Posted in Comments on July 8, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Photos © by Carol Montana
MONTICELLO, NY (July 8, 2014) – It’s always a good time for fireworks, but 4th of July is, of course, the classic time. And every year, you can count on Monticello Casino & Raceway to offer some of the best. Here is just a small sampling of what thousands of people saw the evening of July 4, 2014 in Monticello.
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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 8, 2014) – The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A *Tornado Warning For… Southeastern Broome County In Central New York… Southwestern Delaware County In Central New York… Northwestern Sullivan County In Central New York… Eastern Susquehanna County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Northern Wayne County In Northeast Pennsylvania… *Until 815 PM EDT.
*At 713 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated A Severe Thunderstorm Capable Of Producing A Tornado Near Gibson… Moving Northeast At 50 Mph. * The Storm Capable Of Producing The Tornado Will Be Near… Starruca And Shehawken By 725 PM EDT… Hiawatha…Starlight And Sherman By 730 PM EDT… Hancock By 735 PM EDT… Fishs Eddy And East Branch By 740 PM EDT… Harvard By 745 PM EDT… Corbett And Colchester By 750 PM EDT… When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Hail…Or Damaging Winds To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email At Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.
If You Are In The Path Of This Tornado…Seek Shelter In A Basement Or An Interior Room…Away From Windows.
Audio Recording URL: http://www.nyalert.gov/Public/DownloadAudio.aspx?parentid=4022892&type=3
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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 8, 2014) – The Potential Exists For Severe Thunderstorms This Evening… A Line Of Severe Thunderstorms Could Reach The Southern Catskills And Poconoes Mainly After 7 PM. The Potential Exists For This Line Of Storms To Produce Locally Damaging Winds…Hail And Locally Heavy Rainfall. Listen To Noaa Weather Radio Or Your Local Media For The Latest Updates On This Situation. You Could Also Visit Our Website At Http://Weather.Gov/Bgm
Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV Station for more information.
Posted in Comments on July 7, 2014| 3 Comments »
Photos by Carol Montana
JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (July 6, 2014) – The aftermath of the July 2014 floods left devastation in many parts of Sullivan County. One place it hit was the Stone Arch Bridge just outside of Jeffersonville.
Here are some photos of the aftermath:
To see more photos click on this link: http://chronicle.zenfolio.com/p319916797
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Affected Jurisdictions: Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Watch 397 Is In Effect Until 1000 PM EDT For The Following Locations Ny . New York Counties Included Are Albany Allegany Broome Cattaraugus Cayuga Chautauqua Chemung Chenango Columbia Cortland Delaware Dutchess Erie Fulton Genesee Greene Hamilton Herkimer Lewis Livingston Madison Monroe Montgomery Niagara Oneida Onondaga Ontario Orange Orleans Oswego Otsego Putnam Rensselaer Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Schuyler Seneca Steuben Sullivan Tioga Tompkins Ulster Warren Washington Wayne Wyoming Yates
Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV Station for more information.
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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 6, 2014) – Earlier this year, Sullivan County announced that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) awarded a $5,000 grant to Sullivan County Public Health Services to hold a 
county-wide Health Summit designed to bring together community leaders and the public to take action to improve the health of its communities.
Sullivan County’s Health Rankings for the past several years, as most are aware, have been at the bottom in comparison to all other counties in NYS, in both health outcomes and health factors and unfortunately have not changed much. We know that we have serious concerns that need to continue to be addressed here in Sullivan County. Premature death due to substance abuse and preventable accidents, premature and low birth weight of infants, and chronic disease are all taking an alarming toll on our quality of life as well as on our health care expenditures which continue to climb partially due to poor health.
The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps grant – www.countyhealthrankings.org is a collaboration of RWJF and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). The program promotes solutions that make it easier for people to be healthy in their own communities by focusing on specific factors that affect health, such as education, employment, social support and community safety.
Building a “Culture of Health” means building a society where getting healthy and staying healthy is a fundamental and guiding social value that helps define our culture and our County. Building a strong public health infrastructure involves the local health department working closely with its partners across the health care sectors, including our hospital, primary care providers, faith and family organizations, education, business, health & human service organizations, the media, and civic organizations that help communities that place a high priority on health.
The Health Summit will be held at the Sullivan County Community College on August 8, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The goal of the Summit is to bring partners together to drive local change, to showcase what works in other communities across the nation, what is working here in Sullivan County, and to take action to implement our Community Health Improvement Plan with evidence based initiatives to create stronger partnerships and leverage resources. Strengthening our alliances across all sectors of the community will help to create healthier places to live, learn, work, and play.
Registration is now open. Community leaders, health care providers and interested members of the public can now go on this site to register www.scrhn.org. For questions please call Susan Clark at (845) 513-2222.
Posted in Comments on July 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY– On June 25, New York State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Jerome M. Hauer, Ph.D, MHS announced that Sullivan County has been awarded $584,887 for Emergency Services enhancements.
“This latest round of grant awards now brings the total of NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for Sullivan County to approximately $3.65 million overall for critically needed upgrades for our Emergency Service and first responders,” said Cora Edwards, Chair of the Sullivan County Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee. “This is great news for Sullivan County taxpayers and everyone who uses 911 Emergency Services,” added Edwards
“On behalf of Sullivan County I would like to thank all of the staff involved for their diligent work that went into the County being awarded several grants over the past several years and maximizing these opportunities,” stated Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson.“
“The funding secured will ensure interoperable communication for first responders and needed equipment upgrades at the E-911 Center, “said County Manager Joshua Potosek. “This funding will help provide seamless communication between various first responder agencies during critical times such as the most recent flooding in Sullivan County,” Potosek added.
