The Catskill Chronicle

BLOOMINGBURG, NY (May 18, 2012) – The Senior Legislative Action Committee of Sullivan County (SLAC) invites you to their 8th Annual Luncheon on Friday, June 15 at 12 noon.

This year’s event will take place at The Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg, NY and will feature guest speaker Michael Burgess (photo left), a leading advocate for the elderly and former Director of the New York State Office for the Aging.

Previous guest speakers have included Barbara Upton of the Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition, as well as the US Representative for the 22nd Congressional District, Maurice Hinchey.

Attendees will have a choice of Chicken Marsala, Filet of Salmon or Vegetable Lasagna. Tickets are $22.00, which includes taxes and tip.

For additional information, call Myrna at 845-707-4966. Reservations must be received by June 4, 2012.

LIBERTY, NY (May 17, 2012) – For 25 years now, Dottie Bottaro and her crew of volunteers have staffed the St. Peter’s Children’s Shop in Liberty.

A huge assortment of children’s clothing is available. Layettes are made every January for newborns. The shop has donated to CACHE, CRMC, Public Health Nursing, Safe Passage and Birthrite, and even shipped clothing to disaster victims in other countries.

Located at 264 North Main Street, the St. Peter’s Children’s shop always accepts donations of recycled and new clothing from tots to teens. Monetary donations are also gratefully appreciated.

The shop is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call 845-292-2852 for additional information.

ROCK HILL, NY (May 17, 2012) – The Rock Hill Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Rock Hill Business and Community Association, will kick off their 2012 season on Saturday June 16.

The market will be held every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. until September 15.

For 2012, the market has relocated to a new location at 223 Rock Hill Drive, across from the Rock Hill Trading Post.

The Rock Hill Business and Community Association and the Rock Hill Fire Department have also received a Category C Grant from Sullivan Renaissance to help spruce up the the new location, which includes adding new landscaping, a gazebo, gardens and signage. Please contact them if you are interested in volunteering with the project.

The Rock Hill Farmers Market is an organization founded to promote local, sustainable and organic agriculture, increasing economic opportunities for farmers, youth, small businesses and food artisans.

The organization is still soliciting vendors for the 2012 season. In joining the market you will have the opportunity to provide the community with your local products.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, volunteering or receiving more information please contact the Market Manager, Michelle Lipari at 845-699-4976 or e-mail rhfarmersmarket@gmail.com or check out the website at www.rockhillfarmersmarket.com.

WHITE LAKE, NY (May 16, 2012) – Sheriff Mike Schiff (left), and 911 Coordinator Alex Rau (right), congratulate Emergency Services Dispatcher George Schluer on his recent recognition by the Sullivan County Legislature.

In January, Schuler received a 911 call about a Town of Bethel woman in labor. While such calls are common, this case was a breech birth.

Schuler used his extensive training to coach the parents in the proper procedures which resulted in a successful delivery prior to the arrival of the ambulance.

Schuler, who has been with the 911 team since its inception, has announced that he will retire at the end of May.

MOUNTAINDALE, NY (May 15, 2012) – For Kiwanis One Day in April 2012, all of the Kiwanis Clubs in the Hudson River West Division participated in “Kiwanis Walks for Hunger” on April 21 to benefit the Hudson Valley Food Bank.

The Sullivan County Clubs consisting of Callicoon, Monticello, Roscoe and Woodridge walked in Mountaindale on the Rails to Trials that leads to Woodridge.

The Orange County Clubs consisting of Chester, Middletown and Minisink walked at Shannen Park in Slate Hill and the Ulster County Club, Shawangunk Valley, walked on Berme Road Park in Ellenville.

Joining in the walk were many of the sponsored clubs, K-Kids, Builder’s Club, Key Club and Aktion Club. This is the first time that such an event has taken place, when all of the clubs and sponsored clubs in the division came together for a joint project.

Thanks to the efforts of Lt. Governor Sue Sheehan, the participation was enormous and the event was well received. The Division was able to raise $7200.00 for the Hudson Valley Food Bank, which included matching funds donated by the Feinstein Foundation. In addition a total of 70 cases of non-perishable food were collected for the Food Pantry and benefits residents in the three counties where the donations were raised. Each dollar donated to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley provides 4 meals for someone in need.

The Hudson River West Kiwanis Family was proud to be a part of this event.

For more information about this worthy organization see www.foodbankofhudsonvalley.org.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (May 15, 2012) – 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: The Beaver Kill near Cooks Falls affecting Delaware and Sullivan Counties.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a * flood warning for the Beaver Kill near Cooks Falls until late this evening, or until the warning is cancelled.

At 2:00 p.m. Tuesday the stage was 10.1 feet.  Flood stage is 10.0 feet.  Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

Impact: at 10.0 feet minor flooding begins to impact low lying areas of the flood plain near the river.

Safety message: 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 weather.gov/bgm.

CALLICOON, NY (May 14, 2012) – The 39th Annual Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Recognition Day Luncheon was held today at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center in Callicoon.

