The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (March 28, 2012) – Chancellor Livingston LLC, previously designated by the County Legislature as the preferred developer for the East Broadway Redevelopment Project (The former Apollo Mall property and the former Landfill Phase II property) has notified County officials that they are withdrawing from this project.  Sullivan County will recognize their withdraw, and the County Legislature will consider options that will move the development of the area forward.

"The Chancellor Livingston project will not proceed further, however, I want to recognize the efforts that the principals of Chancellor Livingston had undertaken to realize a shared vision for the redevelopment of the East Broadway area of Monticello," said Scott B. Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

The County had developed Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) after the County obtained title to the former Apollo Mall property through a foreclosure process that followed lengthy court action.  Two responders to the RFP presented their vision and proposals for the site.  After a number of hurdles were satisfied, the County Legislature recently adopted a resolution that would permit the transfer of title to the Sullivan County Funding Corporation, a move that would provide an environment for the marketing of the area to national retail organizations.

"The County Legislature will consider options that will move the development of the County Seat forward," added Samuelson.  "The sustainable economic growth of our County, with positive contributions to the County’s sales tax revenues, and meaningful job creation is a top priority for this Legislature," said Samuelson.

"The completion of the improved Exit 106 of Interstate 86/State Route 17 certainly makes the East Broadway area, particularly the former Apollo Mall property and the former Landfill Phase II property in a prime position for development," said Alan J. Sorensen, Minority Leader of the Legislature.
"The redevelopment of the East Broadway area will be a regular subject at the meetings of the Economic and Community Development Committee", said it’s Chairman Legislator Ira Steingart.  "There should be renewed consideration given to the proposed project that was submitted to the County by Butch Resnick, as well as, the potential of an updated Request for Proposals," said Steingart.  "The County will dedicate the resources necessary to move this process forward to bring about the much needed sales tax revenues and job creation that would be associated with the redevelopment of the area," said Steingart.

"The County will take immediate steps to ensure that the County Seat realizes the renaissance that was started with the completion of Broadway and the completion of the improvements to Exit 106.  We look forward to the previously announced Concord project by Entertainment Properties Trust moving forward, and the potential of the redevelopment of East Broadway moving forward in a timeframe that will benefit the Citizenry and business community of Sullivan County," concluded Samuelson.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 28, 2012) – Weather has affected us all, and accurate forecasts are important for everyone’s comfort and safety.

CoCoRaHS – the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network – is a nationwide group of 15,000 volunteers who report the daily weather in their own backyards. 

CoCoRaHS is supported by NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the National Science Foundation, and other sources, but it depends on volunteers, and needs more volunteers in our area. 

It’s easy. It’s fun. It’s something important you can do in a few minutes each day. All you need is Internet access and an inexpensive rain gauge.

A free training session for volunteers will be held at the Gander Mountain store in Middletown, NY, on Saturday, May 5th, 1:30-3:30 pm. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required; for details e-mail CoCoRaHS@Cornell.edu, visit  www.CoCoRaHS.org or call Carl Bowers, Orange/Sullivan County Coordinator 845-644-4356.

(Photos – Carol Montana)

TOWN OF FALLSBURG, NY (March 27, 2012) – When Morgan Vegliante and her dad Steve spoke at the Fallsburg Lions Club Dinner Meeting on March 15 at Nardi’s Frankie and Johnny’s Restaurant, they were representing two of three generations of Lions Club members in their family. 

Steve’s dad had been a long time member in Long Island as had Morgan’s maternal grandfather, Monroe Levine, Past President of the Fallsburg Club.

Morgan has been President of the Leos Club, a newly organized service organization at Fallsburg Central School District, for the past year and a half. She updated the membership about all the wonderful projects the Leos were involved in to benefit the Fallsburg community, such as the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon and food drives to benefit local food pantries.

In attendance at the dinner were her Aunt Ellen and and Uncle Steve Levine, also Fallsburg Lions Club members. Steve is also a past president as well as predecessor to brother-in-law Steve Vegliante as Town Supervisor. 

Morgan Vegliante is carrying on the commitment of the Vegliante/Levine Family along with her younger brother Cody, who is also a charter Leo Club member. Pride in her achievements and service was evident in the faces of her aunt, uncle, and dad as they listened to her talk.

LIBERTY, NY (March 25, 2012) – Get ready for “musical hockey without the ice” as Ira Dean, formerly of Trick Pony, heads to Thunder Country to headline the 7^th annual ThunderBash presented by Thunder 102, The Town of Thompson and Concord Associates at the Monticello Casino & Raceway on May 19, 2012.

This free event will featuring Nashville recording artists Tommy Steele, David Bradley, David Adam Byrnes, Amber Hayes, Darren Warren, Sherry Lynn, along with regional favorites Iron Cowboy and Sullivan County’s own and Nashville singer/songwriters Somerville featuring Eldred High School Senior Alyssa Startup.

Ira Dean’s been called wild, untamed, crazy and energetic as a former member of the country trio, Trick Pony, but since leaving the group in 2008, Dean has proven that strength doesn’t always come in numbers.

Chart-topping hits written by Dean, such as “Pour Me,” and the Grammy nominated “Just What I Do,” established him, not only as Trick Pony’s “Wildman” with headlights in his chrome bass, but as a brand new singer/songwriting force and studio musician in country music.

Dean has also written for other artists including Joe Nichols, Chris Young, ex-band mate Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, Gary Allan and Montgomery Gentry, including their big hit, “One In Every Crowd.” He also has the writing credits on the title track for Trace Adkins’ album, “Proud To Be Here.” Dean’s latest, “Somethin’ Bout A Sunday,” co-written with Josh Thompson, is currently climbing the charts.