Posted in Comments on July 5, 2014| Leave a Comment »
CALLICOON, NY (July 5, 2014) – How would you like to be someone’s “One in a Million”?
The 2nd Annual Villa Roma Bone Marrow Drive is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Villa Roma Resort located at 356 Villa Roma Road, Callicoon, NY.
Event organizer Faith Metzinger says, “Our volunteers are ready, willing and able to help you through the process of being swabbed, which takes approximately two minutes. You’ll leave feeling like you did something wonderful.”
At last year’s kick-off event, 190 individuals were swabbed. Metzinger added that she’s hoping to double or even triple that number, this year.
For more information go to: the 2nd Annual Villa Roma Bone Marrow Drive event page on Facebook, visit www.deletebloodcancer.org or call Metzinger at 845-482-3420.
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Children 18 and under eat free in July and August
LIBERTY, NY (July 3, 2014) – Summer is an exciting time for children to 
enjoy playtime with friends, time at summer camp, a family vacation, or afternoons at the pool. But for many children, summer can also mean hunger. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child’s need for good nutrition.
LIBERTY AREA
Beginning on July 7, children aged 18 and younger are eligible to receive lunch free of charge. Meals will be served to any child (who is accompanied by an adult) Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Liberty Elementary School cafeteria.
The district will also provide lunch each weekday to students enrolled in the summer enrichment program at the Liberty Middle School, and to the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation day camp participants at Hanofee Park.
There are no income requirements or registration required to enjoy a meal. The program runs until August 15.
This is the second year that Liberty has offered the program, which is offered as a part of the Summer Food Service Program, a federal program sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “We are proud to bring this program back for a second year, and to expand it by adding more sites so that more kids have access,” said Liberty Superintendent Dr. William Silver. “Food insecurity is a very real problem in our community, and hopefully this program will help fill some of the nutritional gaps that some children may experience.”
If you need further information please call Dara Smith at 845-292-5400 ext. 2040.
Liberty CSD Summer Food sites:
• Liberty Elementary School Cafeteria, (open to all children)
• Liberty Middle School Cafeteria (open to Summer Enrichment Program participants only)
• Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Summer Camp, Hanofee Park (open to campers only)
Monday through Friday
July 7 through August 15, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Visit the National Summer Food Service Program website
Find Free Summer Meals for Children in Your Community:
Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (en Espanol) and a live operator will tell you where the closest sites serving free, nutritious summer meals are located. Or visit the whyhunger.org website to locate sites using an online map.
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MONTICELLO AREA OFFERS 14 SITES
In an effort to reach more children who may go hungry during the summer months, the Monticello Central School District Food Service Summer Meal 
Program has more than doubled the drop off locations for breakfast and lunch this year. In addition to the seven food service sites that provide meals to any child under the age of 18, the District will also serve breakfast and lunch to two local day camp programs and the five locations that serve the District’s Summer Enrichment Programs.
Over a seven-week period, from June 30 – August 15, children under the age of 18 are eligible for the program, which is available at 14 locations. All meals must be eaten at the distribution site. New meal sites include the Bethel Town Park, Thompson Town Park YMCA Camp, Forestbugh’s Parks and Recreation Day Camp Program, and the Dillon Park Pool, among others (a complete list of locations is listed below). The Monticello Summer Meal Program is a part of the Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“The success of last year’s program made the decision to expand an easy one,” explained Monticello’s Food Service Director and Professional Chef Andy Yeomans. “There is a substantial need for the summer meal program in our community, so expanding the number of open sites, where any child under the age of 18 can just show up and eat, was critical. I wish we could provide meals at more locations throughout our district.”
This year the program has grown from nine to 14 food distribution sites. Both breakfast and lunch will be served, with the exception of the Dillon Park Pool location, which will serve lunch only. For the second year, hot food will be served for lunch and include fresh roast turkey with gravy and real mashed potatoes, fresh pizza, cheese burgers and more.
“Monticello continues to expand the program with the endorsement of the Board of Education, who is fully supportive of this highly utilized service,” explains Yeomans. “This year we know we’ll be serving breakfast and lunch to at least 1,500 children and that number is expected to grow as the summer progresses. That’s over 3,400 meals per day, Monday through Friday. If there are hungry kids out there, we are going to do everything we can to help feed them.”
