The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Leni Santoro – Illustrations by Ed Lamphier

Mr. Ellmauer says, “Science!” – just one of the illustrations created by Ed Lamphier for the YRP.

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (December 22, 2010) – I was invited to photograph the YRP as they put the finishing touches on their annual holiday radio play last night.

The production room at WJFF is small to say the least, but it was filled to the brim with creativity and excitement last night.

Each year the YRP chooses a theme for their radio play. This year’s theme is zombies. “Zombie Bells: Night of the Giving Dead” asked the question, “Who will be the last one standing against Zombie Santa?”

“Zombie Bells…” is an original “holiday, horror radio comedy” written and produced by the YRP. Not intended for the small fry, older young people and adults will laugh and find all their “zombie” dreams fulfilled.

Seth Wegener is listed as head writer. But as instructor Jason Dole points out, it really is a group project with many of the YRP contributing scenes and lines, even it would seem, at the last minute; as was the case last night.

After the voice recording was done, sitting  in the WJFF studio last night, I watched WJFF’s Youth Radio Project putting the finishing touches on their X-mas X-travaganza. Audio editing was going on in the production room while Seth was editing and researching sound effects in the main room. Curtis appears and grabs pieces of a script before rushing out the door, vowing to put music to the background.

Through it all YRP instructor Jason Dole is running from room to room coordinating, answering questions, pointing out good shots to me and all with a smile and a belief that it all comes together in the end.

Tonight WJFF’s Youth Radio Project’s Radio Revolution listeners will reap the rewards of the YRP’s efforts. The show airs on WJFF 90.5 FM at 9 p.m. And as a special Christmas gift the show will also air again at 1 a.m. Christmas morning. WJFF also streams live on the web and the YRP’s radio play will be available for the coming two weeks in the audio archive‘; also available online.

Below are the images created by Ed Lamphier for tonite’s broadcast:

Above photo captions: 1- Jenny’s Got a Gun. 2- Kyneilia Doesn’t Care. 3- Rudolph and Snap Fight Zombies with Music!! 4- Scotty is Good and Follows his Inner Santa. 5- Britney and Chug are Popular and Expendable. 6- Poster created for the production.

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 22, 2010) – County Manager David P Fanslau has announced that Sullivan County has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). 

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The Treasurer’s Department is to be commended for once again receiving this recognition.

“The County Treasurer and the Deputy County Manager/Commissioner of Management and Budget are members of GFOA, and both offices have developed an excellent professional working relationship that has permitted Sullivan County to receive the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by GFOA for the last number of years,” said Fanslau. “There is a considerable amount of work that all of the county’s departments are required to fulfill, culminating in a financial management process that clearly shows the professionalism of these offices, and I commend Treasurer Cohen for his annual and sustainable accomplishment as duly noted by the GFOA,” added Fanslau.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story to motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. 

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

“The CAFR reviews and is supported by the County budget process that was changed to be more transparent in 2007, with the incorporation of performance based management and budgeting. The prior vacancy variance process that eluded transparency was abolished in 2007 to provide for a more readily identifiable budgetary process that identifies revenues, appropriations, positions budgeted, and a capital plan,” concluded Fanslau.

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Among those nominated is Christopher Whipple of Neversink. He attends Tri-Valley Central School. He is seen here at the Tri-Valley ceremony to honor veterans. – Carol Montana photo

Washington, DC (December 18, 2010) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies for the Class of 2015.  After a thorough examination process in which his office reviewed numerous applications, Hinchey selected 16 local high school students whom he believes would excel at the U.S. Air Force, Military, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies.  West Point Military Academy has already offered an appointment to Joseph "Bobby" Kulp III of Vestal, New York, and Hinchey expects that more nominees will also receive appointments.

"It is a great honor to nominate 16 young men and women from our area to our nation’s service academies," Hinchey said.  "These young leaders have demonstrated their dedication to community and country. They have excelled in scholastics, physical fitness and extracurricular activities. They represent the best and brightest, and I know that each would serve with honor and distinction.  I wish them all the very best with the rest of the application process."

The selection process for the nominees was based on each student’s scholastic record, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, professional recommendations and a personal interview.  The process is highly competitive and the admissions departments of the service academies make the final decision on acceptance.

The names of Hinchey’s nominees, by academy, are as follows:

United States Air Force Academy

Matthew Presutti of Newburgh – Valley Central High School

US Air Force Academy Preparatory School

United States Military Academy

Anneliese Antonucci of Poughkeepsie – Poughkeepsie High School

Daniel Crisci of Newburgh – Valley Central High School

Joseph Gaynor of Bloomingburg – Pine Bush High School

Timothy Goldstone of Accord – Rondout Valley High School

Jared Jenson of Kingston – Kingston High School

Joseph "Bobby" Kulp III of Vestal – Vestal Senior High School

Valley Forge Military College

Lukas Saul of Ithaca – Ithaca High School

Tompkins Cortland Community College

Kateri Sibley of Windsor – Windsor Central High School

Matthew Webster of Apalachin – Owego Free Academy

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Christopher Whipple of Neversink – Tri-Valley Central School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Padraig Loughlin of Esopus – Nile C. Kinnick High School

United States Naval Academy

Christopher Chase of Middletown – Pine Bush High School

Luke Miller of Ithaca – Ithaca High School

Joshua Nysenbaum of Binghamton – Binghamton High School

Megan Rausch of Glen Spey – Home School

Members of the House and Senate may nominate eligible candidates for appointments to the nation’s service academies. Senators nominate applicants statewide, while representatives, such as Hinchey, nominate applicants only from the congressional district they represent.

Students who are interested in being nominated by Hinchey in the future should first contact the service academy of their choice during their junior year in high school and then request a nomination from the congressman’s office shortly thereafter.  The deadline for the Class of 2016 nominations is October 21, 2011.  For more information on the application process, students and parents are encouraged to visit Hinchey’s website page on academy nominations at http://hinchey.house.gov .

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 18,2010) – Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis has announced that the County Legislature will appoint John J. Crotty as the Director of the Sullivan County Veterans Services Agency. Mr. Crotty served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era, and he was honorably discharged after his service to the country. The official action will take place on Thursday, December 16, 2010.

“Mr. Crotty has a long history of service to Sullivan County through the fire service and EMS. He has brought this energy and dedication to the Veterans community as a Veterans Service Officer since 2007,” said Rouis. “This has provided him with a strong understanding of the issues facing Veterans and their families,” added Rouis

The future brings both challenges and opportunities to the Sullivan County Veterans Services Agency. There are new federal Veterans Administration (VA) medical and mental health programs that will offer substantial services that were previously unavailable.

“The Legislature and Veterans Coalition are both satisfied that John Crotty will meet the challenge of maintaining the stellar performance record of the Sullivan County Veterans Services Agency,” said Frank Armstrong, Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee. “Increasing numbers of recently discharged veterans are applying for the VA benefits that they have earned, and we are confident that John Crotty has the skills to successfully assist our veterans,” added Armstrong.

The VA has added new disabilities to the Agent Orange list, and as Vietnam Veterans reach their new retirement status they are discovering unexpected issues that demand attention. The Veterans Services Agency will be increasing coordination with other care and service providers by improving the delivery of critical assistance to both Veterans and family members in 2011.

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Stories and photos by Carol Montana

ROCK HILL, NY (December 16, 2010) – The main phrase used by most of the speakers at Monday’s Catskill Casino Coalition Luncheon Meeting at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill was “one signature away.”

The “signature” to which they were referring is that of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, in whose  hands rests the current fate of casino gaming in Sullivan County.

Last month, New York State Governor David Paterson settled a land claim and signed a compact with the Wisconsin-based Stockbridge Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, paving the way for them to build a casino gaming and destination resort in Bridgeville.  

Monday’s meeting was hosted by Todd Diorio (photo left), President of Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council (HVBCTC) and President of the Catskill Casino Coalition. The latter group is “focused on supporting gaming, jobs and economic development in Sullivan County,” said Diorio. “We’re one signature away from a gaming facility and destination resort in Sullivan County.”

HVBCTC represents building and construction workers and affiliates in Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess Counties.

Speakers both thanked the attendees and exhorted them to come together and write letters of support and contact those in power. Chris White, representative for Congressman Maurice Hinchey said, “We’ve been in constant contact with the Department of the Interior. We are in the process of setting up a call with the Secretary of the Interior, … we hope that will happen in the next week.”

