The Catskill Chronicle

WASHINGTON, DC (April 6, 2011) – Following President Obama’s speech at Georgetown University entitled "A Secure Energy Future," Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement:

"I am pleased that President Obama recognized the need to ensure that if any drilling for natural gas occurs, it is done in a way that protects our water supplies. In order to do this effectively, the administration should not get ahead of its own Environmental Protection Agency study on the risks of hydraulic fracturing prior to incentivizing the development and use of our natural gas resources. It would be impossible to develop a proper regulatory framework that protects public health and the environment from hydraulic fracturing without first having a comprehensive understanding of all associated risks."

MONTICELLO, NY (April 5, 2011) – The Leadership Sullivan Class of 2011 with the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless recently announced its upcoming Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Leadership Sullivan Computer Center at the Federation for the Homeless.

The Grand Opening will take place on Wednesday, April 13 at 11:45 a.m. at the Federation for the Homeless located at 9 Monticello Street in Monticello, NY.

Friends, colleagues, those who volunteered, Leadership students, Foundation and Chamber Board members are welcomed to attend. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Lori Rubinstein, Facilitator of Leadership Sullivan at lorirubinstein@aol.com or call us at 845-866-7587.

Leadership Sullivan is a program of the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation.

HARRIS, NY (April 5, 2011) – The Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Laboratory has been named 2011 Lab of the Year by Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO) magazine, a national publication with more than 48,000 subscribers. A photo of the lab staff appears below.

Each year, MLO sponsors the Lab of the Year competition, which is open to all medical labs across the United States. The criteria for being chosen Lab of the Year is based on customer service, contributions to patient care, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, quality control, innovation and creativity.

“This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Laboratory staff here at CRMC,” said Dr. Joseph Napolitano, Medical Director of CRMC’s Laboratory.  “It confirms the staff’s belief that the people of Sullivan County deserve the best medical care.”

“We are extremely excited and honored to receive this prestigious designation from MLO magazine,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “To receive national recognition is not only a testament of our Lab’s dedication to excellence and hard work, but also to our mission of improving the health of our community by providing exceptional health care.”

CRMC’s Laboratory is fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Joint Commission and by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). Last year, the CRMC Lab performed more than 1 million tests to help diagnose and treat illness. The Lab is also very active in the community by sponsoring a variety of events. CRMC hosts monthly blood drives in collaboration with the American Red Cross and is a co-sponsor of the Annual Thunder 102 “Blood Bowl” in January.

For more information on the CRMC Lab, please visit www.crmcny.org or call 845-794-3300, extension 2198.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 5, 2011) — Administered by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, the Sullivan County Arts & Heritage Grants Program is accepting applications for 2011 funding.

The grants assist nonprofit organizations to present or produce cultural programming in Sullivan County.

Sullivan County nonprofit arts groups and community organizations such as literary groups, choral groups, historical societies, orchestras and libraries are eligible. SCAHG funds quality arts programs, projects, or services that focus on one of the following: visual, performing, literary, media or folk arts; local or ethnic culture; architecture or environmental arts. 

Attendance at a grant-writing seminar is mandatory for first-time applicants, but all potential applicants are strongly urged to attend one. They are free and open to the public, but registration is required. The seminars include information on the program’s priorities and review criteria, contractual obligations, and budget and narrative development. Seminars have been scheduled for:

Saturday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Delaware Arts Center, 37 Main Street, 2^nd floor, Narrowsburg, NY and on Thursday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sullivan County Visitor’s Association Conference Room, 100 Sullivan Avenue (rear entrance), Ferndale, NY.

To register for one of the above seminars, call 845-252-7576 no later than the day before the seminar.

Applications must reach the Arts Alliance office by Friday, May 20, 2011. This is not a postmark deadline. Faxes or e-mails will not be accepted.

For applications and more information, contact the Arts Alliance at (845) 252-7576, or visit ArtsAllianceSite.org.

GOP Plan Would Boot 50 Area Children from Program, Fire 15 Early Childhood Educators

Woodbourne, NY – After reading to area children at a local Head Start program in Woodbourne last week, New York, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) spoke out against federal cuts to the early childhood education program that have been proposed by the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The $1.1 billion dollar cut would result in the layoff of 15 early childhood educators in Sullivan County and discontinue classes for 50 children. Sullivan County Head Start enrolls 361 children and employs 87 full time staffers at two locations in Monticello and Woodbourne.

"Without Head Start, millions of children would enter kindergarten without basic educational and developmental skills needed to succeed," said Hinchey. "But instead of working to provide Head Start for all, Republicans in Washington have proposed kicking 50 kids right here in Sullivan County out of their classrooms and firing their teachers. That means one out of every seven children I read to today, may not have a classroom to come back to a few months from now. This is not the way to reduce the deficit. Education is one of the best investments we can make, because it enriches the lives of our children, allowing them to grow into being productive and successful citizens in our democracy."

"Cuts to the Head Start program would be devastating on so many levels," said Sullivan County Head Start Executive Director Bertha Williams. "Not just for the children and families we serve, but the jobs that would be lost.  If the cuts go through, many of those children will have no chance for an exemplary early childhood education that Head Start provides."

