The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

WURTSBORO, NY (July 13, 2011) – The Wurtsboro Board of Trade celebrated their Founders’ Day last Saturday, July 9 with an Annual Street Fair. Previously celebrated on the main drag of Sullivan Street, this year’s festival was on 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Streets.

Veteran’s Park was home to live entertainment and featured SJP.5, Midnight Slim and the Strangers, Side F/X, Robert Kopec Trio, The Carl Richards Band and Third Degree.

Local vendors sold crafts, a couple of bouncy houses entertained the kids and Sullivan Street’s vendors offered their wares for sale, too.

Food was available up and down the street, the Lion’s Club had a raffle and the Wurtsboro Fire Department had a dunking booth – a refreshing dunking was probably welcome on the hot, sunny day.

Enjoy the following photos and then click the link on the bottom of this story to see more.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Wurtsboro Founders’ Day Street Fair 2011, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 13, 2011) – Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, C – Forestburgh) announced yesterday that she has secured the funding necessary to save the Federation for the Homeless soup kitchen from closure.

“The ramifications of closing the soup kitchen would have been unthinkable,” said Gunther. “The hundreds of families whose very survival is dependent on its operation will continue to receive the services of the Federation for the Homeless.”

The funding will allow the soup kitchen to continue to operate while a long-term solution to fund the program is developed.

“I am committed to working with the staff at the Federation to keep the soup kitchen open as long as the need for these services continues in our community,” said Gunther, indicating that her office will continue to work with Federation staff to identify other funding sources.

“From the moment we learned that our grant request was not funded, Assemblywoman Gunther went to work to make sure our doors stayed open,” said Steve White, Executive Director of the Federation for the Homeless. “Aileen showed the tenacity and dedication to our community that makes her one of the greatest assets we have in Sullivan County.”

WASHINGTON, DC (July 13, 2011) – The Office of Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) announced that the congressman underwent colon cancer surgery yesterday at Albany Medical Center. 

The congressman is resting comfortably at the hospital where he will receive follow-up care and begin his recovery.

Following his release from the hospital, Hinchey will spend the next two to three weeks recovering in New York as per his doctor’s orders. 

All of the congressman’s offices will, as always, remain open, fully staffed, and prepared to help every constituent with any issues, comments, or concerns they may have regarding Congress and the entire federal government.

(Photo – Carol Montana)

MONTICELLO, NY (July 8, 2011) – Working off the idea of a traditional job fair, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the YEL committee of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Board Fair on July 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mr. Willy’s Restaurant on Route 42 in Monticello.

This event has been designed to connect existing community boards, charities and civic organizations to new untapped talent – people who are looking to get involved in community organizations in Sullivan County. 

Cornell will essentially play “matchmaker” with perspective volunteers and the organizations that need them. 

If you are a Sullivan County resident and eager to see the county flourish, this is your opportunity to meet people, get involved and make a difference. Registration is not required however more information can be attained by contacting Amanda Speer, Director of Programming at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County at ags97@cornell.edu or 845-292-6180.

FERNDALE, NY – The Consumer Education Department at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County has developed an Energy Program for youth grades K-12.

Learning more about energy, its sources, uses and impacts on our environment and economy is timely and critical. Educating youth today will help ensure energy conscience adults of tomorrow. Topics such as Our Earth and it’s Water, Global Climate Change, Solar  and Wind Energy are only a few of the topics offered for Sullivan County youth. Students are the best promise we have for a better tomorrow.

Consumer Educators are ready to bring their energy show on the road this summer to county youth groups.

Call today and arrange for our Consumer Educators to work with your youth group or class. Call Sean Welsh or Susan Dollard at 845-292-5250

Study Would Be First Step in Process to Draw Additional Tourism, Federal Investment and Jobs to the Region

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have reintroduced legislation to authorize the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a study on whether the Hudson River Valley should become a unit of the National Park system. Under such a distinction, the region would benefit from greater national attention, additional federal resources to support and preserve heritage sites, and increased regional tourism, all of which would contribute to job creation and economic growth.

"The Hudson River Valley has inspired artists for centuries, fueled the industrial development of our nation for generations and played a vital role in the American Revolution and founding of our Republic," said Hinchey. "This region deserves to be recognized by the National Park Service for its historical and natural significance and should receive the federal resources and economic benefits that would come with such a recognition. This bill takes the first step by allowing the National Park Service to study if the Valley would be a good fit within the National Parks system. I am so proud to again bring forward this legislation with the support Kirsten Gillibrand in the Senate."

"We’re still unlocking the Hudson River Valley’s potential,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Hudson River Valley is truly one of America’s richest treasures. From the Adirondacks to the busy ports of New York City, the Hudson River fuels our economy, inspires our artists, and provides New Yorkers with miles of adventure and endless recreation. As New York’s first Senator from Upstate in nearly 40 years, I will always work to preserve the beauty and tradition of the Hudson River Valley, and this bill takes the first step to getting the national recognition it deserves.”

The legislation, entitled The Hudson River Valley Special Resource Study Act, is similar to the bill which passed in the House last year. The Hudson River Valley is already designated as a federal National Heritage Area and state Greenway, but the current federal designation provides only limited funding that is subject to change each budget year. A designation as a National Park unit would provide more consistent and expanded federal support, including National Park Service staff and national attention to the region, all of which would help to boost tourism and preserve and restore the region’s historic sites and cultural resources.

In order for the Hudson River Valley to become a unit of the National Park System, a congressionally-authorized NPS study must be conducted. Hinchey and Gillibrand’s legislation would authorize such a study for the counties within the borders of current the Hudson River National Heritage Area. Specifically, the area to be studied would include the counties abutting the Hudson River that flows from Rogers Island at Fort Edward in Washington County to the southern boundary of Westchester County.

The bill provides guidelines to ensure that the NPS study recognizes the unique realities of the Hudson River Valley and its differences from more traditional National Park Service units. These guidelines require the NPS to closely examine park unit models, in particular national river and recreation areas, as well as other landscape protection models, that: encompass large areas of non-federal lands within their designated boundaries; foster public and private collaborative arrangements for achieving NPS objectives, and protect and respect the rights of private land owners. No forced land acquisition activities would be permitted.