Other speakers included Joanne Drake, Senator John Bonacic’s representative; Vince Benedetto, owner of Bold Gold Media Group; Jacob Billig, local lawyer and representative of the Stockbridge Munsees; Steve Quaranto, President and Business Manager of Sheet Metal Workers 38 and Vice President of HVBCTC; and Josh Sommers, Chairman of the Sullivan County Partnership.

In addition to addressing the right of the Stockbridge Munsees to claim New York land, Billig (speaker photo right) also focused on the agreements they have in place “with the county of Sullivan, Village of Monticello and the Town of Thompson. Now we have the land claim settlement with the state of New York, and we have a compact with the state of New York. The last government that has to sign off on this is the Federal Government.”

Billig also addressed questions about the environmental impact study. “Every i had been dotted and t has been crossed. There are mussel species in the Neversink River, we hired a mussel expert. We’ve looked at other endangered species. We’ve looked at runoff … I can tell you that our runoff plan complies with all DEC regulations so that there will be no runoff on the site. … We’ve looked into municipal water and sewer. …

Diorio also clarified that it’s not just the Stockbridge Munsees that the group is backing. “We don’t support just one (casino), we support the local Monticello Gaming, we support the next group that’s close to a casino … whether it’s five, three or one …”

Sommers (photo left) called the Bridgeville resort and others like it “the game changers that we really need.”

Addressing those who see casinos as instruments of vice and magnets for crime, Diorio stated, “They’re going to gamble whether it’s here or whether it’s in the backyard. I believe that in the plans, there are some ways to address it if someone develops the problem. You’re probably better off with a casino because there will be more groups that are going to be able to deal with gambling issues.”

Regarding increased crime, Diorio believes that “the main reason people commit crimes is they have to eat, they have no jobs, they need everyday necessities, so maybe when we have more jobs there will be less crime.”

And jobs were indeed the focus of the afternoon. Billig, in stating that the project would lead to a rebirth of the middle class in Sullivan County said, “… we need jobs … this particular project is going to generate 4600 construction jobs, and then, after its doors are open, 8100 direct and indirect jobs. It will yield almost $430 million to the local economy.”

Steve Quaranto (photo right), President and Business Manager of Sheet Metal Workers 38 and Vice President of HVBCTC pointed out that “The Stockbridge Munsees have offered to collect sales tax on everything for the county and state – everything –cigarettes, gas, hotel taxes. No other tribe has offered that to the state of New York.”

And then he returned once again to the subject of jobs. “These people (the Stockbridge Munsees) have offered the people who work in the casino the right to join the union if they want it. What that means is they’re going to make a half-way decent living, they’re going to have health and welfare coverage, they’re going to have a pension and a 401k. I don’t see any other industry coming up to Sullivan County and making that offer to the people,” said Quaranto. “This is all about jobs. Do you want people to starve up here forever? Or do you want to give them the opportunity to make a decent living?”

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From L to R: CES co-owner Mike Taylor, CRMC AVP Professional Services Geri Orr, CRMC CEO Steven Ruwoldt, CRMC Women’s Health Center Office Manager Lisa Timpone,  Drs. Florence Jean-Lewis and Khorsheda Ali, of the CRMC Women’s Health Center. Combined Energy Services raised $2,500 through its Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, which included donating a portion of proceeds from oil delivered in its themed delivery truck to Catskill Regional Medical Center.

MONTICELLO, NY (December 15, 2010) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) received a $2,500 donation toward the cost of new digital mammography services to be offered at its Women’s Health Center from Combined Energy Services, a Sullivan County energy supplier.

In conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Combined Energy Services (CES), a dependable supplier of gas energy to the Catskills, donated 1 cent to CRMC for every gallon delivered by its “pink” delivery truck during the month. The funds will be used to support new digital mammography services to be offered at Catskill Regional’s Women’s Health Center, at 60 Jefferson Street in Monticello. 

“Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to improving the health of our community by providing exceptional health care services and the latest state-of-the-art equipment,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “This generous gift from CES will help enable CRMC to promote our digital mammography services throughout Sullivan County when our new diagnostic center in Monticello opens in 2011.”  

CES began their philanthropic program in 2006. In 2009, the company’s principals selected Catskill Regional Medical Center to ensure the local community would directly benefit.

CES co-owner Mike Taylor said, “This program is a good way to give to a great cause while at the same time help to increase public awareness that early detection is the key to survival. We believe if this campaign sparks one person to get a mammogram and it saves them, then it was all worth it.”

The CRMC Women’s Health Center offers services for women of all ages, including gynecological exams, mammography, ultrasound, bone densitometry and obstetrical care. For more information on the Women’s Health Center, please call 845-794-7897.

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

Family owned and operated since 1968, Combined Energy Services is one of the largest propane gas suppliers in the Hudson Valley. With two offices in operation, CES has provided customers throughout the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Eastern Pennsylvania and Northern New Jersey with dependable propane gas, fuel oil and kerosene deliveries, as well as unmatched, around-the-clock repair service. For more info, please visit www.combinedenergyservices.com.

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Liberty Torch Club at the Liberty Rotary’s Pasta Dinner. From L to R: Kiara Washington and Tiana King.

WALLKILL, NY (December 14, 2010) – The Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs announced today that their youth club members have participated in a staggering 20,000 of community service in Orange and Sullivan Counties in 2010.

“We have been absolutely blown away by our youth members this year, and their commitment to getting involved in their local communities. They’ve held clothing drives, food drives, even pet food drives, to help those less fortunate. Through their service they’ve developed a wonderful sense of community pride, and a true sense of how civic engagement can positively impact a community,” said Executive Director Alexis Eggleton.

Boys & Girls Clubs has made it a priority for each afterschool program in Orange & Sullivan Counties to complete at least one community service project a month,  though most complete 4-5 projects per month. Their projects range from weekly activities like visiting patients at Achieve Rehabilitation in Liberty, NY to sending cards to veterans at the VA Hospital in Castle Point, NY in honor of Veterans Day.

Torch Club is Boys & Girls Clubs’ own service club within the Boys & Girls Clubs, and each program with youth ages 11-13 has its own Torch Club, elects its own officers and chooses its own service projects. Earlier this year, the Crispell Middle School Torch Club won 2^nd Place in the national “Be Great, Be Green” competition through The Staples Foundation for Learning. They took a vacant space and built a beautiful garden and butterfly habitat in their middle school courtyard and won a $1000 prize to be used in their garden next spring.

Izzie Dwarka, a seventh grader and the BGC Torch Club President from Crispell Middle School, said “It makes me feel good knowing I can help out other people by doing community service. My favorite community service event this year was creating a mural for Hodgson’s Farms’ Harvest Festival.”

For more information regarding the Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs, please contact the Clubs at 845-361-2222.

Bottom photo – Crispell Torch Club at Hodgson’s Farm. From L to R: Torch Club Member Sky Sebeste, Program Leader Ashley Bauer and Torch Club President Izzie Dwarka.

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Edited by Carol Montana, Photos by Jeff Siegel (Spencer Daniels Agency)

LIBERTY, NY (December 12, 2010) – The Sullivan County Visitors Association celebrated the holidays with its Annual Meeting yesterday evening at the Monticello Casino and Raceway.

Paul Carlucci, (in photo at left) Vice President of the Villa Roma Resort and Chairman of the Visitors Association, welcomed the members and addressed the dignitaries who were attending from the state, county and local governments. He also recognized the Sullivan County Visitors Association staff, members and businesses for their efforts promoting tourism in Sullivan County.

Carlucci also awarded the Tourism Advocate Award to Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature, for his support of the tourism industry in his tenure as Chairman.

Rouis (photo right) praised the SCVA membership on their dedication to Sullivan County and their deep commitment to generating economic growth and quality of life to the county. He also quipped that in a county where nothing is secret, he was totally surprised by the award.

County Manager David Fanslau praised the SCVA on its ability to utilize additional funding for small businesses to advertise locally and the benefit that it made to tax generation and the small businesses in the county. He assured the SCVA that that funding would be available for 2011.

President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood (in photo left with Rich Delia) discussed the many and varied accomplishments of the SCVA over the past year and outlined some of the marketing and goals the association will take in the coming year.

Richard Delia of the Ferndale Antiques Marketplace announced the results of the Board of Directors election. Paul Carlucci of the Villa Roma, Jim Rafferty of the Monticello Casino and Raceway and Jill Wiener of Earthgirl Pottery were re-elected to serve another three-year term on the board. In addition, the group  welcomed newly elected board members Larry Steiger of Last Licks, Jeanne Tulp of Lazy Pond B&B and Alan Rosenblatt of ECCE B&B.

