The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 26, 2015) – A Lions Clubs International Foundation matching grant of $20,000.00 was obtained by Lions District 20-O for use by Sight and Hearing Committees in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties.  Eleven Sullivan County Lions Clubs each made donations, along with donations from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, the SYDA Foundation, Monticello Rotary and Liberty Elks.  These generous donations have enabled Sullivan County Sight and Hearing to procure two screeners.

On September 29, thirty-four Lions from Sullivan County gathered to be trained.  All Sullivan County Lions Clubs are eager to provide free screenings of children under the age of six at schools, day care centyers and any indoor function they are invited to.

On October 15, 16 and 21, 224 children from Head Start facilities in Woodbourne and Monticello were screened.  Of those 224 children, a number were referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further exams.

For additional information, contact Irene O’Leary at 845-583-5252.  To schedule a screening, call Al Frangipane at 845-583-6540.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 25, 2015) – US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded over $190,500 in funding to Sullivan County organizations that will support local foods infrastructure and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The awards will support two projects: expansion of programming at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen to help food entrepreneurs develop new products, and a County-led initiative to increase utilization of the seven farmers’ markets here, particularly among lower income residents.

CCESC has been awarded $94,000 over two years from the USDA Local Food Promotion Program to support the development and delivery of workshops and technical assistance through its EaT Kitchen. These efforts will help existing and potential food entrepreneurs and agricultural producers interested in adding value to items produced on their farms to grow their business. Participants will have an opportunity to utilize the shared-use commercial kitchen facilities at the Extension Education Center in Liberty at no cost to develop, test, license, produce, and market potential products.

Adding locally produced and value-added products to shelves across the county will increase consumer access to fresh, healthy foods. The program also seeks to provide a forum for food processors to connect with farmers in the region to source raw ingredients, further contributing to economic development efforts by keeping dollars flowing locally. The public can expect monthly workshops in 2016 and a conference highlighting regional opportunities for local food promotion in the spring.

“We’re pleased to be able to offset start up, product development, and production costs for farmers and small businesses getting started,” said Colleen Monaghan, executive director at CCESC.

The USDA awarded an additional $96,595.66 to the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management to partner with CCESC and Sullivan County Public Health Services on the Sullivan Fresh Initiative. The Sullivan Fresh Initiative seeks to increase awareness of agriculture locally and augment sales at the county’s seven farmers’ markets. This partnership will operate by creating and implementing a county-wide marketing, coordination, and promotional plan; developing and distributing educational materials for the public through news releases and radio interviews; conducting workshops and cooking demonstrations at the markets and the EaT Kitchen to help consumers understand how to prepare food sold at the markets; and training staff to process and promote consumer use of nutrition assistance program benefits at the markets.

The Sullivan Fresh campaign intends to:

·         Sustain long term viability and growth of the farmers’ markets by getting more people to know about and use them;

·         Increase the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)/ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) redemption rate at the farmers’ markets;

·         Improve nutrition and health in Sullivan County through increased consumption of fresh, local food;

·         Coordinate management and promotion of the farmers’ markets to stretch marketing budgets and maximize access to multiple markets; and

·         Enhance the impact of the farmers’ markets on overall quality of life and Sullivan County’s ability to attract new residents, businesses, and tourists.

“The proposed Sullivan Fresh project will work to sustain local farm operations by increasing more profitable direct-to-consumer sales while also addressing the need for Sullivan County residents to have better access to, and eat more of, fresh, healthy, locally grown foods,” said Freda Eisenberg, Sullivan County Commissioner of Planning and Environmental Management.

More information on USDA local foods program funding can be found by visiting the USDA website, calling CCESC at 845-292-6180 or emailing Melinda Meddaugh at mm2592@cornell.edu.

These projects will implement recommendations in the Sullivan County Farmland Protection Plan (FLPP). More information on the FLPP can be found on the Sullivan County website.

