The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (February 2, 2012) – Thunder 102, The American Red Cross and Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) once again sponsored the Thunder Blood Bowl, which helped to facilitate local blood donations for the American Red Cross. The Thunder Blood Bowl took place at Monticello Casino & Raceway on Thursday, January 26.

The Thunder Blood Bowl has established itself as one of the largest blood donor drives held in Sullivan County and surrounding communities. There were hourly giveaways of Thunder 102 Prize Packs featuring CDs, t-shirts and other items from various Nashville recording artists and one lucky winner received a “Take Out Super Bowl Party” from Dutch’s Sports Bar and Café in Rock Hill.

“The response of our listeners to the needs of others in Thunder Country has always been phenomenal,” commented Paul Ciliberto, General Manager and host of Ciliberto & Friends, “In spite of some nasty weather, almost 100 of our ThunderHeads came out to help their neighbors!”

The 6^th Annual Thunder Blood Bowl raised 71 units of blood and had seven first-time donors.

In addition, the Pre-Game Party blood drive held at Catskill Regional Medical Center raised approximately 23 units of blood.

Thunder 102 and its parent company, Bold Gold Media Group, were honored in 2007 as Outstanding Sponsor of the Year for their work with the American Red Cross Blood Services. Thunder 102 asks its listeners to support the American Red Cross by giving blood at local blood drives. In addition, the Thunder 102 American Red Cross Minute keeps its listeners apprised of upcoming blood drives, which helps raise awareness for the need for blood donation throughout its listening area.

WASHINGTON, DC (February 1, 2012) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement upon learning that Gasland Director Josh Fox was arrested for attempting to film a public congressional hearing on hydraulic fracturing.

The Chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered Fox arrested when he attempted to film the hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s approach to studying ground water contamination that resulted from hydraulic fracturing in Pavilion, Wyoming.

Hinchey is a leader in Congress of the effort to protect drinking water and the environment from the risks of hydraulic fracturing. He is a co-author of the FRAC Act, which would mandate public disclosure of chemicals used in frack fluid and allow the EPA to regulate fracking activities under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The congressman also authored the appropriations language that led to the current EPA study on hydraulic fracturing.

"It is beyond unacceptable that acclaimed documentary director Josh Fox was arrested for trying to film a public hearing on groundwater contamination caused by hydraulic fracturing in Pavilion, Wyoming. This was a public hearing, there was plenty of room for cameras, and a credentialed camera crew was told they would be denied access because they were working for a documentary filmmaker. This is blatant censorship and a shameful stain on this Congress. I stand by Josh’s right to record this hearing. His arrest was a huge mistake."

NEW YORK STATE (February 1, 2012) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick have announced an interstate wager on the matchup between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI (46).

If the Giants win, Governor Patrick will send Governor Cuomo:

· 46 Centerville Pies from “The Pie Ladies” in Centerville
· Legal Sea Foods clam chowder
· 46 cases of Food Should Taste Good chips in Needham Heights

Governor Cuomo will donate the proceeds to the Food Bank Association of NYS.

If the Patriots win, Governor Cuomo will send Governor Patrick:

· 46 cases of one of the State’s newest and hottest exports – New York made Greek yogurt
· 46 dozen bagels from Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan
· 46 cheesecakes from Junior’s in Brooklyn

Governor Patrick will donate the proceeds to a Massachusetts food bank.

"We all know what happened the last time the Giants and Patriots squared off in the Super Bowl, and there is no reason to believe the outcome will be any different this year," Governor Cuomo said. "I look forward to congratulating the Giants on winning their fourth Super Bowl title and seeing Governor Patrick’s generous wager offerings go to a food bank here in New York State."

"In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I wish the Giants well – but not that well!" said Governor Patrick. "We are looking forward to bringing another Super Bowl championship back to Massachusetts. Go Pats!"

Super Bowl XLVI will be played on Sunday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. EST.

(Editor’s note: A brief intermission, if you will, from our usual neutral reporting – GO GIANTS !!!)

Rotary District 7210 Governor Tansukh Dorawala holds the Liberty Rotary Club Flag which the club presented to him during his recent visit. D.G. Dorawala addressed the group during their recent meeting held at Pizza Hut in Liberty. For more information about membership and activities of the Liberty Rotary Club, call 292-5100.

LIBERTY, NY (January 30, 2012) – The Liberty Rotary Club was honored by the presence of District Governor Tansukh Dorawala 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).

Currently the Liberty Rotary Club is conducting a raffle to benefit the Liberty Interfaith Food Pantry as well as other community organizations and rotary projects.

In addition the club will be participating in the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon on February 25 and the Boys and Girls Club Celebrity Dinner being held at the Villa Roma on March 9.

The club will also be selling roses in the spring to raise money for scholarships which are awarded annually.

For more information about membership and activities of the Liberty Rotary Club call 845-292-5100 or visit their website at www.libertynyrotary.org..

