is one other horse on the same premise that is not showing any signs of EEE, and which has since been vaccinated.

Typical symptoms of encephalitis in equines include staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite and sometimes fever and blindness. There is no cure for this disease, which has high mortality rates in horses.  Humans cannot become infected by handling an infected horse, nor can a horse acquire the virus from another infected horse; however, the presence of an infected horse in the area indicates that mosquitoes carrying EEE are present and pose a threat to both humans and horses.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, Darrel J. Aubertine, reminds horse owners that West Nile Virus causes neurologic symptoms similar to EEE and is also spread by mosquitoes.  Commissioner Aubertine urges all horse owners to discuss vaccination against both diseases with their veterinarian.  State Veterinarian David Smith added that any horse exhibiting neurologic problems should always be handled with great caution.  The risk of physical injury to handlers is greater when horses are unsteady on their feet and also rabies needs to be ruled out as a cause of the symptoms.

Vaccines currently available drastically reduce the incidence of EEE in horses and are effective for six to twelve months, so horses should be re-vaccinated at least annually.  In an area where the disease occurs frequently, most veterinarians recommend vaccination every six months.  For the vaccine to be effective, it must be handled and administered properly and ideally given at least two weeks before the horse is exposed to the virus. Additionally, to stimulate full immunity, horses must be vaccinated twice, about 30 days apart, the first year that the horse is vaccinated.  While it’s best to have horses vaccinated well before potential exposure, vaccinating horses now will still provide protective benefits for this year’s mosquito season.

Other prevention methods include destroying standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes, using insect repellents and removing animals from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting times, usually dusk to dawn. 

Humans should reduce contact with mosquitoes. Wearing protective clothing and insect repellents and avoiding the outdoors during dawn and dusk are all ways to avoid mosquito bites. For more information about humans and EEE, visit: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) yesterday wrote Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Patrick R. Donahoe for the United States Postal Service (USPS), urging against the closure of nine post offices in rural parts of Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware Counties in New York.  The Postal Service recently announced it is studying the potential closure of the postal stations.

"I am deeply concerned that the closing of small community Post Office facilities would undermine service to local residents," he wrote. "Many of these individuals live in areas with limited or no rural delivery. The Post Office locations highlighted for closure in this study are in areas that lack reliable public transportation and where many senior citizens and other residents have limited options for traveling to other Post Offices for their mail service. While I understand the need for USPS to implement cost savings and efficiencies, decisions regarding facility closures should not be made on the basis of which stations are self-sustaining. Maintaining Postal services and universal access to all Americans, including in our small rural communities, is a fundamental responsibility of the USPS and must be factored into any restructuring proposals."

The post offices being considered for closure include: Chichester Post Office and Spring Glen Post Office in Ulster County; Fremont Center Post Office, Highland Lake Post Office, Kenoza Lake Post Office, North Branch Post Office, Obernburg Post Office, and Pond Eddy Post Office in Sullivan County; and Fishs Eddy Post Office in Delaware County.

The full text of Hinchey’s letter to the USPS follows:

August 4, 2011

Patrick R. Donahoe

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260-0010

Dear Mr. Donahoe:

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment that the United States Postal Service is considering the closure of up to nine Post Offices in Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware Counties in New York. While I understand these facility closings are currently only in the study phase, I want to make clear my opposition to these closings, which I believe will have negative impacts on the residents of the small rural communities in which these facilities are located.

I recognize that your agency is under tremendous pressure to reduce costs and become more efficient in order to sustain itself in a changing market. However, I am deeply concerned that the closing of small community Post Office facilities would undermine service to local residents. Many of these individuals live in areas with limited or no rural delivery. The Post Office locations highlighted for closure in this study are in areas that lack reliable public transportation and where many senior citizens and other residents have limited options for traveling to other Post Offices for their mail service. While I understand the need for USPS to implement cost savings and efficiencies, decisions regarding facility closures should not be made on the basis of which stations are self-sustaining. Maintaining postal services and universal access to all Americans, including in our small rural communities, is a fundamental responsibility of the USPS and must be factored into any restructuring proposals.

I appreciate your consideration of this important matter and ask to be kept informed on any decisions relating to this process.