The officers for 2010 were also announced: Paul Carlucci of the Villa Roma is Chairman of the Board, Rick Lander of Landers River Trips is Vice Chair, Michele Caltabellotta of The Dog House is Secretary, and Norman Duttweiler of Forestburgh Playhouse is Treasurer. Richard Delia was also re-elected to the Executive Board.

The Association awarded their 9^th Annual TOAST (Tribute to Outstanding Associate Serving Tourism) Award to Fran Gager (photo below) from the Rally New York at the Annual Meeting. Kathleen Ferris (photo right) from Crystal Run Healthcare, this year’s runner up for the TOAST award, was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

Each year the Visitors Association honors an employee involved in the tourism industry who has shown outstanding dedication and hospitality to the industry nominated by the membership business. Association members were asked to nominate someone who they felt met the criteria. Ivan Orisek from Rally New York nominated Fran Gager who, with an outstanding manner, recruits and manages a staff of 100-150 members who carry out the Rally New York events taking place in the county several times each year.

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Co-chairs of Congressional Delaware River Task Force Say Environmental Impact Studies Must Be Completed First

Washington, D.C. (December 10, 2010) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) sharply criticized the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) for releasing draft regulations to govern hydraulic fracturing without first completing a cumulative water impact study. The members slammed the agency’s failure to adequately protect the basin’s high quality water resources on, which millions of residents from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania rely on the basin for drinking water and other needs.

Hinchey and Holt, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Delaware River Task Force, have joined environmentalists, local officials and public citizens in calling for the DRBC to conduct and complete a Cumulative Environmental Impact Study prior to the issuance of its regulatory framework that would allow hydraulic fracturing for natural gas to move forward in the basin. In spite of these calls and pending federal funding for the study as requested by DRBC, the Commission this week issued draft regulations without conducting such an analysis.

"The Delaware River Basin Commission has failed significantly in its mission to protect the tremendously important water resources of the basin. By developing and issuing draft regulations without the completion of comprehensive scientific analysis of the cumulative impacts of hydraulic fracturing, the DRBC has put in jeopardy the River’s Special Protection Waters, upon which millions of residents of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania rely for drinking water and other uses.

It should seem obvious that it is impossible to construct a proper regulatory framework without the guidance of the science that these studies would provide.  Nevertheless, the commission has moved forward with draft regulations governing natural gas drilling in the Basin without quantifying, examining or understanding the cumulative impacts that such regulations need to mitigate.

We urge the Delaware River Basin Commission to suspend any further action to allow natural gas drilling to move forward until it completes a comprehensive study of the impacts of those activities.  Failing to do so undermines the agency’s ability to effectively control and minimize the impacts of drilling on our water resources and protect the health of the 15 million people who rely on the Delaware River for clean drinking water and recreation. The DRBC’s decision in this matter is highly regrettable and deeply concerning."

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 9, 2010) – On Wednesday December 8, 2010, Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff presented the New York State Sheriff’s Association Institute’s 2010 Criminal Justice Scholarship to Liberty resident Tanairi Morales. Ms. Morales received a check for $500 dollars.

Ms. Morales is a criminal justice major at Sullivan County Community College where she is carrying a 3.6 GPA. She hopes to pursue a career in criminal justice, with the FBI being a possibility.

Congratulating Ms. Morales (center) are (l to r), Chairman of the Criminal Justice Program Art Riegal, Sheriff Michael Schiff, Vice President of Academics and Student Affairs, Dr. Robert Schultz and Criminal Justice Professor Douglas Evans.

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Seth Wegener, Catherine Peters, Drew Maier, Dylan Reno, and Sam Sedlack – 2009’s Santa’s Elves and Assorted Characters. – Provided photo

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (December 8,2010) – WJFF’s Youth Radio Project is airing a special Pledge Drive edition of Radio Revolution tonight, Wednesday, December 8, from 9–10 p.m., and they’re looking for any and all alumni, parents, community members, and friends of the YRP to listen in and call in.

Right now, the Youth Radio producers are hard at work on their 8th Annual X-Mas X-Travaganza, an all-original comedic radio play that will premiere  Wednesday, December 22, on Radio Revolution. Every year the YRP plans, writes, performs, and produces its own satirical holiday play, in less than seven weeks!

Tonight’s Pledge Drive Show prepares listeners for this year’s play. The live YRP hosts will present clips of their previous X-Mas plays, and shorter plays like “Judge Frosty” and “A YRP Christmas Carol” in their entirety. In between, they’ll talk about the process of making the plays and ask for your contribution to WJFF.

If you or someone you know has been in the YRP, or if you support the ideals of community radio, youth radio, and radio drama in general, WJFF’s “Giving Thanks” pledge drive is an excellent opportunity to show your support. Making a pledge during Radio Revolution supports WJFF. It also gives our youth producers a jolt of encouragement as they work hard in the next few weeks turning impossible ideas into hilarious reality. Don’t be afraid to encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to call, too!

It would be great to hear from listeners tonight, but you can call WJFF any time at (845) 482-4141 with your pledge. If the line is busy, please try again.

WJFF’S YOUTH RADIO PROJECT is a program that teaches high-school-age students in the Sullivan County area the techniques and technologies behind good radio production. They use these skills to produce Radio Revolution, the only weekly teen-produced, teen-hosted youth radio show in the region.

This program is funded by a grant from NYS Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau, and by WJFF Radio Catskill through the support of members and listeners like you.

https://thecatskillchronicle.com/2009/12/22/wjffs-youth-radio-project-goes-across-the-santaverse/

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Compiled by Leni Santoro

WASHINGTON, DC. (December 6, 2010) – Recent press releases sent from Congressman Maurice Hinchey and US Senator Kirsten Gillbrand emphasize the need to extend unemployment insurance benefits for those who need them.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has emphasized the need to pass emergency legislation to extend unemployment benefits for 1.7 million American families. In July, Hinchey voted to pass the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act, which extended benefits through November 30. With benefits now expiring for 143,000 New Yorkers, Hinchey is calling for an immediate vote on the measure.

"Without quick action, the economic lifeline for 1.7 million Americans who are struggling to find jobs will be cut off during the holidays," said Hinchey. "We simply cannot afford to end this Congress without responding to far too many Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. When New Yorkers who are relying on unemployment insurance to make ends meet start to see their benefits run out, it will reduce their ability to buy the necessities. That reduces demand for goods, which hurts local merchants, job growth and the overall economy. We can’t afford to not extend these benefits."

… Prior to the most recent extension that expired on November 30, a handful of senators delayed action on a bill that Hinchey supported to extend benefits for 13 weeks in the fall of 2009.  In February, Hinchey voted to pass emergency legislation to extend unemployment insurance for 30 days. That bill also died in the Senate. In March, one senator blocked passage of a crucial package that would have extended the benefits. And in June, Hinchey voted to extend the benefits for six months, but on four separate occasions, a handful of senators blocked the legislation.

According to a new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers, New York State would lose more than 40,000 jobs over the next year if Congress fails to extend emergency unemployment assistance. More than 200,000 New Yorkers, who are currently looking for work, could lose their assistance by the end of the year if an extension is not passed.

US Senator Kirsten Gillbrand has issued the following statement urging Congress to pass an extension of emergency unemployment assistance:

“This report shows that if we do not get bipartisan cooperation to pass unemployment assistance then New York’s economy could lose 40,000 jobs. Unemployment assistance is not only critical for the families that depend on it, but it has a positive and important effect on our economy.

“What we are seeing right now is failed economic leadership and failed moral leadership. The stonewalling is disastrous for unemployed workers and bad for our entire economy.

“Republicans want to borrow $700 billion from China to extend Bush tax giveaways to millionaires and billionaires and simply turn their back on thousands of Americans who are sick and dying from 9/11 related diseases, middle class families who need tax cuts, and 200,000 New Yorkers who will lose unemployment assistance by the end of the year.”

