The Catskill Chronicle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Over 200 jobs available!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Kenneth Walter, photo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fanslau again urges Residents and Visitors to vote for Roscoe as Ultimate Fishing Town – First Round of Voting ends May 3rd

ROSCOE, NY (April 28, 2011) – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau is urging and reminding all Sullivan County residents and visitors to support the County’s tourism and economy by voting in an online contest to have Roscoe, New York named as the Ultimate Fishing Town. 

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

“It is up to all of us to help determine the Top 20 towns in the Ultimate Fishing Town contest,” said Fanslau. “Everyone is urged to vote often before the first round of voting is over. The deadline is May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. The Top 20 Towns will be revealed on May 10 when the final round of voting starts.”

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

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

You can vote four times per day at http://www.wfnfishingtown.com/vote-view.php

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$500 Scholarships Available to Women of All Ages

MONTICELLO, NY (April 28, 2011) – Applications for their Annual Scholarship Program are being accepted by The Professional Women of Sullivan County (PWSC).

$500 scholarships will be given to five high school seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university in the Fall of 2011. Preference will be given to youth who demonstrate strong academic achievement, well-rounded extracurricular activities and a demonstrated commitment to community service and civic engagement.

The organization is also giving out $500 scholarships to mature women who are returning to education after several (or many) years away. These applicants may be current students, or students who have been accepted for enrollment in a college or university in the Fall 2011. The PWSC would like to honor the courage and determination of women who have overcome adverse situations, and are pursuing additional education as a means of bettering their lives and the future for their families.

All applicants must be full-time residents of Sullivan County, and all high school seniors must attend one of the eight high schools in Sullivan County.

All applications are due by no later than May 20, 2011.

For more information about the scholarship program, or to obtain an application, please contact Scholarship Committee Chair Alexis Eggleton at alexis@bgcorange.org or 845-342-8836.

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About the Professional Women of Sullivan County

Formally known as Catskill Mountain BPW, Professional Women of Sullivan County is a member organization of New York State Women, Inc. and strives “To build powerful women professionally, personally, politically through advocacy, education and information.”

The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at locations throughout Sullivan County. To obtain more information about the organization, please contact Heather Worzel at hworzel@jeffbank.com.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 27, 2011) – In the accompanying photo, Lion Manny Pardo, NYS and Bermuda Lions Foundation Trustee presents a grant of $2,900.00 to Irene O’Leary, President of the Bethel Lions Club. 

Four Lions Clubs: Bethel, Fallsburg, Town of Highland and Liberty contributed matching funds for the grant which will pay for a SEE (screening eyes early) camera. 

This special camera will be used to test the eyes of Sullivan County children up to 5 years of age. 

Also present at the presentation were Ilene Wizwer, President of Fallsburg Lions and Larysa Dyrszka, Zone Chair.

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CALLICOON, NY (April 27, 2011) – WJFF 90.5 Radio Catskill in Jeffersonville, NY and Catskill Harvest Market have teamed up to produce “Foodstock,” a festival of fine local foods and wines, on Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Villa Roma Resort’s Tennis Building in Callicoon, New York.

“We’ve assembled over fifty different purveyors from across the region and both sides of the river,” said WJFF Station Manager Winston Clark. “Guests at ‘Foodstock’ will be feasting on an incredible array of local foods and wines.”

Farmers, producers and growers of all kinds will be represented at “Foodstock,” as well as local restaurants, bakeries, wineries and distributors. Each will offer samples of their products for guests to taste, and everything will be available for purchase. Restaurants will be offering a taste of their signature dish.

“There will be fresh produce of all kinds, amazing baked goods, homemade jams and preserves, meats and smoked meats and fish, maple products, incredible desserts, sausages, sauces and pestos, fudge and cheeses, and an array of locally-produced wines,” said Clark.

A video of last year’s “Foodstock,” along with a complete list of vendors for “Foodstock” and directions to the event are available at WJFF’s website, www.wjffradio.org.

“Foodstock” is a benefit for WJFF, a not-for-profit community radio station and NPR affiliate.

Tickets for “Foodstock,” at $20 with wine and $15 without, are available by calling WJFF at 845-482-4141. Advance purchase is recommended to guarantee admission as space is limited. Vendors wishing to participate should call WJFF.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 26, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity of Sullivan County is now accepting applications for their next house. The house will be constructed on a parcel of land which was donated to the organization by Elizabeth Keybl, a former county resident and an active Habitat volunteer in the State of Florida. The lot is just outside the hamlet of South Fallsburg in a quiet residential neighborhood. It is in the Fallsburg School District.

