The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan Partnership for Economic Development and S.C.O.R.E will offer an informational seminar entitled Careers in Franchise and Business Ownership on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sullivan County Partnership Office Board Room located at 198 Bridgeville Road in Monticello, NY.

The seminar will be presented by Frank Dunne, who will share his insights into the world of the franchise business experience. Dunne is the owner of FranNet of the Hudson Valley (www.frannet.com)

Topics will include: How to identify franchise business choices that best fit your skill set, needs, and goals; why consider business ownership now; growth trends and choices in franchise ownership that offer stability and success in weak and strong economies; safely and affordably transitioning from employment into business ownership; costly mistakes to avoid; advantages of buying a franchise vs. other businesses, and what franchises cost and how to finance the purchase.

If you want to own your own business to take control of your future and enjoy a more flexible lifestyle but, you’re not sure of the costs involved, if the timing is right, if you’re cut out for it, not sure what business makes sense or you’re not sure if it is safe, then this seminar is for you.

To register for this seminar, contact the Chamber office at (845) 791-4200 or e-mail: chamber@catskills.com.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

According to the 2000 census, the senior population in Sullivan County is expected to grow by leaps and bounds. The number of people over the age of 60 will increase by 32 percent, and those over 85 will rise by 51 percent. Most of these people will want to remain in their own homes and be productive members of their community. In fact, statistics have proven that there is an economic benefit to having that very population in a neighborhood. 

According to Bonnie Lewis, Coordinator of the Caregiver Resource Center at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, we need to look at “what we can do to enhance our communities so we can live here safely for as long as we want.”

Lewis is one of the driving forces behind TRIAD, a partnership among senior citizens, senior providers and law enforcement created to keep seniors safe and reduce victimization.

According to a study on Livable Communities conducted by AARP, the things seniors need to stay in their community, and live comfortably include: health care, housing, transportation, adequate nutrition, life-long learning opportunities, maintenance of driving ability, isolation prevention and civic engagement.

In a recent forum on Community Empowerment for Aging in the Community sponsored by TRIAD, residents of the Town of Neversink and surrounding areas discussed the towns strengths and weaknesses, as well as the necessary improvements to accomplish that goal. “America’s communities are just getting started with testing their aging readiness,” said Lewis.

Grahamsville resident Priscilla Bassett, who serves the senior community as a member of both the Senior Legislative Action Committee and TRIAD, helped those present list the strengths and weaknesses of the community. Strengths include: the availability of a shopping bus through the Sullivan County Office for the Aging, an AARP group, luncheons at Grahamsville Methodist church, walking programs at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds and the Tri-Valley School, congregate meals at the Neversink Fire House, The Tri-Valley Townsman, The Catskill Chronicle, the Department of Motor Vehicle’s outreach once a month, the very active Parks and Recreation Department in the town, and lots of good neighbors who care about each other and reach out when someone needs help.

And speaking of help, Town of Neversink Supervisor Greg Goldstein and Office for the Aging Director Debbie Allen both talked about how hard it is to get people to ask for help. “It takes an average of seven phone calls before people accept help,” said Allen. For his part, Goldstein pleaded with people to call and ask for help of any kind if they need it. “Part of Neversink’s strength is that people are very close in this community and will help people,” he said. 

Among the town’s weaknesses and needs, Goldstein expressed dismay about the lack of cell service in a big portion of the town. New York City, which controls much of the land around the town because of the NYC watershed, is a good neighbor said Goldstein, but it also limits the amount of development in the town. Promising to continue to work on the  cell tower issue, Goldstein also is pursuing bringing a pharmacy to the area as well as a doctor.

In addition, there was discussion about the possibility of bringing some new programs to the community.

Carol Smythe who serves a Town of Neversink Historian talked about the program A Matter of Balance, a national exercise program designed to strengthen joints and prevent falls.

Kathi Hitt, Director of the Sullivan County Department of Health and Family Services discussed the  Umbrella Program, which has been implemented in several other communities. The program, which is  for seniors and disabled people only, requires a reasonable membership fee, and then a nominal amount for services like plumbing, landscaping, housecleaning, etc. The Umbrella Program is a not-for-profit, and acts on a sliding scale. The people who do the work are retired seniors who used to work in their field, so participants can be assured of quality work.

Other forums will be conducted throughout Sullivan County in the coming months. “We’re trying to hit each quarter in different areas because each community may have unique needs,” said Lewis.

She hopes to have funding to implement the ideas at end of summer. “The state has indicated that the funds are there to build around already existing programs.”

In conjunction with the forums, The Cornell Cooperative Caregiver Resource Center is doing a survey to ascertain other aging-related issues in our region. “Each community has things in common and also unique issues,” reiterated Lewis. “So we’re looking for programs that many people would utilize.”

For more information about TRIAD, call the Sullivan County Office for the Aging at 794-3000, ext. 5000 or the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office at 794-3344. To find out more about the Caregiver Resource Center at Cornell Cooperative Extension, or to find out about the next community forum, or to request a copy of the aging-empowerment survey, call 292-6180, or visit Cornell Cooperative Extension on the Internet.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – Blue sky, golden sun and community spirit brought more than two dozen Renaissance members, students, residents and shopkeepers onto Main Street, Livingston Manor, Saturday May 1^st for a "Clean Sweep."

Armed with brooms, shovels and boundless enthusiasm, 27 volunteers helped sweep up the sand and residue from last winter’s numerous snowstorms. From 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. crews of happy workers cleaned up Main Street and enjoyed refreshments provided by Livingston Manor Renaissance.

The opening event in this year’s Renaissance project, it will be followed by an additional sweep up on Wednesday, May 19^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome. For more information call 439-5507.

JIMMY WAYNE HEADLINES

MONTICELLO, NY — Thunder 102 Radio and The Town of Thompson present the 5^th annual ThunderBash at the Monticello Casino and Raceway on Saturday, May 8.

This free event will be headlined by Valory recording artist, Jimmy Wayne. Also appearing are Iron Cowboy and Somerville with special guest Alyssa Startup.

Last summer Wayne toured with Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley and played Bethel Woods Center for The Arts and Madison Square Garden.

Nashville Lifestyles magazine named him one of its "Beautiful People of 2009."

Wayne survived a turbulent, abusive childhood. His father abandoned the family. His mother went to prison, and he was shuttled to a series of foster homes. He was a homeless teen, living by his wits on the street when a North Carolina couple took him in and encouraged his evolving love of music.

Jimmy Wayne worked his way through school in a textile mill. Then he became a North Carolina prison guard. When talent scouts from Nashville’s Opryland theme park came through his area, auditioning potential performers, an audition led to an offer for him to write songs for the Opryland Music Group’s famed Acuff-Rose firm. He turned in his resignation at the prison, moved to Nashville to start writing songs full time.