History of Unemployment Benefits Since 1959

Since 1959, the government has never allowed extended unemployment benefits to expire when the national unemployment rate is above 7.2 percent. The current national unemployment rate stands at 9.6 percent. In New York the unemployment rate is 8.3 percent. Unemployment insurance injects demand into the economy and is a proven economic booster according to independent non-partisan analysis and economic experts: 

• The Congressional Budget Office notes that "extensions of unemployment insurance benefits in the past few years increased both employment and participation in the labor force…." [CBO 11/17/10] 
• Chief Economist Mark Zandi of Moodys.com found that unemployment insurance is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy. [Labor Department, 11/16/10; CBO, 1/14/10; Testimony, 7/1/10]
• The Labor Department reported that during the Bush recession, unemployment insurance benefits kept an average of 1.6 million Americans on the job, and kept the unemployment rate about 1.2 percentage points lower. [Labor Department, 11/16/10]
• The Wall Street Journal reports that experts have estimated that if the extensions were allowed to expire it would shave half a percentage point from economic growth.  [Wall Street Journal, 11/16/10]

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SYRACUSE, NY (December 6, 2010) — New York landowners, farmers, and forestland owners have until January 14, 2011 to apply for 2011 conservation program funding. The programs falling within this deadline include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

Conservation programs were authorized by Congress under the 2008 Farm Bill to provide funding and technical assistance to landowners who voluntarily implement conservation practices. These practices improve natural resources and wildlife habitat on privately owned agricultural land and forestlands.

“We are pleased to offer landowners in New York opportunities to address resource concerns related to soil, water, air, plants and animals through a variety of programs,” said NRCS State Conservationist Astor Boozer.  “The result will be cleaner water, more productive soils, healthier forests, improved grasslands, and more abundant wildlife for all New York residents.”

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers funding assistance in the form of engineered structures, such as manure handling facilities, and conservation practices such as grassed waterways.  Focus areas within the EQIP program include livestock waste, cropland, and grazing. Private forestland owners have opportunities to improve forest health and productivity under the woodland program focus area.

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) assists producers to help minimize excess nutrients and sediments in order to restore, preserve, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.  In New York, the Bay program offers funding and technical assistance to producers in the priority areas of the Upper Susquehanna Watershed.

The Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) focuses on improving irrigation efficiency.  A primary goal of the program is to assist agricultural producers in mitigating risk through production diversification or installation of conservation practices.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) focuses on improving habitat for at-risk shrub-dwelling birds. Additional funding for this program was received as part of the New England/New York Forestry Initiative. Another focus within the program is establishing and enhancing grassland habitat for declining bird species, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Applications for EQIP, CBWI, AMA, and WHIP are competitive and ranked based on national, state, and locally identified resource priorities, and their overall benefit to the environment.  Interested landowners can apply for all programs at their local USDA-NRCS office.  For sign-up details or additional conservation program information contact your local USDA-NRCS office or visit www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov. 

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 3, 2010) – Last year Sullivan ARC celebrated it’s 60th Anniversary (see video below). This year it is expanding on the programs that it already provides.

In November, SullivanArc, introduced the first “Children’s Mobile Crisis Intervention” service in the area. The program, which is for children under 18, is designed to assist a parent or guardian in need of an intervention during a time of crisis.

The program operates after traditional business hours, when most children are at home. It provides immediate assistance to children and their families when the child is experiencing a crisis. A certified Social Worker is available to provide guidance and support via telephone. If more assistance is needed, the Social Worker will travel to the home and provide a one–on–one intervention. When possible, the Social Worker arrives quickly and quietly as to not cause a disturbance.

Maureen Stewart, director of the program, says the goal is to help children avoid being hospitalized needlessly for psychiatric reasons, as well as “to be there after hours to help families with their children during a crisis”.

SullivanArc endorses a progressive philosophy that is proactive and their approach involves techniques that are preventative and positive as opposed to reactive.

The “Children’s Mobile Crisis Intervention” service provided by Sullivan ARC is free. To be eligible, the child must be diagnosed with, or presumed to have a developmental disability or a serious emotional disturbance.

In addition to the immediate intervention, the family will be given recommendations or referrals for services or treatment in Sullivan County, as well as receive follow up support.

The phone number to access the service is 845-701-3777. The hours of operation are weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends and holidays.

To learn more about the program, please call Maureen Stewart at SullivanArc at 845-796-1350 ext. 2801.

Courtesy of SullivanARC December 1, 2009

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MONTICELLO, NY (December 2, 2010) – Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, C – Forestburgh) announced today that she was named to be on the transition team for Healthcare. Lieutenant Governor-Elect Bob Duffy is serving as Chair of the Cuomo-Duffy transition.

“I was honored to be asked by Governor-Elect Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Duffy to be a part of this prestigious team,” said Gunther. “I look forward to working closely with the new Governor and support his efforts to get New York back on the right path.”

The Transition Team is appointed to ensure the best and brightest talent is attracted to the Cuomo Administration. The sub-committees of the Transition Team are Environment, Health & Education, Human Services & Housing, Public Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure and Economic Development & Labor.

“Governor-Elect Cuomo met with my conference earlier this week to discuss his plans for the coming year,” Gunther said. “He spoke passionately about his agenda for reform and his intentions to make make New York State #1 when it comes to being a business-friendly state. He spoke about his push for a real property tax and ethics reform, which I support. I am excited about working with the new Governor for all the people of New York State.”

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NY ALERT – National Weather Service, Binghamton, NY  (December 1, 2010) – A flood warning has been issued for the following rivers in New York: The Beaverkill near Cooks Falls affecting Delaware and Sullivan counties. At 3:00 p.m. Wednesday the stage was 9.5 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet. Minor flooding is forecast.

The forecast is for rise above flood stage to near 11.0 feet by tonight. Then the river will fall below flood stage by tonight. Impact at 10.0 feet when minor flooding begins.

Safety message… Do not drive over flooded roads or bridges.

For further river and weather information, visit weather.gov/bgm

This warning expires December 2 at 11:52 a.m. unless canceled earlier.

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In the photo left to right are Lions Larry Schafman, Ilene Wizwer and Hank Speckhardt, CRMC CEO Steven Ruwoldt, Lions Loretta Speckhardt, Sy Berenson, Steve Miller, Stacey Gelb, Tim Pantel, Bruce Perlmutter, Dale Berenson, and Steve Lippen. – Provided photo

Story edited by Leni Santoro

FALLSBURG, NY (December 1, 2010) – Larry Schafman explains, “The Town of Fallsburg Lions Club lives the international motto, ‘We Serve’ and offers support to many worthy causes during the course of the year.”

One of the major beneficiaries of the Fallsburg Lions Club’s generosity over the years has been Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC). In the past ten years, the Fallsburg Lions have donated $36,000 to enhance hospital services to the community.

For the past several years CRMC has shown its thanks by “serving” an Annual Lions Club Appreciation Dinner held in the Hospital Cafeteria.

Hospital CEO and Fallsburg Lions Club First Vice President Steve Ruwoldt welcomed the attendees and thanked them for their on-going support. He spoke about some of the most recent advances and projects such as state-of-the art radiology equipment, a greatly anticipated expanded emergency room, and support for the Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE). (CRMC rescued RISE so that it can continue to aid and educate Sullivan County in the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse.)

One of the most recent programs administered by CRMC is the Cancer Services Program of Sullivan County. Outreach Coordinator Ms. Lisa Odom urged the dinner guests to help educate everyone about the free screenings for uninsured women and men now available by CRMC to save countless lives every day.

Uninsured women over 40 may be eligible for a clinical breast exam, a pelvic exam with Pap test and a mammogram. For uninsured women and men there are also colon cancer screening kits and a screening colonoscopy for those at elevated or high risk for developing colon cancer.

The Fallsburg Lions Club joins with CRMC in reaching out to the uninsured residents of Sullivan County and asks them to call the hospital at (845) 794-3300, ext 2115 to check for eligibility and to schedule an appointment.

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FREMONT CENTER, NY (November 30, 2010) – Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy has announced:

“In an historic vote, the New York State Assembly enacted a temporary ban on hydraulic fracturing which will remain in effect until May 15, 2011.  The bill, A11443B/S08129B  was approved by the Senate last summer and is now on its way to Governor Paterson, who is expected to sign it into law.

The de facto moratorium that has been in effect for the past two years can be attributed to Governor Paterson because he ordered the NYS DEC to prepare a new environmental impact statement to set standards for issuing permits for high-volume hydraulic fracturing and the DEC has yet to finalize its work.  By signing this bill, Governor Paterson will cement his reputation as the first Governor in the country to protect his citizens from the precipitous onslaught of dangerous and poorly regulated shale gas extraction.

The vote in the Assembly caps an incredible two weeks for those of us who have been working hard to combat the corporations that intend to turn our communities into sacrificial energy zones.

____________________________________________________________

The day after Thanksgiving, Governor Paterson acknowledged the role ordinary citizens have played in defeating dangerous drilling saying "This is a very good example of public participation. Our DEC…originally ruled that hydrofracking would not affect the water quality in the area, but we’ve received additional information and have not been able to come to a conclusion as to whether or not this is a good idea… We’re not going to risk public safety or water quality…  At this point, I would say that the hydrofracking opponents have raised enough of an argument to thwart us going forward at this time."