For this house, Sullivan County Habitat will be promoting sustainable building practices by using the latest in environmental design, thereby reducing partner family expenses and lessening environmental impact. A construction committee headed by Bert Echt and Stephen Stuart are being assisted in design by local architects Michael Chojnicki and Buck Morehead.

The Family selection Committee, chaired by Anne Solenski of White Lake, has prepared information packets and is making those packets available to local libraries, places of worship and not-for-profit agencies. Information is also available on the organizations website www.sullivancountyhabitat.com.

Applicants are encouraged to call or e-mail for additional information at 845-791-8305 or schabitat@gmail.com.

The deadline for applications is May 16, 2011.

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WASHINGTON, DC (April 25, 2011) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s (D-NY) Facebook page is now hosting the artwork of nearly 30 local high school students who have entered the 2011 Congressional Art Competition. Over the course of the next week, Facebook fans can help choose a finalist for the competition by giving the thumbs up to artwork they "like." Voting will continue throughout the week, and a Facebook finalist will be chosen on Monday, May 2nd at noon. The finalist in the Facebook portion of the competition will then go head to head against finalists selected from each of Congressman Hinchey’s district offices. A winner will be announced on May 10th. To receive continual updates on the competition, Facebook users can like Congressman Hinchey’s page by visiting www.facebook.com/mauricehinchey.

"Students from Pine Bush to Johnson City have submitted some really incredible artwork," said Hinchey. "Everyone should take a look at the gallery on my official Facebook page. It showcases the talents of the youth from throughout the congressional district I represent. One of these pieces will soon be hanging in the halls of Congress."

In March, Hinchey announced the beginning of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all students in grades 9-12 who either reside or attend high school in New York’s 22nd Congressional District. The first place winner will have his or her artwork publicly displayed on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC for one year. The deadline for submissions in this year’s competition has passed, but those wishing to participate in future competitions can learn more by visiting http://hinchey.house.gov/art.

Top piece submitted by Nick, a student at Windsor High School. Artwork above submitted by Hope, a student at Pine Bush High School.

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Crowds gathered to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Federation for the Homeless. Pictured with scissors, Steve White, Executive Director of Federation for the Homeless and to his right, Dawn Ryder, Leadership student who coordinated this project.

MONTICELLO, NY – April 24, 2011 – The Leadership Sullivan Class of 2011 with the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless and the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation recently held a Grand  Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Leadership Sullivan Computer Center at the Federation for the Homeless.

This event took place on Wednesday, April 13 at the Federation for the Homeless located in Monticello, NY.

More than fifty friends, colleagues, volunteers, Leadership students, Foundation, and Chamber Board members attended.

Free classes have already begun. The center will provide the community with the ability to access services online such as the Monticello school website, Medicare, Medicaid, social and health services. The Computer Lab will be open for independent use during non-class hours as well.

To date, the classes offered are: Introduction to the Internet and Introduction to Microsoft Office Word. On April 27 additional classes will be offered including: Introduction to Microsoft Office Excel and, on the same day, Introduction to the Internet.

For more information about the Center and classes, please contact Steve White or Esther at 794-2604.

Leadership Sullivan is a program of the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation.

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Congressman Will Continue to Work While Receiving Treatment, Doctors Expect Full Recovery

WASHINGTON, DC (April 23, 2011) – Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey (D-NY) announced yesterday that he is being treated for a curable form of colon cancer and has begun receiving a course of treatment that doctors expect to result in a full recovery. Hinchey will maintain a regular work schedule while he undergoes care.

The congressman is receiving radiation treatment at Ulster Radiation Oncology Center in Kingston, New York. He will subsequently have surgery at Albany Medical Center during the congressional recess period in June followed by a brief course of chemotherapy. Hinchey will work and travel to Washington, DC for votes throughout the entire course of treatment.

The following is a statement from Dr. Randall Rissman of Woodstock, New York who is overseeing the congressman’s entire course of treatment:

“This is a curable form of colon cancer. I expect Mr. Hinchey to respond extremely well to the course of treatment we’ve developed for him and that he’ll make a full recovery. He is very fortunate that this was diagnosed early and that it did not spread beyond the colon. Mr. Hinchey is otherwise in excellent physical condition, which will greatly aid his recovery.