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Proposed Tax Levy Less than the Tax Cap; Homeowners to Receive Rebate Equal to their Increase in Taxes; Addresses Critical Infrastructure Needs Facing the County

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 21, 2015) – Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek issued the following statement: “The 2016 Tentative Budget proposes a tax levy increase less than what is allowed under the New York State tax cap law.  This budget maintains vital services that are needed in the community and is achieved in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining our fund balance levels at a level recommended by rating agencies and by our own Fund Balance Policy.”

2016 Tentative Budget Fiscal Summary

• Total Budgetary Appropriations: $207,471,547

• Property Tax Levy: $57,471,954

• Property Tax Levy Increase: 1.58%

• County Property Tax Rate Increase: 0.93%
  • Less than the tax levy increase due to an increase in taxable assessed value

• Increase in tax liability for $100,000 of assessment: $10

New York State Tax Cap Rebate Program: Under the proposed budget all STAR eligible homeowners would receive a check from New York State equal to their increase in taxes.

• Sales Tax Anticipation: $37 million
  

“I am extremely pleased with the Tentative Budget that the County Manager has presented to the Legislature for review.  The proposed increase in funding to support county road and bridge infrastructure improvements, the continuation of the Plans and Progress Small grants program, and the addition of staff to ensure the effectiveness of services to our most vulnerable citizens and many other new initiatives is an exceptional place to start,” stated Scott Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature. “I would like to applaud County Manager Josh Potosek along with the Office of Management and Budget and staff for all their hard work and for once again delivering a tentative budget under the State mandated Tax Cap,” added Samuelson.

“Our office is pleased to provide the Legislature and the public with the new budget layout this year. It has been enhanced to provide its reader with a better understanding of County government operations, the issues the County officials are currently facing, how they are addressing those issues and how decisions for the County are made,” added Potosek.

“This budget reflects the needs of all of our County residents.  The additional funding for infrastructure is encouraging, and while the budget is a work in progress and there is still much to be done the 2016 Tentative Budget provides a great foundation to build upon,” stated Kathleen LaBuda, Sullivan County Majority Leader and District 2 Legislator.

“While I still need time to review all the details, I feel the 2016 Tentative Budget strikes the balance of providing funding for critical infrastructure improvements and services for those in need, while holding the line on ounty taxes,” stated Alan Sorensen, Sullivan County Minority Leader and District 9 Legislator.

Potosek added, “I strongly believe that the initiatives that I have outlined and included in the 2016 Tentative Budget will help to improve the quality of life of our community. I look forward to working with the Sullivan County Legislature to see these projects through to fruition.”

To view the 2016 Tentative Sullivan County Budget please visit:

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2016_Executive_Summary.pdf

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2016_Detail.pdf

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/Capital_Budget_2016-2021_Tentative.pdf

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 20, 2015) – The following events are planned for Sullivan County and the surrounding area, on and around Veteran’s Day.
Saturday, November 7 – The 17^th Annual Veterans Day Parade, sponsored by The Woodbourne Fire Company No. 1.  Line up: 12:00 p.m. – Step Off:  1:00 p.m.; Route 42/52 (Main Street), Woodbourne. Parade Marshall:  John T. Dertinger, Jr.  Service to follow at Woodbourne Firehouse. 

Tuesday, November 10 – 5:00 p.m. Liberty Elks Lodge 1545, Annual Veterans Dinner (Spaghetti and Meatball).  Veterans eat Free, Veterans’ Guests $7.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Sgt. Andrew Brucher VFW Post 5499 will be conducting Veterans Day Services at the Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake.  All veterans and the public are invited.  Please arrive by 10:45 a.m., hence the service can start promptly.