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Photo provided by Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

BETHEL, NY (November 29, 2010) – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is honored by the ongoing support of the local community, which contributes to the not-for-profit organization’s continued growth as an important contributor to cultural life in our region.

Bethel Woods strives to continue to develop educational and community programs to build upon its current offerings, and depends on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporate donors to assure long-term growth and sustainability.

The Museum at Bethel Woods’ current special exhibition, Collecting Woodstock: Recent Museum Acquisitions is made possible, in part, by the generous support of Mr. Alan Kesten, Ms. Kathy Gaglio and the Kesten Family.

The Museum started collecting Sixties and Woodstock festival artifacts during construction, and this effort continues today. To celebrate artifacts collected to date, and the donors who gave them, this new special exhibit opened on July 29 and will run through January 2, 2011, so don’t miss the opportunity to see these unique items before they head back into the archives.  The exhibit features thirty new festival images from 5 photographers, never-before displayed festival artifacts, a video compilation of rare Woodstock footage, interviews, home video of the festival and live music audio from the concert.

Darlene Fedun, Bethel Woods Chief Operating Officer remarked, “Objects associated with the historic 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair are essential to the growth and educational potential of the Museum and are actively sought by our team.  Mr. Kesten’s support of this exhibition helps us to showcase our growing collection.”

Mr. Kesten of Forestburgh, is a Sullivan County Coroner who also owns Yellow Cab Co., has been a Bethel Woods Box Holder since 2006. He is also active in the Monticello Fire Department. Ms. Gaglio is a kindergarten teacher at The Homestead School in Glen Spey.

Mr. Kesten explained, “My family and I are proud to support Bethel Woods and their goal of sharing these outstanding artifacts and the history of this important decade.  We believe it is a vital community obligation to support one of Sullivan County’s premier destinations for residents and visitors.

Special exhibitions are an integral part of The Museum’s purpose. The planning and mounting of these exhibitions provides opportunities for intern and volunteer involvement in research, curatorial work, writing, and hands-on installation. Special exhibitions also help to expand the Museum’s audience while enhancing its respected reputation.

If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to support future exhibitions, community or education programs at Bethel Woods, please contact the Development office at 845-295-2500.

Photo Attached:  From left Director of the Museum at Bethel Woods, Wade Lawrence with donors Alan Kesten and Kathy Gaglio.

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Under the Unique/Most Interesting Commercial category, “Blue Hills Farm Tent and Breakfast,” Narrowsburg – Owner: Jane Luchsinger – Contractor/Builder: Ken McGinnis, was a sure winner. – Provided Photos

Compiled by Leni Santoro

MONTICELLO,NY (November 28, 2010) – Homes and businesses that enhance the appearance of Sullivan County were recognized at the 2010 “Sullivan Showcase Awards” on November 11 at the Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg.  The annual awards are sponsored by the Sullivan County Board of Realtors and Sullivan Renaissance.

The residential judges were Diane Deutsch of Preferred Homes & Properties, Joe Freda of Freda Real Estate and Glenn Pontier of Sullivan Renaissance.

The commercial judges were: Diane Butler of Eagle Valley Realty, Susan Boersema of Ulster Savings Bank and Deborah Hornicek of Callicoon Real Estate.

Van Morrow put together the PowerPoint presentation; Ann Finneran of Sullivan Renaissance created the award certificates; and Mary Greene, Lori Malone, Jennifer Bitetto, Emily Grillo and Danielle Gaebel of The River Reporter produced the journal.

In addition to the winners listed below the following finalists were also honored:

Best Residential Addition

White Lake Homes, Kauneonga Lake – Owner: Leonard Shirman – Contractor/Builder: John Connolly

Best New Residential Construction – Under 2500 Sq. Ft.

Lake Ridge Road, Narrowsburg – Owner: Denzil & Carolyn Gallagher – Contractor/Builder: Catskill Farms – Architects: KLM Architects

Tuthill Road, Barryville – Owner: Bryce Boyd and Thomas Norrby – Contractor/Builder: Catskill Farms

Bluestone Drive, Eldred – Owner: Gayle Berman – Contractor/Builder: Catskill Farms – Architects: KLM Architects

Best New Residential Construction – Over 2500 Sq. Ft.

Pine Lake Drive, Wurtsboro – Owner: Phil Milo – Contractor/Builders: PB Majestic Homes and Wurtsboro Electric Service, Inc.

Clear Lake Road, Roscoe – Owners: Sally and Ed Cerny – Contractor/Builder: Allison & Devore – Architect: Irace Architecture, Joseph Irace

Chapin Estate, White Lake – Owners: Russ and Barbara Campbell – Contractor/Builder: Log Chips, LLC, Fred Krol

Best Commercial Spruce Up

Old Stranahan Building, Main Street, Narrowsburg – Owner: Jane Slawyer, Narrowsburg – Contractor/Builder: Narrowsburg Beautification Group/Delaware Valley Job Corps

Best Commercial Renovation Under 2500 Sq. Ft.

“Peace, Love & Ice Cream,” 200 Rock Hill Drive, Rock Hill – Owner: Les & Barbara Fischer – Contractor/Builder: Stanley & Sons

Best Commercial Renovation Over 2500 Sq. Ft.

“Lander’s River Trips,” 5961 Route 97, Narrowsburg – Owner: Rick Lander – Contractor/Builder: Lance Mercado, Narrowsburg

Unique/Most Interesting Commercial

“Cottage at Belle Knowle,” Eldred – Owner: Erin & Larry Farmer

_______________________________________________________________

And the 2010 Sullivan Showcase Award Winners are:

This year the Showcase added a new category – Best Residential Green – to acknowledge homes that are build with the environment and sustainability in mind.

Best Residential Green: Stewart Road, North Branch

Owner: Jeff McMahon & Lizanne Haimes

Contractor/Builder: Jeff McMahon

Designer: Jeff McMahon

Best Residential Addition: Crawford Road, Eldred

Owner: Charles Petersheim

Contractor/Builder: Charles Petersheim – Catskill Farms

Best Residential Renovation

This category is unusual this year because there are three winners.  After reviewing all the entries, the judges were faced with three very distinct and varied finalists – each which could be the winner. The three judges then evaluated the entries point by point using a numeric scale – and found that all three homes had received exactly the same number of points.  Without further ado – here are the three winners in Best Residential Renovation.

Skyline Drive, Fremont Center

Owner: Carolyn Ann Owens /Gregory Solowsky

Contractor/Builder: Scott & Doug Woods

Broadway, Kauneonga Lake

Owner: Jeff Lawson/Peter Hutchman

Contractor/Builder: Allison & Devore

Architect: Irace Architecture, Joseph Irace

Dahlia Road, Liberty

Owner: Ben White

Contractor/Builder: Catskill Harvest, Will Foster

Architect: Irace Architecture, Joseph Irace

Unique/Most Interesting Residential

Smallwood, Bethel

Owner: Wes & Beata Tavor

Contractor/Builder: WT Builders

Designer: Alvin Adler

Best New Residential Construction – Under 2500 Square Feet

Barryville

Owners: Norah Lawlor and Jeffrey Bradford

Contractor/Builder: Catskill Farms

Architects: KLM Architects

Best New Residential Construction – Over 2500 Sq.Ft.

The Lake House

Contractor/Builder: Green Earth Companies Northeast, LLC, Marc Dubrovsky

Architect: Dennis Wedlick Architect, LLC

Special Award Category

Happy Avenue, Bethel

Owner: Scripps Networks – DIY

Contractor/Builder: Catskill Farms

Best Commercial Spruce Up

Literacy Volunteer Center, 63 North Street, Monticello

Best Commercial Renovation Under 2500 Square Feet

“BrookHouse Gallery,” 5 Austin Road, Barryville

Owner: David Bush & Luiz Aragon

Contractor/Builder: Rory McKean, McKean Custom Homes, Milford

Best Commercial Renovation Over 2500 Square Feet

“Green Earth Realty,” 5663 Route 52, Kenoza Lake

Owner: Marc Dubrovsky

Designer: Marc Dubrovsky

Contractor/Builder: Green Earth Companies, Northeast, LLC, Marc Dubrovsky

“Dancing Cat Saloon,” 2037 Route 17B, Bethel

Owner: Stacy Cohen & Monte Sachs

Designer: Audrey Cohen/Monte Sachs

Contractor/Builder: Built to Last/Aaron Salovin

Best New Commercial Construction

“Jeff Bank,” 1460 Route 17B, White Lake

Owner: HSD, LLC/Jeff Bank

Contractor/Builder: Woodstone Companies, Bethel,

Designer: Steve Dubrovsky

Best New Construction Modular

“EcoGreen Community Housing at SCCC” Loch Sheldrake

Owner: EcoGreen Community Housing Fund

Contractor/Builder: The Ruby Group, Goshen

Architect: Mike Berta, Poughkeepsie

Unique/Most Interesting Commercial

“Blue Hills Farm Tent and Breakfast,” Narrowsburg

Owner: Jane Luchsinger

Contractor/Builder: Ken McGinnis

Special Acknowledgement – Signs

Good signage is important, which is why two signs are being recognized this year.

