The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (May 29, 2013) – Issued By:  NWS Storm Prediction Center (Storm Prediction Center – Norman, Oklahoma)

Affected Jurisdictions:  Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Yates Counties

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

***A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds.

When a watch is issued, you should go about your normal activities, but keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local radio and television stations for further updates and possible warnings.

DMV Web Link to National Insurance Crime Bureau Identifies Storm-Damaged Vehicles

NEW YORK STATE (May 28, 2013) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a consumer alert today warning used car buyers against purchasing storm damaged cars.

A link on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck allows consumers to immediately determine whether a used vehicle is a “flood car” from Super Storm Sandy or damaged following other storms or circumstances.

Approximately 400,000 vehicles were flooded following Hurricane Sandy. “The monumental devastation caused by Super Storm Sandy left an opening for unscrupulous individuals to try to sell salvaged vehicles to unsuspecting consumers,” said Governor Cuomo. “The information posted on DMV’s website can help consumers avoid the costly expense of purchasing a flood damaged vehicle.”

The NICB’s VINCheck permits anyone to enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine the status of the vehicle. If the vehicle had been declared as salvage by a VINCheck-participating NICB member insurance company, the NICB site reports both the date of loss and the cause of the damage.

TOWN OF FALLSBURG, NY (May 27, 2013) – World War II army veteran Frank Ameduri and Vietnam War veteran Bob Heinz of Smallwood came to dinner with the Town of Fallsburg Lions Club on May 16 to thank the members for their donation of $400 that enabled both men to fly to Washington, DC on April 20 as part of Honor Flight.

The program flies WWII vets from New York State to visit the World War II Memorial twice a year.

Mr. Ameduri could not have gone without someone to assist him, and the Fallsburg Lions were able to pay for his good friend Bob Heinz to make the trip.

Both veterans were thrilled to go to the Memorial for the first time along with 80 other vets, mainly from the Hudson Valley area. It was an emotional journey that was filled with veterans groups welcoming them each step of the way, from a bus ride to Montgomery, NY, then to Stewart Airport, to Reagan National Airport, to Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, and the WWII Memorial.

The group also got to watch the changing of the Marine Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington Memorial Cemetery.

The Fallsburg Lions were happy to meet these men and were grateful that they were able to play a part in honoring their service to the country, especially just prior to Memorial Day.

In the photo (l-r) are WWII veteran Frank Ameduri, Fallsburg Lions Club Vice President Patricia Gibson, President Miranda Behan, and Vietnam veteran Bob Heinz.

A reprint of a story we ran in 2010

Story and top photo by Carol Montana

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (May 25, 2013) – Mom used to call it Decoration Day, which is what it was known by when she was growing up. Today it is officially called Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor those men and women who died in the service of their country.

The custom of decorating graves of fallen soldiers goes back, it is told, to ancient Greece. In this country, the custom started after the Civil War. And the city of Waterloo, NY is the acknowledged first city to hold a memorial service on May 5, 1866.

It was 1882 before the term Memorial Day was first used, and that became the official name of the remembrance in 1967. One year later Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their original dates to a specific Monday. Memorial Day, traditionally celebrated on May 30 was moved to the last Monday in May. This year, that day is May 27.

Canada celebrates a similar observance and calls it Victoria Day, There it was celebrated on May 20.

Volunteers, many of them veterans, observe Memorial Day by placing American flags on each grave site at all the 146 national cemeteries.

And wherever you go, be safe, and please thank a soldier, and thank a veteran.

Given by Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Scott B. Samuelson on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, NY

Good evening, and welcome to our 2013 State of the County Address. I would like to begin tonight by recognizing my fellow Legislators: Vice Chairman Gene Benson, Majority Leader Kathleen LaBuda, Minority Leader Alan Sorensen, District Three Legislator Kitty Vetter, District Four Legislator Jonathan Rouis, District Five Legislator Cindy Kurpil Gieger, District Six Legislator Cora Edwards and District Eight Legislator Ira Steingart. I would also like to recognize Acting County Manager Joshua Potosek.

I would like to offer a special thank you to the representatives of the Wurtsboro American Legion Post #1266, Mamakating VFW Post #4947, the Monticello American Legion #73 and the Liberty American Legion #109 for providing the color guard this evening and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office for their ceremonial guard this evening.

The County ended 2012 with encouraging news. Sullivan County sales tax revenues had come in more than one million dollars greater than what had been anticipated in the 2012 operating budget. This and other cost saving measures that were implemented resulted in growth in the County’s fund balance. This year end result puts the County on the right path to achieving financial stability. While we welcomed this news, it was tempered by the fact that the County’s unemployment rate in January 2013 was above 11% and our property owners are struggling more and more every year to pay their tax bills. We must find a means to alleviate that burden. Make no mistake, we will continue to seek means of streamlining County operations and generate savings wherever possible, however, the only real option we have to provide substantial and lasting relief is to identify and solicit new revenue generating opportunities.

To read the entire 2013 State of the County Address, click this link.

NEW YORK STATE (May 23, 2013) – State Senator John J. Bonacic has introduced legislation, S.5586, which would provide for a process to authorize up to seven licenses for casino gaming if a referendum on the Constitutional amendment to allow casino gaming this November is successful.

“Governor Cuomo gave us a road map, and while this is perhaps a slightly alternative route, we both are trying to reach the same destination.  We both want the voters to have enough information to successfully pass a referendum in support of casino gaming this November,” Bonacic said.

Bonacic said he felt the more information voters had, the more likely it would be that they would vote for a referendum. He also indicated that he felt many voters on Long Island and the immediate New York City suburbs would be concerned about the potential to have a gaming facility too close to them, with the exceptions of places such as Westchester and Queens, where the facilities have been successful and not created problems that casino opponents typically predict.