Breakfast is served from 8:30-9:30 a.m. (no breakfast served at Dillon Park Pool)
Lunch is served from12-1 p.m. at all locations
COMMUNITY LOCATIONS/OPEN-TO-ALL (ages 18 and younger) SITES:
– Bethel Town Park (Old White Lake Turnpike, Kauneonga Lake)
– DeHoyos Park (9 Court Lane, Monticello)
– Dillon Park Pool (Dillon Rd., Monticello) – LUNCH ONLY
– Town of Forestburgh Parks and Recreation Summer Program (332 King Road, Forestburgh)
– Village of Monticello Housing Authority (76 Evergreen Drive, Monticello)
– Sleepy Hollow Housing Complex (5 Terry Lane, Monticello)
– Federation for the Homeless (9 Monticello Street, Monticello)
SUMMER/DAY CAMP PROGRAMS (CAMP PARTICIPANTS ONLY)
– Town of Mamakating Day Camp Program (operated by BGC) (Mamakating Rd., Bloomingburg)
– Town of Thompson Town Park, YMCA Summer Camp Program (179 Town Park Rd., Monticello)
MCSD CAMPUS LOCATIONS: (SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS PARTICIPANTS ONLY)
– Conservatory at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (597 West Shore Rd., Bethel, NY)
– Monticello High School (39 Breakey Ave., Monticello)
– Project Excel Pre-School (22 St. Johns St., Monticello)
– Robert J. Kaiser Middle School (45 Breakey Ave., Monticello)
– Rutherford Elementary School (26 Patricia Place, Monticello)
Summer meal programs are free of charge and available to children under the age of 18. All meals must be eaten at the meal site; young children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call Chef Andy Yeomans at (845)-794-7700, ext. 10970.
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FALLSBURG AREA
Summer Food Kickoff Set for the Fallsburg Central School District
FALLSBURG – The Fallsburg Central School District provides free meals to children during the summer.
Any child under age 18 may come and eat. This summer, meals will be served at Morningside Park on Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m., from July 7 through August 15.
For more information about the national Summer Food Service Program, visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer.
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 3, 2014) –Issued By: Sullivan County Emergency Management
Headline: Flash flooding is occurring in Sullivan County – Reminder to motorists not to drive over flooded roadways
Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan County
Localized flash flooding is occurring in the northwestern part of Sullivan County. Specifically Route 52 from White Sulphur Springs to the Stone Arch Bridge is closed and should be avoided. Fire, Law Enforcement along with state, county and local highway crews are out tending to the situation.
Motorists should avoid driving over flooded roadways or pooling water. Avoid travel if possible until this storm subsides. Residents are reminded to call 911 only for life threatening emergencies.
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 3, 2014) – County Manager Joshua Potosek has issued the following statement: “Sullivan County remains under several severe weather watches and warnings including severe thunderstorm and flash flooding.
“Due to flooding associated with heavy rains yesterday and now again today, the following county roads have are at risk of flooding: CR 127 near Jeffersonville, CR 164 in Kohlertown, and CR 149 at the intersection of State Route 52 in Youngsville, all along the Callicoon Creek. County crews have been dispatched to the affected areas. If possible, please avoid driving into the area between Hortonville in the Town of Delaware to Youngsville in the Town of Callicoon.
“I strongly urge any resident who lives near a stream, creek or river to be prepared and alert as this storm progresses, and to take preventative measures to protect their property through sandbags, etc. Outdoor, moveable property should be secured, and indoor property should be put up in case of flooding in the home. Furthermore, in case of emergency, all residents in these areas should make preparations to vacate their home if conditions warrant, and are strongly urged to comply with any and all reasonable requests from law enforcement or emergency responders during an emergency.
“County residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, are also urged to have enough flashlights and extra batteries, canned goods and bottled water for 48 hours, in case of power outage or emergency. Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to check on elderly neighbors, and arrange for pets to be housed either inside, or with proper shelter.
“During the storm all County residents are urged to remain indoors and off roadways whenever possible. If residents must drive, they are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through this storm, and to pay special attention not to drive through pooling or standing water. If there are flood conditions on a roadway, please do not travel through the water.
“Sullivan County officials will be in contact with all towns, village and fire departments in the flood-prone areas, to ensure all precautionary measures are being taken, and implementing contingency plans in case of flooding. County officials will remain in contact with these towns, village and volunteer first-responders throughout the storm, as they monitor the situations in their own communities.
“Residents and visitors are urged to visit the County website, www.co.sullivan.ny.us, for current news and information.
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Flash Flood Warning For… Northern Sullivan County In Central New York… * Until 1115 PM EDT * At 515 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated An Area Of Excessive Rainfall Over The Warned Area. * Locations In The Warning Include But Are Not Limited To Fosterdale … Hazel…Hortonville… Jeffersonville… Liberty… Livingston Manor…Neversink…Parksville And White Sulphur Springs. Rapid Flooding Of Streams…Creeks…Urban…And Poor Drainage Areas Is Likely In And Near These Locations. When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Flooding To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email At Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.
Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Into Areas Where The Water Covers The Roadway. The Water Depth May Be Too Great To Allow Your Car To Cross Safely. Move To Higher Ground. Excessive Runoff From Heavy Rainfall Will Cause Flooding Of Small Creeks And Streams…Country Roads…As Well As Farmland Along The Banks Of Creeks And Streams. A Flash Flood Warning Means That Flooding Is Imminent Or Occurring.
If You Are In The Warning Area Move To Higher Ground Immediately. Residents Living Along Streams And Creeks Should Take Immediate Precautions To Protect Life And Property.
Do Not Attempt To Cross Swiftly Flowing Waters Or Waters Of Unknown Depth By Foot Or By Automobile.
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Severe Thunderstorm Warning For… Sullivan County In Central New York… Eastern Lackawanna County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Northern Pike County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Southern Wayne County In Northeast Pennsylvania… * Until 615 PM EDT.
* At 510 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated A Line Of Severe Thunderstorms.