“Dancing Cat Saloon,” 2037 Route 17B, Bethel

Owner: Stacy Cohen & Monte Sachs

Artist: Paul Stark, White Lake

“in2retr0,” 1163 Route 17B, Mongaup Valley

Owner: Amy Kuperblum

Municipal/Public Building

The winner of this category receives a $2000 award from Sullivan Renaissance to help with planting flowers, landscaping and other beautification.

Mountaindale Railway Visitor’s Center, 11 Station Road, Mountaindale

Owner: Town of Fallsburg

Architect: Bernard Kozykowski

Engineer: William H. Illing

Landscaping: Mountaindale Action Committee

Contractor/Builder: Precise Landscaping, Inc., Wallkill

_________________________________________________________

Showcase committee chair Diane Deutsch, who emceed the awards, encouraged everyone to begin thinking about nominations for 2011.  For more information about the awards, call Mary Bakalis at 845-794-2735, mbakalis@verizon.net.

For more photos of the Mountaindale Railway Visitor’s Center visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio. Read the story “A Brand New Old Train Station Opens in Mountaindale.”

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HARRIS, NY (November 24, 2010) – The Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Department is pleased to announce that its speech pathologists are now certified to perform Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).

CRMC’s speech pathologists Vivian Liff, SLP, Rachelle Gittleson, CCC, SLP and Jennifer Kessler, CCC, SLP have undergone nationally-recognized training to become certified to provide LSVT. LSVT is an effective, research-based method of voice therapy for individuals who are aging or have Parkinson’s disease or other conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. The treatment helps to improve vocal loudness, speech intelligibility and facial expressions, thus enhancing overall communication for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. For more information on LSVT or to schedule an appointment, please contact 845-794-3300 ext. 2139.

CRMC’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services offers a full range of rehabilitation services that facilitate functional independence and improved quality of life. CRMC’s patients receive hands-on occupational, physical and speech therapy performed by experienced, compassionate and professional therapists.

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

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THE CATSKILL CHRONICLE (November 24, 2010) – The editors of The Catskill Chronicle would like to send a huge and heartfelt “thank you” to our ever-so-loyal readers, our columnists and our guest writers. 

When we started this back at the very end of May in 2009, we had no idea where it would lead. Who knew that 18 months later we would have almost 110,000 all-time views, nearly 600 posts, almost 300 comments on our stories, sharing services with Facebook, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, Reddit and Press This, and 424 Facebook fans.

We are truly grateful for all of you, and wish you a bountiful Thanksgiving full of peace and love. 

And don’t forget to have fun …

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY (November 22, 2010) – Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis and a standing-room-only crowd welcomed Governor David Paterson, Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, former Congressman Ben Gilman, New York Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini, President of the Building Trades Council of New York Ed Malloy, and a host of other economic and civic development organizations to Sullivan County today.

The occasion was the historic signing of a compact between the State of New York and the Wisconsin-based Stockbridge Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians to build a casino resort in Bridgeville.

Earlier in the day, Governor Paterson and Stockbridge Munsee Tribal Council President Kimberly Vele attended a ceremony in Madison County where they signed a land-claim settlement. “If approved by the US Department of the Interior,” said Paterson, “it will bring Sullivan County closer to its dream and its former history as a ranking site for tourism and entertainment destination.

“You’ve heard this song before,” continued the Governor, “You’ve heard about economic development and job creation that didn’t exist or didn’t get created. There were promises that weren’t kept and hopes that were not fulfilled. What makes this different is that President Vele and I will sign a compact that if ratified by the Secretary of Interior will create the kind of games and resort complex right here in Sullivan County that will bring economic development to this region.”

Paterson said that the building of a casino will create 3000 labor jobs in the process of development and 500 permanent jobs upon completion. “The estimated yield from just the building of the project is $1.3 billion and the estimated revenues to the state including Sullivan County will be $1 billion annually. In addition the Stockbridge Munsees have entered into a local service agreement with the county of Sullivan which will provide $15 million to the county every year to be shared by Town of Thompson and other centers affected by the construction of this facility.”

The Governor acknowledged that “There are hurdles still yet to climb.” But he said, “We are closer than we’ve ever been.” Those hurdles include environmental objections and other Indian tribes who want to build casinos in Sullivan County, including the St. Regis Mohawk tribe, the Oneidas, and the Seneca Indian Nation.

What made today’s compact possible is an exception to the Kempthorne Doctrine, which is named after former Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. The ruling disallowed off-reservation casinos.

But according to Senator Chuck Schumer, who saluted the Governor and all those involved because the compact “does it in a different way … What stymied us in the past was the commutability rule that where the native tribes were located had to be within commuting distance from where the casino would be. But what they’ve done here – there’s a second exception to the rule which says that if it’s on a land claim …that you don’t need the commutability rule because it’s on actual land that has been put in trust for the Indians. And what they did today, was they exchanged land the Stockbridge Munsees had a right to in Madison County for land here on where the casino would be located. And that’s a much better path.”

Schumer said that while there’s no guarantee, “it’s more likely than it’s been in the past.” He pledged to “use whatever clout I have in Washington to get them to say yes. … I was on the phone this morning,” Schumer continued, “and I’ve already asked them (the Dept of the Interior) to move very quickly. As a New York State resident, I‘d like to see all those New York City people not go to Connecticut (no offense to anyone), not go to Atlantic City, but to come to NY, create jobs in NY and pay tax dollars in NY.” And using casino game vocabulary, he continued, “This would be an ace in the hole even in a large metropolitan area like NYC, but it’s a royal flush and four-of-a-kind combined in a job-starved area like the Catskills … I will keep the pressure up until they have signed on the dotted line and the ink is dry.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis. “With Sullivan County’s unemployment rate hovering around 10%, we need the 2-3,000 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs this project will create. We need jobs for our middle-class families who are feeling the tremendous strain from this recession and we need jobs to encourage our young people to live, work and raise the next generation in SC. … We need the economic multiplier that comes from existing SC businesses providing goods and services to the casino.”

Paterson remarked that Sullivan County has waited years for a project such as this and the the Stockbridge Munsees have “waited centuries for there to be recognition that they actually are native to New York and they didn’t leave Madison County the way the Dodgers left Brooklyn.” He thanked the tribe for dedicating “their resources to building a facility that will yield jobs, opportunity and development for this region that has been blighted for too long. It’s time for good government to become fast government and we fast track this to Washington where we hope the Secretary of the Interior will sign it.”

President of the Stockbridge Munsee Tribal Council, Kimberly Vele said it was an historic day for her tribe, gaining the “recognition that we have sought for nearly 200 years, the formal acknowledgement of our historical and cultural heritage in New York State. … The last 10 years have been a roller coaster ride filled with high expectation and deep disappointment for those who have worked so hard to restore SC as one of the country’s premiere recreational destinations.” She then called on those present to “make sure that Washington knows that our settlement will lead to the economic revitalization of the Catskills, will provide thousands of jobs in Sullivan County and millions of dollars in revenue to the state and local governments. It will also provide the tribe with the economic means necessary to protect our ancestral burial grounds, provide healthcare for members, education for our youth, the protection of our repatriated tribal artifacts, and the resources necessary for additional diverse economic development. Sullivan County is your home and it was our home for thousands of years. Our tribe has always been a faithful steward of the land and rivers. We are after all the people of the waters that are never still. We understand the importance of the Neversink River and have already undertaken programs to protect it.”

Vele then took on the issue that building a casino on the Neversink River will lead to pollution. “The site we’ve selected on the Neversink River has been used as an automobile junkyard whose runoff was polluting the river. It also had a mining operation 20 feet from the bank. Starting in 2003 we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to remove 400 tons of material, over 1000 tires, and carried out a reclamation plan on the sand and gravel mine that led to a final closure approved by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. We are sensitive to the environmental concerns and commit ourselves to working cooperatively to ensure the environmental health of this site for the rising generations.”