Wednesday, November 11- 9:00 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at VFW Post 4947. 9:30 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at the Bloomingburg Firehouse.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Tusten-Highland-Lumberland VFW Post 6427 and the Sylvan-Liebla American Legion Post 1363 will hold a Veterans Day Service at Heroes Park in Eldred, in honor of all veterans.  Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served and we will have our annual Raffle Drawing.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Grahamsville Rural Cemetery – Flag Exchange Ceremony sponsored by the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Dennis Ackerley Memorial Post 8648 will provide the Honor Guard.

Wednesday, November 11 –
11:00 a.m. – The Allan Milk Memorial VFW Post 7276 will conduct Veterans Day Observances at the Long Eddy Firehouse.  Area veterans and the public are welcome to join us.  Our Ladies Auxiliary will be serving lunch following the program.

Wednesday, November 11 – 10:00 a.m.  “Veterans Day” Services will be conducted in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.  Hosting the ceremonies are American Legion, Jewish War Veterans (JWV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).  The Keynote Speaker will be Capt. Eric Durkins, Chief of Staff, Stewart Air National Guard Base.  Refreshments follow the services at the Monticello Elks Lodge.  The public is cordially invited to attend.  Master of ceremonies is Al Etkin.  For further information, contact (845) 794-7271

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – Post 4947 Color Guard Ceremony at Napanoch Elks Lodge #1971.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at the Roscoe Firehouse.

Wednesday, November 11 – 11:00 a.m. – American Legion Post 1266 will conduct Veterans Day Services at the Veterans Park, Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro.  Refreshments to follow at the Legion Post, 92 Pine Street.

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SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY (October 19, 2015) – The SYDA Foundation has announced that Gary Siegel of Liberty, has been selected as the recipient of the 2015 SYDA Foundation Community Service Award. The prestigious award includes a certificate of merit for outstanding service to the local community and a monetary gift of $5,000.

The SYDA Foundation Community Service Award will be presented to Mr. Siegel on Thursday, November 19, at 2:00 p.m., at the monthly meeting of the Sullivan County Legislature, at the Government Center in Monticello. The public is warmly invited to attend the presentation.

Since 1986, the SYDA Foundation has sponsored this annual award — one of Sullivan County’s highest distinctions — to recognize and honor local citizens for outstanding community service.  A committee of past SYDA Foundation Community Service Award recipients and local civic leaders selected Gary Siegel to receive this year’s award. Gary was selected in recognition of his years of service educating and enriching the lives of the young people of Sullivan County as well as his leadership role in organizing and fundraising for many charitable projects that have had a local, national and global impact.

As a music educator for over 30 years in the Liberty Central School District, Gary mentored thousands of young people.  He taught students musical skills, helped to build their self-esteem and instilled discipline, all qualities that help ensure their success as adults. During his tenure, Gary served as chair of Sullivan County Music Educators Association and New York State School Music Association Music Festivals.  He organized more than a dozen Area, State and County festivals, engaging thousands of young people from the greater Hudson Valley.

Mr. Siegel has also been an outstanding leader in his community, with decades of service as an organizer and fundraiser for a wide variety of projects. Gary was a founding member of Liberty ALIVE, a precursor to Sullivan Renaissance, a beautification and community development program.

Currently, he is Co-chair of the WSUL/WVOS radio Heart-a-thon, which has raised thousands of dollars annually to benefit Catskill Regional Medical Center.

For the last five years, Siegel has served on a committee to organize a series of fundraising events sponsored by Thunder 102 radio to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  He can often be seen at Bethel Woods selling fundraising cards, bowling in a bowl-a-thon, or swinging a club at the annual golf outing–all fundraising events that he helped organize and for which he built sponsorship and support.

As Co-chair of the Liberty Rotary Club Haiti Clean Water Project, Siegel raised funds for and participated in two of Archangel Airborne’s missions to Haiti to deliver water filtration systems to Haitian families. He is planning a third trip to Haiti in November 2015.

After retiring as a teacher in 2013, he started a tour company, CD Trips LLC, which organizes bus tours from Sullivan County and donates a portion of its proceeds to many of the charities that he supports. In 2014, CD Trips donated over $23,000 to local charitable organizations.