These Storms Were Located Along A Line Extending From 7 Miles Northeast Of Willowemoc To Liberty To Fosterdale To Narrowsburg To Lake Ariel…And Moving Southeast At 10 To 20 Mph. * Severe Thunderstorms Will Be Near… Arlington And Swan Lake At 520 PM EDT… Hawley And Neversink At 525 PM EDT… White Lake And Loch Sheldrake At 530 PM EDT… Paupack And Mongaup Valley At 535 PM EDT… Lackawaxen And Woodbourne At 540 PM EDT… Monticello And Kiamesha At 545 PM EDT… Shohola And Greeley At 550 PM EDT… Rock Hill At 600 PM EDT…
When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Hail…Or Damaging Winds To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email AtBgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.
If You Are In The Path Of This Storm…Seek Shelter Indoors And Stay Away From Windows!
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Affected Jurisdictions: Delaware, Sullivan Counties
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Small Stream Flood Advisory For… South Central Delaware County… Northwestern Sullivan County… Lackawanna County… Southeastern Susquehanna County… Central Wayne County… * Until 1030 PM EDT
* At 435 PM EDT…Doppler Radar Indicated Heavy Rain Was Falling… And Will Result In Minor Flooding.
* Locations In The Advisory Include But Are Not Limited To East Branch…Peabrook…Callicoon…Hazel…Hortonville…Livingston Manor…Roscoe…Forest City…Royal…Archbald…Carbondale… Clarks Green…Clarks Summit…Dalton…Dickson City…Dunmore… East Benton…Elmhurst…Fleetville…La Plume…Mayfield…Mount Cobb…Olyphant…Scranton…Tompkinsville…Wallsville… Waverly…Bethany…Equinunk…Pleasant Mount…Prompton… Rutledgedale…Stalker…Waymart…Hankins And Fremont.
Heavy Rain From Thunderstorms Continues To Move Into The Advisory Area…Which May Cause Minor Flooding Of Small Streams And Culverts. Additional Rain May Move Into The Area Later This Afternoon Resulting In More Significant Flooding.
If Conditions Worsen…A Flash Flood Warning Will Be Issued.
A Flood Advisory Means That Although Streams And Creeks May Be Elevated Or Even Rise Out Of Their Banks…Property Damage Will Be Minimal. Inconveniences Can Be Expected But The Flooding Will Not Be Immediately Life Threatening. Small Creeks And Streams Will Flood Quickly…Possibly Covering Roads And Flooding Nearby Low Areas.
Posted in Comments on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan County
At 2:54 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated Strong Thunderstorms Capable Of Producing Small Hail…And Very Heavy Rain.
The Cluster Of Storms Was Located Near Thompsonville And Moving Northeast At 20 Mph.
* The Strong Thunderstorm Will Be Near… South Fallsburg And Fallsburg At 300 PM EDT… Woodridge And Mountain Dale At 305 PM EDT… Hasbrouck And Phillipsport At 310 PM EDT… Willowemoc And Mongaup Pond Campground At 320 PM EDT… Grahamsville At 325 PM EDT…
This Storm Has The Potential To Become Severe And Produce Large Hail And/Or Damaging Winds.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch Remains In Effect Until 900 PM EDT Thursday Evening For Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania.
Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV Station for more information.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Benefit for cancer victim and family
MONTICELLO, NY (July 2, 2014) – As a marine, he risked his life for his country, fighting a war in Iraq. As a public servant in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region, he once again went to battle on behalf of the 2 million plus people who call this region home.
Several weeks ago, James J. Hanson, a friend to many in the area, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain tumor. In the beginning of June, he had brain surgery to try and remove as much of the tumor as possible. His path to recovery is going to be long, difficult, and arduous.
While we are absolutely confident that J.J. has the drive, focus, and faith to beat this, he needs our help. At home J.J. has a 1-year old son. His wife Kristen has spent every waking moment with her husband fighting for him and advocating for him. They need our help too.
A Cocktail Party and Silent Auction to support J.J., Kristen, and James, Jr. will be held at the Monticello Motor Club on Wednesday, July 16 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
There will be a Silent Auction of excursions, overnights and other items for your bidding pleasure, and you will also have the ability to purchase a photo of you 
and some of the exotic cars that race the track at MMC.
Ari Straus and the Monticello Motor Club have generously donated the food and cocktails for this event.
Your support will make sure that J.J’s family can worry just a little bit less about the overwhelming costs that they will occur during this fight. Tickets are $100 each, and all proceeds will be given to the Hanson family. Cash, money orders or checks made out to James J. Hanson will all be accepted.
RSVP by mailing your donation to Christina Morey, 1133 Orchard Street, Peekskill, NY 10566. If you are paying at the door, please contact Alexis at Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs at 845-342-8833.
If you are unable to attend but would like to donate, please mail your donations to Christina at the address listed above.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (July 2, 2014) – The 2014 Livingston Manor Artwalk is being held on Saturday, July 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (raindate 7/6).
On Main Street beginning at Jeff Bank, taking a turn on Pearl Street and all the way up to the Library on North Main Street, join local artists and artisans as they share their work. Discover each via one of the free maps.
This year there will be more in-shop displays than ever.
At the Catskill Art Society you can watch watercolorist Ann Higgins at work, while taking in the CAS exhibition and letting your pint-sized Picasso become a Livingston Manor Artist For A Day at the Chalkwalk.