“My sense is people in many high density, high traffic areas may want to have day trip access to the type of entertainment venue we are speaking of, but not necessarily want them in their Town. This approach deflates and potentially stops much of the NIMBY attacks that some might use to oppose the referendum,” Bonacic said.

Bonacic is proposing up to three casinos in the Catskills, mirroring the 2001 legislation that authorized up to three Native American gaming facilities in Ulster and Sullivan Counties. He is also proposing that the MTA Region (Long Island and the Hudson Valley from Dutchess and Orange Counties South) not be eligible for a casino except in Westchester and Queens Counties.

Bonacic’s proposal is similar to the concept outlined by the Governor two weeks ago in that it:

Creates regions in the State where casinos would and would not be allowed; does not allow any casinos downstate for the next five years; creates a casino siting board appointed by the Gaming Commission to recommend who should receive a casino license; ensures that options exist to site a casino in any area that once had an exclusivity zone but no longer does; requires local approval in the case of the first five casinos for the facilities (by County and locality resolution); requires that 80% of the State revenue generated by the first five casinos go to education and 20% go to property tax reduction (to be split between the host community (20% of the 20%) and the balance (80% of the 20%) to counties across the State).

Since Governor Cuomo outlined his plan, the Governor has settled compacts with two Native American Tribes or Nations – the Oneida and the Mohawks. “Let’s be honest here, the Governor drives the bus. The Legislature is on the bus. We all need to get to the destination on this issue – casino referendum passage. I think voters are going to want the type of information this bill calls for. I am hoping the Governor can use this proposal as he puts his own proposal into bill language. I am respectfully asking him to consider three casinos in the Catskills to honor the 2001 law that contemplated that number. He has done an amazing job settling issues relating to the Oneida and Mohawks.  In fact it was stunning – it made the job of siting the casinos much easier”.

Under Senator Bonacic’s legislation:

The first casino would be located in any of the following counties: Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, or Ulster; the second casino would be located in any of the following counties: Broome, Seneca, Tioga, Tompkins, Chemung, Schuyler, or Wayne; the third casino would be in Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, or Washington; the fourth casino would be in the Catskills (Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, or Ulster Counties); the fifth casino would be in the Catskills or in Western New York (the Counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming and the portions of the Counties of Chemung, Ontario, Schuyler, Wayne and Yates West of New York State Route 14); the sixth and seventh casinos would be in either Queens or Westchester Counties or in an area which previously was part of an “exclusivity zone” but which “exclusivity zone” was no longer in effect.

Casinos would be excluded on Long Island but both Nassau and Suffolk OTBs would be authorized under Bonacic’s legislation to operate one VLT parlor in each County. In addition, a portion of the revenue from any casino in Queens County, up to $75 million per year, for five years, would be used for economic development purposes in and around Belmont racetrack.

“My view is Long Island is a key part of the State’s economy and a large portion of the State’s population. Belmont is a major attraction. I want to continue to successfully grow Belmont and create economic development around it in a manner which is locally determined,” Senator Bonacic said.

Bonacic’s legislation also asks the State Gaming Commission to report back on the feasibility of expanding VLTs to other resort areas which do not receive casino licenses.

In addition, Bonacic proposes to modify the existing casino gaming commission by making the terms nine years and paying the Members of the Commission as full time State employees.  “A nine year term would give the Commissioners actual independence, something I think which would help them make better decisions, removing most, if not all accusations of politics,” Bonacic said.

FALLSBURG, NY (May 22, 2013) – The newly created Fallsburg Central School District Hall of Fame is proud to honor Mr. Jack Leshner as its first member.

This year marks the 60^th anniversary of the beginning of Leshner’s 33-year teaching career at Fallsburg Central High School in 1953.

Jack Leshner is a teaching legend in the Fallsburg community. In the words of the person that nominated him, current Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Vegliante, “Jack Leshner embodies class, grace and honor.” Vegliante added that no one outside of his own family had as great an influence on him as Mr. Leshner.

Leshner began a very long career as an outstanding educator in the Social Studies Department at Fallsburg Senior High School. He made the subject of history come alive to his students, encouraged students to think critically and to see the relevance of the past to current events. Many of his students were so inspired by his methods, mentoring and manner in and outside the classroom that they pursued teaching careers of their own. His love of teaching and of history did not end when he left Fallsburg in 1986. Leshner remained in the Fallsburg community and taught political science and history at Sullivan County Community College up until 2011, when he retired. He now spends his time with grandchildren and family in North Syosset, New York.

When the Fallsburg High School Alumni Association was formed in 2005, Leshner was part of the steering committee and helped organize the first five annual reunions.

Many former students and colleagues rearranged their summer schedules when they heard, “Mr. Leshner will be there.”

Jack Leshner is an original. So it is perfect for him to be the first member of the Fallsburg Central School District Hall of Fame.

He will be officially installed at the Fallsburg High School Graduation on June 23.

HARRIS, NY (May 21, 2013) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has announced that it is notifying individuals who were CRMC patients between 2007 and May 2013, and may have received an insulin pen injection during their visit, that during this time period some insulin injection pens may have been used on more than one patient.

While CRMC is not aware of any contamination between patients, as a precautionary measure CRMC is recommending that those patients be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

To facilitate the process, CRMC is offering those patients free and confidential blood testing services. CRMC has established a dedicated telephone number to use for scheduling appointments.

CRMC patients who would like to arrange for a free blood test, or to be put in contact with someone who can address a specific patient question related to an insulin injection they may have received at CRMC, are asked to call 1-800-277-4221.

CRMC is still identifying the names of patients who may be impacted by this issue and will send those patients notification letters.

