The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 18, 2015) – Issued By: NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions:  Delaware, Otsego, Sullivan Counties

…Areas Of Icy Travel Can Be Expected Into Early This Evening…

Reports From Emergency Officials Indicate That Patches Of Icy Travel Are Persisting In Some Areas Of The Western Catskill Mountains… Particularly In Sullivan County New York.

Temperatures In Most Of The Area Have Risen Into The Mid 30S…

However Cold Ground Conditions Left Over From Our Recent Stretch Of Cold Weather May Still Result In Some Patches Of Icy Travel Associated With Light Rainfall Into Early This Evening.

Please stay tuned to your local radio or TV Station for more information.

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MONTICELLO, NY (January 17, 2015) – Sullivan County Treasurer Nancy Buck announced recently that a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the County of Sullivan Treasurer’s Department by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) prepared in 2014, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

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. It has been awarded annually for the past several years to the Sullivan County Treasurer’s Department, which is primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning financial report.​ ​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 and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

“I must thank my co-workers Shannan Armbrust and Lucrezia Anderson, and the Accounting staff, for their hard work, dedication, professionalism and mutual cooperation in working together to manage and document the financial affairs of the County, which has enabled the County to earn this prestigious award again.” said County Treasurer Nancy Buck “There is a significant amount of daily work that county departments are required to perform and a professional financial management process that culminates in this annual achievement, and I thank and commend my staff and the others for this accomplishment, as duly noted by the GFOA”, added Buck. ​

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

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 15, 2015) – The Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless is sweet on Veterans.

They want to know if any young people who feel that way too would like to show it in a special way this Valentine’s Day. The Federation is asking kids to help to make sure that this year on Valentine’s Day, our Sullivan County Vets and active military personnel know just how much we love them.

Kathy Kreiter, director of the Federation, has a few tips. “You can create a card using whatever craft supplies you have. Simply fold a piece of paper in half and then draw a heart, or you can get fancy with stickers and cut-outs. For a special touch, use patriotic colors or designs on your valentine. Write a message to a veteran inside the card. You can thank the veteran for service to our country or just write an uplifting message of greeting. Remember that the veteran receiving your card may be male or female and may have served in the military in many different capacities.”

The valentines can be sent to: Valentine4Vets, SC Federation for the Homeless, PO Box 336, Monticello, NY 12701.

They will be distributed at the Federation Veteran’s Pantry on February 13. The bi-weekly pantry is free and open to all veterans and active duty military personnel living in Sullivan County, and is held at the Federation located at 9 Monticello St in Monticello.

For more information, please call Kathy at 845-794-2604.

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LIBERTY, NY (January 14, 2015) – The new Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen will have its official grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Friday, January 30 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The kitchen is located at CCESC’s Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty NY.

A light lunch will be provided by Natural Valley Kitchen of Jeffersonville, NY.

Incubator community kitchens, like the EaT Kitchen, make it financially possible for a start-up food manufacturer to take advantage of available professional kitchen space while she or he grows the business.

The EaT Kitchen is a licensed facility that provides professional steam injection ovens, refrigerators, freezers, mixers, food processors, work tables and other equipment in a newly constructed teaching environment. In addition, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County can provide assistance in product development with the Northeast Food Venture Center at Cornell University in Geneva, NY.

For more information and to make reservations for this celebratory event, the public and press are invited to call CCESC at 845-292-6180 or email Maria Grimaldi at mal395@cornell.edu.

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NEW YORK STATE (January 12, 2015) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the 2015-16 Executive Budget will be released and presented together with the 2015 State of the State Address.

The 2015 New York State of Opportunity Agenda will be presented  by Governor Cuomo on Wednesday, January 21 at 1:30 p.m. in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany to members of the Legislature and to the people of New York State.

The January 21^st release of the combined State of the State and Executive Budget will expedite the process of legislative budget hearings, giving the Executive and Legislature additional time ahead of the March 31 deadline.

“The challenges we face are daunting – but the past four years are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, and I believe we can keep that progress going,” Governor Cuomo said.

“This is what New Yorkers do: we take on the big challenges, get them done, and create an example for the rest of the nation to follow. I look forward to presenting the New York State of Opportunity Agenda to the members of the Legislature and people from across the Empire State on January 21.”

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 11, 2015) – Winter Weather Advisory Issued By: NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan County

*Winter Weather Advisory In Effect From 1 AM To 4 PM EST Monday …The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Winter-weather Advisory For A Wintry Mix Of Precipitation… Which Is In effect From 1 AM To 4 PM EST Monday.

Locations…Northern Tier Of Pennsylvania… Wyoming Valley…Pocono Mountain Region… And The Western Catskills.

Hazards…A Wintry Mix Of Snow… Sleet… Freezing Rain… And rain.

*Accumulations…Up To 2 Inches Of Snow… Along With Around A tenth Of An Inch Of Ice.

*Timing…Starting Shortly After Midnight On Sunday And Lasting through Monday Afternoon.

*Temperatures…Mid Teens To Low 30S.

*Winds…Southwest Up To 5 Mph.

A Winter Weather Advisory Means That Periods Of Snow…Sleet…Or Freezing Rain Will Cause Travel Difficulties. Be Prepared Forslippery Roads And Limited Visibilities…And Use Caution While driving.

Please Report Snowfall And/Or Ice Amounts To The National Weather service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email Atbgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 9, 2015) – The Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, (a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network led by Sullivan County Public Health Services), is again partnering with local law enforcement agencies and the Recovery Center to announce another Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday, January 24 at area Police Stations and the NYS Troopers station in Narrowsburg.

Well over 500 pounds of unwanted prescription medications have been collected over the past year as a result of numerous sponsored Take Back Days and the 24/7 availability of Drug Drop Boxes placed throughout the county.

Sullivan County Public Health Director, Nancy McGraw, indicates that Take Back Days continue to be a successful local public health initiative based on collaborative efforts of many agencies working together to combat drug abuse and to ensure our communities are safe through appropriate disposal of unwanted drugs and medications. “We have not only made an impact on reducing the likelihood of prescription drugs falling into the wrong hands and being abused or sold on the streets, but have improved access for residents for safe disposal sites. The environment is also being protected because people are not flushing them or throwing them in the garbage which ends up in a landfill.”

These medications are safely disposed of through a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office on county sponsored Take Back Days, who transport the medications for incineration in Poughkeepsie.

No questions are asked of those dropping off unwanted pills. They can be sealed in a plastic bag or in vials with labels removed or identifying information crossed out with a magic marker. No liquids or needles can be accepted.

