Schuyler, in effort to slow virus, urges potential visitors: Stay home

Schuyler County officials say that while they welcome visitors, they are asking any potential ones to "follow state and federal instructions and stay home until our nation defeats the pandemic." Government.

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Notes in a troubled time, Part 2 ...

The editor gives thanks for our various methods of communication in this age
of the coronavirus pandemic. Column.

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Anyone caring to advertise may contact the publisher, Charlie Haeffner, at publisher@odessafile.com for information.

As the Coronavirus arrives, Schuyler Hospital prepares

Schuyler Hospital President and Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Gould talks about the hospital's coronavirus preparations and the community's support in an interview held on the day the first case of COVID-19 in Schuyler County was confirmed. Gould.

Photo: Rebecca Gould (Provided)

We honor...The Essentials of Schuyler County

A dozen women and a dozen men populate this committee-selected group of outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted life here or elsewhere. None is in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame, but perhaps will be. Essentials.

Chef's has carryout and curbside service

Classic Chef's restaurant has issued a menu for these troubled times -- for carryout with curbside pickup. Business.

And inside

The work of Dr. William S. Gillmor, a doctor in the town of Hector in the 1800s, will be the focus of a talk May 2 at the Brick Tavern Museum. People.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging's planned March for Meals dinner on March 19 has been canceled. Features.

Palmesano: budget talks should focus on coronavirus response

"Alarmingly," says Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, "Gov. Cuomo and some Senate and Assembly Democrats are still treating state budget negotiations as business as usual" in the face of a public health crisis. Column.

Photo: Phil Palmesano

Cooperative Extension looks ahead to Camp

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is providing a monthly column here on its ongoing educational activities and offerings. The 11th column -- "Hidden Valley 4-H Camp update: 75 years & counting" -- is by Executive Director Phil Cherry (left). Column.

A legal column from Ziff Law's Jim Reed

Attorney James B. Reed of the Ziff Law Firm in Elmira offers this regular column, tackling issues that you might encounter in your daily lives. This time: "Our tough times demand tough (and kind) souls." Column.

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

A guest column by Leslie Danks Burke

Leslie Danks Burke is running for the New York State Senate in the 58th district, which includes Schuyler, Chemung, Steuben and Yates counties, and part of Tompkins. Here she provides a column titled “Rural health care solutions.” Column

Left: Leslie Danks Burke

U.S. Attorney Kennedy warns about scammers

Calls COVID-19 online fraud schemers people with "an affliction" that "seems to have rotted their hearts and souls." His department, covering Western New York, offers tips about the scams and urges they be reported. Government.

Photo: U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. (Photo provided)

A column by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with his sixth in a series of columns on what is happening in Odessa. This time: "Odessa Water Quality, the elephant in the room." Column.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

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

Hospital, Seneca View adopt visitor measures

Due to the increased risk to the elderly population for contracting COVID-19 (coronavirus), Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility and Schuyler Hospital have implemented enhanced measures for visitors, effective Friday, March 13 at 5 a.m. Hospital.

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

Looking to advertise on The Odessa File?

We are always looking for advertisers to help promote their businesses and, by extension, our region. For a list of Odessa File Ad rates, click here.

Anyone wishing to contribute to The Odessa File -- which is dependent on advertising and donations -- may do so through a Paypal link in the left column of this page or by sending a check to The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869.

SUNY schools transitioning to online courses; CCC 'will remain open' for some classes, labs

The State University of New York Wednesday directed its 64 universities and colleges, including Corning Community College, "to transition courses wherever possible to remote instruction" or online courses in response to the Coronavirus threat. CCC said it is "developing plans to shift as many classes as possible to online and distance learning by March 19." This will continue until "at least April 4. The main point of this precaution is to reduce campus density and limit potential exposure to the virus while ensuring the continuation of the academic semester of class instruction. After March 19, the College will remain open" for hands-on courses and labs "and those with special circumstances that cannot transition to remote instruction." Beyond that, CCC added, "the current plan is to keep Perry Hall, our residence hall, open" and provide housing, food and services to residential students.

