Click here or on the ad above to reach the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development website

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Click on the Ad above to go to the Sidle Insurance website. Click here to send an e-mail to the Sidle firm.

Visit SchuyLines

SchuyLines.com, The Odessa File's sister publication designed to celebrate all things good about Schuyler County, is now online. For a look at the features-oriented website, just click here or on one of the logos above.

Lions donate $1,500 to Health Foundation

Special to
The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 25 -- The Watkins-Montour Lion Club recently donated $1,500 to the Schuyler Health Foundation during the wrap-up of the Foundation’s 2012 Family of Friends Campaign.

The Lions designated the donation for the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, where renovations are being completed to upgrade living areas for residents. It is the Lions’ goal to help make the environment more home-like for those seniors who live in the nursing facility.

To donate to the Schuyler Health Foundation, call (607) 210-1950 or donate on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org

Photo in text: Michelle Benjamin (left), Executive Director for the Schuyler Health Foundation, accepts a check from Watkins-Montour Lions Club President Rita Tague-Carmony. (Photo provided)

Rohver, Traugott win top Exhibit prizes

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 23 -- Valorie Rohver of Horseheads received the “Best in Show” award for her piece “Too Much to Lose” at the recent opening reception of Franklin Street Gallery’s exhibit, Air & Water.

Rohver’s work was chosen by jurors Allen “Denny” Smith and Debb VanDerlinder. Smith has 30 years of experience in commercial gallery and arts services management. VanDerlinder holds a Masters in Art Education and has been featured in national publications.

The jurors also selected “Down Came the Mountain,” a photograph by Chris Walters of Corning, for the Honorable Mention award.

The Gallery also announced the winners of its Women in the Arts’ People’s Choice awards. Jodie Richardson Traugott of Rochester received the most votes from exhibit attendees.

“My muse, my granddaughter, is the face of all that is female to me, so I made her the personification of Gaia -- Earth, the matriarch of us all,” Traugott said of her winning piece, “Gaia.”

Marie LaParco of Cortland received the Honorable Mention for her mixed media piece, “Queen II.” Awardees received prize money.

A portion of the registration fees to participate in the exhibit benefit the continued operation of the Franklin Street Gallery, which is operated by The Arc of Schuyler, a non-profit
organization providing supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

****

Images in text:

Top: "Too Much to Lose," by Valorie Rohver, winner of the "Best in Show" award.

Bottom: "Gaia," by Jodie Richardson Traugott, winner of the Women in the Arts' People's Choice award. (Images provided)

SFLW installs its 2013-14 officers

Special to
The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 23 -- The new officers of the Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a chapter of New York State Women, Inc. (NYSWI), were installed at the chapter’s May 20 meeting held at Carol Bower’s Catering in Montour Falls.

Installing Officer was Elsie Dedrick, past state president of New York State Business & Professional Women and currently a member-at-large of NYSWI. The new officers for 2013-2014 are pictured left to right: Carole Shay, Vice-President, JoAnne Krolak, Secretary, Christine Brown, Treasurer, and Crystal Banks, President-Elect. Judith Phillips, incoming chapter president, was unable to be present, and does not appear in the photo.

New York State Women, Inc., provides members with professional development, networking, and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

Anne Myers earns volunteer award

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 15 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary -- meeting at its annual spring luncheon on May 7 -- unveiled its Board of Directors for 2013-14 and announced its Volunteer of the Year.

The volunteer honor went to Anne Myers for the commitment to the Auxiliary that she shows by working at the Gift Shop, contributing treats for bake sales, and putting together raffle baskets.

Marsha McElligott was voted in as Secretary, while all the other officers remain the same: Carol Bower as President, Linda Confer as 1st Vice President, Rita Tague-Carmony as Treasurer, and Gretta Preston as Corresponding Secretary.

In 2012-13, the Auxiliary’s 184 members volunteered 5,811 hours in and around Schuyler Hospital, and donated $11,500 to the hospital through the 2012 Family of Friends Campaign.

The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary was formally organized in 1969, bringing together the hospital’s Pink Ladies (formed in 1952) with members of the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour Hospital Guilds, both active since the 1920s.

Photo in text: Anne Myers (center) is honored as Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year by Auxilians Joanne McLaine (left) and Carol Bower (right). (Photo provided)

Eggs at Eight: Health insurance options

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, NY, May 12 -- What do you know about your health insurance options for sole proprietors? You can increase your knowledge on the subject during the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s next Eggs @ Eight session.

When: Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m. (Breakfast will be provided)
Where: Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, 214 N. Franklin St, Watkins Glen.

The presentation will cover the following topics:

• NYS Health Benefit Exchange: Open Enrollment Starts October 2013
• What Can Sole Proprietors Get Now?
• Healthy NY for Sole Proprietors and Small Businesses
• Potential Group Coverage Options for Sole Proprietors
• Individual Market
• Public Health Insurance

If you would like to attend this free session, RSVP with Victoria Young by calling (607) 535-4300 or by emailing victoria@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Montour business wins SBA award

Special to The Odessa File

SYRACUSE, May 10 -- A Montour Falls business, Lakeside Veterinary Services, was honored this week with a Small Business Administration Excellence Award at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the New York Business Development Corporation hosted the 15th annual luncheon to recognize the achievements of local small businesses. Small businesses are selected for the Excellence Awards based on their company’s longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment, ability to overcome adversity or community contributions.

REDEC/RRC selected Lakeside Veterinary Services, owned by Margaret Ohlinger and Martha Hawksworth in Montour Falls. Lakeside Veterinary Services is a full-service veterinary clinic providing care to both companion animals such as dogs and cats, as well as large animals.

It provides a variety of services including home care and alternative medicine procedures, such as acupuncture, homeopathy and laser therapy.

Dr. Ohlinger graduated from Cornell University and Dr. Hawksworth graduated from Iowa State University. Both Ohlinger and Hawksworth have extensive experience, the SBA noted, adding that their vet clinic fills a critical need in rural Schuyler County.

Photo in text: From left: Bernard J. Paprocki, Small Business Association; Diane Lantz, REDEC/RRC; Martha Hawksworth, Lakeside Veterinary Services, and Patrick MacKrell, New York Business Development Corp. (Photo provided)

Project alters hospital parking, bus stop

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 11 -- With construction work progressing for Schuyler Hospital’s $6.5 million HEAL grant project, parking and bus stop changes have been implemented.

During daytime hours, the main parking lot is now limited to emergency patients and those utilizing the hospital for outpatient services. Note that additional handicap parking spaces have been added against the hillside near the Emergency Entrance.

Also during daytime hours, hospital visitors should plan on utilizing the middle (Rehab) lot off of Belle Cornell Drive, then use the stairs or elevator to get to the Medical / Surgical Department. Visitors with ambulatory difficulties may park in the main parking lot.

In addition, any hospital patients or visitors utilizing the Schuyler Transit system should note that the bus has relocated its hospital pick up / drop off zone to the Seneca View Entrance, in order to avoid congestion at the Emergency Entrance. Hospital volunteers are available at the Seneca View entrance to help with directions, or with assisting anyone who may require a wheelchair to get to outpatient services in the hospital.

The $6.45 million project is possible thanks to a New York State Department of Health HEAL grant award. Funds will enable the hospital to deliver more efficient, higher quality care through restructuring and realigning operations, specifically in the outpatient areas of clinical laboratory, radiology, and surgical services, including the operating rooms. A new front face and public hallway is also part of the project.

Keep an eye on www.schuylerhospital.org for project updates.

2 weeks left for scholarship applications

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 11 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary is offering scholarships to students who plan to enter the health care field.

Scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school students who are residents of Schuyler County, and to hospital employees wishing to further their education in the health care field. Two $1,000 scholarships are available.

Applications may be picked up at high school guidance offices, the hospital’s Human Resources office, or at www.schuylerhospital.org. The application deadline is May 24.

For more information, contact Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary member Joan Argetsinger at (607) 535-6622.

Breast Care and Cancer Symposium set

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 11 -- Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital are partnering to host a Breast Care and Cancer Symposium on Wednesday, May 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

A panel of physicians and experts from both healthcare facilities will provide information on new advances in breast care, and on the detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Specialists from Cayuga Medical Center scheduled to attend include: Julie Campbell, MD, Cayuga Hematology Oncology Associates; Cora Foster, MD, Surgical Associates of Ithaca; John Powell, MD, Radiation Oncology; and Daniel Sudilovsky, MD, Laboratory Services.

Specialists from Schuyler Hospital scheduled to attend include: Kristina Cummings, DO; Sarra Solomon, MD; and Paula Fitzsimmons, PA.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call (607) 274-4066.

Center sets bus tour to Simeone Museum

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 5 -- The International Motor Racing Research Center is organizing an outing to The Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 27.

"Racing Solutions for 1954" is the theme of this "Demonstration Day" at the Simeone Museum. The featured cars will be a 1952 Cunningham C4R, a 1955 Mercedes Benz Gullwing, a 1953 C-Type Jaguar and a 1954 Ferrari 375MM. After the demonstration runs, Center bus tour participants will have lots of time to tour this magnificent museum, voted Museum of the Year at the 2011 International Historic Motoring Awards.

Center Historian Bill Green will give a talk en route about the featured cars.

The tour bus will leave from Horseheads at 6:30 a.m. An additional pick-up stop in Binghamton will be planned if needed.

The price for Sponsorship Team supporters as of June 15 will be $75. For those who aren't Sponsorship Team members, the price will be $110. The prices include admission to the museum.

Full payment is due at the time of making a reservation. The deadline for reservations is June 15.

For more information or to reserve a place on the tour, contact the Center at (607) 535-9044 or by email at kip@racingarchives.org. Visit the Simeone Automotive Museum website at simeonemuseum.org.

The Racing Research Center is an archival library dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports, of all series and all venues, through its collections of books, periodicals, films, photographs, fine art and other materials.

For more information about the Center’s work and its programs, visit www.racingarchives.org or call (607) 535-9044.

Montage: new Executive Chef, new menu

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 27 -- The Montage Italian Grill located at the Glen Motor Inn in Watkins Glen has a new Executive Chef, Michael Gaudio, who has created a new menu utilizing locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, providing what a press release calls "a true farm-to-table experience."

This menu, says the release, "reflects a change from the creative Italian dishes of the past, while still maintaining a subtle Mediterranean flare."

The Montage Italian Grill will be opening for the season Friday, May 10. Window-table reservations may be made by calling 607-535-2706.

Chef Michael, the press release says, is an award-winning culinary professional with 12 years in the industry. Originally from Geneva, New York, he now resides with his family in Himrod. He most recently was Executive Chef at the Hotel Clarence in Seneca Falls.

"Many may know him from his cooking videos on www.Finger Lakes 1.com," says the release, adding:

"Some of our favorite menu items are a local farmers’ plate featuring local cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, a poached pear flatbread, seared day boat scallops, local all-natural brick-fired chicken, Shirks ham panini, and our original grilled meatball burger."

The Glen Motor Inn and Montage Italian Grill have been owned and operated by the Franzese family for four generations. Granddaughter Nancy has managed the Montage Italian Grill since 1990.

“I’m thrilled to provide a fresh new dining experience in such an attractive location as the Montage Italian Grill," said Chef Michael. "Working with so many local farmers, butchers, wineries, and other producers has been inspiring, to say the least."

Plant sale helps keep Schuyler green

Special to
The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 23 -- The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual Green Arbor Program distribution of bare root seedlings and transplants on Saturday, April 13 and over 110 residents purchased 12,000 trees and shrubs for conservation plantings this year. In addition, rain barrels and dozens of bluebird boxes that were made by the District were purchased.

“We are very pleased with the desire of our residents to plant species that help our wildlife and protect our soil from erosion, just two of the many benefits of conservation plantings,” said District Technician Rebecca Collins. The Green Arbor Program is set up to meet the needs of all county landowners, whether they have a small lot or hundreds of acres. As always, species adapted to Schuyler County site conditions were selected to provide a variety of conservation uses.

Established in 1940, the Schuyler County Soil and Water District provides farmers, homeowners, organizations and municipalities with technical assistance to help them manage natural resources and be good stewards of the land. Services include conservation practices to protect water quality, erosion and sediment control, land drainage, assistance in obtaining state and federal permits, conservation education, and much more.

To those Schuyler residents want to be added to the Soil and Water District mailing list so they can receive a tree order form in the mail in January or to learn more about soil and water programs, visit the website www.schuylerswcd.com. There is also a Soil and Water Facebook page -- www.facebook.com/SchuylerSWCD

Photo in text: Susanne Vedder of Rock Stream picks up her trees at the Green Arbor Program distribution held at the Lee Harlan Conservation Center. Rebecca Collins, SWCD District Technician, and Shawn Smith, a volunteer, assist. (Photo provided)

Program focus: businesses run by women

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 15 -- A group of female small-business owners in Schuyler County will be offering a unique shopping experience from May 1 through May 11.

They are offering an "Experience Schuyler" passport to 28 women-owned/managed businesses within the county. When guests visit each business site, they will have a chance to learn more about the products or services offered. For businesses that do not have a storefront, such as with newly developed services or products, the information will be displayed at other participating businesses.

At each site the visitor’s passport will be stamped. When 17 stamps are accumulated, visitors are eligible to be entered for the grand prize -- a gift basket of local products provided by the participating businesses and valued at over $300. In addition, each business will offer a recipe card related to that business. After visiting 17 of the sites, visitors will receive a handcrafted glass bead toggle produced by Bonnie Scott of Joyful Adornments to hold the recipes together.

"Experience Schuyler" passports will be available at the Village Bakery and Reality Realty in Montour Falls or Finger Lakes Fibers and O’Susannah’s Quilt Shop in Watkins Glen beginning April 20. An open house to launch the event will be held on April 30 at the Upstairs Inn at O’Susannah’s Quilt Shop, 111 W. Fourth St., Watkins Glen.

The open house, said one organizer, "will be an opportunity to meet the various business owners, sample recipes from their recipe cards, and learn more about what small businesses run by women have to offer."

This event is part of the Schuyler County Women’s Small Business Collaborative, a group of women-owned/managed small businesses in Schuyler County committed to offering networking opportunities and to share resources and education related to small-business growth.

For more information, contact: Helene Chaika Fausold at hcfausold@stny.rr.com or by phoning 607-351-8024.

Foundation gives update on campaign

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 18 -- As the kick-off of the 2013 Schuyler Health Foundation Family of Friends Campaign approaches, the Foundation reports that $170,000 was raised in the 2012 campaign, with donors selecting one of four areas for their donations – capital needs, equipment, technology or Seneca View Skilled Nursing.

Donations are still welcome, officials say..

“We came off such a huge year with the 2011 campaign for Seneca View, with our community so generously giving $280,000 for the complete renovation of our skilled nursing facility,” said Michelle Benjamin, Executive Director, Schuyler Health Foundation. “And with those renovations ongoing, we couldn’t be more thrilled that the community’s generosity continues to move us forward and forging into the future.”

Later this month, the Foundation will unveil the 2013 Family of Friends Campaign, and the honorary chairs. “It is an exciting time with our grant-funded construction project beginning,” said Benjamin, “and we have much more to do to continue to meet the changing needs of the people we serve.”

For more information, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 210-1950. Or you can donate online at www.schuylerhospital.org

Senior Night focus: breathing difficulties

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 14 -- In an ongoing partnership, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging (OFA) and Schuyler Hospital have scheduled their next “Senior Night” – with a focus on allergies, COPD and other breathing difficulties.

The next Senior Night will be Tuesday, April 30 from 5-7 p.m. at a new location: Schuyler Hospital’s September Hill, located at 250 Steuben Street, Montour Falls.

Senior Night will offer free screenings for cholesterol and blood glucose, blood pressure, oxygen levels and more. Informational booths regarding Medicare and other senior concerns will also be available.

At 6 p.m., Dr. Ben Saks and Pat Schamel, PA will present a talk focusing on allergies, COPD and other breathing problems, along with the proper use of inhalers.

Refreshments and door prizes will be offered.

Anyone age 50 and over is invited to attend. Please, no children. Transportation is available for this event through Office for the Aging on a limited basis. Contact OFA at 535-7108 to make arrangements.

This program is open to all at no charge and is offered through the Schuyler County OFA’s Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP).

For more information, go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Open House to feature Bariatric specialists

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 14 -- The next Center for Medical Weight Loss Open House -- on Wednesday, April 24 from 6-8 p.m. -- will feature specialists from the Cayuga Center for Bariatric Surgery.

Safe weight loss through surgery requires a strong commitment from the patient and the team of medical experts providing care. Education, one-on-one counseling, complete medical exams and testing, and continued support are top priorities, so our patients understand the requirements, responsibilities and benefits of undergoing bariatric surgery.

Free and open to the public, the Open House will be held at Schuyler Hospital’s September Hill, 250 Steuben Street, Montour Falls.

An April 17th Open House features Hypnotist Lily Gold and Yoga Instructor Paula Sapphire.

The Center for Medical Weight Loss offers clients a long-term weight loss approach managed with the full support of certified medical professionals. Each fully individualized program is supported with ongoing one-on-one care including nutrition, fitness, medication, behavioral motivation and counseling. Physicians at The Center for Medical Weight Loss use the latest techniques and medical data available in the field of Bariatric medicine, including access to high-quality nutritional products available only to medical doctors.

For further information, contact September Hill at (607) 535-4645, or email info@schuylerhospital.org

Soil and Water office moves to Meads Hill

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 12 -- The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District has temporarily moved its office to Meads Hill Road -- the former Youth Fair Site -- in the wake of the March 23 fire that damaged the organization's old home, the Shared Services Building in Watkins Glen.

The new office is in the Lee Harlan Soil and Water Conservation Center, 2400 Meads Hill Road.

The Soil and Water District was back up and operating within a week of the fire "thanks to the assistance of many, especially Jim Barrett, seasonal equipment operator for the District, and Jim Wickham, who provided necessary IT and general contracting knowledge," said a District spokesperson.

The Soil and Water District was able to utilize existing facilities at the Harlan Center, which was rehabilitated last summer. Although there was nearly a complete loss of the District’s electronic components, "things could have been much worse," the spokesperson said.

The Soil and Water District "would like to thank all of the fire companies who responded swiftly to the building," the spokesperson added. "A special thanks to Jason Kelly, Burdett Fire Chief, for taking the time to cover desks and cabinets with tarps. This helped to successfully save Soil and Water records and other paperwork."

The new Soil and Water office phone number is 535-0878. The mailing address remains P.O. Box 326, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

Atwater plans Tasting Room in Watkins

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 11 -- Atwater Estate Vineyards, a 13-year-old winery located in Burdett, plans to open a tasting room on Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen.

“Watkins is quickly becoming an exciting tourist location and has great plans for its future that warrant new and innovative stores,” said Ted Marks, owner of Atwater

The Tasting Room by Atwater, as the new business will be called, will be at 204 North Franklin Street, across from the new Nickels Bar B Que and next door to the Glen Mountain Market and Bakery.

“Being within one block of the Harbor Hotel and the waterfront, the location is going to offer the tourists and residents an opportunity to taste local wines in the late afternoon and evenings,” said Marks.

The Tasting Room by Atwater will be open from 12 noon until 8 p.m. most evenings, especially during the tourist season.

“Our intention is not to run a ‘bar’ but to provide residents and visitors tastings of local wines offered by the smaller boutique style wineries located within the Finger Lakes Region," said Marks. "We will also be featuring and tasting Apple Ciders made in the area, especially those from Bellwether Cidery located on Cayuga Lake.”

Marks said that in addition, The Tasting Room by Atwater will carry artisan cheeses made by local creameries.

“It is important that local wineries, cideries, cheese makers, and distilleries all work together to promote our local farms and their products," he said. "The new and exciting attitude by Governor Cuomo toward farm products grown within New York State has made all this possible for us to market these items together.”

The Atwater winery is located at 5055 Route 414, Burdett . It currently employs 10 workers on an 80-acre farm and produces 16 different wines from its vineyards. The winery was recently awarded several gold medals for Rieslings, and consistently receives high ratings for red wines .

Assuming all licenses are approved by New York State and local agencies, The Tasting Room by Atwater hopes to open before Memorial Day weekend. Three full-time and four part-time positions will be created for the new venture.

Photo in text: The storefront of the planned tasting room. (Photo provided)

Congressman Tom Reed is interviewed by a YNN reporter during his Bergen visit.

Reed visits Bergen Farms, touts immigration reform

ODESSA, April 10 -- Congressman Tom Reed paid a visit Tuesday morning to Bergen Farms outside Odessa in order to focus attention on an effort he is backing to reform immigration law to help year-round farmers find "a stable, legal workforce."

The reforms will be included this week in what Reed said was a comprehensive reform package. "The broken H-2A program must be transformed to allow New York’s agriculture industry to reach its full potential," he said, adding:

“We recognize there are problems with the current program, so we’re focusing on reforms, not a program we already know is broken and fails to meet the needs of farmers. Our ultimate goal is ensuring farmers have access to a stable, legal, qualified workforce. It’s about whether or not our farmers can harvest their crops and it’s about helping the number one industry in New York.”

The H-2A program provides a means for seasonal agriculture employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring foreign workers to this country on a temporary "guest labor" basis. Year-round dairy operations are not included.

Saying the federal government should provide a solution to farmers’ worker needs, Reed will reintroduce the Family Farm Relief Act, a bill he previously introduced with Reps. Chris Gibson (R-NY) and Bill Owens (D-NY).

“Agriculture brings affordable, locally grown food to our families’ kitchen tables," he said, "and an effective system means our farmers can continue to produce a safe, abundant food supply.”

Reed is working on provisions to include dairy farms in the H-2A program and to move administration of the H-2A program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture -- and allow farmers to co-op workers with other farms.

“Operations like Bergen Farms here in Odessa are small businesses (that) need certainty in order to make decisions for their operations,” Reed continued. “A stable, legal workforce is central to that certainty and will have a positive economic impact felt locally. We need to put our farmers in a position where they have a reliable workforce to meet their demand and do what they do best.”

Both the House and Senate are currently working on immigration reform plans. For many, agricultural provisions will be essential in broader immigration reform.

Bergen Farms partner Jim Bergen said that while he hires immigrant labor outside of the H-2A program, it is limited to those with proper documentation. The system would be far easier, he said, with immigration reform along the lines Reed is seeking -- reducing paperwork and increasing both the available workforce and operational efficiency.

The Bergen operation has 2,100 milking cows and a total herd of 4,600 at its Odessa facility. It also operates two other dairy farms in the area. In order to run its business effectively, it needs about 50 employees -- not always an easy number to attain.

New York Farm Bureau Field Advisor Lindsay Wickham, present to greet Reed at Bergen Farms, said a stable workforce will be even more essential in the future, since consumer demand will continue to increase.

Photos in text:

From top: Stephanie Bergen of Bergen Farms listens to Congressman Reed; Stephanie's husband Jim speaks to a reporter; and Lindsay Wickham, Area Field Advisor for the New York Farm Bureau, who was also on hand for Reed's visit.

The backdrop for Reed's visit and for interviews with area media: one of the many dairy facilities that are part of the extensive Bergen operation.

Celebration supports young entrepreneurs

Special to The Odessa File

CORNING, April 9 -- The Palate Café and Juice Bar, located at 88 W. Market Street in Corning, is celebrating its First Entrepreneurial Birthday with a party on Friday, April 12 from 5-8 pm, and is open to the public.

Owner Laura Dickerman, 24, started the café and juice bar one year ago after returning to her hometown of Corning. Being a young entrepreneur herself and after starting her first business at age 16 and receiving a Junior Achievement Scholarship, Laura is committed to supporting and encouraging other young people to follow in her footsteps and consider being an entrepreneur.

As a show of this commitment, a percentage of the party ticket sales and proceeds from the birthday event silent auction will be earmarked for the YEA (Young Entrepreneur Academy) Scholarship Fund.

YEA is an innovative, intensive 30-week program that guides middle and high school students through the process of starting their own real business. Also in its first year, YEA is sponsored by the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce and the Corning-Painted Post Area School District.

Tickets for the party are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and are available for purchase at Beyond Baskets, at the same West Market Street address. Each ticket includes a variety of fresh juices and smoothies, menu items, desserts, tastings from local culinary artists and a raffle entry.

Photo in text: Laura Dickerman (Photo provided)

Eggs at 8 topic: website creation, results

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 8 -- Is your website a good representation of your business? Do you know the do’s and don’ts of a website? The next Eggs @ Eight session is designed to help business owners enhance their presence on the Internet.