Chalkwalk participants will receive a certificate and may be featured in the annual YouTube video, Here’s a link to last year’s: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lmchalkwalk2013
Directions to Livingston Manor, along with a complete listing of exhibitors, can be found at www.livingstonmanor.org and, of course, a sneak peek at those free maps to the location of the artists and artisans.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Issued By: Sullivan County Emergency Management
Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan County
Flash flooding is occurring in Sullivan County – Reminder to motorists not to drive over flooded roadways
Localized flash flooding is occurring in the Northwestern part of Sullivan County.
Specifically Route 52 from White Sulphur Springs to the Stone Arch Bridge is closed and should be avoided. Fire, Law Enforcement along with state, county and local highway crews are out tending to the situation.
Motorists should avoid driving over flooded roadways or pooling water. Avoid travel if possible until this storm subsides.
Residents are reminded to call 911 only for life threatening emergencies.
~~~~~~~~~~~
SULLIVAN COUNTY MANAGER UPDATE ON SEVERE WEATHER
County Manager Joshua Potosek issued the following statement: “Sullivan County remains under several severe weather watches and warnings including severe thunderstorm and flash flooding.
Due to flooding associated with heavy rains, the following county roads have been closed: CR 127 near Jeffersonville, CR 164 in Kohlertown, and CR 149 at the intersection of State Route 52 in Youngsville, all along the Callicoon Creek. County crews have been dispatched to the affected areas. We have received reports that Main Street Jeffersonville is currently flooding. If possible, please avoid driving into the area between Hortonville in the Town of Delaware to Youngsville in the Town of Callicoon.
County workers have also been working to clear downed trees from county roadways across various portions of the County that have been affected by heavy wind damage including Livingston Manor, Roscoe, and Shandalee.
I strongly urge any resident who lives near a stream, creek or river to be prepared and alert as this storm progresses, and to take preventative measures to protect their property through sandbags, etc. Outdoor, moveable property should be secured, and indoor property should be put up in case of flooding in the home. Furthermore, in case of emergency, all residents in these areas should make preparations to vacate their home if conditions warrant, and are strongly urged to comply with any and all reasonable requests from law enforcement or emergency responders during an emergency.
County residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, are also urged to have enough flashlights and extra batteries, canned goods and bottled water for 48 hours, in case of power outage or emergency. Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to check on elderly neighbors, and arrange for pets to be housed either inside, or with proper shelter.
During the storm all County residents are urged to remain indoors and off roadways whenever possible. If residents must drive, they are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through this storm, and to pay special attention not to drive through pooling or standing water. If there are flood conditions on a roadway, please do not travel through the water.
Sullivan County officials will be in contact with all towns, village and fire departments in the flood-prone areas, to ensure all precautionary measures are being taken, and implementing contingency plans in case of flooding. County officials will remain in contact with these towns, village and volunteer first-responders throughout the storm, as they monitor the situations in their own communities.
Should flooding occur in Sullivan County, residents and visitors are urged to visit the County website, www.co.sullivan.ny.us, for current news and information.”
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Severe Thunderstorm Warning For… Southern Sullivan County In Central New York… Eastern Lackawanna County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Southeastern Luzerne County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Pike County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Southern Wayne County In Northeast Pennsylvania… * Until 345 PM EDT. *
At 236 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated A Line Of Severe Thunderstorms Capable Of Producing Quarter Size Hail…And Damaging Winds In Excess Of 60 Mph.
These Storms Were Located Along A Line Extending From Mayfield To Mount Cobb To 8 Miles North Of Stoddartsville To Bear Creek To 10 Miles South Of White Haven…And Moving East At 45 Mph. * Severe Thunderstorms Will Be Near… Waymart And Tresslarville At 245 PM EDT… Prompton And Gouldsboro At 250 PM EDT… Bethany And Honesdale At 255 PM EDT… Hawley And Blooming Grove At 300 PM EDT… Narrowsburg At 305 PM EDT… Lava And Pecks Pond At 310 PM EDT… Shohola And Eldred At 315 PM EDT… Bethel And Highland Lake At 320 PM EDT… When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Hail…Or Damaging Winds To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email AtBgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.
If You Are In The Path Of This Storm…Seek Shelter Indoors And Stay Away From Windows!
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan & Pike Counties
Headline: …At 234 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated A Strong Thunderstorm Capable Of Producing Small Hail…Strong Gusty Winds…And Very Heavy Rain. This Storm Was Located Near Pecks Pond…And Moving Northeast At 30 Mph. * The Strong Thunderstorm Will Be Near… Dingmans Ferry At 250 PM EDT… Twin Lakes At 255 PM EDT… Milford At 300 PM EDT… Milford At 305 PM EDT… Glen Spey At 310 PM EDT… Matamoras And Millrift At 315 PM EDT… This Storm Has The Potential To Become Severe And Produce Large Hail And/Or Damaging Winds. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch Remains In Effect Until 700 PM EDT Wednesday Evening For Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania.
Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV Station for more information.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
…Flash Flood Watch In Effect Until 9 PM EDT This Evening… The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Flash Flood Watch For Portions Of Southeastern New York And Northeast Pennsylvania…Including The Following Counties…In Southeastern New York…Sullivan. In Northeast Pennsylvania… Lackawanna…Luzerne…Northern Wayne…Southern Wayne And Wyoming. * Until 9 PM EDT This Evening * A Persistent Line Of Thunderstorms In The Region Were Producing Torrential Rainfall At Times With Intense Rainfall Rates. In Some Areas…1 To 2 Inches Of Rain Had Already Fallen With Additional Storms Expected To Move Over The Same Areas This Afternoon And Early Evening. * Heavy Rain Over The Same Locations Could Produce Significant Flash Flooding Over The Very Hilly Terrain Of The Catskills And Pocono Mountain Regions. Flooding Within The Urban Areas From Wilkes-Barre And Scranton To Monticello Could Also Occur.
