The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY – SullivanArc has announced the recipient of the 2010 Ruth Bennett Humanitarian Award is Jeffrey R. Gray, M.D. of Crystal Run Healthcare in Rock Hill.

SullivanArc presents the award, named after their founder, to a person who has shown outstanding service to the community and to individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Gray, who exhibits exceptional professionalism, has befriended many of SullivanArc’s consumers through his practice by showing considerable compassion and patience.

The award will be presented to Dr. Gray at SullivanArc’s annual Community Recognition Event to be held on Friday, October 29 at The Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg. To attend the event or for more information, contact SullivanArc Public Relations at 845-796-1350.

NEW PALTZ, NY – On Tuesday, October 12, from 9:00am to 12:30am, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and the SUNY New Paltz School of Business will host a Hudson Valley Region Small Business Forum to highlight federal and state tax credits, and programs now available for small businesses, including those established by the Affordable Care Act and Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act.

The event will be held in Lecture Center #102 on the SUNY New Paltz Campus located at 1 Hawk Drive in New Paltz.

The schedule of events will be as follows.

Registration – 9:00 a.m.

Welcome: Hadi Salavitabar, Ph.D., Dean School of Business, SUNY at New Paltz / Opening Remarks: Congressman Maurice Hinchey – 9:30 a.m.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. – Panel Discussion: Federal and State Tax Credits, Services and Products for Small Businesses. Panelists will include:

· Jorge P. Silva-Puras, SBA Regional Administrator, Region II (NY, NJ, PR and USVI)

· Jaime R. Torres, DPM, MS, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Regional Director, Region II (NY, NJ, PR,VI)

· Arnaldo Sehwerert, Director, Mid-Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center

· Susan Jaffe, Empire State Development Mid-Hudson Regional Director

· Thomas Kane, IRS, Governmental Liaison & Disclosure, Northeast Area

· John King, Vice President, New York Business Development Corporation

· Suzanne Reusch, Taxpayer Service Specialist III, NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance

· Richard Torres, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, Internal Revenue Service

Open Discussion/ Q&A – 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.

This event is co-sponsored by SUNY at New Paltz School of Business, Business Alliance of Kingston, Dutchess County Regional Chamber, Kingston Uptown Business Association, Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, New Paltz Region Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Business Accelerator, Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Partnership, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, Ulster County Development Corporation, Ulster County Industrial Development Agency, and Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The event is free and open to the public, and media are invited to attend.

Register by contacting the SUNY New Paltz School of Business at 845-257-2930 or e-mail Dr. Hadi Salavitabar at salavith@newpaltz.edu with your name, address, telephone number and email address.

LIBERTY, NY – Autism is a disorder that is becoming more common among children. 

On October 9th the Sullivan County BOCES and the Hudson Valley Developmental Disabilities Services Office will be hosting an Autism Awareness Day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Seelig Theatre at the Sullivan County Community College.

This workshop is a great forum for anyone to learn about Autism and especially good for parents of children with Autism. Alyson Beytien, a popular national/international speaker, parent/teacher trainer and mother of three sons with Autism will be the Keynote Speaker for the event. Beytien is a consultant and trainer on educating individuals with autism, working with school systems throughout the country. She has a degree in Early Childhood Special Education and is currently in the Masters Autism program at the University of Kansas.

Beytien is the moderator of a DVD training series, "Family to Family: A Guide to Living Life When a Child is Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder." She is also a columnist for the Autism Spectrum Quarterly magazine and host of the web/radio program “Family to Family” on AutismOne.org.

Admission is free for parents of children with Autism being educated in Sullivan County and child care will be available for those who preregister. For all others a $25 registration fee will apply. Please preregister for the workshop ASAP. For more information or to register, please contact Faith Dymond at Sullivan County BOCES 845-295-4046.

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY – On Saturday, October 2, 8 pm, Flute Force comes to South Fallsburg to play classical and contemporary music for wind instruments. The four flutists Elizabeth Brown, Sheryl Henze, Rie Schmidt and Wendy Stern will perform Pastorale by Igor Stravinsky, Suite of Dances by Hieromus Praetorious; Jours d’ete a la Montagne by Eugene Bozza; Travelogue (1995) by Elizabeth Brown; Georg Philipp Telemann’s Quartet in D minor; and Jacob’s Ladder by Richard Arnest (NY premiere) that features antiphonal effects.

The concert, which concludes the series’ ninth consecutive season, is free and open to the public and takes place in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, located at 5277 State Route 42 in South Fallsburg. Reservations are required; call: 845-292-8967.

Chamber Music at St. Andrew’s offers two free chamber concerts a season, performed by outstanding musicians that enrich, inspire and bring pleasure to Sullivan County audiences. All are invited to come and bring their families and neighbors. The series depends on the generosity of the community, and tax-deductible contributions are urgently needed. Checks should be made out to: St. Andrew’s Mission and sent to Ms. Cynthia Johnston, Treasurer, St. Andrew’s Mission, PO Box 55, Woodbourne NY 12788.

These concerts are made possible in part with funds from the 2010 Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts, administered in Sullivan County by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance; by a Sullivan County Arts and Heritage Grant funded by the Sullivan County Legislature and with the special help of legislator Leni Binder; and by the generosity of local businesses and individuals, as well as St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Story by Leni Santoro, Photo and video by Joanie Stein

HANKINS, NY – The sun is shining today, Saturday, October 2, making it hard to believe that this time yesterday floods throughout the region were wreaking havoc upon Sullivan County and pretty much the entire eastern seaboard. It’s good to have the sun back. Already the massive puddle that was my driveway is down to pint size, the Little Beaverkill running at the base of my backyard is running less rapidly, reflecting the blue skies above and the weather is perfect for the Pumpkin Parade in Grahamsville.

But before we say goodbye to yesterday there is one more photo to post of the flood. This one and the accompanying video come from Joanie Stein near Hankins, NY. Joanie was working and didn’t have a chance to e-mail her photo during the day.

“I got down to the river around 5 p.m. They say it crested a few hours before, but it’s still very high!” said Joanie Stein in her note to the Chronicle last night.

Joanie also sent in a video she took at the Red Barn Campground in Hankins yesterday in which she compares conditions at the campground yesterday and the June 2006 flood.

The Chronicle would like to thank Joanie and all the folks who sent in photos. We would also like to extend our thoughts, prayers and best wishes to all those affected by the flooding.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – The following additional photos of the flood situation in Livingston Manor are courtesy of Raphael Wettenstein.

1.   2.

3.    4.

5.    6. 

7.    8.

9.    10.

Captions:

1. Directing traffic on Main Street.

2. CAS basement is flooded.

3. Residential house basement is flooded.

4. Two rivers converge and park is flooded.

5. Park is flooded.

6. The rapids.

7. Water under the school bridge.

8. Media coverage.

9. Local input.

10. On the edge of the flood.

*For more information about the flood situations throughout the Catskill area be sure to check out the flood coverage on the Watershed Post.

*To our readers – If you or anyone you know has images to share please send them to catskill.chronicle@yahoo.com.