Deborah Allen, Director of the Office for the Aging, welcomed the 275+ crowd that gathered to honor the seniors. The guest speaker was Sullivan County Historian John Conway.

A total of 305 RSVP volunteers performed over 60,000+ hours during 2011. Nine volunteers served over 1,000 volunteer hours during 2011 and received a special award certificate presented by Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist. Members of the “1,000 Hour Club” Ruth Auerbach – 1,440, Barbara Burns – 1,093, Claudia Chaiet-1,009, Margaret Ippolito – 1,237, Robert Conner – 1,911, Patricia Curtis-1,853, Theresa Roach – 1,296, Marcelle Wagner – 2,432, Sonny Smith– 2,996.

Marie Zalesky received a Special Gift for being the eldest RSVP Volunteer. Marie is 104 years young, with 136 hours of volunteer time served at the Grover Hermann Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center.

RSVP member Mae Kratz celebrated her 101^st birthday on the day of the recognition.

Special awards were presented by Caryn Mathews RSVP Program Director with honor to the I.O.U Thrift Shop: Marcia Bauer, Florrine Bauernfeind, Herbert Bauernfeind, Janet Burino, Christy Curran, Gladys Manzolillo, Patricia Massa, Julianna Maxwell, Ida Rosenberger, Alice Schlichting. A Certificate was presented to Director; Herbert Bauernfeind I.O.U Thrift Shop for willingness to serve and the difference you make in the lives of others.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Michelle Semerano and Mike Sakell; WDNB Thunder 102.1/Bold Gold Media Group for announcing the RSVP volunteers birthdays each morning on the radio and their on-air support of the RSVP program. During 2011 there were 316 RSVP volunteers’ birthdays announced.

Each township chose a “RSVP Senior of the Year.” From these 15 nominations, one senior was chosen as the Sullivan County RSVP Senior of the Year.

Bethel – Lillian Hendrickson

Callicoon – Freda Pericho

Cochecton – Olga Viruet

Delaware – Herbert & Florrine Bauernfeind

Fallsburg – Sonya “Sonny” Smith

Forestburgh – Carl Amaditz

Fremont – Edith “Edie” Downs

Highland – Robert Grab Sr.

Liberty – Liliam Stettner

Lumberland – Catherine “Cathy” Sterling

Mamakating – Joseph Stifano

Neversink – Phyllis “Penny” Coombe

Rockland – Sister Grace Therese Murray

Thompson – Laura Solomon

Tusten – Betty Crandall

Sullivan County Legislature, Cindy Kurpil Gieger presented Laura Solomon from the Town of Thompson with a plaque as the Sullivan County “RSVP” Senior of the Year for 2011.

HURLEYVILLE, NY (May 13, 2012) – Art students in Sullivan County will be auctioning works of art and chairs at Sullivan County Museum, Hurleyville, NY on Sunday, May 20 from 2:00 –4:00 p.m.

This is a scholarship fundraiser created to benefit area high school seniors who are planning on majoring in art when they attend college.

Over the past couple of months, students from our local high schools and BOCES have found chairs and transformed them through paint and other media into works of art based on artists and artistic movements. Some of the chairs are functional, many are whimsical and meant to be enjoyed as art.

Many art teachers are also creating chairs as well. In addition to the beautiful chairs, students will also be auctioning off various pieces of their artwork. Proceeds from the sale will be offered as scholarships at local schools and Sullivan BOCES.

The museum will be opening its doors at 1 p.m. for those interested in seeing the chairs prior to the auction. If you see a piece of artwork that you would like to have, you can place a bid in the bid box next to the chair. The highest bid in the bid box will start the auction for that chair the day of the auction.

For more information on the Arts and Education Program and the auction, contact Lisa Pacht, Director of Instructional Technology/Arts In Education at Sullivan County BOCES 845-295-4033.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (and all over the world) (May 13, 2012) – The Catskill Chronicle would like to wish all mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and everyone who acts in a mother’s stead, a joyous Mother’s Day.

May you be surrounded by a bounty of love and happiness as you celebrate.

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (May 11, 2012) – On Saturday, May 19, 2012, players and teams from the Sullivan County Women’s League will be participating in a Two Pitch Women’s Softball Tournament to benefit the Alliance for Lupus Research’s Walk with Us to Cure Lupus.

The all-day tournament will take place at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds starting at 9:00 a.m.

A raffle, concession area and informational table will be set up.

Also this year spectators can check out products at a vendor fair featuring Avon, Silpada, Thirty One, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Party Lite, Tupperware, Celebrating Home, Mary Kay, Edible Art by Erin, and Crafts by Eileen. The vendor fair will be going on from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There is no set admission, and attendees are encouraged to make whatever donation they can; 100% of the money donated will go to lupus research.

This is the third year for the tournament which is organized by Karen’s Crew, a team of Sullivan and Orange County residents who travel to New York City every October for the Alliance for Lupus Research’s Walk with Us to Cure Lupus.

