To visit the ----------- For your convenience, we have installed the link below to make donations to this website easier. Now you can utilize your PayPal account or your credit card. -------------- Click here or on the ad above to reach the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development website -------------------------------- Now
accepting applications 208
W. Broadway St., Montour Falls, NY 14865 --------------- Our Primary Pages Home ----------- We also carry a Business Card Page. Click here. ---------- Click on the ad below to go to the website featuring Lakewood Vineyards ---------- Be sure to visit Watkins Glen November 1 to February 28 Fresh produce, meats and crafts Find us on Facebook. -------- Click on the ad below to go to the Schuyler County Transit schedule. --------- We are open: Simply Your Best Hair - Skin - Nails - Massage. JoAnna Scott's salon at 4588 Route 224, west of Odessa, offers a variety of services: Phone: 607-594-2811. To reach the Simply Your Best website, click here. ---------- To reach the Seneca Design Studio website, click on the ad below. To visit the Schuyler County Historical Society website, click here.
For information on The Arc of Schuyler, click on the ad below or here. ------- Click on ad below to go to the Lake Country Players website. ------------ To go to Jim Guild's Famous Brands website, click on the drawing above or here. ----------------- We also have a Business Card Page. Click here. ----------------
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Sponsor: Cabins to Castles To reach the Cabins to Castles on Seneca Real Estate website, click here or on the ad below. Watkins Glen is nominated by USA Today in Best Small Town for Adventure contest WATKINS GLEN, April 16, 2018 -- Watkins Glen has been nominated in USA Today’s latest 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest! An expert panel selected Watkins Glen as a contender for Best Small Town for Adventure. The contest gives voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice at: http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-small-town-for-adventure/. Each person can vote once a day, every day, for the run of the contest.
Bar Harbor, Maine; Big Bend, California; Blowing Rock, North Carolina; Ennis, Montana; Everglade City, Florida; Florence, Oregon; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; Kanab, Utah; Marquette, Michigan; Moab, Utah; North Conway, New Hampshire; Sedona, Arizona; Sitka, Alaska; Stowe, Vermont; Sun Valley, Idaho; Telluride, Colorado; Truckee, California; Watkins Glen, New York; Winthrop, Washington Voting ends on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. Winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, May 18 at 12:00 noon EDT. 10Best winners from Schuyler County in past contests include: Watkins Glen International (Best NASCAR Track), Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel (Best Waterfront Hotel), Watkins Glen State Park (#3 State Park), and Finger Lakes Wine Festival (Best Wine Festival). To reach our website, click here. The Mechanical Meltdown team's robotic creation, Renaldo, places an object outside the practice enclosure area in the clubhouse. For a band of seven robotics enthusiasts,
The Mechanical Meltdown -- a name chosen by team members -- is in one of four age classes; there are two younger classes and one older.The number affixed to the team name (12833) was assigned -- the larger the number meaning the newer the team. FLARE is under the auspices of FIRST, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) engagement program for kids worldwide, which oversees the World competitions. It stands for this: For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology. There are actually two sites for the Worlds -- in Detroit from April 24 to 28 and the week before in Houston. There are, according to the Meltdown team coaches, 5200 robotic teams of this age group and competitive level around the world, with 128 qualifying at each of the World competitions. The northern hemisphere will be represented in Detroit; the southern hemisphere in Houston. Photos in text: Top: The Meltdown team members. Front from left: Sean Thweatt, Jill Stewart and Trevor Dunn; Back from left: Sam Stewart, Dylan Markley, Kishan Patel and Kaden Loucks-Scuteri. (Photo by Caitlyn O'Dell) The cast of "The Secret Garden" in a musical number at the end of the play. 'The Secret Garden' ends its run at O-M
The story of a young girl orphaned and sent to live with her uncle, the struggles she has adjusting, and the friendships she makes form the nucleus of a play about her late aunt's garden, locked and untended but brought back to glorious life. The play, as director Holly Campbell noted in the program, is as timely now as it was when written long ago, for it reminds us that "so often we get so caught up in what we are lacking, that we forget to appreciate what we have."
Other cast members included Jaylin Rumsey as Mrs. Medlock, Noah Brewster as Ben Weatherstaff, Shania Austin as Mrs. Winthrop, Cheyenne Barrett as Rose Lennox, Casey Underdown as Capt. Albert Lennox, Hailey Hoose as Alice, Tyler Carson as Lt. Wright, Bailey Hornbrook as Lt. Shaw, Justin Andrews as Major Shelley, Emily Holton as Mrs. Shelley, Elisha Norton as Major Holmes, Kaelyn Arnold as Claire, Allison Heichel as The Cleric, Emma Malnoske as The Ayah, and Ensemble members Marisa Alton, Taylor Alton, Sarah Barr, Gillian Clark, Sara Gardner, Taryn Hoyt, Nakiaha Robinson, Ida Sidle, Beatriz Silva, Madison Vogel and Cheianne Webster. The pit band led by Jennifer Kraemer included Tracey Ingerick and Lisa Frost on violin; Enaw Elonge on viola; Michelle Voorheis on flute; Sharon Anderson on clarinet; Bob King on trumpet; Pat Dunham and Hailee Empson on French horn; Julie Dombroski on trombone; Ian MacDonald and Alex MacDonald on keyboard; and Greg Hill on percussion.
Photos in text: Top: Archibald Craven (John Coates) hugs his son Colin (Ben Campbell) after discovering that the boy, long bedridden, can now walk in the secret garden. Mary Lennox (Molly Heichel), catching a ride in Ben's wheelchair, smiles approvingly. Middle: Archibald Craven (John Coates) performs a solo. Bottom: Mary Lennox (Molly Heichel) and Dickon (Rhys Stermer) during a duet. Left: Lily (Bronwyn Stermer) and Archibald (John Coates) sing a duet. Right: Hailey Hoose as Alice performs. Left: Martha (Hannah Rosier) during a dance number. Right: Mrs. Medlock (Jaylin Rumsey) and Dr. Neville Craven (William Yeater). Left: From left, Lily (Bronwyn Stermer), Rose (Cheyenne Barrett) and Capt. Albert Lennox (Casey Underdown) perform "A Bit of Earth." Right: Shania Austin as Mrs. Winthrop. Left: In the pit band: Lisa Frost on violin and Jennifer Kraemer directing. Right: Noah Brewster as Ben Weatherstaff. Left: Molly Heichel (playing Mary Lennox) sings. Right: John Coates (as Archibald Craven) and William Yeater (as Dr. Neville Craven) discuss Mary's future. Left: Mary (Molly Heichel) jumps rope. Right: From left: Hannah Rosier (as Martha), Rhys Stermer (Dickon) and Ben Campbell (Colin Craven) sing. From left: Noah Brewster, Rhys Stermer, Ben Campbell, Hannah Rosier and Molly Heichel. Flowers, an integral part of any school production, were available to theater patrons outside the auditorium, at a student-operated table. And from Doug Yeater:Left: Mary Lennox (Molly Heichel) opens the door to the secret garden. Right: Molly Heichel, as Mary, on a garden bench. (Both photos by Doug Yeater) Left: John Coates joins Bronwyn Stermer, left, and other cast members in a musical number. Right: Hannah Rosier as Martha sings "Hold On." (Both photos by Doug Yeater) William Yeater plays Dr. Neville Craven in "The Secret Garden." (Photo by Doug Yeater) And on the final night:A first-act dance number from "The Secret Garden," bathed in a red glow. Left: Director Holly Campbell addresses the audience before the start of the play. Right: Hannah Rosier (Martha) sings while dressing Mary Lennox (Molly Heichel). Left: Mary Lennox (Molly Heichel) plays with a doll in opening scene. Right: Actors huddle onstage before the curtain was raised on the first act. Mrs. Medlock (Jaylin Rumsey, front right) discusses matters with young Mary Lennox while various spirits hover nearby in first-act scene from "The Secret Garden." Rows of wedding dresses were available at the bridal gown sale at the Harbor Hotel. Bridal gown sale benefits Humane Society
The inventory was there at the hotel as a "Blow-Out Sale" fund-raiser for the Humane Society, which is also selling the formal gowns in its Wags to Riches resale boutique on North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. The disposition of the wedding dresses remaining after Sunday's sale is up in the air. The proceeds from the sale will be used to benefit shelter animals at the Humane Society facility in Montour Falls. Photos in text: Top: A customer at Sunday's sale checks out her reflection. Some of the many customers on hand Sunday for the bridal gown sale at the Harbor Hotel. (Photo provided) Annual Arc Spaghetti Dinner set for Feb. 19 Service is 4-7 p.m., and takeout meals are available. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for youth under age 12. Meals include spaghetti with sausage and meatball, tossed salad, bread, beverage, and dessert. Tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at the Montour Moose Lodge or The Arc of Schuyler, 203 12th Street in Watkins Glen. “The Arc of Schuyler celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year,” Stocum said. “We’re grateful to the Montour Moose volunteers and our local students for working to make this a long-standing successful event for The Arc and help provide critical services and meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families.” For more information, call The Arc of Schuyler at 607-535-6934 or visit www.arcofschuyler.org Low lyingA ground mist hovered in the tree line at Havana Glen Park in Montour Falls Friday afternoon as the temperature topped 60 degrees before plummeting with the arrival of a winter storm that night. The cast of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame' strike poses at Thursday night's rehearsal. Rehearsals start for musical 'Hunchback' WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 4 -- Rehearsals began Thursday night in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium for the March 23-25 WGHS production of the musical "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." The cast is under the direction of Tim and Michelle Benjamin, now in their 14th year of leading student productions at the school. Rehearsals will be held Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. and Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. The cast list follows: Photo in text: Wyatt Brower portrays Quasimodo in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" Post will discuss 'Life in the Fast Lane' WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 11, 2017 -- From the pits to the towers, TV and radio racing personality Steve Post has experienced a lot in a more than 30-year career. Post, a pit road reporter for radio and TV networks as well as an announcer at several race tracks, will share his stories in his talk “Speaking of Life in the Fast Lane” on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the International Motor Racing Research Center.