ROSCOE, NY – The brook that runs along Sandy Acome’s property on Dutch Hill Road in Roscoe was up four feet by 8 a.m. this morning.

“The brook was completely dry yesterday,” said Ms. Acome. During last night’s storm boulders were heard crashing down into the brook. She woke to find the normally dry brook filled with rushing water.

Ms. Acome stopped by The Chronicle this morning to drop off the following photos taken at 8:06 a.m. this morning.

*To our readers – If you or anyone you know has images to share please send them to catskill.chronicle@yahoo.com.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY –  Livingston Manor resident Raphael Wettenstein sent in these photos of the flooding situation in Livingston Manor as of 7 a.m. this morning.

The first two images show the Willowemoc Creek behind the buildings on Main Street. In image two the Livingston Manor Central School can be seen in the distance. The third image shows Main Street looking toward the junction of Main and Pearl Streets.

Our thanks to Mr. Wettenstein for sending us these photos.

*To our readers – If you or anyone you know has images to share please send them to catskill.chronicle@yahoo.com.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) today urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to deny a transfer of license requested by AER, NY-Gen, LLC (AER) for the Swinging Bridge, Mongaup Falls, and Rio hydroelectric power projects located in Sullivan County. 

In a letter to FERC, the congressman and senator argued that the applicant’s longstanding license noncompliance issues must be resolved before such a request should be approved.

"After five years of being in non-compliance with its license, AER is looking to pass the buck," said Hinchey. "We’ve been getting complaints for years about the company’s failure to provide adequate access to the Toronto Reservoir and failure to provide for adequate water levels in the Toronto and Swinging Bridge Reservoirs. They need to resolve these issues before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission can even consider an application for license transfer."

“AER has left their responsibility to the community unfulfilled for too long, and must make amends before FERC gives them the keys to the car,” said Schumer. “AER should bring themselves into compliance with the terms of their license immediately, and they shouldn’t be rewarded until they do so.”

Over the past several years, Hinchey’s and Schumer’s offices have received many dozens of complaints and expressions of concern regarding the operations of these projects under the current owner.  Many local residents and community leaders have raised strong concerns about the continued lack of public access and low water levels during the peak recreational season.

AER petitioned FERC in April, 2010 for approval to transfer licenses for the projects. Following the petition, FERC solicited public comment and later extended the public comment period following a request that it do so from Hinchey. FERC is now reviewing and considering the license transfer application. Hinchey and Schumer are requesting that the Commission deny the request. The full text of their letter to Jeff C. Wright, Director of the Office of Energy Projects for FERC, is below.

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

September 29, 2010

Jeff C. Wright, Director

Office of Energy Projects

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20426

Dear Mr. Wright:

We write in regard to the proposed transfer of licenses by AER NY-Gen, LLC ("AER") for hydroelectric Project Nos. 10482-014, 10481-064, and 9690-106, located in Sullivan County, New York.  AER petitioned FERC in April, 2010 for approval to transfer licenses for the Swinging Bridge, Mongaup Falls, and Rio Projects, following which your agency solicited public comment. We understand that this matter remains under review, and we urge the Commission to deny any transfer of these licenses until the applicant remedies its longtime noncompliance with the terms of its license and resolves ongoing conflicts with the local communities regarding insufficient recreational water levels in the Toronto and Swinging Bridge Reservoirs.

Over the past several years, our offices have received a large number of complaints regarding the operations of these Projects under the current owner, and we continue to hear serious concerns voiced by the local community regarding AER’s longtime noncompliance with its license.  As part of the license agreement for this hydropower system, AER is required to provide two public access points for the Toronto Reservoir.  The eastern access has now been closed to the public since the fall of 2005 and has been the subject of extended litigation for at least three years, during which time it is our understanding that the applicant has repeatedly stalled and delayed in moving the case forward.

By allowing this matter to languish in the courts through repeated delays, AER has apparently been able to sufficiently satisfy FERC that the company was "taking action" to open the eastern public access. However, the repeated and long delays by AER seem to indicate that the company is not in fact working in good faith to resolve the issue and is now seeking to transfer the the unresolved license noncompliance to the new owners.   We are concerned that FERC has continued to allow AER to remain noncompliant for nearly five years now with no apparent threat of sanction and no resolution in sight.

We urge the Commission to deny AER any license transfer until the longstanding public access issue is fully resolved and the applicant complies with the terms of its license. Further, we ask that as part of any transfer, FERC require the applicant to include in its license an agreement to maintain reasonable water levels in the Toronto and Swinging Bridge Reservoirs during peak recreational months.  Despite its stated commitment to do so over the past two years, AER has not maintained sufficient water levels, much to the detriment of the local tourism and second home sectors of the local economy.  Finally, FERC has been more than patient in bringing this applicant into compliance with the terms of its license, and we hope that you would consider further action to compel the licensee to live up to the terms of its license so that the public access is fully restored.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and response on this important matter.

                                                                                Sincerely,

Maurice D. Hinchey, Charles E. Schumer

cc:  Edward Abrams, Heather Campbell

MONTICELLO, NY, – “Come to the Table 2010” (CTTT) is set for Saturday, October 2 at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Event Gallery. 

The event is the major fundraiser for the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) of Sullivan and Orange County. CTTT will showcase the talent of talent of local decorators and designers as they create original table settings to be auctioned off through silent bid. This year’s event co-chairs are Jacy Ricciani and Robert S. Green.

During the day on Saturday, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, DRC extends a free invitation to the public to come out and view the tables on display. Along with a wine tasting courtesy of Bashakill Winery, there will be other frees samples and surprises. Attendees will also be treated to a special visit with the “Kings in the Kitchen.”

The Evening Gala promises to be extraordinary as ticketholders mingle among the table designs while bidding to take home their favorite. The night of fun and fundraising will feature sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer, and musical entertainment. Tables will be judged by a select panel of judges with award presentations at the evening’s conclusion, when winning bidders will be able to take their treasures home.

Sponsors this year include Catskill Hudson Bank, Frontier Communications and Orange & Rockland.

The CTTT event exists to raise funds for the agency, but more importantly, to raise awareness of DRC within the community. DRC is a nonprofit agency providing low- or no-cost mediation and related services. Private or business participation and support, at any level, will help DRC reach the important and vital goal: to continue its mission to “promote the peaceful resolution of conflict . . .” For more information, contact Kathy Kreiter at 794-3377, or Donna Ramlow at 294-8082.

Do you work with girls? Do you have daughters? Granddaughters? 

Are you interested in encouraging them to . . .

* Hold on to their voices and stay true to themselves?

* Enhance judgment and critical-thinking skills to make wise and healthy choices?

* Counter the latest trends toward self-doubt?

* Improve self-esteem?

Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley is proud to facilitate a new program called Girls Circle to promote these goals and much, much more!

This strengths-based, skill-building approach creates a safe space for girls to address risky behaviors, build on protective factors, and improve relationships in a format that interests and engages girls.

