The Odessa File: People of Schuyler County

Curly's Family Restaurant, located on Route 14 near the P&C Plaza in Watkins Glen. Phone: 535-4383.

Website!! To link to the Curly's Family Restaurant website, you can click on the photo at left or click here.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Jim was born in Dover, NJ on May 1, 1943 and honorably served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He formerly worked as an Inspector of jet engines for the Pratt & Whitney Company in Berwick, Maine.

He was predeceased by his parents, James F. and Vinetta Kaiser of New Jersey; and his brother Timothy Kaiser of Beaver Dams in 2004.

According to his wishes there are no funeral services. You may view his memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

WATKINS GLEN, July 22 -- The Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association (SCVAA) concluded a fund-raising raffle this week by drawing the winner of two tickets to the upcoming NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen International.

The winner was drawn by Montour Falls Fire Chief Tom Carson after he and Schuyler Ambulance President Jeremy Pierce mixed the tickets inside a drum.

The first ticket winner was Carl Blowers of Montour Falls. “When I called Carl to let him know he was the winner of the tickets," said Pierce, "he graciously donated them back to us, along with the $200 he had given to us for our fundraiser. Thank you, Carl!”

Pierce and Carson then drew another winner: Harold Harris of Watkins Glen. Pierce called Harris, and Schuyler Ambulance delivered the tickets to his home in Watkins Glen. Harris was very happy to receive the tickets and was planning to give them to a friend who wanted to attend the NASCAR race..

The 2 NASCAR tickets are 1st row Pit Terrace seats directly overlooking the pits, and are good for the entire race weekend, August 5-8. They also include Pit Terrace parking located on the infield (valued at $300).

The NASCAR weekend includes the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, along with a NASCAR Nationwide Series race, and a Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series competition.

According to Pierce, the SCVAA, in order to keep up with changing regulations, has had to change the community programs it once offered, and is looking for alternative ways to raise capital. The organization does not receive any financial assistance from the county or towns, and relies solely on insurance billing and community donations to operate. Its annual operating budget is over $800,000 and no longer provides enough income to regularly purchase new ambulances or other expensive equipment.

The Association, Pierce said, decided to try this new fund-raising raffle this year as a way to make the public more aware of the organization's need for donations, and as a way to create some fun for those supporters.

The fundraiser was a success, Pierce said, in that it raised over $25,000 this year from 720 donations. A list of 2010 supporters can be viewed at SchuylerAmbulance.org .

Top: Schuyler Ambulance President Jeremy Pierce, left, with raffle winner Harold Harris.

Bottom: Montour Falls Fire Chief Tom Carson, right, reaches in for a raffle winner with Schuyler Ambulance President Jeremy Pierce at his side. (Photos provided)

From left: Joe Barbieri, Manager Firestone Racing; Steve Strathmann, Schuyler Health Foundation Executive Director; Daryle Feistman and Wendy Laubenstein, CARA Charities Board members; and the Firestone Firehawk mascot. (Photo provided)

MONTOUR FALLS, July 21 -- Before the green flag dropped on this year’s IndyCar race at Watkins Glen International, Schuyler Hospital and the local community the hospital serves already had their prize in hand -- a $2,500 donation from CARA (Championship Auto Racing Auxiliary) Charities.

With the help of the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust, CARA Charities’ “Buckle Up Baby” program provides funds for infant car seats and special needs seats to needy families in the areas where open wheel races are held.

Since 2005, the role of distributing those funds locally has been handled by Schuyler Hospital.

“CARA’s mission is to give back to the communities that embrace the motorsports family,” said Steve Strathmann, Executive Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation. “The Schuyler Health Foundation is pleased to help put CARA Charities’ donation to work improving safety for children in Schuyler County.”

Schuyler Hospital distributes the car seats through its Stork's Landing Maternity Department.

Mothers planning on giving birth or local families with small children can apply for a car seat by contacting Schuyler Hospital’s Stork’s Landing at (607) 535-8639, extension 2233.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Harold and Elizabeth Houseknecht; and maternal grandparents, Michael and Irene Lukacs. He is survived by his loving family: parents Scott and Barbara Houseknecht; a brother, Christopher Houseknecht; sisters Kayla Lukacs and Rachel Houseknecht; a nephew, Dylan Houseknecht; his favorite companions, dogs Keller and Bear; and by many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, July 22 from 5-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship program to benefit young writers. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may view his memorial or leave a remembrance of Erik in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 48, of Deltona, FL passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2010. She was born in Wellsboro, PA on December 21, 1961.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday, July 17 from 2-4 p.m.; with funeral services directly following at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be at Sugar Hill Cemetery.

She is survived by her beloved husband, George Osma, having celebrated their 28th Anniversary in December. Leslie was a devoted mother to two beautiful daughters, Ameigh and Amanda Osma of Deltona, FL. Leslie was predeceased by her father, Frank Ameigh, and her father-in-law, Carlos Osma.

Other survivors include her mother, Janice, and her step-father, Nelson Ameigh of Watkins Glen, NY; mother-in-law Gloria Osma of Winter Park, FL; brother and sister-in-law Frank (Sue) Ameigh of Mansfield, PA; sisters and brothers-in-law Janice (Albert) Shaffer of Watkins Glen, NY, Barbara (Curt) Connelly of Burdett, NY, and Patricia (Darren) Rose-Morley of Watkins Glen, NY; Cathy Jones, Leslie’s best friend a.k.a sister-in-law, of Winter Park, FL (who has always been there for her); and by nieces and nephews Adam, Jessica, Zach, Caitlin, Courtney, Mackenzie, Brooke, Cameron, Lexi, Tristin, Robbie, Gian, Nico, Santi, and her Rocky (Raquel). Also many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Leslie graduated from Watkins Glen High School and served in the U.S. Air Force.

WATKINS GLEN, July 15 -- More than 150 kids, counselors and nurses from Camp Good Days enjoyed a day of racing Wednesday around historic Watkins Glen International (WGI).

For over a decade, WGI and TrackMasters, Inc., a regional car club that rents the track each season, have teamed up to provide excitement and life-long memories for the children of Camp Good Days.

Wednesday morning, the kids experienced the twists and turns of the historic road course and were treated to a full lunch served by the staff of The Glen and Americrown Corp. The track teamed up with Americrown Corp., a sister company of WGI, to donate the food to the campers. The track time and racetrack officials also donated their services in order to make the day a success for the kids.

For 30 years, Camp Good Days, a not-for-profit organization, has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges through summer camping experiences and year-round events and activities. Camp Good Days is located on the west side of Keuka Lake in Branchport, NY.

Photo in text: A couple of Camp Good Days participants enjoy lunch. (Photos provided)

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Wednesday, July 14 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.; with a funeral service immediately following at 8 p.m., Rev. Anne Campbell officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hope Cemetery, Corning.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, James Sr. and Helen Rennells; and brothers James Jr., Edward and Roberts Rennells.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Theodore McCray; sons David (Tiphanie) McCray of Jemez Springs, NM and Dennis McCray of Au Sable Forks, NY; a sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Richard Bannister of Montour Falls; sisters-in-law Tina Rennells of Breesport, NY, Cora Rennells of Newberry, NH, Dorthea Henry of Horseheads, and Frances Galucki of Edmond, OK; and a grandson, Kelson McCray.

Elsie was a Registered Nurse. She graduated from the Arnot Ogden School of Nursing in 1955 and worked at Arnot Ogden Medical Center until she retired in 1994. Elsie was a member of the Moreland Community Presbyterian Church and a past Elder. She was also a past member of the Quilting Guild of Elmira.

Memorial donations may be made to Southern Tier Hospice, the National Alzheimer’s Association or the Moreland Community Church. You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a member of Paul Fitzsimmons' family.

Paul Michael Fitzsimmons, writer, passed away on July 11, 2010 at the Bath VA, where he received excellent care in his last year of life.

Paul was born in Boston on June 12, 1923. He was the son of Edward and Julia (Coveney) Fitzsimmons and brother of Marie McFadden, Fred (Audrey) Fitzsimmons, Celestine Gookin, Joan Stinson (deceased) and Richard Fitzsimmons (deceased). Paul was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Merchant Marine in the Pacific, Atlantic and Mediterranean as second mate and navigator on the U.S. Rum River. He was licensed to sail any ship, any tonnage, on any ocean. One of his most stirring memories was meeting up with his brother Freddie in the midst of the war on the island of Guam, where Freddie was serving with the United States Marine Corps. Their mother, Julia, wept with joy to receive word that her sons had such a reunion in the midst of such times. Paul was a passionate defender of the Constitution and a devoted patriot of the principles of democracy. Until his dying day, he maintained an impassioned plea to the nation to peacefully rebel against the corporate takeover of our liberties. His People’s Manifesto was last published in the Watkins Review in 2008.

Paul is the father of Robert (Mindy) Fitzsimmons, John Fitzsimmons (deceased), Paula Fitzsimmons (Philip Davis), Marie Fitzsimmons (Kirk Peters), and Daniel Fitzsimmons (Dorothy Elizabeth). He is the grandfather of Dr. Coveney Fitzsimmons (Gabriel Gomez), Liam Fitzsimmons, Jores Peters, Jared Peters, Sophie Fitzsimmons Peters, Hilary Davis, Colin Davis, Connor Fitzsimmons, Rowan Elizabeth, and William Fitzsimmons. He is the great grandfather of Zade Ixchel.

Paul began his writing career in New York City, where his early literary successes included Family of Five (1956), End of the Road (1957), By the Light of the Moon (1957) Green Goods and Gold (1959), A Ring is a Precious Thing (1957), The Oracle Machine and Mr. Kessler (1957) and The Way of a Dog (1957). Paul was commissioned by Beacon Press to write the Howard Hughes story and to bring his family to Hollywood to write screenplays. Instead, the family moved to Burdett to an old farmhouse with 100 acres and began their lives in upstate New York.

During that time, Paul authored “Confessions of a Year Round Hunter” for True Magazine, scripts for plays, eloquent poetry, and impassioned political articles. He acted in local theatre with the Burdett Players, worked to bring about the Citizen’s Party, demonstrated against the closing of Sampson State Hospital, and wrote prolifically. After the Flood of '72, Paul wrote a sweeping ode of the Chemung River Flood. His Christmas Dream, written for his daughter Paula, was loved by Katharine Hepburn, who was touched by the magic of Paul’s writing. Paul resided for many years in Front Royal, Virginia, where he wrote guest editorials for The Washington Post and The Riverton Press. In 1982, at age 59, Paul fulfilled a lifetime dream of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, 2,175 miles from Springer, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. His story was published in the Appalachian Hiker. In 2000, Paul made a trip to Scotland to see his beloved friend and fellow AT hiker, war correspondent Jack Willis. The two writers had a special bond borne from their restless natures and adventurous souls.

Paul recently celebrated his 87th birthday at the music recital of his grandson Colin, enjoyed a beer at the Stone Cat Café, and ate homemade cake prepared by his son-in-law Kirk. More than anything, Paul was most proud of his children and expressed enormous gratitude to their mother. Paul died having held each of his four children on the last day of his life. As Paul lived by the pen, your remembrances may be sent to C/O Fitzsimmons Family, 5550 Peach Orchard Point, Hector, New York 14841. Perhaps you would like to buy a lottery ticket, make a contribution to the Watkins Glen Library to offset his many late charges, or hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail in his memory. Or simply start a peaceful revolution. As Paul would say: "Good Deal." The family will receive friends at the Stone Cat Café on Saturday, July 17th from 2-4 p.m.

Boys' State students march with Marine drill instructors at Morrisville State College. (Photo by Liz Waite)

WATKINS GLEN, July 10 -- Several young men from Schuyler County high schools graduated recently from the 74th annual, weeklong Boys' State program at Morrisville State College.

Among the participants at the June 27-July 2 program were (with their sponsors in parentheses):

Watkins Glen High School:
Travis Waite (WG Elk's Club);
Andrew Conklin (WG Elk's Club);
Terry Bond (WG Elk's Club);
Nick Cocca (WG Teacher's Association);
Adam Rice (WG Police Benevolent Association);
Thomas Wickham (WG Redmen);
William Simiele (WG-MF Rotary Club);
Taylor Gates (WG Fire Department);
Ethan Roth (WG American Legion);
Brendon Monteiro (WG American Legion);
Jacq Goehner (Montour Mechanics Club)

Odessa-Montour High School:
Sam Capozzi (WG-MF Lions Club);
Cory Pound (Odessa American Legion);
Martin Eccleston (OM Teachers Association)

"Boys’ State is a program of the American Legion developed from the concept that youth should be offered a better perspective of the practical operation of government; that the individual is an integral part and commensurately responsible for the character and success of his government . As such, it is an activity of high educational value, borne of a need for youth training in a practical citizenship.

"Boys’ State is a leadership Action Program where qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course. This course is designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government, and to impress upon them the fact that their government is what THEY make it ... It is operated on the basis of the political government organization existing in New York State, including all levels from municipality to the state."

Photo in text: Boys' State participants Terry Bond, left, and Travis Waite. (Photo by Liz Waite)

From left: Boys' State participants Andrew Conklin, Taylor Gates and Martin Eccleston. (Photos by Liz Waite)

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 98, of Beaver Dams, NY passed away Monday, July 5, 2010 at Bethany Manor in Horseheads, NY.

He is survived by his wife Eva; son Raymond (Hisae) Swisher of Beaver Dams; daughter Rosalie (Ron) D’Souza of LaGrangeville, NY; sisters-in law Florence Waters and Dorothy (David) Matison, both of Horseheads, NY; seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, July 8 from 6-8pm; Burial Office and Holy Eucharist will be held at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Sixth & Decatur St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, July, 9 at 11:00am, the Rev. Michael Hartney celebrant. Committal services will follow at 2:00pm at Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, Elmira.

You may view his memorial or sign a guestbook online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 90, of Watkins Glen, passed away at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility on July 3, 2010 surrounded by family.

Mildred was predeceased by her husband, Andrew J. Ellison, in 1990; by her brother, Richard Fultz, and by her parents, Bertha and Ira Fultz.

She is survived by her sons, James W. (Beverly) Ellison and Andrew J. Ellison II (Luanne); a daughter, Jane E. Kissell; sisters Rowena Eyrich and Joyce (Frank) Bloom; grandchildren Sean (Andrea) Ellison, Brian (Amanda) Ellison, Andrew John Ellison III, Frank Paul Ellison, William J. (Colleen) Kissell, Melissa Sue Kissell, Emily Cowan, and Lee Smith; 8 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Doris Ector.

Mildred was a longtime homemaker who helped on the farm. She loved to cook and bake, and be surrounded by family. Sunday dinners were a tradition to bring everyone together. In 2004 Mildred became fully blind, but continued to carry on with a strong faith and spirit. She was able to remain in her home for several years due to the help of her kind and loving family and caretakers.

Mildred was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, and was honored by the Presbyterian Women’s Association as the Presbyterian Woman of the Year. She was also a member of the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary and Zonta Club.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen; on Tuesday, July 6, from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Watkins Glen; Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Born in Rochester, NY on March 5, 1948, Karen was the daughter of John and Marion Willson. On August 17, 1968, she and John Carozza were married in Rush, NY, and they enjoyed a loving life together with their three children, Stephen, Mark and Anne Marie.

After raising a family, Karen went back to school to earn her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Cornell University in 1995, and graduated from Syracuse University in 1996 with a Masters in Social Work. She worked as a social worker for the Elmira City School District and maintained a private practice as a Clinical Social Worker.

Karen was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church of Watkins Glen, and a Eucharistic Minister. She served on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Chemung County, on the Advisory Board of Catholic Charities of Schuyler County, and as a past Director of the Southern Tier Division of the National Association of Social Workers.

Karen was always giving of herself and her time, as a volunteer with Hospice of the Southern Tier, and many other community service organizations.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, John F. Carozza; sons Stephen (Melanie) Carozza of Rochester and Mark (Carly) Carozza of Sewell, NJ; a daughter, Anne Marie (Jeffery) Swinehart of Lancaster, PA; her mother, Marion Willson of Rush; sisters Barbara Walton of Rochester and Luanne King of Clifton Springs; and five grandchildren, Connor, Zachary, Luca, Alex and Adam.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, July 16 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, with celebrant Father Bill Donnelly. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Those wishing may consider a donation in her memory to Catholic Charities of Schuyler County, 607 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891, (607) 535-2050.

You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

WATKINS GLEN, June 30 -- Henry J. Sgrecci, Doctor of Musical Arts, was honored as the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Association at its annual gathering. He was recognized in the Field of Music.

He received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and his Master’s in Trumpet Performance and his Doctorate in Conducting from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

From 1974-78 and 1981-2004, he was the trumpeter and premier bugler for the United States Army Band. He performed in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in The Interlochen Center for the Arts, and in White House Medal of Honor Ceremonies.

He was lauded for exemplary performances of Taps during nationally televised Memorial Day ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery, hosted by Presidents Bush and Clinton.

In 1991 he was invited by the Band of the Queen’s Household Welsh Guard to perform Taps at Wembley Arena in London in a special concert benefiting the British Red Cross, in the presence of Princess Diana.

In April and May of 2004 he was interviewed as U.S. Army’s Premier Bugler on ABC World News Tonight and on Bob Edwards' Morning Edition Radio.

He was director of The Bells of Blessed Sacrament handbell choir that was the only handbell choir invited to participate in the historic Papal Mass at Washington National Baseball Stadium in 2008.

Sgrecci was awarded one of the military’s highest awards, the Legion of Merit, upon his retirement in 2004. He volunteered to assist with a youth orchestra in 2002 and has continued as a coach and associate director. The Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is an advanced orchestra that performs the same music as a major symphony.

He has returned several times to perform and participate at masses at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. He was a guest soloist and conductor at the Watkins Glen High School Spring Band Concert in 2004.

Currently, Sgrecci is Director of Music at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church.

A plaque honoring him will be displayed on the “Distinguished Alumni Wall” at the Watkins Glen High School. A notebook with a photograph and biographical sketch will be kept at the high school, the public library, and the historical society.

The Alumni Association presented scholarship awards to three Watkins Glen High School students during the annual Alumni banquet.

Mathew Mangus, $1000 -- Keuka College -- education
Rebecca Laughlin, $2500 -- SUNY Cortland
Chris Carlton, $1500 -- Clarkson University -- engineering

Photos in text: Honoree Henry Sgrecci (top) and scholarship recipients (from left) Mathew Mangus, Rebecca Laughlin and Chris Carlton (Photos provided)

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 98, formerly of Salt Point Road, Watkins Glen, NY passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls, NY.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon on Friday, July 2 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, with Father Paul Bonacci, Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

Angelo was born in Italy on September 11, 1911. He was married for 63 years to Agnes Solometo, who predeceased him on March 6, 1997. He retired from International Salt Company in Watkins Glen.

Angelo is survived by his sons, Frank (Joann) Bartolomeo of Williamsport, PA and Patrick Bartolomeo of Watkins Glen; his granddaughters, Brenda (Todd) Kremser, Susan Blank, and Patricia Whitney; great grandchildren Jamie Blank, Natasha Blank, Alexandra Whitney, Andrew Kremser and Kyle Kremser; and a great great grandson, Angelo Blank.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday from 9-10am; a funeral service will follow at 10am. Burial will be at Hector Presbyterian Cemetery.

Jack was recently predeceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Freda M. (Lott) Blanchard, on May 29. He was also predeceased by his parents, Harold and Mildred Blanchard; and a son, Scott Blanchard. He is survived by children J. Todd (Karen) Blanchard of Logan and Jeffrey (Michele) Blanchard of Watkins Glen; daughter-in-law Mary Elizabeth Blanchard of Hagerstown, MD; sisters-in-law Ruthanna (Marvin) Secord of Logan, Dorothy Lott of Burdett, and Virginia Lott of Montour Falls; brother-in-law James Bardeen of Burdett; six grandchildren, Karlee, Hilary, Jonathan, Victoria, Craig and Scott; his faithful and loving companion Kirby; and many nieces and nephews.

Jack worked 33 years for ISA Babcock of Ithaca until 1993 as a Production Manager. He continued his career with Avian Farms in Kentucky and Maine, and later with Empire Agri Systems in Auburn, NY.

Jack was the treasurer for the Logan Community Center; and a former member and youth leader at the Reynoldsville United Methodist Church and at the former Logan United Methodist Church. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, and his love of hunting, shooting and fishing.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, 2386 County Road 10, Alpine, NY 14805 or Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

WATKINS GLEN, June 23 -- The rain came heavily, but only briefly, and so the season's inaugural Concert in the Park went forward Tuesday evening as planned in front of about 200 music lovers at Lafayette Park.

Ed Clute's Dixie Five Plus were the first week's performers, and they were warmly received by the spectators, many of whom got up to dance on the cement area in front of the bandstand.

Julie Sissel is now in charge of the Concert series, although Rose Ciccone -- who originated the program and ran it for 23 years -- was on hand to help in the transition. Sissel, a former school principal, said she had things under control, her educational experiences giving her a strong sense of organization.

She spoke to the crowd during a break in the music, seeking out the oldest spectator, and the longest married ones -- and touting the upcoming concert schedule. It goes like this, with each performance running from 7-9 p.m.:

--July 20: Dave Paugh, a solo performer with big band music, oldies, classic rock and more.

--August 24: Steve Southworth & The Rockabilly Rays, with '50s and early '60s music.

In case of inclement weather that exceeds Tuesday's brief downpour, the concerts will -- as in the past -- be moved to the Clute Park Pavilion.

From the top: Ed Clute performs at his piano; concert organizer Julie Sissel; and concert series originator Rose Ciccone, on hand to help out.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, Elmira.

Age 66, of Horseheads, NY, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2010 unexpectedly at home.

She was born August 30, 1943 in Elmira, daughter of the late Edgar Andrew and Dorothy Irene (Heater) Edger. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her infant son Todd Michael Lynd; grandson David Lynd; sister Audrey Edger, and brother Edward Edger.

Sue Ann is survived by her children and their spouses, Paul and Yvonne Lynd of Fayetteville, NC, Philip and Donna Lynd of Canastota, NY, Michael Lynd of Fayetteville, AR and Janice Visscher of Horseheads; grandchildren Marc, Morgan and Taylor Lynd, and Brooke and Britney Visscher; three step grandchildren; and nieces Carmella Hoffman and Lisa McPherson.

Sue Ann retired from the Schuyler County Department of Motor Vehicles office in Watkins Glen with 18 years of service. She was a member of the Horseheads American Legion Auxiliary, the Montour Moose Lodge and the White Eagles Club.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Friday, June 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Her funeral service will be held there on Saturday, June 26 at 11 a.m., Rev. Sheila Price officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Sue through donations to the American Cancer Society, 1316 College Ave., Suite 2, Elmira, NY 14901 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Western & Central NY Chapter, 4053 Maple Ave., Suite 110, Amherst, NY 14226, the charities closest to her heart.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 34, of Horseheads, NY, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Judy graduated from Watkins Glen High School, Class of 1994. She worked as a Marketing Representative for Sam's Club.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.; with funeral services Friday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery.

Judy is survived by her husband, Andy Chrisman II; 8-year-old son Zakkary, and 6-year-old son Alexander; her father, Rick Dunn; her mother, Alice Rice; paternal grandmother Frances Lyboult; maternal grandmother Rosemary Dunn; brothers and sisters, Richard A. Dunn, Jr., Roger Dunn, Cheryl Dunn, Jeremy Dunn, Kevin Raccine; mother-in-law, Kathleen (Ayers) Dunn; father-in-law, Andy Chrisman; sister-in-law, Amber (Adam) Pratt; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 87, of Moreland, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

Frank was born at home in Moreland, NY on January 26, 1923, a son of the late Walter and Bertha Ganung. Frank worked as a dairy farmer on the family farm; and served as the Town of Dix Supervisor from 1961-2005, retiring as the second longest serving Town Supervisor in New York State. He also worked as a motor equipment operator for the Schuyler County Highway Department and served three terms as a Schuyler County Legislator.

Frank was predeceased in 2003 by his wife of 53 years, Jessie (Henderson) Ganung; and by brothers Robert, Roger and John Ganung.

He is survived by a son, Edward W. Green of Moreland; a brother, Carl (Arlene) Ganung of Salt Lake City, UT; a granddaughter, Daphne (Graig) Vona of Addison; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There are no visiting hours and no service. Burial will be in Roby Cemetery in Grover, PA at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the International Motor Racing Research Center, 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or to a charity of one’s choice. You may view his memorial or sign a guestbook online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 15 -- David Joseph Nagy II, age 34, went to be with his loved ones on Wednesday.

David was born in Elmira, N.Y., but lived the majority of his life in Huntsville on Monte Sano Mountain. David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph Nagy, Arra Nagy and Wilbur Decker.

He is survived in death by his parents, David and Patti Decker Nagy of Huntsville; his brother, Lance Weathington-Nagy and wife Lana of New Market; his sister, Tamsen Nagy Gonzales and husband Shaun of Athens; two nieces; two nephews; his grandmother, Hope Decker of Watkins Glen, N.Y.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

His mother, the former Patti Decker, grew up in Alpine, NY and attended Odessa-Montour Central School.

A memorial service will be held for David at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 16 at the Lodge on Monte Sano Mountain.

WATKINS GLEN, June 15 -- The Advisory Committee of the Schuyler County Hall of Fame has announced that it will not seek nominations for Schuyler County Hall of Fame recognition in 2010, and that no inductions will be held this year.

According to a press release, "From time to time the Committee elects to suspend the process" in order to maintain the stringent criteria and integrity "of this most prestigious Schuyler County award." A spokesman said the issue will be revisited on an annual basis.

Awards were issued in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2008 and 2009. A total of 38 individuals have been recognized. The last three, inducted last year, were Max Neal, Jim Howell and Judge John Patrick Callanan.

Sponsored by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Schuyler County Legislature, the Schuyler County Hall of Fame was first instituted in 1995.

The inaugural class of eight honorees was inducted on October 27, 1995. Eight categories of distinction guide the Selection Committee in the selection process. They are agriculture/wine; government; public relations; business industry; health care; tourism, education and history. Only when nominations are received that fit the criteria of one of the eight categories are nominees selected.

In this case, said a spokesperson, no nominations were sought or received. The decision to suspend was made without considering any potential inductees.

The Hall of Fame was established, the press release said, in order to “recognize and honor dedicated individuals who have unconditionally contributed their energy, commitment and persistence to achieving their vision for Schuyler County. In that process, each member of the Hall of Fame will have improved and enhanced life in Schuyler County for the benefit of all."

Framed pictures of the honorees, with highlighted accomplishments, are permanently displayed in the Schuyler County Office Building in Watkins Glen.

Members of the Watkins VFW, Elks Lodge leaders and Scouts march up Decatur Street toward Lafayette Park. The march began at the Watkins Glen Middle School.

WATKINS GLEN, June 15 -- A parade up Decatur Street, a gathering at Lafayette Park, the National Anthem and God Bless America performed by Freedom Village Singers, a history of the flag, and somber prayer.

It was all part of the annual Watkins Glen Elks Lodge 1546 Flag Day Service Monday evening at and around the bandstand at the park. Joining the Elks in a march up Decatur Street were members of the Watkins Glen VFW post and area Scouts.

The purpose of the event, according to Elks Exalted Ruler Mark Specchio: "To honor our country's flag, to celebrate its birth" and to honor "the achievements beneath its folds."

And who better than the Elks to lead such a ceremony, it was asked -- an organization whose goals include one "to quicken the spirit of American patriotism."

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 each year, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. Flag Day was first proclaimed in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, and Congress followed in 1949 by establishing National Flag Day.

Photo at right: A Scout waves a flag in the style of an early, pre-Declaration of Independence American flag as part of a telling Monday of the history of the flag in this country. This particular type of flag, representing the 13 colonies, was put into service in 1775. The Declaration was the following year.

The VFW's Tony Specchio, left, who opened the ceremony, confers with Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman beforehand.

Left: Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Mark Specchio. Right: The Elks' Mark Stephany.

Freedom Village singers performed The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 78, of Watkins Glen, passed away Friday, June 11, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St. in Watkins Glen on Monday, June 14, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Watkins Glen; Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 39 years, Linda; sons Todd Gibson of Watkins Glen and Jeff (Terri) Gascon of Watkins Glen; daughter-in-law Tammy Gibson of Beaver Dams; grandchildren Alyson Gibson and Garrett and Kendall Gascon; a sister, Mary Tuttle (Aaron) Goodman of Illinois; a foster sister, Eleanor Parker of Penn Yan; brothers George Waite (Laurie) of Cohocton and Robert Gibson of Montour Falls; brothers-in-law Richard Lodge of Watkins Glen, Lauren (Roseleah) Lodge of Watkins Glen, and Robert (Barbara) Lodge of South Carolina; and nieces and nephews.

John was born in Penn Yan, NY and married his wife Linda on June 29, 1971. He retired from Akzo-Nobel in Watkins Glen in 1996 after 44 years of service.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830, or a charity of one’s choice.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Norma was born in Watkins Glen on May 9, 1935. She and her husband owned Duke’s Bar & Grill in Watkins Glen for many years, where she was best known for her cheeseburgers and chili. She enjoyed watching her soap operas, NASCAR and golf. Her family will remember her as an avid Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. fan, and knew not to call her until after the race on Sunday.

She was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Mary (Hitchens) Gaylord; and brothers and sisters, Lauren “Lonnie” Gaylord, Richard “Dick” Gaylord, Gordon “Bud” Gaylord, Dora “Sis” Gaylord, and Elizabeth “Betty” Morley.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lester E. Davis; and children, Michele (Bob) Salamy, Diane (Ben) Bond, Lisa (Jamie) Wade, and Sherry (Tony) Ventra; sisters, Dolores “Dutch” Colunio, Jeanette Margareno, and Bernita “Bernie” (Joe) Salamendra; seven grandchildren, Joseph and Erica Salamy, Travis Bond, Taylor and Jamee Lynn Wade, and Anthony and Angela Ventra; two great-grandchildren, Braiden and Aleah Ventra; and her close cousin, Sukie.

A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Glenwood Cemetery in Watkins Glen. The family invites friends and relatives to a reception in a celebration of her life, on Saturday, June 19, from 12 noon-2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Montour Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schuyler Hospital Foundation, PO Box 828, Montour Falls, NY 14865 in lieu of flowers.

You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

BEAVER DAMS, June 9 -- Dakota Cole, 10, of Beaver Dams was recently presented with his Arrow of Light at the Watkins Glen Cub Scout Pack 56 Blue & Gold Banquet at the Grace Lee Memorial Wesleyan Church in Beaver Dams. The Arrow of Light is the highest Award a boy can earn in Cub Scouts.

The Arrow of Light has a special meaning. It is a sun over an arrow with seven rays -- one for each day of the week. They remind Scouts to do their best every day -- and signal a Cub Scout's readiness to join the Boy Scouts. Offiicals said Dakota was a hard worker and completed two years of scouting in one by attending two Cub Scout meetings a week and by doing extra work at home.

His award included a special arrow color-coded with his accomplishments and framed in a shadow box made by his Den Leader, Kelly Stone. Afterward, he crossed over a handmade bridge and was accepted into Boy Scout Troop 2000 by Scoutmaster Lee Morris and the troop members. They adorned Dakota with his Troop 2000 scarf and presented him with a Boy Scout handbook

Dakota is the son of Mike and Tammy Cole of Beaver Dams, grandson of Christian and June Merrill of Beaver Dams, and grandson of Roger and Nancy Cole, formerly of Cooper Plains and now residing in Zephyr Hills, Florida.

Watkins Glen High School students and teachers -- dressed in green in support of cancer-stricken freshman Devon Shaw -- gathered for an impromptu group photo at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8 in the high school lobby, the day on which Devon was undergoing surgery in Philadelphia. The photo was sent by phone to Devon's mother, Diana Crane, in Philly. She responded: "Soooo wonderful ... thank you so much. Please tell everyone thank you for us." (Photo provided)

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 69, of Montour Falls, NY passed away unexpectedly on Monday June 7, 2010 at home.

Sarah was born on June 30, 1940 in Syracuse, NY. She lived in Newark Developmental Center for 35 years, then 17 years in Monroe Developmental Center before making her home in Montour Falls, NY, where she was loved and cared for by staff from The Arc of Schuyler. Sarah was a member of the Senior Group at The Arc of Schuyler, where she helped to make aroma therapy bags for Southern Tier Hospice.

Sarah is survived by her many friends and family at The Arc of Schuyler. She was predeceased by a sister, Gretchen DeMarco of Florida, and a brother, George P. Roschek of California.

Sarah will be remembered most for her sense of humor, mischievous smile and expressive eyes. Sarah never missed the chance to pull pranks on her friends. She enjoyed “people watching,” coffee and relaxing in her rocking chair.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Sarah’s life on Friday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. There are no prior visiting hours.

Memorial contributions in Sarah’s name may be made to The Arc of Schuyler, 203 Twelfth St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

You may “Light A Candle” in her memory online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Birdhouse project workers gather around one of the houses erected at Lake Grove Park. From left: Middle School shop teacher Greg Grodem, park owner Jim Allen Jr., Brennan Murphy, 4-H program educator Roger Ort, Shawn Gunter, Daniel Becker, 4-H's Tanner Ort, Tiffani Crisinger, 4-H's Dane Ort, and counselor Vanessa Ganascioli. Other students involved in the project: Alicia Butler, Destiny Klum, Alex Coxson, Nate Brown, Wilson Daigle and Braden Layton.

ALPINE, June 8 -- A dozen birdhouses were being erected Monday on the grounds of Lake Grove Park as part of a 4-H project undertaken in conjunction with a Watkins Glen Middle School after-school program.

Half of the birdhouses were for bluebirds, and half for a combination of bluebirds and bats.

4-H erected bluebird houses last year at Clute Park and Watkins Glen State Park, and this year joined with the afterschool program, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities. Students in the program built the birdhouses as part of a woodworking class.

Wood for the project was donated by Lake Grove Park. Youths actually built two birdhouses apiece, and could keep one of them -- although "some donated both" to the Lake Grove Park project, said program counselor Vanessa Ganascioli.

Celebrity scoopers: From left, Watkins teachers Fiona Gibson and Claudia LaFace, and Public Defender Holly Mosher. (Photo by Jackie Leszyk)

WATKINS GLEN, June 4 -- Local celebrities got behind the counter and prepared plenty of ice-cream orders Thursday at the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor in Watkins Glen -- all for a good cause.

Parlor owner Peter Honsberger pledged the proceeds from a 7-hour celebrity-scooping period to the family of cancer-stricken Watkins Glen High School freshman Devon Shaw.

Not only did celebrities participate, but Great Escape employees donated their time and all of their tips for the period to Devon's family.

Among participants were Watkins Glen Mayor Judy Phillips, village police Sgt. Steve Decker, Watkins Glen Elementary School principal Rod Weeden, Watkins School superintendent Tom Phillips, Watkins Glen International president Michael Printup, Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, Public Defender Holly Mosher, State Trooper David Waite, and Watkins Glen Village Clerk Donna Beardsley.

Top: From left: Watkins Glen School Distreict Superintendent Tom Phillips, WGI President Michael Printup, and County Administrator Tim O'Hearn.

Bottom: Watkins Police Sgt. Steve Decker and Tracie Chedzoy served up ice cream late in the afternoon. (Photos by Jackie Leszyk)

Left: Katrina Decker was on hand, selling tickets for a quilt she made (at left), proceeds from which will go to Devon Shaw's family. Right: Watkins Glen High School athlete Stuart Cook, left, and teacher Bob Hogan. (Photos by Jackie Leszyk)

Putting in hours at the Celebrity Scoop were, from left, Linda Gregory, Cassie Wait, Jackie Leszyk and Kami Teeter.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 79, of Hector, left peacefully on Sunday evening, May 30, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.

He joins in heaven his mother and brothers. He is survived by his loving children, Connie (John) Meyers, Elaine (Ray) Davis, Angela Bond, and Patricia, Michael (James Gardner) and Vincent Esposito; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Pasquale and Francis Esposito, son-in-law Bruce Bond, and precious grandson Jeremy Esposito.

Michele was the son of the late Concetta DiGennaro and Vincenzo Esposito; he was the youngest of three boys. He was born August 4, 1930 on Ellis Island enroute from Italy to NYC. He grew up in Manhattan, moved to Staten Island in 1957, married in 1959 and had 6 children with Mary Cerrato.

He was a former employee of the New York City Parks Department and retired in the 1980s. He loved betting the horses, playing cards, and spending countless hours at the kitchen table playing Yahtzee. You will forever remain with us, we love you dad, rest in peace and be happy.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, June 3, from 6-8 p.m.; a funeral service will follow at 8 p.m. Burial will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Hector Presbyterian Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 70, of Burdett, NY, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Cayuga Medical Center.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Wednesday, June 2, from 1-2 p.m.; a funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Hector Presbyterian Cemetery.

Freda was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Gladys Lott; son Scott Blanchard; and brothers and twin sister, Edward “Bud” C. Lott, Clifford “Kip” Lott, and Leda Bardeen. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Jack Blanchard; children J. Todd (Karen) Blanchard of Logan and Jeffrey (Michele) Blanchard of Watkins Glen; sister Ruthanna (Marvin) Secord of Logan; daughter-in-law Mary Elizabeth Blanchard of Hagerstown, MD; sisters-in-law Dorothy Lott of Burdett and Virginia Lott of Montour Falls; brother-in-law James Bardeen of Burdett; and six grandchildren, Karlee, Hilary, Jonathan, Victoria, Craig and Scott.

Freda retired from Cayuga Medical Center in 1991. She was an active member of the Logan Community Center, a past member of the V-L-H Volunteer Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary; and volunteered in the Wayne County Hospital in Monticello, KY.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, 2386 County Road 10, Alpine, NY 14805 or to a charity of one’s choice. You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

WGHS junior Travis Waite demonstrates a deadlift. From left are Stuart Cook, Waite, Jeremey Brown, Taylor Gates and coach Ralph Diliberto.

WATKINS GLEN, May 28 -- The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club got an eyeful Thursday when powerlifters from Watkins Glen High School demonstrated deadlifts with up to 575 pounds -- after the club honored lift coach Ralph Diliberto with a Paul Harris Fellowship.

Diliberto, who oversees weight training for students and WGHS staff alike on a daily basis, was introduced by one of those adults, Nancy Loughlin, a Rotarian and high school guidance counselor who described his accomplishments and impact in a moving speech. Rotary District Governor Mark Wyse presented the award to Diliberto.

After the award presentation, students Stuart Cook, Taylor Gates, Travis Waite and recent grad Jeremey Brown did deadlift demonstrations at various weights -- with Brown (a state and world record holder in various categories) capping it all off by lifting 575 pounds, just 25 short of his best ever.

Photo in text: Jeremey Brown deadlifts 575 pounds. It was, said one Rotary observer (tongue in cheek), "a Rotary record."

Nancy Laughlin gives Ralplh Diliberto a hug as he makes his way to the podium to receive his Paul Harris Fellow award.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

She is survived by her loving family: parents Michael A. and Carol B. Yuhasz of Watkins Glen; brothers and sisters, Allison (Jake) Kolar of Germany, Kristie (Michael) Herrick of Elmira, Michael Yuhasz of California, Jeffrey (Ashley) Yuhasz of Odessa, Jennifer Padilla of New Mexico, and twin sister Heidi Yuhasz of Watkins Glen; maternal grandmother Jean Heeps of West Pittston, PA; aunt and uncle Andy (Angie) Yuhasz, Aliquippa, PA; uncle and aunt Ronald and Taryn Bath of Philadelphia, PA; nieces and nephews Jamie, Cyrus, Ashley, Tristan, Emma, Sophia, Teleri, Mihail, Jude, Soren, Gavin and Ember; several cousins; and also loving companion, her Chihuahua, Chip.

Heather was a very creative and artistic person, always pursuing new adventures in her life. She loved her family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews. Her giving personality showed through, often giving away her art and talents to family and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, May 28 from 6-9 p.m.. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, the Rev. James B. Callan officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, 2386 CR 10, Alpine NY 14805..

MONTOUR FALLS, May 25 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary has unveiled its Board of Directors for 2010-11, and announced its Volunteers of the Year.

The auxiliary, at its annual spring luncheon, announced the board slate as follows: Clara Greis, President; Linda Confer 1st Vice President; Carol Bower 2nd Vice President; Terrie Sautter Secretary; Rita Tague-Carmony Treasurer; and Gretta Preston Corresponding Secretary.

The Auxiliary honored two dedicated members, Annabelle Specchio and Nancy Pratt (photo attached) as their Volunteers of the Year, for their commitment to the Auxiliary, Schuyler Hospital, and the community. Specchio oversees the Hospital Gift Shop, and Pratt finds volunteers for various tasks in and around the hospital.

Since 1974, the Auxiliary has donated over $430,000 in equipment purchases for the hospital. Since 1988, it has put in more than 160,000 volunteer hours – the equivalent of two full-time employees each year for 22 years.

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

WATKINS GLEN, May 24 -- Jeff and Linda Confer of Montour Falls will be the co-chairmen of the 2010 Schuyler County United Way campaign, leading the way in the effort to raise $128,000 to support 25 human service agencies that serve Schuyler County residents.

The campaign will kick off in October with a spaghetti dinner at the Montour Moose Lodge in Montour Falls.

Peggy Scott, Schuyler United Way executive director, said the 2009 effort was a success, raising more than $125,000 to support 27 agencies.

“The board of directors is once again very appreciative of the continued support for United Way of Schuyler County,” Scott said. “The need for services provided by the agencies remains great. We are so fortunate to have a community that recognizes those needs and follows through with their monetary and voluntary support.”

She praised local businesses that have in-house campaigns to encourage their employees to support United Way, and also cited O’Susannah’s Quilts and Gifts in Watkins Glen for continuing its annual donation of a quilt to be raffled in the community as a fund-raiser.

That effort is coordinated by Susannah Knapp of O’Susannah’s and Steve Gillette of Watkins Glen. The quilt will soon be on display at sites throughout the county, where tickets will be sold.

Scott said having Jeff and Linda Confer at the helm of this year’s campaign reaffirms United Way’s commitment to county. They are both active in many community activities and organizations.

“To be volunteers networking in our community brings so many positive experiences,” said Linda Confer. “It has not only given us self-achievements, but has helped us give back as well. We share these experiences with our son, as he is a ‘volunteer in training.’ When able to attend volunteer functions with us, Cayden is so excited and ready to put his skills to use.”

Jeff Confer, a life-long resident of Montour Falls, is president of On-Site Services Inc., a Montour Falls rental corporation he purchased in 1985. This year the Confers are celebrating their 25th year of business.

He is an active, 34-year member and past chief of the Montour Falls Fire Department and is a Paul Harris Fellow, one of Rotary International’s highest honors. He serves on the board of directors for the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, SCOPED, and is retired highway superintendent for the town of Montour.

Linda, generally known for working in the banking industry, is marketing manager for On-Site Services and property facilitator for Nelson Development Group’s historic Montour House in Montour Falls. She is a member of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club and serves as first vice president of the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary.

Jeff is a graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, and Linda a graduate of Dundee Central School. Their son, Cayden, 5, is a student at B.C. Cate Elementary School in Montour Falls.

The 25 human services agencies that Schuyler County United Way will support with its 2010 campaign are: American Red Cross, Sullivan Trail Chapter; Boy Scouts, Five Rivers Council; Challenge Industries; Community Dispute Resolution Center; CASA.

Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, Odessa; Economic Opportunity Program’s Literacy Volunteers; Elizabeth B. Pert Memorial Library, Hector; Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling and Referral Agency; Girl Scouts, Seven Lakes Council; Glen Industries of The Arc of Schuyler; Humane Society of Schuyler County; Institute for Human Services; Montour Falls Memorial Library; Mustard Seed Ministries, Tyrone; Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; Schuyler County Child Care Council.

Schuyler County Family Play & Resource Center; Schuyler County Health Check; Schuyler Head Start; Schuyler Hospital; Schuyler Housing Opportunity Council; Schuyler Nursery School; Schuyler Outreach; and the Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired.

A total of 226 teens took a three-hour cruise on the Seneca Legacy on behalf of Devon Shaw -- who was also on board.

WATKINS GLEN, May 17 -- The dinners were sold out and the Teen Cruise was nearly so.

The weather cooperated, and the heart of the community opened wide for one of its own.

It was Devon's Day at the Seneca Lake waterfront on Sunday, May 16 -- specifically at the Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant and its grounds, and on its entertainment boat, The Seneca Legacy.

Hundreds of people turned out to lend moral and financial support to Devon Shaw -- a freshman at Watkins Glen High School who is afflicted with cancer -- and to his family.

"I don't know what to say. I don't know what I can say," his mother, Diana Crane, observed near the end of the five-hour event, organized in the past five weeks by a committee led by Watkins Glen resident Mark Stephany.

"Oh, it wasn't me," said Stephany, looking around at the crowd on hand on the restaurant's grounds. "It was a lot of volunteers pitching in willingly for a cause in which they believed."

The cause was both encouragement for Devon -- who was on hand early and late and on the Teen Cruise in-between -- and financial relief for his family as it continues to take Devon to hospitals throughout this year while he battles a cancer that was found in his right leg and spread to his right lung.

The ninth-grader, who turned 15 last month, was clearly tired at day's end -- after three hours out on the water of Seneca Lake -- but still smiling as the sun was setting and was coloring the sky with pastel streaks.

"It was a lot of fun," he said of the cruise. He was wearing a ball cap, the bill turned backwards, as he spoke. It had covered his head all day, a head gone bald thanks to chemotherapy.

Devon has undergone chemo treatments on-and-off for many weeks now, and faces more down the road -- along with surgery in Philadelphia on June 8. That surgery will be to battle the leg cancer with a knee replacement and with installation of a rod in the leg to replace part of the femur.

"But he feels good right now," said his mother, who managed -- each time Devon wandered by -- to ask how he was feeling.

"I don't know if we could have gotten this far," she said -- referring to the emotional challenges inherent in any patients' family as the battle is waged against cancer -- "if not for all of this, for all of these people. Everybody has just been so amazing. I can't even put it into words."

"All of this" was a multi-pronged gathering that featured a chicken dinner, raffles, music provided live by a revolving cast of musicians, celtic dance by a Horseheads group of mostly girls, the Teen Cruise, and a very popular silent auction.

The atmosphere throughout the day -- a Schuyler day blessed by sunlight and a light breeze off the lake -- was upbeat.

Devon was upbeat, intermingling with the crowd. His sister Kendra -- who the night before was crowned princess of the WGHS prom -- was mostly smiling, and getting a lot of hugs. The grownups in Devon's life -- parents, teachers and administrators -- were beaming, and often shaking their head at the energy of the scene.

The auction drew some impressive bids on a long array of items donated to the cause by individuals and local businesses. For instance, a tray full of scratch-off New York State lottery tickets provided by Watkins Glen School District staff members -- a collection with a value of $175 -- went for $305.

"I bought a lot of fun," said a woman who had claimed the tray at the conclusion of the auction. "It will be a lot of fun, and it's for a very good cause."

A hockey stick signed by 16 members of the Buffalo Sabres hockey team went for $110. Paintings went for a variety of prices, anywhere from $25 to $150. A couple of prize packages that included power tools covered the same price range as the paintings did.

The emcee for the event was WGHS Principal Dave Warren, who announced each raffle drawing, and periodically explained to the crowd what events were available and when they would be occurring. He also stepped to the microphone after a crowd-pleasing performance by the dance group from Horseheads, known as The Ring of Chiaarraighe Celtic Dancers.

"What an amazing, amazing day," Warren told the crowd. And with that he drew another raffle ticket -- this one for a week of dance lessons at The Ring of Chiaarraighe facility in Horseheads. The winner was Jim Swinnerton.

"This has been amazing," said Mark Simiele, who offered his restaurant and grounds for the event, a key to the success of the venture. "The weather was a big factor, of course. We were blessed."

Indeed. The 320 available dinner tickets sold out at $20 each, and the Teen Cruise was near its capacity of 250 passengers. There were 226 on board, Simiele noted -- also at $20 per ticket.

No totals were immediately available as to how much money was raised for Devon and his family -- money that will help them defray the inevitable expenses that come with battling any major disease: travel, lodging and food costs, not to mention medical charges beyond available insurance.

But while the goal of the day was to raise as much money as possible, perhaps that wasn't the resultant point left by the day's events. The point, as Stephany and other observers noted, might just have been the size of the heart shown by a community for one of its own.

This is not uncommon, rallying to the cause. But the sheer size of the response -- the enthusiasm and, yes, the love of the participants directed toward Devon Shaw -- was beyond anything people present could recall.

That simple statement carried a lot of feeling, and a lot of meaning. For it referred to an uncommon boy -- a boy who has not hesitated to smile through all of this, to inspire friends to cut their own hair short as his fell out from the chemotherapy, a boy known for his quick wit and his kindnesses toward others, a boy determined to turn a potent lemon into a productive lemonade.

The disease, the osteosarcoma that suddenly appeared in his body -- and the surgery he faces -- will put an end to his budding soccer career, a course of competition that had earned him a spot on his school's varsity this past season. It is a sport he adores, a sport on which he thrives.

From the top: Devon Shaw and his girlfriend, Chelsea Lehman; musicians Tom Bloodgood (foreground) and Mark Stephany; two of the two-dozen Celtic dancers who performed; Devon's sister Kendra, a cheerleader at WGHS, balances atop the hands of one of her team's coaches; Diana Crane, Devon's mother.

Friends of Devon strike a pose on the dock as they prepare to board the Seneca Legacy for the evening's Teen Cruise.

WATKINS GLEN, May 15 -- The table was full of items in plastic wrap, numbered and ready for the silent auction that will be part of the Devon's Day gathering on Sunday, May 16 at the Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant.

More items were underneath the table, and still more on seats surrounding the table.

They were located in a conference room at the Watkins Glen High School, the point at which all donations for a silent auction and raffle prizes were being catalogued and organized by Devon's Day committee member Traci McIlroy.

It is all part of the effort to help the family of Devon Shaw defray costs that it is encountering as Devon undergoes treatment for cancer -- including chemotherapy and upcoming leg surgery.

Devon, a freshman at WGHS, is battling a cancer first detected in his leg, and later found in his lung. Members of the school and the surrounding community have banded together in an attempt to help the family, which has encountered -- and will continue to encounter -- travel, lodging and food expenses beyond whatever medical costs insurance doesn't cover.

The Devon's Day event will run from 4-9 p.m. Sunday and will feature food and entertainment by area musicians and a teen cruise. Tickets for either the restaurant gathering or the cruise are $20.

Photo in text: A hockey stick signed by 16 members of the Buffalo Sabres will be one of many auction items.

Left: A baseball signed by Mets third baseman David Wright is among the auction items. Right: A "Twilight" gift bag including a t-shirt, calendar and book.

The following memorial notice was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 15, at 11:00am at the Hector Presbyterian Church, Hector, NY. Reverends James and Nancy Yao will officiate; burial with military honors will immediately follow at the Hector Presbyterian Cemetery; followed by a reception at the church.

He is survived by his five children: John H. Mason of Hector, James A Mason (Susanne) of Trumansburg, Anne E Watson (Frank) of Cheraw, SC, Glen C. Mason II of Hector and Paul H Mason (Linda) of Fenton, MI. He dearly loved and took great delight in his 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

With the advent of WWII he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving overseas in England and Germany. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945. He was proud of his Navy service and was a member of the U.S. Naval Institute and The American Legion Post 676.

Glen was a member and Elder of the Hector Presbyterian Church; also volunteering with and serving for many years as secretary and treasurer for the Valois-Logan-Hector Volunteer Fire Company. He was a former member of the Odd Fellows Temple, Lions Club and Rotary Club.

Glen began his career as a draftsman at the Shepard Niles Crane and Hoist Company in Montour Falls. While busy working and raising a family, he took evening classes and studied engineering through the International Correspondence Schools. He went on to become an engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation. Following his retirement from the DOT he became a licensed Real Estate Broker and founded the firm of Glen C. Mason Real Estate in Watkins Glen.

You may consider a donation in lieu of flowers in his memory, to either the V-L-H Ambulance Fund, PO Box 12, Hector, NY 14841, or the Hector Presbyterian Church, 5511 State Rt. 414, P.O. Box 96, Hector, NY 14841.

You may view his memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 72, of Hector, NY, passed away unexpectedly at Schuyler Hospital after battling an extended illness.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Edward “Buddy” Gascon; children Timothy (Angela) Gascon of Raeford, NC, Melissa Gascon of Valois, NY, and Danielle (Kenny) Cummings of Watkins Glen; five grandchildren, Jonathan Gascon, Sarah Paradiso, Brittany Taylor, Dustin Cummings and Dalton Cummings; step-grandchildren Lee Olivas and Pamela Olivas; great-granddaughter Lorelei Paradiso; and step-great-grandson, Lucus Olivas.

You may sign a guestbook or "Light A Candle" in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 86, of Dundee and formerly of Watkins Glen, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m.-12 noon, with funeral services following at 12 noon. Burial with full military honors will take place at Hillside Cemetery, followed by a dish-to-pass reception at the Dundee American Legion

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, by granddaughter Shannon Roupp, and by several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Ameigh (Timothy Nichols), Gertrude (Ken) McCracken, and Joyce Ameigh; sisters Gertrude (Willis) Silvernail and Florence (Donald) Andrews; four grandchildren, Vernon Tipaldos, Jeremy Belanger, Jessica (Robert) Church, and Sheena Nichols (fiancé Jason Rounds); and three great-grandchildren, Abrianna Nichols, Collin Tipaldos and Alexander Rounds.

Vernon was a U.S. Army veteran, proudly serving in WWII in Borneo and the Philippine Islands. He also was a member of VFW Post 2674 of Watkins Glen and Carpenters Local Union #66.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 70, of Montour Falls and formerly of Jennings Road in Watkins Glen, passed away at her home on Monday, May 3, 2010, surrounded by her family.

Myrna was predeceased by her loving husband of 38 years, Demerville (Mert) Jennings; a son, Murray H. Jennings; her twin sister, Maureen K. Harrison; a brother, Pete (George) Canfield; and her parents, Mary Wilbur and Carlton Kent.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna J. (Ronald) Kelley; grandchildren Murray E. Kelley and Rhonda L. Kelley; great granddaughter Taylor L. Kelley; nephew and nieces, Jerry (Shelly) Harrison, Mary “Gert” Harrison, Joy (Joe) Crane, and Kristen (Derek) Bacon; special brother-in-law Tom Harrison; and lifelong friends Bruce and Lois Morris, Alice Donahue, Jackie Cummings, and June Dunham.

Myrna enjoyed sewing, bird watching, baking, dinner with friends, and spending time with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. According to her wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery alongside her husband and son at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to may consider a donation in Myrna's memory to the scholarship of Murray Jennings, Greater Southern Tier BOCES, 459 Philo Road, Elmira, NY 14903.

You may sign a guestbook or view her memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., May 3 -- Watkins Glen High School graduate Emily Marcellus was recently chosen for the position of Co-President for the Flagler College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).

Flagler SIFE is a competitive team that does projects in the St. Augustine, Florida community and worldwide. The team utilizes business ethics, market economics, and environmental sustainability in an effort to be a force of change.

Marcellus and the Flagler SIFE team will attend the SIFE National Competition in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 11. They are the defending champions.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Venico A. Fraboni, age 78, of Burdett, NY passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 3rd, 2010.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 5th St., Watkins Glen on Thursday, May 6th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 7th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 Decatur St, Watkins Glen with Father Paul Bonacci, celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Watkins Glen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Venico's name to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, P.O. Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

Venico was born in Watkins Glen on February 12, 1932, the son of the late Venico and Joan (Edith) Salvatore Fraboni. He served in the Army during the Korean War, was a graduate of Ithaca College and taught at Odessa-Montour Central School for 35 years. Venico was a parishioner of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, where he was involved in many activities. He enjoyed his farm and vineyards, making vino and selling his grapes on the "stand.". He was also an avid reader and enjoyed listening to political talk radio. Venico was devoted to his entire family and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Venico is survived by his children, Lorraine (Mike Lemme) Rosier of Depew, NY, Anthony (Jennifer) of Vernon Hills, IL, and Timothy of Middleburg, FL; his grandchildren, Serena (Matt) Michels, Gabrielle Rosier, Quinn and Isabella Fraboni, and Kaylee, Ashley and Joseph Fraboni; great grandchildren Dominic and Adrianna Michels; brothers David (Sandra) and Michael (Elsie) Fraboni, all of Green Valley, AZ; brothers-in-law Stanley (Betty), Ted (Laurie), Joe (Charlene) and Jim (Carolynne) Landon and sisters in law Wilma (Doug) Freelove and Sharon (Bill) Bryington; numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

In addition to his parents, Venico was predeceased by his loving wife Joann on February 25, 2004.

WATKINS GLEN, May 3 -- Jason Beligotti and Shannon Lang were married on April 21, 2010 in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Jason is the son of Colleen and Ken Stayer and Dr. Ronald and Tina Beligotti of Watkins Glen. Shannon is the daughter of Paul and Billie Lang, Raleigh, North Carolina

The couple reside in Apex, North Carolina.

CORNING, May 2 -- Joan Argetsinger of Montour Falls was honored Friday by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes when it presented the S. Roberts Rose Arts Achievement Award to her at the Council's annual meeting in Corning.

The award recognizes individuals who personify The ARTS' mission "of promoting a regional vision for the arts through their active involvement, financial support, and advocacy efforts."

The award honors Argetsinger's "enormous contributions and steadfast commitment to the arts and cultural life of the Southern Tier."

Argetsinger, the wife of Schuyler County Judge J.C. Argetsinger, has served on The ARTS Council Board of Directors for a number of years, including two years as President. She also, the organization has said, "works tirelessly on many projects in numerous regional arts and cultural organizations, including the Arnot Art Museum, the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, and the Schuyler County League of Women Voters, among others. She is a paragon of volunteerism, with efforts ranging from planning committees to board leadership."

The S. Roberts Rose Arts Achievement Award was established in 2001 following the passing of long-time regional arts community supporter S. Roberts Rose of Elmira, a man involved in many arts and community organizations. Agetsinger is the third recipient of the award.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 83, formerly of 504 North Porter Street, Watkins Glen died on May 2, 2010 at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls after a lengthy illness.

She was born July 4, 1926 at home on Church Road in Reading Center, NY, the daughter of Theodore L. and Florence Sproul Richtmyer. After completing her elementary education at the age of 10, Ruth graduated from the Watkins Glen High School at the age 14 -- to date, the youngest graduate of the Watkins Glen Central School District. After graduation, Ruth went to work for the law office of Attorney Clair Barkman and later for Columbia Gas Company. She married Stewart P. Wilson on November 1, 1947. After spending some time on the family farm, Ruth went back to work for Delivan Gates, a marketer for Sinclair Refining and owner of the Pontiac Dealership in Watkins Glen. In the early 1960s, Ruth and Stewart bought the oil business and established Stewart P. Wilson Oil, as it is still known today. They owned and operated it until they retired in 1978.

Surviving are her son, Kenneth J. Wilson; daughter Marilyn W. Cross; three grandchildren, Jenny (Thomas) Lewis, Ashley Cross and Emily Cross; great grandchildren Tyler Couch and Emma Lewis; son-in-law Robert W. Cross and daughter-in-law Mary W. Wilson; brother Richard (Irene) Richtmyer; a very close cousin, Charlena R. Brown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Stewart on May 6, 1999; by her parents; and by an infant son, James Michael Wilson; and beloved granddaughter Melissa B. Wilson.

Ruth was a caring and loving grandmother who adored her grandchildren. She was gracious and giving, always ready to help others. Ruth was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, where she served as treasurer and financial secretary for over 25 years. In 2003, she received the Christian Woman of the Year Award from her church. She was also a member of the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, and a past member and president of the Business and Professional Women.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 East 4th Street, Watkins Glen, NY, on Tuesday, May 4 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral service honoring her life will be held on Wednesday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen with Reverend Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Ruth will be laid to rest with her husband Stewart and son James at the Glenwood Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, 520 North Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY or Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility c/o Schuyler Hospital, 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls, NY.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Seneca View for their compassionate care and the many caregivers who assisted Ruth during the past several years of her declining health. Special thanks to her friend, Marie Rhoads, for always being at her side during her final days.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light A Candle” online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Age 77, of Watkins Glen, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard K. LaRue, Sr., and son Richard K. LaRue, Jr., and by brothers Gerald and Donald Ousterout. She is survived by her three children, Mary (John) Glick of Beaver Dams, Harold “Bub” (Linda) Chaffee, Watkins Glen, and Jayne Richardson (Terry Walker) of Watkins Glen; a sister, Betty J. (Harold) Denison of Watkins Glen; six grandchildren, Jeremy (Selisa) Glick, Nichole, Amy and Taylor Chaffee, and Valerie and Casey Richardson; two step-grandchildren, John Glick and Christopher (Tracey) Glick; two great-grandchildren, Makayla and Gavin Glick; four step-great-grandchildren, Garrison and Gwennie Glick, and Brody and Braden Hayes-Glick; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary retired from The Arc of Schuyler in Watkins Glen. She also served on the Board of Visitors at Craig DDSO, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 6-8 p.m.; with funeral services immediately following at 8:00 p.m. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Watkins Glen at 10 a.m. Thursday.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light A Candle” online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

WATKINS GLEN, April 26 -- The Elizabeth Amisano Ovarian Cancer Education Fund will host the 5th Annual “Live Like Liz” 5K Run and Walk” on Sunday, June 6 on the Watkins Glen High School grounds and the nearby Catharine Valley Trail.

All race proceeds go toward the fund that was created in 2005 in memory of Elizabeth “Liz” Amisano to promote awareness of ovarian cancer through education of the symptoms, risks, early detection and prevention of the disease.

The Live Like Liz race includes a 5K Run/Walk and a Kids’ Fun Run that will begin and end at the WGHS track. The 5K Run/Walk will begin on the track and continue south on the Catharine Valley Trail, turn around and end back on the track.

The registration fee for adults is $15 Early/$20 Race Day. The student registration fee is $10. The Kids’ Fun Run is free. Just Lovin' Liz supporters pay $15.

The Race Day Entry Form is downloadable from the website www.LiveLikeLiz.org, or available at WGHS. Advanced registration forms must be postmarked by May 24, and mailed to Watkins Glen High School, Attn: Bonnie Specchio, 301 12th St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Registration forms may also be dropped off at the school to the attention of Bonnie Specchio.

Race Day registration opens at 8 a.m., with the keynote speakers beginning at 8:45 a.m. The Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk at 10 a.m.

The Elizabeth Amisano Ovarian Cancer Education Fund (or the “Live Like Liz” Fund) is administered by The Community Foundation of the Elmira-Corning and Finger Lakes Area, Inc. (www.communityfund.org). The fund was created in memory of Elizabeth Amisano, who -- after a courageous battle against the disease for nearly two years -- passed away on October 12, 2005. She was just 20 years old.

WATKINS GLEN, April 14-- The date and time have been finalized for a a fund-raising event on behalf of the family of Devon Shaw, a Watkins Glen High School freshman who is battling cancer. (See story about Devon here.)

At a meeting Tuesday night at the Watkins Glen Elks Club, a group of about 30 people led by one of Devon's soccer coaches -- Mark Stephany of Watkins Glen -- decided to hold a combination dinner-entertainment event from 4-9 p.m. Sunday, May 16 at Mark Simiele's Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant.

A Teen Cruise will also be held aboard Simiele's Seneca Legacy entertainment vessel from 5-8 p.m.

Simiele offered his facilities at an initial planning session last week. This time, he confirmed the date and reported that the menu will consist of barbecued chicken, tossed salad, corn on the cob, corn bread, baked beans, and potato salad. Proceeds beyond his cost will go to Devon's family. (Devon's mother is Diana Crane, assistant to Watkins Glen High School Athletic Director Denise Wickham.)

Entertainment will be arranged by Stephany, with performances on a new restaurant patio or, in case of disagreeable weather, on the restaurant's covered deck.

Price of the dinner and entertainment will be $20, and will feature raffle items and a silent auction of donated merchandise.

Cost of the Teen Cruise will be $20, and will include pizza and entertainment, and door or raffle prizes.

Tickets for the restaurant event will be printed soon, with pre-purchase information released as the tickets become available -- although they can also be obtained upon entry to the event. Tickets for the Teen Cruise will be provided by Simiele and distributed through the schools.

Stephany reported that fund-raising over the weekend at the final two Elmira Jackals hockey games of the season raised $1,461.86.

A plan to raise funds through a breakfast at Appleby's restaurant will be pursued later -- due to a long waiting list of organizations likewise seeking funds. A September or October date is now expected.

Meanwhile, Stephany said another revenue source had been offered since the first meeting -- by Peter Honsberger, owner of The Great Escape ice-cream parlor on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. Honsberger, said Stephany, offered his facility for a fund-raising day at which local celebrities would serve as scoopers, with all proceeds going to Devon's family.

Top: Mark Simiele discusses plans for the use of his Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant for the Devon's Day fund-raiser.

WATKINS GLEN, April 22 --Well-managed grasslands not only prevent soil erosion and protect water quality; they help farmers raise livestock in an efficient way. John Wickham, a Grazing Specialist with the Upper Susquehanna Coalition -- a coalition of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s) in the Southern Tier of New York and Northern Tier of Pennsylvania that work together to conserve natural resources -- was recently honored with a prestigious Merit Award at the statewide District Annual Meeting.

Wickham, one of the foremost grazing specialists in New York, assists farmers with the planning and installation of intensive grazing systems designed to prevent the overgrazing of pasture by livestock.

He has helped to install intensive grazing (also known as prescribed grazing or rotational grazing) systems on over 4,000 acres on 80 farms in Schuyler and Chemung Counties. His advice is sought by farms of all scales and by other grazing professionals in New York and Pennsylvania.

“I truly enjoy working with farmers who want to graze their animals," said Wickham in receiving the award. "Seeing pastureland and streambanks restored by having adequate fencing and alternative watering systems for livestock is very gratifying. Not only do I share my knowledge with farmers, but they teach me and I convey their common-sense expertise with others. Farmers are some of the most creative people I know, so this deeply appreciated award belongs to them as well.”

Wickham has worked in grazing management for more than 13 years and has conducted numerous educational programs and on-farm tours. Before this, he was a dairy farmer in Schuyler County. He was also Town Supervisor for the Town of Catharine for eight years and presently serves on the County Planning Commission.

“His abilities to interact and connect with all sorts of people have helped John to make strides on farms where most others would not have been welcome,” says Jerry Verrigni, District Manager of the Schuyler County SWCD, adding: “Grasslands truly contribute to our local economy and scenery and we encourage any landowner interested in improving their grazing system to call John at our office, 535-6878.”

Photo in text: Steve Lorraine, left, President of the New York State Conservation District Employees Association, presents John Wickham with the District 4 Merit Award at their recent Annual Meeting. (Photo provided)

Engine 27, carrying Chief Franklin's ashes, passes below a flag and past saluting firefighters.

ODESSA, April 18 -- Scores of firefighters from around the region gave a final salute Saturday to Robert J. "Bobby" Franklin, a former Odessa Fire Chief who died April 11 after a long battle with cancer.

The firefighters, in dress uniform, lined the driveway at the Odessa-Montour High School as a fire truck -- Engine 27, a vehicle that Franklin, as Chief, was instrumental in obtaining for the village -- passed by. Inside its cab was an urn with Franklin's ashes.

The destination was the high school auditorium, where a service overseen by the Rev. Robert Ketchum was conducted. It included prayers, a proclamation from the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) honoring Franklin and his wife Becky, and words of condolence.

Those words came from Bernie MacDougall, president of the Odessa Fire Department; David Jacobowitz of FASNY, Charles Skinner of the Central New York Firemen's Association, Schuyler County Emergency Services Director William Kennedy, Schuyler County Deputy Fire Coordinator Dale Jaynes, Odessa Mayor Keith Pierce, and Rick Churches and the Rev. Bryan Chapman of the Odessa department.

Said MacDougall: "When a Chief dies, a little bit of us dies with him ... Chief Bobby Franklin was never too busy to help, and we follow his example daily."

Added Skinner: "I am greatly saddened, and greatly honored" to speak about Chief Franklin. "He was a fine and noble person. He exemplifed the best in leadership qualities."

And in the words of Pierce: "People say that a true mark of a man is what he leaves behind. Bobby leaves behind a legacy of pride and hard work. He taught us all to believe in something and to do it to the best of our ability, no matter what the obstacles."

Franklin, 46, was a member of the department for 26 years, and its chief from 1994-2007. He worked for the Town of Montour Highway Department as a Motor Equipment Operator for more than a dozen years, and before that at Robinson Lumber, Cookies Construction and the Odessa-Montour Central School bus garage.

Top: Visitation was held at the Odessa Municipal Building prior to the memorial service at the Odessa-Montour High School.

Bottom: Firefighters salute as the truck carrying Chief Franklin's ashes enters the school grounds after slowly proceeding down Main Street, up Church Street, and across Maple Avenue to the school.

Left: A bagpiper sends out mournful tones. Right: Rev. Robert Ketchum at the service.

Left: The Odessa department's Bernie MacDougall talks about Chief Franklin. Right: David Jacobowitz of FASNY reads a proclamation honoring Franklin.

The scene at the front of the auditorium, where Chief Franklin's urn sat on a table, flanked by flags and firefighters.

Richard and Robin Hobin of Arcade, NY, along with Ronald and Carmella Hoffman of Odessa, NY, proudly announce the engagement of their children, Bethany Joanne Hobin and Jeremy Joseph Hoffman.

Bethany is a 2006 graduate of Pioneer High School. She is currently employed at Hazlitt’s 1852 Vineyards. Jeremy is a 1999 graduate of Odessa-Montour High school. He currently is employed at First-Student. Both also work on the Hoffman family dairy farm.

Experiencing Good Friday

ODESSA, April 3 -- The Odessa United Methodist Church Youth Group presented its annual Good Friday Experience April 2nd, offering a mixture of music, gospel readings and dialogue presentations to 70 people gathered at the church. The group of 18 youths, led by adults Betsy and Kevin Austin and Jenn Stevenson, read from Luke, Mark and Matthew, and presented dialogues featuring "Peter," "Caiaphas and Pilate," and "Mary Magdalene." Those features were interspersed with recorded music by Third Day, the David Crowder Band, Scarecrow & Tinmen, and Todd Agnew.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Angeline (Angie) Paradiso Specchio, 91, died Sunday, April 4, 2010 after a brief illness.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Horace (Ratsie) Paradiso; her daughter, Cliss Paradiso; and her daughter-in-law, Carole (Paul) Paradiso. She is survived by her children, Paul Paradiso of Dryden, Bob Paradiso of Geneva, Jim Paradiso of Watkins Glen, Mary (Dave) Cook of Montour Falls and Jo Pat (Jack) Wright of Watkins Glen; daughter-in-law Liz Paradiso of Watkins Glen; her childhood and lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Marian Scaptura of Watkins Glen, and her many grand and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her second husband, Lawrence Specchio, and step-daughters Carol Symes and Eloise (Lewis) Specchio. She is survived by her step-children, Judy (Phil) Smith of Montour Falls, Ted (Barb) Specchio of Burdett and Lewis Specchio of Montour Falls, and by very special nephew and niece, Joe and Terry Orbin of Watkins Glen, as well as the many grand and great grandchildren of the Specchio families.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Angie's name to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, 2386 CR 10, Alpine NY 14805 (schuylerhumane.org); or Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830 (sthospice.org), or a charity of one’s choice.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday (April 7) from 3-6 p.m., with a memorial service to follow immediately, at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen.

Angie’s family invites friends and relatives to join in celebrating her life at a reception/meal immediately following at the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge on Rt. 14 in Watkins Glen.

From left: Incoming Chief Mike Tomassi, Outgoing Chief John Jelliff, 2nd Assistant Chief James Gerdes, 1st Assistant Chief Jeremy Hoffman, and 3rd Assistant Chief Mike Hines.

HECTOR, April 4 -- The Odessa Fire Department held its annual banquet Saturday night at Logan Ridge, but not just to celebrate another year of service to the community. It was celebrating 100 years of service.

This is the centennial year for the department, and it was marking the occasion with a large gathering -- nearly 200 people -- at a scenic locale overlooking Seneca Lake.

On hand were representatives from departments around the region, along with many government dignitaries -- such as Assemblyman Tom O'Mara, County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, County Legislator Barb Halpin, Sheriff William Yessman, Odessa Village Board members, and others.

Emcee Tom Carson -- chief of the Montour Falls Fire Department -- was busy in the pre-dinner hour jotting down all of them, with an eye toward introducing them and not leaving anyone out.

"Do you have a portable computer on you?" he asked a reporter. "I can't read my own writing."

One special guest on hand was Bobby Franklin, former chief of the Odessa Fire Department who has been battling cancer. He was greeted warmly by a steady stream of well-wishers, as was his wife Becky.

The evening included a message from incoming Chief Mike Tomassi, an annual report, a video presentation regarding the department's 100 years, the presentation of awards, the installation of officers, and dancing afterward until midnight.

Installed as officers were Tomassi, who succeeds John Jelliff as Chief; Jeremy Hoffman, 1st Assistant Chief; James Gerdes, 2nd Assistant Chief; and Michael Hines, 3rd Assistant Chief.

Other Line Officers are: Ronald Hoffman, Deputy Chief and Rescue Captain; Rick Churches, Deputy Chief, Rescue Lieutenant and Safety Officer; John Jelliff, Deputy Chief; Bryan Chapman, Chaplain; William Bulkley, Fire Police Captain; and Michael Homer, Fire Police Lieutenant.

Administrative Officers are Bernard MacDougall, president; Ronald Hoffman, 1st vice-president; William Bulkley, 2nd vice-president; Rebecca Franklin, treasurer; Carmella Hoffman, secretary; and John Jelliff, historian.

Middle: Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman, left, chats with Assemblyman Tom O'Mara.

Left: County Legislator Barbara Halpin and husband James arrive at the banquet. Right: Odessa 3rd Assistant Chief Mike Hines with wife Jill.

Left: Former Watkins Glen Fire Chief Robbie DeDominick. Center: New York State Legislative Resolution honoring the Odessa Department on its 100 years of service. Right: Banquet emcee Tom Carson.

MONTOUR FALLS, April 2 -- Anticipation gave way to head-shaking Thursday morning along Catharine Creek south of Montour Falls as trout season got underway in New York.

Anglers who have long visited those waters on opening day were back again this year, though several said there were fewer than in the past.

Said one of them: "The fishing has been on the decline for more than a decade. And it's a Thursday, so a lot of people are going to work. Still, fishing any time -- even bad fishing -- is preferable to work."

Early reports from popular spots near the power station and downstream were not encouraging. Very few trout were seen, and few were being hooked.

A group of 16 anglers at a small dammed spot were ready before the advent of the fishing, poles in hand at 6:46 a.m.

"Four more minutes," intoned one, a Horseheads High School freshman named Jared Kucko (soft on the C).

The time ticked down in silence until Kucko's cousin, Horseheads High senior Brian Mattison -- who has been out on opening days for 10 years -- announced. "It's 6:50 by my cellphone. That's Verizon time. We're good to go."

And everyone started fishing. "We'll get a trout soon," said Kucko. "You watch, they'll be jumping out in a matter of minutes."

But all that was caught in the next half hour were suckers -- carp with suction-styled mouths that give them their nickname. "Bottom feeders," said a man who caught one. And the suckers were thrown back in disgust as soon as they were freed of their hooks.

WETM-TV was on hand -- a cameraman along with sometime anchor Sofia Ojeda, who was looking cold in a blue windbreaker with the hood up. She was standing alongside the shore, watching, before retreating back upstream to her car.

"She's frozen," said the cameraman, who stayed outside, recording footage. "Jersey girl."

She soon exited the car and started interviewing people at a popular fishing spot near a bridge, up Genesee Street from the power station. Did she feel better after her respite?

Indeed, it was a chilly morning, with windshields hard-frosting on cars, and vapors coming out of anglers' mouths. Everyone was commenting on the temperature swings that had made it bitingly cold two days before, warm the next day, and cold that morning -- with the mercury expected to climb well into the 70s later in the day.

Ojeda was interviewing an elderly gentleman named Gene Agan of Granville, Ohio, who said he had been visiting the area on opening day for 40 years. Now, he said, "there's not as many people here and not as many fish." And he was discouraged by an increase in state fees. "The out-of-state seasonal fee went up this year to $70 from $40," he said. "That's a big increase."

Three adult brothers were standing nearby, eating food from a stand that featured Italian sausage and peppers, hot dogs and French fries. Billy, Dan and Harold McCarty, the first from Beaver Dams and the other two from Elmira, were not happy with the fishing.

"It's not like it used to be," said one. "I think the DEC screwed up." He went on to say how he had found the remains of a couple of trout along the shoreline downstream two days earlier -- signifying "early sniping. The DEC should set up cameras."

Added a brother: "I'd rather give it up next year. Bass fishing is the way to go."

Over at the food stand, meanwhile, all was well: Doug Walborn of Horseheads -- the "D" in the business's name, PDR's Catering -- reported business was brisk, and had been starting at sunrise. He had set up earlier, while it was dark and the moon was still high in the sky, in anticipation of the kind of traffic he had been encountering at that very spot for 22 straight opening days.

The event had the added benefit, he said, of being "our first one of the season. It's nice that it's close to home. We can make sure the equipment's working, including me."

From top: Moon hovers beyond the PDR's Catering stand; Jared Kucko, right, and his cousin Brian Mattison try their fishing luck; WETM's Sofia Ojeda reacts to a carp caught by one angler; Ohioan Gene Agan is interviewed.

Left: An angler pulls his rod out of the stream after dropping it. Right: Fisherman catches a carp.

Fishing downstream, across from Havana Glen Road, was frustrating, with one angler reporting "no trout, and not even any suckers."

New York State Senator George Winner on Tuesday issued the following statement following the passing Tuesday morning of former State Senator William T. “Cadillac” Smith II.

By State Senator George Winner

I began my own career in New York State government as an aide to Senator Bill “Cadillac” Smith, who from the beginning was a legendary figure at the Capitol.

He was an effective and productive state legislator who made enduring contributions in the areas of fiscal accountability, social services reform and, especially, in building the foundation for New York’s nationally renowned efforts to prevent the tragedies of drunk driving. His landmark achievements in this arena of public policy will always anchor his legacy in New York State government.

But I also saw firsthand what a welcome figure he was in the halls of Albany, and we could use more like him today. People from all walks of life and across every political persuasion liked him. He was firmly grounded in the ways of common decency, good humor, and kindness, and so he inspired unusual loyalty from friends and foes alike.

Bill Smith was a constant and very powerful reminder that no matter how far you might get in life, don’t ever forget where your roots are. Bill never did. He loved the farm in Big Flats more than anyplace in the world and he put that ethic, those values, and a deep-rooted common sense to work in state government in very meaningful and memorable ways.

Photo in text: Former State Senator William T. Smith in his Steuben County Hall of Fame photo.

WATKINS GLEN, March 25 -- The Schuyler County Deputy Sheriff’s Association held its annual banquet on Saturday March 13. At the banquet the following Sheriff’s Office awards were presented:

5 years of service – Correction Officer Judson Smith
15 Years of service – Undersheriff Breck Spaulding
20 years of service – Mrs. Judy Allen, Records Clerk

Both officers were recognized for their efforts after finding an inmate hanging in his cell in October, 2009. The inmate had used a bed sheet to hang himself and through their actions Officers Perry and Sworts were able to free the man and summon medical assistance.

Correction Officer James Perry – Officer Perry began his career with the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office as a part time Correction Officer in February, 2003. In November, 2003 he was promoted to a full time Correction Officer. Officer Perry is assigned to the Corrections Division and also serves as the President of the Schuyler County Correction Officers Police Benevolent Association. He is a 1997 graduate of Elmira Free Academy, and graduated from Elmira College in 2001 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice.

Deputy Sheriff Craig Bianco – Deputy Bianco began his career with the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office as a temporary Deputy Sheriff in July, 2006. He received a permanent appointment to Deputy Sheriff in March, 2007. Deputy Bianco is a lifelong resident of Schuyler County, graduating in 2003 from Watkins Glen High School. He attended Corning Community College and is also a graduate of the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy in Corning. Deputy Bianco is currently assigned to the Road Patrol Division.

The following was provided to The Odessa File by the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association as a public service announcement. While the new device described below provides an improvement in emergency service, it illustrates the high cost of operating an ambulance service, and the need for more volunteers.

WATKINS GLEN, March 23 -- On Friday March 5, Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association (SCVAA) and Watkins Rescue responded to a call where a female patient had cardiac arrest and found office staff performing CPR. The crew quickly assessed the patient’s state and determined she was pulse less.

At that point they placed the patient on the new Zoll AutoPulse machine and she was resuscitated prior to arrival at Schuyler Hospital. “The use of the Autopulse made a definitive difference in the life of this patient,” crew members said. The Advanced Life Support crew consisted of Brian Payne, Paramedic, Jason Hudson, Driver, Linda Becker, EMT student, Dave Mahnke, EMT, and Scott Cicci, EMT.

“The AutoPulse provides consistent and effective chest compressions equal to a normal beating heart,” says Steve Bennett, Director of Training and EMS Supervisor at SCVAA. “We also chose this device because of safety concerns for our crew. Using this machine allows our EMTs to provide compressions while performing other life-saving activities without having to stand up in the back of an ambulance during transport.” The machine is portable and can be used anywhere.

Rick Churches, President of SCVAA, added this: “We’ve been using a demonstration machine loaned to us by Zoll, the company that sells it, and recently acquired one of our own. EMTs began training on the loaner machine about two months ago before purchasing one for the station. It’s an expensive machine; it cost us over $12,000 and it is the only one in the county.”

Schuyler Ambulance would like to purchase another AutoPulse, but according to Churches, “Our organization depends on volunteers and employees to be able to operate, and purchasing this type of equipment is expensive. They are worth the investment, but we have recently reorganized and are looking for more ways to raise money for major purchases.”

In order to keep up with changing regulations, SCVAA has had to change the community programs it once offered, and is looking for alternative ways to raise capital. The organization does not receive any financial assistance from the county or towns, and relies solely on insurance billing and community donations to operate. Its annual operating budget is over $800,000 and does not provide enough income to regularly purchase new ambulances or expensive equipment.

“With an increasing volume of emergency calls,” says Churches, “we need to expand our service each year, and it's squeezing us tighter and tighter. We need more volunteers.”

For more information about SCVAA, or if you would like to become a volunteer, check out the website SchuylerAmbulance.org, or call 535-7273.

Moritz Schrader with a map of his country, Germany, on display during his talk. His hometown is circled, near Hamburg.

WATKINS GLEN, March 10 -- Exchange student Moritz Schrader of Germany, who is attending Watkins Glen High School, was the primary speaker Wednesday at the weekly Books Sandwiched In gathering at the Motor Racing Research Center.

The Friends of the Library-sponsored event also featured exchange student Seimei Sanga of Japan, who is attending Odessa-Montour High School, and Anthony Curren, an O-M student who visited Spain on a summer exchange program last year.

Schrader talked about his homeland, comparing the geography (similar to here), school systems (our U.S. system is "easier," he said) and governments. He also said that of all the different foods he has tried here, he has yet to find one he hasn't liked.

Schrader speaks English well, having studied it mandatorily throughout his school career. He said he also studied French, but didn't like it and didn't do well with it.

He will remain here until "sometime in July"; then he must return home to Schwarme in Germany to resume his schooling. This year hasn't counted toward his graduation requirements, and he has two more years to complete.

After his talk, Sanga addressed the audience, explaining in his halting English -- he knew none when he arrived, and has progressed rapidly -- that he is from Toyama, which is in the "snow country" about five hours north of Tokyo. Two of his siblings have also experienced exchange programs, he said: one in Canada, and one in Australia.

Curren spoke of his six weeks in a suburb of Madrid. One of the members of the family with whom he stayed visited here afterward, and plans a return visit. For his part, Curren said his experience in Spain opened his eyes to the desirability of travel. "I want to see more of the world," he said.

Photos in text: Seimei Sanga (top) and Anthony Curren at Wednesday's Books Sandwiched In.

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 14 -- Occupational Therapist Shaila Singh sees her profession in a whole new light since returning from Haiti earlier last week.

"I never realized the power of therapy," she said after spending eight days working with earthquake victims in Haiti. "There is a lot of power in what we do."

Singh traveled with a 7-member medical contingent of United Sikhs, a United Nations-affiliated, international non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian relief, human development and advocacy organization.

She said the timing is right for physical rehabilitation, now that victims are recovering from acute injuries. Singh talked about how grateful the people are for help, and how hard they are working to recover, but much more help and supplies are needed.

The daughter of Schuyler Hospital’s Dr. Jagmohan Singh, who practices Internal Medicine, Shaila Singh was able to secure some supplies for the trip from the hospital’s Rehabilitation Department, and expressed her gratitude to the staff during a visit to the department.

"I left everything in Haiti," Singh said – including the splints, braces and other medical materials she took -- as well as some of her own clothing and the flip-flops off her feet.

The need is still great for splints, crutches and therapy equipment, she said, but also for shoes, bedclothes, clothing, water and food. Singh showed photos of makeshift medical facilities and supplies, including wheelchairs constructed of lawn chairs on wheels.

"The people of Haiti are just trying to get over the earthquake and move on," she added, noting how impacted she was by their strong faith. Despite so many people suffering from dehydration, protein deficiencies and injury, living in makeshift tents, and impoverished, there is also much prayer and song.

Singh, who is currently living with her family in Watkins Glen, hopes she can return to Haiti in March.

"It’s an ongoing process," she said of the recovery of the people and their country. "I’m concerned that once the media goes away, so will the medical help. And I plan to help for as long as I can."

From left: Assemblyman Tom O'Mara, Ethan Clark, Margaret Lucero, Jesse Turner, Lucy Craig, Megan Dupuy, Jessi Woodward, Senator George Winner, and Caitlyn Lawton

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 13 -- Several members of the Schuyler County Youth Court traveled to Elmira Feb. 5 to meet with State Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Tom O'Mara.

The meeting was held to discuss the youths' perspective on Schuyler County and to allow them to voice their concerns over Governor David Paterson's proposed budget -- which includes a proposal to cut the TANF program (which provides summer jobs to youths in low-income families).

The meeting was held in place of a Youth Leadership Forum with representatives in Albany -- a gathering which the group was unable to attend due to budget constraints.

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 2 -- Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is the recipient of the 2009 Conservation Farmer of the Year award presented by the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at its Annual Luncheon held Monday at the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls.

The award is “meant to recognize farmers who have been committed to conservation for a number of years,” said Elaine Dalrymple, District Field Manager, who presented this year’s award.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards -- a grape grower and winery in the Town of Hector -- is owned by Elaine Hazlitt and her son, Doug Hazlitt, and daughter, Leigh Hazlitt Triner. John Santos, their vineyard manager, was also recognized.

“Nearly everyone in Schuyler County knows that the Hazlitt family is one of the oldest farm families in the county, with a long tradition of protecting their natural resources,” said Anthony J. Specchio, Chairman of the Schuyler SWCD Board of Directors. “This farm uses cover crops and mulch between their vineyard rows and they keep their headland areas vegetated to prevent soil erosion. They use integrated pest management (IPM) and nutrient management practices to reduce pesticide and nutrient runoff, and even produce their own compost, mixing grape pomace with horse manure.”

Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM), a statewide program helping farm families continue to farm cleaner and greener in today’s globally competitive environment, has been embraced by Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, says Jerry Verrigni, District Manager. “They have participated in all levels or tiers of AEM, from planning to implementation and evaluation of best management practices. They have installed an agrichemical mixing facility to prevent pesticide spills, they are presently working with SWCD on evaluating all their pesticides for runoff and leaching potential from vineyard sites, and they participate in Vine Balance, an AEM program that promotes sustainable practices by growers, processors and wineries."

This is the third annual Conservation Farmer award since the District revived its recognition program started years ago. "We feel it is very important to recognize the efforts of our farmers to protect the environment,” says Dalrymple. “Today’s farms may look different than those of past generations, but new technology doesn’t replace age-old stewardship practices -- and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is a wonderful example of a farm carrying on the tradition of conservation started generations ago.”

“Just like my father, grandfather and great grandfathers did for their children, I am doing the right things to keep this land in farming and to be a good neighbor,” said Doug Hazlitt. “Protecting soil and water is just good business; we make our living from the land and we care about protecting our soil and water resources for future generations.”

Also recognized at the Annual Luncheon were Dick Winnett, Coordinator of the Finger Lakes Resource Conservation and Development Council, who received the Service Award for his years of assistance to the District; and Josh Hornesky, Soil Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, who received the Merit Award for his recent help to the District in installing best management practices on farms.

Her name is Hannah Hubbell, and she's 6 years old -- a first-grader at B.C. Cate Elementary School. She lives on Speedway in Odessa.

The crash occurred at midafternoon Sunday, during a freezing rain. The car, a four-door 1998 Mercury Sable driven by Hannah's mother, Holly Hubbell, hit black ice along Route 224 as Holly was driving eastbound between Odessa and Van Etten. It slid off the road, over an embankment and into a tree alongside a pond, coming to rest out of sight of the roadway. Holly was pinned in the car, in and out of consciousness, and seriously injured.

Hannah had been seated in the back on the driver's side of the car -- next to a friend named Summer, also 6 -- and she was initially stuck, her ankle caught between the floor and the door, where the side of the car had buckled. Hannah managed to wriggle loose, though, and climbed out of the car through a broken window, scrambled up the embankment and flagged down a pickup truck.

Since there was no cell service there, the truck driver raced off to find a residence from which he could call 911, and Hannah returned to the wrecked car, freeing her young friend. Together, they went back up to the road and flagged down more vehicles -- the drivers of which kept an eye on them until rescuers could arrive to extricate the mother from the wreckage.

"I think it's great that such a young girl had the presence of mind to go up to the road and flag down traffic," said Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman, "and then go back and get her friend out. A heroine? Yes, I would call her that. For a 6-year-old to do something like that and not panic after a traumatic accident -- with her mother in pain and unable to get out -- is remarkable. Most 6-year-olds would want to stay with their mother."

Once Holly was freed -- with help from a Jaws Of Life hydraulic tool brought to the scene by the Odessa Fire Department -- she and the girls were transported to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. The two young girls were treated and released; Summer had but a scratch, and Hannah a bruised ankle. But Holly was admitted with some serious injuries: 10 broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and a punctured lung. She was still in the Intensive Care Unit Tuesday -- but her husband, Robert Hubbell, was hopeful that she might be moved to a regular room by Wednesday.

"We're waiting to see what the spleen wants to do," he said. "If it's healing, then we're on the right track. If it isn't, then they'll have to remove it. They said they'd know in 48 hours, but now they're giving it another day. It's showed signs of improvement, and if it continues to, then they'll move her out of ICU."

He said his wife was in and out of consciousness during the accident, and thus didn't recall many details. He conceded that the tree that was struck was both a curse and a blessing. It caused the injuries sustained by Holly, but prevented the vehicle from reaching the pond, which could have been worse.

He said he doesn't know who the pickup-truck driver was, but would like to find out so he can thank him for helping.

Robert Hubbell kept his daughters Hannah and Kylee -- a fifth-grader at Hanlon Elementary -- out of school for the two days following the crash, both because of the trauma and to have them with him at the hospital.

Whiile they were there on Monday, they missed the arrival at B.C. Cate of investigating deputy Andrew Yessman, who was delivering some gifts -- mood pencils and a frisbee among them -- to Hannah at the school. He left them with the principal.

Andrew's father -- Sheriff Yessman -- plans to honor Hannah Thursday, while he is at the B.C. Cate school as part of a Lions Club program during lunchtime. The Sheriff said he -- along with Andrew, who will stop by -- will present Hannah at that time with a Certificate of Appreciation for the brave and important thing she did -- the role she played in helping to save her mother.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, while keeping an eye on his wife and her progress at Packer Hospital, Robert Hubbell was both anxious about his wife ... and thankful that help had arrived so quickly after the accident.

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 11 -- The Schuyler County Director of Public Health and Community Services says it's time for the county -- and the public in general -- to address and try to find a solution to the problem of suicide.

"We don't talk about suicide, and we don't ask about suicide, but it's around us," George Roets told Rotarians at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club. "It shouldn't be somethng secret, something covered up. We need awareness that it's a problem, and we need to shine a light on it."

Toward that end, he said, two programs to train people to help in the effort have been started locally, with more sessions planned. One is called safeTALK, and the other is called ASIST. Roets said he is hoping to get the word out, to generate interest among the general populace. The safeTALK training is much shorter and much less intensive than the ASIST training, which involves intervention skills.

"We hope to train people and start to have a positive effect," he said, noting that the need is evident in the damage done to a community whenever a suicide occurs. The feelings of guilt in surviving family members, the degree of training that is lost with the victim, the loss of future earnings, and so on -- all impact a community.

The problem spans age groups from young to old, he added. He didn't have local statistics, but said he would be disseminating some soon. In the meantime, he hopes to see training proceed, the organization of a steering committee to help get the word out that suicide needs to be combatted, and the spread of an awareness of the extent of the problem and how it can be fought.

The next safeTALK session will be Jan. 19 from 12:30-4 p.m. in the Human Services Complex, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls. Registration is required, as space is limited. Call Chris Burns at 607-535-8282 to register, or email him at cburns@co.schuyler.ny.us

Assemblyman Tom O'Mara dropped by to congratulate the honorees, including Max Neal (right).

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 29 -- The Schuyler County Hall of Fame formally inducted three of the county's most notable citizens into its illustrious ranks Wednesday in a formal ceremony at Seneca Lodge.

Max Neal, the Honorable John Patrick Callanan Sr. and James D. Howell were added to the roll of honor, joining 35 previous honorees. The trio's induction was announced several weeks ago by the Hall's Selection Committee. The committee reviewed 13 nominations.

The ceremony, emceed by Brian J. O'Donnell, featured introductions by Hall of Famer Kenneth Wilson for Max Neal, by County Judge J.C. Argetsinger for Judge Callanan, and by Jeff Confer for Jim Howell.

Both Neal and Howell presented remarks, as did a daughter of Judge Callanan. The judge has been ill and was unable to attend.

Under joint sponsorship through Schuyler County and the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hall of Fame was established in 1995 to honor individuals who:

-- are or have been residents of Schuyler County;
-- have distinguished themselves and in doing so, brought reflected prestige and honor to Schuyler County; and…
-- have been actively involved in their field of endeavor for a significant number of years in Schuyler County.

A brief look at our 2009 inductees with a partial list of their accomplishments and affiliations:

--President of the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce (now the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce) 1991-98; Vice President of Tourism 2001-2004; Interim Chamber President in both 2008 and 2009;
--Schuyler Hospital Health Foundation Executive Director 1999-2000; “Family of Friends” Chair 2004-2008; and Board Chair 2009-Present;
--NYS Distinguished “Woman of the Year” in 2005; a “Paul Harris Fellow” awarded by Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, and American Red Cross “Volunteer of the Year”;
--Member Schuyler County League of Women Voters (President 2009), American Red Cross Board, Arts of the Southern Tier Board, Watkins-Montour Rotary, and Schuyler County Empire Zone Board;
--Member Corning Community College Development Foundation Board and Elmira College President’s Council;

--Schuyler County Judge, Surrogate & Family Court 1983-1997;
--N.Y. State Assemblyman 1964-1966 (the last NYS Assemblyman to represent Schuyler County alone);
--Watkins Glen Board of Education Member 1966-1977 (President 1971-1976);
--Past President – Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce;
--Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, Past President and a “Paul Harris” fellow;
--Member, Boy Scouts Board (recipient of “Silver Beaver” award), early supporter of the Squires (Drum & Bugle Corps), Committee Member to help create the Watkins Glen Golf Course, and Member of the Southern Tier Library Board;
--Member, St. Mary’s Parish Council
--Initiated CASA – Special Advocate for Children in Schuyler County Family Court.

--Environmental Health Director for Schuyler County for 35 plus years; assisted many with land use for new and existing housing and for environmental health & safety;
--Master of Ceremonies for Italian-American Festival and Montour Falls Firemen’s annual parade for many years;
--Volunteer for The Arc of Schuyler in promoting its annual golf tournament;
--Awards include being named a “Paul Harris Fellow” by Watkins-Montour Rotary Club (their highest honor) and the Seneca Lake Pure Water Association honor of “Seneca Lake Protector”;
--Has been or still is a member of the Montour Falls Planning Board and Montour Falls Fire Department, First Presbyterian Church and Schuyler Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and many others…

Plaques – with formal pictures of each honoree along with a number of their achievements – will be added to the “Hall of Fame” display at the Schuyler County Office Building. They were also on display at the ceremony.

From left: County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, Tony Vickio, Hall of Famer Jean Argetsinger

From left: J.C. Argetsinger (for Judge Callanan), Ken Wilson (for Max Neal), and Jeff Confer (for Jim Howell)

J.C. Argetsinger, about Judge Callanan: "In politics, he was always positive. He won his voters one by one. He'd go out and talk to them. He enhanced every office he went into. He had a certain moral dignity...He could hold his own with the greatest intellectuals, but he had a common touch.

Ken Wilson, about Max Neal: "She gets involved whenever and wherever she is needed. She loves the community and is loved back...Max, you have made a difference."

Jeff Confer, about Jim Howell: "He's always whistling and singing a happy tune... He is devoted to the people of Schuyler County. He is proud of his community and the county he calls home."

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 24 -- Former Corning Incorporated executive Paul Marx has been hired to become Director of Catholic Charities of Schuyler County effective Sept. 1.

The appointment was announced by Marie Finnerty, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties.

Marx (pictured at right) recently retired from Corning Inc. after 32 years in various engineering, marketing and executive management positions. He elected to take early retirement to pursue a second career in human services.

According to Finnerty, Marx is familiar with the work of Catholic Charities, having served as a member of the Boards of Directors of the former Catholic Charities of the Southern Tier, the Diocesan Catholic Charities organization and most recently the Catholic Charities of Steuben County.

Marx, who has bachelor's and master's degrees in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, said he is "excited about my new career in the human services sector and, especially, my new role with Catholic Charities. I look forward to working for the continued economic development of Schuyler County and the providing of needed services to those in the community with our staff and the many people who are in public service in the county and villages.”

Marx and his wife, Alice, live in Corning. They have eight children and two grandchildren.

Dr. John Carozza, chairperson of the Catholic Charities of Schuyler County Advisory Council, said of Marx: “We are delighted to have Paul join our team. He is a skilled executive with a strong desire to serve people in need in this county. We look forward to working with him.”

Catholic Charities has served Schuyler County since 1980. It provides a range of human services, including Emergency Services (Schuyler Outreach and Nutrition Outreach and Education), Victim Services (First Step) and Youth Development Services (Watkins Glen Youth Center, Teen Center, 21st Century Base Camp, Runaway and Homeless Program, Partnership For Youth and PINS Diversion).

The editor's son David was enroute from Odessa to Morrisville when the rainbow on the right caught his attention northeast of Ithaca.

David tried several shots, and found with most of them that a rainbow is ethereal -- difficult to capture in a photograph unless there is a dark background for contrast. For a few moments, that contrast existed enough for him to capture this image ... an example of beauty in the light.

Here are some links to other pages on this website dealing with features about people:

Tales of life along Steam Mill Road years ago, submitted by now-Australian resident Betty Appleton, can be reached by clicking here.

A story about the editor's family being menaced by a maniac on the highway can be reached by clicking here.

A story about the Lazio-Clinton campaign in Schuyler County, and its relationship to herbal remedies, can be found by clicking here.