When: Tuesday, April 9
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Where: Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, 214 N. Franklin St, Watkins Glen

During this session, Finger Lakes Website Services Owner Christina Korpsak will discuss website creation and how to achieve the results you seek from it.

Finger Lakes Website Services provides businesses and professionals with web services such as Domain Registration and Hosting, Website Development, Website Design, Identity and Brand Development, Search Engine Optimization, Content Creation, E-Commerce Solutions, Email Setup, Social Network Setup, and more.

The cost of the session is $10 per person and includes a complimentary breakfast. Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but not required. Call the Chamber at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Eggs @ Eight is hosted by the Chamber's Business and Education Committee. The business roundtable is held on the second Tuesday of each month.

Hospital closes Main Entrance, lobby

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 4 -- In anticipation of the first phase of construction beginning Monday, April 8, Schuyler Hospital closed its Main Entrance and front lobby area Thursday.

Patients, outpatients and visitors are advised to utilize the Emergency Department Entrance until further notice. Staff and volunteers will assist with directions to various departments.

The Surgery Waiting Room has also been relocated to the Emergency Department Waiting Room.

The $6.45 million project is possible thanks to a New York State Department of Health HEAL grant award. Officials say the funds will enable the hospital to deliver more efficient, higher quality care through restructuring and realigning operations, specifically in the outpatient areas of clinical laboratory, radiology, and surgical services, including the operating rooms. A new front face and public hallway is also part of the project.

For more information, keep an eye on www.schuylerhospital.org for project updates.

Weight Loss Clinic Open House will feature hypnotist, yoga instructor

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 2 -- Celebrating 1-1/2 years of helping community members lose weight and find a healthier lifestyle, the Center for Medical Weight Loss at Schuyler Hospital is holding an Open House on Wednesday, April 17 from 6-8 p.m. at September Hill, 250 Steuben Street, Montour Falls.

Dr. William Saks, director of the Center at Schuyler Hospital, invites the public to learn about the Center, as well as hypnotism and yoga as an integrative approach to maximum health and weight loss.

Certified Hypnotist Lily Gold, of Cayutaville, has been formally studying hypnosis for over 10 years. She received her hypnosis certification in 2008 from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, a nationally accredited college of hypnosis that was established in 1968. Gold is an active member of the American Hypnosis Association and continues to take advanced continuing education courses through them, including certification classes in Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Sports Performance, Hypnosis and Pain Management and Past Life Regression.

Yoga Instructor Paula Sapphire, of Alpine, teaches hatha yoga – with an emphasis on posture and alignment. “By practicing yoga along with diet and exercise, people release tension and all systems in the body function better, so that other healthy efforts can work,” Sapphire said, adding “Plus, you feel better, so you’re motivated to make healthier choices.”

The Center for Medical Weight Loss offers clients a long-term weight loss approach managed with the full support of certified medical professionals. Each fully individualized program is supported with ongoing one-on-one care including nutrition, fitness, medication, behavioral motivation and counseling. Physicians at The Center for Medical Weight Loss use the latest techniques and medical data available in the field of Bariatric medicine, including access to high quality nutritional products available only to medical doctors.

Save the date – Another Center for Medical Weight Loss Open House will be held on Wednesday, April 24 from 6-8 p.m., featuring specialists from the Cayuga Center for Bariatric Surgery.

For further information, contact September Hill at (607) 535-4645, or email info@schuylerhospital.org

Hospital to raise funds on Pasta Night

Special to The Odessa File

DUNDEE, March 19 -- Schuyler Hospital will raise funds on Thursday, April 11 at Veraisons at Glenora Wine Cellars' weekly Pasta Night.

Guest chefs will be hospital physicians and other Schuyler Hospital “stars” serving up pasta prepared chiefly by Veraisons chefs.

Already confirmed Schuyler guest chefs include Dr. Tim Huddle, Dr. Kristina Cummings, Dr. Ben Saks, Dr. Jamie Coleman, Drs. Stephen and Theresa Spaulding, Dr. Joe Hinterberger, Hospital Board Chair Fred Tanneberger, and Hospital President/CEO Andy Manzer.

The event will benefit the hospital’s 2013 Family of Friends Campaign, to be announced this spring.

Pasta night is $17.95 per person, and dinners will be served from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged by contacting Veraisons at 1-800-243-5513.

Hospital parking, entrances to change with construction start

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 18 -- In preparation for the start of a major construction project next month, Schuyler Hospital has issued the following advisory for patients and visitors.

Beginning in mid-April, the hospital’s Main Entrance will close, and pedestrian traffic will be redirected to the Emergency Department Entrance.

The main entrance to the Emergency Department will remain open, as well as the ambulance entrance.

Hospital visitors may park in the Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy lot off of Belle Cornell Drive. Visitors will then enter the facility through the Rehabilitation entrance and take the stairs or elevator to the Main Floor.

Parking in the Main Lot will be designated for emergency patients, outpatients and physicians only. Handicap parking in the Main Lot will be relocated to the west side of the lot, near the Emergency Department Entrance.

Staff and volunteers will assist patients and visitors in finding their destination during the construction process. Watch for signage in and outside of the facility regarding changes in vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow.

To date, the following areas have been relocated in preparation for construction:

• Surgery Waiting Room temporarily moved to Emergency Department Waiting Room

• Medical Records relocated to new permanent location on Lower Level

• Auxiliary Gift Shop will be closed temporarily on March 20. The gift shop will reopen once the first floor addition is open.

• Human Resources Department temporarily relocated to September Hill

• Administrative/CEO offices and Medical Staff Support offices temporarily relocated to Welliver

The $6.45 million project is possible thanks to a New York State Department of Health HEAL grant award. Funds will enable the hospital to deliver more efficient, higher quality care through restructuring and realigning operations, specifically in the outpatient areas of clinical laboratory, radiology, and surgical services, including the operating rooms. A new front face and public hallway is also part of the project.

For more information, keep an eye on www.schuylerhospital.org for project updates.

Catholic Charities part of Hunger Challenge

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 12 -- For the sixth year, Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services Programs will participate in The Feinstein Foundation’s Million Dollar Challenge to fight hunger.

During March and April, all donations to the Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry in Watkins Glen or the Samaritan Center in Elmira will increase Charities' share of a million-dollar fund. These donations can include cash, checks and food items (valued at $1.00 per item or pound).

This, says a Catholic Charities spokesperson, "is your opportunity to give back to your local community while stretching every dollar with the help of the Feinstein Foundation. It is our promise that a donation to Schuyler Outreach stays in Schuyler County and that gifts to the Samaritan Center stay in Chemung County."

Monetary donations for Schuyler Outreach can be mailed in and food items may be taken in to Schuyler Outreach at 112 Tenth St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Monetary donations for the Samaritan Center can be mailed to 215 E. Church St, Elmira, NY 14901 or food items can be dropped off at 380 S. Main St., Elmira, NY 14904 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Since 1998, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation of Rhode Island has been helping food banks, emergency food programs, and other non-profit anti-hunger organizations boost their fundraising efforts through its annual Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge. Feinstein's past annual $1 million challenges have raised over $1.5 billion for hunger-fighting organizations nationwide. For more information on the foundation, visit www.feinsteinfoundation.org.

Four Dragons donates $700 to Foundation

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 11 -- Four black belts from Four Dragons Martial Arts in Watkins Glen presented a donation of over $700 recently to the Schuyler Health Foundation, to benefit Schuyler Hospital.

As part of their martial arts journey toward becoming black belts, Four Dragons students give back by leading a service project in their local community. Martial Arts is about much more than just learning to fight. Students learn qualities like integrity, courtesy and respect. They take these skills “Out of the Dojo and Into the World" by giving service to their community.

The students recently completed a bluebird house project that yielded several benefits. First, broken boards are recycled into useful bluebird houses. Second, the bluebird houses are sold to raise money for charity. Lastly, the houses provide a safe place for bluebirds, the official bird of the state of New York, to thrive.

The Hinterberger family led the first leg of the project, which was to build the 39 bluebird houses from boards broken at Four Dragons. Jonathan Yost led the second leg, which was to coordinate the sale of the bluebird houses. The project was aided by Stillman's Greenhouse in Montour Falls, which was instrumental in helping to sell the houses.

“We could not have done this without Stillman’s,” said Yost, who was pleased to make the donation to Schuyler Health Foundation Board Chair Rob Swinnerton.

Joining Yost in the giving of the donation were Jonathan Hinterberger, Joseph Hinterberger and Dr. Joe Hinterberger.

“This is a very unique fundraiser, and we are proud to be the recipient of these funds,” said Swinnerton, who was anxious to get to Stillman’s to purchase one of the remaining bluebird houses.

For more information or to donate to the Schuyler Health Foundation, call (607) 210-1950, email info@schuylerhospital.org, or go to www.schuylerhospital.org.

To find out more about Four Dragons Martial Arts, call (607) 284-4040, email fourdragonsmartialarts@gmail.com, or go to www.fourdragonskwc.com.

Photo in text: From left, Jonathan Yost, Jonathan Hinterberger, Dr. Joe Hinterberger and Joseph Hinterberger from Four Dragons Martial Arts, with Rob Swinnerton, President of the Schuyler Health Foundation Board of Directors. (Photo provided)

Credit Union marks 25 years with hospital

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS – Twenty-five years ago, Schuyler Hospital's and Arnot Ogden’s credit unions merged into the Finger Lakes Health Care Federal Credit Union (FLHCFCU).

With that, Schuyler Hospital became the smallest community hospital in New York State to have a full-time, on-premise credit union.

Over those 25 years, FLCHFCU has loaned millions of dollars to Schuyler Hospital employees; and provided free or low-cost financial services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, loans and credit cards to hospital employees and their families.

“We are proud to say that many of the loans made were to low-income employees who may not have qualified for loans at other financial institutions,” said Bob Mace, President and CEO of FLCHFCU. “We have always strived to be a valuable benefit to Schuyler Hospital employees, as well as a ‘good citizen’ to the hospital community.”

Mace added, “Credit unions operate as non-profit financial institutions whose motto for 75 years has been ‘Not for profit, but for service.’”

Amy Castle, CFO and Vice President of Finance for Schuyler Hospital, said, “The credit union provides such a valuable service to our 350 employees. They are on-site, customer-friendly, and helpful to our employees and their families personally as well as professionally.”

FLCHFCU is located just inside the Main Entrance to Schuyler Hospital’s Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility. Operating hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m..-3 p.m.

For more information, call FLCHFCU’s Watkins Glen office at (607) 535-4166, or go to www.flhc.com

The graduates, from left: Brenda Warren-Fitch, Carolyn Sullivan, Katie Strawser, Karen Rudy, Clay Furniss, Caleb Smith, Ben Robertson, Ryan Pedersen, Alex Peartree, Robert Murphy, Jonathan Fuller, Krista Matia, Sara Fontana, Samantha Buyskes, Diane Cooper, Nicole Difasi and Meagan Goodwin. Not present: Nicholas Robertson and Shawn McGrogan.

19 graduate from Leadership Schuyler

WATKINS GLEN, March 7 -- Nineteen representatives from business, industry and education received diplomas Wednesday evening signifying their graduation from the 12th annual Leadership Schuyler program.

The program, held over several months, imparts to participants skills they can use to improve their leadership capabilities with an eye toward -- in the words of program facilitator Andy Taylor -- "making a real difference for the community."

Keynote speaker was Dr. Katherine Douglas, president of Corning Community College, who told the gathering of graduates, family and friends at the Watkins Glen International Media Center that "leaders are indeed made, not born."

She said leaders achieve their status through certain benchmark abilities ranging from initiative to communication to adopting "stretch" goals, and through attaining "strategic perspective." The Leadership Schuyler course, she told the graduates, "has prepared you" for all such qualities and "put you in new ways and new places where you need to grow. Take what you learned. It makes a difference. It's satisfying and makes a difference."

Facilitator Taylor -- playing off a video he showed outlining how most of us tie our shoes the wrong way (a simple adjustment can improve that particular skill) -- told graduates that if they are doing something in a future leadership role "that doesn't work, try something else." And sometimes, he said, a small adjustment can make a big difference.

The evening's emcee was Rebekah LaMoreaux, president and CEO of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Leadership Schuyler -- a program that started in 2001 and has graduated more than 200 participants.

LaMoreaux introduced the Class Speaker, Katherine Strawser, who started as an intern at the Chamber five years ago and is now its office manager, Strawser, selected by fellow Leadership Schuyler students to represent them at the podium, said she had learned a great deal from the course, including "how other people saw me."

In addition to Strawser, the graduates included:

--Samantha Buyskes, Nicole Difasi, Meagan Goodwin and Alex Peartree of Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro;
--Diane Cooper of Reality Realty on Seneca;
--Sara Fontana, who started the course as the B.C. Cate Elementary School principal but has recently taken a job as director of curriculum and development in the Waverly school district;
--Jonathan Fuller, Robert Murphy and Ryan Pedersen of Watkins Glen International;
--Clay Furniss and Shawn McGrogan of Cargill Salt;
--Krista Matia, Benjamin Robertson, Nicholas Robertson and Caleb Smith of Welliver;
--Karen Rudy of Schuyler Hospital;
--Carolyn Sullivan of The Arc of Schuyler;
--Brenda Warren-Fitch of Cayuga Medical Center.

Speakers at Leadership Schuyler classes included Carl Blowers, owner of Hawk's View Consulting; Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary; Odessa-Montour School Superintendent James Frame; Arc of Schuyler Executive Director Jeannette Frank; the Chamber's LaMoreaux; Schuyler Hospital President Andy Manzer; Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn; and retired Arc of Schuyler Executive Director Jim Wilson.

Photos in text:

Top: Emcee Rebekah LaMoreaux, president and CEO of the sponsoring Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.

Second: Guest speaker Dr. Katherine Douglas, president of Corning Community College.

Third: Graduates Sara Fontana, left, and Nicole Difasi after receiving their diplomas.

Bottom: Meagan Goodwin was one of several graduates featured in a humorous video.

From left: Graduate Katie Strawser, who was Class Speaker; graduate Ben Robertson, an estimator at Welliver; and Class Facilitator Andy Taylor.

The audience at the WGI Media Center listens to one of the speakers.

Eggs at Eight session set for March 12

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 6 -- Are you looking for ways to stay up-to-date with technology and maximize your social media knowledge? If so, you might be interested in the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce's next Eggs @ Eight session on Facebook’s new Graph Search.

The session will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 12 at the Chamber office, 214 N. Franklin St, Watkins Glen.

During this session, GPL Integrated IT owner Gregg Lantz will explain the new Facebook feature. He will also share what Graph Search can do for your business and how it will affect your Facebook accounts.

GPL Integrated IT was founded 12 years ago in Elmira with a simple mission -- to help successful companies do what they never could before. GPL Integrated IT delivers a complete network solution portfolio and helps companies with network security, performance and compliance.

The cost of the session is $10 per person and includes a complimentary breakfast. Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but not required. Call the Chamber at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Small business assistance session set

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 6 -- Free and confidential business assistance will be available on Thursday, March 21 at the office of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED), 2 North Franklin St., Watkins Glen.

Services are available for marketing, business plan development, record keeping, loan packaging, legal requirements and establishing a payroll.

Call (607) 937-6861 or e-mail sbdc@corning-cc.edu to schedule an appointment.

SWCD tree, shrub sale is under way

Special to The Odessa File

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Feb. 25 -- The popular Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale, also known as the Green Arbor Program, is in full swing.

The deadline to order trees and shrubs is March 11. Tree order forms are available at 22 public places in the county or online at www.schuylerswcd.com

The sale offers a wide selection of evergreen trees, deciduous trees and shrubs (including apple trees, blueberries, blackberry and raspberry), groundcovers, ferns and wildflower seedling packs. As always, species are selected to provide a variety of conservation uses such as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, snow breaks, for filters to help protect drinking water, and to stabilize soil to prevent erosion. They can also be grown for Christmas trees and timber.

The trees are bare root seedlings and transplants. The evergreen seedlings are sold in bundles of 25 trees while the evergreen transplants and the deciduous trees and shrubs are sold in bundles of 10 except apple trees, which are sold individually, and small fruit species, sold in bundles of 3. Also offered are fertilizer tablets, rain barrels and bluebird houses.

Call the Conservation District at 535-6878 or visit the website for the locations of order forms or for more information.

Hospital welcomes 3 new physicians

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS – Schuyler Hospital recently welcomed three new physicians to its medical team.

Dr. Sarra Solomon, Family Practice, is now seeing patients at Schuyler Hospital’s primary care centers in Montour Falls and Ovid. Solomon is certified in general pediatrics, and earned her Doctor of Medicine from Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Cornell Medical Center in New York, NY. For same-day appointments and walk-in visits with Dr. Solomon, call (607) 210-7350 in Montour Falls, and (607) 869-2541 in Ovid.

Dr. Mark Ivanick and Dr. Earl Robinson, Pulmonologists, will be seeing sleep medicine and pulmonary patients at Schuyler Hospital’s Cardio-Respiratory Department, located in the Main Hospital. For an appointment, contact their Arnot Medical Services-Pulmonary Associates office at (607) 271-3780.

Dr. Ivanick is certified in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Internal Medicine. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Ivanick completed his residency at Albany Medical Center, and his fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care.

Dr. Robinson is certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Albany Medical College. Dr. Robinson completed residencies at Strong Memorial-Rochester General and Syracuse Upstate Medical Center, and his fellowship at Maine Medical Center in Pulmonary Medicine.

For more information, call (607) 7121, email info@schuylerhospital.org, or to go www.schuylerhospital.org.

Photos in text:

From top: Dr. Sarra Solomon, Dr. Mark Ivanick and Dr. Earl Robinson. (Photos provided)

Andrew Smith joins WGI staff

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 5 -- Andrew Smith has been hired as Watkins Glen International Director of Marketing and Promotions effective immediately. He will manage the marketing and public relations team at The Glen.

Smith joins WGI from Talladega Superspeedway, where he was most recently the senior manager of public and community relations.

“Andrew Smith brings a wealth of experience from our sister tracks, Talladega Superspeedway and Richmond International Raceway,” said Michael Printup, WGI president. “He will be a tremendous asset to our team and I am excited to have Andrew on board for the 2013 season.”

Smith was a member of the Talladega staff for five and half years, serving as the public relations manager prior to his promotion in 2010. He previously served as a corporate sales executive at Richmond International Raceway.

Eggs @ Eight topic: Heart Health

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 5 -- February is American Heart Month and the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is trying to raise awareness of the topic.

The Chamber's February Eggs @ Eight session -- at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Classic Chefs on Rt. 14 between Montour Falls and Watkins Glen -- will feature Dr. Benjamin Saks discussing Heart Health and ways for people to keep their hearts healthy. The public is invited.

A native of the area, Dr. Benjamin Saks joined the Schuyler Hospital staff in July 2011. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Scranton; and his Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program Certificate and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Saks specializes in Internal Medicine at the Montour Falls Primary Care Center.

The cost of the session is $10 per person and includes a full breakfast. Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but not required. Call the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Hospital hires contractors for $6.4M modernization project

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 28 -- Schuyler Hospital has hired Holt Architects and Welliver to provide architecture and construction services for the $6.45 million project the hospital is undergoing thanks to a New York State Department of Health HEAL grant award last summer.

The purpose of the grant was to enable healthcare facilities to deliver more efficient, higher quality care through restructuring and realigning operations.

Schuyler Hospital plans to utilize the funds to modernize the hospital’s technology, equipment and facilities in order to meet the increasing outpatient needs of the community – particularly in the areas of radiology, rehabilitation services, the operating rooms, and information technology infrastructure for physician offices. Additionally, funds will support continued growth of the hospital’s orthopedics and sports medicine program with Cayuga Medical Center.

More details on the project will be released soon, as the project will result in traffic flow, parking, service adjustments, and entrance changes during various phases of construction – expected to begin later this spring.

Ithaca-based Holt Architects has created innovative solutions for healthcare clients for over 35 years. Their diverse practice ranges from large-scale facility master plans to individual buildings and specialty facilities for medical centers and universities.

For over 100 years, family-owned and Montour Falls-based Welliver has provided services that include general construction, construction management, design-build and real estate development.

For more information, keep an eye on www.schuylerhospital.org for project updates.

Schuyler Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital, with a 120-bed skilled nursing facility attached. While Schuyler Hospital’s main campus is located in Montour Falls, the hospital has evolved over nearly 100 years to reach throughout Schuyler County and into southern Yates and Seneca Counties. To find out more, visit www.schuylerhospital.org or call (607) 535-7121.

Easement donation protects Seneca shoreline

Special to The Odessa File

TOWN OF STARKEY, Jan. 24 -- The Finger Lakes Land Trust has announced that it has accepted the donation of a conservation easement from Dick and Janice Ryan that will ensure the future of their property located on the west side of Seneca Lake in the Town of Starkey, Yates County.

The conservation easement agreement will limit future development beyond the single-family home that already exists on the property. Through the easement, approximately 400 feet of shoreline will remain undeveloped along with six acres of adjacent forest that will be protected as wildlife habitat. The easement allows for the continued harvest of timber, subject to Land Trust oversight. The agreement does not provide for public access to the land.

The Ryans acquired their property 38 years ago and started living there full time in 1990 after Dick retired from his career as a Professor of Biology at Hobart and William Smith College and Janice from hers as a social worker for Ontario County.

“When we learned of the existence of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, we enthusiastically endorsed its mission and have been members for some years,” says Dick. “The idea of a conservation easement for our property through the Land Trust was very much on our minds. This wonderful piece of lakeside property is now secured from further development in perpetuity.”

“Undeveloped shoreline is one of our region’s most precious land resources,” says Land Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp. “We’re grateful to Dick and Janice for their generous donation and delighted to have the opportunity to work with them to ensure the future of this scenic lakeside property.”

Conservation easements are perpetual legal agreements that limit future development while allowing the land to remain in private ownership and on the tax rolls. Easements are recorded in the public land records and are binding on future owners of the property. Donors of conservation easements that meet certain criteria are eligible for both state and federal tax benefits.

The Land Trust holds 100 conservation easements throughout the region, including six within the Seneca Lake Watershed. Other easement properties within the watershed include a 159-acre farm located just outside the hamlet of Dresden, a tract of mature forest overlooking the lake’s western shore, and a parcel of fields and woodlands bordering Finger Lakes National Forest.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is a not-for-profit, membership-supported organization that was established in 1989 to work cooperatively with landowners and local communities to conserve those lands that define the character of the 12-county Finger Lakes Region. To date, the organization has conserved more than 15,000 acres of the region’s pristine shoreline, rugged gorges, majestic forest, and scenic farmland through the use of conservation easements as well as the establishment of public conservation areas. Additional information about the Land Trust and conservation easements may be obtained at www.fllt.org or by calling (607) 275-9487.

Blood Drive set at hospital on Feb. 18

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 18 -- Schuyler Hospital’s next Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, February 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Seneca View Activities Room.

All blood types are needed. The Red Cross Blood Services program collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the blood supply in the United States. Blood donations help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others. There is never a surplus.

Drop in, or make an appointment to save time. Go on-line to www.redcross.org, or call the Schuyler Hospital Lab at (607) 535-7121 ext. 2207.

Arc, Moose partner for Feb. 4 dinner

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 18 -- The Montour Moose #426 will host a spaghetti dinner at the Moose Lodge, 2096 State Route 14 in Montour Falls, on February 4 to benefit The Arc of Schuyler. The Montour Moose and The Arc have partnered for 30 years to organize and host an annual fundraising dinner.

Dinner service will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for youths under age 12. The meal includes spaghetti with sausage and meatballs, tossed salad, bread, beverage, and dessert. Takeout meals are also available.

Tickets are available at the Montour Moose Lodge, from Arc Board members, or at The Arc of Schuyler, 203 12th Street in Watkins Glen. Tickets will also be available at the door.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Montour Moose and its volunteers for their longstanding commitment to supporting The Arc as well as students from Watkins Glen High School Interact Club who help make this event possible every year,” Executive Director Jeannette Frank said.

The Arc of Schuyler is a local charitable organization providing supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. For more information, contact Holly Baker, Director of Community Relations, at 607-535-6934 or visit www.arcofschuyler.org.

Business assistance set in Watkins on Jan. 31

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 18 -- Free and confidential business assistance will be available on Thursday, Jan 31 at the SCOPED offices, 2 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen.

Services are available for marketing, business plan development, recordkeeping, loan packaging, legal requirements and establishing a payroll.

Call (607) 937-6861 or e-mail sbdc@corning-cc.edu to schedule an appointment.