Following a study, subsequent legislation would be required for a National Park Service unit designation to move forward. In the event that such subsequent legislation were to pass, all activities that are currently permissible under state or local laws would be unaffected because the National Park Service would have no legal authority to overrule state or local laws and policies on non-federal lands, such as those governing hunting and fishing, regardless of whether the region sits within a nationally designated unit of the park system.

Hinchey has long sought greater recognition, protection, and federal and state resources for the Hudson River Valley. As a member of the New York State Assembly, Hinchey authored the legislation that led to the creation of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. In Congress, he authored legislation that led to the designation of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, which provides technical assistance to local communities or local managers to assist them in managing natural and historic sites of national importance.

Sullivan County Board of Realtors Decide to Skip a Year

MONTICELLO, NY (July 7, 2011) – Nominations for homes, businesses and public buildings that enhance the appearance of their community in 2011 will have to wait one year.

The Sullivan County Board of Realtors is postponing the annual recognition contest, due in part to the slow building market. The annual awards dinner will also be delayed for a year.

The contest has been recognizing newly constructed and renovated residences and businesses for the previous eight years. The judging criteria includes building exteriors, use of site, innovation, visual appeal, workmanship, date of project and location in Sullivan County. 

“One effect of the national economic slowdown has been the need to postpone the Sullivan Showcase Awards.  We want to give the building and construction industry another year to catch up,” said Board of Realtors President Linda McKean. “The present real estate market also makes it more difficult for volunteers to give time to run the contest. The good news is that we believe the economy is on the way to recovery and the contest will be able to return next year.”

Properties that are renovated or newly constructed this year will still be eligible to be nominated in 2012. 

Categories include best new residential construction, best residential renovation, best spruce-up residential, best new commercial, best commercial renovation, best spruce-up commercial, unique or most interesting, and best municipal or public building project. 

The new nomination deadline will be September 7, 2012.  Applications will be posted in July 2012 at https://scbr.getlamps.net/ or www.sullivanrenaissance.org.

For more information, contact 845-794-2735 or scbr@verizon.net.

MONTICELLO, NY (July 6, 2011) – The Sullivan County Bar Association met on June 15 to elect its new slate of officers for the 2011-2012 year, which began on July 1.

E. Danielle Jose-Decker (photo left) is this year’s President, with Michael Mednick serving as Vice-President.

Steve Mogel has been elected Treasurer, and Jane Bloom will serve as the Association’s Secretary.

E. Danielle Jose-Decker came to the area in 2000, serving as an Assistant District Attorney under former District Attorney, Steve Lungen, later moving into private practice. Ms. Jose-Decker served as the Village Attorney for the Village of Monticello from 2004 to 2008, and now serves the Town of Lumberland as the Town Attorney.

In 2004, Ms. Jose-Decker and her partner Jacqueline Ricciani started the firm Ricciani & Jose, LLP, a general practice, litigation firm, having its offices at 17 St. John Street, Monticello, New York. Ms. Jose-Decker has been a member of the Sullivan County Bar Association since 2000, having previously served the association as a director and in the chair officer positions, as well.

In addition, to the officers stated above, the Sullivan County Bar Association has elected the following directors:
One-Year Directors: Sam Yasgur (outgoing President), Randy Coffill

Two-Year Directors: Mary Grace Conneelly, Jacqueline Ricciani, Alexandra Bourne, Anthony Kane.

Three-Year Directors: Brian Edwards, Terry Forman, Frank Felleman, Ivan Kalter.

MONTICELLO, NY (July 5, 2011) – Each June, Sullivan County residents celebrate graduations of friends and loved ones from all sorts of academic programs, honoring their achievements and wishing them well as they use their skills in useful and meaningful ways. The Sullivan County Chamber of  Commerce and its associated Chamber of Commerce Foundation are pleased to celebrate their own graduation – that of the Leadership Sullivan class.

Leadership Sullivan is one of the most important offerings of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is celebrating over a dozen years of turning out some of the best and most capable leaders in the region. The program was conceived in the late 1990s to "develop informed and committed leaders from all segments of the community who will apply their collective experience and skills to serve, strengthen and improve the quality of life for all Sullivan County residents." Through a wide range of topics, participants in the program are exposed to many of the elements that make Sullivan County such a unique place to live and work; it is this deep knowledge and appreciation for the County that encourages such tremendous success for these future community ambassadors.

The 2010-11 Leadership Sullivan class included Class President Laurene Sandstrom (Hudson Health Plan), Class Historian Hannah Prall (Hannah Prall, Esq.), Class Historian Juliette McKerrell (First National Bank of Jeffersonville, Liberty Branch), Lisa Blomme (Sullivan ARC), Lisa Brent (Sullivan BOCES), Elizabeth Curtis (Crystal Run Health Care), Orlando Hernandez (The Recovery Center), Jennifer Muthig (Provident Bank), Debra Reimer (Catskill Hudson Bank), Dawn Ryder (Granite Associates), Brandy Smith (First National Bank of Jeffersonville, Narrowsburg Branch), and Ronald Totten (New Hope Community). This tight-knit group of leaders was able to accomplish two significant class projects – benefitting the Federation for the Homeless (in the construction of a computer lab for job searching and technological instruction) and Habitat for Humanity (through a publicity campaign and fundraising effort that resulted in thousands of dollars for the local chapter) – in addition to regular sessions around Sullivan County.

Program Facilitator Lori Rubinstein commented that this year’s class particularly took the message of leadership to heart and that they exemplified the best characteristics: "type-A, self-starting, over-achieving, highly-motivated individuals who were not afraid of hard work and certainly not willing to settle for anything less than excellent."

