Sports Scoreboard (Tuesday, Sept. 27)

Boys Soccer

Newfield 4, Watkins Glen 0

Girls Soccer

Watkins Glen 2, Newfield 1

Girls Swimming

Lansing 105, Watkins Glen 78
Southern Cayuga 59, O-M 34

Cross Country

Watkins boys defeat S. Cayuga, Newark Valley

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Left: WG's Lexi Castellaneta sets section diving mark.

Looking for some energy

The editor, back from his summer sojourn, tries to regain his footing and looks ahead to economic, educational and athletic events. Column.
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A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen.Tom O'Mara

3 chosen to join Schuyler Hall of Fame

Tony Specchio and the late Dutton S. Peterson and Wiliam "Bill" Wickam IV have been selected for membership in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame. Their induction will bring to 44 the number of people in the Hall. The induction ceremony is set for Oct. 18. People.

Left: Tony Specchio

Other News

Ben Saks, DO, and Jenna Wilkens, PA, are teaming up to provide primary care for patients in and around Schuyler County. Saks.

October is National Domestic Awareness Month and Catholic Charities will be raising awareness of the issue with purple ribbons and an awareness event this week. Domestic.

Paulisczak honored as Student of the Month

Odessa-Montour senior Emelia Paulisczak (right) was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for September. The honoree was introduced by Superintendent Chris Wood, who described her as "incredibly intelligent" and as someone who "can change the world." Paulisczak, he said, "is one of the most accomplished individuals that I have ever presented" as a Rotary honoree -- a student who has "had the highest GPA (grade-point average) in her class 23 out of 24 times" while take "challenging course work" such as ACE Spanish, Physics and Calculus. Captain of the school's swim team, a member of the school's annual musical and ranked No. 1 in her class, she plans to attend college -- which one is as yet undetermined -- to major in biomedical engineering and public policy.

This month's column from the Valicenti firm

The Elmira firm offers a look at one of its newsletter features -- a monthly column titled 'Bull and Bear Bulletin' -- along with a list of its services. Valicenti.

United Way sets goal, names co-chairmen

The United Way of Schuyler County sets a campaign goal of $123,000 to help support 24 member agencies serving county residents, names Dr. Benjamin and Marian Saks as the campaign co-chairs, and presents longtime supporter Ken Wilson (right) with the annual Marie Bailey Award given each year to an individual or organization for outstanding support of the United Way effort. The annual campaign kicks off with a pasta dinner on Oct. 10 at the Montour Moose Lodge. Features.

Photo in text: Ken Wilson, winner of the Marie Bailey Award.

Watkins Glen man sentenced in meth case

ROCHESTER, Sept. 22 -- Christopher Coy, 48, of Watkins Glen was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge David G. Larimer to 18 months in prison on a conviction of manufacturing methamphetamine. Coy was arrested on July 7, 2015 at his apartment at 117 E. 2nd St., Watkins Glen, where police found what they identified as component parts of a meth lab, as well as a quantity of meth. Officials of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Schuyler Sheriff's Office, Village Police Department and State Police investigated.

Library holds Under the Sea-themed Tea Party

The 5th annual Children's Tea Party sponsored by Odessa's Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library was held Sept. 17 at the Montour Falls Fire Department community room, this time with an Under the Sea theme. Two halves of a pirate ship greeted attendees at the party entrance, a treasure chest resided in a corner, a "Captain Mike" (Scullin) was present in pirate's hat, and there were games, face painting, crafts, raffles, costumes, books, photos, refreshments, and live entertainment by Kim and Les Laursen. Above all -- as is the goal in this annual tea party -- it was fun for kids of all ages.

Photo: A treasure chest -- presumably discovered in an Under the Sea shipwreck -- was on display at the tea party.

Schuyler methamphetamine trial ends in guilty verdict

Eric J. Storm, 44, is found guilty by a Schuyler County Court jury in a methamphetamine case that started with a dispute he was having with a Town of Catharine co-renter. People.

Left: Eric J. Storm

Phillips makes it official: This is his last year

Back on June 20, Watkins Glen School Superintendent Tom Phillips said "I will be 55 in October 2017 with 33 years of service. Provided my life situation doesn't change, I will end my career sometime in that school year. I will give the (School) Board plenty of notice so they have sufficient time to complete a rigorous search" for a successor. Now, saying he has "done all I can do" in his career, he has announced his retirement will become official as he turns 55, so that this will be his final complete year as the district's superintendent. He said in a published account that his retirement will become official in October 2017 and that he hopes to help his successor -- whoever that might be -- transition into the job next summer. Phillips said his service of more than a decade at Watkins Glen "has been a privilege."

This week's deals at Famous Brands

We are carrying the weekly ad showcasing the latest deals available at Jim Guild's Famous Brands store on Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. For a look, click here.

Ben & Jerry's open

The Ben & Jerry's store at 418 N. Franklin Street in Watkins Glen opened for business April 12 with a Free Cone Day -- which drew a large crowd. The store is open from 12 noon to 8 p.m. daily, and longer come summer.

A Father's Day present of uncommon difficulty

Bob Brown, 57, is enrolled with his daughter Cathy and son Russ in a Spartan Super race in Massachusetts, and lives to tell the tale. Spartan.

Left: Cathy and Russ flank their father at Spartan race.

Eagle Scout project enhances Gifford Park

Gifford Park, on West Fourth Street near the Watkins Glen business district, has been cleaned up and rejuvenated thanks to an Eagle Scout project by Alex Gibson, a Watkins Glen High School senior and son of Scott and Lisa Gibson. Alex, with instruction from sign master Tony Vickio, made and assembled the new park sign and, with help from Pat Gill, learned how to weld, fabricate and paint a new bench that Alex hopes will be used by many park visitors in the future. Other contributors included the Gifford family, which financed about a third of the $850 in cash raised by Alex; the Havell family, which donated a plant; and Bill's Machine Shop, which fabricated the sign mounts and donated them. A ceremony honoring the project was held Thursday, Sept. 8 at the park with various officials present.

Photo: Alex with Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux at the park ceremony. (Photos by Scott Gibson)

Welcome to a new column: The Answers

Travis Durfee, President of the Watkins Glen Faculty Association, weighs in with The Answers, a new, monthly column dealing with education in the Watkins Glen School District. Column.

Left: Travis Durfee

Now available on Kindle: The Maiden of Mackinac

This story -- which spans 700 years and ranges from our region to Northern Michigan -- tells of a quest for the truth behind a legend ... the legend of a Native American maiden reputed to be centuries old. It was written by Charlie Haeffner, and is available now on Kindle at Amazon.com. To see the ad, click here.

Left: Cover art by Jon Haeffner

Visit Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizzeria

Three locations: in Watkins Glen, Horseheads and Montour Falls

Click here or on the photo at left to go to the Jerlando's website. There you will find information about all three locations, plus menus.

Left: The front of the recently renovated Jerlando's at Franklin and 4th Streets, Watkins Glen

Fans, cars turn out for Grand Prix Fest in Glen

The annual Grand Prix Festival drew thousands of race fans to downtown Watkins Glen Sept. 9th, where they saw classic cars of various kinds, hundreds of which were driven during the day on the original 6.6-mile race circuit in the hills above the village. The day-long fest also featured a Walk of Fame awards ceremony, a historical lecture called The Legends Speak, racing-related vendors, food courts, wine tasting, live music, family activities, and fireworks at dusk.

Photo in text: One of the hundreds of participating cars travels along Franklin Street. (Photos by Scott Gibson)

Finger Lakes Wine Festival wins best-in-nation

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival -- a huge gathering each July at the Watkins Glen International racetrack -- has won a USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice contest as Best Wine Festival in the nation. It follows a similar win by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel as the best waterfront hotel in the United States. "We did it again!" said State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano in a joint press release. "Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regional voters have once again put us on the national map!" The contest, which closed Aug. 15 with results announced Aug. 19, saw the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival finish second and the BottleRock Napa Valley festival third.

Dixon wins IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen

Pole-sitter Scott Dixon, who set a track-record in qualifying Sept. 3, won the Sept. 4 IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen, his fourth victory on the road course. He also won in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The IndyCar series, returning to Watkins Glen International for the first time since 2010, saw the New Zealander lead for 50 of the 60 laps as he posted his second win of the season and 40th victory overall, fourth on the career list. Will Power, the 2010 victor at The Glen, crashed midway through Sunday's race and finished 19th. Josef Newgarden was second and Helio Castroneves third.

Schuyler named part of drought 'disaster area'

Schuyler County is among a 24-county Western and Central New York region listed as a "natural disaster area" due to this year's drought, it has been announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo (right). Other Southern Tier counties -- each, like Schuyler named a "primary" natural disaster area -- include Chemung, Steuben, Tompkins and Tioga. The declaration means farmers in those those counties may be eligible to receive assistance, including emergency loans, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Government.

Arc of Schuyler golf tourney raises $21,000

The 16th annual Arc tournament at the Watkins Glen Golf Course sees the defending champion Watkins & Nichols team (left) repeat as tourney titleists. Funds raised will assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Sports.

Fed loan, grant to help treatment plant project

Montour Falls will receive a $500,000 federal grant and a $695,000 federal loan to help in the planned wastewater treatment plant project shared jointly by Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. The money -- from Congressionally appropriated funds -- was announced by Congressman Tom Reed (right). Government.

Farmers meet candidate for Roundtable

New York State Senate candidate Leslie Danks Burke met Aug. 23rd with more than a dozen area farmers at Pine Meadow Farm in Burdett to discuss how New York State might better support farming in the Finger Lakes region. Key areas of concern, said the farmers, are high taxes and a bureaucratic regulatory structure. Danks Burke, a Democrat, has made agricultural support a focus of her agenda.

Odessa library marks 30 years with picnic

The Dutton S. Peterson Library in Odessa celebrated its 30th anniversary Aug. 25th with a party/picnic featuring a cake, book characters Elephant and Piggie and music by the McCarthy Family Singers of Central Square, NY. It was a hot day, noted a library spokesperson, but a fun day "with great entertainment."

Left: Festive cake and guest characters. (Photos provided)

IndyCar signs on at WGI for 2nd, 3rd years

The IndyCar racing series has extended its contract with Watkins Glen International from a one-year deal to a three-year commitment, it was announced Aug. 25. Governor Andrew Cuomo, WGI President Michael Printup, State Senator Tom O'Mara, IndyCar President Jay Frye and IndyCar driver Will Power gathered at the State Fair in Syracuse to make the announcement. IndyCar last competed at WGI in 2010. It was announced in May that it was returning Sept. 1-4, 2016 under a one-year deal. Said Power: WGI offers "the best racing in the world." Added O'Mara: The extension news "Is just outstanding."

Guest Column from Leslie Danks Burke

The Ithaca attorney, a Democrat seeking election to the New York State Senate from our 58th District, says she stands for jobs, schools and farms and is critical of the Albany establishment. Here, she provides us with a guest column titled "Much more than a messy room." She will weigh in from time to time. Column.

Left: Leslie Danks Burke

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel wins contest

The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel was announced as the winner on Aug. 5 among 20 nominees in the USA Today Readers' Choice Contest for Best Waterfront Hotel in the nation. The competition began July 5th and ended Aug. 1st. Second place went to the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida, and third place to the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa in Lake Placid, NY. Readers were allowed to vote once per day.

Watkins Glen School Board meeting summary

The Board of Education met in public session on Monday, Aug. 15 at Watkins Glen High School. A summary provided by the district appears here.

Photo at right: School Board President Kelly McCarthy. (File photo)

Dix gets grant for water improvement project

The Town of Dix is among three municipalities in the 58th State Senate District receiving grants as part of the second round of funding being awarded under the state's Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015. State Senator Tom O'Mara, in announcing the grants, noted that the city of Hornell and village of Arkport in Stueben County were also among the selectees from his district. The Dix grant of $234,600 is for a drinking water infrastructure improvement project.

Italian American fest ends its 3-day run

The 37th annual, three-day Schuyler County Italian American Festival -- which featured a parade and fireworks Aug. 13-- ended its run on Sunday, Aug. 14 at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. A talent competition and motorcycle show highlighted the final day. Features.

A column by Odessa Mayor Keith PIerce: 'I won't seek re-election'

Mayor Keith Pierce returns with another in a series of columns about life and issues in the Village of Odessa. This time the title is "Somebody else will have to step up as mayor" -- reflecting his decision not to seek re-election after eight years in office. Column.

Left: Mayor Keith Pierce

Crestwood modifies its gas storage plan

Crestwood Midstream announces modifications in the propane and butane storage plan at its US Salt facility, a project that has long been hung up at the state level. The modifications include a reduction in storage capacity from 2.1 million to 1.5 million barrels. (See Letter to the Editor on this in Forum.) The Schuyler County Legislature brokered and backed the changes while opposition groups like Gas Free Seneca still say the project is not wanted here. Government.

Hamlin captures Cheez-It 355 at The Glen

Denny Hamlin led the final 10 laps Aug. 7 to win the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen on Watkins Glen International's recently repaved road course. Hamlin held on for the final four laps after a red-flag stoppage, the second of the day. Defending champ Joey Logano finished second and Brad Keselowski third. "It means a lot," said Hamlin about a victory that helped soften the disappointment of a last-lap loss in June on another road course, in Sonoma, Calif.

Walmart donates $47,000 to Sheriffs' camp

Walmart, through its foundation's State Giving Program, has donated $47,000 to the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute to assist with its youth summer camp nutrition program. The camp, run in six single-week sessions each summer on Keuka Lake, annually provides more than 800 disadvantaged and high-risk youths ages 9-12 from across the state with the opportunity to experience summer camp at no cost to their families. The donation will allow for the hiring of an educator to implement a nutrition curriculum and teach campers about the importance of heathy eating.

Schuyler teens hone drug prevention skills

Three Schuyler County teens -- Amber Updike and Kelsey Kernan of Watkins Glen High School and recent Odessa-Montour High School graduate Kassandra Snyder, all members of the Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) -- recently attended a CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) Mid-Year Training Institute in Las Vegas. While there, they learned about leadership and substance-use prevention during a National Youth Leadership Initiative. Said Kernan: "You have to take in everything you can learn from it." Added Updike: "I can't wait to return home to implement the drug-use prevention strategies I learned." Nearly 200 other youths took part -- a gathering for a single cause that Snyder found "eye opening ... I learned a lot."

Sidle Insurance moves to a single locale

Sidle Insurance, a staple of the Watkins Glen community for 44 years and lately with offices in Trumansburg and Odessa as well, is consolidating its business into one locale, at 219 S. Catherine Street in Montour Falls. The 5,000-square-foot building -- in the past a bus garage, a video store and, most recently, an upholstery shop -- opened as home to the Sidle business on Monday, Aug. 1. President Dave Sidle, with the firm since 1991, said the office setting on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen -- established and owned by his father -- will be sold, as will the office opened three years ago in Odessa. He said changing times -- with business transactions often completed on-line -- called for a change in approach.

Hector Fair completes its three-day 2016 run

A car show beset by a morning rain, a chicken barbecue in the Valois-Logan-Hector fire station, rides, games, vendor tents, animals, a book sale, music, a dunking tank and fireworks were among the features Saturday, July 30 on the final day of he annual Hector Fair on the grounds behind the fire hall. It followed by one day the annual fair parade on Rt. 414 in Hector.

Left top: District Attorney Joe Fazzary after being dunked.

Left bottom: A prize awaits a winner at one of the game booths.

Chedzoy family wins environmental award

Angus Glen Farm, owned by the Chedzoy family of Watkins Glen, is honored with an Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) "Farmers Partnering to Protect Our Environment" roadside sign recognizing the family's conservation of natural resources and commitment to environmental protection. Award.

Schumer visits county, touts drug legislation

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer paid his 18th visit to Schuyler County on July 29, meeting with area law enforcement personnel to announce legislation aimed at making 22 synthetic drugs illegal. Government.

Left: Senator Schumer outside the County Office Building.

O-M board hires Johnston Jr. as hoops coach

The Odessa-Montour School Board on July 28 unanimously approved the appointment of Mike Johnston Jr. as the school's boys varsity basketball coach, succeeding Brad Clark, who stepped down from the job at the end of last season. Johnston, one of several candidates, has extensive basketball coaching experience at the varsity level with Corning high school teams. Superintendent Chris Wood apologized to the board and candidates for taking longer than intended in completing the search process. The board vote was without comment.

Photo in text: O-M Superintendent Chris Wood.