The goal of the walk team is to create awareness of this disease, and, more importantly, to raise money in hopes of finding new treatments and eventually a cure to those suffering with lupus.

Karen’s Crew has raised just over $25,000 in donations since forming in 2006.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the joints and almost every major organ in the body, including the heart, kidneys, skin, lungs and brain. A person’s risk of developing lupus appears to be determined by genetic (hereditary) factors. However, the onset of the disease may be triggered by environmental factors such as infection, sunlight, or stress. In autoimmune disorders such as lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. The major hallmark of this autoimmune attack is inflammation. The course of lupus varies and is characterized by alternating periods of flares (increased disease activity) and remissions. Some people with lupus experience only mild lupus symptoms and have few complications. Others experience frequent flares that lead to moderate or even severe complications.

The number of people with lupus in the United States has been estimated to be as many as 1.5 million, making it more common than leukemia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.

Anyone can develop lupus, including children, but certain people are more likely to develop the disease. Nine out of ten people who have lupus are women, and the disease usually strikes during the childbearing years. Lupus is three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women and is also more prevalent in women of Latino, Asian, and Native American descent.

For more information on the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus, the Tournament or to make a donation, call Nancy Esposito at 845-292-2683 or visit www.walk.lupusresearch.org. Go to "select a city" and choose NYC then "find a team" and select "Karen’s Crew" or email: nesposito@hvc.rr.com.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (May 10, 2012) – District Attorney Jim Farrell announced today that the forms required for compliance with the new Sullivan County Local Law that regulates the second hand sale of precious metals and gems are available for download on the Sullivan County web site at www.scgnet.us/http://co.sullivan.ny.us/Departments/DepartmentsAM/DistrictAttorney/tabid/3118/Default.aspx. 

The forms can also be found on the County Clerk, Daniel Briggs’ page, as well (http://co.sullivan.ny.us/Departments/DepartmentsAM/CountyClerk/tabid/3373/Default.aspx).  Under the new law, those engaged in the second hand dealing of precious metal and gems must obtain a license from the County Clerk. Instructions for completing the application are also available on both web pages. Precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum, among others, and precious gems includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls, among others. The local law contains a complete list of all precious metals and precious gems. The entire law can be found at http://www.ecode360.com/SU1732, at Chapter 167, “Secondhand Dealers.”

In addition, the new law requires the businesses to report certain information regarding all purchases of qualifying items to the District Attorney, electronically. Businesses are instructed to complete a Precious Metal 12(A) Report Form and the instructions for complying with this reporting requirement are also posted on line on both the District Attorney and County Clerk’s web pages. “I have tried to make the process of complying with the requirements of the law as easy as possible. All the business owner needs to do is complete the report form with all required information and transmit that form, and digital pictures of the ID provided and the items purchased, digitally, via e-mail to my office,” Farrell said.

The law also requires the business to hold all property purchased for 15 days before melting it or otherwise conveying it to someone else. “This requirement will help law enforcement to attempt to retrieve those jewelry items that are irreplaceable and have been stolen from law abiding citizens and sold on the secondary market,” Farrell said.

The law and all of its requirements will be enforced after a 60 day grace period, commencing July 9, 2012. “I expect to have everyone in full compliance with the requirements of the law by July 9, 2012, and will seek to enforce the penalties for those businesses that either fail to comply or ignore the law.  I am serious about the burglary problem in Sullivan County and will do everything in my power to protect our citizens’ property and valuables from being lost forever,” Farrell said.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (May 10, 2012) – District Attorney Jim Farrell announced today that the forms required for compliance with the new Sullivan County Local Law that regulates the second hand sale of precious metals and gems are available for download on the Sullivan County web site at www.scgnet.us/http://co.sullivan.ny.us/Departments/DepartmentsAM/DistrictAttorney/tabid/3118/Default.aspx. 

The forms can also be found on the County Clerk, Daniel Briggs’ page, as well (http://co.sullivan.ny.us/Departments/DepartmentsAM/CountyClerk/tabid/3373/Default.aspx).  Under the new law, those engaged in the second hand dealing of precious metal and gems must obtain a license from the County Clerk. Instructions for completing the application are also available on both web pages. Precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum, among others, and precious gems includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls, among others. The local law contains a complete list of all precious metals and precious gems. The entire law can be found at http://www.ecode360.com/SU1732, at Chapter 167, “Secondhand Dealers.”

In addition, the new law requires the businesses to report certain information regarding all purchases of qualifying items to the District Attorney, electronically. Businesses are instructed to complete a Precious Metal 12(A) Report Form and the instructions for complying with this reporting requirement are also posted on line on both the District Attorney and County Clerk’s web pages. “I have tried to make the process of complying with the requirements of the law as easy as possible. All the business owner needs to do is complete the report form with all required information and transmit that form, and digital pictures of the ID provided and the items purchased, digitally, via e-mail to my office,” Farrell said.

