The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

When parents get divorced, it is often difficult for them to understand what their children are going through. As part of their continuously developing mission, The Dispute Resolution Center of Sullivan County (DRC-SC) is involved with a program called Parents Apart, which looks at the experience of divorce or separation “from the perspective of the children.”

Recently, Kathy Kreiter, Executive Director of DRC-SC, held an  informal luncheon meeting for an advisory community council. She explained the program and then asked for ideas on how the program can be funded and staffed.

The DRC-SC is an approved provider for Parents Apart, but like several other New York State programs, it’s an unfunded mandate.

Parents Apart is overseen by the Unified Court System of New York State, and is based on research created with input from surveys of parents who have experienced divorce or separation.

“In some states,” said Kreiter, “this program is mandatory before you can even file for divorce. In NYS, it’s not mandatory, but judges do have the discretion to mandate it, and they do. A lot of our referrals come from Family Court, but any judge can mandate or make a referral.”

The program consists of two three-hour sessions. Divorcing parents do not attend the same sessions. And the program may not be appropriate when domestic abuse is present.

Each attendee receives a Parent Handbook that includes topics like: What Parents Can Do to Help Their Children; Ways to Reduce Conflict; Legal Processes, and more. In addition, the handbook has an appendix that contains a Reading List, a section on Frequently Asked Questions, and a Bill of Rights for Children Whose Parents are Separating of Divorcing.

Classes are presented 10 times a year, explained Kreiter, and DRC-SC uses volunteer presenters. “It’s sometimes a fight to get qualified people when you’re going to them with your hat in your hand.” said Kreiter.

“Parents Apart teaches about communication. How they can interact with their kids, working with your ex, make it as tolerable as possible,” explained Kreiter. “But we don’t want a victim of domestic violence to think we’re telling them to cooperate with their abuser.”

So, after explaining the program and how it works, Kreiter asked the advisers for ideas on how to fund the program and attract volunteers.

Several ideas were tossed around. They involved partnering with like-minded organizations, putting together a consortium of organizations that do similar work to enable a collective funding opportunity, asking the local Retired Senior Volunteer Program for office assistance, contacting the local bar association to find out who might offer pro-bono services, and contacting local politicians to ask whether economic stimulus funds might be available. 

“I’m very passionate about Parents Apart,” said Kreiter, “But day-to-day, it’s difficult to present a program without money. Every time I present the class I learn something. It would just be great if we had some more support.”

The DRC is a registered non-profit entity and can accept monetary donations. The organization is also looking for volunteers who can help out with special events, office tasks, running a table at a special event, and several Communities that Care projects. “There’s a niche for anyone here who would like to help,” said Kreiter.

The Parents Apart program is open to residents of Sullivan County and surrounding counties. For more information about the program, go to New York State Unified Court System Parent Education site or call 794-3377, ext. 14, where you can also get information on volunteering or donating.

Story and photos by Leni Santoro

Roscoe’s brand new Riverside Park is a tribute to history and teamwork. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on July 4.

Former Town of Rockland Supervisor Pat Pomeroy was one of the speakers.

“The first time I came to Roscoe it was 1963,” began Pomeroy. “The highway ended in Livingston Manor and you came up Old Route 17. The old railroad tracks were right there where the highway is now. And there was an old abandoned railroad station. Once you were over the railroad tracks you came to [Keener’s] Roscoe House.”

The entrance ramp to Route 17 West now takes the place of where Keener’s Roscoe House once stood.

“This [the park area] was their yard,” continued Pomeroy. “This side was owned by William Keener. Frank Keener owned the Antrim Lodge. They were cousins.”

The highway was completed in 1979. It was one of the last legs of Route 17 to be done. According to Pomeroy, the reason it took so long was because there was much concern about protecting the rivers.

In the early 1970s the State of New York donated 6.8 acres of land to the Town of Rockland. Ever since, there have been many people in Roscoe who felt the land was the perfect place for a park. Pomeroy explained that Dick Verona was the first person to call her attention to the property when she was president of the Roscoe Chamber. Then, when Miriam Stone was president of the Chamber and Pat Yelle was chairman of the Roscoe Renaissance Project, the Chamber decided to allocate some of the money they got from Sullivan County Renaissance to start developing the park. A landscape architect was hired and a survey was done to discover the best uses for the property.