Other speakers included Congressman Maurice Hinchey who said, “A world-class resort …is a chance to bring back jobs, create new economic opportunities and attract new visitors back to this incredibly deeply beautiful place. … It’s going to generate economic growth and stimulate jobs … and I don’t know that anyone should be opposed to that.”

Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said that Sullivan County can be the tourist destination it once was. She then showed a photo of her late husband, Assemblyman Jake Gunther, who, she said, started this project about 20 years ago.

When it was his turn to speak, Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini brought a sports analogy with him. Mentioning the recent successful Monticello Central School football season, Cellini tossed a miniature football to Senator Schumer. “Governor Paterson has brought the casino game ball to us and handed it off inside the five-yard line. We are now passing it to Senator Schumer, Congressman Hinchey and President Obama to carry it over the goal line to bring 2000 immediate union jobs and 1500 permanent jobs to the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County and the State of New York. We all know you guys will score for us. Thank you on behalf of all of our unemployed neighbors, who have been desperately waiting so long for this employment opportunity.”

And Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development Chairman, Josh Sommers, said the casino “can be the instant shot of adrenalin we very desperately need. …some would like this project to take another 10 years … the people of SC need these jobs now …”

When Paterson was asked what he would say to the assembled protestors who were holding signs that said “No casinos,” his answers was short and to the point. “Yes casinos,” he said. Paterson then went on to say that casinos are “not my thing. But the reality is that … so many new Yorkers do (go to casinos), that even though we are half the population of CA, we are just barely second to them for the biggest exporters of gamblers in this country. Because people are going to Foxwoods to Mohegan Sun to Atlantic City … and we have a $9 billion deficit … we have got to find revenues, we’re in a revenue crisis and the only way to solve a revenue crisis is to bring revenues in and that’s job creation, opportunities for people who are part of a 9% unemployment rate and that’s the reason we worked as hard as we could before the end of this term to try to find a way to get work and opportunity for the families here in Sullivan County and the whole Catskill area.”

At the conclusion of the news conference, Stockbridge Munsee Tribal Council Member Joe Miller explained how the casino would help his tribe. “We have so many service-related issues, service to our people health, education, welfare, public safety, fire, police. This will boost our economy to help us provide services to our people. This has always been about a land claim; gaming revenues have always been secondary. The claim originated in Madison County. Ancestrally we are from Albany up and down the Hudson River Valley, into Massachusetts and lower Vermont. Through forced relocations we ended up in Massachusetts and then in Madison County until we were forcibly removed from there. … It’s a very historical moment for us today. We’ve been traveling back and forth through this region for quite a number of years and met many wonderful people and we want to let them know that we want to partner with them.”

In addition to the compact, Governor Paterson announced that Empire Resorts, which runs Monticello Racino and Raceway, is planning an expansion of $100 million. “We will now help them with their expansion during this difficult period, such that they will be able to flourish as well,” said the Governor.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Governor Paterson is Betting on a Casino for Sullivan County, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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HARRIS, NY – (November 19, 2010) – The Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Diabetes Self-Management Training Center has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The program was originally recognized in August of 2001.

Assuring high-quality education for patient self-care is one of the primary goals of the Education Recognition program and CRMC has continually exhibited this commitment to quality. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide valuable information about diabetes management for participants.

The CRMC Diabetes Self-Management program offers high-quality education and provides comprehensive, individualized programs designed to help people with diabetes attain optimal health. The program provides support and improves the quality of care for people with diabetes throughout Sullivan County and its surrounding areas. The CRMC Diabetes Self-Management Training staff consists of Certified Diabetes Educators, including a Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse with professional input from a Board Certified Endocrinologist. For more information, please contact the CRMC Diabetes Education program at 845-794-3300 ext. 2106.

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

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WURTSBORO, NY (November 18, 2010) – Get clean and slathered for the holidays at the brand new Catskill Soap Company at 123 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro. A grand opening celebration will be held on Friday, November 26 from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.

The Catskill Soap Company (CatSoCo) is the brainchild of Annie Adams who began making soaps and lotions for her friends in November of 2006. For Mother’s Day of 2007, she gave “Goddess Baskets” to the special women in her life. “The soaps were shaped like a goddess, and they were glycerin so everyone got their favorite colors.”

She also made her first batch of Hand, Face and Body Cream that year. “I had no name for it, so I personalized it. For one friend it became Donna’s Hand, Face and Body Cream.” After she used it, Donna called Annie to say that she had just “slathered” it all over her body. The product now had a name – “Slather.”

CatSoCo’s current product line includes: goat’s milk soaps, lotions, lotion mists, Slathers, butters – a body butter made of mango shea butter, jojoba oil, a little bit of beeswax and fragrance) – bath salts, sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, shower gel, liquid goats’ milk soap, shaving creams for men and women, incense and oils, and hand-dipped incense.

Adams gets her goat’s milk from a homesteader in PA. “If you purchase from me, I buy more goats’ milk and you’re helping her,” says Adams. “She’s off the grid as much as she can be. She has own farm, grows her own vegetables and makes her own cheese, she sells fruits vegetables and cheese at the farmers markets. Her kids are home-schooled. She only uses enough electric for the basic things and for her Internet website.”

Adams had started making soap in 2000 when she visited a nearby craft village and fell in love with the soap maker’s wares. “I believe in the power of nature and the power of herbs, and I believe that we have everything we need to heal anything that needs to be healed.”

CatSoCo went online in 2008. Recently, Adams branched out and did shows like the Hudson River Clearwater Revival and the Falcon Ridge Festival, and just this year she was an artisan at the Bethel Woods Harvest Festival and the NY Renaissance Faire.

CatSoCo is a green company. “My soaps are made with just five ingredients and are alcohol and paraben free. They’re handmade, old-school soaps. And everything is packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled boxes, which I’m very happy about,” says Adams. The soaps are wrapped in plastic that is biodegradable and compostable, and the shred used in packaging is called Aspen Shred – a wood shred that makes great tinder or mulch.

The store is going to be half retail space, half work space, so people will be able to see Adams at work making slather and soap, creams and lotion mists. She imagines her family will be very happy to have their kitchen, dining room and mud room back. “At home I’m limited on what I can produce and make out of my kitchen. Limited by the amount of storage … my family loves me, but they’re tired of house being in constant chaos.”

In addition to the current inventory, Adams has plans for about 25 new things she wants to make and now, “I’ll actually have space to make them,” she says. Future items will include new slather recipes. “I’d love to have a customer come in and have a fragrance bar where people can sample different fragrances, and I’ll whip it up for them. And I want to do candles, diffuser sticks and things that do not have to be lighted but give off a fragrance, like linen sprays …” Adams also wants to start making non-goat’s milk slather for her vegetarian customers.

“What’s nice about my store,” says Adams, “is that visitors can build their own gift boxes. They can go around and say I want this and that and that, and there’s no extra cost for packaging.”

At the grand opening, visitors will enjoy “delicious yumminess from Kathy’s Tea Kozy – coffee, tea, hot cider, cookies and muffins all day long,” says Adams. “They’ve been incredibly supportive to me.” In fact, Adams had a holiday open house at the Tea Kozy last year.

For additional information about The Catskill Soap Company or its grand opening on Friday, November 26, visit The Catskill Soap Company Facebook page, or visit www.catsoco.com, where you can also shop online with free shipping, or call 914-424-6434.

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BETHEL, NY (November 17, 2010) – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is proud to announce it has been nominated by industry peers as the “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” in 2010’s Pollstar Concert Industry Awards.

Additionally, for the fifth straight year, Bethel Woods continued to rise in the “Pollstar” magazine Worldwide Ticket Sales – Top 100 Worldwide Amphitheater Venues chart. For the third quarter, the venue rose to number 22, reporting 126,018 tickets sold, compared to PNC Bank Arts Center (number 32) and Nikon at Jones Beach Theater (number 55) for the first time. 

Bethel Woods Chief Operating Officer, Darlene Fedun said “Bethel Woods is very proud of our accomplishments thus far, which could not have been achieved without the dedication of our employees and volunteers, as well as the support of our donors, sponsors and members. For a young arts center to be nominated by our peers in the industry for this prestigious honor is a testament to our combined efforts in building an extraordinary reputation.”