Sincerely,

Maurice D. Hinchey

~~~~

(Photo by Carol Montana)

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LIBERTY, NY (August 4, 2011) – Room is still available for family caregivers and seniors to join the presentation on “Caregiving on the GO: Disaster Preparedness for Seniors” scheduled for Wednesday, August 17 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County.

Guest speaker Sarah Pooley, American Red Cross (Mid-Hudson Chapter) will assist families, seniors and caregivers with valuable disaster planning tips. Sarah will guide guests on preparing for emergencies in the home and for those you care for, the best way to make you and your family safer and how to create a kit.

The first fifteen registered guests receive free supplies to begin creating their ‘GO BAG’ (guests are requested to bring a small duffle bag or back pack that will become their ‘GO BAG’).

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is located at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty) and individuals may register at 292-5250.

This free class is hosted by the Sullivan County Caregiver Resource Program, funded by the NYS Office for the Aging.

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 In photo are LTG Pat Flynn, Alan Blocker, Sharon Jankiewicz, Club President, and Jane Sorensen.

MONTICELLO, NY (August 3, 2011) – Alan Blocker and Jane Sorensen are the newest members of the Monticello Kiwanis Club. 

They were inducted into the club at a recent meeting at the Blue Horizon Restaurant, where Kiwanis LT Gov. Pat Flynn officiated at the ceremony. 

In addition to the Monticello Club, the new inductees were welcomed by 11 Middletown members who were also in attendance.

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LIBERTY, NY (August 2, 2011) – “Iron Man 2” is the opening movie of the 2011 Outdoor Movies Series on Liberty’s Summer Stage on North Main Street, and will be shown on Friday, August 5.

Robert Downey, Jr. reprises his role as superhero Tony Stark as he battles it out with the bad boys of the world, this time in the shape of Mickey Rourke aka Ivan Vanko.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Sam Rockwell, and Samuel L. Jackson complete the cast of this 2010 movie, described by Roger Ebert as “a polished, high-octane sequel, …building once again on a quirky performance by Robert Downey, Jr.”

Showtime is approximately 8:00 p.m., or whenever it’s dark enough to start.

The Summer Stage is located next to LaPolt Park and opposite Town Hall at 120 North Main Street.

Liberty Movie Nights are made possible and presented by the Liberty Community Development Corporation, Liberty Rotary Club, the Town of Liberty Parks & Rec Department, and Floyd & BoBo’s Bakery.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement in opposition to the debt ceiling deal.

"In short, the plan put forward Sunday night is fundamentally unbalanced. It wrongly puts the burden of debt reduction squarely on the backs of the middle class and seniors while allowing corporate tax loopholes to continue, and enabling millionaires and billionaires to walk away without having to sacrifice one extra penny to put the nation’s finances back in line.

"The cuts demanded by the deal will harm our economic recovery and result in the loss of jobs. By slashing vital investments in our education, energy, transportation and communication systems, it will hurt our ability to create jobs in the short run and prevent us from laying a foundation for future prosperity. It also slates critical health care, housing and other programs for cuts, even though working and middle class families are relying on these programs during the current economic downturn.

"While Social Security and Medicare may be spared for now, the deal sets in motion another round of ‘ticking-time-bomb’ talks later this year that could put those programs back on the table or initiate an even more devastating round of cuts to domestic and defense priorities. We’ve already seen how these Washington games of chicken can turn out, and it is reckless and irresponsible to voluntarily subject our country to more of these shenanigans.

"The right way forward would have been a balanced approach that cut the deficit through a mixed package of spending cuts and the closure of tax loopholes and giveaways that were designed for the exclusive benefit of the wealthy and large corporations that export jobs. The deal reached this weekend does the exact opposite and it will downgrade the economy for all Americans. It’s a raw deal for working and middle class New Yorkers, and I cannot support it."

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What does Gardening in Sullivan County mean to you?

FERNDALE, NY (August 1, 2011) – Cornell Cooperative Extension has announced its second annual photo contest.

This year’s theme is “What Does Gardening in Sullivan County Mean to You?

Enter a photo that best represents Sullivan County gardens and horticulture. Start snapping away. It can be trees and shrubs, flowers, fruits and vegetables, or people working in the garden.

The photos should reflect gardens all year long, so don’t forget about Fall and Winter.

What kind of gardening/horticulture do you enjoy? Everyone is welcome to send in photos.

Cornell prefers they photos are sent electronically as an attached jpg file.

The 12 best will appear in the second annual calendar to be sold this Fall by Cornell Cooperative Extension as a fundraiser. 

All entries must arrive by August 31, 2011 to be considered. Entries should be sent to smd243@cornell.edu.

For questions or more information, call Susan Dollard at 845-292-5250.

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