Roscoe’s Riverside Park is located across from the entrance ramp to Route 17 West in Roscoe. There are three picnic areas. Two are close to the ample parking available at the park ,and the other is more secluded being set deeper into the park.

The birdhouses that adorn many of the trees in the park were suggested by Lilly Constant and painted by many of the youth members of the Sullivan County Longbeards.

Some of the seating available in the park is constructed with cobblestone salvaged from when they tore down one of the Old Route 17 bridges. They were dumped by the river and the group has utilized them as benches.

Future plans include a handicap accessible fishing area.

 Sara Fetick, Haden Fetick, Logan Romich and Hannah Fetick cut the ribbon at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Roscoe’s Riverside Park.

To view more photos from Roscoe’s Riverside Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

In a perfect end to the recent holiday weekend, the Town of Neversink Parks and Recreation Department offered what’s become known locally as a “Free Albi Concert.”

Free ice cream, and nominally priced hot dogs and soda accompanied music by local talent Albi Beluli and his friend and fellow musician, Ulster County resident John Steffens. 

Beluli has been playing guitar for the past 16 years, and has been interested in music his whole life. The talented self-taught musician, singer (and actor) enjoys playing for his friends and neighbors. “It’s nice, it’s good people. I know everybody, everybody knows me. It’s a beautiful area, the weather is always nice. There’s good energy.”

Attendees brought lawn chairs and blankets, and were treated to three hours of music ranging from John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” to Beatles songs and The Animals “House of the Rising Sun” to the full-version of Don McLean’s “American Pie.”

For his part, Steffens has been playing piano since he was about 8 years old. Also self-taught – other than a few lessons in classical piano – he’s been performing with Beluli for around 10 years. The two met when Steffens went to visit a friend at SUNY Fredonia, the college Beluli was attending. “I knew we were destined to play together,” said Steffens, ”And now Albi and I are much better friends than the guy I went up there to see.”

Warming to the appreciative crowd, Steffens talked about the reasons he likes to perform in Grahamsville. “I like a community and that’s what you guys have here. You make the call, say there’s a concert going on and everybody comes out, all ages.”

All ages indeed were singing, dancing and playing while the music played on. And there were even a few non-human fans enjoying the perfect weather and good music.

Sabrina Decker, who went to Tri-Valley school with Beluli pronounced the concert “a perfect way to end the weekend.”

Beluli and Steffens will again perform in the area on September 26. This time they’ll take one of the three stages at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts for the County-Wide Picnic Day, which features many genres of music from all over Sullivan County.

For additional information on the Town of Neversink’s Department of Parks and Recreation programs, call Director Jamie Brooks at 845-985-2262, ext. 312, or check out the Town of Neversink Parks & Rec Dept.

Find out more about the County-Wide Picnic at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts by calling the Sullivan County Visitors Association at 800-882-2287or visit the Bicentennial area of their Web site.

To view more photos from the Town of Neversink concert with Albi Beluli and John Steffens, visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story by Leni Santoro

Photos by Sharon Space-Bamberger and Carol Montana

It was the Fourth of July in Liberty, the parade had passed, the festival was winding down when a different sort of tea party began.

“Join in our little tea party to show your concern about your rights and freedom [guaranteed] by the Constitution of the United States, Size of our [Government], Term Limits, and our [burgeoning] budget. Show your patriotism and help send a message.  Leave something for our children and grandchildren not $$11,000,000.000,000.00 debt, plus,” reads the statement on the Liberty New York Tea Party site.

Several people took them up on the invitation and marched up Main Street in Liberty to protest the rising national debt and the bailout policies being implemented by the current administration.

“Give me liberty, not debt,” read the sign being held by Becky Robinson, flanked by her sister Carly and father Dave.

In addition to the march up Main Street, a Tea Party was held in the parking lot of Yaun Company in Liberty. 

Richard Yaun was the main speaker. The rally was part of a nationwide protest against what some see as high taxes, uncontrolled government spending and a government that is out of touch with it’s citizenry. About 75 persons attended, many brandished signs with slogans  like, ” You can’t fix stupid, but you can vote them out.” Although the movement claims to be non-partisan, it is based on the original Boston tea party, which protested unjust taxation without representation.

The Liberty action was one of hundreds around the country. Tea Party protests are locally organized events that sprang into being across the country in early 2009. The events are in protest of the Federal budget and the stimulus package. Protesters perceive these as examples of wasteful government spending and unnecessary government growth. They oppose the increase in the national debt as well as possible future tax increases including, taxes on capital gains, estate taxes, federal income taxes and cigarette taxes.

Rush Limbaugh spoke in protest of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, it was a broadcast from the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade made by CNBC market commentator Rick Santelli that really seems to have gotten the ball rolling. Santelli not only criticized the government but raised the idea of a “Chicago Tea Party.” Tea Parties were held across the country on April 15 and now again on July 4th.

The tea parties rely on websites such as facebook to get their message across, though many independent websites such as the Liberty New York Tea Party site are springing up as well. To view more photos from the Liberty July 4th Tea Party, visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

Hundreds of people poured into the parking lot, while hundreds of others lined Route 17B jostling for a good view of the annual 4th of July fireworks at Monticello Racino.

The Racino itself was packed as people tried their luck at the video slots while waiting for the fireworks to start. And in the grandstand, racing fans cheered on their favorite steed.

Finally, the lights dimmed and the fireworks started. Beloved as some of the best fireworks in the area, the oohs and aahs could be heard far and wide as starbursts, peonies, dahlias, spiders and more, in red, white, blue, purple, green and pink lit up the sky. And at the end of the show, a well-deserved round of applause, along with hoots and hollers went up from the crowd.

To view more photos from the Monticello Raceway 4th of July fireworks, visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story and photos by Carol Montana

There was a gallery opening on July 4 that served a dual purpose. One was to showcase the art created by the Studio Monday group – a weekly art workshop sponsored by the Daniel Pierce Library in Grahamsville.

The other reason was to honor the woman who started it all – Evelyn Porter – artist, neighbor and friend to many in attendance.

It all started back in 1986 when Evelyn moved to Grahamsville. Local resident, poet, and artist in her own right, Marylin Barr found five or six people interested in learning more about art, and Studio Monday was born. Barr says that she, along with others “persuaded Evelyn to take the reins and lead the way. It was Evelyn’s enthusiasm and support that really made the classes possible.”

First held in the basement room of the Daniel Pierce Library, the group eventually outgrew the room, and space was found in the community room of the Grahamsville Reformed Church. They expect to return to the library when the construction at that site is finished.

Evelyn Porter passed away last May, but, as she would have wanted, Studio Monday went on with their plans to host an art show. Watercolors, acrylics, oil paintings and more were on display. Artists and friends talked and enjoyed refreshments, and remembered the artist who meant so much to them.  

Didi (Andrea) Shapiro was one of the people who put the show together. “Evelyn was going to take me by the hand this year to teach me how to do a show. We’ve been working on it since December. Evelyn was the mother of this group.”

Shapiro joined the group about 10 years ago. “We all really help each other. I learn from everyone in the group, everybody has an eye for something.”

Studio Monday really never became as formal as a class. Artist and Studio Monday member Pat Wellington said, “Evelyn was our mentor. She would give us assignments, have us try different things. Evelyn was my first art teacher, she got me started. In 1994 I retired, and I wanted a hobby.”

The oldest person in the group, Ethel Coombe, is going to be 98 in a few weeks. Her medium of choice is watercolor. “Evelyn loved people. If she could help them, she wanted to. She said ‘All you have to do is put the brush in your hand and start.’ It’s amazing how many people just don’t understand that they can paint.”

So, in the spirit of teaching, Studio Monday will continue meeting at the Grahamsville Reformed Church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome, or, for more information, call Pat Wellington at 845-985-7156.

“Certainly she (Evelyn) intended that we not be dependent on her,” said Barr, “and as you look around and see the diverse talents and mediums used, you’ll realize that she was successful getting each to do her own thing in the best possible way.”

Barr wrote a poem in Evelyn’s honor, the last verse of which can easily be said to reflect Evelyn’s legacy:

“For over thirty years she shared her talents with Studio Monday Artists, meeting weekly, in this place, to recreate with palette and canvas our world. Let us celebrate her life by teaching others as we have been taught.”

The Studio Monday Art Show continues at the Old Stone House at 282 Hasbrouck Road, Woodbourne, NY on weekends from 2 to 4 p.m. through July 26, 2009.

To view more photos from the Studio Monday Art Show in Memory of Evelyn F. Porter, visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story and photos by Leni Santoro

What it all boils down to on the Fourth of July is America’s liberty from English rule and the beginning of these here United States. What more appropriate place to spend time then, on the Fourth of July, than in Sullivan County’s own Town of Liberty? 

The day began with a Street Festival that lined both sides of North Main Street from La Polt Park to the traffic light at the Green Building. Many stores and restaurants in town also brought their wares to the street as well as several of the restaurants in town.

For the children there were balloons, puppets, toys and games of all kinds and best of all an amusement area set up behind Gary’s Great American on the grounds of the Liberty Elementary School. Here kids could slide and ride and bounce.

The parade itself got underway just after high noon, as announced by the siren of the Liberty Fire Department. The parade began near Lake Street, then headed up North Main. Marching in this year’s parade were Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther with her granddaughter in tow as well as Town of Liberty Council persons Maurice Gerry and Lynn Killian. 

A main attraction this year was the return of the Sullivan County Visitor Association’s “Big Chicken.” Following the parade the “Big Chicken” is to take up residence at the Visitor’s Association on Sullivan Avenue in Liberty.

 The Liberty Fourth of July Parade also included several antique cars, part of a classic car show located behind La Polt Park. And many unique and interesting tractors and their drivers also participated in the parade. Watching from in front of the Liberty Museum one felt transported in time by their appearance.

But what really makes a parade is the people, both those who march and participate in the parade and those on the sidelines who show by their laughter, smiles and applause that the parade is appreciated. It would seem, from the faces of all, that this year’s Liberty Fourth of July celebration was a big hit with everyone involved.

To view more photos from Liberty’s Fourth of July celebration visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Story and photos by Leni Santoro

Though the Fourth of July started out as rather overcast and a bit chilly, it was all warmth and happy thoughts in Roscoe as the annual Fourth of July Parade got started up Stewart Avenue. (Above) The Trout Town Express was a big hit with kids and grownups alike, while the Eat More Veggies float got a heads up from the moms. Speaking of moms, several of the many members of Moms Supporting Our Troops also marched in the parade.

   Taking a cue, perhaps, from the Macy Parade in NYC, the Roscoe Marching Band stopped along the parade route to play several tunes accompanied by choreography and much applause from the spectators that lined the street.

(Above L-R) Nancy Kirshner, Dot Devantier and Bella. The ladies from the Red Hatters.

Emma and Corey Sullivan also took part in the parade.

After the parade there was a ribbon cutting ceremony at Riverside Park. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. people could also stroll among the many vendors located on Rockland Road, just before the traffic light, where a huge fair and flea market was being held. At the fair folks could purchase anything from flowers to candles and from art to art-wearables. The Sullivan County S.P.C.A., celebrating their 100th Anniversary, was also on hand with several of their ‘animal’ clients.

To view more photos from the Roscoe Fourth of July story visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.

Review by Carol Montana
Photos by Leni Santoro

When they pass out bug spray at the box office, you know this is isn’t your ordinary theater piece.
And the NACL Theatre in Highland Lake – never a company to offer anything that is even remotely ordinary – is presenting another fun and unusual show.
The Lost Book of Lakewood House is a sequel to NACL’s 2005 play, The Mystery of Lakewood House.
There’s something for everyone in this show, which takes place outside the theatre at the former resort hotel next to NACL, and later moves inside the theatre.
From 1929 to 1969, psychics and ghosts, Henry Ford and Adolf Hitler, music, dance, shadow puppetry, acrobatics and peace symbols, temperance, gambling, anti-Semitism and religion combine with creative license in a tribute to Sullivan County’s Bicentennial.
The Lost Book of Lakewood House was created over a six day period by 10 people including director Brad Krumholz. The performers/creators are: John Bevan, Glenn Hall, Sarah Dey Hirshan, Brett Keyser, Tannis Kowalchuk, Sean LaRocca, Laura E.J. Moran and Kathy Randels.
And Dramaturg Mimi McGurl (simply put the R&D person within a theatre company) has done a fantastic job pulling together the history of Lakewood House with the events and happenings in the rest of the world.
The Lost Book of Lakewood House will be presented for one more performance on Saturday, June 20 at 8 p.m. NACL is located at 110 Highland Lake Road in Highland Lake. Tickets are$15 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Call 845-557-0694.
Don’t worry if you forget the bug spray. NACL provides it at no extra charge.

To see more photos from The Lost Book of Lakewood House visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.