Since its creation in 1965, Head Start programs have served over 27 million children. Statewide, the House Republican cut would mean removing nearly 12,000 New York children from the Head Start program, while eliminating 3,500 jobs and terminating over 900 hundred classes.  Nationally, a cut of $1.1 billion would eliminate 218,000 kids from Head Start and would close 16,000 classrooms. While the program receives $7.2 billion in annual funding, the proposed cuts would occur immediately. Instead of being spread over the course of a year, these cuts would be absorbed in a 6 month time frame, cutting the current operating budgets for Head Start programs by approximately 25 percent.

Head Start is only one of several education programs targeted by Republicans. Cuts to special education, teacher improvement programs and science and math education were also included in the Republican spending bill.  Pell Grants, one of the most important programs to help students pay for college, and the TRIO program, another important program that provides support services to disadvantaged students, are also slated for cuts.

The cuts were initially proposed as part of a Republican spending bill, H.R. 1, designed to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. Hinchey voted against the proposed legislation because of cuts to Head Start and other vital programs that economists say will slow economic growth, costing up to 1 million jobs. The bill ultimately passed in the U.S. House but was rejected by the Democratically controlled U.S. Senate. A temporary spending bill was passed to fund the federal government until March 18 followed by an additional temporary measure that expires on April 8. To avoid a government shutdown, a new spending bill must be signed into law within the next two weeks.  Cuts to Head Start will continue to be a point of contention as lawmakers work to negotiate a final package.

MONTICELLO, NY (April 1, 2011) – Sullivan County Manager David P. Fanslau has announced that Sullivan County is accepting applications from property owners seeking to be included in the County’s New York State Agricultural Districts 1 and 4, beginning April 1 and ending April 30, 2011.

“During this thirty day window, property owners may request inclusion of their land into the Agricultural Districts, explaining why their land should be included and providing their name, mailing address, telephone number, town and tax parcel numbers,” said Fanslau.  

“Parcels to be included must be predominantly viable agricultural land. According to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Law, “viable agricultural land” is defined as land highly suitable for agricultural production and which will continue to be economically feasible for such use if real property taxes, farm use restrictions and speculative activities are limited to levels approximating those in commercial agricultural areas not influenced by the proximity of non-agricultural development,” said Luiz C. Aragon, Commissioner of the Division of Planning and Environmental Management.

Agricultural District 1 encompasses towns in northern and western Sullivan County, and Agricultural District 4 covers the County’s eastern and southern towns. 

Applications should be submitted to the Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, in care of the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management. 

The Board will make recommendations to the County Legislature for each request. The County Legislature will hold a public hearing and then vote on the approval of each recommended request.

Subsequent to County approval, an updated district map with a report showing the new parcels for inclusion will be submitted to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for State approval.

Upon approval by Agriculture and Markets, each property owner will be notified by mail and the real property tax records for each parcel will be updated. Applicants will receive notification by fall.

Interested property owners may obtain an application by calling the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management at 845-807-0527.

“Agricultural Districts are intended to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production, by protecting farmers from restrictive local laws, providing them with tax incentives, and requiring that governments notify farmers of projects that could adversely affect farmland,” concluded Aragon.

HARRIS, NY (April 1, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) recently announced the appointment of Henry “Chip” Dunham, RN, as its Nursing Clinical Director, Emergency Department.

Dunham has 24-hour clinical and administrative responsibility for CRMC’s Emergency Department.

“Chip brings passion, experience and a proven history of leading Emergency Department teams to CRMC,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of CRMC. “We are dedicated to advancing patient care for Sullivan County and its surrounding communities. Currently, we’re expanding our Emergency Department and have launched a variety of initiatives to increase the level of service we provide to the community, and putting the proper team in place is an important part of that. We are pleased to have Chip as part of the CRMC family.”

Prior to joining CRMC, Dunham was Clinical Manager, Emergency Department at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA, where he was responsible for the day-to-day, shift-to-shift operations of a 60,000 visit, Level-2 Trauma Emergency Department.

Dunham earned his Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Excelsior College in Albany, NY, and his Bachelor of Science in nursing from Elms College in Chicopee, MA. He is a Registered Nurse in both NY and MA. Dunham is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the National Association of EMS Physicians and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing.

ROSCOE, NY (March 31, 2011) – The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum are changing things up once again. In a crazy change of events, Best Supporting Actor Oscar Nominee Mark Ruffalo was to be guest caster for the annual Season Opener on April 2, 2011.  Well, he is back on board and will be in the water.

Accompanying him will be Jazz great, Pianist and Grammy Winner Laurence Hobgood who jumped in to save the day.

Now there are two celebrities casting in the new season:  aurence Hobgood and Mark Ruffalo. This celebrity duo will share the water with Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, CFFCM’s Phelan Family and young Johannes Mason for the biggest and most important First Cast on April 2 at Roscoe NY’s famous Junction Pool.

Following First Cast, scheduled to drop at 7:30 a.m. attendees will be invited to a meet and greet our guests for pictures and chats.

At approximately 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. you are invited to another fly fishing celebrity’s home for a surprise birthday party with cake and coffee provided by the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce. This will be a great day in the history of fly fishing. Fly Fishing is for everyone.

Enjoy great activities all day long. Ted Patlen will be tying flies in the Museum where America’s greatest wet fly tyer and historian, Don Bastian will display his magnificent collection of Bergman Wet Flies for the last time and Jack Yelle will make available his limited edition First Cast Print with all of our guests autographs.