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

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.

ThunderBash is Saturday, May 19 in the Grandstand at Monticello Casino & Raceway. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and show starts at 6:00 p.m. The event is also sponsored by M & M Auto Group, Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, Crystal Run Healthcare and Big V Tours.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 23, 2012) – The staff of the Catskill Chronicle needs to take the  weekend off. Take a look at some of the stories in our archives. Just click on any of the buttons above for nearly 1000 stories from the past 3 years. Thank you for your loyalty and have a good weekend everyone.

MONTICELLO, NY (March 22, 2012) – The Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom Committee has announced a bus trip to Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs to benefit the Alice Kreiter Senior Prom.

The trip will take place on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Tickets are $30.00 per person and include transportation, a $25.00 play voucher and a $10.00 food voucher. There will also be some fun opportunities to win prizes on the bus ride itself. The bus will pick-up/drop-off at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.

All proceeds from this trip will go to support the Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom, slated to take place at the Monticello Firehouse on June 9, 2012. This free event, which includes dinner and entertainment, is open to all senior citizens in the Monticello School district.

Seating for the bus trip is limited and pre-registration is required. If you would like to sign up for the bus trip, make a donation or find out more about the Alice Kreiter Senior Citizen Prom, call Kathy Kreiter at 845-665-1333 or Myrna Krauss at 845-707-4966.

(Photos by Carol Montana)

$12 Million "Bridge to Nowhere" Would Serve Few, Destroy Current Bridge Listed on National Register of Historic Places

WASHINGTON, DC (March 21, 2012) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today wrote New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald to request that plans to replace the Pond Eddy Bridge in Sullivan County be changed to preserve and improve the current historic bridge. According to the Federal Highway Administration, NYSDOT plans to spend more than $5 million in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for the construction of a new bridge, which has an estimated total price tag of $12 million. The proposed 40-ton capacity "bridge to nowhere" would extend across the New York border to serve only about a dozen Pennsylvania residents.  Hinchey believes the tax dollars would be better spent addressing the growing backlog of bridge and road projects in New York.

"The estimated $12 million construction costs of a new bridge far exceed the total market value of the few homes and private lots that a new structure would ostensibly serve," Hinchey wrote.  "Such use of New York’s limited transportation funding to serve a handful of out of state residents seems inconsistent with the state’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and counter to any rational prioritization for available infrastructure monies."

Hinchey also noted that the proposed bridge would adversely impact important historic, scenic and recreational resources in the Upper Delaware corridor. Constructed in 1904, the existing bridge slated for removal is one of only four petit truss bridges surviving in New York State and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The NYS Office of Historic Preservation and the national Advisory Council on Historic Preservation both expressed strong concerns in response to PennDOT’s push to remove and replace this structure, charging that the agency did not genuinely consider the option of preserving and rehabilitating the historic Bridge to accommodate the small number of daily crossings.

"The demolition of the Pond Eddy Bridge and the construction of a modern, overpass-style replacement structure would diminish the historic character of the Pond Eddy area and adversely affect scenic, recreational and environmental qualities that contribute to the Upper Delaware’s federal designation as well as its designation as a New York State Scenic Byway," wrote Hinchey.  "As we have seen in previous PennDOT projects in the Upper Delaware, the agency’s replacement bridges are sorely out of place and out of scale with the rural character and historic heritage of the River corridor."

Hinchey is also concerned that the project would require interruption of the free flow of the Delaware River for at least one year, negatively impacting recreational use of the river, hurting the local tourism industry. Interruption and changes to the River’s flow could also threaten the natural resources of this section of the Delaware, which is classified as Special Protection Waters by the Delaware River Basin Commission.

Co-Operative Federal Credit Union & Associated Mutual Insurance Offer Two Scholarships

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 20, 2012) – Community Unity has announced that two $2500 Co-operative Federal Credit Union and Associated Mutual Insurance Company Scholarships will again be awarded to two college-bound seniors here in Sullivan County.

One scholarship is reserved for a student attending Sullivan County Community College and the other is available to any college bound senior in Sullivan County.

This joint venture between Co-op Federal Credit Union, Associated Mutual Insurance Company and Community Unity seeks to reward students who are committed to making their community a better place.

Students need to be in good academic standing and of good character, exhibiting respect for self, family and community, and have demonstrated a commitment to community service. If the student has not volunteered, but has worked hard through high school at a local job and has been an asset to their employer in reaching out to the community and embodying the ideals of Sullivan Hospitality, that student is also eligible. The bottom line is to reward students who have demonstrated a consistent and caring involvement in the community.

The Scholarship Committee will evaluate each applicant before awarding these scholarships in June. All applications must be postmarked by May 8, 2012.

Any questions, contact Claire Sullivan at 845 557-3642.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

United Way Sponsors Scholarship Honoring the Late Bob Rosen

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY: United Way of Sullivan County is pleased to announce that applications are available for the third annual scholarship honoring the late Bob Rosen. The $500 Bob Rosen Memorial Scholarship is open to students graduating high school in June 2012, who have been actively involved in varsity athletics and school activities, and who plan to continue their education.

The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of a combination of GPA, extracurricular activities, community service, athletic participation, character references and a 500-word essay. Applicants must have lettered in at least one varsity sport and maintained a minimum of a B average in high school.

The memorial scholarship pays tribute to the late Bob Rosen, a local attorney, who was a life-long resident of Sullivan County and a graduate of Monticello High School. Bob Rosen was a strong community supporter and an avid sports enthusiast. The Bob Rosen Memorial Scholarship serves to perpetuate his memory by assisting a deserving student who embodies the characteristics of athleticism, sportsmanship, scholarship and service.

Applications will be available at high school guidance offices throughout Sullivan County and at United Way of Sullivan County, 33 Lakewood Avenue, Monticello, NY 12701. Scholarship information and applications will also be available on our website www.unitedwayofsullivancounty.org. To request an application by mail, please call 845-794-1771.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (March 19, 2012) – On Sunday, April 1, 2012, Morgan Outdoors will
unveil its Sixth Annual “The Great Outdoors – Quilts Celebrating Nature” show at 46 Main Street,  Livingston Manor, NY. The public is invited to the Opening Reception on April 1 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Meet the quilt artists and see the world through their eyes. There’s a child-friendly “Eye Spy” game and colorful quilts that make this a wonderful family experience. “The Great Outdoors – Quilts Celebrating Nature” will be on display from April 1 – 29, 2012.

Also on display are quilts created in 2006 at the Liberty Public Library as part of a program "Kids who Quilt For Kids" coordinated by adult program leaders Dot Goldstein and Maureen Christian. The small framed quilts were inspired by noted author Eric Carle’s children’s book covers, notably the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The Livingston Manor Free Library will host a series of Eric Carle storytimes for children ages 3 to 5, during the month of April at Morgan Outdoors. Schedule to be announced.

This unique show, curated by talented quilter Sally Abrams, showcases quilts that celebrate joy in creating from nature’s inspiration. There are traditional quilt patterns and abstract designs, large and small.

Invitational quilter, Susan Balch of Reading, VT, often finds inspiration for her quilts through fly fishing experiences. “Trout and salmon jumping the falls is one of nature’s most wondrous sights and one of my favorite images” muses Balch. Her work, Jumping Rainbows is part of this year’s show.

Quilters, including Susan Koenig of Kauneonga Lake, NY, Ramona Jan of Damascus, PA, Jean Cass and Sally Abrams of Livingston Manor, Katharina Litchman of White Sulphur Springs, and Linda Krause of Brooklyn. Each wrote a personal statement describing the inspiration for their work so the public will enjoy a peek behind the scenes.

Morgan Outdoors is located at 46 Main Street, Livingston Manor. For more information, call 845-439- 5507. Hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (March 18, 2012) – The Time and the Valleys Museum is currently seeking volunteers for the 2012 season to help in many different areas of Museum operations. Help is badly needed in the reception area, Museum shop, three floors of exhibitions and offices.

Join current volunteers for refreshments and information at a Volunteer Open House, on Saturday, March 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Daniel Pierce Library on State Route 55 in Grahamsville. Learn more about the Museum,  activities, exhibitions, programs and needs.

There are many benefits to volunteering at the new museum, including a 10% discount in the Museum Shop, an invitation to a special yearly recognition event, gaining new skills, and meeting new people and making new friends. Volunteers can help one or two afternoons a month or more, whatever suits their lifestyle, as much or as little as they like. All information and training will be provided. No previous knowledge of history or museum experience is required, just a willingness to learn.

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 more information on the volunteer open house, the different volunteer positions, benefits and training, please call Mary Inghrim at 845-985-7700 or 845-985-2903.

The Museum will open beginning Saturday, May 5. Hours for the museum will be Thursday to Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. through October, and other times by appointment. Adult admission is $2, children admission is $1 for under 16, and free for children under six. For more information call 845 985-7700 or go to timeandthevalleysmuseum.org.

MONTICELLO, NY (March 16, 2012) – The Sullivan County Legislature honored two members of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, March 15, 2012.

Sergeant Stacey Moyer of the Jail Division and Sergeant Cheryl Crumley of the Patrol Division were both recognized for becoming the first female sergeants in the history of the Sheriff’s Office.

Both women took competitive civil service exams with their male counterparts and were selected after an interview process.

“We have had female corporals in the past”, said Sheriff Mike Schiff, “but this is the first time we have had women attain the rank of sergeant. It is a significant milestone.” 

Schiff said that his office is dedicated to diversity and promoting the best qualified candidates regardless of gender. He noted that both women are respected and competent law enforcement professionals with good leadership skills.

The Sheriff thanked public safety chairperson Cora Edwards and the Sullivan County Legislature for taking the time out from their busy agenda to honor his deputies.

Photo top: Sergeant Cheryl Crumley, her daughter Taylor and Legislator Cora Edwards.

Photo bottom: Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sergeant Stacey Moyer and Legislator Cora Edwards.

Catskill Chronicle to take part as classrooms connect to agriculture and the food system with volunteer readers

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 15, 2012) – Since 2007, Agricultural Literacy Week, a program of New York Agriculture in the Classroom, has helped connect community members and elementary classrooms to the food system through a state-wide reading in celebration of agriculture. This year, over 50,000 students in 55 counties will be visited by local volunteers who will read the book Seed, Soil, Sun by Cris Peterson.

Ag Literacy Week takes place from Monday, March 19 through Friday, March 23, 2012. The Catskill Chronicle will take part in this year’s program as editor Carol Montana reads and discusses agriculture with a class from St. Peter’s School in Liberty.

Literacy volunteers also lead a discussion and hands-on activity to connect students to the people and processes that grow the food we eat. At the end of the day’s activities, the book is donated to the school library and teachers are given further educational resources. This program is made possible with the generous support of local donors, county coordinators, and literacy volunteers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is pleased to announce that they will be coordinating the Ag. Literacy Week programs in Sullivan County this year.

With the generous support of the Sullivan County Farm Bureau and Apple Pond Farm, the programs will be available to students across the county at no cost to them. The Ag. Literacy Week programs are a great way for the youth in the county to get acquainted with local agriculture and get connected to Cornell University.

For more information about Agricultural Literacy Week, use this link: http://nyaged.org/aitc/programs/literacy.htm#Overview

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is a partnership of Cornell University, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, NYS Education Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and New York Farm Bureau. Working with Cooperative Extension educators, classroom teachers, and volunteers throughout the state, New York Agriculture in the Classroom fosters an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our food and fiber system.

NEW YORK STATE (March 15, 2012) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced a landmark agreement to begin the process of amending the state constitution to allow casino gaming in New York. Legalized casinos have the potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs while keeping the tourism and revenue that accompany gaming here in New York State.

"By taking these important first steps to legalize casinos we are finally confronting the reality that while New York is already in the gaming business, we need a real plan to regulate and capitalize on the industry," Governor Cuomo said. "This is a process that will ultimately put thousands of New Yorkers to work, drive our economy, and help keep billions of dollars spent by New Yorkers on gaming in the state."

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said, "I am pleased we have reached an agreement to move forward with a constitutional amendment that will give New Yorkers a say on whether we expand casino gaming in New York State. I thank Senator John Bonacic for his leadership, and look forward to negotiating the details of the implementing legislation prior to putting it out to the voters in 2013."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "Under the current system, gaming revenue is pouring out of the state as New Yorkers spend their entertainment dollars in neighboring states. We need the ability to keep that revenue here in New York. Today’s vote represents the first passage of this amendment and we will work on accompanying legislation to further define this issue."

Senator John Bonacic, Chairman of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee said, "This is about creating jobs and enhancing tourism. While we have been down this road before, this time we have a much better driver. One thing we have learned is when the Governor says something, he means it. As Chairman of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I look forward to working with him to implement legislation necessary to create the thousands of direct and indirect jobs, along with the hundreds of millions of dollars in direct investment, which casino gaming can bring to the Catskills and elsewhere."

Today’s agreement calls for no more than seven privately owned commercial casinos in New York.
Casino gaming already plays a significant role in New York State. Native Americans have five casinos in New York and nine racinos are located at race tracks across the state. New York also has 29,000 electronic gaming machines, more than Atlantic City and more than any state in the Northeast or Midwest. Additionally, New York is surrounded by states and Canadian provinces with legalized casino gaming. However, until now, New York has not taken steps to capitalize on the economic impact of gaming.

The Assembly and Senate must now pass legislation that begins the process of amending the state constitution, which will then be voted on by the next legislature and then ratified by the people. The earliest a public referendum can be held is 2013.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

ROCK HILL, NY (March 14, 2012) – It was a bright day on Saturday, March 10, and the slight nip in the air did nothing to deter the hundreds of adults and children who turned out for the 2012 St. Patrick’s Parade in Rock Hill, NY.

The color green dominated, even showing up on ambulances and fire trucks. There were dogs and horses, ponies and flags, lots of children, vendors and entertainers.

Here are some photos from the parade. Click the link following the photos for more.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Hundreds Enjoy 2012 St. Patrick’s Parade, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Rebates Are Available for High-Efficiency Refrigerators and Clothes Washers

NEW YORK STATE (March 14, 2012) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the “Buy Green, Save Green NYS High-Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program” with $3.5 million in federal funds available to New York residents for the purchase of high-efficiency ENERGY STAR^®refrigerators and clothes washers. The program begins Monday, March 19.

The funding is being provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program.

Rebates of $350 will be available for high-efficiency refrigerators and $250 for high-efficiency clothes washers that meet Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) super-efficiency levels (tiers 2 and 3). Super-efficient appliances use significantly less electricity than the federal standard and are at the upper end of ENERGY STAR efficiency levels. Super-efficient clothes washers also use less water than standard washing machines. Visit www.cee1.org for more detail about super-efficient refrigerators and clothes washers.

“This rebate program gives residents the funding to make their homes more energy efficient, it makes it possible for New Yorkers to spend less on energy costs, and it provides a needed boost to retailers across the state,” said Governor Cuomo.

The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“Refrigerators and clothes washers are the appliances where we can make the biggest energy efficiency gains,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Last year’s ‘Buy Green, Save Green’ appliance rebate was so successful that all of the available funding was allocated within a few days. We encourage those who are interested in this program to act quickly.”

Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available on March 19 atwww.NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877- NY-SMART (877-697-6278). The site will list high-efficiency refrigerators and clothes washers that are eligible for rebates.

Purchases made before March 19 are not eligible for rebates. The program will continue until funding runs out.

MONTICELLO, NY (March 13, 2012) – The Board of Directors of United Way of Sullivan County has established a memorial scholarship honoring the late Margaret Hazen for her years of dedicated service to the organization and her outstanding accomplishments in the field of finance.

The scholarship will be facilitated by Professional Women of Sullivan County (formerly Catskill Mountain Business & Professional Women) and will be awarded to a female high school student who lives in the Town of Bethel or who attends school in the Monticello School District, and who is planning a career in the field of business or finance.

The student must have a demonstrated record of good citizenship and active community involvement, and must maintain at least a B average. The Professional Women of Sullivan County will select the scholarship recipient.

Those wishing to make a donation to the Margaret Hazen Memorial Scholarship Fund can make checks payable to United Way of Sullivan County and write MH Scholarship on the memo line. Mail to: United Way of Sullivan County, 33 Lakewood Avenue, Monticello, NY 12701. For additional information, please call 845-794-1771.

Students wishing to apply for the scholarship should contact the Monticello High School Guidance Department or e-mail unitedwaysullivan@verizon.net.

CALLICOON, NY (March 12, 2012) – The Boys & Girls Clubs raised $32,000 at their sold-out 4th Annual Sullivan County Celebrity Dinner at The Clubhouse at The Villa Roma on March 9th.

This year’s theme was “TV Shows From My Childhood” and the forty local celebrities who formed this year’s teams decorated their tables and dressed in costume according to themes like “The Flintstones,” “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “M*A*S*H” to serve the 350 guests who attended the event and to compete in the annual “Tip Challenge.”

Honorary Event Chairman Greg Goldstein said, “I am normally not at a loss for words, but this event was totally a great effort on the part of our Celebrity Servers and their guests. I am thrilled that we raised so much money for an important organization that helps kids who are less fortunate.”

The Celebrity Servers also participated in a series of challenges based on old television shows like “Let’s Make a Deal,” “The Newlywed Game” and “Password,” for a chance to add $100 to their tips! These server challenges were sponsored by Combined Energy Services, The Misner Agency, Misner Benefits, FOCUS Media, Woodbourne Lawn & Garden, The Briggs & Sipple Agency, Catskill Brokers, Inc., Kristt-Kelly Office Systems and Knack, Pavloff & Company.

In the end, the “Italian Stallion” team of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini, and radio personalities Michelle Semerano and Paul Ciliberto took home the Tip Challenge victory, netting more than $4400 in tips! The Italian Stallion team chose wrestling as their theme and Hilltop Homes built them a set of custom wrestling ropes to surround their tables.

Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Board President Gerry Skoda and JP McGuirk and Constance Lawrence received second place for their “The Beverly Hillbillies” team, who raised $3300 in tips and featured a Granny look-alike and a live bloodhound as part of their team.

Third place went to the “Gilligan’s Island” team of Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson, Deputy Treasurer Nancy Buck and Allison Horan, who raised $3000 for their efforts.

Alexis Eggleton, Executive Director for the Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs said, “The generosity displayed at the Celebrity Dinner was simply overwhelming, and the money raised at the event will go directly to serving local children at our programs here in Sullivan County. Our Celebrity Servers are helping the Clubs ensure great futures start here!”

The Clubs also debuted a new video to give viewers an inside look at their programs, wiith music accompaniment from a Monticello Club member. The video was captured by Sullivan County photographer Michael Bloom and produced by Walden native John Kidd.

It is available at www.bgcorange.org.

(Photos by The Spencer Daniels Agency and Thunder 102)

LIBERTY, NY (March 11, 2012) – A day of networking and education about the most current topics in direct marketing for farmers will be held on Sunday, March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the CVI Building in Liberty, NY. Registration before March 15 is only $25.00. Registration after March 15 is $35.00.

The event is sponsored by Pure Catskills, an initiative of the Watershed Agricultural Council.

Attendees will have a chance to gather with local food advocates from across the region including farmers, retailers, restaurateurs, specialty food producers, distributors, farmers’ market staff and economic development practitioners.

Dozens of past attendees have mentioned the lasting business connections they have made as a result of attending. Buyers of all scales will be present from local retailers to regional distributors. Educational topics will suit the interest of vegetable, livestock and dairy producers.

Register online 

Featured speakers and workshop leaders will share perspectives from both the metropolitan and upstate marketplaces.

Confirmed speakers include:
Rob Dougherty, Sullivan County Farms
Sara Grady, Glynwood Center & Hudson Valley Cider Route
Joel Elder, Tuthilltown Spirits
Erin Fairbanks, No Goat Left Behind & Heritage Radio Network
Lissa Harris and Julia Reischel, Watershed Post
Nicole Day, the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship
Larry Althiser, Larry’s Custom Meats
Dennis Derryck, Corbin Hill Farm

New elements of this year’s event include a Food Hub Listening Session and curbside consulting. 

During the curbside consulting session, guidance on business and marketing topics will be offered through one-on-one sessions on a dozen topics with regional specialists.

Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is starting

a project to research and develop food distribution infrastructure, such as food hubs, to help farmers bring their products to market.  Input from farmers, wholesale and retail businesses and others along the food value chain will be critical.  During the Food Hub listening session, participants will share their challenges in food distribution, infrastructure resources and needs in the region, and opportunities for collaboration or other improvements.

Early Bird Cookery will prepare a local luncheon.

A video from last year’s event is at right.

Prefer to pay by check?  Please send a check for $25 per registrant, made out to "WAC" and mailed to 44 West Street, Walton, NY 13856.

The Pure Catskills Buy Local campaign is a regional, economic initiative of the Watershed
Agricultural Council. The Watershed Agricultural Council is funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal, foundation and private sources. The WAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

CALLICOON, NY (March 10, 2012) – The Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon will host the annual Sullivan County International Pageant (SCIP) 2012, on Saturday April 7at 4:00 p.m.

Doors open at 3:00 p.m. and admissions are $8.00. Children under 5 are admitted free.

This year, the SCIP will donate a portion of the proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

The 50 contestants range from ages 5 to 56 and will compete in fun fashion evening wear and will take part in an onstage interview.

This pageant is far from a beauty contest. The Teen, Miss and Mrs. Sullivan County competitors are required to have a  platform that they will use their title to promote throughout their reign.

If chosen, they also win entry into the NY International Preliminary which is also held annually at the Villa Roma.

This pageant is a stepping stone for future opportunities and encourages the ladies in Sullivan County to make a difference.

During this year’s pageant, the current reining title holders say their fairwells to a year spent spreading the word on their platforms which include: Childhelp, a child abuse prevention chapter, Children’s Tumor Foundation, and Infertility awareness. In the photo above are: (top l-r) Miss Sullivan County International 2011 Felicia Ramos, Executive Director Jane Malara, Mrs. Sullivan County International 2011 Elizabeth Brown and (bottom left to right) Miss Teen Sullivan County International 2011 Brianna Worden, Young Miss Sullivan County 2011 Jada Lynn May, and Miss Pre-Teen Sullivan County 2011 Danielle Curry

(Photo by A.M. LaHanko Photography)

SULLIVAN COUNTY & BROOKLYN (March 9, 2012) – The Weekend of Chamber Music kicks off its 19th season on March 24 with the annual fundraiser for its Sullivan County-based Artist Coaching Project.

The Project has brought world-class musicians to coach, workshop and mentor young musicians in rural schools since 1997.

The event moves to Saturday this year, and at 4:00 p.m., it’s early enough to be an “appetizer” for an evening on the town, or a midday stroll through the Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Garden, just across the street from the concert.

Guests will enjoy a truly authentic chamber music experience in a private Brooklyn apartment with striking views of Manhattan and New York Harbor.

Always delighted to share and discuss his unique expertise, harpsichordist and early music specialist Kenneth Hamrick performs on his 1990 Earl Russell replica of the French Blanchet-Taskin double-manual harpsichord to this concert. The original, built in 1764, is in the Edinburgh Collection of Historical Keyboard Instruments in Scotland. Acclaimed cellist Caroline Stinson of the Lark Quartet performs movements from Bach’s D major Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, and flutist Judith Pearce performs with them.

A high point of the concert is what could be the first performance in the U.S. of a Telemann manuscript, recently uncovered in Darmstadt, Germany. After the concert, guests will mingle and chat with the artists, see the harpsichord up close, and enjoy delicious light buffet with wine & dessert. Reservations are a minimum donation of $75, and the address will be given upon reservation. Contributions are tax deductible. Seating is limited, so make your reservations early. Call 718-638-8962, 845-932-8527, or email info@WCMconcerts.org.

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (March 9, 2012) – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance, and take turns walking or running around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. Relay for Life has spread to more than 5,000 communities across the country.

This year’s Relay for Life takes place on Saturday, June 2, 2012 beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will end on Sunday, June 3 at 7:00 a.m. The event takes place at Sullivan County Community College.

Relay starts with a Survivors Lap – an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. Caregivers are also recognized and celebrated at Relay for Life. These individuals give their time, love and support to friends, family, neighbors and co-workers who face cancer.

At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria candles around the track in a touching ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease.

To finish the event there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where the attendees make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. That personal commitment may be to do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking, or talking to elected officials about cancer. By taking action, people are personally taking steps to save lives and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

Volunteers and participants are needed for this annual event that helps people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back in the Sullivan County area. Many different committees are now forming in areas such as entertainment, games, food and prizes, and volunteers are needed to assist with registration, participation, team recruitment, etc.

In addition, local companies, community groups, civic associations, religious organizations, schools, and others are encouraged to participate by forming a Relay for Life team or becoming a sponsor. Sponsorships can be tailored to meet a group’s ability to give.

If you would like to volunteer or find out how to build a team for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in your community, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/nynj for more information or to create a virtual team or donate online anytime.

NEW YORK STATE (March 8, 2012) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday that New York State has initiated a $500,000 economic impact study to identify growth opportunities and retention strategies to keep state military bases as economic contributors and job generators in New York State.

"New York State’s military bases are a major economic driver for our state, and we must do all we can to keep them here," Governor Cuomo said.

The economic benefits created by New York State’s military installations continue to be threatened by federal budgetary constraints, modernization initiatives, and future rounds of the Base Realignment and Closure program.

To protect New York’s military bases and keep the state’s National Guard strong, the study will focus on the military value, cost effectiveness and economic impact of key New York military installations, including the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The analysis will help in the creation of a strategic plan to promote, enhance and protect New York’s military bases.

Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy traveled this week to Washington, DC to meet with White House and Defense Department officials, as well as the state’s congressional delegation to discuss Tuesday’s announcement by the Department of Defense regarding reductions at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

State military bases account for more than 10,000 direct jobs with direct wages of $688 million and $1.9 billion of economic impact. New York State’s primary military installations include:

· Niagara Falls Reserve Station
· Fort Drum, Watertown
· Air Force Research Laboratories, Rome
· Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia
· Hancock Field, Air National Guard Base, Syracuse
· Watervliet Arsenal, Albany
· West Point
· Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn
· Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh
· Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton

BETHEL, NY (March 7, 2012) – Four decades after the Woodstock festival, The Museum at Bethel Woods examines the work of artists Edward Byrd and Arnold Skolnick in a stunning retrospective exhibition, Byrd/Skolnick: A Tale of Two Posters, opening Sunday, April 1 and running through  Sunday, July 22. The exhibit will highlight their contributions  to rock and roll poster design and tell the tale of two artists’ storied careers, featuring work from both artists as well as an amazing collection of graphic art inspired by or satirizing the famous Woodstock posters.

As the Woodstock Music and Art Fair established itself as the defining moment for the generation of the 1960s, Skolnick’s design for the festival poster and logo, a white dove perched atop the neck of a guitar held by a hand, became immediately iconic. His poster created a brand identity for the rock festival and spawned hundreds of copycat posters for everything from environmental causes to barbeque festivals.  Skolnick’s more widely distributed, simple design stood in stark contrast to the original design for the festival poster, designed by Fillmore East’s house artist, David Edward Byrd, whose ornate, foliated “Aquarian Exposition” design featured a full-frontal nude depiction of a woman pouring water from an urn. Wade Lawrence, Museum Director explains, “Their Woodstock posters are a part of our popular culture, the scope of their careers is amazing, and their impact is still being felt today.”

This special exhibit brings together over 150 items that show the broad range of Byrd’s and Skolnick’s artwork: rock posters, posters for Broadway shows, television, movies, impressionistic oil paintings drawn from nature, fine-art compilations and sensitive photographs of erotic nudes.  Lawrence adds, “I am really excited about this exhibition, not only because it brings David Edward Byrd and Arnold Skolnick together for the first time, but because it will introduce their work to a broader audience and give them the recognition they both deserve.”

The special exhibition is included in the regular Museum admission.

In conjunction with the special exhibit Byrd/Skolnick: A Tale of Two Posters, Bethel Woods will host a weekend-long Bethel Woods Rock Art Poster Fair Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The two-day poster fair will provide the opportunity for poster collectors, vendors, scholars and enthusiasts to convene at the historic location to sell and purchase vintage posters and prints.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to try their own hand at poster design. On Saturday, April 28, New York Fine Art Appraisers will be on-site from 12:00-4:00 pm providing consultations to visitors who are interested in learning more about posters in their personal collections. Admission to the Bethel Woods Rock Art Poster Fair is $10.00 for regular admission and $5.00 for students. Appraisals are $25.00 apiece.

As part of Bethel Woods’ Speaker Series, Stephanie Plunkett, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Norman Rockwell Museum, will lead a conversation with artists Byrd and Skolnick on Saturday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. The free-flowing dialogue will cover the artists’ work, posters and other graphic works of the mid-20th century, and the dynamic relationship between art and political and social issues. Plunkett will provide a historical perspective on graphic art and illustration in America in the mid-20th century, before inviting the artists on-stage. The event will conclude with plenty of time for Q&A with the audience.  Admission to the Speaker Event is $5.00, free for members and free with Rock Art Poster Fair admission. (Complimentary tickets may be picked up at the box office.)

A screening of the film “American Artifact: The Rise of American Rock Poster Art” kicks off the weekend on Friday, April 27 and the 2012 Spring Film Series. The film explores rock poster art since the 1960s and will be introduced by director Merle Becker, who will also lead the post-film Cinema Conversation.

To purchase tickets in advance or for more information about these events or Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, including museum hours, please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1-866-781-2922.

Bill Would Promote the Growth of Craft Breweries and Increase Demand for Locally Grown Farm Products
and Would Exempt Farm Wineries and Distilleries from Burdensome Tax Filing Requirements

NEW YORK STATE (March 6, 2012) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today proposed legislation to create a "Farm Brewery" license that will promote the growth of New York State’s craft breweries.

The new license would allow craft brewers that use products grown in New York State to operate in a similar fashion to the state’s wineries, leading to increased demand for locally grown farm products as well as expanded economic development and tourism.

The Governor also proposed legislation to exempt Farm Wineries and Distilleries from a costly and burdensome tax filing requirement.

"These bills provide a boost for breweries, farmers, wineries, and communities across New York State," Governor Cuomo said. "This legislation will give our state’s growing craft beer industry the tools needed to create jobs, promote agriculture, and encourage environmentally friendly economic development across New York State."

The Governor’s bill to promote the economic growth of the craft brewery industry will include:

Increasing Retail Outlets for New York Products: The legislation would allow Farm Breweries to sell New York State labeled wine at their retail outlets. In addition, Farm Wineries would also be permitted to sell New York State labeled beer for off-premises consumption.

Allowing Farm Breweries to Open Restaurants: The legislation allows Farm Breweries to obtain licenses to operate restaurants, conference centers, inns, bed and breakfasts or hotels on or adjacent to the farm brewery.

Increasing Tastings: The legislation would allow both Farm Breweries and Farm Wineries to conduct tastings of New York State produced beer and wine at their premises.

Selling Related Products: The legislation would allow farm breweries to sell beer making equipment and supplies, food complementing beer and wine, souvenir items, and additional products similar to those allowed under the Farm Winery statute.

In order to receive a Farm Brewery license, the beer must be made primarily from locally grown farm products. Until the end of 2017, at least 20% of the hops and 40% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in New York State. From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022, no less than 60% of the hops and 75% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in New York State. After January 1, 2023, no less than 90% of the hops and 90% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in New York State. The beer manufactured under these guidelines would be designated as "New York State labeled beer". The legislation is modeled after the 1976 "Farm Winery Act," which spurred the growth of wine production in this state, including the creation of 237 farm wineries and tripling the number of wineries.

In addition, Governor Cuomo today proposed legislation to exempt Farm Wineries and Distilleries from a costly and burdensome tax filing requirement. Currently, all beer, wine, and liquor wholesalers here in New York are required to report sales made to restaurants, bars, and other retailers. However, as Farm wineries and Farm distilleries are small, often family owned operations, they have struggled to afford the costs of complying with this annual reporting. The burden imposed on them by this filing requirement outweighs the benefit received by the State Tax Department, as purchases from farm wineries and farm distilleries account for a very small percentage of the state’s total beer and wine sales. These businesses are already required by law to maintain sales records which the Tax Department may obtain upon request, making the additional mandatory filing requirement not necessary.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 5, 2012) – Every April for the past three years, members and friends of Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) have hosted dozens of house parties around Sullivan County and the Upper Delaware River Valley to raise funds for DVAA’s programs and services.

This year, their event is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 and has been expanded to include participating restaurants.

“Arts Alive Fundraising House Parties” and “Savor the Arts – Restaurant Style” involve people coming together for a common goal that will focus support for regional arts and the DVAA. It’s a day to dine out for the arts.

Those familiar with the DVAA might invite friends to their home for dinner and extol the virtues of having DVAA in our community, thereby expanding the network of support. There are 16 house parties currently scheduled on April 21 around the region, with numbers growing. (Technically, house parties may take place anytime, but most events focus on April 21.)

If you think this is a fun way to support your local arts organization and creative community, just call the DVAA office at 845-252-7576 and say you would like to host your own event. Support materials are available.

Fundraising parties may be as simple as barbequed beans and beer or as lavish as a champagne and caviar event at your home, place of business or public space. It is up to you. Be creative, have fun, and introduce DVAA’s outstanding record of over 35 years of service to your friends and neighbors.

For those not attending a house party, Savor the Arts – Restaurant Style has a wide variety of venues to choose from in which you can support the arts. From a dinner, a movie, and dessert to a distillery tour and tasting, several regional restaurants are partnering with DVAA to host their special event.

For more information, call the DVAA at 845-252-7576.

A Training in Nonviolent Action will be offered on Sunday, March 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon, NY. 

The Training will be conducted by Joanne Sheehan, an experienced educator and trainer in nonviolence for over forty years. It will be free of charge to participants. Advanced registration is required.

The event is being organized by veteran activist Beverly Sterner, founder of the Upper Delaware Community Network, and Marcia Nehemiah, writer and environmentalist.

Nonviolence has proven a powerful tool to confront power and bring change, but it requires careful implementation and discipline. Recognizing this, the following environmental organizations involved with the struggle for safe water and air have come together as co-sponsors: Catskill Mountainkeeper, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, Citizens for Water and The Crones Club.

Some of the topics covered in the training will include: “Exploring what we mean by nonviolent action,” “Practicing nonviolent discipline in conflict situations,” “Creating effective nonviolent scenarios,” “Understanding your rights,” and “the potential consequences of nonviolent civil disobedience, including the arrest process.”

Register for the training by e-mailing Beverly at bsterner@ptd.net.

Town of Fallsburg High School Leo Club members at the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon. Front row (l-r): Rachel Schmitt, Samantha Wiles, Lindsay Malman, and Club Advisor Ms. Shari Mednick; back row are Shorouk Abohussien, Cody Vegliante, Logan Mednick, and Adham Abohussien.

HARRIS, NY (March 2, 2012) – Fallsburg Central School District teacher and Town of Fallsburg Lion Ms. Shari Mednick brought eight students from the High School Leo Club to answer telephones and take donations from Fallsburg Lion’s Club members during the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon at Catskill Regional Medical Center on February 25, 2012.

The Leos have been in existence for two years and have served at the event each year. Those present were Cody Vegliante, Rachel Schmitt, Samantha Wiles, Shorouk Abohussien, Adham Abohussien, Gregory Bedik, Logan Mednick, and Lindsay Malman.

During the event, President of Fallsburg Lions Club Miranda Behan (at right in photo) and Heart-a-thon Chair Chris Didrich (left) presented a $500 check to Helena Manzione, General Manager at WSUL/WVOS.

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (March 2, 2012) – Did you know that three out of four children’s car seats are not installed correctly?

The Sullivan County Passenger Safety Seat Program held a clinic at the Loch Sheldrake Fire Dept. on January 19, which more than 50 families with properly fitting safety seats for children residing in Sullivan County.

This program was developed through the generous sponsorship of Sullivan County Public Health Services, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department, and supported by other programs in Sullivan County including the Rural Health Network.

The Safety Seat Program provided 289 Car seats to families in Sullivan County in 2011.

The Sullivan County Passenger Safety Seat Program was created in 2005, in recognition that children in the county were in need of securely approved child passenger safety seats, and that their parents were in need of education as to their installation and use.

The program has grown to comprise twelve NYS Certified Technicians, and collaborations between residents and multiple agencies (Public Health, Sullivan County Child Care Council, Migrant Education Program, Sullivan County Head Start, New Hope Community, the Mountaindale Fire Company, and the Fallsburg Police Department.) These organizations allow employees to be trained as technicians and to volunteer their time to participate in clinics and other events to make the program available to the residents of Sullivan County. Technicians also volunteer to educate drivers who transport children to educational institutions and programs. Education focuses on selection of the appropriate seat for each child, as well as the correct placement of the car seat in the vehicle, according to NYS Law.

Car Seat Technicians are trained according to procedures established by the NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. After undergoing four days of training, the technicians are certified to teach car seat safety to hundreds of county residents every year.

The program has placed over 1400 Children in proper car seats since 2005.

Technicians must be willing to endure difficult working conditions, sometimes in the summer heat or winter’s cold in order to ensure that the children are in the correct safety seat and that it is properly installed. Performing as a technician is a passion for some that stretches beyond public service. The program is always seeking new volunteers.

If you or someone you know is not sure that you have the correct car seat or that it may not be installed safely, please call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845-292-5910, ext. 2250 to set up an appointment to get your car seat checked.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 1, 2012) – Professional Women of Sullivan are now accepting applications for their annual scholarships.

They award 10 scholarships annually to Sullivan County women and girls. Five scholarships go to women returning to school, and five to high school seniors going to college.

High school girls can contact their guidance counselor. Women returning to school can e-mail hrados@gmail.com. Or call Diane at 693-4917.

The scholarships are awarded at the Scholarship dinner on June 20 at Mr. Willy’s in Monticello at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 per person and will be available at the door.

For additional information on the Professional Women of Sullivan County, contact Diane at dladyhd@aol.com.