“Mr. Hinchey will be able to maintain a full congressional schedule while he undergoes treatment. I also fully expect his surgery to be straightforward and have complete confidence that Mr. Hinchey will make a full recovery and be cancer-free.”

(Carol Montana, photo)

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Kingston, NY (April 21, 2011) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement applauding New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman’s pledge to pursue legal action if the Delaware River Basin Commission does not commit to conducting a full environmental review of hydraulic fracturing before finalizing regulations to allow new gas drilling in the Delaware River Basin.

Hinchey is a co-chair of the Congressional Delaware River Task Force, author of the FRAC Act and the legislative language that initiated a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study on hydraulic fracturing.

"Attorney General Schneiderman is right to call for an environmental review of the hydraulic fracturing regulations proposed by the Delaware River Basin Commission.

"For years, I have been advising the DRBC to undertake a cumulative environmental impact study prior to the issuance of regulations. Now the commission may face legal action as a result of its failure to undertake this study.

"The DRBC should suspend their rulemaking process and initiate an environmental impact study along the lines of what the Attorney General and I have requested."

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LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (April 20, 2011) – When New Hope Community decided to hold a golf tournament on May 23, 2011 at the “Big G” of Grossinger’s in Liberty, they titled it “The First Annual Wallace Berkowitz Cup.”

People associated with New Hope, local business people, and many others will recognize the name of the honoree as a dedicated humanitarian and a brilliant businessman.

"Family was at the heart of who he was, and everything else flowed from that," according to Dale Berkowitz, the youngest of his three daughters. Wally was a true renaissance man –he loved to travel, seek knowledge, and forever tinker with mechanical objects such as his extensive collection of antique clocks.

Wally Berkowitz never wanted to be in the limelight. As a matter of fact, he would be in vociferous objection to holding a golf tournament named after him. “His plan was for others to succeed,” said Zane Morganstein, long-time friend and business colleague at Associated Mutual Insurance Company in Woodridge.

New Hope’s Executive Secretary Mrs. Louise Domingo echoed this sentiment: “Wally Berkowitz never wanted any publicity or acknowledgment for what he did.” During her tenure note-taking for the Board when they both arrived in 1989, she watched him grow in his work from Member to Chair from 1994 to 2004. She observed how he respected everyone during the meetings and made sure that all opinions were not only voiced, but heard.

The person that best knows the difference Wally Berkowitz made at New Hope is its founder, Daniel Berkowicz. He became friends with Wally in the early 1970’s just prior to his creation of the facility. In 1989 when the opening on the Board became available, Dan and good friend, Cissy Blumberg, both thought that Wally would be a great addition because of his understanding of financial challenges and his “good heart.”

In the next thirteen years, New Hope’s founder watched with pride as Wally offered his skills as “a diplomat, an accountant, and, most of all, as a human being.” He gained the respect of all families by his perfect balance of sensitivity and keeping a focus on the need for growth in the community.

Surely, Wally Berkowitz, who also loved sports and was a fine athlete as a youth, would be at the first tee of The Wallace Berkowitz Cup on May 23, shuddering at seeing his name on a banner at Grossinger’s Golf Course.

His supportive spirit will always be a part of New Hope’s efforts, and we can be sure he would be encouraging his family, friends, business associates, and neighbors in the Sullivan County community and beyond to play in the tournament, attend the awards ceremony and dinner and to sponsor a variety of opportunities to make this event special.

You can honor Wallace Berkowitz’s memory and support New Hope Community while having fun. Journal sponsorships are available, too. Call Briana Wood, Community Development Associate, at 845-434-8300, ext. 308.

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Residents and visitors urged to support County’s tourism – vote for Roscoe as Ultimate Fishing Town

ROSCOE, NY (April 19, 2011) – Sullivan County Manager David P. Fanslau is urging Sullivan County residents to support the County’s tourism and economy by voting in an online contest to have Roscoe, New York named as the Ultimate Fishing Town. 

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

The following link may be used to vote for Roscoe:  http://www.wfnfishingtown.com/vote-view.php.

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

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

As this article was posted, Roscoe is in second place, a mere 547 votes behind the leader.