Stay a while or visit Mike Canazon and the bamboo boys at the Livingston Manor Gym for a spring tune up and casting clinic. At 11:00 a.m. return to the Museum and get a hot cup of Agnes Van Put’s traditional soup. Stay around and socialize. It is a full day of fun.

At 6:00 p.m. the annual Roscoe Chamber of Commerce Two Headed Trout Dinner will take place at the Rockland House. Meet up again with Laurence Hobgood and Mark Ruffalo and wrap up a great day in the Catskills. Dinner reservations can be made at 607-498-4139

Story and photos by Carol Montana

CALLICOON, NY (March 28, 2011) – Before his concert at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center on Saturday, March 26, country singer Jimmy Wayne spoke to a small gathering of Sullivan County officials and dignitaries.

He told them how honored he was to be the National Spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and how he walked halfway across the country – starting in Nashville and ending in Phoenix – to raise awareness “for youth who are aging out of the system and becoming homeless, I was one of those kids myself.” He called it an epidemic.

Wayne told about how he learned to roll cigarettes when he was 12, and later sold marijuana seeds mixed in with tomato leaves to the “potheads in the neighborhood.” He did it to raise money to send to his imprisoned mother, so she could buy cigarettes.

He didn’t see his mother till more than a week after her prison release, and when he did, she was with a man who Wayne thought was a pretty good guy – until he saw the boyfriend shoot people – and until the boyfriend and the mother abandoned Wayne at the side of a country road.

Wayne was homeless at the age of 13. “I went from being sad to being very mad. I had to get tough.”

And then Wayne did something that saved his life. “I was going down the road and saw an elderly man cutting wood on a bandsaw. Something told me to go in and ask him if he had any work I could do. I really was trying to stay out of trouble, I’d seen enough crime, my mom was in prison, my dad had never been around my whole life, so I just wanted to stay away from that stuff.”

Wayne was determined to do something good. “Sir do you have any work I can do?” he asked the man. “He turned around and looked at me and said, ‘You need to ask the boss over here.’ And he pointed at his wife, this little white-haired lady, cotton dress, sawdust all over her arm.’ ”

Shutting off the radial-arm saw she was “manhandling,” the woman said to Wayne, “We don’t have any work in here, but you can cut the grass this afternoon.”

“Every week I would show up and cut their grass,” Wayne continued. He explained that the woman asked him where he lived, and, not wanting to reveal his plight, he replied that he just lived up the street.

“I was wondering if you would be interested in living in our home,” said Beatrice Costner.

“Here I was, a long-haired kid … a typical street kid just trying to make it somehow. And I’m thinking this is going to be just like it’s always been. I’m going to move in and a few days later they’ll say ‘we can’t keep you.’ I’d already been in 12 schools in two years,” said Wayne, “I was used to people not committing. I figured I’d stay a couple of days … so I could take a shower.”

Wayne moved into the home of Russell and Beatrice Costner. He described the house as a mansion – “they had a two-car garage, I had my own bed. And I’m thinking any day now … this is too perfect. Sure enough about five days after I move in, Russell – who was a military guy – a tough guy, he didn’t say much, but when he did, there was no misunderstanding what he said – Russell put his hand on my arm and said we have to talk.”

Instead of telling him to leave, Russell told Wayne that he had to get his hair cut and go to church.

“I stayed at this family’s house for 6 years. So many people helped me because they saw I was trying to help myself.”

Wayne was able to attend a community college where he majored in criminal justice “because I knew a lot about it.” He went to work in a prison where he literally ran into all his friends some of whom were his foster brothers.

“This family gave me an opportunity to pursue my dreams. I wanted to sing music, I wanted to write songs. Had it not been for that one family I wouldn’t be here. They saved my entire life.”

Wayne was named as the National Spokesperson for CASA just a couple of weeks ago, and recently gave the keynote address at CASA’s 30th Annual Conference in Chicago. He compared CASA to the family that took him in and gave him a home.

He thanked Thunder 102 and Formaggio Cheese for sponsoring his concert, was presented with a citation and special gift, posed for photos and then sang his heart out on stage in front of a full house that raised over $4000 for Sullivan Count CASA and the Sullivan County Cultural Foundation. 

Special guest Jason Casterlin opened for Wayne.

“I am so determined to be the very best spokesperson for this very best organization,” Wayne said. “It is my mission for the rest of my life, even when the music is gone, when Nashville has to kick me out of town, I will be doing this till the day I die.”

Click on this link to learn more about Sullivan County CASA, or call 845-807-0672.

To learn more about The Sullivan County Cultural Foundation click here.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Wayne Wows Them at the Villa Roma, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

MONTICELLO, NY (March 28, 2011) – The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office would like to advise the public that the New York State Sheriff’s Association has begun its 2011 fundraising drive.

The Sheriff has received several inquiries as to whether a solicitation by mail from the State Association’s Headquarters located at 27 Elk Street in Albany is legitimate.

The answer is yes. Donations to the State Sheriff’s Association fund the summer camp for underprivileged children, criminal justice scholarships, and other training programs.

"Each year the generosity of the citizens of Sullivan County makes the summer camp possible for our deserving youth ", said Sheriff Mike Schiff.