Unwanted pills can be dropped off on January 24 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. only at the New York State Police Station (Troop F, Zone 1) at 6509 State Route 97, Narrowsburg, and at the Fallsburg, Liberty and Monticello Police Stations from 10:00 -2:00 p.m.

The Sullivan County Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network, meets at Sullivan County Public Health Services to discuss ideas for prevention strategies and outreach events.

For more information please call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845 292-5910 x2222.

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Wind Chill Watches and Advisories issued throughout New York State as arctic-like cold settles in the northeast.

NEW YORK STATE (January 7, 2015) – The New York State Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging  that with oppressive wind chills forecast to hover over the State this week, New Yorkers should follow these safety tips to protect themselves, their families and their loved ones from freezing conditions.

Wind Chill Watches and Advisories have been issued for many parts of New York State. Wind chill readings will be as low as 30 to 40 below zero in some areas with gusty winds. Dangerously cold wind chills will develop today and continue into Friday. Bitterly cold wind chill values are also expected for today into Thursday.

“Winter months in New York State usually bring dangerously low temperatures and we must be aware of these conditions and take precautions,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Executive Deputy Commissioner John P. Melville. “New Yorkers, especially those in the watch areas, need to take steps to minimize the dangers that arise when severe cold weather hits including checking on neighbors and friends who might need special assistance.”

William R. Davis, Jr., Director of the New York State Office of Emergency Management said, “Take care, especially when using alternative heating equipment such as woodstoves, fireplaces and kerosene heaters.  The danger of house fires is heightened in winter during the freezing cold conditions because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.”

DHSES recommends the following safety tips to prepare for sub-zero conditions:

Dress appropriately by wearing loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers.  Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.  Always wear a hat or cap on your head.  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.  Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children and the elderly.  Watch for the following symptoms: inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering.  If a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately.  Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.

Frostbite can occur when working or playing outdoors during the winter.  In the early stages of frostbite, there is no pain.  Watch for danger signs: skin may feel numb and become flushed, and then turn white or grayish-yellow; frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.  If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area.  Cover the affected area with something warm and dry.  Never rub it!  Get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.

Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and the very young.  Also, don’t forget to take care of your pets.

Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly, physically handicapped or infirm.

Pay attention to the news for official, up-to-date information on weather conditions.  The best way to receive emergency information is by subscribing to NY-ALERT, the State’s alert and notification system atwww.nyalert.gov.

Prevent pipes from freezing by turning on both hot and cold water faucets slightly, preferably in a basement sink – running water will not freeze as quickly.  Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to non-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.  If you plan to leave your residence for extended periods, drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If your pipes burst, make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water.  Stopping water flow minimizes damage to your home.  Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.  Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.  Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

If you lose power, turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored.  Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.  Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States.  Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce this colorless, odorless gas. Carbon Monoxide can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.  Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness.  If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital immediately.

When using a generator, never run it indoors.  Deadly carbon monoxide gas from generator exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces.  Run generators outside and downwind of structures.  Install a carbon monoxide detector.  Keep children away from generators at all times.

When using a kerosene heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Use only the correct fuel for your unit.  Refuel outdoors only when the unit is cool.  When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly. Test smoke alarms.
Stock up on emergency supplies, including flashlights, a portable, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, extra blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit.

Make sure your automobile is properly winterized.  Keep the gas tank at least half-full.  Keep the following items in your car: blankets, extra clothing, flashlight, spare batteries, windshield scraper, shovel, towrope, and jumper cables.

Warming Stations and “Code Blue” programs, where emergency shelters are opened for homeless individuals during extreme cold weather, have been activated throughout New York State. Please monitor local media for locations and hours of operation.

For a complete list of emergency safety tips visit the DHSES website at:http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/publicsafety/winter.cfm

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 6, 2015) – Back in October of 2014, the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission recognized Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of the Hispanic Community. Three local citizens chosen by the Hispanic Community were honored for their work in Sullivan County promoting human rights and dignity.

The Human Rights Commission would like to invite other Sullivan County residents and civic groups to organize a process with which up to three citizens will be recognized by the Human Rights Commission for promoting human rights and dignity. 

Members of any community group or organization may seek guidance in developing a process by contacting Eric Monroe, Executive Director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission at 845-807-0189. He can also be contacted by e-mail at eric.monroe@co.sullivan.ny.us.

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JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (January 5, 2015) – Community radio station WJFF Radio Catskill is launching a series of programs concerning the local effects of the heroin and narcotics epidemic.

The Kingfisher Project is a public affairs radio series that will address the devastation caused by heroin and other drug abuse in Sullivan and Wayne counties. The series kicks off with an hour-long special Monday, January 12.

The Kingfisher Project is named for an injured bird rescued by Rebecca Pisall. A former Sullivan West student and resident of North Branch, Rebecca was 20 when she was shot and killed this past June as a result of her addiction to heroin. Before she died, Rebecca told the story of rescuing the kingfisher in an essay about the value of all life. WJFF is collaborating Julie Pisall, Rebecca’s mother, on the Kingfisher Project in an effort to prevent further tragedies through the broadcast of information and the stories of people’s lives.

The Kingfisher Project: Chapter One – “It’s Not Who You Think It Is” will debut on WJFF during Making Waves, 8:00 p.m. on January 12. A repeat of the show will air 3:00 p.m on Sunday, January 18.

The series will continue in coming months with additional features and regular update segments. Episodes will be available at no charge for streaming, download or podcast on WJFF’s Audio Archive located online at www.wjffradio.org

“We want to try to connect people with others and with the help they might need, whether they are addicted or are family members or friends,” says Julie Pisall. “Sometimes getting just a little bit of help can give some hope – and that is often what people need.”

Project volunteers believe the most powerful radio segments will come from those affected by the heroin and narcotics epidemic and by those who care deeply about it.

“Our community is still waking up to the extent of this epidemic,” adds WJFF Program Director Jason Dole. “WJFF’s goal with the Kingfisher Project is to continue raising that awareness. We’re going to tell the stories of local folks and follow the many ways the community is responding.”

Volunteers who are willing to help produce segments, conduct research are welcome. Contact the project at kingfisherwjff@gmail.com. Information is also available on the web at thekingfisherproject.wordpress.com.

WJFF, Radio Catskill, is a hydro-powered volunteer-driven public radio station based in Jeffersonville, NY and with a satellite studio in Honesdale, PA. Its contingent of more than 100 volunteers provide listeners with a mix of both locally and nationally produced programming on the air at 90.5 FM and streamed live and archived at www.wjffradio.org.