You are allowed to vote four times per day.

Voting Block One
12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Voting Block Two
6:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Voting Block Three
12:01 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Voting Block Four
6:01 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The First Round of voting concludes May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.

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Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro

HORTONVILLE, NY (April 18, 2011) – In its silver anniversary year, the Hortonville Talent Show raised close to $1000 for the Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity during a fun evening on Saturday, April 9. The range and level of talent rivals any talent show currently on television.

Organized by Kathy Aleschus and Jane Orcutt (photo right), who also acts as accompanist, this year’s show featured 17 acts and was standing room only at the Hortonville Presbyterian Church. One of the biggest crowds ever to see the marvelous group of local talent.

Young and old alike took part with acts that ranged from violin solos to comedy, and from spirituals to country and western music.

Emceed for the past 24 years by local celebrity (and comedian), Richard Ross (photo left), everyone wins at the Hortonville Talent Show.

The three “celebrity” judges were Leni Santoro – local photographer and writer, Minnette Kramer – legislative aide to Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, and Carol Montana – editor of The Catskill Chronicle. And this year, the certificates were “fancified” by local calligrapher (and husband to one of the judges) Larry Kramer.

The judges were tasked, not with choosing first, second or third place winners, but in coming up with creative (and hopefully funny) certificates of merit with titles that matched the performances.

Some of this year’s performers included Joe Careri, who, in honor of his Frank Sinatra-style  performance won the “Oh! Frankie! Award”; Amelia Brooks (photo right) who soloed on both the piano and violin – “The Amazing Amelia Award”; the Sturbridge Lions Quartet (who tried to bribe the judges with a paltry dollar each) – “The Sweetest Harmony Award"; and Joe Hoffsommer (photo at left) who played the pen (that’s right, the pen!) –what else but “The Pentabulous Award.”

Not to be outdone, organizer Kathy Aleschus teamed up with perennial favorite Ken Rodgers to do a hilarious skit about the Grisly Cannibal Cafe, which featured all sorts of roadkill and “gourmet” dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The two (photo left) won the “Don’t Go to the Cafe Award.”

To find out more information about Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity, contact them by mail at: Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 695, Harris, NY 12742; phone: 845-791-8305 or by e-mail at SCHabitat@gmail.com.

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MONTICELLO, NY (April 15, 2011) – The Monticello Rotary Club recently held a three-day weekend Rotary Interact International Student Exchange Program.

This annual event featured a special evening at The Museum at Bethel Woods followed by dinner at Benji and Jakes in Kauneonga Lake, NY.

On Saturday afternoon, students enjoyed soccer and other sports at the Villa Roma Resort and an evening party at the home of one of the Monticello Rotarians, Les (and Amy) Kristt. The weekend culminated with a Sunday brunch at River Edge Restaurant (photo left) where the Rotary International students each gave a short presentation to Rotarians and Interact students.

Currently, Monticello Interact Club has 25 students with two advisors, Jacob Lerner (a Rotarian) and Lori Kilgore (Art Teacher at Monticello High). Interact Club President Taylor Reardon, who is a Senior this year summed up her thoughts about the weekend. “Everyone may say we live in a small word but until they experience the Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Weekend, they won’t realize that our world is full of different cultures and lives that are not so small.”

She continued, “In 3 days we became so close and formed a sisterhood… the ‘sassy’ sisters, as we called ourselves, will always have each other no matter how far away.”

Helen Diehl, the Youth Exchange Chair for Monticello Rotary added, “For all the years I have been chairing this weekend, I have never seen the Interact and youth exchange students open up to each other and bond as they did this year. This is what Rotary teaches us; that when we get to truly know people of different cultures we find that we are really very much alike, experience the same challenges, and have very similar feelings. It is this understanding that leads to a smaller and hopefully a more peaceful world.”

This year’s Rotary International students who were involved in this weekend represented numerous countries including France, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Thailand and Switzerland.

For more information about Rotary International log on to: http://www.rotary.org.

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HARRIS, NY (April 15, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals.

The accreditation award recognizes CRMC’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s standards.

CRMC underwent a rigorous, unannounced on-site survey in December 2010. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated CRMC for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

The accreditation applies to all CRMC locations and divisions, including the main Harris campus, Grover M. Hermann Hospital in Callicoon, the Skilled Nursing Unit and primary care locations throughout Sullivan County.