The Sheriff wishes to remind everyone that this program is conducted through the mail only. The New York State Sheriff’s Association does not solicit by telephone.

For more information go to www.sheriffsinstitute.org/

Liberty Rotary Club’s President Dave Thomson (center) presents the $1800 donation to Henrietta Phelps from the Liberty Interfaith Food Pantry and Garry Cassevah of Garry’s Great American. Looking on are Rotary Raffle co-chairs Jack Strassman (left) and Gary Siegel (right).

LIBERTY, NY March 27, 2011) – The Liberty Interfaith Food Pantry was the recent recipient of an $1800 donation from the Liberty Rotary Club. The club conducted a raffle which raised the funds to benefit the local pantry.

The pantry collects and distributes supplemental and emergency food to local residents in need. “Without this donation we would be closing our doors. Thanks to organizations like Rotary we will be able to provide much needed food to those in need in our community” says Liberty Interfaith Food Pantry Director Henrietta Phelps. The donation was presented to Ms. Phelps at Garry’s Great American where supermarket owner Gary Cassevah has set up an account for the pantry to purchase quantities of canned and non-perishable goods to be distributed locally.

“This partnership between the food pantry, Garry’s Great American and the Liberty Rotary Club is just another example of our Club’s commitment to help our community” says Gary Siegel who co-chaired the fundraiser along with fellow Rotarian Jack Strassman.

The $1000 grand prize winner of the raffle was Peggy Cooper from Monticello(2^nd from left in photo at right). Peter Blakey from Liberty won the second prize of $250 and the third prize of $50 went to Liberty’s Karen VanCraenenbroeck (center). 

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.”

Recently the club participated in the WSUL/WVOS Heart-a-thon, raising over $6000 toward the annual event.

The Liberty Rotary Club is currently conducting their annual Rose Sale to benefit the Liberty Rotary Scholarship Fund. Orders are being accepted through Wednesday April 6 and the roses will be delivered on Thursday, April 21, 2011. The roses will come nicely boxed with a dozen multi-colored roses per box. The price per dozen is $16.

To order roses you may contact any member of the Liberty Rotary Club or call Pat Abbott at 845-292-8253.

For more information about membership and activities of the Liberty Rotary Club, call 845- 292-5100.

CALLICOON, NY (March 25, 2011) – Nashville Recording Artist Jimmy Wayne returns to Thunder Country to headline the Thunder 102 "Where You’re Going Event," a fundraiser for Sullivan County CASA and the Sullivan County Cultural Foundation on Saturday, March 26 at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon.

Recently, Wayne was named the national spokesperson for CASA (the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association).

Last year Wayne spent seven months walking from Nashville to Phoenix during his “Meet Me Halfway Walk” to raise awareness of homeless youth and children in foster care.

The name of this year’s concert comes from Wayne’s recently released single which describes his experiences as a child growing up in the foster-care system. 

"It’s not where you are, it’s where you’re going" has become the mantra of this fundraising event. 

Special guest Jason Casterlin will open the concert in the Club Forum at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon on Saturday, March 26th at 6:45 p.m. 

This is a free event, with donations requested for Sullivan County CASA and the Sullivan County Cultural Foundation.

Congressman Says Bill is Important First Step, Responds to Industry Critique of Disclosure Provisions

WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2011) – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) hailed last week’s introduction of legislation he co-authored, the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act (FRAC Act), noting that passage of the bill would be an important first step in what he expects to be a prolonged effort to protect drinking water and the environment from the contamination risks of hydraulic fracturing – a process whereby millions of gallons of water, sand and cancer-causing chemicals are injected deep into the ground to blast apart rocks and release natural gas. The FRAC Act would require that chemicals used in the drilling process be publicly disclosed. It would also roll back an egregious provision of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, which exempted the drilling process from the Safe Drinking Water Act despite the congressman’s objections. 

"While the natural gas industry would like to pretend that the current regulatory framework is sufficient to protect the environment, drinking water and public health, scores of citizens throughout the country are telling a different story," said Hinchey. "We need to know exactly what chemicals are being injected into the ground and we must ensure that the industry is not exempt from basic environmental safeguards like the Safe Drinking Water Act. The FRAC Act is an important first step toward protecting people from the risks of hydraulic fracturing."

The reintroduction of the bill follows a series of alarming reports from The New York Times that detailed how water can be contaminated by not just chemicals used in the drilling process, but also through Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMS) that are brought up during the drilling process and sent to wastewater treatment plants that cannot effectively remove these dangerous materials. The articles also detailed how the natural gas industry has tried to narrow the scope of an ongoing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study that was initiated in response to report language Hinchey authored. A separate investigation conducted by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee also recently revealed that 32 million gallons of diesel fuel were used in wells drilled in 19 states despite industry claims to the contrary.

Following the introduction of the FRAC Act, America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA), a leading industry trade group, released a statement in opposition to the bill, noting that the industry has "stepped forward to support disclosure on a well-by-well basis on both public and private lands."

Hinchey responded noting that, "the industry tried to narrow the scope of the EPA study, they tried to cover up the fact that they were using diesel fuel, and they denied the contamination risks of radioactive wastewater. If they’re willing to voluntarily disclose the chemicals they use, why should they fear a provision that requires them to do it? If they’re so sure that their process is safe, what do they have to fear from being held accountable to the same rules that every other industry has to play by?"