Cargill gives $22,000 to Catholic Charities

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 15 -- Cargill has donated $22,000 to Catholic Charities of Schuyler County to develop and operate the Schuyler County Community Food Project. This grant will fund a part-time employee to coordinate food collection, distribution and education activities and program supplies.

The objectives of the project are to address long-term solutions to hunger-related issues in the community. Coordination activities will primarily focus on strengthening a Volunteer Corps that is being established. The Corps will recruit, train and coordinate the needed volunteers to perform the education, collection and distribution activities.

In a similar vein, Catholic Charities started the Community Garden in 2009. The purpose was to teach people how to grow their own food and to provide fresh, locally grown produce to those in need through the food pantries and senior housing facilities. Two significant obstacles have been identified with that project: a lack of gardening skills and a lack of education on how to prepare and use fresh produce. This new program will address those issues through education and
awareness.

“Cargill’s statement of purpose is to be the global leader in nourishing people,” said Don Chutas, Cargill Salt’s plant manager. “This grant helps support that purpose and Catholic Charities’ mission of reducing poverty and promoting a healthy family life.”

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 131,000 people in 66 countries.

Catholic Charities provides a number of needed programs and services in the community with a priority toward the poor. It works to ensure that people have food, clothing, shelter, medical services, and the ability to achieve a decent standard of living.

Photo in text: Gary Schmidt of Cargill (center), a Catholic Charities volunteer, presented a $22,000 check to Debbie MacDonald, Catholic Charities’ agency director (right), and Nancy Brand, Catholic Charities’ Schuyler Outreach director. (Photo provided)

Eggs at 8 topic: advertising opportunities

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan 11 -- The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Eggs @ Eight breakfast meeting of the New Year at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14 at the Chamber office, 214 N. Franklin St.

Chamber Tourism & Marketing Director Nikita Hairston and Tourism & Information
Coordinator Victoria Young will share website and promotional opportunities that the Chamber offers for businesses. President & CEO Rebekah LaMoreaux will share a refresher course outlining member benefits, how to take advantage of those benefits, and how to put the Chamber team to work for your business.

Advertising options offered through the Chamber for 2013 will be unveiled as well. To get the most of this session, participants are urged to bring their laptops, ipads or tablets.

The session costs $10 per person and includes a hot breakfast buffet. Seating is limited and
reservations are appreciated but not required. To register, call the Chamber at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

5th Senior Night scheduled for Jan. 22

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 11 -- In an ongoing partnership, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging (OFA) and Schuyler Hospital have scheduled their fifth in a series of “Senior Nights” -- with a focus on “Everything You Need to Know About Your Health After Age 50.”

The Senior Night will be held on Tuesday, January 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hospital’s Primary Care Center, located at 230 Steuben Street, Montour Falls. Snow date is January 29 .

Beginning at 5 p.m., the Senior Night will offer free screenings for cholesterol and blood glucose, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and fall risk. Informational booths will include Advance Directives, Smoking Cessation, Medicare with Office for the Aging, and CareFirst (formerly Hospice).

At 6 p.m., Dr. Jagmohan Singh will present a talk focusing on screenings and health maintenance after age 50 – basically, what you need and when. Singh is an internist for Schuyler Hospital, with an office at the Montour Falls Primary Care Center.

At 6:30 p.m., Dr. Tim Huddle will address surgical options for various health issues. Huddle is a general surgeon for Schuyler Hospital, with an office in the hospital.

Refreshments and door prizes will be offered.

Anyone age 50 and over is invited to the Senior Nights. Please, no children. Transportation is available for this event through the Office for the Aging on a limited basis. Contact the Office for the Aging at 535-7108 to make arrangements.

This program is open to all at no charge and is offered through the Schuyler County Office for the Aging’s Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP).

For more information, go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Chamber intern's focus: agritourism

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 7 -- The Watkins Glen Area of Commerce has welcomed new intern Meredith Beardsley to its team. Beardsley is an Agriculture Business major at Morrisville State College and will focus on agritourism development during her 15-week internship at the Chamber.

“As agriculture is one of the leading industries in Schuyler County, we are looking forward to utilizing Meredith for the research and development of future agritourism-related programs,” said Rebekah LaMoreaux, President & CEO of the Chamber.

Beardsley was born and raised in Interlaken, 25 miles northeast of Watkins Glen. She attended South Seneca Central School and was active in National Honor Society and marching band. Outside of school, she was active in 4-H, showing horses, and helping on the home farm. During the summer, Beardsley was employed at the Lively Run Goat Dairy in Interlaken. At the dairy, she assisted in making artisan goat cheese, giving tastings and selling cheese to customers.

Beardsley wants to make it her career goal to pursue a position within the field of agriculture and to share the knowledge of the agriculture industry with the public.

“The Finger Lakes region, especially Schuyler County, offers a variety of wines, vegetables, artisan cheeses and organic meats as well as scenic gorges, lakes and hills,” Beardsley said. “I want to be a part of sharing the diversity of agricultural production as well as inviting travelers to enjoy the beauty of the region.”

Beardsley’s internship is a requirement for completion of her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business at SUNY Morrisville. She will graduate in May 2013.

Annual Celebrity Guest Chef series set

Special to The Odessa File

DUNDEE, Jan. 4 -- Glenora Wine Cellars has announced plans for its Seventh Annual Celebrity Guest Chef Series at Veraisons Restaurant. The Thursday night series begins on January 10, and continues on Thursdays through April 25.

Every Thursday local celebrities will be front and center at the pasta buffet station to serve guests some freshly created pasta dishes. A portion of the proceeds each evening will be donated to the charity of the Chef’s choice. At the conclusion of the Celebrity Guest Chef series, Glenora Wine Cellars matches the donation to the charity whose Pasta Night brought in the most patrons. Over the last six years, Glenora has donated more than $9,000 to local charities.

Guests receive a fresh garden salad, a bread basket at their table, and unlimited trips to the pasta station. At the pasta station, the Celebrity Chef (with help from Veraisons staff) creates a custom-made dish of pasta from a selection of homemade sauces and ingredients, including an array of meats, fresh vegetables, garlic and herbs.

Pasta Night at Veraisons is offered from 5-8:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended by calling 1-800-243-5513. The cost is $17.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

For a complete lineup of this year’s Celebrity Guest Chefs, visit the events calendar at www.glenora.com.

JBK Bridal & Prom owner Janine Benjamin-Kuehl prepares to cut the ribbon at the shop's grand opening celebration on Dec. 28. From left: Sarah Murphy, Ally Murphy, Jackie Walker, SCOPED Executive Director Kelsey Jones, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux, Benjamin-Kuehl, Ashley Kuehl and Molly Murphy.

JBK Bridal & Prom holds Grand Opening

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 29 -- JBK Bridal & Prom owner Janine Benjamin-Kuehl cut a ribbon Friday evening signifying the grand opening of her business, the newest one on Main Street in Montour Falls.

The shop is located at 228 West Main Street. The grand opening featured live music by local musicians. The Harvest Cafe served light refreshments, and Lakewood Vineyards was on hand for a wine tasting.

Models in gowns for the occasion included the Murphy sisters, Sarah and Molly, their sister-in-law Ally Murphy, Jackie Walker, and Benjamin-Kuehl's daughter Ashley.

Also on hand were Kelsey Jones, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED), Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux, and Montour Falls Mayor John King.

“Our slogan, ‘Dream Dresses – Fantasy Prices’ tells the story" of the business, Benjamin-Kuehl has said. "Our goal is to provide beautiful dresses at reasonable prices. Every day is a sample sale day at JBK Bridal & Prom. We enjoy using our network of suppliers to find overstock and sample dresses. When you visit you’ll be delighted to find designer label dresses within your budget.”

Montour Falls has seen a number of businesses open in the past year, among them a veterinary clinic, a bakery, a pharmacy and a new home for the Humane Society of Schuyler County.

To learn more about the newest business, visit www.JBKDreamgowns.com or the business's Facebook page, JBK Bridal and Prom.

Photo in text: Montour Falls Mayor John King, left, was on hand along with SCOPED Executive Director Kelsey Jones.

Health Foundation halfway to campaign goal

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 12 -- On the heels of a successful November Splendor dinner-dance fundraising event, the Schuyler Health Foundation says that it is almost halfway to its goal for the 2012 Family of Friends Campaign for Schuyler Hospital.

To help meet the $250,000 goal, the Foundation is encouraging residents and businesses to consider the campaign for year-end giving.

“We are excited at how much our community has given in the first five months of this campaign,” said Michelle Benjamin, the foundation's executive director. “And we rely on our community to help us reach our goal so that we can fund the projects, technology and equipment for those who rely on us for care.”

The foundation set a goal of $250,000 for the 2012 campaign – with funds going to the donor’s choice of one of four areas: Unrestricted Capital, Technology Upgrades, Equipment Upgrades, or the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

To make a donation, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 210-1950 or donate on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org.

Hospital Auxiliary selling holiday cookies

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 11 -- Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary President Carol Bower says, “You’re busy enough this time of year. Let us do the baking for you!”

Bower invites the public to stop into the hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 18 for the Auxiliary’s “Cookies by the Pound” Sale, beginning at 7 a.m.

The sale will be held outside the Auxiliary’s gift shop -- featuring sales on unique seasonal items – on the lower level of the hospital.

For just $8 per pound, mix and match the cookies you’d like to keep, give away, have for parties, and leave for Santa. Other baked goods will also be available.

The sale is a fundraiser for the Auxiliary, supporting various projects around the hospital and the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

To find out more, go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Child Care Council merging with Pro Action

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 9 -- The Board of Directors of the Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council has decided to partner and merge with Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc., specifically the Steuben Child Care Project (SCCP).

With the partnership, Schuyler board members said, a local presence for the council will be maintained and all services offered to parents and child-care providers will remain. The partnership will take effect January 1, 2013.

The Coordinating Council and SCCP have a long history of collaboration, which encouraged a more formal partnership, said officials who added they believe Pro Action will be able to easily transition the services of SCCCCC to their organization without interruption to the Schuyler community.

“The Board and I are excited to enter into this partnership and merge with Pro Action," said Erica Murray, Board President of SCCCCC. "They are a well-respected organization and will help us provide our community with support and additional resources for our child-care services.”

For more information regarding the planned partnership, contact Murray at (607) 742-9117 or emurray@wgcsd.org, or Carla Hibbard at (607) 535-7964.

SFLW warms holidays for local seniors

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 9 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., presented handmade hats and a variety of books to the residents of The Falls Home in Montour Falls on Friday, Dec. 7.

The Falls Home is an assisted living facility for 92 persons in Montour Falls. It provides residential care, activities, meals, recreation and health monitoring.

The hats were made by Judy Sawyer of “Judy Has Hats” in Hector, NY. The hats and the books were presented by JoAnne Krolak, who represented the SFLW, to Nancy Shumway, Activities Director of the Falls Home.

The mission of New York State Women, Inc., is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The organization includes women and men of every age, race, religion, political party and socio-economic background.

The Southern Finger Lakes Women chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information on the chapter, visit its website at http://www.sflw.org/ or contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489. For information on the Christmas project, contact JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

Photo in text: JoAnne Krolak (left) and Nancy Shumway (Photo provided)

Splendor raises $23,000 for hospital

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 6 -- It was a record year for a long-standing fundraiser for Schuyler Hospital.

The historic, annual “hospital ball” – now known as November Splendor – brought a record number of attendees (240), had a record number of raffle packages (18), with items donated by a record number of businesses (66), and raised a record amount of funds for the hospital: $23,000.

The Schuyler Health Foundation and Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary hosted the evening at the Harbor Hotel on November 16.

“I could not be more pleased with and awed by the outpouring of support we received from our community for this year’s November Splendor event,” said Michelle Benjamin, Executive Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation. “It is a true testament to how much this community cares for and supports Schuyler Hospital. That allows us -- in turn -- to care for and support our community.”

Proceeds from the event go to the Auxiliary and the Foundation’s Family of Friends 2012 Campaign – supporting four diverse areas of need: Capital, Equipment, Technology and Seneca View. Donations are still welcome for the campaign through January 2013.

Event sponsors were also at an all-time high, and included the Harbor Hotel, Welliver, Jerlando’s, Bower Catering and Bower Farms, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Community Bank NA, Erdman Associates, Sikorsky Military Completions, Manning & Napier, Bonadio & Company LLP, George Lawson and the Watkins Review & Express / Dundee Observer, Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little, Mickelson & Co., LLP; Elmira Savings Bank, and Keegan Associates.

The event featured music by “NY Rockin’ Revue,” and a live auction led by Matt Hayden.

Raffle and auction winners included John Rudd, Terry Stewart, Hector & Dr. Eunice Nayo, Dan Walker, Andy Manzer, Jann Marks, Carol & David Bower, Dr. Kristina Cummings, Dr. Ben & Marian Saks, Jennifer Mosher, Dr. Vincent LaDelia, Jeff Confer, Amy Castle, Rob Swinnerton, Lauren Andrews, Matt Hayden, Vikki Watson and Alan Pedersen.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 210-1950 or go on-line to www.schuylerhospital.org

Eggs at Eight topic: Speed Networking

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 5 -- Ready, set, network! Speed “Networking” will return to Watkins Glen at the next Chamber of Commerce Eggs at Eight breakfast, set for 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the Chamber office, 214 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen.

At this unique breakfast, participants will have three to five minutes to present their business or organizational overview to other attendees in hopes of making valuable industry and networking contacts.

If you would like to attend, you can register by calling the Chamber office at 607-535-4300 or by emailing Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com. The cost is $10 per person and includes a hot breakfast buffet. Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but not required.

The Eggs at Eight business roundtable is held on the second Tuesday of each month.

SFLW to wrap presents at Famous Brands

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 30 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women, a chapter of New York State Women, Inc. (NYSWI), will wrap Christmas gifts at the Famous Brands Store in Watkins Glen on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 15 from noon until 2 pm.

Charges for the gift wrapping will range from 50 cents to $1.50, with proceeds to benefit the SFLW Scholarship Fund. The fund provides scholarships for youths graduating from high schools in Schuyler County.

New York State Women, Inc., provides members with professional development, networking, grassroots activism and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month. For more information, visit the chapter website at http://www.sflw.org/ or contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

Chamber health touted at annual session

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, NY -- The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is strong financially and on a great path to success, according to the message delivered during the Chamber’s annual business meeting Wednesday at the Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro.

Chamber Board of Directors Vice Chairman Carl Blowers called the meeting to order and revealed the Chamber’s financial security, staff stability and how the new Visitors Center project came together in record time.

“The Chamber has stable staff and executive leaders,” Blowers told the audience. “They are flexible and can turn on a dime, not a yearly budget.”

He compared the Chamber staff to a frontline of a football team and praised fellow members for their support. “This is the largest group, most involved, most supportive … and they have the best time,” Blowers said.

President/CEO Rebekah LaMoreaux gave a financial overview, briefed members on increased member attendance during events, and included an update on the 2012-2014 Strategic Plan Report Card.

“It is imperative that our members have a full understanding of Chamber operations, budgets and future plans” said LaMoreaux.

Blowers praised the Chamber President/CEO as a true leader. “(Rebekah) is the type of person who wills things to happen as a leader,” said Blowers. “In two years, the Chamber went from a negative $13,000 balance to a positive $84,000 balance.”

Later in the evening, Director of Tourism and Marketing Nikita Hairston reviewed the 2012 tourism program for Schuyler County. Office Manager Katie Strawser and Tourism Information Coordinator Victoria Young discussed website statistics, social media and Visitor Center statistics for the past year.

The Chamber recognized five volunteers for their time and service to the organization. Chamber Patron William (Bill) Sitzman and his wife Martha, Robert (Bob) Hubble, Pat MacNamara, and Klara Butler have committed to spend several hours each week volunteering at the Chamber. Greeting visitors, maintaining and refilling promotional racks, folding hundreds of newsletters/promotional material, and assisting during events are just some of the many services the volunteers provide.

“We are excited about the projects we've worked on this past year,” Rebekah said. “We're moving steadfast toward the future with a healthy and very active membership.”

This year, the Chamber operated on a $600,240 budget. During the meeting, chamber members voted on a new budget for 2013 in the amount of $638,700. The Chamber’s 2013 tourism program was awarded $48,101 through Matching Funds from I Love New York’s division of tourism, as well.

Members also voted on the 2013 Slate of Officers and Board of Directors:

o Carl Blowers, Chairman (Hawk’s View Consulting)
o Dawn Burlew, 1st Vice Chair (Corning Enterprises)
o Carolyn Guyer, 2nd Vice Chair (Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel)
o Anthony Fraboni, Treasurer (HSBC Bank USA)
o Peter Honsberger, Secretary (Great Escape & Everything Ice Cream Inc.)
o Vivian (Vicki) Schamel, Immediate Past Chairwoman (Keller Williams Realty)
o Andrew (Andy) Manzer (Schuyler Hospital)
o Michael Printup (Watkins Glen International)
o Brett Brubaker (Seneca Lodge)
o Rick Carroll (Chemung Canal Trust Company)
o Thomas Merrill (Professional Land Surveyor)
o Lindsay Wickham (New York Farm Bureau)
o James Frame (Odessa-Montour School District)
o Father Michael Hartney (Episcopal Churches of Schuyler County)
o Matthew (Matt) Hughson (The Law Office of Matthew Hughson)
o Dennis Fagan, Ex-officio (Schuyler County Legislature)
o Kelsey Jones, Ex-officio (SCOPED)

The meeting transitioned into the monthly after-hours mixer and members stayed for hors d’oeuvres and wine provided by Red Newt Cellars Winery and Bistro.

Photos in text:

Top: Chamber Board Chairman Carl Blowers

Bottom: Volunteers honored with certificates of appreciation included, from left, Bill Sitzman, Martha Sitzman, Klara Butler and Bob Hubble. Not pictured: Pat MacNamara. (Photos provided)

Cooperative Extension sets annual meeting

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 27 -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County will hold its 2012 Annual Meeting at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, December 13 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

The keynote speaker will be Kimberly Kopko, Senior Extension Associate from Cornell University, who will present a timely talk on the PROSPER Partnership Model. PROSPER Partnerships – which stands for PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience – is a model that links Cooperative Extension, public schools, local communities and university researchers to introduce evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse among middle school students and their families. There will also be a brief business meeting.

The cost of the meeting is $15 per person. Registration is requested by December 11.

SFLW awards scholarship to Hubbard

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 27 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., has presented its 2012 Women’s Career Enhancement Scholarship to Mary Kay Hubbard.

Hubbard is a 1989 graduate of Watkins Glen High School. She received her Associates’ Degree from Corning Community College in 1994, and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services through Empire State University. She expects to graduate in May 2013.

The SFLW started the Women’s Career Enhancement Scholarship program in 2008 as part of its objective of “women helping women.” The scholarship provides assistance to women 25 years of age and older who are furthering their education.

New York State Women, Inc. provides members with professional development, networking, grassroots activism and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

The SFLW Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, visit the chapter website at http://www.sflw.org/ or contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171. For more information about the scholarship program, contact Patti Butler at (607) 535-2275.

Photo in text: Scholarship winner Mary Kay Hubbard, left, and Patti Butler, Scholarship Chair. (Photo provided)

Call for Artists: Gallery plans exhibit

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 23 -- Artists are invited to submit for consideration work to be exhibited at the Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop for Extension, an exhibit of art photography. The exhibit will run from February 1-March 8, 2013 with an opening reception on February 1.

Digital and film photography, unaltered and alternative process shots, mixed media, digital manipulations, montages, photograms, and pieces that are in part photographically created will be accepted for consideration in the exhibit.

All potential entries will be reviewed from digital images to verify all conditions are met and space is available. Images should not exceed 2 MB and should be attached to an email to Cynthia Hill at chill@arcofschuyler.org by January 11, 2013.

Registration is $15 per entry for up to three entries. A guest juror will determine cash-prize Best in Show and Honorable Mention award winners.

Call 607-535-2571 or visit www.arcofschuyler.org for an application.

Montour Library's Leyes honored

Special to
The Odessa File

The Southern Tier Library System and it’s Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Committee recently presented the 2012 Grass Roots award to Montour Falls Memorial Library Director Roxanne Leyes for sensitivity and outstanding library service to members of the Montour Falls community

Leyes, the committee noted, has dedicated herself to outreach activities from the day she started as director of the library. Among many services, she has ensured that:

· Every week a fresh collection of books is delivered to the neighboring assisted-living facility so that residents can check out books with their own cards.

· Large print books are provided for those with vision problems.

· The library schedule is adjusted so that Literacy Volunteer tutors can meet with clients, and local school students can be tutored.

· Two people who worked community service hours at the library learned valuable skills and left with good recommendations.

Photo in text: Roxanne Leyes is flanked by State Senator Tom O'Mara and Ristiina Wigg, Executive Director of the Southern Tier Library System. (Photo provided)

Lions Club welcomes 2 new members

Special to
The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 19 -- The Watkins-Montour Lions Club welcomed two new members to their ranks on November 12 as Lion and Past District Governor Bob Mizzoni sponsored the membership of Susan and Glenn Bleiler.

The Lions Club is preparing for a busy Holiday season. It will begin its annual Christmas Tree sales on Thanksgiving weekend at the Valero Gas Station.

Soon to arrive: the Club's second annual Christmas tree ornament featuring another local landmark. Anyone wishing to purchase one may contact a Lion.

Photo in text: From left: Lions President Rita Carmony, Lions Delores and Bob Mizzoni, and new Lions Susan and Glenn Bleiler. (Photo provided)

Grant will help fund digitization of
Racing Center's Grand Prix materials

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 31 -- The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen has received a grant to fund the digitization of United States Grand Prix materials.

The $7,000 grant from the South Central Regional Library Council in Ithaca will support the Center’s commitment to making materials in its collections more easily available to the public.

Center President J.C. Argetsinger said the materials of which digital copies will be made include 20 years of race programs, some 200 photographs and some 200 pages of race results. Some of the materials are not now available to the public from any other source.

The United States Grand Prix had a home at Watkins Glen for 20 years, from 1961 through 1980. The first Formula One Grand Prix race was run at the Glen on Oct. 8, 1961.

“This matching grant will give the Center’s digitization effort a big boost,” Argetsinger said. “The staff is especially excited that results of our efforts to preserve the history of motorsports will be easily available from another source. We appreciate that this grant will help to widen our audience.”

Once digitized, the Grand Prix materials will be accessible through the Center’s website at www.racingarchives.org and through New York Heritage at www.nyheritage.org, a research portal for students, educators, historians, genealogists, and anyone else interested in learning more about the people, places and institutions of New York.

The Racing Research Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 1999 and located in Watkins Glen, also home of the Watkins Glen International race track. It is recognized as a world-class leader in the collection of materials representing the documentary heritage of amateur and professional motor racing worldwide.

The New York Heritage website provides free access to more than 160 distinct digital collections, totaling hundreds of thousands of items. The collections in New York Heritage represent a broad range of historical, scholarly, and cultural materials held in libraries, museums, and archives throughout the state. Collection items include photographs, letters, diaries, directories, maps, newspapers, books and more.

The Regional Bibliographic Data Bases and Interlibrary Resources Sharing Grant will be administered by the South Central Regional Library Council.

The Library Council is one of nine Reference and Research Library Resources Councils in New York. As a multi-type library consortium, the Council serves 69 members across 10,000 square miles in the counties of Allegany, Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and Yates.

Holiday House Tours set for Dec. 9

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 28 -- If you’ve always wanted to peek inside some of the homes around Schuyler County, the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its second annual Holiday House Tour on Sunday, December 9 from noon-4 p.m.

The tour will feature three homes each in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls, plus a historic public building. Homes include a Victorian, a log cabin, recently renovated older homes, and bed and breakfasts. Locations will not be announced until the day of the tour.

Pre-sale tickets are $15 per person. They are available at the Schuyler Hospital Gift Shop, Wags to Riches, the Seneca Lake General Store, and Quinlan’s Pharmacy. Day-of-event tickets are $20, and will be available only at the Watkins Glen Public Library – where the tour kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on December 9th.

The House Tour is being presented by the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, to benefit Schuyler Hospital.

For more information, contact Auxilian Chris Updyke at (607) 535-4445.

Auxiliary plans annual Festival of Lights

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 28 -- Schuyler Hospital’s Auxiliary is now accepting submissions for its annual Festival of Lights.

Ornaments for display may be purchased in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special friend or family member, to celebrate a special event, or as a just-thinking-of-you message.

Ornaments with the donor’s name and the name of honor or memory on them will be on display on celebratory trees in the Hospital’s Main Lobby -- and the Lobby of the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility -- for viewing throughout the holiday season.