The Joint Commission’s hospital standards address important functions relating to patient care and hospital management. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.

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

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WASHINGTON, DC (April 14, 2011) – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today joined with a bipartisan coalition of Senators to announce the introduction of a bill to protect military funerals from disruption by outside groups.

The bipartisan legislation would amend existing federal laws to help prevent disruptions at military funerals.

The Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans, or “SERVE” Act (S.815), defines the time and place for protests at funerals, and it provides clear remedies and increased penalties when conduct at military funeral services is not protected by the First Amendment.

Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) introduced the measure with Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dan Coats (R-IN), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Harry Reid (D-NV), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

“Our men and women in uniform bravely put everything on the line for our country. It is our duty to provide service members and their families with the support they need while deployed overseas and after they have returned home,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “This common sense legislation will ensure our heroes are buried with the honor and dignity they deserve.”

Specifically, the SERVE Act would increase the quiet time before and after military funeral services from 60 minutes to 120 minutes; increase from 150 feet to 300 feet the buffer around a military funeral service and increase from 300 feet to 500 feet the buffer around access routes to a funeral service area; and increase civil penalties on violators.

The military support groups and organizations supporting the SERVE Act include the Gold Star Wives of America, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, the Marine Corps League, the Military Officers Association of America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc: “Several of our members have been forced to endure these unseemly, irreverent protests at the funerals of their beloved fallen spouse. Losing a beloved husband or wife is traumatic enough without also having to endure these protestors and their nasty signs and obnoxious behavior. We fully support the proposed Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act and we are grateful that you have proposed this legislation.”

Military Order of the Purple Heart: "The Military Order of the Purple Heart totally agrees with Senator Snowe that the families of our military should only have to deal with the burial of their fallen loved one and not with protestors who would intrude upon this most solemn occasion."

Non Commissioned Officers Association: “The disruption and protest rallies targeting military funerals dishonors the military service of those whose uniformed service has guaranteed the freedoms enjoyed by all citizens.  The proposed legislation further correctly asserts that such demonstrations negatively impact the recruitment of people by the Armed Forces and militia employed in service to the United States. The Non Commissioned Officers Association strongly supports your legislation that will ensure the privacy and dignity of military funerals.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars: “…the VFW fully supports legislative and community efforts to ensure the right to free speech does not trump a family’s right to mourn in private. Those who would use the First Amendment as both a shield and a sword need to have limits on such abuse. Thank you, on behalf of all 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and our Auxiliaries, for stepping forward and leading the charge.”

Background: The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Snyder v Phelps involving the Snyder family and the Westboro Baptist Church underscored the need for more definitive language in federal law guiding when and where disruptions at military funerals can take place, while still respecting the ability of a family to lay a lost loved one to rest.

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HARRIS, NY (April 13, 2011) – The Greater Hudson Valley Health System announced today the resignation of Steve Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medial Center (CRMC).

Effective today, Greater Hudson Valley Health System President & CEO Scott Batulis will be at the hospital to work with CRMC’s senior management team to ensure a smooth transition. Shortly thereafter, CRMC’s Board of Directors will announce the appointment of an interim CEO while a national search is conducted for a replacement.

Batulis said “Steve has been a wonderful asset to our organization and has led us through a difficult period in CRMC’s history. When Steve joined us almost four years ago, the hospital had just undergone layoffs and was facing significant financial challenges. During his tenure, Steve helped restore CRMC’s credibility in the community and achieve financial and operational stability. CRMC is a vital resource for our community and we look forward to its continued growth and success.”

Under Ruwoldt’s leadership, CRMC:

– Improved its financial performance, from a $6 million loss in 2006 to a $2.4 million profit in 2010

– Launched a $6 million Emergency Department expansion project

– Became the lead agency for the Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County, thereby saving the program from closure

– Opened the Livingston Manor Family Health Center and Callicoon Family Health Center, providing primary care services to northern and western Sullivan County

– Modernized and upgraded facilities at the Harris campus

– Addressed quality issues and enhanced staff education

– Promoted community/hospital involvement and communication

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

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LIBERTY, NY (April 11, 2011) – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, working in conjunction with Cornell University, will be presenting a program on natural gas development on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 starting at 11:00 a.m.

The program is intended for farmers and large landowners who are seeking to better understand and manage natural resource development on their properties. Among the topics to be discussed include: status of natural gas development in New York; potential social and economic impacts; agricultural impacts; leasing issues to consider and the implications for farmland conservation.

The presenter will be Ken Smith of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County. Ken has a strong educational and professional background in natural resources management. He is a member of the Natural Gas Task Force Working Group of Cornell University and the Natural Gas Ad Hoc Advisory Committee of Chenango County.

To register or for additional information contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County at 845-292-6180. A workshop fee of $5 will be charged to offset the cost of handouts and refreshments.

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LIBERTY, NY (April 11, 2011) – Young poultry project enthusiasts, ages 5 to 18, have an opportunity to show their animals at the Sullivan County Youth Fair in August.

The 4-H Connects workshop on April 15, 2011 will outline the basic steps from selection of the birds and completing the registration paperwork to showmanship tips for exhibitors. All interested youth are invited to attend.

Mr. Larry Bracken, Youth Fair Superintendent, Poultry Department will be joined by the 4-Hers in his family in making the presentation. They will be bringing a variety of birds and chicks to show.

The April 15 workshop begins 6:30 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County office on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

This workshop for youth is free and is open to the public. For more information about the workshop, the 4-H Youth Development Program, or how youth can participate in the Sullivan County Youth Fair please contact Marylin Russell at 845-292-6180 or mlr34@cornell.edu.

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CLARYVILLE, NY (April 10, 2011) – On Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Frost Valley YMCA is encouraging all kids and parents in Sullivan and Ulster counties to come to the Y for a play date and commit to being active every day.

It’s all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ – the nation’s largest health day for families. The free event will take place at Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville, NY from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and feature activities such as rock climbing, hikes, Zumba class and drug-dog demonstrations.

As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits to kids and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity. At a time when one in three children in the United States are overweight or obese (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), developing healthier habits that include increased physical activity is more important than ever.

As part of Healthy Kids Day, the Y encourages families to make play dates everyday as a simple way to become healthier, more active and connected. The Frost Valley YMCA recommends five simple activities families can do to play together:

1. Schedule a Game Night: Play games with the kids that incorporate physical activity, such as Charades.

2. Dance, Dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance! Make this activity more fun with a dance contest.

3. Go Riding: Find a new bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors; grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.

4. Channel Your Inner Youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kid(s) and play them together.

5. Play Outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.

Frost Valley YMCA is proud to host representatives from a variety of local health and wellness organizations, including Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, EPIC, Sullivan County Health Services, Claryville Fire Department, Ulster County K-9 unit, and Operation Safe Child who will be leading demonstrations, creating ID cards, and facilitating fun activities that teach a healthy lifestyle. They are also there as a resource to parents.

Nationally, Healthy Kids Day is supported nationally by the Dodge brand, PepsiCo and Sam’s Club.

For information please call 845-985-2291, e-mail: info@frostvalley.org or visit: www.FrostValley.org. Keep up with daily happenings at Frost Valley on twitter at twitter.com/frostvalley.            

Frost Valley YMCA is eight miles from Claryville and 14 miles from Big Indian in the Catskill Mountain High Peaks. It¹s open every day through four seasons, welcoming school children, family, group and business retreats every week from September through June. The camp is just 2.5 hours drive from metro NY/NJ and about 1 hour from Kingston.

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LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (April 8, 2011) – The annual Earth Day takes place on April 22. In consideration of Earth Day and our relationship with the planet, Livingston Manor will be the place for a series of free events and films.

On Thursday, April 21, enjoy a discussion on electric vehicles with Looking at the Future of Energy Efficient Transportation With an Emphasis on Electric Vehicles and Dual-Mode Transportation, a presentation at the Livingston Manor Library by John Conway. The lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m.

If America’s Main Streets are to evolve, so must the vehicles that will travel those Main Streets. These vehicles must be designed to function as instruments of social change, and must be designed in the context of a society that is undergoing profound changes. They must be an important segment of a paradigm shift as "social products" designed to be an integral part of our daily lives. They must be compatible with our needs, our society and become a positive contribution to the sustainability of our environment. This presentation will look at electric vehicles and dual mode transportation as key elements of a new transportation paradigm in America.