Hinchey joined Representative Dianna DeGette (D-CO) in authoring and introducing the FRAC Act. Similar legislation was introduced in the previous Congress. Hinchey is also the author of language that initiated an ongoing EPA study to determine the environmental impacts of the drilling technique.

(Carol Montana, photo)

WHITE LAKE, NY (March 23, 2011) – One of the first signs of Spring – the Lion took the plunge into White Lake on Saturday, March 19. at 2:26 p.m. (electronically connected). 

The winning ticket was sold by John Bogaert of White Lake Fine Wines and Spirits to Eleanor Starczewski.

Ticket sales yielded a total of $1,155.00, with half going to Eleanor and half into the Lions’ Club Activities Account. 

These proceeds are used for eye exams and glasses for those in our area who can’t afford them, scholarships for local students, holiday baskets for shut-ins, a gift at Valentine’s Day for the Senior Home in Liberty as well as flowers for the residents, hats & gloves for school children, as well as donations to local deserving charities.  Thank you to all who purchased tickets! 

Dancing Cat Saloon Hosts PC for People Project Event

BETHEL, NY (March 22, 2011) – Leadership Sullivan Class of 2011 will be holding a fundraiser to benefit the brand new computer center at Federation for the Homeless in Monticello, NY.

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 29 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Dancing Cat Saloon on Route 17B in Bethel, NY.

A buffet with cash bar will be available, with entertainment by Stacy Cohen. Tickets are $25 and checks can be made available to: The Sullivan County Chamber Foundation.

Proceeds from this event will help purchase computer software, desks and chairs that are needed for the completion of this community-based computer center.

For tickets or to RSVP, contact Dawn Ryder at dryder845@hotmail.com or Class President, Laurene Sandstrom at 845-238-4723

Leadership Sullivan is a program of the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation.

HARRIS, NY (March 18, 2011) – Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) recently announced the appointment of Zigmund Nowicki as its Director of Human Resources.

“Zigmund brings more than 30 years of managerial experience to CRMC,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “His expertise and management skills will be a welcome addition to the hospital, and we are pleased to have him on our senior management team.”

Prior to joining CRMC, Nowicki worked in several different industries including health care, telecommunications, retail, distribution and banking, and has more than 30 years of experience in management.  He is currently certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources, and has an extensive background in information systems.  He has also taught as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Orange County Community College (OCCC) in Middletown, NY

Nowicki holds a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science, from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he graduated with honors.  He also has an associate degree in Business Management from OCCC.

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, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.

ROSCOE, NY (March 20, 2011) — Eagle Claw, a fishing tackle manufacturer is conducting a nationwide search for America ’s Ultimate Fishing Town. 

The winner will be awarded a $25,000 prize for a tourism boost and a 30-minute show on World Fishing Network about fishing in their town.

The selection process will be determined by nominations and public polls in three stages

1.  Now through April 8, nomination and additions to the nomination:  Roscoe has been officially nominated with some general photos. You are invited to add to this with additional photos, videos and essays at http://www.wfnfishingtown.com.

2.  From April 12 – May 3, the first round of public voting will be open. The first 20 finalists comprised of the two entries in each of the seven regions with the highest vote totals plus 6 “wild card” entrants will advance to the final round.

3. May 10-31 is the final voting round. Results will be announced in June.

Go to http://www.wfnfishingtown.com follow the link to View Nominations and in the search, enter Roscoe, NY.  Follow the link “Add to Nominations” and post your addition.

You are allowed to add to the nomination as often as time allows.

FERNDALE, NY (March 17, 2011) – The Sullivan County Visitors Association was recently honored by the New York State Travel and Vacation Association for Tourism Excellence in Marketing in New York State.

Roberta Byron-Lockwood, President/CEO, accepted the award from Jim Walter, President of the New York State Travel and Vacation Association, at the annual NYS Tourism Conference in Albany on March 3, 2011.

The program submitted for the statewide honor was the Sullivan County Catskills Local Matching Funds Program developed in 2010 with funding from a public/private sector partnership.

The project was judged on creativity and high levels of conversion, attendance, economic impact and/or consumer response. Under the Sullivan County Visitors Association, the program was offered to over 200 businesses that participated in several local media outlets.

“This program was made possible by the Sullivan County Manager and the Legislature. The funds used were the 15% administrative fee of the bed tax collections that was leverage with cooperative partners to secure added value advertising from the our local media outlets,” stated Lockwood. “In a tough economic year, these extra advertising dollars helped the tourism businesses in Sullivan County remain solvent and as an added benefit increased both the sales tax and bed tax collected under tourism codes.” 

The 2011 local matching funds program is once again being offered. For information on this program and others offered by the Sullivan County Visitors Association, call 845-747-4449.

ROCK HILL, NY (March 17, 2011) — Sunny skies and cabin fever brought several hundred people out on Saturday, March 12 to the 1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rock Hill.

Spectators and participants alike sported huge smiles as fire trucks, ambulances, antique cars, Daisy Troop Scouts passed by. There was green everywhere, with shirts and hats, cars and banners and flags.

Local businesses sent balloons and fancy cars, and even a garbage truck to join the parade.

Some paraders just walked, some rode on floats or lawn and garden tractors, while lots of people waved and cheered at the side of the road.