The law also requires the business to hold all property purchased for 15 days before melting it or otherwise conveying it to someone else. “This requirement will help law enforcement to attempt to retrieve those jewelry items that are irreplaceable and have been stolen from law abiding citizens and sold on the secondary market,” Farrell said.

The law and all of its requirements will be enforced after a 60 day grace period, commencing July 9, 2012. “I expect to have everyone in full compliance with the requirements of the law by July 9, 2012, and will seek to enforce the penalties for those businesses that either fail to comply or ignore the law.  I am serious about the burglary problem in Sullivan County and will do everything in my power to protect our citizens’ property and valuables from being lost forever,” Farrell said.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2012) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement that he supports same-sex marriage. 

Hinchey is a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the parts of the Defense of Marriage Act that discriminate against same-sex couples.

"I am very pleased that President Obama spoke out today in favor of allowing same-sex couples to marry. This is a simple matter of equality and fairness. If two loving adults want to marry one another, then they should be allowed to do so without any discrimination regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a basic right that should not be withheld from any committed couple. LGBT rights, especially same-sex marriage, is the civil rights issue of this generation and I am confident that it won’t be long before all Americans look back at any anti-LGBT laws and prohibitions in the same shameful way that we look back on the segregation laws of just a few decades ago.

"It has never been, nor should it ever be, government’s role to tell any American who they should or shouldn’t marry. It’s ironic that many of those in Washington who complain about too much government intrusion often are the same ones who oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage.  What could be more of a government intrusion into one’s personal life than telling someone who they can and cannot marry?

"Sexual orientation is something our government should not discriminate against.  I urge my colleagues in Congress to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which would overturn the discriminatory language against same-sex couples that is contained in the Defense of Marriage Act."

BETHEL, NY (May 8, 2012) – Delaware Highlands Conservancy Founder, Barbara Yeaman, was awarded  a Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association for decades of conservation leadership and dedication to conserving the lands and waters of the Upper Delaware River Region.

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA) presents the Lifetime Conservation Leadership award at its annual conference each year to reward an individual who has distinguished him or herself through a life time of effective conservation action and leadership.

In the photo above, Barbara Yeaman (left) receives the PALTA Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award from PALTA Executive Director, Andy Loza (far right) and Delaware Highlands Conservancy President, Greg Belcamino.

In 1995, Barbara Yeaman, now 87, founded the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, a land trust that works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the lands, waters, and quality of life of the Upper Delaware River region. At that time, Yeaman understood the growing challenges of development to the region’s clean water, and she knew the best way to protect the water was to protect the land.

Yeaman formed the Delaware Highlands Conservancy as a non-profit organization that could work with landowners to protect their lands in ways that worked well for them and their families. Leading by example, she put the newly formed conservancy’s mission into practice by placing a conservation easement on her own 12 acres in Milanville, PA. In 2013, the Conservancy has protected over 13,000 acres throughout Pike and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania and Sullivan and Delaware Counties in New York and has become a widely respected conservation organization across the region.

Barbara remains active in the work of the Conservancy, currently serving on the Board of Directors as the Vice President and on the Outreach and Development Committee. Yeaman maintains a commitment to conservation that would exhaust someone half her age. This work includes educating new generations on the importance of conservation. The Conservancy maintains the Butterfly Barn, a nature center where programs educate children and adults about how to care for the land and waters of the Delaware Highlands. An avid puppeteer, Barbara hosts interactive children’s programs that teach about the region’s flora and fauna. The Conservancy also hosts a whole series of educational programs for communities, landowners and young people and awards two annual college scholarships to local high school students interested in environmental studies.

“One of the most satisfying rewards is the sense of awe and gratitude that comes from seeing the natural beauty and unspoiled views that still exist along the Upper Delaware River,” states Yeaman, “but there is still much work that needs to be done to protect the lands and waters of our beautiful region.”

The Conservancy, with the leadership of Barbara Yeaman and the rest of the Board of Directors, heads into 2012 with tremendous momentum. In the first few months of this year, the Conservancy merged with the tremendously successful Eagle Institute to form a perfect conservation partnership, cut the ribbon on their new New York office, and received grant funding from the Land Trust Alliance for land protection and outreach and development.

“We are blessed to have Barbara’s inspiration,” affirms Executive Director, Sue Currier, “she is a model for the whole organization; the Board and staff with the support of our members and volunteers are dedicated to continuing to achieve the conservation success that Barbara began with her own land and her vision seventeen years ago.”

In a written summary, PALTA states that the Conservancy’s “accomplishments under Barbara’s inspiring leadership are significant —a group of volunteers led by an inspiring woman creating a regional land trust from nothing, working to protect thousands of acres, hosting educational programs, assisting in regional planning and increasing awareness about conservation that will protect quality of life throughout the region.”

In the photo above, Barbara Yeaman smiles proudly between daughter, Suzanne, and son, Bill, after receiving the PALTA Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award.

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (May 6, 2012) – Just about two weeks ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored 26 individuals, organizations and businesses from across New York State with Environmental Quality Awards for their achievements in  protecting public health and the environment.

EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck was joined by Mayor Dana Redd of Camden, New Jersey to present the awards to this year’s recipients at a ceremony at EPA’s offices in Manhattan.

Included in the group was Robert Hayes, agriculture teacher at Tri Valley Central School, who was nominated for the award for the contributions he and his students have made to stream stewardship in partnership with Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District and New York City DEP.

In the photo at left are Dana Redd (left) Mayor of Camden, NJ, Robert Hayes – Tri Valley Central School and Judith Enck – USEPA Region 2 Administrator.

The EPA presents Environmental Quality Awards annually during Earth Week to individuals, businesses, government agencies, environmental and community-based organizations and members of the media in EPA Region 2, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally-recognized Indian Nations. The awards recognize significant contributions to improving the environment and public health in the previous calendar year.

Mr. Hayes has engaged his conservation class students in a unique collaboration with stream management staff from Sullivan County and New York City DEP. In addition to learning about stream management concepts, the students established and operated a native plant materials center which provided willows and potted plants for stream stabilization projects designed and built to protect New York City’s unfiltered water supply.  As they focus on the important day-to-day tasks associated with growing plants native to the Catskills, the students are part of the wider collaborative stewardship approach that has been demonstrated in the New York City watershed in which New York City and watershed residents work together to protect water quality and promote healthy ecosystems.

The learning activities are keyed to NY State curriculum goals for coursework in the National Resources cluster.  Students acquire basic technical, manipulative, job-related, and societal skills in preparation for entry into employment and/or higher education in areas such as conservation, forestry, and fishery occupations.

One of the biggest contributions made by the students has been building a plant materials center to maintain potted native plants destined for stream restoration planting projects at local sites identified by the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative.  Prior to this project, the plants were in a remote location where, though near to a watering pond, access for deliveries and watering were challenging due to steep terrain.

As Tri-Valley already had a nursery developed with greenhouses and an abundance of surrounding lawn, the school  proved to be an ideal site for everyone (and everything) involved – the plants, the field staff and the students. Mr. Hayes worked closely with Americorps intern, Brenden Wagner, and high-school intern, Steven Vogler, to build this plant facility. The students were actively engaged repotting plants into larger containers as they were moved from the mountain location to the new school storage.  Irrigation was installed along with a deer exclusion fence, and the native plant facility steadily expanded and improved.

Students provide daily support to Rondout Neversink Stream Program by Mr. Hayes and class aides Mr. Fritz and Ms. Hussey. The biggest undertaking last fall was the creation of a willow-soaking pit to prepare 9,000 live cuttings for planting in a timber crib wall at the Ulster County Highway Garage in Sundown along an important tributary of the Rondout Creek. After excavating a large ditch, the students moved over 5 tons of sand to line the pit above and below a waterproof bladder, installed to create a temporary pond. They learned how to operate many hand tools, in addition to water pumps.  The most important contribution they made was their daily, physical labor. The students enthusiastically moved the willow cuttings out of refrigeration into the pit for soaking. As the weeks went by, the cuttings sprouted all along their lengths and the student crew regularly helped the field staff load them in batches for transport to the restoration site in Sundown. The students became an integral part of the project construction team and successfully completed their plant material supply function.

Visits to the restoration site were scheduled, where the students began to see the end result of all their hard work. They viewed the engineer’s plans, heard about the roles of the foreman and equipment operators, learned about safety onsite and studied many detailed aspects of the construction process up close, including all the materials specified in the design. When the timber crib wall was complete, the students returned to prepare a final planting of over one hundred trees, shrubs and ferns, which included digging holes, adding soil amendments, seeding and mulching.

Students reported on their accomplishments to a public audience at the December meeting of the Tri-Valley Central School Board. During their presentations, they were able to convincingly articulate the process, goals, learning and group and personal successes of the partnership experience. In addition, the field staff was invited to give a final report on the multiple benefits of this partnership: providing education and vocation for the students; caring for the nursery stock; aiding in the completion of contract deliverables for the field staff; and modeling a commitment to stream stewardship for the community.

Plans are underway now to expand this partnership over the next two years. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County recently purchased an EMriver model stream demonstration table for use by 4H middle/high school students with a grant received from the Catskill Watershed Corporation. A curriculum is being developed by Tri-Valley, Cooperative Extension and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to demonstrate stream stability concepts for community audiences in presentations by Soil & Water Conservation Districts during this period of post-flood outreach activity.

In addition, the following activities are planned or in progress: greenhouse propagation of native seeds (by elementary school students); development of native willow beds for use in future stream bank restoration projects; partnering with Frost Valley YMCA to plant flood-damaged streamside areas; hands-on training with riparian design experts to learn bioengineering techniques; and eradication of invasive species in the watershed. This conservation team will continue to contribute to stream protection activities in their community and inspire the wider watershed stream program to replicate successes in other New York City watershed basins.

