The Catskill Chronicle

CALLICOON, NY – The Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center has been recognized by Fodor’s Travel, the foremost name in travel publishing, as a 2010 Fodor’s Choice selection. This distinction represents a remarkable achievement and recognizes Villa Roma as a leader in its field for service, quality and value.

Since 1988, Fodor’s Travel has awarded the Fodor’s Choice honor to only the very best hotels, restaurants and attractions around the world. Every year, Fodor’s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only 15 percent of those selections are awarded the Fodor’s Choice designation by Fodor’s editors.

“From hidden-away restaurants to can’t-miss museums, Fodor’s Choice selections recognize the top sights, properties and experiences our editors and updaters have found in their travels,” says Fodor’s publisher Tim Jarrell. “These places are the best of the best, providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category.”

As a 2010 Fodor’s Choice recipient, Villa Roma receives special recognition in the current Fodor’s guidebook and on Fodors.com.

“We are honored to receive this merit from Fodor’s Travel,” said Paul Carlucci, Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center’s Vice President. “We are proud of the high-quality amenities and services that we offer to our guests, and attribute much of our success to our commitment to reinvest in our property, our dedicated and hard-working staff, and our wholehearted and earnest philosophy that each guest deserves the very best vacation experience, whether it’s for a day, a week or longer.”

BETHEL, NY – The Museum at Bethel Woods invites all 1960s and Woodstock fans to contribute to its collection and be an active participant in the future of The Museum. In conjunction with its upcoming special exhibit, Collecting Woodstock:  Recent Museum Acquisitions, The Museum has announced an official call for historic objects. 

The Museum started collecting Sixties and Woodstock festival artifacts while it was being built.  Since opening in 2008, The Museum has continued to acquire artifacts. The most interesting and significant acquisitions often come from donors who have a love of the decade and who enjoy knowing that their treasured object will be preserved and enjoyed by others in exhibits at Bethel Woods. Objects associated with the historic 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair are essential to the growth and educational potential of The Museum and are actively sought by its team. Past donations have created the beginning of an outstanding collection that continues to appeal to all generations from varied backgrounds throughout the world. Artifacts provide insight to the past and enhance and strengthen the ability to share history with future generations.

To celebrate artifacts collected by The Museum to date, and the donors who gave them, a new special exhibition Collecting Woodstock:  Recent Museum Acquisitions will open on July 29, 2010 and run through January 2, 2011. The exhibit, which includes photographs, objects, and ephemera from the 1969 Woodstock festival, features thirty new festival images from 5 photographers; festival artifacts that have never been previously displayed; and a video compilation of rare Woodstock footage, interviews, home video of the festival, and live music audio from the concert.

Special exhibit highlights include:

· Woodstock festival photographs shot by then 18-year old Doug Lenier – Lenier’s photographs offer a fresh look at the Woodstock festival, the crowds and the artists. Determined to photograph the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, NY, Lenier grabbed his girlfriend and Nikon to capture the event. Lenier is a professional photographer and currently works in the music industry in California.  Upon reading about The Museum at Bethel Woods, he reviewed his old festival photos and contacted The Museum. One photo confirms the existence of the often-mentioned, but never previously seen, Ferris wheel which was located atop the hill near where The Museum is currently located. 

· Woodstock festival photograph shot by Richard Gordon – Gordon provides a new perspective on navigating the muddy field.

· Journal of artists and performances donated by John Marvelle – Kevin Marvelle enjoyed the entire festival, from Richie Havens through Jimi Hendrix, and maintained a handwritten journal that documents each act.  This journal, donated to The Museum by his brother, is the ultimate corroboration for recent revisions to the history of “who played when.” 

· Hog Farm “red rag” – The Hog Farm, the New Mexico commune hired by Woodstock promoters to set up the campground and assist with “public safety,” sent 12 people via bus to Bethel, NY to work the festival.  Other communards joined them, and there were as many as 100 Hog Farmers working to develop campgrounds, prepare kitchens to feed the crowds and maintain order prior to the start of the concert. To create an identity for the Hog Farmers and their volunteers, Paul Foster, Hog Farmer and Merry Prankster, made a drawing of a hog with wings.  Alton Kelley, one of the decade’s most highly-regarded poster artists, printed the image on red fabric, torn into strips, to be distributed to all Hog Farmers and volunteers. The red rags became both an all-access pass to any area of the site and symbol of the spirit of the festival.    

· Yasgur Farm Artifacts – By the late 1960s, Max Yasgur’s dairy was the largest milk producer in Sullivan County. When Woodstock festival promoters tried to find a last-minute location for the festival, Yasgur agreed to lease one of his fields in Bethel, NY and the rest is history. Artifacts from the Yasgur’s dairy farm include a milk crate, creamery hat, bottle cap, and “swag” syrup pitcher that was distributed to his customers.

“It’s thrilling to see the permanent collection continue to grow and flourish,” said Lawrence. “Without the generosity of wonderful fans nationwide, who have donated touchstone pieces of recent history, much of the material witness to our past would be lost forever. We encourage all Woodstock and 1960s fans to go to our website and learn how they too can be a part of The Museum and history.”

If you own an object that is related to the historic 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair or the decade of the 1960s and would be interested in sharing it with the world, not only at the present time, but for generations to come, then The Museum would like to hear from you.

Please visit http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/museum/about/contributeartifact.aspx for information on the process of submitting artifacts.

Museum director Wade Lawrence explained, “Please don’t send your artifacts to The Museum unless we have seen the item and have asked you to send it to us. We must first see a photo of the item being offered and hear a bit about its history in order to evaluate whether it is appropriate for the permanent collection. We couldn’t possibly accept everything that is offered to us. Some items we already have in sufficient quantity, others are readily available and could be easily borrowed if we needed them for an exhibition, and some items simply don’t fit our collecting mission. Additionally, there are costs to The Museum for each item we add to the permanent collection, including costs to catalog and research the item, to conserve it, and to properly display or store it. These policies are in place to help us build a collection of only the best examples and ones worthy of serious study for years to come.”

Admission to this special exhibition is included in the regular Museum admission. For more information on the special exhibit, The Museum, and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 

About The Museum at Bethel Woods and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts:

The Museum is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation, which is dedicated to the study and exhibition of the social, political and cultural events of the 1960s, including the Woodstock Festival, and the legacies of those times. The Museum is located on lands owned by the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Sullivan County and the surrounding region by promoting economic development and interest in the region through arts, education and culture. For more information on The Museum at Bethel Woods, or Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, please visit http://www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. Follow The Museum at Bethel Woods on Facebook and Twitter.

ELLENVILLE, NY, June 14, 2010 – More than 25 years after defying long odds, harsh wintry conditions, scant supplies of food and little money to invest, members of the Cooperative Artists, the group that established professional theater at a then-closed 1920s Art Deco movie house in the old Borscht Belt region of the Lower Catskill Mountains are returning for a July 4^th weekend reunion celebration at Shadowland Theatre, the Actors’ Equity theater in downtown Ellenville, NY, 90 miles northwest of Broadway.    

Open to the public, the reunion and reception will be held July 3 at 4 pm at Shadowland.  Up to 15 of the original 33 Cooperative Artists members plan to attend, sharing memories, photos and recorded interviews from members unable to attend.  At 8 pm, they will attend the evening performance of “Guest Artist,” written by stage and film star Jeff Daniels and directed by James Glossman.  “Guest Artist” stars John Astin, who played Gomez Addams in the ABC-TV network series, “The Addams Family.” Astin, now director of theater studies at John Hopkins University, is returning to the Shadowland stage after an 11-year absence.

According to Brendan Burke, artistic director at Shadowland, some of the former Cooperative Artists members may be staying at the theater’s new housing, now nearing completion.  Shadowland acquired the downtown house in December 2009 through a $50,000 donation from Provident Bank.  It is being renovated at a cost of $100,000 to accommodate actors and crew, housed previously in local homes and rented apartments.

Andy Walter, a former president of Cooperative Artists and now a local resident, said professional theatre at Shadowland started with a vision fostered by Ron Marquette, the founding artistic director and currently coordinator of community relations and special events at SUNY Ulster, a local college.  “Ron called in the dead of winter around Christmas, 1984 and asked me to head upstate and give an assessment of this theatre in Ellenville, to open it up and produce live shows with the acting company, Cooperative Artists, comprised of acting students trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.”

Driving up in a January 1985 snowstorm, said Walter, they found the theater in a terrible state of disrepair, closed for more than a year after having been used as a movie theater for over 50 years.  “Soon after, 33 people from Cooperative Artists drove up from the city and the decision was made to buy the theater, each chipping in $1,000 to get started.”

