The Odessa File: Features of Schuyler County

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WATKINS GLEN, August 21 -- The streets of Watkins Glen will come alive with race cars from years past and provide visitors a peek into the town’s racing heritage during the 2010 Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen on Friday, Sept. 10.

The festival is free to the general public and starts at 1 p.m., culminating with a fireworks show at the Watkins Glen State Park entrance at 8 p.m.

The festival continues the tradition of road racing in Watkins Glen, serving each year as the festival kickoff for the Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix presented by Welliver-McGuire at Watkins Glen International.

The festival is presented by Chemung Canal Trust Company and is staged on the length of Franklin Street, the main “drag” through the village. The street, closed to regular vehicular traffic, is filled all day long with vintage race cars and the sounds, smells, and sensations that surround them.

This year’s event features Alfa Romeo, a fine Italian marque with involvement dating back to the beginnings of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix. Frank Griswold won the first Watkins Glen Grand Prix in 1948 in his 1938 Alfa Romeo Touring Coupe, now owned by Jon and Mary Shirley of Seattle -- who will be bringing the car to the festival. It will be on display on the court house lawn and will also lead the field for the highlight of the festival, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Tribute. At 4:30 p.m., vintage race cars will arrive from Watkins Glen International to park on display on Franklin Street. At 6 p.m., the cars will take parade laps around the original street circuit used from 1948-52.

The Grand Prix Festival is a production of Watkins Glen Promotions, a non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.GrandPrixFestival.com or call 607-535-3003.

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 9 -- The Schuyler County Historical Society started a $150,000 “50th Anniversary Capital Campaign” at an event Thursday at the Society’s Brick Tavern Museum, 108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls.

Under the leadership of campaign Chair Jean Hubsch and Co-chair Beverly Stamp, the campaign has already raised lead gifts to undertake upgrades and renovations at the Society’s museums. The Society owns and operates the Brick Tavern Museum and the Lee Schoolhouse in Montour Falls and the Wedgwood School in the town of Dix.

“The successful completion of the campaign over the next year will also allow the Society to expand exhibits and collections and build the endowment to maintain our fiscal health," said Brick Tavern Museum Executive Director Andrew Tompkins. "The exterior refurbishment and interior climate control project will make our museum more appealing to visitors and more able to maintain an optimal climate for our collections. The work we do now will ensure the proper housing
and archiving of Schuyler’s history for years to come.”

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 8 -- Here is a list of the events coming up at the Harvest Café Lounge, 224 W. Main St. in Montour Falls.

Wednesday, Sept. 8:
Gary & Leann of Gary & Leann Acoustics will play classic rock favorites at a 7 p.m. performance.

Friday, Sept. 10:
Latin Jazz group Arco Iris will deliver a wide selection of classic songs from an array of Latin countries, led by the voice of Sally Ramirez. Showtime at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11:
Nate & Kate entertain with their signature style of modern folk, stellar juggling, and light humor. Showtime 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15:
A night of Sing Along Piano with Nancy Learn, playing classics on piano, complete with books full of lyrics so everyone can join in. A 7 p.m. performance.

Friday, Sept. 17:
The Sim Redmond Band makes its first-ever appearance in Montour Falls playing their signature brand of roots rock. Showtime at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 18:
The Community, the house band of the Harvest Café, will entertain with their signature array of blues and rock classics with a few originals thrown in. Showtime 8 p.m.

The Harvest Café Lounge opens at 5:30 p.m. A full beer and wine list and meal menu are available.

HECTOR, Sept. 4 -- The grape industry is very important to the Schuyler County economy, and to show residents and visitors all that is involved in growing grapes, there will be a short tour of a vineyard and a grape pomace/horse manure composting operation, followed by a wine tasting.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Sawmill Creek Vineyards and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards.

The tour will start at Sawmill Creek Vineyards on State Route 414 in Hector. It will be led by Jim and Eric Hazlitt, owners of Sawmill Creek Vineyards -- where a large, mechanical grape harvester will be on display -- and by John Santos, vineyard manager at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, who will explain their composting system.

This will be followed by a wine tasting with Dane Edgerton, tasting room manager of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, with local cheese and bread served.

The program is free, but space is limited. Registration is required by Sept. 10 by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at 535-7161. This is the first tour in a series titled Agriculture Appreciation Tours being sponsored by the Schuyler County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Future tours led by farm owners will provide a similar close-up view of agriculture in Schuyler County.

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 7 -- Leadership Schuyler has extended the deadline for applicants for the class of 2010-11 to this Friday, Sept. 10.

Organizers say that the program, designed to develop individuals for future leadership roles in the Schuyler County area, offers a definitive return on investment for sponsoring employers.

Jim Wilson, Executive Director for The Arc of Schuyler, explained: “The Arc has utilized Leadership Schuyler for many years for two basic reasons – first, it is an inexpensive way to train and develop managers in basic leadership skills, and second, it provides managers with an opportunity to meet and network with others in our community who are in similar leadership positions.”

Wilson said that the $400 cost for the 9-month, once- or twice-per-month course, is a value. “We could spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on leadership skill development,” he said. “Leadership Schuyler allows us to provide training and development in a cost efficient and collaborative manner.”

Leadership skills on the schedule for the 2010-11 class include conflict and collaboration, team building, vision, communication skills, emotional intelligence, managing change, coaching skills, motivation, professionalism, and presentation skills.

Program sponsors SCOPED and the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce are seeking program candidates who live or work in Schuyler County and are interested in developing leadership skills and a knowledge of community issues, and wish to pursue leadership roles in their community and career.

For more information or an application, visit www.leadershipschuyler.com, or contact SCOPED at (607) 535-4341 or the Chamber at (607) 535-4300.

The annual softball game between the Watkins Glen and Burdett Fire Departments -- played on Labor Day weekends in Burdett for the past two decades -- saw Burdett the victor Sunday afternoon by a run in a game that went into extra innings. The contest, part of a picnic outing for fire department personnel and their families, culminated in a trophy presentation. In the photo above, Burdett Fire Chief Jason Kelly holds aloft the winners' trophy before presenting it to Burdett's winning pitcher and game MVP Bruce Pastrick.

HECTOR, Sept. 6 -- It was a windy and slightly chilly day on Sunday, Sept. 5, with flags blowing freely above Seneca Lake, and the waves rolling first from the southwest, and then the northwest.

It was a day for sweaters or jackets, although there were the occasional swimmers -- among them the two pets above who were frolicking alongside a dock on the east side of Seneca.

Nearby, the view up a flagpole showed not just flags, but the intricacy of lakeside flora and a vivid cloudscape.

ODESSA, Sept. 5 -- An Odessa teenager was taken to Schuyler Hospital for examination Saturday afternoon following a one-car rollover accident on Route 224 west of Odessa.

Authorities at the scene said Melody Stadelmaier, a senior at Odessa-Montour High School, lost control of her vehicle while eastbound, going off the right side of the road and crossing a slightly elevated driveway that leads to the law office of James Halpin.

The car lifted and flipped, coming to rest on a grassy area beyond the driveway. The airbags in Stadelmaier's car deployed, and she was pulled free by rescue personnel, attended at the scene by Schuyler Ambulance, and transported to the hospital. Officials said she did not appear to be seriously injured.

Scotty's Towing out of Montour Falls hauled the vehicle from the scene. Odessa firefighters responded to the emergency call, and directed traffic until the car was removed.

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 3 -- Schuyler County Transit riders may continue to use the new public transportation system for free through today, Sept. 3rd. After that, the suspension of fares will end and riders may begin using cash, tickets or monthly passes to board the bus. The service will not operate on Labor Day.

The regular fare to board a Schuyler County Transit bus is $1 per one way trip. Senior citizens 65 years and older and persons with disabilities are eligible to pay half fare, or 50 cents per one-way trip. Cash fare must be paid in exact change only. Drivers do not carry change.

Up to two children 5 years of age and under may ride the bus with a fare-paying adult at no cost. The $1 fare applies to children older than 5 years.

Seniors and persons with disabilities must provide proof of age or disability when boarding. Proof may be a driver’s license, other photo I.D. with verification of age, Medicare card, or a Half Fare Identification card issued by Schuyler County Transit. Applications for Half Fare Identification cards may be picked up at the Schuyler County Transit office in Watkins Glen.

Tickets may be used in place of the cash fare, and monthly passes offer a substantial discount to frequent riders. Monthly passes allow unlimited ridership within the month that the pass is purchased. Cost of a regular monthly pass is $30, and $15 for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Tickets and monthly passes may be purchased at the Schuyler County Transit office located at The Arc of Schuyler, 203 Twelfth St. in Watkins Glen or from Schuyler County Transit bus drivers when boarding the bus. Tickets and passes purchased on the bus must be paid with cash and in the exact amount. Regular-fare tickets and monthly passes only may be purchased online with a credit card at www.schuylercountytransit.org.

Schuyler County Transit Information Guides & Schedules may be found at various locations in Burdett, Montour Falls, Odessa and Watkins Glen, including Wal-Mart, Tops, Schuyler Hospital and its Primary Care Center, Burdett Mini Mart, and the Odessa Municipal Office.

To view the schedule or to find more information about Schuyler County Transit, visit www.schuylercountytranist.org or call 607-535-3555.

ODESSA, Sept. 3 -- Dulcimers were the order of the day Thursday at a performance and teaching session conducted by a Florida couple outside the Dutton S. Peterson Library in Odessa, and earlier in the day at the Watkins Glen Public Library.

The Allegheny Mountain Dulcimer Players -- Clark Parry and Lucinda Durkee of Holiday, Florida, who were in our region visiting relatives in Pennsylvania -- sang an array of folk songs, utilizing various instruments, but largely dulcimers.

At the Odessa gathering, they distributed nearly a dozen dulcimers to their audience, while two or three of those attending brought their own.

Parry and Durkee offered insights into the history of the instrument, and Parry gave instruction, with the audience serving as accompanists on songs while Durkee played the bass.

Those interested could purchase one of the dulcimers, or could order a kit through Parry and Durkee -- who also had CDs of their music available for sale.

The event was free and made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Program administered locally by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes and the libraries.

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 3 -- The executive director of The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes told Watkins-Montour Rotarians Thursday about the organization and the challenges the arts face during economic downturns.

Ginnie Lupi, a resident of Montour Falls, outlined the efforts of the organization -- often referred to simply as The ARTS -- in providing Southern Tier residents with access to the arts through advocacy and grants, and through its annual Fiddlers Gathering at the Watkins Glen State Park.

She cautioned against government actions curtailing investment in the arts during recessions, arguing that the arts are an income-generator for communities, not an income drain. And she urged Rotarians and the public to give generously whenever they can to arts organizations -- such as the Lake Country Players, a group that provides stage plays for area residents and is dependent in part on donations.

For more information about The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, visit eArts.org

Photo in text: Ginnie Lupi addresses Rotarians at their weekly luncehon meeting on Sept. 2.

ODESSA, Sept. 1 -- The Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library in Odessa will present a weekly Pre-School Story Book Hour on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. beginning Sept. 14.

All pre-school kids are invited to attend for loads of stories, a project, a light snack and lots of fun.

You may pre-register by calling the library at 594-2791 or stop in to sign up. Sessions will continue throughout the school year and will end after the first week in June.

ODESSA, Sept. 1 -- Noted violinist Bill Murk will perform at the Odessa Baptist Church at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. The church is located at 200 Maple Avenue in Odessa.

The appearance is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received during the concert to help pay the performer's expenses.

Murk has performed in all 50 states and in over 40 countries and has created 50 concert albums. He has accompanied, recorded with, and led worship services with some of the best-known names in contemporary Christian music, including Amy Grant, Larnell Harris, Point of Grace, and The Gaither Vocal Band. He has also been on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Murk has a Master’s Degree in Music from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, which is part of Chicago’s Roosevelt University. He is known for playing a variety of music – from classical violin to bluegrass – in styles that appeal to many musical tastes. His performances often include a multi-media presentation and his personal testimony.

A short promotional sample of his work is available on You Tube, an online source.

Note: Murk will also be performing at the Reading Community Church at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, and at 6 p.m. that same day at the First Baptist Church of Waverly.

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 1 -- The grand finale of the 2010 Schuyler County Concert Series will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Watkins Glen.

The concert will feature the Appalachian Mountain Music Ensemble Doofus along with musicians from throughout the Appalachian region.