“Change that will create a healthier and more sustainable future begins with people like those the EPA is honoring today,” said Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck at the ceremony in Manhattan on Friday April 27. “They give of themselves and set a high bar in their actions to protect public health and the environment.” For information about the Environmental Quality Awards in EPA Region 2, visit http://www.epa.gov/region02/eqa/.

WOODRIDGE, NY (May 6, 2012) – The Kiwanis Club of Woodridge inducted two new members at a recent meeting held at Woodridge Village Hall. Joining the Club were Jeanne DePuy from Woodbourne and Susan Woodworth from Grahamsville.

Ms. DePuy is active with the youth-sponsored clubs and Ms. Woodworth is active with the local food pantry.

The Club holds fundraisers throughout the year and proceeds benefit their scholarship program as well as the Benjamin Cosor Elementary School Backpack Program.

Although based in Woodridge, the club covers the entire Fallsburg School District. 

In the accompanying photo, welcoming the new members are (l – r) Past Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Pat Flynn, Jeanne DePuy, Susan Woodworth, President Sue Kasofsky, Lt. Governor Sue Sheehan and Immediate Past President Diane Garritt.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 4, 2012) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Interior’s release of a draft rule to require gas companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations on public and Indian lands.  Hinchey is a leader in Congress of the effort to protect drinking water and the environment from the risks of hydraulic fracturing. He is a co-author of the FRAC Act, which would mandate public disclosure of chemicals used in frack fluid and allow the EPA to regulate fracking activities under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The congressman also authored the appropriations language that led to the current EPA study on hydraulic fracturing.

"I am pleased that the administration is taking a first step toward requiring gas companies to disclose the chemicals they are pumping into the ground as they use hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas from public lands. Until now, gas companies have left the public in the dark and gone about gas drilling without any true public understanding of exactly what they are pumping into the grounds we all collectively own as Americans. That’s poised to change thanks to these draft rules.

"However, I believe that this draft rule must be improved. In its current form, the rule would only require disclosure after gas drilling was already completed, not before. That’s not good enough. If we are truly serious about ensuring the public is well-informed about the hydraulic drilling process – and we need to be – then the American people deserve to know what chemicals gas companies are going to use before they commence drilling. Knowing after the fact is nice, but does not allow for any steps to be taken if the chemicals being used are of concern to the public.  I urge the Interior Department to strengthen this rule.

"Finally, as I’ve said all along, public disclosure is only part of the answer. It’s time to repeal the Safe Drinking Water Act exemption granted to the gas industry under the 2005 Bush-Cheney energy bill.  No industry should be exempt from our laws to protect drinking water. If gas drilling is completely safe to drinking water supplies as gas companies claim it to be, then those companies should have no objection to the EPA monitoring the process.

"Passing the FRAC Act in Congress would require full public disclosure for all fracking activities in the U.S. and restore the EPA’s ability to oversee fracking and its impact on drinking water supplies. It’s time for Congress to pass that bill."

LIBERTY, NY (May 3, 2012) – Anita Page, a former Liberty resident now living in Orange County, will be reading from her debut crime novel “Damned If You Don’t” (L&L Dreamspell) at the Liberty Public  Library on Tuesday, May 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The book features community activist Hannah Fox, daughter of ‘60s radicals, who battles the power brokers in her Catskill Mountain town when they attempt to seize a friend’s land in a fraudulent eminent-domain scheme. 

When the scheme ends in murder and her friend becomes a suspect, Hannah probes the victim’s past hoping to uncover the killer. As she untangles a web of secrets and lies, she becomes convinced the murder was a heroic act, even when it’s clear she may be the next victim.

Page lived in Sullivan County in the seventies when she worked as a freelance feature writer for the Times Herald-Record. Her short stories have appeared in journals, webzines and anthologies, including “Murder New York Style: Fresh Slices” (L&L Dreamspell) and the MWA anthology “The Prosecution Rests” (Little, Brown). She received a Derringer Award from the Short Mystery Fiction Society in 2010 for “‘Twas the Night,” which appeared in The Gift of Murder (Wolfmont Press).

For additional information, call 845-292-6070.

LIBERTY, NY (May 2, 2012) – The local nonprofit Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development and Ontario, NY-based Sustainable Energy Developments will host a public meeting Sunday, May 6, at which they will outline and discuss four possible sites for a small, community-owned wind farm in Sullivan County.

The public is invited to learn about site research and prospecting that has already been done and to provide ideas about the four locations that are under consideration for further feasibility study.

The meeting is scheduled for 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Liberty Senior Center, 119 North Main Street in Liberty, NY. For more information, visit www.sullivanalliance.org or call SASD at 845-482-4764.

HARRIS, NY (May 1, 2012) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), in conjunction with the Sullivan County Cancer Services Program, has announced a day devoted to cancer screening for eligible women.

On Monday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., free breast, cervical and colon cancer screenings will be available to eligible uninsured and underinsured women over the age of 40 at the CRMC Women’s Health Center at 60 Jefferson Street in Monticello.

According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, more than 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 women died of the disease last year.

Screening for breast cancer with a clinical breast exam and a mammogram can help physicians detect early forms of the disease, when it is most treatable.