On April 15, 1985, Marquette, Walter and two other actors started at the front door, worked their way in, cleaning out the building, sleeping on the stage at night in the freezing cold theater that lacked heat and running water.  In the following weeks, joined by other actors from the group who would drive up for a day or week to help when they could, the goal was to prepare the theater for a grand opening gala event during the July 4^th holiday weekend.   A press release was issued to the local community, not knowing anybody or what to expect, inviting them to come and see Kit McClure and Her All-Girl Swing Band plus the Cooperative Artists, who performed patriotic skits, songs and dance numbers.

According to Walter, “We were amazed that the house sold out, which at the time was over 400 seats. The excitement was palpable.  Within two minutes, many in the audience were standing, cheering, clapping.”

The group didn’t know what to expect, he said.  “To be greeted by such a turnout was just the push we needed to prepare us for what lay ahead.  The theater needed so much work and we were so broke.   But local people would bring us plates of sandwiches and the pizza guy would bring us leftover slices at the end of the day.  It kept us alive.  Sometimes we would all chip in a dollar each and buy a large bag of potatoes…spuds.  For several days at a time, we ate them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It was desperation, but, boy, it was fun.”

As they picked up steam heading into their opening season, construction work continued inside the theater.  “There was always someone playing the piano in the lobby accompanied by singing from whoever was in the room.  We built sets on in a barn on Park Street, set them on huge, wheeled dollies and rolled them down the street in the middle of the night to the theater, so as not to disrupt traffic.

“A lot of people from the Town of Wawarsing and the Village of Ellenville supported the group,” added Burke. “Businesses extended credit, often for no other reason than they enjoyed that first evening with Kit McClure’s band.  The fact that this group rambled into town and started from scratch was met with great support that continues today locally and throughout the Lower Hudson Valley region.”   

“It had a feel to it,” added Walter, “similar to the Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, ‘let’s put on a show’ concept.”  From there, he said, “Creative people – actors, singers, dancers, writers, teachers, set builders, musicians – got involved in some way or another.  But it was the original 33 and Ron Marquette’s vision for the whole thing that brought us together for such a wonderful, unique, exciting time in our lives.   

A quarter of a century later, the original actors have moved on with their lives, some still in show business, some having returned to their home countries.  “But to get together again, years later,” says Walter, “and celebrate such a unique, life-changing adventure is a time for us to stop and smell the roses over this wonderful thing we started.  Today, Shadowland, this little theater that could, stands as a testament to the original vision and dedication and talent of the Cooperative Artists members.”

Tickets for the Saturday, July 3, 8:00 pm performance of “Guest Artist” are available at the Shadowland box office at 157 Canal Street, Ellenville, by calling 845-647-5600 or visiting www.shadowlandtheatre.org. 

Andy Walter

Andy Walter studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan.  He has written, produced and directed children’s plays in New York City and the Catskills.  After helping found Shadowland Theater in the late 1980s, he moved to Ellenville, working at theater on a full-time basis for four years and served as president of the Cooperative Artists.   He married, started a family locally and eventually leaving the theater, opened a carpentry business in the Hudson Valley area, 16 on center.  He rejoined the Shadowland effort in 2007 as a member of the board of directors. In addition to operating his business, he teaches acting classes at Shadowland, producing children’s theater productions each winter.  He has also functioned as general contractor for the rebuilding of a house in Ellenville, donated by Provident Bank that will serve as housing for Shadowland’s professional actors and staff.

About Shadowland Theatre

Shadowland Theatre is the leading professional nonprofit Actors’ Equity company in the Lower Hudson Valley/Catskill Mountain region.  Located only 90 miles from New York City in Ellenville, NY, Shadowland was named “Best of the Valley” by Hudson Valley magazine in 2004, 2005 and 2007; “2006 Cultural Business of the Year” by Ulster Development Corporation and Ulster County Chamber of Commerce; “Best Theatre 2006” by the Times Herald Record; and “Best Drama of the Year” by The Daily Record in NJ for The Good German.  Founded in 1984, Shadowland performs in a restored 1920’s Art Deco vaudeville/movie house converted to a 148-seat theatre.  For more information, visit http://www.shadowlandtheatre.org.  

Pictured above is Stephen Rovitz Chamber Music Scholarship winner, Marina Lombardi.

MONTICELLO, NY – Six students from Monticello High School (MHS) have earned the distinction of being named Weekend of Chamber Music Summer Festival Interns, and will perform at 7 p.m. July 23 in the Summer Festival event, At Work & Play Behind the Notes.

The students were chosen based on their dedicated participation in the WCM Artist Coaching Project, which took place at the school during the year, and on their accomplishments as members of the MHS Chamber Music Program.

As interns, students are given full scholarships to work with the WCM artists, including private lessons on their instruments and intense coaching as an ensemble throughout the Festival, which runs from July 11 to 24 at the Eddie Adams Farm in Jeffersonville.

In the July 23 program, students and artists will demonstrate the coaching process they experienced at MHS during the school year, and then will perform a short piece – Maurice Ravel’s Petit Poucet (from Ma Mère L’Oye) – arranged by MHS Director of Chamber Music, Nancy Wegrzyn.

Informal and intimate, At Work & Play Behind the Notes is also an open rehearsal by the Festival Artists for the following Saturday night’s concert. The rehearsal includes pieces by Fauré, Debussy and Dutilleux, and welcomes audience participation and questions. Musicians Judith Pearce, flute; Nurit Pacht, violin; Yuval Waldman, violin/viola; Caroline Stinson, cello and Tannis Gibson, piano will be on hand for this event.

WCM is dedicated to encouraging young people in the pursuit of music, and pleased to present the Festival Intern Scholarships, as well as its annual Stephen Rovitz Chamber Music Scholarship. Additionally, two of the interns will receive the Eugene D. Nesin Scholarships for Summer Study.

The Stephen Rovitz Chamber Music Scholarship

Marina Lombardi, violin

WCM Summer Festival Intern Scholarships

Arielle Chin, violin

Jennifer Giza, violin

Jessica Nesin, piano

Emma Laufersweiler, dance

Eugene D. Nesin Scholarships for Summer Study

Marina Lombardi, violin

Aimee Pelosi, violin

WCM is a non-profit 501(c)3 Non-Profit, sponsored in part by public funding

from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency.

MONTICELLO, NY – On June 24, at 3:15pm in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, NY, Judge Martin Miller made an announcement that he will not run in a September primary for the position of Sullivan County Court Judge and Surrogate.

Prior to this decision, Judge Miller was to run in a Democratic Primary race against Cindy Barber, who was endorsed by The Sullivan County Democratic Committee as their choice to be the candidate for County Court Judge against the Republican candidate.

“Certainly I know this has been a difficult decision for Marty and I appreciate his calm consideration of this decision. I have gotten to know Marty over the past two years since I became Chairman. He is a thoughtful and honest man. He is a wonderful judge in the Town of Thompson and I will gladly support him in future elections,” stated Steve Wilkinson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee.

Judge Miller made the following statement, “After a long and arduous deliberation, I am announcing my withdrawal from the current primary race for Sullivan County Court Judge and Surrogate. I am grateful to the many people who have supported my candidacy and especially appreciative of the legion of volunteers who carried my petitions. While we could ensure a very strong primary contest, in the end, it would have been detrimental to the party overall. As we move forward, I will continue my commitment to serve the good citizens of Sullivan County.”

Bill James, Chairman of the Town of Thompson Democratic Committee added, “As Chairman of the Town of Thompson Democratic Committee, I am proud and honored to be here today for our County son, and long-time Town of Thompson Judge – Marty Miller. Marty is a man of honor and integrity who has selflessly served our community as a resident, community advocate, and judicial leader, and a role model of excellence.”

“Judge Miller’s decision does not come lightly. I am pleased that his decision will allow him to continue to provide judicial excellence for Town of Thompson residents and others who come before him in the court room. We are further assured that Marty’s outstanding legal knowledge on the bench allows us to keep a most competent, ethical and honorable Judge serving the Sullivan County Community.”

BETHEL, NY – Country music duo Brooks & Dunn have had to postpone and reschedule dates on their The Last Rodeo Tour due to illness. At the recommendation of his doctor, Ronnie Dunn was put on vocal rest for 3 weeks. Dunn said via text message: "Following my doctor’s order, shutting up, getting well and coming’ back asap!"

The Brooks & Dunn concert this Sunday at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts as been postponed until Sunday, August 29th. All tickets will be honored on August 29th and remain available for sale at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or LiveNation.com.

Brian O’Connell, President, Nashville Touring, for Live Nation declared, "The Last Rodeo Tour is going to be a ‘must see’ for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the amazing energy that Kix and Ronnie create on stage.  I look forward to seeing what they have up their sleeves on a nightly basis, and I am confident that they will leave everything they have on the stage one final time in each city.  Anyone who has ever seen a Brooks & Dunn show knows that they will be coming full tilt!  I do not look at this tour as an ending, rather a celebration of their career by two of the greatest Artists that Country Music has ever known."