A Flash Flood Watch Means That Conditions May Develop That Lead To Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding Is A Very Dangerous Situation. You Should Monitor Later Forecasts And Be Prepared To Take Action Should Flash Flood Warnings Be Issued.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan County
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Flash Flood Warning For… Northern Sullivan County In Central New York… * Until 545 PM EDT * At 137 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated An Area Of Excessive Rainfall From Thunderstorms In Northern Sullivan County. Thunderstorms Continue To Track Northeast Into Sullivan County From Northeast Pennsylvania. * Locations In The Warning Include But Are Not Limited To Bethel… Callicoon…Cochecton…Fosterdale…Grahamsville…Harris… Hazel…Hortonville…Hurleyville…Jeffersonville…Liberty… Livingston Manor…Loch Sheldrake…Neversink…Parksville…Swan Lake…White Sulphur Springs…Willowemoc…Woodbourne And Fremont. Rapid Flooding Of Streams…Creeks…Urban…And Poor Drainage Areas Is Likely In And Near These Locations. Some Streams That Could See Flash Flooding Are Little Beaver Kill Creek…East Branch Callicoon Creek And Shingle Brook. When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Flooding To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email AtBgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.
Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Into Areas Where The Water Covers The Roadway. The Water Depth May Be Too Great To Allow Your Car To Cross Safely. Move To Higher Ground.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Affected Jurisdictions: Delaware, Sullivan Counties
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A * Severe Thunderstorm Warning For… Southern Delaware County In Central New York… Sullivan County In Central New York… * Until 215 PM EDT. * At 105 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated A Line Of Severe Thunderstorms Capable Of Producing Quarter Size Hail…And Damaging Winds In Excess Of 60 Mph. These Storms Were Located Along A Line Extending From 6 Miles Northeast Of Roscoe To Livingston Manor To Bethel…And Moving East At 25 Mph. * Severe Thunderstorms Will Be Near… White Lake By 114 PM EDT… Swan Lake By 116 PM EDT… Liberty By 118 PM EDT… Mongaup Valley By 120 PM EDT… Willowemoc…Maplewood And Harris By 124 PM EDT… Neversink By 128 PM EDT… When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Hail…Or Damaging Winds To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email At Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.
If You Are In The Path Of This Storm…Seek Shelter Indoors And Stay Away From Windows!
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FLOOD ADVISORY
Affected Jurisdictions: Delaware, Sullivan Counties
The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued An * Urban And Small 
Stream Flood Advisory For… Southern Delaware County… Northern Sullivan County… * Until 5:45 PM EDT * At 119 PM EDT…Doppler Radar Indicated Heavy Rain Was Falling…And Will Result In Minor Flooding Of Small Streams…Creeks And Poor Drainage Areas. * Locations In The Advisory Include But Are Not Limited To Liberty. Thunderstorms With Torrential Rainfall Will Continue To Track Across Northern Sullivan County And Far Southern Delaware County. Heavy Rainfall Will Cause Ponding Of Water On Roadways…Road Washouts And Flooding Of Poor Drainage Areas. Small Streams Will Rise Rapidly.
Excessive Runoff From Heavy Rainfall Will Cause Elevated Levels On Small Creeks And Streams…And Ponding Of Water In Urban Areas… Highways…Streets And Underpasses As Well As Other Poor Drainage Areas And Low Lying Spots.
Posted in Comments on July 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Issued By: NWS Storm Prediction Center (Storm Prediction Center – Norman, Oklahoma)
Affected Jurisdictions: Albany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Watch 384 Is In Effect Until 700 PM EDT For The Following Locations NY: New York Counties Included Are Albany, Broome, Chemung Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton Herkimer Madison Montgomery Oneida Onondaga Otsego Rensselaer Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Sullivan Tioga Tompkins Ulster Warren Washington
Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV Station for more information.
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The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Tornado Warning for: 
Central Sullivan County in Central New York.
If you are in the path of this tornado, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room, away from windows.
During:
WatchWarning
This is issued when a tornado is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or sighted by spotters; therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. They can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect. They are usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes. A Tornado Warning is issued by your local National Weather Service office (NWFO). It will include where the tornado was located and what towns will be in its path. If the tornado will affect the nearshore or coastal waters, it will be issued as the combined product–Tornado Warning and Special Marine Warning. If the thunderstorm which is causing the tornado is also producing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning. If there is an ampersand (&) symbol at the bottom of the warning, it indicates that the warning was issued as a result of a severe weather report. After it has been issued, the affected NWFO will followed it up periodically with Severe Weather Statements. These statements will contain updated information on the tornado and they will also let the public know when warning is no longer in effect. Source: weather.gov
Posted in Comments on July 1, 2014| Leave a Comment »
NEW YORK STATE (July 30, 2014) – New York State retained its position as the second highest producer of maple syrup in the country in 2014, producing 546,000 gallons of maple syrup with 2.2 million taps, according to the 
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Due to the hard work of the state’s dedicated maple producers, this is the third best year for maple production in the past 20 years.