Leadership Sullivan would not be the success that it is without the sponsorship of local businesses. The First National Bank of Jeffersonville and Crystal Run Health Care are program sponsors; Catskill Hudson Bank played an integral role in this year’s graduation, with additional support and donations from table sponsors including New Hope Community, The Recovery Center, Spencer Daniels Agency, and Sullivan ARC and media sponsors Bold Gold Media/Thunder 102 and WSUL/WVOS.

The program regenerates itself each year with a new and diverse class of students. Individuals interested in participating in the 2011-2012 Leadership Sullivan class should call the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at (845) 791-4200 or e-mail chamber@catskills.com for more information. Applications are due by July 29th and classes will begin in early September.

NARROWSBURG, NY (July 5, 2011) – Delaware Valley Arts Alliance is pleased to announce four scholarships for high school seniors pursuing higher education in the arts.

Two Bodenstein Music Scholarship awards – in memory of Dr. Barry and Jane Bodenstein, two admired community leaders from Jeffersonville, NY – were awarded to seniors at Sullivan West Central School District.

Vocalist and bassoonist Jacqueline Ellmauer of Youngsville received the Bodenstein Music Advancement Scholarship of $500. Also a dancer, Ellmauer plans to attend SUNY Fredonia as a music education major.

Vocalist Catherine Peters of Callicoon has been awarded the Bodenstein Music Achievement Prize of $300. She will also attend SUNY Fredonia, where she plans to pursue a major in musical theatre. While this prize is usually $100, the jurors recommended an increase to reflect Peters’ talent and accomplishments.

The Stanley Segal Scholarship for visual arts, established by Sheldon Soffer in memory of Stanley J. Segal, is intended to assist high school seniors in Sullivan County, NY and Wayne County, PA who wish to pursue advanced studies in the visual arts. Photographer Nicholas Mehedin of Glen Spey received the $500 Segal Scholarship. He will attend SUNY New Paltz to major in photography. Mehedin’s "Swing, Swing" (2010) is at right.

The D&H Scholarship – funded by the D&H Photography Society when they disbanded –is open to Sullivan County, NY high school students who wish to pursue photographic study beyond high school. The $500 scholarship has been awarded to Morgaine Flanigan of Eldred. She plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and pursue a degree in photography. Flanigan’s photo “Nina” is at left.

Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization, founded in 1976 by a group of citizens and arts professionals who were committed to developing, nurturing, presenting and promoting the arts and artists. DVAA’s mission is to build collaborations that advance the arts in Sullivan County and the Upper Delaware Valley; to encourage and support cultural programs relevant to all citizens; and to provide services to individual artists, arts organizations, and the area’s arts industry. For more about this and other Arts Alliance programs, visit ArtsAllianceSite.org.

Celebrations took place around the county, here are photos from just a few.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

ROSCOE, NY (July 4, 2011) – Roscoe had more than one thing to celebrate this Independence Day. Already known as Trout Town USA, Roscoe added another feather to its cap and another name to its description. Officially known now as The Ultimate Fishing Town as designated by the World Fishing Network, Roscoe celebrated in a big way on Saturday, July 2 with a parade and dignitaries and proclamations.

Paying tribute to a county that came together as a community to make Roscoe the winner that county residents know it is, Elaine Fettig, President of the Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce thanked the thousands of people who gave of their time to help Roscoe win the honor. Local and state politicians spoke, and a parade filled with trout-themed floats and people marched down the main drag of the town saluting both the country’s independence and Roscoe’s grand prize.

For more photos, check out the link at the bottom of this story.

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MONTICELLO, NY – Every 4th of July weekend, Monticello Raceway dazzles the thousands who show up to see their annual fireworks display. And this year was no exception. Thousands of people were on hand both at the Raceway and on the road to catch the dazzling display.

For more photos, check out the link at the bottom of this story.

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LIBERTY, NY – Fourth of July in Liberty, NY is a very big deal, with 74 vendors lining North and South Main Street, entertainment, food, classic cars, motorcycles and tractors, several politicians, a huge parade, and this year, a new hot-dog eating contest. And it’s all sponsored by The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce.

There was plenty to eat, with food vendors available under their tents as well as in their respective restaurants.

Entertainment on Main Street stage was MC’d by Liberty’s own dancer extraordinaire, Jackie Horner, and immediately following the end of the parade was the dedication of the Liberty Police Department flagpole in front of the Village’s police department.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Roscoe Celebrates, Fireworks 2011 and Liberty Fest, check out The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

HARRIS, NY (July 2, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has announced the appointment of Faith Kotzker as its Skilled Nursing Unit Administrator. Kotzker will join CRMC’s senior leadership team and report directly to the CEO.

“Faith brings a very successful track record as a skilled nursing unit administrator to CRMC,” said Rosemary Frado, Interim CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “Her breadth of skills and extensive experience in skilled nursing administration will be great assets to the hospital. We are pleased to have her as part of our senior leadership team.”

Ms. Kotzker was most recently Administrator of the Northern Metropolitan Residential Health Care Facility in Rockland County, where she held overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the 120-bed skilled nursing facility that includes long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, secure dementia unit and an adult day care program.

Kotzker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from SUNY Plattsburg, a Master of Public Administration degree from Long Island University with a Certification in Gerontology and is a NYS Licensed Nursing Health Care Administrator.  Additionally, Faith is a member of the American College of Health Care Administrators and an Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Region Board Member.

CRMC’s Skilled Nursing Unit has been serving long-term care residents in a home-like setting since 1980. A 64-bed facility, the Skilled Nursing Unit is dedicated to promoting the highest quality of life and the best medical care for its residents. For more information on CRMC’s Skilled Nursing Unit, please contact 845-794-3300 ext. 2600.

Catskill Regional Medical Center is a member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.

By Carol Montana

LIBERTY, NY (July 1, 2011) – Just a week ago, on Friday, June 24, the sounds of country music filled the air on Route 52 in Liberty as the Country Showdown returned to Sullivan County and was broadcast live on Thunder 102. Sponsored this year by Texaco, the Country Showdown is America’s largest and longest-running country music event.

(Photo at left of all the contestants provided by Thunder 102’s Regina Hensley.)

According to the official website, “The Country Showdown begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US.

Winners advance to their respective state competitions held at leading fairs and expositions. Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the state title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious National Final held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.

The audience cheers on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the National Title. A uniform judging system is used at all levels of competition to help ensure fairness.

The Sullivan County event, MC’d by Thunder Country’s Paul Ciliberto, featured the following performers: the Steven Alexander Band, Madison TerBoss, Jason Casterlin, Generations, Jenn & Albi, Dana Morris, Mikki Zip, and Eddie Sullivan. 

Local judges included professional singers/songwriters "Big" John Davis, lead singer of Iron Cowboy and Barry Somerville, 1/2 of the singer/songwriting duo Somerville. Other judges were: Barry Lewis
Editor and Columnist – Times Herald Record, Gabrielle Scott, Marketing Manager – Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, Lynn Reich, Marketing & Community Development Coordinator – Crystal Run Healthcare and Chef Kate Gabriele, Host of “Cooking With Kate” at the Rustic Kitchen- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

The winner, as declared by the judges was Jason Casterlin, and the runners-up were the group Generations.

Photos below by Carol Montana

FERNDALE, NY – What does gardening / horticulture in Sullivan County mean to you?

Enter a photo of an example of Sullivan County garden/horticulture. Start snapping away.

It can be trees and scrubs, flowers or vegetables or even people working at gardening/horticulture; let us know what kind of gardening you enjoy.

Everyone is welcome to send in photos.

Cornell prefers that all photos be sent electronically as a jpg file.

The 12 best will appear in Cornell’s second annual calendar to be sold this fall by Cornell Cooperative Extension as a fund raiser. 

All entries must arrive by August 31, 2011 to be considered.

If you have questions please call Susan Dollard at 845-292-5250. Entries are to be sent to smd243@cornell.edu.

LIBERTY, NY (June 29, 2011) – Light rain and cool temperatures did not dampen the spirits of ninety golfers as they paid tribute to the memory of Wallace Berkowitz at the First Annual Golf Tournament organized by New Hope Community (NHC) at Grossinger’s Golf Club on May 23.

Greens were slick with rain, and many golfers could not keep the ball in bounds. Scores skyrocketed, but there was much more laughter than frustration. The contest set a perfect tone of light-heartedness for the entire day.

All players braved the afternoon weather and returned to the clubhouse after 5:00 p.m. to enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided by Albert’s of Liberty, who catered the dinner that followed.

The awards ceremony concluded the day’s festivities. New Hope’s CEO Art Moretti thanked everyone for coming to support the day. He introduced NHC Board Member Russ Heyman, who had suggested the golf tournament and naming it in honor of Wally Berkowitz for his ten years of service as Chair of the Board and his great vision in helping grow the facility.

Carl Santos, Briana Wood, and Brian Collette, organizers of the event along with Larry Schafman, presented awards to putting contest winners, three lowest net team scores, grand prize raffle winner, and dozens of door prize winners to participating golfers. The lowest net score went to Team Russell (photo above), comprised of (l – r) Kurt Wheeler, Tom Drobysh, Rich Schmidt, and Boomer Russell. Holding the Wallace Berkowitz Cup is Karen Russell, Boomer’s wife and New Hope Community Director of Corporate Compliance.

The grand raffle prize went to William Kerrigan, (seen in photo at right in gray, with (l – r) NHC Golf Tournament Team Head Carl Santos, NHC Tournament Team member Briana Wood, and NHC Tournament Team member Brian Collette. Mr. Kerrigan is a Board Member of Associated Mutual Insurance Corporation, which Wallace Berkowitz headed for many years in Woodridge, New York. His prize was a one-night getaway for two at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania and a Callaway Golf Bag complete with Callaway X-22 graphite iron set –all sponsored by The Lodge at Woodloch

Other major sponsors included Crystal Run Village Inc. and Time Warner Cable Business, who sponsored the Callaway Golf shoes presented to each golfer; Rider, Weiner & Frankel and Jason Cornwell, who sponsored the golf carts; Provident Bank, Sullivan ARC and Hagedorn & Company, who sponsored the putting contest; and Tri-Star Financial, who sponsored the dinner and reception. Dozens of local businesses and friends of New Hope provided door prizes and other support for the event.

Special thanks go to Grossinger’s Golf Course Manager Kenny Cogswell and his staff; to the Berkowitz Family and close friends represented by Wally’s three daughters Dale Berkowitz, Wendy Marcus, and Amy Katz, his grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and his dear companion Audrey Altman; and to all the NHC volunteers that spent the day from early morning into the evening hours transporting, setting up, registering, cleaning and sprucing up, maintaining dry and comfortable surroundings, and taking care of everyone. That’s what New Hope and Wally Berkowitz represent—serving others and providing a special place for special people.

The Catskill Chronicle received this invitation from Roscoe – Come celebrate our nation’s Independence as well as the crowning of Roscoe, NY as The Ultimate Fishing Town USA !!!

ROSCOE, NY – THE ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN USA (June 23, 2011) – This year, as we celebrate our nation’s independence at our Independence Day Parade, Saturday, July 2nd, we will also be celebrating our recent winning of the prestigious title, THE ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN – USA.

We want to make this a really big celebration, reflective of all the effort that went into achieving this accomplishment and all the spirit and pride it invoked in Roscoe and our surrounding communities.

We invite each of you, organization or individual, to join us … whether with a float, special car, tractor, stroller, walking, etc. Some folks have already started thinking about and working on their entries, and we encourage all of you to do so. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy – just the joy of seeing a lot of people here to share our success will be a celebration of its own. The more the merrier – please spread the word!

Betty Grossman will take care of organizing our parade, as she always does so well. The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. Due to the increased number of participants, we are asking folks who will be in the parade to start lining up at 10:00 a.m. at the Roscoe Central School parking lot. Please plan on getting there in a timely manner – that would be a big help.

If you can let us know ahead of time that you are planning to be in the parade that would be great, but if you don’t know until the last minute, please still come!