Wayne co-wrote Tracy Byrd’s hit, "Put Your Hand in Mine," In 2003, His debut CD spawned the top ten hits "Stay Gone" and "I Love You This Much," plus the top-20 chart successes "You Are" and "Paper Angels." Paper Angels won him the William Booth Award from the Salvation Army and has since become a perennial holiday favorite.

“I don’t see myself as anything like a ‘star.’ I don’t think that I’m better than the person I’m singing to. I’m just doing what I love to do. And the fans are the reason I’m allowed to do it.”

Inspired by his experience with homelessness, Wayne is now walking halfway across America to raise awareness of the initiative he named “Meet Me Halfway.” Specifically, the campaign is designed to raise awareness of homeless teens and young adults who age out of the foster care system.

Wayne began his walk on January 1, 2010, and the endeavor has taken some interesting twists and turns along the way, including the unusually high number of snow and ice storms the artist has encountered, as well as temperatures that have been the coldest in decades. But according to Wayne, the people he has met along the way have more than made up for the unpleasant weather conditions.

“Walking through the small towns and farmlands in Tennessee and Arkansas has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Wayne said. “I have met some incredible and generous people who have offered me meals, a warm and dry place to sleep and companionship.

“When I started this walk, I really had no expectations. I thought I would be alone, sleeping in a tent at night. But as the saying goes, ’man makes plans and God laughs.’ There have been many times I’ve slept outside, but even more times that because of a kind and generous soul, I have had a roof over my head.”

Wayne is now logging about 20 miles a day. Phoenix is still quite a distance, but with every step Wayne takes, he continues to raise awareness and start conversation about the plight of these young people.

In addition to Jimmy Wayne, Pennsylvania’s hottest country band and Thunder Country favorite, Iron Cowboy, will open for Wayne bringing “Country Music With Horsepower” back to ThunderBash.

Sullivan County’s own Somerville, along with special guest Alyssa Startup will kick off ThunderBash.

Ken and Barry Somerville have been making music their whole lives, entertaining audiences all across the country from festival stages, concert halls, radio and television shows, intimate in the round gatherings to numerous night club appearances. Their sound has often been referred to as refreshing, seasoned, genuine music with lyrics reflecting stories of everyday life experiences. Ken and Barry are both signed to Nashville’s RPM Music Group, one of Nashville’s top publishing companies headed by Scott Simon, Blake Chancey and home to Curb recording artist Tim McGraw. With several CDs out to date, they continue to collaborate with hit songwriters on music row and perform with their band at various shows and venues. 

Performing as a special guest with Somerville is local singing sensation Alyssa Startup, pictured with Ken and Barry Somerville at left.

Fans who want to make a weekend of it can check out the Villa Roma for a Thunderbash weekend getaway package deal. Activities include music, entertainment, line dancing and more. Or call (845) 887-4880 or (800) 533-6767

ThunderBash is a FREE event, but you need a ticket to get in. Keep listening to Thunder 102 or checkout the ThunderBash page for ticket locations.

A requested donation of $1.02 will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7 pm.

MONTICELLO – Legislator Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis has announced that the County Legislature will commence a review of the County’s Strategic Plan, during Legislative Committee meetings on Thursday, May 6, 2010, and Thursday, May 13, 2010. The County’s Strategic Plan will set the budget and programmatic priorities for 2011 and 2012.

“The Legislative Committees will receive presentations from the Division Commissioners and Department Heads, during the regularly scheduled May meetings,” said Rouis. “This process will begin the opportunity for the Legislature to formulate the foundation upon which the County’s budget will be developed,” added Rouis.

The County Manager, David P. Fanslau, submitted his recommendations, along with the requests of the Division Commissioners, Elected Officers, and Department Heads to the Clerk of the County Legislature on April 1, 2010. The Sullivan County Charter requires that the County Manager submit recommendations by April 1^st, bi-annually. Thereafter, the County Legislature must adopt a two-year strategic plan by June 30, 2010.

The Strategic Plan requirement was added to the County Charter as part of the fiscal improvements recommended by the County Manager in 2007. The Strategic Plan sets the foundation of the County budget process, followed by the six-year Capital Plan as amended, and finalized with the tentative budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The Strategic Plan provides the intent and priorities of the County Legislature to the County Manager, as he develops the tentative budget.

“The prolonged national Great Recession will require that the Strategic Plan incorporates initiatives to avoid costs wherever possible,” said Rouis.  “There will be a desire to build upon the successful cost avoidance that the County has experienced through the implementation of the Multi-Functional Devices that replaced more than 300 stand alone office machines, and the cost avoidance by transforming the telephone system to a more cost-effective approach.”

“The County Government must continue to review every idea, and develop approaches to reduce the cost of providing the services that the citizenry has come to expect,” concluded Rouis.

MONTICELLO, NY – Aileen M. Gunther (D, C, I – Forestburgh) announced her run for re-election for Assemblywoman of the 98th Assembly District, drawing nearly 200 supporters to the event at The Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg.

Roz Sharoff, President of the Monticello Seniors, Highland Supervisor Andrew Boyar, Susan Baren, Commissioner of the Orange County Board of Elections, and Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano were among the colleagues and friends who spoke.

DeStefano said, “We have a friend in Aileen Gunther. It has and always will be a privilege to work with her. Her concerns are our concerns and we can all sleep well knowing that she is fighting hard for us up in Albany.”

For her part, Gunther praised her constituents. “What I do as an Assemblywoman is only as effective as the people who support me … You are the reason I go to to work every day; your causes, your concerns and your issues. Unlike other Legislators, I do not have another job. I work 7 days a week for you … and to me, each need and each individual are equally important and deserving of service.”

Last year, Assemblywoman Gunther was listed as #6 in the Assembly out of 150 Assembly members for getting legislation passed up in Albany which was then signed into law by the Governor. She was 12th overall — combining Senate and Assembly — out of 112 Legislators.

Gunther pledged to continue to do what is right, adding, “Yes, doing what is right isn’t always easy, and certainly isn’t glamorous, but this is what I do. Over the next six months, I will continue to work hard for my constituents as we move forward toward victory in November.”

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY – Sullivan County Community College will hold its 46^th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse. 

This year’s class speaker will be Miriam Asare of Mount Vernon, NY. Asare will be graduating with honors from the college’s nursing program. During her time at SCCC, she took part in the Honors Program which stresses academic excellence, personal achievement and community service. In addition, Asare is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, and received the organization’s All-USA Academic Team award. She also will be recognized with a State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. 

Approximately 236 students are expected to graduate this academic year.    

Commencement speakers include SCCC President Dr. Mamie Howard-Golladay, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sullivan County Legislator Leni Binder and SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees Chairperson Phyllis Coombe. As part of the ceremony, there will be three faculty/staff SUNY Chancellor’s Award presentations: 

· SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Debra Lewkiewicz, assistant professor and chair, division of mathematics and natural sciences;

· SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Cheryl Welsch, data development specialist, IT department; and 

· SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service: Anne Gattus, administrative secretary, division of liberal arts and humanities.