For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, www.brooks-dunn.com or www.livenation.com.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

BLOOMINGBURG, NY – The Sullivan County Senior Legislative Action Committee (SLAC) celebrated another year of activism during its 6th Annual Luncheon at the Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg on Friday, June 18.

Priscilla Bassett, one of the founders of SLAC and the current co-chair introduced the special guests and dignitaries, while the co-chair, Roslyn Sharoff, had the pleasure of saluting Jim Lyttle, former director of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. “Jim has been such a good friend to SLAC,” said Sharoff, as she presented him with a plaque that read in part “… for many years of dedication and support and commitment … “ Lyttle in turn got a laugh when he quipped, “I miss the people but not the aggravation.”

Bassett said that SLAC was started in the summer of 2004 “when the prescription drug provision within Medicare was first being presented. We were naïve enough to think it was going to be a real boon and, as it turned out, it was the first step in the privatization of Medicare. Some people benefited but it was ill conceived and ended up as tremendous benefits for drug and insurance companies.”

Asked about SLAC’s greatest accomplishments, Bassett immediately mentions the free prescription drug card for Sullivan County residents that saves them an average of 25 percent on drugs.

“We also got our legislature to endorse opposition to the privatization of Social Security,” says Bassett. “And we also convinced the county legislature to endorse the expansion and improvement of Medicare for all. We still do support that.

According to Sharoff, “SLAC really responds to the needs of seniors, we help the disabled and the needy, too. We take up issues that affect most people, we go after the legislators and state senators and we try to make things happen. And we succeed. We’re either talking to people in person or on the phone, or we’re on the computer.

Sharoff has special praise for Congresswoman Aileen Gunther. “I’m always signing petitions and sending letters, and so often, I get a personal response from Aileen Gunther, and I’m so proud of her for that.”

Guest speaker for the luncheon was Barbara Upton of the Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition, who spoke about the January 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC. which essentially gave personhood to corporations regarding the matters of election contributions.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from  the 6th Annual SLAC Luncheon, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

YOUNGSVILLE, NY – In a joint press release put out by the Coalition to Protect New York and Catskill Mountainkeeper, the two groups announced that on June 19, nearly 140 individuals and representatives from 60 grassroots, regional, and national organizations in four states gathered in Binghamton to share information on legal, scientific, economic, policy, health, and family issues related to hydraulic fracturing for methane gas, or “fracking.”

Participants in the Coalition to Protect New York are unified by knowledge of the extensive evidence that gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing with toxic chemicals harm water supplies, property values, community infrastructure, the environment, and human health.

At the gathering, people from neighboring states who are living with dire consequences of this process gave testimony, urging New Yorkers to halt fracking and avoid problems that have arisen nationwide. The practice hasn’t yet been permitted in New York, and two different bills are currently before the state legislature that would impose a moratorium while certain stipulations are met.

“Many organizations statewide have developed expertise and made great strides; by working together, we can achieve even more in educating the public, assisting landowners, and fostering sound public policies,” said Jack Ossont of Yates County, an event organizer. “We need to stop the rush to drill, which would endanger communities across New York.” He lauded the many volunteers who labored to convene the statewide summit.

Workshops were led by experts from around New York and as far as West Virginia. Keynote speakers were Anthony Ingraffea, Professor of Engineering at Cornell University; Wes Gillingham, Program Director at Catskill Mountainkeeper; and Julia Walsh, founder of FrackAction.org.

Weston Wilson, a retired whistleblowing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency engineer, paid a surprise visit. In 2004, an EPA study declared that hydraulic fracturing poses no threat to drinking water—a conclusion Mr. Weston and others contend is scientifically unsound and resulted from Bush administration pressure to omit critical data. The study greatly contributed to exemption of the gas industry from Safe Drinking Water Act requirements to disclose the toxic chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.

U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-22nd District) was another surprise visitor; he encouraged strong oversight of the gas industry and protections for communities, including through passage of the FRAC Act. The bill, which Mr. Hinchey introduced, would require disclosure of the many toxic chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and give the EPA authority to regulate the process.

“We all came to Binghamton with the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in mind, and the commitment to preventing such tragic events from ever happening in New York,” said Wes Gillingham of Catskill Mountainkeeper. “Today’s gathering signifies a new phase of collaboration and effectiveness in ensuring that the gas industry doesn’t continue to degrade quality of life across the Marcellus Shale region.”

Maura Stephens of Tioga County, another event organizer, said, “We don’t blame people who have signed leases. Gas companies don’t reveal the potential frightening consequences. But now we know, and we owe it to everyone to share this information. We want to keep our state beautiful, safe, toxin-free, and livable. Many of us feel we are fighting for our very lives.”

Pictured left to right, Assistant District Governor Nick Constantino with the Monticello Rotary Club slate of officers for 2010-2011, Paul Haber (outgoing President and incoming Secretary), Les Kristt (Treasurer), Danielle Jose-Decker (President), Orshii Boldiis (Sergeant at Arms). – Provided photo

MONTICELLO, NY – The Monticello Rotary Club proudly announces the installation of its new President, Danielle Jose-Decker, Esquire, of Ricciani and Jose LLP. More than 60 Rotarians and friends attended the festivities at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill, NY which featured entertainment by Aloha Hula NYC.

Several Rotarians were honored with Distinguished Service Awards for Leadership and Service. The 2010 Rotarian of the Year Award went to Dr. Richard Stein. Other honorees included Orshii Boldiis (All-Around Rotarian), Alex Rey (Chairman BBQ Committee), Pam Sussman (Chairperson Blood Drive), Gene Kelly (Chairman Golf Outing), and Jacob Lerner (Monticello Interact Club Advisor).

The new slate of officers for Monticello Rotary for the 2010 -2011 year are: Danielle Jose-Decker, President; Marty Miller, Vice President; Paul Haber, Secretary; Les Kristt, Treasurer and Lori Rubinstein-Fleck, Montigram Editor.

*Caption for above right – Entertainment at the Monticello Rotary Installation dinner included Hawaiian Dancing by Aloha Hula NYC.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting four public information meetings on the proposed study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts on drinking water. Hydraulic fracturing is a process that helps production of natural gas or oil from shale and other geological formations. By pumping fracturing fluids (water and chemical additives) and sand or other similar materials into rock formations, fractures are created that allow natural gas or oil to flow from the rock through the fractures to a production well for extraction. The meetings will provide public information about the proposed study scope and design. EPA will solicit public comments on the draft study plan.

The public meetings will be held on:

• July 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT at the Hilton Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas

• July 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. MDT at the Marriot Tech Center’s Rocky Mountain Events Center in Denver, Colo.

• July 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Garden Inn in Canonsburg, Pa.

• August 12 at the Anderson Performing Arts Center at Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y. for 3 sessions – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT

Natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing this vital resource. However, serious concerns have been raised about hydraulic fracturing’s potential impact on drinking water, human health and the environment. To address these concerns, EPA announced in March that it will study the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water.

To support the initial planning phase and guide the development of the study plan, the agency sought suggestions and comments from the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB)—an independent, external federal advisory committee. The agency will use this advice and extensive stakeholder input to guide the design of the study.

Stakeholders are requested to pre-register for the meetings at least 72 hours before each meeting.

More information on the meetings go to: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/_safewater/uic/wells_hydrofrac.html

MONTICELLO, NY – County Manager David P. Fanslau has announced that the Sullivan County Legislature will present a series of public forums on natural gas development of the Marcellus Shale within Sullivan County and the surrounding region. “This three-part series of panel discussions is being organized by the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management and was developed with input from a community advisory group that included representatives from various stakeholder groups – business, local government, environmental groups and citizens with a range of perspectives on this issue,” said Fanslau.

This series of Public Forums, “Understanding Gas Drilling,” will take place at Monticello High School on the following dates: Tuesday – June 29, Thursday – July 15, and Thursday – August 19 (see below address and times).

Each session will be comprised of a panel of experts followed by time for questions from the public. These events are geared to all members of the community. Anyone interested in learning more about gas drilling, how it affects our region and the status of regulations in New York State should attend. “The goal for these public forums is to present a balanced picture of what can be expected from gas drilling in Sullivan County and how we as citizens should be informed and prepared for the choices that lie ahead,” says Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis.

“This series is intended to benefit residents of Sullivan County who might be considering signing a gas lease for their land as well as others with general concerns about how drilling will take place and what effects natural gas development could have on the environment. Panelists will address issues affecting both individual property owners – whether and how to lease – and the broader community, for example the prospects for job growth in the local economy and the potential for increased demands on municipal services, said Luiz C. Aragon, Commissioner of Planning and Environmental Management.