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Law also requires childproof containers to prevent against poisoning.

NEW YORK STATE (January 3, 2015) – New York State has enacted legislation prohibiting the sale of liquid nicotine to minors and requiring childproof containers to protect against accidental poisoning.

"This action will help combat nicotine addiction by keeping it out of the hands of minors, as well as prevent a heartbreaking accident that can occur if a child is exposed to this potentially dangerous substance,” Governor Cuomo said. "I am proud to sign this legislation into law and thank the sponsors their work on this much-needed initiative.”

Liquid nicotine, often known as electronic liquid or e-liquid, is a composite of nicotine and other chemicals. Concentrated liquid nicotine is highly toxic, even in small doses, and if ingested, liquid nicotine may cause tremors, vomiting, seizures, and potentially, death. For infants and children, ingesting liquid nicotine is likely particularly lethal. According to a 2014 Centers for Disease Control Report, the number of calls to poison control centers involving liquid nicotine rose from one per month in September 2010 to 215 per month in February 2014. More than half of the calls (51.1%) involved children under age 5.

Liquid nicotine is readily available and sold for use in electronic cigarettes. Although New York banned the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors in 2010, the law did not expressly prohibit the sale of liquid nicotine to minors or set packaging requirements.
This bill (S.7027-C/A.9299-D) will:

· Prohibit the sale of liquid nicotine to minors: This limitation applies to those under the age of 21 in New York City, and under 18 throughout the rest of the State. Businesses selling liquid nicotine are required to have specific signage indicating that the sale of this product to minors is strictly prohibited.

· Require childproof packaging for sales: This prohibits any business owner from selling liquid nicotine unless it is packaged in a child-resistant bottle designed to prevent accidental exposure. Violators are subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “Exposure to even small amounts of liquid nicotine can be deadly for young children. The accidental death of the one-year-old boy from Fort Plain, NY as a result of liquid nicotine poisoning, the first of its kind in the nation, makes clear the need for this kind of common-sense legislation. It is my hope that this law will help to prevent another tragedy like this from occurring, and I am pleased that Governor Cuomo signed my bill into law.”

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SULLIVAN COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS (January 2, 2015) – Issued By:  NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions:  Chenango, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Sullivan Counties

..Winter Weather Advisory In Effect From Noon Saturday To Midnight EST Saturday Night…

The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Winter Weather advisory For A Wintry Mix Of Snow…Sleet And Freezing Rain…Which is In Effect From Noon Saturday To Midnight EST Saturday Night.

* Locations…Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania East Ofi-81…Including The Western Catskills And Mohawk Valley.

* Hazards…Snow…Sleet And Freezing Rain.

* Accumulations…A Coating To 2 Inches Of Snow And Sleet Along with Up To One Tenth Of Inch Coating Of Ice From Freezing Rain.

* Timing…Snow Overspreads The Region Between Noon And 2Pm…Mixing With And Changing To Sleet And Freezing Rain Late In the Day And Evening. Mixed Precipitation Becomes All Rain Toward midnight.

* Temperatures…Mid 20S Rising Into In The Lower And Mid 30S.

* Winds…Southeast 10 To 15 Mph With Gusts Up To 20 Mph.* Impacts…Slippery Travel.

A Winter Weather Advisory Means That Periods Of Snow…Sleet…Or freezing Rain Will Cause Travel Difficulties. Be Prepared For slippery Roads And Limited Visibilities…And Use Caution While driving.

Please Report Snowfall And/Or Ice Amounts To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email Atbgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 30, 2014) – In 2015 we wish you health, happiness and prosperity.

We wish you true involvement in your neighborhood, along with the charity and the energy to make your community the best place it can be.

In 2015 our hope is for the end to hunger and homelessness, and a ride to everywhere you need to be.

We wish you warmth in the cold of winter and a cool breeze in the heat of summer.

We wish you nourishment for your spirit, as well as your body, and a job and/or avocation that gives you joy.

We wish you peace in your heart, your soul and everywhere on earth.

And to quote from the movie “The Bucket List,” written by Justin Zackham, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, may you “find the joy in your life.”

Our hearts overflow with gratitude for your loyalty.

Happy New Year from everyone at The Catskill Chronicle.

The Catskill Chronicle will be taking a few days off to celebrate the New Year with friends and family.

Be well, be happy, be generous with your time and with your love.

Thank you.

Carol Montana, Editor

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 29. 2014) – You made a pledge to get healthier this New Year. You found your sneakers and dusted off the treadmill  you were using as a closet. Your yoga pants are no longer just a fashion choice – they are ready to do actual yoga. Now you’ve got to find the time in your day–30 minutes minimum for heart health – to get physically active. The American Heart Association says there are plenty of easy, no-cost ways to do it.

For those with a tight schedule, the good news is you don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once. You can even get heart-healthy benefits if you divide your time into two or three 10- to 15-minute segments a day. Lifestyle changes like eating more fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, and exercising 30 minutes a day can help prevent 80% of heart disease.

“Building physical activity back into our daily lives is one of the great public health challenges of this century,” said Russell Pate, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Exercise at the University of South Carolina. “Our bodies were designed to be physically active, and they don’t do well with long-term exposure to sedentary living.  Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”

Here are ten tips for getting active:

1. Get out the leash and walk your dog. It’s a great activity for both man and man’s best friend. Your heart — and your pooch — will thank you!

2. Take your child for a brisk walk. It’s an excellent way to get some one-on-one time (or one-on-three, depending on the size of your brood.) Spice up your routine by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt.

3. Mall walk. Are you sweating (or shivering) at the idea of walking outside? Take a brisk stroll around your local mall instead. Window shop, people watch and give your heart a workout in a climate-controlled environment.

4. Join a team.  Pick an activity you love and round up some friends. Team sports can be fun — and keep you motivated and accountable.

5. Walk and talk. Even if you’re glued to your phone for work calls, you don’t have to be glued to your seat. Make it a habit to talk and walk. Some workplaces have walking paths to make it even easier to burn while you earn.

6. Tune into fitness during TV time.  Reject your inner couch potato. Walk, jog in place or use the treadmill at the gym while you watch your favorite 30-minute show.

7. Park and walk. How many times have you circled the parking lot to find “the” spot? Spare yourself the stress and gain more energy by parking far away (or even in a remote lot) and walking farther to your destination.

8. Take the stairs. The elevator may go up — but it doesn’t make your heart rate climb. Take the stairs instead. You may huff and puff at first, but over time, your body will thank you.