John Conway has been the Sullivan County Historian since 1993 and has written seven books and more than a thousand newspaper columns on that subject, but he is also one of the Northeast’s leading experts on alternative fuel transportation. He owns and operates BUZZ Equipment Company with his brother, specializing in the sale, repair, and design of alternative fuel vehicles and battery technology. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and he speaks often throughout the region on sustainable transportation. 

The Livingston Manor Library is located at 92 Main Street, across from the firehouse. For more information call 845-439-5440.

On Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. – Noon, be a part of the Garden Prep crew in Pearl
Street Community Garden, a beautiful community space along the Little Beaverkill River.

Gardening gloves, trowels and shovels will be available, but please bring your own if you have them. Experienced gardeners will be on hand to share tips and tales while you work. The garden is located on Pearl Street, on the block between the stoplight on Main Street and the blinking light at Rock Avenue.

Also on April 23, Morgan Outdoors will host a free public screening of two acclaimed films apropos to Earth Day: Winged Migration and A Sense of Wonder.

At 3:00 p.m., children and adults will enjoy Winged Migration, an Academy Award-nominated film that opens eyes to the wonders of the natural world as viewers fly along with the world’s most gorgeous birds over Paris and New York to the Arctic and Amazon. Come in for a short segment or stay for
the whole film. 89 Minutes. Suggested for age 7 and up.

At 4:30 p.m., enjoy the compelling short film A Sense of Wonder – Rachel Carson’s Love of the Natural World and her Fight to Defend It. Carson, a pioneering environmentalist, published Silent Spring in 1962 and the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political maelstrom. In A Sense of Wonder, actress Kaiulani Lee portrays Carson in the final year of her life as she emerges as America’s most successful advocate for the natural world. 55 minutes.

Morgan Outdoors is located at 46 Main Street, Livingston Manor. For more information about the Garden Prep or films, call Lisa at 845-439 5507.

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WASHINGTON, DC (April 8, 2011) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey released the following press statement regarding the impending shutdown of the Federal government as of midnight tonight if a budget compromise is not reached:

“My staff and I are working hard to avoid a shutdown of our government, and we are prepared to answer any questions you may have should a shutdown occur. If you need assistance or encounter any problems in dealing with federal agencies or parts of the federal government during a shutdown, please feel free to contact my offices and we will do the best we can to help.

“In the event of a shutdown, many critical services like Social Security, postal services and homeland security would not be affected. On the other hand, a host of agencies that you may rely on will be affected.”

These critical services would not cease:

• Social Security checks for seniors, people with disabilities and survivors would still go out. But new Social Security applications will likely not be processed during any shutdown, as during in the previous shutdowns.
• Troops would continue to serve, though their pay could be put on hold.
• Critical homeland security functions such as border security would continue.
• The Postal Service, which is self-funded, will continue to operate.
• The FAA would keep the air traffic control system open and safe.

However, some services would likely be affected:

• Unemployment benefits: The federal funds that help states pay the costs of their unemployment programs could be affected depending on the length of the shutdown.
• Veterans’ services: While VA hospitals will remain open, veterans’ benefits could be delayed or reduced, as was the case during the last shutdown.
• National parks: National parks and the National Wildlife Refuge Systems would be among the first places to close if the government shuts down.
• Passports: Passport and visa applications will not be processed. In the 1996 shutdown, over 200,000 passport applications and 30,000 daily visa applications went unprocessed.
• IRS processing of tax refunds for some returns would be suspended.
• FHA new home loan guarantees may cease.
• SBA approval of applications for business loan guarantees and direct loans to small businesses would likely cease, impacting the engines of our economy and potentially slowing the economic recovery.
• Farm loans and farm payments would cease.
• Museums: National museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, would close in the event of a government shutdown.
• Access to the U.S. Capitol: Guide and staff-led tours of the Capitol will be canceled. The House Gallery will remain open.

“As I mentioned, my offices will be fully operational. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.”

To reach congressman Hinchey’s Monticello office call 845-791-7116.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

GLEN SPEY, NY (April 7, 2011) – Documentary filmmaker, David Morris, lives in Delaware County in the Town of Hancock. He has a neighbor who leased 2800 acres of land to a company that drills for natural gas using a method called hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.” It’s a method that opponents say, sends hundreds of thousands of gallons of clean water into the ground, mixes it with toxic chemicals, and fractures the earth, allowing toxic runoff into people’s drinking water.