And there was even a horse of a different color.

To see more photos or to order prints from the Rock Hill St. Patrick’s Day Parade, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (March 16, 2011) — A sugar house, for the uninitiated, is where the sap of the maple trees is collected and boiled down to that delicious nectar – maple syrup.

Five sugar house operators in Sullivan County are offering an afternoon of tours and fun, all for a good cause.

A twenty dollar entry fee buys you a map showing the location of each of the sugar houses and entry into a poker run.

Starting at noon on Saturday, March 19 participants start in Liberty and visit each of the sugar houses, collecting a poker card at each location.

At the final location, the Thunder Hill Sugar Shack, there will be live music, light refreshments catered by Mr. Willy’s Restaurant, and a multitude of prizes for the winning hands.

You don’t need to know anything about poker to participate and everyone who has at least a pair wins a prize.

The five sugar shacks, Porkupine Lodge, Muthig Farm, Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup, Catskill Mountain Sugar House and Thunder Hill Sugar Shack, range from the oldest sugar shack in the county, demonstrating the time honored traditions of sugar shacks, to the most state of the art maple syrup processing facilities.

It makes for a fascinating and fun afternoon. Best yet, the five operators will be donating every penny of those twenty dollar entry fees to Community Unity. So you know your hard-earned donation is helping four hard working non-profit organizations here in Sullivan County.

So help them help our neighbors and have a great afternoon, too! For tickets call Claire Sullivan at 845-557-3642.

LIBERTY, NY (March 15, 2011) – Sullivan County TRIAD, during their February meeting, presented flowers and a certificate of thanks to Kaytee Warren (at left in photo with , Executive Director of the United Way of Sullivan County for funding TRIAD’S LIFE FILE.

Thanks to their Community Impact Initiative of $1500, over 1200 LIFE FILES were produced to benefit Sullivan County seniors.

The LIFE FILE assists seniors by organizing their important estate matters (summarizing their legal, financial and insurance information) and helps them plan ahead, as well as assisting their survivors by acting as a central place to find vital information.

Seniors can pick up a LIFE FILE and get more information on how to complete the LIFE FILE at the Office for the Aging (100 North Street, Monticello, 845-807-0241) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, 845-292-5250).

TRIAD (a partnership of senior representatives, law enforcement and senior advocates from over twenty area agencies) meets quarterly (January, April, July and October) on the last Friday of that month at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

TRIAD’s mission is to prevent elder abuse, and works to maintain and improve the quality of life for Sullivan County senior citizens.

Sullivan County residents interested in joining TRIAD are encouraged to call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845-292-5250 to speak to Bonnie Lewis.

Dayna Halprin gets her hair pinned up prior to shaving. She was donating her hair to Locks of Love under the watchful eye of Lord of the Trout, Lou Monteleone. Erin Allen, owner of Image of Beauty in Liberty, gets the honor of cutting Dayna’s hair.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

LIBERTY, NY (March 14, 2011) Fay Cerullo’s son Ryan has been in remission for five years from Hodgkins Lymphoma and is considered cured. But that hasn’t stopped the Liberty mother from continuing her crusade to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, the national organization dedicated to eradicating children’s cancers through research.

Cerullo got involved in 2005 when her son was diagnosed. “There was another young man on the ward who had cancer and his family had been involved in St. Baldrick’s in Nanuet for about two years. So when both kids were well enough, we traveled down there and I just saw the most amazing, fun, electric fundraiser and I decided I can do that.”

Being involved was good therapy said Cerullo, “it’s a way to give back to the doctors and research facilities that were involved in treating my son. And I just hope that other children in the future don’t have to go through what my son went through.”

She’s looking for someone to take over and coordinate the Liberty St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser, or at least co-coordinate the event. With both of my sons graduating high school, I won’t have access to a lot of younger students. I love to marry the students and the community, which is why I get the kids involved in the school, but I hold the event outside the school, so that everybody can participate.”

With help from Thunder 102 radio, the Sullivan County Democrat’s Jeanne Sager, Lord of the Trout Lou Monteleone and lots of others, the previous events have raised $61,000. And on Friday’s, March 11 there were around 50 shavees. Cerullo estimated the day’s total at over $10,000.

You can still donate by going to St. Baldrick’s / Liberty Firehouse or by calling Fay Cerullo at 845-798-4740.

LIBERTY, NY (March 13, 2011) – February 24 was the 100th day of classes at Liberty Elementary School, a momentous occasion for the kindergarteners.

In honor of the 100th day of 2011, students created a 100-car train that wound through the top floor of the eight-classroom addition.

The day gave kindergarteners a chance to work on math skills and also marked a significant milestone in their first year of school – the 100th day.

Throughout the kindergarten classes, activities like creating “100” crowns (crowns that had 100 objects on them), working within themes like “100 day sports day” and making necklaces with 100 pieces were part of the preparations for February 24.

“It really is a special accomplishment to reach 100 days and we try to make it as fun and educational as we can,” said kindergarten teacher Rachel Countryman. "The progress they have made certainly is cause for celebration.”