MONTICELLO, NY (January 27, 2012) – The Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency has announced a “Valentines for Vets” program during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, which takes place from February 12 – February 18, 2012.

On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14, and the next day on February 15, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency will have a "Valentines for Vets" display in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center, which is located at 100 North Street in Monticello. 

Grade school children from local school districts are invited to participate in this program by creating Valentine’s Day cards for our hospitalized veterans.

Gene Benson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Veterans Committee, said, "This is a great way to lift the spirits of our brave men and women who are hospitalized and let them know they are not forgotten."

The cards will be delivered to our local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and local nursing homes.

Long-time Village of Woodridge Postmaster Doug Cauthers (left) accepts a plaque of appreciation from Woodridge Mayor Louis Saperstein

WOODRIDGE, NY (January 26, 2012) – After more than 50 years of service at the Woodridge Post Office, Doug Cauthers has retired.

Starting part time as a teenager, Doug turned the postal service into his career at the same office where his father, Harold Cauthers, worked for many years and was also Postmaster. 

Although Doug lives outside the Village limits, he has been an integral part of the Village community for all of these years. He is well versed on the history of the Village as well as the people, and over the years has become a part of the Woodridge “Family.”

The residents of the Village of Woodridge wanted to recognize Doug for his service to the community, so on Tuesday, January 17, the Village Board presented Doug with a plaque, naming him an honorary citizen of the Village, and designated January 18, 2012 “Doug Cauthers Day in the Village of Woodridge.”

The plaque reads: “Presented to Doug Cauthers in appreciation of your many dedicated years of service to the people of the Village of Woodridge. We thank you for your friendship and bestow upon you the title of "Honorary Citizen of the Village of Woodridge" and we designate January 18, 2012 as “Doug Cauthers Day.” Village Board Village of Woodridge

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 26, 2012) – The National Weather Service in Binghamton, NY has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26 through 4:00 a.m on January 27. Affected jurisdictions include Sullivan and Delaware Counties.

The advisory calls for a wintry mix including freezing rain, especially at higher elevations in the affected jurisdictions.

Hazards: wintry mix including freezing rain.

Accumulations: up to 1/10th of an inch of ice, and less than an inch of snow and sleet, especially at higher elevations.

Timing: a light wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow will develop this afternoon. It will become mainly freezing rain by this evening, before transitioning to plain rain during the predawn hours of Friday morning.

Temperatures: near freezing, rising above freezing late tonight.

Impacts: untreated roads will become icy.

Instructions: a winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

Please report snowfall and/or ice amounts to the National Weather Service by calling toll free at 1-877-633-6772, or by email at bgm.stormreport@noaa.gov

(Photo by Carol Montana)

WASHINGTON, DC (January 26, 2012) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) yesterday released the following statement addressing President Obama’s State of the Union remarks regarding shale gas.

Hinchey is a leader in Congress of the effort to protect drinking water and the environment from the risks of hydraulic fracturing. He is a co-author of the FRAC Act, which would mandate public disclosure of chemicals used in frack fluid and allow the EPA to regulate fracking activities under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The congressman also authored the appropriations language that led to the current EPA study on hydraulic fracturing.

"Last year, I asked Interior Secretary Salazar if and when the administration would put in place strong disclosure provisions for chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing on public lands. Last night, President Obama gave us our answer.  I am pleased to know that if drilling for natural gas occurs on public lands, the American people will know exactly what chemicals are being pumped into the ground, making it easier to hold drillers accountable if those chemicals end up in someone’s well or our water supply. I am hopeful that he will move quickly to endorse legislation I have coauthored, which would extend this requirement to all hydraulic fracturing that takes place on American soil.

"I am disappointed, however, that the State of the Union address endorsed questionable estimates of shale gas reserves and overstated industry claims about job creation. Just this week, the Energy Information Administration slashed its shale gas reserve estimates by half. And given that the Environmental Protection Agency has yet to complete the first ever broad scale study on the risks hydraulic fracturing poses to drinking water, it is hard to see how the administration can make fully informed decisions on this matter at this time.

"The shale gas industry has made a habit of overstating fracking’s benefits and understating its risks. It likes to point only to economic benefits, which are mostly isolated and temporary, while ignoring a rising number of reports of broken industry promises, harm to local communities, and air pollution and water contamination. Just recently, in Pavillion, Wyo., the Environmental Protection Agency found fracking chemicals in well water.

"We cannot afford to ignore these reports. If we don’t take steps to safeguard our water resources, air quality, and public health, the harm we would suffer would far outweigh the purported economic benefits associated with fracking.

"We all know that the air we breathe and the water we drink don’t respect state boundaries. That’s why Congress passed laws like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The fracking industry should have to abide by those public health laws, just like everyone else."

(Photo by Carol Montana)

WURTSBORO, NY (January 25, 2012) – The Wurtsboro Board of Trade invites you to Wurtsboro Winterfest 2012 on Saturday, February 11.

Once again, there will be an amazing Ice Carving Contest along with the Annual Bryan Stanton Memorial Chili Cook-Off.