Each of the three events is designed to address a different set of topics through a panel of professional experts and others with relevant experience.

Property and Landowner Issues

The first Public Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, will cover “Property and Landowner Issues.” Panelists include Chris Denton, an attorney from Elmira, New York, who specializes in representing property owners and landowner coalitions in negotiations over the technical terms of natural gas leases. Bradd Vickers, President of the Chenango County Farm Bureau, has spoken, written and worked extensively with farmers in Central New York on the issues landowners need to consider in signing a gas lease. Both Denton and Vickers participated in a panel organized by the Division of Planning at Sullivan West High School in August 2008. Todd Mathes, an attorney with the Albany law firm of Whiteman Osterman and Hanna, LLP, specializes in environmental and municipal law in New York State. He has written on the complexities involved in local governments exercising home-rule powers with regard to natural gas development, from managing town roads to limited zoning and land use controls.

Environmental and Health Concerns

The second Public Forum, scheduled for Thursday, July 15, is sub-titled, “Environmental and Health Concerns.” The panel of speakers will examine potential health and environmental risks associated with natural gas development, the state of current New York State regulations, and industry practices designed to mitigate potential hazards. Panelists include Dr. Anthony R. Ingraffea, the Dwight C. Baum Professor of Engineering at Cornell University, who has researched and analyzed the fracturing processes involved in gas shale deposits. Dr. Adam Law, MD, a specialist in endocrinology and metabolic medicine and President of the Medical Staff at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York, will present his concerns over the lack of information regarding risks to human endocrine and metabolic function contained in New York State’s draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DSGEIS) covering natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale. Kate Sinding, an attorney and Deputy Director of Urban East Program of the Natural Resources Defense Council, will provide an analysis of the proposed environmental regulations contained in the DSGEIS. Paul Hartman, Director of Government Relations in New York State for Chesapeake Energy Corporation will speak to his company’s approach to mitigating risks through drilling practices and other operations that comprise the natural gas extraction process.

Economic and Community Impacts

The third Public Forum, scheduled for Thursday, August 19, will focus on “Economic and Community Impacts,” exploring the diverse predictions and empirical data on economic “gain” and “strain” among communities that have experienced natural gas development, most recently in the northeast but also over the past decade and longer in western states. Speakers include Jannette Barth, an economist with her own consulting firm, J.M. Barth & Associates of Croton-on-Hudson, who has examined potential economic gains and unforeseen costs in New York and Pennsylvania. Anthony J. Ventello, Executive Director of Progress Authority of Bradford and Susquehanna Counties, based in Towanda, Pennsylvania, oversees economic development programs for this two-county region experiencing rapid growth of natural gas exploration and extraction. Jeffrey Jacquet is a Ph. D. candidate in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University; he is a member of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s “Marcellus Shale Team” and has examined regional economic trends related to natural gas development in Wyoming, Texas and most recently north-central Pennsylvania. Craig Sautner, a resident of Dimmock, Pennsylvania, will speak from direct experience on his community’s challenges with gas drilling.

All three of these sessions will be moderated by Planning Commissioner Luiz C. Aragon and will provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions of the panelists.

This series of Public Forums, “Understanding Gas Drilling,” will take place at Monticello High School, 237 Route 42 in Monticello, NY, on the following dates: Tuesday – June 29, Thursday – July 15, and Thursday – August 19. All events run from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

For additional information, contact the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management, Tel. 845-807-0527, or Email: planning@co.sullivan.ny.us

Story and photos by Carol Montana

MONTICELLO, NY – Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County (LVSC) celebrated volunteers, tutors and students at their 12th Annual Dinner on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at the Monticello Fire House.

This is the first time the dinner has been held off-site instead of at the Literacy Center on North Street in Monticello, where the group had to move books and furniture to hold the event. “We can see each other here,” joked Executive Director Connie Keller.

The dinner was potluck, with dishes from the many different countries represented by LVSC members.

“We must take the opportunity to recognize our students and tutors and volunteers. It’s an opportunity to recognize everyone who makes this organization possible,” said Keller, who has been executive director for five years and board president 10 years before that. “Without the students and tutors there is no program. … the people are so wonderful.”

According to Keller, “The mission of LVSC is to help adults improve reading, writing and speaking skills, and to improve all the literacies: math literacy, computer literacy, health literacy. It gives them an opportunity to participate in society to a greater extent, a chance to obtain a job, get a better job. Be better parents. It’s a joy.”

That joy will soon translate to Bethel where a satellite literacy center will open at the Duggan School. Keller says that the organization has been wanting to move into the Western part of county. “It’s hard for people to get to us without a public transportation system. We have group tutoring in Glen Spey and Lake Huntington and now in Bethel to be more accessible to those people who need our services.”

And those services were celebrated in what was the LVSC largest dinner ever.

There were three students speakers who gave their speeches before dinner because Keller didn’t want them to get nervous. And student Elya Shyllo sang God Bless America for the appreciative crowd. 

Sister Ann Toomey of Forestburgh has been a tutor for two years. “I think in another life I was born a Latina, and I know that they have problems in the U.S. I never get frustrated because I have this push to help them, especially with the immigration problems, and my mother was an Irish immigrant, so I know things about coming over on the boat …”

And Brenda Safer, also a two-year tutor, finds great satisfaction in her work. “I have tremendous admiration for someone who has the courage to try to make their life better. It must be incredibly difficult. I imagine myself put down in Beijing and not knowing a word of the language. I think it’s a positive thing we can do for immigrants. And it does wonder for me because it keeps me active and involved and alive. It may be a bit of a cliché, but you get more out of it than you give.”

Safer’s student, Leonilda Corona, is from the Dominican Republic, and has been a LVSC student for about a year and a half now. Corona has a job at Wal-Mart, where she says her English has been “Very, very mucho helpful in work.”

Minnette Kramer accepted an award on behalf of Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. “I’m always kind of glad that Aileen gets stuck up in Albany this time of year because I love coming to this dinner. It’s very gratifying, heartwarming and emotional. I want to congratulate and praise you all for the hours of dedication that you have extended as a volunteer assisting people to achieve their personal goals.”

A new literacy program this year is Peer Works at Monticello High School. Genevieve Dainack directs the program where students are trained to be peer tutors. “This year,” says Dainack, “we had 11 students trained and quite a number of students who were tutored. We started in January and really saw the grades improve for almost every student in the program. Juniors and Seniors tutored mostly sophomores and juniors. You don’t have to be an honor roll student, although I had quite a few. The tutors were a very dedicated group, it was a fun place to be, they got to bond with their students. We worked on study skills, getting homework done, anything the student needed.

Keller pointed out special guest Fred Steitz, distributor of the Reading Horizons program used so successfully by LVSC. “It’s a basic reading program with levels from 0 up to 12^th grade. It can be used for remediation or for literacy. … It’s a methodology of teaching reading, and the computer is one component of it. All the tutors here are trained in the methodology. We’re the only company that has both an online and off-line program. It works for both schools and adults.”

Entertainment for the dinner was provided Tony Spina who performed his “Marvelous Magic” act. He was assisted by his wife, Nancy, as he performed slight-of-hand, card tricks and more.

Keller also thanked Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. “The organization provided the LVSC with 10 tickets each to the NY Philharmonic and to the Boston Pops so that 20 students can attend, and experience something they wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to do,” said Keller.

For more information about Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County, visit http://www.literacysullivan.org/index.htm. Call them at 794-0017 or e-mail: lvasc@in4web.com

To see more photos, or to purchase prints from the Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County Annual Dinner visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

FALLSBURG, NY – After months of hard work and collaboration between Fallsburg Central School District (FCSD), Fallsburg Lions Club, the families of Nat Kagan and Mel Mednick, and the generosity of groups and individuals that contributed funding and their company time and energy, the electronic information sign is up and running on the spacious front lawn at Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School. 

Stephen Bedik, President of the Fallsburg High School Student Government Association for the past two plus years, brought the idea to the Board of Education two years ago and did all the research on specifications and costs.  His tenacity and effort have made it possible for the sign to be in place and informing the community of his own class graduation on June 27.  Larry Schafman, Director of Special Programs and Public Relations and Immediate Past President of the Fallsburg Lions Club, spearheaded the fund raising with a pledge from the Lions Club of $1000 and facilitated the support of Lisa and Shawn Wiles (daughter and son-in-law of Nat Kagan) and Shari and Michael Mednick (Mel’s son and daughter-in-law). 

Lions Club members and Stephen’s parents Robin and Scot Bedik were instrumental in making the project happen.  Lion Tim Pantel of Wizard Electric provided electricity to the sign and Bedik Communications provided the electronics and training to FHS staff to operate it.  Other key people in the installation were Liberty Iron Works, Sullivan County Monument Works, and FCSD Building and Grounds Superintendent Jay Shapiro and the grounds crew.