Issued By: NWS Storm Prediction Center (Storm Prediction Center – Norman, Oklahoma)

Affected Jurisdictions: Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates Counties

Severe Thunderstorm Watch 203 Is In Effect Until 900 PM EDT For The Following Locations:

New York Counties Included Are

Albany Allegany Broome Cattaraugus Cayuga Chautauqua Chemung Chenango Columbia Cortland Delaware Dutchess Erie Fulton Genesee Greene Hamilton Herkimer Livingston Madison Monroe Montgomery Niagara Oneida Onondaga Ontario Orleans Oswego Otsego Rensselaer Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Schuyler Seneca Steuben Sullivan Tioga Tompkins Ulster Warren Washington Wayne Wyoming Yates

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

HARRIS, NY (May 20, 2013) – The Greater Hudson Valley Health System (GHVHS) has announced that it has been forced to immediately reduce its labor force. Catskill Regional Medical Center will lay off the equivalent of 60 full-time positions. Orange Regional Medical Center will lay off the equivalent of 80 full-time positions. 

GHVHS President & CEO, Scott Batulis said, “While we value every position within the System, we are making every effort to minimize the impact within nursing and departments that provide direct patient care. It is with heartfelt sadness that our need to reduce staffing has come at a time in which our highly productive workforce is ranked among the top 25% in productivity for hospitals across the nation. Federal sequestration cuts and other major reimbursement reductions hit hard and fast; without any transition plan or conversion funding that would have allowed us to reduce costs through attrition or other means.”

At Catskill Regional, revenue has declined due to government cuts and lower patient volume. The hospital is therefore restructuring and downsizing management and non-nursing areas to reduce expense by $5M annually. At Orange Regional, expenses for employee wages and benefits, medical supplies and prescription drugs have increased by $12M with no revenue increase expected due to these direct reimbursement cuts. Therefore, Orange Regional has to reduce costs by $12M to make up this shortfall. Combined, staffing reductions are 5.0% of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System’s total workforce. At this time, there are no plans for further staff reductions.

Batulis stated, “We are committed and will work diligently to assist employees directly affected by this reduction in workforce. Our Human Resources Department will review open positions within the System and will also help to research career opportunities at other local healthcare organizations. Career counseling services will also be provided.”

Employee forums are scheduled at both hospitals for employees to voice concerns and ask questions.                                                       

FROST VALLEY (May 19, 2013) – On April 14, Frost Valley YMCA received the Eagle Award from the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) in Vancouver, Canada where over 1,200 YMCA professionals gathered from over 30 countries. Every year, NAYDO recognizes YMCAs who have been exemplary in their philanthropic endeavors.

Frost Valley was nominated for the Eagle Award by YMCA Camp Manito-wish. Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Ellie Orbison, wrote: “It is my pleasure to nominate Frost Valley YMCA for the 2013 Eagle Award. Frost Valley exemplifies quality financial development practices and is lifted up as the leader in the YMCA camping movement as the model we should all be following to achieve success.

NAYDO Awards Chair, Bryan Webber had this to say about Frost Valley’s nomination: “CEO Jerry Huncosky and Development Director Kathryn Dobbs have built a staff and volunteer team who has achieved strong results in all facets of their development program. A highly innovative communications plan, in support of the annual fundraising campaign, has enabled Frost Valley to grow the annual campaign and donor base significantly. Equally impressive is the recent success of a $7.5 million capital campaign, and continued growth in the endowment fund with assets at approximately $11,000,000. And, in the middle of all of this, was a creative and resourceful response to two hurricanes that devastated Frost Valley – Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Super Storm Sandy in 2012.”

Equally important as the philanthropic efforts of Frost Valley in it’s selection as an Eagle Award recipient is the way these dollars are used to impact and advance its mission. The annual philanthropic dollars raised support financial assistance of over $700,000 yearly for the marquee summer camp program – including Kidney Camp for children on dialysis and with chronic kidney disease. In 2012, Frost Valley was able to offer free weekend stays and a Thanksgiving celebration for victims ravaged by Super Storm Sandy – at no charge. Dozens of families took part in these weekend respites and over $15,000 in assistance was given.

Story provided, photos by Carol Montana

CALLICOON, NY (May 17, 2013) – The 40th Annual Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Recognition Day Luncheon was held on Monday, May 13 at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Club House in Callicoon.

Deborah Allen, Director of the Office for the Aging, welcomed the 225+ crowd that gathered to honor the seniors. Caryn Mathews, Director, RSVP gave opening remarks, Pastor Bob Paquet, gave the invocation.

Marcia Heller, Attorney at Law, sang “God Bless America”. Scott Samuelson, Chairperson, Sullivan County Legislature, Cindy Kurpil-Gieger, Sullivan County Health Chairperson Health & Family Services spoke to the 40 year success of RSVP in Sullivan County.

A total of 283 RSVP volunteers performed over 55,000+ hours during 2012. The RSVP volunteers are making a difference in our community. Nine volunteers served over 1,000 volunteer hours during 2012 received a special award certificate Members of the “1,000 Hour Club.” The awards were presented by Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist to: Barbara Burns – 1,072, William Burns – 1,105, Patricia Curtis – 4,800, Margaret Ippolito – 1,016, Helen “Pat” Muniz – 1006, Sharon Rider – 1,072, Sonny Smith – 1,536, Barbara Viele – 1,071, Marcelle Wagner – 2,420.

Special Honor Awards were presented to: Mae Kratz (photo above with Caryn Matthews) – the longest active term volunteer since 1973; Marie Zalesky (photo right with Elaine Finkle and Caryn Matthews) for being the eldest RSVP Volunteer at 105 years young, serving at Grover Hermann Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center since 1975; and Marcelle Wagner (photo below) for most number of hours served: 41,000 hours since 1988.