A $5 donation for admission is requested to help defray costs. The talk will be live-streamed at www.youtube.com/user/IMRRC/live or via the Center’s website at www.racingarchives.org/stream/. The talk also will be archived on the Center’s You Tube channel to watch in the future. Post has been involved with racing since landing a job at Pocono Raceway in 1986 after graduating from Penn State with a degree in marketing. Today he is a pit road reporter for the Motor Racing Network covering NASCAR’s Monster Energy Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series. He is co-host of “Winged Nation” on MRN.com and MAVTV and a contributor to NASCAR USA. “To me, Steve Post is the quintessential ‘small town’ guy who made good on the ‘big stage’ through years of hard work, drive, persistence and a considerable amount of talent,” said Kip Zeiter, IMRRC’s coordinator of visitor services and outreach and a friend of Post’s. “Steve is first and foremost a race fan, and anyone who has ever met him or listened to him on the Motor Racing Network knows this instantly. We invite everyone to spend an afternoon sharing the excitement of motor racing with someone who has spent his career ‘Speaking of Life in the Fast Lane’,” Zeiter said. Post has been the announcer at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Summer Shootout Series since 1998. He’s also on the microphone at Concord (N.C.) Speedway, Lincoln (Pa.) Speedway and Path Valley (Pa.) Speedway. In January, Post will be the announcer at Indoor Auto Racing Series competition in Allentown, Pa., and Atlantic City, sponsored by Area Auto Racing News. This series features TQ midget cars, and one of the cars will be on display at the Racing Research Center for Post’s talk. The Center is organizing a bus trip to the Albany, N.Y., Indoor Auto Racing Series race on Feb. 10. Post’s reporting duties additionally include weekly contributions to “Raceline,” a nationally syndicated motorsports television program. He also does speaking engagements through his business, Steve Post Motorsport Communications. He lives in Concord, N.C. The International Motor Racing Research Center is an archival and research library with the mission to preserve and share the materials of the history of racing, all series and all venues worldwide. Center Conversations is a monthly talk series focusing on issues and personalities from that history. For more information about the work of the Racing Research Center, visit the website www.racingarchives.org. The IMRRC also is on Facebook and Twitter. Photo in text: Steve Post (Photo provided)
The Elmira Savings Bank float drew applause and kudos from onlookers lining the street. Watkins holds its 25th Village Christmas The festival, which drew a large turnout on an almost windless evening with the mercury in the low 30s, also boasted food vendors, craft vendors, live music, reindeer and a fireworks show off the Pier.
Announcing the parade participants was, as usual, Schuyler County Legislator Jim Howell, a staple at Schuyler County parades. ****** Photos in text: Top: Santa and Mrs. Claus were on the final float in the parade. Left: One of a quartet of reindeer on display from an area farm. Right: Emcee Jim Howell. Among the marching groups in the Village Christmas parade were Watkins Cub Scouts. Left: Members of the Lake Country Players acting troupe marched in the parade, singing songs of the season. Right: A fireworks show was held over Seneca Lake. Grape stompers were among the featured figures on the Lakewood Vineyards float. Members of the 37-member Watkins Glen Elementary School chorus perform at the dinner. Vietnam vets honored at Lions dinner
A special treat for the honorees and Lions was a presentation by 37 Watkins Glen Elementary School 4th through 6th graders -- members of the school's chorus -- singing selections including the National Anthem, My Country 'Tis of Thee and God Bless America. They were led by teacher Megan Kelley. Introductory remarks were issued by Navy veteran Glenn Bleiler, a past president of the Lions Club, who told those being honored that in their service, "you sacrificed, and for that we owe you a debt of gratitude."
After dinner, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano -- a guest at the dinner, which was attended by almost 100 people -- delivered the keynote address.
Honorees Monday included 24 Vietnam veterans. Listed in the evening's program were Lawrence J. Baker, Wilbur A. Baker, Walter L. Bennett, Stephen Bond, David W. Boyle, Allen B. Brant, Claude L. Cole, Donna Davis, Frank L. Davis, Joseph Ector, Stewart F. Field Jr., G. Frederic Hall, Donald J. Kosty, Richard J. Lewis, David W. Lisk, Neal McGonigal, David C. Moat, Warren K. Moat, Larry Reynolds, David E. Ryan, David H. Smith, Clayton T. Snow, Warren J. Tharrett and Frederic L. Tucker. Photos in text: Top: From left: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, the dinner's keynote speaker; Stewart F. Field Jr., one of the evening's honorees; Glenn Bleiler, a Navy veteran and former Lions Club president who issued introductory remarks; and Bleiler's wife Susan, a Lions Club member. Middle: Sign leading to the dinner in the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Bottom: Members of the Watkins Glen Elementary School chorus gather in the hallway outside the dinner, awaiting their entrance. They marched in, sang several songs, and then marched out again to enthusiastic applause. Monday evening's honorees posed for a group photo. Each also received a Lapel Pin from Red Cross Lead Volunteer Linda Conway. (Photo by Susan Bleiler) Women in racing, Cuba drag racing are subjects of Research Center symposium WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 5, 2017 -- Women in racing and the resurgence of drag racing in Cuba are among the topics that will be discussed during an academic symposium on motorsports presented in November by the International Motor Racing Research Center and the Society of Automotive Historians. The third annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History will be Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 9-11. This year's theme is "The First Turn Meets the Cultural Turn." This international academic forum offers graduate students, professors and historians an opportunity to present on any subject reflecting the rich cultural history of motor racing. The public is invited to attend, and pre-registration is not required. All events are free.
Three additional presentations will focus on women in racing. The showing of the 2015 documentary "Havana Motor Club," covering the resurgence of drag racing in Cuba, also is a featured component of this year's symposium. The screening will be on Thursday evening, Nov. 9, followed on Friday, Nov. 10, with the presentation "Primer Plano Cubano de la Carrera de la Calle -- Cuban Street Racing Closeup: A Critical Analysis of the Documentary Movie 'Havana Motor Club'." "Havana Motor Club" will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Racing Research Center. Friday morning's presentation about the film and a second set of presentations in the afternoon will be at the Watkins Glen International Media Center. Saturday's presentations will be at the Center. All are free and open to the public. Don Capps, chairman of the SAH International Motor Sports History Section, said this type of academic symposium, with a rich trove of topics to explore under the theme "The First Turn Meets the Cultural Turn," is needed and valuable. "That motorsport history is a nuanced, complex topic reaching far beyond such items as race data and tales about personalities and events is beginning to finally be understood," Capps said. "That the cultural aspects of motorsport are now finally being brought into focus and discussed is, in great part, thanks to those who have participated in our previous symposiums. The door is now cracked a bit wider for those in academia and for independent scholars to explore this topic in great depth." Other presentation topics: --"Cultural Confusions: Maserati Serial Numbers" The keynote address on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. and the three additional presentations on women racers that follow it will be live-streamed at www.youtube.com/user/IMRRC/live or via the Center's website at www.racingarchives.org/stream/. The talk also will be archived on the Center's You Tube channel. Pat Yongue, retired professor from the University of Houston English Department and an expert on women in racing, will be the symposium moderator. Yongue is a member of the SAH International Motor Sports History Section, which is partnering with the Racing Research Center. A detailed schedule can be seen on the Center's website. All sessions are open to the public. The symposium debuted in 2015 and originally was named in honor of the late Jean S. Argetsinger, who was present with her husband, Cameron, when he revived road racing in America after World War II and later brought the United States Grand Prix for a successful 20-year run at Watkins Glen. Jean was a founder of the Racing Research Center. At her request, the symposium is re-named beginning this year in honor of her deceased son Michael R. Argetsinger, an award-winning motorsports author and a longtime member of the Racing Research Center's Governing Council. Among the supporters of the annual symposium is the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, which provides financial assistance. Photo in text: Cars are underway in this shot from the 2015 documentary "Havana Motor Club," covering the resurgence of drag racing in Cuba. Directed, produced and edited by Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt, the film will be shown on Nov. 9, during the third annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History, presented by the International Motor Racing Research Center and the Society of Automotive Historians. (Used with permission, "Havana Motor Club") Rotary, Hepcats hosting dance on Nov. 11
This painting, titled "Canandaigua Campfire," is by Bill Mowson of Lansing, the "Artist in Focus" at the Franklin Street Gallery. (Image provided) Gallery sets reception for its fall exhibit Special to the Odessa File WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 5, 2017 -- Franklin Street Gallery will host an opening reception from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6 for its 6th annual fall harvest exhibit, “Homegrown Art”. This is a people’s choice exhibit with “Best in Show” and “Honorable Mention” awards selected by ballot votes accepted until October 31, 2017. Winners receive cash prizes. Franklin Street Gallery will also debut its first “Finger Lakes Artist in Focus” exhibit, featuring the work of a single artist for the month of October. The first “Artist in Focus” is Bill Mowson of Lansing, New York. Mowson retired from a 25-year career in engineering in 2001 to reside in the Finger Lakes region of New York to become a full time painter. Mowson will demonstrate his unique painting techniques during the open reception “In my many years of travel, I have never found a more beautiful or diverse landscape than this area,” Mowson said. “One could spend a lifetime documenting these hidden treasures.” The opening reception is taking place in conjunction with Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s Friday on Franklin event. Franklin Street Gallery will host Chateau Lafayette Reneau winery for tastings. The cost to participate is $10 and includes a souvenir wine glass. Event tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center at 214 N. Franklin St. Franklin Street Gallery is a community arts center operated by The Arc of Schuyler, a not-for-profit organization providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. For more information, visit www.arcofschuyler.org or contact the gallery at 607-535-2571. Festival visitors watch from in front of the State Park as dozens of cars take to the original race course that starts and ends on Franklin Street. Annual Grand Prix Festival held in Glen
Photo in text: A traffic director sends some cars left, and others right. Two men perched alongside Franklin Street had a good view of passing festival vehicles. Racing-themed artist Robert Gillespie had some of his work for sale in a tent set up in front of the Schuyler County Courthouse. Left: There were many visitors from outside the area, and some local fans, including Isabella Fazzary, left, and Kai Sutterby. Right: Otto Linton, 100-year-old racing icon, was on the microphone during The Legends Speak gathering at Lafayette Park. A trio calling itself Famous Bands performed live in front of the Famous Brands store on Franklin Street, with store owner Jim Guild on drums. Mario Andretti waves to the crowd at the dinner honoring him at the Corning Museum of Glass. (Photo by Angelo Lisuzzo) Andretti receives 2017 Argetsinger Award at Corning Museum of Glass dinner Special to The Odessa FileCORNING, Sept. 1, 2017 -- International racing stars, captains of the motorsports industry, local dignitaries and race fans gathered to honor an American racing icon at the Corning Museum of Glass on Thursday. Mario Andretti, motorsports' greatest ambassador, was presented with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports by the International Motor Racing Research Center. This was the fourth year the glass trophy has been presented. Previous honorees were Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty and Roger Penske. Andretti was clearly moved by the outpouring of love, respect and admiration from the sold-out audience that included a number of his fellow competitors, friends and fans.