The sign will serve the school district and the Fallsburg community to inform residents of important school events, emergency situations such as bad weather alerts, and community events such as Francis Currey Day.

A formal "opening" ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m. by the sign on the front lawn of Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School.  The public is cordially invited to attend and celebrate.  For more information contact Larry Schafman at (845) 436-6167.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – Announcing a Grand Opening Reception for the new not-for-profit antique shop, Calliope-On-Main, on Saturday, July 3, from 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Stop by the store at 36A Main Street in Livingston Manor to enjoy refreshments on the deck above the beautiful Willowemoc stream, browse through the high quality selection of antiques and unique historical items, and as an added highlight, learn about local history and the Time and the Valleys Museum. The Shop will be running a 10% off sale all 4^th of July Weekend!

This antique shop is different from other shops in that all proceeds from the shop will go to the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville, New York. The unique relationship between Calliope-on-Main and Time and the Valleys Museum is one of creative and cooperative collaboration. Museum supporters will staff the antiques store and contribute items for sale. And the store will support the museum.

The shop will feature many unusual antiques, including white Ironstone serving pieces, blue sponge ware pitchers and mottled brown Bennington pie plates. 19^th century quilts, homespun coverlets and bright paisleys will be for sale. The shop also features furniture, glassware and toys, as well as a selection of other 19^th and early 20^th century items. There is also a bargain collectables section in the back of the store.

The focus of the store is the appreciation of items used in the everyday life of 19^th and early 20^th century America; and the focus of the museum is the role of  water in the everyday lives of people in Sullivan County from the days of the Native Americans, through the period of relocation and reservoir building to the present. Both Calliope-on-Main and the Time and the Valleys Museum celebrate the daily life of those who lived in a time now past, but still interesting and valuable.

Barbara Martinsons, the organizer of Calliope-on-Main, is in the process of moving to Sullivan County and has collected 19^th century antiques for many years. She has recently retired as a teacher in the College Program at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility and Marymount Manhattan College. She founded College and Community Fellowship to support women leaving prison wishing to continue college and graduate school and is currently a Vice President at LyonsPride Realty in Yonkers, NY.

Calliope-on-Main will be open Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information please call 845 439-3300 during business hours or email Barbara@calliope22.com.

To learn more about the Time and the Valleys Museum, including hours of operation, exhibits, archival research and upcoming events visit Time and the Valleys Museum on the web.

Story and photos by Leni Santoro

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – Coinciding with the Trout Parade, this year’s  Johnny Darling Frolic and Festival will took place on Saturday, June 12 at Water  Wheel Junction at the corner of Main Street and Rock Avenue in Livingston Manor, thanks to the generosity of Shirley and George Fulton, owners of the Wildlife Gift Shop.

Johnny Darling was a story teller in the 1800s and used to love telling tall tales to anyone who would listen. Legend has it that Paul Bunyan (a strictly fictional character) was based on Johnny Darling. He vanished into the local woods and people still continue to report sightings of the little man with the big imagination.

Mia Koerner, a major Johnny Darling fan, has been researching Johnny Darling for years and has always felt their should be a statue in town dedicated to Darling.

In 1990, local artist Diane Atkins published a coloring book based on M.Jagendorf’s book, “The Marvelous Adventures of Johnny Darling” as a fundraiser for the fitness court at the Livingston Manor Central School. At the Frolic this year, Mia Koerner, Sharon Jones and Leni Santoro (all on the 1990 fundraising PTSA fundraising committee, had an opportunity to get together and pose for a group photo.

Bigger and better than ever the Frolic drew young and old alike to the main tent to watch the entertainment and to the vendor tents to partake of everything homemade – quilts, preserves and art works, as well as the tents of vendors from afar with more modern wares.

It was hard to tell who was having a better time the grown-ups or the  children, for there was something for everyone at the Frolic.

For the music lover there was The Little Sparrow Band from Sullivan County, Dangerous Curves Female Barbershop Quartet from Washingtonville, Kurpil Family Fiddlers of Liberty and Jeffersonville. For those who enjoy a tall tall storytellers Steve Dill of Debruce (founder of Labor Day parade in Debruce) and Lawrence Hall McAvoy regaled the crowd with Johnny Darling stories. Mike Vreeland was also on hand singing songs for the kids and the kid at heart. And everyone agreed that Iris Gillingham’s Irish High Step dancing was one of the high points of the day.

All in all a good old-fashioned frolicking good time was had by all.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from the Johnny Darling Frolic 2010 visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Pictured left to right are teachers Coulter Young and Nancy Lee, resident artist Rick Young, students Stacy Oviedo, Lauren Elliott, Jillian Alexander and Andrea Zalkin; standing are Edward and George Cooke, sons of Judge Lawrence Cooke. – Provided photo

FALLSBURG, NY – In December 2009, the Fallsburg Central School District (FCSD) received a Y2010 Arts Partners Challenge Grant from New York State Council for the Arts and ArtsWestchester in the amount of $2000. With matching funds provided by the District, the Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School Art Department created a wonderful mural depicting important people and moments in Sullivan County history. Art Department Chair Ms. Nancy Lee made the initial contact for the grant, and she met with fellow art teacher Mr. Coulter Young and Director of Special Programs and Public Relations Mr. Larry Schafman in early October to develop the project and apply for the grant.  Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Mr. Matthew Evans offered the District’s support to the application.

The most important piece was bringing muralist Mr. Rick Price on board to work with the Fallsburg students. Coulter Young knew of Mr. Price’s great work with young people in murals adorning walls and galleries in Newburgh and in his hometown of Beacon. He was more than enthusiastic to join the team. 

Over 30 students worked on the mural from January through June 2010.  Some of the key artists were Jillian Alexander, Stacy Oviedo, Jonathan McCoy, Andrea Zalkin, Lauren Elliott, Nathaniel Payton, and Olivia McCarthy. The students learned a lot about the county from visits to the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville. From their sketches of photographs in the archives, they developed the key elements of the mural depicting the history from Native American tepees to the wind turbines located at Sullivan County Community College (SCCC). At the heart of the mural is a portrait of Judge Lawrence Cooke, who seems to be keeping a watchful and judicious eye over all he perceives.

The young artists created an incredible work of art under the direction and guidance of Mr. Price. He did very minimal hands-on painting himself.  He encouraged the students to learn techniques and to skillfully apply sketches and paint on the plywood panels themselves. He said that of all the young people he has worked with, these Fallsburg students were very special right from the moment he met them. He would love to continue his association with the school district for future projects.

Ms. Lee, Mr. Young, Mr. Price, and their fine students deserve great praise for thinking of this project and bringing it to a successful conclusion. The mural will soon be beautifying the lobby at the main entrance to Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School for visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

BETHEL, NY (June 18, 2010) – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that due to overwhelming demand, lawn tickets are now available for Crosby, Stills and Nash on Tuesday, August 31.

Lawn tickets are now on sale at $25.50 or $78.00 for a lawn 4-pack.

Also, less than 100 pavilion tickets remain. General admission parking is free, and premium parking is available for $25 when you purchase your ticket. Tickets are on sale now at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, LiveNation.com, the Bethel Woods Box Office, Ticketmaster, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

CSN are on the road this summer, and once again returning to where it all began 41 years ago, playing for a crowd half a million strong, right on this very site at the 1969 Woodstock festival. Concert attendees are invited to make a day of it, for this slightly more intimate performance, and add a ticket for The Museum at Bethel Woods, where they can learn more about the 1960s and step back in time to that first public performance at Woodstock. The Museum at Bethel Woods is an immersive and captivating multi-media experience that combines film and interactive displays, text panels and artifacts to tell the story of the Sixties and Woodstock. It explores the unique experience of the Woodstock festival, its significance as a culminating event of a decade of radical cultural transformation, and the legacy of the Sixties and Woodstock today.

CSN has often been called the world’s first supergroup. The threesome more than lived up to the term with their ’69 debut LP, a ten-song tour de force that hit #6 on Billboard’s pop albums chart, earned CSN a Grammy for Best New Artist, and delivered classic tracks including “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express,” “Guinnevere” and “Wooden Ships.”

To be among the first to hear news and updates about Bethel Woods, sign up for the E-Club at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, text CONCERT to 38714 on your mobile phone, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook or enter the Bethel Woods photo contest by submitting your photos on Flickr to enter to win a 2011 Season Lawn Pass http://www.flickr.com/groups/bethelwoods_photo_contest/

For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org.

Pictured left to right are Jane Sorensen, President of Cooke-Rutherford PTA, Kathy Fuller, and Ruth Stratton, Director of Fallsburg EPIC Program. 

FALLSBURG, NY – Kathy Fuller has selflessly served the school children in the Fallsburg and Monticello School Districts for the past few years.  In recognition for her service to Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) in helping families with countless hours volunteering, the Fallsburg EPIC Program presented Kathy with a silver jewelry box that captures her essence with its heart shape and with Michael Jackson singing "I’ll Be There!"  Additionally Monticello Central School District PTA gave her a beautiful pin whose gold symbolizes her heart and whose pearl represents her rarity of volunteerism.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – The 7^th Annual Trout Parade had everyone’s seal of approval on Saturday, June 12. As the Sturgeon General marched down Main Street, just for the halibut, he was accompanied by fishy folk and flora, flashy cars and folks fishing for a way to have a good time.

Presented by the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Catskill Art Society, the Trout Parade had as its porpoise, the raising of funds for the arts and music programs at Livingston Manor Central School. 

Vendors lined the streets, all angling to impress the public with food and parade items, face painting and more. And waves of people strolled by store windows awash with art work from Livingston Manor students.

As the parade got started, the onlookers certainly weren’t shellfish with their applause, as antique cars (we don’t think that any were turbot-charged), floats, community organizations, bands, basset hounds, giant puppets, rain barrels, a few politician, and even a cast of characters from the play Annie, marched by.

With the net result being that everyone had a whale of a great time.

Since, as Shakespeare said, “brevity is the sole of wit,” we’ll stop here so you can enjoy the photos.

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

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY – Catskill Mountainkeeper, The Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Earthjustice are sponsoring a free screening of GASLAND, the documentary film by Josh Fox about his personal quest to learn the true effects of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, a method of natural gas drilling.

A resident of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fox was offered a substantial sum of money to sell his property’s drilling rights to a natural gas company. He was told that the drilling would be safe. Mr. Fox then embarked on a 24-state journey to uncover the facts about hydraulic fracturing and interviewed dozens of regular Americans from cowboys to small town mayors to working class men and women. He discovered the tragic and shocking truth that drilling isn’t safe.

Following the screening there will be a question and answer session with Josh Fox and Catskill Mountainkeeper Wes Gillingham.

The event is at 7:00 PM in the Seelig Theatre and is open to the public.  Sullivan County Community College is located at 112 College Road in Loch Sheldrake, NY.

MONTICELLO, NY – Sheriff Michael Schiff congratulated two deputies from his patrol division who were recognized for their efforts in DWI enforcement over the past year.

Joseph Gagliardo (left) and Sean Grady (right) received awards from Hudson Valley Stop DWI at a ceremony held recently in Newburgh. “Intoxicated drivers continue to injure and kill innocent citizens on our nation’s highways”, said the Sheriff. “I wish to thank all of my staff, especially these two deputies, for striving to make the roads of Sullivan County safer for the motoring public”.

Pictured from Left to Right: Town of Thompson Deputy Supervisor George Cooke; Catskill Regional Medical Center Board of Directors Chairman Gerald Skoda; State Senator John Bonacic; Catskill Regional Medical Center CEO Steven Ruwoldt; Sullivan County Legislature Minority Leader Leni Binder; Sullivan County Partnership President Tim McCausland; Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther; Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Granite Associates, LP Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Darrell Supak. – Provided photo

HARRIS, NY -  Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) will begin construction next month on its $6 million expansion of its Emergency Department after a formal ground breaking ceremony on June 15 at the hospital’s main campus.

CRMC’s new Emergency Department will more than double in size, expanding from 7,500 square feet to 17,500 square feet, and will dramatically enhance the level of service by treating more patients and shortening visit times. The number of fast track bays for minor injuries will be increased from four to eight. Additionally, the current eight acute care bays and one mental health bay will be expanded and redistributed to sixteen bays.  The new department is expected to be open next summer.

“We’ve been working hard to continue to improve Sullivan County’s hospital and are excited to enhance quality patient care services to the community,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “With the leadership of our community-based Board of Directors, our partner, Orange Regional Medical Center, the Greater Hudson Valley Health System and our extraordinary staff, we have made great strides in advancing patient care for our community. We are excited to celebrate the start of construction on our expanded Emergency Department.”

Business leaders, elected officials and community members attended and delivered remarks. Speakers included Gerald Skoda, Chairman of CRMC’s Board of Directors; State Senator John Bonacic; Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther; Granite Associates, LP Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Darrell Supak; Sullivan County Legislature Minority Leader Leni Binder; Town of Thompson Deputy Supervisor George Cooke on behalf of Supervisor Tony Cellini and Sullivan County Partnership President Tim McCausland.

"The start of construction on this project is an important step forward for Catskill Regional Medical Center that will provide improved health services to the region," said Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY). "I was very pleased to secure federal funding for the construction of the new state-of-the-art Emergency Department.  Once completed, this new facility will be able to serve a much greater number of patients in an even more effective manner.  As we celebrate the groundbreaking today, we look forward to next year’s ribbon-cutting to formally open the new Emergency Department."

Ruwoldt announced several other important CRMC initiatives at the ceremony. Through a grant from HEAL NY, the hospital will begin construction to expand its primary care and outpatient diagnostic services throughout Sullivan County, including an expansion at Grover M. Hermann Hospital, new diagnostic centers in Monticello and Callicoon, and a new family health center in Livingston Manor. CRMC also recently purchased a new 64-Slice CT Scanner for its main Harris campus to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services.

“These projects will improve access to our services and create a more modern environment for our patients,” said Ruwoldt. “We are excited about all of them and believe they represent a substantial investment toward our pledge to deliver the highest level of patient care, experienced physicians and advanced technology. We will continue to enhance the access and quality of healthcare in Sullivan County and its surrounding communities.”

Ruwoldt acknowledged that the project would not be possible without the help of some of the elected officials and community members who attended the ceremony. Senator Bonacic helped secure almost $2.5 million in funding for construction and equipment; The Gerry Foundation contributed almost $2.5 million toward the project; Congressman Hinchey secured $300,000 in federal funding and the Rural Health Access Grant enabled CRMC to get more than $200,000 for equipment.

Catskill Regional Medical Center an affiliated member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System and dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, visit www.crmcny.org.

LIBERTY, NY – County Manager David P. Fanslau has announced that in partnership with Sullivan County Public Health Services and its WIC program, The "Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables" van will be coming to Liberty this Wednesday, June 16, from 10am to 3pm.

“A “Health is Fun” mini festival is being held at 50 Community Lane, at the Liberty Human Services Complex. Look for the colorful Fruits & Vegetables van. The event will feature food demonstrations, activities for kids, and free prizes,” said Fanslau.

“Also attending the event and offering demonstrations, health education, and various activities for families include the YMCA, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Cribs for Kids program sponsored by the Sullivan County Rural Health Network, WIC’s breastfeeding support program, the Prasad Children’s Dental program, the Woodridge Kiwanis, and story time by the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. Many other organizations and programs will be present to offer information about a variety of services available to families with young children, including the Community Health Worker program, the Child Passenger Safety program, Healthy Families of Sullivan, and WIC,” said Carol S. Ryan RN, MPH, Director of Public Health/ Patient Services.

Sullivan County Public Health Services is dedicated to improving the health and nutritional status of Sullivan County residents. This event is a collaborative effort of many community organizations working together to get residents to “Eat Healthy and Move More”.

In case of rain the event tables will be moved inside the Shared Clinic Facility, 50 Community Lane. Come rain or shine.

Story and photos by Carol Montana, Video by Ken Walter

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY – The Fallsburg Fire Department broke ground on June 11 for a long-awaited addition to their building.

Steve Proyect who holds the titles of Co-chair of Building Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners gave the opening remarks and introduced special guests and dignitaries.

Monroe Levine, a sixty-four-year member of the department and the Town of Fallsburg Historian, made a brief speech. Levine has held every line-officer position in the company and is a past chief and a past commissioner.

Following Levine’s comments, Town of Fallsburg Justice and Fallsburg Fire Department President, Bart Rasnick, who has been a member of the fire department for 38 years, made “A special presentation by the Fallsburg Fire Department to Sonya “Sonny” Smith for your tireless and dedicated service to the Fallsburg Fire Department and in appreciation of your continued dedication and leadership for all your years as Captain of the Fire Police, you are hereby elected as Captain of the Fire Police Emeritus, April 8, 2010.”

Smith is also a fire commissioner, president of the Fallsburg Library and an AARP volunteer, and has been a community activist for many years. As she was presented with the plaque and flowers, the normally outspoken Smith was momentarily speechless. “Let me tell you something,” said Proyect addressing the crowd, “this is the first time Sonny is at a loss for words.”

Following the actual groundbreaking, fire department neighbor Rabbi Yakov Barros said, “I’d like to the thank the fire department and everyone who’s involved with this wonderful organization that we need desperately … may God protect them.”

Barros who is senior Rabbi at the South Fallsburg Synagogue later said, “Most of our members are involved with the fire department … (it’s) very dear to us because it’s right across from the synagogue and we get to see all the activities, to meet them and interact with them. We feel that the community should support them in any way possible.”

Among the attendees were three people who are working on the new building: Bruce Zareski, James Nixon and Peter Marchetti.

Zarzeski is a land planner. His company, Creative Land Planning in Yorktown Heights “was instrumental in laying out where the building is going to go.”

James I. Nixon III, whose company is located in Brewster, is the architect for the addition. “The Building Committee was very thorough,” said Nixon, “and they looked at a lot of options and different ways to handle their building needs. Finally, we settled on the design we’re embarking on today.”

Peter Marchetti of Marchetti Consulting Engineers in Pound Ridge ”provided services to the fire department and the architect in the structural, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems for the design.”

According to Chief of the Fallsburg Fire Department, Bernie Deutsch, the actual planning for the addition has taken approximately five years. “We’ve had people working on it, and it took time to gain momentum. It’s a long process … We advertised in the newspaper for the architect, engineer, etc. We had them send in proposals, we read the proposals, then we invited them for an interview and asked them questions like, ‘Have you ever built a firehouse and what do you know about it.’ We went to see what they had done at other firehouses.”

Co-chair of the Building Committee is Irving Kaplan, who talked about the diversity of the members. “Everybody had different inputs, we had a gentleman who does plumbing, heating and ventilating, another gentleman who is a contractor, a gentleman who is part of a lumber yard.” Kaplan, who is also Assistant Chief Engineer continued, “My co-chair Steve Proyect is a former building inspector, our Fire Chief is on the committee. I own a custom cabinet business, so the design end fell back to me. … We have a date in the fall for the new building to be utilized for trucks. We want to get everything under cover.”

That’s a top priority for Proyect. “Our apparatus is stored in three different locations. … We don’t have the room to train, don’t have the room for our equipment.” Proyect went on to explain that getting to this point has been a long, arduous process. “A Building Committee was formed about 10 years ago and it never went anywhere,” he said. “About 7 years ago they went back into it. I was appointed chairman about four years ago just to get things going.”

Proyect talked about the need to keep costs down. “We have gone through, I think, seven different plans. Because of the economic conditions today, we had to keep it within a reasonable amount because the taxpayers are paying for it. We floated a bond issue in the form of a referendum two years ago this summer for $1.5 million. We had an open house, we showed our limited space, we had the plans. The vote was held August 2008.” And the public approved it.

In the planning, the fire company kept close watch on the economic reality of the times. “As a matter of fact,” continued Proyect, “if you look around the county of Sullivan, every fire district that had a vote for a new firehouse has gone down. …What we’re building now is truly a bare-bones minimum. It will be three bays wide, two bays deep. Nothing fancy about it. Municipalities have to pay fair labor rates, prevailing wage jacks up the cost of the building.”

Secretary/Treasurer of the fire district, Dave Schneyer, who also holds the title of First Assistant Chief gave a little history lesson. “The current building was built in the late 1880s. First it was a stable, then it became a bakery, then a firehouse. This used to be a one-story building. In the early 1950s the building was raised to make it two stories. They jacked up the first floor, and completely built the steel and concrete bays. This building meets the current building codes, so we can add to it, otherwise it would have to come down and we’d have to build a totally new firehouse.”

Proyect said the plans for the addition are all set, and work on the building will start within the week.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from Fallsburg Fire Department Breaks Ground on New Addition, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

To view the part of the groundbreaking ceremony honoring Sonny Smith just click on the arrow in the center of the video.

In 2007 Livingston Manor students were able to experience a driving simulator. – Leni Santoro photos

LIBERTY – Each year students die or become seriously injured as a result of driving or being a passenger in a vehicle. This is a statistic that the “Not One More” Program is hoping to reduce with the development of an expanded safe teen driving initiative to include a driving simulator program.

Reality dictates that students do not have enough seat time behind the wheel to become experienced enough to handle the various hazards that arise while driving. Add into the equation, fast cars and drinking and you have a formula for disaster.

Right now only a few of the school districts within Sullivan County offer driver’s education to a limited group of students. With the fiscal climate the way it is, a lot of the school districts who at one time offered drivers education during the year, are now forced to reduce it to a summer school program or eliminate it altogether. Fortunately through the efforts of Phil Vallone, Rolling V Bus Company and Alan Kesten, Yellow Cab and Manny Safer( right), instructor, the school districts are able to provide the Alive at 25 Program but that is not enough! In order to make a difference the students have to have as many tools as possible to help them get enough training to handle the circumstances and responsibility that come with sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The Not One More” Committee of Sullivan County is working with Sullivan BOCES, local school districts, and the United Way of Sullivan County to purchase driver simulators to develop a comprehensive educational program that promotes safe teen driving, so that Not One More high school student is seriously injured or killed as a driver or passenger in a vehicle.

Why Driving Simulators?

Including a driver simulator into an existing driver’s education or driver’s safety program will increase the effectiveness of the overall program. The driver simulator provides lesson-based instruction that requires students to demonstrate skills and knowledge of safe driving without the hazards of being on the road.

Simulators safely put drivers in dangerous driving scenarios without the risk of injury. The simulators also provide students with individual records for each “driver” allowing the students to see progress as they improve their driving skills. The simulators are portable and can be shared by schools.

Before this effort can be rolled out, the committee needs to raise enough money to purchase the driver simulators. The simulators cost approximately $11,000 per unit. Sullivan County BOCES has taken on the role of spearheading the effort to raise funds for the purchase of the units. Once they have raised enough money, BOCES will then coordinate the use of the machines with the school districts. With the help of the United Way of Sullivan County and the local school districts the committee is hoping to purchase at least one unit to be used in the 2010-2011 school year.

Goals of the “Not One More” Program…

1. To help prevent student deaths or injury as a result of driving accidents in Sullivan County.

2. To raise enough money to purchase several driver simulators to use throughout Sullivan County.

3. To work with school districts, Alive at 25, and private instructors to create a comprehensive training program that allows every student to receive sufficient driver safety training.

The History of the “Not One More” Program

The “Not One More” Program was launched by the Times Herald-Record (THR) in June 2006, in response to a number of fatal crashes in the Hudson Valley. The effort started with a media campaign to heighten awareness about the importance of teen safety while driving. “Not One More” Forums in High Schools were held to educate, persuade and motivate teen drivers and their parents to drive safely. Community organizations which consisted of concerned citizens joined to promote safe teen driving. The initial diverse group included: Sullivan & Orange County Government, Sullivan BOCES, Orange-Ulster BOCES, Orange County United Way, Times Herald Record, New York State Police, local PTA/PTOs, School Resource Officers and other concerned citizens. Today the initiative is being established in the surrounding four counties.

Help make a difference for our future! Contribute to the “Not One More Fund” and be part of an initiative that will keep our teens alive.

How Can You Help?

If you would like to make a monetary contribution towards the purchase of a driver simulator please contact: Kaytee Warren, Chief Professional Officer, Sullivan County United Way (845) 794-1771 or e-mail unitedwaysullivan@verizon.net

If you would like to volunteer to become a member of the steering committee please contact: Donna Hemmer, Director of Communications, Sullivan County BOCES (845) 295-4011 or e-mail dhemmer@scboces.org

*Watch The Catskill Chronicle in the coming weeks for more about the Alive at 25 Program.

Story photos by Leni Santoro

LIBERTY, NY – An exciting silent art auction is happening now at Catskill Artists Gallery (CAG), and will continue until July 3. Each of CAG’s six members (and their excellent landlord!) have donated original art. Bidding started strongly at the opening on May 15. 

CAG has been successfully holding their own in this difficult economy, but would like to get rid of some lingering debt in order to provide even more art and services to the local community – and to continue contributing to the downtown Liberty renaissance.

The Castkill Artists Gallery provides a local venue for a wide range of unique, beautiful and high-quality fine art and fine craft in all media, styles and prices ranges.  Just as important, they provide a great display space for area artists. Members and consignors can show few or many works, and can test the waters with new and experimental work, all in a supportive environment. In addition they would like to offer art classes and more.

“Since we’re not the government we can’t collect taxes or issue bonds; so we’ve had to come up with some more creative ideas!,” says Buff McAllister, President of CAG. “Our next idea is a gourmet bake sale, also at the July 3 opening.”

 Many of the pieces in CAG’s “Dump the Debt” Silent Auction are displayed on their website www.catskillartistsgallery.com and on their Facebook page. The bids will be updated on Facebook.  

On July 3, at 8 p.m., during the reception for their Third Annual Catskill Impressions Show, CAG will close the bidding and notify the proud new owners!  Hurry in or call to place your bids! The Catskill Artists Gallery is located at  38 South Main Street, Liberty, NY.  CAG is always open Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. To phone in a bid call 845-292-0310.