A Girls Circle is an 8–12-week facilitated series program, rich with skill-building themes and activities that promote critical thinking in all areas of a girl’s life.

Programming is available in age-appropriate sets, offering a support circle and activities where girls learn how to develop strength, courage, confidence, honesty and communication skills.

Theme topics include Friendships, Body Image, Honoring Diversity, Relationships with Peers, Expressing Individuality, and Creating a Path to the Future.

For more information or to schedule programming call (845) 838-1200 x 103 or e-mail: education@ppmhv.org.

Girls Circle is funded through a grant from the Patrina Foundation.

Press release provided, photos by Carol Montana

Studies of Sullivan County Broadband Access, Community Wind Energy Development to Move Forward

Washington, DC – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced two investments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development that will help to promote expanded broadband access and community wind energy development in Sullivan County. Hinchey was instrumental in securing a $65,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) on behalf of Sullivan County to conduct a study of broadband access, and a $221,077 grant for the Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development (SASD) to study and develop concrete initiatives for community-owned wind power in the county. 

"As a result of these investments, Sullivan County will be able to generate the information it needs to increase access to broadband and facilitate the development of wind energy projects, both of which will help drive economic development in the area," said Hinchey who supported both grant applications. "Expanded broadband access is critical for the success of existing businesses and vital in attracting new enterprises to the Catskills. The community wind energy initiative will also help the county create new jobs and economic opportunities for communities, while providing a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy for our region."

"The grant of $65,000 will fund a communications study, which is the first step in an effort to improve Sullivan County’s communications broadband and cellular telephone infrastructure and is an integral component within the county’s efforts to coordinate all economic development resources and strategies," noted Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

Sullivan County’s grant for broadband development will be coordinated by the New York State Rural Development statewide office in Syracuse. It will be used to implement a comprehensive study of the county’s current communications infrastructure. The study will yield a phased roll-out plan for broadband and cellular telephony development. 

The grant to Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Energy Development (SASD) will fund a study by Sustainable Energy Development (SED), the consulting firm which authored the 2005 wind market assessment for Sullivan County, which identified significant wind resource potential in the Towns of Liberty, Callicoon, Rockland and Fremont. This study will produce a roadmap that locates and describes very specific shovel ready sites for community-owned wind power projects. The funded work will also provide a successful action plan for the other municipalities in the county and the region to control and maximize benefits of the development of their wind resources.

Dick Riseling, Executive Director of the SASD stated, "The Sullivan County Community Wind Development project will provide critical investment in research and area-wide planning that will enable our rural communities to sustainably harness their wind resources and thereby serve as a catalyst for economic development in a region that has faced economic distress for more than thirty years."

Sullivan County was given priority in the competition for these grants because of its designation as a Rural Enterprise Area Partnership (REAP) Zone. Hinchey established the Sullivan-Wawarsing REAP Zone in 1999. REAP Zones were created to help spur economic development in struggling rural areas and are are pilot projects of the USDA.  In January 1999, Hinchey persuaded the USDA to establish this new program in his congressional district on a 10-year trial basis, which was approved by the Clinton administration.  As a result, a REAP Zone covering all of Tioga County and a second zone in Sullivan County and the Town of Wawarsing were designated.  The REAP Zones in the State of New York are two of just five such areas in the entire nation. 

Last year, USDA Rural Development signed an agreement with both the Tioga REAP and Sullivan County-Wawarsing REAP that extended the REAP program for those areas until September 30, 2012.  The authorization to extend the REAP program was made possible through agricultural legislation that Hinchey helped pass through Congress in 2008.          

The REAP Zone established a collaborative, citizen-led effort to enhance economic development and enable local communities to develop and implement strategies to create long-term prosperity.  The two REAP Zones in New York were established in critical parts of the state that had experienced economic dislocation and job loss as the state’s rural economy changed.  The REAP Zone initiatives serve as an important model for coordinated efforts to revitalize and diversify distressed rural economies in other regions of New York State and the country.       

As five-year-old Mikyla Sheehan peered through one of the large front windows of the Emma C. Chase Elementary School, she said to her mom, “When does school start, I’m ready!” Although it wasn’t quite yet the first day of school, it was officially Mikyla’s first day as a kindergarten student. (Mikayla is pictured at left with her mom and Chase principal Susan Gottlieb.)

Every year the Chase PTO sponsors its Kindergarten Kick-Off to help familiarize youngsters with their new school.

The well-attended event included fun and games, refreshments and a gift of school supplies for each child courtesy of the PTO. Students and parents also had the opportunity to meet teachers and visit classrooms.

“This is going to be a great year,” said PTO President Laurlyn Radlein. “With the increase in the number of students, we’re looking forward to an increase in parent involvement. This is really exciting!”

With this year’s redistricting of the elementary schools, in addition to servicing the Wurtsboro area, Chase is also welcoming students from Glen Wild and Rock Hill.

According to parent Kenneth Pounder, (pictured at right with five-year-old twins Kennedy (left) and Elijah and Monticello High School sophomore Caitlin Radlein who volunteered to help out with the day’s event) he was very happy about the change for a few reasons. The school is closer to his home and he approves of the cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity that the school’s curriculum promotes. According to their dad, the twins, who already know how to read and write a little, are looking forward to school and learning more things!

As for Mikyla, by the day’s end, she had already made new friends, was ready to learn and was extremely excited about her first ride ever on the big yellow bus.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY – With more than twenty books, one hundred and fifty published short stories and a satirical advice column under his belt, Sullivan County author Patrick Thomas has accomplished much in the literary world. Now his books are going to be visiting the small screen in order to help solve a crime in an upcoming episode of the television show CSI.

For a year and a half, Thomas’ books have been part of the set and props department of CSI and have made it into the background in a couple of episodes. A few have even taken up residence on Greg’s desk in the bullpen. Now his books will actually be part of the show and will be used to hide evidence in the upcoming “Cold-Blooded” episode.

“It’s a honor to be even a small part of one of the best and most popular shows on television,” said Thomas. “I’m very excited to have my books become part of the mystery. My wife and I watch the show every week. Trying to spot one of my books in the background only adds to the fun. This time though they’ll be easy to spot.”

When asked for more details about what kind of evidence and crime is involved, the Barryville resident said, “All I know is a piece of paper will be hidden inside one of my books.” Which book it will be, he doesn’t know for sure, but apparently it will be one of the eight books in the Murphy’s Lore series or the first Mystic Investigators book. “From what I’ve been told,” said Thomas, “all nine books will be together in a stack that the CSIs will have to search through.”

The television appearance of the books follows three new releases this year – “Dead To Rites” from Padwolf Publishing and “Mystic Investigators: Bullets & Brimstone” (with John French) as well as “Dear Cthulhu: Have A Dark Day” from Dark Quest Books.

Patrick Thomas will be doing a book signing at the September 26 Harvest Festival at the Bethel Woods Center for The Arts from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The CSI episode “Cold-Blooded” airs October 21.

For more on Patrick, please visit his website at www.patthomas.net.