9. Dance! Do it in a ballroom, at a club or even in your living room. You’ll burn calories and gain a new hobby.

10. Skip the cake, say goodbye to pie and take a walk after dinner. You’ll get a reward that’s sweeter than dessert: more family time.

If these ideas don’t work for you, find something that you enjoy. Ditching the excuses can be the first step to a healthier you. Of course, if you have an injury, talk to your doctor first to see if there’s a low-impact exercise you can do or find out if you should wait until you’re healed.

And here’s more food for thought: “Our culture no longer requires us to be hunters and gathers, but our bodies still need the physical activity that is required by that way of life,” Russell said. So check out these tips to get moving today!

For more tips and resources to get heart healthy, visit www.heart.org/gettinghealthy.

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NEW YORK STATE (December 27, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the next phase of New York’s #CombatHeroin campaign, which has reached more than 14 million people through social media so far. To reach an even broader audience, starting December 19, public service announcements will begin airing in movie theaters across New York State. Additionally, ten new “Real Story” videos have been posted to the state’s Combat Heroin website, www.combatheroin.ny.gov. The PSAs and new videos show New Yorkers sharing their stories of recovery and describe the dire consequences of addiction for individuals and families. The PSAs will be shown in movie theaters before select movies rated PG-13 or R from mid-December through early January, peak movie-going season.

“The Combat Heroin campaign is raising awareness and saving lives from the epidemic of drug abuse, and today we’re launching the next phase to continue making New Yorkers safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “By using the stories of real New Yorkers who have struggled with heroin and other drugs, this campaign reminds us that addiction can happen to any family, and that we can all play a role in someone’s recovery. Together we can push back against heroin and prescription drug abuse, and I encourage anyone needing assistance in this fight to reach out today.”

The Combat Heroin website now has 22 videos of New Yorkers describing first-hand how they or their loved ones progressed to addiction to heroin or prescription opioids and the devastation the addiction caused. The 10 new videos added to the website feature New Yorkers telling their personal stories of struggle and loss as well as their individual paths to recovery. The PSAs and videos underscore the message that while addiction can happen to anyone, any family, at any time – recovery is possible. View the PSAs and new videos at this link: http://combatheroin.ny.gov/real-stories.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “I encourage all New Yorkers to point to these videos as you discuss the risks of addiction with your family and loved ones. I can’t think of a better way to share the serious risks of addiction than to watch these first-hand accounts. I hope they inspire individuals, families, and communities to take advantage of the support that is available through addiction treatment providers across the state and the resources available on the Combat Heroin website.”

This is the second phase of the Governor’s Combat Heroin campaign, launched in September, to inform and educate New Yorkers about the risks of heroin and prescription opioid use, the warning signs of addiction, and the resources available to help. New Yorkers can access prevention, treatment and recovery information on the #CombatHeroin website or by calling the state’s HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369. Treatment providers across the state can be found on the OASAS website at: http://www.oasas.ny.gov/accesshelp/.

Naloxone anti-opioid overdose trainings are also continuing across the state for local community members and law enforcement. Through the combined efforts the State OASAS, the Department of Health, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services, approximately 37,000 people have been trained and more than 1,100 lives have been saved.

Heroin and opioid abuse have become an alarming problem in communities across New York State and the nation. In 2013, there were 91,000 admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York State, an increase from five years ago in 2009 when admissions totaled 76,000. During this time period, New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 had the largest increases in such admissions. Nationally, 335,000 a million people were reportedly abusing heroin or suffering from heroin dependence in 2012.

The Combat Heroin website has had 240,000 page views since the campaign’s start. Followers of the NYS OASAS Facebook page have nearly quadrupled. The campaign PSAs aired for four weeks on network channels and cable channels throughout the state in September and October. More than 150,000 Combat Heroin informational flyers have been requested through the website. These materials are available in English, Spanish and Russian and can be ordered here.

More information about the Department of Health’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program is available here.

To sign up for naloxone training at one of the OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers, visit the OASAS website here.

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NEW YORK STATE (December 22, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed a bill to increase protections for pets across New York State. The bill prohibits the unnecessary piercing and tattooing of cats, dogs, and all other pets for purely cosmetic purposes for the pleasure of the owner, except under limited circumstances. Those who violate the law will be subject to criminal penalties.

"This is animal abuse, pure and simple," Governor Cuomo said. "I’m proud to sign this common sense legislation and end these cruel and unacceptable practices in New York once and for all."

The bill (A.739-D/S.6769-C) prohibits the piercing or tattooing of all pets, including cats and dogs, to protect the animals from unnecessary harm. The bill allows the use of piercing and tattooing in only limited circumstances, such as ear tags on rabbits, tattoos for identification purposes only, or where the piercing provides a medical benefit to the animal and is performed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

A violation of the law is punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days and/or a fine not to exceed $250. The law will take effect in 120 days.
Senator Tom Libous, sponsor of the bill, said, "Subjecting animals to body piercing or tattooing is unconscionable and cruel. Animals can’t speak out against undergoing a painful procedure like piercing or tattooing – I’m glad we’re standing up for them and banning this heartless practice."

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, sponsor of the bill, said, "While people can decide whether they would like to undergo the pain associated with a tattoo or piercing, animals do not have that luxury. Subjecting animals to painful cosmetic procedures, such as tattooing and piercing, merely to satisfy an individual’s misguided and selfish aesthetic predilections, is inhumane and should be considered cruelty by the law. I am pleased that the Governor signed my bill into law; doing so sends a strong message that this kind of behavior constitutes animal abuse and that it will not be tolerated."

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Photos by Carol Montana

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 21, 2014) – The Sullivan County Visitors Association is hosting its second online photo contest, this time centered on the region’s beauty during the winter season.

The SCVA’s first contest, which focused on Fall Foliage, resulted in more than 1,000 votes cast for 174 photos submitted by 91 photographers.

“We want to carry that creative spark forward into the winter by encouraging people to take pictures at the ski slope or snap a shot of friends by a roaring fire,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood, SCVA president.

To make submissions easier, the SCVA has included including both Twitter and Instagram. Users can simply post their photo with the hashtag #SCWinterWonderland and include the details regarding where the image was taken.

Submissions are also being accepted through the SCVA’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/SullivanCountyCatskills) and the website (www.scva.net/winter-wonderland-contest).

The Winter Wonderland Photo Contest runs through January 26, 2015 and winners will be announced on January 28.

