A weekly column from
State Senator O'Mara

Wood hired as Bradford's interim principal

Chris Wood, who resigned as superintendent of the Odessa-Montour School District on Dec. 2, has been hired by the Bradford Central School District to serve as its interim principal through the current school year. Wood was hired to succeed Patrick Dunham, who resigned. Bradford Superintendent John Marshall, in announcing the hiring on the district website, cited Wood's "extensive and varied background in public education" -- seven years as O-M superintendent, and before that time as a high school principal, Dean of Students and Social Studies teacher. That experience, Marshall said, "will enable him to be a significant asset to our students, staff and district as a whole. Mr. Wood is excited to get back to serving as a principal, as he spoke extensively about wanting to work closer with children and to be able to help them succeed at Bradford Central and beyond."

Photo: Chris Wood (File photo)

Friday Scoreboard

Boys Basketball
Notre Dame 66, Watkins 63
Newfield 80, Odessa-Montr 37

Girls Basketball
Notre Dame 44, Watkins 43
O-M 47, Newfield 34

Boys Swimming
Storm 84, So. Cayuga 66

Bowling
Boys: Waverly 3, Watkins 1
Girls: Waverly 4, Watkins 0

Stories on Sports.

Photo: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz shoots.

And inside:

--Oncology services return to hospital. Business.
--Opioid distributor to pay $116K to county. Govt.
--More Elks Hoop Shoot contest results. Forum.
--Photo of a roaring Shequaga Falls. Features.
--Open House set for new Schuyler EMS. Business.
--O'Mara, Palmesano react to Hochul's State of the State address. Government.
--Arc of Chemung-Schuyler names new CEO. Business.
--First Day Hike draws record turnout. People.

O-M board puts superintendent search on hold

The Odessa-Montour School Board has decided to put the search for a permanent superintendent on hold until 2024. Board President Rob Halpin, in a letter to the "OM Team," said that interim superintendent Tracy Marchionda has been asked to continue in her role until significant "operational matters" such as capital improvements, budget development and "the challenges presented by the phase-out of federal grant revenue" can be addressed. "These matters," he said, "will require a lot of Board time and attention, and leadership and guidance from an experienced administrator. In consideration of these demands, and in order to give the appropriate time and attention to the superintendent search, the Board ... has decided to put the active search process on hold." The Board, he added, "is fortunate to have someone with (Marchionda's) expertise, knowledge and skill set, and she looks forward to continuing to work alongside all of you and the Board." Marchionda, a long-time administrator in the Bath and Geneva school districts, was named O-M interim on Dec. 8, following the resignation of Superintendent Chris Wood.

Photo: Tracy Marchionda

'Fire & Ice' ends 3-night run at Harbor Hotel

The annual "Fire & Ice" celebration at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel -- an event generically known as the Ice Bar -- ended Saturday evening. The event featured local wines, beers, and food samples from local establishments available in the ballroom. On the patio behind the hotel, warming fires helped ward off the winter's chill, and were interspersed with drink bars sculpted from blocks of ice, an ice throne, and plenty of camaraderie. The event raises awareness of, and funds for, the Schuyler Health Foundation.

Photo: Tables in the hotel ballroom were laden with food for the large turnout of attendees.

Voters to decide WGCSD purchase of parcel

The Watkins Glen Central School District has agreed to pay $62,500 for a quarter acre of land it sold several years ago to the International Motor Racing Research Center, contingent on voter approval. The parcel, once a school playground at the corner of Decatur and 15th Streets in Watkins Glen, was sold by the district to the IMRRC several years ago for $50,000, with the Research Center planning initially to utilize it for expansion of its facilities. That never happened, and the IMRRC is considering other options. It recently offered to sell the land back to the school district, and the School Board earlier this month approved the purchase, subject to approval by district residents in a vote on March 7 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. School Superintendent Kai D'Alleva (pictured) said that a brainstorming session involving the public will be held next month to determine possible uses of the parcel. He said he sees the purchase opportunity "putting us in an advantageous position to install something the community wants and the students need." The parcel could, he suggested, be "an outdoor learning space" or "an adaptive playground for special needs students," or could possibly have a covering that would permit recess outside on rainy days that currently preclude it. "We're looking to increase opportunities for the kids," he said -- noting, however, that if a majority of voters oppose the purchase, "then we don't buy it."

Sporting Goods Closing Sale is in final week

The Store Closing Sale at Watkins Sporting Goods on 4th Street in Watkins Glen is nearing its Jan. 31 end -- and is now offering discounts of 75% on everything in the store. Signs in the window give a "huge THANK YOU to all our loyal customers over the past 67 years."

Photo: Signs in the window on the west side of the Watkins Sporting Goods store.

Photo: A Vietnam Era U.S. Army uniform is among the exhibit items.

32 are now honored as The Essentials

Two individuals -- historian Gary Emerson and the late Belle Cornell -- were recently honored as the latest members of The Essentials, a group of outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted life here or elsewhere. None of the 32 Essentials are in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame, but perhaps will be someday. Essentials.

And inside

Read the latest Letters to the Editor on the Forum Page.

And from Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: Keep the farm
overtime threshold at 60 hours. Column.

Storm gridders honored at board meeting

Members of the 2022 Schuyler Storm football team -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- each received an Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award certificate Monday night at a meeting of the Watkins Glen School Board. The team was being honored for winning the Section IV Class C Independent Football championship this past fall. Athletic Director Rod Weeden praised the team for its success, and then the certificates were distributed by Coach Trevor Holland. A photo of the recipients is on Schools.

Photo: One of the Achievement Award certificates.

Photo: Each honoree received a plaque.

A matter of time ...

The editor deals with elements of the past, present and future. Column.

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

Crackdown urged on 'sticker stores' in state

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (pictured at left) joined other area legislators and law enforcement officials Thursday at a press conference urging state passage of a law that would lead to a crackdown on "sticker stores" that have proliferated since passage of legislation permitting recreational marijuana use. Government.

A 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: "Looking for a challenge? Ride the Bike the Finger Lakes 11 Challenge." Column.

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

Fatal fire in Town of Orange is being probed

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal structure fire that occurred in the early morning hours of January 15. The Beaver Dams Volunteer Fire Department responded to 1811 Hornby Road in the Town of Orange for a garage fire. Firefighters discovered a body during fire suppression efforts. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time, pending positive identification. The Schuyler County Fire Investigation team and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control are assisting in the investigation.

Houck to become superintendent at Bath

GST BOCES Superintendent Kelly Houck has agreed to become Superintendent of the Bath school district, effective July 1st. Houck, who secured a five-year contract, said she was "humbled and gratified" that Bath "reached out to me." She said she "thrives" in a job where she works closer with kids than the travel-heavy BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) job offered. The BOCES Board will meet soon to discuss finding her successor. She has been at BOCES for two years after serving as Superintendent in the Dundee school district, and before that as Superintendent in the Canaseraga district.

Photo: BOCES Superintendent Kelly Houck. (File photo)

Board honors WGHS girls soccer champions

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- which won the Section IV, Class C title this past fall -- was honored by the district School Board on Jan. 9. Each member of the team received a certificate of Outstanding Athletic Achievement from Athletic Director Rod Weeden before Superintendent Kai D'Alleva praised the squad for the hard work it embraced in pursuing its goal of a sectional title. For a team photo and a look at one of the certificates, see Schools.

Photo: Michaela Wheaton, flanked by teammates Maddie Tuttle, left, and Natalee Oliver, holds the team's Section IV championship plaque.

Ribbon cutting marks opening of Teahouse

The Pangea Global Teahouse celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting celebration Thursday morning in front of the business, located in the former Watkins State Bank building at 221 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen. Various dignitaries welcomed the business owners, Suzanne Mathews and Keith Hill, in brief remarks preceding the ribbon cutting. The Teahouse prepares teas and treats from all over the world. Business.

Photo: Teahouse owners Suzanne Mathews and Keith Hill.

Legislators re-elect Blowers as chairman; appoint Chronis to 4-year administrator term

Carl Blowers was unanimously re-elected by his fellow legislators to a fourth one-year term Wednesday morning as chairman of the Schuyler County Legislature. The governing body, meeting for a brief organizational session in its County Office Building chambers, also appointed Fonda Chronis, who has served as County Administrator for the past year, to his first four-year term in that post. Sworn in to four-year terms as legislators were incumbents Blowers and Phil Barnes, each re-elected by voters in November.

Photo: County Administrator Fonda Chronis at Wednesday's organizational meeting.

Schuyler EMS helps Buffalo after storm

Medical Technicians with the new Schuyler Emergency Medical Services are home after helping Buffalo first responders following the storm there. People.

WGHS 2017 state title hoops team inducted into the Senecas' Weightlifting Hall of Fame

The 2017 Watkins Glen High School girls basketball state championship team has been inducted into the Senecas’ Weightlifting Hall of Fame, hall originator Ralph Diliberto -- who helped that team weight-train -- announced on Dec. 28. "All of the puzzle pieces fell into place that year under the guidance and direction of Coach Alicia Learn, assisted by Coach Harold Chaffee and Coach Scott Morse," said Diliberto. "Every member of the team took ownership of their strength and conditioning with great determination."

Photo: From left, WGHS Athletic Director Rod Weeden, Coach Alicia Learn with induction plaque, and Ralph Diliberto.

Schuyler Legislature holds year-end meeting

The Schuyler County Legislature on Wednesday morning held its annual year-end meeting, wrapping up resolutions that needed approval before the new year along with other measures. Among resolutions passed: approval of the appointment of Chad Hendrickson and Margaret Lawrence to SCIDA (the Schuyler County Industrial Development Agency) for the term of Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2025.

Photo: Legislators Mark Rondinero (foreground) and Phil Barnes at the year-end session.

Schuyler Hospital, Seneca View employees recognized; leadership serves them lunch

Schuyler Hospital and Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility senior leadership hosted their annual employee recognition lunch and celebrated "Ugly Holiday Sweater" day at both facilities on Wednesday, Dec. 14th.

This annual tradition, where senior leadership serves the employees as a thank-you for their hard work throughout the year, was put on hiatus during the Covid pandemic.

The senior leadership served roast prime rib, pork tenderloin, mushroom ravioli, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes and cake in celebration of the holidays and in recognition of their employees’ dedication and hard work throughout the year.

Photo in text: Schuyler Hospital President and Cayuga Health Assistant CFO Rebecca Gould serves food to the hospital's Chris Brink during the lunch. (Photo provided)

State resolution, proclamation honor Yessman

Retired Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman was honored at the Dec. 12 Schuyler County Legislature meeting with the presentation of a pair of certificates from New York State legislators, presented by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano on behalf of himself and State Senator Tom O'Mara. An Assembly Legislative Resolution said it was honoring Yessman "upon the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of distinguished service to Schuyler County Law Enforcement." A framed Proclamation "commemorating his retirement" extolled his "outstanding career achievements."

Village Christmas draws crowd to Watkins

A heavy turnout of festival spectators wandered Franklin Street in Watkins Glen Friday night, Dec. 9 during the 29th annual Village Christmas. With temperatures in the mid 30s, outerwear ranged from winter coats to short-sleeve shirts as visitors bought crafts and food along the sidewalks, and voted in a Chili Cookoff outside the Cabins to Castles real estate office. A parade with fire trucks, horses, a hot-air balloon flame-shooter and creative floats entertained for a half hour, while a petting zoo was a popular stop throughout the three-hour festival. Also popular: a Pop-Up Shops array of businesses inside the Chamber of Commerce building, complete with music by the trio of Charles, Ed & Isabella. Features.

Photo: One of Santa's elves in the parade.

O-M Board appoints interim superintendent

The Odessa-Montour School Board on Dec. 8 named longtime educator Tracy Marchionda as the district's interim superintendent in the wake of last week's resignation by Superintendent Chris Wood. Marchionda, most recently Interim Director of Curriculum and Special Education in the Hammondsport School District, was to start her new duties Friday morning. Marchionda taught the 2nd and 5th grades in the Dundee School District starting in 1989. From 2000-2011 she served as a principal and then as Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Bath School District, and from 2011-2022 was employed by the Geneva City School District, gaining the post of Assistant Superintendent in 2020. She retired from Geneva in August before taking the interim Hammondsport job. She will serve as Interim Superintendent for O-M until a permanent superintendent is found.

Photo: Interim O-M Superintendent Tracy Marchionda

Odessa Board OKs ambulance service pact

The Odessa Village Board on Dec. 5 approved a proposed agreement with Cayuga Health Systems for the use of the new Village Office Building at 1928 County Road 15 by Cayuga for the housing of an ambulance and crew as part of Schuyler County's new emergency response system. Plans call for ambulance facilities in three locations in the county: in Watkins Glen, Odessa and Tyrone. The village board agreed to a five-year lease with the receipt of monthly rental and utility charges. The 24/7 Odessa ambulance crew will have a vehicle bay in the primary building's garage, sleeping quarters in the building (a former home), and use of the structure's kitchen and restroom facilities, but will provide its own internet service. The agreement goes back to Cayuga Health for final approval.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer at Monday's meeting.

Chris Wood resigns as O-M Superintendent

Chris Wood, who was in his 8th year as Superintendent of the Odessa-Montour School District, resigned Friday, Dec. 2, the departure to take effect immediately. Wood, saying that "physically, mentally and emotionally, I can no longer" do the job, announced his decision in a memo to staff members. In a phone conversation Friday night, he added this: "I love Odessa-Montour. It's been good to me and my family for many years. It has a great School Board, a great Administration team, a great staff and students who are second to none. I will miss all of those people." The text of his message to staff can be found on the Schools Page.

Photo: Chris Wood (File photo)

Seneca Santa truckload delivered in Watkins

More than 30 Watkins Glen High School student-athletes helped offload a truck from Hessleson's store in Elmira Heights Thursday that delivered scores of cases of Christmas gifts for the Seneca Santa program. The Hesselson delivery -- sold to the Seneca Santa program wholesale, an annual event -- included games, toys, sporting equipment and other items destined for delivery Christmas Eve morning to kids 2-12 in more than 100 Schuyler County families in need. Seneca Santa, which has operated since the early 1940s, is overseen by Peggy Scott. She has two dozen volunteer helpers, whose efforts lead to distribution of the gifts by the county's fire departments.

Photo: Ball that arrived in one of the cases.

The stark autumn beauty on Seneca Lake's shoreline

This photo was sent to us by Liz Fraboni, snapped along the shore of Seneca Lake, near Hector on Nov. 24th. The fading sun reminds us of the warm season past, and the nearly leafless branch foretells the winter season to come.

Photo by Liz Fraboni

The Odessa File All-Sports Autumn All-Stars

The First, Second and Third teams are unveiled, along with The Odessa File's Schuyler Fall MVP. Sports.

O-M Junior High students collect, donate food

The Odessa-Montour Junior High School Student Council on Friday delivered 500 cans and food items to the Food Pantry after a two-week 7th and 8th grade food drive. Students are shown at right loading a bus with the food outside the school.

The information and photos were provided by Junior High Student Council Advisor Holly Faulk.

Rotary honors Sarah Barr as Student of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Sarah Barr was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month. Barr was introduced by Physics and Chemistry teacher Doug Chapman, who said the honoree has done "a tremendous job in both" demanding classes while remaining "super dedicated" to other pursuits such as athletics and Student Council. She is, he added, a caring person who is "highly regarded" by her classmates and teachers. Barr, who plans to enter a nursing program at a college yet to be determined, said she's "always been involved in everything," and thanked Rotary, noting: "It's nice to have this validation."

Photo: Teacher Doug Chapman and Sarah Barr.

Schuyler Legislature approves 2023 budget

The Schuyler County Legislature on Nov. 14 unanimously approved a $59,124,384 budget for 2023. The approval followed a public hearing at which the spending plan was outlined by County Administrator Fonda Chronis (pictured at right). The tax rate will be $6.26 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The tax levy will be $11,180,310, up 1.26% from the current year.

Montour Falls names new clerk, new treasurer

Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan has announced the appointment of a new Village Clerk and a new Village Treasurer. Government.

Photo: From left, Village Clerk Emily Byers; Mayor James Ryan; and Village Treasurer Laurie Thompson.

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

Pet of the Week: Willie

Name: Willie
Sex: Neutered Male
Age: 2 to 3 years
Breed: Pit Bull Mix
Size: Medium to Large

Willie came to the shelter when his family could no longer care for him. He's learned so much since he arrived and is a delight to walk on a leash. He's always up for a new adventure! With people he knows, he is outgoing, friendly and loving. We suspect that Willie hadn't been exposed to a lot of people or new surroundings earlier in his life, but he's warming up to people so much more quickly now. He loves to cuddle and is over the moon with a good butt scritch.

Although Willie lived with another dog, we think he would prefer a home without other four legged companions, but if you have another canine companion, we'd always suggest a meet and greet. Willie would probably do best in an adult home or one with older children. We're told that WIllie is about 2 years old. And, you've got to love those ears!

Adoption Fee: Adoption Fee: $200 (dogs over 1 year) or $250 (dogs under 1 year) includes spay/neuter rabies, DHLPP and kennel cough vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, heartworm testing, heartworm preventative, microchipping and microchip registration fee.

To adopt: Please call us at 607-594-2255, Ext. 201 to schedule an appointment. Visit us online at www.schuylerhumane.org for additional information, an adoption application, to see more adoptable dogs and cats or for directions to our shelter. You are also welcome to stop by on Saturdays from 10am - 1 pm without an appointment.

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.

Legislature approves new ambulance service

The Schuyler County Legislature, meeting in special session Nov. 9th, approved a contract with Cayuga Health System for a new ambulance service in the county. The Legislature passed two resolutions -- one that authorizes a contract with Cayuga Health Transport, LLC, "a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation whose sole member is Cayuga Health System, Inc." The other approves a schedule of fees to be charged to those people utilizing the new ambulance service. The contract is scheduled to take effect on Dec. 1 and go for two years, with a longer-term agreement expected by officials after that.

Photo: Legislature Chair Carl Blowers.

Odessa-Montour voters OK pool funding plan

Voters in the Odessa-Montour School District on Nov. 7 approved -- by a 190-17 margin -- a proposal to transfer $950,000 from a capital reserve fund to add to the $16.9 million capital project the district has been undertaking for many months. The money will be used to top off available funds for a new pool and related pump room, bleachers, records board and score board. Superintendent Chris Wood has said the bids for the capital project came in lower than expected, leaving money for the pool project. The shift of funds were needed to complete it. Wood, who has pointed to the educational value of the pool -- where kids in many grades learn to swim -- thanked the community for its continued support of "opportunities for our students," and said he was "excited for our kids," calling swimming "a great life skill to have."

Hochul wins; Langworthy going to Congress

Incumbent Kathy Hochul (pictured at right) was declared the winner on Nov. 8th in her campaign for election to her first full term as New York governor. Hochul, a Democrat who became the state's first female governor when she succeeded Andrew Cuomo upon his resignation, defeated Republican challenger Lee Zeldin. Republican Nick Langworthy defeated Democrat Max Della Pia for a seat from the 23rd District in Congress, while State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Michael Henry. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer won another term in Washington, while incumbent State Senator Tom O'Mara and incumbent Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, both Republicans, ran unopposed.

November Splendor fund-raiser returns

November Splendor -- the biggest fundraising event of the year for Schuyler Hospital and Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility -- returned Nov. 5th to the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus. The cocktail-attire event, presented by the Schuyler Health Foundation and the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, featured dinner, live music by Letizia and the Z Band, raffles and auctions. There were about 170 diners. Health Foundation Chairperson Erin Thaete thanked the community for "its continued support of the hospital and Seneca View." The Foundation's avowed goal is to create and maintain a steady, dependable stream of funds to accomplish the hospital's mission of delivering high quality health care in partnership with the community.

Photo: Schuyler Health Foundation Chairperson Erin Thaete at November Splendor.

Autumn yields colorful photography

Autumn in the Finger Lakes region can yield some stunning photography, as exemplified by photos recorded in recent days by Watkins Glen's Liz Fraboni, a frequent contributor to The Odessa File. For a gathering of Fraboni photos, see People.

LCP's 'Sound of Music" ends its 3-day run

The Lake Country Players' production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music"was presented for a third and final day Nov. 6th, with a matinee performance in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. Casey Manzer-Smith of Corning was the director of the musical, set in pre-World War II Austria.

Watkins girls blank Tburg, win Section IV title

The Watkins Glen girls varsity soccer team -- led by two Skye Honrath goals and one by her sister Sasha -- defeated Trumansburg 3-0 on Oct. 28 on the Johnson City High School athletic field to win its first-ever Section IV, Class C championship. Next up: a regional contest Nov. 5th in Norwich. Sports.

Photo: Championship medallion

Parade, games mark Halloween in Odessa

Kids dressed in all sorts of Halloween costumes paraded Oct. 31st with their parents along the streets of Odessa -- led by local firefighters who organized the event. The children followed the firefighters to the side of the Wesleyan Church on Church Street for games before heading out to homes around the village to trick or treat.

Photo at right: The parade on Odessa's Maple Avenue on its way to the Wesleyan Church festivities.

Ribbon-cutting marks Li'l Joe's renovation

A ribbon was cut Oct. 28th at the site of the former Li'l Joe's Service Station on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen to celebrate completion of a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) project: renovation of the building into retail space and a three-bedroom apartment, and the complete overhaul of the Li'l Joe's garage into what will soon be an Upstate Brewing Company business leased from property owners Sally Scaptura-Clark, daughter of the late Joseph P. "Li'l Joe" Scaptura, and her daughter Margaret Clinch.

The apartment is rent-limited under DRI terms for a few years at $1,500/month. It was still available Friday, as was the ground-floor retail space, where the service station business operated until 1996. Friday's ceremony saw remarks by various dignitaries, including State Senator Tom O'Mara. The general contractor for the renovation project was John Franzese. The engineer was Howard Cabezas.

Photos: The former Li'l Joe's service station as it is today (top) and how it looked when a ceremonial ground-breaking was held on Aug. 20, 2021.

Ribbon-cutting celebrates salon at Walmart

The SmartStyle Hair Salon located in the Walmart store in Watkins Glen was the scene Oct. 26 of a "grand re-opening" ribbon-cutting. The business, actually purchased two years ago by Clifford and Kristen Milowicki of Binghamton -- one of 14 such salons in the Southern Tier for which they are the franchisees -- was celebrating its survival through the pandemic and its emergence "at full strength," said Mr. Milowicki. "Now we're looking to get stronger." The salon is managed by Allison Davis of Watkins Glen. On hand to speak were Nigar Hale, executive director of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce; Schuyler County Administrator Fonda Chronis; Watkins Glen Village Trustee Laurie DeNardo; and Mr. Milowicki.

Photo: Business franchisees Clifford and Kristen Milowicki

A column by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with his 13th in a series of columns on what is happening in Odessa and the surrounding area. This time he discusses something different, providing a primer titled "How do local governments work?" Column.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Public gets chance to Meet the Candidates

Candidates for offices at various levels of government -- from Congress to town races -- in the upcoming election were on hand Oct. 24th at a Meet the Candidates night in the Watkins Glen Elementary School auditorium. Government.

Schuyler Storm swims to IAC championship

The girls varsity, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, amasses 484 points to easily finish ahead of runnerup Dryden's 349.

Story on Sports.

Photo: Championship plaque.

Rotary honors Arnold as its Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Carly Arnold was honored Oct. 20 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month. She was introduced by Ralph Diliberto, who has coached her in soccer and softball at WGHS, as well as in weight training. He called her "a hard worker on many levels ... enhancing the welfare of those around her while looking for nothing in return. She is always optimistic, encouraging her classmates or teammates to succeed." She is, he added, "such a credible member of society." Carly, a High Honor student and a member of National Honor Society, is a three-sport athlete, playing soccer (a captain of the IAC champion Senecas), basketball and softball this year. She has participated in SCCUDD, Seneca Santa and various church-related activities, and her studies have focused on the health care field, where she hopes to pursue a career.

Photo: Carly Arnold with Coach Ralph Diliberto.

BOE hears more on Summer Rec proposal

The Watkins Glen Board of Education on Oct. 17 heard from two Watkins village representatives about plans being developed to resurrect a six-week Summer Recreation program at Clute Park next year. Village Trustee Nan Woodworth and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Craig Bond said the program -- absent in recent years -- could take the form of a free service for kids in the county or a pay-as-you-go operation (possibly with scholarships for families in need), the form dependent on how much the School Board, Village Board and surrounding municipalities are willing to pool. Bond said a fully funded program would require about $75,000 a year "to do it right" and -- in addition to collaboration among various county stakeholders -- could be grant-funded. The board expressed support, but needed more information on who might participate and what sort of contribution would be expected by the school district (Bond suggested $35,000 in funds and services). The board said it would invite Bond back in January, when it has entered its budget season. He said he will return with more information on who is willing to collaborate, and hopefully "with two or three grants in my back pocket."

Photo: Watkins Glen Parks and Recreation Superintendent Craig Bond at the School Board meeting.

Great Escape celebrates its 40th anniversary

The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor at 21 S. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen celebrated 40 years in business Oct. 14 with a ribbon-cutting and festivities that included a vintage car show, a live show from Scott and Ally of WINK 106, and discounted cones and sundaes.

Squires donate $500 to library's Career Center

The Watkins Glen Squires and Pages Drum and Bugle Corps has donated $500 to support the Sandra Franzese Black Career Center at the Watkins Glen Public Library. The late Sandra Black was a talented member of the Squires, a community advocate, and a lover of libraries. The check was presented by Squires alumni Barbara Chapman, Robert Chapman and Patricia Schimizzi to Library Director Kelly Povero; former Library Board President Carol Franzese (Sandra's mother), and current Library Board President Judy Phillips. The Career Center offers information on higher education, trade programs, various career paths, and more. The Squires donation will be used to expand and update the existing collection, as well as explore new job-related resources.

Sheriffs' Showdown
raises funds for camp

Sheriffs from counties around the state raced Thursday at WGI -- part of a day designed to raise funds for a Summer Camp on Keuka Lake. Features.

Ribbon cutting celebrates Village Lofts in Glen

The former VFW Building at the corner of Franklin and First Streets in Watkins Glen has been turned into four long-term apartments (the Village Lofts) and a 2,000-square-foot Fitness Center -- all done in conjunction with the nearby Harbor Hotel. Various village and county officials gathered at the new facility Oct. 11 as a ribbon was cut to celebrate its completion. The fitness center replaces one that existed in the hotel (replaced by a Lakeside Suite). The hotel, along with the Village Lofts and the Harbour House (a short-term rental facility in a renovated old home at the corner of Decatur and Second Streets that is overseen by hotel personnel), combine to make what keynote speaker David Hart (President and CEO of Hart Hotels) called a "Hospitality Campus." Hart said the hotel, which recently completed its 14th year, has demonstrated that "If you build it, they will stay." Accordingly, the hotel "has become a big economic generator."

Photo: The structure housing the Village Lofts apartments and a fitness center was a longtime VFW building gone vacant. The fitness center is for hospital guests, although a plan is being formulated to offer a limited number of community memberships. The apartments, two on the second floor and two on the third, will be long-term rentals. They are not yet occupied.

Board meeting: Hearing, reports, resolutions

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Oct. 4 held a 75-minute meeting featuring department reports and:
-- a public hearing on a Local Law to alter zoning to include the old Guthrie Building in the Village Center District to help a medical service company gain approval for use of the building as a medical facility. Nobody spoke at the hearing, and the matter goes now to the state.
-- set 6-8 p.m. on Halloween (Monday, Oct. 31) as the village trick-or-treating hours.
-- promised to look into improving village parking and sidewalk facilities for the handicapped.
-- Rejected a resident's request for the reimbursement of $179 for the loss of laundry ruined by rusty water.
-- Agreed to look at a proposal by Code Officer Scot Cole to reduce safety inspection fees that he thought too high.

Photo in text: Village Trustee Nan Woodworth at the meeting

Falls Harvest Festival draws crowd to Montour

The annual Falls Harvest Festival drew a large crowd on Oct. 1 to Main Street in Montour Falls. The festival featured ghost walks, street performers, live music, and more than 50 craft and food vendors -- all capped off by a fireworks display above Shequaga Falls. The festival was presented by Watkins Glen Promotions. The entertainment -- keyed by a performance by the band Still Kickin' -- was sponsored by area businesses and organizations.

Photo in text: Don Wood of Penn Yan was set up on Main Street, playing a concert trumpet organ -- also called a monkey organ.

Perazzini announces run for Watkins mayor

Louis Perazzini, the Watkins Glen Deputy Mayor for more than three years, has thrown his hat in the ring for the post of Village Mayor. His campaign announcement appears on the Forum Page.

Photo: Louis Perazzini

O'Mara rips state for lowering OT threshold

State Senator Tom O’Mara has blasted a decision by state Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to approve a controversial recommendation lowering the overtime threshold for farm workers in New York State from 60 to 40 hours. Government.

Photo: State Senator Tom O'Mara

Schuyler United Way launches its campaign

The Schuyler County United Way started its 2022-23 campaign with a luncheon Sept. 21 at the Montour Moose Lodge for volunteers and for representatives of the 17 agencies it serves. The United Way's campaign goal this year is $102,000, Serving as honorary chair of the drive is the Dewayne and Theresa Butler family, long involved in service to the county. United Way Executive Director Peggy Scott told the luncheon guests that the organization is facing financial challenges, and that greater promotion -- getting the word out that it helps support 17 agencies -- should be a focus going forward. As for fund-raising, a key component is the annual "Kick Off" Spaghetti Dinner at the Moose Lodge on Monday, Oct. 10. It will be in honor of the late Rick Evans, who with his wife served for two years as the United Way campaign co-chairs. Serving starts at 4 p.m. The price is $10.

Photo: United Way Executive Director Peggy Scott at the luncheon.

Monument honors achievements of Squires

A monument in honor of the award-winning Squires Drum and Bugle Corps of the 1960s-1980s was unveiled during a ceremony Sept 17 on the lawn fronting the Schuyler County Courthouse. People.

Photo: A vintage (1966) Squires drum head was affixed to the podium at Saturday's ceremony.

Bergen, Glenview Dairy sign on to RNG project

Bergen Farms and Glenview Dairy have entered into agreement with Cayuga RNG to produce renewable natural gas. The project -- which will include construction of a manure digester and gas upgrading equipment at each location -- is expected to produce about 150 million cubic feet of RNG annually that will be delivered to a local natural gas pipeline serving the regional distribution system. Government.

Fit Fest offers health tips, live entertainment

The annual Fit Fest made its return to the Carnival Grounds in Montour Falls Sept. 17 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The event, with a focus on healthy living, featured about 35 vendors representing various health facilities and service organizations. It featured various activities for kids and adults, combined with food, entertainment, games, and giveaways. The event, held under sunny skies, was free to everyone. It was presented by Cayuga Health, the Schuyler County Department of Health, and Strong Kids, Safe Kids.

Photo in text: Among the entertainers on the Carnival Grounds stage was singer Sarah Schlueter-Eisman.

Chronis gives brief ambulance service update

Schuyler County Administrator Fonda Chronis told the county Legislature at its monthly meeting Sept. 12 that he had been urged to reach out "one more time" to the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association Inc. to see if there was some way it might be incorporated into the county's plans to revamp ambulance service in the county -- and that he had done so, receiving a proposal earlier that day from Association Vice President Steve Williams. Chronis said he had not had an opportunity to look at the proposal Monday, but would "jump into it tomorrow." Schuyler Ambulance has come under criticism from the Legislature, which has turned to Cayuga Health Systems to provide ambulance service under a proposed three-year contract. That pact has yet to be finalized.

Photo: Administrator Fonda Chronis at Monday's meeting.

DeNardo announces run for Watkins Mayor

Watkins Glen Village Trustee Laurie DeNardo is running for the post of Mayor of Watkins Glen, saying she is "more than ready to work for the benefit of our residents." Retiring from Cornell University "with just shy of 40 years ... I'll have the time to devote to this important position." Forum.

Photo: Laurie DeNardo

Grand Prix Festival draws crowd to Watkins

Mustangs were the featured vehicles this year, but there were plenty of other sports vehicles on display and traveling the village streets Sept. 9 at the annual Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival. A large crowd lined both sides of Franklin Street to observe the passing cars, and to enjoy various memorabilia and food vendors. A highlight was The Legends Speak question-and-answer session in Lafayette Park with racing legend Al Unser Jr., who is serving as Grand Marshal at the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix this weekend at the Watkins Glen International racetrack. Unser, a two-time winner of the Indy 500, entertained a large crowd with stories of his career, including racing battles with Mario Andretti and Dale Earnhardt Sr. The event was hosted by the village-based International Motor Racing Research Center.

Photo: Al Unser Jr. at The Legends Speak gathering.

Glen's Coleman wins State SRO of Year Award

Watkins Glen School Resource Officer James P. "Jamie" Coleman has been presented with the New York State SRO of the Year Award for 2022 by the state's Juvenile Officers Association. Coleman, a retired doctor and Army veteran, received the award Sept. 1 at an Association dinner in Syracuse. The plaque lauds his "devoted service to the youth of New York State as a School Resource Officer." Watkins Glen Police Sgt. Ethan Moster outlines the award on the Forum Page.

Photo: Jamie Coleman with his award. (Photo provided)

Legislators turn to Cayuga Health in move toward new ambulance service in Schuyler

Schuyler County legislators took a large step Tuesday toward restructuring ambulance service in the county when they voted 6-2 in a legislative committee session to move in the direction of an agreement that would see Cayuga Health Systems provide the service under an initial three-year contract. Government.

Photo at right: Legislature Chairrman Carl Blowers directed the committee meeting.

Triner wins The Arc Grand Prix Run at WGI

Hector 16-year-old Nathan Triner easily won the annual Arc Grand Prix Run Saturday evening, Aug. 27 on the 3.4-mile Watkins Glen International racetrack. Triner, who is home-schooled, also won last year's inaugural Hector Harvest 5K. The last time he had run in the Arc race was three years ago, when he won his age group. His time Saturday -- in the Arc's first evening run (it had always been in the morning) -- was 19:04.77, more than three minutes ahead of runnerup Robert Moore of LeRaysville, Pa. The first female to finish was Emmy O'Neill of Hammondsport, in 25:23.09. A total of 270 runners registered for the event, which also featured a walking component.

Photo: Race winner Nathan Triner, who finished in 19:04.77

Sempolinski will finish Reed's term in House

Republican Joe Sempolinski defeated Democrat Max Della Pia Aug. 24 in the race to determine who will complete the term of former Congressman Tom Reed, who resigned from the House of Representatives earlier this year to enter the private sector. With 95% of the ballots reported in the 23rd Congressional District, Sempolinski -- who will serve through the remainder of 2022 -- had received 53.3%, to 46.7% for Della Pia.

Primaries: In the Republican primary to determine who will represent the party in November's general election for the 23rd Congressional District seat, Nick Langworthy defeated Carl Paladino, 52.1% to 47.9% with 94% of the ballots counted. Max Della Pia ran uncontested for the Democrats.

Photo: Joe Sempolinski

District aims for possible Summer Rec revival

Watkins Glen School Superintendent Kai D'Alleva got the go-ahead on Aug. 23 night from the School Board to join with the Village of Watkins Glen in talks that could lead to a revival of a Summer Rec program at Clute Park. The program, combining recreation and education, was a mainstay at Clute for many summers before falling by the wayside several years ago. D'Alleva said the village is interested in its return, and is looking for a monetary commitment by the school district to accomplish it -- an amount to be determined. "I would love for the district to be part of bringing the program back. My hope is we can help in some way," he told the board before its members gave the green light to pursue it further. Said Board member Craig Bianco: "I'm all for anything that gets kids off the couch and off the screen."

Photo: Superintendent Kai D'Alleva at Monday's meeting.