MONTICELLO, NY – A newly formed Youth Economic Group will utilize an experiential educational model to help isolated rural teenagers to create their own cooperative business. The program will take place in Sullivan County, one of New York’s poorest and most diverse counties.

Through collaboration with experts in the field of business and alternative economics from around New York State, as well as regional planners, philanthropic and business planners, the Economic Youth Group (YEG) will engage diverse youth (culturally, racially, socioeconomically).

While it is hoped that the business will be successful, the primary goal will be the educational process that takes place through active engagement and collaboration. These activities will be supplemented by supportive workshops, presentations and trips.

The program is geared primarily to students from low-income families who are in grades 10, 11 and 12, as well as youth in their late teens/early twenties. The group is open to all regardless of background; however, the primary target group will be low-income youth, especially geographically isolated children of color.

In the first year the program will be offered to 10 – 20 participants. This will enable the group to create a strong foundation as well as to offer an intense one-on-one experience. It is expected that participants will commit ten to twenty hours per week.

Target goals are to serve 100 or more participants in the next five years.

The Youth Economic Group will begin with an intensive  51-hour workshop known as "Entrepreneurial Boot Camp" where students will study the skills needed to develop their own businesses.

That will be followed with a three-day trip to Massachusetts to study worker cooperatives and fair trade with equal exchange. This will give group members the opportunity to develop a broad overview of alternative economics and business strategies.

During this initial  four-to-six-month period the group will also be developing their own working agreements, through group activities and seminars, interviews and personal development. (e.g., time management skills, financial literacy and public speaking).

From there the group will begin the process of developing their own business and business plan. During this period the group will interact with other mentors, community leaders, and the advisory committee to gain insight and feedback to their emerging business plan.

The first meeting to introduce the program is on Friday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m. at 15 St. John Street, Monticello (next door to the church). Dinner will be served.

For more information, please contact coordinator Jillian Rahm, Economic Education Coordinator for the Rural & Migrant Ministry of Sullivan County, at jillian.rahm@yahoo.com or 798-8275.

HUDSON VALLEY, NY – ShopRite Supermarkets, which operates stores throughout Westchester, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia, Dutchess and Putnam counties, announced a donation of $200,000 to benefit three non-profit veteran organizations aiding service men and women and their families in the Hudson Valley region.

The money raised will benefit The Tower of Hope, The Orange County Veterans Food Pantry and the Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans – all of whom support the many active and returning service men, women and families throughout the Hudson Valley region.

“We are proud to announce this $200,000 donation benefitting these three organizations,” said Tom Urtz, senior director of human resources and consumer affairs for ShopRite. “As the Hudson Valley region has the highest percentage of returning war veterans statewide, the need to assist the individuals who protect our freedom is tremendous. With the help of our generous customers, associates and vendors, these organizations will aid our local veterans and their families as they transition back to their civilian lives. ShopRite is very grateful to the community for its overwhelming support.”

ShopRite’s Veteran campaign was comprised of several fundraising efforts including a check-out counter donation drive, golf outing and casino night, car washes, hot dog sales, pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, raffles and giveaways. In addition, ShopRite vendors contributed by donating a portion of the proceeds from special product promotions to the overall donation.

The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans provides emotional, financial and educational support for Mid-Hudson Valley veterans and families of military personnel killed or wounded while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. This 57-member volunteer organization helps veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide prevention, offers funding for therapy and rehabilitation and professional consultations to retrain and re-employ veterans back into the work force. To learn more, visit www.familiesofwarvets.org.

The Tower of Hope provides funding to train and care for expertly trained service dogs so seriously wounded veterans can live in greater safety and comfort, and with higher independence. With service dogs costing more than $25,000 per year, The Tower of Hope proudly provides service dogs to veterans at no charge. To learn more, visit www.thetowerofhope.org.

The Orange County Veterans Food Pantry provides food and non-perishable items for the growing community of veterans of all ages and branches of service who have served our country. The County of Orange oversees this pantry and provides a delivery service to the families that have no means of transportation. To learn more, visit www.orangecountygov.com.

About ShopRite:

ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative, based in Keasbey, NJ and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With more than 220 ShopRite Supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than five million customers each week. A long-time supporter of key community efforts, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite has donated more than $22 million to 1,500 worthy charities and food banks since the program began in 1999.  As a title sponsor of the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic, ShopRite has raised more than $22 million for local schools, hospitals and community groups. For more information, please visit www.ShopRite.com.

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY – On September 16, Donna and Phil Vallone of Roscoe, were honored with the 25th annual SYDA Foundation Community Service Award.

The Vallones, who own Rolling V Bus Corporation, were recognized for their long-standing commitment to community service, and in particular, their promotion of driver safety among young people.

Since 1986, the SYDA Foundation has presented this annual award to a local citizen as a way of  acknowledging and celebrating their outstanding service to the community.

The SYDA Foundation, based in Sullivan County, is the not-for-profit organization that makes Siddha Yoga meditation available to students around the world.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Community Service Award, Arnold Drogen, one of the SYDA Foundation trustees, presented the Vallones with a check for $5,000.

The Vallones were honored for the care and safety with which their bus company regularly transports over 6,000 Sullivan and Ulster County school children to and from school.

In his acceptance speech, Phil thanked the SYDA Foundation by saying, “SYDA is an organization that leads by example. Their commitment and contribution to this community are tremendous.” He also spoke movingly of the satisfaction he feels at the end of each school day when the last of their bus drivers reports that their charges have been safely transported back home.

Mrs. Vallone said her dedication to community service began with her parents as role models. She spoke of her deep love of family – her own as well as the extended family that comprises her community.

The award ceremony was attended by a number of state and county officials and past award recipients, including last year’s recipients, The Honorable Anthony and Mrs. Nancy Kane.

New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther presented a proclamation from the State Assembly, and Julie Allen presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Sullivan County Legislator David Sager presented a certificate of appreciation from the Sullivan County Legislature.

Phil and Donna Vallone were introduced at the ceremony by Linda DeSabato, Phil‘s sister and vice president of Rolling V Bus Corporation. She told how in 2006, a fatal highway accident involving two Livingston Manor teens motivated the Vallones to locally fund and sponsor “Alive at 25,” a nationwide driver-safety program offered by area schools, and attended by thousands of young local drivers.

As a part of the festivities, Kenny Werner, an internationally recognized jazz musician who lives in South Fallsburg, serenaded the Vallones and the audience with his improvisation on the inspiring ballad, “Somewhere,” by Leonard Bernstein.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

ELDRED, NY – At a time when the world is at war and so many people can’t seem to find a decent word to say to each other, several hundred people came together for one cause, for one reason, and to fight one huge battle.

They gathered on a rainy, chilly September day to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, the largest volunteer-driven foundation for children’s cancer research. The organization funds more grants toward that end than any organization except the U.S. government.

Held on September 12 at The Corner in Eldred, the Conga Against Cancer / Human Line of Hope was organized by Sullivan County resident Lou Monteleone, affectionately known as The Lord of the Trout.

Monteleone set up four ways to contribute. The Corner Store in Eldred was decorated with the “Line of Hope” – hand-holding paper dolls that encircle the walls. Each doll represents a $1 donation to St. Baldrick’s.

Then Montelone set aside a day that started at 11:00 a.m. with people shaving their heads in return for donations. Chief shaver, Pam Kocher, from Pam’s Cutting Corner in Eldred donated her time, her implements and her services to shave heads, beards and mustaches. It was her first time as a St. Baldrick’s shaver. “Lou asked me to volunteer, and I was happy to … it’s a really good cause.”

Occasionally, Mr. Monteleone grabbed the electric razor away and did a little shaving himself.

There were lots of men, several older boys and even a couple of brave women who stepped up to the plate. Shavee Ryan O’Mara drove up from North Carolina where he had just moved about a month ago. He had collected a little over $2000 since March.

Amanda Baum, also from North Carolina, did double duty. The Pre-K through 5^th grade art teacher was honoring her Uncle Russell and Uncle Harvey, both of whom had passed away from cancer. Baum first had her braids cut off to donate to Locks of Love, the program that provides wigs for children who are going through cancer treatment. She had donated hair to this program twice before. Then Baum had her head shaved, raising a little of over $2000 in donations. She said she was inspired by Lee Karasik (who was also there to get his head shaved). Baum and Karasik worked together at the Center for Discovery. Having prepared her students to see her bald, Baum mentioned that they kept asking her when it was going to happen and “Why do you still have hair?”

Master money man Monteleone ran the shaving with an iron hand, cajoling more and more money out of friends and relatives of the shavees and even from total strangers, by threatening to leave a head half-shaved.

And then Monteleone put his money where his mouth was, or rather where his head was and, went bald for St. Baldrick’s himself, having been proceeded by celebrity Paul Ciliberto of Thunder 102’s Ciliberto and Friends. Unlike Ciliberto, though, Monteleone sacrificed his mustache for more money.

In between the morning and afternoon events, the slightly damp, but decidedly enthusiastic crowd gathered under one of the many tents donated by Steven Booth of All American Event Rentals. There they enjoyed entertainment by the SJP Band and comedian Ava Levy, all of whom donated their time and talent.

At 4:00 p.m., participants in the Human Line of Hope and Conga Across America, lined up on the side of Route 55. They were wearing letters around their neck that spelled words of encouragement like “hope,” “cure” or “courage,” or the names of loved ones affected in some way by the disease. Each letter represented a $10 donation. As those in line held hands and swayed to the music, the emotion was palpable.

Monteleone said, “The Human Line of Hope is a replica of what I did with the paper dolls holding hands in solidarity, so I said I can do the same outside using humans to unite everybody together, hold hands, play some great music that has to do with hope and courage and bravery, and dedicate it to all those children and adults who are battling this disease, or to people who been lost to cancer.”

Following the Human Line of Hope, everyone standing in line received a small American flag and held it aloft while they listened to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”

And then at 4:30 p.m., the crowd, still wearing their letters, began the Conga Across America. They congaed down the street, over to the Peck’s Market parking lot and then into the field where Monteleone gathered the people holding letters to spell “Let’s Conquer.”

Food for the event was donated by The Corner Grill. And door prizes galore came compliments of many area businesses. All proceeds went to St. Baldrick’s. After the event, those who walked over to the Piazza by The Corner enjoyed brick oven pizza and entertainment by John Zanger.

Monteleone was “absolutely shocked” at the outpouring of love and generosity on the part of the attendees. He told the crowd, “I put a number of $10K on this … when I checked this morning, we were at $9500. It’s always nice to dream, but you guys have raised thousands of dollars, there aren’t words to describe how I feel right now.”

As the event was winding down, Monteleone was still taking it all in. “I feel absolutely great. We more than exceeded our goal, and I’ve got a ton of donations in my pocket that have to be counted. There were 103 people in line for the Line of Hope / Conga. It’s definitely pleasing, especially on a day like today with the rain. For the people to brave that out for 20 minutes was wonderful.

Monteleone is still gratefully accepting donations. You can call him at 845-557-3321, go to the St. Baldrick’s Web site, and type the word conga in the search box, or go to any of the following Facebook pages: Conga Across America, Human Line of Hope, The Corner in Eldred, Lord of the Trout Fan Club, or Lord of the Trout’s Conga Across America.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Conga & Human Line of Hope, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

TOWN OF DENNING, NY – Join Aaron Bennett, Catskill Mountainkeeper Regional Director and Alan White from the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development on a hike to the Red Hill Fire Tower. The event will be held on Saturday, October 2 at 10:00 a.m. Trailhead on Dinch/Coons Road in the Town of Denning. 

The 60′ tower was de-commissioned in 1991, and rather than tear it down the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation put its future in the hands of dedicated volunteers who restored it for public enjoyment ten years ago. 

Hikers will visit the old observer’s cabin at the summit, which has been turned into a museum that honors all of the observers who once watched over the southern Catskill Mountains.

Throughout the hike, Aaron and Alan will talk about the history of land use, the current threats to the forest and region and much more.  From atop the tower they will point out the various mountains and valleys from this elevated position that offers a 360-degree view. 

This hike is part of the annual Catskill "Lark in the Park", which brings together people and organizations to heighten awareness of the Catskill Mountain Region in New York State. 

The 2.5-mile hike is moderate and will take approximately 4 hours. Participants should bring a lunch and plenty of water, good hiking boots are a must, dogs are permitted and pre-registration is required by September 30th to Aaron at aaron@catskillmountainkeeper.org or call him at 845-701-7612.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the following counties:  Albany, Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga, Ulster, Westchester Counties.

Activation Time: 09/13/10 1:36 PM

Expiration Time: 09/13/10 8:00 PM

Issued By: NWS Storm Prediction Center (Storm Prediction Center – Norman, Oklahoma)

Description: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 655 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS NY . NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ALBANY BROOME CHENANGO COLUMBIA DELAWARE DUTCHESS GREENE ORANGE OTSEGO PUTNAM RENSSELAER ROCKLAND SCHOHARIE SULLIVAN TIOGA ULSTER WESTCHESTER

The watch is also effective for Wayne and Pike Counties and other regions in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

Nearly 400 people found their way to DeBruce, NY for the 16th incarnation of the DeBruce Family Labor Day Parade.

This year’s event celebrated children’s literacy and was a fundraiser for the Livingston Manor Free Library with a festival called Books, Bubbles & Balloons. There was entertainment with the Balloon-a-Tic, the Bubble Man, Story Laurie, the Mountain Tones Marching Band, Lorena the Spanish Dancer, and much, much more.

The parade featured floats, an antique fire truck, antique and classic cars and lots of people dressed as their favorite book characters. Everyone from Cinderella to Charlotte to the Cat in the Hat to Dr. Doolittle was there, as well as Thing One, Thing Two (and Thing Three?).

A giant children’s book sale took place under a huge tent with chapter books, picture books, non-fiction, Little Golden Books, graphic novels and more for sale.  And children could sign up to get free books throughout the school year.

Children’s authors Clara Gillow Clark, author of Hattie on Her Way, Annie’s Choice, and Nellie Bishop, Lindsay Barrett George (photo below), author of Maggie’s Ball, Alfred Digs, The Secret, My Bunny and Me, and many others, and Vera B. Williams, author of A Chair for My Mother, A Chair for Always, Lucky Song, More, More, More Said the Baby and several other titles, were on hand to sign books and greet the children.

There was an apple-pressing demonstration and a tasting of the sweet cider. Hot dogs and drinks were available for a nominal fee, and the children got free ice cream all day.

Entertainment was provided by the Arthur Rubenzahl, a.k.a. Balloon-a-Tic (photo below) who made all sorts of balloons for the children, and even was able to put a balloon into a balloon.

Story Laurie (photo below), who settled in the Catskills 16 years ago, told and sang stories. Her stories come from books, collections of folktales, and from other story tellers, and she performs at schools, libraries, parades and other events. Of her first time at the DeBruce Labor Day Parade she said, “It’s an absolutely magnificent event and I’m thrilled to be here. I’m a long-time lover of books and libraries, so the fact that it benefits a library makes it even more special.” You can find out more about Story Laurie at her website.

The Bubble Man (photo below) was a huge hit with his juggling, and spectacular bubble-making talents. Doug Rougeux lives in Syracuse and has been a bubble man for a long time. In fact, he said that this is his 20th anniversary tour.

Rougeux started juggling when he was 12, from a book called “Juggling Without Struggling” by Jay Green. “I bought it for my best friend Steve for his birthday, but I never gave it to him. And I still have the first little ball that I learned to juggle with. But I taught Steve how to juggle and I taught every single college roommate I ever had to juggle.”

Rougeux later joined a college club called the  Binghamton Juggling Institute, and juggled for the first time in front of an audience. He also took a mime workshop and a circus arts course, which led to his getting a job at Ringling Bros. circus. For two years he traveled across the country.

The Bubble Man learned his bubble making art from Casey Carle, who he calls “a bubble mentor and guru.” Carle spent two years perfecting the formula for making bubbles. (Hint: clear dishwashing liquid works better than the opaque stuff.)

Rougeux is available for indoor or outdoor shows at libraries, schools, festivals and theatres, and he can be reached through his websites www.bubblejuggle.com or www.bubble-time.com.

Livingston Manor Free Library Director Peggy Johansen was giddy with excitement. “It was so amazing, you had to elbow through the crowds … it was great. The parade was so much fun, we sold a ton of books … I’m thrilled, and the weather was perfect … ”

Organizer Steve Dill (photo left) was overjoyed with the turnout. “It’s the happiest day of my life. What a day, everything was great. The weather cooperated, everybody showed up, it went very smoothly, my family was such a big help … the neighbors getting the cars organized and the parking, people donated hay for the hayride … ”

And, when all was said and done, the Livingston Manor Free Library netted a little over $1200 from the event.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from the DeBruce Family Labor Day Parade, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Pictured in the above photo are: Ceil Cohen (ret. 1989), Eileen Kalter (ret.2002), Aileen Halchak (ret. 1991), Bob Longo (ret. 1984), Nancy Catalano (ret. 1999). – Provided photos

FALLSBURG, NY – Following a long-standing tradition, the retirees (teachers and staff) from the Fallsburg Central School District met for breakfast at the Blue Horizon Diner in Monticello on the opening day of work for the Fallsburg Schools. 

Among the 40 attendees were the longest retired – Alice Walter (ret. 1982, kindergarten, math and guidance counselor) and Connie Stangel (ret. 1983 elementary) and the most recent retiree – Dolly Levner (ret. Aug. 26, 2010 staff). 

Ceil Cohen (ret. 1989 math) read several letters from colleagues who were unable to attend: one from Fred Madeo (ret. english) now living in Ithaca,NY; another from Jim McDermott (ret.1993 social studies and dean) now living in Pittsburgh, PA. 

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Esther Grossman (ret.1991 physical education).

This event gave everyone a chance to catch up on news and to see friends and colleagues. Many thanks go to Nancy Catalano (ret. 1999 math) and Ceil Cohen for continuing to organize this yearly celebration of retirement.

MONTICELLO, NY – The Monticello Interact Club, a youth service organization supported by the Monticello Rotary, recently voted to donate $300, a portion of the proceeds from their fundraising activities, to the Boys & Girls Club in Monticello, NY.

Interact Advisor Jacob Lerner said, “Our Rotary Club and our Interact Club feel that giving back the community is an important part of what we do, and we are pleased to make this donation to benefit Monticello children taking part in the Boys and Girls Clubs.”

Boys & Girls Clubs will open at a new site in the RJK Middle School on Monday, September 20, 2010, for students Grades 6-8. The program will focus each week on the five core areas of youth development, Character & Leadership, Healthy & Wellness, The Arts, Sports & Recreation and Education, as well as great community service opportunities, exposure to new artistic or sports activities, and strong anti-drug and anti-gang programs.

“We are grateful to Interact and Rotary for this generous donation. A one-year membership at Boys & Girls Clubs at Monticello costs $40. We believe that no child should ever be refused for inability to pay, so this donation will be used to provide scholarships for club members in need,” said BGC Executive Director Alexis Eggleton.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs in Sullivan or Orange Counties, or to obtain registration information, please visit www.bgcorange.org.

Pictured in the photo above from left to right are – Kamal Duggirala, SYDA Foundation Board of Trustees, Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams and Chris Williams, SYDA Foundation Manager for Community Relations. – Provided photo

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY – The SYDA Foundation, as part of their program of ongoing contributions to the local community in the areas of health, safety, and education, has donated $3,500 to the Town of Fallsburg Police Department.

Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams said that the police department has decided to use this donation to buy new Honor Guard uniforms, worn by the department’s Honor Guard police for special events such as parades and official ceremonies.

Annual donations from the SYDA Foundation since 1995 have enabled the Fallsburg Police Department to purchase two all-terrain vehicles, a scanner, surveillance cameras for the court room and police station, and a policing database system. In 2000, the SYDA Foundation donation was used to modify a police vehicle in order to transport the town’s first police dog, Cigs.

In 2008, SYDA Foundation’s donation funded a pilot program to purchase a laptop computer for one of the patrol cars. This led to the department securing a New York State grant so that five patrol cars were similarly outfitted.

The SYDA Foundation is the not-for-profit organization based in South Fallsburg, New York that makes Siddha Yoga meditation available to students around the world.

LIBERTY, NY – Habitat for Humanity of Sullivan County received an unexpected show of generosity from Dean Construction and Home Improvement of Neversink on the installation of new gutters around the perimeter of the Habitat-constructed house in the Village of Liberty. 

Mike Dean, President, volunteered his crew, Doug Dean (right) and Raoul Pelayes (left) to install the seamless gutters and gutter guards purchased, at a reduced price, from Superior Building Supply in Neversink.

HARRIS, NY – Catskill Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) Grover M. Hermann Hospital will continue its ongoing health promotion initiatives by holding free informational sessions at local libraries.

The sessions, facilitated by Ethan Singer, Registered Nurse Practitioner and Joni Johannes, Grover M. Hermann Clinical Nurse Director, will include pamphlets on nutrition, diabetes, foot care, cholesterol reduction, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and smoking cessation. Blood pressure screenings will be offered during each session.

The sessions will be held on the following dates:

• September 23 – Roscoe Library, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• October 2 – Callicoon Library, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• October 9 – Narrowsburg Library (Tusten Branch) 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• October 23 – Jeffersonville Library 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The informational series is funded through a grant from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). The grant, which was awarded to the Grover M. Hermann Hospital Division of CRMC earlier this year, supports community outreach programs on chronic disease. Recognizing the importance of proper disease management, the hospital developed this series to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of a variety of chronic diseases, as well as the health care services and support programs available locally.

The purpose of HRSA’s Office of Rural Health Policy’s Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Grant Program (SHCPQI) is to assist rural providers with the implementation of quality improvement strategies, while improving patient care and chronic disease outcomes. Improving the quality of chronic disease management in ambulatory care settings can improve health indicators and decrease emergency room visits and admissions to hospitals.

An affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region.

For more information please visit www.crmcny.org or call Joni Johannes at 845-887-5530 ext. 2120.

Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Kenneth Walter

MONGAUP VALLEY, NY – The Charlie’s Angels did it again. The all-woman softball team toppled the Thunder 102 All Stars 29-15 in the 4th Annual Alzheimer’s Challenge Softball Game, beating them by only slightly less a spread than last year.

The friendly game raised money for the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Good natured teasing and charges of cheating flew back and forth during the game, almost as much as fly balls into left field.

The game was called by Michelle Semerano of the Ciliberto and Friends show, with color commentary by The Catskill Chronicle’s Carol Montana and Thunder 102’s Mike Sakell of Sakell in the Afternoon.

Playing for Charlie’s Angels were:

Jess Bradley, Analey Dietrich, Leane Mangobang, Tonya Martin, Shannon Dietrich, Terri Ward, Jo Walls (Coach), Emily Zieres, Lisa Krom, Cindy Ellmauer, Robyn Gannon, Debbie Ackerley and Christine Costa-Decker.

The Thunder 102 All Stars line up was:

Paul Ciliberto (NY Regional Manager Bold Gold Media Group – photo above), Dr. Stuart Tashman (Wurtsboro Medical Associates – photo right), Garry Samboy (GM M&M Auto Group. Wednesday Co-Host ), Neil Gilberg (Chairman 2nd Annual Radiothon for Iraqi and Afghanistan War Veterans), Dr. Michelle Koury (COO Crystal Run Healthcare), Dr. Richard Stein (Petcare Animal Hospital), Howard Braunstein (M&M Auto Group), Chrissy Schiff (Sales Associate at Thunder 102), Chris Masters (Bubba’s BBQ), Steve Booth (All American Event Rentals), Lila Schiff, Dan Briggs (Sullivan County Clerk), and Sue Sakell (wife of Thunder Country’s afternoon host Mike Sakell).

Umpires Mary Feusner and Kurt Scheibe volunteered their time for this worthy cause, which raised over $1400 for the Alzheimer’s Association, including: a collection from Charlie’s Angels of $1005.50, a donation from Karen’s Crew in honor of Charlie’s Angels in the amount of $80 and over $255 from raffle tickets sold during the game, and a $60 anonymous donation.

Sheila Lashinsky is the co-chair along with Marcia Fink  (photo left) for the next big event sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association – the Memory Walk, which takes place on Sunday, September 26 at Emerald Green in Rock Hill. Last year’s event raised over $36,000, and Lashinsky is hoping that the new location brings in new walkers from the Rock Hill and Bloomingburg areas. “Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Walk starts at 11:00 a.m.” says Lashinsky.

Fink says they are looking to “raise awareness and money to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. The money does stay in Sullivan County and nearby areas.”

You can register online at the Alzheimer’s Association website, or contact Janet Troia at 845-794-3774.

Lashinsky hopes that people will show up even if they can’t do the walk. “You can support the walkers. We ‘ll have raffle prizes, demonstrations and good food, Eric Bressi – Elvis’ lost brother will be ther to entertain, Pete Tweed will be conducting the warm-up, and Dr. Professor Balloonakiss will be on hand, also.

Here are some additional photos from the game:

To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 4th Annual Alzheimer’s Softball Challenge, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Largest Ever USDA Rural Development Investment in NY Will Repair System that 2008 Engineering Report Deemed "Near Failure"

MONTICELLO, NY – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today was joined by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Agency New York State Director Jill Harvey, Monticello Mayor Gordon Jenkins, and county and local officials to announce a major federal investment for the repair of the wastewater collection and treatment systems in the Village of Monticello. 

The $14.4 million grant and low-interest loan award, which represents the largest ever committed by USDA Rural Development in New York, will allow the village to lay a foundation for new economic development that is currently inhibited by an aging system, which was deemed "near failure" by a 2008 village engineering report. The federal funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, for which Hinchey strongly supported and voted.

"At one time, the Village of Monticello was a hub for tourism as many from downstate and throughout the country traveled to the Catskills to take advantage of the area’s fine resorts and beautiful landscapes," said Hinchey. "While the village has struggled over the past several decades, the efforts to revitalize and improve Monticello are gaining strength, and critical to that is well-maintained public infrastructure to serve existing and new businesses and residents. With this substantial commitment of federal resources through the Recovery Act, we will be able to alleviate the cost burden to local ratepayers while also helping to create engineering and construction jobs. This much-needed upgrade, along with the reconstruction of Broadway, will help to support growth in this historic village for decades to come."

Hinchey supported the village’s application throughout the approval process with state and national Rural Development officials. When the preliminary determination seemed at jeopardy of being significantly reduced, Hinchey spoke personally to Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary for Rural Development at the USDA, stressing the importance of the project to economic development and revitalization in Monticello and the Catskill region. The award was also facilitated due to the fact that it is located in the Sullivan-Wawarsing Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone, which was established by Hinchey in 1999 and extended last year. REAP Zones are federally-designated areas experiencing serious economic distress that receive preference for USDA grant and loan funding. 

"USDA Rural Development’s mission is to improve the quality of life in rural areas, and this award for the Village of Monticello certainly helps us achieve that objective," said Harvey, State Director for USDA Rural Development in New York. "The $14.4 million grant and low-interest loan package is the largest award USDA Rural Development has ever provided for a wastewater project in this state and will directly result in improved services and cost savings for the Village’s 6,000-plus residents."

Much of the mechanical equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is over 25 years old, and parts of the sanitary collection system are over 50 years old and nearing failure. The planned system improvements are critical for protection of the public health and the environment. It would be nearly impossible to make the needed improvements without a substantial commitment of federal resources.  With a small population of 6,513 and a median household income of $22,671, the village would be hard pressed to fund the repairs and upgrades through rate and tax increases. At the same time, the village would not be able to support any new development or growth until the most distressed parts of the wastewater infrastructure have been repaired and made dependable. 