The photo with the most online votes will win one of several tourism-related prizes contributed from SCVA’s membership. Photographers may submit up to one photo per day.

“This is a perfect opportunity for our residents and visitors to look at our area with fresh eyes and truly appreciate its wintry beauty,” Byron-Lockwood said. “There’s just no place better.”

Contest sponsors include Watermark Communications radio stations WSUL and WVOS, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, The Natural Contents Kitchen, and Sullivan County Farmers Markets.

The SCVA has also created a digital Winter Wonderland Guide (www.scva.net/winter-wonderland), which provides info about lodging, dining, events, winter recreation, and other activities.

SCVA members who are interested in contributing prizes for the Winter Wonderland Contest are asked to contact Phyllis Andrews at pla@scva.net as soon as possible.

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NEW YORK STATE (December 20, 2014) – Governor M. Cuomo has announced the release of proposed regulations for the State’s medical marijuana program as required by the Compassionate Care Act. The proposed regulations are an important step toward making medical marijuana a treatment option in New York for individuals suffering from one of the debilitating diseases outlined in the Act. These regulations provide a comprehensive structure that will govern all aspects of the medical marijuana program in New York State.

“Today we take another step forward to provide much-needed relief to New Yorkers living with extraordinary pain, while balancing the need to safeguard general public health and safety,” Governor Cuomo said. “These proposed regulations are designed with that in mind, so that we can alleviate suffering for patients with serious conditions while also ensuring that medical marijuana is dispensed and administered responsibly.”

The proposed regulations require that medical marijuana certificates be issued only by physicians who have registered with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and received DOH-approved training. Patients with serious medical conditions would be certified by their physicians before applying for the registry identification card needed to receive medical marijuana. Certifications will be good for up to one year. Patients are also able to designate caregivers to obtain the medical marijuana for them if the caregivers have applied and been approved by DOH. The registry identification card application fee would be $50, but could be waived in cases of financial hardship.

Entities that wish to manufacture and distribute medical marijuana would apply to DOH, providing detailed plans of their infrastructure and operations, and pay a $10,000 application fee for the application review. Applicants selected for one of the five Registered Organization licenses would pay an additional $200,000 registration fee. Registered Organization licenses will last for two-years. Registered organizations would be required to maintain separate facilities for manufacturing and dispensing medical marijuana and would have to meet strict security guidelines.

The DOH Commissioner would approve the forms and delivery systems through which medical marijuana could be offered, excluding smoking, which will be prohibited. Each registered organization would initially be permitted to produce up to five types of medical marijuana products. Independent laboratory testing would verify cannabinoid content to ensure consistency. DOH would approve pricing and any advertising.

“Our goal is to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the treatment they need through a controlled, regulated process,” said acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “As an added level of security, physicians must review their patients’ history of controlled substances in the I-STOP database before a certification can be issued and before medical marijuana can be dispensed.”

The Medical Marijuana Program proposed regulations will be published in the December 31 New York State Register. The public then has 45 days to comment on the proposed regulations. A copy of the proposed regulations can be found on the Department of Health’s website athttp://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/docs/regulations.pdf.

More information on New York’s medical marijuana program can be found athttp://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/.

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ALBANY, NY (December 18, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is inviting New Yorkers to an Open House at the Executive Mansion on Wednesday, December 31 to celebrate the New Year.

All adults over the age of 16 wishing to attend must have a ticket. Individuals who receive tickets will be allowed to bring one guest and any underage children from their household – children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets to the Open House are required and space is limited.

New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor’s website to register:https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/executive-mansion-open-house.

The registration period takes place through Friday, December 26 at 5 p.m.

Space is limited and tickets are non-transferable. In the event that the number of requests exceeds available space, attendees will be selected by lottery.

Guests will be notified of their selection via email on Monday, December 29.

The Executive Mansion Open House will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on December 31, 2014.

Guests are reminded that weapons and controlled substances as well as bags, backpacks, luggage, parcels, briefcases and similar articles are strictly prohibited from the event.

Photography and videography devices will not be allowed on the premises. Guests with prohibited articles will be turned away. There will not be a storage or "check-in” area provided for such items.

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Story and photos by Carol Montana

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 16, 2014) – You could just melt from the cuteness.

Around 50 adults and children came out to the Liberty Senior Center on North Main Street on Monday, December 8, to learn about the new Puppy Raising Region in Sullivan County.

The evening provided education about how to be a Puppy Raiser courtesy of  Guiding Eyes’ Puppy Raising Coordinator Nicole Guite, along with several volunteers who are raising their own puppies. But the event also allowed people to visit with several “teenager” dogs, as well as several adorable yellow lab puppies.

A Puppy Raising Region is a designated area where the dogs, who will hopefully change the life of a blind person, get their start. At eight weeks of age, puppies (usually Labradors and German Shepherds) are placed with people who will raise, socialize, feed, groom, teach basic obedience, and provide the future service dogs with love and a good home.

Somewhere around 12-18 months of age, the dogs will go to the Guiding Eyes facility for additional socialization and training.

Volunteers who wish to raise the puppies must fill out an application at www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer, and if they are accepted, they will take pre-placement classes. Once they are assigned a puppy, they must attend regularly scheduled classes.

While the puppy raisers pay for O food and toys, Guiding Eyes pays for veterinary care.

In addition to training dogs for the visually impaired, Guiding Eyes also trains service dogs to assist those with autism.

Occasionally, there are dogs who are not chosen for the Guiding Eyes program. They may enter the breeding program, become law enforcement dogs or do some other kind of service dog work with those who are deaf or paralyzed or need some other kind of assistance.

One of the joys of being a puppy raiser, said Guite, is attending the graduation ceremony where the dog is paired with the person whose life will be forever changed.

Additionally, she said that volunteers are needed, not just to raise the puppies, but also to help socialize, play with, massage and foster puppies and dogs.

Although each guide dog costs approximately $45,000 to breed, raise, train and match with a visually impaired handler, all the services are provided to the new owner free of charge.

As seen in the accompanying photos, it was obvious at the information session that “Snoopy” creator Charles Schultz had it right  when he declared that “Happiness is a warm puppy.”

Guiding Eyes is a nonprofit guide dog school, operating since 1954. For more information, visit www.guidingeyes.org.

And for additional information on the Guiding Eyes’ Puppy Raising Program, call 1-866-GEB-LABS or visit www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer/puppy-raising/.