Among the salutes throughout the evening were videos from Dan Gurney, Edsel Ford III, Scott Pruett, Danny Sullivan, Linda Vaughn, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, James Hinchcliffe, Graham Rahal, Alexander Rossi and Bobby Unser. Ganassi was on hand to honor Andretti, while other past award recipients Penske and Petty congratulated him on the big screen. Master of ceremonies Dr. Jerry Punch interviewed IndyCar star Dario Franchitti and longtime versatile racer Rick Mears in the audience. Speaker after speaker told stories of being a young fan of Andretti and of the thrill of meeting him years later. Rahal set the stage when he said he was a teenage fan. "Mario was the man," he said, continuing, "He's not just a great driver. He's a great gentleman. He's the greatest ambassador for the sport we love." Ganassi recalled being an 11-year-old asking Andretti for his autograph when he saw the famous driver having lunch at the Glen Motor Inn in Watkins Glen. Their careers would intertwine.
Franchitti was a fan at an even younger age. He recalled being a 5-year-old, dreaming of someday meeting Andretti. It happened 19 years later at a race track. "I was so flummoxed, afterwards I pretty much crashed," he said. A common thread of attributes was woven throughout the comments from Punch and other speakers: a master of motorsports, a gentleman and a family man, a humble man of high integrity, a man passionate about and committed to the future of racing. A heartfelt question and answer session between Andretti and Punch followed the award presentation. Andretti told of his childhood plan to race motorcycles -- a plan he thought was dashed when his family moved to Nazareth, Pa., as refugees from Italy. But one week after moving to the States in 1959, he and his brother, Aldo, discovered a race track nearby. His competition career began four years later, racing underage at 19. "I just wanted to drive and drive and drive," he told the audience. Andretti's debut in Formula One happened at Watkins Glen -- on the pole in the 1968 United States Grand Prix. Ten years later he was on the pole again and World Champion. "I felt so good in the car," Andretti said about that 1968 start. "It was an amazing day for me." Since then, he said, he has raced in four different series at The Glen. "There is no other track like it," said Andretti, 77, who's back at The Glen Sunday, behind the wheel of the American Honda two-seater, leading the field for the launch of the Verizon IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen at WGI. Andretti posted victories at virtually every level of motorsports in a career that spanned five decades. He is the only driver in history to win the Formula One Championship, the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Andretti answered simply: "I'm just a racer." The evening was supported by NASCAR, the International Speedway Corp., Watkins Glen International, IMSA, Sahlen's, Corning Incorporated, Bosch, Firestone and IMRRC Governing Council members Larry Kessler, Bob Newman and Archie Urciuoli. Several sponsor representatives also related stories of their relationships with the legend. "You've been my hero since I was a little kid. It's an honor to work at Watkins Glen International, knowing that you raced here," Michael Printup, WGI president, said. An original painting by famed artist Randy Owens, depicting the iconic cars Andretti drove in his decades-long career, was auctioned at the end of the evening, and a champagne toast and several standing ovations ended the gala evening. Other event supporters were Honda, Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske, Sports Car Club of America, Smithfield Foods, AmeriCarna, Stone Bridge Gallery, Williams Auto Group, the Hilliard Corp., Elmira Savings Bank, Welliver, Corning Automotive Glass Solutions, Lotus WNY, Regogo Racing and Glenora Wine Cellars. Andretti has supported the work of the Racing Research Center since its opening in 1999. He serves on the Center's Drivers Council and twice has been chairman of the annual membership campaign. The Racing Research Center, located in Watkins Glen, is an archival library dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the history of motorsports, all series and all venues, through its collections of books, periodicals, films, photographs, fine art and other materials. The IMRRC is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information about the Center's work and its programs, visit www.racingarchives.org or call 607-535-9044. Photos in text: Top: Mario Andretti, right, recipient of the International Motor Racing Research Center's 2017 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award, receives a champagne toast from Bobby Rahal, left, chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council, Peter Argetsinger, and the audience at the Aug. 31 award dinner. Second: Watkins Glen Mayor Sam Schimizzi presents a proclamation to Andretti naming Thursday, the day of the dinner, as Mario Andretti Day in Watkins Glen. Third: Retired Schuyler County Judge J.C. Argetsinger, left, one of Cameron Argetsinger's sons, and Racing Historian Bill Green were among the dignitaries present. (Photos by Angelo Lisuzzo) WETM-TV sports reporter Andy Malnoske interviews Mario Andretti before the dinner. Vic and Linda Franzese of the Glen Motor Inn, where Mario Andretti has stayed, chat with Andretti before the dinner at the Corning Museum of Glass. (Photos by Angelo Lisuzzo) Arc Golf Tournament raises $21,000 Special to The Odessa FileWATKINS GLEN, Aug. 21 -- The Arc of Schuyler 17th annual golf tournament, held Aug. 18 at the Watkins Glen Golf Course, raised more than $21,000 to assist people with intellectual and development disabilities and their families. The first-place team was a familiar one, winning for the third consecutive year: Watkins & Nichols, featuring Bill Spencer, Rocco Scaptura, and John and Josh Robinson. Winners of other contests held on the course were: Josh Robinson for men’s longest drive, Meg Scott for women’s longest drive, Jeff Cook for men’s closest-to-the-pin, and Anne Welliver-Hartsing for women’s closest-to-the-pin. Relph Benefit Advisors returned as the Presenting Sponsor of the event. Birdie Sponsors were Empire Access, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. "These sponsors and many other businesses, wineries, restaurants, and retail stores generously contributed through sponsorship or product donations," said an Arc of Schuyler press release. “Many thanks to all the sponsors, patron supporters, and local businesses who donated items to make this year’s tournament another success," said Tournament Chair Dominick Franzese. "We really can’t do it without their help. The Arc’s tournament keeps going strong and continues to be one of the best tournaments in the area supporting a wonderful cause.” The Arc of Schuyler conducts fundraising activities to support its mission in providing supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. To learn more about The Arc, visit www.arcofschuyler.org. Photo in text: Watkins & Nichols was the winning team of The Arc of Schuyler’s Annual Golf Tournament for the third consecutive year. Team members were, left to right: John Robinson, Bill Spencer, Josh Robinson and Rocco Scaptura. (Photo provided) The banner announcing the parade is carried up 4th Street. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) Italian American Festival holds its parade![]()
Bands, fire departments, politicians, baton twirlers, cheerleaders and various floats entertained the crowd lining the streets on the second day of the festival. A fireworks display was on tap for that night. The festival was set to conclude Sunday. To see the full list of events, click here. Photo in text: Members of the Montour Falls Fire Department march in the Italian American Festival parade. (Photo by Lisa Harer) The Italian American Festival Grand Marshal, Phil Simiele, is driven along the parade route. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) Left: The festival Prince and Princess, Ethan Crane and Gabrielle Crane. (Photo by Lisa Harer) Right: Schuyler County Clerk candidate Theresa Philbin was among the parade participants. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) The Penn-York Highlanders Bagpipe Band was, um, stepping lively in this unusual photo. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) The Girl Scouts were among the parade groups with a float. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) Left: Horses and riders were part of the parade. Right: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano was tossing candy to the spectators. (Both photos by Lisa Harer) The military was represented at the Italian American Festival parade. (Photo by Lisa Harer) Left: A patriotic-themed float. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) Right: Cheerleaders from the Schuyler Tribe youth football program marched in the parade. (Photo by Lisa Harer) The Caledonian Highlanders bagpipe unit marches up 4th Street. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) On one of the parade floats: a Symphonic Steel Band. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) And at the carnival grounds on Sunday:Left: Pasta sauce contest winner Margaret Lynch of Horseheads with judge Ken Delpapa. Right; The Rusted Bucks perform in the entertainment tent. (Photos by Glenda Gephart) Rich Greenberger and Nan Woodworth at the Rotary booth. Motorcyles waiting to be judged at the festival's second annual Kenny Larson Memorial Motorcycle Show. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) Spectators enjoy a festival puppet show on the Clute Park basketball court. (Photo by Lisa Harer) And at the carnival grounds on Friday:Among the vendors is a festival mainstay: Old fashioned soda. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) The Over-Under game booth has been a popular stop for years. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) Jerlando's Pizza is one of the festival food vendors. (Photo by Glenda Gephart) A wide-angled look at the Italian American Festival vendor stands. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) Legacy Lane dedicated at Lafayette Park Special to The Odessa File WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 8, 2017 -- The Schuyler County Italian-American Festival is partnering with the Village of Watkins Glen to honor the county’s heritage in the new Lafayette Park Legacy Lane. The Lane will provide opportunities to commemorate families, organizations or exceptional moments with engraved bricks. Funds raised by the sale of the bricks will help defray costs of the annual Italian-American Festival. A kickoff celebration to honor the first group of installed bricks was held Monday, Aug. 7 at Lafayette Park, just a few days before the opening of the 38th annual Italian-American Festival. Photo in text: Top: Italian-American Festival Co-Chairman Louis Perazzini speaks at the Legacy Lane dedication. Bottom: One of the first bricks in Legacy Lane. (Photos provided) Night descends on the Hector Fair. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) Parade serves as highlight of Hector Fair![]()
Fire departments, police, bands, floats and local political dignitaries were among the participants in the march, held on the second day of the three-day fair. The fair, which opened Thursday night and concluded Saturday night, featured rides, games, live music, bingo, a book tent, food, a chicken barbecue, a car show, an animal tent, fireworks, and other attractions. Photo in text: The first participants in the parade come into view along Rte. 414. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) The Caledonian Highlanders pipe and drum corps marches up Rte. 414. Some of the crowd at the Hector Fair, in the food-court area. (Photos by Liz Fraboni) A tasting tent populated by many area wineries was a popular stop at the Cheese Festival. Cheese Festival draws thousands to farm The festival -- featuring dozens of cheese, produce and other vendors; wine tastings; hayrides; seminars; live music; dairy princesses; a bounce house; a petting zoo; Tanglewood Nature Center creatures, and lunch stands -- also boasted a 40-by-80 foot open-air pavilion, recently built, that hosted music performances and served as a dining area. A highlight, as always, was the selection of area cheeses produced by members of the Finger Lakes Cheese Alliance, along with tents featuring jams, baked goods, framed art, peanut butters, jewelry, and granite cutting blocks. There were games for the kids, and self-guided tours around the farm facilities.
The Tanglewood representatives brought along a Great Horned Owl named Sophie and a Red-Tailed Hawk named Hank. Also on hand around noon, but not yet on display, was a Falcon named Merlin. Sophie, explained Tanglewood volunteer Noelle Currier, was hit by a car near Anchorage, Alaska, and arrived at the Center injured. Sophie has been a Tanglewood resident since 2006. The weather was cooperative, with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s under cloudy skies -- a far cry from last year's scorchingly hot day.
Forty other vendors of various kinds were on hand, such as the Village Bakery out of Montour Falls, Schweigart's Sugar Shack, the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor, Owl Ridge Alpaca, the Berkshire Hill Honey Bee Farm, Heavenly Treats, Seneca Sunrise Coffee, and the Saratoga Peanut Butter Company. ****** Photos in text: Top: An artistic rendition of business at the Schweigart's Sugar Shack stand at the Festival. Many of the vendors on hand did a brisk business. Middle: Tanglewood Nature Center's Noelle Currier holds Sophie, a Great Horned Owl that has been a Tanglewood resident for 11 years. Bottom Left: Roger Ort is surrounded by products from the Ort Family Farm in Bradford, one of many vendors on hand for the Festival. Bottom Right: Samantha Riley was on hand to pour at the Seneca Lodge tasting stand. Left: Hank the Red Tailed Hawk from Tanglewood Nature Center. Right: Two calves born in the hours leading to the Festival. Left: At the Petting Zoo. Right: Sons of a Beach were the first musical group of the day. A half-dozen dairy princesses representing area agriculture were on hand for the festival. O'Mara applauds Lakewood Vineyards' link with Vance Metal Fabricators, Inc. WATKINS GLEN, July 20, 2017 -- State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) Thursday Photo in text: State Senator Tom O'Mara (File photo) The "Beverly Hillbillies" craft, which won the Best Theme Award. Cardboard Boats ply marina course The event was preceded Friday night by the annual Waterfront Festival, featuring live music at three venues along the park, a food court, various vendor tents, and a Harbor Lights show.
Winners in various classes were as follows: The Grist Iron Fastest Elapsed Time, Adult Class: "We'll All Float On," 2:03. A Seadoo was also raffled off after all available tickets were sold at $20 each. The raffle was a fund raiser for Schuyler Hospital and the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility. Photo in text: Scott and Maria Brubaker, in their "Toon Cruisin'" craft, race past a submerged boat near the finish line. The Red Cat cardboard boat -- officially named "The Bottle Boat, Powered by Red Cat" -- was large and impressive looking, but failed to reach the first turn of the Regatta course. Cinderella (Cheyenne Barrett) starts on her way to the Royal Ball in her carriage. LCP's 'Cinderella' ends its 3-day run Kim Laursen and Kelsey Johnson co-directed along with student director Trevor Keller. The musical opened Friday night and was repeated Saturday night, leading to Sunday's matinee. A large crowd was on hand Friday for opening night, and the crowd was appreciative of the efforts of an enthusiastic and talented cast led by:
Also performing as Mice were: -- Isabella Bacon Performing as Fairies were: -- Bailey Hazen Performing as the Palace Staff were; -- Declan Barry Performing as Maidens were: -- Chesney Bartoo
Set construction was by Dan Rounds, Tony Miller, Ian Barry, Brian Barry, Chris Barrett, Dani Rumsey and Charles Beach. Costumes were by Marty Evans, Kim Hurley, Judy Fitcha, Tracy VanSkiver, Heidi White and Kim Laursen. Photos in text: Top: Conlin Wysocki as The Chef leads his staff in a dance around the stage. Second: Cheyenne Barrett, left, as Cinderella and Allison Heichel as The Fairy Godmother. Third: The cast included many young actors. Fourth: Katherine Larson as The Queen and Rhys Stermer as The King, who was trying to hide the fact that he was in his underwear. Fifth: Stephen Epp, as the Prince, enters the stage juggling apples. Cinderella with her mice. Cinderella's stepfamily: From left, Sierra Morris as Portia, Madaleena Isett as Joy, and Bronwyn Stermer as the Stepmother. Lifeguard qualifying set for Watkins WATKINS GLEN, June 9, 2017 -- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced a statewide qualifying procedure for lifeguards will be held at the Watkins Glen State Park Pool on Friday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. The Watkins Glen State Park pool is located at 3530 State Route 419, Watkins Glen. The exam will begin at 10:00 am sharp. Candidates are encouraged to arrive one hour prior to the exam to register and for an opportunity to practice their CPR skills. All exams are open to new candidates as well as returning lifeguards. The qualifying procedures evaluate practical lifesaving skills and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills. All items of the examination are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Candidates are required to bring their picture ID and their own pocket masks for the CPR portion of the exam. Starting pay for lifeguards is $13.27 per hour. Candidates must pre-register by either calling the Finger Lakes State Parks Regional Office at (607) 387-7041, ext. 104 or by e-mail at Andrew.Chouinard@parks.ny.gov. Festival launches Legacy Lane at park WATKINS GLEN, May 12, 2017 -- The Schuyler County Italian-American Festival is partnering with the Village of Watkins Glen to honor the county’s heritage in the new Lafayette Park Legacy Lane.
“Lafayette Park is the perfect location for this Italian-American Festival project because the park was where the festival was revived in 1979,” Festival Co-Chairman Louis Perazzini said, “and in 1994, the festival committee was one of the organizations that sponsored the installation of the brick columns and beautiful gates.” The Legacy Lane will provide opportunities to commemorate families, organizations or exceptional moments with engraved bricks. Funds raised by the sale of the bricks will help defray costs of the annual Italian-American Festival. “This community is proud of its heritage, and the Legacy Lane will be a great way to show that pride,” Watkins Glen Mayor Sam Schimizzi said. “Everyone looks forward to the Italian-American Festival, and the board is glad to support the festival by giving the go-ahead to the Legacy Lane project,” Schimizzi said. The price of an engraved brick is $100. Orders will be taken year-round, and bricks will be installed in the walkway periodically between May and November. Engraved bricks will replace existing bricks in the walkway. “You can put your name on a brick. Or your ancestors’ names,” Perazzini said. “Your wedding date? Your graduating class? We want everyone in Schuyler County to look at the Legacy Lane as a permanent way to celebrate and remember someone or something important.” Similar engraved-brick walkways, such as at the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park, Route 228, outside of Odessa, and at the International Motor Racing Research Center on Decatur Street in Watkins Glen, are popular with both participants and visitors, Perazzini said. The form for purchasing a brick is available at the Watkins Glen Village Office on Franklin Street and at businesses across the county, including Watkins Sporting Goods in Watkins Glen; and at Jerlando’s pizza shops in Montour Falls and Watkins Glen. The form also can be found on the festival’s website at www.watkinsglenitalianamericanfestival.org. The Schuyler County Italian-American Festival will be Aug. 11-13 this year, the festival’s 38th year. Thousands of people, area residents and visitors alike, gather at Clute Park in Watkins Glen for three days that offer live music, contests for homemade wines and pasta sauces, a bocce tournament, carnival rides and a wide variety of foods. The festival also features an eclectic parade and what many say is the best fireworks show in the Finger Lakes. Proceeds from the annual festival are returned to the Schuyler County community in donations to youth groups and other charitable organizations. More than $80,000 has been distributed over the years. For more information about the Lafayette Park Legacy Lane or any aspect of the Schuyler County Italian-American Festival, visit the festival website at www.watkinsglenitalianamericanfestival.org or contact Perazzini at zinni57@aol.com. Photo in text: The lane at Lafayette Park. (Photo provided) Phebe Wickham as The Witch admonishes William Yeater, portraying The Baker. Into the Woods ends 3-day run at WGHS
The play opened Friday night and featured a Saturday night performance, as well. The Sondheim musical follows a variety of well-known fairy tale characters as they head into the woods to fulfill their wishes -- the Baker and Baker's Wife wish to have a child; Cinderella wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack wishes for his cow to give milk, so that he can keep him, but finds himself heading up the beanstalk to help his family instead. The Baker and his wife set off on a journey to break a Witch's curse; and Little Red Riding Hood learns about life when she runs into the troublesome Wolf. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
Michelle and Tim Benjamin of Montour Falls directed (their 13th show for Watkins Glen High School), with Sarah Matthews as Music Director. Costume Director was Tammy Cole, and Choreographer was Kelsey Johnson. The Baker and Baker's Wife were played by William Yeater and Alexis Atchie. Jack was played by Dakota Cole, and Little Red Riding Hood by Maria Brubaker. Cinderella was played by Grace Wickham, and the Witch by Phebe Wickham. H. Nathaniel Rose was the Narrator, Nate Farnsworth was Cinderella's Prince, and Conlin Wysocki was Rapunzel's Prince. Alix Mathews was the Mysterious Man, Douglas DiGregorio was Milky White, and Amanda Armstrong was Jack's Mother. Sierra Morris was Rapunzel, and Wyatt Brower was the Wolf.
The pit band included Bernie Riley, Sam Riley and Simon Wigmore and Renee Riley, along with Sarah Matthews. Hair was by Shear Designs. The producer was Sam Brubaker, and the show was presented by the Watkins Glen High School Class of 2017, in cooperation with Music Theatre International. Photos in text: Top: Grace Wickham as Cinderella sings with Nate Farnsworth as her Prince. Left: Sierra Morris as Rapunzel. Right: Amanda Armstrong as Jack's mother. Left: H. Nathaniel Rose as The Narrator. Right: Dakota Cole as Jack and Douglas DiGregorio as Milky White. Left: Maria Brubaker as Red Riding Hood sings a song. Right: Front from left, Anya Simpson as Florinda, Melanie Wysocki as Lucinda, and Katherine Larson as Cinderella's stepmother. Left: Hannah Jitomer-Rowland as Granny. Right: Alix Mathews as The Mysterious Man, right, tries to hide from William Yeater as The Baker. Left: Conlin Wysocki as Rapunzel's Prince. Right: Phebe Wickham as The Witch. From left: Scott Brubaker as the Steward; Dakota Cole as Jack; and Grace Wickham as Cinderella. And earlier in the week, at rehearsal:From left: Alexis Atchie as the Baker's Wife, Douglas DiGregorio as Milky White and William Yeater as the Baker perform a dance number. Left: Phebe Wickham, left, portrayed the Witch, and Sierra Morris was Rapunzel. Right: Dakota Cole had the role of Jack. Left: Nate Farnsworth, left, portrayed Cinderella's Prince, while Conlin Wysocki was Rapunzel's Prince. Right: Grace Wickham was Cinderella. Left: Phebe Wickham as the Witch intimidates Scott Brubaker as the Steward. Right: Alexis Atchie, left, as the Baker's Wife, with Maria Brubaker as Little Red Riding Hood. Cast members perform a musical number during the opening night performance of Honk! Honk! ends its 2-day Odessa-Montour run
The musical, sponsored by the O-M Fine Arts Boosters and featuring a wide age-range of O-M students, was under the direction of Holly Campbell, Jennifer Kraemer and Ian MacDonald.
Ugly’s mother, Ida (Hannah Rosier), loves him unconditionally, telling him to “Hold your head up high,” but after a lot of bullying from the other poultry, including his own father and siblings (Noah Brewster, Mackenzie Cannon, Ben Campbell, Victoria Brewster, and Lillian Halpin), Ugly decides to have lunch with the Cat (Rhys Stermer), the play's villain.
-- the eccentric, goose squadron leader Greylag (Noah Brewster), his devoted wife Dot (Casey Underdown), and his sloppy squadron; They are all accompanied by a troop of froglets: Mackenzie Cannon, Ben Campbell, Victoria Brewster, Lillian Halpin, Jed Lynch, Kailynn Frasier, Dylan Hayward, Havana Guild, Olivia Rivera, and Alex Campbell. Does Ugly manage to find his way back to the barnyard? Do the characters ever realize that “this duckyard would be so boring if we all looked the same?” At the end, yes..
Ida -- Hannah Rosier Photos in text (from dress rehearsal): Top: Hannah Rosier as Ida (Ugly's mother) is surrounded by her brood. Left: John Coates as Ugly, left, and Rhys Stermer as The Cat. Right: Cheyenne Barrett as Lowbutt unties John Coates as Ugly. The Cat (Rhys Stermer) is pulled by Queenie (a cat portrayed by Casey Underdown), left, and Lowbutt (a chicken portrayed by Cheyenne Barrett). Kids of all ages took to the stage as part of the Odessa-Montour production of Honk! And on earlier days, during rehearsals:Dancers during a musical number in Honk! -- during a rehearsal leading to opening night. Left: John Coates as Ugly. Center: Casey Underdown singing a song in Honk! Right: Bronwyn Stermer as Maureen. Hannah Rosier as Ida at the birth of son Ugly, a duckling played by John Coates. Left: Casey Underdown and Noah Brewster. Right: Tassia Garrison as newscaster Maggie. Arc Grand Prix Run registration is open Special to The Odessa File WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 19, 2017 -- The Arc Grand Prix Run at Watkins Glen International, the biggest running event in Watkins Glen, returns for its fourth year on Saturday, April 8 during WGI’s Opening Weekend. Registration is open now at arcgrandprixrun.org.
Registration fees are $25 for teens and adults and $10 for children. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee a shirt and avoid the $5 registration increase after March 11. Race-day registration and bib pick-up opens at 6:30 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. Prizes are awarded to the top pledge raiser and to the team with the most members. Watkins Glen International Opening Weekend activities and laps behind the pace car begin at 10 a.m. The Arc is again partnering with Grist Iron Brewing Co. in Burdett to host an after-race party. The brewery and restaurant, located on the east side of Seneca Lake, will open at 11 a.m. with food, drink, and live music. Grist Iron will make a $1 donation for each pint ordered until 2 p.m. Race participants attending the party will be registered to win prizes. "The entire team at Grist Iron Brewing is excited to be partnering with The Arc once again in support of the charity race," said Kate Fuller, Guest Relations Manager. "Giving back to the community is important to all of us here at GIB, so we hope to see lots of folks out running and at the after-party to help raise even more money for the wonderful programs that the Arc provides to our community." For event details and registration, sponsorship, or volunteer information, contact The Arc of Schuyler Director of Community Relations, Holly Baker, at 607-535-6934. For more about The Arc, visit www.arcofschuyler.org. This body of water bordering the swamp alongside the trail was cold and harsh, yet almost gave the appearance, in its simplicity, of being beach-like. Along the Catharine Valley Trail Photographer Liz Fraboni -- featured many times on these pages in years past -- recorded several images Monday during a walk along the Catharine Valley Trail between Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. We present those photos here. Christmas Light Tour makes season bright
WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 22 -- The Arc of Schuyler and Jefferson Village Apartments in Watkins Glen partnered to hold their annual Christmas Light Tour Wednesday evening, December 21 for Jefferson Village residents. The first tour was initiated in December 2012 thanks to Floyd Wicker, a driver for The Arc of Schuyler and the public transportation system, Schuyler County Transit. Wicker proposed the idea for a one-hour bus trip that would allow residents of Jefferson Village apartments to see homes decorated for the season with lights and holiday displays. “For people who don’t have their own vehicle, don’t drive at night, or don’t drive at all they may miss out on the beautiful festive displays in our neighborhood,” Mobility Manager Amber Simmons said. “It’s a fun opportunity that has become an annual tradition.” Wicker continues to lead the Christmas Light Tour. He chooses the route for the year and fills the bus with holiday music to create a festive trip for riders. The Arc of Schuyler is a specialized transportation provider for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the operator of Schuyler County Transit and Transportation Link-Line, a free transportation information and assistance service for Schuyler County residents. For more information about charter services, visit transportationlink-line.org or call 607-535-3555. Photo in text: Bus driver Floyd Wicker (Photo provided) Former fighter tells of concussions' effects WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 1 -- A former professional boxer, now 65 and with Parkinson's Syndrome and CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) as a legacy of too many concussions, was the guest speaker Thursday at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club -- offering a cautionary tale.
Ciancaglini, who started his boxing career in the mid-1960s as a teenager in the middleweight ranks, says nobody ever knocked him out or knocked him down in his many bouts, "and I refuse to let dementia be the first one to do it." After retiring from the ring, he decided to impart his cautionary message in speaking engagements around the nation at high schools, colleges, NFL Player Development Camps and youth organizations, all free of charge. His message: the possible ramifications of not addressing concussions when they occur. "A lack of concussion education and peer pressure led me to my demise," he said -- a downward spiral that started when he sustained two concussions in two bouts held in one week, in Buffalo and Syracuse, when he was still a teenager. He failed to tend to the concussions, which led to what is known now as the Second Impact Syndrome, which altered his behavior from that of a good student to one who was often absent, sleeping excessively, and disdaining authority. He said he tried to mask his symptoms -- chief among them headaches, from which he still suffers -- but was suspended from boxing in New York, fought in other less regulated states under pseudonyms, and lost the ability that had carried him to multiple decisive victories. Eventually he retired. "This," he said, referring to his current state, "is the toughest fight of my life," alleviated by the knowledge that his message might save other young athletes from a similar fate. While competition is great, he said, and injuries will necessarily occur in all sports, common sense must prevail. "Hiding concussions is self-destructive," he said. "It's not a badge of honor." Photo in text: Ray Ciancaglini speaking at the Rotary Club luncheon. The honored Vietnam veterans pose for a photo at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Lions honor 26 at Salute to Veterans WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 29 -- The Watkins-Montour Lions Club Monday night honored 26 Vietnam War veterans at a dinner ceremony held at the Harbor Hotel. In prepared remarks, Sgt. First Class John Antes, a retired member of the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army, said: “We are here to do what we should have done 50 years ago.” Photos in text: Top: Lion Dr. James Norton, right, presents a pin to Don Foster. Norton is a World War II veteran; Foster served in Vietnam. Lion George Roy, left, presents a pin to Vietnam veteran Marvin Switzer. Winner chosen in Labor of Love raffle WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 22 -- The Labor of Love has conducted its first cash raffle, selling 200 raffle books of five tickets each for $10 apiece. Half of the $2,000 raised was for the organization's benefit, with the other half going to a lucky winner chosen in a drawing Tuesday morning at the International Motor Racing
The ticket was pulled from the container holding all of the raffle entries by an archival assistant at the IMRRC, Josh Ashby. Photo in text: Josh Ashby, archival assistant at the International Motor Racing Research Center, draws the winning ticket from a jar held by Rev. Michael Hartney of the Labor of Love organization. The north end of the St. Mary's Parish Center was a colorful blend of blankets at one of the many vendor tables at the bazaar. Holiday Bazaars held in Odessa, Watkins
The Odessa bazaar was held at the Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church, where craft and art vendors sold their wares, and a bake sale nearly sold out in the first hour. The fellowship hall was the site of a lunch, while Santa and Mrs. Claus met with children upstairs. The annual bazaar at the St. Mary's of the Lake Parish Center in Watkins Glen also had its share of craft vendors, along with a food court, a cake wheel, raffles, a money tree and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Crowds were thick at both locales, signalling the start of what is expected to be a brisk Christmas buying season. Note: And they weren't the only craft shows in the area. Another was held at the Montour Moose Lodge -- all on an appealingly sunny day that turned colder in the afternoon and then wintry at night. Photo in text: Santa Claus was on hand at the St. Mary's Parish Center, above, and at the Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church. Left: Alpacas were featured outside the Watkins bazaar. Right: Kevin Austin was manning the cash box for lunch orders at the Odessa church bazaar. Left: Artwork was among the goods available at the Odessa bazaar. Right: Ellie Brown shows one of the books she has authored and was selling at the Watkins bazaar. Dollhouse raffle to benefit St. James'
WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 8 -- A custom-built dollhouse will be raffled to benefit St. James’ Episcopal Church in Watkins Glen. Built by Nick Dugo, a member of the Parish, the dollhouse has four rooms on two floors, plus an attic. Each room is wallpapered and painted, with moldings and trim and hardwood floors; a staircase connects the two floors. The dollhouse has a cedar-shake shingle roof and, of course, is painted dollhouse-pink. He built one which is a replica of his sister’s house in Bath, a Federal-style “mini-mansion.” That one is hinged, to open up all the rooms in the house. He previously built one for a St. James’ raffle, as well as one for his mother’s Church to raffle. This makes the 12th one he has built. All of them have been from scratch, and of his own design. Photo in text: The dollhouse, to be raffled Dec. 12. (Photo provided) Friends of the Watkins Library honored Special to The Odessa File Photo in text: From left, Marie Scott and Carol Sullivan, of The Arc of Schuyler; Harriet Eisman, Watkins Glen Public Library director; and Glenda Gephart and Sue Dugo of the Friends of the Watkins Library. In the front is Teresa Higbie of The Arc of Schuyler. (Photo provided) United Way sets goal, names co-chairs
This year's campaign co-chairs were on hand and introduced: Dr. Ben Saks and his wife Marian. The couple, who live in Hector, have two young children. Dr. Saks is in internal medicine at Schuyler Hospital, which is a United Way agency. He serves on the Schuyler Hospital and Cayuga Health System boards, and is an elected county coroner. Marian is a structural engineer who serves on the development committee of the My Place, A Play and Learning Center, and is treasurer for the Montour Falls Memorial Library. Both My Place and the library are United Way agencies. The campaign officially begins with an annual Kick Off dinner featuring pasta and meatballs on Monday, Oct. 10 at the Montour Moose Lodge. Serving starts at 5 p.m. Photo in text: Dr. Benjamin and Marian Saks (Photo by Drew Guild) Ken Wilson wins Marie Bailey Award
Photo in text: Ken Wilson with United Way of Schuyler County Executive Director Peggy Scott at the Sept. 21 luncheon at the Montour Moose Lodge. Festival singing competition winners named WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 25, 2016 -- Organizers of the Gara Di Canto Singing Competition at the 2016 Schuyler County Italian American Festival have been announced. Organizer Deb Switzer said the competition, moved this year after several years at the Firemen's Carnival in Montour Falls, was a success, and she thanked the Italian American Festival for hosting and sponsoring it. Honorable Mentions went to: Addison Coolican Ages 10-16: 1st -- Kassidy Samuels Ages 17 and up: 1st -- Kasey Samuels One of the many units marching in Saturday's festival parade. (Photo provided) Carnival rides are a staple of the annual Italian American Festival. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) Italian American festival ends its 3-day run Special to The Odessa File WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 15, 2016 -- The 37th annual, three-day Schuyler County Italian American Festival ended its run Sunday, Aug. 14 at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. A talent show and motorcycle gathering highlighted the final day. Saturday had featured an annual parade, a fireworks show and a bocce tournament.
According to one festival spokesperson, Saturday's parade "went well, but nine units canceled or just didn't show up -- perhaps due to the very hot weather. And the fireworks were great, but they started almost an hour early and were shortened due to a heavy rainstorm." But she added: "They were still wonderful." The festival president was Louis Perazzini of Watkins Glen. Don Stocum of Hector was festival chairman. Histories of local families were displayed at L’Osteria at the Park, a gathering place on the festival grounds that also offered Italian music and gifts. Local wineries were also hosting wine tastings at L’Osteria. John Vona of Watkins Glen, for many years the organizer of the Italian American Festival parade, was honored Saturday as parade marshal. Joining him in the always-popular parade were festival Prince Vincent Ocasio, 8, and Princess Grace Roney, 7.
The entertainment lineup included two bands on Friday evening. The Sam Pallet Band, a longtime festival favorite, returned for a 5-7:30 p.m. performance. The Cheyenne Band played from 8-11:30, presenting country music at the festival for the first time in a long time. Saturday’s musical entertainment was by Ruby Shooz from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Gara di Canto, a community talent show with 25 acts, was presented Sunday at noon on the Entertainment Stage. The acts were judged, and prizes awarded. The annual fireworks show, described by Perazzini before the festival as "still the best in the Finger Lakes," was held Saturday night -- though early and shortened because of the weather. This year’s show, produced again by American Fireworks Co. of Utica, was presented in memory of Stephen Treleaven, who worked for American Fireworks.
Returning this year for Saturday and Sunday were continuous marionette performances by the Robert Rogers Puppet Company on center court in front of the pavilion. Also returning: the “Salami Shack,” a game that offered Italian meats and cheeses as the prizes. The Tony Tallarida Memorial Bocce Tournament was played on renovated bocce courts throughout the day on Saturday. Another of Saturday’s highlights was the pasta-eating contest, open to anyone of any age. It was held at 4 p.m. at the Entertainment Stage. "It had the best participation ever," said the festival spokesperson. "There were 10 kids and four adults. Curly's Family Restaurant donated all of the pasta for the contest." The Kenny Larson Memorial Motorcycle Show was held Sunday. Motorcyclists and motorcycle fans were invited starting at noon. Parking was free for all motorcycles.
As part of its emphasis on offering a family-friendly experience, the organizing committee prohibited all outside alcoholic beverages from the festival grounds. Coolers and bags were being checked. Local wines and ice cold beer were available for purchase at the festival’s beer garden, a designated area designed to offer a relaxing atmosphere for festival-goers 21 and older. For more information about any aspect of the festival, see the festival website at www.watkinsglenitalianamericanfestival.org or contact festival president Louis Perazzini at zinni57@aol.com. Photos in text: Top: Military jeeps were part of the annual parade on Saturday. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) Third: The pasta-eating contest. (Photo provided) Fourth: An American Diabetes Association bicycle was among the parade entrants. (Photo by Liz Fraboni) The Caledonian Highlanders marching bagpipers entertained boaters along the shoreline of Clute Park after the band participated in the parade up Decatur and Fourth Streets. The Girl Scouts were among the festival parade participants Saturday. (Photo provided) A Burdett Fire Department truck in the parade was carrying some young passengers. Parade tops the Hector Fair's 2nd day The fair, now in its 58th year, opened Thursday, continued Friday evening and concludes today (Saturday) with a full day of activities including rides, displays, vendor stands, food and music, along with a car show and farmer's market. It ends after dark with a fireworks display. About 40 units of various kinds participated in Friday's line of march, held under a bright sun but with a cooling breeze. Among them were fire department trucks from Hector, Ovid, Lodi, Interlaken, Odessa, Mecklenburg, Trumansburg, Enfield, Beaver Dams, Watkins Glen, Tyrone, Montour Falls, Burdett and the host Valois-Logan-Hector. Rescue operations included Schuyler Ambulance, South Seneca Ambulance, and Millport Rescue.
Politicians were on hand, including Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and State Senator Tom O'Mara. A trio of people were carrying a sign promoting the State Senate candidacy of Democratic challenger Leslie Danks Burke, who they said could not attend due to a conflict. There was a baton unit, Lily's Marching Hope of the NY Finger Lakes Region, which raises funds in the fight against Huntington's Disease (www.hdsa.org), and floats from Hazlitt's 1852 Vineyards, the Backbone Ridge History Group, Rasta Ranch Vineyards, and the Hector Presbyterian Church's Vacation Bible School.
After the parade, many of the spectators adjourned to the fair itself, where food such as clams and shrimp awaited, as did games, rides, displays and a book sale. Photos in text: Top: A bagpiper performs as part of the Caledonian Highlanders. Middle: A girl studies the passing crowd from atop a Valois-Logan-Hector fire truck participating in the parade. Bottom: Former Montour Falls Fire Chief Jeff Confer, left, and current Chief Billy Thomas marched in the parade with other members of the department. Lily's Marching Hope featured an array of baton twirlers ranging from teens to young girls. Among the parade participants were Smokey the Bear and a woman seated on a Backbone Ridge History Group float. One of the inhabitants of a Hector Fair display. As the sun set, a rider was spotted high above the ground on the Paratrooper ride at the fair. The line of cheese customers was steady through the day at this Cheese Festival tent. Annual Cheese Festival draws a crowd
Sunset View is a founding member of the Finger Lakes Cheese Alliance, which puts on this annual family-focus event. A total of 65 vendors were on hand, among them new ones as the event grows each year. Thousands of people made their way to the site, parking in the Hoffman farm field off of the Ridge Road. (The crowd last year totaled 5,000, and organizers were hoping to equal or surpass that.) The Planning Committee thanked the Watkins Glen/Montour Falls Lions Club, The Spirit of Schuyler, and the Odessa Fire Department for providing assistance at the festival. Photos in text: Top: Hayrides were among the Cheese Festival attractions. Second: Animals of various kinds and size were on hand for petting. Third: Drew Guild served as announcer. Bottom: Festival T-shirts with Whey Cool on them were available at a tent. Heavenly Treats of Corning has been on hand every year at the festival. The Finger Lakes Wine Lockers business of Watkins Glen was on hand with, among its specialties, quality cigars. Left: Gloria Brubaker examines wares at one of the many booths. Right: A girl watches as Bonnie Scott of Odessa works behind safety glass in her mobile hot-glass studio. Bob & Dee were among the musical performers. Also playing: the groups Sons of a Beach and The Tarps. A food wagon attracted a constant line of customers. Three entrants approached the finish line at the same time. Game On won its category: Fastest Elapsed Time Multi-hull-two or more. Cardboard boats draw crowd to harbor More than 40 entrant crafts -- going in heats of two around a course that ran from one end of the Seneca Harbor Marina to the breakwater, west to the pier, and then southbound to a finish line -- negotiated the water to the cheers of a large crowd lining the waterfront, pier and breakwater. The event was broadcast by Fox TV, which will rebroadcast the event (see schedule here). The race was preceded by a three-hour period in which spectators could view the boats in the parking area near the starting line. A Food Court -- featuring many vendors -- was also an attraction.
Fastest Elapsed Time Multi-hull-two or more: Game On -- 2:49 Photos in text: From top: The Seneca Lodge entrant crosses the finish line: Game On is discarded after its race (a fate of most of the boats); and the Harbor Hound entrant capsized at the start of its race against Party Crashers, but its crew swam and pushed their craft all the way around the course, through the finish line.
A large crowd lined the Seneca Harbor Pier and breakwater, not to mention the shoreline. Pre-race emcee Michelle Benjamin (left), and Renee Riley, singing the National Anthem. The Party Crashers, winners of the first heat, near the finish line. The crew won its category: Fastest KIDS Boat under 12: Party Crashers -- 6:08. The Hit Men, a brass band out of Rochester, were a hit with the crowd, playing both before and during the parade on Main Street. Annual parade draws crowd to Montour
Five high school bands and 27 fire departments participated in the Main Street procession, along with various classic cars, antique tractors, floats and horses. The parade was the highlight of the final day of the three-day Montour Falls Firemen's Carnival. A chicken barbecue was a popular stop earlier in the day at the carnival grounds, and the midway would be open until midnight, with a third straight night of live music.
School bands were from Jasper-Troupsburg, Dundee (a steel band), Odessa-Montour, Corning-Painted Post, and Addison.
Law enforcement was represented by the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department, State Police and Watkins Glen Village Police. The parade drew a large crowd that lined Main Street from the Glorious T to a point well beyond Rte. 14. The line of vehicles and marchers took well over an hour to complete. Photos from top: The Montour Falls Fire Department Marching Band; a truck from Elmira Heights, one of 27 departments represented; and Odessa scouts march up Main Street. A Symphonic Steel Band from Dundee High School was transported on a float. Left: A member of the 300-member Corning-Painted Post High School band. Right: A member of the Addison High School band. Horses and horse riders were part of the Montour Falls Firemen's Parade. State Senator Tom O-Mara (left) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (sharing candy) were among the parade participants. Among the parade marchers were the Appalachian Grenadier drummers. Left: Odessa Fire Department members Keith Pierce and Taylor Rounds. Right: A member of the Caledonian Highlanders bagpipe band. The Odessa-Montour High School Marching Band performed along Main Street. Left: An Enfield Fire Department rough-terrain vehicle. Right: Emcee Jim Howell. A member of the Jasper-Troupsburg High School Marching Band. A throwback car draws some attention MONTOUR FALLS, June 11 -- A police car near the front of the 60th annual Montour Falls Firemen's Parade was a throwback to the 1980s. The car, a 1988 Plymouth Gran Fury, was driven in the parade by Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman, who owns it with son Andrew Yessman, a Schuyler deputy. They purchased it privately about a year ago after finding it through eBay on Staten Island.
The sheriff said his son had wanted to create a "period-correct car," and this offered the opportunity. The Gran Fury -- manufactured from 1975 to 1989 -- differs in name from the vehicles used in the '80s and early '90s by Schuyler road patrols (which were Dodge Diplomats), "but they are essentially the same car," said the sheriff, who drove one himself back in the day. "I was one of the last ones in the department to drive one," he said, explaining that he finally gave it up in 1994 "when it started falling apart." This car is in no such danger. It was used first as an NCIS car, and then made its way to a Sheriff's Department in Virginia, where it was painted blue but little used. From there it was purchased by a retired policeman on Staten Island, who took good care of it. When the Yessmans picked it up, it was white. Minor restoration work remains, but it is parade worthy -- and car- meet worthy. Sheriff Yessman said he and Andrew would be taking it the next day to the Chemung County Fairgrounds for a car gathering -- "a fun meet," he said. The weekend appearances, he noted, constituted the car's "coming out ... its debut." Photo in text: Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman with the 1988 Plymouth Gran Fury, renovated to a state that cars like it possessed back in the '80s and early '90s. The exterior of the apartment complex, as viewed from a sidewalk along Decatur Street. Ribbon cut for apartment complex in former Watkins Glen Middle School Portions of the following were provided special to The Odessa File.
State, county and village representatives were on hand for speeches, and scores of area residents turned out for the occasion -- which culminated with the familiar ribbon-slicing ceremony. Then came snacks and self-tours of the facility, where 20 of the 51 apartments -- designed for lower income senior residents -- were already occupied. Representatives of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Two Plus Four Construction, the SEPP Management Group, and contributing partners were on hand to mark completion of the complex, known as Watkins Glen School Apartments. Located at 906 N. Decatur Street, the newly created apartments are among the thousands of units that form the foundation of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s new, $10 billion House New York 2020 program to create or preserve 100,000 affordable units over the next five years.
The three-story building’s residential units are located on the first, second and third floors and are accessible by both stairs and an elevator. Laundry facilities are available on each floor, and the development provides a large community room with a kitchenette and a computer lab on the first floor. Two additional activity rooms are on an upper floor. The building is located near downtown and the Watkins Glen harbor district. A grocery store, pharmacy and local retail shops are all within walking distance of the site. On hand with speeches were: Anthony F. Fiala, Jr. Executive Director/CEO of SEPP Management, which spearheaded the project. He said: “On behalf of SEPP, we are very pleased to be part of the Village of Watkins Glen and the County. It was a team effort with our partner Two Plus Four Construction and the result is an incredible project that will provide safe, affordable housing for generations to come.”
Senator Thomas F. O’Mara, who said: “What a fantastic, innovative project to help Watkins Glen address the critical need for more affordable senior housing, which remains a challenge across the region and state.” Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, who said: "What a great day. This is what partnership is all about." Said County Administrator Tim O'Hearn -- who first brought the building to the attention of SEPP: "This is an exciting time in a community with a progressive vision. This project is a huge asset to the community." Watkins Glen Deputy Mayor Gary Schmidt, who charmed the sizable crowd at the ceremony, said this: "This (turnout) is crazy. I thank everyone for coming. What a great project, and a quality development ... I wish Governor Cuomo was here because I wore a tie today."
HCR funding for this $14.3 million project -- which began in November 2014 -- was provided through the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and Federal Low-Income Housing Credit (LIHC) Programs, which leveraged an NBT Bank loan; Federal and State Historic Tax Credit Equity; NYSERDA incentives, and a deferred developer fee. Citi Community Capital provided the construction loan. HCR’s Rural & Urban Community Investment Fund program and Empire State Development, through a Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council CFA grant award, are providing funding for the civic space. Residents began moving in on Friday, Feb. 26. The building is expected to be rented to capacity by April. Applications are currently being accepted. The gross rents (rent plus utilities) range from $485 to $616 a month, and will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 50% of area median income. HTFC Project-Based Rental Vouchers will be provided for the eight apartments reserved for frail elderly renters. For applications call 800-838-0441 TDD 711 or visit www.watkinsglenschoolapts.com Photos in text: From top: Dignitaries cut the ribbon; lockers populate a hallway; the kitchen in a two-bedroom apartment; and SEPP's Anthony Fiala, left, conducts a tour that included Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, center, and State Senator Tom O'Mara, right. Ice Bar raises $25,000 for Red Cross Special to The Odessa File WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 23 -- The 2016 Ice Bar at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in early February -- an annual three-night party celebrating winter and the region's wine and food -- raised $25,000 for the Finger Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross.
"This marked the fifth year of the annual event, which has become a highlight of the region’s social calendar," said the hotel’s Director of Sales Christine Peacock. "Since its inception, the Ice Bar has generated $75,000 for the American Red Cross." Donations from the event assist in providing relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Photo in text: An ice sculpture that was part of the Ice Bar, an annual three-night party at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. (File photo) About the American Red Cross: Left: Bonnie Scott, recipient of the Community Spirit Award. Right: Peter Honsberger, honored by the Chamber of Commerce for Lifetime Achievement. Chamber holds its annual Winter Gala
WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 22, 2016 -- Men and women in elegant attire, live music by the group Suspect, a fine meal, silent auction packages, a Stock Your Cellar Wine Raffle, a masquerade theme, and awards for Community Spirit and Lifetime Achievement were all part of Friday night's annual Winter Gala at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel -- the largest fundraiser each year for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. The event was presented by Visions Federal Credit Union and sponsored by Corning Enterprises.
Cocktails were served from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and dinner from 7 to 8. The silent auction and Stock Your Cellar Wine Raffle was open from 5 to 8 p.m. After that came awards and speeches, and then the music from 9-11 p.m. Honorees this year were Bonnie Scott (receiving the Community Spirit Award) and Peter Honsberger (for Lifetime Achievement). Honsberger is well known in the business community, having operated the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor at 221 S. Franklin Steet in the village for decades -- a business his Facebook page says he is handing off to his daughter Jackie.
Scott has had quite a week. She was honored Monday by the Odessa Village Board as its third annual Citizen of the Year, and now by the Chamber with its Community Spirit Award. She was introduced by daughter Keri, who will be moving with her parents to Virginia in the summer. Bonnie's husband, Fred, is retired after a long career running the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home. Bonnie, often involved in local activities -- including the Chamber's Ambassador Program and its Membership Committee -- helped Fred with his business, and is past owner of a Longaberger basket business and current owner of a glass studio, Joyful Adornments. Photos in text: Top: Brian and Loueda Bleiler in their masks. Brian is an optometrist. From left: Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux; Linda Confer, Branch Manager at Elmira Savings Bank in Watkins Glen, and Brian McKenzie of Finger Lakes Distilling. Forum speakers air funding needs for people with developmental disabilities Special to The Odessa File WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 23 -- Arc chapters in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates Counties jointly held a legislative forum on Tuesday at The Arc of Schuyler in support of the “It Matters to Me” grassroots advocacy campaign organized by the local agencies’ statewide affiliate, NYSARC, Inc. State Sen. Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano attended the forum to hear families, self-advocates, and staff members share their personal stories focusing on funding needs for residential housing and program development, employment choices, and preschool programs for people with developmental disabilities as well as for a wage increase for direct support professionals at nonprofit agencies.
Amanda Jakubowicz was one of many speakers at the forum. Jakubowicz, a service coordinator at The Arc of Schuyler, shared the story of a young man with disabilities and his mother who twice applied to the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities for residential placement. Their request was declined. The man has since lost both parents and now relies on a non-relative caregiver who continues to struggle finding a more appropriate housing situation to meet his needs. “There are many people I work with in situations like this and without funding in the 2016 state budget for residential developments, where will they go?” Jakubowicz said. Terri Rogers spoke on behalf of her brother Mike. She voiced concerns that without state funding her brother will lose the opportunity to work in a job he’s been successful in at Arc of Steuben for years due to New York State’s efforts to move people with intellectual and developmental disabilities into community employment. She said she would like to see her brother have the opportunity to have a choice of employment options based on his goals and interests and the guidance of Mike’s circle of support, the family members and human service professionals that work with him every day. “There are approximately 8,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities working in sheltered workshops across the state,” Bernie Berns. Executive Director of Arc of Steuben said. “People should have a choice about where they work.” Arc of Yates Executive Director Daniele Lyman addressed the need for funding preschool programs for children with disabilities. These programs are at risk of closure. This is the first year Arc of Yates’ Keuka Lake School has received a rate increase since 2010. Lyman was followed by Adam Campbell, a parent of a child with Down Syndrome, who credited Keuka Lake School for his daughter’s progress and successful transition into regular education for kindergarten. Many family and staff members also attended the forum to advocate for a minimum wage increase to compete with the NYS Labor Commissioner’s approvedĀ plan to enact a $15 minimum wage for fast-food workers. “In my 35 years as an agency executive, the single biggest structural issue in our field has been the lack of appropriate pay for our frontline staff and the work they do,” said Michael A. Doherty, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Arc of Chemung. Three parents, a residential manager, and two staff members spoke on the issue, reasoning that direct support professionals should receive a comparable wage increase or they would be forced to leave for better paying jobs, and supports for people with disabilities will be reduced. “The expectations on direct support professionals have increased substantially and we are under enormous pressure,” Pat Wilcox, a 30-year Arc employee said. “Direct support professionals need a wage increase. We need it to retain employees, to recruit new employees, and to ensure people with disabilities have the best people working for them.” NYSARC, Inc. is the State’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with developmental and other disabilities. Arc chapters in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates Counties support more than 2,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families. Photo in text: (From left) Michael Stamp, Arc of Schuyler board president; State Senator Tom O’Mara; Jeannette Frank, Arc of Schuyler executive director; and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano listen as Arc of Schuyler board member and parent, Jay Hoffmeier, speaks on the issue of employment choices for people with developmental disabilities. (Photo provided) Schuyler County Transit drivers pose in front of one of the buses during the 5-year anniversary celebration. (Photo provided) Transit marks 5th anniversary WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 25, 2015 -- Schuyler County Transit celebrated its 5th anniversary on Tuesday, August 25 with a public event at its operation headquarters, The Arc of Schuyler. Members of the Schuyler County Coordinated Transportation Committee, the team responsible for the long-range planning and implementation of the public transit system, gathered for a celebration with legislative officials, bus drivers and riders. “With 30 years of experience training drivers, providing specialized transportation service, and maintaining a fleet of vehicles, The Arc was a clear choice for partnership,” said Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn. Public transit launched in August 2010 with a fixed-route service to the villages of Burdett, Montour Falls, Odessa and Watkins Glen as well as a Dial-A-Ride service. “The transit service is an important asset to Schuyler County. Senior citizens and many others need transportation to supports at the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls, the hospital, health care facilities, shopping, and more. This is an economical mode of transportation that is essential for our residents,” said Montour Falls Mayor John King. The system made modifications over the years for rider convenience, installing bus shelters, adding stops, and adjusting the route to accommodate frequent riders, including people with disabilities and seniors. Said Tamre Waite, Schuyler County Office for the Aging Director and a member of the Coordinated Transportation Committee, “The public transit system is a safe, reliable and affordable means of getting to and from destinations. It is a great alternative when one must make that difficult decision to give up the car keys and allow someone else to transport them.” Beth DeCaro, Property Manager for Jefferson Village Apartments in Watkins Glen, agreed and added: “Schuyler County Transit has allowed our tenants to maintain their independence for a longer period of time.” “This is a time when public transport has never been more important in supporting growth and job creation,” said Judy McKinney Cherry, Executive Director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED). “For communities that can attract the right talent, the resulting wealth can be spread out across the economy. This is a win-win since there is a $4 economic return to a community for every $1 invested in public transportation.” Speakers at the event included: O’Hearn; Waite; Jeannette Frank, Executive Director of The Arc of Schuyler; John Reel, NYS Department of Transportation; Dennis Fagan, Chairman of Schuyler County Legislature; representatives from the offices of Congressman Tom Reed and Senator Tom O’Mara; and frequent rider Debbie Ball of Watkins Glen. “Schuyler County Transit has demonstrated an ability to serve riders and maximize existing transportation systems to benefit the whole community,” Frank said. “Public transit is a symbol of a community that is working together, and that’s what we’re celebrating.” Photos in text: Top: Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn enjoys a celebratory cupcake with Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan looking on. Bottom: Schuyler County transit rider Deb Ball, who spoke about the importance of public transportation for people who do not or cannot drive. (Photos provided) "It's Kitten Season"A Humane Society message The following article was provided by the Humane Society of Schuyler County. So, here in Schuyler County (at least at the Humane Society) we don't have four seasons. We have six! Winter, spring, kitten season, summer, kitten season and fall. And, the Humane Society of Schuyler County is swimming with kittens (and adult cats) needing homes. Cute comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. We've got 'em all. All of our kittens are sterilized, fully vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, tested for feline leukemia and have received any other necessary veterinary care. The adoption fee is only $75! A bargain!
We've been providing low-cost spay/neuter clinics for income eligible residents of Schuyler County for 15 years and have sterilized over 11,000 cats. But, it only takes two to tango, as they say. Kittens can become pregnant at only 4 months old and have as many as three litters a year. The resulting math is pretty simple ... too many kittens and not enough homes. A cat can be spayed or neutered as young as 3 months of age. Sterilization will prevent unwanted litters of kittens, reduce male/female aggression and fighting, and can also significantly reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. If you'd like more information about our spay/neuter program for owned, stray and feral cats, please contact us at 607-594-2255 and leave a detailed message. We'll call you back to schedule an appointment. Here's a good video to watch about the importance of spay/neuter: If you already have a litter of kittens that need your care, check out this great video, loaded with tips on raising kittens: https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-care/kitten-care-must-know-tips-for-raising-kittens/ The Humane Society of Schuyler County is a not-for-profit 501 c3 corporation dedicated to advancing animal welfare in Schuyler County. For additional information please call 607-594-2255 or visit www.schuylerhumane.org Exchange students
enjoy farewell weekend
Each year, monthly get-togethers are scheduled for the Exchange
students in the district. The June weekend is emotional for the students,
as it is the final time they are together as a group before heading back
to their home countries after a full year in the U.S. The roadway on Bailey Hill in the Town of Tyrone was covered with mud after the storm. The Lamoka and Waneta Lake Roads had similar results. (Photo by Emily Grimmke) Some scenes from
the flood
Some roads were washed out or damaged, basements were still flooded, and the water on the lakes was up, carrying debris. The photos here -- showing aspects of the flood and the damage -- were provided to The Odessa File by readers. Photo in text: The Harley Davidson business at Alpine Junction was flooded. (Photo provided) Left: Water
rushing along an intersection above Watkins Glen. (Photo
by Kevin LeRoux) Swan Hill Road near Alpine was covered with water Franklin Street in Watkins Glen was flooded at its northern end, below the curve into downtown. (Photo by Kevin LeRoux) Monday cleanup included shoveling mud and gravel from
the Valero gas station lot, Various roads like this one, the turnoff above Watkins
Glen leading to Tyrone, Left: Meghan Coates as Pippin's grandmother, Berthe, sings. Right: Joseph Raymond, right, as Charlemagne, addresses Lewis (Justin Hickey) and Fastrada (Dana Roberts). 'Pippin' ends its
run at O-M
Twenty-five senior high school students worked with director Kim Laursen and choreographer Manley Gavich to prepare the show. Its story is based loosely on the reign of one of France's greatest kings, Charlemagne, played by Joseph Raymond. His eldest son and heir to the throne, Pippin (Logan Barrett on Thursday and Saturday nights, and John Coates on Friday night and Saturday afternoon), spends the duration of the play trying to find his higher purpose in life, his "Corner of the Sky." His stepmother Fastrada (Cheyenne Barrett, Dana Roberts) does everything she can to get her son Lewis (Justin Hickey) to be next in line to the throne. In Pippin's search for something extraordinary, he is helped every step of the way by the Leading Player (Manley Gavich, Emma Raymond), and also by his dear grandmother Berthe (Bronwyn Stermer, Maggie Coates).
For Director Laursen, this was the last show she will direct at O-M before retiring in July. "Pippin" is presented with special permission from Music Theatre International of New York, NY. Photos in text: Pippin (John Coates) addresses a rally with the character known as the Leading Player (Emma Raymond) at his side; a dance sequence in Act One. Thursday night photos: Cast members Rosemary Peckham (left) and Bronwyn Stermer. Cheyenne Barrett and Justin Hickey in a musical number from "Pippin." Left: Joseph Raymond as Charlemagne. Right: Emma Raymond. Left: Nina Linton in a dance number. Right: Logan Barrett as the title character, Pippin.
On the Waterfront This was the scene one pleasant day in Clute Park, along the southern shore of Seneca Lake.
The Indian of
the Lake
It was in the possession of an official there. 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. Check out the feature below
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Charles Haeffner P.O. Box 365 Odessa, New York 14869
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