On their own, kindergarteners created a train car at home with their families. The cars ranged from the simple to the ornate and showed off the different things that were special to each student. The cars made up the 100-Day Train, and students sat in their cars while Principal Jeri Finnegan acted as the honorary conductor. Together with Principal Finnegan and their teachers, the entire kindergarten counted to 100 by ones, fives and tens and sang a counting song to the tune of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”

In the past, the 100 day celebration would have featured 100 balloons in the elementary school cafeteria, but the new cafeteria ceiling is much higher. “Since we’re in our new building, we decided to create a new celebration,” explains kindergarten teacher Susan Daurio. “The kids had a great time – they even got a visit from the math Wizard (teacher Mr. Grant) who made an appearance in every classroom as Zero the Hero.”

Unlike other celebrations, the 100th day is important because it truly belongs to the students; a benchmark for themselves and their teachers of 100 days of learning. “I hope that somewhere inside of them they begin to realize they can set a goal (counting to 100), practice this skill each day and accomplish, or at least get closer, to the goal,” says Daurio. “In a society where everything happens in seconds, we have lost the skill of practicing and working hard to reach goals.”

(In top photo Shaniece Mckay (proprietor of the McKay Apple Company) sits proudly in her train car.)

22nd Congressional District, NY (March 12, 2011) – The following post from Congressman Hinchey’s blog details the resources available to constituents looking for information on loved ones, friends and family members in Japan.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the tragic 8.9-magnitude earthquake that shook Japan on Friday. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Japan are working to obtain information on the status of U.S. citizens and to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.

At this time, there are no reports of U.S. citizens killed or injured in the earthquake. Although telephone lines are disrupted, relatives may want to try contacting loved ones in Japan by e-mail, text (SMS) message, or other social media. The Department of Defense is reporting that all personnel have been accounted for, and there are no reports of injuries.

If you are concerned about a friend or loved one, here is what you can do to find more information:

• If you are a resident of New York’s 22nd Congressional District or have concerns about a constituent from the district, my offices can help facilitate your efforts to obtain information on the status of U.S. citizens.
• You can find more information by monitoring travel.state.gov and the Embassy Tokyo websites for the latest updates.
• If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in Japan, please send an an e-mail at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov
• If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in the Tsunami zone outside of Japan, please send an an e-mail at PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov
• E-mail inquiries are strongly preferred, but constituents may call the Department’s emergency assistance center at 1-888-407-4747 (Calling from outside the U.S. + 1-202-501-4444) if they are unable to use e-mail.
• If you are calling regarding a Japanese citizen, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy (Washington – 202-238-6700) or Consulate.
• If you are calling regarding a citizen of a third country, please contact that country’s Embassy or Consulate. Contact information for foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States is available in the Country Specific Information links at www.travel.state.gov.

LIBERTY, NY (March 10, 2011) – After March 11, Liberty High School Teacher Maureen Crescitelli will definitely have to wear a hat on cold days.

Having accepted a challenge from high school Principal Jack Strassman, the special education teacher will have her head shaved on Friday to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

At this year’s pancake dinner sponsored by the LHS Student Council and Interact Club, Principal Strassman "threw down the gauntlet," says Crescitelli. He challenged her to shave her head if he were to raise $1,000. As of Thursday, March 10, $1,055 was raised.

Liberty High School students have actively participated raising money for St. Baldrick’s over the years. In those years, students, teacher and community members have shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. The event is spearheaded at LHS by student Dillion Cerullo and this year 29 "shavees" are participating from LHS and the community.

Crescitelli isn’t the first female from Liberty to become a "shavee." Last year, student Amanda Agapito shaved her head for St. Baldrick’s. "She was allowed to wear a hat for the first day back to school," says Strassman, "so she could adjust to not having hair." Whether Crescitelli will get that  privilege is not known.

The official St. Baldrick’s Foundation event for Liberty will take place at the Liberty Fire House at   4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.stbaldricks.org.

BRIDGEVILLE, NY (March 8, 2011) – The Board of Directors of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development recently announced the election of a new slate of officers.

The board elected Fred Stabbert III (Publisher, Sullivan County Democrat) as Vice Chairman; George Kinne (Senior Vice President/Senior Loan Officer, The First National Bank of Jeffersonville) as Treasurer; and Steve Ruwoldt (CEO, Catskill Regional Medical Center) as Secretary. Josh Sommers, President and CEO of Focus Media will continue as Chairman of the Board.

The election was held to fill the remainder of the term as Mr. Stabbert moved to Vice Chairman to replace the former Superintendent of Monticello Schools, Pat Michel, who took on a new superintendent position out of County. Stabbert had formerly been carrying the dual role of Secretary and Treasurer.

Board Chair Josh Sommers stated, “With Sullivan County looking to stand out and grow in a challenging economy, the right economic development leadership is essential. This slate of officers represents the type of leadership our county needs.”

The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development’s mission is to promote and coordinate the economic development of all businesses in Sullivan County in order to benefit the general public by enhancing the quality of life and improving the standard of living.

For more information, contact the Partnership at 845-794-1110 or log on to www.scpartnership.com

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (March 5, 2011) — At a meeting of the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce on February 9, a PowerPoint presentation was given by guest speaker and town historian Harold VanAken. The subject of the presentation was John R, Mott, born in Livingston Manor in 1865, and the grandson of the town’s first supervisor, Israel Dodge.

Mott won the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize for his development of the International YMCA, and the 43 residents of the Town of Rockland who saw the presentation at Kings Catering House also were treated to a talk by Linda Cellini, the Sullivan County representative for the YMCA.

Cellini spoke about the importance of honoring Mott in his home town and county and is hopeful that a site for a Y might be found in Livingston Manor. The president of the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce, Mia Newman Koerner, stated she had hopes that those in attendance would help get the word out about Mott and the move to bring the Y to Livingston Manor. A feasibility study will need to be completed before any proposal can be initiated.

Among those in favor of such a proposal were town Supervisor Ed Weitmann and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, who were in attendance. And Leon Siegel, former supervisor of Rockland, stated that he thought the idea of honoring Mott was an idea whose time had come. Other members of the community in attendance were Roscoe Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Rick Baxter, and Lions and Rotary Club members, all of whom were supportive of the plan to welcome the YMCA.

A letter received from the secretary general Rev. Johan Vilhelm Eltvik of the World Alliance of YMCAs based in Switzerland was read. “I wish you success with your plans to establish a John R. Mott building that will become a new YMCA association,” said Eltvik.

Anyone interested in pursuing the establishment of a YMCA is encouraged to e-mail ideas to: lcellini@middletownymca.org.

A location for a physical site is still needed.

LIBERTY, NY (March 4, 2011) – Did you know that every three-and-a-half minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer? And one in five of those children will not survive?

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes this is an unacceptable statistic. Their mission is to conquer kids’ cancer by funding research.

Finding a cure will take everyone’s help. And that’s why Fay Cerullo is running the 5th annual Liberty St. Baldrick’s foundation fundraiser on Friday, March 11.

Come join students, teachers and community members who will shave their heads to help “Conquer Kids’ Cancer!” The event will be held at the Liberty Fire House from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., with radio station Thunder 102 broadcasting live with Mike Sakell from Sakell in the Afternoon, and Paul Ciliberto Michelle Semerano from Ciliberto and Friends. And Lord of the Trout Lou Monteleone will provide color commentary and emcee duties.

Cerullo’s son Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2005 at the age of 15. During Ryan’s treatment, Cerullo met other patients and their parents who were involved with fundraising for St. Baldrick’s. “At the time, five other kids in our area were also sick or recuperating from cancer,” said Cerullo. Those circumstances got her involved with St. Baldrick’s,

In the four years this event had been held, over $61,000 has been raised.

For more information, contact Fay Cerullo at 845-292-2085.

NARROWSBURG, NY (March 3, 2011) — Seventeen Sullivan County non-profit organizations received $17,920 in Decentralization Grants (DEC) for 2011 cultural programming at a special awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 5 at the Delaware Arts Center in Narrowsburg, NY.

Assemblymember Aileen Gunther was on hand to present the award checks (shown at left with Ron Littke of Icehouse Arts).

Allocated by the New York State Council on the Arts, the funding is administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA). The granted organizations represent 10 townships throughout Sullivan County, including the Towns of Tusten, Delaware, Callicoon, Liberty, Fallsburg, Lumberland, Forestburgh, Rockland, Thompson, and Highland.

Granted organizations are:

Callicoon Center Band, Callicoon Creek Park Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Delaware Valley Chamber Orchestra, Delaware Youth Center, Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center, Friends of Sunshine Hall Free Library, Icehouse Arts, Liberty Free Theatre, Liberty Museum and Arts Center,    Livingston Manor Free Library, Roscoe Free Library, Shandelee Music Festival, Sullivan County Community Chorus, Town of Fallsburg, Town of Lumberland, and Western Sullivan Public Library.

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

Story and photos by Carol Montana

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (March 2, 2011) – Math teacher Bill O’Morrissey, was the master of ceremonies for Dancing with the Teachers (DWTT) at Tri-Valley School. “Never in my entire life have I seen such a conglomeration of teachers willing to make fools of themselves,” he said during intermission.

And while there was certainly no shortage of that this past Monday night, there was also no lack of incredibly talented students either.

DWTT was all for a good cause. Seventh grade Tri-Valley student Thomas MacPherson was recently diagnosed this past December with T-Cell Non-Hodgkins Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, and his community came together to raise money to help without-of-pocket expenses.

Thomas was almost speechless at the response and the nearly full theatre estimated at almost 900 people. “I feel that the school did a little too much for me …,” he said.

His mother Sue Ann Smith was overwhelmed as well. “I don’t know what to say … we’re really thankful for the help and support.” The funds will be used to help with traveling to and from Westchester for treatment every week.

Judges April Kackos, Connie Elberth and Kevin Giroux all of whom were totally totally unqualified to judge dancers, said that there were four categories: Most in Sync, Best Dance Techniques, Most Original and Best in Show.

The 17 acts included performances by The Dance Emporium of Middletown; the 5th, 7th and 8th grades; an alphabet soup of school organizations: the FBLA, the FCCLA, the FFA; the Tri-Valley Bears Football team, and the Best in Show winners: The Art Club.

Three teachers vied all week for the chance to get a pie in the face during intermission. And the winner was Dean of Students Derek Adams who said he got the honor because of how much the students like him.  

DWTT was organized by Business Education teacher Brenda Hay and her Entertainment Marketing class. The event raised $3,181.83 for the MacPherson family.

Enjoy some additional photos below and then check out the DWTT gallery on Zenfolio, where you can also purchase prints.