To pre-register, send an email to Betty at akamom@citlink.net, with a copy to elainemfettig@aol.com, or call Betty directly at 607 498-5794.

There are a lot of special fun things being planned. We are hoping to have our government dignitaries join us to share their congratulations.

Thunder 102.1 will be broadcasting from our parade location. And we expect Sullivan County’s own "Larry the Llama" to be parading with us as well.

The Roscoe Chamber will be selling commemorative T-shirts, as well as unique holiday ornaments with hand-tied flies from Manny Zanger, a local environmentalist.

And. that’s just in the first two days of our planning! We expect that the event will get just bigger and better as we hear from many of you!

But, most important is having each of you who helped and voted in this contest attend. Please plan on joining us, and letting others know.

This day and celebration belongs to each and every person who supported Roscoe! If you have any questions, please call Elaine Fettig at 845-439-4039.

HARRIS, NY (June 27, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) recently held the annual SUNY Sullivan Nursing Program Luncheon at its main Harris campus. The luncheon commemorates the end of student clinical rotations at CRMC, one of several sites the college uses to train nursing students on patient care.

Approximately 40 students attended the reception, along with several instructors. The students learned about some of the exciting new projects at CRMC, including the Emergency Department expansion due to be completed this fall. Chief Nursing Officer Barbara Gentile spoke to the students about their career choice in health care, the importance of ongoing education even after certification and the history of Florence Nightingale.

“The SUNY Sullivan nursing program is an important local feeder program for CRMC,” said Gentile. “We go through a stringent employment selection process, and each year we choose some of SUNY Sullivan’s brightest nursing students to become nurses here at the hospital.”

Catskill Regional Medical Center is committed to providing its patients with nursing professionals who embrace the hospital’s quality standards and who are dedicated to the best in nursing care. During the hiring process, CRMC looks for nurses with the appropriate skills, knowledge and abilities to meet the hospital’s high standards of care. CRMC is an environment that prioritizes quality, safety and patient satisfaction. Learning is ongoing and enhanced through continuing education opportunities and training programs.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (June 22, 2011) – Livingston Manor has proclaimed June 25 through July 3 as Audubon Week,

With Audubon and Friends, an Art Exhibit of Birds and Butterflies, a show created by members of SCAS, the Sullivan County Audubon Society and CAS, the Catskill Arts Society, begins a happy migration of birders, artists and interested bystanders to Livingston Manor.

The art exhibit will be held at the Flour Power Bakery, 87 Debruce Road, from Friday through Sunday. Exhibit hours will follow Flour Power’s hours of operation. For more information go to www.flourpowerbakery.net or www.livingstonmanor.org.

Kate Hyden’s Turkeys in the Snow is at left.

Want to meet the 17 artists in the show? Audubon and Friends click on YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIFBrxmwVWA

Livingston Manor is sprucing up its shops to welcome visitors to Audubon Week, adding its own mini-exhibits to stores like Morgan Outdoors, which will host a special photography show called “Birds of Sullivan County” from June 25 thru July 24, with an opening reception on June 24 at 4:00 p.m.

Willow and Brown will feature Donna Greenthal’s lovely watercolor birds; Plunk promises to have an assortment of the unusual, as always, while the Wildlife Gift Shop, a setting for local artists, will overflow with birds, butterflies, unique crafts and gifts.

Ann Higgins’ Flight is at right.

Manor gardeners have pruned, planted and labeled surrounding gardens and will provide free special brochures on plants that attract butterflies at the Visitors Center.

The Sullivan County Audubon Society will also have an Information Station at the Audubon and Friends art exhibit with free brochures and examples of Sullivan County birds, butterflies and on-going SCAS projects.

On Sunday, June 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Audubon Arts and Crafts Fair will take place at the Water Wheel Junction on Main Street, featuring an artists tent, hand crafted pottery, jewelry, stained glass, birdhouses and birdbaths, quilts, plants for sale and more.

Audubon sculptor Brian Harnett will give a Chainsaw Art Demo and an 8:00 a.m. birdwalk led by SCAS member, Renee Davis will form up at Sonoma Falls.

A Birdhouse Competition will be held at Water Wheel Junction with winners to be hosted in the window of CAS for the week. Go to www.livingstonmanor.org for details on entering, info and directions.

CLARYVILLE, NY (June 22, 2011) – Frost Valley YMCA will host a Fly Fishing Field Day on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Frost Valley YMCA will be honoring its history by hosting a day of fishing-related workshops and activities on the Neversink River, referred to as the “birthplace of American fly fishing.”

Workshops will be lead by fly-fishing experts and will work with all skill levels, from beginner to advanced fly fishers.

Other events include a casting competition and learning how to identify prime trout pools.

This event is open to the public and free to Frost Valley Fly Fishing Members. The cost is $15 for visitors. Lunch is included.

Frost Valley YMCA is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of natural resources of water, wildlife, forests and soils, and to the personal growth gained from spending time in the outdoors. The fly-fishing membership provides access to more than six miles of trout streams, including the Neversink River, Biscuit Brook and Pigeon Brook.

Frost Valley requires members to practice catch-and-release in all of its rivers and streams. Fly Fishing members also have fishing access to Lake Cole, White Pond and Reflection Pond, all of which are NY State licensed fishing preserves, where fishermen may keep their catch.

For additional information or to register for Fly Fishing Day, contact Natural Resources Coordinator Reid Bauer at 845-985-2291, ext. 397, e-mail: info@frostvalley.org or visit: FrostValley.org.

Outdoor Sporting Membership applications are available at: http://www.frostvalley.org/hike-camp-fish-hunt/outdoor-sporting-membership-application.html

Frost Valley YMCA provides four seasons of outdoor educational opportunities for more than 40,000 children and adults each year of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. All Frost Valley YMCA programs incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, inclusiveness, stewardship, diversity and community. The camp is located just 2.5 hours drive from metro NY / NJ in the Catskill Mountains.

(Photo by Carol Montana)

LIBERTY, NY (June 21, 2011): Widely acclaimed and aptly described as “the greatest show on dirt,” NACL Theatre brings “The Little Farm Show” to Liberty’s Main Street stage on North Main Street on Friday, July 1, at 4:00 p.m. This is an all-ages musical extravaganza about farming, food and the environment.

Where does your food come from? You will find out at “The Little Farm Show.”

Created and performed by NACL’s Tannis Kowalchuk and Brett Keyser, the show kicks up some dirt with live music and high-spirited performances. From the inception of the solar system, to sunsets on Millicent’s farm, the Magnificent MacDonald Twins give their audiences a whirlwind tour. But – “The Little Farm Show” does not only entertain but will ask people to consider their food choices and the effect those decisions have on their bodies, the environment and society.

This performance of “The Little Farm Show” is made possible through an environmental initiative grant from Sullivan Renaissance.

After the performance, the Liberty Community Garden team will offer after-show refreshments in their garden on South Main Street.

Start the Independence Day weekend in Liberty: shop Liberty’s Farmers Market at 3:00 p.m., see the show at 4:00 p.m. and have a snack at the Liberty Community Garden at 5:00 p.m.

 HURLEYVILLE, NY (June 20, 2011) – During the summer, while schools are closed, the PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (PRASAD CDHP) will continue serving patients aboard the mobile dental clinic at their office at 465 Brickman Road, Hurleyville.

They welcome new and existing patients.

PRASAD CDHP accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid.

Services are provided by appointment only. Walk in patients are not accepted.

For information on applying for dental services, or to schedule an appointment, please call 845-434-0376, ext. 116. For more information, visit their website at www.prasadcdhp.org.

Livingston Manor, NY (June 19, 2011) – The first exhibition exclusively about birds at Morgan Outdoors opens Saturday, June 25 and continues through July 24.

The public is invited to the opening reception of “Birds of Sullivan County – A Photographic Exhibition” on Friday, June 24 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Photographers include Stephen Davis of Eldred, whose photo is at left, Gene McGarry of Woodstock and Valerie Freer of Ellenville, NY among other notables, including Barbara Ward-Blank (photo below).

Local nature photographer and birding enthusiast, Scott Graber, is the exhibition curator. The show is an engaging look into the diversity of species and habitat that exist in the region. It will include maps of major birding areas, an Eye Spy game for children, and guided bird walks during the exhibition period. The public can pick up a copy of Sullivan County Audubon’s list of bird species and head out to experience birding of their own.

Framed photographs will be for sale, as well as numbered and signed prints, with a portion of the proceeds donated to two local conservation organizations, Sullivan County Audubon and the Bashakill Area Association.

The photography exhibition is timed to coincide with Audubon Week in Livingston Manor. Other bird-loving events include: the Audubon and Friends art show at Flour Power Bakery in Livingston Manor, whose opening reception at 5:30pm on June 24 immediately follows this exhibition’s reception; the Audubon Arts and Crafts Fair at Waterwheel Junction Sunday, June 26, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and an 8:00 a.m. bird walk at Sonoma Falls on Sunday 26. All events are in Livingston Manor, NY with easy access from Route 17 at exit 96. 

Morgan Outdoors is located at 46 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY. For more information, call 845-439-5507. Hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 6:00, and Sunday from 10:00 – 4:00. http://www.morgan-outdoors.com

SWAN LAKE, NY (June 19, 2011) – Due to the great success of past years’ outings, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is happy to announce their latest fundraising effort.

The Fifth Annual CCE Golf Classic will be held Saturday July 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Swan Lake Golf and Country Club in Swan Lake, NY with a rain date of Sunday, July 10 at noon.

This fun-filled day includes a dinner after the round and some chances at great prizes donated by local businesses including restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets, and golf-themed items.

There will be hole-in-one prizes donated by M and M Auto Group, and a putting and longest drive contest.

Proceeds of this event benefit the residents of Sullivan County through Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H, Agriculture, and Family & Consumer Education programs.

There are still opportunities for businesses and individuals to become sponsors, donate a raffle prize, and/or support Cornell Cooperative Extension by playing a great day of golf. 

Please call 845-292-6180, or go to the CCE website at www.sullivancce.org.

HARRIS, NY – The Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Marketing and Public Relations Department recently received four prominent national marketing awards from the 28^th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards competition and the Aster Awards for excellence in medical marketing.

CRMC received a Merit Award from the Healthcare Advertising Awards in the category of Radio – Single Advertisement for its “The People Behind Catskill Regional Medical Center” radio ad. The Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards are sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report, a leading publication covering all aspects of health care marketing, advertising and strategic business development. A national panel of judges reviewed all entries based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact. More than 4,000 entries were submitted for this year’s competition.

CRMC’s Marketing Department also received a Gold Aster Award in the Newspaper Advertising- Series category for its “Outpatient Rehabilitation” advertising campaign, and two Bronze Awards in the Internal Newsletter and Radio – Single Advertisement categories for its internal newsletter and once again for “The People Behind Catskill Regional Medical Center” radio ad. Sponsored by Marketing Healthcare Today magazine, the Aster Awards Program is an elite competition recognizing the nation’s most talented health care marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising. More than 3,000 entries were submitted for this year’s competition, and entries had to score in the top 5 percent for a Gold Award and top 16 percent for a Bronze Award. The entries were judged by a panel comprised of industry experts.

J.P. McGuirk, CRMC’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations said, “It is always a great honor to be recognized by your industry peers. Our advertising and PR firm Focus Media is an excellent partner. We have a great working relationship and collaborated on all of these projects.”

A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing thehighest quality health care to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visitwww.crmcny.org.

HARRIS, NY (June 18, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) Grover M. Hermann Hospital and Callicoon Family Health Center in Callicoon, NY, hosted a tour for a Hortonville preschool class on Tuesday, June 7.

Young Ambitions Nursery School Director Stacey Cruz, along with 15 of her students and several adult chaperones were treated to a special tour of the hospital, Emergency Department and Callicoon Family Health Center.

After getting an insider’s look of the hospital and Emergency Department from Sam Berger, NP (photo left), the students took part in an activity focusing on proper hand washing techniques led by Clinical Director Joni Johannes, RN. The knowledge was quickly put to use as the students cleaned up and enjoyed a healthy snack in the cafeteria.

Callicoon Family Health Center’s Nan Eschenberg, FNP, also instructed the children on proper sunscreen use and tick avoidance to ensure that they could fully enjoy their leisurely walk down the Grover M. Hermann community walking trail. The community walking trail, open to the public, is a wooded trail that is approximately one mile long and is open from dawn to dusk during spring, summer and fall.

Serving western Sullivan County and its surrounding communities, the Grover M. Hermann Hospital is a NYS designated Rural Critical Access Hospital and offers a broad array of community health services including 24-hour Emergency Department, physical therapy, imaging and laboratory.

The Callicoon Family Health Center, located at the Grover M. Hermann Hospital Physician Office Suite, is a primary care practice offering preventive medicine, geriatrics and adult medicine. Eschenberg leads the practice, which offers same- or next-day appointments.

A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information on Grover M. Hermann hospital, call 845-887-5530 or visit www.crmcny.org.

LIBERTY, NY (June 15, 2011) – Liberty Fitness on North Main Street is the first project under the Liberty CDC’s Main Street Program to move into the construction phase and begin transformation  inside and out.

Liberty Fitneess owner, Cindy Fracasse and CDC Executive Director Heinrich Strauch recently signed the grant contract that awards funding to the project out of the CDC’s Main Street Grant from the NYS Office of Housing Community Renewal.

Fracasse said, “I am proud to be the first recipient of Liberty Main Street funds, and it is fitting that this program comes along as Liberty Fitness is about to celebrate its 10^th anniversary.”

”Liberty Fitness is exactly the kind of business that you want on a Main Street,” said Strauch, “It creates foot traffic, its customers use other Main Street businesses, and it offers an important service to the community. What better partner than Liberty Fitness to start our efforts to get Main Street into better shape?”

Acting Liberty Chamber of Commerce President Jeremy Gorelick, who will support Fracasse as construction coordinator, said, ”Liberty Fitness is an important and dedicated member of the Village’s business community. We look forward to seeing it rejuvenated as part of the bigger Main Street program. Come Summer 2012, Liberty’s Main Street will have made another important step forward.”

The Liberty Main Street program is funded through a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant from the NYS Office of Housing and Community Renewal. A committee of community representatives selected 17 Main Street properties (out of 27 applications) to receive funding of up to 75% of total project costs for proposed improvements, with all projects to be completed by August 2012.

The Catskill Chronicle received the following from County Manager David Fanslau yesterday, June 14.

MONTICELLO, NY (June 15, 2011) – Today’s announcement of the Obama administration rescinding a ban on off-reservation casino proposals that are not in close proximity to the reservation will certainly re-activate interest in developing casinos in Sullivan County. 

Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature, stated, "I applaud the efforts of Senator Schumer as he lobbied hard for the lifting of the ban on off reservation casinos.  We look forward to starting the process with our Native American partners to secure Native American gaming in the Sullivan County Catskills."

Only five tribes gained approval for off-reservation gaming since passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The St. Regis Mohawks managed to get all approvals for a proposed casino next to the Monticello Casino & Raceway but were denied when former Interior Secretary Kempthorne introduced the commutable distance guidance memorandum, and refused to take the land into trust.

"It has been an ongoing struggle to secure gaming in Sullivan County and I am cautiously optimistic that the federal government sees that bringing Native American gaming to Sullivan County will create an economic stimulus for not only Sullivan County, but also the Hudson Valley region and New York State," said Leni C.  Binder, Minority Leader of the Sullivan County Legislature.

"The added jobs to the community as well as the revenue from a possible casino hotel would surely add a needed economic boost to the Sullivan County Catskills." The recent interest by retailers looking to locate in Sullivan County will be enhanced by the addition of a casino resort," cited Alan Sorenson, District 9 legislator where the casinos are slated to be located.

There is strong support for Indian gaming in Sullivan County which has state approval for three casinos. This announcement offers a renewed opportunity to pursue a Catskills casino. Elwin Wood, Vice Chair of the Sullivan County Legislature and Chairman of the Community and Economic Development Committee, stated "We look forward to the renewed interest in developing a casino in Sullivan County. Such a project could bring upwards of 2,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs to the area. The one thing that Sullivan County needs is a spark that will ignite economic development in Sullivan County, the placing of a first class gaming facility will bring additional stimulus to the projects that we as a legislature have been working to develop through our economic development corporation."

Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau envisions this economic opportunity as one of the major puzzle pieces to secure fiscal vitality once again throughout our county. "The Sullivan County economy will benefit from additional tourism venues and jobs for County residents," concluded Fanslau.

LIBERTY, NY (June 14, 2011) – Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County has partnered with Thunder 102.1, Callicoon Cooperative Insurance Company and Mike Preis Insurance Company to highlight driving safely on our rural roads.

A new public service campaign will be airing on the radio to remind travelers to “drive with reason as it’s farming season!”

During the busy farming seasons such as spring planting, summer and fall harvest, Cornell Cooperative Extension offers some tips for motorists.

What is an SMV sign?

SMV stands for slow moving vehicle. It is an orange triangular sign outlined in red reflector material. The SMV sign must be displayed on all farm equipment designed to operate at speeds 25 miles per hour or less when traveling on the road.

When you see a SMV sign:

• Slow down immediately and use caution.
• Avoid passing on double yellow lines, around blind curves or hill crests, or other vehicles in line behind the farm equipment.
• Watch for hand signals, turn signals, driveways or other signs that indicate the slow moving vehicle is preparing to turn.
• Pass with caution, slowly and deliberately, watching for other traffic and sudden turns. Obey normal traffic laws.
• Above all, be patient and kind by staying behind.