To view more photos from  the “Dump the Debt” Silent Auction visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

ELDRED, NY On June 7, the Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Services held the Twenty-Fifth Annual Academic Achievement Dinner at the Eldred Preserve to honor thirty-five of the top students through out the county. The Superintendents of Schools, Principals, Board Presidents, and members of the press attended the dinner. The guest speaker for the event was Steven Ruwoldt, Chief Executive Office at Catskill Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Ruwoldt, gave a reflective speech of his life and the things he wished he knew along the way. Mr. Ruwoldt, started by saying that everyone should take some time to understand who you are, once you choose a goal know what you’re getting into and what it takes to accomplish the goal.

He left the students with eight keys items for success:

When you go to college be flexible – you never know what opportunity will arise.

Find something you are passionate about – life is short; every day should be a pleasure.

Always look for your next step.

Find a mentor to help you get where you want to go.

Have a positive attitude.

Watch out who you hang out with – they will influence your direction.

Look for opportunities and take chances.

Once you have reached your goal – how do you stay there? Make sure you always learn new things, be creative and pull from others.

The students were given a copy of Roget’s Thesaurus donated by the Times Herald Record.

This Year’s Top Students Include –

Eldred: Christina Watts (unable to attend), Lauren Hazen, Michele Daboul

Fallsburg: Stephen Bedik, Uddhava Stowell, Joel Berrian, Sierra Spechler

Liberty: Nikolas Beimler, Michael Bayer, Jessica Russo, Calvin Henry, Molly Olsen

Livingston Manor: Stephen Rogers, Beth Hoffman-Patalona

Monticello: Ruben Rebolledo, Daniel Cook, Marina Lombardi, Kate Oldfield, Carly Rice, Jenna Carbonara, Juliana D’abbraccio, Virginia Boyd, Victoria Walters, Jacqueline O’Rourke, Jared Weiss

Roscoe: Abigail Dusseldorp, Alexa Bullis

Sullivan West: Brendan Creegan, Gabe LaGrutta, Danielle Marino, Hannah Rettoun, Cindy Szeflinski

Tri-Valley: Kelly McNamara, Courtney McNamara, Amanda Martin.

Good Luck to all of the 2010 Graduates. May your futures be guided by success!

Pictured are: (First row from left to right): Lydia Lecei, Ericka Pineda, April Drake, and Shauna Brickey, Amber McGibbon, (Second row from left to right) Summer Elliott, Jeffery Cobbs, Dana Aragano, Jennifer Brown-Babcock, and Kristin Brush, (Back row from left to right): Diana Jones, Shanese Pettway, Christina Jones, Kathy Appley, Marilyn Squires, Deborah Fitzpatrick, Marie Brown, Betty Bell, and Evangelia Fitzpatrick. – Provided photo

LIBERTY, NY – On Thursday, May 13, at the Sullivan County BOCES Rubin Pollack Education Center, nineteen individuals from the Licensed Practical Nursing Program were presented with their caps. The capping ceremony is a milestone in the student’s progression of becoming a LPN. Family and friends attended the ceremony and joined the students at a reception, which was prepared by the BOCES Culinary Arts students.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Ann Korabik, BSN, MA, CPHQ In-service Coordinator/ Consultant Achieve Rehabilitation & Nursing Facility. Ms. Korabik, spoke to the students about her experiences and how this ceremony honors Florence Nightingale and represents the symbol of nursing and all of Florence Nightingale’s efforts in forming what nursing has become today. She was known for her pioneering work in nursing, and was dubbed "The Lady with the Lamp" after her habit of making rounds at night to tend injured soldiers.

The Sullivan County BOCES LPN class included Kathy Appley, Dana Aragano, Betty Bell, Shauna Brickey, Marie Brown, Jennifer Brown-Babcock, Kristin Brush, Jeffery Cobbs, April Drake, Summer Elliott, Deborah Fitzpatrick, Evangelia Fitzpatrick, Christina Jones, Diana Jones, Lydia Lecei, Amber McGibbon, Shanese Pettway, Ericka Pineda, and Marilyn Squires.

This year’s class was special in two ways. Not only did the class have four high school students, Summer Elliott, Evangelia Fitzpatrick, Diana Jones, and Shanese Pettway. It had two instances where the program touched two generations, Betty Bell is the second generation to go through the program and this year’s class has a mother and daughter taking the same class, Deborah Fitzpatrick (mother) and Evangelia Fitzpatrick (daughter). Congratulations on your future success!

For more information about getting into the LPN program call 295-4143, to schedule an entrance exam time and request an application.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS – Just when you thought that this Saturday couldn’t possibly hold another Sullivan County treat for the whole family, what with the Trout Parade and the Johnny Darling Frolic happening in Livingston Manor, along comes the Ladies Auxiliary of White Sulphur Springs with a very special Trike-A-Thon, a bake sale and a yard sale all taking place at the White Sulphur Springs Firemen’s Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The auxiliary has been working tirelessly to raise funds for a much needed new play area and we have successfully acquired most of the necessary donations to purchase a brand new, large fire truck play structure which will be the feature of the new playground,” said the Ladies Auxiliary.

Children from the ages of 2 to 12 have been obtaining sponsors; either per lap or one flat amount. On Saturday, June 12, at 11 a.m. they will ride their tricycle or bicycle around the course at the White Sulphur Springs Fireman’s Park, enjoy a fun-filled day and help to raise money for a new playground area at the park!

But that’s not all! At high noon, sure to be the funniest White Sulphur Springs event of the year, the Fireman’s Tricycle Race will take place. “Imagine, if you will, firemen riding tricycles to raise money for a playground. It’s sure to be a sight!” say the the ladies of the Firemen’s Auxiliary. People are encouraged to “sponsor their favorite fireman by going to the White Sulphur Springs Inn – just see the bartender.

These ladies are serious about creating a new playground at the Fireman’s Park. To ensure success they are also holding a giant yard sale and a bake sale at the Pavilion. For more information on how to donate items give Holly Fink a call at 295-0859 or Sue Dewitt at 292-8327. The donation of baked goods will be greatly appreciated and all proceeds will again benefit the playground project. Baked goods will be sold throughout the day on June 12^th. To donate baked goods call April Kissel at 292-4803.

Food and beverages will be on sale throughout the day and every child who participates in the Trike-A-Thon will get a free hot dog. A trophy and a $50 gift certificate to The Little Duck House toy store in Jeffersonville will be given to the child who raises the most money for the playground project.

In addition to the Trike-A-Thon, for a one hundred dollar donation, a sponsor can have their name or their business/organization name featured on a permanent “White Sulphur Springs Playground Sponsors” sign located at the entrance of the play area. For a three hundred dollar donation, people can become a Park Bench Sponsor and an inscription of their choosing (10 words or less) will be added to a playground park bench and their name will be listed on the fore mentioned sign. For a five hundred dollar donation they will be a Spring Rider sponsor, an inscription of their choosing will be attached to a brand new commercial grade piece of playground equipment and their name will be listed on the fore mentioned sign.

To participate in the Trike-A-Thon on June 12 bring a tricycle or bicycle, registration form (see below) and pre-collected monies to the WSS Firemen’s Park at 11 a.m. Children should be prepared to ride around the bicycle or tricycle course at the park for the period of 30 minutes. Registration forms will also be available around town (Green’s, Post Office and the Inn). Parents are asked to pre-register their child by e-mailing Amanda Speer at speer2b@yahoo.com or by calling 292-0796.

Child’s WSS Trike-A-Thon Registration Form

Participant’s Name:________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________

Phone #:______________________________ E-mail address:_______________________

A Story About Love, Faith and a Miraculous Recovery

Story by Carol Montana, photos provided

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY – In the wee hours of August 9, 2009, Neversink resident Kathleen (Kathy) Aitken received a phone call that no mother should ever have to deal with. It was her daughter Melanie, calling to say that Kathy’s son, Joe (a.k.a. Little Joe) had been hit in the head with a baseball bat – three times. Joe had been at a party in Claryville when he was attacked.

This is a story of love and faith. It’s a story of everything going right. A story about the miraculous recovery of a remarkable young man who refused to give up.

Kathy says that the miracles started when a young man who was a witness to the attack called for help from a cell phone in Claryville. There is no cell service in Claryville. But somehow there was on August 8.

“Joe got hit on the top of the head, on the left side, five times all together,” says his mother. “Three times in the head, once in the abdomen, and they thought his right femur was broken. His skull was fractured and he was bleeding internally. But he wasn’t bleeding on the outside. He could speak, but it was garbled, and Mobilemedic, which was one of the responders knew immediately that he was in trouble.”

To read the full story go to They Gave Me Joe Back in the Sullivan Faces Section of The Catskill Chronicle.