“That really got me,” he said, “I was really kind of panicked, the more I found out about the potential for devastation …”

Morris (photo left) has since learned that he might be close enough to the New York City reservoirs that he won’t be affected by the drilling. “But I just kept hearing more and more stories from people. And of course over the border in PA, I call it “The Ghost of Christmas Future.’”

He says he’s become a “frack-a-holic. It’s such a huge story.”

So Morris made his own story, a documentary entitled “Frack! The Movie.” And on Saturday, April 2, the Mountain View Resort donated their facilities in Glen Spey for a screening.

Hosted by Peter Comstock of the Homestead School, the screening attracted hundreds of anti-drilling supporters. The documentary had two showings, followed by a Q & A with a panel that included Wes Gillingham from Catskill Mountainkeeper, Bruce Ferguson of Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy,  Dimock, PA resident Craig Sautner whose water has been contaminated by fracking, Pat Carullo of Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, and actor Mark Ruffalo (photo right). 

Morris, who has made other documentaries, is also a musician. “I’ve scored a bunch of horror movies. This is really the truest horror movie I can possibly imagine making.”

“Frack! The Movie” has been shown in NYC, in Hancock, and in PA. For additional screening dates visit www.frackthemovie.com. There is a calendar on the website, which Morris wants to fill up.

Morris started his movie before he knew about “Gasland,” Josh Fox’s award-winning documentary. “At first I thought he’s making a movie so I don’t have to,” said Morris, “the way he did it was so hugely powerful. … And then a few more months went by and I realized one movie isn’t enough. Anyone can make a movie, write letters to the editor, to their congressman … I can’t encourage people enough to stay on it, keep writing. …”

Dimock, PA resident, Craig Sautner, doesn’t want the state or Cabot Gas Company to buy his land. He just wants his water back. “I’m not settling. … They screwed up my water, I want my water restored. …  They can’t clean up the aquifer, it’s ruined. My property value is down to 15% of what it’s appraised at. Maybe $30,000.” Sautner paid $150,000 three years ago.

“We moved in there March, they came to us in May, we signed the lease in June, they drilled in August, we had contaminated water in Sept. This was a vertical well,” he says. “So all the people in New York State who think that they’re going to do vertical drilling safely, maybe not. They hit a pocket of gas, and when they tried to fill it up with cement, it let all the gas out. Since then they’ve capped that well with concrete. … They plugged up three wells, and I still have a problem.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says the Sautners have strontium, acetone, methane and ethane in their well water. “We took showers using that water for a year. How many years did they take off my kids’ lives?”

To see more photos or to purchase prints of Hundreds Attend Screening of "Frack! The Movie," visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

The following two videos, made by Ken Walter, are the from the Q & A session after the first screening of “Frack! The Movie.”

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LIBERTY, NY (April 6, 2011) – The Village of Liberty Board of Trustees has earmarked $30,000 of its Revolving Loan Fund to serve as emergency funding for Village Businesses in need of cash to cover essential financial obligations.

Any business located within the borders of the Village of Liberty can apply for a short-term (1-year) loan of up to $3,000, with an interest rate of 2%.

Applicants must be fully paid up or current in their payments towards the Village (e.g. for taxes, water, sewer) to be considered for funding.

After 2006 and 2009, this marks the third time that the Village has offered emergency loans to assist local businesses in this way – in both cases the program was successful in keeping several Village businesses alive.

Amidst challenging economic conditions and at the end of a long winter, many businesses are short of cash to fulfill important financial obligations, and fresh revenue may still be a little time away. With the Village offering a quick and non-bureaucratic financial injection, many local entrepreneurs may be able to cover this gap before their customers return and sales kick in once again.

The simple 1-page application forms are available at the Village Clerk’s office, on the Village website (www.libertyvillageny.org) or on the Liberty CDC website (www.liberty-cdc.org).

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WASHINGTON, DC (April 6, 2011) – Following President Obama’s speech at Georgetown University entitled "A Secure Energy Future," Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement:

"I am pleased that President Obama recognized the need to ensure that if any drilling for natural gas occurs, it is done in a way that protects our water supplies. In order to do this effectively, the administration should not get ahead of its own Environmental Protection Agency study on the risks of hydraulic fracturing prior to incentivizing the development and use of our natural gas resources. It would be impossible to develop a proper regulatory framework that protects public health and the environment from hydraulic fracturing without first having a comprehensive understanding of all associated risks."

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