"This is another banner year for New York’s maple producers, who have again proven that our state’s agricultural industry ranks among the best in the nation for turning out high-quality products," Governor Cuomo said. "I offer my congratulations to our maple producers on this significant accomplishment, and encourage all New Yorkers to sample some of the world-class items that our local vendors have to offer."
The state’s maple industry had many challenges this year after the long, cold months of February and March, which produced several periods of time where no production took place. This was a concern for producers using older technology of buckets and gravity tubing, because as sap production ceased during the winter, tapholes closed and sap stopped running. Producers using newer vacuum tubing were able to keep the tapholes healthy and functioning, thus enabling them to produce maple syrup over the entire season.
New York State maple products, including syrups and creams, can be found at Taste NY stores on the New York State Thruway and the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill located on the Taconic State Parkway. They are also prominently featured at Taste NY events throughout the state, which enable maple producers to gain exposure to their products and increase their sales. Many maple producers carry the Pride of NY label on their products, which can be located at various grocery stores and farmers’ markets, promoting the fact that they are a New York agricultural product.
The New York State Maple Producers Association’s maple center is located in the Horticulture Building at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, which takes place from August 21 through September 1. The wood surrounding the maple center comes from a maple tree that was once tapped for syrup. This year, the Association plans to feature a working tubing system with water (representing sap) flowing through clear sap lines into a releaser. The releaser will periodically fill and dump, creating noise and a splash. The Association is also designing a cutaway of a tree to show how the sap flows up and down in the maple tree as the temperature changes.
For more information about maple in New York State, please visit www.nysmaple.com.
Posted in Comments on June 30, 2014| Leave a Comment »
LIBERTY, NY (June 30, 2014) – The 21st Annual Liberty Festival and 
Parade will be held on Friday, July 4 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a Classic Car and Truck Show (sponsored by Immaculate Car Concepts) behind the Liberty Public Library. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. there will be entertainment on the Main Stage by the Carl Richards Band with Mr. Phil plus Jeremy Langdale & Zerena Young, Pamela Murphy and the Hudson Valley Fine Arts Singers.
The Parade will kick off at 12:05 p.m. on Main Street.
Special guest appearances by Mark-The-Polka-Guy throughout the day, and games and bouncy houses by Partymaster all day long, plus food, games, face painting, vendors and fun.
If you want to take part in the car show, call 845-295-0300.
Plus there will be an Art-Picnic for all ages. Find your creative side with Paulina in front of Main St. Stage from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
The Liberty Festival and Parade is sponsored by the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce. For more information 845-292-9797 or go to www.LibertyNYChamber.com, write to info@LibertyNYChamber.com
Posted in Comments on June 29, 2014| Leave a Comment »
NEW YORK STATE (June 29, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced a three-point plan to “bend the curve” and decrease new HIV i
nfections to the point where the number of people living with HIV in New York State is reduced for the first time. The end of the AIDS epidemic in New York will occur when the total number of new HIV infections has fallen below the number of HIV-related deaths.
The “Bending the Curve” three-point program includes:
1. Identifying persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and linking them to health care;
2. Linking and retaining persons diagnosed with HIV to health care and getting them on anti-HIV therapy to maximize HIV virus suppression so they remain healthy and prevent further transmission; and
3. Providing access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk persons to keep them HIV negative.
"Thirty years ago, New York was the epicenter of the AIDS crisis — today I am proud to announce that we are in a position to be the first state in the nation committed to ending this epidemic,” said Governor Cuomo. “New York State has reached an important milestone in controlling the AIDS epidemic, and through this comprehensive strategy, we are decreasing new HIV infections to the point where by 2020, the number of persons living with HIV in New York State will be reduced for the first time.”
The first report of AIDS occurred 33 years ago on Thursday, July 3, 1981, with some of the first AIDS cases occurring in New York. The momentum to bring the HIV/AIDS epidemic to a close already exists in New York State. New York has eliminated HIV transmission via blood products; virtually ended mother to child HIV transmission; and decreased new HIV diagnoses due to injection drug use by 96% since the mid-1990s.
While the nation as a whole has seen no decrease in the number of HIV diagnoses, over the last decade, New York State has achieved a 40 percent reduction in new HIV cases and significant decreases in HIV incidence across all categories of race, ethnicity, gender, age, and risk. Although the number of new HIV infections has been declining for a number of years, the total number of New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS has continued to increase. This is because people with HIV can now live a normal life span and the number of HIV/AIDS deaths is also decreasing.
In 2014, there were 3,000 newly diagnosed HIV infections, down from 14,000 newly diagnosed AIDS cases in 1993. The goal is to reduce the number of new HIV infections to just 750 by 2020; about the same as the number of tuberculosis cases in New York State each year.
“Bending the Curve” will precipitate a dramatic downward trend in new HIV infections beyond the current trend. Though this effort will result in increased HIV medication expenses, it is well worth the investment given the human cost, and over time the initiative will pay for itself. Each averted HIV infection saves almost $400,000 in lifetime medical costs, and by 2020, “Bending the Curve” will save the State an additional $317 million and prevent more than 3,400 new cases of HIV.
This plan would not have been possible without the support of our legislative leaders, and several key policies in support of “Bending the Curve” have already been enacted this year in the budget, including:
• The removal of the requirement for written informed consent to get an HIV test, allowing HIV tests to be ordered through a verbal consent like any other medical test.