The four-member Doofus group, Neal and Coleen Walters of Ellington, Connecticut and John and Heidi Cerrigione of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, play an assortment of instruments including: guitar, hammered and mountain dulcimer, banjo and clawhammer banjo, mandolin, autoharp, acoustic bass, and percussion (rhythm egg or limberjack). Doofus regularly performs at dulcimer and autoharp festivals throughout the Northeast, New England, Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana and have recorded many CDs.

The other musicians who will join them are Mike Brooks of Dundee, Gary Brown of Barrington, Gail Cashen of Ghent, Paul and Lenora of Ottawa, Canada, Maggie Dodd of Winchester, Virginia, Betsy Galbraith of Watkins Glen, Barbara Grupe of Leesburg, Virginia, Kate LaMoreaux of Burdett, and Roy Litteer of Dundee. These musicians add instruments including fiddle, dulcimers, autoharps, and concertina.

The church is at the corner of Sixth and Decatur Streets. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, while children are admitted free.

The Concert Series is the recipient of a 2010 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Program administered locally by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

Photo in text: The musical group Doofus. Front: Neal and Coleen Waltters; Back: Heidi and John Cerrigione. (Photo provided)

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 31 -- The Trustees of the NYSARC Trusts have awarded The Arc of Schuyler a $5,000 grant to assist The Arc in acquiring new equipment and necessary resources to expand upon its art programs, including visual and musical arts and a new creative movement program.

According to a press release, The Arc "continues to develop projects that utilize expressive therapy to allow the population it serves to communicate their feelings and ideas through various forms of art. The creative movement program is designed to allow individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities freedom of kinetic expression. Also known as dance therapy, creative movement seeks to strengthen the body and mind connection and improve mental and physical well being."

Many individuals, the press release added, are currently participating in creative movement courses that address ranges of physical abilities as part of The Arc’s Day Habilitation service. "Some participants are benefitting from the courses," it added, "by developing basic motor functions, and others are enjoying more challenging dance styles such as hip-hop.

"Because The Arc values the concept of community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities, there are and will be more efforts to make sure the creative movement program will allow students and adults in the local community to join current Arc participants in learning, sharing and creating dance."

The Arc of Schuyler is one of 55 Chapters of NYSARC, Inc. across New York State, and the local chapter has served individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Schuyler County area for more than 30 years.

HECTOR, Aug. 30 -- The Finger Lakes National Forest's annual Forest Field Day -- normally held on the first Sunday in October -- will not be held this year due to unforeseen staffing shortages.

"We are sorry to have to cancel such a fun and family-oriented event," a spokesperson said, "and hope to see everyone at Forest Field Day next year."

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 30 -- Operation Safe Child Cards will be available at the Strong Kids Safe Kids event being held at Clute Park on September 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each credit-card styled card carries a photo of a child and some information about that child, as well as his or her fingerprints. It can be carried by parents or guardians.

The card information can also be shared with the Amber Alert system, which allows law enforcement instant access to the information if there is a confirmed abduction of the child.

"This," said a Schuyler County Sheriff's Department spokesperson, "saves valuable time gathering and sending information to the Amber Alert system in the event of an abduction."

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 23 -- Three area school superintendents will be guest speakers when the Schuyler County League of Women Voters meets on Sept. 15 at the Montour Moose Lodge, Rt. 14 in Montour Falls, for a luncheon.

Superintendents Wendy Field of Bradford, James Frame of Odessa-Montour and Thomas Philips of Watkins Glen will discuss the current challenges faced by school districts, as well as the opportunities that exist for them.

Cost of the luncheon is $12. The meeting is open to the public. League members are reminded that their dues for 2011 are due and can be brought to the meeting. The meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m. and end by 1 p.m. Reservations are requested and can be made by contacting Donna Beardsley at 535-7676 or by email at dhbeards@yahoo.com by Friday, Sept. 10.

Also: The League will be holding a Meet the Candidates session on Oct. 20 at the Watkins Glen Elementary School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. Candidates for the New York State Senate and Assembly and for the Schuyler County Legislature will be invited to attend.

WATKINS GLEN, Aug, 21 -- With the upcoming nine-year anniversary of September 11th approaching, Watkins Glen International and the Sullivan Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross have renewed their partnership to support the annual "Road to the Rescue" blood drive on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Watkins Glen International.

The blood drive will take place from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at the track’s Media Center. Free Sahlen’s Hot Dogs, potato chips, and assorted cookies provided by Americrown Service Corp. and a gift that includes a voucher for a Thunder Road Tour and t-shirt will be given to all potential donors. Thunder Road Tours retail for $25 and provide fans the opportunity to drive their own vehicles around the 3.4-mile WGI road course for three paced laps. The free voucher can be redeemed starting at 5 p.m. on Sept. 14 or at a later date.

Interested donors are strongly encouraged to pre-register by calling the Red Cross at (607) 734-3317 during the day or 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) during the evenings.

Josh Navone addresses the crowd before christening the True Love. His wife Lisa is at left.

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 19 -- The Malabar VII schooner True Love was christened Wednesday alongside the Seneca Harbor Pier at a Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce mixer attended by more than 100 area residents.

Josh Navone -- who along with his wife Lisa owns the boat -- did the honors, pouring a bottle of champagne along the bowsprit and on the deck after issuing remarks relating to sailing and the sea.

The 67-foot schooner -- a craft that docks at the pier when not carrying customers on Seneca Lake sailing excursions -- dates back to 1926 and has undoubtedly been christened before. But this was its first christening since being purchased by the Navones in 2008, and coincides with the application this year of the name True Love.

The boat operated on Seneca Lake last year as Malabar VII, and is still described as a 1926 Malabar craft. But the Navones call it True Love now, in deference to its history -- which included its role in the 1956 film High Society.

It appeared as True Love in that movie in a scene featuring Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly singing "True Love." Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong also starred in the film..

Mixer attendees were able to tour the boat, and one guest won tickets for a free cruise on it. Atwater Estate Vineyards of Hector provided wine for tastings, and the Seneca Harbor Station restaurant provided hors d'oeuvres. Live music was played on the restaurant's beach patio by "Distilled," which performs old time rock 'n' roll and blues.

The Navones reside in Watkins Glen. Josh is a Horseheads-based attorney, as well as a Schuyler County assistant district attorney. He is also on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He and Lisa also own the flatiron building on Fourth Street, which they have been fashioning into apartments and commercial space.

Top: A cake prepared by Josh Navone's sister, complete with edible boat, was a centerpiece of the celebration.

Middle: Father Paul Bonacci delivers a blessing of the sailing vessel and its crew.

Bottom: Representing the Chamber of Commerce were, from left: Katie Strawser, president Rebekah LaMoreaux, Miranda Polmanteer and Emily Hubbell.

Among those on hand: County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, left, and developer Bruce Nelson.

Left: Josh Navone cuts the cake with an assist from his mother Mary, right, and his wife Lisa. Right: Allison DeDominick was pouring wine provided by Atwater Estate Vineyards.

Left: Mark and Michelle Simiele, whose restaurant provided hors d'oeuvres for the mixer. Right: Former Chamber president Max Neal talks to Kelsey Jones, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development.

Left: Watkins Schools Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and Arc of Schuyler Executive Director Jim Wilson. Right: SCOPED's Chuck Peacock, left, and the Glen Motor Inn's Vic Franzese.

Left: Josh Navone's father, Frank, was on hand for the festivities. Right: Chamber president Rebekah LaMoreaux visits with Father Paul Bonacci.

This shot was snapped last week, as True Love made its way across Seneca Lake.

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 10 -- The Lake Country Players are seeking play directors for their 2011 season.

Adult directors are needed for: the Spring Show, a Junior Players Show (with a cast of children between the ages of 5-13), and a Fall Musical. The Fall Show dates are set for the second weekend of November 2011; the elected director will have three shows to choose from.

Also, a Youth Director between the ages of 14 and 20 is needed for the Summer Understudies show. The LCP has revamped its Understudies Program for 2011; the Youth Director will be under the guidance of two adult mentors.

Interested parties should attend the Players’ next meeting on August 26th and present a resume of past experience as well as a rough draft proposal. Final decision on all shows and directors will be made at the LCP's Sept. 23 business meeting.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex in Montour Falls. Call 607-237-8817 or write to lakecountryplayers@gmail.com for directions.

Resumes can be sent in advance to PO Box 223, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Interested directors unable to attend the Aug. 26 meeting should contact the Lake Country Players for alternate options.

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 4 -- The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an all-new event on Thursday, Oct. 7: A Taste of the Finger Lakes.

The event, at the Watkins Glen Community Center from 6-9 p.m., is designed to capture the essence of regional culinary creations and farm-fresh produce during the “heart of the harvest.” Products from numerous local restaurants, farm markets, wineries, breweries and other food vendors will be on display.

“This upscale event will provide our members, partners, local culinary geniuses, and famed wine makers an opportunity to showcase their best offerings," said Chamber President Rebekah LaMoreaux.

Tickets to attend the event will be sold for $35 per person in advance, and $40 at the door. For vendors there is no cost to register a display space, but all reservations for booth spaces must be made no later than Sept. 1. All vendors must carry their own insurance, liability, food and liquor licenses where applicable. Sign-up forms will be available on www.watkinsglenchamber.com.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample featured appetizers, main dishes, desserts, wines, spirits, micro brews and more. Vendors will have the opportunity to network and enjoy free exposure of their product or organization to an expected crowd of hundreds. Entertainment will also be featured at the event.

For more information, to purchase tickets or sign up for a booth space, contact the Chamber at 607-535-4300 or email rebekah@watkinsglenchamber.com no later than Sept. 1.

The ferris wheel dominated the night scene at the Hector Fair. (Photo by Liz Fraboni)

HECTOR, Aug.; 1 -- The 52nd annual Hector Fair provided three days of traditional entertainment from Thursday through Saturday, concluding Saturday with activity highlighted by an auto show and fireworks.

The fair, held at the Hector-Logan-Valois Firemen’s Field off Route 414, provided rides, games of chance, entertainment, food, an annual library book sale, 4-H displays, and various exhibits, along with the final-day auto show and fireworks display.

The fair's annual parade along Route 414 drew its usual large crowd on Friday evening.

A girl enjoys one of the fair's several available rides during Saturday's final day of operation.

CORNING, July 27 -- Visitors from around the world depend on Docents (volunteer guides) to enrich their trips to The Corning Museum of Glass with engaging tours. The Museum is currently seeking Docents to help the Museum share the history, art and science of glass with the public, special guests and school groups.

“Docents perform a great service for the Museum and provide wonderful experiences for our visitors. They are proud to be part of the Museum community and enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the collection,” says Mary Cheek Mills, the Museum’s Education Programs Manager. “We show them our appreciation by offering many benefits.”

Docents become instant Museum Members, receive complimentary tickets to all Member events, and are admitted to conferences and seminars. They also receive discounts in the GlassMarket and Museum restaurants. Docents use the extensive resources in the Rakow Research Library and have the opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading glass scholars and contemporary glass artists.

No previous glass or history knowledge is required. Docents are trained to discuss the Museum’s collection, which is the most comprehensive collection of glass art and history in the world. All Docents attend a 60-hour intensive training program, which includes presentations about the Museum and instruction on conducting tours for visitors of all ages. The training is supplemented by periodic enrichment programs, shadowing of experienced guides, and opportunities for independent study.

Orientation and weekly training sessions begin in mid September. Adults interested in becoming a Corning Museum of Glass Docent may call the Volunteer Program Supervisor at (607) 974-4888 for further information.

WATKINS GLEN, July 26 -- The Lake Country Players Understudies group completed its presentations of the comedy-mystery Nothing But The Truth Sunday in the Watkins Glen Elementary School Auditorium.

The play, directed by Andrew Blanchard, opened Friday night and was presented again Saturday night before closing with a matinee Sunday afternoon.

The story is set on an ocean liner around the time of the Titanic, striking a balance between humor and suspense. David (Ian Remmers), an adventurous young man traveling with his sister (Danielle Morgan), finds himself in a boatload of trouble after he pretends to be a spy in order to impress Kate (Kara Wood), a girl he has just met. He enlists her help in solving a phony mystery he has created while Pete (Joe Zerby), who also has an eye on Kate, creates discord after discovering the competition from David.