Farm equipment may use other safety alerts like:

• Lights and reflectors positioned to the extreme left and right of their sides
• Driver use of turn or hand signals
• Reflector tape (usually white, silver or red)
• Use of lights from sundown to sunrise
• An escort vehicle that may display a flashing, oscillating or rotating light or warning lights.

Is that farmer pulling over to allow me to pass? Not necessarily!

• Accidents occur when motorists hurry around farm vehicles, resulting in injury or death.
• Large farm equipment making a left turn needs extra space. Equipment may be pulling over to turn left. Depending on the field entrance, tractors also may appear to be pulling toward the center or left but will be turning right. Wait until the tractor & equipment clear the roadway for you to continue.
• Tractors move into the center lane to avoid hitting guardrails or mailboxes that those following can’t see.
• Tractor operators can’t always pull off the road immediately due to ditches or unavailable safe space.

One final note:
SMV signs may only be used for motorized vehicles designed to travel at speeds of 25 miles an hour or less on the road. Any other use is illegal. Examples of illegal uses include marking stationary objects such as mailboxes, driveways, gates or using the sign on vehicles moving faster than 25 miles per hour like trucks or vans.

Slow down for slow moving vehicles; remember to drive with reason, it’s the farming season!

*material comprised from the New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Brochure, Sharing the Road with Slow-Moving Vehicles, New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, and the New York Farm Bureau.

LIBERTY, NY (June 14, 2011) – Seniors and caregivers in Sullivan County came to Cornell Cooperative Extension on June 2 for a terrific exchange of information during the “Because We Care Senior Information Fair and Forum,” hosted by the Caregiver Resource Center program.

Twenty-three participants met Sullivan County agencies who presented their programs during the three hour event.

Agencies who attended included Office for the Aging, Sullivan NYConnects, Social Security Administration, Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, Achieve Rehab and Nursing Home, Independent Living, Sullivan County Adult Care Center and Adult Day Program, Catskill Regional Medical Center Medical Library & Case Management, Roscoe Nursing Home, Action Toward Independence, Sullivan County Public Health Services, Dispute Resolution Center, Alzheimer’s Association and First National Bank of Jeffersonville.

Following the senior information fair, a forum discussion on the continuum of care within Sullivan County was held. Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association (Janet Troia), Sullivan County Adult Day Program (Sharon Jones), CRMC Case Management (Suzanne Lang-Ahmed), Sullivan NYConnects and Office for the Aging (Martha Scoppa), Achieve (Gail Ashby-Bryant), Hospice (Janice Valentino) and Sullivan County Public Health (Birgit O’Connell-Blatt) shared their perspectives and knowledge with the audience during the question and answer period.

The “Because We Care Senior Information Fair and Forum “will be held again next June as another opportunity for families and seniors to learn how they can tap into multiple services to enhance their quality of life and decide the care setting that meets their needs.

Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell today announced the results of a countywide initiative to ensure compliance with New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (commonly known as Megan’s Law). 

In conjunction with the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of New York, the New York State Police, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, the Village of Liberty Police, the Village of Monticello Police, the Town of Fallsburg Police, the Sullivan County Probation Department and the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office Operation Northern Watch kicked off last week. 

Using Sullivan County’s Fire Training Facility in Sawn Lake as a base of operations, seven different teams of law enforcement professionals fanned out across Sullivan County to ensure that the sex offenders living in the county were in full compliance with the requirements of New York law. 

The results of the successful operation were as follows:

· Law enforcement officers made 168 address verification visits;

· Every known sex offender was visited by officers last week;

· 7 offenders are currently being sought as their whereabouts are unknown and they are in direct violation of the law. Each of these individuals are being actively sought by county law enforcement and the United Marshals Service;

· 12 individuals were arrested, including:

1.  Michael McCabe, a level 3 offender, Village of Liberty – arrested on Child Pornography charges and failure to register and verify internet accounts and identifiers;

2. Michael Harris, a level 3 offender, previously of Livingston Manor, arrested in New Haven, CT and charged federally with violating the Adam Walsh Act (Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, 18 USC 2250);

3. Anthony Marsh, a level 2 offender, believed to have been living in Jeffersonville, NY, arrested in South Hackensack, NJ for violating the Adam Walsh Act. Marsh was wanted in Orange County for failure to register;

4. Anibal Trujillo, a level 2 offender, arrested in Monticello for Failure to Register;

5. George Clauston, a level 3 offender, arrested for parole violation and will be charged with Failure to Register;

6. Charles Foreman, of Hurleyville, Ralph Morin of Kiamesha Lake, Christopher Colvill of Monticello, James Jones, of Monticello, Alexander Miller of Monticello were all arrested on non-sex offender warrants for other crimes;

7. Anna Misner of Monticello was arrested for Obstructing Governmental Administration after she tried to prevent officers from arresting Christopher Colvill;

8. Cathryn Hughes of Milford, PA was arrested in New Jersey on several warrants after she was found hiding with Anthony Marsh.

Farrell praised the cooperation between the many law enforcement agencies and the commitment from each local agency to ensure compliance with the law, “I want to thank Chief Simmie Williams of Fallsburg, Chief Doug Solomon of Monticello, Chief Rob Mir of Liberty, Sheriff Mike Schiff, Captain Keith Corlett of the State Police and Sullivan County Probation Director Jeffrey Mulinelli for their active engagement in this process. I also want to thank the US Marshals Service and Senior Inspector Nick Ricigliano for their commitment to ensuring the safety of our community here in Sullivan County.”

The New York version of Megan’s Law was passed to ensure that the community and law enforcement know where the most serious predators and sex offenders live. “Our initiative last week has been pro-active, not waiting for tragedy to strike, but making sure these sex offenders are in compliance with the law. Those not in compliance have been or will be charged criminally and prosecution will occur in both state and federal court. I was extremely pleased with the results of the operation, many of the sex offenders living in our county were found to be in compliance. That’s a good thing, however, we will continue to ensure that sex offenders comply with the law and these types of checks will be ongoing to ensure the safety and security of our community. The message to sex offenders is clear – comply with the law as required because we are prepared to enforce it, both at the state and federal level,” Farrell said.