In 2013, Siegel created the Barry Foster Memorial Fund, which provides financial support for children to experience team sports and participate in field trips to visit special places such as Radio City Music Hall where they might not otherwise be able to go.

He has been married to his wife Judy for 30 years and is the father of two adult children, Georgia and Max.

The SYDA Foundation, located in the Town of Fallsburg since 1979, is a not-for-profit organization that makes Siddha Yoga meditation available to students around the world. The SYDA Foundation contributes to the Sullivan County community through regular monetary donations to the local volunteer fire departments, police, school district, and hospital, and through its philanthropic expression — PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program.

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MONTICELLO, NY (October 18, 2015) — Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Ethelbert B. Crawford Library, which just held a book brigade and ribbon cutting, must re-open Monday, October 26th instead of the morning of October 19th, as planned.

Items (some bookcases, computers and computer desks) have not arrived and key technologies that would allow them to circulate materials (security gates and checkout pads at circulation stations) are not yet functioning as they should.

There are no simple workarounds to these issues leaving them no other option than to delay re-opening until they can get the necessary items delivered, installed and up and running.  The library appreciates your patience.

Feel free to use the bookdrop at the new library now.  If you suspended your holds and they are now due to begin coming in, the library will do their best to manage them so those that do arrive in delivery are there for you when we re-open Monday, October 26th.

The Book Brigade conducted on the afternoon of Sunday, October 18, was phenomenal thanks to 250 plus participants braving the chilly weather to make library history.  The EBCPL hopes that those that stayed for the ribbon-cutting ceremony following the book brigade enjoyed getting a glimpse at what is to come.

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NARROWSBURG, NY (October 14, 2015) — The Upper Delaware River Valley’s local Slow Food Chapter hosts a Free Apple Cider Pressing on Saturday, October 24, between

11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Hans and Cornelia Kung are hosting at 1300 Crystal Lake Road in Narrowsburg.

Bring your own apples and clean containers to this first come/first served event.

Maria Grimaldi will talk about both the well known and unexpected health benefits of apples. Sonja Hedlund, from Apple Pond Farm, will be on hand to discuss easy ways to preserve the bounty.  Slow Food Chapter Co-Leader Sally Ann Parsons will explain the Slow Food Ark of Taste and identify heirloom apple varieties that have boarded the Ark.

There will also be samples of the delicious syrup made from boiled cider, an historic
farm-based product made solely from the concentration of fresh, unfermented cider.

This will be a fun, child-friendly outdoor event, and attendees are encouraged to pack a lunch and a thermos of warm beverages. You may also bring an apple-based dish to share, but it is definitely not a requirement.

It takes about 15 pounds of apples to create a gallon of cider, so plan on bringing enough for a few gallons. Cider freezes very well.

Slow Food UpDeRiva (Upper Delaware River Valley) is part of Slow Food USA, the grass roots and global network of over 100,000 members in more than 150 countries. They link the pleasures of the table with a commitment to protect the community, culture, knowledge and environment that make this pleasure possible. Slow Food promotes good, clean and fair food for all.

For more information, call 866-270-2015, e-mail upderiva@gmail.com, and ‘like’ the Slow Food UpDeRiva Facebook page for information on local apple sellers, potential weather cancellations, and upcoming events.

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MONTICELLO, NY— The public can benefit from a one-on-one, interactive experience using a new research-informed workbook, “Guiding Senior Transitions,” designed to provide the tools needed for greater healthcare self-efficacy. On Monday October 19, 2015 from noon to 3:00 pm, older adults are invited to attend a free workshop on this new resource book developed and initiated by Dr. Karin Pantel, EdD, RN, CNE of Older Adult Transitional Support (OATS).

Sullivan County students from the BOCES Health Academy and Touro College of Medicine in Middletown are encouraged to attend the event.