• Allowing data collected by the health department to be shared with health care providers to find persons with HIV who have fallen out of care.
• A 30% cap of the proportion of an HIV patient’s income that can be spent on rent, keeping persons with HIV stably housed, which improves their ability to stay on their medication.
Additionally, the New York State Department of Health Medicaid Program has successfully negotiated supplemental rebates with the three pharmaceutical companies representing 70% of the HIV market, AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Gilead; this agreement will further decrease the costs to the state for ensuring all HIV-infected persons are on appropriate medications. Additional pharmaceutical companies may join the agreement.
Posted in Comments on June 26, 2014| Leave a Comment »
NEW YORK STATE (June 26, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that New York State has been awarded a $6,175,000 federal grant 
to help unemployed individuals re-enter the workforce. The Job-Driven National Emergency Grant program, administered by the State Department of Labor, will fund training programs for unemployed workers for jobs in high-demand industries. Since October 2010, New York State grant awards totaling $9.8 million in on-the-job training funds have helped 688 businesses hire and train 1,432 workers.
“Helping the unemployed find jobs is one of my administration’s top priorities, and this funding will go a long way to boosting our efforts and putting New Yorkers back to work,” Governor Cuomo said. “We’ve seen the success that job training programs have in terms of strengthening the State’s workforce and connecting job-seekers with businesses looking to hire, and I am excited to continue those efforts and create new opportunities for New Yorkers.”
The grant will create and expand business partnerships and fund on-the-job training, apprenticeships and customized training that only a business can supply. The grant will also fund job placement services to help connect unemployed individuals to available jobs. The State Labor Department will target funds to re-employ the long-term unemployed, unemployment beneficiaries likely to exhaust benefits, veterans and foreign-trained immigrant worker populations.
State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera said, “By supporting work-based training models in high-demand sectors, this funding will best serve the skills needs of businesses and help address barriers to re-employment. I encourage all businesses to learn more about how they can take advantage of this great financial assistance.”
The grant will complement the Governor’s Unemployment Strikeforce, a new multi-pronged campaign announced in May, to target areas of the state with the highest unemployment rates and boost employment. In partnership with the State Department of Labor, Empire State Development and other public and private partners, the campaign will strategically augment services in Bronx, Jefferson, Lewis and Kings counties through the end of 2014.
The Department of Labor connects businesses to talented workers and available hiring incentives. Any business looking to hire should call 1-888-4-NYSDOL or visit www.labor.ny.gov/hire.
Anyone looking for a job should visit their nearest Department of Labor Career Center, which can be found here: www.labor.ny.gov/career-center-locator
Posted in Comments on June 25, 2014| Leave a Comment »
LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (June 16, 2014) – There are seven Sullivan County Women Who Make a Difference honorees this year.
According to the SUNY Sullivan Foundation, the women will be recognized in six categories for their contributions to the Sullivan County community, and will be celebrated during a ceremony and cocktail reception to be held at BHR in Rock Hill.
The 2014 categories & honorees are:
Higher Education: Lisa Lindquist, former professor, SUNY Sullivan division of Liberal Arts and Humanities
Healthcare: Dr. Katherine Seibert, Oncology, Hudson Valley Healthcare
Law Enforcement: Sgt. Cheryl Crumley, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department
Volunteerism: Hon. Josephine V. Finn, Monticello Village Justice; Former SUNY Sullivan Trustee; founder, D.R.E.A.M. Tank; NYS Board of Regents
Pay it Forward: Glorianne Ellison and Kara Passante, Founders of Ride to Survive Sullivan County
Tourism Development: Roberta Byron Lockwood (photo), CEO, Sullivan County Visitor’s Association
The ceremony and cocktail reception to honor these women will take place on Thursday, August 21 at 5:30 p.m. at BHR (Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant) in Rock Hill, NY.
The event is open to the public by reservation, and the cost is $50.00 per person. Reservations can be made by contacting Hillary Egeland at SUNY Sullivan at 845-434-5700, ext. 4377 no later than August 18.
(Carol Montana, photo)
The Catskill Chronicle 
Free Invasive Species Info & I.D. Available by Cornell Cooperative Extension
Posted in Comments on July 9, 2014| 1 Comment »
LIBERTY, NY (July 9, 2014) – Invasive species affect all New Yorkers – from hikers to highway personnel, from birders to boaters, and from farmers to
foresters. The mission of the New York Invasive Species Awareness Week (July 6 – 12, 2014) is to promote knowledge and understanding of invasive species to help stop their spread by engaging citizens in a wide range of activities across the state and encouraging them to take action. Information and free identification services for potential early detection species is available through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty. Community members are urged to contact the CCE Master Gardener (MG) Volunteers if they suspect to have found an invasive species on their property or anywhere in the region.
“Certain species should not be handled so it’s
always important to contact our office first when you think you’ve found an invasive species,” said Susan Dollard, MG Coordinator.
The CCE Sullivan County MG Volunteers will be available at a table with educational information on Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Rock Hill Farmers’ Market located at 223 Rock Hill Drive in Rock Hill, NY. More information about invasive species or horticulture in general can be obtained by calling the MG helpline at 845-292-6180 Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9 am to noon, or emailing scmghelpline@cornell.edu.
A calendar of events on invasive species education can be found at: http://www.nyis.info/blog/events/.
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