The Basha Kill Area Association will host a live bird of Prey show which will be free in the Community Church at 1:00 p.m.

And the Wurtsboro Art Alliance will present their show “Love is Everything,” while The Crystal Connection will offer psychic/intuitive readings from 11:00 am to 4:00 p.m. with Dr. Bill, the Wizard. The charge of $5.00 per reading will be benefit local charities.

Mamakating Rotary will have soups, baked goods and hot beverages, and kettle corn will be available in Veteran’s Park. Sudsy Paws will host Face Painting and Paint a Piece will off free ceramic painting crafts. Ellwood Ennis will host a band and cooking up Pizza’s with 20% of the proceeds going to charity at the old train station.

The Community Church will also have children’s activities. Plus there will be a Treasure Hunt and maps will be given to guide the day’s activities.

Here’s a partial schedule:

11:00am – 2:00pm – Ice Carving Contest

2:00pm – Judging Ice Sculptures

3:00pm Awards Ceremony

3:00pm – Treasure Hunt Drawing

For more information, please see the Wurtsboro website, for additional updates as they occur www.wurtsboro.org.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 24, 2012) –The Great Sullivan County Foodraiser is back with two new venues.

The Foodraiser, which will be held on February 4, 2012 ,is sponsored by Stacy and Friends and Community Unity.

Too large for any one venue, there will be live music at six different locations. Mr. Willy’s Restaurant in Monticello, The Dancing Cat Saloon and The Dancing Cat Distillery in Bethel, Dutch’s Tavern in Rock Hill, and for the first time this year Bum & Kel’s in Loch Sheldrake and the Woodsongs Coffeehouse at the Hurleyville Museum.

Everyone in the county is invited to come down and play music, listen to music, or just hang with the crowd.

Starting at 3:00 p.m., The Dancing Cat will have music in both the saloon and the distillery, featuring Stacy and Friends, Barry Scheinfeld Band, Third Degree, Lot 14, Small Town Sheiks, Drew Kelly, The Raddyos, Jason Rosen Band, Yasgur and Peter Florance and the New Kings.

Starting at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Willy’s on Route 42 in Monticello will have Yasgur, The SJP Band, Somerville, Peter Florance and The New Kings and Dennis Newburg. 

All other locations will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday night and their lineups will be released soon.

The Dancing Cat will continue the Foodraiser on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with Little Sparrow, Albi Beluli, Mike Baglione and Anne Loeb, Mike Jung, Antoine Magliano and Steve Schwarz, and Dan Brother. 

There is no cover charge to enter the FoodRaiser, but while there Community Unity will be raising funds to support the 21 food pantries of Sullivan County. Five dollars sponsors one person for one hot meal at the soup kitchen at the Federation for the Homeless. Twenty-five dollars sponsors a bag of food for a family to get through a weekend. And you can even choose which food pantry you wish to sponsor.

Over the past three years the FoodRaiser has brought in $37,000 for the food pantries of Sullivan County.

To make it easier to get to all the venues, Yellow Cab will be providing 2 -14 seat shuttles traveling between all of the venues all night long.

For more information call Steve White at 845-583-4808 or Claire Sullivan at 845-557-3642 or check out the Dancing Cat Saloon website at dancingcatsaloon.com.

MONTICELLO, NY (January 23, 2012) – The Democratic Party will be holding a primary election to nominate one candidate to run for Mayor of Monticello, a four-year term.

The primary will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at the Stroebele Neighborhood Facility on Jefferson Street from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m.

Only enrolled members of the Democratic Party in election districts 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Town of Thompson who reside in the Village of Monticello are eligible to vote in the Democratic primary.

The candidates whose names will appear on the ballot are Gordon Jenkins and Victor Marinello.

The candidate selected in the primary will run on the Democratic line in the village election to be held on March 20, 2012.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 23, 2012) – The Catskill Artists Gallery is becoming a gallery without walls. 

Effective at the end of January, the Gallery is closing its "bricks-and-mortar" location at 38 South Main Street in Liberty, but  will still be selling its usual array of fine art and craft in other ways.

The gallery is revising its website to enable direct sales online, and will also participate in carefully selected art exhibitions and craft shows throughout the year.

These events will be publicized on its website,www.catskillartistsgallery.com.

The regular hours of Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. will be maintained through January.

The gallery members, Robert Friedman, Cate Gundlah, Kathy Jeffers, Buff McAllister (photo), and Hank Schneider appreciate the support the public has shown during the last nine years, and expect to continue providing them the same high-quality work in the future.

The email address: catskillartistsgallery@aol.com and the website will remain the same.

(Photo by Carol Montana)

LACKAWAXEN, PA and surrounding area (January 22, 2012) – Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, the Basha Kill Area Association and the Eagle Institute for a guided tour into eagle country along the Lackawaxen River on February 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This distinctive excursion focuses on Sullivan County, NY’s eagle habitat and includes a history of the region’s largest and most critical area, the Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area. Learn about eagles from a knowledgeable guide and experience the wonder of seeing these beautiful birds of prey in their natural habitats.