Sharing Shed opens; item donations sought

The Barnie Parker Sharing Shed was made available to the public at noon on Saturday, March 21 -- a small building at St. John's Episcopal Church at Catharine Corners that organizers say will provide basic necessities free of charge, a potentially bright spot in the face of the pandemic. Items are needed, though, with donations deliverable to the shed at any time. Just drive up and leave them on the shed shelves. For a story and list of items sought, see People.

Photo: The late Clarence "Barnie" Parker, a longtime teacher and St. John's parishioner after whom the shed is named.

Coronavirus updates: hospitals suspend visits

SCHUYLER COUNTY, March 18, 2020 -- The reaction of government and businesses to the Coronavirus pandemic continues as:

--All visitation to Schuyler Hospital and Cayuga Medical Center has been suspended with limited, specific exceptions. Hospital.

--The Town of Catharine Clerk's office and Highway Department are closing until at least April 6. Officials say taxes and dog licenses can either be mailed or dropped in the mail slot by the office front door, adding: "For other Town business with the clerk's office you can schedule to meet with Diane Sidle, Town Clerk, by calling 607-227-4632. For Highway Dept. business you can contact Marty Vondracek, Highway Superintendent, at 607-207-6925."

--Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn (pictured at right) said the County Legislature, "in an effort to support the local lodging industry, has granted an extension for remittance of room tax to the County Treasurer. Affected businesses are still required to file their quarterly report by Friday, March 20. Payment may be remitted with no penalty up until April 20. The Treasurer will be notifying lodging establishments of this extension."

--Seneca Physical Therapy in Watkins Glen has closed its office until April 1, noting: "During the closure, we will continue to be available for billing, appointment, insurance and general questions" by phone or email.

--While restaurants are closed by state order, takeout can be ordered, and is at various eateries.

--The Watkins Glen Municipal Building will be closed to the public from March 23-31. Utility bill payments may be made online, by phone or by mail, including through the entryway drop box. Village Court services are closed until April 30. The Village Police will remain on duty. Call 607-535-8222 for all non-emergency reports, or 911 for emergencies.

Public Health officials give COVID-19 updates

Hospital and Public Health officials, along with Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn and Sheriff Bill Yessman, provided updates Tuesday at a press conference regarding the coronavirus. For a full accounting of actions taken in the county, click here.

Beyond that, Schuyler County Public Health Director Deborah Minor said there have been no cases of COVID-19 in the county yet, although results of tests on five people are being awaited. Results on five others came back negative. She said that there have been self-quarantines, but none mandated. By maintaining a 6-foot distance from people, staying home, and avoiding crowds, she said, people "will help slow the spread of the virus."

And Cayuga Health System President Dr. Martin Stallone and Schuyler Hospital President/CFO Rebecca Gould outlined precautions being taken at hospitals in Schuyler and Tompkins Counties and for long-term-care patients in Schuyler. For more information, visit the Schuyler Hospital website here.

For a longer story on the news conference, click here.

Books, belongings picked up at schools

Students and parents picked up the kids' books and belongings from Schuyler County high schools Tuesday as the districts embarked on a forced hiatus that officials hope will end on April 13. Schools.

Photo: Books and belongings awaited pickup in the Odessa-Montour gym.

Village elections postponed; jail bars visitors

The village elections planned for Wednesday, March 18, have been posptoned on order of Governor Andrew Cuomo (pictured at right) until April 28 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Absentee ballots already submitted will be held until the election; there is no need to re-submit. In other news:

--Jail visitation at the Schuyler County Jail has been suspended "to protect our corrections staff and inmates," said Sheriff Bill Yessman, who added: "Non-essential professional visitors will also not be permitted into the jail for group meetings. In an effort to lessen the impact on inmates and their families, inmates will be provided with several free phone calls per week." Also: Sheriff Dept. Procedural Changes.

--All local Social Security offices are closed to the public, effective March 17, for in-person service. However, Social Security said, "we are still able to provide critical services."

--The Brick Tavern Museum and Wickham Rural Life Center in Montour Falls are closed to the public until further notice. Phone calls and emails are welcome at (607) 535-9741 or director@schuylerhistory.org.

IMRRC is closing; WGI postpones its opening

The Inernational Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen is closing its doors and canceling its annual Model Car Show (see PSA), while Watkins Glen International is postponing its opening weekend, which had been scheduled for April 4-5. "We believe," said WGI in a statement, "it is best to take preemptive action out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our employees, the community and our loyal fans." Rescheduling information will be provided at a later date.

'This will be a real test of everybody's patience'

Watkins Glen School Superintendent Greg Kelahan and High School Principal Kai D'Alleva sit down to dilscuss the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on local schools, which are closing until at least April 13. Schools.

Photo: Superintendent Greg Kelahan

Schuyler schools will close their doors;
state of emergency declared in county

The three school districts in Schuyler County -- Odessa-Montour, Watkins Glen and Bradford -- will suspend classes effective Wednesday and continuing to April 13. The three districts' superintendents announced the closures Saturday afternoon. Schools.

In addition, Public Health officials declared a state of emergency in Schuyler County, with Emergency Services Director William Kennedy saying the threat of the virus is imminent. "This declaration provides Schuyler County with the flexibility to prepare and respond to this rapidly evolving situation," he said.

The order does not at this time provide specific orders or prohibitions for residents.

Also: Falls Home officials said that in accordance with Health Department regulations, there will be no visitors allowed for now at that Montour Falls facility, with the excepton of medical personnel and emergency situations.

Cayuga Medical Center restricts visitors. Hospital.

Rotary honors Minnier as Student of the Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior JoLynn Minnier (pictured at right) was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for March. Minnier was introduced by teacher Russ Gardner, who said the honoree is known throughout the school as "a hard worker" and "tough" -- attributes that have served her well in the classroom and in sports, where she has played key roles on the school's volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She is also Vice President of the Senior Class. Minnier plans to attend Corning Community College and pursue a Teacher Assistant Certificate with an eye toward becoming a Special Needs Assistant.

Land transfer request will get a closer look

A request by Peter Widynski of the Watkins Glen Housing Authority asking the Schuyler County Legislatiure to approve the transfer of a 14-by-200 foot section of land on the northern edge of the Jefferson Village Apartments property on 2nd Street in Watkins Glen from the county to the Housing Authority drew discussion at Monday night's monthly Legislature meeting. County Attorney Steven Getman ultimately recommended that the matter be taken up in further meetings to discuss the possible legal ramifications. Widynski said the unused land near passing railroad tracks would, if transferred, enable Jefferson Village to improve access to the waterfront from 2nd Street. However, one question raised by Administrator Tim O'Hearn was whether the land is part of Seneca Harbor Park, which would complicate the matter, requiring, among other things, state Legislature approval.

Photo: Peter Widynski addresses the Schuyler legislators.

WG's Vickio places 2nd in state in Hoop Shoot

Rachel Vickio, a 6th grader in the Watkins Glen School District, placed second last weekend at the Elks Hoop Shoot State Championship in Syracuse.

She was competing in the 12/13-year-old age category.

Rachel had reached the State Meet -- in which she faced finalists from New York's three other regions -- by winning on the local level, then in Penn Yan, and then in the state's Western Regional contest in Elmira.

Photo: Rachel Vickio with her Hoop Shoot certificate and medal.

Watkins Glen boys fall in sectional final, 63-60

The No. 1-seeded Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- down 16-4 after five minutes of play, and behind by 19 points in the third period -- rallied but fell short March 7 against No. 3 Newfield, losing 63-60 in the Section IV, Class C championship game at SUNY Cortland. The Senecas ended the season with a 21-3 record. Sports.

Photo: Watkins Glen's Isaac McIlroy looks for a shot.

Rotary honors Rodriguez as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Miranda Rodriguez was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for March. Rodriguez was introduced by teacher Kelly Muir, who -- quoting several students -- described Rodriguez as a hard worker, articulate, and "an activist who won't back down." Muir added that the honoree is creative, musically gifted, confident, polite, and a mature communicator. Rodriguez, Vice-President of the Student Council, President of Music Club, a member of Diversity Club and of the upcoming school play, and an intern with the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED), said she is "an advocate for social justice" who believes "it is my civic duty to speak out against bullying," whether directed toward herself or toward someone else. She plans to attend New York University to study film and TV, with an eye toward becoming a director or screenwriter.

Photo: Miranda Rodriguez speaks to Rotarians.

Former Congressman Amo Houghton dies

Amory Houghton, Jr., who headed up Corning Glass Works (now Corning, Inc.) before his election to Congress in 1986 -- a moderate of long standing in the Republican Party -- died Wednesday at his Corning home. He was 93. Said current Congressman Tom Reed: "Washington still has much to learn from Amo's legacy -- a legacy of common sense governing through respected bipartisan friendship and political civility. A legacy where our country comes first and our political party a distant second. Our nation has lost a true hero, and our hometown of Corning has lost a great ambassador. He will be missed by all."

Photo: Amory Houghton, Jr. (Photo provided)

Gathering proclaims that 'Local Roads Matter'

State Senator Tom O'Mara, Asemblyman Phil Palmesano and a group of state Senators and Assembly members joined Wednesday with a statewide coalition of county and town highway superintendents and other local leaders to call for increased state support for local roads, bridges and culverts. The representataives, from nearly every region of New York State, are in Albany this week for their annual "Local Roads Matter" advocacy campaign. Government.

Legislature receives information on COVID-19

Schuyler County legislators, at their Legislature Resolution Review Committee meeting Wednesday morning, were updated by area emergency services leaders on the symptoms, containment, pharmaceutical plans and other aspects of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The session, called by Chair Carl Blowers, was to provide the legislators with the best available informatiion going forward, should any county action be needed. "We've got to stop the rumors," said Blowers of reports embellishing facts and fueling fears. "We have to keep the facts in front of us -- get ahead of anything that might come."

Photo: Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers at the meeting.

Merit badge leads Scouts to board meeting

Nearly a dozen Boy Scouts from Troop 2674 attended Tuesday night's Watkins Glen Village Board meeting with Scoutmaster Rick Evans to pose questions to the board as part of an 8-week Citizen of the Community merit badge program. Among the questions asked, and answered by Mayor Luke Leszyk:

--Will there be an electric-rate increase? A rate study is looking at a "minimal increase" soon, and that in any event, "we will have to raise rates" as infrastructure upgrades are eventually undertaken.

--When will the new wastewater treatment plant be operational? Soon, phased in as part of "a progression, a procedure" that involves shutting down aspects of the old plant as the new one is brought on line.

--What will happen to the site of the old plant? A Request for Interest was sent out, with no response from developers; grants will be sought to tear the structure down. Then developers should be more interested in leasing the site for mixed use.

Photo in text: Boy Scouts enter the Village Board meeting.

Supreme Court denies Trappler review petition

The United States Supreme Court on Monday denied a petition filed by convicted murderer Alice Trappler for a writ of certiorari seeking a review of a June 2019 New York State Appellate Dvision, Third Department decision upholding her 2013 conviction. Trappler was convicted in the 2012 murder of Daniel Bennett in his Town of Dix home. Bennett was shotgunned to death by Trappler's ex-husband, Thomas Wesley Borden, who later died in Pennsylvania when he jumped in front of a moving train as police closed in on him. Trappler, who authorities said supplied Borden with the gun that was used, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Photo: Alice Trappler (File photo)

Coming soon: Finger Lakes Fantasy of Lights

A Chinese-style silk lantern festival once proposed for Havana Glen Park is now on track to operate from August through October on grounds owned by the Grist Iron Brewing Company off Route 414 in the Town of Hector. The festival, with silk figures -- some stories high -- affixed to metal frames and with colorful lights in a theme format, was announced at the annual meeting Feb. 26 of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. The meeting's keynote speaker, Robert Montgomery of the presenting company, AllPark Solutions, said the first-year theme will be Finger Lakes-related. Business.

Glen Baptist Church welcomes new pastor

The Glen Baptist Church, Watkins Glen, held an installation service on January 26 for its new pastor, Paul R. Brown. People.

Photo: Pastor Paul R. Brown with his wife, Rebekah, and their two daughters. (Photo provided)

Exhibit honors 100 years of hospital care

The Schuyler County Historical Society is honoring the 100th anniversary of the chartering of Schuyler County's first hospital with a speical exhibit. Features.

3rd marking period Honor Rolls at O-M

Odessa-Montour Junior/Senior High School has unveiled its High Honor and Honor Rolls for the third marking period of the 2019-20 school year. Honors.

Chapman, Reese: Rotary's Students of Month

Odessa-Montour High School seniors Hannah Chapman and Kara Reese were honored Feb. 13 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for January and February, respectively.

Both were introduced by the district's Dan Batchelder, who described Chapman as "not afraid to tackle anything difficult" and as a person who has high standards "and will do anything to achieve them." Chapman, a member of the O-M volleyball and basketball teams, plans to become a physician or Physician's Assistant.

Batchelder said Reese -- an O-M swimmer and basketball player and, like Chapman, an Honor Roll student -- is "a tremendous leader in sports or the classroom ... someone her classmates look up to." She plans to attend Keuka College to prepare for a career in Environmental Science.

Photo: Hannah Chapman, Rotary's O-M Student of the Month for January.

Rotary honors Travis Hill as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Travis Hill was honored Feb. 6 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for February. Hill was introduced by teacher Nils Watson, who said the honoree "is a fine example of success at WGHS" and "a role model in the areas of work ethic, commitment and positivity." Hill, a member of the National Honor Society who competes in both soccer and baseball, "is a leader among his peers," said Watson, who has both taught and coached him. Hill plans to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology and study Computing Security.

Photo in text: Travis Hill addresses the Rotary Club.

During the snowstorm ... the birds were posing

Maggie Field provided us with photos of birds at and near her feeders snapped during a Feb. 7 snowstorm -- a day when school was canceled and most humans had the luxury of staying indoors.


Photo in text: The snow was falling and the wind blowing.

Palmesano rises in Assembly GOP ranks

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) will be serving his colleagues and his constituents in a new leadership capacity. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) has tapped Palmesano to serve as the Assistant Minority Leader of the Assembly Republican Conference. Gov't.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.

Ice Bar concludes at the Watkins Harbor Hotel

The annual three-day Ice Bar -- a popular celebration of food, wine and ice sculptures -- was held for the third (and this year's final) night Feb. 1 with hundreds of people gathering in and behind the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. A portion of the proceeds has gone each of the past eight years to the Finger Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross, and will again this year. Over those eight years, about $150,000 has been raised for the Red Cross by the hotel through this event.

Photo: Caricaturist Jon Haeffner was among the features at the Ice Bar.

Danks Burke launches bid for State Senate

Leslie Danks Burke visited seven cities and villages Jan. 28 on a "Whistlestop Tour" to announce her run for the 58th State Senate District seat held by Republican Tom O'Mara. Danks Burke, a Democrat, stopped in Penn Yan, Watkins Glen (at El Rancho Restaurant), Hornell, Bath, Corning, Elmira and Ithaca. "Our young people are leaving because they can't find a future here," she said. "Like everyone else in this district, I have a Senator right now who claims there are plenty of jobs in the Southern Tier if people worked harder -- while he gets a second paycheck from his side-job at a lobbying firm. I'm going to Albany to finally get us a seat at the table, because we need a Senator who sees our challenges here and will deliver." Danks Burke, an attorney, ran for State Senate in 2016, losing to O'Mara.

Photo: Leslie Danks Burke during a visit to Corning on her "Whistlestop Tour." (Photo by Benjamin Allen)

2nd Schuyler Habitat house is dedicated

Schuyler Habitat for Humanity dedicated its second home on Sunday, Jan. 26. More than 50 persons were in attendance. The home, at 306 Broadway in the Village of Montour Falls, is nearing completion. Volunteers are welcome to help on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Photo: From left: The Reverend Michael Hartney, Schuyler Habitat Treasurer; County Legislator James Howell; Marion Nicastro, Habitat Vice President; Bob Groll, Habitat President; Kayla Verderwreff, Partner Family; and John King, Mayor of Montour Falls. (Photo provided)

Mayor recounts his historic trek recreation

Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer on Jan. 25 discussed his 2,000-mile trek last summer recreating a journey made in 1825 by fur trader Gen. William Ashley. The talk, before about 80 people, was held in the Odessa Municipal Building Community Room. People.

Photo: Mayor Gerry Messmer addressing Saturday's audience.

Carroll to step down from Glen Chamber post

Rebekah Carroll has submitted her resignation as Executive Director of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce -- effective after "her replacement is selected, on-boarded, and trained," says a Chamber press release. Carroll, who joined the Chamber in 2008 as its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer and was named President and CEO on May 17, 2010 (her title was changed to Executive Director in 2019), says she is leaving to pursue business goals that include her own accounting and consulting firm, to be located in Montour Falls. "I'm really excited," she said, noting that she had her own accounting business years ago and wants "to get back to it." She hopes to employ "10 or 12 people" in a business that also includes "strategic planning, document creation" and, possibly, medical billing. Chamber Board Chair Amanda Smith-Socaris said "we sincerely appreciate Rebekah's remarkable contributions to the Chamber during her time as CEO and Executive Director. We offer her our heartfelt appreciation and a blessing for her entrepreneurial success." The search for and installation of a successor, Carroll noted, could take until summer.

Photo in text: Rebekah Carroll (Photo provided)

Glen board OKs REOI for waterfront project

Approves Request for Expression of Interest, due back on March 17, looking for possible developers for a lease project on the waterfront sites of the treatment plant and Village Marina. Government.

Schuyler shares in NYS's annual REDC awards

New York State's annual Regional Economic Development Council awards, totaling $761 million, include more than $1.2 million for Schuyler County-based projects. Government.

Watkins Glen's Planty signs to attend Syracuse

Watkins Glen High School senior Gabe Planty signed a Letter of Intent Jan. 23 in a ceremony at WGHS to attend Division 1 Syracuse University as a member of SU's defending ACC champion Cross Country team and the school's indoor and outdoor Track squads. Planty, currently No. 1 in the state in the 2 Mile Run, recently set school records in that race and at the 3000 Meter and 3200 Meter distances. A longtime member of the WGHS cross country squad -- including when it won the state Class C title in 2016 -- Planty said he talked with coaches at Cornell and the University of Buffalo, but felt SU offered him "the best opportunity ... If I can help them win another ACC title, I'd be really excited." He noted that he had always wanted a signing ceremony, for which "I'm grateful."

Photo in text: Gabe Planty at the signing ceremony.

National Honor Society adds 9 at OM induction

Candles play a role as the Odessa-Montour High School chapter of the NHS holds a ceremony in the Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Schools.

Photo: This lighted candle was part of the NHS induction.

Chamber's Gala features auctions, awards

The annual Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Winter Gala was held Jan. 18 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel -- a gathering featuring a social hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, photos, character drawings, live music, blackjack, and the presentation of annual awards. Those went to Montour Falls Mayor John King (Community Spirit Award), Chicone Builders of Montour Falls (Leader in Business Award), Atwater Estates Vineyard owner Ted Marks (Lifetime Achievement Award), and Dennis Fagan, recently retired Chairman of the Schuyler County Legislature (the Max Neal Award, based on dedication to, and support of, the Chamber of Commerce.) Winter Gala.

Photo: Montour Falls Mayor John King, winner of the Community Spirit Award.

Harlem Wizards entertain crowd at O-M gym

The Harlem Wizards entertainment basketball team pleased a crowd in the Odessa-Montour High School gym Wednesday night, Jan. 15 as it played a team of local school-related personnel and interacted with the crowd, posing for selfies, selling merchandise and otherwise brightening a Schuyler County winter night. Profits from the event were earmarked for the school district's Parent-Faculty Organization.

Photo: The Wizards' Dwayne Simpson greets O-M team captain (and School Superintendent) Chris Wood at center court.

Annual Steps program kicks off in March

Schuyler Steps Out, the free community walking program presented by Schuyler Hospital, starts its 14th year in March. Teams must register by Feb. 14. People.

Freedom Writers' history, hopes aired at WGES

The Freedom Writers' history -- told through a documentary flim -- and the goals and hopes of those 150 student writers whose diary entries gained fame 20 years ago and led to a 2007 feature film starring Hilary Swank, were featured Thursday night, Jan. 9 at a presentation in the Watkins Glen Elementary School auditorium. With the Freedom Writers' teacher, Erin Gruwell (portrayed by Swank in the film) moderating the gathering, an audience of about 75 people watched the nearly hour-long documentary and heard from two of the original Freedom Writers on hand for the evening, Sue Ellen Alpizar and Narada Comans, in a question-and-answer session. Their themes included education as an equalizer, and expression as empowering. Their message, said Comans, "is one of tolerance and hope." Gruwell and the two writers also interacted Friday with Watkins Glen teachers and students. Gruwell visited the district last year, and said she jumped at the chance to return -- that she sees the school district as "family."

Photo: Freedom Writers teacher Erin Gruwell on stage.

Rotary honors Planty as Student of the Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Gabe Planty (right) was honored Jan. 9 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for January. Planty was introduced by teacher Karen Armstrong, who said he is "curious," "compassionate" and "quite the leader" -- a young man "responsible in his school work" who is a member of National Honor Society and involved in church work. A state-level competitive runner, a captain on his school's cross country team and a member of that squad when it won a state title, "his most notable trait," said Armstrong, is his humility -- "putting other people before himself." Planty said he has applied to several colleges and is "patiently awaiting acceptance at Syracuse University," where he hopes "to further my academic and athletic career."

Watkins Glen Library appoints new director

The Watkins Glen Public Library Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Tracy Savard as its new library director. Savard began the position on October 28 after twelve years at the Rakow Research Library of The Corning Museum of Glass. She has been a longtime member of the American Library Association and the Art Libraries Society of North America. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College, and graduated from Watkins Glen High School. Savard says she is eager to replant her roots in Watkins Glen and is looking forward to a long and fulfilling career serving her community at the same library she grew up frequenting.

Photo: Tracy Savard (Photo provided)

Preparation begins for 2nd Street apartments

Preparations have begun for construction of the planned apartment building-child care center on East Second Street in Watkins Glen. The facility, across the street from the Jefferson Village apartments, is under the guidance of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, which has said it is "dedicated to helping people of modest incomes find -- and stay in -- high-quality housing throughout Central New York." In addition to nearly three-dozen apartments, plans call for the childcare center at the western end of the complex, with parking immediately outside its doors, and with an entrance to a playground from the building's rear. A larger parking lot will be positioned on the south side of the complex.

Photo: Sign on the fence that surrounds the construction site.

Blowers takes over as Legislature Chairman

Carl Blowers was named Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Jan. 2 at the legislature's annual organizational meeting. Blowers was nominated by Legislator Phil Barnes, with a second by Jim Howell. The subsequent vote was unanimous. He succeeds Dennis Fagan, longtime chair who did not seek re-election in November. Blowers' election followed the swearing-in of Legislators Mark Rondinaro, re-elected in November, and newcomer Gary Gray. Reappointments through 2023 followed of Stacy Husted as Clerk to the Legislature and County Auditor; Steven Getman as County Attorney (with Legislator Michael Lausell opposed); and Wesley Roe as Public Defender. Named to one-year terms were Gary Emerson as County Historian and Katherine Conroy as Coroner.

Photo: Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers.

A selection of photos from Liz Fraboni

Watkins Glen photographer Liz Fraboni, whose work has graced these pages in the past, provides us with a new selection of scenes from her village and the surrounding area. Photos.