The purpose of the workshop is to enhance self-empowerment during healthcare transitions, promote positive healthcare outcomes, and decrease often unnecessary re-hospitalizations. The workshop will take place at Action for Independence on 309 East Broadway in Monticello. Lunch will be provided, sponsored by Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility.

Dr. Pantel and Bonnie Lewis, RN, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) dependent care educator and Caregiver Resource Center coordinator, will help participants complete the transportable workbook, which is to be utilized during urgent and routine primary care visits and during hospitalization for better care and a more prudent discharge. The three hour session will include information that can make future transitions between medical facilities and home a more beneficial process by giving the medical consumer enhanced self-advocacy and communication skills.

Space is limited and pre-registration for this free program is requested. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845-292-6180 or emailing sullivan@cornell.edu.

OATS is a collaboration of community stakeholders, county healthcare facilities, and county supported older adult resource agencies with about 25 active members.  The mission of OATS is to promote, strengthen, and enhance healthcare self-efficacy, potentiating the ability of our older population to remain in the community housing of their choice; preparing seniors, professional caregivers and family caregivers with the tools to maintain and sustain this goal.

The Caregiver Resource Center is a co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County and is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging’s Caregiver Program.

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MONTICELLO, NY (October 12, 2015) — The Sullivan County Office for the Aging has scheduled a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 2 Jefferson Street, Monticello, NY to gain input from older residents, baby boomers, and other interested parties on programs and services provided by the agency. The Public Hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a free continental breakfast.

The Office for the Aging provides such programs as home delivered meals and congregate meals, in-home services, assistance to informal caregivers, information and assistance, Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Sullivan NYCONNECTS, shopping bus and medical transportation. Information gathered at the public hearing will be
used in the development of the Agency’s Annual Plan for services which must be submitted to the New York State Office for the Aging by December 1, 2015.

Following the Public Hearing, Senior Safety Day: Domestic Violence; Senior Services Expo: Learn about senior programs and services.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 11, 2015) — Each year the Sullivan County Historical Society presents deserving groups or individuals with awards honoring them as either Sullivan County history maker or Sullivan County history preserver.

This year’s award recipients are Harold Gold as History Maker and Elsie Winterberger as History Preserver.

The importance of the History Maker Award recognizes efforts made by Harold Gold, a resident of South Fallsburg, for his over 65 years of community involvement and his role, as a charter member of the College Board of Trustees, with the establishment of the Sullivan County Community College. Mr. Gold is well known throughout the county and does not need much introduction. He has worked tirelessly in many organizations, both within his town and throughout the county, always taking the long view. While the education of young people has always been of great ongoing value, there was a time when it was not clear if Sullivan County would ever have a school of higher learning to attract students and teachers from all over the world. It took a major fight to navigate the paperwork, the politics and the financial wherewithal to make the college a reality. Harold Gold is a popular civic leader and the last remaining member of the nine original College Trustees. He is well deserving of the History Maker Award for this and untold community organizations in which he participates.

The importance of the History Preserver Award recognizes the efforts made by Elsie Winterberger, a past resident of the Town Forestburgh. Elsie spent seventeen years as Forestburgh Town Historian, contributing to the historical preservation of the details of historical events large and small, yet all of specific interest to many. Appointed in 1974, her activities included not only gathering of historical material, but also spearheading many preservation projects within the town. Most importantly, Elsie shared her historical knowledge though a weekly newspaper column, Forestburgh Lore, in the pages of the Sullivan County Democrat and other local publications beginning in 1977.

The 2015 honors will be presented their awards during the SCHS Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Sunday, October 18th at the Rockland House, in Roscoe, New York. The event will begin with a 4:00 p.m. social hour followed by the dinner served at 5:00 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $30 per person.

The public is also invited to support the nominees by advertising in the SCHS Annual Meeting and Awards Diner Journal.