To see more photos from Guiding Eyes for the Blind Opens New Puppy Raising Region in Liberty, NY, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 16, 2014) – The staff of the Catskill Chronicle: Mort Malkin (Gadfly columnist), Jude Waterston (Tales from the Scrawny Gourmet columnist), Barry Plaxen (Music and Theatre Critic), Grayce Goin (Twice Divorced and Elder Berries columnist), J.A. Di Bello (Theatre Critic), Lori Schneider (Theatre Critic), Janet Waterston (Elder Berries columnist), and Carol Montana (editor), would like to take this opportunity to wish our faithful friends and fans a happy, healthy and blessed Chanukah.

Thank you for reading, thank you for your contributions to our calendar. Thank you for your community involvement, and for making the stories that we cover.

We hope we continue to make you proud of us as your hometown online newspaper.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS (December 15, 2014) – Catskill Mountainkeeper has been awarded a grant of $1.8 million from the State of New York to lead a collaborative project to increase energy conservation and solar penetration in the Southern Tier and Mid-Hudson regions. Lead partners in this project are the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition, Sustainable Hudson Valley, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, each of which brings extensive experience in conservation, renewable energy promotion and sustainable community development. The funding will come from Phase II of the Cleaner, Greener Communities (CGC) Program, within the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and is being awarded through Round IV of Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative.

In 2013 Catskill Mountainkeeper launched Renewable NY to tackle the increasingly urgent need for communities to shift their energy consumption towards sources that are clean, efficient, and renewable.  In early 2014 we launched RenewableNY.com, a central resource for information and actions that can be taken to advance renewable energy in New York State. The statewide program also facilitates partnerships between local non-profit organizations and community leaders to advance community-based projects, including solar bulk-purchasing campaigns that encourage the purchase of residential and small business solar installations. These educational and action-oriented campaigns have been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create economic growth in the renewable energy sector.

"Renewable NY Southeast" is a three-year, multifaceted, flagship project and bi-regional partnership between the four anchor community organizations, and is intended to raise public awareness about the benefits of and opportunities for solar, as well as to remove market barriers to increased solar installation. By aggregating hundreds of sign-ups for of solar installations in a short time-frame, a campaign of this sort can bring the cost per installation down from $20,000 to $4,000. 

The project’s main components will include an education and awareness campaign, a group purchasing program, and a work force development partnership with local educational and training institutions. Each of these initiatives is envisioned as a scalable and replicable model that can be implemented in other regions of New York going forward.

Catskill Mountainkeeper will administer and manage the project, and will collaborate on marketing and community-based outreach with the two regional teams in the Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier. Sustainable Hudson Valley will implement the outreach plan in the Mid-Hudson counties of Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Rockland, Putnam and Sullivan. BRSC and Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County will lead outreach efforts in Broome, Delaware, Tioga, Chenango, Tompkins, Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties.  All four organizations will work with partnering educational institutions in the development of a Clean Energy Technology Training Consortium to increase opportunities for solar and other renewable energy-related job training in both target regions. Additional partners at the county and local levels will be engaged where possible and appropriate.

For additional information contact:

Catskill Mountainkeeper – Renewable NY,  Betta Broad, Program Manager Energy & Climate, betta@catskillmountainkeeper.org, 607-222-3678

Southern Tier Solar Works, Adam Flint, Southern Tier Solar Works Program Manger at the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition, flint@igc.org, 607-761-8337

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, Sharon K. Anderson, Environment Team Leader, ska2@cornell.edu, 607-272-2292

Sustainable Hudson Valley, Melissa Everett, Executive Director, everett@sustainhv.org, 845-514-8567

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NEW YORK STATE (December 14, 2014) – The New York State Police will deploy additional troopers on the roads in an effort to crack down on drunk driving during the holiday season.

Similar law enforcement initiatives will be taking place across the country due to records indicating an increase in drunk-driving related fatalities that occur around the holidays.

The New York State Police will again participate in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, from Friday, December 12, 2014 through Thursday, January 1, 2015. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints along with more troopers on major highways during the campaign. Unmarked State Police patrol vehicles will also be on the roads.

“With the holiday season approaching, State Troopers will be out in force to monitor our roadways and crack down on dangerous driving habits,” Governor Cuomo said. “This stepped up enforcement – combined with a national campaign against drunk driving – will keep New Yorkers safe and help prevent needless tragedies from ever occurring.”
Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “Safety comes first for the New York State Police for our troopers and the drivers and passengers we serve on New York State’s roadways. We want everyone to have a happy holiday – but we also want you to have a safe one. Impaired drivers cause needless deaths and injuries. Have a plan and you could save a life – maybe even your own.”

In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.

During last year’s campaign, State Police issued more than 38,000 tickets. More than 630 people were charged with DWIs, more than 11,000 drivers were ticketed for speeding and 1,500 drivers were caught for distracted driving.

The facts are grim: During the 2012 holiday period, 1,698 people nationwide were killed on the road, with almost a third of the fatalities related to drunk-driving. On Christmas Day that year, 26 people were killed by drunk drivers.
To keep our roads safer this holiday season, the New York State Police and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips:

· Plan a safe way home before the celebrating begins;
· Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
· If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
· Use your community’s sober ride program;
· If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
· If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

Also, as part of the enhanced enforcement holiday initiative, the New York State Police today will participate in a “Safety Without Borders” campaign in partnership with bordering U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies.

“Safety Without Borders" is a highly visible traffic safety enforcement initiative that emphasizes the shared goal of safe roadways regardless of jurisdictions. The following law enforcement agencies will be participating in this year’s campaign; Vermont State Police, Maine State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Sûreté du Québec. Law enforcement officials will be concentrating on offenses that result in the greatest contribution to serious and sometimes fatal collisions, with particular attention to impaired driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, Move-Over Law violations and improper seat belt use.

This is the third “Safety Without Borders” program conducted during 2014 – previous campaigns took place in April and June, during which participating agencies issued nearly 3,000 tickets. There were no fatal accident investigations that took place during the programs, showing that this partnership is successful in decreasing fatalities throughout the multi-state and Canadian border region. New York has participated in the program since 1994.
MEDIA NOTE: Members of the media should contact their local troop and/or the State Police press office with inquiries and interview requests regarding this subject.

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BETHEL, NY (December 10, 2014) – Tickets are on sale this week for the highly anticipated 2015 Mormon Tabernacle Choir Atlantic Coast tour, which will include a stop at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on June 27, 2015.

The tour will feature the 360-voice world-renowned choir and 68 members of the Orchestra at Temple Square. The Choir’s repertoire will cover everything from Bach and Broadway to American folk hymns and spirituals.

Since its first tour outside of Utah in 1893, the Choir has toured extensively across the United States and abroad. It has performed throughout Europe and in music capitals from Israel and Russia to Japan and Australia. Its travels have also included performances at the inaugurations of six U.S. presidents. A full complement of the Orchestra  has traveled on tour with the Choir since 2005. The all-volunteer Choir and Orchestra usually tour every other year since all of the performers must take vacation time from their jobs and leave their families to undertake the travel.

The 360-voice choir, accompanied frequently by the 150-member orchestra, can also be heard weekly as part of the “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast. This 30-minute program is the world’s longest continuing network broadcast and currently airs on over 2,000 radio, TV, cable and satellite stations worldwide. The Choir and Orchestra are active recording artists with their own recording label, Mormon Tabernacle Choir^®.

For more information, please visit www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/tour.

For ticket information: at Bethel Woods, click here.

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(December 9, 201) – Affected Jurisdictions: Sullivan County

Issued By:  NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

…Winter Weather Advisory In Effect Until 7 AM EST Thursday……Winter Storm Warning Is Cancelled…The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Winter weather Advisory For Freezing Rain, Snow And Sleet…Which Is In effect Until 7 AM EST Thursday. The Winter Storm Warning Has Been cancelled.

* Locations…Poconos…Wyoming And Lackawanna Valleys In northeast Pennsylvania And Sullivan County New York.

* Hazards…Wintry Mix And Snow.

* Accumulations…4 To 8 Inches Of Snow With The Highest accumulations In The Higher Terrain. Ice Accumulations Around one Tenth Of An Inch Of Ice Mainly Over The Highest Elevations.

* Timing…A Light Wintry Mix Of Freezing Rain, Sleet And Snow will Continue Into This Evening. Precipitation Will Transition To Snow tonight And Persist Through Early Thursday Morning.

* Temperatures…Around 30 Tonight And Tomorrow Dropping Into The mid 20s Wednesday Night.

* Winds…Northwest 10 To 20 Mph With Gusts Up To 25 Mph.

* Impacts…Hazardous Travel Today From Light Ice, Especially higher Elevations. Travel Will Become Dangerous This Evening from Snow. Slippery Travel Can Be Expected Through Early Thursday Morning.

A Winter Weather Advisory Means That Periods Of Snow…Sleet…Or freezing Rain Will Cause Travel Difficulties. Be Prepared For slippery Roads And Limited Visibilities…And Use Caution While driving.

Please Report Snowfall And/Or Ice Amounts To The National Weather service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email Atbgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.

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State Resources Ready, Travel Disruptions Expected

NEW YORK STATE (December 8, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has encouraged motorists to use caution in anticipation of another winter storm, which could make travel difficult starting tomorrow through mid-week. The powerful storm is expected to track from the coast northward, bringing rain with possible flooding to the Hudson Valley and areas south, and a wintry mix and snow across the rest of the state, with up to a foot or more of snow possible in the Adirondacks.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for most of upstate New York. Flood watches and advisories are posted for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island, where damaging winds could cause power outages. Precipitation will begin in the Hudson Valley around Poughkeepsie at 4:00 AM Tuesday morning. The band of weather will move northwest and reach Albany around 7:00 a.m. as well as areas in the Southern Tier and Central New York around then and continue northwest. Areas north and west Albany will begin to see precipitation in the early afternoon, likely sometime before 1:00 p.m.

“I have directed State agencies to ready their resources so we can fight this storm as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Governor Cuomo said. “However, travel may be disrupted during the storm, and I urge people to use caution and plan ahead to stay safe.”

Governor Cuomo has activated the Emergency Operations Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. on December 9th. Representatives from the State Police, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Department of Transportation, Thruway, Department of Environmental Conservation, Public Service Commission and Information Technology Services will be reporting.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has 1,444 snow plows and 3,629 operators and supervisors available for this storm, along with 400,000 tons of road salt. NYSDOT is deploying 42 plows and 92 operators from around the state to assist the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and the Southern Tier/Catskills with the storm.

The New York State Thruway Authority has a total of 345 large and medium sized snow plows, 555 snow plow operators and 116,000 tons of salt available across New York state for storm response and recovery efforts. Thruway is deploying at least 12 heavy plows and 24 operators from the lower Hudson Valley to the Syracuse area, and will deploy more equipment as conditions allow.

Power

The New York utilities have begun advance preparations for the upcoming snowstorm and held a call today with the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group to discuss storm preparation and deploying extra resources to have on hand. Central Hudson is already bringing in an additional 110 line workers to assist and New York State Electric and Gas Corporation is bringing in 20 additional line workers. Statewide, there are 2,200 company line workers and 350 contractor line workers. State Department of Public Service staff contacted each of the utilities to review the preparation activities underway.

In addition to preparing for potential electrical outages, all of the utilities in the storm’s path have been preparing for potential flooding issues. Such preparation includes double checking equipment inventories on bucket trucks, checking staffing levels (e.g., wire guards and damage surveyors), and closely monitoring weather conditions.

The New York State Public Service Commission will extend its call center helpline hours on Tuesday, December 9 until 7:30 p.m., and continue the following days from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. as needed, to assist consumers in storm preparation and response efforts. The helpline number is 1-800-342-3377.

Public Service Commission staff will continue to monitor the utilities’ efforts throughout the storm and during the restoration period. The utilities are prepared to respond to power disruptions throughout the event.

Mass Transit

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has cleared trash, leaves and debris from the right of way along the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and the New York City Subway system in order to ensure stormwater can drain quickly. New York City Transit has dispatched additional cleaning crews to respond to track areas, and the railroads have crews on standby ready to clear any fallen trees or other debris that fall on tracks as a result of rain or wind. Subway crews with chain saws will deploy in strategic locations for outdoor portions of the system, and will prepare work trains to haul away any fallen trees. Pump trains will be staffed and ready for deployment if needed.
Metro-North will have electrical crews at the ready in the event of damage to overhead wires from trees falling in high winds, and extra crews will be stationed at Pelham to assist in the event of any trains running into problems changing between overhead wires and third rail power. On the Harlem and Hudson Lines, where there is a greater potential for snow and freezing rain north of I-287, platforms will be pre-salted today. If conditions warrant in the morning, Metro-North has readied de-icing third rail shoes.

Planning Ahead

Governor Cuomo urged New Yorkers to plan ahead by stocking supplies such as flashlights, batteries, food and water in the event power outages or hazardous weather prevents the public from leaving their homes. Additionally, if travel is necessary, prepare vehicles with supplies such as a shovel, warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, batteries and booster cables. A full list of emergency supplies for homes and vehicles, as well as additional safety tips can be found here.