But truth proves stranger than fiction as David realizes that a real international mystery is unfolding on the ship. He finds himself in the middle of an actual sabotage plot that forces him to delve into a dangerous mystery to save the ship from a hidden bomb. Along the way, he discovers Mr. Elias (Jon Chapman) is mysteriously traveling with a large sum of foreign money and is wary of Captain Kraus (Aaron Fisher), whose name singles him out as a possible German agent.

As if this isn't enough, Mrs. Elias (Tyler Little) is trying to play matchmaker by hooking David up with young Paulette (Anika Hummel), while the steward (Taylor Gilbert) and the waitress (Peyton Westlake) simply try to maintain a sense of order. Misleading clues, love triangles and mistaken identities combine for a light-hearted tale of high-seas espionage.

From left: Kara Wood, Danielle Morgan, Taylor Gilbert, Aaron Fisher, Jon Chapman, Ian Remmers (seated), Tyler Little, Joe Zerby, and Peyton Westlake. Missing: Anika Hummel. (Photo provided)

MONTOUR FALLS, July 22 --Four students going into the 8th through 10th grades spent two days at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls earlier this month, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of potential healthcare careers.

Schuyler Hospital -- along with the Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC) and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield -- co-sponsored M.A.S.H. Camp on July 14-15.

The students learned CPR, injected saline water into an orange, viewed their own cough-generated germs in the lab, toured the birthing suite, tried on surgical scrubs, tested their lung capacity, flexed their muscles with electrical assistance in Physical Therapy, and gave each other ultrasounds, as well as wrist and ankle casts.

Two of the students are considering being doctors, one confirmed her interest in being an Obstetrics nurse, and a fourth strengthened his commitment to firefighting and/or Emergency Medical Technician work.

M.A.S.H. Camp at Schuyler Hospital takes place annually each July, and is coordinated by CNYAHEC.

Photo in text: Schuyler Hospital’s 2010 MASH Campers were, left to right: Isaiah Lynch, Alex Wheeler, Jonathan Hinterberger, and Rebekah Lynch. (Photo provided)

WATKINS GLEN, July 21 -- The Arc of Schuyler is holding Special Olympics Bocce Ball and Soccer Skills practices from July to October and invites individuals with developmental disabilities to participate, and community members to volunteer.

The Arc is focused on actively involving individuals supported by The Arc in inclusive community activities and welcomes community members to volunteer as Special Olympics coaches and aides.

Noted an Arc spokesperson: "This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for high school students, retired individuals and anyone with some free time and an interest in athletics and assisting individuals with disabilities."

Bocce Ball practice will be held every Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. from July 26 to October 4 at the bocce ball courts and field in Clute Park across from Wal-Mart in Watkins Glen. Soccer Skills practice is scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. from July 20 to October 7 at the Watkins Glen High School Athletic Field.

Practices prepare participants for Special Olympics competitions. There is no cost to participate, but interested participants must register. Contact Casey Mallow, Recreation Manager for The Arc of Schuyler at 607-535-6934 for more information on how to become a participant in Special Olympics practices or to become a volunteer.

MONTOUR FALLS, July 12 -- Gary Emerson, a resident of Odessa with a passion for local history, is offering Catharine Valley Trail History Walks on three dates this summer: July 17, August 21 and September 17. .

In addition to teaching American History at Newfield High School, Emerson has written several local history articles for the Crooked Lake Review and the Schuyler Historical Society Journal. His most recent accomplishment was authoring a book on the Chemung Canal.

The History Walks are from 9-10 a.m. and start at the South Genesee Street Trailhead, Montour Falls. Walks are one hour, a mile in length, and full of historical information.

Community residents got a look at firefighting equipment and historical photos, and were provided with hot dogs and hamburgers. (Photo provided)

ODESSA, July 4 -- The Odessa Fire Department hosted community residents at an open house Saturday at the fire hall to celebrate the department's 100th anniversary.

The department’s modern-day equipment was showcased along with its original 1905 hand pumper and hose cart.

Historical pictures and articles were on display, and hamburgers and hot dogs were provided free of charge.

Photo in text: The department's 1905 hand pumper and hose cart were on display at the open house. (Photo provided)

From left: Dana Roberts portrayed Grace Farrell, Julee Gillemot was Annie, and Manley Gavich was Daddy Warbucks in Annie Jr.

WATKINS GLEN, July 10 -- The latest Lake Country Players production -- this one featuring an energetic children's cast in the musical Annie Jr. -- completed its weekend run Sunday afternoon with its third and final performance in the Watkins Glen High School Auditorium

The musical, directed by Tracy Gavich, opened Friday night and was performed again Saturday night and Sunday

The play, the familiar tale of an orphan welcomed into the home of the rich Daddy Oliver Warbucks, had the usual Annie characters such as Miss Hannigan and Warbucks' secretary, Grace Farrell -- but the roles were performed by youths.

Photo at right: Annie (Julee Gillemot) sings "Tomorrow" while her dog Sandy, portrayed by Gina Gavich, stays faithfully by her side.

Left: Maggie Coates, as Miss Hannigan, belts out a song. Right: A protective Daddy Warbucks (Manley Gavich) carries a sleeping Annie (Julee Gillemot) back home.

WATKINS GLEN, July 6 -- The Watkins-Montour Lions Club recently held its annual dinner meeting at the Harbor Hotel, installing officers for the coming year and bestowing awards.

Special recognition went to Lion John Terry, who was presented with the Membership Key Award for his efforts in coordinating many volunteer activities and biweekly meetings. The John D. Uplinger Award was presented to Lion Tammy Waite, for her leadership role in this year’s first annual STRIDES Walk for Diabetes as well as for efforts advocating for the blind and numerous other community efforts.

Photo in text: From left: New Lions President Mark Swinnerton with wife and Lion Margaret Swinnerton, and Lions Kris and Tammy Clarkson. (Photo provided)

WATKINS GLEN, June 30 -- The weather was clear and cool -- a nice night for a concert.

Accordingly, music lovers turned out in force for Tuesday evening's Concert in the Park at Lafayette Park -- the second in a series of weekly offerings this summer.

The concert series, under the direction this year of Julie Sissel -- was run for 23 years by Rose Ciccone, who was on hand Tuesday to offer any support that might be needed.

The program seemed to run smoothly, though, with the Hepcats Big Band -- a group that has played throughout our region since 1999 -- providing the majority of the music, and with the Freedom Village Singers offering a string of gospel music during an intermission.

The Hepcats group, composed mostly of horns (along with a guitar, keyboard and vocalist), specializes in jazz from the Big Band era, and plays other popular tunes from the 1930s and '40s.

There was plenty of dancing at Tuesday's gathering, much of the Big Band music being the kind that gets the toes tapping and the legs moving.

The concert program continues on July 6 with Joe Cavallaro's Dixieland Jazz Band. The rest of the month offers the Ageless Jazz Band on July 13, Dave Paugh's one-man show on July 20, and The Musicmakers Big Band on July 27.

Photos in text: Band members identified on the group's website as Julie (top) and Lou Anne.

Left: Hepcats guitarist performs during one of the group's offerings. Right: A couple of the audience members brought along their dogs.

Left: Tour de Cure event director Jessica Bottoms. Right: Big Flats Best Buy store general manager John Prosinski hauls some water into the Clute Park pavilion for use by incoming riders.

WATKINS GLEN, June 27 -- More than 150 bicyclists took part Saturday in the inaugural Finger Lakes Tour de Cure -- a fundraiser to help fight diabetes.

Organizers said the American Diabetes Association event would likely raise $50,000 through pledges and sponsorships, part of a nationwide total of $19 million this year at 80 venues across the country.

"It's a great day, and a great event," said one of the event directors, Amy R. Young of Albany, who noted that the Watkins Glen area seems like a perfect place for the Tour de Cure to visit.

"The Finger Lakes have got the beauty, and have got the roads," she said, meaning suitable routes on which the bicyclists can travel. And it benefits members of the local population who participate, she said: "It gets people exercising, and helps fight diabetes."

Helping out on Saturday was a group of volunteers from the Best Buy stores in Ithaca and Big Flats. Event co-director Jessica Bottoms of Syracuse said the Best Buy group volunteered because some of its members have relatives with diabetes.

Bicyclists were sent out on one of four different routes. The routes covered 10 miles, 35 miles, 62.5 miles and 85 miles.

Among the early finishers was Sharon Storey of Hornell, who traveled the shortest of the courses, which took her from the starting point -- Clute Park in Watkins Glen -- to Montour Falls and onto the Catharine Valley Trail before returning to Clute.

"It was a nice ride," said Storey, who said she participated because a relative has diabetes. "So ... we raised a little money," she said.

Top: Sharon Storey of Hornell arrives back at Clute Park after completing a fund-raising ride to Montour Falls and back.

Bottom: This sign greeted bicyclists as they arrived at the Clute Park finish line.

This photoshopped image shows the Seneca Legacy entertainment vessel making its way southward on Seneca Lake, toward Watkins Glen some six miles distant. The picture was snapped shortly before sunset on a recent warm, sunny day.

PHOENIX, Ariz., June 23 -- Michael Argetsinger’s book Mark Donohue: Technical Excellence at Speed swept the awards Monday in the 2009 International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC).

Argetsinger’s book received a gold medal as best biography and was also cited as the year’s Best Book. Then, at the end of the ceremony, it was announced that it had won over all other entries from the automotive media--including books, magazines, newspapers, Internet, radio, and television—to be named “Best of 2009.” The awards were held Monday at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

Mark Donohue: Technical Excellence at Speed is the first complete biography of Mark Donohue, who redefined what it meant to be a successful driver in the 1960s and 1970s. Driving for his like-minded team owner, Roger Penske, Donohue became a two-time champion in both the U.S. Road Racing Championship and the Trans-Am sedan series before scoring his greatest win at the 1972 Indianapolis 500. Following a brief retirement, Donohue returned to lead Penske Racing’s Formula One effort before dying in 1975 after an accident at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Argetsinger (pictured at right) spent years researching and writing the book, which draws upon interviews with Donohue’s family, friends, and teammates, as well as observations from such great drivers as Mario Andretti, George Follmer, David Hobbs, Parnelli Jones, and Sam Posey. He also listened to the original, unedited audio tapes dictated by Donohue for his own 1975 book, The Unfair Advantage. Donohue’s close friend and team leader Roger Penske provided the book’s foreword.

This is the second multiple win for Argetsinger in the IAMC. In 2006 his first book, Walt Hansgen: His Life and the History of Post-War American Road Racing, was also named Best Book and Best Biography. “It’s a great honor to be recognized again,” says Argetsinger. “I think the awards are also a tribute to all of the people who helped me by contributing their time and memories of Mark Donohue.”

The book's publisher, David Bull Publishing, has consistently been recognized by the IAMA for the quality of its books. Most recently, John Zimmermann’s Dan Gurney’s Eagle Racing Cars won Best of Books 2007, and Jeff Zwart’s Porsche Rennsport won a gold medal in 2006.

David Bull Publishing books are available through bookstores, specialty motoring booksellers, and directly from the publisher. Orders can be made by visiting www.bullpublishing.com.

Photos in text: The book jacket (photo provided); and author Michael Argetsinger during a recent visit to Watkins Glen.

WATKINS GLEN, June 21 -- The 21st annual Fiddler's Gathering at the Watkins Glen State Park concluded Sunday evening with the Irish Traditional Music of the group Traonach. Theirs was the culmination of a series of performances by various groups across two days that mixed with workshops and with a jamming tent for beginners and masters. Spectators gathered either under the roof of the performance pavilion, or on the lawn nearby. The event was sponsored, as it always has been, by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

The Sea Sag corners coming into the final straightaway of the Seneca Harbor course.

WATKINS GLEN, June 19 -- It was hot, then cloudy with a breeze -- and then it was raining hard, a sudden downpour sending many of the thousands of spectators on hand for the 17th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta in Seneca Harbor scrambling for cover.

The rain hit about an hour into the Regatta, and some of the specatators didn't return after it stopped -- but the spirit of the day alway seems to win out. And so the party resumed.

This is not only an entertainment; it is a challenge for the contestants -- an engineering challenge, and a challenge for some just to get around the Seneca Harbor Marina course without sinking.

Some of the craft weren't too lucky. A couple of them capsized or collapsed early, their passengers dog-paddling the rest of the way, pushing the sodden remains of their vessels ahead of them to the exit point. But most made the run high and dry, and in at least one case did a turnaround and headed back out of the harbor, on the way to the Tiki Bar.

More than 80 cardboard vessels were registered to compete for a variety of awards:

Best Construction -- Miss Stephany's White Cat Slave Ship
Best Lookin' -- General Sea
Best Name -- Finger Lakes Cheese
Best Theme -- SS Devon
Goody's Headache Award -- SS Grady
Judges' Choice -- Duff Diver 7
Titanic Sinking -- Eric's Fancy Boat
Schuyler County Chairman's Cup -- Red Neck II
People's Choice (505 Votes) -- SS Devon
Kids Under 12 -- No competitors
13-18 Teens -- D Day
Single Hull/Single Person -- No Competitors
Single Hull/ Multi Person -- Red Neck II
Multi Hull/Single Person -- No competitors
Multi Hull/Multi Person -- Crazy Horse

The boats -- which could be constructed of recycled cardboard, hot glue, duct tape, paint, chewing gum and nail polish -- ran the gamut from very small to quite large, from very flimsy to quite sturdy, and from very slow to quite fast.

In some cases, participants -- after finishing their run successfully -- would tumble overboard into the cooling water, a just reward for their hard rowing work.

The big day followed an evening at the Seneca Harbor park that featured music at three venues, a sideshow with a bearded lady, vendor booths, and other attractions.

Top: Spectators crowded onto the breakwater before the rainwater drove many of them away.

Middle: The Seneca Lodge craft Seuss Mania makes its way along the final straightaway under the guidance of captain Brett Brubaker.

Bottom: Diana Crane and daughter Kendra Shaw. Their craft was named the SS Devon in honor of Diana's son (Kendra's brother) Devon Shaw, who recently underwent cancer surgery in Philadelphia and was this weekend in a Rochester hospital for chemotherapy. Diana broke away from the hospital long enough for a trip to the Seneca Harbor regatta.

The 3-man crew of the Home Necessities craft hit the water after completing the course.

Left: Brett Beardslee performs on the pier. Right: Buford and Smokin' Dave on the patio.

Left: Lake Country Players distributed literature about upcoming plays Friday. Right: Friday visitors Jaclyn Conklin (left) and Kathryn Martin.

Left: Rose Ciccone was on hand at the park Friday. She was recently among those honored in Albany by the State Office for the Aging on Senior Citizens' Day. She was the designated Schuyler County honoree for her community service, which included running the Concerts in the Park summer series for 23 years, United Way volunteer work and a stint on the Watkins Glen Village Board. Right: An artistic rendition of the True Love charter sailing craft.

Heat # -- Boat Name -- Captain
1 -- SS Bad A#@ -- Ryan Vicki
1 -- SS Chevorlet -- Dakota Simpson
2 -- D Day -- Dan Harvey
2 -- Sunken Treasure -- Doug Daino
3 -- Pigs Go Bree -- Greg Pipher
3 -- Wonder if She'll Float -- Pat Hildebrant
4 -- Trippy Tippy Hippie -- Joe Fitzke
4 -- Unsinkable Penguin -- Hannah Grimm
5 -- OSWS -- Jonah Gelber
5 -- The Huck Finn -- Jacob Gelber
5 -- The Popsicles -- Sam Bobertz
6 -- Got Wood? WE DO -- Alex Sullivan
6 -- Hope It Floats -- Larry Morris
7 -- KoKanees III -- Mark Kendall
7 -- Seneca Bound III -- Austin Stoudt
8 -- Happy Days -- Dan Bailey
8 -- The Silver Bullet -- Mike Desanto
9 -- Glen Grapplers -- Ken Cummings
9 -- Gone Fission -- Matt Kahabka
11 --Donnie's Maiden Voyage -- Mary Brubaker
11 -- Seuss Maria II -- Brett Brubaker
12 -- Hollerin Oresmen -- Joey Brace
12 -- SS Schuyler I -- Tim O'Hearn
13 -- Sea Sag -- Gabriel Shappel
13 -- The Friend Ship -- Christopher Friend
14 -- Liquid Assets -- Aaron Manchester
14 -- Wireless World -- Autumn Hardgrave
15 -- Maid of the Mustache -- Andy Billotte
15 -- USS Grady -- Jake Swanson
16 -- Sitting Ducks -- Chris Griffith
16 -- The Boat of Many Colors -- Becky Butler
17 -- Banana Splits -- Debra Lin
17 -- Corny's Creation -- Daniel Cornelius
18 -- Home Necessities Golden -- Darrick Dominick
18 -- Where the Wild Things Are -- David Higgins
19 -- Captain Underpants -- David Smith
19 -- Liquid Wisdom -- Furman Kendall
20 -- Here & Beyond -- Helen Wheeler
20 -- LCP Penzance -- Jane Daum
21 -- Duff Diver VII -- Al Draht
21 -- Fergie's Sports Bar -- Kyle Harvey
22 -- Jerlando's Pizza Slice -- Andrew Pike
23 -- Bergen Sign Seneca Barn -- Tom Schneider
23 -- The Love Boat -- Jason Paulisczak
24 -- Donovan's -- Jennifer Donovan
24 -- Redneck 1 - Got-R-Done -- Vern Welch
25 -- Hector -- Militia Justin Bond
25 -- Sitel Vision Passion Purpose -- John Adames
26 -- Redneck Yaught Club -- Micah Soper
26 -- The Seneca Shamen -- Keith Barnstead
27 -- SS Starkweather -- Maria Anderson
27 -- The Beagle -- Kyle Lambert
28 -- In and Around Her Hall AGAIN -- Matt Miller
28 -- Tickel Me -- Mike Mize
29 -- HSSC Beagle -- Wayde Whittaker
29 -- Knot at Work? -- Scott Stanbro
30 -- General Sea 3 -- Mike Evranian
30 -- The Village People -- Matt Zenger
31 -- Aged Cheese -- Nancy Richard
31 -- Baby on Board -- Richard Liapierre
32 -- 3.8 LPF - Jake's Saloon -- Rich Keyes
32 -- Kate's Pretzels -- Pete Correia
33 -- Geneva Express -- Tom Jackson
33 -- The Love Boat II -- Robert Abderhalden
34 -- Redneck Too -- Vern Welch
34 -- Stephanie's White Cat Slave Ship -- Sandy Morgan
35 -- Rug Raft -- Tim McCracken
35 -- The Castaway -- Tyler Reynolds
36 -- ACE -- Lee Smith
36 -- After Swine Flew -- Jill Kautz
99 -- SS Devon -- Jessica Parish

WATKINS GLEN, June 18 -- The premiere presentation of Rocky Hollow Lodge, an independent feature motion picture by Brian L. Little of Painted Post, was held Thursday night at The Glen Theater, and will be repeated on Thursday, June 24, at the Heights Theater in Elmira Heights.

The production's cast has several local actors, including sisters Margaret Mary and Michelle Amisano, their mother and father, Christina and Denis Amisano, and Jay Meehan.

An audience of about 40 people were on hand for the unveiling of the film, which was made in a Watkins Glen area barn. Director Little would not reveal exactly where, but said the filming took place over weeks last fall.

Editing by Little and scoring by his wife, Maryalice Kaprielyan Little, had dominated the time since.

Cost of the production, he said, was about $20,000, with financing by the Littles and co-producers including Denis Amisano.

The movie set that was built at the shooting site, Little said, now resides in his own barn near Painted Post.

The Rocky Hollow Lodge plot features a screenwriter going to a closed, remote rustic lodge to write a script within 24 hours to earn an advance. He is distracted by a steady stream of eccentric and suspicious characters who descend upon the lodge. Ghosts, an apparent murder, and multiple turns of events threaten to turn his writing project into a lost cause.

The story, according to a press release, "weaves humor, romance, and mayhem into its twisted tapestry of suspects. It presents engaging action, responsible language, and situations suitable for all audiences." A trailer can be found here.

In addition to the cast members named above, the actors included Heidi Bennett, Christina Drumm, David Walker and Terry Lundgren, professional actor Yanni Walker, and Screen Actors Guild performer Ronald Jaynes.

Cast members on hand for the premiere included Meehan and Drumm. Little was present with his wife.

Rocky Hollow Lodge was written by the director, and produced by Stage Net, Inc., a motion picture production company located in Painted Post. The company was incorporated in New York State in 1995 to develop entertainment projects.

From top: Director Brian Little and wife Maryalice, who created the film's score; actor Jay Meehan; and the title image playing on the screen before the film began.

WATKINS GLEN, June 16 -- The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop is adjusting its hours to better accommodate Watkins Glen and Finger Lakes region visitors during the summer season.

Beginning Friday, June 18, the gallery will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition, the gallery can open by appointment Tuesday through Thursday by calling Misty Jones at 607-535-6934.

The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop is a non-profit gallery and is operated by The Arc of Schuyler and features a variety of artwork and items for viewing and sale -- including paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, cards and other pieces created by local and regional artists as well as individuals with developmental disabilities. Volunteers are needed to open the gallery for additional hours throughout the year.

The gallery also holds public classes and presents artist exhibits and talks. It also recently announced that it has a page on Facebook where people can learn about the gallery, become a fan and receive announcements on events and activities.

For more information on the Franklin Street Gallery, current volunteer positions or upcoming events and classes, call 607-535-2571, visit www.arcofschuyler.org, or become a fan of The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop on Facebook®.

The Hitmen, a brass band from Rochester, delighted the parade spectators. Here two of them play as they march along Main Street.

MONTOUR FALLS, June 13 -- Fire units, marching bands, classic cars, floats, music and a large crowd lining Main Street from the falls to the fairgrounds constituted the elements of another successful Montour Falls Grand Parade Saturday.

The 54th annual event, part of the three-day Montour Falls Fire Department Festival, featured fire departments from around the region, in addition to the home unit. There were trucks from departments in Watkins Glen, Odessa, Tyrone, Burdett, Dundee, Elmira Heights, Bath, Enfield, Trumansburg, North Corning, South Corning, Hammondsport, Wayne, Pine City, Southport, Millport, Monterey, Hector and Dresden.

Marching bands from Corning East, Addison, Corning West and Odessa-Montour High Schools performed, as did the Corning Area Community Band, the Caledonian Highlanders, the Sanborn Fire Department Band and Rochester's popular Hitmen.

The parade was the highlight of the third and final day of the festival, and many of the spectators went to the carnival grounds afterward for food and fun. There was music in the evening provided by Turning Point, and midway games and rides provided by Ontario Amusements.

Top: Fire vehicles -- including this antique from the Montour Falls Fire Department -- were a highlight of the parade.

Bottom: The Addison High School Knights march up Main Street from the falls.

Left: A member of the Corning Area Community Band. Right: A 1916 Buffalo Springfield steam roller. (Both photos by Liz Fraboni)

Left: Malissa Richards marches as part of the O-M Band. Right: Jane Daum advertises a November Lake Country Players production of Pirates of Penzance.

Left: Among the marchers was Assembly candidate James Hare. Right: Freedom Village provided vocal entertainment from this wagon.

Left: Parade emcee Phil Barnes. Right: This Relay For Life float announced the total realized in fund-raising at the Relay gathering Friday night on the Watkins Glen High athletic field.

Left: Dr. James Norton drives his antique car, a parade tradition. Right: A bagpiper with the Caldedonian Highlanders.

Spectators included the Terry sisters (Grace, left, and Erin, right) with Hannah Capozzi.

Pine City firefighters wave to the spectators from atop their department's vehicle.

WATKINS GLEN, June 10 -- The Watkins Glen Central School District is not soliciting for advertisements for its sports or any other district program.

According to Gayle Sedlack, the district’s business manager, several local businesses have been contacted by an individual who claims to be working on behalf of the district.

If you are contacted on behalf of the district, please call Sedlack at 535-3219, ext. 8080.

WATKINS GLEN, June 4 -- Indie artist and cancer survivor Christine Baze made two appearances Thursday in Watkins Glen, spreading her music-laced message: be on guard against cervical cancer.

• At 9 a.m. at the Watkins Glen High School, 303 12th St.
• From 5-8 p.m. at the Village Marina Bar and Grill, 2 Seneca Harbor, Watkins Glen.

Baze, a native of Elmira who graduated from Southside High School in 1987, was riding a rising musical career in the Boston area when, in 2000, she received the devastating news that she had cervical cancer. Ten days later she was undergoing a radical hysterectomy, and had another surgery after that.

Then came a fight against depression until -- inspired by the life-loving movie Harold and Maude and its Cat Stevens soundtrack, she regained her footing and tackled her career again, but with an added layer: she preaches the perils of ignoring your health. She speaks frankly in describing her own fight -- in words (like vagina) that might bring a blush to some people ... but which, as she points out, help spotlight the harrowing nature of cancer gone unchecked

She also created TheYellowUmbrella.org -- originally PopSmear.org, which "I thought ... was kind of cute" -- and took her music and message of cervical-cancer prevention and early detection on the road through The Yellow Umbrella Tour. The umbrella symbol was borrowed from Harold and Maude -- an item that Maude carried to a funeral while everyone else was sporting dark ones.

She has performed 100 shows on the tour, with such artists on hand as Sarah Bettens, Kaki King, The Fray, Duncan Sheik, Ben Folds, K’s Choice and Michele Shocked.

She is also promoting her latest album, Ever Changing Colors, which includes music based on her survival, about being a woman, and “how nothing stays the same, no matter what.”

She says she has started going into schools more often with the help of one of her former Southside High School instructors, Barb Van Dine, a health teacher now retired. In that retirement, says Van Dine, "I'm busier than ever," as an SHS health consultant and in helping her old student, Baze, speak to the kids in this area.

Van Dine said Baze has spoken to students in Elmira and Corning, and will be visiting schools in Binghamton soon and possibly spreading out to Allentown, Pa. Baze says she might also set up school visits in her hometown of Salem, Mass.

When asked if Baze was a good student in high school, Van Dine smiled and said yes, "she was very good. She's very bright." And even back then she was very musical -- classically trained.

Van Dine was snapping photos and video-recording Thursday as Baze spoke to Watkins Glen middle schoolers in the WGMS auditorium, and later when the two women were guests at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club. Baze sang several numbers for the students, and one for the Rotarians.

She is staying with her parents during her visit here. "They live in the same house where I grew up in Elmira," she said.

She said she can't be on hand for this Sunday's cancer-related Live Like Liz 5K Run/Walk at the Watkins Glen High School and on the Catharine Valley Trail because she has "a really big gig" in Washington, D.C. -- playing with her band during a social gathering preceding the Women Deliver 2010 conference. Among the many attendees: Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.

In 2003, Baze was named One of Ms Magazine's "50 Women of the Year.” She was presented with a Presidential Leadership Award in 2005, and was named One of Shape Magazine’s "Women Who Shape the World" in 2007. In March 2008, she hit a musical highlight when she opened for Sheryl Crow in Baltimore, Maryland at a benefit concert for The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

"That was so cool," she said. "I was told I got the gig, and then they told me, "Oh, by the way, you're opening for Sheryl Crow. Wow!"

The two, naturally enough, got to know each other. "She calls me Cervical Girl, and I call her Boobs Girl" -- a reference to Crow's own battle against breast cancer.

Baze’s visit to Watkins Glen is supported by the Watkins Glen Central School District. Superintendent Tom Phillips was on hand at the Middle School performance, and echoed Baze afterward when he told the kids: "It's about awareness. It's about seeing that you have information you can use to save your family and yourselves."

Baze -- who because of the hysterectomy cannot have children -- put it this way in urging health checkups and pap smears: "Do what you can to save your fertility and yourself."

More information is available at www.theYellowUmbrella.org and www.ChristineBaze.com.

Photos in text: Christine Baze with former teacher and current "second mother" Barb Van Dine; Baze at the Middle School; and Baze acknowledging applause after performing a song at Rotary.

NEW YORK, May 29 -- The Watkins Glen Tour Guide (Preston Woods Publishing), written by former Watkins Glen resident Gordon Cooper, has won top honors in ForeWord Reviews’ 2009 Book of the Year Awards in the travel-guide category.

ForeWord announced Book of the Year Award winners in 60 categories at BookExpo America in New York City. These books, representing the best independently published works from 2009, were selected by dozens of librarians and booksellers who are experts in the subject matter of the books they judged. The winning titles were chosen based on editorial excellence, professional production, originality of the narrative, author credentials relative to the book, and the value the book adds to its genre.

Watkins Glen Tour Guide, published in August 2009, provides detailed history on the village and five self-guided tours of Watkins Glen and the surrounding areas. Each tour includes a detailed map and highlights of what to see along the route. Tours include a walk through the village, Watkins Glen State Park, the original road race course that brought racing to the village, and local wineries.

Copies of Watkins Glen Tour Guide are available at several local stores and wineries. Autographed copies can be ordered from www.prestonwoods.com.

WATKINS GLEN, May 28 -- Watkins Glen High School junior Maria Scuteri was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award on Thursday, May 27 at the Community Center in Watkins Glen. The Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouts -- equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle Award.

Her award was presented by Jennifer Kellogg, who received her own Gold Award in 1999. Maria is in Watkins Glen Troop 351, which is led by Bonnie Scuteri and Inda Mahler. Her Gold Advisor was Mary Coykendall. Maria, who also attends the BOCES Culinary Arts Program, is the daughter of Vince and Bonnie Scuteri of Watkins Glen, granddaughter of Richard and Elizabeth Scuteri of Watkins Glen, and granddaughter of Christian and June Merrill of Beaver Dams.

The requirements for the Gold Award involve the completion of a combination of interest projects, leadership, career exploration and service projects. A young woman must demonstrate ability and skill in goal-setting, planning, putting values into action, and relating to the community. Over the years the Gold Award has also been called the Golden Eaglet, the Curved Bar, and First Class.

Maria’s Gold Award project was to collect non-perishable items for the Schuyler County-based Transition House for domestic-abuse victims. The Transition House was a safe place where families could go to get away from the abuse and abuser.

She led a group of children to decorate boxes, and when they were completed, she put the decorated boxes with a list of items that she was collecting at Cargill Salt, The Daily News, P&C, 414 Red & White, CVS Pharmacy and Scuteri’s Cannoli Connection. An ad was put in the Hi-lites and The Daily News to let people know about the project. In turn, people put their donations in the boxes and Maria and her volunteers collected them as needed. Maria put a challenge out to the Girl Scout Troops in Schuyler County to see which Troop could bring in the most items. Troop 170 led by Mary Coykendall collected 337 items.

During the collection of these items, the Transition House was closed, so Maria worked with Vallerie Smith of Catholic Charities to get the items to victims of domestic violence. A total of 1,160 items were collected by the end of the project. Maria then created a notebook for local Girl Scouts so that they might keep the project going on a yearly basis.

Photo in text: Maria Scuteri, right, at award ceremony with Jennifer Kellogg, left, and Gold Advisor Mary Coykendall. (Photo provided)

Delivering the check to Schuyler County uniformed deputies David Centurelli, center, and Jason Edminster and Jacob Keirst, left and right rear, were, from left: John Denmark, a retired Tompkins County deputy; Scott Peters of the Ithaca Police Department; Randy Hoover of the Ithaca Police Department; Jim Miller of Corning, Patrick Johnson of the Elmira Police Department; Justin Williams of the Ithaca Police Department; and Daryl Dibble of the Owego Police Department.

WATKINS GLEN, May 26 -- A motorcycle group composed largely of law-enforcement personnel donated $500 Tuesday to the Nick Preston/Schuyler County Deputy Sheriff's Association Scholarship Fund.

Preston, a Schuyler County Sheriff's deputy until his death last year, was a member of the motorcycle group, known as the Ferox Sus.

Seven members of the group arrived at the Schuyler Sheriff's Office on their motorcycles to present the check to Sheriff's Deputy and Association president David Centurelli, along with Association members Jason Edminster and Jacob Keirst.

The Association will use the funds as part of the annual $2,000 scholarship it provides to a graduating Schuyler County high school senior who will be pursuing a career in criminal justice.

From left: Kay and Amedeo Fraboni and their son Tony were among Sunday's diners.

WATKINS GLEN, May 24 -- A steady stream of diners showed up at the Watkins Glen Community Center in Clute Park Sunday afternoon for a benefit held to help defray the medical costs of Vincent Scuteri.

The event, featuring a spaghetti dinner, was accompanied by music and by raffles and a live auction.

A live auction of donated items was conducted midway through the benefit, at 4 p.m.

A participant at Saturday's Flare-Up! tries her hand at using a smoke flare on the Seneca Lake shoreline at Clute Park.

WATKINS GLEN, May 23 -- The safe use of fire extinguishers, flares and other safety devices while boating was the subject of a Clute Park gathering Saturday titled "Flare-Up!"

The event, presented by the Seneca Sail and Power Squadron, offered members of the squadron and other boaters a chance to bring their outdated flares to the park and fire them off under the supervision of Coast Guard and Sheriff's Department navigation officials.

There was also a demonstration of various handheld safety devices as part of a celebration of National Safe Boating Week -- and as part of a boating certification program. A Coast Guard representative gave a detailed explanation of signal devices for boats -- such as handheld flares, smoke distress signals, and flare guns.

The Watkins Glen Fire Department was also on hand with a newly purchased extinguisher simulation system that teaches how to put out fires with an extinguisher "with a sweeping motion, aiming at the base of the fire," department spokesman Robbie DeDominick told observers.

While putting out a fire requires "taking away" one of the three points of "a fire triangle: heat, fuel and oxygen," DeDominick said, a boat fire can be so volatile with fiberglas, gasoline, upholstery and other onboard materials that the best move is often to "get people away from it. Get in the water and signal" for help.

A Flare-Up! participant extinguishes a fire using a Fire Department simulator.

WATKINS GLEN, May 19 -- Fifty nine walkers raised over $2,700 for the 2nd Step Up For The Arc Walk-A-Thon on Saturday, May 15 to support The Arc of Schuyler and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Instructors from Exercise Enterprise in Watkins Glen warmed up participants with an aerobic workout and stretching before the walk began at The Arc on Twelfth Street in Watkins Glen. Walkers proceeded along the Catharine Valley Trail to Route 14 in Montour Falls and then retraced their steps and finished at The Arc.

Some participants walked as individuals and some walked with friends or family members in teams. Awards of appreciation were given to walkers in accordance with the donation value they raised.

The Arc of Schuyler operates various levels of residential supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as providing service coordination and educational, vocational and transportation supports.

For more information about The Arc of Schuyler, visit www.arcofschuyler.org or contact Holly Baker at 607-535-6934.

Storybook Hour on Tuesday at the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library featured a tea party.

Ideas for the party came from the book Fancy Nancy Tea Parties by Jane O'Connor.

Kids dressed up in fancy clothes, and listened to a brief talk on manners and how to set a table. Then they partook of tiny sandwiches and squares of cheese, along with mice-shaped chocolate treats.

It was the first time that the Storybook Hour coordinator, Bonnie Schweizer, had tried the tea-party theme, and she judged it a success. The kids, she said, had fun while learning.

CAYUTAVILLE, May 18 -- Forty local residents and volunteers from the Schuyler County Environmental Management Council (EMC) and the Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC) met Saturday morning to pick up garbage from the northern end of Cayuta Lake near the public boat launch.

Watershed resident Roxanne Leyes, a member of both the EMC and the WQCC, brought the matter of the increased dumping at the site to the attention of the committees. A clean-up effort was organized, and approximately 1,000 pounds of garbage -- including box springs, mattresses, car parts, plastic and other items -- was picked up by the volunteers.

The county highway department installed "Unlawful to Litter, $250 fine" signs to discourage further dumping. Trucks to haul away the garbage were provided by the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District and the County Highway Department through a shared services program.

Jenna Hicks -- Cornell Cooperative Extension Environmental Science Educator and a staff member for the EMC -- provided logistical help and gloves, garbage bags, and other items to make the pick-up efficient and safe.

Cayuta Lake -- also known as "Little Lake" -- provides excellent fishing and boating. Many lakeshore residents assisted with the clean-up, as did neighbors who don’t have property adjacent to the lake but live nearby and use the boat launch area to access the lake.

All are hoping that dumping in this area will stop. As Jacob Lawler, age 12, commented: “How come people do this?”

Top: Some of the volunteers who helped pick up garbage at the Cayuta Lake boat launch site.

Bottom: Chip Lawler and sons Owen and Jacob, summer residents on Cayuta Lake, cleaning along the entrance road to the boat launch..

Part of the group of Walk-a-Thon participants makes its way along a section of the trail.

WATKINS GLEN, May 16-- The 2nd annual Step Up For The Arc Walk-A-Thon was held Saturday along the Catharine Valley Trail between Watkins Glen and Montour Falls -- an event designed to raise funds in support of The Arc of Schuyler and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Schuyler County.

The walk began at The Arc of Schuyler on Twelfth Street in Watkins Glen, and proceeded along the Trail to Route 14 in Montour Falls. Participants then turned around, retraced their steps on the trail, and finished back at The Arc.

Some participants walked as individuals, and some with friends or family as teams. Awards of appreciation were given to walkers in accordance with the donation value they raised.

The Arc of Schuyler operates various levels of residential supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as service coordination and educational, vocational and transportation supports.

For more information about The Arc of Schuyler, visit www.arcofschuyler.org or contact Holly Baker at 607-535-6934.

Photo at right of text: Among the walkers was Arc of Schuyler Executive Director Jim Wilson.

Solar-car owner Chris Eachus (yellow jacket) discusses his vehicle with onlookers.

WATKINS GLEN, May 8 -- There were some familiar sights -- vehicles that run on solar power, on batteries, on propane and off of burning wood -- and there were some new sights Saturday at the sixth annual Green Grand Prix in Watkins Glen.

The new sights included an Electrathon competition and the presence of a Discovery Channel TV crew preparing a show for airing this Thursday on Canadian TV, and in about three weeks on the Internet.

The Green Grand Prix is a daylong celebration of sustainable transportation with the mission of promoting awareness of environmentally friendly vehicles and fuels through motoring events and educational activities.

Grand Prix founder, area artist and hybrid owner Robert Gillespie was preaching that viewpoint at various places on the Grand Prix grounds -- the Watkins Glen school district Decatur Street parking lot adjacent to the International Motor Racing Research Center, one of the event’s sponsors. Corporate sponsors include Toyota and Honda.

.“We’re in dire need of creative and inventive solutions to energy challenges,” Gillespie has said.

Since its inception in 2005, the Green Grand Prix has included a road rally for alternate fueled vehicles, hybrids and fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered cars. This year, two rallies were offered: the event’s signature road rally through the region and a fuel economy competition for all classes of vehicles.

Among the scheduled participants in that latter event was a solar-powered car from Newburgh owned by Chris Eachus, who has attended the GGP in the past. But plans to drive in the rally went by the wayside, he said, when a titanium rod in the right rear wheel assembly broke. He visited a hardware store and fixed the problem well enough to drive the vehicle up Decatur to the parking lot for display.

The Electrathon event is a timed slalom race run by high school students in single-person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high-efficiency vehicles. The students Saturday -- from five schools in central New York -- ran the course one at a time, with judges standing by to time them, determine if they missed any slalom turns, and "crunch some numbers" (as one observer said) to average the runs of one school (say with three drivers) against those of another school (with two drivers). Cazenovia High School ended up the winner.

Several WGHS students from Maggie Edgley's Video Production Class were wandering about, camera in hand, recording the goings-on with an eye toward producing a documentary to enter in the GGP's new video contest for high school students. The winner's prize is a quality FLIP video camera given to his or her school. The camera is being donated by Best Buy of Big Flats.

A popular vehicle was an E-Racer owned by Michael Lewis of Portland, Maine, who said he also visited this festival with the same car "two or three years ago." He said his vehicle -- a three-wheeler run on two batteries and positioned very low to the ground -- has gone as fast as 100 mph. He made it five years ago, mostly in his basement. It weighs 73 pounds, "not counting the batteries or me."

The Discovery Channel crew was set up near a wood-burning vehicle owned by Chip Beam, who has also visited the GGP in the past. The discussion -- led by Canadian scientist and TV personality Alan Nursall, who reports on science news and has acted as guest host on a Discovery Channel Canada series called Daily Planet -- focused on biodiesel and woodburning modes of transportation, with Nursall conducting small experiments on a table surrounded by a small (hand-picked) audience.

Educational displays, speakers, rally cars and dealer cars were also on display, while exhibits and food were part of the day’s line-up. Speakers covered a variety of topics at a tent on the adjacent lawn.

From top: Michael Lewis and his battery-powered E-Racer; radio's Rick Hughey (left) interviews GGP founder Robert Gillespie; an Electrothon competitor from Central New York; a propane-powered 1933 Ford owned by John Cadwallader of Elmira; and Canadian TV personality Alan Nursall (brown shirt) conducts an experiment as part of the Discovery Channel's taping.

MONTOUR FALLS, May 7 -- The Watkins Montour Lions Club, a partner with the Schuyler Coalition for the Awareness, Management and Prevention of Diabetes (SCAMP “D”), held its first-ever STRIDES Walk for diabetes on Saturday, May 1.

The SCAMP “D” committee offered an interactive event in conjunction with the walk. A total of 48 participants, who received a tee shirt and backpack filled with goodies, walked a 3-mile portion of the Catharine Valley Trail and then took part in various cooking demonstrations, health screenings and informational tables at the WGHS track.

Specific activities included demonstrations for healthy cooking by Paddy Redihan, RD of Cornell Cooperative Extension, health screenings such as cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and BMI, and informational tables provided by Schuyler Hospital, the American Diabetes Association, the Lions Club and the Office for the Aging’s health promotions program.

Dr. Brian Bleiler, local optometrist, was on hand to answer questions regarding Diabetic Retinopathy and other eye-related diseases. Also participating were Dr. Jake Viegel from Cayuga Sports Medicine discussing “Diabetes and Exercise: A Plan and a Prescription” and John Jacobs, RD, Program Coordinator for the Arnot Health Diabetes Center, who spoke on “The Effect of Food on Blood Sugars.”

Barbara Anderson, owner of Exercise Enterprises, led the warm-up exercises just prior to the walk, and Sheriff Bill Yessman served as the official starter, leading the walkers out to the Catharine Valley Trail.

Top: Dave Smith gets his blood pressure checked as part of the STRIDES Walk activities.

Bottom: Brothers Jim (left) and Rob Swinnerton of the host Lions Club. (Photos provided)

MONTOUR FALLS, May 5 -- Boy Scout Troop 2000 moved up two places -- to first place -- in the final week of Schuyler Steps Out to win the program's 2010 championship.

In a week that saw about half of the 34 teams increase their steps, the Boy Scouts moved from 3rd place to the top spot.

The Boy Scouts overtook last week's No. 1 team, the Red Cross, and last week's No. 2 team, Wal-Mart. Those two teams finished second and third, respectively.

The only other movement in the top 10 came as the Dutton S. Peterson Library of Odessa advanced from No. 10 to No. 8, passing the Watkins Glen Middle School and Hazlitt's Vineyards.

The wrap-up celebration will be held at noon on Friday, May 21 in Schuyler Hospital's Seneca View Activities Room. A grand-champion prize will be awarded, as well as prizes for the "Most Improved" steppers and MVPs.

This was the fourth annual competition. In 2009, a record 662 walkers on 33 teams logged 673 million total steps, or 337,000 miles – the equivalent of 13 1/2 trips around the Earth. This year there were 654 walkers on 34 teams.

Schuyler Steps Out is a partnership between Schuyler Hospital, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Wal-Mart, Sullivan Trail Red Cross, Lakewood Vineyards, and Chemung Canal Trust Company.

Each "stepping week" ran from Monday-Sunday. Here are the final Top Ten teams:

1. Boy Scout Troop 2000, 11 walkers, 1,013,054 cumulative average steps (3rd last week)
2. Sullivan Trail Red Cross, 6 walkers, 996,086 cumulative average steps (1st last week)
3. WalMart, 40 walkers, 985,889 cumulative average steps (2nd last week)
4. Lakewood Vineyards, 10 walkers, 915,934 cumulative average steps (4th last week)
5. Falls Home, 23 walkers, 890,825 cumulative average steps (5th last week)
6. Famous Brands, 5 walkers, 874,952 cumulative average steps (6th last week)
7. Watkins Glen High School, 17 walkers, 796,895 cumulative average steps (7th last week)
8. Dutton S. Peterson Library, 7 walkers, 792,038 cumulative average steps (10th last week)
9. Watkins Glen Middle School, 5 walkers, 782,497 cumulative average steps (8th last week)
10. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 10 walkers, 776,462 cumulative average steps (9th last week)

WATKINS GLEN, May 4 -- Used vehicles can now be a source of funding to The Arc of Schuyler. The non-profit organization in Watkins Glen has become a participating chapter in The Arc Car Donation Program organized by The Arc of The U.S. and the Melwood Charity Car Donation Center.

Vehicle donors will receive an IRS tax deduction for donating used cars, vans, trucks, boats with trailers, and recreational vehicles in addition to making a significant contribution to The Arc of Schuyler.

Donating a used vehicle can be done simply and quickly online. Visit www.arcofschuyler.org, click on “Donate Your Used Car to The Arc,” and submit the online form, taking care to designate the vehicle to The Arc of Schuyler. Donors may also call 1-877-ARC-CAR0 (1-877-272-2270) to speak to a representative. Qualified vehicles with clean titles will be towed free of charge at donor’s convenience, and all necessary tax form documentation will be provided.

For more information about donating a vehicle, consult the “Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations” found in IRS Publication 4303. Charitable contributions must be itemized on Schedule A of Form 1040 to qualify, and if the total deduction claimed on the tax return exceeds $500, FORM 8283 “Non-cash Charitable Contributions” must also be completed and attached.

The Arc of Schuyler is a 501c3 non-profit organization that operates various levels of residential supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as case management, service coordination, and educational, vocational and transportation supports for individuals and their families in Schuyler County. For more information on The Arc, visit www.arcofschuyler.org or call 607-535-6934.

One of the evening's highlights: Tony Specchio (center) honored for 55 years of service to the department. He received a standing ovation.

WATKINS GLEN, May 2 -- Camaraderie was the byword Saturday night as the Watkins Glen Fire Department held its annual banquet at Hidden Valley.

The evening featured: a tribute to those department members who had passed away in the previous year; awards for most responses and for varying amounts of training hours; recognition of years of service, from five years to 55; and a speech by Chief Dominick Smith on the state of the department and on highlights of the past year.

Emcee Tom Carson introduced various area officials, as well as representatives of nearby fire departments, all of whom shared a common theme: an appreciation of the help that each department provides the others in times of need -- from the fire that threatened downtown Watkins Glen in October to Friday night's house fire outside Cayutaville.

Photo at right: Former Watknis Glen Fire Chief Robbie DeDominick rings a bell as names are read of department members who passed away in the past year.

From left: Odessa Fire Chief Mike Tomassi, Watkins Glen Fire Chief Dominick Smith, and the banquet emcee, Montour Falls Fire Chief Tom Carson.

Firefighting vehicles can be seen racing to the scene of the fire, left. (Photo by Kim Peak)

CAYUTAVILLE, May 1 -- A fire possibly electrical in nature gutted a home on the Chapman Road off County Route 6 near Cayutaville Friday night. Ten departments responded to the blaze, which sent two firefighters to the hospital for treatment.

Odessa Fire Chief Mike Tomassi said the fire at 3650 Chapman Road was discovered by the residents, Daniel Cook and his son Michael, and phoned in by the son.

"They heard something, and went outside," said Tomassi, "and saw the fire on the other side of the house" -- an L-shaped structure just a few yards in from the dirt road.

The Odessa Fire Department was dispatched at 9:04 p.m., and reached the scene at 9:12, with flames shooting high above the two-story, wood-frame structure.

"They were going straight up, well above the tree line," said Tomassi, who added that because of that upward flow, there was little fear that the fire might spread across the street to a Cook-owned barn.

The chief said the house was full -- to the ceiling in some rooms -- of books and furniture and other material. "There was so much stuff, it was still burning under" material that had been doused heavily with water. As a result, the fire rekindled after firefighters had vacated the scene.

The last unit departed at 4:30 a.m., but Tomassi said his department was called back to the scene at 5:20 when a friend of the residents noticed smoke rising again from the house. "I knew that would happen," he said, "but I thought it might be later in the morning. I was going to have to go out and check it again anyway."

The fire, which eliminated the attic, charred the second floor and left heavy damage downstairs, injured two firefighters -- one who fell down some stairs, and one struck by falling debris. Both were treated at Cayuga Medical Center and released.

The house was not insured, Tomassi said, and is a total loss. Code enforcement personnel told him it would be condemned, and likely knocked down.

Firefighters responding on mutual aid included Mecklenburg, Montour Falls, Burdett, Watkins Glen, Enfield, Hector, Town & Country, Trumansburg and Newfield.

Tomassi said the Cooks had seven cats, and that several died in the fire. An elderly dog made it out, and was lying on the edge of the road during the firefighting, "ignoring all the fire trucks." Roosters kept near the building were not injured.

The chief said that while officials think the fire was started by an electrical malfunction, the cause will probably be officially listed as "undetermined. It's too far gone" to tell for sure.

Photos in text: The exterior of the building was still standing after the fire, but the interior damage was extensive, as suggested by the view looking up the stairwell.

WATKINS GLEN, April 29 -- Schuyler County League of Women Voters outgoing president Max Neal turned over the gavel Wednesday to incoming president Jim Wilson, the first man to hold the office in the local League's 55-year history.

The move came at the League's annual meeting at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. In addition to Wilson, the following officers were elected: Jean Kosty, 1st Vice-President; Donna Beardsley, Secretary; and Nancy Peters, Treasurer.

Neal reviewed the accomplishments of the League over the past year and thanked various committee chairs and members for all of their hard work.

Wilson reiterated that the League will continue to focus on its values and mission to educate citizens about important issues related to government and to promote voter registration.

The membership also reviewed, discussed and approved a proposal presented by the board of directors that outlined various changes to keep the League viable in the coming years with a goal of increasing local involvement and support.

More information can be found about the League by visiting www.schuylervotes.com

GENEVA, April 26 -- Keuka Lake State Park has been selected as the future home of the Finger Lakes Cultural & Natural History Museum.

The decision (unanimous with one abstention) was made by the Musuem Board of Trustees after a yearlong process that began with 19 proposed sites, including one in Schuyler County's Town of Orange. That list was eventually winnowed down to two: the Keuka park near Branchport, and the Seneca Lake State Park in and adjacent to the City of Geneva.

Said Board President John Adamski: "For more than two months, the Site Selection Committee and the Board of Trustees have been wrestling with the most difficult decision of the entire site selection process: Choosing the right home for the Finger Lakes Museum between two very beautiful but distinctively different sites.

"While the Seneca Lake site has significant advantages like a central location, the board determined that the Keuka Lake site more closely met the requirements that were originally established in the Strategic Plan, especially as they relate to natural history programming."

The currently vacant Branchport Elementary School, he said, "has been purchased by the Finger Lakes Visitors Association for use as the Museum's base of operations during the project's startup phases." Its 13-acre site provides navigable water access to Keuka Lake.

Adamski said the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation has been "very cooperative and enthused over the proposal and we look forward to working with them to bring the project to fruition."

Although the museum will be built on lands leased from Finger Lakes State Parks, it will remain a privately-owned and mostly privately-funded not-for-profit education institution.

Safety officer David Centurelli watches as a man identified as Brad Jacobs takes the plunge.

WATKINS GLEN, April 24 -- The temperature was moderate Saturday, as opposed to last year's 88 degrees. And the Seneca Lake water was just as cold as you might expect.

The result was a slightly smaller but just as energetic crowd at the Tiki Bar for the 7th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, broadcast by WINK 106 radio and actively participated in by a WENY-TV personality.

Sportcaster Toby Motyka was among the 40 or so volunteers who leaped into Seneca Lake from the Tiki dock along the western shoreline -- some cannonball style, some with traditional head-first dives, some with simple jumps, some simply waving to the crowd and falling in backward (as did Motyka), at least one doing a backflip, and one slipping on the dock as she ran toward its edge. She ended up hitting the water awkwardly on her back.

Dave Centurelli, a longtime member of the Schuyler County Sheriff's office, was on hand on the dock once again for safety purposes, and to lend a hand to each leaper as he or she climbed back onto the dock. Former trooper Terry Stewart was in diving garb, situated most of the time underwater, just in case one of the participants needed help after hitting the water.

The event, which got underway shortly before 2 p.m., helps raise funds for the American Red Cross. With the cooler weather, the number of jumpers was down from last year's total of 69, and the crowd was thinner. And there was less skin showing, although a couple of young women entered the water in bikinis.

Judges were on hand on the dock, appraising the participants for awards for Most Original, Best Costume, Biggest Splash, and Wimpiest Jump.

Top: One participant hit the water after sending a load from a confetti gun into the air.

Bottom: Megan Myers, left, and Kristen Csikortos pose after plunging into Seneca Lake together.

WENY-TV sportscaster Toby Motyka falls backward into the water after waving to the crowd.

Left: Caitlin Tokar slips while running to the edge of the dock. She hit the water on her back. Right: Linda Williams and Amanda Shaw enter the water together.

Spectators were spread around the grounds. This foursome had a good view from the hillside.

From left: Erica Fiore, Cindy Scott, Hannah Capozzi and Chuck Luppe in a scene from "Twelve Angry Jurors."

WATKINS GLEN, April 18 -- – The Lake Country Players presented their third and final performance Saturday night of “Twelve Angry Jurors” in the Watkins Glen Elementary School Auditorium.

First written for television in 1954 as “Twelve Angry Men,” it was later adapted for the stage and made into an award-winning film. It has continued to captivate audiences for more than 50 years by drawing them into the inner workings of an American court system. In performances Friday night and Saturday afternoon and night, this drama was brought to life on the stage with a cast of 13 and first-time LCP director Beth Clark.

The story takes place in a jury room with 12 jurors who have just listened to six days worth of court proceedings in a murder case. Their thoughts, ideas and emotions are laid out on the table as they try to come to a unanimous vote as to the guilt or innocence of a 19-year-old boy. One juror is convinced there is reasonable doubt, while the rest think it is an open-and-shut case of guilt.

Eventually, through logic and despite heated emotions, the lone juror is able to successfully argue his case and persuade the others to vote not guilty.

Director Beth Clark enjoyed watching the cast develop their characters and embrace the emotions, some of which were very intense.

“I wanted to get my feet wet directing a smaller play, and this story has always been a favorite of mine," she said. "Generally LCP’s season involves musicals, but musicals can sometimes be very challenging for a new director. I am glad that they let me have this opportunity to try out a straight play and be a part of their new season. I look forward to directing more shows for them in the future. Everyone has been helpful and supportive.”

Also on the production team was Marshall Garrett as Stage Manager. For the past five years he has helped out with Odessa-Montour High School productions, and recently joined LCP as backstage crew.

“This is my first play as Stage Manager," he said. "It's fun and a new experience for me. I hope to have the opportunity to be Stage Manager again in future productions."

Judge's Voice – Jack Olcott
Guard – Tim Benjamin
Foreman – Jason Finch
Juror #2 – Jackie Eakin
Juror #3 – Michelle Banach
Juror #4 – Meg Cabezas
Juror #5 – Hannah Capozzi
Juror #6 – Gene Holleran
Juror #7 – Cindy Scott
Juror #8 – Mike Truesdail
Juror #9 – Howard Cabezas
Juror #10 – Chuck Luppe
Juror #11 – Tesha Carrigan
Juror #12 – Erica Fiori

Top: Michelle Banach as Juror #3 is pulled away from another juror by Cindy Scott, left, and Tesha Carrigan during a heated exchange.

Middle: Michael Truesdail as Juror #8, the man who turned the jury away from voting the defendant guilty.

Jurors watch as two members of their group recreate the murder that prompted their deliberations.

ODESSA and WATKINS GLEN, April 18 -- As part of the recent National Library Week, the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library and Watkins Glen Public Library continued their free spring crafts series by hosting Felicia Dvornicky, a folk artist from Elmira who taught a class on molas..

Molas is a fabric art used by the Cuna Indians of the San Blaas Islands off the coast of Panama. Dvornicky used colorful paper and simple geometric designs to show her audience the concept of this unusual craft, and then had participants try their hand at it.

The program was sponsored by the library and made possible by grants from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and Finger Lakes, Inc., and Decentralization funds administered by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

Photo in text: Felicia Dvornicky teaching about Molas during her recent library class. (Photo provided)

WATKINS GLEN, April 9 -- - The Arc of Schuyler has started its 2010 Annual Membership and Fund Drive.

The campaign is a major fund-raising event for the Watkins Glen-based not-for-profit agency. The Arc currently has more than 870 members and patrons who provide financial and volunteer support to the organization throughout the year. It has established a goal to increase membership and raise $22,000 by July 31.

The Arc provides services -- including residential supports, day habilitation, vocational training and placement, and transportation -- to over 300 local residents with intellectual, cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families. It is one of the largest employers in the area, and is funded through a variety of sources, but services and supports such as guardianship, parent training, recreational opportunities and provision of special equipment must be funded through private donations.

Membership renewal notices have been sent to current supporters, and the organization is appealing to all members of the local community. According to Executive Director Jim Wilson, an increase in membership "will give The Arc of Schuyler a stronger influence in the statewide organization, NYSARC, Inc., and at the national level in The Arc of the United States, which means the needs of local residents are more likely to be achieved."

For more information on The Arc of Schuyler or the Membership and Fund Drive, call 607-535-6934 or visit www.arcofschuyler.org.

Easter Egg Hunt chairman Glenn Larison with great-grandson Lane Roy and the Easter Bunny.

Warm weather greets Easter Egg hunters

It was sunny and warm for Saturday's annual Odessa Lions Club-sponsored Easter Egg Hunt on the Odessa-Montour baseball outfield. Kids in shorts and short sleeves -- they were bundled up against an arctic wind in past years -- tracked down candy-filled plastic eggs in the outfield. Six of the hunters (Sarah Gardner, Brody Williams, Jeremyah Spence, Phoenix Parmenter, Grace Underdown and Kyra Yaw) found gold-colored eggs that earned them large chocolate bunnies. The event has been held annually since 1960, and has been under the direction of the Lions' Glenn Larison since '72.

Left: The hunt is on.

WATKINS GLEN, April 2 -- The scene at Watkins Glen International's Media Center Thursday evening was one of camaraderie -- fitting considering its purpose.

It was a gathering arranged by the Spirit of Schuyler (S.O.S.) organization to try and get the word out about what it does -- which is provide emergency funding for Schuyler County residents in need.

The evening's title was the Spirit of Schuyler Rescue Rendezvous. Its purpose: "To acknowledge the many successes of the Spirit of Schuyler."

The group has undertaken fund-raising efforts to help finance its effort, and looks to area businesses and leaders as means of securing donations and support. But there's a hitch.

"We've found that a lot of people, when we approach them, don't know who we are or what we do," said Tony Vickio, the organization's president. His wife Harriett and daughter Beth are vice-presidents, while Gary Whyman is treasurer and Alan Gregory is secretary.

The S.O.S. Board is composed of Jim Howell, Michelle Benjamin, Lorry Johnson and Jack Eckert.

The whole operation started in the garage at Vickio's home with a "Gathering" that raised funds for the needy and became an annual staple known for great food, great music and great prizes. The organization has grown from there, but sees a need for further growth -- especially in harsh economic times.

One of its beneficiaries was on hand Thursday -- Shannon Cornish, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in August that killed a companion, Jeffrey Jones, and left her hospitalized for two months and in a wheelchair afterwards. She is free of the chair now, but limited in her mobility.

She told the audience at Thursday's event how, when she was moving to a new apartment in December, she drained her savings to pay the security deposit and didn't have enough for her first month's rent. That's when she was told about the Spirit of Schuyler. She applied for help, and was provided with that month's rent.

But while the S.O.S. group helps individuals like Cornish on a case-by-case basis, it has a more general purpose that guides its actions.

"The Spirit of Schuyler," it says in its promotional literature, "is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to helping improve the quality of life in Schuyler County, helping people who are helping themselves."

To learn more about the organization and how, perhaps, to help its effort, visit online at www.spiritofschuyler.org

Top: From left: WGI President Michael Printup, Linda Confer and County Administrator Tim O'Hearn were among those present.

Middle: Harriett Vickio, a vice-president of the Spirit of Schuyler organization.

A wave carries debris high as it crashes into the wall at the Seneca Harbor Marina. The Seneca Legacy dining vessel is in the background.

WATKINS GLEN, March 31 -- The wind was high and the temperature low Tuesday, and the result was a whitecapped Seneca Lake with waves crashing high over the Watkins Glen breakwater and the shoreline.

The wind, carrying the whitecaps directly south toward Watkins, created a wind chill that was numbing. Occasional visitors carrying cameras braved the elements, but only long enough to snap a few shots.

The weather, which included snow showers late in the afternoon, was expected to get wetter with the arrival of rain from the east, but the forecast farther ahead was looking good -- with temperatures reaching into the 70s by Thursday.

Photo in text: Visitors to Seneca Harbor Park were photographing the crashing waves.

WATKINS GLEN, March 26 -- The Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop in Watkins Glen is seeking volunteers to provide customer service at the gallery during operating hours.

The Gallery, at 209 N. Franklin Street, is operated by The Arc of Schuyler and serves as a venue for local and regional artists as well as a site for workshops, educational programs, readings and entertainment. It is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but may be open additional hours and days with the support of volunteers.

"Volunteering at the Gallery is a fun way to support the arts, meet new people and visitors to our area, and to spend some time in a relaxing environment," said Peter Greaves, Gallery Coordinator.

For more information on volunteering or utilizing space at the Gallery for group meetings, call Greaves at 607-535-2571 or email pgreaves@arcofschuyler.org.

WATKINS GLEN, March 25 -- A Watkins Glen High School Student Council, Interact and Diversity club-sponsored "Skate for Haiti" raised $200 for Haitian relief Wednesday.

About 50 attendees enjoyed the skating facilities of the Watkins Glen Community Center at Clute Park, dancing to music and partaking of pizza and ice cream.

The event, recheduled from last month due to inclement weather, was designed for Middle School students, although organizers and chaperones were takng advantage of the opportunity to skate, too.

Photo at right: WGHS student Charlie Bascom skates over another student with one of many maneuvers attempted by participants Wednesday at "Skate for Haiti."

MONTOUR FALLS, March 19 -- Voter registration was the topic of discussion when the Schuyler County League of Women Voters held its March luncheon meeting at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge.

League President Max Neal introduced Joe Fazzary (R) and John Vona (D) from the Board of Elections for a discussion organized by Program Chair Jean Kosty.

Fazzary and Vona outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Elections, including a mandatory Annual Report to the state board, media notification to reach voters and inform potential voters, and visits to local high schools, often helped by the League, to inform, educate and encourage students to register to vote.

Recently voter registration has been down, particularly among the younger generation. Ideas were discussed and questions were fielded by the Commissioners.

For voter information and League activities (luncheons are open to the public), visit online at www.schuylervotes.com; for New York State Board of Elections information, visit online at www.elections.state.ny.us/

WATKINS GLEN, March 17 -- Cornell University Professor Anthony R. Ingraffea issued a strong note of caution Tuesday night as he addressed more than 150 people in the Watkins Glen High School Auditorium on the subject of the Marcellus Shale and natural-gas drilling in general.

Ingraffea -- a specialist in rock mechanics -- said that while Schuyler County won't be one of the "hot counties" targeted by gas firms once the state opens the door to drilling, it will be a busy place with requests for injection wells and for water withdrawals from Seneca Lake (which he said "won't make much of a dent" in the lake but will create problems associated with increased truck traffic).

He urged people interested in the drilling subject to study it and reach their own conclusions, although he cautioned against "immediate, intense" drilling in New York anytime soon, citing his own belief that -- based on a study of drilling elsewhere, in particular Pennsylvania -- it could have a negative impact that includes "loss of habitat, loss of infrastructure (and) loss of ... the Finger Lakes quality of life for many."

It would also, he said, have "a negligible impact on the national energy supply" despite the claims of pro-drilling advertisements to the contrary.

Photo in text: Professor Anthony R. Ingraffea makes a point during Tuesday's talk.

WATKINS GLEN, March 12 -- The Humane Society of Schuyler County has, in the past year, opened a thrift shop in Watkins Glen and taken over control of the county dog shelter on Van Zandt Hollow Road.

These steps came three years after it opened a spay/neuter clinic for cats on County Route 10 in a former veterinarian's office, and after it had undertaken a concerted effort to place homeless cats -- and some dogs -- with county families.

It has been a busy time, and a lot of work for the volunteers who make the organization an efficient one. But it is about to get busier, and more stressful.

The Humane Society, its president Georgie Taylor told the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at its weekly luncheon on March 11, is about to embark on the costly prospect of relocating the dog shelter from Van Zandt Hollow Road to an as-yet undeveloped spot across the county, on County Route 10. The envsioned facility will serve as "a single point of contact where people can go to adopt dogs and cats," she said.

Cost estimates for the new facility, she noted, have been higher than expected, while the income from the sale of the dog shelter will apparently be lower than expected. So there are "big challenges ahead" as the Humane Society launches a capital campaign

"It's going to happen," said Taylor about the planned-for shelter, "but we need the support of the community." If need be, she said, the Society will undertake just part of the project for now -- "enough to get the dogs moved over."

The sale of the old shelter and the move to a new one were parts of the Humane Society's agreement with the county, and are supposed to happen by late this year. "The county will sell the Van Zandt Hollow property," she said, "and the proceeds will help toward the new building."

The thrift shop -- first located in a Franklin Street building in Watkins Glen, but moved up the street to 29 N. Franklin St. when pipes above the first shop burst -- took in $25,000 its first year, Taylor said. That "thrilled us," she said, but now, with the growing challenges, "we need to do more."

Photo in text: Humane Society of Schuyler County President Georgie Taylor with photos she utilized as part of her presentation to Rotary Club.

MONTOUR FALLS, March 10 -- More than $2,300 was raised by the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary at its annual Spaghetti Dinner Monday night at the Montour Moose Lodge.

The funds will be designated for scholarships for local high school students and hospital employees pursuing a career in health care.

The Auxiliary noted the contributions of the Montour Moose Lodge, "which graciously hosts the event every year," and the volunteer help provided by the Watkins-Montour Lions Club, the Watkins Glen High School Interact Club and the Odessa-Montour High School National Honor Society.

Left: Nick Dugo (left) and Amedeo Fraboni prepare spaghetti dishes. Right: The Interact Club (Kelly Martin & Hannah Pastrick) and Lions Club were busy in the kitchen. (Photos provided)

Diners turned out in force at the Reynoldsville Methodist Church. (Photo by Don Romeo)

REYNOLDSVILLE, March 2 -- About 300 diners turned out Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Reynoldsville United Methodist Church for a dinner, auction and music in support of Kristina Jaynes Burke of Reynoldsville.

The benefit held in her honor included homemade spaghetti, meatballs and dessert prepared by members of the church. A bake sale and Chinese auction also took place, and music was provided in the church by "Absolute A Capella," a group from Cornell Universtiy.

"Kristina has had a year that most people would never be able to imagine. Finding a lump in her breast in January 2009, she was later diagnosed with breast cancer ... when she was eight months pregnant. From then on, her life was just a whirl of frenzy.

"Having a newborn baby and beginning chemotherapy was only the beginning. In November, Kristina had a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. After returning to a very demanding job and taking care of nine-month-old Kristofer and his big sister Kaylynn, who is five years old, Kristina faced the piling of medical bills and co-payments.

"The Burke family is very grateful for all who came out to support them during their time of need, and to all the businesses that donated goods and services for the event."

Photos in text: Kitchen workers were busy at the benefit dinner on Feb. 27 (Photo by Don Romeo); Kristina Jaynes Burke and her children (File photo)

The "Absolute A Capella" group performed at the Burke benefit. (Photo by Don Romeo)

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 3 -- Daily operation of the Schuyler Teen Center will be ending soon, but the center could be the site of occasional events while its sponsor, Catholic Charities, devises a strategy for possibly reopening it on a regular basis in the future.

Funding shortfalls created by a loss of federal grant funds -- and a decision to retool the center concept to possibly attract some serious and "sustainable" financial backing -- led Catholic Charities to its decision. As part of its planning, it is turning to community leaders and other residents for their opinions and encouragement.

"I want to stress that daily operations are closing," said Paul Marx, agency director for Catholic Charities in Schuyler County. "We don't want to say the Teen Center is closing."

The center, which opened at 208 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen in 2006, will end its daily hours on Feb. 26. The hours are 2-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 2-8 on Thursday.

Catholic Charities, which also sponsors afterschool programs at the Watkins Glen Middle School -- the long-running Watkins Glen Youth Center and the 21st Century program, both state-funded -- had hoped to keep the Teen Center going daily through May.

"But running a center that helps teens develop into adulthood is pretty expensive," said Marx. The budget the past two years has been $80,000 per year -- and was more before that, when federal funding was being received.

The future of the center will hinge on the outcome of strategic planning, which Marx said will hopefully lead to foundation funds. Toward that end, he said, he is urging community members to write to him or Andrea Mattoon -- grants manager for Catholic Charities in Schuyler and Chemung counties -- expressing "support for the center and any thoughts on it moving forward." Those letters will prove helpful, he said, when Catholic Charities approaches foundations for future funding.

The center, operating now with a skeletal staff that includes Director Dwayne Followell, life skills instructor Mary Anne Combs and Nancy Brand -- along with volunteers -- caters to about a dozen teens a day. Between 70 and 80 different individuals utilize its services, said Marx.

Teens at the center were informed of the decision last week, and "the reaction was overall disappointment," said Mattoon. "For many of them, it's a second home, where they hang out with their friends. It's their place. Those who use it on a regular basis will definitely miss it."

Despite fund-raisers in two consecutive years at the Watkins Glen Community Center, despite other fund-raising efforts by the teens, and despite all the volunteerism, the decision to terminate daily operations -- at least for now -- had to be made, said Marx.

When he came on board as agency director on Sept. 1, he said, "I came in thinking change was inevitable" at the center.

But in making the change, Mattoon said, "we decided we wanted to build it stronger and more sustainable."

But first comes a careful study of the situation -- a reading of the community's wants and needs regarding its teens. Occasional -- but as yet undetermined -- events might be held at the center while the study is ongoing, Mattoon said.

Marx can envision -- with proper funding -- a main center with satellites elsewhere in the county, connected by bus service. A developing county-run bus line could contribute toward that goal.

"The bottom line," he said, "is we're a little disappointed we came to this point. But we couldn't just walk away. We're dedicated to putting in the time and energy to develop a strategic plan" -- one that will answer in a practical fashion the question: "What's next?"

Note: The following is a public service announcement from the Schuyler County Office of Fire and Emergency Management.

The majority of accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen. Property damage could be drastically reduced if people only knew what to do when confronted with a kitchen fire. Schuyler County Emergency Management suggests the following steps when confronted with a fire in the kitchen.

If the fire is confined to a pan on top of the stove, slide the lid across the pan and leave it there. Do not attempt to move the pan outdoors because you may burn yourself or spread the fire.

-- Never throw water or flour on a burning pan. Water will spread the flames and flour will actually explode!

-- Do not turn on the exhaust fan over the stove. This would suck the fire inside the walls of your home. If the fire is in your oven, turn off the heat and leave the door closed to cut off the fire’s air supply.

-- Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure its easily accessible in the event of a grease or oven fire. When purchasing a fire extinguisher for kitchen use, make sure the extinguisher is rated for Class ABC fires to insure its acceptability for use on kitchen fires.

If the fire is too large to safely cover, or for your fire extinguisher, leave the house immediately and call the fire department from a neighbor's telephone. Trying to fight a fire yourself when its too large can cause far more extensive damage and can result in more serious, unnecessary injury.

As a preventive action, keep your cooking appliances – including stovetops, burners, oven and broilers -- clean. Built-up grease can flare up easily, causing dangerous and damaging fires. And keep combustible materials – paper towels, dish towels, paper bags, cookbooks, and food packaging – away from the stove or other heat source. Keep your kitchen fire-safe.

For more information, contact your local Fire Department or go to this website on the Internet: http://www.schuylercounty.us/911E.htm

WATKINS GLEN, March 30 -- This photo -- an old aerial view of Seneca Lake -- was shown to the editor while he was visiting the Legislature office in the Schuyler County Office Building.

The editor didn't see it at first -- but does now: the unmistakable shape of the lake, a lake named after an native American tribe. The shape looks like that of an Indian, kneeling perhaps, with head bowed, and a feather at the upper, northernmost point of the visible profile.

"Cool," said the editor when he finally recognized the outline. And interesting. So he snapped a picture of the picture for presentation here.

Warm weather greets Easter Egg hunters

Chased by a madman

When you hit the road for vacation, you aren't always assured of smooth sailing. Herewith a tale of terror on the highway -- as it really happened. Features.

Chased by a madman

Warm weather greets Easter Egg hunters

Chased by a madman When you hit the road for vacation, you aren't always assured of smooth sailing. Herewith a tale of terror on the highway -- as it really happened. Features.

Chased by a madman

Chased by a madman

When you hit the road for vacation, you aren't always assured of smooth sailing. Herewith a tale of terror on the highway -- as it really happened. Features.