Dinner reservations for the opportunity to honor these deserving recipients and for more information concerning placing journal advertisements please contact the Sullivan County Historical Society at 845-434-8044. It is hoped that the public will take this moment to share in celebration of the honorees’ achievements.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 8, 2015) — Sullivan County has taken an important step toward a more secure, sustainable and affordable energy future. On October 2nd the not-for-profit Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development (SASD) submitted a petition to the New York State Public Service Commission seeking authorization to establish a countywide Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.

A CCA program allows a municipality, in this case Sullivan County, to bundle the electricity purchases of all residents and businesses within its jurisdiction to secure a lower price. Because a CCA can purchase energy on behalf of tens of thousands of customers, it can negotiate lower rates that are not otherwise available to retail customers.

Under the terms of a resolution unanimously adopted by the county legislature, the Sullivan County CCA (SCCCA) must offer an electric rate that is equal to, or lower than, the prevailing rate. SCCCA may also offer customers a premium, 100% renewable energy option.

But SCCCA is not only about achieving immediate cost savings for consumers. It will also seek to develop local renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric.

SASD founder Dick Riseling explains, “Renewable energy production will create good local jobs, provide county residents with reliable energy supplies for years to come, and insulate us from the wildly fluctuating prices of fossil fuels.” Riseling also points out that “To the extent that Sullivan County can produce its own power, the money that customers spend on electricity will stay within the county.”

The SCCCA proposal was written by SASD board members and staff in consultation with the offices of the County Attorney and the County Manager. SCCCA will be developed and administered at no cost to county taxpayers.

For further information: E-mail sasdonline@gmail.com. Telephone: Carol Roig at 845-557-0343, or Bruce Ferguson at 845-482-5037.

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NEW YORK STATE (October 7, 2015) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the names of eight fallen firefighters who have been added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial located at the Empire State Plaza. With the addition of these eight firefighters, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial now contains the names of 2,398 individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Today, we pay tribute to these brave individuals who gave their lives while protecting their neighbors and their communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “With the additions to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, we will help ensure that their sacrifices and their dedication to the safety of others will not be forgotten.”

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials recognized the contributions of these eight courageous individuals at the 18th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony today in Albany. During the ceremony, Governor Cuomo issued two proclamations honoring the state’s career and volunteer firefighters. The proclamations mark Tuesday, October 6, as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of October 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week.

Lieutenant Governor Hochul said, “New York is proud to honor the heroic service of our firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of protecting us from danger. This memorial is an enduring reminder that we cherish their bravery, their mission, and their loved ones. We bestow our everlasting gratitude to these eight individuals today, and on behalf of Governor Cuomo, we vow to never forget.”

New York State Fire Administrator Bryant D. Stevens said, “This memorial serves as an everlasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. While firefighters understand the dangers they face, the names enshrined on this wall is a stark reminder to every New Yorker of this fact and of the sacrifices made by firefighters every day.”

“Today, I join fire chiefs and emergency responders from throughout New York State to recognize and remember our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice. We pay tribute to the families of the fallen and will ensure that their sacrifice will be forever honored,” said New York State Association of Fire Chiefs President Chief Daniel J. Schwertfeger.

“Today we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Tens of thousands of firefighters across this great State put their lives on the line every day in to protect their families, their friends, their neighbors, and complete strangers alike. It is our duty never to forget those who have answered their final call,” said Firemen’s Association of the State of New York President Robert McConville.

And New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association President Michael McManus said, “It is with heavy hearts that we remember the brave men and women who we have lost in the line of duty, protecting the citizens of New York State. We recall their bravery and sacrifice and extend our thoughts and prayers to their families and fellow firefighters.”

This year’s additions to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial are:

· Timothy T. Gunther, Firefighter, Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Dutchess County – May 5, 2015
· Joseph Sanford, Jr., Firefighter, Inwood Fire Department, Nassau County – December 23, 2014
· Gordon M. Ambelas, Lieutenant, New York City Fire Department, Kings County – July 5, 2014
· Fred Edwards, Firefighter, Liberty Fire Department, Sullivan County – May 7, 2014
· Kevin J. Bristol, Firefighter, Peekskill Fire Department, Westchester County – March 3, 2014
· Ross E. Huffer, Firefighter, Nesconset Fire Department, Suffolk County – February 27, 2014
· Kevin E. Townes, Sr., Firefighter, Mount Vernon Fire Department, Westchester County – December 8, 2011
· David E. Smith, Captain, Howells Fire Company #1, Orange County – April 11, 2006

Fred Edwards joined the Liberty Hose and Truck Co. No. 2 in August 1967 and remained an active member for 47 years. He served as fire commissioner, lieutenant and trustee with the Liberty Fire Department and also served with the Hudson Valley Firemen and Red Vest Associations. He was a lifelong resident of Liberty and a member of the Fraternal Order of Free Masons and Liberty Elks Lodge.

Fred passed away, at age 66, at his home on May 7, 2014 after participating in a training drill the night before and one earlier in the day, leaving behind his wife Diane, two brothers who also served in the Liberty Fire Department and several other family members. 

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated in 1998, honors the memory and the valor of our fallen firefighters, as well as pays tribute to the more than 100,000 New York State firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. On average, New York’s firefighters respond to over 1.3 million incidents annually, which represents approximately 3561 events every day, 148 calls per hour, and 2.47 calls per minute.

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MONTICELLO, NY (October 6, 2015) — Senior safety is an ongoing theme for the Sullivan County TRIAD collaboration with a continued effort to prevent elder abuse and maintain the quality and integrity of senior life. TRIAD, a partnership between senior citizens, law enforcement, and senior support agencies, announces the sixth annual Senior Safety Day on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

The public can learn about senior programs and services at this free event occurring from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Ted Stroeble Recreation Center on 10 Jefferson Street in Monticello. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) and Office for the Aging (OFA) will collaborate through the Caregiver Resource Center to offer this free opportunity emphasizing National Domestic Violence Prevention month.

The OFA’s annual public forum will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by guest speakers’ programs on domestic violence and elder abuse. A buffet lunch with homemade dessert will be provided and door prizes awarded at the conclusion of the event.

Speakers include Liliam Stettner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Christine Fiorile Harrington, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley attorney. Stettner discuss elder abuse and share an informative video entitled, “An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America”. Harrington will facilitate a conversation on financial abuse.

Pre-registration for this free event is requested in advance. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845-292-6180 or emailing sullivan@cornell.edu.

The Caregiver Resource Center is a co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County and is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging’s Caregiver Program.

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LIBERTY, NY (October 5, 2015) — The public is invited to take advantage of the bountiful harvest of apples this fall at an educational workshop on safe home food preservation techniques using healthy apples as the main ingredient. On Saturday, October 24, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) will offer this unique class from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the shared-use, Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen at its Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty. A light lunch will be provided.

CCESC Master Food Preserver Volunteers, Jessica Gibbons, Bonnie Makofsky, Karen Mariner, Wendy Tushak, and Cheyenne Zigmund will demonstrate home food preservation methods as recommended by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Participants will gain hands-on experience in hot water bath canning, freezing, and dehydration and will learn ways to store foods for an extended period of time. No prior knowledge of food preservation is needed. Attendees will receive food samples.

Cost is $45.00 per person, including lunch. Space is limited and pre-registration with non-refundable payment is required in advance. Seats are only guaranteed with payment. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845-292-6180, emailing sullivan@cornell.edu, or visiting www.sullivancce.org. Payment can be made in advance by check, cash, or credit. Additional donations for CCESC programs are appreciated.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 4, 2015) – The editor and staff of the Catskill Chronicle apologize for the inactivity of the past week. Our computer died (this one is borrowed), and it may be another few days before we are back up and running.

In the meantime, please take this opportunity to catch up on some of our past stories and columns. Thanks so much for your patience.

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