In addition, the pinning ceremony for the college’s nursing program graduates will be held in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at 9:00 a.m. on the same day. Approximately 52 nursing students are expected to graduate.

Founded in 1962, SUNY Sullivan is a two-year community college and a part of the State University of New York.  It offers 40 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as a variety of continuing education and specialty courses, on its 405-acre campus, online and through its distance learning program.  For more information, visit www.sunysullivan.edu.

FALLSBURG, NY — The Fallsburg Library is the recipient of a “Books For Children Grant” from The Libri Foundation in Eugene, Oregon.

The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children’s books to small, rural public libraries in the United States through this  program.

The Foundation supports the concept that children who learn to enjoy reading at an early age continue to read throughout their lives. In order to develop a love of reading, children must have access to books which stretch their imaginations, touch their emotions and expand their horizons.

For many children in rural areas, the local public library is often their primary source of reading material. At a time when more and more children and their parents and teachers are using the public library, these same libraries are facing increasing financial hardships and are unable to buy the books their young readers need.

The Fallsburg Library will soon be receiving 21 new children’s books thanks to this wonderful initiative.

For more information about the Fallsburg Library, contact Liam Rogers, Director, at 436-6067.

LIBERTY, NY — Older adults live with at least one chronic condition, including arthritis, heart disease or diabetes, take multiple medicines and consult several health-care providers.

In addition, age-related changes that affect the way certain drugs work in the body, as well as noticeable communication gaps between patients and health-care providers, can set the stage for serious medicine-use related problems, resulting in additional illness, hospitalization and even death.

The Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) is joining the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) to provide important information about safe medicine use to older adults and caregivers.

The CRC has scheduled MUST for Seniors (Medication Use Safety Training) workshop for Tuesday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty.

MUST for Seniors is an interactive initiative designed to promote safe and appropriate medicine use by giving older adults and caregivers the tools and know-how to avoid medication misuse. During the workshop they will learn to recognize and manage common side effects in consultation with their healthcare providers, and improve medicine-use knowledge, attitudes and skills to avoid medication errors.

When used properly, medicines can treat or delay the onset or progression of many chronic conditions, and enhance quality of life by limiting loss of function and alleviating troublesome symptoms.

“This is an important educational campaign, especially in light of the aging baby-boomer population, which is expected to reach 71 million strong by 2030,” said Deborah Allen, Executive Director of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. “The use of multiple medicines — prescription and over-the-counter medicines in addition to supplements and herbal remedies — can result in potentially harmful drug interactions, so it’s critical to open a dialogue among older adults, caregivers and healthcare professionals about these issues.”

Seniors and caregivers may call 845-292-5250 or e-mail lds82@cornell.edu to register by May 17. The workshop requires a minimum of 5/maximum of 15 participants. Please RSVP to hold your seat.

White Sulphur Springs, NY — On Friday, April 23, elementary students at the Sullivan County BOCES White Sulphur Springs School held a Can-Can Dance to create pet awareness.

A total of 346 pounds of dog and cat food, 10 bags of blankets, and stacks of newspapers were collected as a result of the event. All of the items were delivered to the Sullivan County ASPCA last Friday.

The event tied into the community awareness and responsibility concepts of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program being used by BOCES.

The PBIS Program is an application of a behaviorally-based systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools to design effective environments that improve the fit or link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs.

The outcome is to improve, school learning and the social and emotional environment for all children and youth by making problem behavior less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired behavior more functional.

MONTICELLO & SULLIVAN COUNTY – The Town of Fallsburg Lions Club is taking part in a state- wide Food Drive on Saturday, May 8. ShopRite of Monticello has generously offered space in their store to collect canned and packaged food items from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The items collected will then be distributed to the two food pantries in the Town of Fallsburg. For further information contact Lion Ilene Wizwer at 434-2152.

The Lions food drive coincides with Stamp Out Hunger day, the nation’s largest single-day food drive. The event is coordinated by the U.S. Postal Service, and sponsored by the USPS, the Campbell Soup Company, and the National Association of Letter Carriers.

This year, the letters carriers in Sullivan County have partnered with the Sullivan County United Way to make a week-long event.

Letter carriers throughout Sullivan County will be collecting donated food items from customers along their routes May 3 through May 9. In addition, collection boxes will be placed in the lobby of each post office to allow people to drop off their donations. After the food is collected, each post office will be matched with a food pantry in their area, so items donated by their customers will help feed individuals in the same local area.

Partners in this national effort are the U. S. Postal Service, the AFL-CIO, Campbell’s Soup Company, Valpak, Feeding America (the nation’s food bank network), United Way of America and local United Way chapters across the country. Each year, this food drive collects thousands of pounds of non-perishable food items and serves as a major resource in helping to restock local food pantries. Last year 73.4 million pounds of food was collected nationwide.

To learn more, go to Help Stamp Out Hunger.

LIBERTY – Achieve Rehab and Nursing has announced a partnership with Crystal Run Healthcare to offer on-site medical specialties for its residents and short-term patients at its facility in Liberty, NY.

The joint venture between the health care firms means more convenience for Achieve patients. According to Achieve Administrator E. Jay Zelman, the move eliminates the burden of lengthy wait times and costly transportation fees. The Crystal Run physicians and specialists will offer services including internal medicine, wound care, orthopedic services, Urology and Cardiac Care.

Crystal Run’s Dr. Laurence Tawil will serve as Medical Director at Achieve and oversee the new partnership. Tawil is board-certified in Internal Medicine. He received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency training in internal medicine at Stamford Hospital, an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Tawil is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Achieve’s Zelman, said, “I welcome Dr. Tawil in his new role and believe our partnership will advance our facility as the area’s leading provider of long and short term care services.”

Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility offers both short term and long term care in its rehabilitation center, featuring physical, speech and occupational therapy in a rehab department open seven (7) days a week. Achieve’s new Avalon private suites offer hotel like accommodations with flat screen cable TV, WIFI internet, optional in room digital safe, and local and long distance telephone service. Achieve is located at 170 Lake Street in Liberty, NY for information on the web: AchieveRehabNY.com.

Crystal Run Healthcare is a multi-specialty group practice with over 170 board-certified or board eligible physicians in multiple locations throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley and lower Catskill regions. For information on the web: CrystalRunHealthcare.com

YOUNGSVILLE – The students at Sullivan County BOCES’ Youngsville School had an eye opening discussion with District Attorney Jim Farrell, as he discussed life altering issues like sexting, sexual predators, and gangs.

When asked why he was taking the time to address students, D.A. Farrell stated, “It’s about educating and alerting the students about the dangers involved with making poor decisions and the impact practices like sexting and gangs pose for the rest of their lives.”

The primary focus of the discussion was on sexting and how the practice is becoming more and more prevalent with the use of cell phones, computers and the internet. Today is no longer the day when you write a letter to a person and it only goes to that person. With a simple push of a button someone can send a message to one person to 100 people and even across the world. Technology has the ability to be good or bad, depending on how it is used. A person’s individual choice is the key in determining how technology will affect ones life.

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones. According to recent statistics; 20% of teens are sexting. With that age group 22% are teen girls and 18% are teen boys. This is a practice that is not only limited to teens, 30% of adults have committed a form of sexting at one point or more in their lives. “What people don’t realize”, state Farrell, “You have no control over it. Your friend today may be your enemy tomorrow. You have no idea who that person will send the message to or even who has viewed it.” A simple joke or gesture could lead to a lifetime of misery for the person who took the picture and sent the message or for the person who received the message. “Sexting creates a lifetime of consequences and you can’t take it back,” added Farrell.

D.A. Farrell shocked the students when he spoke about the lifetime of consequences sexting could pose on a person convicted of sexting. If a person is charged with the possession of any form of sexting or if an individual took a picture of themselves and sent it to someone. They can be charged as a criminal. If subject of sexting, is a under the age of 18, it is considered child pornography and all individuals involved will be charged as a sexual predator – A title what you will have for the rest of your life.

The day ended in silence as the students watched videos and listened to stories of how sexting impacted the lives of those involved in that simple joke or gesture. “It’s all about make good choices,” ended Farrell.

The Alternative Education Program at Sullivan BOCES is designed to provide students with an educational environment that provides smaller classrooms and an alternative approach, suited for the student who is not successful in the typical classroom or large school. Students benefit from the increased staff support, team building activities, and community partnership that reinforce academic objectives, as well as social and emotional growth. For more information about the Alternative Education Program at BOCES, please call Linda Blanton, Director of the Alternative Education Program (845) 482-4141.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY – Reverend Carlotta D. Wilson, pastor of Word of Life Church in Youngsville has been ministering to the elderly of the community for almost 13 years. “I’ve seen very often that the elderly are isolated and lonely,” said Rev. Wilson. “They are separated from society. My interest is to bring them back into the mainstream of society and to integrate them with our youth.”

To that end, Reverend Wilson and large contingent of community members have created Dayspring Elder Center, scheduled to open in June at the Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church.

And on Saturday, April 24, an event was held at the church to introduce Dayspring to the community and raise much-needed startup funds.

Guest speakers included several registered nurses: Kathleen Anderson – Director of Adult Day Care at Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), Patty Armstrong – Assistant Executive Director of Sullivan ARC and former Chief Nursing Officer at CRMC, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, and Carol Ryan – Director of Sullivan County Public Health Nursing.

Dayspring gets its name from the Gospel of Luke: 1:78-79: “…the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Seniors who are eligible for this new program are those who are frail and have some sort of limitation and are home alone, but can still get around, says Rev Wilson, who hopes that the Center will take some of the burden off the caregivers.

Rev. Wilson is encouraging the community to get involved. “We have partnered with other churches to bring their young people in to entertain, to do gardening,” she said. “We’ve partnered with Job Corps in Callicoon whose students will be helping in the culinary arts, cooking the meals and integrating the elderly in the preparation of the meals. We hope to get the Girl Scouts, 4H club and others because we believe that the elderly have something to offer.”

The program will provide breakfast and lunch, offer choices of recreational, faith-based, and educational pursuits, as well as assist with overall well being in a loving, supervised and safe atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, said Rev. Wilson, no matter what their faith or beliefs.

Because Rev. Wilson and the startup committee know that they can’t do it by themselves, they are “asking that the community become a part of it,” said Wilson. “We will embrace the elderly and take them in as full participants of our society. We want the community to get involved in volunteer activities, coming in and sitting with them, making friends with them, being available, giving them a phone call.”

Saturday’s event was catered by the Delaware Valley Job Corps food service program students under the direction of Alice Guss, the head of the culinary department at the school. “It was such an elegant presentation,” said Rev. Wilson. The young people were professional and kind and loving and enthusiastic.”

In addition to the guest speakers and refreshments, Elvis’ Lost Brother, Eric Bressi had the crowd rocking in the church aisles with his renditions of C.C. Ryder, Burnin’ Love and Blue Suede Shoes.

“This place is so awesome,” said Bressi, who together with his wife, Ruth, were caregivers for his mom for several years.  

He then turned serious and more contemplative as he wowed the crowd with his rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” which he described as his favorite song. 

There are currently no public funds available for the project, but Rev. Wilson, who, in addition to her pastoral duties is also the founder, president and administrator of Dayspring Elder Center says, “We’re not waiting for them.” 

And that’s where the public comes in. For more information on Dayspring Elder Center, to volunteer your time or to make a monetary donation, call Reverend Carlotta D. Wilson at 845-482-4584.

To view more photos, or to purchase prints from Dayspring Elder Center Becomes a Reality in Jeffersonville, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – The final night of the Mike Levine Workshop is open to the public for a discussion of media in the 21^st century 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, in Livingston Manor. Neil Swidey of the Boston Globe and Leslie Thornton of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State will lead a roundtable discussion on the Future of News.

Swidey, Thornton and more than 20 journalists from across the nation will talk about what’s happening to journalism and the news business as it goes through its biggest transformation in recent history. The open discussion welcomes comments and questions from the public. The roundtable starts at 7 p.m. at the Shandelee Lake Inn, Livingston Manor, NY.

All those attending the roundtable are then welcome to stick around for a rare Catskills performance of the Dan Brother Band, now at the top of the notch for the kind of rock-edged blues that has become the calling card of the DBB. The music starts at 9 p.m. A donation of $10 is suggested for the News & Blues doubleheader.

The event is a benefit for the Mike Levine Workshop, an annual gathering of journalists which is named for the late Times Herald-Record columnist, editor and mentor to many. Journalists meet for hands-on training and for a weekend of discovery about their craft. This year’s gathering includes journalists from Kansas City, Tennessee, Wyoming and nearer by and is led, in part, by recently named Pulitzer Prize finalist Ben Montgomery of the St. Petersburg Times in Florida.

To get to the Shandelee Lake Inn, take Route 17, Exit 96, make a quick right, left and then right onto Main Street, Livingston Manor; keep going straight up the hill about 4 miles to the Back Shandelee Road. See a sign for the Shandelee Lake Inn. Make a right, inn is just ahead. Address: 31 Back Shandelee Road, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Contact: info@mikelevineworkshop.org or call 845-741-8146.

Can’t make it? Follow the Mike Levine Workshop and the Future of News roundtable through live blogs at www.mikelevineworkshop.org

LIBERTY -  Earth Day at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County was recognized this year by the employees holding a litter pickup of the campus and the par course in Ferndale, NY. “The par course looks great and is ready for some foot traffic” according to Sean Welsh Consumer Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Picking up garbage around your home or business is just one of the many things you can do to recognize Earth Day. Earth day and the EPA are forty years old this year! To learn about everyday activities that you can do year round visit the EPA website to learn more at: www.epa.gov/earthday

FALLSBURG, NY – The Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County will present the former Fallsburg High School English department chairman and well-known author Andrew Neiderman, on Sunday, May 2 at 1:45 p.m. at the Fallsburg High School.

Neiderman has published over 100 novels under his name and the V.C. Andrews franchise which he took over in 1987. In addition, his novel, The Devil’s Advocate was made into a major film featuring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and Charlize Theron, and has many more TV and Hollywood credits to his name.

On October 19, 2010, Neiderman’s libretto adaptation of The Devil’s Advocate will premiere in London at the Leicester Square Theater. The stage musical version created by Neiderman and his composer, Sarif Tribou will then be developed for the American theater market as well as Western Europe. Offers are out to major American stage and film stars to assume the Al Pacino role of Satan.

Neiderman is married to the former Diane Wilson of Fallsburg, who was recently featured on the cover of Desert Magazine. The couple have two children, Melissa, a teacher at Palm Valley School, and Erik, a private Learjet Captain flying out of Chino, California. They have three grandchildren all living in the Palm Springs area.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit the LVSC in its ongoing mission, as a non-profit organization, to provide a variety of free services to help individuals achieve personal goals through literacy.

Tickets for An Afternoon with Andrew Neiderman are $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors and $8 for students. Tickets will be available at the Literacy Center 794-0017 as well as at the door.

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The mission of Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County is to foster and enhance family literacy through the efforts of the corps of LVSC trained volunteer tutors who assist individuals functioning at the lowest literacy levels. Further proficiency in ESL is available for those who wish it.

Attendees at the Elementary Art Show marvel over the talent
of the students.

HURLEYVILLE –  The Elementary Art Show held its opening reception on
Friday, April 16th at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville. Over 250 people attended the reception to view over 500 pieces of student artwork. 

Simone Evans, Entertains the groups as they admire the talent of the students.

The reception not only allowed the attendees to marvel at the talent of the students, it provided live music from Sullivan County students, crafts, and face painting activities for the kids.  Each school district from around the county and BOCES (grades K-8) submitted artwork for the show.

The Elementary Art Show, sponsored by the Sullivan County BOCES Arts In Education Program and the Sullivan County Historical Society, is a great opportunity for our young artists to showcase his or her pieces of work and show off their talent. 

The artwork will be on display at Museum from April 16th through May 5th. If you are interested in viewing these exemplary pieces of work the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Announcing the 2010 High School Chair Auction

While you are at the Museum you will also have the opportunity to view the chairs that will be auctioned off at the High School Chair Auction on May 2nd.  The auction is a unique scholarship fundraiser created to benefit area high school seniors majoring Art. If you see a chair that you would like to have, you can place a bid in the bid box next to the chair.  The highest bid in the bid box will start the auction for that chair the day of the auction. Proceeds from the sale of the chairs will be offered as scholarships at the respective schools.

For more information about the Sullivan County BOCES’ Arts and Education Program please contact Lisa Pacht, Director of Instructional Technology/Arts In Education at (845) 295-4033.

Photos by Leni Santoro

LIBERTY – Encouraged by gardening expert C.L. Fornari’s keynote address to grant recipients, volunteers will begin dozens of beautification, environmental and community development projects throughout Sullivan County.  For the 10^th consecutive year, Sullivan Renaissance awarded grants during its annual Spring Forum on April 22 at the CVI Building in Liberty. 

“The fact that Sullivan Renaissance is celebrating its 10^th year is a testament to our dedicated volunteers and their commitment to their community and neighbors.  The volunteers have taken the lead and have demonstrated in a marvelous way that the planting of flowers does more than beautify – it makes us feel better about ourselves – and that anything is possible,” said Sandra Gerry, who chairs the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee.

C.L. Fornari’s keynote address – “Ready, Set, Grow!” – was webcast live.  She spoke about garden design (including the “wow” factor), maintenance (weeding, watering) and critters (woodchucks, deer) before concluding with a Q&A session.  The keynote was followed by refreshments and distribution of grants and “flower dollars” to beautification and community development projects in the atrium of the CVI Building.  Recipients had a chance to talk with organizations that have volunteers interested in helping with individual projects. 

A total of 64 grants worth over $65,000 have been given in nine categories.  A list of participating communities and projects is attached.  Additional grants may be awarded in the next several weeks. 

Sullivan Renaissance Flower Dollars are a new resource this year that allow groups to purchase additional annual plants by July 9.  The dollars can only be used at a local participating nursery, greenhouse or garden center; and they must be matched with plantings of an equal or greater value.

The beautification and community development projects must be completed by August 2.  Those vying for a Phase II grant will be judged on August 6, 7 and 8.  The second round of grants will then be announced at the Renaissance Awards Ceremony on August 9 at Monticello High School. 

Phase II awards range between $1000 and $10,000 – with the Golden Feather Grant of $50,000 going to a Category C project.  A special Showing of Flowers award up to $5000 will be given to the community that has the best showing of flowers, along with four $1000 judge’s choice flower awards.  There are also three $1000 Stewardship Awards in each category: historic, environmental and best maintenance practices ($1000).  A Silver Feather Award of $5000 is given in Category C for planning.  All projects that finish will receive a completion grant.

Nine categories of community beautification grants were announced on Thursday, April 22.

• 14 single element projects in Category A received $1000 grants and $100 in flower dollars; (with support from WSUL/WVOS).

• 10 multiple element projects in Category B got $1500 grants, $250 in flower dollars and paid youth internships; (with support from Thunder 102)

• 5 three-year community development projects in Category C were given $5000 grants (with another $5000 in August), $250 in flower dollars, as well as interns and technical assistance; (with support from Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther).
• 2 communities received $5,000 community development grants and $250 in flower dollars as well as interns and technical assistance for special projects: the O&W Rail Trail in Fallsburg, Mountaindale and Woodridge; and the Daniel Pierce Library in Neversink;
• 3 maintenance grants up to $750 and $100 in flower dollars went to help well-established groups maintain and embellish previously-funded projects;
• 8 environmental initiative grants up to $2500 will support new approaches to education, rain barrel demonstrations and community garden projects;
• 4 seasonal matching grants up to $2500 will improve facades and landscape properties; (with support from Thompson Sanitation).
• 5 school and youth initiative awards went to class projects with amounts ranging up to $400 for gardens or theme projects with an educational component;
• 13 mini-grant projects will be reimbursed up to $200

Grants for municipal cleanup projects and technical assistance are awarded at a later date.  Additional mini-grants, seasonal demonstration grants and environmental initiative grants may also be awarded.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, a limited number of scholarships to the college of one’s choice will be offered to volunteers who make a significant contribution to a Renaissance project.  The Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) Foundation also offers full and part-time scholarships to Renaissance volunteers. 

Sullivan Renaissance collaborates with many organizations and agencies.  The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce continues to sponsor the merchant discount program, with over 60 businesses offering discounts for community projects.  The Center for Workforce Development administers the youth internship program. 

Several organizations help local groups supplement their projects by providing some level of volunteer help such as general clean-up, site preparation, planting and painting.  Other assistance may also be available.  Some of these agencies include: Alternatives to Incarceration; Camp Shomria; Daytop; Delaware Valley Job Corps Center; New Hope Community; Occupations, Inc.; Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Sullivan County BOCES; and Workforce Development Board of Sullivan County, Inc.  Requests for assistance go through the Sullivan Renaissance office.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.  Additional funding has been secured by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther.  Sponsorships are also provided by WSUL/WVOS for Category A projects and by Thunder 102 for Category B projects.

Since 2001 Sullivan Renaissance has funded hundreds of projects throughout Sullivan County.  For more information about programs, call Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2445 or visit the website at www.sullivanrenaissance.org.    

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY – TRIAD of Sullivan County has planned a meeting to discuss “Community Empowerment,” a statewide concept aimed at creating livable communities for people of all ages and abilities. The grass-roots campaign aims at beginning the discussion on how to create better neighborhoods and positive living environments for New Yorkers who would like to “age in community.”

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Neversink Town Hall on Route 55 in Grahamsville.

All Neversink residents and seniors, interested in safe, secure communities that enhance the ability to age in place are encouraged to attend. Share your motivation, skills and talents to enhance our future community. Registration is appreciated (contact Bonnie Lewis at 292-5250 at the Cooperative Extension) but is not required. Light refreshments will be served.

The local meeting is being organized by TRIAD, an organization created over two years ago to focus on senior violence and elder abuse prevention, and improving the quality of life for our older citizens. Representatives of the TRIAD steering committee — Bonnie Lewis, Priscilla Bassett, Carol Smythe and Kathi Hitt — will be present at the livable community’s action meeting with ideas and programs that are currently being utilized in New York State.

“Our community has a rapidly growing aging population and TRIAD is interested in fostering a supportive community for all ages and abilities. It has been clearly documented that older New Yorkers want to live independently and age with dignity in the community, but may not be able to if needs and preferences can’t be met. Neversink residents’ ideas are needed to determine what specific needs must be addressed to create an age friendly community” said Bonnie Lewis, RN/Coordinator of the Caregiver Resource Center and Coordinator of TRIAD’s Community Empowerment for Aging in the Community project.

For more information about this local meeting, call Bonnie Lewis at 292-5250 or e-mail her at bjl25@cornell.edu. For more information about the Community Empowerment Initiative, visit www.aging.ny.gov/empoweringcommunities.

Story and photos by Leni Santoro

GRAHAMSVILLE – If you don’t do anything else this weekend get to the Tri-Valley Central School on either Friday or Saturday evening to see the Tri-Valley  School’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Truly an amazing performance by outstanding local teens, this is something for the whole family to see.

According to the program, “Beauty and the Beast first premiered at Houston’s Theater Under the Stars in December 1993.” Once the show moved to Broadway the show “broke box office records for single-day ticket sales.” It has since been nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and has been performed in “15 countries and 7 languages.”

Tri-Valley’s Beauty and the Beast stars: Patricia Singh as Belle, Brendan Sanok as the Beast and Matthew Bogorad as Gaston. Mrs. Potts is played charmingly by Rachel Adriaans, Ethan Terwilliger (as Cogsworth) and Matthew Cavanaugh (as Lumiere) complete the trio, whose immediate intention is to get the Beast and Belle to fall in love before they, Potts, Cogsworth, Lumiere (and everyone else in the castle) are turned into inanimate objects forever.

The love story of the Beauty and the Beast is told by this talented group of young people with all its fine and subtle nuances. Both Singh as Belle and Sanok as the Beast are to be commended for their performances; which run the gamut from the early stages of love to the deepest despair when they find themselves almost undone by both the enchantress’s curse and the jealousy and pride of Gaston (played by Matthew Bogorad.)

But, Beauty and the Beast is not just the story of two young people in love against all odds. It is also the story of an inventor father (played by Logan Ackerly) and his daughter. It is the story of a town and its people. It is the story of a kingdom and its servants. It is the story of what happens when jealousy and pride is allowed to reign instead of goodness, kindness and love. And it is the story of how love and generosity of spirit can overcome even the most monumental odds.

Beauty and the Beast at Tri-Valley School is produced by Keith Edwards and directed by Regina Hartman with vocal direction by Elizabeth Bengels. The theatre orchestra conductor is Matthew Wynant. The technical advisor is Seth Sternberg.

Both the set and the costumes for Beauty and the Beast are remarkable in their artistry and the production extends a “special thanks and appreciation to Cobalt Studios and Mr. and Mrs. Mario Martinez of MARTCO for their assistance with this production.”

Tri-Valley School’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes place Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. Both performances are at 7 p.m. in the Tri-Valley School Theatre. Admission: adults – $5, students/seniors – $3. Tickets are available at the door or call 985-2296, ext. 4138.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Beauty and the Beast Comes to Tri-Valley visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story by Carol Montana, Photos by Leni Santoro, Kathy Lounsbury and Carol Montana

Grahamsville, NY – “There’s something about living in Wyoming … I was just writing music all the time,” says Grahamsville resident Paul Lounsbury.

Now his, friends, family and fans can hear that music and more in Lounsbury’s first CD From My Perspective, released this past November.

Lounsbury is that rare breed, a Sullivan County native. He grew up on his family’s farm at the top of Columbia Hill in Hurleyville and attended Monticello Schools. “My family were dairy farmers, here since the 1700s .”

After graduating high school, Lounsbury attended SUNY Farmingdale during the Vietnam War. “The only lottery I ever won was the 1970 draft lottery. They picked your birthday and assigned a number to it – mine was 5. While in college, the army called me for my physical. I went to the Whitehall Street Army Induction Center (made famous in Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant) where you get infected, detected and selected.” He was given a 4-F because of his “horrible flat feet.”

Graduating with a two-year degree in Electronics Technology, Lounsbury came back home and worked installing cable TV systems for awhile, then got a job with NYSEG as a field engineer.

Getting married changed his life in more ways than one. “My wife always wanted to go west. Prior to going, I sent out resumes to power companies out there. We flew into Billings, MT, started driving south and got to Casper Wyoming, where I eventually got a job with Pacific Power and Light.”

Up till the 1960s, there hadn’t been any musicians in the Lounsbury family. Even when he was in 4^th grade, none of the instruments available in the school band appealed to Lounsbury. But in the 60s, with the songs of Simon and Garfunkel, and Peter, Paul and Mary, “that’s when the music clicked for me. My parents got me my first guitar from Jamesway when I was 14 or 15.”

His parents also got him a beginning guitar book, but it wasn’t quite what he had in mind. “I didn’t want to play Polly Wolly Doodle. I wanted to play Bob Dylan …” During lunch break at school, Lounsbury would hang out at Bill Sedlack’s appliance store on Broadway in Monticello, where they also sold records and sheet music.

One day, “there on the rack was Snoopy vs. the Red Baron, a big hit at that time. … I opened it up and over the music were chord diagrams. … At the end of that night I could play a D, G and an A chord.”

Lounsbury kept going back for more music.

To read the full story go to – From His Perspective – A Profile of Singer / Songwriter Paul Lounsbury in the new Sullivan Faces Section of The Catskill Chronicle.

MONTICELLO – Les Kristt was presented with a plaque of appreciation by co-chairpersons Sheila Lashinsky and Marcia Fink on behalf of the Sullivan County Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Committee. Les did a fantastic job as their honorary chairperson for many years and graciously offered to continue his efforts as an active committee member.

Dan Briggs accepted the role as the new Honorary Chairperson. He is helping prepare for the Kick-Off Breakfast for potential Team Captains, scheduled for June 23, 2010 at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center in Monticello, NY.

The Alzheimer’s  Memory Walk  will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2010, at the Frontier Building in Rock Hill, NY.  These are new venues for both events.  For further information about the events or about Alzheimer’s Disease, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 794-3774.

MONTICELLO – Kiwanis Past Lt. Governor Jim Lawler, recently presented the Kiwanis Club of Monticello with the Distinguished Club Award for 2008-2009. Rose Raimond was presented with a Distinguished President Pin and Kathy Garlick was presented with a Distinguished Secretary Pin. Rose Raimond also received a Sponsored Youth Award for the Kiwanis Club of Monticello for the work done during her Presidency in 2008-2009.  Pictured in photo are Jim Lawler, Rose Raimond and Kathy Garlick

Story, photos and video by Leni Santoro

HORTONVILLE – On Saturday, April 10, the Hortonville Presbyterian Church hosted the Annual Hortonville Talent Show. In addition to being a wonderful night of fun, the show also raises much-needed funds for Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity.

Truly one of the most lively and endearing events to be held in Sullivan, or any other county, the talent show has been a hit for 24 years running, with many local performers returning year after year. For instance, Walter Egner, whose solo operatic performance of an aria from Tosca ala Luciano Pavarotti, complete with beret and signature handkerchief, brought applause and cheers of delight from the audience, Egner’s act has been a part of the magic for all those years, as have others including emcee Richard Ross.

“This is a real talent show,” said Ross as his opening monologue got underway. “And I have to make a distinction here because; the idea of talent shows has been totally corrupted by television. We have American Idol, we have Dancing with Stars, and even Survivor is kind of a talent show; if you live to next week. But, in all those shows there’s something terribly wrong – they need to come back into “the source.” We started it – here … In our show, nobody gets booted out,” Ross continued, as he addressed audience and performers, “We welcome tea-baggers, carpet-baggers, lunch-baggers; whatever you are, you got talent, you like talent, you’re in the right place,” said Ross. “…we love you.”

Over the years, performers have included solo vocalists, barbershop quartets, solo musicians, bands and even poets. Each performer receives an award; there are no first place, second place or third place winners, everyone is a winner; especially the audience. And, as for its popularity, the Hortonville Talent show remarkably fills every pew in the Hortonville Presbyterian Church and even seats folks in the “crying loft.”

The awards are created on-the-spot by Hortonville’s collection of “celebrity judges.” Past judges have included Jeanne Sager, journalist from the Sullivan County Democrat and Laurie Stuart, publisher of the River Reporter. This year the judges were Carol Montana and Leni Santoro editors, of the Catskill Chronicle and Minnette Kramer, legislative aide to Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. The titles of the awards reflect the performer and the selections presented. (See list below)

Among those performing in this year’s talent show was Amelia Brooks. Amelia, a 9-year-old pianist and violinist, has charmed talent show audiences for the past several years with her musical accomplishments. Having started to play the violin at the ripe old age of three, she has lately added several piano pieces to her repertoire.

Joe Hofsommer, another long-time participant in the talent show played several well-known pieces such as an excerpt from the “1812 Overture” on the pen, a truly unique talent and one that was oh, so appreciated by the audience.

Other performances included: soloists Kathy Bernitt and Nancy Hobbs, piano duets and trumpet solos by Harris Myers, “Shawn Squared” comprised of Shawn Bailey and Shawn Bailey Jr. on guitar, who then went on to accompany vocalist Shannon Bailey, The Sturbridge Lions Quartet, a duet by Betty Knack and Henry Herman, and guitar and vocals by Steve Fleckenstein.

Each year Kathy Aleschus and Company has surprised the audience with clever skits. This year was no exception as Kathy, Ken Rodgers and Dennis Bernitt brought forth tears of joy and laughter from the audience as the group sang songs and told jokes that would make any Irish mother blush.

The Sturbridge Lions Quartet traveled from Pennsylvania to take part in the talent show. Perhaps they did not understand how the judging was to go. For before starting their performance, in an attempt to make sure they won first place, they gave a bribe of three dollars to Judge Carol for her to split with the other two judges. It’s hard to say which brought more applause and laughter, the bribe or the acceptance. For when presented with the option of keeping the bribe or donating it to Habitat for Humanity, Judge Carol said, while tucking the cash into her shirt, “It’s already in the best habitat I got.”

However, when it came time for representatives from Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity to speak to the audience, Judge Carol quickly rose and “donated” the money to the cause. In all, Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity was presented with a little over $400 to further their efforts in constructing their next home (possibly two homes) in Fallsburg. For more information contact: by mail: Sullivan County Habitat for Humanity, Post Office Box 695,Harris, NY 12742; phone: (845) 791-8305 or e-mail SCHabitat@gmail.com.

Presenting the 24^th Annual Hortonville Talent Show Awards

Amelia Brooks – Piano and Violin – On Your Way to Carnegie Hall Award

Kathy Bernitt – Solo – Song of Peace Award

Harris Myers – Piano Duets – Special Duet Award

Walter Egner – Aria from “Tosca” – 24^th Anniversary Opera Lovers Award

Kathy Aleschus and Company – Skit with Song – Irish Drunks Are Dizzy Award

The Sturbridge Lions Quartet – Barbershop Quartet – Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da! Award

Joe Hofsommer – Pen – Most Ornate Instrument Award

Betty Knack and Henry Herman – Duet – Two Shy Violets Award

Harris Myer – Trumpet – Louis Armstrong Award

Nancy Hobbs – Solo – Way Off Broadway Award

Shawn and Shawn Bailey – Guitar and Vocal – Einstein’s E=MC ^Shawn Award

Shawn and Shannon Bailey – Guitar and Vocal – Song of Praise Award

Steve Fleckenstein – Guitar/Vocal – You Can Quit Your Day Job Award

Jane Orcutt – Musical Accompanist – Bestest Accompanist Award

Richard Ross – Emcee – MC with the Mostest Award

To see more videos from The 24th Annual Hortonville Talent Show including performances by: Harris Myers and Jane Orcutt, Betty Knack and Henry Herman, Joe Hofsommer, Walter Egner, Kathy Aleschus and Dennis Bernitt and Steve Fleckenstein visit the Chronicle on YouTube.

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Hortonville and Habitat – A Winning Combination visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.

MONTICELLO, NY – Stephanie and Craig Johnson, together with family and friends have sent over 20 tons of care packages to solders stationed overseas. “It’s a way to build up the morale,” says Stephanie. Each box is sent to an individual soldier, who then shares their box with other soldiers.

The local branch of Operation Support our troops is seeking donations – food, non-food, and monetary donations (to help with shipping) for their next shipment. For drop-off locations, date and time to volunteer with packing, and other information about how you can help, contact the Johnsons by mail: Craig and Stephanie Johnson, 279 Cantrell Road, Monticello, NY 12701, phone: (845) 796-2339 or e-mail:Osot2004@aol.com

The troop wish list and items currently needed are as follows:

Food items:

· Trail mix

· Slim Jims

· Beef jerky

· Granola bars/breakfast bars

· Peanuts

· Hard candy (individually wrapped)

· “Chiclets”-type gum

· Pop-top canned pasta

· Ready-to-eat tuna pack

· Microwave popcorn

· Drink mix (individual single-serving packets for water bottles)

Non-food items — foot care:

· Tube socks (black or white)

· Foot powder

· Athlete’s-foot cream

· Band-Aids (for blisters)

Non-food items — other personal care:

· Baby Wipes

· Toothbrush/toothpaste

· Deodorant

· Body wash (no soap)

· Non-medicated eye drops

· Lens wipes (found in Vision Centers)

Next packing date: Wednesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 27

Monticello Elks Lodge, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monetary donations postage are always welcome.

The Johnsons know that the most important item needed for the care package is a letter from you. “Tell these young men and women that you appreciate their sacrifice. This is what makes these packages a ‘gift,’” says Stephanie.

MONTICELLO – County Manager David P. Fanslau has announced that Richard A. Martinkovic has been elected President of the County Fire Coordinators Association of New York State.  Martinkovic serves as the Commissioner of the Division of Public Safety for Sullivan County, which includes responsibilities for Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Bureau of Fire, Fire Advisory Board, EMS Advisory Board, E911 Communications Center, Probation Department, and liaison to the County District Attorney and County Sheriff.

“Whenever a Sullivan County official is selected to serve in a leadership capacity in a Statewide association, then the interests of Sullivan County are well served, essentially ensuring Sullivan County a voice and seat at the table,” said Fanslau.  “Dick has served the County well as Commissioner of Public Safety and as the County Fire Coordinator,” added Fanslau.

“It is imperative that Sullivan County’s voice is heard on matters of Statewide significance, particularly when State funding for firefighter training and other resources may be discussed, and public policy input that affects our firefighters is deliberated,” said Fanslau.

Martinkovic’s term as President of the County Fire Coordinator’s Association commenced on April 9, 2010, and he will serve in that capacity for a two year term.

FERNDALE – “Ready, Set, Grow!” will be the theme of gardening expert C.L. Fornari, when she addresses Sullivan Renaissance grant recipients at the 2010 Spring Forum on Earth Day, April 22 at CVI Building in Ferndale.  The talk will also be available through a live webcast at 7:00 p.m. by going to www.sullivanrenaissance.org.

The keynote will be followed by refreshments and distribution of grants and “flower dollars” to 34 beautification and community development projects.  Recipients will have a chance to talk with organizations that have volunteers interested in helping with individual projects. 

C.L. Fornari will speak about garden design (including the “wow” factor), maintenance (weeding, watering) and critters (woodchucks, deer) before concluding with a Q&A session.  She is a regular speaker at garden clubs, civic associations, green industry conferences and flower shows including the New England Flower Show, Philadelphia Flower Show and San Francisco Flower Show.  The host of “Gardenline” on WXTK radio, she has written several books and articles on gardening. 

The spring forum was originally scheduled for the week earlier but was moved to accommodate the speaker’s schedule. 

Several Sullivan Renaissance grant programs have rolling deadlines and are still accepting applications including: environmental, municipal and seasonal grants; mini-grant; and college scholarships for volunteers.  Check the website for more details.  For more information call 845-295-2445. 

Since 2001 Sullivan Renaissance has funded hundreds of projects throughout Sullivan County. Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.  Additional funding has been secured by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther. 

MONTICELLO – Lori Rubinstein-Fleck, Founder and Creative Director of RubyFlecks Creative Consulting, was appointed to the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Rubinstein-Fleck was recently honored with the Community Service Award by the Catskill Mountain Business & Professional Women’s Club and serves on numerous boards which include that of the Monticello Academy of Finance Advisory Board, and as media liaison for Community Unity. She is also an active member of Monticello Rotary.

She has served as the media liaison for the Chamber for many years as well as a former board member and was selected as the 2006 SC Chamber Pride Award recipient for the Town of Mamakating.

Her professional experience includes her work as a public relations, social media, fundraising and advertising professional for businesses throughout the Hudson Valley region. She is the former Director of Communications for the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.

NEW WINDSOR, NY – County Manager David P Fanslau, Commissioner of Public Safety Richard A. Martinkovic, and Sheriff Michael Schiff attended the Mid-Hudson region Stop-DWI coordinators awards ceremony Thursday in New Windsor.

They were there to witness six law enforcement officers from Sullivan County honored as Top Cops by the Stop-DWI program.

The honorees were: Officer Michael G. Davis of the Village of Monticello Police Department; Sergeant Scott A. McAfee of the Village of Liberty Police Department; Deputy Sean Grady and Deputy Joseph Gagliardo of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office; Trooper Brian T. Christofferson and Trooper David J. Myers of the New York State Police Troop F in Liberty.

The awards ceremony was part of the Mid-Hudson Region 27th Enforcement/Prosecution Conference of the Stop DWI New York program.

The keynote address was presented by Jason Booher, Assistant Principal and Head Boys Basketball Coach of Shelby Valley High School in Pikeville, Kentucky. Mr. Booher survived the Carrollton, Kentucky bus accident in 1988 that is the worst DWI accident in history, having resulted in 27 deaths and 34 injuries.