Proceeds go to the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, to support Schuyler Hospital. Ornaments must be purchased for $5 each by Nov. 30.

To donate to Festival of Lights, pick up a form at the Hospital Gift Shop, or download the forms from www.schuylerhospital.org.

Mustang raffle-ticket supply dwindling

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 22 -- Only a limited number of tickets remain available through the International Motor Racing Research Center for the raffle of a 2013 Mustang Boss 302. Proceeds of the raffle benefit the Center,

"We are extremely pleased with the response we've received to this raffle," J.C. Argetsinger, Center president, said. "We're almost sold out, and we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets as soon as possible. The raffle is the major annual fund-raiser for the Center, and a successful return is critical to the Center's work. The Center receives no public funding and is solely supported by fund-raising and donations."

The Center is selling just 1,962 raffle tickets for this production vehicle, valued at $44,900. The number of tickets commemorates the year the Mustang concept car was unveiled at Watkins Glen, during the United States Grand Prix racing weekend that year, and is in keeping with the Center's mission of preserving the history of motorsports.

Available tickets will be sold right up until the 1 p.m. drawing on Dec. 1 at the Center, located at 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen. Orders by postal mail, email and telephone must be received by Nov. 30.

The Racing Research Center is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 and located in Watkins Glen, also home of the Watkins Glen International race track. The Center is recognized as a world-class leader in the collection of materials representing the documentary heritage of amateur and professional motor racing worldwide.

The price of the tickets: $60 for one or $100 for two. The winner does not need to be present to win and will be notified immediately after the drawing.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Center at (607) 535-9044 or by using a form posted on the Center’s website at www.racingarchives.org.

Open House set at Gold Seal Property

Special to The File

HAMMONDSPORT, Oct. 17 -- An open house will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Gold Seal Property, 10959 West Lake Road, Hammondsport to unveil concepts for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the site.

The event will feature speakers at 2 p.m.

Owners John and Linda Giglio and a group of architects and business people will present and discuss the concepts. The former winery has been vacant for years.

Emphasizing that the property is a work in progress, Gold Seal Enterprise LLC intends to create a major tourism and business center by transforming the iconic winery into a full-service destination. The plan calls for the winery and grounds to feature lodging and entertainment, and host corporate, community and social events.

“Renovating an historically significant property is not our only goal," said Gold Seal owner John Giglio. “We want to stimulate development in this region as well.”

Photo in text: The Gold Seal building. (Photo provided)

Hospital sets blood drive for Nov. 12

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 14 -- Schuyler Hospital’s next Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Seneca View Activities Room.

The Red Cross is calling on all eligible blood donors to roll up a sleeve and give. All blood types are needed. The Red Cross Blood Services program collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the blood supply in the United States. Blood donations help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others. There is never a surplus.

Drop in, or make an appointment to save time. Go on-line to www.redcross.org, or call the Schuyler Hospital Lab at (607) 535-7121 ext. 2207.

Nicotine replacement therapy giveaway set

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 14 -- To help residents improve their health by quitting smoking or using tobacco, Schuyler Hospital has teamed with the New York State Tobacco Cessation Center at Arnot Health for a nicotine replacement therapy giveaway in conjunction with the November 15 American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout.

Interested individuals can stop by Schuyler Hospital’s lower level – near the gift shop and cafeteria – to meet with the Tobacco Cessation Center on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 1-4 p.m.

For other free resources to help smokers quit, call the American Cancer Society Quitline® at 1-800-227-2345. People who plan to quit will be able to speak with a trained counselor and receive free, confidential counseling. Or go on-line to www.cancer.org/smokeout.

At Schuyler Hospital, contact the Cardio-Pulmonary Department at (607) 535-8617 or email info@schuylerhospital.org

Glenora Wine Cellars wins Gold

Special to The Odessa File

DUNDEE, Oct. 9 -- Glenora Wine Cellars recently won Gold medals from The Beverage Testing Institute -- during the 2012 World Value Wine Challenge -- for its 2011 Riesling, 2011 Seyval Blanc, 2011 Gewürztraminer, and 2011 Pinot Noir Rosé. In addition, its 2011 Pinot Noir Rosé won “2012 Best Rosé Wine under $15.”

“We are very pleased and honored to be recognized by the BTI for our recent entries in the World Value Wine Challenge,” said Steve DiFrancesco, wine maker at Glenora Wine Cellars. “Our winemaking style respects the vineyards, with flavors that are expressive of carefully ripened grapes. These wines are a tribute to our grape growers, vineyard managers, and Mother Nature herself.”

The Beverage Testing Institute uses double blind tastings to judge the wines. The panels consist of screened and trained professionals who all have an extensive wine-related background.

Glenora Wine Cellars has been producing award-winning wines for over 33 years. In 1977 it was the first winery to open on Seneca Lake. Today the property offers a 30-room inn (Inn at Glenora) and a gourmet restaurant (Veraisons) adjoining the winery on a 40-acre estate.

Informational Health Night set for Oct. 10

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 4 -- In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month, the Cancer Services Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties is hosting an Informational Health Night on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

It will be held at Schuyler Hospital’s September Hill, 250 Steuben Street, Montour Falls, between 6 and 8:30 p.m.

Questions will be answered, and information provided about screenings for breast and other cancers. There will also be blood tests for sugar and cholesterol, and massages. Snacks will also be provided.

Speakers will address topics including breast analysis and bladder control.

For more information, contact the Cancer Services Program at 535-9174.

Eggs at 8: Business use of social media

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 4 -- What type of social media presence does your business have? If you're not sure, you might want to attend the next interactive Eggs at Eight business roundtable at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce office, 214 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen

Gregg Lantz, CIO of GPL Integrated, will help attendees "bite" into social media. He will walk them through the proper ways to organize and understand social media presence. Attendees are asked to bring along a laptop, tablet or other computing device.

According to Lantz, the old world model of information flow from corporation to customer is quickly being replaced by a model where customers are in control and are communicating among each other faster than businesses can communicate internally.

"We’ll sprinkle in some talk about the important changes being made by Google and the effect these changes will have on a business," said Lantz. "We’ll take a look at a social media project put together to develop the world’s best chocolate chip cookie and, time permitting, leave attendees with some pre-commerce examples they can use to attract customers to their businesses."

GPL Integrated IT was founded more than10 years ago in Elmira, with a simple mission -- to help successful companies do what they never could before, by helping them ensure network security and performance.

The cost of the session is $10 per person and includes pastries, coffee and tea. Seating is limited
and reservations are appreciated but not required. Call the Chamber at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Eggs at Eight is hosted by the Business and Education Committee of the Chamber. It is held on the second Tuesday of each month.

Hospital recommends flu vaccine use

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 4 -- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and the flu-related complications that could lead to hospitalization and even death. Schuyler Hospital officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.

Flu vaccines are now available at Schuyler Hospital’s Primary Care Clinic in Montour Falls and Ovid, and at the offices of hospital family physicians.

In addition, Schuyler Hospital staff are currently working toward a goal of at least 95% of employees receiving the flu vaccine.

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine -- for instance, people who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine or any of its components in the past. For more information about who should and shouldn't get vaccinated, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldvax.htm

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and immunity can decline over time, annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection, hospital officials say -- even during years when the viruses the vaccine protects against remain the same as in the previous season.

Influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of people every flu season. The severity of flu illness can vary from mild to severe and even cause death. Each year it’s estimated that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu-related complications. People with certain long-term health conditions are at greater risk.

For more information about the flu vaccine, go online to http://www.cdc.gov/flu or http://www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Hospital therapist helps high school kids

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 1 -- When the New York State Department of Education’s Concussion Management and Awareness Act went into effect in July 2012, Vanessa Mirabito, PT, DPT, ATC, formed a quick partnership with Watkins Glen Central School Superintendent Tom Phillips.

Mirabito, a Schuyler Hospital Physical Therapist & Athletic Trainer, along with Jim Somerville, ATC, had been working with Watkins Glen High School athletes through the 2011-12 school year, and wanted to do everything they could to improve the way anyone working with students – especially athletes – handled concussions.

“We developed a team approach – including us as athletic trainers, school physician Dr. Jamie Coleman, coaches and parents,” Mirabito said. “That way we foster proper physical, emotional and intellectual development after a concussion, and protect our student population from catastrophic injury.”

Mirabito explained the step-by-step protocol that the team now follows from the time a concussion is sustained to the time the student-athlete returns to activity or sport.

“Our aim is to ensure that physical activity will not have a detrimental effect on the student,” Mirabito said.

In addition to closer oversight of students with head injuries, the team is also working to educate parents and the rest of the school community.

“The law states that academic and sports accommodations must be made for students of all ages with head injuries so that their ability to learn is not negatively impacted,” Mirabito explained, adding that everyone must work together for the best interests of the student.

Photo in text: Vanessa Mirabito (Photo provided)

Breast Cancer Awareness open house set

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 1 -- To recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Schuyler Hospital’s Radiology Department has scheduled an Open House. Members of the public are encouraged to stop by the Hospital’s Radiology Department on Wednesday, Oct. 17 anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In addition, beginning October 16, the Radiology Department is offering expanded hours to offer more convenience to patients. On Tuesdays, mammogram appointments will be available up to 8:30 p.m. On Saturdays, mammogram appointments are available 7:30 am.-12 Noon.

At the Open House, check out the new digital mammography equipment, meet the staff, enjoy refreshments and give-aways, get your questions answered about breast cancer, and schedule a mammogram. Plus, enter to win a tote bag .

Note: To schedule a mammogram, a physician’s referral and proper insurance coverage will be required.

For more information, contact the Schuyler Hospital Radiology Department at 535-8613 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Whiting Harvest Celebration is Oct. 11

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 21 -- The third annual Debra Whiting's Harvest Celebration -- a wine and culinary event sponsored by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce -- will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Watkins Glen Community Center.

The event is named in honor of the late executive chef and owner of Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro, who served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors from 2008-2011 and was the board chairwoman in 2010. Whiting was the driving force behind the inaugural culinary event in 2010.

“Deb would be so proud to see how this event has grown,” said Rebekah LaMoreaux, Chamber president and CEO. “She’s one of the reasons we want to keep it going – to share her passion for local produce with the community.”

The purpose of the event is to capture the essence of culinary creations and farm fresh produce during the heart of harvest while showcasing various restaurants, farm markets, wineries, breweries and other food vendors from the area. Attendees and guests will have the opportunity to see, sample and socialize while enjoying a variety of Finger Lakes fare.

Ticket prices per person are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Musical entertainment will be provided, once again, by guitarist William Groome.

To purchase tickets, visit www.debrawhitingharvestcelebration.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact the Chamber at (607) 535-4300 or email Katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Hospital offers Medical Sharp Disposal

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 17 -- As Schuyler County residents prepare for a household hazardous waste, electronics and tire collection day on September 29th, as well as a free prescription medication collection the same day, Schuyler Hospital is reminding residents that it accepts used medical sharps for disposal at the Hospital’s Laboratory from Schuyler County residents.

Containers of syringes and sharps can be brought to the Hospital’s Laboratory – located at 220 Steuben Street in Montour Falls – Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-noon. Use the Emergency Department entrance.

Syringes and sharps must be contained in a rigid, puncture resistant container – such as a laundry detergent bottle or plastic kitty litter container – secured with a screw top, and must be labeled "Biohazard" or "Contains Needles." The container also needs to have a label giving the address of the household it originated from. Be sure to leave empty at least 2 inches at the top of the container.

Laboratory staff will accept the appropriately labeled containers and put them in the biohazard hazard waste containers within the laboratory.

Any containers received that are not acceptable will be put in a biohazard sharps container and closed.

Schuyler Hospital reminds those using medical sharps at home to never put used sharps in the trash, down the toilet, in with recyclables, or in unsafe containers.

For more information, contact Schuyler Hospital at (607) 535-7121 or visit www.schuylerhospital.org.

Annual November Splendor is on horizon

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 17 -- If you’re looking for a fun night of dinner, dancing and prizes, you might want to attend the annual November Splendor fundraiser, presented by the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary and the Schuyler Health Foundation.

The cocktail attire event has been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16. at the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen. Music will be provided by “NY Rockin’ Revue.”

New this year: unique prize packages available through a limited Live Auction, as well as a brand new selection of silent raffle packages.

It’s all for a good cause – the 2012 Family of Friends Campaign to benefit Schuyler Hospital.

You can reserve tickets on-line now at www.schuylerhospital.org

For more information, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 210-1950 or info@schuylerhospital.org

Limited spots available for Legacy cruise

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 17 -- Limited tickets are still available for the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary’s Game Day Cruise on the Seneca Legacy.

Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29. from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event is a new fundraiser for the Auxiliary. Tickets are $35 per person, and include the 4-hour cruise, lunch, tax and gratuity.

Groups, individuals and couples are invited to bring their favorite board games -- Mah Jongg, Dominoes, Scrabble, Cards, Chess or any other favorites.

A cash bar will be available, along with raffles throughout the cruise. Reservations are due by Sept. 24. There are pre-sale tickets only.

For further details and tickets, contact Carol Franzese at (607) 535-2880.

'Books are Fun' set at Seneca View

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 17 -- Schuyler Hospital’s Seneca View Lobby will be site on Friday, Oct. 12 of a “Books are Fun” sale.

Sponsored by the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, “Books are Fun” features not only a variety of books for all ages, but also gift items – such as music, stationary, toys, and more.

The sale will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. A portion of proceeds from the sale will benefit the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary.

For more information, contact the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary at info@schuylerhospital.org, or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Hospital will offer snacks at Strong Kids

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 17 -- At Schuyler County’s Strong Kids, Safe Kids gathering this Saturday, Sept. 22 at Watkins Glen's Clute Park, Schuyler Hospital will have kids make their own healthy snacks, and will mix in a handwashing lesson.

Kids planning to attend the free event can stop by Schuyler Hospital’s booth for the hands-on activity and information on how to make sure their hands are clean – including taking a close-up look at “clean” hands under a special germ detector.

The Strong Kids, Safe Kids event is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, contact Schuyler Hospital at (607) 535-7121, or email info@schuylerhospital.org

Leadership Schuyler seeks applicants

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 5 -- Leadership Schuyler, a program designed to give today’s managers the skills they need to become tomorrow’s leaders, is seeking candidates for 2012-2013.

Since 2001, the program has helped to prepare close to 200 participants for community leadership roles. The purpose of the program is to teach leadership skills to current and future leaders working in Schuyler County. The program helps participants strengthen their knowledge of community issues and facilitate positive problem-solving techniques.

The program’s new facilitator, Andy Taylor said, “Our mission is to help participants become much more effective and valuable to their organization while reaching a higher potential.”

Taylor is an Internationally Certified Executive and Leadership Coach based in Corning. His clients have included the Corning Radisson Hotel, World Kitchen, Nancy Socha & Associates, The Corning Family YMCA, Carpenter’s Funeral Home, The Rockwell Museum of Art and others.

Areas of focus include: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence, Developing Effective Relationships With Direct Reports, Creative Thinking/Reframing, Giving “+” and “-” Feedback To Enhance Motivation And Get Results, Strategic Planning, Executive Time Management, Executive Coaching, Goal Setting, and Delegation.

Leadership sessions begin in October and end in March. Students of the program participate in group service projects and can choose to work with specific organizations such as the Schuyler County Historical Society, Red Cross, Humane Society, and the Spirit of Schuyler.

Candidates must complete an application form and provide two references. A maximum of 25 individuals will be selected for the program.

Applications can be obtained by contacting the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce at (607) 535-4300 or by visiting www.leadershipschuyler.com. Applications are due by Sept. 28.

Ceremony to mark start of Nelson project

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 31 -- The official groundbreaking will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 for a long anticipated Seneca lakefront development in the Village of Watkins Glen.

The building is known to Watkins Glen area residents as the site of the old Village Waterworks, and home for years to the village's Electric Department. The project by Nelson Development Group is in partnership with the RESTORE program of Empire State Development and the Schuyler County Industrial Development Agency.

Nelson is known in the area for his award- winning renovation of the Montour House, and for development of The Flats on Broadway apartment building in the former Rural-Urban Center in Montour Falls.

Officials will join Nelson for the occasion, marking the beginning of renovation of four loft-style living spaces in the original brick structure, and construction of 12 townhouse-style condos along the lakefront. Other plans for the site are evolving, and include a gallery space and boat facilities, with event areas and terraces.

The public is invited to enjoy the view while attending the first monthly Open House from 6-8, following the groundbreaking ceremony.

Paige Quinlan welcomes a customer. Others pictured are, from left, Nancy Kenney, John Quinlan and Mike Rossettie.

Quinlan's Pharmacy opens its doors for business in Montour

MONTOUR FALLS, Aug. 22 -- Quinlan's Pharmacy opened for business Wednesday morning, welcoming customers who for years had utilized the Montour Pharmacy's services. The Montour Pharmacy, located a block east, closed last December.

On hand for the "soft" Quinlan opening -- accomplished with little fanfare, but with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned sometime next month -- were the store's owner, John Quinlan of Wayland; his daughter Paige, a senior at Wayland High School; Jessica Pompeo, the store's operations director -- who works as a rule at the Quinlan's flagship store in Wayland -- and Supervising Pharmacist Mike Rossettie, who used to co-own Rossettie's Pharmacy in Corning.

There were also a number of familiar local faces.

Former Montour Pharmacy employees Janet Collins (front clerk), Nancy Kenney (medical equipment and pharmacy), Susan Crofoot and Melanie Blauvelt (pharmacy technicians), Sandy Stillman (pharmacy clerk), and Kevin Greuber (store manager) were all on hand, greeting incoming customers.

And there was a steady stream of those customers through the morning, although some just came by to wish the new venture well.

"It seems good seeing all our regular people here," said one customer, motioning to several employees. "It's like home."

Said another: "I'm so glad to see so many old friends we got to know at Montour Pharmacy."

The old pharmacy was closed in December 2011 when its owner, Henderson Drugs, sold the business to CVS, which promptly closed it. Pharmacy customers from Montour then had to switch to another locale, with many going to CVS (in Watkins Glen) and others to Walmart.

Local leaders reacted quickly to the closing, mounting a search that located the Quinlan's operation -- described as a "community-oriented" business -- and reaching an agreement for it to set up shop in a vacant building at 336 W. Main Street that had formerly housed the Office for the Aging.

Quinlan's finished its renovation there weeks ago, and then secured the necessary licenses for the pharmacy operation.

The new business looks and smells new. It has an array of merchandise, from gift cards to school and office supplies to seasonal items to gifts. It also carries soda pop, and will have newspapers in a couple of weeks. And, of course, it has a pharmacy, located in the rear section of the facility.

Quinlan's now has four stores -- its pharmacies in Wayland and Montour Falls, and medical equipment stores in Geneseo and Canandaigua. The Montour site has some DME's (durable medical equipment), and can take orders for equipment not on hand.

There is plenty of parking behind the store in a lot that was recently graded and filled with stones, and there is an easy-access rear entrance to the business.

The store's hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

Paige Quinlan summed up the opening day -- a day of activity and optimism -- with succinctness. "We're glad to be here," she said.

(Meanwhile: Part of the old Montour Pharmacy building is being turned into The Village Bakery, which a sign on the front of the building indicates was supposed to open in late July, but which now is not expected to open until next month, at the earliest. Workers were busy inside Wednesday morning, renovating.)

Photos in text:

Top: Store workers on opening day included, from left, owner John Quinlan, his daughter Paige, pharmacy technicians Susan Crofoot and Melanie Blauvelt, pharmacy clerk Sandy Stillman, Supervising Pharmacist Mike Rossettie, front clerk Janet Collins, employee Nancy Kenney (medical equipment and pharmacy), store manager Kevin Greuber, and operations director Jessica Pompeo.

Middle: Montour Falls Mayor John King visited with store employees Melanie Blauvelt, center, and Janet Collins.

Bottom: Jessica Pompeo, left, and Kevin Greuber tape letters to the front windows that spelled out "We are open."

Cabezas joins Hunt engineering firm

HORSEHEADS, Aug. 21 -- Catharine resident Howard Cabezas has joined Hunt Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, P.C. as a mechanical engineer with a specialty in HVAC systems.

Cabezas has experience in designing complete mechanical heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, including digital controls. He has designed systems for a wide range of building types, including federal office buildings, K-12 schools, university facilities, commercial enterprises, and retail and manufacturing facilities.

Cabezas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass., and is a licensed professional engineer in New York State. He lives on a small farm in Catharine. He and his wife have four children.

Hunt is a 125-person professional consulting firm with offices in Horseheads, Rochester, and Towanda, Pa. offering engineering, architecture, and surveying services to municipal, commercial, and educational clients.

Photo in text: Howard Cabezas (Photo provided)

Volhejn joins Hazlitt in accounting

HECTOR, Aug. 21 -- Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards has hired Megan Volhejn as Senior Accounting Manager.

Volhejn comes to Hazlitt with more than 10 years of manufacturing experience and 15 years of finance experience. Through her career she has worked for both large and small firms in an internal audit capacity.

"We are thrilled to have Megan on board," said Leigh Triner, co-CEO of Hazlitt. "Her enthusiasm and strong past experience make her a perfect match with our existing team."

A native of Spencerport, NY, Volhejn earned a degree in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport and an MBA from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. She currently lives in Fairport, NY with her two sons. Her volunteer activities include the management of youth sports clubs and accounting work for the Rochester Community Robotics program and the Dudley School PTA.

Quinlan's store manager Kevin Greuber.

Here comes Quinlan's

New Montour Falls pharmacy is set to open Aug. 22

MONTOUR FALLS, Aug. 17 -- Montour Falls has gone eight months without a pharmacy, ever since Henderson Drugs sold the Montour Pharmacy last December to CVS -- which in turn closed that longtime Main Street business.

Come Wednesday, Aug. 22, that hole in Montour's business community will be filled with the opening of Quinlan's Pharmacy in the former Office for the Aging building on West Main Street, a block from where the Montour Pharmacy used to reside.

The building housing the new pharmacy "was basically gutted," said Jessica Pompeo, Director of Operations for Quinlan's, which is based in Wayland. A wall in the center was knocked down, and a kitchen in the back was removed. New walls and lighting and flooring are in place, along with a bright new pharmacy area in the store's rear.

The pharmacy area will be operated by Supervising Pharmacist Mike Rossettie, who for years co-owned Rossettie's Pharmacy in Corning. He has been working in the pharmacy at Corning's Wegmans for the past 10 years.

The Quinlan's store manager is Kevin Greuber, who worked for Henderson Drugs in various capacities, including several roles at the Montour Pharmacy. He said Montour Pharmacy employees who will be working at Quinlan's include Janet Collins, the store's front clerk; pharmacy technicians Susan Crofoot and Melanie Blauvelt, pharmacy clerk Sandy Stillman, and Sue Dugo, who was semi-retired at the time of the old pharmacy's closing but will work part-time in the new one.

Greuber and Pompeo said they hope that a sizable number of the customers who switched to CVS at the time of the Montour Pharmacy closing will return to the Montour Falls fold. Greuber said the old pharmacy was processing 200-300 prescriptions a day, which Pompeo said probably translated to about 1,000 customers.

Pompeo conceded that it has taken longer than expected to get the new store up and running. The closing, she said, didn't occur "until February or March, and then we couldn't get our pharmacy license until we had a certificate of occupancy." And that hinged on completion of construction.

Now, though, the final touches are being applied, shelves stocked, the exterior appearance finely tuned, and the word about the opening circulated.

That opening will be a "soft" one, without fanfare, on Wednesday. A celebration in the form of a ribbon-cutting will come later, probably in the second week of September, Pompeo said.

Photos in text: The front of the new business, and Director of Operations Jessica Pompeo.

Quinlan's Supervising Pharmacist Mike Rossettie

New Image salon celebrates 25 years in business, raises $3,750 for Spirit of Schuyler

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 16 -- New Image Hair Net Work’s 25th anniversary celebration Wednesday raised $3,750 for the Spirit of Schuyler… all in conjunction with the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly mixer.

The fundraiser and anniversary began at 10 a.m. with community members pouring out to the salon’s grounds at 107 Eleventh Street in Watkins Glen for free food, wine, and live entertainment. Many purchased raffle tickets for $25.

Lorraine Hallenbeck, owner of New Image Hair Net Work Inc., worked with several businesses and organizations throughout the community to ensure the event’s success. Close to a dozen restaurants and wineries stepped up to provide food and wine tastings throughout the day. GST BOCES also sent student stylists to offer free manicures and pedicures. Live entertainment was performed by the local band Unusual Suspects.

The Spirit of Schuyler is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Schuyler County. The organization uses donations from the community to provide financial assistance to county residents in need.

Hallenbeck said she was proud of how the community contributed to the celebration. Some of the donated prizes were high in monetary value: a hot air balloon ride (Liberty Balloon Company), a scenic fight over Seneca Lake (Mark Mahon), complimentary nights at two bed & breakfasts (Lake Valley Legends and Admiral Peabody Inn), a free night at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, dinner for two at Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro, and more.

“There is nothing in life more rewarding than giving to others and not asking for anything in return,” said Hallenbeck.

The Chamber’s monthly mixer concluded the evening with door prizes and raffle drawings. The announcement of the funds that were raised was made at the end of the evening, during the Chamber’s business after-hours event.

Photo in text: Spirit of Schuyler head Tony Vickio and New Image Hair Net Work owner Lorraine Hallenbeck at Wednesday's celebration. (Photo provided)

Scene at the Gorgeous View Motel ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ribbon-cutting marks motel reopening

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, July 28 -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday afternoon at the Gorgeous View Motel, 3355 State Rte. 14, as it marked a post-renovation reopening.

The motel -- which offers a scenic view of Seneca Lake -- is owned by Alan and Stephanie Specchio. It’s been in the Specchio family for more than five decades, and with its renovation now has newly restored rooms.

The ceremony featured local dignitaries and an official welcome with remarks by Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux and Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn.

Immediately following the ceremony, the motel staff offered a tour of the rooms. They also provided grilled hot dogs. Lakewood Vineyards provided and poured wine for guests.

“We're very excited about this new venture in our lives. It's a new experience for both of us,” Stephanie Specchio said. “Watkins Glen is home for both of our families, and this project wouldn't work without all of the help that our families have given us.”

Yoga sessions held 4 times a week at Falls

MONTOUR FALLS, July 27 -- It's called Summer Yoga at The Falls, a two-month, four-day-a-week gathering near the base of Shequagah Falls in Montour Falls during the months of July and August

It's operated by Kate Chesebrough, who has been practicing yoga for a half-dozen years and has received certification and training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She says her classes are meant for all experience levels.

Chesebrough was raised in Binghamton. Her mother, Maggie Martin, runs the Montour Coffee House and Wine Bar in the Montour House on Main Street.

The Yoga at the Falls sessions -- 7-8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays -- continue through August. Individual sessions are $10. Chesebrough can be reached at kicheseb@gmail.com, or you can visit the Yoga at the Falls Facebook page.

Photo by Antoinette DiCiaccio

Community Bank NA completes acquisition

Special to The Odessa File

DEWITT, NY, July 23 -- Community Bank NA has completed its acquisition of 16 HSBC branches spread throughout western, central and northern New York, including the one in Watkins Glen. All 16 locations were open for business on Monday, July 23.

“We are delighted to welcome these 50,000 new customers to Community Bank,” said Mark Tryniski, Community Bank CEO. “We have worked hard to make the transition as simple as possible for customers, and I am grateful for the effort put forth by both the Community Bank associates and the HSBC Team and we’re pleased to welcome our new colleagues joining from HSBC.”

Both HSBC and Community Bank, N.A. have provided information to customers regarding their accounts over the past several months. Customers with further questions can contact any Community Bank branch office or call 1-800-388-4679.

The acquired HSBC branches are located in Adams, Alexandria Bay, Avon, Fulton, Geneseo, Gowanda, Lowville, Newark, Oswego, Palmyra, Plattsburgh, Springville, Watertown (2), Watkins Glen, and Westfield.

Community Bank will finalize this summer’s acquisitions when it additionally acquires three First Niagara Bank branches on September 10, in Geneva (2) and Canandaigua.

For more information, customers are encouraged to visit www.communitybankna.com

'Business Basics Workshop' scheduled

Special to The Odessa File

CORNING, July 12 -- Corning Community College’s Small Business Development Center is offering a “Business Basics Workshop” on Thursday, August 9th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Academic & Workforce Development Center, 318 Madison Avenue, Room 004, Elmira, NY.

This workshop is designed for people who are thinking about starting their own small businesses. In a small group setting, participants will review the basics of going into business and completing a business plan. The workshop allows time for questions and answers.

There is no cost for the workshop, but registration is required by August 7th. To register or for more information, contact the SBDC at 607-937-6861 or sbdc@corning-cc.edu.

Limited tickets available for concert trip

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, July 6 -- Limited tickets remain for the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary’s bus trip to see the Oak Ridge Boys Live in Concert at Tioga Downs Casino on Friday, Aug. 10.

For $60 per person, patrons will attend the Oak Ridge Boys Concert, receive a buffet meal voucher, $20 free-play, and round-trip transportation.

The bus leaves the Watkins Glen Central School Bus Garage at 4 p.m., with an additional pickup at Alpine Junction. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

Located in Nichols, NY, the Tioga Downs Casino offers casino games, live entertainment, restaurants, bars, and harness racing.

To make reservations, or for more information, contact Midge Franzese at 535-6635 or Chris Updyke at 535-4445. Tickets are also available at the Schuyler Hospital Gift Shop.

Cargill honors Wickham for Scout work

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, July 6 -- Cargill recently presented a Cargill Cares Volunteer Award to Lydia Wickham of Watkins Glen for her volunteer service to the local BSA Troop 2674.

“Cargill encourages our employees and retirees to give back to the community and is proud of the unselfish ways in which they enrich the communities where we conduct business,” said Mark Murphy, assistant vice president of Corporate Responsibility for Cargill. “The Cargill Cares Volunteer Awards program is one way we recognize and thank Cargill employees for their important contribution to our communities.”

Across the globe, only 50 individuals and/or groups are honored annually. Recipients are recognized with a $2,500 grant to the nonprofit/non-governmental organization for which the recipient volunteers.

Wickham and Scoutmaster-husband Rick Evans, with grant money in hand, went right to work looking for a trailer to purchase for their troop.

In three years, the Troop has grown from 5 to 20 registered scouts. Having the trailer was an essential step in being able keep up with hauling all the gear that a troop requires.

“We were running out of closet space in the house,” joked Evans. “The time was right and Cargill’s grant made it happen for us.”

Once the trailer was purchased, Wickham and Evans enlisted the help of Watkins Glen businessman and sign maker Tony Vickio, who put the final touches on the trailer. According to Evans, Tony donated his time and supplies.

The trailer was completed for the troop’s first summer adventure - a weekend of white water rafting in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania.

“This is what it is all about,” said Wickham. “Providing extraordinary opportunities for our youth – our community’s youth. They are the future.”

Photo in text: Lydia Wickham and Scoutmaster-husband Rick Evans with trailer. (Photo provided)

Eggs at Eight: scholarship presentation

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, July 4 -- The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a special Eggs at Eight session at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 10 -- presenting a $500 scholarship to a 2012 Schuyler County high school graduate.

The session will be held at the Harvest Café, 224 W. Main St, Montour Falls.

For the past five years, students have submitted essays on various topics relating to living and working in Schuyler County. This year, the Chamber’s Business and Education Committee asked students to create a 90-second marketing video, PowerPoint or Prezi presentation featuring Schuyler County. Entries needed to include information on leading tourism industries in the area such as Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen State Park, Seneca Lake, the wineries and lodging options. The purpose of the program is to encourage students to learn more about Schuyler County and tourism promotion.

The winner’s project -- yet to be announced -- will be promoted in the Chamber’s 2012 Tourism Marketing Plan (facebook pages, website, youtube channel, and twitter accounts).

Special guest speakers will include Tom Phillips (Watkins Glen Superintendent), Jim Frame (Odessa-Montour Superintendent), and Wendy Field (Bradford Superintendent).

The cost to attend is $15 per person and includes a full breakfast of one’s choice. Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but not required. Call the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Sahlen's renews sponsorship with WGI

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, July 3 -- Sahlen’s Packing Company, Inc. has announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with Watkins Glen International as title sponsor of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Grand-Am Road Racing Series event.

Currently the longest consecutive title sponsorship at The Glen, this season marks the 10th year of this partnership. The latest annual race was run last weekend.

“Joe Sahlen and Sahlen Packing Company are strong supporters of The Glen and sports car racing,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “As a native of Western New York, it is great to have a regional brand prominently represented at The Glen. We look forward to continuing to work with Joe and his team to keep the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen one of the premier events of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series schedule.”

Sahlen's Packing Company, a leading producer of meat products in Western New York, is known for its hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats. It was founded in 1869 in Buffalo.

Work starting at future Visitor Center

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, June 28 -- Renovation work has begun at the site of the future Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

The former home of the Seneca Lake General Store at 214 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen is now empty, with the first phase of the Center renovation process just beginning.

The Chamber hired Hunt Engineers of Horseheads to design the layout of the new Chamber home right after plans for the Center were announced in December. General contractor. for the job is Kermit Cutter Construction, which is headquartered in Newfield.

“It’s been a long time in the making," said Rebekah LaMoreaux, Chamber president & CEO, "but our staff, board of directors, members and community are all very excited.”

The need for a bigger and more modern facility has grown over the years. Last year, 17,813 tourists paid a visit to the current 1,700-square-foot Visitor Center – and with growing numbers, a small greeting center without a public restroom was deemed no longer sufficient.

The new location is 5,100 square feet. It will include two public restrooms, a conference room, and five offices for Chamber staff. It will also feature special displays that are representative of the region, and which will be revealed at a ribbon cutting ceremony, expected in September..

According to the 2011 Oxford Economics Company’s report, The Economic Impact of Tourism in New York, travelers have the following impact in Schuyler County:

* Travelers Spend - $30,884,000 (an increase of 13% over 2010)
* Labor Income - $11,931,000
* Local Tax Revenue - $1,716,000
* State Tax Revenue - $1,882,000

“The Oxford report confirms that Schuyler County continues to be a world-class destination, and we must strive to continue the expansion of our efforts to further improve this reputation,” said Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn. “As we embark on new initiatives such as lakefront development and the construction of a new Visitor Center, our standing will only increase. While we have made great gains, we are in the infancy stage of what our tourism economy will ultimately be.”

Added Vicki Schamel, Chairwoman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors: "Being in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen is poised to be a very vibrant town for tourism and the economy."

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of August.

Photos in text: The exterior and interior of the future Visitor Center. (Photos provided)

Hospital wins telecommunications grant

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 28 -- The New York State Department of State has awarded Schuyler Hospital a matching grant for up to $150,000 from the Federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Program Operations Division.

Grant funding is designated to allow Schuyler Hospital to install and implement new technology telecommunication equipment to invoke unified communications within the Schuyler Hospital main campus and all affiliated satellite facilities.

Hospital officials say that unified telecommunications will reduce communication response time, allowing for more timely and reliable communication of accurate information, lower costs, improved productivity, and higher quality care.

“Our entire staff at Schuyler Hospital has been working very hard and very creatively to make facility-wide improvements possible,” said Andy Manzer, Schuyler Hospital President and CEO. “Their efforts will soon be yielding some very visible results."

Slicing the ribbon were, visible from left: Rebekah LaMoreaux, president of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce; REDEC Executive Director Diane Lantz; Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton, District Attorney Joe Fazzary, Dr. Ashley Fazzary, and State Senator Tom O'Mara. Obscured are Community Bank Assistant Vice President Laurie Fox and County Administrator Tim O'Hearn.

Ceremony welcomes Eyes on Seneca

Ribbon-cutting marks grand opening of Fazzary eye-care business

WATKINS GLEN, June 26 -- Watkins Glen, Schuyler County and state leaders welcomed a new business to Watkins Glen at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday afternoon.

The business is Eyes on Seneca, an eye-care facility at 29 N. Franklin St. run by a native who has returned home: Dr. Ashley Fazzary.

The business opened its doors to patients on June 11.

The ceremony featured remarks by Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux; Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn; Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton; Schuyler County District Attorney Joe Fazzary; Community Bank Assistant Vice President Laurie Fox; Diane Lantz, executive director of REDEC (Regional Economic Development & Energy Corporation); State Senator Tom O'Mara, and Dr. Fazzary.

Most of the speakers congratulated Dr. Fazzary for her decision to return to Watkins Glen after several years away, with DA Fazzary -- Dr. Fazzary's brother -- noting that "she is bright and absolutely beautiful," prompting O'Hearn to add: "She is bright and she is beautiful; I'm not sure which one of you is adopted."

O'Hearn lauded the return of Dr. Fazzary to her hometown, the kind of move "we need for a rebirth of the county. You pursued your dream and came back. We're honored to have you back."

Added O'Mara: "Small-town America is all about small business. This is a great opportunity for you, Ashley, and for the community."

Dr. Fazzary thanked everyone -- scores of well-wishers -- "for showing your support by being here." She also touted her business, which has "the greatest, newest technology on the market."

In an earlier interview, she had commented about her return. “I was born and raised in Watkins Glen and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to this community,” she said. “I love being near family and friends. I look forward to providing excellent eye care to Watkins Glen and surrounding areas.”

Dr. Fazzary received a BS degree at Cornell University, attended the SUNY College of Optometry in New York City for four years, and gained practical experience in busy, private practices throughout Manhattan and at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn.

“Practicing in New York City," she has said, "helped me gain experience treating and managing a wide variety of eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, conjunctivitis, ocular trauma and emergencies.”

Dr. Fazzary said that after living in New York City for seven years, she had missed the comfort of home and wanted to get back to the Watkins Glen community.

Immediately following the ceremony, the Eye Care staff provided facility tours. In addition to wine, well-wishers were also provided with fruit, cheese and hors d’oeuvres.

*****

Photos in text:

Top: The sign fronting the eye-care business. The building is being leased from Dominick Franzese.

Middle: Dr. Ashley Fazzary with her brother, District Attorney Joe Fazzary.

Bottom: Jeff Dill of J.R. Dill Winery pours some wine as part of the celebration.

DeNardo accepts Associate Chiropractic job

Special to The Odessa File

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, June 23 -- Watkins Glen High School graduate Patricia M. DeNardo, Doctor of Chiropractic, has accepted an Associate Chiropractic position at the Chiro 1st Chiropractic Clinic in Annapolis, Maryland.

Dr. DeNardo is a recent graduate from the New York Chiropractic College; and is also certified in Kinesio and Active Release Techniques.

Prior to obtaining her D.C., Dr. DeNardo attended Keuka College and received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Clinical Sciences.

She is the daughter of Laurie and Mike DeNardo and the granddaughter of Bob and Doris DeNardo and Ted and Barbara Specchio.

From left: Junior Specchio and Charlie Valent of Specchio Ford, and Shannon Palko and her husband Jeremy with the Mustang.

She's hitting it big with Mary Kay

WATKINS GLEN, June 23 -- Shannon Palko was handed the keys to a 2013 black Mustang Friday morning at Specchio Ford in Watkins Glen -- the keys to a company car leased and paid for by Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Palko, for the past 12 years a teacher at Broadway Elementary School in Elmira, hooked on about a year ago with Mary Kay to earn some extra money, and has made the most of it -- organizing a team of 34 women who have amassed enough in sales in the past six months to qualify her, as their senior sales director, to drive the Mustang. It was delivered to Specchio Ford, which in turn provided a "courtesy delivery" to Palko with a brief ceremony in front of the dealership.

On hand with Palko -- who earlier this year had earned enough in sales to warrant provision of a Chevy Malibu, and whose next goal is a pink Cadillac -- was her husband Jeremy. They have a daughter, Jaden, and toddler twin sons Preston and Micaiah.

"I was just looking to make a couple hundred dollars extra a month," Palko explained of her move into the world of Mary Kay. "I heard of this opportunity, and have made the most of it." It has gone so well, she said, that she is quitting teaching. In fact, Friday was her last day in that profession.

"This gives me the flexibility to be with my kids," she said. She also serves as a minister at His Tabernacle Family Church in Horseheads.

Mary Kay Cosmetics will cover all the lease payments on the Mustang, and pay 85% of the insurance on it.

"It's a fantastic company," Palko said. "I love it."

Photos in text:

Top: The Mustang, parked in front of Specchio Ford before the ceremony.

Bottom: Junior Specchio gives Shannon Palko a congratulatory hug.

Hazlitt 1852 appoints DeBell as GM

Special to The Odessa File

HECTOR, June 21 -- Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards has hired Daniel DeBell as General Manager.

DeBell comes to Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards with 20 years of management experience. Through his career he spent time in key roles in business development, marketing, project management and production efficiency.

"We are thrilled to have Dan join our senior management team and bolster our management expertise," said Leigh Triner, Co-CEO of Hazlitt. "Our company's rapid growth and acquisition of Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars in Naples, NY necessitated we increase our organizational leadership. Dan is a perfect fit for us."

"I am really excited about the growth potential of the business, the commitment of the people and the amazing products," said DeBell, adding: "I look forward to being a significant part of the future of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars."

A native of Ithaca, DeBell earned a degree in Applied Economics, Business Management and Marketing from Cornell University. He currently lives in Trumansburg with his wife Michelle, four dogs, three cats and 32 horses.

About Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards & Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars:

The Hazlitt family has been growing grapes on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake for over 150 years. Established in 1984, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards continues the family tradition of award-winning viticulture and wine production. In 2010, Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars was founded when the Hazlitt family purchased the 3 million gallon-plus Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples, New York from Constellation Brands.

The family's wines include Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Franc. Most notably, Hazlitt is famous for its Red Cat, White Cat and Cabin Fever -- some of the most popular and best-selling New York State wines available. For more information, visit: www.Hazlitt1852.com, www.redcatcellars.com or www.redcatwine.com.

Boards announce new members, officers

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 19 -- New board members were introduced and new officers were elected last month at the joint annual meeting of the Schuyler Hospital and Schuyler Health Foundation Boards.

On the hospital board, newly elected members are Jerry Mickelson, Holly Mosher, Dr. Ben Saks, and Kathy Fragola. Elected officers for 2012-13 are Fred Tanneberger, Chair; Suzanne Blowers, Vice-Chair; Kyle Tuttle, Secretary; and Jerry Mickelson, Treasurer.

On the Foundation board, renewing members are Rob Swinnerton, Matt Hayden, Jim Howell, and Linda Confer. Newly elected members are Jerry Mickelson, Kathy Fragola and Marian Schamel. Elected officers for 2012-13 are Rob Swinnerton, Chair; Matt Hayden, Vice-Chair; and Tony Fraboni, Secretary/Treasurer.

Mammography services pass inspection

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 19 -- For the sixth year in a row, Schuyler Hospital’s Radiology Department passed the U.S. FDA’s annual MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act) inspection with no discrepancies.

Congress enacted MQSA to ensure that all women have access to quality mammography for the detection of breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

The rigorous inspection evaluates equipment, staff credentials and training, policies and performance – including quality, proper film identification, proper reporting, and proper documentation.

In addition to mammography, Schuyler Hospital offers diagnostic imaging services including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), bone density scans, CT scans, fluoroscopy studies, ultrasound, and x-ray.

For more information, contact Schuyler Hospital at (607) 535-7121 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Hospital Auxiliary plans concert trip

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 19 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary is currently offering tickets to see the Oak Ridge Boys Live in Concert at Tioga Downs Casino on Friday, August 10.

For $60 per person, patrons will enjoy the Oak Ridge Boys Concert, receive a buffet meal voucher, $20 free-play, and round-trip transportation.

The bus leaves Watkins Glen at 4 p.m., and the concert begins at 8 p.m.

The Oak Ridge Boys are a country and gospel vocal quartet who gained their greatest popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," and "American Made.” The band has been around since the 1940s, when they were founded as the gospel-based Oak Ridge Quartet.

Located in Nichols, NY, the Tioga Downs Casino offers casino games, live entertainment, restaurants, bars, and harness racing.

To make reservations, or for more information, contact Midge Franzese at 535-6635 or Chris Updyke at 535-4445. Tickets are also available at the Schuyler Hospital Gift Shop.

Mixer to celebrate Motor Inn's 75th

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, NY – The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s next Business After Hours mixer will be held at the Glen Motor Inn & Montage Italian Grill from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 20.

The mixer will help celebrate the Motor Inn's 75th anniversary. Food and beverages, along with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, will be provided by the Montage Italian Grill.

The cost to attend is $7 for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Although not required, reservations are encouraged as space is limited. For reservations or more information, contact the Chamber at 607-535-4300 or email Katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Hospital awarded grant of $6.45 million

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 8 -- The New York State Department of Health has awarded Schuyler Hospital $6.45 million from the New York State Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers Capital Grant Program Phase 21 (HEAL NY).

The purpose of the grant is to enable healthcare facilities to deliver more efficient, higher quality care through restructuring and realigning operations.

Schuyler Hospital officials said they plan to utilize the funds to modernize the hospital’s technology, equipment and facilities in order to meet the increasing outpatient needs of the community – particularly in the areas of radiology, rehabilitation services, the operating rooms, and information technology infrastructure for physician offices. Additionally, they said, funds will support continued growth of the hospital's orthopedics and sports medicine program with Cayuga Medical Center.

“We are very excited to receive this show of support from New York State for the work we are doing here at Schuyler Hospital,” said Andy Manzer, Schuyler Hospital President and CEO. “Over the next several months, we will be working diligently to plan for the improvements we will make to our hospital with these resources. Our goal is to greatly enhance our outpatient services and programs and the overall patient experience.”

Hospital sets blood drive for June 25

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 8 -- Schuyler Hospital’s next Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, June 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Seneca View Activities Room.

All presenting donors will receive a free patriotic themed t-shirt, and be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a $50 gas card.

The Red Cross Blood Services program collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the blood supply in the United States. Blood donations help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others. There is never a surplus.

Drop in, or make an appointment to save time. Contact the Schuyler Hospital Lab at (607) 535-7121 ext. 2207.

Eggs at 8 topic: Workplace diversity

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, June 6 -- Do you know how to leverage the power of diversity for a competitive advantage in your office? If not, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to join its next Eggs at Eight session to learn how.

Guest speaker Serena Crossfield (Connect with Crossfield) will discuss diversity training and its relevance in the workplace.

When: Tuesday, June 12
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Where: Classic Chef's, Route 14, between Montour Falls and Watkins Glen

According to Crossfield, diversity represents a company’s fundamental attitude that it not only respects and values the individuality of its employees but also understands how to tap the potentially significant contributions inherent in diversity.

The cost of the session is $10 per person and includes a full breakfast of one’s choice. Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but not required. Call the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce at 607-535-4300 or email Katie Strawser at katie@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Eggs at Eight is hosted by the Business and Education Committee of the Chamber. The business roundtable is held on the second Tuesday of each month.

Seneca Grand Prix open, seeking workers

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 23 -- The Seneca Grand Prix along Route 414 in the Town of Dix is now open on weekends and looking to hire employees.

Anyone interested in applying for a job may call (585) 739-9612 or email eastcoastspeedway@hotmail.com.

SFLW installs its new officers

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 24 -- The new officers of the Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW) -- a chapter of New York State Women, Inc. (NYSWI) -- were installed at the chapter’s May 21 meeting held at Carol Bower’s Catering.

Installing Officer was Christine Brown, outgoing president of SFLW. The new officers for 2012-2013 are pictured here. Front row, left to right: Judy Phillips, President Elect; Lisa Rhoads, President; Carole Shay, Secretary; and Judith Coyle, Treasurer. In the second row: Kathleen Clark, Vice President. (Photo provided)

New York State Women, Inc., provides members with professional development, networking, and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

Schuyler Hospital recognizes employees for 290 years of combined service

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 18 -- Schuyler Hospital recognized employees for 5 to 35 years of service as part of its annual Employee Recognition Dinner on May 9

In all, 34 employees were recognized for a total of 290 years of combined experience at the hospital.

The highlight of the evening’s celebration – held at the Montour Falls Fire Hall with Bower Catering – was a tribute for one 35-year employee: John James, Materials Management.

James was praised not only for his dedication to his job, but also for his kindness, friendliness, and welcoming nature – as well as his love for sports, community support, and sense of humor.

Co-worker Melissa Allmaier said, “The thing about John is that he is always ready with a hearty greeting and a smile to everyone -- he knows everyone by name and makes you feel like he is sincerely interested in you. He is a great representative of customer service.”

Another co-worker, Sharon Pastore, said, “John truly is thoughtful of others and goes out of his way to be kind and considerate.”

In presenting the years of service awards, Hospital President/CEO Andy Manzer said, “One thing that struck me pretty quickly when I started here 8 months ago is just how much of a family this is – how much you all truly care for each other, for the hospital, and for your patients and residents.”

Celebrating 35 years: John James.
Celebrating 20 years: Nancy Ehler.
Celebrating 15 years: Chris Brink, Desra Clemons, Pam Mosher, and Linda Scott.
Celebrating 10 years: Dawn Bellows, Mary Dore, Sharon Evans, Shari Frey, Chris Hoose, Stacy Rinebold, and Kim States.
Celebrating 5 years: Ashley Barrett, Stacy Besley, Maureen Bolger, Marcie Bordonaro, Liz Bradshaw, Cassi Dunlop, Mary Farrell, Emily Grimmke, Cindy Hines, Lucas Hoad, Cheryl Johnson, Heather Lodge, Reagan Matwiejow, Sue Rentschler, Dr. Jagmohan Singh, Crystal Spina, Scott Stanton, Christine Stierly, Anna Stoltzfus, Matt Taylor, and Cheryl Walczak.

For career opportunities, contact Schuyler Hospital at (607) 535-7121 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Photo in text: Schuyler Hospital 35-year Service Award recipient John James (2nd from right), with (from left) Andy Manzer, President/CEO; Amy Castle, CFO; and Pat Corcoran, Director of Materials Management. (Photo provided)

New physicians, staff changes at hospital

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 14 -- Schuyler Hospital has announced the following new physicians and staff changes:

-- Dr. Timothy Huddle, General Surgeon, joined Schuyler Hospital on May 7. Dr. Huddle is board-certified in General Surgery. He earned his doctorate of medicine from the University of Rochester, where he also fulfilled his Residency in General Surgery, and his Fellowship in Peripheral Vascular Surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Huddle, call (607) 210-7305.

-- Dr. Andrew Getzin, a Sports Medicine Specialist from Cayuga Medical Center, will begin seeing patients at the Cayuga Schuyler Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic at Schuyler Hospital in June. Dr. Getzin is board-certified by the American Board of Family Practice, and has a Certification of qualifications in Sports Medicine. He earned his doctorate of medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry NJ, New Jersey Medical School (Newark, NJ); fulfilled his Residency at the Brown University School of Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island (Pawtucket, RI) in Family Medicine; and his Fellowship at Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) in Primary Care Sports Medicine. To make an appointment at Schuyler Hospital with Dr. Getzin, call (607) 210-1968.

Michelle L. Benjamin was recently named Executive Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation and Community Relations at Schuyler Hospital. Benjamin has been the hospital’s Director of Community Relations since February 2008. She has worked as a public relations professional in Schuyler County since 1990, when she graduated with a B.A. in English/Communications from LeMoyne College, Syracuse. To contact Benjamin, call (607) 210-1950.

William J. Kouwe began May 7 as Administrator for the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility. Kouwe most recently was Senior Vice President / Chief Operating Officer for The Friendly Home in Rochester, where he had worked since 1989. A Licensed NYS Nursing Home Administrator, Kouwe earned his B.A. in Business Administration from SUNY Oswego. To contact him, call (607) 535-8611.

Stamp named president of Arc board

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 11 -- Michael Stamp was named President of the The Arc of Schuyler Board of Directors Thursday night at the organization's annual meeting and reception at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Nearly 100 organization and community members attended.

Members of The Arc meet annually to elect the board of directors and officers and to celebrate achievements at the organization.

Members elected David Bartone, Michael DeNardo, G. Thomas Harrison, and Shirley Kohena to three-year board terms ending in May 2015 and Larry Tanner to a one-year term ending in May 2013.

The Board of Directors officers are as follows: The newly elected president, Michael Stamp; Vice-President Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr.; Treasurer G. Thomas Harrison; and Secretary Nancy Thomas.

Stamp (pictured above) said he is looking forward to taking on his new role. “I know that challenging times lie ahead for organizations like The Arc of Schuyler in this time of health-care reform and a push toward managed care,” he said. “I have the confidence that our Board of Directors and staff are committed to working together through these challenges.”

Hoffmeier was recognized by The Arc for completing a three-year term as president. Also recognized was Jeffrey Schultz, DDS, for his 11 years of service on the Board of Directors.

In addition to conducting the election, The Arc presented several recognitions to local schools and organizations, and celebrated achievements being made through volunteering. (See story on Features.)

The Arc of Schuyler is a family-based charitable organization providing supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The Arc is currently conducting its Annual Membership and Fund Drive. To become a member of The Arc, call 607-535-6934 or visit www.arcofschuyler.org

Photo in text: Board of Directors President Michael Stamp at Thursday's session.

Visions: Wine Fest's official credit union

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 4 – Visions Federal Credit Union, based in Endicott, NY, has started a working relationship with Watkins Glen International as the Official Credit Union of this year’s Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan Cheese.

“This is a great addition to the event,” said Michael Printup, Watkins Glen International track president. “Visions is an invaluable member of the community, and we are eager to start this partnership.”

With locations throughout the Southern Tier, including in Watkins Glen, Visions Federal Credit Union offers a variety of financial services to members of the community.

Founded in 1966, it operates as a not-for-profit financial institution that is completely owned by its members and organized for the economic benefit of its communities and members. There are 23 branches throughout New York and northern Pennsylvania, including in Binghamton, Elmira, Horseheads, Johnson City, Owego, Rochester, Syracuse and Sayre, Pa.

Gallery offers May, June art classes

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 24 -- The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop is offering art classes and workshops throughout May and June, 2012.

Workshops and classes will include felting with instructor Charlotte Starkey, jewelry making, stained glass, and photo editing. Weekly watercolor painting classes will also be held with returning instructor Fran Skeens. Open studio wine glass and pilsner glass painting will be available over both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends.

Tuition fees apply and enrollment in classes is first come, first served. Early registration is recommended. To register for classes, call 607-535-2571 or visit the gallery at 209 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen.

The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop is an arts center involving its community in art education and advancement by offering classes and workshops, hosting special exhibits, and other events. Visit www.facebook.com/franklinstreetgalleryandgiftshop for more information about the gallery, classes, and upcoming events.

2012 Soil & Water plant sale a success

Special to The Odessa File

SCHUYLER COUNTY, April 22 -- The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual Green Arbor Program distribution of bare root seedlings and transplants on Saturday, April 14, and over 150 residents purchased more than 16,000 trees and shrubs for conservation plantings this year, up from 14,000 last year. In addition, 16 rain barrels and 50 bluebird boxes that were made by the District were purchased.

“Planting trees and shrubs is perhaps the most effective way for individuals to help keep our environment clean and green, they add value to your property and reduce energy use,” said District Technician Rebecca Collins, adding: “Rain barrels help reduce runoff and capture water for your plants and garden.” The Green Arbor Program is set up to meet the needs of all county landowners, whether they have a small lot or hundreds of acres. As always, species adapted to Schuyler County site conditions were selected to provide a variety of conservation uses.

If Schuyler residents want to be added to the Soil and Water District mailing list so they can receive a tree order form in the mail in January, they should call Collins at 535-6878. To learn more about Soil and Water programs, visit www.schuylercounty.us/swcd or the District's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SchuylerSWCD.

Established in 1940, the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District provides farmers, homeowners, organizations and municipalities with technical assistance to help them manage natural resources and be good stewards of the land. Services include conservation practices to protect water quality; erosion and sediment control; land drainage; assistance in obtaining state and federal permits; conservation education, and much more.

Photo in text: John Ball, a resident of the Town of Reading, picks up his rain barrels and trees at the Green Arbor Program distribution held at the Youth Fair site in the Town of Dix. (Photo provided)

Renovation donations top $280,000

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 21 -- As the kick-off of the 2012 Schuyler Health Foundation Family of Friends Campaign approaches, the Foundation reports that over $280,000 was raised in the 2011 campaign to renovate, remodel and refresh the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

Donations are still being accepted for the project.

The Seneca View project was initially unveiled to “renovate, remodel and refresh” the living room areas and kitchens on each unit. As donations came in, both the Foundation Board of Directors and the Hospital Board of Directors approved expanding the project to include a full renovation – to include all shared areas, walls and halls, and upgrades of every resident room.

Work has been under way since December of 2011. Painting is completed on Units 2 and 3, including dining rooms. Wallpaper and flooring will be completed by July. The hospital is awaiting final regulatory approval from New York State to proceed with completion of the kitchens, living areas and new nurses’ stations. The target date for completion is mid-summer.

Details will be forthcoming on a Seneca View Open House this summer.

For more information, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 535-8879 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Auxiliary again honored for advocacy

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 21 -- For the third year in a row, the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary was recently awarded the Auxiliary Advocacy Recognition by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).

The recognition acknowledges the Auxiliary’s commitment of "significant time and effort serving as an advocate for your facility and community in 2011," according to the award letter.

“This is a wonderful acknowledgment for all the work our volunteers do at the hospital and in the community,” said Clara Greis, Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary President.

Greis thanked Terrie Sautter, Auxiliary Secretary, for her efforts in this recognition.

For more information about the Auxiliary, or to volunteer, visit www.schuylerhospital.org.

Affiliation brings hike in orthopedic care

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 31 -- Cayuga Medical Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specialists are now seeing patients and performing surgeries at Schuyler Hospital.

Physicians are board-certified, and in addition to general orthopedics, specialty areas include knee, shoulder, elbow and more.

Schuyler County residents can have their outpatient orthopedic surgery performed at Schuyler Hospital, while larger surgeries will be done in Ithaca.

Patients with musculoskeletal injuries that don’t require surgery can be referred to the sports medicine specialists in the clinic at Schuyler, and then to physical therapy and rehabilitation at Schuyler. Make appointments by calling (607) 210-1968.

Schuyler Hospital and Cayuga Medical Center signed a long-term affiliation agreement late last year that allows both to collaborate, plan and enhance the delivery of health care services in Schuyler County. Both hospitals remained independent.

Bedside med verification system utilized

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 24 -- You may notice something different about your wristband the next time you check in for service or a stay at Schuyler Hospital.

All wristbands now contain a barcode as part of the Hospital’s new Bedside Medication Verification (BMV) system.

BMV allows your caregivers at Schuyler Hospital to utilize bar code scanning to confirm patient identity and medication information, provide immediate access to a patient’s current results, increase accuracy and efficiency, and allow physicians faster and easier access to critical information.

According to hospital officials, BMV processes the data from the barcode to contribute to safe medication administration through the “Five Rights” of medication management: Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dosage, Right Route, and Right Time.

“We strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of care and safety,” said Jann Marks, Chief Nursing Officer / Chief Operating Officer for Schuyler Hospital. “BMV is one more tool to help us optimize the patient experience.”

For more information, contact Schuyler Hospital at (607) 535-7121 or visit www.schuylerhospital.org

Partnering to preserve a way of life

Special to The Odessa File

ALPINE, March 24 -- A new twist to an old technique is becoming the way of the future for some of the existing livestock operations in Schuyler County.

The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District has partnered with an area farm to preserve the way of life that has existed on the land for generations. Tom Wood and his family have owned and operated a dairy farm in the Alpine area of Schuyler County for decades. Tom’s dedication and passion for farming still burns even though he has “retired” from operating as a dairy. Although Tom has sold his dairy herd, he still would like to maintain the farmland that has been so precious to him and his family over the years.

Tom inquired with acquaintance and former dairy farmer John Wickham, Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District and Upper Susquehanna Coalition Grazing Specialist, about the potential for installation and assistance with grazing infrastructure in order to establish a heifer operation. This would help to maintain the open space and rural character of the land. John Wickham is known statewide for his grazing expertise.

“His hands-on knowledge from his own farm, along with over a decade of dedication to learning the newest techniques of intensive rotational grazing, make him a true asset for our region,” said Jerry Verrigni, District Manager Schuyler County Soil and Water.

Together Tom and John worked tirelessly to install high tensile fencing to USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service specifications. Utilizing the Soil and Water District’s post pounder, over 4,600 feet of fencing was installed in a short time to be ready for the early grazing season. The Soil and Water District obtained the post pounder through funding from the Upper Susquehanna Coalition. This post pounder has been utilized to install over 50,000 feet of fencing throughout the region.

“Intensive rotational grazing -- accompanied with alternative watering systems, buffer fencing, and improved animal trails and walkways -- tends to be one of the most cost-effective conservation practices implemented in New York State," said Wickham. "It is all about the biggest bang for your buck, and a true win-win for the farming community, the residents of Schuyler County, and the environment."

“I was very impressed with the immediate response I received from Soil and Water," said Wood. "I was looking for technical assistance and received that and more. To have a low-cost alternative to create the infrastructure I needed to maintain my farming operation was greatly appreciated. I know that John works with hundreds of farms throughout the region but he, as always, made me feel like I was the only farm he was working with

“With ever increasing taxes, fuel bills, and other costs that large landowners assume, we needed to do something to help bring in income to contend with those expenses,” Wood added.

Each year the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District and John Wickham implement over two dozen projects, and over 800 acres of grazing implementation. This program, officials note, is the epitome of protecting water quality, preserving agriculture and open spaces, and maintaining the rural character of Schuyler County.

Photo in text: John Wickham, Chemung/Schuyler Grazing Specialist, foreground, using the Wheatheart fence post pounder that is available for rent from the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District. (Photo provided)

M.A.S.H. Camp offers look at healthcare

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 16 -- Students entering 8th and 9th grade this fall will have the opportunity to spend two days in the world of hospital healthcare this summer. M.A.S.H. Camp will be held on July 18-19 at Schuyler Hospital.

M.A.S.H. stands for Medical Academy of Science and Health. This two-day camp is sponsored by Schuyler Hospital, the Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC) and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The three organizations have partnered on this initiative to address the mutual goal of alleviating the shortage of health professionals by encouraging young people to explore health careers.

A variety of careers will be highlighted during M.A.S.H. Camp through fun, hands-on workshops for students, including lots of attention from dedicated health professionals. All campers will receive hospital scrubs to wear each day at camp, breakfast and lunch, a tee shirt, and education materials. The camp fee is $15 per student. CNYAHEC offers scholarships to those students who need assistance with the registration fee.

Camp space is limited to 10 students, chosen from applicants. The deadline for applying is Friday, May 4. Students can access the online application by visiting www.cnyahec.com or through a link at www.schuylerhospital.org.

Hospital earns award for 9th year in row

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 16 -- Schuyler Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Services Department has once again earned the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) award from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). This is a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services in hospitals.

About 700 hospitals, or approximately 15% of the hospitals in the United States, have applied for and received this award. Schuyler Hospital has received the award every year since it was first awarded in 2003.

The QRCR program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care in 2003 to help consumers identify those facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care.

Schuyler Hospital’s Cardio-Pulmonary Department offers a variety of outpatient tests to evaluate heart and lung performance, including electrocardiography (EKG), echocardiography, cardiac stress, holter monitoring, sleep lab, pulmonary function, and arterial blood gas (ABG).

.SWCD acquires Schuyler Youth Fair site

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 9 -- Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County (CCESC) and the Schuyler County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) have announced the transfer of the Schuyler County Youth Site from Cooperative Extension to SWCD.

The eight-acre site on Meads Hill Road in the Town of Dix was donated for youth education in 1970 by the late Lee Harlan, and for 40 years housed many 4-H Youth Development programs, including the Schuyler County Youth Fair. In 2010 SWCD approached the CCESC Board of Directors with a proposal to bring staff from the Upper Susquehanna Coalition (USC) to the site, and to purchase the facility from CCESC.

Careful planning by board and staff of both organizations led to the decision that the sale would keep the facility available for youth and community education, and would build upon the tradition of cooperation between SWCD and CCESC. Areas of potential collaboration, officials said, include hands-on education that will include agriculture, wetlands, streams, stormwater and alternative energy.

According to Jerry Verrigni, SWCD District Manager, “We will be first working to rehabilitate the existing facility, then we will slowly be looking to grow the activity at the site. Our first planned enhancement would be a full-scale greenhouse/nursery for wetland species that will be utilized on wetland construction sites throughout the region.”

Added Liz Stamp, CCESC Board President: “The Board of Directors of CCE Schuyler is pleased that the intent of the original donation from the Harlan Family is being honored in this transfer. Both youth programming and projects that benefit the whole community will take place at the site. We look forward to the potential for expanded collaboration in programming with SWCD & USC.”

The Upper Susquehanna Coalition is a network of 16 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in New York and three Conservation Districts in Pennsylvania with a mission to “protect and improve water quality and natural resources in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin with the involvement of citizens and agencies through education, partnerships, planning implementation and advocating for our water resources.” The USC does extensive wetland construction work within Schuyler County and the upper reaches of the Basin, and frequently partners with the SWCD.

Cooperative Extension recently transferred archival material from the Youth Site to the Schuyler County Historical Society, where the material can be accessed by the public. It documents the rich history of 4-H in Schuyler County.

Left: Model Sydney Eberhardt. Right: Models Danielle MacDougall and Tom Peckham.

Fashion show takes center stage at O-M

ODESSA, Feb. 17 -- Seven girls and four boys -- all juniors at Odessa-Montour High School -- took to the stage of the school auditorium Thursday dressed in prom garb. The occasion was a fashion show.

The event was put on by David's Bridal, a Big Flats store that sells prom dresses, and Men's Wearhouse, its tuxedo rental partner. On hand to emcee was David's Bridal assistant manager Angela Ventra. She said this was the third area school to embrace the idea for a show.

"So far we've gone into Jasper-Troupsburg and Elmira Free Academy, " she said. When asked if her employer is trying to expand the program, she said: "Sure. We'd love to have it in other schools."

Juniors and seniors attended the show -- a perfect promotional pitch for the two clothing businesses and for a local hair salon.

That salon is Simply Your Best, located along Rt. 224 near the top of Odessa Hill. On hand from there were co-operators JoAnna Scott and Sasha Barone. The salon prepared the hair of each of the seven models in Thursday's show, and will be offering a Formal Styling & Makeup Application prom special for $50. Prom is scheduled for April 28.

The female models Thursday were students Danielle MacDougall, Katelin Pierce, Kristyn Penhollow, Brittany VanAmburg, Sydney Eberhardt, Brooke Frasier and Ashton Stadelmaier. The male models were classmates Matt Bleiler, Adam Gardner, Ryan Gardner and Tom Peckham.

They came out in pairs, first Sydney with Katelin, and then Kristyn with Matt, Brooke with Ryan, Ashton with Adam, Danielle with Tom, and Brittany with Matt. And then they did a second round, with each girl appearing in a second gown.

The audience enjoyed the proceedings, applauding and letting out whistles as each gown and tux was featured.

A benefit for the models: They receive a nice discount if they do their prom clothing business with David's Bridal and Men's Wearhouse.

*****

Photos in text:

Top: Models Ashton Stadelmaier and Adam Gardner.

Bottom: Model Matt Bleiler gives his jacket a flip as he models during the fashion show.

Left: Angela Ventra, emcee of the fashion show. Right: Brittany VanAmburg and Matt Bleiler.

Left: Brooke Frasier with Ryan Gardner. Right: Kristyn Penhollow.

Katelin Pierce (left) models a gown that can be reduced to a shorter dress (right). Helping Katelin is Sydney Eberhardt.

Hospital Auxiliary donates nearly $29,000

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 3 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary recently made its 2011 year-end annual donation to the hospital, with this year’s donation of nearly $29,000 targeted for the Schuyler Health Foundation's Family of Friends campaign..

Last spring, when Schuyler Hospital announced the campaign funds would finance renovation of its Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, the fund-raising goal was $200,000. This fall, the hospital board voted to expand the project scope to include all resident rooms in the renovation, making the goal $400,000.

Today, work is well under way to “renovate, remodel and refresh” Seneca View. Before summer of 2012, the entire interior will get a top-to-bottom make-over -- including new kitchens, new living rooms, and updated dining space. All common areas and every resident room will be touched.

Andy Manzer, Schuyler Hospital President and CEO, acknowledged the success of this campaign to date and thanked Auxiliary members: “My staff and I are grateful beyond words for all the Auxiliary has done, and for all they continue to do, to serve and support this hospital. Their ongoing generosity and support will have a lasting impact on the lives of those who do and will come to find Seneca View home.”

The Auxiliary raises funds throughout the year, through the Hospital Gift Shop, a spring spaghetti dinner, raffles, bake sales, and partnering with the Schuyler Health Foundation on events including November Splendor.

For more information about the Auxiliary, or to volunteer, contact Nancy Pratt, volunteer coordinator, at (607) 535-5129 or visit www.schuylerhospital.org.

Though the 2011 Family of Friends Campaign has wrapped up, donations are still welcome for the Seneca View project. To donate, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 535-8879 ext. 226, or give on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org.

Photo in text: From left: Bill Little, Executive Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation; and Melissa Allmaier, Acting Director of the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility; accept a donation from Clara Greis, President of the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary; joined by Andy Manzer, President and CEO of Schuyler Hospital. (Photo provided)

Community Bank set to purchase HSBC branches, including one in Watkins Glen

Special to The Odessa File

SYRACUSE, Jan. 20 -- Community Bank System, Inc., through its banking subsidiary, Community Bank, N.A., has entered into purchase agreements to acquire 19 branch locations across Upstate New York from First Niagara Bank, N.A. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Branches to be acquired include the one in Watkins Glen, along with 15 others -- in Gowanda, Springville, Westfield, Palmyra, Newark, Geneseo, Avon, Watertown (2), Plattsburgh, Oswego, Fulton, Lowville, Adams, and Alexandria Bay. Also included are three current First Niagara branches in Geneva (2) and Canandaigua.

The HSBC branches are being sold by First Niagara in connection with its pending acquisition of HSBC's Upstate New York banking franchise. Under the terms of the agreements, Community Bank will acquire approximately $218 million in loans and $955 million in deposits.

"We're excited by this opportunity to further strengthen Community Bank's service footprint across our existing Upstate New York market area," said President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Tryniski. "This acquisition is consistent with our long-term growth strategy and leverages a strong competency developed during previous successful branch acquisitions."

Community Bank, First Niagara and HSBC will communicate with customers of these branches to explain potential changes to their banking relationships following the transfer. There will be no changes to customer accounts prior to the transaction closing. Customers of the acquired branches need not take any action at this time, officials said.

"Our team will be working closely with employees of First Niagara and HSBC to ensure a smooth transition, which we expect will be virtually seamless for customers," said Tryniski.

The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2012, subject to regulatory review and approval.

Headquartered in DeWitt, N.Y., Community Bank System, Inc. has $6.5 billion in assets and over 170 customer facilities.

Hospital earns 2 Tour de Cure awards

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 18 -- Schuyler Hospital recently received two awards from the American Diabetes Association at the organization's 2011 Finger Lakes Tour de Cure wrap-up celebration.

The hospital was recognized as both a top sponsor and as a top team, with volunteer participants raising over $3,700 to fight diabetes.

“As soon as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) brought the Tour de Cure to our area, Schuyler Hospital signed on as a sponsor," said Michelle Benjamin, the hospital's Community Relations Director. "We want to help the ADA spread the word about diabetes and related health issues, which are so prominent in our area.

“Last year was our first year putting together a team of riders,” Benjamin added, “And we were surprised and thrilled to have such a large and generous team to support the cause.”

Schuyler Hospital is once again recruiting staff members as well as community members to be a part of its Tour de Cure team to raise funds and participate in the bicycle riding event. Team members of all ages and skill levels are welcome, and can choose from course lengths of 5 miles to 100 miles.

To join the Schuyler Hospital team for the August 18 event that kicks off in Montour Falls, contact Michelle Benjamin at (607) 210-1950 or benjaminm@schuylerhospital.org

Photo in text: The hospital's Tour de Cure awards. (Photo provided)

Hospital receives Smokeout Award

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 15 -- American Cancer Society representatives visited Schuyler Hospital recently to celebrate the evidence-based work being done by the hospital to reduce tobacco use in Schuyler County.

Schuyler Hospital CEO Andrew Manzer was presented with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout Award by Diana Cahill, the Society’s regional vice president of the Southern NY region.

Cigarette smoking is the primary known preventable cause of premature death in the U.S. with nearly one of every five deaths being smoking related. This surpasses the combined death toll due to alcohol, car accidents, suicides, homicides, HIV disease, and illicit drug use.

Cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and 1/3 of all cancers including lung, lip, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, larynx, cervix, uterus, bladder and kidney are attributable to tobacco smoke.

In Schuyler County, lung and bronchus cancer accounts for 15.8% of all cancer cases and 28.4% of all cancer deaths. This, hospital officials have stressed, highlights the crucial need for prevention and cessation of tobacco use.

Schuyler Hospital received the Great American Smokeout Award to recognize efforts that improve the delivery of evidenced-based interventions to tobacco-using patients through the clinical setting in order to decrease the burden of tobacco use on the community.

The clinical staff at the hospital has worked over the past several years to put policies in place to insure that:

§ 80% of inpatients are asked about tobacco use; advised to quit and assisted in their attempts by the clinical staff

§ 80% of inpatients who ask to speak to a cessation counselor are counseled

§ 80% of cessation consults ordered by a patient’s doctor are completed

§ Inpatients who consent are automatically referred to the New York State Quitline through faxed referral at discharge

§ A written policy to address tobacco dependence with patients is in place

§ Tobacco free grounds policy

These efforts, on behalf of the entire hospital, have been stewarded and championed by Karen Hetrick, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services to insure that these policies have been developed, implemented and enforced.

“Schuyler Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the health of this community,” said Cahill. “They are implementing ongoing interventions that will begin to reduce the devastating impact of tobacco use on Schuyler County.”

Photo in text: Diane Cahill (center), Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society, presents the “Great American Smokeout Award” to Karen Hetrick, Director of CardioPulmonary Services at Schuyler Hospital (left), and Andy Manzer, hospital President and CEO.

SFLW presents gifts to local seniors

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 30 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a chapter of New York State Women, Inc., recently presented handmade slippers and large print books to the residents of The Falls Home in Montour Falls.

The Falls Home is an assisted living facility for 92 persons. It provides residential care, activities, meals, recreation and health monitoring.

The slippers were part of a special surprise Christmas stocking for each resident. The books
are being added to the residents’ library.

The slippers and books were presented by Sue Gigliotti, who represented the SFLW, to Nancy
Shumway, Activities Director of the Falls Home.

Watkins Chamber to relocate and expand its Visitor Center

Moving into what has been the Seneca Lake General Store

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 22 -- The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will have a new location in May of 2012. A lease between the Chamber and local business owner James Guild was signed Thursday formalizing the move of the Visitor Center to 214 North Franklin St., Watkins Glen -- currently the Seneca Lake General Store.

Rob Halpin, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors said, “The Chamber's efforts to improve its Visitors Center have been ongoing since before my involvement in the organization. The Board of Directors is pleased that these efforts are finally coming to fruition, and looks forward to moving ahead with this and the other elements of the Chamber's strategic plan.”

“I am so excited to be able to offer our visitors and members a new facility,” said Rebekah LaMoreaux, Chamber president & CEO. “We truly love our current location (at 100 N. Franklin St.), but we’ve outgrown the building. With all of the amazing strides we’ve made as a tourism destination, we want our Visitors Center to reflect our beautiful community and meet the needs of our guests.”

The current Visitor’s Center is 1,700 square feet and does not have a public restroom. The new location is 5,100 square feet (three times larger) and will undergo a renovation process over the next several months as it transforms into the new Chamber and Visitors Center. It will include public restrooms and much more.

Dawn Burlew, chairwoman of the Chamber’s Visitor Center Task Force, said, “The Visitor Center Task Force has done its due diligence and feels that the General Store location will be the premier visitor center to welcome tourists and represent the brand for the area. It will allow for future growth if the need should arise.”

James Guild, owner of Seneca Lake General Store said, “As a longtime Chamber member, I am thrilled that the Chamber will be upgrading to a beautiful new Visitors Center. And at the same time I am happy to announce that the Seneca Lake General Store will be opening in the spring at a new location. This is definitely something that we can all be proud of!”

Guild said the new General Store would be near his present Famous Brands store. The current General Store did not meet traffic expectations, he said.

The Chamber plans to move to its new home in the spring, just before the summer tourism season begins.

Cayuga Medical Center, Schuyler Hospital sign affiliation agreement

Special to The Odessa File

ITHACA, Dec. 2011 -- Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital announced Thursday they have entered into a long-term affiliation agreement that will allow both hospitals to collaborate, plan, and enhance the delivery of health care services in Schuyler County. Both hospitals, officials said, will continue to remain independent.

As part of the agreement, Schuyler Hospital and Cayuga Medical Center will explore collaborations in a number of support and clinical areas that will be mutually beneficial to both organizations. In addition, officials said they will work together on regional health planning that will meet the current and future health care needs of patients throughout the region.

Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital have already identified two areas of collaboration that will be an immediate focus: orthopedics and obstetrics. Teams from both hospitals have been meeting to develop action plans that will improve access for patients.

“Schuyler Hospital shares the same community hospital mission that we have at Cayuga Medical Center,” said Cayuga Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rob Mackenzie. "The affiliation agreement will allow us to work together and find solutions to the challenges we face in health care today. We are looking forward to working with their leadership team, physicians, employees, and volunteers to create a comprehensive plan that will deliver the highest quality health care services to the residents of Schuyler County,

“This an exciting new partnership and new direction for Schuyler Hospital and the residents of this community – one that we expect will bring growth and long-term viability to the hospital in the face of challenging economic times,” said Andy Manzer, President and Chief Executive Officer for Schuyler Hospital. “We have been pleased to find that the staff at Cayuga Medical Center shares our passion for compassionate, patient-centered care, and for meeting the needs of our community. By affiliating with Cayuga Medical Center, we are bringing our community access to high quality health services, as well as connections to nationally-recognized care, close-to-home.”

Cayuga Medical Center is a 204-bed, state-of-the art regional medical center and is affiliated with many health care organizations, including Cornell University’s Weill Medical College, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Rochester Heart Institute at Rochester General Hospital, the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Orthopedics, and Mayo Medical Laboratories. For more information on services available at the medical center and its satellite campuses, visit www.cayugamed.org or call (607) 274-4498.

Schuyler Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital, with a 120-bed skilled nursing facility attached. While Schuyler Hospital’s main campus is located in Montour Falls, the hospital has evolved over nearly 100 years to reach throughout Schuyler County and into southern Yates and Seneca Counties. With a variety of services, Schuyler Hospital is what its offiicals call a healthcare “security blanket” for the entire family. To find out more about Schuyler Hospital, visit www.schuylerhospital.org or call (607) 535-7121.

The Arc appoints Director of Programs

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 13 -- The Arc of Schuyler has appointed Kris Earl as its Director of Programs -- overseeing The Arc’s nursing, residential services, and day and community supports departments.

“I am thrilled to be joining The Arc and look forward to working with staff, families, and people receiving supports to provide the best services for people with disabilities and to create new opportunities for learning, growth, and community inclusion,” Earl said.

Earl has a Bachelors degree in Special Education from Mansfield University and a Masters degree in Elementary Literacy from Walden University in Maryland. She previously worked as a special education teacher and work-study transition coordinator at the GST Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and as Assistant Principal for the Elmira City School District’s Fassett School.

In addition, she has been the Director of Rotary District 7120’s Camp STAR program since 2004 and was previously a Camp STAR counselor for 13 years. The camp provides a weeklong outdoor camping experience for young students with disabilities.

Jeannette Frank, Executive Director of The Arc, said, “Kris’s experience in many leadership roles and in the field of developmental disabilities will be an asset to The Arc as we face many new and exciting challenges.”

In her role, Earl will assist The Arc in advancing its objectives to expand learning opportunities for people with disabilities, improve the rate of community job placement, and employ more use of technology in its programs.

The Arc of Schuyler is a family-based organization providing supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. For more information, visit www.arcofschuyler.org, or call 607-535-6934.

Photo in text: Kris Earl (Photo provided)

Montour Pharmacy being sold, closing its doors Dec. 6

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 1 -- The Montour Pharmacy, a staple of downtown Montour Falls for decades, is being sold to CVS pharmacy and closing its doors for good on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

While no announcements have been forthcoming from CVS or the seller, Henderson Holding Co., word has circulated of the closing. Former owner Nick Anagnost, who sold the business and building to Henderson chief Larry Jepsen in 2003, said Jepsen informed him of the sale in a courtesy call Tuesday.

Employees of the store were told of the sale and closure by Jepsen earlier this week. Anagnost said CVS is removing all of the merchandise in the store and transferring it to its Watkins Glen operation. CVS is located locally in the Tops Plaza.

Montour Falls Mayor John King said he still lacks details about the deal -- specifically whether it precludes use of the building by another pharmacist. Anagnost said it does, but added: "That's not to say another pharmacy couldn't open elsewhere in the village."

But it brings to an end a social tradition followed by many residents who would go to the bank and post office across the street and then congregate at the Montour Pharmacy -- a store that went beyond pharmacy service with magazines, gifts and various collectible merchandise.

A phone call by The Odessa File to Jepsen Wednesday failed to produce a return call. But Anagnost said he was told that the sale is for the business and merchandise, and that the Henderson firm will continue as building owner. Looking on the bright side, he suggested that the vacancy "will open an opportunity for someone" of a non-pharmacy nature "to come in there. An independent business, properly run," could do well, he said.

But the loss of such a longstanding, popular business, he added, "is a sad thing."

Mayor King, meanwhile, said he is trying to find out more about the sale and what Jepsen's subsequent plans are for the building. "We'll be looking at all our options," he said, noting that to let the building stand vacant would "be devastating to the village."

The village has had a pharmacy as far back as the 1890s. It moved to its present location after a fire destroyed the business block it was on in 1938. C.R. Mack bought the business from Leroy Buchanan in 1950, and was joined by Anagnost in a partnership that ran from 1966 until Mack's retirement nine years later. Anagnost then ran the store alone for nearly 30 years.

Left: Chamber President Rebekah LaMoreaux. Right: Treasurer Tony Fraboni.

Chamber membership holds annual session

HECTOR, Nov. 17 -- Members of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce approved a $600,000 budget for 2012 and conducted their annual Board of Directors election Wednesday night at the Chamber's annual meeting, held at Red Newt Winery and Bistro.

Named Board Chair for 2012 was current First Vice Chairwoman Vicki Schamel. She will succeed Rob Halpin (right). Named Second Vice Chairman was Carl Blowers.

Approval of the budget -- by voice consent without any opposition -- followed a report on the Chamber finances by Treasurer Tony Fraboni. Also speaking to the membership were Halpin; Chamber President/CEO Rebekah LaMoreaux; Tourism and Marketing Director Nikita Hairston; and, in a joint report, Visitor Center Coordinator Katie Strawser and Tourism and Information Coordinator Jillian Kubasik.

The annual meeting -- in Red Newt's wine-sales room -- followed a social gathering and registration period in the bistro.

Photo in text: Chamber Board Chairman Rob Halpin.

Holiday bazaar and bake sale planned

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Nov. 7 -- You can celebrate a tradition that is 35 years old this year, and start your holiday shopping early.

Thirty-five years ago, the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary held its first holiday Gift Shop & Bake Sale on a November Friday just prior to Thanksgiving. This year’s Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 11 from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop, located on the lower level of Schuyler Hospital.

In 1976, the Auxiliary was a newly formed organization -- merging the former Pink Ladies and Hospital Guild under the leadership of Janet Cotton, President.

In 2011, Clara Greis, President, welcomes all to the Gift Shop's “Winter Wonderland” for a wide variety of gifts suitable for young and old, and in all price ranges. In addition to the Bake Sale, the event also features chances at three festive raffle baskets.

Next up for the Auxiliary -- another longstanding tradition -- is the Festival of Lights on Wednesday, Nov. 30. To purchase a “light,” call (607) 292-3805 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Developer Bruce Nelson, right, and SCOPED Executive Director Kelsey Jones talk outside the entrance to the new child-care center, which opens in January.

Montour Falls child-care center receives $150,000 grant from Regional Commission

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 26 -- A celebration was held Tuesday in the parking lot at the eastern end of the former Rural-Urban Center in Montour Falls.

It was a news conference announcing a $150,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant for the new child-care facility being built on the lower level of the old Center -- which in the past year has undergone a transformation from offices to eight (already rented) upstairs apartments, and will soon be a gathering place for children from early morning (6 a.m.) to late at night (10 p.m.) Monday through Friday.

The child-care center, to be directed by Audrey Edmister, now has a name, announced by Edmister at the press conference: My Place -- A Play and Learning Center.

Construction workers are busy building the facility, which will consist of five rooms, four of them age-specific, and one for overflow. There are also offices, which will house Center staff and the Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council, which is overseeing the project and which applied for and received the grant. The Coordinating Council is currently situated at 235 S. Catharine St. in Montour Falls.

The new business is scheduled to open in mid-January. Edmister said there are more than a dozen families already on a list to be notified when the application process begins -- which will be Nov. 1st. The Center will also soon be filling staffing positions, which will total 22 people in the roles of teachers, teaching assistants and aides.

Daytime enrollment is expected to total 59 children, with about 30 during the evening hours. Children will range from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

The ARC grant, a matching one, will help pay for startup costs such as equipment, furnishings, a refrigerator and a phone system. "We're starting bare-bones," said Edmister. Equipment for the playground will be installed in a lawn area behind garages at the rear of the property.

The building, known now as the Flats on Broadway, was reconfigured over the past year by developer Bruce Nelson, who before that renovated the Montour House. He has, said Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn in remarks at Tuesday's ceremony, "become the developer of the county. Everything he touches turns to gold."

By taking over and renovating the Rural-Urban Center -- formerly county-owned -- Nelson has "put the building back on the tax rolls, met a housing need and filled a child-care need," said O'Hearn.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Debbie MacDonald, executive director of the Coordinating Council, who said it was "an exciting day." She thanked Nelson for "his vision," and thanked Kelsey Jones, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED), for "bringing community leaders together" to discuss the idea of the child care center, and helping it come to fruition.

Also present was Marcia Weber (right), executive director of the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board, which she said is the "local development office for the ARC."

She said the ARC is "delighted to be able to fund" the child-care project, which "I know has been needed in Schuyler County for years."

The new center, said Edmister and MacDonald, will supplement the services provided by the dozens of child-care providers in the county -- offering service at non-traditional times, for example, both early in the morning and well into the night.

"It addresses gaps," said O'Hearn in his address. "It will enhance our ability to find and sustain" workers who in the past have had difficulty both working and finding child care at the hours their jobs demanded.

"It exemplifies Schuyler County," O'Hearn added, noting that the county is "small in size but large in spirit. This project will be another step" in the county's goal to "realize a prosperous community."

Photos in text:

Top: Child-care center director Audrey Edmister, left, and Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council Executive Director Debbie MacDonald.

Middle: Montour Falls Mayor John King talks to Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux inside the center before the news conference. The bright light behind him is from the open entrance to the facility, covered only by clear plastic while the facility is under construction on the ground floor of the former Rural-Urban Center..

Bottom: Marcia Weber of the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board speaks at the news conference.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic set to open

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 25 -- The Center for Medical Weight Loss, a national network of physicians with medical expertise in the field of weight loss, will soon open its newest center -- in Montour Falls under the direction of Dr. William Saks.

The Center for Medical Weight Loss at September Hill will begin accepting patients in December. An Open House has been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 5-7 p.m. at September Hill for those wishing to find out more about the program.

According to a press release, Dr. Saks’ aim in opening the Center is "to provide people with weight issues access to compassionate, dedicated professional specialists."

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Michael S. Kaplan, a specialist in Bariatric Medicine, the Center for Medical Weight Loss offers clients "a long-term weight loss approach managed with the full support of certified medical professionals," the press release said.

Each fully individualized program, it added, "is supported with ongoing one-on-one care including nutrition, fitness, medication, behavioral motivation and counseling. Physicians at The Center for Medical Weight Loss use the latest techniques and medical data available in the field of Bariatric medicine, including access to high quality nutritional products available only to medical doctors. Also available to clients: the latest FDA approved weight loss medications."

The average weight loss result experienced by Center for Medical Weight Loss clients is 21 pounds in four weeks, the press release said, adding: "In addition to the weight loss itself, associated health benefits are multiple, including a decrease in dependence on blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol medications as well as lesser risk of chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure, clinical depression, sleep apnea and lymphedema."

For further information, or to schedule an appointment, contact September Hill at (607) 535-4645, or email info@schuylerhospital.org

SFLW awards scholarship to Oakes

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 20 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., has presented its 2011 Women’s Career Enhancement Scholarship to Wendy Oakes of Burdett. The award was presented at the group's October 17th meeting.

The SFLW started the Women’s Career Enhancement Scholarship program in 2008 as part of its objective of “women helping women.” The scholarships provide assistance to women 25 years of age and older who are furthering their education.

Oakes currently works weekends at Schuyler Hospital and attends the BOCES LPN
(Licensed Practical Nursing) program full-time during the week. She is a single mother of three children and impressed the Scholarship Committee with her determination and willingness to work and to continue to create a better life for herself and her family.

"She is highly motivated and it was obvious from her application that she set achievable goals for herself every step of the way," the SFLW said in a press release.

New York State Women, Inc., provides members with professional development, networking, grassroots activism and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information about the group, contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

For more information about the scholarship program, contact Patti Butler at (607) 535-2275.

Photo in text: Scholarship Chair Patti Butler, left, and Wendy Oakes, the 2011 Career Enhancement Scholarship Winner. (Photo provided)

SFLW names Hunter 'Woman of Year'

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 20 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., has presented its annual “Woman of the Year” award to Karen Hunter of Montour Falls.

The presentation, made at the group's meeting on Monday, Oct. 17, is part of New York State Women, Inc.’s observance of “New York State Women in Business Week,” which recognizes the accomplishments of women in business and the professions in New York State.

Hunter graduated from Odessa-Montour High School. She received degrees in Business Administration from Corning Community College and The Arts-Computer Graphic Design from Empire State College. She is currently employed by Greater Southern Tier BOCES as a Virtual Worlds Coordinator.

Hunter chaired the New York State Women’s Personal Development Committee for 2011-12
and was the vice-chair of the organization’s Youth Leadership Committee for the same period.
Locally, she is a past president of Southern Finger Lakes Women and designed and maintains the chapter’s website, www.sflw.org.

The mission of New York State Women, Inc., is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The organization includes women and men of every age, race, religion, political party and socio-economic background.

The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information about the group, contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

Dr. James W. and Rita T. Carmony (far right), along with their extended family -- the William A. Tague, William F. Tague, Sal Purpura and Tom Seem families. (Photo provided)

Family makes $10,000 group gift in honor of its patriarch, Dr. William F. Tague Sr.

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 13 -- The Honorary Chairs for the 2011-12 Family of Friends Campaign, Dr. James W. and Rita T. Carmony, along with their extended family -- the William A. Tague, William F. Tague, Sal Purpura, and Tom Seem families -- recently announced a family gift of over $10,000 to the campaign.

The gift honors the memory and vision of Dr. William F. Tague, Sr. Dr. Tague served Schuyler Hospital as Chief of Obstetrics from 1950-1989, and then as Medical Director of Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility from 1988-1999 – totalling 49 years of professional service to his work and community.

The Carmonys say gifts continue to come in from family members and friends near and far and representing multiple generations -- all wishing to honor Dr. Tague’s legacy as family patriarch, physician and hospital leader.

The 2011 Family of Friends Campaign is raising funds to “renovate, remodel and refresh” Tague’s former passion, Seneca View – with program enhancements he often talked about.

“My late husband knew the residents wished for the comforts of home – and the comforts of having their family nearby,” said Rita Tague-Carmony. “He would be delighted to see the outpouring of support in his name, for the benefit of Seneca View.”

“Schuyler County and the hospital have been center-stage in my family for as long as I can remember,” added Bill Tague, Jr. “My dad often talked about the special needs of caring for elderly patients. This struck a chord with my family and my in-laws, Sal and Maria Purpura, because caring for family is so deeply ingrained in their Italian heritage.” In addition to being family, Tague and the Purpuras are partners in owning /operating Jerlando’s Ristorante and Pizzeria.

Charitable donations are often triggered by loving memories of someone who touched the life of the donor, according to Bill Little, Executive Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation. Little added, “This kind of gift is a lasting testament -- a ‘gift in memory of’ or a ‘gift to honor.’ We have found that fundraising for Seneca View has caused many to reflect on family and friends whose lives were or are touched by that facility.”

If interested in making a donation, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 535-8879 ext. 226 or donate on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org

Seneca View project enlarged; Family of Friends goal raised

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 28 -- The Schuyler Health Foundation Board has voted unanimously to expand the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility renovation project, and to accelerate construction. The Hospital Board fully endorsed the project revision.

The change means an increase in the funding level sought by this year's Schuyler Health Foundation Family of Friends campaign, which is helping finance the project.

The hospital will soon begin to “renovate, remodel and refresh” the facility, making program enhancements possible that have been only talked about for years. The original plan included expanding kitchen areas and creating living room areas on each unit.

With the new scope, however, the entire interior of Seneca View will get a top-to-bottom make-over to include all common areas and every resident room.

The expanded project will encompass the original plan as well as painting and re-draping 120 resident rooms, replacing flooring in the corridors and common areas, and new paint / wall-coverings.

“The Board felt that in order to do the project right, and to provide the best home for our current and future residents, we needed to commit to making Seneca View visually and aesthetically match Seneca View’s renowned compassionate care,” said Rob Swinnerton, Chair of the Schuyler Health Foundation Board.

Swinnerton added that the expanded project means donations from near and far, from current and past families of residents, from former and present staff, and from young and old are needed to finish the 2011 Family of Friends campaign strong by year-end.

“We have embraced the expanded project and are confident that the community will step up to the challenge and be part of an undertaking that will significantly impact our community,” Campaign Co-Chairs Max Neal and Ken Wilson said in a joint statement. “Please give what you can.”

Currently, the campaign is 80% of the way toward the original goal of $200,000. Due to the further enhancements to the facility, much more is needed to complete the full renovation, campaign spokesmen said.

To make a donation, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 535-8879 ext. 226, or donate on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org

Consulting physicians move to September Hill

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 28 -- With Schuyler Hospital’s Sleep Lab relocated to a cozy suite within the Hospital, the former Sleep Lab space in the west wing of September Hill has been remodeled to accommodate consulting physicians.

Formerly seeing patients at the Montour Falls Primary Care Center, the consulting physicians began operating this week out of their new September Hill location.

Consulting physicians with office hours at Schuyler Hospital’s September Hill currently include:

Tuesday and Friday mornings -- Cardiology: Dr. Vincent LaDelia, Dr. Najeeb Rehman, and Dr. Abdul Waheed

Wednesdays -- Gastroenterology: Sarah Champion, NP; and Dr. Carl West

Thursday mornings -- Pulmonology: Dr. Zia Shah, and Dr. Khaula Rehman

In addition, still seeing patients at the Montour Falls Primary Care Center are:

Cardiology: Julie Borsen, NP; Ear, Nose & Throat: Dr. Michael DeCicco; and Podiatry: Dr. Chad Batzing.

Appointments should be made through the physicians’ main offices. Contact information is available at www.schuylerhospital.org

Relocating the consulting physicians makes space for the hospital’s newest practitioner, Dr. Ben Saks, as well as Dr. Jamie Coleman, who returned from Iraq earlier this week.

Bus Association names Wine Festival among 100 best events in North America

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 22 -- The American Bus Association (ABA) has designated t the Finger Lakes Wine Festival -- to be held on July 13-15 next year -- as one of its Top 100 Events in North America for 2012.

Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the Finger Lakes Wine Festival offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, says the ABA.

With the release of the its 2012 Top 100 Events in North America, the ABA celebrates 30 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operations to incorporate a new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

“We are absolutely ecstatic to have the Finger Lakes Wine Festival recognized by the ABA for a second-consecutive year,” said Watkins Glen International president Michael Printup. “The festival continues to be recognized as one of the premier wine festivals in the United States."

“The attractiveness of the Finger Lakes Wine Festival as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Watkins Glen International,” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news is that the Finger Lakes Wine Festival has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and economy. The honor gives the Finger Lakes Wine Festival an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $11,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

“Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That’s why the Finger Lakes Wine Festival is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”

ABA’s 2012 Top Events Selection Committee picked the Finger Lakes Wine Festival from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, its skill at handling large groups of people, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Hazlitt plant in Naples. (Photo provided)

Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars unveils sign

Special to The Odessa File

NAPLES, NY, Sept. 15 -- Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars officially unveiled its new lighted tower sign Wednesday in celebration of the 2011 grape harvest and crush at the newly named facility. The Widmer “W” has been carefully removed and archived.

Due to the continuing growth and brand popularity of Red Cat wine (topping 126,000 cases per year), Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards purchased the old Widmer Wine Cellars facility from Constellation Brands in Spring 2010. The new sign is just one of the many changes that have taken place on the property.

Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars has invested more than $1 million into the facility including a state-of-the-art crush area with Bucher Vaslin presses. Co-owners Leigh Hazlitt Triner and Doug Hazlitt have also focused on aggressive grounds maintenance and property beautification; restoring the facility to a scenic focal point in the town of Naples. Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars has also recently launched East Coast Crush & Co-Pack (EC3), a functioning subsidiary company within Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars that offers bin to bottle grape crush, winemaking, co-packaging and warehousing for the beverage industry.

The new 3+ million gallon production facility not only now makes Red Cat (the No. 1-selling domestic wine in the state of New York), but also other well-known Hazlitt brands such as Bramble Berry, White Cat and Cabin Fever.

“We are excited to officially unveil the recent renovations made at Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars, including our brand new tower sign,” said Doug Hazlitt. “We were careful to maintain the historic look and feel of the grounds and facility while also investing millions to invigorate and revitalize the former Widmer Wine Cellars site."

“We wanted to create a sense of pride for Naples considering Widmer has a very longstanding and rich history in the region going all the way back to 1882,”said Leigh Hazlitt Triner. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Naples community and look forward to many more years to come.”

Currently 25 people work at Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars with plans to hire additional employees as business continues to grow.

Photo in text: Co-owners Leigh Hazlitt Triner and Doug Hazlitt stand near their Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars sign. (Photo provided)

Farmers are being 'green' through Product Stewardship

Special to The Odessa File

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Sept. 14 -- Farmers all around New York State are recycling their triple-rinsed plastic containers from agricultural crop protection products.

Those include products for specialty pest control, crop oils, surfactants, micro-nutrient/fertilizer, and/or adjuvant products.

The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District will be holding a collection on Thursday Oct. 13 at the 4H Youth Fair complex on Meads Hill road in the Town of Dix. Pre-registration is due by Oct. 7 with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), which is located in the Shared Services building on Decatur Street in Watkins Glen and can be reached at (607) 535-6878.

At the time of pre-registration, the SWCD will provide large bags that hold fifty to sixty 2.5-gallon containers along with an ID Tag for each bag.

This program is coordinated as part of the SWCD's Agricultural Environmental Management Program, with partners Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Farm Bureau, and the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. The collection is made possible in conjunction with USAg Recycling, Inc., and the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC).

USAg Recycling Inc. will be chipping and removing this material throughout New York State. The service is free to farmers and, says SWCD, "provides an environmentally friendly alternative to burning or throwing away agricultural containers."

Last year USAg Recycling Inc. collected 87,000 pounds of plastic in New York State. The firm is a contractor for the industry and funded by the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), which is responsible for the collection of nearly 8 million pounds of plastic annually throughout the United States. The chipped plastic is used to make corrugated plastic field drainage pipe and other ACRC approved products.

That, says SWCD, "is farmers helping to keep plastic out of the landfills."

Containers accepted are HDPE #2 plastic containers only, ranging from less than 1 gallon through 55-gallon barrels. Large 250-gallon shuttle totes must be cut into 2’ x 2’ wide pieces and free of any hardware. To be accepted, plastic containers must be empty, triple rinsed, uncapped, and dry. Contact the SWCD to pre-register and receive bags.

Child Care Council names Center Director

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 8 -- The Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council has appointed Audrey Edmister as the Director of the child care center set to open in January 2012 in the former Rural-Urban Center, 208 Broadway in Montour Falls.

The Child Care Center will be a not-for-profit organizaton and governed by the SCCCCC.

Edmister graduated from Watkins Glen High School and holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo and an M.A. in Reading from Grand Canyon University, where she is currently working on a second M.A. in Special Education.

Edmister has been in the educational field for eight years and has had a variety of experiences working with children. She has worked as a teacher and lead teacher with older toddlers and preschool-age children at the Corning Children’s Center, taught Pre-Kindergarten and Academic Intervention Services at St. Mary Our Mother School in Horseheads, and currently operates her own family child care business (Kinder Country Daycare).

Child Care Council Executive Director Debbie MacDonald said, “We are confident that she will build upon SCCCCC’s vision to provide affordable, dependable, quality child care that meets the identified community needs for child care, enabling parents to be and remain employed, furthering the goal of self-sufficiency and job retention.”

Edmister will be available on Fridays -- Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9 -- from 6-8 p.m. at the former Rural-Urban Center's scheduled monthly open houses.

For more information about the Child Care Center or to reserve an opening, contact Edmister at 607-535-7964.

Dr. Campbell joins Cayuga Medical Center

Special to The Odessa File

ITHACA, Sept. 5 -- Cayuga Medical Center has announced that Julie Campbell, MD, has joined Cayuga Hematology Oncology Associates. Dr. Campbell joins the practice of Timothy Bael, MD and Charles Garbo, MD.

Dr. Campbell earned her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Binghamton University. She went on to earn her Medical Doctorate from SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York before completing her internship and residency at Columbia University. In 2008 she began an Oncology and Hematology fellowship at Columbia University and finished in June of this year.

Dr. Campbell is board certified by The American Board of Internal Medicine. She has earned several awards, including the 2010 Physician of the Year and Fellow of the Year from Columbia University, the Hecht Early Investigator Award from the Society of Integrative Oncology, and this year, the Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Dr. Campbell is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Association for Cancer Research. She has a variety of teaching experiences and has been published twice. She can be reached by phoning Cayuga Hematology Oncology Associates at (607) 272-5414.

Photo in text: Dr. Julie Campbell (Photo provided)

Schuyler Health Foundation receives grant

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 3 -- Schuyler Hospital’s Health Foundation was recently awarded a grant from the Georgie and Mark Taylor Fund administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc.

This grant will be used to make capital improvements to the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, and will be listed among donations for the 2011 Family of Friends Campaign.

“The Taylors are terrific friends and generous supporters of Schuyler Hospital,” said Bill Little, Executive Director for the Schuyler Health Foundation. “We’re delighted to receive their gift. It’s a great example of the Taylors’ charitable giving to Schuyler County.”

According to hospital officials, donations to the 2011 Family of Friends campaign will help "renovate, remodel and refresh Seneca View – creating new, vibrant living spaces and providing a more comfortable and home-like setting for our residents."

To make a donation, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 535-8879 ext. 226, or give on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org.

Welliver, Glenora Wine Cellars renew sponsorship of U.S. Vintage Grand Prix

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 30 -- Welliver and Glenora Wine Cellars have renewed their partnership with Watkins Glen International and will continue as the sponsors for the Sept. 9-11 season-ending Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix presented by Welliver.

As such, Glenora Riesling wine will be poured in Gatorade Victory Lane throughout all of the victory celebrations during the race weekend.

In addition to announcing the continued partnership, WGI announced Bob Sharp as the honored guest and Grand Marshal for the weekend.

“Welliver and Glenora are two of the most recognized and respected businesses, not just in Schuyler County, but the entire region,” said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International. “We continue to host one of the largest vintage racing weekends in the country and attract dedicated race fans from both near and far. The drawing power of this event makes WGI the perfect platform for Welliver and Glenora to connect with not only our fans, but also the many great competitors that return every year.”

Based in Montour Falls, Welliver was founded in Ridgebury, PA in 1898 and is currently led by the fourth and fifth generations of the Welliver family. Welliver provides a cutting-edge and cost-effective approach to building projects for all major industry segments, primarily for colleges and universities, science and technology, healthcare, manufacturing, government and industry. The company delivers an array of building construction and facility-related services to prominent clients throughout the eastern United States and has become one of the largest commercial builders located in central New York State.

“It is with great pride that my company is part of this exceptional race event again this year. I look forward to driving the track with my co-driver Elliot Forbes-Robinson once again, following the great time we had last year,” said Scott Welliver, chairman and CEO of Welliver. “I am excited that Welliver and Glenora have the opportunity to be involved in our community by honoring its race history.”

Welliver’s interest in Watkins Glen International extends beyond that of a sponsor as he is a race car driver himself and co-drove with last season’s Grand Marshal, Elliot Forbes-Robinson.

Before establishing himself as a Datsun dealer in Wilton, Conn., where he currently resides, Grand Marshal Bob Sharp collected over 20 National titles in SCCA competition. He has fielded cars for a wide range of drivers including Paul Newman, Brad Frisselle and Forbes-Robinson.

Glenora Wine Cellars, the first winery to open on Seneca Lake -- in 1977 -- is located in nearby Dundee, in Yates County. It received instant acclaim and continues to produce critically acclaimed wine in the Finger Lakes region. Owned by Gene Pierce and Welliver, Glenora has expanded to include a 30-room Inn and Veraisons Restaurant. Glenora Wine Cellars has been a partner of the Grand Prix Festival in downtown Watkins Glen for several years.

“We are, once again, very excited to partner up with Welliver and Watkins Glen International, as Glenora Wine Cellars has had a long history of partnerships with all types of racing from cars and motorboats to sailboats,” said Glenora president and owner Gene Pierce. “It is an honor to have our Riesling wine be a part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebrations.”

Walmart donates $4,000 to hospital

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 26 -- Following the Schuyler Hospital Health Foundation’s Celebrity Bag-a-Thon on August 11th, the Watkins Glen Walmart donated $4,000 to the Health Foundation.

The gift will be used to make capital improvements to the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, and will be listed among donations for the 2011 Family of Friends campaign.

“We appreciate Walmart’s continued financial support of the hospital,” said Andy Manzer, President/CEO for Schuyler Hospital. “This fun event highlights the commitment to the community that both Walmart and Schuyler Hospital share.”

Manzer was one of 25 “celebrities” from Schuyler Hospital and the community who volunteered to assist Walmart’s many shoppers on the eve of the NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen International.

“This is our second year volunteering in recognition of Walmart’s generosity,” Manzer added. “We enjoy working with the Walmart associates and interacting with our community members in a different environment.”

Gifts to the Schuyler Health Foundation help Schuyler Hospital fulfill its mission of serving the medical needs of the community. Donations to the 2011 campaign will “renovate, remodel and refresh” Seneca View -- creating new, vibrant living spaces and providing a more comfortable and home-like setting for Seneca View residents.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact the Schuyler Health Foundation at (607) 535-8879 ext. 226, or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Photo in text: Watkins Glen Walmart Manager Terra Ellis (front, 3rd from left) presents a check for $4,000 to Andy Manzer, Schuyler Hospital President/CEO, surrounded by “celebrity” baggers and store associates. (Photo provided)

Cargill donates $30K to Catholic Charities

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 25 -- As part of its longstanding commitment to support the communities in which it does business, Cargill has donated $30,000 to Catholic Charities of Schuyler County to develop and operate the Schuyler County Food and Nutrition Project.

Connecting with the Catholic Charities mission to help build communities that care for all people by reducing poverty and promoting healthy individual and family life, the Schuyler County Food and Nutrition Project will provide food and assistance to local citizens in need. Cargill employees will volunteer to help develop and operate the program.

“Cargill has been instrumental in meeting the food and nutrition needs in our community,” said Paul Marx, director of Catholic Charities of Schuyler County. “The company’s ongoing financial and volunteer support of the Schuyler Food Pantries is greatly appreciated, as it affects seven pantries located in rural areas throughout the county.”

“Nobody should struggle with hunger from lack of food, so this is an issue that we are working to eliminate,” said Don Chutas, plant manager at the Cargill salt facility in Watkins Glen. “As a food company, we have a unique opportunity to improve the communities where we live by helping those who are most in need during difficult times.”

About Cargill: It is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 131,000 people in 66 countries.

About Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler: It provides a number of needed programs and services in the community with a priority toward the poor. It works to ensure that people have food, clothing, shelter, medical services, and the ability to achieve a decent standard of living.

Photo in text: Catholic Charities director Paul Marx, center, receives the $30,000 donation from Watkins Glen Cargill salt facility employees Don Chutas and Jerry Dunlavey. (Photo provided)

Seneca View adds Telehealth Psychological Services

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Aug. 22 -- Schuyler Hospital's Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility has added psychological and psychiatric support services through “telehealth.”

As needed, a psychiatrist and/or psychologist can hold diagnostic and ongoing counseling sessions remotely through a closed Internet connection.

The system is mounted on a mobile unit so that residents can interact with the licensed professional in the comfort and familiarity of their own room -- or any other location within the facility that they prefer.

According to a hospital press release, the providers involved in the program "are uniquely qualified to provide consultation and support to residents and families of skilled nursing facilities and are specifically trained to identify and treat major symptoms of placement adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, dementia and behavioral issues."

The providers "will also be involved in the care planning process, general staff education, and working with the Care Team to create plans to support the resident -- which includes both medication management and behavioral approaches."

During the transition to telehealth, Seneca View’s current psychologist, Dr. Marilyn Majors, PsyD., will be working toward closure with the residents she currently follows.

The Care Team is currently explaining the concept of remote sessions to the residents, and has had a “live” meet-and-greet with the physicians and counselors who are assigned to the facility. The service will also provide the additional amenity of Skype visitation during equipment down-time, so residents can potentially "visit" with family members who live at a distance.

The connection, hospital officials say, "is truly HIPAA-compliant and confidential."

This new service allows Seneca View to offer residents both diagnostic and medication management through a Licensed Psychiatrist, and if appropriate they can then be followed by a Licensed Psychologist with talk therapies pertaining to behavioral-emotional counseling, family relationships, personal struggles and loss.

RG Psychological Associates and Forefront Telecare, Inc. work in concert to make the service seamless and effective, officials said, and are working successfully in skilled nursing facilities throughout New York State.

For more information, contact the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility at (607) 535-8611, email info@schuylerhospital.org, or go to www.schuylerhospital.org.

State officials tour projects in Chemung, Schuyler Counties

Special to The Odessa File

HORSEHEADS, Aug. 19 -- The State Soil and Water Conservation Committee recently toured conservation projects implemented by the Chemung and Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to protect, manage and improve natural resources.

Each Soil and Water District leverages its County appropriation to generate millions of dollars in federal and state funding to help thousands of area farmers, landowners, communities and businesses protect water quality and other natural resources that the area's agricultural and tourism industries also depend on.

Over the years, the neighboring Districts have cooperated on numerous projects to help protect drinking water, prevent soil erosion, support farm viability, improve aging infrastructure, advance stormwater management, restore streams, and reduce flooding. Each District also has individual programs to help meet the local needs of residents, municipalities and industry in its county.

“The Soil and Water Districts in Chemung and Schuyler Counties share personnel, equipment, and facilities to ensure the most cost-effective implementation of local, state and federal dollars for conservation projects that are doing as much for the local economy as for the environment,” said Mark Watts, District Manager of the Chemung Soil and Water District. Over 90 percent of the dollars they bring in for conservation projects help support local jobs and businesses that provide services, supplies and materials to complete the projects.

The State Committee visited a stream stabilization and flood protection project in Horseheads that the Chemung Soil and Water District coordinated with assistance from the County and from the Town and Village of Horseheads.

“Thanks to this project funded in large part with grant funds obtained by Mark Watts, the 3,000-foot-long dike constructed in the 1940s to protect the railroad tracks and Holding Point, now an industrial park, is better protected from streambank erosion,” said Chemung County Legislator Dick Gunderman.

Several stormwater management systems on expanded or new business sites were visited that were installed with the assistance of the Chemung County Stormwater Coalition and the Rural Stormwater Coalition. The Chemung County Federation of Sportsmen’s log cabin built by the Chemung District on the County Fairgrounds was the site for a working lunch, which also featured a hands-on river model demonstrating how stormwater can affect streams and the property surrounding them.

Vineyards in Schuyler and Seneca Counties were visited to see agrichemical mixing facilities that were cost-shared with State funds obtained by the Schuyler County Soil and Water District. Management practices used by grape growers to reduce erosion and pesticide runoff were also reviewed with State officials.

“Without State Environmental Protection Funds provided through the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, we could not have completed the much-needed conservation work, and our farms would not meet State regulations,” said Jerry Verrigni, Schuyler County Soil and Water District Manager. “In addition to protecting the water quality of Seneca Lake, these projects help keep our farms thriving, which is also vital to our local economy.”

As an agency of the state, the State Committee oversees policy and programs for New York’s 58 County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in their work to protect natural resources. To learn more about the State Committee and its members, visit www.nys-soilandwater.org.

For more information about conservation programs and services available from your County Soil and Water District visit: www.chemungcountyswcd.com or www.schuyercounty.us/swcd.

Photos in text:

Top: New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee members tour the Old Ithaca Road dike in Horseheads, which is being cleared of brush as part of a grant project coordinated by the Chemung County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Bottom: New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee officials hear about an agrichemical mixing facility -- funded in part with State Environmental Protection funds -- from John Leidenfrost, owner of Leidenfrost Vineyards in Hector.

Photos enlarged and colorized by artist Derek Nelson (right).

Flats apartments near full occupancy

MONTOUR FALLS, Aug. 13 -- Four of the eight apartments in The Flats on Broadway -- the former Rural-Urban Center on Broadway in Montour Falls -- have been leased and occupied.

The structure, being renovated by developer Bruce Nelson, has two more apartments pre-leased for a Sept. 1 occupancy -- leaving just two apartments available. Leases are for a minimum of one year.

Occupancy was discussed by Nelson and his associates during an open house at the facility Friday evening. Also discussed were images of young people that adorn the corridor walls -- pictures of second-graders from 60 years ago, when they were students in a grammar school in the same building.

The images were created by Derek Nelson -- the developer's son -- by enlarging and colorizing a class photo borrowed from the Schuyler County Historical Society. The artwork will remain as a permanent decor.

The facility will also house a child care center downstairs, in a former auditorium. It will be run under the auspices of the Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council. The Council has signed a long-term lease.

Eight garages are located in a structure to the rear of the main building, and a second outbuilding -- used over the years for storage and other functions -- will be marketed for lease, possibly to a service business or as storage.

Visitors to the open house toured the facility -- the occupied apartments were off-limits -- and were treated to pizza and vegetable snacks.

Photo in text: Area residents tour one of the apartments soon to be occupied in the former Rural-Urban Center in Montour Falls. Four other apartments are currently occupied.

The Flats on Broadway's garages, at the rear of the main building.

Humane Society drive passes halfway mark

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 12 -- The capital campaign by the Humane Society of Schuyler County to purchase and renovate the former Kurtz Enterprizes building on Marina Drive in Montour Falls is more than halfway to its goal of $350,000, Society President Georgie Taylor said Thursday.

Taylor, speaking at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, said the campaign is at about $200,000, a total of $76,000 of which came from a grant. The rest came from donations and special benefits held on the Society's behalf.

She said plans are also underway to sell the current animal clinic along County Route 10 in the Town of Catharine and the animal shelter on VanZandt Hollow Road -- a 1950s-era structure that the Society took over from the county in 2009.

Sale of those properties has "tricky timing," she said, since "we don't want to sell them and then not have a roof over our heads."

The renovated Kurtz building would house the functions of both facilities in a centralized location, with room to shelter 34 cats and 24 dogs. Target date for completion of the project, Taylor said, is the end of the year.

Photo in text: Georgie Taylor addresses Rotarians.

Schuyler Hospital is ending inpatient delivery of babies

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, July 23 -- After nearly a year of evaluation and research -- in response to what Hospital President/CEO Andy Manzer says is "a sharp decrease" in births locally -- Schuyler Hospital has decided to no longer provide inpatient deliveries of babies.

The hospital will, however, continue to "provide a wide variety of gynecological services in the community," a press release said.

Manzer said no jobs will be lost in the transition -- that hospital obstetrical nurses will be offered positions within other departments.

“As we have historically done, we are adjusting our services to meet the constantly changing needs of our community,” Manzer said. “I can assure you that Schuyler Hospital plans to be a viable part of this community for many years to come. We are aligning ourselves to be able to grow and expand in other areas for the future.”

The hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Health Services Team, the hospital said in a press release, "will continue to provide pre- and post-natal obstetrical care, and Inpatient and Outpatient pediatric and gynecological services for women of all ages at Schuyler Hospital, September Hill Women’s Center, Primary Care Centers in Montour Falls and Ovid, and affiliated physician offices. Also, all ancillary services related to maternity, such as Lab testing and Ultrasound, will still be available at the Hospital."

Expectant mothers who are patients of Dr. Zarmina Aman and Dr. William Saks, the release added, can still expect their babies to "be delivered by Dr. Aman at a partner healthcare facility in the area as of Nov. 1. Emergency deliveries will still be handled by the Hospital’s Emergency Department."

That partner healthcare facility will be decided "in the next 30 days or so," said a spokesperson for the hospital.

“Schuyler Hospital leadership has been keeping a close eye on the maternity/labor and delivery inpatient department for the last several years,” said Manzer. “Although we are proud that several generations have been born here, the demographics of our community have changed such that we have seen a sharp decrease in babies born here over the past several years. Schuyler County’s population is aging, and those of child-bearing age are decreasing in numbers here.

Births at the hospital have declined from five to 10 per year in recent years, said a hospital spokesperson, noting that a total of 187 births occurred there in 2010

Schuyler Hospital is currently the last remaining Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in New York State still providing inpatient deliveries of babies. CAH’s are located in rural areas and certified as necessary providers of health care services to residents in the area.

For more information, call (607) 535-7121 or visit www.schuylerhospital.org.

Vacant Glen store is in line for Primary Care Center

Planning Board gives preliminary site-plan approval

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 18, 2010 -- Schuyler Hospital has cleared the first official hurdle in establishing a Primary Care Center in the former Dollar General store at 520 S. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, in the Tops Plaza.

The vacant 8,000-square-foot facility will require only interior work, the Watkins Glen Planning Board was told Wednesday night. The board granted preliminary site-plan approval.

Matt Taylor, the Schuyler Hospital Director of Facilities, told the board that there was no need to change the exterior of the building or the parking. A floor plan, which shows cubicles separated by permanent partitions, has been sent to the state for review, he said.

The Planning Board approved a Negative Declaration -- showing no adverse environmental impact in the project -- and approved the preliminary site plan. It sent the matter to the County Planning Commission for its perusal, and set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, at the next Planning Board session.

Board Chair Joe Fazzary said that assuming there were no objections to the project, the final site plan approval is likely that night. After that, the project can proceed.

Taylor said after the meeting that the space for the clinic would be leased from building owner Mary Jo Yunis, who was also present at the meeting.

According to the project description accompanying the Application for Site Plan Review, "This project will include the relocation of doctors and staff to a central site that is more code compliant and cost effective for the hospital and patients."

A hospital spokesman said that means medical personnel currently working out of the Guthrie Clinic between First and Second Streets in Watkins Glen will be moving to the new location. The current Primary Care Center adjacent to the hospital will not be affected.

The application also stated: "The space will be subdivided into two areas, the north side having doctors' offices and walk-in care. The south side will have the outpatient rehab area."

The anticipated completion date is May 1, 2011.

In other business, the Planning Board:

--Approved a preliminary site plan submitted by the Watkins Glen Fire Company for construction of an 8-by-16-foot storage facility next to the fire hall, on its west side. The board sent the application to the County Planning Commission, and set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Dec. 15, at its next meeting. Final site plan approval is expected that same night.

--Heard from Brian Williams (right) of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, who outlined a 6 p.m. meeting on Dec. 1 at the Watkins Glen Community Center that will feature presentation of the Final Lakefront Management & Development Strategy.

The presentation will focus on the Strategy's findings, recommendations, and final design solutions for the lakefront. An overview of the next steps needed to implement the plan will also be outlined. The public is invited.

The plan deals with scores of aspects under the headings of Access & Connections, Signage & Streetscape, Economic Development, Sustainability & Environmental Quality, and Physical Improvements.

Photos in text:

Top: Planning Board members (from left) Joe Fazzary, Kevin Smith and Tom Fitzgerald. At extreme left with his back to the camera is board member Amedeo Fraboni.

Middle: Schuyler Hospital Facilities Director Matt Taylor addresses the board.

Bottom: SCOPED's Brian Williams discusses the Dec. 1 Lakefront Development meeting.

The Glory Girls

A professionally bound, hardcover book was published two years ago to commemorate the state title won by the Odessa-Montour girls basketball team. Copies were given to each player on the team, and a number were sold to parents, friends and relatives.

There are still some remaining -- a limited-edition run of a high-caliber keepsake.

Titled "The Glory Girls," it contains 160 pages and nearly 200 photos. The book contains articles, interviews, game-by-game statistics, first person accounts from a couple of players (including state Class D Player of the Year Stefanie Collins), views from the players' parents, and much more.

If you wish to secure a copy, call the book's co-publisher, Charlie Haeffner, at 594-3594, and then send him a check or money order made out in his name for $29 plus $4 shipping. Mail it to: Charlie Haeffner, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY. Be sure to include your address and, if possible, a phone number.

There are also a handful of the books available with special, leather-like covers. The cost of those: $49 each plus $4 shipping.\

And for a look at one of the key chapters in the book, go to Features.