Special Service awards were presented to 50 RSVP Medical Transporters: Leonard Bauer, Marcia Bauer, Richard W. Beach, Sylvia Ann Bogusz, Virginia Bossley, Bruce Buckman, RoseMarie Carr,Yoriko Cherry,Marjorie “Jean” Cocot. Edward Coney Donald Downs, Edith “Edie” Downs, Carmen “Letty” Figueroa, Barbara Fogarty, Robert Grab, Sr., Burton  Greenberg, Lorraine Greenberg, Richard “Dick” Harding, Anita Hartmann, Star Hesse, Agi Hyman, Norton Hyman, Mary Inghrim, Denise Jakaitis, Bernard “Bob” Kassman, Zinnia Konviser, Ralph Liff, Barbara MacGhee, Joann MacKinnon, Paul Mader ,Stanley “Stan” Martin,Yvonne Martin, Letha McCausland, Eva Molnar,Noreen Mudge, Arleen Nieke, George Nieke, James “Jim” O’Rourke, Gail Owen, Gloria Paquet, Robert “Bob” Paquet, Peter Rogers, Thomas “Tom” Rudzinskas, Vincent Santoro, Joseph Stifano, Helena Terpis, Peter Toscano, Hulda Vernooy, Arthur Viele, Barbara Viele.

Medical volunteers served 3,587 hours and travelled over 66, 000 miles providing; 1,690 trips to needed medical appointments to the elderly of Sullivan County.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Michelle Semerano and Mike Sakell at WDNB Thunder 102.1/Bold Gold Media Group for announcing the RSVP volunteers birthdays each weekday on the radio, and their continued on-air support of the RSVP program. During 2012 there were 330 RSVP volunteers’ birthdays announced.

Each Legislative District chose a “RSVP Senior of the Year.” From these 9 nominations, one senior was chosen as the Sullivan County RSVP Senior of the Year. Sullivan County Legislature & Health Chairperson/Health & Family Services Cindy Kurpil-Gieger and Kathleen LaBuda, the District # 2 Legislator announced Sophia Martynec, Town of Lumberland /Legislative District # 2, as the Sullivan County “RSVP” Senior of the Year for 2012.

The Seniors of the Year from each legislative district are:

Bethel/District #1 – Claudia Chaiet

Lumberland/ District #2 – Sophia Martynec

Rockland/ District #3 – Stanley & Yvonne Martin

Thomas Seiderer – Mamakating/District # 4

Callicoon /District #5 – Norvin “Fred“ Fries

Liberty/ District #6 – Barbara Burns

Neversink/ District #7 – Marlene Stoutenburg

Fallsburg /District #8 – Norma Selman

Thompson/ District #9 – Sharon Rider

Special congratulations also for also being nominated go to: Grace Tewes – Town of Highland, Julianna Maxwell – Town of Delaware, Marylin Toomey – Town of Forestburgh, and Arthur Hessinger – Town of Freemont.

Sullivan County RSVP is sponsored by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. Funded by the County of Sullivan, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the Corporation for National & Community Service.

If you are interested in joining, call Caryn Mathews, RSVP Project Director at 807-0251 for more information.

Below is an album of photos. To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 40th Annual RSVP Recognition Day Luncheon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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NEW YORK STATE (May 16, 2013) – This week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that a 14-day statewide “Buckle Up New York” campaign to crack down on drivers and their passengers who are not wearing seat belts will be conducted by law enforcement agencies throughout New York State from May 20 through June 2.

“The importance of wearing a seat belt is clear – seat belts save lives," said Governor Cuomo. “Taking a few seconds to fasten your seat belt or to properly secure a child’s safety seat is the easiest thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe.”

According to the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. NHTSA also reports that in 2011 seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide including 444 in New York State. 

“Buckle Up New York” is part of the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign. During this year’s campaign, law enforcement agencies that share state borders will team up in what is being called “Operation Border to Border” to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites, sending a zero tolerance message that driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what state you are in.

“Buckling up is the easiest way to prevent injuries and fatalities should you become involved in a crash,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Barbara J. Fiala. “In New York State, we have had a seat belt compliance rate of 90 or better for the past three years. However, we won’t be satisfied until every driver and passenger buckles up – every time.”

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “Seat belts save lives in New York State. By using safety belts and child safety seats properly, operators and passengers dramatically reduce their risk of severe injury or death when in a motor vehicle crash. For more than two decades, the New York State Police have been stressing the importance of safety restraint use in motor vehicles. We will continue to do our part to reduce senseless injuries and deaths that result from not buckling up and remind drivers to click it or they will get a ticket.” 

Regional Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Thomas Louizou said, “Click It or Ticket is the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever, helping to increase the national seat belt usage rate. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple – Click It or Ticket.” 

Story and Photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY (May 15, 2013) – For the 6th year, the Annual Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom was held at the Monticello Firehouse.

A true intergenerational prom, the event held on Saturday, May 11 was organized by a committee of adults from the Monticello Senior Club, along with the leaders and children from the Boys & Girls Club.

The prom is held annually in May to honor the memory of Alice Kreiter.

This year’s theme was “Hooray for Hollywood,” and several guests were appropriately attired. Entertainment was provided by Kitt Potter and her accompanist, and The Slam Allen Band.

Guests feasted on food prepared by Craig Duffy and Geri’s Creative Catering, and finished with a dessert of fresh fruit and festive cake.

Food and drink were cheerfully served by children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sullivan County: Sara Sorensen, Khristonya Mills, Ariana Irelan, Annelly Connor, Jessica Connor, John Connor, Nathan Guzman, Lauren LaRue, Renee LaRue, Steban Medina, Kristine Perez, Aaliyah Brown and Madison Graham, under the  leadership of Barbi Neumann-Marty, Lisa Moore and Eric Walker.

Dancing and merriment were a big part of the festivities, and at the end of the evening, Kathy Kreiter (the honoree’s daughter), thanked a multitude of people included the entire planning committee, the students and the sponsors.