The village will receive a grant of $6,447,000 and a loan for 7,984,000 at an interest rate of 2.375 percent. This is both the largest grant award and total grant and loan package ever provided by Rural Development in New York State. The Village will also contribute $569,000 towards the $15 million project. The project will focus on the reconstruction of the existing wastewater treatment facility, upgrading it to a modern, energy-efficient plant that will significantly reduce energy costs from operations.

The village and USDA Rural Development signed a Letter of Conditions this week that allows the project to advance. The project will be designed and engineered over the fall and winter with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2011.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

BLOOMINGBURG, NY – Sullivan County’s Democrats got together on Sunday, August 29 to enjoy each other’s company, listen to music and some short speeches, and enjoy some food.

The gathering was the 93rd Annual Jeffersonian. The place was the Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg. Music was provided by Stacy Cohen and her band, and even featured Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Vegliante on tambourine. Town of Fremont Supervisor James Grier also performed.

Current candidates Cindy Barber (running for Sullivan County Court Judge), David Sager (running for New York State Senate), Aileen Gunther (running for re-election to the NY 98th Assembly District) delivered brief remarks to the assembled crowd.

Also in attendance, former Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Darryl Kaplan, Democratic Election Commissioner Faith Kaplan, Town of Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm, Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen, Democratic State Committee Member Robert Krutman, Assistant Democratic Election Commissioner Ann Prusinski, Liberty Town Council candidate Jeremy Gorelick, and members of the various town committees.

According to Steve Wilkinson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee, events like Demstock 2010, “create unity among the Democrats, and a feeling of good will, and brotherhood or sisterhood with each other, because we get to see each other and have a great time. But it also helps us to raise funds so we can support our candidates, support our work during the year with an office and different expenses that we have to keeping carting the message out.”

The Sullivan County Democratic Party just opened a new office in Rock Hill at the old Rock Hill Phamacy.” Wilkinson is looking for volunteers “so we’ll know we can have actual hours, and so people can go in and get signs and bumper stickers. Plus it’s a place where we can actually do phone calling as Election Day gets closer and and make those get-out-the-vote calls.”

During his remarks Wilkinson announced that there will be a Democratic presence also at the Autism Speaks Walk on October 2 at Sullivan County Community College, and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event at Catskill Regional Medical Center on October 16. “It’s not always about politics,” said Wilkinson, “It’s about helping out local organizations that need our help.”

Here are additional photos from the event. Click the link below for the full album of photos.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Demstock 2010, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

CALLICOON, NY – The 2nd Annual Home of the Free Because of the Brave Radiothon was held on Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29 at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY.

The brainchild of Ray McCarthy, President and Founder of the Committee for the Families of Iraqi and Afghanistan War Veterans, the Radiothon is designed to raise money to assist  war veterans and their families with bills, jobs, transition to civilian life, medical help and whatever assistance is needed. Geographically, the organization focuses on the Mid-Hudson Valley’s neediest veterans and their families.

The organization was started after McCarthy read the story of Lt. Louis Allen, who had been killed in Iraq, leaving behind a wife and four young boys. McCarthy made phone calls to people who would be willing to help him start a non-profit organization

And last year, McCarthy teamed up with radio station Thunder 102, ShopRite and others to organize a one-day Radiothon, which was held at the Sullivan County Airport.

As is often the case when these things take off, this year’s Radiothon grew up. It was held in a bigger place – the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon, NY, and it was held for two days.

Once again teaming up with Thunder 102, ShopRite and many other area businesses including the Villa Roma, McCarthy and Radiothon Chair Neil Gilberg had phone banks, entertainment and even a couple of cakes to celebrate the event. 

Gilberg (photo left) arranged for phone lines, volunteers to staff the phone for two nine-hour days, and clerical people to tally donations, while radio personalities, Paul Ciliberto, Mike Sakell, Michelle Semerano and Sarah Prutzman interviewed veterans and people affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Celebrities, politicians and community members were on hand, all volunteering their time, including Kevin Dowdell of the Villa Roma, who was instrumental in arranging for the event’s new venue.

“This is important to each and every one of us,” said Gilberg. “We’ve been at war for 10 years, and we have so many men and women affected by the wars, and it’s our responsibility to be there for them, in any way we can when they come back and sadly for the families of those who don’t come back. … serious amounts of monies have been given to families of those who have been injured or killed.”

Volunteers Stu and Ilene Wizwer of Hurleyville  (photo right) were there not only to answer the phones, but also to talk about ProjectNewHope.Net, a effort to provide free recreational retreats for military members and their families, helping the veterans to re-acclimate themselves into civilian life. Stu is connected through his work with the Lions Club, for which he serves as District Governor. The Lions provide their Camp Badger in Spencer, NY for the retreat. Contact Project New Hope at info@projectnewhope.net or at 218-851-5839.

New York Regional Manager of Thunder 102, Paul Ciliberto sees involvement in the community as the bottom line for his radio station. “We create the awareness, our listeners make things happen,” said Ciliberto. “Our listeners are incredibly supportive. And you find that those who have the least are the ones who give the most.” Ciliberto considers himself blessed. “We have an owner who allows us to do what it takes to get the job done. And I have the most amazing staff …”

In the middle of one of the busiest weekends of the summer for the radio station, Cilberto was pragmatic. “The veterans and the families of the veterans, they’ve gone through more than we could ever go through on these busy weekends. It’s never enough to say thank you …”

Ciliberto said that a big part of the event this year was the sale of Eagle Cards, which were sold at many area businesses, both in New York and PA. He also had a big thank you for the honorary chair people: Steve Ruwoldt of Catskill Regional Medical Center, Dr. Michelle Koury of Crystal Run Healthcare, Howard Braunstein of the M & M Auto Group, and Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini. “The efforts they’ve put out put out have been incredible,” said Ciliberto.

Founder of the Committee, Ray McCarthy (photo extreme right) said the whole purpose of the Radiothon is “to raise as much money as we possibly can, to help as many family as we possibly can.” McCarthy had some grim statistics at his fingertips. “The unemployment rates for veterans is 35%, 20% of veterans come home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, 21 veterans from the Hudson Valley have been killed in action, and the area has seen six suicides from the military community.”

There are 52 people on the Committee, and McCarthy praises them all as “incredibly talented people.”

A new person on the board is Darren Wiseman, who was Co-chair of Radiothon. He handled some  of the logistics, and he organized the entertainment, which included Alyssa Startup, T.J. Sacco, Chris Barron and the Time Bandits, Elvis and the Roustabouts, and many others. “I play music myself, and we just reached out, we got people coming from the city, and some great local bands,” said Wiseman, who started rounding up the entertainment about 6 months ago. “The challenging thing was that so many bands wanted to come and play (for free). They know it’s for a good cause.”

For more information about the Committee for the Families of Iraq and Afghanistan War Vets, click on this link: http://www.familiesofwarvets.org/. 794-0060.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 2nd Annual Home of the Free Because of the Brave Radiothon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.