Bethel Woods is proud that this success continues to shine a spotlight on Sullivan County and drive awareness about all it has to offer. A total of 136,796 guests enjoyed Pavilion events in 2010 featuring a broad range of world class performers, ranging from the annual New York Philharmonic performance; the final night of country superstars Brooks & Dunn’s touring career; Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!, the center’s first children’s show; and An Evening with Sting and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, among others.

During its fifth season Bethel Woods also celebrated several important milestones including the 500,000^th concert fan to attend a Pavilion performance, Santana’s historic return to the site of the Woodstock festival, and an expanded Event Gallery Concert Series which began in April and concluded in November. An additional 2,452 people enjoyed the nine Event Gallery Concerts which included four sold-out shows.

Nominees, which also include the Hollywood Bowl, recipient of the award for the past 6 years, as well as Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in TX, Gorge Amphitheatre in WA, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in PA, and Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto, were selected by a committee comprised of industry professionals including promoters, artist managers, booking agents and technical companies.

For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org.

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MONTICELLO, NY (November 16, 2010) – Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis announced yesterday, on America Recycles Day – a nationally recognized day to inform and educate the public about recycling– that Sullivan County will convert to Single Stream Recycling in January 2011.

Sullivan County will partner with Hudson Baylor Corporation  in embarking on this Single-Stream Recycling format.

“The County’s Solid Waste System is moving forward with an emphasis on removing waste from the waste stream that otherwise would be exported to landfills. Recycling is a major way to reduce the amount of waste, along with the Household Hazardous Waste program, and other special recycling programs to be launched in 2011,” said Rouis.

Single Stream Recycling (SSR) is a convenient method of collecting many types of recyclables all together in one container style. SSR consolidates recyclable paper, glass, plastic and metals for easy storage, collection and transport to recycling facilities for processing. In fact, double-digit recycling increases have been reported in communities that convert to SSR. Improved convenience means better compliance with mandatory recycling regulations.

“Single Stream Recycling will remove a lot of the complaints that we receive from those who find separation of recyclables in the dual stream system both confusing and a bother,” said Legislature Minority Leader Leni Binder.

Hudson Baylor Corporation (HBC) specializes in providing recycling services. A growing organization with a 27 year history of success exclusively in the recycling industry, HBC operates twelve recycling facilities in four states. Hudson Baylor operates Single Stream and Dual Stream plants. Three plants in the West service seven municipalities; Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria, and Avondale, Arizona. In the Northeast, we operate eight facilities. These include facilities in Newburgh, NY Brookhaven, NY, South Windsor, CT, Dutchess County, NY, Rockland County, NY and Cape May, NJ as of January 1, 2010.

For more information: contact your county legislator at 845-807-0435 or David Fanslau at 845-807-0450.

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LIBERTY, NY – Has the economy hit your sales of meat? Have you lost costumers who say they cannot afford to buy in bulk? Looking to expand your customer base? Heard about a new market and wondering if it’s right for you?

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is pleased to present "Marketing Your Meat" webinar with Stephen Hadcock, Farm Business Specialist, Columbia County and Matthew LeRoux, Marketing Specialist, Tompkins County.

Join this innovative & interactive webinar series to answer those questions and build a solid foundation to marketing your meat. The webinar sessions will be are held at 7:00 pm online via Adobe Connect on the date specified.

December 6: A Compass for Your Business – Developing a  Business Plan. This is the first session to help you build a firm foundation and plot your course to a successful business strategy. Hosted by Steve Hadcock. 

December 8: Meat Marketing and Market Channel Selection. Choosing the right place to market your meat is important to successfully sell your meat. Hosted by Matt LeRoux. 

December 13: Am I Making Money? – Knowing Your Production Costs. Is it worth it? Adele Hayes from Sap Bush Hollow Farms will share how they get their production costs. Co-hosted by Stephen Hadcock.

December 15: Communicating with Consumers – The Marketing Plan. It’s one page that can make all the difference. Hosted by Matt LeRoux.

The series is completed with a face to face session on January 3, 2011 called Bringing it All Together. This final session allows for producers to interact with each other and financial folks to tweak that marketing plan. Location to be determined based on participant location. Lunch provided.

Please register by December 3 by contacting contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County at 845-292-6180.

The webinar is offered at no cost to livestock producers through sponsorship for Northeast SARE and the New York Farm Viability Institute.

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POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 12, 2010) – On Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and 14 the Let’s Go Vets weekend returns to 101.5 WPDH.

This weekend long salute to those who dedicated their lives to serving their country will feature veterans hosting their own hour-long radio which be broadcasted all of WPDH’s signals, including at 101.5 in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties, 106.1 (WPDA) in the Sullivan County area, or online at WPDH.com.

The veterans will be given the opportunity to play their favorite WPDH songs as they step behind the microphone and add disc jockey to their already impressive list of credentials.

Gary Cee, WPDH program director, afternoon host and creator of the Let’s Go Vets weekend said, "We can’t do enough to thank the American women and men who put their lives on the line in the name of freedom.  t’s an honor to put Veterans behind the mic and listen to their stories. This is the second time we’ve done the ‘Let’s Go Vets’ weekend, and I’m certain the response will be just as great as it was the first time we did it.

For the schedule of Veterans, please log on to www.WPDH.com.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (November 11, 2010) – Tri-Valley Central School in Grahamsville held two very special assemblies on the day before Veterans Day 2010.

Tyler Eckhoff, secondary school Student Council advisor and 7^th grade Social Studies teacher, together with his council and secondary school principal Jeffrey Bennett, decided the school should do something for Veterans Day. “The Elementary School has done things in the past, but we wanted to do something for the entire school this year,” said Eckhoff.

It was an all-day celebration. In the morning, the elementary classes made cards for military personnel at the local Veterans’ hospital in Montrose. “And during their lunch period, the secondary school students wrote letters to current military personnel serving in Afghanistan. We had just under 100 letters written today,” Eckhoff said.

At mid-afternoon, two assembles were held, one each for the elementary school and the secondary school. Onstage were 11 Veterans who sat quietly as the students filed noisily into the Tri-Valley Theatre.

The Veterans had been invited via and e-mail sent to all parents, an ad in the Tri-Valley Townsman, contact with the Sullivan County Veterans’ Service Agency and an automated phone message placed to all students’ homes. “We asked all the students, faculty and staff to ask any Veterans they knew to attend,” said Eckhoff.

As the ceremony got underway, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the local Boy Scout Troop and a group of students sang The National Anthem. Each Veteran was introduced along with their rank and the military theatre in which they served. Two of the attendees, Retired Air Force Colonial Norm Nielsen, who served in Vietnam as an F-4 pilot, and his brother, John R. Nielsen who also served in Vietnam as a Chief Warrant Officer, are Tri-Valley alumni.

The Keynote speaker was Retired Major Richard Ehrmann, (photo below) who served in Vietnam from 1967-68, and has a total of 30 years of military service.

He told the students about what it means to be a Veteran, borrowing the popular anonymous definition currently traveling  the Internet, “A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America, for an amount of up to, and including his or her life.”

Major Ehrmann also talked about the experiences of war, and how different wars yield different experiences, and being part of the “band of brothers.” He told the students that being in the military means defending “two pieces of parchment, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.”

At the end of the remarks, Matt Weyant conducted Tri-Valley High School Band in the “Song of the American Soldier,” a medley of patriotic American songs.

Before Mr. Eckhoff dismissed the students, he remind them to say “thank you to any Veteran you might see.”

Following the program, Student Council Vice President, Chris Whipple talked about how the assemblies were “an eye-opening experience for the students who might not understand the importance of Veterans Day.”

Whipple, a senior who lives in Neversink, has a letter of assurance to attend West Point in June of 2011. He has a meeting with a nomination committee from Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s office this coming Tuesday.

“I was happy that Major Ehrmann spoke, not just about the good times of being a soldier, but also the hard choices, giving up part of your life for service and being willing, ultimately, to give your life. It lit up my heart,” said Whipple. His grandfather served in Korea, and his sister is a graduate of West Point and is currently serving in Afghanistan.

“It’s important,” continued Whipple, “that people always remember those who have served our country. I think that after time, especially those who served in Vietnam, the older wars, the Persian Gulf War, they are forgotten and it’s a shame because they’ve done so much for this country.”

And after the ceremony was concluded, six smiling Veterans (left to right) Fernando Costa, Gary Wells, John Neilsen, Sandy Garzon, Richard Ehrmann, Norm Neilsen showed off the cards and magnets made for them by the Tri-Valley students.

To see more photos, or to purchase prints from Tri-Valley Schools Honor Veterans, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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