Marie Fitzsimmons reports from Rwanda

Retired Watkins Glen High School teacher Marie Fitzsimmons and her husband Kirk Peters are serving with the Peace Corps in Rwanda. Marie reports on her first three months there. Rwanda.

Photo: Marie Fitzsimmons in Rwanda

Schuyler Transit plans bus to Tompkins

Beginning Aug. 28th, Schuyler County Transit will offer a new Monday through Friday public transit service to Tompkins County -- connecting people in Schuyler to Cayuga Medical Center and to TCAT routes that stop at Ithaca's downtown transit hub and at Cornell University. People.

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Watkins Glen issues Boil Water Advisory

The Village of Watkins Glen, citing "a village-wide water main break," today (Tuesday) issued a Boil Water Advisory. "This shall be effect until further notice," the village said in a notice published on its website. The main break delayed the opening of county offices within the village until 11 a.m. Water service was restored, but the advisory remained in place.

Italian American Festival ends its 3-day run

The annual three-day Schuyler County Italian American Festival drew to a close Sunday. The festival, highlighted by a parade at noon Saturday and by fireworks Saturday night, finished up Sunday with a sauce-making competition, live entertainment by the Rusted Bucks Band, bingo, rides, games, vendor tents, and judging for the second annual Kenny Larson Memorial Motorcycle Show held in conjunction with the Spirit of Schuyler Motorcyle Ride. For photos from Saturday's parade and from both Friday and Sunday, see Features.

Photo: Members of the Montour Falls Fire Department march in the parade. (Photo by Lisa Harer)

The matinee idol ...

The vacationing editor reconnects with someone he last knew 60 years ago. Column.

------

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

Popular Florida band to perform in Watkins

California Toe Jam, an acclaimed Florida-based band that has provided '60s, '70s and '80s music since it was formed in 1984, will perform in concert at "The W" -- the former Watkins Glen Middle School Auditorium -- at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 20, with the doors opening at 6:15. There is a $10 admission fee, with advance tickets available at Famous Brands and Chemung Canal Trust Company offices in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. Proceeds will benefit the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club's community projects fund. To learn more about the band,
click here. To see the band in action, click here.

And inside

--A fire alarm in Montour Falls leads to the arrest of 4 people on meth charges. People.

--Three people are arrested in race weekend incidents. People.

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

1 dead in boating accident on Waneta Lake

A 17-year-old Rochester youth died Thursday night in a boating accident on Waneta Lake. The Schuyler County Sheriff's office said that Owen L. Thomas fell overboard shortly after 8 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people on board were treated at Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan. The cause is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, assisted by the New York State Marine Services Bureau.

Legacy Lane dedicated at Lafayette Park

The new Schuyler County Legacy Lane in Watkins Glen's Lafayette Park, a project of the Schuyler County Italian-American Festival, was dedicated in a ceremony Monday evening, Aug. 7. The dedication kicked off the Festival, which will run Aug. 11-13 at Clute Park, along Route 414 in Watkins Glen. The Legacy Lane dedication included remarks by Mayor Sam Schimizzi, along with other community leaders. Features.

Photo at right: Louis Perazzini, Co-Chairman of the Italian-Amerian Festival, was among the dedication speakers.

Watkins Glen School Board meeting summary

The Watkins Glen Board of Education met Aug. 7, and among other things named a new music teacher and a new varsity volleyball coach. For a summary provided by the school district, click here.

The latest 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.

Truex Jr. wins Watkins Glen NASCAR race

Martin Truex Jr. held off Matt Kenseth down the stretch to win the I Love New York 355 at The Glen NASCAR race Sunday at Watkins Glen International racetrack. Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney both pitted for gas in the race's final laps, helping to set up the tight Truex-Kenseth finish. It was the first NASCAR career win at WGI for Truex, who leads the NASCAR Cup standings. Daniel Suarez finished third in Sunday's race, with Denny Hamlin fourth and Clint Bowyer fifth.

Watkins Glen wins $10 million in DRI funding

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (right) announced Thursday morning at the Watkins Glen International racetrack that the Village of Watkins Glen -- one of three finalists -- has been selected to receive $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds. Watkins is the winner in one of the 10 regions in the state in which a total of $100 million is being awarded. Watkins Glen -- along with finalists Ithaca and Endicott in this region -- presented its case before a panel of judges at a recent gathering at Cornell University. Government.

Watkins 3rd in Best Waterfront Hotels contest

The USA Today 10Best Readers Choice poll for Best Waterfront Hotel across the U.S. found the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel finishing third, only behind the Acqualina Resort & Spa of Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., and the Lake Pointe Inn of McHenry, Md. The results, announced Aug. 4th, listed 10 "waterfront properties" that "set the scene for a memorable and relaxing vacation." There were 20 finalists. Results.

Column examines "The impact of insects"

"It’s hard not to be scared of insects. Many fly and buzz around us, just out of reach, reminding us of the times they hurt or annoyed us in the past. But not all insects are out to get us. In reality, these small creatures do much more good than harm." So starts a column by Danielle Wolleman. To reach it, click here.

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.

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

The Ben & Jerry's store at 418 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen opened for business in April with a Free Cone Day -- which drew a large crowd. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Craig wins big at AAU Jr. Olympics swimming

Molly Craig (right), a 2017 Elmira Notre Dame graduate and a member of The Odessa File-sponsored 2017 Top Drawer 24 team of outstanding student-athletes in our area, won nine of the 10 individual 15- to 18-year-old swim events in which she was entered at the AAU Junior Olympics in Michigan from July 27-30, and was on the winning team in all four relays. Her sister Catherine also competed, as did Watkins Glen freshman Amanda Wilbur. Sports.

Driver promotes seat-belt use in Schuyler

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ross Chastain and his No. 4 Xfinity Series “Protect your Melon” race car were at the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Watkins Glen State Park Pavilion on Wednesday, August 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. promoting seat belt use.

The events were co-sponsored by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the Schuyler County Office for the Aging. Government.

Ribbon cut at Lake Country Kennels ceremony

Lake Country Kennels, which opened for business in December at 1811 Baker Hill Road, Watkins Glen, celebrated its startup with a ribbon-cutting Friday, July 28 at the facility. The Kennels is a small animal boarding faclity surrounded by a 22-acre farm. The new building contains 20 indoor kennels, each with an indoor climate-controlled run area. and there is an adjacent outside, contained area for socialization of the Kennel "guests." For more information, visit www.lakecountrykennel.com

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.

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.

Annual Hector Fair ends its three-day run

The annual Hector Fair -- highlighted Friday evening by a parade marching up Rte. 414 on the second day of the three-day event -- wrapped up with a full day Saturday July 29. The Friday parade featured fire departments, police, floats, and live music. Saturday offered games, rides, a book tent, music, food and fireworks. (For a look at the parade, see Features.)

Photo: The Rasta Ranch Winery was among the parade participants. (Photo by Liz Fraboni)

Reed, Gillibrand announce push to designate Finger Lakes Region a National Heritage Area

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tom Reed visited Clute Park in Watkins Glen Monday afternoon, July 24 to announce legislation to authorize the National Parks Service to take the first step toward making the 14-county Finger Lakes Region a National Heritage Area. That would include a feasibility study in Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livngston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties. According to Gillibrand, such a designation "would help boost local tourism and conserve and protect the region's natural, historic and cultural resources." She told a gathering of dignitaries at Clute that the legislation will be attached to another bill soon and will hopefully gain passage by the end of the year.

Photo in text: Gillibrand autographs a Clute attendee's copy of a book the Senator wrote, Off The Sidelines: Speak Up, Be Fearless and Change Your World.

Annual Cheese Fest draws thousands to farm

The annual Finger Lakes Cheese Festival attracted thousands of people Saturday to the Hoffman Farm at Catharine Corners, where wine tastings, hayrides, animals (inset), live music and dozens of vendors awaited. Features.

'Rock of Ages' musical ends its three-day run

Dream Barn Productions presented "Rock of Ages," a musical, in four performances on July 28, 29 and 30 at its building at 4991 County Road 14, outside Odessa. A cast of 16 -- eight young men and eight young women -- told the tale of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, where the party raged hard. The show was sold out, with a waiting list. For a cast list, see People.

Boil Water Notice lifted in Village of Odessa

A Boil Water Notice issued July 20 in Odessa for homes from 207 to 523 Speedway and along all of Mitchell Hollow was lifted Tuesday, July 25. The order had been issued while the village was "in the process of repairing" a valve broken during routine water-main flushing. "When water mains lose pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter your water," the Notice had explained when it was issued.

About those bees, moths, flies and beetles

"Bees, moths, flies, and beetles are just some of many insects who are responsible for pollinating various plants in our backyards," writes Cooperative Extension's Danielle Wolleman, adding: "Instead of exterminating the bugs, you can support these beneficial creatures in simple ways." Column.

Schuyler Hospital awarded $10.3 million grant

Schuyler Hospital will be receiving $10,304,060 in grant funding from the New York State Health Care Facility Transformation Program toward construction of a new medical office building attached to the hospital and for renovation and modernization of the hospital's Medical/Surgical inpatient unit. Business.

WGI wins 'Best NASCAR track' title again

Watkins Glen International, adjudged America's best NASCAR track in a USA Today poll two years ago, won again July 21 with announcement that it finished atop this year's poll, which concluded earlier this week. There were 20 finalists.

Said State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano in a press release: "Thanks to everyone who took a turn at the wheel and kept voting, day after day, to support WGI. It's a well-deserved national honor."

Meanwhile, the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival recently held at WGI -- adjudged the best wine festival in America last year -- is in the running again this year. Click here.

In addition, the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in Dundee is in the running for the USA Today's Favorite Tasting Room (here), while the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is competing for the USA Today Favorite Waterfront Hotel (here).

Rt. 14 project through Watkins Glen outlined

The New York State Department of Transportation will repave Rt. 14 through Watkins Glen in 2018, as well as replace sidewalks and provide other improvements. A pair of informational meetings at the Watkins Glen Village Hall outlined the plans. Government.

'Pirate Plunder' opens at Courthouse Theater

The second play of the Old Havana Courthouse Theater 2017 summer season -- an original comedy from writer-director Jeff Hetzel -- opened July 21 on the second floor of the Montour Falls Village Hall. The play, titled "Peril of the Purloined Pirate Plunder" -- deals with the search by two competing groups for buried treasure. It was scheduled to be presented again at 7 p.m. July 22, 28 and 29, and at 2 p.m. July 23 and 30.

Photo: Jack Olcott as Captain Black Friday and his parrot.

Therapist's prop helps explain proper posture

Dr. Somer White, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist at Schuyler Hospital, gave Watkins-Montour Rotarians a lesson July 20 in posture and how it can alleviate back and shoulder pain. She utilized a skeletal model to outline the stresses that poor posture inflicts on specific parts of the body -- and distributed printed exercise instructions to help the Rotarians, most of whom indicated they suffer from such pains.

Left: Somer White and friend.

2 sentenced in sex case; one gets 21-to-life

Two area men found guilty last month by Schuyler County Judge Dennis J. Morris on rape-related charges were sentenced July 20 by Morris -- one of them, Jeffrey A. Forney, Jr., to 21 years to life in state prison. Government.

Photo: Jeffrey A. Forney, Jr. (Photo provided)

Storm knocks down limbs, knocks out power

A storm that moved through Schuyler County at about 3.25 p.m. Thursday, July 20 brought down various tree limbs (right), roiled waterfalls and knocked out power -- including for three-and-a-half hours in Odessa. Among the damages: the Clute Park pavilion, which park staff reported "took a hit and is going to need some repairs." Accordingly, the Summer Recreation program held there is canceled on Friday.

Summer Rendezvous draws crowd to park

The annual Summer Rendezvous hosted by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, July 19 at the Watkins Glen State Park's Iroquois Lodge attracted a crowd.

The gathering featured a tasty chicken barbecue prepared by The Bucket Bar and Grill; wine tastings from JR Dill Winery, Grist Iron Brewing and Lakewood Vineyards; ice cream from the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor; music from A Walk on the Wildside Entertainment; a traditional sack race; lawn games; live music by Sam Swanson, and plenty of camaraderie.

Treatment plant rebid, rescue issue top session

A rebid on work at the planned wastewater treatment plant on the canal, and concern for rescue personnel responding to overdose cases highlight a Watkins Glen Village Board meeting. Government.

Left: Village Board member Tony Fraboni.

21st annual Wine Festival ends its 3-day run

The 21st annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival -- voted last year as the "Best Wine Festival" in America by USA Today readers -- concluded its three-day run Sunday, July 16 at the Watkins Glen International racetrack. The event, which opened Friday with a Launch of the Lakes party that included a toga contest (pictured at right), and which featured fireworks, continued Saturday and Sunday with wine tastings, food, live music, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, pace car rides, ice carving, a Polynesian Dance Show, and a brass band from New York City called the Drumadics. Plus ... there were about 90 wineries on hand for tastings and for sales, often by the case.

Habitat for Humanity plans its 2nd home

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity has purchased property at 306 Broadway in the Village of Montour Falls -- the site selected for its second Habitat home. The first is located on Havana Glen Road in Montour Falls. The building on the Broadway property will soon be removed for site preparation. People.

Hospital wins HANYS community health honor

The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) presented its 2017 Community Health Improvement Award to Schuyler Hospital in recognition of an initiative designed to improve the health of the community. Business.

Halpin, Westervelt lead O-M School Board again

Rob Halpin was re-elected president and Scott Westervelt vice president of the Odessa-Montour School Board at the group's annual organizational meeting July 13. This marks Halpin's fifth year at the board's helm. Also sworn in: incumbent board member Jennifer Mosher and newcomer William Shrout. The board also discussed raising the price of school lunches by 25 cents, but took no immediate action. And it heard an update from Superintendent Chris Wood on the ongoing capital project, which he said is on schedule and within budget.

Left: Incumbent board member Jennifer Mosher, sworn in for another term, and board newcomer William Shrout.

Library directors past, present are honored

Recently retired Watkins Glen Public Library director Harriet Eisman and new library director Sarah Kurcoba were honored July 13 at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, and presented bouquets of flowers by Montour Falls and Southern Tier Library board member Phil Archer, who was the club's guest speaker -- and who related how he entered the library field upon retirement from an education career on Long Island. The club also presented the library with $500 for use in its e-reader section -- one of several community donations the club is making this year.

3 receive Harris Fellow honors from Rotary

Three members of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club were honored recently with Paul Harris Fellow awards during Rotary functions. Meredith Williams, membership services manager at the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and Matt Hayden, Schuyler County Chief Assistant District Attorney, were presented the honor during the club's annual Changeover Dinner, while Judy Cherry, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED), was honored at the club's luncheon meeting the following week. The award is presented to those people -- whether club members or not -- who exhibit "service above self." Also cited: club member Nancy Peters, designated a "Paul Harris +2" for her cumulative Rotary Foundation financial contributions.

Photo in text: Judy Cherry receives Harris Fellow medallion from Rotary Club member Nancy Loughlin. (Photos provided)