The three sponsoring organizations are jointly committed to protecting our national bird through education and habitat conservation. This guided excursion is a collaborative effort to highlight eagle habitat in Sullivan County and to encourage area residents and visitors to appreciate the eagle and the natural habitat that is required for this magnificent bird to thrive.   

Dress warmly in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a bagged lunch and binoculars.

Meet the bus 10:00 a.m. at the Eagle Institute, 176 Scenic Drive, Lacakwaxen, PA. 

Reservations required: $12.50 per person. Call the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at 570-226-3164 or 845-807-0535 to sign up with credit card or send a check payable to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at PO Box 218, Hawley, PA 18428 with “eagle trip” in the memo line. For more information, call or email info@delawarehighlands.org.

Snow date for the trip is February 12. Fee is non-refundable unless trip is cancelled. 

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (January 21, 2012) – There is still a little time to register for the spring semester class on Sullivan County History at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake.

The class runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. for fifteen weeks on Monday evenings beginning January 30. 

The course is taught by John Conway (photo left), Sullivan County Historian since 1993, who has been teaching this class since 1999. 

Sullivan County History is interesting, entertaining, and informative, featuring the Lenape, their culture and language, the earliest settlers, the importance of transportation, including the D&H Canal, the railroads and the Liberty Highway, the beginnings of the motion picture industry here, the internationally renowned resort industry, farming, and the history of the area as a healing environment.

Class size is small and lots of interaction is possible. The course carries three college credits or it can be audited.

For more information or to register, call the college at 845-434-5750. 

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 20, 2012) – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 10:00 p.m. on January 20 though 1:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon January 21, 2012.

Fanslau said, "The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow, sleet, and spotty freezing rain, which is in effect from 10:00 PM this evening through 1:00 PM Saturday afternoon. Steadier snow will overspread the region from west to east by late evening, generally between 9:00 PM and 12:00 midnight. The heaviest snow should occur during the early morning hours on Saturday. The snow should then taper off by midday on Saturday.”

“A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of  snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. The traveling public should be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

“County residents are also urged to have enough flashlights and extra batteries, canned goods and bottled water for 48 hours, in case of power outage or emergency. Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to check on elderly neighbors, and arrange for pets to be housed either inside, or with proper shelter.

“During the storm all County residents are urged to remain indoors and off roadways whenever possible. If residents must drive, they are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through this storm.

“Sullivan County officials are taking appropriate action, to ensure all precautionary measures are being taken, and implementing contingency plans to respond to the demands of the storm. County officials will remain in contact with the towns, village and volunteer first-responders throughout the storm, as they monitor the situations in their own communities.

“Residents and visitors are urged to visit the County website, http://www.co.sullivan.ny.us, for current news and information. Also, please keep checking the NWS Binghamton website for updates as well as local news outlets for local closings."

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 20, 2012) – The Country Cares Seminar is the second largest gathering of country music industry professionals outside the Country Radio Seminar held in Nashville each year, with more than 1,000 attendees visiting the St. Jude campus last weekend to celebrate the impact the country music industry has on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The program began in 1989, when Alabama front man Randy Owen, at the request of St. Jude Founder Danny Thomas, challenged the country music industry to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude. Country Cares For St. Jude Kids was born.

The industry rose to the challenge by raising more than $400 million to date.

The 2012 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids seminar drew both new and established artists, including Lauren Alaina, Brent Anderson, Katie Armiger, Kelleigh Bannen, Lee Brice, Kix Brooks, Burns and Poe, Due West, Tim Dugger, Margaret Durante, Eden’s Edge, Eli Young Band, Andy Gibson, J.T. Hodges, The Farm, Steve Holy, Randy Houser, Jana Kramer, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride (pictured with Thunder 102 NY Market Manager Paul Ciliberto), Kip Moore, Lost Trailers, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, David St. Romain, Canaan Smith, Glen Templeton, Josh Thompson, Darren Warren and James Wesley.

Country singer/songwriter John Rich received the first-ever Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award during the annual songwriter’s dinner at the Country Cares for St. Jude Kidsradio seminar in Memphis. Presented by Randy Owen, the award recognizes a member of the country music industry who demonstrates an immeasurable commitment to kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rich first walked through the doors of St. Jude more than 15 years ago with his guitar and entertained a group of patients. He continued his support of the hospital as a Country Cares artist. Last year, Rich competed on the hit NBC show “The Celebrity Apprentice” on behalf of St. Jude, winning more than $1.4 million for the hospital.

For rising country star Darren Warren (Thunder 102 plays his current single, Cowboy Up And Party Down), walking the halls of St. Jude is like coming home. Warren spent three years as a St. Jude patient, receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each time he comes back, he is awed by the changes that have been made. “Here I was, one day being treated at St. Jude as a patient—for three years—and I come back and see all the changes to the hospital. It’s incredible. And to see how much they’re progressing and the strides they’re making at changing children’s lives around the world … it’s just incredible. It doesn’t feel like a hospital. It feels like what it should feel like: a place of hope.”

To see a video of Darren Warren performing “Miracles In Memphis” from the Country Cares Seminar in Memphis, see the video below.

In addition to this array of artists, the seminar played host to nearly 800 radio and music industry professionals who work to execute annual radiothon fundraisers for St. Jude each year. Throughout the weekend, the seminar guests heard inspiring stories of hope from St. Jude patients. They had the opportunity to tour the hospital, as well.

Seminar attendees also heard from special guest speaker Marcus Luttrell on Saturday. Luttrell is a former petty officer first class and U.S. Navy SEAL who received the Navy Cross for his action in 2005 facing Taliban fighters during Operation Redwing. He also is author of the book “Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of the SEAL Team 10.”

And Thunder Country (Thunder 102 radio) was there proudly representing the thousands of Thunderheads –which is what fans of the station call themselves – who raised over $42,000 in their first Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon held over two days in September 2011.

Learn about the New Procedures and Opportunities for State Funding

LIBERTY, NY (January 20, 2012) – The Sullivan County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will partner with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress to host an informational forum on New York State grant funding opportunities and procedures. The forum will take place Monday, February 6 at 7:00 pm at the CVI Center in Ferndale.

Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo created 10 Regional Economic Development Councils that competed for a pool of $1 billion in grant money. The competition involved a consolidated funding application that aimed to streamline the grant-application process. Sullivan County was included in the Mid-Hudson region along with Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.

During his recent State of the State Address, Cuomo said there will be another competition for $200 million this year, along with a consolidated funding application process. The criteria for neither have been announced yet.

“While the timing of the next round of New York State funding has not yet been announced, it is not too early to start thinking about our approach,” said Darlene Fedun, Chair of the Sullivan County EDC Board.

The February 6 forum will focus on understanding the new regional approach and the consolidated funding application. Municipal officials, local development corporations, grant writers and those who have traditionally sought state grants are encouraged to attend. The forum will also explain federal and private grant procedures for those who might have projects that are better suited to those grant sources. Please register by calling 845-295-2443.

“The Governor issued the call for collaboration in his State of the State address. He indicated that the answer to creating jobs in a down economy is to forge public-private partnerships that leverage state and private resources to generate economic growth and create jobs,” said Jonathan Drapkin, CEO of Pattern for Progress. “The message is clear: we need to be smart, be proactive and be prepared.”

The Sullivan County Economic Development Corporation was established in 2010. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of Sullivan County residents through economic development.

Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress promotes regional, balanced and sustainable solutions that enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley.

KINGSTON, NY (January 19, 2012) – With profound gratitude to the people of New York’s 22nd Congressional District and the former 26th Congressional District who he’s had the honor of serving, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that he will not seek reelection and instead will retire from Congress at the end of his current term.

The congressman made the announcement at the Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston, New York, which was where he announced his first campaign for Congress in 1992. Hinchey has spent the past 38 years of his life in public service, including 18 years in the New York State Assembly and 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"While it is incredibly hard to leave a job I truly love, I know in my heart of hearts that now is the right time for me to move on," Hinchey said. "I want to thank the people of New York’s 22nd District and the people of the former 26th District who put their trust in me to be their congressman. I am forever grateful for their support over the years. They afforded me the opportunity of a lifetime. Every day I’ve spent in Congress was a day I spent fighting for those who I represent. The people from the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes were always, and continue to be, at the front of my mind and the focus of everything I do as their congressman."

Hinchey was first elected to the House in 1992. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, which allocates funds in the federal budget. On that panel, he serves on the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies and the Subcommittee on Defense and previously served on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. He is also a member of the Joint Economic Committee. Earlier in his congressional career, Hinchey served on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Natural Resources. Prior to coming to Congress, Hinchey served 18 years in the New York State Assembly after being elected in 1974, including 14 years as Chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 19, 2012) – Sullivan County Treasurer, Ira J. Cohen, would like to remind property owners who received a County tax foreclosure notice during October 2011, that the deadline to pay is January 31, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.  

Payments postmarked January 31, 2012, will be accepted. 

Unless the unpaid delinquent taxes are paid in full, or an installment payment plan is agreed upon, the property will be foreclosed and slated for sale at public auction.

The Treasurer’s Office will accept payment in the form of cash, certified bank check, money orders, and MasterCard or Visa credit card. Certified bank checks and money orders should be made payable to the “Sullivan County Treasurer.” 

Personal checks will not be accepted.

Information about the installment plan, and any other questions regarding this foreclosure should be directed to the County Treasurer’s Office at 845-807-0200.

Gillibrand-Schumer Amendment to Emergency Disaster Relief Bill Funds Emergency Conservation, Watershed Programs That Support Farm Efforts To Rebuild

WASHINGTON, DC (January 18, 2012) – US Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer today announced that the $ 41,794,484 they fought together to secure in disaster relief funding is now available to help New York agriculture communities recover from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

“America has always stood by those suffering from disaster and helped them to rebuild,” said Senator Gillibrand, New York’s first member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. “New York’s farmland endured some of the worst of Hurricane Irene, and much of our farmland is badly damaged. When our farm families suffer, our whole state and whole economy suffers. We need to provide our agricultural communities with all the resources we need to dig out and rebuild from these devastating storms.”

“Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee delivered severe rains and devastating flooding to New York last fall, and caused millions of dollars of damage to farms across the state. Today’s release of $42 million in USDA disaster relief funding will mean that New York’s farmers, residents and counties recovering from this damage will not have to shoulder that financial burden alone,” said Senator Schumer. “Severe weather during these tropical storms scattered debris across farmers’ properties, often damaging crops and hindering them from replanting, and I am thrilled that the USDA has heeded my call to provide the disaster assistance that Upstate farmers deserve.”

The Gillibrand-Schumer amendment to provide this emergency funding passed in November as part of the Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Science, Transportation and Housing & Urban Development appropriations bill.

$3, 927,000 for Emergency Conservation Program

The ECP is coordinated through USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to repair farmland damaged by natural disasters, and to carry out emergency water conservation measures during severe drought. Conservation practices include removing debris, restoring fences and conservation structures, and providing water for livestock.

For land to be eligible for ECP resources, the natural disaster must create new conservation programs that if left untreated would impair or endanger the land; materially affect the land’s productive capacity; represent unusual damage; and be so costly to repair that federal assistance is or will be required to return the land to productive agricultural use.

ECP program participants receive cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved conservation practices determined by county FSA committees. Individual or cumulative requests for cost-sharing of $50,000 or less per person, per disaster are approved at the county committee level, $50,001 to $100,000 is approved at the state level, and over $100,000 is approved at the federal level. Technical assistance may be provided by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

$37, 811, 000 for Emergency Watershed Protection Program

The EWP was established to help conserve natural resources following natural disasters by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, drought, windstorms and other severe weather. The EWP responds to hazards including debris-clogged streams and channels, undermined and unstable stream banks, jeopardized water control structures and public infrastructure, wind-borne debris removal; and damaged upland sites stripped of protective vegetation by fire or drought.

Protection efforts can include purchasing floodplain easements to restore, protect, maintain and enhance the floodplain, including wetlands and riparian areas. It can also conserve natural values, including fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, flood water retention and groundwater recharge, and safeguard lives and property from floods, drought and erosion.

NRCS may bear up to 75 percent of the construction cost of emergency measures. The remaining costs must come from local sources, and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services. Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance but must be represented by a project sponsor, such as the state, local government, or conservation district.

All EWP work must reduce the threat to life and property, be economically, environmentally and socially defensible, and come from a sound technical standpoint.

$52, 500 for Emergency Forest Restoration Program

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) provides payments to eligible owners of non-industrial private forest land to implement emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster.
The program is administered by the FSA’s state and county committees and offices. County FSA committees determine eligibility using on-site damage inspections that assess the type and extent of damage. Eligibility requirements include:

· Existing tree cover (or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and is suitable for growing trees); and

· Ownership by any non-industrial private individual, group, association, corporation, or other private legal entity, with definitive decision-making authority over the land.

Additionally, the natural disaster must have resulted in damage that if untreated would:

· Impair or endanger natural resources on the land; and

· Materially affect future use of the land.

EFRP program participants may receive financial assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency forest restoration practices as determined by county FSA committees.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 17, 2011) – The Catskill Chronicle will not be posting any articles on Wednesday, January 18. We are striking against censorship. Join the largest online protest in history: tell Congress to stop this bill now! Right now, the SOPA bill in the House is all but dead, but the PIPA bill in the Senate is alive and well. If you are in NY State, the numbers below will help you reach your senator. Thank you for your support.

Senator Charles Schumer, 202-224-6542

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, 202-224-4451

http://sopacountdown.com/

HURLEYVILLE, NY (January 17. 2012) – The Hurleyville-Sullivan First group held the judging for its 15th annual “Deck the Doors” holiday decorating contest on December 15.

The group toured every road in Hurleyville on the night of the contest and judged all holiday-decorated doors in the hamlet.

The winners were the DiPippo Family, the Dromazos Family, Jorge Feijo, Cathy and Bob Orlowsky, Cathy and Art Schouten, and Carol and Fred Turner.

The winners were awarded prizes provided by The Arati Store, izzy’s aunt, Jampond, QQL Enterprises, LLC and Lou Ann Rexford.

All Hurleyville residents are invited to join Hurleyville-Sullivan First.  The group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Hurleyville Firehouse.

For more information, visit www.hurleyvilleny.com.

CLARYVILLE, NY (January 16, 2012) – The Halls Mills Covered Bridge, completed in 1912, sits beside County Route 19 and spans the main stem of the Neversink River in Claryville, NY.

As one of the state’s 21  remaining covered bridges, it has stood for 100 years. Though retired from use in the late 1950s, it stands in quiet beauty, a stunning part of the region’s history.

When Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee passed through in August 2011, high waters and large trees passed downriver, severely damaging one of the original stone abutments. What remains must hold the weight of the 90-ton bridge through the winter.

The New York State Covered Bridge Society has begun a tax deductible 501(c)3 account to fund restoration work on Halls Mills Covered Bridge.

To aid in the efforts to Save The Halls Mills Bridge, the River Bag was recently produced by Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District.

It’s big enough to carry everything you need for your next outing to river or reservoir, toting your fishing gear, towels and good-sized picnic while helping a worthy community cause. The cost of the bag is $20, with $10 of that going directly to The New York State Covered Bridge Society.

Pictured with the new bag are Ed Mues of Sundown and Carol Smythe of Grahamsville, both members of the Rondout Neversink Stream Program’s Education Committee.

The Rondout Neversink Stream Program, based in Grahamsville, is a project of Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District funded by New York City DEP. to provide the community with technical assistance and education for long-term stewardship and water quality protection on the Chestnut, Rondout and Neversink Rivers.

For more information on how you can help save this historic treasure, e-mail savehallsmills@gmail.com.

Photos of the bridge can be viewed at http://www.coveredbridgesite.com/ny/halls_mills.html

River Bags are currently available at Neversink Town Hall, with plans to expand offerings to other locations upon request by calling Karen Rauter at 985-2581 or by e-mailing krauter@rondoutneversink.org.

NEW YORK STATE (January 14, 2012) – Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther (D, C-Forestburgh) sponsored resolution K810 declaring January 2012 “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of New York. The resolution passed the Assembly on Tuesday, January 10, 2010.

“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, so many of us have either a friend or family member who has been diagnosed,” said Gunther. “With early detection and intervention, the survival rate is almost 100%, but too many women lack access to routine screenings, leading to a high incidence of death.”

Cervical cancer affects an estimated 470,000 women worldwide resulting in 253,000 deaths annually. In the United States, approximately 11,150 cases were diagnosed in 2011 and approximately 3,670 women died. In New York State, it is estimated that 1,000 women are newly diagnosed each year but unfortunately 300 women die from the disease.

“New York joined the National Campaign to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in 2005,” said Gunther. “Our goal is to enact legislation that aims to prevent and ultimately eliminate cervical cancer.”

For more information on cervical cancer, please contact www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/cervical/ or call 866-442-CANCER (2262).

HARRIS, NY (January 12, 2012) – In a major cost-saving move that is expected to contribute to the financial strength of the region, The Center for Discovery has closed on the refinancing of several bonds authorized by the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). This refinancing, which is expected to save The Center over $18 million in interest payments over the remaining term of the bonds, is part of the strong fiscal management of the agency that will make The Center an even more significant contributor to the economic well-being of Sullivan County and New York State.

With more than 1,400 employees, The Center is already the largest employer in Sullivan County. In the last decade alone, The Center has added nearly $68 million in capital construction and is one of the largest employers in the Catskills region.

The refinancing of the bonds will help The Center to continue its expansion in a broad range of programs and allow for the sustained growth of the agency and better care for individuals with a range of disabilities and medical frailties and their families. The agency anticipates creating between 50-100 new positions over the next two to five years.

The Sullivan County IDA was created by New York State as a public benefit corporation with the goal of promoting economic opportunity for the region. The bonds, which date as far back to 2002, have been used to finance much of the capital construction at The Center over the past decade, including the development of one of the State’s first specially dedicated autism campuses and facilities to provide advanced care to children with complex medical conditions.

The refinancing, which is similar to a homeowner refinancing their mortgage, will enable The Center to lock in lower interest rates of approximately 3.4% (from the current rates of up to 7.5%). The Center is projected to save between $1.6 and $1.8 million in the first year alone and up to $18 million over the life of the bonds.

The Center is one of the nation’s premier specialty centers for the treatment of children and adults with significant disabilities, medical frailties and autism spectrum disorders. It provides educational, health and residential services and is the largest Children’s Residential Project (CRP) in the State.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

 SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 11, 2012) – The Sullivan County (NY) Legislature began the new year with a swearing-in ceremony that featured six new legislators.

A standing-room-only, enthusiastic crowd filled the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center, erupting with cheers and loud applause as each legislator was sworn in.

Taking the helm and facilitating some of the celebrity introductions was newly-elected Legislator Scott Samuelson (District 1). He also introduced the Liberty High School Chorus under the direction of Tim Hamblin.

Officiating for the ceremony was Judge Frank LaBuda who introduced other celebrities and said “it is my honor, my honor to have the opportunity to swear in the County Legislators … ”

Sworn in were: Alan Sorensen (returning District 9), Ira Steingart (new District 8), Gene Benson (new District 7), Cora Edwards (new District 6), Cindy Kurpil Gieger (new District 5), Jonathan Rouis (returning District 4), Kathleen “Kitty” Vetter (new District 3), Kathy LaBuda (returning District 2), and Scott Samuelson (new District 1).

LaBuda quipped “and now the moment I’ve all been waiting for” as he introduced his wife Kathy. He was visibly moved as he swore her in, with their daughter standing by holding the Bible.

In addition, at the Legislature reorganizational meeting that followed, Scott Samuelson was appointed Chair, Eugene Benson was named Vice-Chair, Kathy LaBuda is Majority Leader and Alan Sorensen is Minority Leader.

Here are some photos from the ceremony. See the link at the bottom of this story for additional photos.

Immediately following the ceremony, new District 6 Legislator Cora Edwards (at center of group photo in pink blouse) gathered her family and friends around for photos.

Reminded that she was due in the Legislative room  for the reorganizational meeting she quipped, “I know. I just can’t stop hugging people.”

To see more photos or to purchase prints from A New Year and a Fresh Start for the Sullivan County Legislature, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Today is deadline for submitting comments

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 11, 2012) —At 3:00 p.m. today, volunteers from Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy will deliver 10,000 letters from concerned citizens to the post office in the tiny hamlet of Callicoon Center. 

They will be mailed to the NYS DEC on what is the last day to submit comments on the Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement, the document that will set the rules for hydraulic fracturing in New York.   

Although Catskill Citizens has already called for the Draft to be scrapped in its entirety, and for the enactment of a statewide prohibition on fracking, member Tom Wilinsky says it is still important for citizens to participate in the comment process. "The DEC is already very well aware of the many fatal flaws in the Draft, and of the dangers posed by fracking, but these comments send a clear message to Governor Cuomo and to the state legislature – New Yorkers overwhelmingly reject fracking."

Last Friday, the DEC reported that it had received 18,000 comments on the Draft, and that they were running 10 – 1against fracking.  

Yesterday, organizations that oppose fracking, and landowners groups that support it, delivered thousands of additional comments to the DEC.

The deadline for submitting comments through Catskill Citizens’ website http://catskillcitizens.org/dsgeis.cfm is 4:00 p.m. today. 

The DEC will accept online comments until midnight at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/76838.html, and written comments that are postmarked no later than today.

For further information call 845-468-7063, or e-mail info@catskillcitizens.org.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 11, 2012) –Teaming up with Toastmaster Mike LaFountain once again, 4-H will offer a one-of-a-kind Youth Leadership and Public Speaking series. 

This opportunity is open to young people between the ages of 11 to 19 years old.

Participants will learn to run effective meetings utilizing Robert’s Rules of Order, give dynamic speeches of varying lengths, improvise and talk knowledgably on a variety of subjects and prepare for 4-H Public Presentations. 

The program will provide valuable life skills to youth and, most importantly, it will be fun!

Participants will meet other youth from all across the county and solidify their places as emerging leaders in Sullivan County. 

The program is a five-week series, offered on five Monday nights from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. with a projected start date of January 30, 2012. Only 15 spaces available in this free program. 

Additional information will be available at the next 4-H Connects meeting on Friday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are always open to the public.

Call 292-6180 for meeting locations and to register.

LIBERTY, NY (January 9, 2012) – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is offering a workshop called “How to Make a Woodland Terrarium” on Thursday  February 2 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Gerald J. Skoda Education Center, 64 Ferndale Loomis Rd, Liberty, NY.

Have you ever wondered what to do with left-over plastic and glass jars? Yes, you could recycle them, but how about reusing them to make a terrarium?

Bring a container to fill or use one of ours and bring a woodland garden inside for the winter or give it as a Valentine’s Day gift.

Susan Dollard, Master Gardener Program Coordinator at CCE Sullivan County, will be the presenter at this workshop. She will be sharing many creative ideas for your terrarium garden. Each participant will take a beautiful terrarium home.

The fee for the workshop is $25.00, which covers the instruction and materials. Pre-registration and payment are required before the class.

Come, bring a friend and enjoy a unique workshop at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County.

For more information call Susan Dollard or call Cindy to put your name on the registration list. 845-292-6180.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Congressman Lists 10 Problems with Regulations

WASHINGTON, DC (January 9, 2012) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today urged Governor Andrew Cuomo to withdraw the revised draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (dSGEIS) on high-volume horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale and other areas of New York State. Hinchey says the current form of the dSGEIS fails to address many of his concerns with the initial draft and also does not account for new information that has been discovered about the environmental, public health and economic risks associated with the natural gas drilling activity.

In a letter to Governor Cuomo, Hinchey wrote that "Despite the hard work and sincere efforts by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to update the dSGEIS, I believe this document falls far short of what is needed to protect local communities from the risks posed by shale gas drilling and does not fully mitigate potential threats, including those to public health, drinking water, air quality, and municipal infrastructure."

To read the whole letter click on this link: Hinchey Urges Withdrawal of dSGEIS.