Below are some photos from the event. To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 6th Annual Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

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GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (May 14, 2013) – An opening reception for the new exhibition “Toil and Trouble: New York City’s Quest for Water and the Rondout-Neversink Story,” featuring keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will take place on Wednesday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. at the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville, NY.

Other speakers are Alan Rosa, Catskill Watershed Corporation and Carter H. Strickland, Jr. Commissioner, NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

The reception will also include participation from the Tri-Valley School District and local area youth groups. 

This new interactive exhibition spans the very beginnings of New York City history through the Clean Water Act and beyond. It tells the story of NYC’s Water Supply System, with a special concentration on the Rondout and Neversink reservoirs and “The Takings” – the emotional story of local residents who were forced to sell their land to New York City for the building of the water system. Family members who lived in the communities where the reservoirs now stand are expected to attend the reception.

In addition to focusing on the different systems and how they work together, the exhibit also includes a part called “Would You Drink This Water?,” which illustrates the type of contaminants in early NYC water, “How Would You Feel?,” which delves into the lands taken and how local lives changed, and “Those Who Did the Dirty Work,” which is about the men who built the tunnels and reservoirs.

Through photographs, artifacts, video, audio, interactive computer programs and hands on activities, visitors will be immersed in the fascinating story of the water system’s development. They will “Spin the Wheel” of dirty water, listen to lost town residents talk about being forced to move from their homes, touch rocks dug from hundreds of feet below the earth, play a “Beat the Clock” game and complete an aqueduct puzzle. They will even build their own dam (including sinking and covering caissons) and dig a real tunnel.

Designed to entertain and enlighten visitors of all ages, the exhibition is perfect for school classes, youth organizations and adult groups seeking to learn more about the water system and its impact on the local area. For more information or to book a group tour, call the Museum at 845-985-7700.

The Time & the Valleys Museum is located at 332 Main Street in Grahamsville (State Route 55), and starting on May 23, the Museum will be open Thursday to Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. through Labor Day, and September and October weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m. Suggested donation for adults is $5, Children under 16 $2, and children under six are free.

NARROWSBURG, NY (May 13, 2013) – Eighteenth century folk musician Linda Russell will be among the highlights of a three-day Market Fair when Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History opens for the 2013 season Memorial Day weekend.

Ms. Russell, who explores history through music, served for many years as a balladeer for the National Park Service at Federal Hall on Wall Street, the site of George Washington’s Presidential inauguration.

Accompanying herself on hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar, pennywhistle and limberjack, she will bring life to ballads, broadsides, love songs, marches, drinking songs and dance tunes common to the early settlers of the Upper Delaware River valley.

In New York, Ms. Russell has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Out of Doors and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has recorded eight albums of traditional and popular music of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries.

Joining her at the Colonial Market Fair will be “General Mad Anthony Wayne” (for whom Wayne County, PA is named,) members of the National Living History and Rendezvous Foundation, Navasing Long rifles, Brigade of the American Revolution, and dozens of other reenactors, artisans, and sutlers demonstrating – and selling – their period-correct crafts and wares.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 and Monday, May 27; and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.

Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History is located along the New York State Scenic Byway at 6615 State Route 97, Narrowsburg, New York 12764. For further information, call Museum Director Debra Conway at 845-252-6660.

There is still some room for additional craftspeople and sutlers. (Must be French & Indian or Revolutionary War era.) There is no fee, but you must bring your own set up. And you must pre-register at: fortdelaware@hotmail.com.

NEW YORK STATE (May 12, 2013) –  Governor Andrew Cuomo announced  on Friday that expanded outdoor smoke-free areas will be in effect within state parks and historic sites for the 2013 peak summer season. The full list of designated no-smoking areas is available on State Parks’ website at http://nysparks.com/inside-our-agency/public-documents.aspx.

“Our state parks embody the rich, natural beauty that New York has to offer, and our residents should be able to enjoy them free of pollution from second hand smoke,” said Governor Cuomo. “Today’s announcement of the expansion of smoke-free zones in our state parks is an important step forward in ensuring New York’s families can enjoy our great outdoors smoke-free, in a healthy environment. I encourage all New Yorkers to visit our unmatched state parks this summer and take advantage of the variety of recreational activities available to them.”

State Parks has expanded upon its smoke-free areas at playgrounds and swimming pools to now include other zones such as specific swimming beaches; pavilions and picnic shelters; developed athletic facilities; boardwalks; outdoor seating areas near food and beverage concessions; areas where outdoor environmental education programs are held; public gardens; areas where children or large numbers of visitors congregate; and within 50 feet of buildings. In addition, all state parks in New York City are designated smoke-free parks to make their smoking regulations consistent with the prohibition on smoking in all city-run parks.

While voluntary no-smoking areas have been established in many areas of the park system, a regulation adopted in February enabled the agency to designate and fully enforce the no-smoking areas, including issuing tickets carrying a fine of up to $250 for violating the no-smoking areas if necessary. Ninety-one percent of comments the agency received on the proposed regulation favored creating outdoor no-smoking areas.

No smoking areas will be designated by signage at outdoor locations where smoking is prohibited. Even with the new regulations, there will remain many appropriate areas including most campsites, open air picnic areas, parking areas and undeveloped areas within the 330,000-acre state park system for those who wish to smoke in a manner that does not violate the concerns of the majority of the public. Smoking is already prohibited inside all buildings within state parks and historic sites.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (December 31, 2012) – The staff and columnists of The Catskill Chronicle are sending  Happy Mother’s Day wishes to all our readers who are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and caretakers of any kind. And for all the men out there who have assumed the role of mother, please accept our thanks as well.

Happy Mother’s Day from Grayce Goin (Twice Divorced), Barry Plaxen (reviewer), J.A. Di Bello (reviewer), Mort Malkin (Gadfly), Jude Waterston (Tales from the Scrawny Gourmet), Janet Waterston (Elder Berries), and Carol Montana (editor and reporter).

Pictured is the editor’s mother, Clara Montana, displaying a purse she received from her husband. He bought it when he passed through Hawaii on his way to the Pacific theater during WWII.

Story & Photos by Carol Montana

LOCH SHELDRAKE & LIBERTY, NY (May 10, 2013 – It was a weekend to celebrate kites and families.

SUNY Sullivan held its 22nd Annual Kite Festival on Saturday May 4 on the grounds of its campus in Loch Sheldrake. As in years past, clear skies greeted the hundreds of kite fliers and spectators. And there was just the perfect amount of wind to get the kites off the ground and keep them flying high.

There were bouncy houses, craft vendors and food tents, along with face painting, the PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Mobile office and the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department. And musical entertainment filled the fields, while inside the Seelig Theatre the Mike Fisher Film Festival featured works by students of the college’s Media Arts program, as well as works by local film makers.

In the theatre lobby, there was the annual SUNY Sullivan student art show showings paintings and drawings in color and black and white.

Here’s an album of some Kite Festival photos. For a link to the full album of photos for the Kite Festival click the link at the bottom of this article.

View Full Album

To see more photos, or to purchase prints from Kite Festival 2013, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

On the same day that people were flying kites in Loch Sheldrake, the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce was holding its inaugural Fiesta de la Familia on the grounds of La Polt Park in Liberty.

Following the successful Cinco de Mayo festival in 2012, the Chamber decided to expand the celebration to include all of the Latino residents in the area.

There was food and singing and dancing, and even Charlie Barbuti, the supervisor of the Town of Liberty, took a turn dancing the Macarena.

Here an album of photos from the Fiesta de la Familia. For a link to the full album of photos, click on the link at the bottom of this article.

View Full Album

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Fiesta de la Familia, visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (May 9, 2013) – Sullivan County Acting Manager Joshua A. Potosek announced that the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services yesterday announced $7 million in funding to several counties for costs associated with Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) consolidation, improvements and enhancements, including nearly $799,000 to Sullivan County.

“I am pleased for the County to have been awarded this grant in order to improve our 911 Operations. I would also like to acknowledge all of our staff involved as Sullivan County was one of only eleven counties to have been awarded this funding,” said Potosek.

“We continue to work with our partners in the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to assist us with our Radio Interoperability upgrade thus far,” said Dick Martinkovic, Commissioner of Public Safety.

“This is a great day for all citizens of Sullivan County since these services are available to all. This New York State grant of $799,000 will go a long way to bringing our 911 phone system into the 21^st Century, and has been possible by all the hard work of county employees in many, many departments, including Public Safety, E911, Grants Administration and County Management,” said Legislator Cora Edwards, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “We are delivering on our promise to create safer communities.”

Sullivan County will work closely with the program office at the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to receive additional administrative guidance and in order to ensure that these funds are provided as quickly as possible.

NEW YORK STATE (May 8, 2013) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the launch of New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades, committing nearly $60 million to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State.

The Governor’s announcement came at the conclusion of the New York State Tourism Summit, where hundreds of tourism experts gathered in Albany to discuss ideas and new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state. As the fifth largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors that visited the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.

“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want the world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the State a ‘must see’ global destination and creating new jobs and investments in New York.”

After discussions with tourism experts and hearing the concerns and ideas of local and international tourism officials, the Governor announced a series of initiatives designed to make New York State the tourism capital of the world:

Highest Level of Tourism Funding in Decades:

The Governor announced the state would invest nearly $60 million in tourism funding – the highest level of tourism funding in decades, making New York State third in the country in tourism funding. Last year, the state invested $19 million in tourism funding.

Affected Jurisdictions: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Sullivan Counties

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

…Local Heavy Rainfall Will Affect Broome…Northern Pike…Southern Chenango…Southern Delaware…Susquehanna…Wayne…And Western Sullivan Counties… * At 255 PM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated Showers And Thunderstorms…Locally Heavy Rainfall…Across Parts Of Broome…Northern Pike…Southern Chenango…Southern Delaware…Susquehanna…Wayne…And Western Sullivan Counties.

A Quick 0.5 To 1.0 Inches Of Rain Is Possible…In About An Hour’s Time.

*Locations That Will Be Affected Include Deposit…Walton… Liberty … Binghamton … Montrose … And Honesdale.

There Is A Potential For Heavy Rainfall…And This Could Cause Localized Flooding Of Roads And Poor Drainage Areas.

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

Affected Jurisdictions:  Sullivan County
Locally Heavy Rainfall Early This Afternoon Across Bradford … Lackawanna…Luzerne…Pike…Southern Sullivan…Southern Susquehanna…Wayne…And Wyoming Counties…

* At 1139 AM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated Bands Of Showers And Thunderstorms…Some With Heavy Downpours…Across The Wyoming And Lackawanna Valleys Of Northeast Pennsylvania…As Well As Adjacent Sections Of The Poconos.

These Showers And Storms Were Moving Northwest At 30 To 35 Mph. *

Locations Include But Are Not Limited To Wilkes-Barre … Hazleton … Pittston…Scranton…Carbondale…Forest City…Clarks Summit … Honesdale…Hawley…Milford… Tunkhannock…And Towanda.

These Showers And Storms Have The Potential To Produce Very Heavy Rain…And Could Cause Localized Flooding Of Roads And Poor Drainage Areas.

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

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS (May 6, 2013) – The Delaware River District of the Hudson Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America handed out their annual awards in April.

The White Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church was awarded the Charter Organization of the Year Award. 

The WSSUMC charters Cub Scout Pack 717 and Boy Scout Troop 717 with 59 registered scouts and adults.

As a charter organization, the WSSUMC has wholeheartedly supported the scouts and been more than just a name on their charter.

Pastor Bridgette LeConey and the entire congregation have actively involved themselves with their scouts. Among many other sponsored activities, the church hosted the District’s Scout Sunday service in February.

The Delaware River District comprises all of Sullivan County and parts of Pike and Orange Counties.

Pictured in the photo is Dennis Simmons, Scoutmaster of Troop 717 presenting the award to Pastor Bridgette LeConey during the Church service on April 21st.

Pack and Troop 717 were also honored to have some of their leaders recognized at the District level with Dennis SImmons being given the Scoutmaster of the Year Award, Roger Edwards the Den Leader of the Year Award and Jason Gossett, the Hidden Hero award.

Anyone interested in Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop 717 can call Nancy at 845-292-2683.

Photos by Carol Montana

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (May 5, 2013) – Attention local businesses, community groups, schools, artists, musicians, performance groups and more! The 10^th annual Trout Parade, Sullivan County’s own version of Mardi Gras, is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 in Livingston Manor, NY, rain or shine. The Catskill Art Society invites you to “Boogie Down” and take part in the region’s funkiest community parade and street fair.

Individuals and groups that would like to dress in costume, decorate a bicycle, design a float, dance down Main Street, show off classic cars, make some music, or present a performance are welcome to participate in the Trout Parade. Your presentation can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.

The 10^th Annual Trout Parade is dedicated to the memory of Barry Foster, who was the parade’s emcee for eight years. Barry passed away this year on April 19.

The 2013 Trout Parade will step-off promptly at 1:00 p.m., led by the honorary “Sturgeon General” and will feature a wide variety of music, entertainment and floats representing local businesses, organizations and performance groups from this area and beyond.

Look for pre-parade entertainment to include stilt-walkers from the NaCl Theatre, performers from Catskill Puppet Theatre, face painting by Miss Sunshine, and much more. Throughout the festivities, Wilkes and Bernard Photography will provide professional instant portraits of you and your family at the CAS Arts Center at 48 Main Street, with proceeds to benefit CAS.

There is no cost to participate and hundreds come to see the Trout Parade each year.

Catskill Art Society is producing this year’s Trout Parade in partnership with the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce, and with support from businesses and individuals from around the community. Proceeds from the parade will benefit the Arts and Music programs at the Livingston Manor Central School, and the Catskill Art Society.

To celebrate the milestone of the Trout Parade’s 10th Anniversary, the CAS Arts Center is assembling a special exhibit to showcase the event’s history and celebrate the joy of fishing. CAS is seeking artwork and artifacts featuring fish to represent this central part of our community’s identity. This exhibit will be on display for one week through this  year’s Trout Parade, and participants are welcome to "borrow" their work to use in the Parade.

All original artwork, photographs, historical artifacts, and unique fishing paraphernalia is welcome for submission. There is no fee to submit work. All pieces should be delivered ready to hang or display by Tuesday, May 28. Please include a brief note outlining the work’s origin and description, as well as its title and artist’s name if known.

For more information and details on how to participate in the 2013 Trout Parade or become a sponsor, please contact the Catskill Art Society at 845-436-4227 or info@catskillartsociety.org.

NEW YORK STATE (May 4, 2013) – State Senator John Bonacic (R/I/C-Mount Hope) has announced that Richard R. Keiser will be inducted into the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves, both in military and civilian life.

Mr. Keiser’s heroism during the Vietnam War is complemented by his outstanding service to the community.

“I am proud to have Richard Keiser represent the 42nd Senate District in the Veterans’ Hall of Fame. His advocacy for veterans is impressive. His influence extends from the local level to the national level,” Senator Bonacic continued,

“At the local level, Mr. Keiser organized the Sullivan County Coalition of Veterans. At the state level, Mr. Keiser was instrumental in ensuring the Veterans Buy Back Bill be passed in 1999 and at the federal level, he served on Congressman Ben Gilman’s Veterans Advisory Council and is a veterans advocate at Castle Point in Virginia.”

Richard R. Keiser served his country admirably during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of sergeant. He is a disabled decorated combat veteran of Vietnam, US Army 101st Airborne Division. He was wounded on Hamburger Hill in May 1969. He is a member of numerous veterans organizations including: the Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (Charter member of Post 1615, Demeola Post and served as Commander).

Mr. Keiser has proven to be a leader in the military and in civilian life. Mr. Keiser remains current on veterans issues and continues to stay actively involved in numerous veteran organizations. He has taken on several leadership roles relating to veterans issues. As a New York State Commander of the American Legion, he helped work with members.

He was the County and State Commander of the New York American Legion and served at the national level as a National Executive Committeeman. He served as first president of the Sullivan County Coalition of Veterans. He has Mr. Keiser was on the board of directors of the Missing in Action home in Rockland County. He is presently Vice President of the Roscoe Kiwanis.

Professionally, Richard Keiser served for 33 years as an Orangetown Police Detective. During his time with Orangetown, he received numerous citations for heroism, exceptional police investigation and life saving. He also participated in the FBI Academy, New York City Homicide, New York City Sex Crimes and New York City Criminal Investigators Courses. He is also a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist.

Mr. Keiser has received several awards for his outstanding efforts, including New York State Veteran of the Year in 1994. He was named the NYS Crime Prevention Officer of the Year in 1995 and proclaimed an expert in State Supreme Court by Judge Murphy. He graduated 1st Place from the Rockland County Police Academy in 1972. Mr. Keiser is also a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart,which he served as Commander.

Richard R. Keiser lives in Roscoe after retiring from the Orangetown Police Department in 2004. Mr. Keiser is also a frequent writer in the Sullivan County Democrat on veterans issue.

The Senate will honor Mr. Keiser and other distinguished veterans from each Senate District on May 21st in Albany.

MONTICELLO, NY (May 3, 2013) – Another Thunderbash has come and gone, delighting thousands of country music fans with music and fun at Monticello Casino and Raceway.

The 8th annual event, which took place on Saturday, April 27 featured country duo headliner Steel Magnolia (Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones), Tommy Steele, David Adam Byrnes, Iron Cowboy, Somerville, Cathy Paty, Alyssa Startup and Brian Dunne.

Mr. Nashville, Billy Block, host of the Billy Block Show was a co-emcee along with hosts of Thunder 102’s Ciliberto and Friends – Paul Ciliberto and Michelle Semerano, mid-day DJ Jason Dole, Mike Sakell, host of Sakell in the Afternoon, and several other personalities from the Bold Gold Media Group, which owns Thunder 102.

Vince Benedetto, owner of Bold Gold Media, and Tony Cellini, Supervisor of the Town of Thompson introduced a military color guard.

Sponsored by Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts, Crystal Run Healthcare, M&M Auto Group and the Town of Thompson, Thunderbash was free, but concertgoers were asked for a donation for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County.

Here are some photos from the event. To see more photos, or to order prints from Thunderbash 2013, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

View Full Album

NEW YORK STATE (May 2, 2013) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo will host New York State’s first Tourism Summit to hear ideas from industry leaders, business owners and other stakeholders to help ensure that the tourism industry continues to grow and create jobs in New York.

The Tourism Summit will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hart Lounge in Albany.

“From the wine trails of the Finger Lakes to the beaches of Long Island, New York State has the top destinations for visitors from around the world,” Governor Cuomo said. “The tourism industry is the fifth largest employer in New York and a critical economic engine, and the State is committed to continuing its success. Our summits have produced real results for other industries, cutting red tape and making it easier to do business here in New York. This summit will continue our dialogue with the business community so that we can find ways to boost the tourism sector, create jobs, and better market all that the Empire State has to offer.”

Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has launched a series of initiatives to bolster statewide tourism, including new marketing and advertising campaigns to showcase New York State’s many assets and attractions. As the fifth largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 694,000 jobs and generated $16.6 billion in wages in 2011.

In 2011 alone, the Empire State welcomed 202 million international and domestic visitors – an 8.3 percent increase from the year before. These visitors contributed a record $53.9 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $6.9 billion in state and local taxes. To build on these successes and continue to boost tourism and create jobs, the Governor recently launched several new initiatives to spotlight the State’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities and attract visitors to Upstate New York, such as the I Love My Park Day, New York Open for Fishing and Hunting, Path Through History and the Adirondack Challenge.

During the summit, the Governor will moderate a discussion where participants will have the opportunity to provide input on what they believe will help boost New York tourism throughout the state. There will be updates on tourism initiatives launched by Governor Cuomo since he took office, including Path Through History, the re-launched ‘I Love NY’ marketing campaign and the Wine, Beer & Spirits tourism effort, among others.

The Governor will be joined by senior staff and top State marketing officials, as well as Cristyne Nicholas, the new Chair of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council, Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts and Chairman Emeritus of the US Travel Association, and state, national and international tourism leaders.

Additionally, several topical breakout sessions will be held in the afternoon on vital tourism industry market segments, moderated by recognized industry thought leaders. Breakout topics include: sports and event-driven tourism; interest-based and niche tourism such as agri, cultural, and heritage tourism; and international tourism.

NEW YORK STATE (May 1, 2013) – On Monday, April 29, the New York State Senate passed “Teresita’s Law,” (S.1888), which was sponsored by Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope).

The law elevates the charge of causing the death of another, while negligently operating a motor vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or otherwise withdrawn license, from a misdemeanor to a Class E Felony.

This legislation was introduced in honor of Teresita “Grace” Solano, who was killed in Middletown, NY last year. Teresita was crossing a street and was hit by a negligent driver who was operating a vehicle with a suspended license. The driver’s license had been previously suspended multiple times, however under the current law he could only be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 30 days and a $500 fine.

“This is an outrage. When a driver with a suspended license kills another person, he or she must be held accountable for their actions,” said Senator Bonacic.

Senator Bonacic’s bill will remedy this gap in the law and make such criminal action a felony.

“Those who drive without valid licenses should not be on the road, and when they kill an innocent person they cannot walk away with only a slap on the wrist,” Senator Bonacic said.

“I credit the unanimous passage of this legislation in the Senate to Teresita’s sister, Evangeline Papp. It was her tireless efforts that made the passage of this legislation in the Senate a reality,” Senator Bonacic concluded.

The bill now moves to the Assembly for a vote.

MONTICELLO, NY (April 30, 2013) – Kathleen LaBuda, Chair of the Sullivan County Public Works Committee, has announced that 2013 Lake Superior State Park Season Passes are available for sale to Sullivan County residents and property owners at the Division of Public Works office, 100 North St., Monticello, NY. Each pass is $15.00.

To purchase a pass, bring proof of residency or property ownership to the DPW office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

2012 Season pass holders may download the renewal form from the County website (www.co.sullivan.ny.us) and apply for their 2013 season pass by mail.

The Beach at Lake Superior State Park will open to the public on Saturday, May 25, 2013 and continue to operate on weekends through the end of June, when it will commence its daily operations through Labor Day. The hours of operation are 9 :00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., subject to weather conditions.

Admission fees are $5 per person; children under 3 years old are free.

Lake Superior does participate in the Golden Park Program, which grants New York State senior citizens free admission to the park on weekdays only. (No weekends or holidays.)

Boat rentals, vending machines and the bathhouse will all be available during regular beach operating hours.

Several picnic pavilions are available for rent; please contact the DPW office at 845-807-0261 for more information.

Lake Superior State Park is operated and maintained by the Sullivan County Division of Public Works through a 20-year license agreement with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.