New York State provides a travel advisory system that features real-time travel reports and road conditions, which can be accessed by dialing 511, online at www.511ny.org, or via a downloadable smart phone app. The web site features a color-coded map indicating which state roads are snow covered, ice covered, wet, dry, or closed to help travelers determine if travel is advisable. It also provides link to airport, rail and transit information.

The New York State Thruway Authority encourages motorists to sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. Motorists can sign up for TRANSalerts by following this link:

http://www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.shtml. Thruway travelers can also get real-time updates by following @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter or by visiting http://www.thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 8, 2014) – Issued By:  NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions:  Sullivan County

Winter Storm Warning In Effect From 4 AM Tuesday To 7 AM Est Thursday…

The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Winter storm Warning For Snow, Sleet And Freezing Rain…Which Is In Effect from 4 AM Tuesday To 7 AM EST Thursday. The Winter Storm Watch Is no Longer In Effect.

* Locations…Poconos, Wyoming And Lackawanna Valleys In Northeast Pennsylvania And Sullivan County New York.

* Hazards…Freezing Rain And Sleet Will Move In Before Daybreak then Become Snow Late In The Afternoon And Continuing Heavy At time On Tuesday Night. Steady Snow Will Continue Through Thursday Morning.

* Accumulations…8 To 12 Inches Of Snow, With Lower Amounts In the Valleys And Higher Accumulations In The Higher Terrain. A tenth To One Quarter Of An Inch Of Ice In The Higher Elevations.

* Timing…Freezing Rain And Sleet Will Move In Before Daybreak.Becoming Snow Late Tuesday Afternoon And Continuing Overnight On Tuesday, Heavy At Times. Steady Snow Will Continue Into Thursday morning.* Temperatures…In The Lower 30S.

* Winds…Northwest 10 To 20 Mph With Gusts Up To 25 Mph.

* Impacts…Freezing Rain And Sleet During The Day On Tuesday Will result In Hazardous Travel. Travel Will Become Dangerous During the Overnight Hours In Heavy Snow. Slippery Travel Can Be expected Through Thursday Morning.
A Winter Storm Warning Means Significant Amounts Of Snow…Sleet…And Ice Are Expected Or Occurring. This Will Make Travel very Hazardous Or Impossible.

Please Report Snowfall And/Or Ice Amounts To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-888-603-1402…Or By Email Atbgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY & NEARBY AREAS – Issued By:  NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions:  Broome, Delaware, Otsego, Sullivan, Tioga Counties

Winter Storm Watch In Effect From Late Monday Night Into Wednesday morning…The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Winterstorm Watch…Which Is In Effect From Late Monday Night Through wednesday Morning.

A Major Storm Will Develop East Of The New Jersey Coast Monday night And Tuesday… Then Move Slowly North To Southern New England Tuesday Night.

This Storm Will Spread Heavy Precipitation across The Watch Area On Tuesday Continuing Tuesday Night. The greatest Uncertainty With The Storm In The Watch Area Will Be precipitation Type… With At Least Part Of The Storm Possibly falling As Rain. However Heavy Snow Is Possible In Areas That Get mostly Snow….

Locations…Portions Of Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania.

* Hazards…Heavy Snow.

* Accumulations…7 Inches Or More Of Snow Is Possible.

* Timing…Mixed Precipitation Will Overspread The Area Late monday Night Through Tuesday Morning. Mixed Precipitation Will become All Snow Tuesday Night With Heavy Accumulations Possible. Occasional Snow Or Snow Showers Will Persist Through Wednesday  and Thursday With Lighter Accumulations Likely.

* Temperatures…Mainly Between 30 And 35.

* Winds…Northeast 10 To 15 Mph Increasing To 10 To 20 Mph Tuesday Night.

* Impacts…A Mix Of Rain… Snow… And Possibly Some Freezing rain Will Overspread The Area From South To North Late Monday night Through Tuesday Morning. Precipitation Will Be Mixed through The Day Tuesday… Changing To All Snow Tuesday Night. Accumulations Of 7 Inches Or More Are Possible.

Hazardous Travel will Be Possible With The Mixed Precipitation On Tuesday…However The Worst Conditions May Be On Tuesday Night With heavier Snow Falling.

A Winter Storm Watch Is In Effect Because Heavy Snow Is A possibility…But Not A Certainty. At This Time…There Is The potential For Snow Accumulations Of 7 Inches Or More. Travel conditions Could Become Hazardous…So It Is Important To Monitor the Latest Forecasts And Statements If You Are Planning To Travel in The Watch Area.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 5, 2014) – The Catskill Nordic Ski Club celebrates its 40^th year of offering informal guided cross-country ski trips on some of Sullivan County’s most beautiful trails. Most of the trips are free, except where noted, and last about two hours. All ski trips are scheduled to begin at 1:30p.m. on a Saturday – unless otherwise indicated.

Depending on the weather and/or snow conditions, the leader may choose to reschedule to Sunday, change the hour or location, or to hold a winter hike.  Leaders will be prepared to help and encourage new members.

Members and new skiers alike are reminded to always call the leader the night before the scheduled ski trip for updated information. For further information, please call President Pat Halprin at 434-3841.

December 20: Westbrookville hike/ski. Leaders: Warren & Judy Bergstrom 794-7631

January 3: Haven Road Tow Path. Leaders: Bob & Betty Klein 796-3336

January 10: Town of Thompson Park. Leader: Pat Gersten 794-1039

January 17: Smallwood Trails. Leaders: Jonathan Hyman & Gail Rubenfeld 583-4103

January 24: Woodridge Rail Trails. Leaders: Kathi & Rich Widmann 794-5650

January 31:Fallsburg Trails. Leaders: Eileen & Andrew Kalter 434-5371

February 7: High Point State Park. Leader: Dan Gersten 798-6618 *Start time: 11:30AM.  Fee charged.

February 14: Downs Road Trails. Leaders: Warren & July Bergstrom 7947631

February 21: Frost Valley or Belleayre location TBA. Leader: Bonnie Hoffman 794-7552 *Fee charged

February 28: Mongaup Pond. Leader: Judy Brennan 292-7832

March 7: Walnut Mountain. Leader: Pat Bersten 794-1039

March 14: Loch Sheldrake Hike/Ski followed by annual dinner. Leader: Pat Halprin 434-3841

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