Eligible women can receive a breast exam, mammogram and a pelvic exam with a Pap test; women over 50 may be eligible for a convenient, take-home colorectal cancer screening kit.

Appointments are limited and pre-registration is required.

Uninsured/underinsured women over the age of 40 who are interested in these free screenings should contact 845-794-3300 ext. 2115 to see if they are eligible and to make an appointment.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (April 30, 2012) – Attention local businesses, community groups, schools, artists, musicians, performance groups and others, the Ninth Annual Trout Parade, Sullivan County’s own version of Mardi Gras, is scheduled for Saturday, June 9 in Livingston Manor, rain or shine.

Individuals and groups that would like to dress in costume, decorate a bicycle, design a float, dance down Main Street, make some music, or present a performance are welcome to participate in the Trout Parade.

The presentation can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.

The 2012 Trout Parade will step-off promptly at 1:00 p.m., led by the 2012 Grand Marshals Dr. Don Simkin and Ellen Singer and a line of antique and classic cars. Look for Dr. Don and Ellen to be followed by a wide variety of music, entertainment and floats representing local businesses, organizations and performance groups from this area and beyond.

There is no cost to participate and hundreds come to see the Trout Parade each year. It’s also in support of a good cause.

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 Catskill Art Society.

For more information and details on how to participate in the 2012 Trout Parade or become a sponsor, please contact Catskill Art Society at 845-436-4227. You can also find the Trout Parade on Facebook!

MONTICELLO & SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY (April 29, 2012) – In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control, The Recovery Center, Fallsburg Communities That Care, and the Town of Fallsburg and Village of Monticello Police Departments provided secure venues so persons could dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs with no questions asked on April 28, 2012.  The Take Back locations were the Fallsburg Courthouse and the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center in South Fallsburg and the Village of Monticello respectively.  The success of this program will help remove prescription drugs from possibly getting into the wrong hands.

(L-r in photo) members of the Fallsburg Communities That Care: Lynette James, Barry Davis, Charles Davis, and Officer Robert Noller flanking Recovery Center Administrator Aleta Lymon holding the Take Back Drugs sign at the Fallsburg Courthouse.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 28. 2012) – There is a new online resource in Sullivan County that will help residents and businesses lower their energy use, and even save money on their utility bills.

Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson today announced the launch of http://sustainablesullivancounty.org/index.html, a new website that provides residents, businesses and municipalities’ connections to rebates and incentives, educational resources, tips to manage energy consumption, and helpful interactive tools.

SustainableSullivanCounty.org also highlights County-wide projects and provides coverage of news and events related to energy conservation in local towns and villages.

“Sullivan County is launching SustainableSullivanCounty.org in order to help Sullivan County businesses and residents make smart energy and cost saving investments in their homes and offices,” said Chairman Samuelson. “The web site and related newsletter are free, at no cost taxpayers, and will assist our residents, municipalities and businesses to secure energy efficiency incentives, grants, contractors and educational resources. Those who have previously paid taxes and Systems Benefit Charges on their utility bills will benefit from the use of these incentives and ultimately realize a better return on their investment.”

SustainableSullivanCounty.org was recently developed through a partnership with Blue Springs Energy LLC, an organization that helps communities participate in clean energy programs. Blue Springs Energy LLC assists companies, local governments and individuals to access clean and renewable energy grants, incentives and credits.

“Blue Springs Energy is thrilled to support Sullivan County’s efforts to help its residents, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations save money on their energy bills and help the environment,” said Larry Simpson, President of Blue Springs Energy, LLC. “The SustainableSullivanCounty website and newsletter provides useful information on Federal tax credits, NY State programs, utility incentives, private sector resources, and energy efficient projects across Sullivan County.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 27, 2012) – The Professional Women of Sullivan County’s Scholarship Program is currently offering 10 scholarships for women in Sullivan County.

Five $500 Mature Women’s Scholarships will be awarded to women who are returning to education after several (or many) years away.

The group is looking to honor the courage and determination of women who have overcome adverse situations and are seeking additional education as a means to better their lives and the future for their families. 

Also, five $500 Young Women’s Scholarships will be awarded to five high school seniors pursuing higher education. The PWSC is particularly looking for young women who excel academically, are well-rounded and are committed to community service and civic engagement.

These applicants may be current students or students who have been accepted for enrollment in a college or university in the Fall 2012. 

All applicants must be full-time residents of Sullivan County, and all high school seniors must attend one of the eight high schools in Sullivan County. High school girls can contact their guidance counselor for applications. 

Women returning to school can contact Helen Rados at 845-866-2565 (leave a message and she will get back to you), or can e-mail her at hrados@gmail.com. 

The deadline for applications is May 12, 2012.

The scholarships will be awarded on Wednesday, June 20 at the annual scholarship dinner at Mr. Willy’s Restaurant in Monticello beginning at 6:00 p.m.

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

The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at locations throughout Sullivan County. To obtain more information about the organization, please contact Helen Rados at the number or e-mail listed above.

POND EDDY, NY (April 26, 2012) – The folks in Pond Eddy who are dedicated to saving the Pond Eddy Bridge have instituted an online petition, which can be found at http://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-pond-eddy-bridge.

In addition, an organizing meeting will be held on Saturday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lumberland Town Hall, Glen Spey. Several organizations and individuals are planning to attend.

There are three items on the agenda:

· Discussion of the next-step strategies

· Plan for a “Rally on the Pond Eddy Bridge” – Saturday, May 19, 2012.

· Promotion of a new website and petition drive

For background info on the movement go to: http://savethebridge.tumblr.com/.

MONTICELLO, NY (April 25, 2012) – In response to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer’s proposal to resurrect the New York City Commuter Tax, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther released the
following statement:

“The proposal to bring back the New York City Commuter Tax is yet another attempt to subsidize New York City’s mass transit system on the backs of Hudson Valley residents. To ask commuters paying upwards of $4 a gallon of gas, in addition to exorbitant tolls for roads and bridges to again reach into their pocket to support people commuting from Queens to Manhattan is unconscionable. It’s the MTA Payroll Tax for individuals, and it simply cannot be allowed.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 25, 2012) – There is a freeze warning for Sullivan County issued by the National Weather Service in Binghamton. Affected jurisdictions: Delaware, Oneida, Otsego, Sullivan Counties.

Locations: The Mohawk Valley and the

Catskills. Temperatures: In the low 30s.

Impacts: Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely.

These conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

BETHEL, NY (March 26, 2012) – Scott B. Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature will deliver his first State of the County Address on Friday, May 18, 2012.  This event will be held at the Bethel Woods Center For The Arts on Hurd Road in Bethel at 7:00 p.m.

"It is imperative that our vision for Sullivan County focus on our sustainable growth balanced with maintaining and improving the quality of life for our citizenry and business community," said Samuelson.

"There are a number of initiatives that will be highlighted during this Address, including the County’s Economic Development Master Plan – with an implementable plan of action; the County’s Strategic Plan – that will set the County’s fiscal priorities; and a renewed focus on our Community Development – including the renaissance of our "Main Streets," and on our agricultural community," added Samuelson. "There must also be a strong focus on retaining our current businesses, and enriching an environment for them to expand," said Samuelson.

"Sullivan County’s quality of life provides an attractiveness for sportsmen and tourists alike.  We must move forward with an approach that balances our way of living with our expectations to sustain and improve our quality of life," said Samuelson.

"Our property taxpayers must also realize relief that must begin with meaningful and substantive reform of mandates that are unfunded or underfunded as imposed on the County by the New York State government," concluded Samuelson.

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (April 23, 2012) – Time and the Valleys Museum opens for the season on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Located at 332 Main Street (State Route 55) in Grahamsville, the facility includes three floors of exhibitions on the history of the Rondout and Neversink watershed areas:

Impact of Water on the Life and the Growth of the Valleys

The Rondout and Neversink Watersheds: Before, During and After

The Family Farm: 1920 to 1950

The Family Farm: 1920 to 1950, is a new temporary exhibit which celebrates and documents the hard work and determination it took to operate a family farm in the first half of the 20^th century.

Visitor to the exhibition will see the tools and equipment used on the farm, learn about the types of activities, including planting and harvesting crops, caring for and milking cows, butter churning and food preservation; and experience a recreated “farmhouse kitchen” with coal stove, International Harvester Refrigerator and old fashioned wringer washing machine.

Also on view is a photo exhibition of Barns and Farm Buildings in the Town of Neversink by photographer LaVerne Black.

To celebrate the opening, an Ice Cream Social will on held on Saturday, May 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for all Museum visitors. Adults admission is $2, Children under 16 $1, and children under six are free.

The Museum also has a local history-research center, which is open Thursday and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and a museum shop carrying local history books, crafts by local artisans, toys and unique gifts. The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 4:00 p.m..

The Time and the Valleys Museum is a living and interactive resource that preserves the past, educates the present and ensures the uniqueness of the Rondout and Neversink watersheds for all generations. For additional information on the Museum please call us at 985-7700 or go online at www.timeandthevalleysmuseum.org.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 23, 2012) – “The Risk Takers,” a Sullivan County Relay for Life team, are selling raffle tickets for $380 in gift cards for ShopRite, Mobil Gas, Dunkin Donuts, Walmart, i-Tunes, the Outback and Canal Towne Emporium. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $12.00. Tickets can be purchased at any Misner Agency office: Woodbourne, Westtown, Livingston Manor or Bloomingburg.

The prize drawing, sponsored by the Neversink Fire District, will be held at the Sullivan County Relay for Life on June 2, 2012. The winner does not have to be present to claim the prize.

“The Risk Takers” team members include employees of The Misner Agency, Inc., their families and their friends. They are walking in the Relay for Life in memory of George Knox, Jr. The Relay for Life will be held on June 2 and June 3 at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake.