The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (March 30, 2013) – Senator Bonacic (R/C/I- Mt. Hope) has announced that the Veterans’ Cemetery Bill, S4213 by Senator Ball, has been included in the 2013-2014 New York State Budget. This bill will create a program to establish the first New York State Veterans’ Cemetery.

“I was pleased to see the Veterans’ Cemetery Bill included in this budget. Forty-two other states have cemeteries honoring their veterans, and it is time for New York’s veterans to be laid to rest in a place of honor and respect for their service,” said Senator Bonacic.

The program, overseen and managed by the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, will create the first New York State veterans cemetery, and provide a program for its operation, maintenance and perpetual care.

“Our heroes deserve nothing less,” Bonacic concluded.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (March 29, 2013) – Antique appraiser, Richard Axtell, of Axtell Antiques in Deposit, will be in Livingston Manor to appraise and discuss the historic value of family heirlooms and knick knacks at an event similar to PBS’s Antique Roadshow at the Livingston Manor Library on Saturday, April 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Participants are welcome to bring up to 5 items per person.  No preregistration is required. A fee of $5.00 per item will be collected at the door, in return for a ticket, allowing time to walk on Main Street or watch other appraisals while waiting.

Richard Axtell has been selling antiques full time for 45 years. Says Axtell, “I am still learning. I read all the time. It’s a lot of fun and every appraisal I do teaches me more. I enjoy discovering something unusual and surprising.” Axtell specializes in items used in American households during the 18^th and 19^th centuries, but can evaluate antiques from any era. Axtell Antiques can be found online at RookeryBookery.com.

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

SULLIVAN COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREA (March 29, 2013) – Local governments across the State will see an increase averaging 20% in funding under the State’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement (CHIPS) program.   

The total increase in the CHIPS program for the four counties of Senator Bonacic’s District (Delaware, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster), totals just under $5 million. 

LIBERTY, NY (March 28, 2013) – The public is being asked to help keep the doors open full-time at Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County following a 20% cut in funding by the Sullivan County Legislature, due to its financial challenges. 

This request for community support comes after a unanimous vote late last night at the CCE board meeting to approve staff furloughs of one day per week beginning in Mid-April 2013.

“We need immediate help from families, farmers, homemakers, and everyone touched by Cooperative Extension if we want to keep providing services at the same level,” said CCE Board President Joan Howard. “We’re talking about our core, traditional areas of 4-H, agriculture, and family and consumer science. We know times are tough for everyone, but please consider making a special donation at this time.”

A weekly furlough of employees will begin mid-April 2013, announced CCE Executive Director Greg Sandor, as a result of the over $83,000 reduction to the county’s contract for programs approved last week.

“I am not prepared to cut any one program right now. Instead, I am planning on reducing staff hours across the board, including my position, and then we will spend the next month looking closely at each program and will begin cutting programs after this 30 day period” said Sandor. “More importantly, by only cutting staff one day per week, they will be able to keep their current positions and retain the excellent benefit package that Cornell University provides to all our local county CCE employees.”

This furlough policy will require staff to take one day a week without pay, and affects all employees. All CCE programs and activities at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center in Liberty will be suspended one day each week beginning in mid-April, until further notice.

“If 1000 people donate $100 each, it will keep staff on full-time and our doors open five days a week for the rest of the year, giving us time to seek additional resources,” said Sandor.

The Cooperative Extension Board of Directors approved the new policy at a meeting this week, in lieu of layoffs. The board will review the decision in 30 days and make additional cuts to programs, if warranted.

CCE traditionally faces a difficult cash-flow situation since it is required to provide many of its services before it is reimbursed.  Coupled with a federal cut of $33,000 due to Congress’s failure to reauthorize the Farm Bill, CCE is facing a total loss of over $116,000 for the year. With the first quarter already gone, the board felt it was necessary to take immediate fiscal action.

The cuts also put other funding at risk, including a $50,000 capital improvement grant secured by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther to make major improvements to the Education Center. That funding must be spent up front and then reimbursed. CCE was hoping to obtain additional matching grants as well, but now the entire plan is in doubt.  Ironically, the $100,000 in building improvements would be made to a facility owned by Sullivan County and come at no cost to the county.

The board had planned to announce a 2014 Centennial Year Fund Drive this summer to celebrate the institution’s 100^th anniversary in Sullivan County.  Now the board is issuing an emergency appeal and will kick-off the fund drive in June. The money raised will be used first to reopen the office five days a week.

Additional funds will assist staff in carrying out the visionary plans in advancing CCE’s role in economic development, including: a business-incubating commercial kitchen, projects spotlighting maple syrup production, greenhouse demonstration, and woodlot management, as well as sustainable, energy efficient infrastructure for the CCE building. Donations received will continue to support the vital programs of agriculture, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer science that have established the foundation of CCE education in Sullivan County for the last century.

“We are committed to continuing to provide the great resources of Cornell University to Sullivan County. We will not waiver on this,” promised Sandor. The new director is enthusiastic that the public will respond with support.

Members of the board will be at CCE on Tuesday, April 2 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to answer questions about the furlough, budget projects, and the 2014 Centennial Year Fund Drive. Individuals with questions may also contact the board at sullivan@cornell.edu.

Photos (except for Steel Magnolia) by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY (March 27, 2013) – Country music duo “Steel Magnolia” heads to Thunder Country to headline the 8^th annual ThunderBash presented by Thunder 102, The Town of Thompson and Concord Associates at the Monticello Casino & Raceway on April 27.

This free event will also feature Nashville recording artists Tommy Steele and David Adam Byrnes (third photo), along with regional favorites Iron Cowboy (fourth photo) and Sullivan County’s own and Nashville singer/songwriters Somerville (second photo)and 2012 Texaco County Showdown Winner Cathy Paty performing with Somerville  and guest host Mr. Nashville, Billy Block.

ThunderBash will open with the National Anthem performed by the Eldred Key Elements.

Donations will be taken at the door for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County’s Strong Kids Program.

Since winning season two of CMT’s Can You Duet? Steel Magnolia (Joshua Scott Jones and Meghan Linsey), has gone on to win over many more influential fans and supporters. Their song "Keep On Lovin’ You"has been downloaded more than a million times and landed in the major motion picture, “Valentine’s Day.” Steel Magnolia spent the summer of 2010 touring alongside Brad Paisley on his massively popular H20 Tour. They also toured with Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton and appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Lopez Tonight.

Even before the release of their debut album, Steel Magnolia snagged nine major industry award nominations, including: Vocal Duo of the Year and Top New Vocal Duo of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in both 2010 and 2011, Top Vocal Duo by the the Country Music Association in 2010, Best Country Music Video By A New Duo by Country Music Television and a 2012 ACM Awards for Vocal Duo of the Year. Their second single, “Just By Being You (Halo and Wings),” became their second Top 30 hit. Their third single, “Last Night Again”, reached No. 24 on the country charts. Their self-titled album was released in January 2011 and it debuted in the Top 10 of the pop and country album charts, entering the charts at No. 7 and No. 3, respectively.

ThunderBash is a FREE event, but you need a ticket to get in. Listen to Thunder 102, download the Radio Bold app or go online at www.thunder102.com for more details.

Doors open at 4:30 pm and show starts at 5:30 p.m. A Video Tribute to The Troops will be presented during the evening and is sponsored by Advance Testing and Monticello Motor Club. The travel Arrangements for the Stars of ThunderBash are being provided by Formaggio Cheese and Yellow Cab is the Designated Driver of ThunderBash.

Thunder Bash, presented by The Town of Thompson, Concord Associates and also sponsored by M & M Auto Group, Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, Crystal Run Healthcare, Big V Tours ….and Your On-Air, Online and On Your Cell Phone Station…Thunder 102.

LIBERTY, NY (March 26, 2013) – Alumni Glenn Zurawski, M.D., M.P.A. (Class of 1969) will be the sole inductee to the Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame this June. Zurawski joins 15 fellow inductees who were selected over the past two years, since the Wall’s inception in 2011.

Zurawski, an anesthesiologist and surgeon, was devoted to the care of high-risk newborn children, focusing on intricate neo-natal anesthesia. He was instrumental in the development of new surgical anesthesia technologies within this specialty and worked closely with the original inventor of the infant respirator to develop an updated version of this life saving technology.

Dr. Zurawski’s work has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine as well as leading anesthesiology medical journals. In addition, Zurawski established a new surgery center at Mills Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, serving as medical director from 1983-1995, and established one of the first pain control clinics in the San Francisco Bay Peninsula region. Dr. Zurawski passed away in March of 2012.

The Wall of Fame was created by the Board of Education as a way to honor Liberty alumni, past employees and community members who have made a lasting and outstanding contribution to society and to the Liberty community.

Dr. Zurawski and his family will be honored at a breakfast reception on June 22, which is also graduation day for seniors. The Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame is located in the lobby of the David E. Panebaker Auditorium at Liberty High School. More information as well as complete biographies of all inductees can be found at www.libertyk12.org.

MONTICELLO, NY  (March 25, 2013) – The Builders Club of Robert J. Kaiser Middle School recently raised $207 for the WSUL/WVOS Heart-A-Thon benefitting the Catskill Regional Medical Center. The students sold paper hearts to faculty and staff members for $1 each and proudly displayed them in the school lobby.

Al Frangipane, “The Heart Man”, presented the Club with a Certificate of Appreciation for a job well done. The Builders Club is a service organization sponsored by the Monticello Kiwanis Club.

Pictured above with Builders Club members are from left – Jane Sorensen, Monticello Kiwanis Club Liaison, William Ofelein, Builders Club Advisor and Al Frangipane.

In photo right, Thomas Commerano, Builders Club President, holds a Certificate of Appreciation. Left to right with Thomas are Al Frangipane, William Ofelein, Club Advisor and Jane Sorensen, Monticello Kiwanis 1st VP/Club Liaison.

HURLEYVILLE, NY (March 24, 2013) – At the Town of Fallsburg Lions Club weekly dinner meeting on March 21, District 20-0 Alert Chair Al Frangipane presented three $500 checks to the following local food banks: Town of Thompson’s Federation for the Homeless, South Fallsburg’s St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry, and Hurleyville’s Bread of Life Food Bank.

Earlier this month Frangipane had presented checks to Shepherd’s Pantry in White Lake and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Middletown.

Lion’s District 20-0 Governor Joyce Maier had made an application to the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation for the monetary awards to acknowledge the great team effort of local Lions Clubs to honor their neighborhood food relief agencies for stepping up during Storm Sandy this winter.

At the Fallsburg meeting, Frangipane thanked Kathy Kreiter, Cynthia Johnston and Louise Domingo, who are responsible for maintaining the Federation, St. Andrew’s and Bread of Life and keeping their doors open and serving the needs of the people during the long power outages and impact of frigid weather.

Over 30 Fallsburg Lion’s Club members were on hand at the dinner.

WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2013) – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced $79,906 in federal funding for the Mountaindale Fire District. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, and will be used to make equipment upgrades.

“With this funding, Hudson Valley firefighters will have better equipment to keep themselves safe as they protect others,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment for turn out gear and face pieces in Mountaindale will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible.”

“This is an important investment for these Hudson Valley fire departments,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have the right equipment. This grant funding will help ensure Mountaindale’s brave fire fighters are responding to emergencies equipped with the right resources so they can save more lives.”

“We’re grateful to be awarded this grant to enhance firefighter safety and EMS efficacy,” said Mountaindale Fire Chief Andy Millman. “We’re a small department, but we’re essential the community, and we rely on these funds to update our equipment to adhere to State and federal mandates.”

“We’re excited that the hard work done by our firefighters and our senators resulted in a grant that will ultimately benefit our citizens,” said Town of Fallsburg Supervisor, Steven Vegliante, who’s also a firefighter in the Village of Woodridge.

The Mountaindale Fire District will use the federal funding to purchase 16 new complete sets of turnout gear, and 17 full face piece assemblies. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that such gear be new and meet current regulations. The District was also awarded funds for the purchase of three additional AEDs to maximize lifesaving capabilities. Representatives of the Mountaindale Fire District attended an AFG workshop sponsored by Senator Gillibrand to help departments navigate the competitive grant process. Senator Gillibrand also wrote to FEMA officials in support of Mountaindale’s grant application.

The AFG Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.

AFG grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.

LIBERTY, NY (March 23, 2013) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday that construction to replace the decks of two bridges carrying the exit and entrance ramps for westbound State Route 17 at Interchange 100 over the Mid-Mongaup River in Liberty, Sullivan County will begin on March 25. The bridges will be closed during construction, and a detour will be put in place. Plans for this $1 million NY Works project meet the goals of the Governor’s Drivers First initiative to ensure that construction causes the least impact to motorists.

“The NY Works program ensures that New York State has a safe and stable infrastructure to support our economy for decades to come,” Governor Cuomo said. “By making the Drivers First initiative a part of the construction process, this project in Sullivan County will move forward with the least hassle for motorists so that we can complete the work efficiently and as soon as possible.”

In addition to replacing the bridge decks, other structural work will be done, including replacement of the bridge rail. While the decks are being replaced, the bridges will be closed to all traffic. The closures will begin on Monday, March 25, and work is expected to be completed by the end of May.

During the closure, traffic for the Interchange 100 exit ramp will be detoured to Interchange 101 and Sullivan Avenue. Traffic intending to use the Interchange 100 entrance ramp will be detoured to Interchange 99. Periodic lane closures on State Route 17 may also be needed.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said, “Replacing the bridge decks will increase safety for motorists and enhance mobility at an important interchange in Sullivan County. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s innovative NY Works program, we will see many important safety projects taking place this year, helping to improve our infrastructure, facilitate economic development and create immediate jobs across New York State.”

NY Works projects in the greater Binghamton area total $46.5 million and have addressed nearly 50 miles of pavement. This project is part of a $19.8 million contract to replace bridge decks on 19 structures in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Sullivan and Tioga counties. The construction contractor for the project is Economy Paving Co, Inc. of Cortland, Cortland County.

It is imperative that motorists remember to drive carefully through this and the many other highway and bridge construction zones they will encounter during the upcoming construction season.

The bridge closures and detour plans were established as part of the Drivers First initiative, developed by Governor Cuomo last year. Drivers First requires that capital construction road and bridge projects are reviewed to ensure that work has the least impact possible on highway users. For this project, it was determined that closing the bridges and establishing a relatively short detour would allow the project to be completed much more quickly and safely, while creating only a minimal amount of travel delays for drivers.

NY Works focuses on improving the condition of bridges from fair condition to good condition in order to extend their service life. This rehabilitation work will better preserve the state’s infrastructure and guard against the need for more costly, in-depth construction. Bundling projects sites within close geographic locations into a single contract enables DOT to lower expenses and obtain lower bids.

Senator John Bonacic said, “This project creates construction jobs and makes the flow of traffic safer. Continuing the conversion of Route 17 to I-86 is important as we strengthen bridges, roads, and other infrastructure throughout New York.”

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, “This is an important project for Sullivan County and the region. Governor Cuomo has shown extraordinary leadership, not only with the Drivers First initiative, but with a significant investment in improving the roads and bridges in Sullivan County and New York State.”

For real-time travel information, call 511 or visit http://www.511NY.org. 511NY is New York State’s official traffic and travel information source. The 511NY site and mobile app offer free, 24/7, statewide, real-time traffic and transit information for all of New York State. It also offers a transit trip planner, camera views, as well as weather alerts and forecasts. New features available at the site – http://www.511ny.org – include additional mobile app features, border crossing times, new notifications on the home page, and an interface that is easier to navigate.

NEW YORK STATE (March 21, 2013) – More than 1 million middle-class families across New York State will benefit from a child tax credit that will be enacted as part of the 2013-2014 Budget, the state Division of Budget announced today.

As part of the agreement reached by the Governor, the Senate, and the Assembly, families with incomes between $40,000 and $300,000 will be eligible to receive a new child tax credit of $350 per-year for three years. The credit, which will be delivered as a check, will begin in 2014.

The chart below details how many families in each area region benefit from the child tax credit.

Region/County           Savings             Families

Delaware                  $900,000            2497

Dutchess              $7,000,000          20111

Orange                  $8,400,000          23909

Sullivan                 $1,400,000            3920

Ulster                    $3,800,000          10839

Statewide         $375,000,000    1,071,429

NEW YORK STATE (March 21, 2013) –

Governor Cuomo – “For the first time in almost three decades our state is poised to pass its third on time fiscally responsible budget in a row, a feat that is restoring public and investor confidence in our state’s finances and economic future. The dysfunction in Albany created a fiscal mess for our state that seemed impossible to overcome but now, by making government function, cutting taxes and controlling spending, New York is seeing its highest investor confidence since 2009 as measured by the rally in our bonds. This past month S&P reaffirmed the positive rating that it gave the state last year. New York is back on the right fiscal track and, with the passage of our third on-time balanced budget which cuts taxes for the middle class and holds the line on spending, our future has never been brighter.”

Senator Bonacic – “I am pleased the Legislature is on its way to adopting an early State budget that reduces the tax burden on New Yorkers and helps small businesses grow, all while funding essential governmental services. I am most pleased that the budget:

· Provides for an increase of nearly $1 billion for education;

· Reduces the tax burden on families with children by providing a new child tax credit starting in 2014;

· Provides a hiring tax credit to help returning soldiers and young people find work, including a permanent tax credit for hiring veterans;

· Initiates the Market-NY program to increase support for tourism and agriculture;

· Increases CHIPS aid for local roads and bridges by $75 million. This is the first increase in five years.

“Beyond prioritizing spending though, I am especially pleased the State is prioritizing accountability and innovation in education. Two years ago, even when Governor Cuomo opposed it, I led to effort to better fund education by maintaining the Millionaire’s tax.

“This year, the State will successfully build on that fairer funding of our schools by enhancing accountability in the spending of hard-earned taxpayer dollars, including: State increases being tied to teacher evaluations; increased standards for teacher certification; and rewarding high performing teachers with annual stipends for the most effective teachers – starting with math and science.”

NEW YORK STATE (March 20, 2013) – State Senator John Bonacic (R/C/I – Mt. Hope) released a statement yesterday that the legislation (S.3827) proposing a tax on satellite television service is not going to pass the State Senate. The Legislation is sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker (D – NYC).

Direct TV and Dish Network are running advertisements on its channel telling people to call their lawmakers in opposition to the tax proposal. “The TV Tax is dead. We do not need a new tax on anything, including television,” Senator Bonacic said.

“I am always happy to hear from constituents, but I want people to know the TV tax is not going to happen,” Bonacic said.

The Senator noted that Direct TV recently sent out a letter telling viewers that Direct TV is raising their rates. “On one hand Direct TV is daily sounding the alarm about this legislation, which has no chance of passing. On the other hand they are raising rates. I would not want consumers to be under the false impression that the TV tax Direct TV keeps telling consumers to call about was enacted, and that is why their rates are rising. The TV tax was not enacted nor will it be. Customers of Direct TV are paying more because Direct TV is raising rates,” Bonacic said.

 SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 19, 2013) – Brian Kelting of Hankins was recently sworn in by Sullivan County Clerk Dan Briggs as the newest member of the Sheriff’s Patrol.

Observing the ceremony was Sgt. Luis Alvarez.

Deputy Kelting is a former D.A.R.E. student, taught by Sgt. Alvarez. He was in the last class to graduate from Delaware Valley before the school was closed and merged into the Sullivan West School District.

Deputy Kelting will start his Police Academy training in Orange County later this month.

Left to right in photo: Sgt Alvarez, Deputy Kelting and Dan Briggs.

ROCK HILL, NY (March 18, 2013) – Nana’s House Child Care Center will hold their 2nd Annual Dinner Dance and Silent Auction on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Dutch’s Tavern, 205 Rock Hill Drive in Rock Hill.

This event is being organized by volunteers from the school’s staff and Board of Directors. Tickets will are on sale for $20.00 per person or $35.00 per couple.

Dinner will be provided by Dutch’s Tavern and will be a buffet style selection of foods and desserts. In addition there will be entertainment by local musicians.

At last year’s event guests enthusiastically bid on items throughout the evening. The funds raised from this event will go towards enriching the materials and supplies for the children at the Center.

Auction items this year include gift certificates from restaurants, vacation destinations, food commodities, sports teams, and popular toys and dolls.

For more information go to www.nanashousechildcare.org.

Contact Director, Dr. Terri Hall at 845-794-3826 to purchase tickets.

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Nana’s House Child Care Center is a not for profit 501(c)(3) entity; your auction donation is tax deductible. We are all important players in Nana’s House Child Care Center’s continued success. When you give, you join a committed group of individuals, who support the highest quality infant, toddler, pre-school and school age services in Sullivan County.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 18, 2013) – Acting Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek has issued the following statement: “The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow and some ice for Sullivan County that is effective from 5:00 p.m.Monday evening through 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

“Snow will start to develop late this afternoon and become heavier through the evening with a
mix of sleet and freezing rain overnight and gradually diminishing Tuesday morning.
Storm totals of 5 to 8 inches, and up to one tenth of an inch of ice with higher amounts possible in higher elevations of Northern Sullivan County.

“A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible. County residents are also urged to have enough flashlights and extra batteries, canned goods and bottled water for 48 hours, in case of power outage or emergency.

“Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to check on elderly neighbors, and arrange for pets to be housed either inside, or with proper shelter.

“At this point, all County offices are expected to be open for normal business hours on Tuesday,
March 19 unless the impact of the storm requires further action. Sullivan County Division of
Public Works has personnel, equipment, and supplies ready to address the incoming storm.”

(Photo by Carol Montana)

UPPER DELAWARE REGION OF NY & PA (March 16, 2013) – Learn how to keep cherished lands in the family, protect your lands and waters forever, and receive financial and estate planning benefits from doing so. Attend “Financial Benefits of Land Conservation,” Thursday, April 11 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Liberty, NY.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Executive Director Sue Currier will discuss how conservation easements and agricultural easements are key tools for area residents. Local real estate Attorney R. Anthony Waldron will also be on hand to speak and answer questions.

This program is co-sponsored with the New York City Dept. of Environmental Protection. NY town officials may receive two credits towards the required NYS training credits (please check with your municipality).

This program is free and open to the public, but registration is requested; please call 845-583-1010, 570-226-3164, or email info@delawarehighlands.org to reserve your space.

Visit www.DelawareHighlands.org for more information other upcoming events. The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works with landowners and communities to protect the healthy lands, clean waters, eagles and other wildlife, and locally sustainable economies of the Upper Delaware River region.

SULLIVAN COUNTY (March 14, 2013) – On Friday, March 8, more than 430 guests gathered for the sold-out 5th Annual Sullivan County Celebrity Dinner at the Villa Roma Resort to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Sullivan County

Honorary Event Chairman Greg Goldstein led the evening, as 14 teams of local celebrities sang, danced and entertained their guests as they competed in the annual Tip Challenge. In the end, the Celebrity Servers netted more than $44,300, making it the largest fundraiser in Club history.

“Every year this event and the Celebrity Servers exceed our expectations. This year the Servers and the Steering Committee went above and beyond to ensure it would be the biggest, best event we’ve ever done,” said Goldstein. “I am so proud of the Dinner’s record-breaking success, because I know how much it means to the Club kids in Sullivan County to have the stability and the fun that their Clubs bring them every day after school.”

“This event continues to grow and amaze us all, and we attribute the continued growth and enthusiasm to the strong support the communities have for the Boys & Girls Clubs, and the work with do with local youth. …” said Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director Alexis Eggleton.

Newcomer Team Bethel Woods (pictured at right), consisting of Denise Frangipane, Margaret Hughes, Jodi Kane and Wade Lawrence, raised a $6232 in the Tip Challenge, a Celebrity Dinner record.

All funds raised remain in Sullivan County to benefit the Clubs in Liberty, Monticello & Fallsburg, and the planned expansion into the Town of Rockland in 2013.

Tourism marketing, minimum wage and casino plans top agenda

ROCK HILL, NY (March 13, 2013) – Tourism industry leaders from the Catskills Region will meet with state and local legislative representatives for a Roundtable Discussion on Thursday, March 14, to discuss important issues pertaining to the tourism industry.

The Sullivan Hotel in Rock Hill, NY is hosting the event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Roundtable Discussion is sponsored by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, Catskill Association of Tourism Services, Sullivan County Visitors Association,  Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Greene County Economic Development & Tourism, and Ulster County Tourism.

The purpose of the event is to advance the hospitality industry’s local and statewide legislative agendas.

Statewide issues on the agenda include: the importance of tourism funding, Regional Economic Development Council grants, minimum wage and extended learning time for students and its impact on tourism businesses.

Issues specific to the Catskills include, among other things: gaming and casinos, property tax relief, sales tax pilot agreements and the conversion of Route 17 to I-86.

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The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is a not-for-profit trade organization representing nearly 1,400 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry.

SULLIVAN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS (March 13, 2013) –

Issued By: NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)
Affected Jurisdictions:  Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Yates Counties

…Brief Heavy Snow Squalls Will Affect Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania Into The Early Evening Hours…

Scattered Snow Showers With Brief Localized Heavier Snow Squalls Will Continue Into The Early Evening Hours.

Places That Get Heavier Snow Squalls Will See Visibilities Lowered To Less Than One Half A Mile.

The Snow Squalls Will Last Between 15 And 30 Minutes In Any Given Location. Some Areas Could See A Coating To An Inch Of Snow. The Combination Of Lowered Visibility In Snow Squalls, Light Snow Accumulations…And Falling Temperatures Could Result In Localized Areas Of Hazardous Travel Through The Early Evening Hours.

Expect The Snow Showers And Squalls To Taper Off Later In The Evening…Except In The Lake Effect Snow Belts Of North Central And Western New York.

Travelers Should Prepare For Rapidly Changing Conditions.

Conditions Could Change From Dry Weather To Brief Periods Of Heavy Snow With Falling Temperatures And Icy Roadways.

Listen To Noaa Weather Radio Or Your Local Media For The Latest Updates On This Situation. You Could Also Visit Our Website At Http://Weather.Gov/Bgm

NEVERSINK, NY (March 12, 2013) – The 19th Annual Old Time Fiddler’s Gathering will be held on Sunday, April 21 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Neversink Fire Hall on Route 55 in Neversink, NY.

Fiddlers are invited to come and share their music. Accompanists are welcome, but there will be plenty of willing and experienced players on hand for those who come solo.

Other instruments are welcome as long as the music fits within the primary focus of “fiddle music.”

The format will be the same as previous years:

– Upon arrival, each performer/group can sign up for a 15 to 20 minute time slot to perform during the afternoon.

– Practice rooms are available in the building.

– A full sound system with monitors, microphones, etc, will be provided (Please bring your own keyboards.)

– Admission is free for musicians and immediate family.

– If you have CDs or products that represent you or your group, a table will be available in the lobby for your personal sales.

Proceeds from this event will support the Sullivan County Pregnancy Support Center, a non-profit support center for women with crisis pregnancies.

For more information, contact Hayes McCardell, 119 Hall Rd, Grahamsville, NY 12740, or call 845-901-2192 or e-mail hwilburmack@gmail.com.

SULLIVAN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS (March 12, 2013) –

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

Affected Jurisdictions:  Delaware, Sullivan Counties

The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Flood Warning For The Following Rivers In New York… Beaver Kill Near Cooks Falls Affecting Delaware And Sullivan Counties

The National Weather Service In Binghamton New York Has Issued A Flood Warning For The Beaver Kill Near Cooks Falls From This Evening Until Wednesday Afternoon.

At 4 PM Tuesday The Stage Was 8.3 Feet. Flood Stage Is 10.0 Feet. Minor Flooding Is Forecast.  Forecast…

The River Is Expected To Rise Above Flood Stage By 8 PM Tuesday And Crest Near 10.5 Feet Around 2 AM Wednesday. 

The River Will Fall Below Flood Stage After 4 AM Wednesday.

Impact…At 10.0 Feet…Minor Flooding Of Fields Begins.

Do Not Drive Over Flooded Roads Or Bridges… Stay Tuned To Noaa Weather Radio…The Official Voice Of The National Weather Service…For Later Developments… For Further River And Weather Information You Can Visit Our Website At Weather.Gov/Bgm.

SULLIVAN COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS:

Issued By:  NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)
Affected Jurisdictions:  Delaware, Sullivan Counties

The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Small Stream Flood Advisory For Rain And Melting Snow In… Delaware County… Sullivan County… Pike County… Wayne County… * Until 4:15 PM EDT. *

At 12:16 PM EDT…Doppler Radar Showed Moderate To Heavy Rain Moving Through The Poconos And Western Catskills. Doppler Radar And Rainfall Reports Indicate That Between One Half And One Inch Of Rain Has Already Fallen As Of Noon.

In Addition…Mild Temperatures Over The Past Couple Days Has Melted Much Of The Remaining Snow Cover Leading To Elevated Stream Levels. *

Locations In The Advisory Include But Are Not Limited To Delhi… Walton…Liberty…Monticello And Matamoras.

Moderate To Heavy Rain Will Continue Through Early Afternoon And Taper Off Late In The Afternoon. An Additional Three Quarters To One Inch Of Rain Will Fall.

Runoff From The Additional Rains And Snowmelt Will Cause Minor Flooding On Small Streams…Low-Lying And Poor Drainage Areas This Afternoon.

A Flood Advisory Means That Although Streams And Creeks May Be Elevated Or Even Rise Out Of Their Banks…Property Damage Will Be Minimal.

Inconveniences Can Be Expected But The Flooding Will Not Be Immediately Life Threatening.

Issued By: NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)
Affected Jurisdictions: Delaware, Otsego, Sullivan Counties

…Flash Flood Watch Is In Effect For Portions Of Central New York And Northeast Pennsylvania This Afternoon Into This Evening…

A Band Of Heavy Rain Will Move Across Northeast Pennsylvania And The Western Catskill Region Of New York Late This Morning Through Mid-Afternoon. Rainfall Amounts Of Over An Inch Are Possible… Which Could Result In Flash Flooding On Small Streams… Creeks… And Headwater Areas. The Rain Will End Later This Afternoon… And The Flood Threat Will End Later This Evening. …Flash Flood Watch In Effect Until 8 PM EDT This Evening…

The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Flash Flood Watch For Portions Of New York And Northeast Pennsylvania…Including The Following Counties…In New York…Delaware…Otsego And Sullivan. In Northeast Pennsylvania…Lackawanna…Luzerne…Wayne And Pike. * Until 8 PM EDT This Evening. * Rain Will Fall Heavy At Times Through Mid Afternoon. In Addition…Snow Melt From Lingering Snow Cover At The Highest Elevations Will Also Contribute To The Flood Potential. * Rapid Flooding Of Small Streams…Creeks And Headwater Areas Is Possible This Afternoon Into This Evening.

A Flash Flood Watch Means That Conditions May Develop That Lead To Flash Flooding. You Should Monitor Later Forecasts And Be Prepared To Take Action Should Flash Flood Warnings Be Issued.

HARRIS, NY (March 11, 2013) – The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event to raise funds for the Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County, administered by Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), will be held on April 20 at the Sullivan County Government Center Lobby in Monticello.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk kicks-off at 10 a.m. A reception will follow and will include a short program, refreshments and educational booths. Anyone can walk, and same-day registrants are welcome. Men are encouraged (but not required) to walk in women’s shoes. The registration fee is $20 and participants may also secure contributions through pledges. Walkers can raise funds through FirstGiving, a user-friendly, secure Web site, which is linked on the Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) home page at www.crmcny.org.

Immediately following the Walk is a picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at DeHoyos Park in Monticello.

The Chicken BBQ fundraiser, hosted by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sullivan Class of 2013, is $10 per person. There will also be a free shuttle from the Government Center to DeHoyos Park and back. All funds go directly to support RISE of Sullivan County.

RISE advocates for anyone who is or has been a survivor of sexual abuse. Founded in 1987, RISE provides an array of services to survivors of sexual abuse and offers prevention education, advocacy and assistance to survivors, and accompanies them to the hospital, police or district attorney after an incident. RISE also offers confidential individual, family or couples counseling as well as support groups and professional training sessions. The program maintains a 24-hour crisis hotline number, which is 845-791-9595. The RISE program is funded by grants, in part provided by the Sullivan County Rural Health Network.

For more information about RISE or the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, contact Sarah Dittmar at 845-794-3300, ext. 2442, or visit the RISE page at www.crmcny.org.

To learn more about the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® national organization, visit www.walkamileinhershoes.org

SULLIVAN/ORANGE COUNTY (March 11, 2013) – This year the Alzheimer’s Walks for Orange and Sullivan Counties will be consolidated into the 2013 Orange/Sullivan Regional Walk.

The Chairperson for the Walk is Emma MacPherson, who will be assisted by Vice Chairpersons Risa Siper (Orange County) and Teresa Serrone (Sullivan County). The Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 at the Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY.

The Committee is seeking individuals with good communication/social skills, ability to organize fundraising events and solicit sponsors, walkers and team captains.

If interested in joining the committee or for additional information, contact Janet Syvertsen, Regional Administrator, Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 7, 2013) – Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson told a sold-out crowd of 340 business and community leaders Monday that if a casino does come to Sullivan County, it would be just apiece in the economic development puzzle. He also noted that the time is right for Sullivan to consider consolidation when it comes to bringing businesses and jobs to the county.

A panel of four county leaders representing the Hudson Valley discussed issues facing their counties and the region at Pattern for Progress’ annual Kick-Off Breakfast March 4 in Poughkeepsie.

It was Samuelson’s first time on the panel at the annual breakfast, a tradition for the past five years. Samuelson was joined by Orange County Executive Edward Diana, Ulster County Executive Michael Hein and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. Moderating the discussion were Pattern President and CEO Jonathan Drapkin and Poughkeepsie Journal Community Conversations Editor, John Penney.

“I certainly would like to be able to say Sullivan County will have a casino,” Samuelson said. “But I don’t believe that gaming today is what we thought it was [last time around]. It is absolutely not a panacea. But I do see it as a component to our tourism industry.

“Being the size that we are, the least little economic development or project that comes into our community has a much greater impact,” he said.

Samuelson went on to say the county is in a unique position in regard to economic development because of the predominantly new legislature, the newly opened search for a county manager and the vacancy in the office of the county planning commissioner. Part of that opportunity may now include the idea of consolidation, especially in terms of economic development and economic development services.

“It’s very funny to have this conversation looking at Jonathan Drapkin’s face and because I was chairman of the county Chamber of Commerce when Jonathan was county manager and it was consolidation, consolidation, consolidation. And we fought him tooth and nail from the chamber’s perspective. The time may not have been right at that point but I think we all recognize that the time is right now. The economic atmosphere on the world creates that need for all of us, in all things in our counties, but economic development in particular.”

Pattern for Progress is a not-for-profit policy and planning organization that promotes regional, balanced and sustainable solutions to enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1965 by business, academic and civic leaders, and based in Newburgh, NY, Pattern works within the nine-county area that includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

SULLIVAN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING REGIONS (March 6, 2013) – Issued By: NWS Binghamton (South Central New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Affected Jurisdictions: Delaware, Otsego, Sullivan Counties

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 06 at 2:05PM EST until March 08 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Binghamton

…Winter Weather Advisory In Effect From 4 PM Thursday To 11 AM EST Friday… The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A Winter Weather Advisory For Snow…Which Is In Effect From 4 PM Thursday To 11 AM EST Friday. *

Locations…Delaware, Otsego And Sullivan Counties In New York. * Hazards…Snow. * Accumulations…4 To 7 Inches Of Snow. *

Timing…Snow Will Spread Into The Region Thursday Afternoon And Continue Thursday Night Before Tapering To Snow Showers And Flurries Friday Morning. *

Temperatures…In The Upper 20S. *

Winds…Northwest 10 To 15 Mph With Gusts Up To 25 Mph. *

Impacts…Snow Covered And Slippery Roads Thursday Night.

A Winter Weather Advisory For Snow Means That Snow Will Cause Primarily Travel Difficulties. Be Prepared For Snow Covered 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 1-877-633-6772…Or By Email At Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.

WHITE LAKE, NY (March 3, 2013) – Cobalt Studios, the scene‐painting studio in White Lake, NY, has been chosen to receive a USITT Special Citation for Outstanding Work in Education, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology announced.

USITT, the professional association for performing arts designers and technicians, will honor Cobalt for 25 years of dedication to training scenic artists in the art of painting theatre backdrops. The award will be presented to Cobalt co‐founders Rachel Keebler and Howard Jones at USITT’s 2013 Annual Conference & Stage Expo March 20 ‐23 in Milwaukee, WI, an event that draws over 5,000 people from the world of theatrical design and technology.

Keebler and Jones started Cobalt Studios in 1988 to train scenic artists in the craft they both taught at large universities, including the University of North Carolina School for the Arts.

“Over the years, we received many calls from employers asking us to recommend painters,” Keebler wrote on Cobalt’s website. “We found that the list of qualified people we could recommend was too short.”

The artists decided to create a working studio and scene‐painting shop where students could receive intensive hands‐on training with programs lasting weeks, months or up to two years. Since then, Cobalt has trained hundreds of artists, from Broadway designers to high school teachers, in the art of scene painting.

Set on 28 idyllic acres in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Cobalt is four miles from the site of the original 1969 Woodstock concert. Student artists paint, learn, and work with professionals at Cobalt’s studio, which serves the school and a working shop producing custom stage backdrops for actual theatre productions.

Participants stay in a farmhouse that accommodates a dozen people and share cooking and chores, ideas and inspiration, and artistic community. “Cobalt Studios is modeled after the Guilds from the Renaissance,” Keebler wrote. “Here we combine the classroom experience with the workshop
experience … where a cohesive group of artists nurtured a respect for their craft
as an active part of their community life.”

This method allows Cobalt students to spend more time experimenting with newer materials, inventive techniques, and creative designing than many academic institutions can offer. Cobalt’s summer programs often draw experienced teachers seeking ways to better prepare their students to pursue
the art of scene painting.

This is the first time in several years that USITT has awarded a Special Citation to any organization. The Institute has 4,000 members worldwide and has served the performing arts and technology industry since 1960.

Besides honoring Cobalt with the award on Thursday, March 21, USITT will feature Keebler and Jones on a special panel of 2013 Distinguished Award Winners in Conversation about their careers and their visions on Friday morning, March 22, at Milwaukee’s Delta Center.

For more information on USITT, please visit www.usitt.org.

LIBERTY, NY (March 4, 2013) – The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce held their Winter Mixer recently at Cracolici’s on the Green.The mixer began with an hour long meet and greet and continued with a brief welcome from Russell Reeves, Vice-President of the Liberty Chamber (photo left).

Reeves followed with a recap of Liberty Chamber accomplishments over the past year, which included helping to bring the Soap Box Derby to Sullivan County in 2012. He also spoke of the 53^rdAnnual Antiques in August, which the Liberty Chamber of Commerce took over from the Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary in 2012. During this two-day long show, vendors sleep in local accommodations, eat in local eateries and shop local, which is the Liberty Chamber’s number one mission.

Allan Scott (at center in photo right with Dan Ratner Jr. – left and Charlie Barbuti – right), CEO of the IDA (Sullivan Industrial Development Agency) took the mike and discussed how IDA projects are funded, future projects such as a water park in the Town of Thompson that will bring tourism dollars into Sullivan County. He also discussed how the IDA helps businesses acquire, construct and equip their facilities and thus create and retain jobs, and provide for economic development, growth, and stability in the community. He also cleared up some of the crowds concerns and misconceptions of how the IDA Tax Abatement Programs work.

Many Liberty businesses were represented at the Mixer. County Legislators Cora Edwards and Kitty Vetter were in attendance, as well as many Liberty Town and Village officials including Town Supervisor Charlie Barbuti, Town Councilman Maurice Gerry and Village Trustee Joan Stoddard.

For more information on upcoming mixers and events, to join, or to volunteer, contact the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce by phone at 845-292-9797 or e-mail at GreaterLibertyChamber@yahoo.com, or find them online at www.LibertyChamber.org and Facebook at Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce.