The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (February 29, 2012) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today ordered the activation of the New York State Emergency Operations Center in Albany as a winter storm swept across the state.
Beginning Wednesday morning, the winter storm has brought moderate to heavy snow and some ice to parts of the state. New Yorkers should monitor weather conditions, stay tuned to local radio and television stations or to NOAA weather radio for the latest information, plan their activities accordingly, and be particularly cautious while driving.

Governor Cuomo activated the State Emergency Operations Center at 2:00pm today to monitor the storm and any emergency needs. Representatives from state agencies are present to coordinate storm response efforts, including the State Police, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Health.

"Winter weather is finally here for many parts of the state, so as a precaution we have opened the emergency operation center to coordinate response efforts," Governor Cuomo said. "I also remind people that roads may be covered by ice and snow, so I urge everyone to be careful when driving and be aware of the plows."

Another round of snow is expected on Thursday, which could produce additional accumulation across eastern New York State.

Steps taken to ensure readiness include:

Power:

· To ensure a prompt response to power outages, the Public Service Commission has been holding storm planning calls with the electric utilities. Crews are prepared to work around the clock to repair outages. National Grid is relocating 15 crews from Western New York to its Central Region and other utilities may also move additional crews into affected areas as needed. The Public Service Commission call center will be operational throughout  the storm to provide health and safety information, including location of shelters, estimated times of restoration, and ensuring notification of vulnerable customers, such as Life Support customer.

Roads:

More than 1,700 plow trucks staffed by Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, and Bridge Authority personnel have been mobilized in affected areas, with more than 200 additional trucks on standby.

More than 50 front end loaders, 15 large chippers, 200 chainsaws, and 150 portable generators are available to clear obstructed roadways.

Approximately 200 lane miles of the Thruway system have been pretreated.

Crews and equipment have been deployed to the state’s major bridges.

Public Safety:

40 4X4 vehicles, 45 ATVs, and 52 snowmobiles staffed by DEC, State Police, and Division of Military and Naval Affairs personnel are ready to be deployed as needed.

More than 550 State Troopers, Environmental Conservation Officers, and DEC Forest Rangers have been deployed and are prepared to respond to any incidents. Additional personnel are on standby.

For more information on winter storm safety and preparedness, visit www.dhses.ny.gov/oem.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. ) – With the county already blanketed by several inches of snow, the National Weather Service in Binghamton is predicting the following for the region:

This Afternoon: Snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 4:00 p.m., then rain between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., then rain and snow after 5:00 p.m.. High near 34. East wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow and freezing rain before 11:00 p.m., then rain likely between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., then freezing rain likely after 4:00 a.m.. Low around 31. East wind between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than  one inch possible.

Thursday: Snow and freezing rain likely, becoming all snow after 7:00 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 40. Calm wind becoming northwest between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

The weather conditions and resultant messy roads have prompted many businesses and government offices to close early, and meetings or other gatherings to be cancelled.

The Catskill Chronicle recommends that you stay indoors and use extreme caution if you must venture out. And call ahead to see if your meeting, etc. is still taking place, or listen to local radio stations: Thunder 102 (102.1), WSUL (98.3), WVOS (95.9) and WJFF (90.5), all on the FM dial.

(Photos by Carol Montana)

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 28, 2012) – The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued an Winter Storm Watch effective from Wednesday, February 28 through 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, March 1.

Affected jurisdictions are Delaware County, Otsego County and Sullivan County.

A complex storm system over the Midwest will spread a variety of winter weather into the region Wednesday into Thursday.

The storm will begin as snow then change to a mixture of snow and freezing rain late Wednesday into Thursday morning before tapering off Thursday afternoon.

Locations: The Western Catskills and Upper Susquehanna Basin

Hazards: snow and ice accumulation.

Accumulations: 4 To 8 inches of snow, and up to a quarter inch of ice.

Timing: Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.

Temperatures: Around 30.

Winds: Southeast 5 To 10 mph.

Impacts: Snow and ice accumulation will make travel difficult late Wednesday into Thursday.

Instructions: A winter storm watch is in effect because heavy snow and ice accumulation is a possibility, but not a certainty. Travel conditions could become hazardous, so it is important to monitor the latest forecasts and statements if you are planning to travel in the watch area.

(Photo by Carol Montana)

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 27, 2012) – Fifteen Sullivan County non-profit organizations received $17,500 in Decentralization Grants for 2012 cultural programming at a special awards ceremony on Saturday, February 18 at the Delaware Arts Center in Narrowsburg, NY.

Representing NYS Senator John Bonacic was Joe Ann Drake, who read a prepared statement from Senator Bonacic thanking the grant recipients for their contributions to the cultural life of Sullivan County. Allocated by the New York State Council on the Arts, the funding is administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA).

The granted organizations represent nine townships throughout Sullivan County, including the Towns of Callicoon, Delaware, Fallsburg, Forestburgh, Highland, Liberty, Lumberland, Rockland, and Tusten,.

Granted organizations are: Callicoon Center Band for a summer concert series; Delaware Valley Chamber Orchestra for a local composers series; Delaware Youth Center for art and theatre workshops; Friends of Sunshine Hall Free Library for winter cultural program; Icehouse Arts for three youth video workshops; Liberty Free Theatre for theatrical production; Liberty Museum and Arts Center for a jazz festival; Roscoe Free Library for watercolor workshops; Sullivan County Community Chorus for two concerts; Sullivan County Historical Society for a vaudeville production; Sullivan County Historical Society for a series of coffeehouse concerts; Town of Fallsburg for two free Chamber Music at St. Andrews concerts; Town of Lumberland Cultural Series for two concerts; Western Sullivan Public Library for an oral history project;

DVAA seeks candidates to serve on future grant review panels. A likely panelist is a citizen informed about the arts and/or county cultural events. Duties consist of reading applications and participating in two meetings. To be considered, or for more information about the Decentralization Grant program, call (845) 252-7576.

For more about this and other DVAA programs, visit ArtsAllianceSite.org.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

HARRIS, NY (February 26, 2012) – A new social media presence and a dedicated group of volunteers and donors allowed the 2012 WVOS/WSUL Heart-a-thon to raise an astounding $65,068 on  Saturday. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

Helena Manzione, General Manager of WSUL/WVOS has worked on at least 22 Heart-a-thons, and she tries not to set a goal (except for the one in her heart), because of all the variables in Sullivan County. But each and every year, the people come through, and this was no exception. “I’m very grateful to people who donate for whatever they can do,” says Manzione.

This year, the social media presence was ramped up thanks to first-time co-chairs Roberta Byron-Lockwood and Paul Carlucci, President and Chairman respectively for the Sullivan County Visitors Association, which donated its website for online donations. In addition, the Heart-a-thon celebrated its second year on Facebook and took advantage of other social media.

Manzione also reached out to the many Sullivan County snowbirds by taking out an ad in the Sullivan County Democrat, telling them they “could listen and donate and still feel connected.”

Joining Byron-Lockwood and Carlucci was longtime co-chair Alan Kesten, owner of Yellow Cab, who not only reached out to the business community, but, according to Byron-Lockwood, has an amazing connection with the area fire departments.

The committee is “well-oiled machine” according to Byron-Lockwood. “They have such dedicated members, and we shared all the ideas we could possibly do to encourage our residents to support the hospital. … It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun work, we got to make some great new friendships. You get to see how each and every community is dedicated to the hospital and how important it is to us for our guests and our visitors to make sure we have a fabulous hospital.”

Carlucci, Vice President of the Villa Roma Resort said the hotel has had great success “selling hearts to our guests, our staff and to our second homeowners. … Most of our visitors are repeat visitors, I could tell them stories about how effective the hospital has been with certain guests that have experienced problems while staying at the Villa Roma, I think they appreciate that. As far as second homeowners, I try to stress to them that even as part-time members of the Sullivan County community, they really have a stake in the hospital being as good as it possibly can be. I was amazed at the generosity.”

As far as where the money goes, J.P. McGuirk, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at CRMC, said the the Heart-a-thon did such a great job in the past with raising money for telemetry equipment for the second floor, “we’re going to get telemetry equipment for the fifth floor. It’s a very much needed piece of equipment, basically wireless monitoring at the bedside, and a really great asset for the hospital. We’re very appreciative that WSUL and WVOS does this.”

McGuirk said that by piggy-backing the donations from the Heart-a-thon with the proceeds from the annual golf outing held the first week in August, CRMC will be able to equip the entire fifth floor with the wireless monitors.

You can still contribute to the Heart-a-thon by sending a check or money order made payable to: WVOS/WSUL Heart-a-thon, Box 628, Monticello, NY 12701, or by visiting https://www.scva.net/heart-a-thon-2012/.

To see more photos or to order prints from the 2012 Heart-a-thon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

HARRIS, NY (February 25, 2012) – Several Monticello High School Key Club members recently visited the Skilled Nursing Unit of the Catskill Regional Medical Center, where they assisted residents in making beautiful heart shaped greeting cards for Valentine’s Day.

The students had as much fun and pleasure as the residents. Displaying the beautiful artwork are from left Alexis Watkins, Brittany Rupp, Courtney Wissman, Christian Carvajal, Ms. Toni Carnesi-Montemurro, Key Club Advisor, and Aly Rodrigues.

The Monticello Key Club is a high school service organization sponsored by the Monticello Kiwanis Club.

Sheila Lashinsky, Kiwanis Club 2nd VP and Key Club Liaison said of the Key Club members, “I am so proud of their warmth and the thoughtfulness they displayed while interacting with the residents at the nursing home.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 24, 2012) – The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a wind advisory, which is in effect from 7:00 p.m. this evening to 7:00 p.m. Saturday 2/25/12.

The advisory is for locations in all of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.

Hazards include high winds – west 15 To 30 mph sustained, with frequent gusts between 40 and 50 mph.

Timing: Winds will increase this evening and continue tonight and peak Saturday afternoon before subsiding Saturday evening.

Impacts: Winds of this magnitude could cause minor damage to trees, power lines and weaker structures.

Instructions: Persons in the advisory area should secure all loose objects. If you are traveling through the advisory area, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. This is especially important for those driving high-profile vehicles like vans, trucks and large SUVs.

Please report damage to the national weather service by calling toll free: 1-877-633-6772, or by e-mail at: Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.

Immediate Bipartisan Congressional Action is Crucial to Saving Jobs

KINGSTON, NY – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) yesterday vowed bipartisan congressional action to fight against the proposed closure of the Mid Hudson Processing and Distribution Center located in Newburgh, NY. The facility was included on a list of 223 processing facilities slated for closure by the US Postal Service (USPS) starting in May 2012. Hinchey has been a staunch opponent of closing the Newburgh facility, which employs 385 workers. He is also working to pass legislation to address the underlying financial troubles faced by USPS.

"The Postal Service has failed to justify the proposed closure of the Mid Hudson Processing and Distribution Center in Newburgh, and I’m going to do everything I can to block their efforts," said Hinchey. "They’ve said publicly that a closure moratorium is in place until May, but they’re already laying the groundwork to shift around resources and workers. They’ve said that consolidating the facility will save money, but they have yet to publicly release the data or the assumptions that caused them to arrive at this conclusion.  In fact the only way to consolidate these facilities is to lengthen first class delivery times, making USPS even less competitive. Closing the Newburgh facility would be a huge mistake. We need immediate bipartisan congressional action or else hundreds of workers will lose their jobs and postal services throughout our communities will be downgraded."

In August 2011, Hinchey urged Postmaster General Donahoe to prevent the closure of the Newburgh facility after the USPS initiated an Area Mail Processing (AMP) study to consider consolidation with a similar facility in Albany, New York. Hinchey offered official comments opposing the potential closure of the facility on December 1, 2011. Later that December, Hinchey sent another letter to Postmaster General Donahoe signed by 37 other House members opposing the proposed closure of mail processing and distribution centers nationwide.

Hinchey is a cosponsor of legislation designed to help ease the financial challenges currently faced by USPS. The United States Postal Service Pension Obligation Recalculation and Restoration Act of 2011 (H.R. 1351) would free up billions in financial resources for USPS for years to come. Under current law, the Postal Service is required to pre-fund health care benefits of future retirees at a cost of over $5 billion annually. H.R. 1351 would help reduce the financial burden of this requirement by allowing the Postal Service to use billions of dollars in overpayments to their pension fund to pre-fund healthcare benefits of future retirees. The legislation is strongly supported by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Hinchey has also joined several of his US House colleagues in introducing the Postal Service Protection Act – legislation designed to alleviate the US Postal Service’s (USPS) immediate financial crisis and prevent the layoff of thousands of USPS employees nationwide.

(Photo by Carol Montana)

ELDRED, NY (February 23, 2012) – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the largest volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research.

To coincide with one of St. Baldrick’s busiest months of signature head-shaving events, Xbox LIVE gamers are  encouraged to shave their Avatar’s head bald between now and March 31.

The virtual shave is a public way to honor the many kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatments and bring attention to the startling reality that worldwide more than 160,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer each year – and one in five of those kids in the US will not survive.

The Avatar head-shaving campaign, which is in its second year, is a creative concept from long-time St. Baldrick’s supporter Lou Monteleone from Eldred, NY.

Monteleone, a St. Baldrick’s volunteer event organizer and shavee, is challenging his fellow gamers to show their support and recruit fellow gamers to get bald for the cause.

Given the fact that there are more than 30 million Xbox LIVE subscribers, a legion of bald Avatars would make a bold statement against the number one disease killer of children in the US

After their virtual shave, Xbox LIVE users are encouraged to Like the Xbox LIVE Avatar Head-Shaving Day Facebook page and share a photo of their bald Avatar and why they support childhood cancer research. For gamers looking for other ways to get involved and support the cause, or maybe even looking to shave their “real” head, they can visit the St. Baldrick’s website at www.stbaldricks.org/teams/gamers.

Since the Foundation’s first grants as an independent charity in 2005, it has committed more than $78 million in research grants.

For more information, please check out the X-Box Live Avatar Head-shaving to Support St. Baldrick’s Foundation Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShaveAvatar.

LIBERTY, NY (February 22, 2012) – Older adults live with at least one chronic condition, including arthritis, heart disease or diabetes, take multiple medicines and consult several healthcare providers.

In addition, age-related changes that affect the way certain drugs work in the body, as well as noticeable communication gaps about medicines between patients and their healthcare providers, can set the stage for serious medicine-use related problems, resulting in additional illness, hospitalization and even death.

The Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) has scheduled MUST for Seniors(TM) – Medication Use Safety Training – workshop for Monday, March 12 at 12:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty. The CRC is joining the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) to provide important information about safe medicine use to older adults and caregivers.

MUST for Seniors is an interactive initiative designed to promote safe and appropriate medicine use by giving older adults and caregivers the tools and know-how to avoid medication misuse, recognize and manage common side effects in consultation with their healthcare providers, and improve medicine use knowledge, attitudes, and skills to avoid medication errors.

When used properly, medicines can treat or delay the onset or progression of many chronic conditions, and enhance quality of life by limiting loss of function and alleviating troublesome symptoms.

“This is an important educational campaign, especially in light of the aging baby boomer population, which is expected to reach 71 million strong by 2030,” said Deborah Allen, Executive Director of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. “The use of multiple medicines – prescription and over-the-counter medicines in addition to supplements and herbal remedies – can result in potentially harmful drug interactions, so it’s critical to open a dialogue among older adults, caregivers and healthcare professionals about these issues.”

Seniors and caregivers may call 845-292-5250 or email cn55@cornell.edu to register by March 7 (a minimum of 5/maximum of 15 – please RSVP to hold your seat).

BETHEL, NY (February 21, 2012) – Following up on the highly successful premiere event last year, the 2012 Sullivan Nonprofit Summit will take place on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This year’s summit will continue its focus on fostering leadership and collaboration among the region’s rural nonprofits to generate greater impact and support. And will also expand to encourage and acknowledge innovative ideas that have produced practical results, and can be used as a model by other nonprofits in the region and beyond.

Summit host and Bethel Woods CEO Darlene Fedun said, “Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is pleased to host for the second time the Sullivan Nonprofit Summit. As a nonprofit we take seriously our role as a cultural and civic center, where we celebrate the arts and their essential role in creating vibrant and engaged communities. The Summit is an example of our continuing commitment to serve as community convener and catalyst for innovative ways to inspire citizenship and re-vitalize our region.”

The Summit will include educational sessions, including “Building a Strong, Successful Board,” “Role of Nonprofits in Revitalizing the Region,” and “Pursuing Government Grants.” In addition, there will be a panel discussion with regional professionals. Nonprofit representatives will learn what is really working for nonprofits in the region and for the communities they serve. Speakers will also share stories and models of successful collaborative efforts among rural nonprofits and communities.

The featured lunchtime keynote speaker this year will be Doug Bauer of the Clark Foundation, which  focuses on helping individuals lead independent and productive lives, and supports nonprofits and programs in New York City and Cooperstown, NY. Bauer is also executive director of the Scriven and Fernleigh Foundations. His opinions and ideas on philanthropy have been featured in the Associated Press, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Contribute, the Financial Times, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and on NPR and CNBC. Bauer co-authored, with Steven Godeke, “Philanthropy’s New Passing Gear:Mission Related Investing, A Policy and Implementation Guide for Foundation Trustees.” He serves on boards and committees for Children’s Health Fund, The Melalucca Foundation and Philanthropy New York (formerly NYRAG).

The afternoon of the Summit will focus on breakout sessions designed to give nonprofits in similar fields the opportunity to meet and develop potential projects for collaboration, and will also include the announcement of the Sullivan Regional Innovation Award.

Summit Steering Committee Co-Chair Amanda Langseder from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County said, “The Summit is itself, a great example of the power of nonprofit collaboration.  Committee members representing nearly a dozen organizations have pulled together to make this year’s Summit a surefire success.  The members of the committee meet regularly, giving of their precious time and resources.  This year’s event will be a comprehensive day of professional development, leadership training, networking and encouraging messages to all who take pride in working for a nonprofit organization.”

The Summit currently has four event sponsors: Catskill Hudson Bank, the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, Jeff Bank and Sullivan County Community College.

For more information or to become a sponsor the March 7 Sullivan Nonprofit Summit, please contact Amanda Langseder at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County at 845-292-6180, ags97@cornell.edu.

To register for the Summit please contact Cinty at 845-292-6180, cn55@cornell.edu.

FERNDALE, NY (February 20, 2012) – The Master Gardener and Consumer Ed Programs at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County will present a workshop on “Home Cultivation of Shiitake Mushrooms” on March 21 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

This workshop will give participants hands-on experience in the process of cultivating mushrooms on logs, and the proper care, maintenance and harvesting.

Shiitake mushrooms have long been hailed for both their culinary value and health benefits.

With the completion of this course, you’ll be able to raise them right at home. Growing these mushrooms can be fascinating and rewarding.

The fee of $25.00 is due at registration to hold a spot in this popular class. A light dinner will be served.

For more information and to register call Cindy at 845-292-5250.

LIBERTY, NY(February 19, 2012) – Thunder 102 on-air personality Paul Ciliberto of Ciliberto &  Friends will have the pleasure of introducing Somerville Featuring Alyssa Startup as the group showcases on The Billy Block Show live from Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, February 21 at 9:30 pm ET.

Somerville, made up of singer/songwriter brothers Ken and Barry Somerville, has been entertaining audiences everywhere from festival stages to concert halls, radio and television shows, and in  numerous club appearances.

Somerville is signed to Nashville’s RPM Music Group. With three CDs out to date, they continue to collaborate with hit songwriters on Music Row and perform with their band at various shows and venues. On occasion, you might also catch Barry Somerville playing bass for hit singer/songwriter Jeffrey Steele in and around Nashville’s hot spots.

With an introduction from Thunder 102, the brothers started working with a young, talented singer by the name of Alyssa Startup who hails from Sullivan County.

Startup’s country sound with a Woodstock edge got Somerville’s attention. So much so that Somerville opened up their catalog of songs to the young singer, cut a few guitar/vocal demos to play for their friends on Music Row and regularly feature her when they perform.

You can watch Somerville Featuring Alyssa Startup on Tuesday, February 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET by going to www.thunder102.com and clicking on the Billy Block logo or listen live on Thunder 102 beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 18, 2012) – Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Terri Ward contacted the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office recently when she discovered some unclaimed funds listed on the State Comptroller’s website.

The Sheriff submitted a brief application and several weeks later a check arrived in the mail.

“It was a pretty simple process”, said Sheriff Mike Schiff. “The money was apparently owed to us from an old insurance claim.”

While the check only amounted to a couple of hundred dollars, the Sheriff noted that every bit helps in these tough economic times.

Schiff is now looking into other possible money owed to his office that is listed on the Comptroller’s website. He thanked Terri Ward and the Chamber for helping the Sheriff’s Office and Sullivan County. “We certainly appreciate the support”, said the Sheriff.

To see if you are owed unclaimed funds go to the State Comptroller’s website at www.osc.state.ny.us. Go to the “Quick Links” and then select “Search for Lost Money.”

According to the website New York State currently holds $11 billion dollars in unclaimed funds.

MONTICELLO, NY (February 16, 2012) – The Kiwanis Club of Monticello recently presented a donation of socks and underwear to the EPIC (Every Person Influences children) Project at the George L. Cooke Elementary School.

These items will be distributed to students as needed by the nurses’ office.

Pictured from left are school nurses Cherie DeGraw and Pam Shimer, Asst. Principal Rosemarie Romano, Principal Sandra Johnson Field, EPIC Program Coordinator and 1st Vice President of Kiwanis Jane Sorensen, Kiwanis President Lori Benjamin, Treasurer Janet Siano, and 2^nd Vice President Sheila Lashinsky.

MONTICELLO, NY (February 16, 2012) – Guests at SullivanArc’s recent Community Breakfast held on February 10 toured the 10,000 square foot workshop/warehouse facility and clinic at 162 East Broadway.

They also were among the first to see the SullivanArc Foundation’s newly unveiled “Tree of Life” donor tree located in the main lobby to pay tribute to donors who make significant donations.

The tree, which is made out of cherry wood, was hand sculpted by local artist Tom Holmes.

The SullivanArc Foundation was formed to fund new and innovative programs at SullivanArc for people with developmental disabilities.

In 2011, SullivanArc introduced several new programs, including the Children’s Mental Health Hotline, the only one of its kind in Sullivan County.

Among the guests were (l-r): NY State Senator John J. Bonacic, 42^nd District; A. J. Pantel, SullivanArc Foundation Board Member; Ira Steingart, Sullivan County Legislator District 8; Keri Poley, SullivanArc Foundation Board Member; Cora Edwards, Sullivan County Legislator District 6; Greg Goldstein, SullivanArc Foundation Board Member.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 15, 2012) – Jeff Bank is seeking photographers interested in submitting up to four color images (preferably depicting the four seasons) for their 2013 Calendar.

Organized by the Catskill Art Society (CAS), the theme of this year’s contest is “The Four Seasons of Nature & Landscapes in Sullivan County, NY.”

Contest entry dates are from February 24 – April 20, 2012.

All entries must have a completed application form, a maximum of four images in digital, horizontal JPEG format in the largest file size available (preferably 16M or larger) on CD.

Entry forms are available at all Jeff Bank branches, online at www.jeffbank.com or by contacting ann@catskillartsociety.org.

There is a contest entry fee of $5 payable to CAS. All entries must be delivered to CAS, 48 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY by April 20 or send to CAS, PO Box 991, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Please note that April 20 is a delivery deadline, not a postmark deadline.

Call 845-436-4227 for additional information.

(Photos by Carol Montana)

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 15, 2012) – Jeff Bank is seeking photographers interested in submitting up to four color images (preferably depicting the four seasons) for their 2013 Calendar. 

Organized by the Catskill Art Society (CAS), the theme of this year’s contest is “The Four Seasons of Nature & Landscapes in Sullivan County, NY.”

Contest entry dates are from February 24 – April 20, 2012.

All entries must have a completed application form, a maximum of four images in digital, horizontal JPEG format in the largest file size available (preferably 16M or larger) on CD.

Entry forms are available at all Jeff Bank branches, online at www.jeffbank.com or by contacting ann@catskillartsociety.org.

There is a contest entry fee of $5 payable to CAS. All entries must be delivered to CAS, 48 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY by April 20 or send to CAS, PO Box 991, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Please note that April 20 is a delivery deadline, not a postmark deadline.

Call 845-436-4227 for additional information.

(Photos by Carol Montana)

LIBERTY, NY (February 14, 2012) – The Liberty Rotary Club was honored by the presence of District Governor Tansukh Dorawala (photo left) at their recent weekly meeting held at Pizza Hut in Liberty.

The meeting with the Liberty Club completed the Governors’ visits to all clubs in District 7210 which spans 5 counties and includes 65 clubs.

Accompanied by his wife Savriti and Assistant District Governor (ADG) Karen Fitzpatrick, Governor Tansukh addressed the group by talking about his goals for his tenure, the experiences he has had as the district governor, how far reaching Rotary is and the good the organization does for the world. He was impressed with the work of the Liberty Rotary Club and spoke about the positive reputation the club has in reference to the service and programs that have benefited from donations and participation. “It was a pleasure hosting the governor and hearing his inspirational address to our club” said Liberty Rotary Club’s President Dave Thomson.

The Liberty Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, which is the world’s first service club organization with over 1.2 million members who volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” In 2011 the club sponsored numerous fundraisers raising over $12,000.

The monies raised were donated to local, regional and international organizations and local youth programs. The club has also provided college scholarships to graduating seniors as well as sponsoring students to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA).

WURTSBORO, NY (February 13, 2012) – This past not-too-chilly Saturday, Wurtsboro, NY celebrated Winterfest 2012.

And the weather was perfect for the hundreds of people who came to visit this southern Sullivan County town.

The day featured a Treasure Hunt, Chili Contest, Art Exhibit, Ice Carving Contest and more.

Up and down Sullivan Street, merchants hid (some very creatively) a button that said “I Heart Wurtsboro, NY.” As children found the button, they received a stamp on their Treasure Map, which, when filled, was turned in for a chance at four $25.00 gift certificates at any participating business. Many business also gave out lollipops or some other form of candy to the delighted little ones.

While the great hunt was taking place, there was also an Ice Carving Contest exhibiting exceptional talent, creative ingenuity and fantastic design skills.

The Bryan Stanton Memorial Chili Cook-off took place in the Wurtsboro Firehouse where hundreds of people gathered to sample chili which ranged from mild to “Fire Alarm.”

There were face paintings and psychic readings, a live Bird of Prey show, and more, all wrapped up with an evening concert by Broadway Concerts Direct.

Below are some photos from the event.

To see more photos, or to purchase prints from Wurtsboro Winterfest 2012, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

MONTICELLO, NY (February 12, 2012) – The Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency will be hosting a Veteran’s open house in the main lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello on February 28 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Gene Benson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Veterans Committee said, "This is a great opportunity educate our veterans about the services that are available to them for their unselfish service to our country."

The VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System will be registering Veterans for VA healthcare services, taking photos for VA medical ID cards and providing hypertension screening.

The Sullivan County Clerk’s Office will be providing their FAVOR Veteran Discount Cards to eligible Veterans. These cards will entitle the holders to discounts or services from Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce participants.

Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development will be available to discuss home energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits.

The New York State Department of Labor will be present along with other providers to assist with job opportunities and resume consultation.

Other Veteran focused information and opportunities will be available at this time.

For more information, please contact John Crotty 845-807-0233.

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (February 10, 2012) – The road from shooting a film to the world premiere is long, arduous and filled with potholes. Or in this case, it’s filled with rumblestrips.

A free screening of “Rumblestrips” at the Seelig Theatre at SUNY Sullivan will be Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Directed by and featuring John Adams “Rumblestrips” stars Toby Poser (Adams) who has appeared on stage, screen and television (Guiding Light, Law and Order, Sex in the City…) and the Adams’ daughters LuLu and Zelda.

“Rumblestrips” – those raised bumps on the road that make a loud, jarring vibration when an inattentive driver drifts off course or needs to slow down – is a fictional narrative about a foolish but well-meaning mother whose life has drifted off center. It’s the unwavering devotion of her two young daughters that leads her back within the lines.

Told as a personal narrative from Toby’s and each of her young daughters’ points of view, it’s a tale of how this family navigates loss and love when the mother they rely upon may soon be taken away from them. Broke and emotionally blistered after the death of her husband, Toby has turned to a beloved pastime, growing marijuana, to provide for her family. When she is arrested and convicted, she packs up the RV and takes her two young daughters on a road trip while uneasily awaiting sentencing.

“Rumblestrips” has not been rated. It is geared towards mature audiences.

HARRIS, NY (February 9, 2012) – The 34th Annual WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon happens on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Both WSUL 98.3/95.7 and WVOS 95.9/  105.7 will broadcast live from the hospital for the entire event.

This year’s WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon co-chairs are Alan Kesten of Yellow Cab, Roberta Byron Lockwood of the Sullivan County Visitors Association and Paul Carlucci of the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center.

Over the last 33 years, the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon has raised over $1.6 million dollars in the  name of “Heart Health” making it the largest local fundraiser in Sullivan County’s history. To benefit the local hospital WSUL/WVOS has presented 100% of the proceeds to the Cardio Pulmonary Department at CRMC.

Each year funds are earmarked for a particular piece of support equipment. This year the focus is on wireless bedside heart monitoring systems.

Listeners can participate on the day of the Heart-a-thon and make a pledge by calling 845–794-9898 or in person by visiting the Catskill Regional Medical Center during the live broadcast at the Garden Level Food Court.

During the weeks leading up to the event donations are made by buying a heart at any one of the many participating locations around the county.

And, for the first time this year, pledges can be made online on the Sullivan County Visitors Association’s website SCVA.net.

(Photos by Carol Montana)

MONTICELLO, NY (February 8, 2012) – New officers have been elected to the board of the Sullivan-Wawarsing Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP), one of five special economic development zones in the United States. J.J. Pavese, a designer with Rettew Engineering & Surveying, PC, will serve as president. Roberta Byron Lockwood, head of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, is the new vice-president.

The Sullivan-Wawarsing REAP Zone stimulates economic and community development by helping to determine the priority of grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Projects seeking funding through the USDA can get a boost in their eligibility if the proposals meet criteria established through a REAP benchmark system. Support letters from REAP then increase the standing of the applicants and, in some cases, open funding set-aside for projects in REAP zones.

This process has resulted in millions of dollars in direct and indirect federal funding to grant applicants in Sullivan County and the Town of Wawarsing.

Officers serve as the executive committee for the 18-member board of directors. They are:

· President – J.J. Pavese, Designer at Rettew Engineering & Surveying, PC

· Vice-president – Roberta Byron Lockwood, President, Sullivan County Visitors Association

· Secretary – Donna Willi, Executive Director, Sullivan County Child Care Council, Inc.

· Treasurer – Terri Ward, President and CEO, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce

· At Large Member – Mary Sheeley, Ellenville Village Manager

Congressman Maurice Hinchey originally secured the REAP Zone designation in 1999 in order to strengthen community development efforts and give the region precedence in receiving federal grants and loans. The USDA Rural Development agency signed a four year extension of the REAP Zone until September 30, 2012 after the program was extended in the 2008 Farm Bill. Another extension is currently being reviewed.

“The REAP Zone designation has been an important tool to support economic development in the Town of Wawarsing, the Village of Ellenville and communities throughout Sullivan County, which have obtained millions of dollars in grant and loan funding they otherwise wouldn’t have received,” Hinchey said. "I deeply appreciate the many community leaders that contribute their time and talents to keeping the REAP program going."

Examples of recent projects that received federal funding in part due to the REAP designation include: sewer system upgrades and new wastewater treatment plant construction in the villages of Monticello and Woodridge; heating and air conditioning improvements in the Village of Ellenville Municipal Building and the Sullivan County Headstart Center in Monticello; installation of videoconferencing equipment at the Sullivan County BOCES site and nine schools across five school districts; grants to create a red meat processing facility in Liberty and purchase dairy processing equipment; funds to develop a comprehensive economic development plan and a jobs action plan for Sullivan County.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (February 7, 2012) – Landowners and interested parties are invited to join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on Saturday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Morgan Outdoors, 46 Main Street in Livingston Manor, for a free workshop on preparation for the  arrival of the emerald ash borer. 

The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that has the potential to infest and kill every ash tree in the state of New York. Emerald ash borer populations have been identified locally in Orange, Ulster, Greene and Albany counties, and have the potential to spread very quickly.

Workshop attendees will learn how to identify signs and symptoms of the emerald ash borer and discover options for treatment and management of their ash resources as well as statewide efforts to deal with this invasive forest pest. 

Immediately following the indoor program, CRISP will lead an optional field trip to survey nearby ash trees for signs of the emerald ash borer.

For more information, contact Whitney Hill by e-mail: whill@catskillcenter.org, or by phone: 845-586-2611, ext. 103, or visitcatskillinvasives.com.

To RSVP to this event, contact Lisa Lyons by e-mail: morganoutdoors@pronetisp.net, or phone: 845-439-5507.

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is a member-supported nonprofit organization serving the Catskill Mountain region of New York State. The Catskill Center stimulates, conducts, and supports integrated actions to protect vital ecosystems and unique landscapes, to enhance economic opportunities for all the region’s residents, to preserve cultural and historic assets, and to further a regional vision and spirit.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 6, 2012) – As music rang out across Sullivan County from Bethel to Loch Sheldrake and from Hurleyville to Monticello and Rock Hill, funds poured in for the Great Sullivan County Food Raiser.

Now in its fourth year, the Food Raiser was started by Stacy Cohen and Steve White.

At the time, White was the Program Director of the Federation for the Homeless, a Sullivan County organization that runs a major soup kitchen in Monticello, NY.

It was February 2009, and winter is a particularly bad time for charities. Cohen explains that “after Christmas, everybody kind of forgets about the food pantries.”

Because she’s a musician, Cohen decided to call all the musicians she knew and ask them to perform. “And they called everybody they knew,” she says. And on the coldest day of the year, with cars lined up back to the high school, the first-ever Great Sullivan County Food Raiser event was held at Mr. Willy’s in Monticello.

While Cohen was building her own venues, The Dancing Cat Saloon and The Catskill Distilling Company, she performed at Dutch’s in Rock Hill. So that was another venue added to the mix.

Fast forward to 2012, and the Great Sullivan County Food Raiser now takes place at 5 different venues: The Catskill Distilling Company in Bethel, Mr. Willy’s in Monticello, Dutch’s Tavern in Rock Hill, The Woodsongs Coffee House at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville, and Bum & Kel’s in Loch Sheldrake. (The music continued on Sunday at the Dancing Cat Saloon in Bethel.)

Cohen decided that there would be no charge for the entertainment “but we’ll tell people that it costs $5 to feed someone and if they can, and they want to feed someone … and if they can afford it and want to feed two or four or five that’s okay. It was just phenomenal.”

None of the 40 bands involved in the 2012 event got paid, and the music took many forms from folk to rock to jazz, and everything in between. One of the bands even traveled from New York City to donate their services.

“And Jeff Bank and Crystal Run Healthcare have always given me money. There’s absolutely no overhead. Every single penny goes to the food pantries in Sullivan County,” says Cohen who also explained that the successful event might be expanded to Wayne County and Orange County next year.

Local residents volunteered at the doors of the venues collecting donations and giving out smiles.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, at the door of the Catskill Distilling Company, shared the following: “I know how important it is to get this money together for places like the Federation and all the other food pantries. … I love the music, but I also love my community and I know that there are a lot of folks that are in a lot of need.”

At Bum & Kel’s, one of the newest venues, owner Charles Morman (a.k.a.) Bummy explained how he got involved. “A couple of musicians asked me why I’m not in it (the Food Raiser), so I said, ‘Let’s get involved.’ That was pretty much it.”

Bummy said it was “A good crowd for a Saturday night, with some different people than we normally might see.” 

There are food pantries in the following Sullivan County areas, Claryville, Wurtsboro, White Lake, Monticello, Grahamsville, Jeffersonville, Hankins, Livingston Manor, Summitville, Narrowsburg, Bloomingburg, Pond Eddy, Roscoe, South Fallsburg and Yulan. Contact one of your local churches for more information.

If you would like to donate, send a check made out to the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless, and mail it to: P.O. Box 336, Monticello, NY 12701.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from The Great Sullivan County Fund Raiser 2012, visit The Catskill Chronicle’s photo page on Zenfolio.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (February 5, 2012) – County Treasurer Ira Cohen has announced that a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the County of Sullivan Treasurer’s Department by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) prepared in 2011, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

It is been awarded annually for the past several years to the Sullivan County Treasurer’s Department, which is primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning financial report.  

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Treasurer Cohen commended and thanked his staff, as well as that of Josh Potosek, Commissioner of Management of Budget, for their hard work, dedication, professionalism and mutual cooperation in working together to manage and document the financial affairs of the County, which has enabled the County to earn this prestigious award again.  

"There is a significant amount of daily work that county departments are required to perform and a professional financial management process that culminates in this annual achievement , and I thank and commend my staff and the others for this accomplishment, as duly noted by the GFOA," added Cohen, seen in photo above.

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

(Photo by Carol Montana)

ROCK HILL, NY (February 4, 2012) – Join in the 2^nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 10 at 12:00 noon in Rock Hill, NY.

The parade will begin at The Lodge on Rock Hill Drive and end at the Rock Hill Fire Department on Glen Wild Road.

There are still opportunities available to march in the parade.

Line up begins at 11:00 a.m.

Local businesses will be displaying floats and regional Fire Departments will be participating. All veterans, past and present are encouraged to march in the parade. There will also be Irish bands performing along with Irish tenors, antique autos, horses, motorcycle clubs and many more attractions.

The parade is a great community event so come on out with your family and friends.

If you are interested in participating in the parade, either marching or displaying a float please contact 845-791-0553 for more information.

(Photos by Carol Montana from 2011 Rock Hill St. Patrick’s Day Parade)

^{Pay off your fines and donate to local food pantry}

LIBERTY, NY (February 3, 2012) – In celebration of Valentine’s Day this year, the Liberty Public Library is giving its patrons a chance to pay off overdue fines with food. 

All food collected will be donated to the local Interfaith food pantry.

This offer is good for one week only starting on Monday, February 13 and ending on Saturday February 18.

Here’s how it works:

– For every food item brought in, a patron’s existing fine will be reduced by $1. (For example: a fine of $4.40 = 5 food items.)

– Food must be unopened, pre-packaged & not past expiration date.

– No damaged items or dented cans.

– No perishable items.

– Food will be accepted for overdue fines only, not damaged or lost items.

This program is available at the Liberty Public Library only. 

For further information, feel free to call the Liberty Public Library at 845-292-6070.

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY – A new exhibition is currently being installed at The Time and the Valleys Museum entitled The Rondout and Neversink Watersheds and New York City’s Delaware Water Supply System. Scheduled to open in the fall 2012, this new exhibition will illustrate the history of the building of the Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs and the connecting tunnels, and how they fit into the Delaware Water Supply System.

The Museum is currently seeking information, photographs, tools and work or personal items used in the building or by the men who built the reservoirs and tunnels – from the 1930s through the 1950s. 

These items will be included in the exhibition when it opens this fall. Anyone with information pertaining to the building of the Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs and connecting tunnels is asked to please call the Museum at 845 985-7700 or email info@timeandthevalleysmuseum.org.

Items can be either loaned or donated to the Museum, and photographs and documents can be scanned and returned.

Located at 332 Main Street (State Route 55) in Grahamsville, the Museum is currently closed until April, but reachable through the phone number and e-mail.