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The Forum:

Please note: All letters submitted to The Forum are subject to editing by the publisher at his discretion. Editing will be done in regards to length, clarity, grammar, libel and good taste. The existence of this page does not give any letter writer free rein to publish anything that does not meet submission standards. This policy is in keeping with sound and longstanding journalism practices.

I would be honored to have your support

To the Editor on October 31:

To residents of the Towns of Catharine and Cayuta, I am a candidate for Schuyler County Legislature, District One. I would be honored to have your support and privileged to serve as your representative on the Legislature if elected. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, and early voting is open now. If you have questions about me or my candidacy I encourage you to visit my website (www.voterobhalpin.com) or contact me directly.

To the voters in the Town of Catharine, I encourage you to support Glenn Bleiler and Brett Reynolds as candidates for the Town Board. Glenn has been a lynchpin on the Board for a number of years and is a recognized authority on the Town’s finances and operating procedures. Brett is a local business owner and lifelong Town of Catharine resident with a deep knowledge of the Town and is prepared to hit the ground running on the Town Board.

To the voters in the Town of Cayuta, I urge you to vote to support all of your Town candidates. Cayuta is fortunate to have experienced and dedicated candidates running for every position, headed by Kyle Reed who is running for Supervisor.

Rob Halpin

Fazzary is right choice for Legislature

To the Editor on October 30:

My name is Dylan Houseknecht, and I’m writing to express my strong support for Jeff Fazzary for Schuyler County Legislature.

Jeff is a dedicated family man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He has been an incredible asset to Schuyler County for many years -- from coaching sports in our local schools to running his family’s restaurant, Art and Nancy’s, where his generosity and kindness are well known.

I first met Jeff when I was in high school playing football, where he served as my offensive coordinator throughout my entire high school career. During that time, we built a strong bond and a lasting player–coach relationship. Jeff knew how to bring out the best in people -- not only on the football field, but in the community as well. His encouragement and leadership helped me grow as both an athlete and a person, and his belief in me pushed me to achieve my lifelong dream of playing college football.

But Jeff’s support didn’t stop there. Even after my football career ended, he continued to follow and support me in my wrestling career, including when I went on to win a state title my senior year at Odessa-Montour. I’ll never forget when he took time out of his day to drive all the way to Windsor High School to watch me compete at the Section IV Wrestling Tournament, where I won a sectional title. Having him there meant the world to me. That’s just the kind of man Jeff Fazzary is -- he treats his athletes like family and goes out of his way to help them succeed both on and off the field. To this day, Jeff and I remain close, and he still checks in on me from time to time. His loyalty, compassion, and dedication to the people around him are unmatched.

That’s why I believe Jeff Fazzary is the right choice for Schuyler County Legislature. He will always put people first and make decisions with the county’s best interests at heart. Before you head to the polls on November 4th, ask yourself: Do you want someone who will push their own personal agenda, or someone who will stand up for what’s right and fight for the future of our beloved Schuyler County? For me, the answer is clear -- vote for Jeff Fazzary for Schuyler County Legislature on November 4th. Schuyler County deserves a leader who cares as much as Jeff does.

Dylan Houseknecht

Seeking write-in votes for Dix Council

To the Editor on October 30:

Louis Perazzini

Reynolds: I'd be grateful for your vote

To the Editor on October 25:

My name is Brett Reynolds, and I am running for a seat on the Catharine Town Council. As a lifelong resident and small business owner, I care deeply about preserving the rural character that makes our town such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

Our community's strength lies in the hardworking families, local businesses, and neighbors who look out for one another. If elected, I will work to:

--Preserve our rural charm while ensuring smart, responsible growth, and spending that respects our land and resources. This includes protecting and promoting the health of Cayuta Lake, by supporting responsible recreational use.

--Encourage transparency and collaboration in local government so every resident's voice is heard.

--Protect the quality of life that makes the Town of Catharine unique, from our open spaces to our sense of community.

--Support small businesses that form the backbone of our local economy.

I believe in a balanced approach that values both progress and preservation. Together, we can ensure that Catharine remains a vibrant and rural community for generations to come.

I would be grateful for your support and your vote in the upcoming election.

Brett Reynolds
Candidate for Catharine Town Council

I want to protect Catharine's way of life

To the Editor on October 24:

Greetings to my fellow citizens of Catharine.

I grew up in a village that was surrounded by farmland. Over the course of 20 years, I watched that farmland get gobbled up by suburban developments, and the character of the area changed forever.

I saw crop fields covered with cul-de-sacs and golf courses. The winding creek I fished was straightened out and the swamps that fed it were filled in to make room for more homes and more shopping centers.

When I moved to the town of Catharine in my early 30s, I felt lucky. I found a town that was genuinely rural with farms and small, lightly populated hamlets, with the village of Odessa in the center. Small cities with work opportunities were nearby, while the hunting and fishing were right out my back door.

My previous experience with the loss of rural life in my hometown, contrasting with my luck of settling in Catharine, inform the perspective I would bring to the Town Council. I want to help Catharine protect its way of life and prevent us from becoming another highly-taxed, overdeveloped suburb of Ithaca. As a member of the Town Council, I will offer my competency, desire for full transparency, and experience to guide us through the changes and pressures coming from outside the town.

I hope that you agree with me and can turn out and give me your vote on November 4th.

Michael Burns
http://Burns4Catharine.us

Thanks to all who helped with tournament

To the Editor on October 20:

To all who joined us for the United Way Hackers & Wackers Golf Tournament in memory of Jamie "Gilly" Guild -- thank you!

Your generosity, spirit, and participation helped us raise an incredible $10,963 toward our 2025 Campaign Goal of $60,000. Every dollar supports vital local programs that uplift our neighbors and strengthen our Schuyler County Community!

A special thank-you to our:

Platinum Sponsors: Famous Brands and Cargill Salt
Gold Sponsors: Aimee Churchill ESQ, Sidle Insurance, and Watkins Sporting Goods
Silver Sponsor: The Anagnost Family
Prize Sponsors: Aaron's Heating & Cooling, Franzese Real Estate, Nick Kelly Construction, Stewart P Wilson, Tobey's Donut Shop, and Vanskiver Motors
Food Donations: T-Burg Shur Save, Tobey's Donut Shop, Seneca Sunrise Coffee, Sinclair Lakes Gas, Herrs Chips.

Golf carts were donated by Trumansburg Golf Course. Along with 48 hole sponsors and 40+ business donations for raffle baskets! Your leadership and support helped make this event a success.

Whether you played, sponsored, or volunteered, your presence made this event more than a fundraiser -- it was a heartfelt tribute to a pillar of our community and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. Looking forward to next year!.

The Hackers & Wackers Committee

From Hector: Remember to vote Nov. 4th

To the Editor on October 20:

Residents of Hector will have the chance to vote for continued good government from their Town Council this November 4. We have a very effective, collaborative group of Council members and some new voices that are seeking voter support.

Liz Martin and Anthony Mansfield seek to continue their terms on Council to continue their good work on issues that favor town residents rather than favor political labels or slogans. Liz is a local farmer. She and her family provide produce and plants for sale at local farm markets and events. She knows life in Hector as a small business person. Anthony is a technology savvy person who has worked for national corporations, but born and raised in Hector and stays close to home. We need his expertise in modern governing.

Mia Sommers is running for her first term on Council. Mia has been instrumental in establishing the Mecklenburg Park community committee and deserves a lot of credit for her Meck Pond accomplishments. She wants to serve the larger Town of Hector in the same manner.

Don't let this off-year election slip from your calendar. Remember to vote on November 4.

Paul Bursic
Town of Hector

 Thank you, Tammy, for all you have done

To the Editor on October 16:

September always brings new beginnings, as did this one, but this September also brought an ending. With little fanfare, Tamre Waite, who served as Director of the Schuyler County’s Office for the Aging since 2006, retired. Tammy has been recognized by the State Office for the Aging for her innovative programming in this role, and those of us who have worked with her personally are well aware of her efficient and effective efforts on behalf of our senior citizens. As members of the department’s advisory board for several years, my husband and I got an inside look at the bureaucracy, opportunities, restrictions, and budget of the office. As members brought needs and concerns from local seniors, Tammy listened and found ways to address those in need.

Tammy is an effective and empowering leader who has inspired her staff as well as senior volunteers, who possess years of skill and knowledge. Programs focusing on senior health include nutrition information and exercise. She has managed senior nutrition sites, both congregate sites and Meals on Wheels, with food prepared by chefs and delivered by senior volunteers. Seeds and planting kits have been offered, as well fresh produce through farmer’s markets. The OFA Bone Builders program is wildly popular at various sites throughout the county.

Guest speakers often draw crowds that fill the Silver Spoon Cafe, including attorneys who specialize in legal implications for estate planning and managing care needs. Volunteers from the office help seniors prepare income taxes and sort through insurance options. Programs on fraud prevention and avoiding scams are designed to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable seniors. Advisors help families choose long-term care options and interface with the various agencies involved, considering home care and residential placement. Close partnership with the Veteran’s Office helps to address the special needs of our veterans. Caregiver programs provide support and advice for those caring for a partner, parent, or friend. Her office has helped seniors find help moving to safe, affordable locations to live, and connect with transportation which is so vital in our rural community. Whether advising an individual or a group, the resources she has provided to Schuyler County seniors are invaluable!

Tamre will now put her skills to use as the District Governor for the Lions Club. Already, Lions throughout the region are benefitting from her leadership as they strive to serve their communities. We Schuyler residents recognize her efforts in developing an OFA office in our small county that rivals the services offered anywhere in New York State. Thank you for ALL you have done, Tammy! You have, indeed, been ESSENTIAL to Schuyler County!.

Kate LaMoreaux

Oct. 13: annual Seen Enough Tobacco Day

To the Editor on October 12:

The statement “youth have seen enough tobacco” is the slogan for Seen Enough Tobacco Day, an annual day of action held on October 13 in New York and led by youth members of Reality Check. It highlights the billions of dollars the tobacco industry spends on marketing, which studies show increases the likelihood of young people starting to use tobacco products.

Despite federal regulations on tobacco advertising and sales to people under 21, the tobacco industry continues to use sophisticated and targeted marketing tactics to attract young people.

One deceitful tactic involves using appealing flavors in their products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, to attract new, young users. The vast majority of underage e-cigarette users report using flavored products. You can’t miss the huge window ads and counter displays in convenience stores in our area, bombarding young people who shop there with an ever-increasing number of enticing flavored tobacco products.

“I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The tobacco industry is promoting products that can lead to lung cancer. As a youth in the community, I am happy to be participating in this campaign so we can raise awareness of how the industry is targeting youth like me,” says Allysin Oliver, a Watkins Glen student. “If you do tobacco, you’re wacko.”

The tobacco industry also heavily promotes e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where age restrictions aren’t closely monitored. Studies show frequent social media use is linked to a higher risk of youth starting to use tobacco products.

In stores, tobacco products are often placed in highly visible areas, like near candy displays, or promoted with price discounts that appeal to younger people. The industry uses bright, colorful imagery on packaging and has historically used branded promotional materials and sponsorships of social events to appeal to youth.

The Seen Enough Tobacco movement is part of broader anti-tobacco efforts that have been successful in reducing cigarette smoking among youth. However, the rise of new products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches presents a new challenge. Join the voices who have seen enough tobacco marketing and are saying something about it -- on October 13 and beyond.

For more information, please contact Emily Hoffman

Photo in text: Emily Hoffman explains about the photo: "My reality check group partnered with the Watkins Glen Wellness Club to put cups in the fence near the football field to raise awareness about the tobacco industry targeting youth.".

Emily Hoffman, M.S.
Asst. Coalition Youth Coordinator
STTAC Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities
Health Behavior/Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
607-621-7648

To the Residents of the Town of Catharine:

It's almost time for board elections again -- with that in mind, we would like you to know that we are backing Glenn Bleiler (for re-election), Ron Goossen for Justice and Brett Reynolds.

Glenn has been a VALUABLE member of the board for a number of years -- he is the brains behind the budget and helps to keep the board informed about the balances and what to expect in the future. Ron has been our Justice for a number of years as well and has kept the integrity of the court in the forefront of all his decisions. Brett is a newcomer to politics, and he has made it his responsibility to attend board meetings and workshops to learn the ropes BEFORE being elected.

It is important to have people who are interested in seeing our town keep things moving without overspending, and by attending meetings in advance of being on the board helps to see how that can be done.

Please consider voting for Brett Reynolds and Glenn Bleiler and Ron Goossen when you go to the polls on November 4th.

Ron Hoffman (Board member for 35+ years)
and Carmella Hoffman (retired Town Clerk after 25 years)

3 Backbone Ridge events set

To the Editor on October 11:

The Backbone Ridge History Group has some upcoming events we would like to share on your site.

1. October19th - Sunday at 2:00 at the Burdett Fire Hall - a presentation on the Military Lots Surveys by Keith Jenkins, Judy Wickham Butterfield and June Szabo. Harold Bush will start off the program with some armonica music.

2. November 2nd - Sunday at 2:00 at the Burdett Fire Hall - a presentation on Queen Catharine Montour by Cynthia Neale and Jaime Montour, a direct descendent of Queen Catharine.

3. December 7th - Sunday at 1:00 at the Burdett Fire Hall - a Presentation on Life in a Longhouse by Perry Ground, Traditional Storyteller and Cultural Educator of the Onondaga, Turtle Clan.

Sandra Bradford
Town of Hector Historian
Board member of the BRHG

Dear Schuyler County Voters,

It's that time again. You all helped me to succeed in the June primary and now we are on to the general election.

I am running for the county legislator position in District 4, which is currently held by Jim Howell. This district includes Montour Falls, part of Odessa, and part of Burdett.

If elected in November, I hope to be the start of the next generation of leaders for this great county. There will be many new legislative positions filled in the next three years as term limits will expire for the people currently in those positions.

I hope to bring to the table my knowledge of this community. My past experience as a General Manager at Ithaca College prepared me for personnel and budget decisions used for large-scale catering and dining services. This later served me as I became co-owner of Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill and currently Art and Nancy's Restaurant.

As I have stated in previous letters, my focus remains Community First. If elected, I will prove my dedication to all of you, the hard-working families of Schuyler County. I am a proud NRA member, as well as a member of the WG Elks club. My family and I have been longtime supporters of local veterans and worked with Dewayne Butler at the Schuyler County Veteran's Service Agency to serve vets Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. Our family supports local agencies including Spirit of Schuyler, Gorges Givers, The United Way, local law enforcement, and first responders including the Burdett, Montour Falls and Watkins Glen Fire Departments. I am a former Little League, Small Fry and Varsity coach. I truly have an investment in the county that I live and work in.

I would love the opportunity to meet with anyone who has questions for me. I enjoyed meeting members of the community at the Moose Club on October 2. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the recently planned Meet the Candidates Night at the Watkins Glen Elementary School. I invite anyone who has further questions to feel free to stop in to see me at Art and Nancy's or call at (607) 857-1664.

In closing, I thank you for your time and ask you to please get out and VOTE on November 4th. Early voting runs October 24-November 2 at the Schuyler County Courthouse Building at 105 9th Street, Watkins Glen.

Jeffrey Fazzary

United Way spaghetti dinner is Oct. 13

To the Editor on September 26:

The annual United Way of Schuyler County "kick-off" spaghetti dinner will be held on Monday, October 13. We are very excited to announce a new location for the dinner: The Mechanics Club, 237 W. Main Street, Montour Falls, NY.

It will be a drive-thru dinner only serving from 5 p.m. on. Dinner will consist of spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread, and dessert. The price is $15.00 per dinner.

All proceeds will go toward this year's United Way Campaign Goal of $60,000 to help support 14 agencies that serve Schuyler County residents.

Those agencies are: Dutton Peterson Library, Elizabeth B. Pert Memorial Library, Schuyler County Play and Resource Center, Schuyler Housing Opportunities Council, Schuyler Outreach, My Place, American Red Cross-Southern Tier Chapter, The Boy Scouts Five Rivers Council, CASA, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Literacy Volunteers, Mustard Seed Ministries, Schuyler Hospital Chaplaincy Program, and Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or contact board members: Donna Beardsley, Aimee Churchill, Barb and Curt Connelly, Dustin Cummings, Kai D'Alleva, Drew Guild, Kyle Chedzoy, Daryl Kelly, Robin LaFace, Veronica Lewis, Sarah Matthews, Ellen Malnoske, Terri Orbin, Jessica Reger, Jamie Rumsey, Peggy Scott, Debbie Simpson, Jessica Smith, Sharon Stadelmaier, Stacy Woodworth.

Help us help our friends and neighbors by supporting this longstanding tradition that serves Schuyler County residents. Thank you in advance.

Peggy Scott
Executive Director

Blessing of Animals set at Sunset View

To the Editor on September 26:

Calling all pet owners! On Sunday, October 5th at 1:00 p.m., St. John's Episcopal Church will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals at Sunset View Creamery, 4970 County Road 14, Odessa, NY. The celebration draws people of diverse faiths and backgrounds and is an opportunity to find joy and honor among our faithful furry companions. All animals, photographs of pets that do not travel, as well as children's stuffed animals are welcome. Each animal will receive a special blessing. Pets must be on a leash or in appropriate carriers.

The Blessing of Animals is held in honor of St. Francis, who lived in Italy from 1181 to 1226 and is revered for his love of nature. Born into wealth and privilege, he preferred a life of poverty and simplicity. He founded the Franciscan religious order embracing the same values. Canonized as a saint in 1228, St. Francis is honored across Christian denominations and beyond.

St. John's Episcopal is dedicated to learning from our history in order to be a more faithful, inclusive, and loving community, nourished and sustained by scripture, sacraments, music, fellowship, and outreach beyond their walls.

If you would like more information or an interview, contact: Jess Hoffman sunsetviewcreamery.com 607-594-2095, Father David Hanselman dhanselm@gmail.com 607-761-4601 or Drew Guild themarketingguild65@gmail.com at 607-731-8645.

Drew Guild

Medicaid and Medicare: Why we need
to keep thinking, talking and acting

To the Editor on September 13:

I learned several important lessons during fifteen years with an organization that strove daily to achieve a higher quality of life for people with disabilities. The most critical lesson was the power of engaging with others to think about, talk about, and decide together how to move to action in the health and human services arena. The very arena that could enable a higher quality of life. The communities where folks lived were the most important places to have these discussions. It was hard work, but also a purely democratic process.

I’ve been thinking a lot about those efforts and those accomplishments lately. Medicaid has served as the primary funding source for the most vulnerable and Medicare has long been the trusted safety net for continuing health care for those of us with “average pockets” who are experiencing the privilege of growing older. Both are at risk under the current administration’s program funding cuts and proposed changes to eligibility rules.

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich wrote recently about the studies over the years that both support and call to question the viability of Medicare for All -- a Single Payer System. I’m not here to debate that issue, but rather to encourage participation at the community level, at the local level. Participation through critical thinking, and dialogue with our community members, our healthcare organizations, and all levels of political leadership and representation.

Reich anticipates that in 2026 Americans will see the largest jump in health insurance costs in 15 years, going on to say that the six largest health insurers made $31 billion in net income last year. October is soon upon us and with it the endless drumbeat of Medicare and Medicaid enrollment advertisements. Employers are well into the selection and negotiations related to employee health plans for their next enrollment period. Although circumstances may be individual, quality of life outcomes are universal in communities that care.

This is my call to action: Think about your circumstances, how might they change? Think about your friends, family, neighbors. How are they faring in the healthcare universe? What is happening with our local health and human services organizations? Go to the public meetings. Talk to the leadership. Write that letter. Challenge your friends, family and neighbors to do the same. In a community where we engage in the power of our voices, where we do the work, where we point our efforts to the best possible outcomes, we can achieve those outcomes.

Gail M. Walker
Candidate for Schuyler County Legislator, District 3

We can't wait until ICE comes knocking

To the Editor on September 6:

I am from the Indivisible Hector Schuyler County. I wanted to let you know of a project we are currently working on called Signs of Solidarity as well as a campaign to ask our Schuyler County Legislature to create a resolution asking our local Sheriff to publicly declare that they will NOT collaborate with ICE. We will be at the next Schuyler County Legislature meeting on Monday, September 8th, to present a letter voicing our concerns and we will have a peaceful protest in front of the courthouse at the same time. One of the local grape growers has agreed to come as well.

I get the feeling that some residents think that we may be immune from ICE raids. Local grape growers have already lost at least two workers to ICE; they were picked up by ICE when they reported to a courthouse. Ten workers were picked up in Spencer in late June and there have been people picked up in Clyde recently. On Thursday, September 4th, we learned that there was a huge raid at a small confection factory in Cato. It was horrific from the accounts I have read. Apparently out of 100 workers, at least 40 were detained. There were an estimated 50 agents at the scene along with the sheriffs from Cayuga County and Oswego County. Governor Hochul has spoken out in outrage against this raid. Google Cato ICE raid to confirm my story.

Our Signs of Solidarity Campaign is meant to do a few things:

1. Inform local businesses and farmers of their rights, show how to determine a judicial warrant from an administrative warrant, provide signs of support for our immigrant workers and neighbors, provide a sign to create a private area where ICE agents may not enter without a judicial warrant, and provide a sign indicating that the business or farm does NOT welcome ICE on their property.

2. The signs also let our immigrant neighbors know that we support them and care about their safety. Can you imagine how they must feel? You must remember that even US citizens and people here legally have been arrested and detained, including CHILDREN!

3. The signs also could create a safe spot where immigrant workers can remain during a raid.

We can't wait until ICE comes knocking on someone's door here in Schuyler County. We must come together as a community and be prepared. This is NOT a partisan issue, it is a moral and humane issue. I am enclosing a copy of one of our signs so people can see what it looks like. We hope to talk to as many farmers and local businesses and provide signs to them if they want. They may also contact Indivisible Hector directly for more information and the signs and educational materials. Our email address is: hectorindivisible2025@gmail.com.

Marsha E. Smith

Today, I made a sustaining gift to the Uplifting History Capital Campaign for the Schuyler County Historical Society, NY https://schuylerhistory.org/.../uplifting-history.../

Not a token gift -- a sustaining one. I thought hard about it and gave the most I could comfortably afford, because this matters deeply to me.

I did this for several reasons. Chief among them:

1. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Schuyler County history.

Our local window to the world was wider than many realized -- if you took the time to look. We are Senecas. We are road racing pioneers. We are Glen Springs, Samson, and Glenn Curtiss. We’re abolitionists from the Burned-Over District, inspired by Henry Ward Beecher (and his brother Tom). We had Park Church and Mark Twain. Jane Delano. Real heroes. People you could aspire to be like.

As a kid, I truly believed that being a “Schuyler County Hero” meant something. And honestly, I still do. I was taught that anything was possible -- if you believed, worked hard, and set your mind to it. That foundation came from knowing where I came from.

2. This campaign is about preserving that history -- and making it accessible. For school children. For seniors. For everyone. This legacy is in danger of fading. We must provide access and preserve it.

3. Just like the song on the news says -- this is home.

And it should mean everything to us. You should want to be a part of this. You should be proud to stand up for our shared history.

So let’s get up and do it -- for the next generation and those who come after. Whether it’s ten bucks, a hundred, or a thousand -- give what you can.

If you built a longhouse in fourth grade. because you wanted to be like Omri from Indian in the Cupboard ...

If you still remember the preamble from 7th grade ...

If you got an A by researching every word in We Didn’t Start the Fire ... or

If you smoked a cigar on your senior trip after visiting the Capitol ... and thought, man, Mr. D was right ... History is awesome!

Then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Give what you can to Uplift History. It matters.

We need local stories and private collections now more than ever -- telling our history, one hero at a time.

Please join me.

Please give.

Thank you.

Adam Kress

Meet candidates of Common Sense Schuyler

To the Editor on August 28:

Hard to believe it’s only about two months until election day. As the summer cools off, election season is heating up. (I know, I know ... try to contain your excitement.)

As much as everyone dreads the avalanche of yard signs, ads, and letters to the editor, 2025 is going to be an important year for local elections in Schuyler County. There are a lot of positions up for election, and more candidates than ever to choose from. Which is great because it means you have choices this year! Candidates who might have run unopposed in other years will have to do the hard work of reaching out to voters and making the case for why they are the right person for the job. Blind party loyalty and cut-and-paste Facebook posts won’t be enough for any one candidate, or any one party, to get the most votes on November 4th.

It all comes down to people: to you the constituents, and to the individual candidates. Who we are and what we care about matters more than the “D” or “R” next to a name on a voter registration or a ballot.

This year, four out of the eight seats on the Schuyler County Legislature are up for election. Three out of those four seats are between candidates who have never served on the legislature before. Term limits for current legislators means that the elections in 2026 and 2027 will result in even more fresh faces on the legislature. Things are going to change in county government, and it's up to you to decide what that change looks like!

For constituents in districts 1, 2, 3, and 4, you will see candidates for legislature on the 2025 ballot from the “Common Sense Schuyler” party. What is “Common Sense Schuyler”? (Great question, so glad you asked!)

Common Sense Schuyler is a non-partisan coalition of candidates with a variety of political perspectives who are united by a commitment to three powerful ideas: 1) a passion for public service, 2) a willingness to work together and across party lines to solve real problems, and 3) the belief that transparency and community participation are necessary in local government. We will have a lot more to say about all three of those ideas between now and November, but for now, it’s time to meet the 2025 legislative candidates for Common Sense Schuyler!

Joan Hendy-Kline is the candidate for District 1. She is a lifelong independent. She is recently retired after many years of experience with IBM, Loral, and Lockheed Martin as an Engineer, Program Manager and Test Director. Her experience with budgeting, engineering, and delivering complex systems solutions to her former customers will translate to addressing the needs of the people of Schuyler County. Joan wants to know what her future constituents care about, and what they want to see happen in this county. She is committed to representing the people of her district.

In District 2, our candidate is longtime Burdett resident Erich Asperschlager (me!). Erich is a registered Democrat and will be on the ballot on two lines, but his main focus is Common Sense Schuyler and the mission of moving beyond party politics. Local government should not be run along party lines, no matter the party. Party loyalty is inefficient, it’s lazy, and it gets in the way of solving real problems. Erich is a committed and active member of the community, a friendly fellow, and a good listener. He isn’t afraid of hard work. He loves people and hates bullies.

Gail Walker is the Common Sense Schuyler (and Democratic) candidate for District 3. She comes to the job with a lifetime of experience. She has worked in non-profit health, human, and community services, and in diverse for-profit manufacturing environments. With senior responsibilities in human resources, budget development, and management, she has a strong financial background. Her process improvement approach and attention to detail ensures your taxes will be spent in the most responsible and effective way possible. She has been preparing for this position for decades and will be a powerhouse representative for the interests of the people of this county.

Our District 4 candidate may be familiar to longtime readers of The Odessa File. Jennifer Mosher is a Republican who ran in the recent primary, where she received many endorsements from community leaders and career public servants. (I recommend scrolling down on this page until you find those endorsements; they will tell you all you need to know about her expertise and commitment). Jennifer has also been featured on The Odessa File during her 12-year tenure on the Odessa-Montour school board, where she currently serves as vice president and chair of the capital committee. Jennifer is inspiring and resilient, with a genuine passion for public service you rarely find in a candidate for local government.

Two Democrats, an Independent, and a Republican. It’s not often you see that mix on one ticket; but we are proud to offer a real choice for voters this year! Personally, I am even more proud to stand alongside three amazing women. Their election will be historic for Schuyler County government, and a good first step to making the legislature look like the people it represents. This is not an all-male, mostly Republican county. The legislature shouldn’t be either.

Common Sense Schuyler is more than a third party. It is a new approach to local government, one that returns the focus to the people of this county. No one is served by elected officials who make decisions in private and don’t seek out the feedback of the people they are supposed to represent. Our commitment to community means that Common Sense Schuyler candidates are ready to talk, ready to listen, and promise to continue those conversations with you after November. We want to earn your trust, so we can earn your vote.

Erich Asperschlager
Candidate for Schuyler County Legislature - District 2

Voice your opinion on NYSEG rate hike

To the Editor on August 26:

Just a reminder to Schuyler residents that our utility, NYSEG, has filed for another huge rate increase:

https://dps.ny.gov/pending-and-recent-electric-rate-cases#new-york-state-electric-&-gas

The following link provides an opportunity for us to comment, one we should all take advantage of:

https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=25-e-0375

I encourage all of our residents to voice their opinions on this issue immediately.

Mike Pizmoht
Watkins Glen

Alumni Banquet was a memorable one

To the Editor on August 1:

The 98th annual Watkins Glen High School Alumni Banquet was held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Watkins Glen Community Center. There were 198 reservations with 211 dinners served. Attendees included alumni, invited guests, spouses, friends, school representatives, 2024 scholarship recipients, and Beth and Distinguished Alumni Bill Meehan.

Our most esteemed alumni recognized in attendance were: Nancy Yost 1949, Warda Edsall 1951, 2017 Distinguished Alumni Larry Field 1952, Dave Cook 1955, and Stephen/Charlotte Hoare, Burge/Suzanne Morris, Judy Phillips, and Ralph/Joyce Vedder from the class of 1958. Linda Knapp McIntyre, class of 1965, was also recognized and thanked for her design of our Alumni Association logo.

The Board of Directors would like to thank fellow alumni Bob Deckern'89/Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill for an outstanding buffet dinner and cash bar. Lisa Hewitt Bellavinga '82-LVB Images and Logan DeBolt '26-DeBoltMedia played a significant role in taking candid pictures during the banquet and class pictures of graduates. Louis Perazzini '75 gave a moving invocation to start the banquet off.

Recognition and thanks also to: class contacts 1965-Gloria Brubaker, Jim Whiting, and Susan Garrett, class of 1975-Tracie McIlroy, class of 1980-David Scharlau Jr., and class of 1995-Angela Bierline. Their efforts in reaching out to fellow classmates was evidenced with the show of attendees.

Scholarship recipients were awarded the following: Aleice Guild and Brady Bockelkamp $1,500, Jocelyn Sisana $2,000, and the scholarship in memory and honor of Jean Argetsinger (donated by granddaughter Bree Argetsinger) was Naja Radoja $2,000.
Since 2007, the WGHS Alumni Association has awarded scholarships totaling $106,300 thanks to the generosity of fellow alumni and friends.

We were thrilled to announce our 2025 Distinguished Hall of Fame inductee Bill Meehan of BMS Manufacturing in the field of business. For 48 years Bill has made BMS an outstanding example of a small business that not only provides jobs for Schuyler County residents, but also gives back to Schuyler County by donating and allowing employees to participate in the payroll deduction plan for United Way of Schuyler County. He also mentors students from BOCES where he was inducted into their inaugural BOCES TEC Center Hall of Fame. An extremely humble man, we welcome him as our 21st inductee.

Our banquet is unique in providing a forum for everyone to celebrate with fellow graduates, faculty, staff, school mates, and friends. The support of the alumni community and friends of the Watkins Glen School District make it possible. Heartfelt thanks to all of you and to our board of directors for their efforts in putting on a memorable banquet.

Peggy Doolittle Scott '70
President

Party politics have failed Schuyler

To the Editor on July 27:

With the passage of a federal budget bill that cuts Medicaid, SNAP, and social services, supported by local congressional representatives Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney, Schuyler County is at a crossroads. About a third of the people who live in Schuyler County rely on Medicaid. Our rural hospitals and clinics depend on federal money to stay open. People’s lives and jobs are at risk because of cuts in the federal budget bill. There is no way for New York state to make up for the money that has been taken from the people in this county and handed to billionaires and to masked ICE agents with daily arrest quotas so high the only way to meet the numbers is to harass and detain anyone who “looks” like an immigrant. None of this helps the people of Schuyler, but many of our Republican officials at the town, county, state, and national level are happy to support things that hurt their constituents because they are loyal to the party -- not the people.

Similar dysfunction exists among Democratic leadership in places where they are in charge, including Albany, and people across the country are fed up. We need public servants, not loyal minions. We need elected representatives who understand that they work for their constituents, not for political party leaders. Schuyler is a diverse place, full of different ideas and people and experiences. We are not a Republican county (party registration is roughly 1/3 each Republican, Democratic, and Independent). We are about equally split between men and women. Yet our local governments are mostly Republican men. We need better representation. We need people in government who care what their constituents think. Who treat their constituents with respect. Who actively reach out to people to see what they care about, and what problems need to be solved. We need public servants who SERVE THE PUBLIC.

This November, there are going to be lots of local seats on the ballot. From town councils to the county legislature, there will be a chance for every registered voter to have a choice. This will be the most contested local election in at least a decade, with multiple candidates for many positions -- including all 4 of the county legislature seats up for election in 2025 (I am one of those candidates, running in District 2). This means one thing: voters have a choice! You have a say. Elections are job interviews, and the voters are the hiring committee. Meet the candidates. Ask tough questions (I’m ready and eager to answer!).

Blind party politics are the death of local government. Get to know your neighbors, get to know your representatives, get to know the candidates. If they won’t listen, and don’t treat you with the respect you deserve, then they won’t be good employees. No matter what party they are registered with. Now, more than ever, we need to put party politics aside and focus on people. Commitment to community is the best way forward for Schuyler County.

Erich Asperschlager
Burdett
"Common Sense Schuyler" Candidate for County Legislator, District 2

Ladies Club presents 3 scholarships

To the Editor on July 8:

The Ladies Wednesday Afternoon Club meets once a month and is very interested in obtaining knowledge, and staying current with everyday society. Over the years it has researched many topics and made presentations to the members. Because it values learning so much, each year it is proud to present scholarships to Schuyler County High School graduates who have worked hard and shown that they can succeed, and also plan on attending a college or trade school. This year they awarded $150 to each of the three Schuyler County schools, as follows:

The scholarship winner this year from Odessa-Montour Central School is Riley Brooks. Riley is a hard working young lady who plans to attend college in Florida to become a crime scene investigator, with an underwater diving certification.

The scholarship winner this year from Watkins Glen Central School is Aleice Guild. Aleice always has a smile on her face and is willing to take on a challenge. She will be going to school for Environmental Engineering.

This year's scholarship winner from Bradford Central School is Abigail Gleason. Abby has worked hard each year to be successful, and over the past three marking periods she has earned high honor roll. She is enrolling for the Esthetics Program at BOCES in August 2025.

Ladies Wednesday Afternoon Club

Thanks to everyone who voted for me

To the Editor on July 3:

Now that the Republican primary has been certified, I would like to again thank everyone who came out on a very hot and humid Tuesday to cast their vote for me. Our work is not done, though. Your support will be needed again in November to cross the finish line. I will continue to work hard to gain your trust and confidence by being respectful and forthcoming to my potential opponent and especially to you the members of the greatest county in this fine state!

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Jeffrey Fazzary

Mechanics Club raises $9,200 for vets

To the Editor on July 1:

On Saturday, June 21st, the Mechanics Club of Montour Falls hosted a successful raffle event to benefit Veterans for Schuyler, a locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans in Schuyler County.

Thanks to the generous participation of the community and the success of the gun raffle, the Mechanics Club raised an impressive $9,200 -- all of which has been donated to directly support local Veterans.

Veterans for Schuyler Inc. assists area veterans through a confidential application process, providing help with utility bills, auto repairs, home maintenance, rental assistance, food, and more. The organization is led by a board of local residents who ensure that every dollar raised is used to meet urgent needs promptly and efficiently. 100% of all funds raised go directly toward supporting veterans in Schuyler County.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Mechanics Club and to all past and present supporters of Veterans for Schuyler. Your continued support makes a significant difference in the lives of our local heroes.

For more information about our organization, to apply for assistance, or to make a donation, please contact us at VeteransforSchuyler@gmail.com.

Stacey Parrish
President
Veterans for Schuyler

OMCS Class of 1965 reunion set

To the Editor on June 24:

The OMCS Class of 1965 reunion is going to be held on Saturday, August 16 at the Mechanics Club in Montour Falls starting at 5:00 ... dinner at 6:00. The cost will be $50 per person to cover food and expenses. We will have a buffet, DJ, memorial exhibit and will donate all left-over money to the OMCS Grizzly Grub Hub, which is a food donation program in which the school is now participating.

Students, teachers and staff can "shop" there for groceries as they need for FREE. Most of the food/products are provided by the Southern Tier Food Bank. It is a great program. It will soon be offered to the community. They use a classroom specifically for the “grocery store” with freezers and refrigerators. You can find canned goods, fresh veggies, fruit and other supplies there.

There will be a guided tour of the school facilities at 3:00. You will see the Grizzly Grub Hub as well! Try to attend, as the school has many improvements over the years.

You can either send a check to me made payable to the OMCS Class of 1965 or use CashApp at $francespierce. We need to collect all money by August 1.

Frances H. Pierce
2991 Irelandville Road
Watkins Glen

Vote TODAY for Jennifer Mosher

Received by the Editor on June 24:

To District 4 Republicans, my neighbors, friends and family:

I'm Jennifer Mosher and I've spent my whole life in service to this community -- our home. Please elect me TODAY in the District 4 Republican primary for the Schuyler County Legislature. I'm grateful for your vote and your voice! Voting details are below.

When:
Polls are open from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Where:
Montour District 1&3: Montour Falls Fire Station, 111 Lee Street, Montour Falls.
Hector District 6: Burdett Fire Station, 4124 Lake Street, Burdett.

Questions: Call the Board of Elections at (607) 535-8195 or online at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov

I am a passionate supporter of our community and experienced public servant. I am dedicated, hard-working, and fiscally responsible. I am you and will represent you with the same drive and attention to detail that I demonstrate in everything I do, because this is our home and it matters. Thank you for your support TODAY and going forward!

With gratitude,

Jennifer Mosher
Republican Candidate for Schuyler County Legislature -- District 4

What a great baseball tournament!
Thanks to all who helped make it happen

To the Editor on June 23:

Well, just like that, The 8th Annual Tom Malina 12U Memorial Baseball Tournament is in the books! The Storm from Schuyler County had a great showing this weekend proving that they can play with programs much larger than ours, all while battling the heat and the busy game schedule in this seven-team field! Schuyler County fell short in the semifinal game to the eventual tournament champion TC Arsenal team from Ithaca. The boys played great, amassing a few home runs, outstanding plays in the field and some fantastic pitching! This group will be fun to watch for a long time, and it's going to be a great summer watching them play together.

The list of thank you's are quite extensive. First, to the Malina Family! Everything from the donation of the scoreboard, supporting the tournament by being there for every game and being a part of throwing out the first pitch in the championship game and handing out the trophies. We are so glad you are able to be such a big part of the tournament. And getting to dedicate the Tom Malina scoreboard at Volunteer Field topped off an incredible weekend. Tom's dedication to Schuyler County Youth Baseball & Softball was incredible and his legacy will live on, having that scoreboard on our fields.

Our small but mighty group of volunteers, we couldn't have pulled this off without you! Keith and Jackie Bubb, the facilities this weekend looked incredible -- better than they have looked in a very long time. We received several compliments on the way the place looked. Keri Schubmehl did an outstanding job planning, stocking, and coordinating the concession stand with limited volunteers, and the stand was quite successful throughout the weekend! Cole Bubb, Thomas Dupay, Erich Kramer. Jason Westervelt and Keith, thank you for flipping the fields after all of the games that were played and helping to maintain their great playing condition game in and game out! To Lydia, Rowen, Mackenzie, Eliza and Willow, you spent an obscene amount of time in the concession stand, selling drinks and t-shirts and running scoreboards, and this tournament couldn't have been as successful without your help -- and to all of our other concession stand volunteers, Cali, Katie, Della, Sally, Stephanie, Mrs. Busch, Kristie, anyone else I may have forgotten and the volunteers that offered to make the taco meat for our walking tacos, thank you! Thank you to Stephanie Westervelt for the tournament schedules and brackets and for all of your help in doing anything that was needed throughout the weekend and for being one of our loudest cheerleaders! Thank you to our hometown umpires Karl Kernan and Gavin Lohmeyer for a great job officiating a lot of hot grueling games and keeping our games running smoothly and efficiently. Karl did a record-for-him seven games in three days! Thank you to Nick Mele and the Elmira Umpires association for providing us with certified umpires for our tournament!

A very special thank you goes out to Charlie Haeffner from The Odessa File! His coverage of our tournament and our team was fantastic and the articles and pictures are pretty special. It's not too often 12-year-old tournament teams get media coverage like this and so, if you get a chance, check it out on Odessafile.com.

And finally, a huge thank you to all of the parents, players and coaches that helped make this tournament a success. We have never had this many teams participate in this tournament and the support you showed our league was phenomenal. Our concession stand sales will benefit Schuyler County Youth Baseball and Softball athletes in huge ways. The players from all teams were so fun to watch throughout the weekend with some great baseball being played, and the coaches had their teams very well prepared to make it a very competitive, well-played tournament!

I'm sure there are people I am forgetting, and I apologize, but you are thanked all the same! It was a great weekend of youth sports and we can't wait to plan the 9th Annual Tom Malina Tournament!

For His Love of the Game,
Schuyler County Youth Baseball & Softball League

Mosher has the necessary experience

To the Editor on June 22:

Jennifer Mosher is running for the District 4 seat on the Schuyler County Legislature. She is an educated young woman with the necessary legislative experience due to her many years of service on the OMCS Board of Education.

Jennifer is energetic and totally committed to whatever she does, and her focus will be on the residents of District 4. I have known Jennifer for many years and, having served on the legislature myself, I am confident she has all the qualities necessary to be a tremendous asset. Please vote on June 24, 2025.

Barbara Halpin

Fazzary: Thanks to everyone

To the Editor on June 22:

Before this Primary cycle ends I would like to take a minute and thank everyone.

Thank you to all that have supported me through this whole process, it has definitely been an emotional experience. Thanks to the people who have been in the restaurant and said they are voting for me and unfortunately cannot. Most importantly thank you to my family who have been so supportive even though when they heard I was running for this position they were not all on board.

I have been thinking about running for this position for quite some time, since I knew Jim Howell's well-served time was coming to an end. Win, lose or draw Tuesday, I hope whoever comes out on top represents this county to the best of their abilities.

I hope I talk to you all again in the fall.

Jeffrey Fazzary

From Schuyler with Love

To the Editor on June 22:

To the residents of District 4, my neighbors, friends, and family:

As we approach the Republican primary on June 24th, allow me to pause from talking about governance, my legislative experience, education and background, and speak from my heart. Let's discuss you, us, and this place we're lucky to call home.

There's something undeniably perfect about Schuyler County. It's in the quiet strength of our farms, the laughter of kids jumping off the dock in summer, the volunteers who show up year after year for firehouse breakfasts and parades, and neighbors who work school functions time and again. It's in the way we greet each other at the Mechanics Club, pack the stands for big games, or wave as we hustle students from one campus to another.

District 4 is more than just some lines on a map. It's the rooted beauty of Odessa, Hector and Montour: the pulse of hardworking families, the hum of Main Street, and the natural wonders we sometimes take for granted, but which a stream of slow-moving, out-of-state plates reminds us is worthy of reverence and reflection.

I was raised here. I learned to swim here. I came back from college not because I could, but because I should. My husband and I choose to raise our three children here because there is nowhere better to grow up, grow strong, and grow together with family and friends that surround us.

This community deserves leadership that reflects its values: integrity, humility, and grit. I'm running for the Legislature because I believe our home deserves great representation that is grounded in local pride, built on shared experiences, and committed to every voice emanating from our towns and villages.

To me, leadership is not about ego or attention. It's about stewardship. It's about showing up, pitching in, and doing the hard work when no one is looking. I believe District 4 needs a leader who has not -- and will never -- cease caring. That leader is me.

So, from my heart to yours: thank you. Thank you for your encouragement, for your conversations, and for your hope. Thank you for your vote on June 24th. It would be an honor to represent you and this place we're lucky to call home.

Ever forward with love and gratitude,

Jennifer Mosher
Candidate for Schuyler County Legislature -- District 4

Mosher provides leadership, inspiration

To the Editor on June 21:

I am writing to urge the voters of Schuyler County Legislative District 4 to put their trust in Jennifer Mosher for the County Legislature. I have had the privilege of knowing Jennifer for most of my life, being in the same graduating class at OMCS. Over that time, I developed great respect for her dedication, leadership, intelligence, and embrace for our community. And have the honor of calling her a friend.

Jennifer is a passionate and driven individual who has demonstrated her ability to serve the community. She has lived in the county her whole life and comes from a family who have been residents for generations. She was a dedicated member of the OMCS swim team throughout her school career and provided support to her teammates, bringing out the most from the team, and displayed her strong work ethic and drive to always do her best. Since then, she has become a fixture of the community, supporting various projects and events, and continuing to provide leadership, encouragement, and inspiration. That is the type of drive needed to fuel an elected official in our county.

Jennifer's experience serving on the Odessa-Montour Central School District Board of Education has further demonstrated her dedication to serving our local community and has uniquely prepared her to be an exceptional legislator for the residents of District 4 and Schuyler County as a whole. During her time on the School Board, she has displayed the characteristics which we should seek from a legislator. She has a strong voice which advocates for the needs of the district. She is a thoughtful and respectful listener. She provides intelligent debate and conversation advocating for the needs of the community, while being open to other ideas and positions to forge the best possible solutions. Her experience of budgeting and dealing with intergovernmental levels provides her with the knowledge to quickly and effectively step into the position of legislator and start work on day one.

Jennifer Mosher is the type of legislator that all residents should desire and deserve. I urge Republican voters to support her for Legislative District 4 in the Republican Primary on June 24, 2025, and in the general election.

Kevin J. Greuber

Halpin: Reed statement was misleading

To the Editor on June 20:

I am writing to remind the registered Republicans in Schuyler County Legislative District One (Catharine and Cayuta) of the primary election on Tuesday, June 24, and to ask for your support as a candidate for the Schuyler County Legislature. I believe that my experience and demonstrated commitment to the community make me well qualified to serve as your representative on the Legislature. I was able to meet many of you as I have gone door to door the last few weeks. For those that I was not able to meet and who don’t otherwise know me, please check out www.voterobhalpin.com for more information. I would be honored to have your support.

As a general principal I do not get involved in online back-and-forth, but David Reed’s statement in his letter endorsing his grandson was misleading. While it is true that the tax levy in the Odessa-Montour School District went up by 4% this year, last year there was no increase (0%) in the levy, so the combined increase over the past two years was 4% (2% per year). On the other hand, the tax levy in the Town of Cayuta has gone up almost 20% in the last two years.

Rob Halpin

Jen Mosher is our candidate of choice

To the Editor on June 20:

I have had the opportunity to work with Jennifer Mosher for seven years while both of us have served and are serving on the Odessa-Montour School Board. She is intelligent, educated and passionate about her family and community. Being open-minded and willing to listen, she makes decisions based on facts, numbers, and science.

Jen would make a great addition to the Schuyler County Legislature representing all of Schuyler County. Gail would add that Jen is younger than most serving in our legislature, is a woman, and has three young children; thus offering a different perspective than many in our current legislature. She is in a position to see and talk with people in our community on a daily basis. She is energetic and excited to work on our behalf and we fully endorse Jen as our candidate of choice.

Dana and Gail Sgrecci

I'm asking that you support my grandson as he seeks election to my Legislature seat

To the Editor on June 19:

Hello everyone.

This is David M. Reed, your current County Legislator for the Towns of Catharine and Cayuta. As many people might know, I have retired and am going to be moving to Alaska, which means I am not running for the third and last term that I am eligible to do. It has been an honor to serve everybody and I have enjoyed it and it has been a challenge.

The good news is that my grandson, Dylan J. Reed, who is 28 years old and has served over two terms on the Cayuta Town Council, is running for my seat for the County Legislature District 1. He is Conservative, the same that I am, very knowledgeable, a good set of fresh eyes and he knows how government works and he is not a greenhorn. He believes in landowners' rights and local law, local rule. With that being said, there is a primary in which two other people are also running for the same position.

The Republican primary is on Tuesday, June 24, and I am asking all my constituents to please support him in this primary. The two other people running against him, Eric Kenney and Robert Halpin, I believe are both good people, they are conservative. My only concern is with one of them: Mr. Halpin, a local lawyer who is also president of the Odessa-Montour School Board, which increased the taxes in your district by 4% this year. Which I do not believe is a real good conservative philosophy.

I am asking you to support my grandson for me, and really would appreciate it if you would Get Out and Vote. It is really crucial in this primary that you do. Once again, it has been an honor to serve all of you. I hope that I met your expectations in trying to keep our government as small as possible and running as lean as possible here in Schuyler County.

Thank you and have a good day, and if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 607-742-8041.

David M. Reed

Jennifer Mosher is a proven leader
who is committed to this community

To the Editor on June 19:

I am writing in support of Jen Mosher for a seat on the Schuyler County Legislature. I have known Jen her entire life. From early on it was clear Jen was a confident, smart and caring young lady. As Jen moved through life, she has certainly honed her leadership skills, as well as her ability to see the big picture and adjust to challenges.

Jen took on the task of running and winning a seat on the Odessa-Montour School Board where she has assumed leadership roles throughout her tenure. Jen championed shared service projects with other school districts throughout the region not only to be fiscally responsible but most importantly to increase opportunities for students in our county. It's this type of vision and leadership that will serve Jen and her constituents well as a member of the Legislature.

Additionally, Jen clearly understands the necessity to focus on what is needed at the local level. With State mandates, regulations of the Board of Regents and fiscal constraints of the State Education Department, one needs to understand how to navigate this structure to achieve success for the students and community which you serve. Jen certainly proved capable of meeting these challenges as a School Board member.

In closing, I ask you to support Jen Mosher for a seat on the Schuyler County Legislature. Jen is a proven leader who is committed to this community. Jen understands the challenges of governmental oversight, but is willing to put in the time necessary to overcome those challenges while creating a brighter future for Schuyler County.

Tom Phillips
Retired Superintendent
Watkins Glen School District

Jennifer Mosher's ability to lead
through change is a critical asset

To the Editor on June 18:

I am writing this letter to express my unwavering support for Jennifer Mosher, a truly exceptional individual who is seeking a position on the Schuyler County Legislature. Having witnessed her dedication and capabilities firsthand, I am confident that Jennifer possesses the precise blend of experience, knowledge, work ethic, and foresight needed to effectively serve the community.

Jennifer's work ethic is unparalleled. She approaches every task with meticulous attention to detail and a tireless commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. This drive ensures she delves deeply into issues, understands all perspectives, and diligently works until solutions are found.

Her impressive and relevant experience in governance, particularly her dedicated service on the Odessa-Montour School Board, where she has served as Vice President, demonstrates her ability to navigate complex administrative landscapes and make informed decisions that benefit the greater good. She consistently prioritized the well-being of students, families, faculty, and staff, alongside responsible resource stewardship.

Jennifer's ability to lead through change is a critical asset. She embraces new ideas, adapts to unforeseen circumstances, and makes tough decisions with a clear vision for the future. Her common-sense approach and strong fiscal knowledge ensure every decision is sound and fiscally responsible, promoting efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Jennifer Mosher is an outstanding candidate. She will bring thoughtful leadership and common-sense solutions to the Schuyler County Legislature and the community.

Dr. Tracy A. Marchionda
Retired Interim Superintendent
of Odessa-Montour School District

Coach Fazzary is an exceptional leader

To the Editor on June 17:

I'm writing to express my strong support for Coach Fazzary, a candidate for our Schuyler
County District 4 Legislative seat. I've known Coach Fazzary for 14 years, first as my Little League coach for Church Street Produce and later as my high school football coach for Schuyler Storm.

During my time playing for him, I saw firsthand what makes an exceptional leader. He taught us more than just game skills; he instilled invaluable life lessons: teamwork, discipline, resilience, and integrity. Coach Fazzary had a unique way of motivating us, fostering a sense of shared purpose, and inspiring us to achieve beyond our expectations.
The very qualities that made him such an impactful coach -- dedication, integrity, strategic
thinking, and the ability to unite people -- are exactly what we need in our legislature.

I urge you to join me in supporting Coach Fazzary for Schuyler County Legislator. I'm confident he'll be a dedicated representative, working tirelessly to build a stronger future for our entire community.

Daniel Lewis

My legislative experience is unrivaled

To the Editor on June 16:

My name is Jennifer Mosher and I am running for Schuyler County Legislature representing District 4. I am the youngest-elected member of the Odessa-Montour Central School (OMCS) District Board of Education, now serving in my fourth consecutive term as Vice President and Chair of the Capital Committee. During that time, I learned how to legislate effectively: parliamentary procedure, open meetings law, deliberative governance. I helped develop 11 consecutive budgets that passed with more than 80% approval, all while staying under the allowable tax cap. We even had a zero-tax increase during the 2024-25 school year, unheard of in most districts! I also navigated two Superintendent transitions with decisiveness and dignity.

The actual duties of a legislator -- budget, policy, advocacy, and oversight of the County Administrator -- do not adequately capture all that needs doing. At OMCS, I set agendas, run meetings in the absence of the President, track and report the Board's workplan and Superintendent evaluations, coordinate with administration, lead Board volunteerism, attend construction meetings, and more. In fact, you would struggle to find a single necessity for which I haven't raised my hand or answered the bell.

I have advocated many times against unfunded mandates at the State level by communicating clearly and routinely with local, state, and federal representatives. A great example is the numerous emails and calls that I made to Senator O'Mara and Assemblymember Palmesano around the electric bus mandate looming large for all school districts, especially rural ones like ours. My tireless advocacy persuaded both offices to engage with our Superintendent about our district-level concerns, which have since made their way to Albany.

I've proven my legislative mettle for more than a decade. I am a nose-to-the-grindstone doer and adept leader of people. If elected to represent District 4 on the Schuyler County Legislature, I promise to show up every day for you: champion your needs within the law, exhibit fiscal responsibility, and listen intently because healthy, informed debate benefits everyone. I will collaborate with elected and municipal leaders for your prosperity and future, and advance our charge at all levels. I will work for you because it's what I do and who I am.

Please vote for me in the Republican primary on Tuesday June 24th.

Jennifer Mosher

Our voices matter on proposed ag cuts

To the Editor on June 16:

On the morning of May 18, 2023, a late frost blasted through the Finger Lakes. For many grape farmers, the results were catastrophic. Yields plunged and some growers left entire blocks unharvested. A measure of relief came in the form of a Disaster Declaration, issued by the USDA, that enabled growers to apply for emergency disaster assistance loans. These loans are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which has provided technical assistance and financial support to farmers through its local offices since 1935. If the federal government’s proposed budget passes Congress, the FSA budget will be cut by $400 million dollars. This includes $26 million previously allocated to the same loans that bolstered Finger Lakes growers in 2023.

If passed, the proposed 2026 budget will have real and immediate consequences for agriculture in the Finger Lakes. The proposed cuts come hot on the heels of millions of dollars in frozen payments to farmers who have already implemented conservation measures to preserve the health of their land and the surrounding watersheds. Conservation payments, FSA technical assistance, and emergency relief are just some of the critical supports that will disappear.

Federal funding for agricultural research is at risk. I know from personal experience what these cuts mean. I spent the past decade learning to grow grapes from my cousins on Seneca Lake. In 2021 I began my graduate degree at Cornell and joined a team of researchers, and cooperative extension agents who aim to provide disease management tools for grape growers: updated pesticide guidelines, autonomous disease scouting, and advocacy in response to regulations that directly impact grape farmers. Much of this work has been funded through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which will lose over $600 million if the proposed budget passes. This research drives the future of grape production, impacting the livelihoods of countless members of our families and communities.

Kathleen Kanaley
Graduate student, Cornell University
Cornell Agritech
Geneva, NY

True Daughter of Schuyler County

To the Editor on June 14:

Please support our sister Jennifer Mosher for the Schuyler County Legislature for District Four. She is a graduate of the Odessa-Montour school system which has afforded each of us a path to college and successful careers. Additionally we all still live in the area. Our mother's family has lived in Schuyler County for seven generations, her father's family for five generations.

Both sides of the family are filled with police officers, firepersons, EMT's and community volunteers. Community improvement is ingrained in our family as demonstrated by Jennifer's eleven years serving on the Odessa-Montour school board.

Jennifer is highly educated, hard-working and committed to serving her friends and neighbors. A true daughter of Schuyler County, please vote in the Republican primary for Jennifer Mosher on June 24, 2025. And on to the general election on November 4, 2025.

Scott and Mark Jones

Mosher is great choice for Legislature

To the Editor on June 13:

As residents of Schuyler County, District 4 and the Town of Hector for 50 plus years, we would like to express our support for Jennifer Mosher.

Jennifer represents the type of person that we believe should be part of the leadership that our community needs. She will help the county move forward with the best interest of taxpayers, county employees and business as her focus.

Jennifer is intelligent, a good listener and very ambitious. Her leadership experience includes being an integral part of a highly successful OMCS School Board team. She balances her time between family, work and community service with dedication and compassion.

We highly recommend voting for Jennifer in the June 24th Republican Primary and then again in the Fall election.

Patricia and Almon McCarty

I support Jennifer Mosher's candidacy

To the Editor on June 12:

I am not in her district to vote for her, but I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Jennifer Mosher in her candidacy for County Legislator. Jennifer is a dedicated, principled, and community-minded individual whose leadership, integrity, and vision make her exceptionally qualified to serve our county.

I have known Jennifer for twenty-two years, and in that time, I have witnessed her deep commitment to the well-being of our community. Whether through her volunteer work, her professional endeavors, or her participation in local initiatives, Jennifer consistently demonstrates her passion for public service and her ability to bring people together to solve problems.

Jennifer is someone who listens. She understands the diverse needs of our county -- rural and urban, young and old -- and has a thoughtful, inclusive approach to governance. She values transparency and collaboration and brings a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to every challenge she faces. Her strong moral compass and willingness to stand up for what's right will serve us all well in the legislature.

As we look ahead to the future, we need leaders who are responsive, resourceful, and rooted in the values that define our community. Jennifer Mosher is precisely that kind of leader. I am confident that her dedication, experience, and fresh perspective will make a meaningful difference in our county government.

I wholeheartedly support Jennifer Mosher's candidacy for County Legislator and encourage others to join me in backing her campaign.

Kristine Gardner

Alumni Banquet tickets are on sale

To the Editor on June 10:

Tickets for the 98th Annual Watkins Glen High School Alumni Banquet, to be held Saturday, June 28 at 4:00 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Community Center, are on sale now through Thursday, June 26th at Famous Brands or by contacting Peggy Scott at 607-546-8268. The price is $25.00, cash or check (no cards), and reservations are required.

Bill Meehan from the Class of 1976 will be recognized as this year’s Distinguished Alumni in the field of business. Graduating seniors will be awarded a total of $7,000 in scholarships. The banquet is presented by the WGHS Alumni Association. All are welcome. Please join us.

Peggy Scott
Alumni Association President

We'd love to hear your stories

To the Editor on June 10:

The family of James A. Affeldt would like to invite you to a celebration of his life on 22 June 2025 at Lakewood Vineyards, 4024 NY 14, Watkins Glen, NY from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

He had many friends in this area and we would love to hear your stories or experiences you had with Jim.

The family of James A. Affeldt

My consistency and dedication are matched only by my love for our community

To the Editor on June 7:

It was a pleasure to meet and visit with so many of you during the Montour Falls Fireman's Festival and Parade Saturday. Thank you for expressing your support for my voice and vision for our community. It is both humbling and inspiring.

For those I did not meet, my name is Jennifer Mosher, and I am running for the Schuyler County Legislature representing District 4. I am an experienced legislator, having been the youngest-elected member of the Odessa-Montour School District Board of Education and now serving as Vice President and Chair of the Capital Committee in my fourth consecutive term. During all that time, I missed only one meeting -- for my honeymoon! My consistency and dedication are matched only by my love for our community.

I am also a Town of Montour and Village of Odessa resident and proud O-M graduate. I swam competitively in high school and college, then came home to coach swimming and never left. My husband, Dan, was also on the SUNY Potsdam team and our three kids are Glen Gators. Dan is the Lead Estimator at Welliver and I work from home, helping companies that manufacture precision lab equipment. We are engrained in the community.

Personally, I hunt, fish, camp, and read ... a lot! For me, good books and conversations with constituents make me a better, more informed public servant.

Please vote for Jennifer Mosher for District 4 in the Republican primary on Tuesday June 24th. With your support, I can continue to grow and give back to Schuyler County. That's exactly what I pledge to do and what we deserve.

Jennifer Mosher

Our county needs someone like our dad

To the Editor on June 6:

My brother and I are issuing this letter in support of our father, Jeffrey Fazzary, in his run for County Legislator in Schuyler County’s 4th district. We've had the privilege of seeing firsthand the dedication, drive, and deep sense of responsibility he has toward improving the community he calls home.

Our dad grew up in Watkins Glen, where his parents owned Art and Nancy’s restaurant, where he learned hard work and dedication. Our dad took over the family business, and it has been a success since 1972! Our mom, his wife, teaches at the Odessa-Montour Central School District, where my brother and I went to school. Over the years, our dad has also coached several sports teams we were a part of, always showing up not just as a coach, but as a mentor and positive role model for many kids in the community. He is a devoted father and husband, and a respected member of the community.

One of his main goals if he is elected as legislator is to get a School Resource Officer (SRO) into the Odessa-Montour Central School District. In today’s world, the safety of our schools must be a top priority. Protecting the students, staff and administration should be the biggest priority of the school board, yet it's gotten vetoed and blatantly ignored several times by board members despite a group of very concerned parents/adults in the community banning together to address the lack of protection in their school. Every child and staff member has the right to feel safe, supported, and protected in school.

This county needs someone like our dad who is ready to listen, take action, and represent the concerns of the people. He is passionate about creating positive change and ensuring that every voice in the community is heard.

Please join us in supporting Jeffrey Fazzary for County Legislator. Vote early from June 14-June 22, or on Primary Day, June 24.

Dominick Fazzary & Gabrielle Buckley

Fazzary dedicated to assisting others

To the Editor on June 5:

Jeff Fazzary and his family have been involved in Schuyler County for many years. From involvement in coaching youth sports to supporting military veterans, Jeff has always been dedicated to assisting others. Jeff is very compassionate about making things better for everyone.

Consider supporting Jeff to better serve the community as part of the Schuyler County Legislature at the election polls.

Dewayne Butler

The bottom line is Community First

To Schuyler County residents on June 3:

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jeffrey Fazzary. I am running for a seat on the County Legislature in Schuyler County District 4.

I am a lifelong member of the Schuyler County Community. My wife, Heidi, has been a first-grade teacher for 25 years at B.C. Cate Elementary School. Together we have raised two wonderful children, Gabrielle (Calvin) and Dominick (Kaetlyn). In 2013 I took over my parents' business, Art and Nancy's Restaurant, in Watkins Glen. Prior to this I was a co-owner of Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill, also in Watkins Glen.

I have enjoyed coaching many youth sports, including Small Fry Football and Little League Baseball. At the Junior/Senior High School level I coached basketball, baseball and football for the WG/OM School Districts for many years. As my time coaching has come to an end, I feel that I can now dedicate my services to the people of Schuyler County in a different way.

My main reason for running for Legislature is to bring the focus in this county back to the residents who live here year-round, not those who are just visiting. The bottom line is COMMUNITY FIRST. There is no hidden agenda for me in this run; I am simply doing this for you all.

On June 24th I would greatly appreciate your support at the polls (early voting runs June 14-22). If you do decide to choose my opponent, I will surely respect your decision.

Thank you for your time and support.

Jeffrey Fazzary

United Way, Arc, Curly's team up on meals

To the Editor on May 23:

United Way of Schuyler County, in cooperation with The Arc of Chemung/Schuyler and Curly's Family Restaurant, made it possible to deliver 36 chicken and biscuit dinners recently to Arc satellite homes located in Schuyler County.

The plan is to do one such delivery a month -- such deliveries also being part of the annual United Way spaghetti dinner.

Huge thanks to Curly's Restaurant and to United Way board members Curt and Barb Connelly, and to Donna Beardsley. Special thanks to Makenzie Morseman and Logyn Stanton from The Arc for delivering the dinners. We are very grateful for their support and help in making this happen.

United Way serves the residents of Schuyler County and is proud to be able to provide for our friends and neighbors. We ask you to consider this long-standing non-profit organization for donations of support. Monies raised are put directly back into the community. Thank you.

Peggy Scott
Executive Director

Photo in text: Logyn Stanton, left, and Makenzie Morseman from The Arc delivered the dinners. (Photo provided)

Hendrickson says he would 'bring a unique perspective' to the Watkins School Board

To the Editor on May 17:

My name is Chad Hendrickson, and I am a candidate for election to the Watkins Glen School Board in the upcoming election on Tuesday, May 20th. I am writing this letter to introduce myself to the broader community, to explain my qualifications to hold this position, and to describe my vision for the board and the district as a whole.

I have been working at Lakewood Vineyards since 2004, and my wife and I have lived in Reading Center since 2006. My children, Isaac and Elliot, are both students in the Watkins Glen school district. I am very proud to boast that they excel in both academics and sports and have been active in extra-curricular and community service activities throughout their scholastic careers. I am, however, sensible enough to realize that this is probably far more due to my wife’s influence (both in genetics and in moral and social guidance) than my own, so it mitigates any tendency toward putting my arm out of joint patting myself on the back.

I’ve been an active member of our community since 2006, when I joined the Schuyler County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Since then, I’ve been on multiple community related boards, including chairing the Schuyler County Planning Commission, chairing the Town of Reading Planning Board, chairing the Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension Board, and chairing the Schuyler County Humane Society. I’m currently serving on the Southern Tier Regional Planning and Development Board, the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, the Schuyler County Industrial Development Agency, the Town of Reading Zoning Board of Appeals, and the National Grape Research Alliance Board.

I will bring a unique perspective to the school board. Having served in so many different board related capacities, I’ve developed a deep understanding of appropriate governance and budgeting. I have also learned how to actively listen and how to draw out and capture the concerns of the community and the various stakeholder groups affected by an issue. I will use both of these tools, as well as my own common sense and practical experience, as my guidance while making critical decisions.

I’ll be the first to admit that there are a lot of nuances that I don’t know about the school district. I don’t know how these unknowns affect things like the budget, or teacher/ administration relations, or bus routes, for example, but I’m willing to take whatever time is required to educate myself in areas where I lack knowledge. I am committed to making well informed and appropriate decisions in my capacity as a school board member, as I have done on every board where I have served in the past.

I ask that you consider voting for me in the upcoming election, and thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Regardless of who you choose to support, I would encourage all eligible voters to get out and vote on the 20th. It is our civic duty and should be a matter of honor for all of us who have that ability to exercise it.

Chad Hendrickson

Caslin seeks re-election to Watkins BOE: 'I've demonstrated unwavering dedication'

To the Editor on May 15:

I serve as President of the Watkins Glen Central School District Board of Education and seek re-election to continue providing dedicated and honest service to our community. During my tenure, I have shown strong leadership abilities and dedication to improving educational standards in our district.

Proven Leadership and Governance

My peers elected me President of the Board in July 2024 with a majority vote, which is a great honor. As President, I led our team through major decisions and ensured that our policies served students, staff, and community interests.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

The board has continued to prioritize fiscal responsibility during my leadership period. Our board is considering a tax levy increase of 1.97% for the 2025-2026 school year, under the allowable 3.57% tax levy. The proposed budget seeks to provide quality education without sacrificing any current programming while also acknowledging our taxpayers' financial constraints.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

During my tenure, I've demonstrated unwavering dedication to enhancing educational outcomes. Through our partnership with students, educators and administrators, we have established policies that advance student success and health.

Community Engagement and Transparency

I think our schools should operate transparently while actively engaging community members. Our consistent practice of communicating with parents, community members, students, and teachers has ensured that our decisions reflect diverse perspectives.

Looking Ahead

If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize:

Improving academic programs to accommodate the changing needs of students.

We must uphold fiscal responsibility to preserve sustainable funding for educational opportunities.

I will work to create a collaborative space where stakeholders can express their opinions.

My ability to advocate for educational excellence in the Watkins Glen Central School District depends on your support. I appreciate your consideration of my re-election bid for the School Board position.

Keith Caslin

Get the facts about measles

To the Editor on April 16:

“Measles is a very contagious virus that can spread easily among people who aren’t protected by vaccination or prior infection,” shared Schuyler County Public Health Director Jill Kasprzyk. “If someone with measles is in a room, 9 out of 10 people who aren’t protected will get measles.”

Schuyler County Public Health shared the following information:

--Measles spreads in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles remains in a room where a contagious person has been for up to 2 hours after the person has left the room.

--Common signs and symptoms of measles are rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor if you or your child have these symptoms.

--Measles can lead to serious health complications. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized and as many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children. Measles can also lead to encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).

“The best way to prevent measles infection is by getting the MMR vaccine,” said Kasprzyk. “The MMR vaccine helps your natural immune system develop antibodies to fight against measles, mumps, and rubella. The two-dose MMR vaccine series is 97% effective at preventing measles. Talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor to check if the vaccine is needed or if you are already protected from measles infection.”

Learn more about measles:

--Measles information: https://www.health.ny.gov/measles
--Measles basics: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/
--Vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccines/
--Symptoms and complications: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/
--How measles spreads: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/causes/
--Cases and outbreak info: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html

Schuyler County Public Health's mission is to protect and empower the community to be safe, healthy and prepared. Schuyler County Public Health’s vision is a connected community of healthy people and safe places.

For more information, visit Schuyler County Public Health online at www.schuylercounty.us/publichealth or follow Schuyler County Public Health on Facebook and Instagram.

Schuyler County Public Health

Thanks for all the help on the fundraiser

To the Editor on April 8:

On behalf of the entire Franzese & Seamon families, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible support you have shown for our recent fundraiser for Angie. Your generosity, kindness, and willingness to come together in support of Angie as she bravely battles leukemia has truly touched our hearts.

Whether you contributed through donations, volunteered your time, helped spread the word, or showed up at the event, your efforts have made a significant impact in her fight against this illness. We are beyond grateful for the strength and compassion of this amazing community.

Thanks to your support, we are able to provide Angie with help for her medical care and resources she needs during this difficult time. We are more hopeful than ever, knowing that she is surrounded by such caring individuals.

We truly could not have done this without each and every one of you. Your love and encouragement mean the world to us. We'd also like to send a special thank you to Terry Taney (& crew), Jason Kelly and the Burdett Fire Department for all they do.

With sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks,

The Franzese and Seamon Families

Thanks for help with chapel teardown

To the Editor on March 19:

The Board of Trustees of the Union Cemetery of Hector, located on NYS Route 79, would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Elmore Disposal for donating the delivery and pick up fees for the dumpsters so the debris of the Chapel Building, desecrated by an arsonist, could be properly disposed of.

Another huge THANK YOU to Joe Brown for donating and running the equipment to tear down the building and to Melvin Dean and Bob Harriger for going above and beyond in assisting Joe with the teardown and cleanup. None of this would have been possible without them. All of their hard work is greatly appreciated!

Anyone wishing to contribute towards the cleanup and rebuilding can send a donation, payable to Union Cemetery of Hector to: Diane Taber, Treasurer, 5650 Updyke Road, Trumansburg NY 14886.

Thank you all.

Diane L. Carl
President

The second Tulip Trot, sponsored by The Friends of Mecklenburg Community Park, a Town of Hector Park, will be held on May 3rd. Registration is now open for the event, which will start and end at the Mecklenburg Firehouse on County Route 6. It promises to be another fun event for all ages.

Last year we had runners, walkers, strollers being pushed, and stragglers. All are welcome! The kids Dino Dash will begin at 9:30, while the Tulip Trot itself starts at 10:00. Refreshments will be available.

Dollars earned will again be put toward the continuing development and improvement of the Mecklenburg Community Park. The spring of 2025 will bring tulips (we hope!) and the beginning of the playground equipment installation, a memorial bench, some new tree plantings and a Porta Potty.

We look forward to seeing you at the event helping us to make the Mecklenburg Community Park a better place for each of you and your families.

Karen Allen
Executive Board

Heichel goal: To give back to community

To the Editor on March 10:

My name is Daniel Heichel, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Mayor of the Village of Odessa. Raised in Odessa on Speedway by my mother Esther, I grew up alongside my siblings Jenna, Dave and Jeff. After graduating from Odessa-Montour, I embarked on a career with the United States Marine Corps, where I served 22 years, achieving the rank of MSGT/E8.

Following my retirement from the Marine Corps, my wife Elissa and I chose to return to Odessa, and have been grateful to be part of such a vibrant and close-knit community. Several residents encouraged me to run for Mayor. While gathering signatures for my petition, I had the opportunity to engage with many community members about their concerns and aspirations for our village. It was inspiring to hear how many residents are passionate about seeing Odessa grow and thrive. I wholeheartedly share that vision.

In my retirement, I have time to focus on public service, and my goal is to give back to the community.

Look forward to meeting everyone at the Village Hall March 13th @ 6:00pm.

Sincerely,

Daniel Heichel
Candidate for Village Mayor

Photo in text: Mayoral candidate Daniel Heichel.

Mayoral candidate's vision for Odessa:
A community that works in harmony

To the Editor on March 3:

After reading Mr. Messmer's letter to the editor on December 3rd, I was concerned about the Village of Odessa and the legacy that would be lost if a Dissolution were to happen. I wanted the quaint Village of Odessa that I call home to be a thriving community that it has been for me and my family.

I have lived in the Village for 20 plus years. Odessa is such a unique little town with so many possibilities.

My vision for Odessa is a community that works in harmony and utilizes the strengths of every board member/trustee. I have worked for the same company for 20 years, working my way from the very bottom. I am currently the Operations Manager. I have learned many skills along the way. I feel these skills would be very helpful in being the Mayor for Odessa.

I have taken the time to speak with a few people who have helped me understand and learn more about the Village. I learned things that will help the Village prosper and open more opportunities for the residents.

I am very dependable, organized, and hard working. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves to help when and where it is needed.

I am willing to listen to residents with their concerns and work hard at coming up with solutions.

Whether I win or lose, the Village of Odessa residents should have a voice.

I appreciate everyone for taking the time and wanting to know about me and my abilities. I look forward to serving the residents of the Village.

Don't forget to vote on March 18th!

Dustin Carnes
Candidate for Village Mayor

Photo in text: Mayoral candidate Dustin Carnes.

Lions Club honors Tammy Clarkson

To the Editor on Feb. 25:

At its monthly meeting last night the Hector Lions Club recognized a longtime member of the club and community with a Melvin Jones Fellowship award. This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism, "We Serve." An award is not granted each year. It is instead granted only if there is a Lion who earned it.

Tammy Clarkson was the recipient of the lifetime achievement award for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid, community support and, most of all, service. Surrounded by her family, Kris, Bryson, Ellie, and Evan (Alec not present), her brother, Mark Swinnerton, provided a heartwarming speech and plaque acknowledging the great commitments she has made.

Last night was just grand! As the Club President for the Hector Area Lions Club, it gives me great pleasure to recognize outstanding individuals such as Tammy Clarkson by bestowing on them the awards that are accretive to exemplary service and commitment that they have achieved.

The award given to Tammy is also a model, because of the excellent service to her club and the community for which she serves. I would also like to acknowledge that the Past President, Kim Karius, was out of the state and was an integral part of the award process.

I only hope that more people in society get involved with volunteer organizations for the betterment of our communities.

Stephen Klemann
Hector Area Lions Club President

Photo in text: Tammy Clarkson and her family. (Photo provided)

A new addition to the Lions Club

To the Editor on Feb. 14:

The Hector Area Lions Club inducted a new member, Elizabeth Fraboni, into the Club recently. She was sponsored into the club by Hector Lions Member Bob Groll.

It is great to see community residents coming into the club and wanting to be active new members for the many initiatives that we do. Liz has already hit the ground running being an active participant in meetings, and looks forward to engaging in some of the community events we support and operate.

There is no doubt Liz will live up to our motto, We Serve, which exemplifies the dedication we have for helping those in need. It is fantastic to have a great community member like Liz as part of our club to help us carry on the tradition of service for many years to come.

Stephen Klemann
Hector Area Lions Club President

Photo in text: From left, Hector Lions Member Bob Groll, inductee Elizabeth Fraboni, Hector Area Lions Club President Stephen Klemann. (Provided)

Congratulations, Kyle Colunio

To the Editor on Feb. 11:

As many of you may already know, our high school principal, Mr. Kyle Colunio, has been appointed as the next superintendent of the South Seneca Central School District. This is a significant achievement, and we extend our sincere congratulations to Mr. Colunio as he embarks on this new leadership opportunity. His dedication and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Watkins Glen have been truly commendable, and we are confident that he will bring the same level of excellence to his new role.

For the time being, Mr. Colunio will remain in his role as principal at Watkins Glen High School, ensuring a smooth transition for our students and staff. The district is actively developing a comprehensive succession plan to maintain continuity of leadership, which will include the appointment of an interim principal. We are committed to selecting a highly qualified individual who will uphold the standards of excellence that define our school community.

Timelines for this transition will be shared in the coming weeks as details are finalized. We appreciate your patience and support during this process. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Mr. Colunio on this well-deserved opportunity.

With respect and gratitude,

Kai D'Alleva, WGCSD
Superintendent of Schools

We can pull ourselves out of passivity

To the Editor on Feb. 11:

Our democracy might be dying as we stare at our phones.

You've got your life to live and so may not have time or interest to care about the daily and completely unnecessary chaos being inflicted on our federal government. You may even harbor doubts about how useful or important the government is to your daily life.

But so much of what makes our society function in ways that are necessary for us requires a group of people accountable to us as citizens and who are accountable to each other to actually carry out the many functions that keep our society operating. Like literally keeping the lights on with our national power grid, making sure that air flights are safely navigated, ensuring our food and medicines are safe, that we can share critical and lifesaving data like weather data and disease outbreaks. And that the laws that our elected representatives vote for and our president signs are enforced broadly and consistently. Making sure that money that is legislatively allocated to individuals and groups actually makes it to those people who need and are entitled to it. All of this and way more than I can list here requires trust in our systems and trust in individuals tasked with the responsibilities to carry out the various functions of government that has been placed with them by us through our governmental representatives. The federal government manages all the risk that states and individuals literally cannot manage on their own.

But when the very foundation and processes that are there to ensure accountability and trust are circumvented, we lose the indispensable value that the federal government and only the federal government can provide. And all the risk management is compromised or lost entirely, putting lives literally at risk. That is what is going on right now in Washington, D.C. The damage being done is being casually explained away, but make no mistake, the damage might affect us in so many ways, and upset us, and it will be too late. Our freedoms, along with all the services provided to us today, might well be gone, replaced by control and oppression placed on us by people with immense wealth and power who don't and never did care about our interests and over whom we would have no leverage. We could be living in an autocracy, and all past fears about government taking over our life -- and conceivably even taking away our liberties -- might be fully realized. And we would be to blame for sitting back and letting it happen.

So feel free to settle into another hour or so of "doom scrolling" on your phone and checking out and hoping and praying everything will work itself out.

Or we can pull ourselves out of passivity, get educated and start really participating in our incredible and exceptional democracy while we still have one.

Tony Turrin
Montour Falls

All of the kids who competed in the Local Elks Hoop Shoot contest. (Photo provided)

Annual Elks Hoop Shoot results ...

To the Editor on Feb. 4:

We recently completed our local hoop shoot contest for the annual Elks Hoop Shoot, sponsored by the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge 1546. Students from Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour competed after preliminary shoots at their schools/communities.

The following competitors placed in their respective age categories:

GIRLS:
8-9 yr. old girls: 1st -- Natalie Westervelt (WG) 12 of 25, 2nd -- Korie Brant (WG), 3rd -- Lucy Muriqi (WG).
10-11 yr. old girls: 1st -- Mya Teed (WG) 12 of 25, 2nd -- Cate Caslin (WG), 3rd -- Zuri Garrison (OM).
12-13 yr. old girls: 1st -- Allyson Oliver (WG) 15 of 25, 2nd -- McKenzie Wheaton (WG), 3rd -- Kathryn Planty (WG).

BOYS:
8-9 yr. old boys: 1st -- Kingston Tomlinson (WG) 19 of 25, 2nd -- Owen Canzler (WG), 3rd -- Ari Sangprakarn (OM).
10-11 yr. old boys: 1st -- Derrick Westervelt (WG) 17 of 25, 2nd -- Zion Tomlinson (WG), 3rd -- Max Reger (WG).
12-13 yr. old boys: 1st -- Cooper Lagramada (after two tie breakers shootouts) 20 of 25, 2nd -- Izzy Gomez-Fitzsimmons (WG), 3rd -- Lucas Vanskiver (WG).

All winners of the respective age groups went on to compete at the District level Hoop Shoot competition in Bath on January 26th. They competed against all the other winners of their respective local lodge contests in our area. Natalie Westervelt took 3rd place, Mya Teed took 3rd place, and Allyson Oliver won her age group! On the boys' side, Kingston Tomlinson took 2nd place, Derrick Westervelt took 3rd place, and Cooper Lagramada won his age group! Both Allyson and Cooper will now go on to compete in the West Regional finals to be held in Lyons on February 9th for a chance to go on to the State Championship round. Subsequent winners will go on to compete in the U.S. Regionals, and then on to the National contest held in Chicago, Illinois, to determine a National Champion in each age category.

There are over 1 million kids who compete annually in the National Elks Hoop Shoot contest. The WG Elks Lodge would like to thank the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour school districts for their continued support and assistance with the Hoop Shoot. We would also like to congratulate all the competitors on their success and wish our winners good luck in their next round of competition.

David Waite
Watkins Glen Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot Director

Photo in text: Local Hoop Shoot winners. From left: Cooper Lagramada, Derrick Westervelt, King Tomlinson, Director David Waite, Allyson Oliver, Natalie Westervelt, and Mya Teed.

Thanks to all who helped Seneca Santa

To the Editor on Jan. 3:

Profound thanks, appreciation, and kudos to this amazing community and those friends from the past who made Seneca Santa 2024 an overwhelming success.

The volunteer Fire Departments delivered a wonderful gift package on Christmas Eve morning to 191 children from 91 families that reside in Schuyler County. The number of donated toys purchased by supporters was unbelievable. Those gifts combined with the hats/mittens, books, coloring books and crayons, board game per family, sherpa blankets for each child, fruit snacks, Little Debbie's, candy canes, a main wrapped gift, fresh fruit, and a gift card from Jerlando's culminated in one of the largest and best Christmas packages I can remember.

As always, it is impossible to thank folks individually. The baggers, station managers, Grist Iron Brewery and Hazlitt Winery, businesses that welcome and encourage toy donations as a drop-off location, those that donate monies that allow us to purchase the necessary items that cannot be donated, the fire departments; all of you make it possible for the children of Schuyler County to know that Santa Claus did not forget them.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to our life its highest beauty and joy." Quote by Francis P. Church from Rochester, New York from his editorial published in the New York newspaper The Sun on September 21, 1897.

Seneca Santa, Inc. is representative of the above quote that embodies the generosity and support for the children of Schuyler County.

With heartfelt thanks,

Peggy Scott
President

Reservations about capital project

To the Editor on Dec. 21:

As a recent WGHS graduate, I have concerns regarding the capital project. Though my earlier letter wasn't printed (Editor's Note: It did not reach us), I feel my concerns are valid and quite possibly mirror the concerns of other district residents. Therefore, I have resubmitted it for publication, as it is my hope that the district takes these concerns into consideration when the committee reconvenes to assess the community's concerns.

On 5 August 2024, the Watkins Glen Central School District (WGCSD) unveiled details
regarding its proposed SOAR '29 Capital Improvement Project, an initiative developed in
partnership with HUNT-EAS, before the district's Board of Education. In the ensuing
months, the district issued a press release and held a public information session, which
elicited a mixed response from community stakeholders. While I recognize it is paramount
that the institution remains a hub for learning and innovation, I have several reservations
about the project.

The proposed safety and infrastructure enhancements are a positive step forward. In
addition, changes to wayfinding, including directional and identification signage, as shown in the concept renderings, will benefit community members, especially those who are not familiar with the institution's campus. Investing in upgrades to the playground is certainly a necessity, as stated in the district's press release, and based on my own personal knowledge, the current playground poses a safety risk for students and staff.

However, the majority of the proposed upgrades presented appear to heavily emphasize aesthetic value, with contemporary design elements prominently featured in all artist concept renderings. While pleasing, they do not contribute to the mission of a school district, a government entity meant to prioritize student education. Marketing materials distributed by the district depict a revamped auditorium entrance with a modern canopy, which seems like an unnecessary addition.

How were the various spaces within the school evaluated for consideration in this project?
Why were shared spaces selected for upgrades over classrooms? I also am concerned
with the emphasis placed on the athletic facilities, as they do not benefit all district students, especially our youngest learners. Our Pre-K through 12th graders are in
classroom environments that require far more attention than athletic grounds and
facilities, as this is where foundations are laid, and learning occurs daily.

Additionally, the cafeteria located in the high school is slated for remodeling. As a recent
graduate from the district, I recognize that many students do not treat the high school
cafeteria with respect or consideration. Given this, I am concerned that significant
investment in remodeling this space could be undermined by continued neglect or
property damage. Will the district implement new policies or strategies to ensure that
these improvements are properly maintained once the renovations are completed?

While I have highlighted some specific areas of improvement within the district's proposal that are either necessary or a benefit, I find most of the proposal to be solely for aesthetic purposes. This seems frivolous. Why are we not using funds to improve indoor classroom
spaces? Having just completed my education at WGCSD, classrooms and bathrooms are
in dire need of updates and repairs.

It is my hope that voters will review the district's plan very carefully before casting their ballot on 17 December. It is extremely easy to be swayed when things are aesthetically
pleasing. District voters, I encourage you to vote wisely, ensuring that any monies used are
to the benefit of our learners as opposed to WGCSD becoming the most attractive school regionally, as that does not support learning.

Giuseppe La Face

About HSSC's Dog Sheltering Services

To the Editor on Dec. 20:

In 2009, the Humane Society of Schuyler County assumed management of the existing dog shelter. Since that time the Humane Society has provided the towns of Schuyler County with the stray dog sheltering services which the towns are required to provide under Article 7 of the New York State Ag and Markets Law The Humane Society also provides sheltering services for dogs that are seized by the Schuyler County Sheriff's office for cases of hoarding, neglect and animal cruelty under NYS Ag and Markets law Article 26 and owner surrendered pets.

The Humane Society has not increased fees to the towns since 2009. Going into contract discussions for 2019 the Humane Society proposed increases which were rejected by the towns. However, in the spirit of providing care for the animals and the betterment of the community, the Humane Society agreed to the existing terms at that time. However, since 2009 costs have risen dramatically. Minimum wage alone has increased from $7.25 an hour in 2009 to $15.50 in January of 2025. The cost of utilities has increased, as have other costs of care for dogs housed until they are either redeemed by their owners or placed for adoption. These costs were simply not being covered by the existing contracts. The primary source of revenue from each town has been 70% of the dog licensing fees collected by the towns which have steadily declined. This has resulted in a financial deficit which Humane Society has been funding for several years.

To arrive at a proposed fee for the towns, the costs associated with dogs brought in as strays were separated from dogs and cats admitted to the shelter under other circumstances and other costs not related to animal care. The costs presented to the towns reflected care for those dogs for whom the towns are responsible under article 7 of NYS Ag and Markets Law. The proposed fees were allocated based on the average number of dogs housed from each town over the recent four-and-a-half-year period.

In June we requested a meeting to present a new proposed contract structure and fee schedule to the towns at the Council of Governments meeting. Several meetings were held from June through November. The Humane Society proposed a subsidy to the towns that would have reduced the burden, but the towns chose to pursue an alternative supplier.
The Humane Society proposed a flat yearly fee for each town, with the towns retaining their dog licensing fees collected during the year. For 2025 the proposed cost to each town is listed, along with the anticipated 2025 license revenues. The anticipated net cost is the Humane Society Fee minus the anticipated 2025 license revenue, based on 2023 actual figures.

The proposed flat fee was intended to enable the towns to set an accurate budget figure for the year, regardless of the number of strays they may be responsible for in any given year. The towns are able to offset a portion of the cost by ensuring that more dogs are licensed, increasing licensing fees and/or charging a surcharge for unlicensed dogs.

The shared services agreement which has been in place for 15 years with the county, the towns, the Sheriff's Department and the Humane Society has served the residents of Schuyler County well, providing complete coverage of animal welfare issues 24x7.

It is unfortunate that these discussions have not resulted in a workable agreement. The Humane Society remains committed to resolving these issues in the future and to providing other vital services to our community. These include shelter and adoption services for owner surrendered pets, victims of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment, low-cost spay/neuter services, a pet pantry, and a commitment to expansion of educational and community outreach programs. It has been an honor to serve the hundreds of stray dogs who have crossed our doors over the past 15 years.

The Humane Society of Schuyler County will continue to provide sheltering services for the town of Van Etten.

Humane Society of Schuyler County

47 years of leadership and dedication

To the Editor on Dec. 17:

Anthony J. Specchio has been a community leader for decades. He has served on the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District Board for 47 years. He has been the consistent guiding force making Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District a leader in conservation efforts region wide.

Tony has received the highest honor as Soil and Water Conservation District Director. He was recognized as the District Director of the Year by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation District Employees Association. Through many transitions in staffing, physical location, board members, and conservation efforts, Tony has remained the constant. Tony's uncanny ability to remember where we have been, why, and where we need to go through example and leadership has given the Soil and Water Conservation District foothold as a respected agency within Schuyler County.

Anthony J. Specchio's service has spread far beyond the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District. Tony has served on the Schuyler County Legislature, as Town of Reading Supervisor, Schuyler County Hall of Fame Recipient, New York State Veterans Hall of Fame Recipient, leader in the Watkins Glen Fire Department, Watkins Glen Elks 1546, and the American Legion. Tony not only held these offices, received these honors, and was a member of these groups, he was a true leader in every aspect of each of these. He served in the Armed Forces during the Korean War and-- by participating in countless funerals throughout the region, and at dozens of Veterans Day and Memorial Day events -- made it his lifelong duty to honor those who have also served.

I honestly could fill dozens of pages with the life's work, dedication, and service that Tony has provided our community. He has been that person we all lean on because he has been there and done that. He provides that advice with character, dignity, and grace. For the last 18 years he has been so many things for me. At times he has been my sounding board, my boss, a father figure, and always a friend. He understands every aspect of what we do day to day, even with all the complexities and dynamics that make Soil and Water Conservation Districts great. Why? Because he himself has done all of it ten times over.

Tony has announced his need to step down as our long-time Chair, and leader. However, he will remain the foundation of all that is Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District. As a small token to what he has meant to our SWCD, we have dedicated our office the "Anthony J. Specchio" Conservation District. He and his generation are what makes our country and our county special.

Please reach out to Tony, and thank him for dedicating his life to our community. The first thing he would tell you is that he couldn't have done any of what he has without his foundation, rock, and wife in Annabelle Specchio.

Jerry Verrigni
District Manager
Schuyler County Soil & Water Conservation District

A Watkins School Community Update:
proposed Capital Improvement Project

Watkins Glen School District officials have prepared the following message regarding the referendum on Dec. 17 on the proposed SOAR '29 Capital Improvement project.

To the Editor on Dec. 15:

Our school district is planning for the future with the SOAR '29 Capital Improvement Project. This project focuses on improving our schools and ensuring that students have the best facilities to learn and grow.

Let's dive into the details of this project and what it means for our community.

What Is the SOAR '29 Capital Improvement Project?

The SOAR '29 project is focused on transforming our schools to better serve students, teachers, families, and community members. It prioritizes essential infrastructure improvements, enhances safety and security, and creates modern learning environments. These updates will not only prepare our schools for the future but also ensure our district remains an exceptional place for education and growth. Additionally, the project includes significant upgrades to key areas such as our elementary classrooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, kitchens, pool/aquatics center, and field house, reinforcing our commitment to keeping our district at the heart of the community.

Videos About SOAR '29

To help you better understand the SOAR '29 Capital Improvement Project, we have created a series of informative videos. These videos highlight the goals, benefits, and specific updates planned for our schools. You can watch them on our district's website under the Project SOAR '29 Information page. The available videos include:
Short Video 1 - Playground Remodel and Property Development
Short Video 2 - Large Auditorium & Entrance Renovations and Addition
Short Video 3 - High School Cafeteria
Short Video 4 - Elementary Upgrades and Renovations
Long Video - Full Project Scope Narration, including Financial Information

How Will This Project Be Funded?

Funding for SOAR '29 comes from a combination of state aid, district reserves, and a tax increase for local homeowners.

Here's the breakdown of how the District will pay for the project should it be approved by the voters:

State Aid -- New York State will cover approximately 65% of the total project cost through state building aid. This substantial support significantly reduces the financial burden on our community.
District Reserves -- Years of careful financial planning allows us to use our capital reserve, in the amount of $5,008,869, to fund part of the project, further limiting the tax impact. Our capital reserve is a voter-approved savings account that can only be used for capital projects, like building repairs or renovations, and not for annual operating expenses, like hiring staff.
Tax Impact -- The remaining cost will be covered by a tax increase for homeowners.
To help fund this important project, there will be a one-time increase to the tax levy of 4.08%, starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This increase is not compounding -- it happens once, and that's it. After this increase, that new amount will be part of the annual tax levy moving forward, just as with any other tax levy adjustment.

To clarify a commonly misunderstood component of the tax impact: the tax levy will not increase 4.08% each year for the next 17 years. This project will result in a 4.08% increase in your taxes for the 2025-2026 year only. After that, taxes will remain at this new level and will not increase further due to this project. While the project will be paid off over 17 years, it's important to note that this timeline does not affect the tax levy increase, which occurs only once.

If approved,
--In 2025-2026, your taxes will increase by 4.08% specific to this project.
--After that, taxes will remain at that level, but they won't increase further for this project.
--Any future tax increases would be related to the normal annual budget process, not this proposal.

Here is a chart that translates the 4.08% levy increase to projected increases to tax rates for each township within our district:

When and Where Do We Vote?

The vote for the SOAR '29 Capital Improvement Project is on Tuesday, December 17th, from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Watkins Glen High School's Board of Education Conference Room, which is just off of 12th Street on the north end of campus. See the "vote" sticker in the map below.

Please make time to vote and have your voice heard.

Historically, our community has always come together to support our schools, and we're excited about what the future holds. If you have questions about the project, feel free to reach out to the district office or visit our website for more information. United, we can help our students and community SOAR!.

WGCSD Administration

Parking:

A change in dog-sheltering services

To the Editor on Dec. 12

The Towns of Catharine, Cayuta, Dix, Hector, Montour, Orange, Reading, and Tyrone have decided, for the 2025 year, to contract with Southern Tier Animal Control (STAC) for dog sheltering services.

This means if your dog is picked up by the Schuyler County Animal Control Officer or a Schuyler County Sheriff's Deputy, the dog will be transported to Southern Tier Animal Control.

You can redeem your dog at: Southern Tier Animal Control, 320 Crane Road, Elmira, NY 14901. Phone: (607) 333-0563. Email: SouthernTierAnimalControl@gmail.com. Website: www.SouthernTierAnimalControl.org. Facebook: Southern Tier Animal Control.

The Towns have decided to part ways with the Humane Society of Schuyler County and partner with an alternative sheltering facility for 2025 due to a significant price increase. While all Towns agreed the Humane Society deserved an increase, the proposed cost exceeded what the Towns could afford, and a negotiated agreement could not be reached. We sincerely appreciate the excellent care and service the Humane Society has provided over the past 16 years.

STAC undergoes the same inspections and must meet the same requirements per NYS Ag & Market Law as the Humane Society. STAC also contracts with the Town of Big Flats and the Town of Veteran.

We appreciate your understanding during this transition and urge anyone with questions to contact your Town Supervisor, as follows:

--Town of Catharine -- Richard Lewis -- (607) 594-2273
--Town of Cayuta -- Brandon Theetge -- (607) 594-2507
--Town of Dix -- Dominick Smith -- (607) 535-7973
--Town of Hector -- Justin Boyette -- (607) 546-5286 ext. 225
--Town of Montour -- David Scott -- (607) 535-9476
--Town of Orange -- Heather Waters -- (607) 962-2978
--Town of Reading -- Stephen Miller -- (607) 535-7459 ext. 103
--Town of Tyrone -- Donald Desrochers -- (607) 292-3185.

The Town of Montour

Habitat extends search for partner family

To the Editor on Dec. 8:

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity will be building its next home on Henry Street in the Village of Montour Falls, in the Odessa-Montour Central School District.

If you are interested in attending an information session about the possibility of becoming our next partner family, please contact Pat Avery via phone call or text (607-379-0784) or email (pavery@schuylerhabitat.org). Information sessions will be Wednesday, December 11 at 10.30 a.m., and Thursday, December 12 at 5 p.m. We are accepting partner family inquiries through December 31, 2024.

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity

Vespers Service set in Odessa on Dec. 15

To the Editor on Dec. 7:

The 75th Annual Vespers Service of carols, candlelight and readings will be offered at the Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4:30 PM. It will feature the choir comprised of Ashley Vann, Camilla Haugland, Diane Karasevicz, June Blakely, Alice Learn, Emily Peckham, Jen Stevenson, Pam Kelly and Wayne Shafer accompanied by Beth Vann under the direction of Kim Laursen.

Musical selections are Mark Hayes' arrangements of "Three Christmas Carols from Poland," "Angels Spread Your Loving Wings," and "Promise of Peace." Readings from Scripture will be offered by Les Laursen, and a very special reading will be given by Alice Learn. The congregation will join in the hymns, and all are welcome to participate.

Come spend an hour in evening prayer (Vespers) and celebrate at the reception organized by the ladies of the church immediately following.

Kim Laursen

Odessa needs a new mayor and at least
3 board members, or dissolution looms

To the Editor on Dec. 3:

As I close in on my last 90 days as mayor, I can say it has been an interesting and educational journey. It was a new challenge after 31 years in the Army, but not so different as what I have been through. However, it is time for me, after nearly 40 years of public service, to retire and enjoy my family and especially my grandchildren. At this point, I will only be able to make two of the last three meetings in my term, so time is nearing for folks to step up to the plate and fill our vacancies during the 2025 election in March. Candidates will need to declare their candidacy in January. Please call the office for details. In Odessa, we have all run as independent candidates, keeping the two-party system players out of our business.

We have three board positions opening and another trustee who wants to leave the position early (with one staying). So, we need four new people (a mayor and three new trustees) to serve our great village. There is much going on, not hard tasks, but things that need a village board to execute them. We have Phase 2 of the water project, the Cotton Hanlon Bridge project and more work to be done to support the fire department. All of this requires a village board to complete. Not to mention a complete revamp of DPW manning and operations to meet financial strain due to a poor economy and record inflation rates, as well as its simple day-to-day operations.

The village board can exist with three board members, although not ideal, but legal. If we do not have three board members seated after the election, New York State will come in and take over the board and either appoint board members or do a forced dissolution of the village government. I am sure they will go straight to dissolution. I don't think we want to see the village dissolved, but if no one wants to serve and to help Odessa, what choice will we have?

Dissolution means the village government would cease to exist and all services, including water and sewer, would be taken over by the Town of Catharine with all assets sold at auction or taken over by the town. The town would be responsible for street maintenance, snow plowing, water main breaks and all other associated former village tasks, as well as leaf and branch pickup, if they even continue those two services.

Serving on the village board is not a huge time commitment. We have one monthly meeting, on the first Monday of the month, and a budget workshop in February. Meetings last about 90 minutes, with very rare appearances by residents. The mayor will need to swing by the office once a month or so, to sign documents and checks, and if he or she is not available, they can be signed by the deputy mayor. We have a new clerk/treasurer who is doing a great job and will help keep the new mayor on track.

Time is short. Please think about the future of Odessa and what it is you want to see for our village. Is it time for the former Catlin Mills, now Village of Odessa, to cease to exist after a 120-plus year existence, or do you want to see Odessa continue to thrive and grow?

We are a great community, people want to live here, we are an easy commute to many areas, and we have a bright future, but not without volunteers to step up and help run the village.

Odessa needs you!.

Gerry Messmer
Mayor of Odessa

United Way of Schuyler County served 326 spaghetti and meatball dinners on Monday, October 14, 2024. All proceeds raised will go to the 17 agencies that support our friends and neighbors in Schuyler County.

We are so very grateful to the following volunteers that made it possible:

Craig Gardner, Andrew Yessman, Keith Caslin, Kai D'Alleva, Jan Granston, Heidi Gardner, Noah Gardner, Sally Gardner, Andrew Campbell, Holly Campbell, Sadye Halpin, James Halpin, Connor Foggie, Caleb Collier, Alex Campbell, Cara Reynolds, Molly Rafferty, Drew Popovich, Broghan Fuller-Bianco.

The following board members contributed time and money:

Debbie Simpson, Bill Yessman, Theresa Philbin, Daryl Kelly, Veronica Lewis, Sarah Matthews, Terri Orbin, Barb Connelly, Curt Connelly, Tina Rappleye, Aimee Churchill, Kai D'Alleva, Sharon Stadelmaier, Jamie Switzer, Stacy Woodworth, Drew Guild, Jessica Smith.

Heartfelt thanks to all those who purchased tickets and supported the dinner. And thanks to the Moose Club for the use of their facility. United Way has had the privilege of serving our friends and neighbors in Schuyler County for 76 years. Donations may be mailed to: PO Box 270, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or donate online at unitedwayschuyler.org.

Peggy Scott
Executive Director

Seneca Santa lists gift drop-off locations

To the Editor on Nov. 28:

Seneca Santa, Inc. will be accepting new unwrapped gift items for the program at the following locations:

--Rose's Cuttin' up
--Dutton Peterson Memorial Library
--E.C. Cooper Insurance
--Curly's Family Restaurant
--Montour Moose Lodge
--Dollar General Stores
--Schuyler County Sheriff's Office
--Advanced Family Chiropractic
--Kopykat Kollections N Redemptions
--Parmenter Inc., Rt. 14
--Lane's Yamaha
--Community Bank
--Sidle Insurance
--Watkins Glen Elks Lodge
--Kookalaroc's Bar and Grill

Age-appropriate gifts for children aged 2-12, as well as, books, coloring books and crayons or colored pencils, hats, mittens, gloves, board games, puzzles, or family-oriented items are needed. The cutoff date for picking up will be December 15th.

Seneca Santa, Inc. is a non-profit tax-exempt organization that has been in Schuyler County for over 80 years. Its sole purpose is to help provide Christmas for children in need who reside in Schuyler County. We deal with five school districts and are all volunteers. Gifts are delivered Christmas Eve morning by the volunteer fire men and women.

Please help support this long-standing Schuyler County tradition. Thank you.

Peggy Scott
President

Town of Catharine history book available

To the Editor on Nov. 25:

Bennet Staffa's book, Founding Fathers of the Town of Catharine, Schuyler County, NY: An American Story, has been released and is now available for a $15 donation at the Odessa Library during business hours. The book contains Staffa's research based on the Town of Catharine's first records dating from the Town's founding in 1798.

All proceeds benefit the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library in Odessa, NY. Call (607) 594-2791.

Karin Thomas
Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library

Thanks to those who helped on tourney

To the Editor on Nov. 3:

The Mike Learn Memorial Golf Tournament held on September 21st to benefit United Way of Schuyler County made a profit of $17,558.00. Mike was not only a twenty-year board member, but he was also instrumental in the planning and success of prior Hackers & Wackers Golf Tournaments. The board of directors is so proud to be a part of this community that showed their love, respect, and appreciation for Mike as a civic minded individual, well-known businessman, and extraordinary friend. Your generosity was overwhelming, and it is difficult to put into words how very grateful we are.

This year's Platinum Sponsors were BMS Manufacturing, US Salt, Maguire Family of Dealerships, Schuyler County Sheriff Association, and Bill Phoenix with Watkins Sporting Goods. Gold Sponsors were Cargill Salt, Catholic Charities, Aimee Churchill ESQ, Watkins Glen Elks Lodge #1546 and Sidle Insurance. And the Bronze Sponsors were Franzese Real Estate, Famous Brands, Stewart P. Wilson, JG Franzese Enterprises, Nickel's Pit BBQ, Vanskiver Motors, Holy Cow, Tobey's Donut Shop, T-burg ShurSave, and Aaron's Heating and Air Conditioning. Along with the Hi-Lites for advertisements and free prints, our 38 Hole Sponsors, and +30 business with a gift donation for raffles!

This contribution to the United Way is pivotal to helping meet our goal for the year in order to support 17 agencies in our community. Thank you again to all the businesses, volunteers, and the dedicated planning committee (Sarah Matthews, Sharon Stadelmair, Aimee Churchill, Philjoe Smith, Peggy Scott, Debbie Simpson) for making this year's Hackers and Wackers Tournament in memory of Mike Learn a success. Your generosity, hard work, and enthusiasm are truly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Jess Smith

49 years of dedication and service

To the Editor on Nov. 1:

James Barrett, a lifelong equipment operator, worked his final day today in Schuyler County. Jim dedicated his life to making Schuyler County a better place to live. Over 49 years of service in our community. Jim has worked with the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District for the last 14 years. During that time Jim implemented over $86 million in conservation projects to protect and improve our area's pristine water quality, and to replace and protect our area's infrastructure needs.

Jim helped out with many projects that Soil and Water completed from 2006 through 2010. He was such an asset allowing the Soil and Water Conservation District to utilize its highly competitive grant funds on materials only, allowing many more projects to be completed for the same amount of grant funding. During this time Jim was working full time for the Schuyler County Highway Department. Jim then announced his retirement from the highway department with well over 35 years of dedicated service. Jim was willing, however, to continue summers with the Soil and Water Conservation District. That willingness was the foundation of Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District as we know it today.

When Jim began with the Soil and Water Conservation District, there was no equipment to be found. Jim's reputation as one of the area's most skilled equipment operators allowed the district to borrow equipment from many different municipalities. Jim was a one-man crew. He hauled his own equipment to the job site. He moved the material he needed to where it was needed. Then he placed that material. All jumping in and out of many pieces of equipment to accomplish the task at hand. Jim would do this for over 50 projects in six short months every year. This led to the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District now having over $2 million in equipment utilized region-wide. That could have never happened without Jim's expertise and hard work.

Jim did all of this with the most infectious smile, sense of humor, grace, and diligence. Jim worked with hundreds of people over his career and every one of them admired his skill and dedication as an equipment operator. Yet they admired him as a person even more. No matter the situation, Jim was always positive and kind to all who were around him.

We all know the importance of protecting our precious natural resources. Jim has single handedly prevented hundreds of thousands of tons of sediment, and hundreds of thousands of pounds of nutrients from reaching our surface water bodies. He has also protected and replaced hundreds of millions of dollars of public and private infrastructure. You can't drive a mile in any direction without seeing an area Jim has worked on, improved, or aided in his career. I cannot think of anyone region-wide who has done more in this area than James Barrett.

Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District will never be the same without Jim. Thousands in the area know and respect Jim. Please reach out to him and thank him. He deserves so much. We at Schuyler County Soil and Water will always know what he has meant to us, our Conservation District, and our community.

Jerry Verrigni
District Manager
Schuyler County Soil & Water Conservation District

Photo in text: James Barrett (Photo provided)

Russell's Pond project had great partners

To the Editor on Oct. 29:

Since the mid 1900’s, we have been using the Town Pond at the Mecklenburg Park for drafting water into our apparatus to fight fires and for training. This invaluable single source has and will continue to be a source of water for our use. As many of you are aware, there is a concerted effort for the revitalization of the Park to include walking trails, a new playground, and many new features. These new improvements will hopefully result in more people being able to enjoy the beauty of this area. As such, we at the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company were also concerned with the interaction of Fire Apparatus, Fire Fighting Operations and the Public.

For the past two years, the MVFC has been working on the creation of a second source of water for use in fighting fires. We considered the impacts of the new improvements at the park; we consulted with the Town of Hector and Schuyler County Soil and Water. Through extensive planning and tests, it was concluded that the best spot to establish a secondary source of water was at our own property. The Schuyler County Soil & Water District Manager then stepped up and said he would “make this happen” for our community!

And it happened. The project completed today. We have not yet held any celebration, and our usage of the new system is contingent on the new pond filling up. We are not there yet. But I wanted to highlight the help Schuyler County Soil and Water and the Hector Town Board provided. They really were great partners.

Yes, the project happened, thanks to a team led by Schuyler County Soil and Water -- District Manager Jerry Verrigni, Equipment Operator Jim Barrett, and Equipment Operator Mike Manwaring -- along with a team from MVFC led by 2nd Assistant Chief Wayne Lauper, Rescue Captain Kim Beckley, and Fire Police Captain Don Beckley; invaluable expertise from Johnny’s Wholesale (Rich Neno Sr., Rich Neno Jr., and Stephanie and Michelle), coupled with the generous allocation of ARPA funds by the Hector Town Board!

Beyond the creation of the new pond, the project also has included 10,000 gallons of underground water storage for immediate use. Previously, if we needed to draft water in the winter, we would have to sometimes climb out onto the ice and break the pond open; or in the summertime the shores of the pond would be overgrown with weeds, which would plug up the pump intakes on our trucks. With this underground storage option, we will no longer have to worry about that.

The decision to name the new pond “Russell’s Pond” stemmed from the desire of the MVFC membership to dedicate the pond after our recently deceased President Jay Russell and the previously deceased Russell family members. MVFC has a tradition of honoring our deceased lifetime members, and the decision to honor Jay and his family was a unanimous vote.

Don Beckley
MVFC Fire Police Captain

Hands of Hope Gala tickets available

To the Editor on Oct. 25:

Tickets for the 2024 Hands of Hope Gala are available online. Please reserve your ticket today and encourage your friends and family to do the same. The event will be held on November 9, 2024 at the Elmira Country Club. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers and a cash bar. All proceeds benefit women who have survived sex trafficking and are rebuilding their lives at the Potter’s Hands Foundation residential, treatment-specific safe home. Reserve your seat here: https://tinyurl.com/24Gala-Tix

Jazz musicians from Can’t Count Trio will perform throughout the evening. Dinner entrée options include either strip steak, parmesan panko crusted haddock, or pasta pomodoro. In a special presentation, a trafficked survivor will offer a brief synopsis of her experience, recovery, and plans for the future. Raffles and fundraisers will be available throughout the evening. Formal attire is requested, with black tie optional.

"The Gala is our signature event of the year," said Deborah Kuehner, Executive Director and Founder of the Potter's Hands Foundation. "Human trafficking is a well kept secret. Sometimes we whisper about it. Often we assume that it happens somewhere else to people we don't know. Attending our Gala is a powerful signal that you know trafficking is real. You know it is an issue. And you want to be part of the solution. I look forward to seeing you."

Potter's Hands Foundation

 O-M swim is great way to start the day

To the Editor on Oct. 24:

This morning I enjoyed my first exhilarating workout in the newly-refurbished O-M pool during the Community Swim time. I had the entire pool to myself, complete with a personal lifeguard as well as a proctor. The facilities are pristine, inviting, the music set list was great, and the opportunity to exercise at no cost is such a privilege!

I’m hoping to spread the word through The Odessa File to encourage others to take advantage of the lap swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 a.m., as well as after school on those days from 3:15-5 p.m. Currently, this schedule is set through Dec. 19. There has been little participation in these first weeks of availability, and I’m afraid the opportunity will disappear if more folks don’t start showing up.

It took a little sleuthing to find the correct entrance (parking off of Speedway, and a walk past the shop in the “alcove” to the unlocked door). Some signage would help. And the first time I tried to swim, I found a hand-lettered sign on the door that indicated the pool was closed for maintenance. Could a surprise closing be advertised on a Facebook page or the school’s website?

A morning swim is a great way to start the day. I hope to meet more Schuyler residents in the coming weeks, poolside!

Meg Gaige
Alpine, NY

Thank you to Eslinger for inspiring visit

To the Editor on Oct. 15:

We are writing to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Brian Eslinger, Commissioner of the Schuyler County Board of Elections, for taking the time to visit our school today and speak to our students about the importance of youth voter engagement. His presentation was both informative and inspiring, and it undoubtedly had a positive impact on our students.

Mr. Eslinger, we were particularly impressed by your bipartisan approach to discussing the electoral process. Your ability to present information objectively and encourage thoughtful consideration of various perspectives is a valuable asset to our community.

Thank you again for your time and commitment to educating our youth about their civic responsibilities and encouraging them to participate actively in our democracy.

Social Studies Department
Charles O. Dickerson High School
Trumansburg Central School District

Meet the Candidates Night is canceled

To the Editor on Oct. 10:

A nonpartisan committee, supported by the Watkins Review & Express, has in past years organized a Meet the Candidates Night for Schuyler County voters. The event gave public office hopefuls the opportunity to introduce themselves and discuss issues in which Schuyler residents have an interest.

A 2024 Meet the Candidates Night was planned. Candidates for U.S. Senate, the 23rd Congressional District, the 24th Congressional District, New York Senate 58th District and Assembly 132nd District were invited. Candidates for Schuyler County and town positions, all unopposed, were invited to be introduced to the audience. The other candidates were invited to speak. Surrogates were not permitted.

But now, due to low response, the Meet the Candidates Night has been canceled. Of town and county candidates, Alan Gregory, unopposed for a Town of Dix council seat, and Michael Croft, unopposed for highway superintendent in the Town of Montour, were the only ones who responded. They declined the invitation, but we appreciate their RSVPs.
State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, unopposed to return to his position, responded with regrets, explaining he had another commitment. David Wagenhauser, challenger for the 24th District seat, also responded with regrets, citing another commitment.

Thomas A. Carle, challenger for the 23rd District position, is the only candidate who let us know that he would be able to attend the Meet the Candidates Night. We are grateful for his interest in meeting Schuyler County voters. We are sorry that we have had to let him know that we are canceling the event.

We encourage all voters to take the time to learn about candidates in the Nov. 5 election. We also remind residents in the Towns of Hector, Reading and Tyrone that state redistricting of congressional districts moved you into the 24th District. (For more about this go to www.fingerlakes1.com/2024/09/25/schuyler-county-split-between-two-districts-in-congressional-map-whos-on-the-ballot-in-november/.)

Early voting in Schuyler County will be Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. For the details, go to the county Board of Elections at www.schuylercounty.us/128/Board-of-Elections. To see the ballot, go to www.schuylercounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/14139/Schuyler-County-General-Election-Certification---091224.

If you have any questions, including how to request an absentee ballot, don’t hesitate to contact the Schuyler County Board of Elections.

Finally, vote on Nov. 5! Polling place hours will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Judy Phillips
Annette Martin
Glenda Gephart

Habitat purchases its 6th property

To the Editor on Sept. 27:

We have some very exciting news! Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity has purchased another (our sixth) property on which we will build a home for our next partner family, and we are actively seeking that family. The property is in the Village of Montour Falls and is in the Odessa-Montour Central School District.

If you are interested in attending an information session about the possibility of becoming our next partner family, please contact Pat Avery via phone call or text (607-379-0784) or email (pavery@schuylerhabitat.org). Information sessions are scheduled for October 16 at 10:30 a.m., October 17 at 5:00 p.m., and October 21 at 2:00 p.m.

We will be accepting partner family inquiries for this home through October 31, 2024.

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity
A Local Partner of Yates County Habitat for Humanity

Library sets curbside service during closure

To the Editor on Sept. 26:

The Watkins Glen Public Library will be closed to the public from Friday, 9/27 through Saturday, 10/12 for facility maintenance and painting. The library expects to resume regular hours on Monday, 10/14.

The library is offering curbside service during the closure. The schedule is below. To schedule a curbside pick-up, call (607) 535-2346, send a Facebook Message, or email wgldirector@stls.org. Please note that Facebook Messages and emails may take longer to respond to than a phone call. Consider visiting one of the other Schuyler libraries to browse -- the Montour Falls Library, E.B. Pert Memorial Library (Hector), or the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library (Odessa).

Curbside Schedule
9/27 Friday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
9/28 Saturday - 10:00am - 2:00pm
9/30 Monday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
10/1 Tuesday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
10/2 Wednesday - 10:00am - 3:00pm
10/3 Thursday - 10:00am - 3:00pm
10/4 Friday - 10:00am - 3:00pm
10/5 Saturday - 10:00am - 2:00pm
10/7 Monday - 11:00am - 5:00pm (Closed for lunch 12pm-1pm this day only)
10/8 Tuesday - 10:00am - 7:00pm
10/9 Wednesday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
10/10 Thursday - 10:00am - 7:00pm
10/11 Friday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
10/12 Saturday - 10:00am - 2:00pm

Thank you!

Kelly Povero
Library Director

Wendy Criss and her dog Diesel receive a $500 check from the Elks. (Photo provided)

Elks donate $500 to house-fire victim

To the Editor on Sept. 20:

The Watkins Glen BPO Elks Lodge No. 1546 has presented a $500 check to Miss Wendy Criss and her faithful dog Diesel from our Chicken BBQ proceeds. Miss Criss and Diesel were in a terrible house fire at their home on Eleventh Street in Watkins Glen on August 11, 2024 where Diesel was injured and was taken to a veterinary hospital. Wendy did not have insurance for Diesel's medical expenses, so the Elks came to her assistance with this modest gift.

The Watkins Glen Elks Lodge works hard through our Chicken BBQ Committee to provide direct support in our Schuyler County Community to support those in need, youth programs and veterans. The Committee consists of Louis DeBolt, Thomas and Elizabeth Gossett, David Waite, Stewart Field, Jr., Gordon Perry, Mike Beach, John Callanan, Dan Paradiso, Chuck Fitch and Steve Crout.

Chuck Franzese
Elks Secretary

Siblings organize United Way fundraiser

To the Editor on Sept. 11:

Good morning.

The Schamel siblings organized a fundraiser for United Way during the Grand Prix Festival. They were able to raise $260!

Pictured here is the main crew of kids, left to right:

Charlotte Schamel, Morgan Saks, Amelie Woods, Logan Saks, Finn Schamel, Callan Schamel, Hank Titus, and Lucas Schubmehl.

Thanks!

Peggy Scott
Executive Director
United Way of Schuyler County

Public hearing set on forming fire district

To the Editor on Sept. 7:

A public hearing to form the Odessa Area Consolidated Fire District will be held at the Odessa-Montour High School auditorium on September 18th at 6 p.m. All persons served by the Odessa Fire Department are urged to attend.

Advantages of Forming a Fire District

--It's in the best interest of the residents to eliminate differing tax rates; rate is based on combined assessed valuation. All residents within the District will pay the same rate.
--Tax levies by the fire district will free up town or village property tax revenues.
--Fire protection tax levy no longer applies to town or village real property tax cap.
--Consistent and stable budget for the fire district will allow the department to implement long range planning and purchases.
--Eliminates the instability of funding from year to year due to annual negotiations with different jurisdictions which may be financially stressed due to the tax cap.
--Provides transparency as they operate under state laws and regulations for governance under the watchful eye of the Office of the State Comptroller.
--Provides for self governance, positive morale and a focal point of responsibility.
--District is an individual governmental entity, governed by state laws.
--Provides stable governance and management, not subject to the fiscal pressures of others.
--Can concentrate on the sole mission of the provision of fire protection.
--Village and Town politics removed from fire district governance and operations.
--The State has greater oversight over fire districts unlike village controlled departments or fire protection districts; there is increased accountability. That includes annual audits and a host of regulations laid out in state statute: Page 6 of 13 Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.
--All voters would have greater influence over fire protection spending by electing commissioners and voting on all debt incurred.
--If the Town reduces funding for contracted areas covered by a Village, the Village in turn may reduce service to the Town requiring the Town to find additional funding.
--Exposure for VFBL coverage is transferred to the fire district.
--Budget accountability, separate from town or village, taxpayers see where money is going.
--Fire Districts may establish taxpayer approved reserve funds.
--Districts save on interest costs by use of reserve funds for large purchases.
--Creates a legal mechanism for residents to participate in capital project referendums.
--Creates a legal mechanism for residents to have equitable ownership of fire protection assets for which they fund.
--Operation of Districts is based in Statute, Town Law and General Municipal Law et al, which Boards must follow.
--Fire protection managed by local publicly elected officials who complete specialized training course and concentrate on providing one service to the community.

Negative Aspects of Forming a Fire District:

--Perceived loss of control, by Towns that Contract for fire protection.
--Opposition by local elected officials.
--Differences in union contracts, wages, retirement systems or benefits.
--Turf wars.
--Potential loss of membership due to consolidation or elimination of station.

The Odessa Hose and Chemical Company

Montour has excelled in clean energy initiatives, secured $400,000 in grants

Latest NYSERDA grant of $175,000 was awarded in July

To the Editor on Aug. 22:

In the six years since the Village of Montour Falls first became a NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) Clean Energy Community, the Village has worked diligently and consistently with NYSERDA to access resources and grants for projects that reduce energy use, save the Village money on energy, and engage the community in clean energy topics, tools, and programs.

Our CEC (Clean Energy Community) Schuyler Coordinator for the Southern Tier works closely with Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan and the Sustainability Committee to help us access grant funding for clean energy projects and earn recognition for implementing high-impact actions that increase resilience and economic opportunity in Montour Falls.

To date, Montour Falls has achieved the 9,000-points Clean Energy Community designation and grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $175,000. NYSERDA funding awarded to the Village over the past six years is $412,000. CEC Schuyler has supported Montour Falls in completing several CEC high-impact action items, including energy code enforcement training, LED streetlights, municipal electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, municipal building upgrades, and community campaigns that promote clean energy technologies and programs.

On July 10, the Village was awarded a $175,000 grant for energy improvements. This brings the total amount funded by NYSERDA to over $400,000. The Village will use the funds to purchase an electric truck for the water department and construct a 100kV solar array to power the electric pumps used by the Village water system. This engineered project is estimated to save the taxpayers up to $750,000 over the next 25 years.

Many communities that participate in the NYSERDA CEC program are also registered or certified Climate Smart Communities (CSC) administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which supports local efforts to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges posed by climate change. Montour Falls is a regional leader as a bronze community.

Learn more about CEC at www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities. For more information, contact Mayor James Ryan at 607-351-2500 or jryan@villageofmontourfalls.com.

NYSERDA

The Lake Country Players have announced audition times for their production of Oklahoma!

When: Aug. 20-21 @ 6pm and Aug. 22 @ 6:30pm
Where: WGHS Auditorium
Who: Open to all individuals age 15 years and up. *Must be at least 18 years old for a lead.

*Anyone interested in auditioning for a lead should prepare a verse or chorus from any song from the musical Oklahoma!

Lake Country Players

Maggie Coffey reports from Paris

Maggie Coffey of Watkins Glen, who traveled with her husband Cal to Paris to cheer on their daughter Olivia -- an Olympic rower from Burdett -- was asked to provide an account of the visit and the atmosphere there. She wrote back:

To the Editor on July 30:

Things have calmed down a bit here now, everyone is fast asleep, so I wanted to follow up with you.

We arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport late Saturday evening. Forty-five minutes later and a drive through countryside with absolutely no traffic, we arrived at our rental house in Lagny sur Marne. The next morning revealed a beautiful old French town nestled on the banks of the Marne River. We had a leisurely dinner by the riverside, capped off with espressos that made sleep that evening next to impossible.

Monday, it was off to the races. We watched all the rowing action on Monday, seeing Liv’s boat move on to the repechage on Thursday. Many of Liv’s friends and family were there cheering her on, most bedecked in their custom Go Liv t-shirts.

You asked about how crazy is it here. Calvin and I are pretty much just sticking to the rowing ~ the place is packed. The security is real, obvious and well-armed. Entrance to the venue is tightly controlled, only allowing ticket holders admission. Even with all this restriction of flow, every rowing event appears to be sold out, the stands filled with enthusiastic fans from all over the world. When a French boat is in the competition, the stands erupt. Any boats from the U.S. are welcomed by “USA, USA, USA” as they race by.

Who is part of the Livy cheering section? In our rental house, with seven occupants, there’s Calvin and me, Liv’s sister Laurie and her daughter Brooke, Michael Blomquist (Livy’s husband), Michael’s mom, Theresa, and a friend of Laurie’s who was on the U.S. Olympic team in Greece, Laura Rauchfuss.

Friends from Corning, Chris Sharkey and her son Matt, are here as well. Also making the trip from NYC is Michael’s cousin and his girlfriend. Three of Livy’s roommates from Andover are here, all of them pregnant and each accompanied by their husbands. Another friend of Livy’s who tried out for the Junior National Rowing along with Livy (neither of them made that team) arrives here tomorrow from Montana leaving her husband and in-laws behind to watch her four children. So for a quick tally on the Go Liv t-shirt contingent, bearing witness in person, I’d say we’re looking at around 18 people, crazy about rowing and Livy.

How are we getting around? Liv’s sister Laurie is retired military ~ as such, she can fly most anywhere in the world, free of charge, when there’s room on a military aircraft. Laurie and her daughter Brooke boarded a C-5 Transport at Dover AFB in Delaware, along with sleeping bags (lots of legroom) and warm clothes, landing at Ramstein AFB in Germany late Saturday. Laurie rented an Audi station wagon on base and met up with us in Lagny sur Marne on Sunday. Laurie has been ferrying us around in her wagon ~ it’s been great!

I’d best best wrap things up for now. Time for lights out ... the sleepers sharing my room are getting restless.

Maggie Coffey

Photo: In Paris. Livy's parents are on the right. (Photo provided)

It would be a shame to lose this structure

To the Editor on July 25:

The Weston Schoolhouse belongs to the Town of Tyrone and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places -- one of only twenty designations in Schuyler County. It still has the desks, blackboards and school lights. In May a leak developed in the roof and was brought to the attention of the town; and some flashing was missing. There was nothing done and the problem is now worse.

The Town got ONE estimate on a new roof of $60K +. As of 7/ 23 no other estimates have been sought. This is a very high figure and the Town is proposing to tear the building down and put up a pole barn. It would be a shame to lose this historic structure.

According to the July Town Board minutes, they will take a vote at their August 13 meeting (7PM). The word needs to get out so interested parties can be heard.

Jean Hubsch

Thanks to those who helped to make
the WGHS Alumni Banquet a success

To the Editor on July 15:

The 97th annual Watkins Glen High School Alumni Banquet was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Watkins Glen Community Center. There were approximately 150 reservations with 125 dinners served. Attendees included alumni, invited guests, spouses, friends, school representatives, and 2024 scholarship recipients.

The Board of Directors would like to thank Famous Brands for its support and assistance in selling tickets, Bobby Decker and Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill for a great buffet dinner and cash bar, and Lisa Bellavigna of LVB Images for taking pictures of the graduates.

Special recognition was given to Vera Franzese and Mary Bartholomew from the Class of 1946, Anne Elder and Nancy Yost from the Class of 1949, and Warda Edsall from the Class of 1951. Thanks go to class contacts David Bartone, Linda Lodge Gibson, Mark Edsall, Ken Wilson, Barb Warner Deane, and Jennifer Padilla.

A total of $6,000 in scholarships was awarded to four graduates. Bree Argetsinger from the Class of 1995 donated $2,000 in honor and memory of her grandmother Jean Argetsinger. Her scholarship was awarded to Thalia Marquez, while Brenna Pierce, Ava Kathryn Cowan, and Keira Sulkley received the other scholarships. Since 2007, the WGHS Alumni Association has awarded $99,300 to 70 Watkins Glen High School graduates.

Grace Pitkin Birge Mayfield, valedictorian from the Class of 1930, was recognized and honored posthumously as the Distinguished Alumni for 2024 in the Field of Army Aeronautics. Schuyler County's only female licensed aviator in the late 1930s, Mayfield served during World War II with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group that helped ferry combat aircraft within the U.S. at 126 bases -- and which, years later, won full veteran privileges. She was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 1983.

Our banquet is unique in providing a forum for everyone to come together and celebrate with fellow graduates, faculty, staff, and schoolmates. Personal thanks to a great volunteer board of directors who devoted time and effort into making the banquet something to look forward to. Without the support of the alumni community and friends of the Watkins Glen School District, it would not be possible.

Peggy Doolittle Scott '70
President

Lakewood to host Sidekick Soiree and Vineyard Walk to benefit Humane Society

To the Editor on July 3:

Lakewood Vineyards will go to the dogs during its 3rd annual Sidekick Soiree Sunday, July 14. The event is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Schuyler County. You can join in the fun from 1-4 p.m., with families and dogs welcome!

You can reserve your walk spot at: https://lakewoodvineyards.com/sidekick-soiree-2024/

You and your dog can stroll through the vineyard overlooking Seneca Lake on a one-mile charity walk at 1 p.m., and afterwards enjoy a complimentary glass of Sidekick, with a donation of $20. Capture the day with a professional photo of you and your dog for an additional $10 donation.

Stratcat Willie Hayes and the Strays will play live blues music from 1-4 p.m. Food from Burns Gourmet Dogs will be available for purchase, and Lakewood will donate $1 for every glass of wine sold on July 14.

Sidekick, a low-alcohol dry rose session spritz, was created by Lakewood's winemakers to capture and celebrate the carefree magic of summer on the Finger Lakes. Fizzy, assistant winemaker Ben Stamp's Australian shepherd, is featured on the label. Year round, Lakewood Vineyards donates a portion of sales for every bottle of Sidekick purchased to the Humane Society.

A huge dog lover and member of the Humane Society's Board of Directors, brand manager Erin McMurrough Stamp says "Lakewood is family owned, and our dogs are part of our family. Sales of Sidekick support the Humane Society of Schuyler County all year and Sidekick Soiree invites guests and their pups to have a good time for a great cause.”

"We are extremely grateful to Lakewood Vineyards for their generous and ongoing support," says Georgie Taylor, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Schuyler County. "Events like the Sidekick Soiree help us to raise awareness of our mission as the only animal welfare organization serving the needs of our community."

About the Humane Society of Schuyler County:
The Humane Society of Schuyler County is a limited admission, no-kill shelter. Incorporated in 1987, we are the only full-service animal welfare organization serving the needs of our community. The Humane Society provides shelter for stray and surrendered animals, offers animals for adoption, provides a low-cost spay/neuter program, delivers educational resources and manages programs to help area residents care for their pets.

The Humane Society of Schuyler County

Thanks to those who helped on tourney

To the Editor on June 23:

The Lake Hawk Havoc 3V3 Basketball Tournament held June 8, 2024 at the Watkins Glen High School Field House netted a profit of $2,935.16, with proceeds going to United Way of Schuyler County.

Spearheaded by Watkins Glen school teacher Angela Morse, members of the student-led Advertising and Marketing team wanted to gain real-life experience while giving back to our community.

Like any other fundraising event, it took many hands and hours to put together this fun tournament that included participants of all ages. Sponsors included:

Nickels BBQ, Holy Cow, Famous Brands, Jerlando's, Maguire, U.S. Salt, Cyclones, Sunrise Coffee, 2 Cats Cakery, Pudgies, and Walmart.

Special thanks to the following volunteers:

Josh Wallenbeck, Keith Caslin, Melanie Caslin, Bub Chaffee, Tyler Reynolds, Jim Scott,
Joshua Powers, Mary Ellen Fraboni, Nate Tormey, Steven Oliver, Scott Morse, Jacob Yontz, Mattie Yontz, Hannah Morse, Jackie Honsberger, Ryan Baudendistle, Andre Wixson, and Johnny VanScoyk.

United Way of Schuyler County is very grateful to all who contributed toward the success of this tournament. Hundreds of Schuyler County residents benefit from the non-profit agencies that are represented by United Way. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Schuyler County population we serve, thank you!

Peggy Scott
Executive Director

Stay safe during the extreme heat

To the Editor on June 18:

“Extended high temperatures like this can be dangerous for anyone but they are especially dangerous for children and older adults,” said Schuyler County Emergency Management Office Director Kirk Smith. “Be sure to check on your family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning or other ways to cool down. Especially if they spend much of their time alone.”

“Heat stroke can be very dangerous and even deadly,” cautioned Schuyler County Public Health Director Jill Kasprzyk. “If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke -- including confusion, loss of consciousness, or has a very high body temperature -- call 911 and try to take steps to cool the person down.”

Schuyler County Public Health is urging residents to prepare for this period of prolonged heat by taking the following precautions:

--Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
--Make sure that you can open your windows and/or that your air conditioner is working properly.
--Check on your neighbors.
--Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about medications that might make you sensitive to the sun or heat.

If you don't have air conditioning, consider heading to one of the locations listed below to help you cool down. These locations may be closed at certain times or only available during extreme heat events. These locations include:

--Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, 106 First St., Odessa, 607-594-2791
--EB Pert Memorial Library, 5736 St. Rte. 414, Hector, 607-546-2605
--Montour Falls Memorial Library, 406 W. Main St., Montour Falls, 607-535-7489
--Silver Spoon Cafe, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls, 607-535-7108
--Watkins Glen Public Library, 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, 607-535-2346
--Shopping Centers

If you live in Schuyler County and need help finding a place to cool down, call NY Connects during office hours at 607-535-7108 or the Sheriff’s Office after hours at 607-535-8222.

Schuyler County Public Health's mission is to protect and empower the community to be safe, healthy and prepared. Schuyler County Public Health’s vision is a connected community of healthy people and safe places. For more information, visit Schuyler County Public Health online at www.schuylercounty.us/publichealth or follow Schuyler County Public Health on Facebook and Instagram.

Schuyler County Public Health

We owed Will Ross a debt of gratitude

To the Editor on June 10:

Will Ross became the second official Superintendent of Schools for the Watkins Glen Central School District (following Dr. Lloyd N. Peak) in July of 1987. Prior to Dr. Peak, Supervisory Leaders/Chief School Administrators were S.S. Johnson, John A. Beers, Warren Hertenstein, John R. Cook and Jack R. Terry. On June 25, 1975 our District became an official superintendency.

Will received his BS degree from Adrian College (Michigan) and a Masters in Science & Administration from Columbia University. He served as a Biology Teacher (Randolph Central Schools), High School Principal (Yorktown Central Schools), Supervising Principal (Little Lake Central Schools) and Superintendent (Salem Central Schools). He came to Watkins Glen in the midst of an austerity budget and proceeded to pass three consecutive double-digit tax increases in voter-approved budgets for 1988-89, 1989-90 and 1990-91. He worked tirelessly to pass successful referendums for Elementary School renovation, and formed a long-term facilities plan which included $600,000 for asbestos abatement as part of a complex $4.1 million project. This project successfully completed full renovations of the Middle School and High School roofs which had been major concerns for years.

In addition, Will brought Mike DeNardo to the position of Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds and convinced me to transfer over to the High School as Principal from my position as Middle School Principal. He also helped articulate and implement the complex NYS Education Department "Regents Action Plan." Our District owed him a debt of gratitude for his overall accomplishments, his wizardly gifts with finances and his dedication and service to the residents and youth of our District.

Will remained in Schuyler County with his family following his retirement in June of 1990. His wife Connie, his children (and their spouses) and grandchildren can be proud of his service and his contributions to the world of education. I know I am -- I saw his efforts and passion for three years and know well how much he positioned our District for these past three+ decades. He lived and served in a time of great challenges and great changes and he did all he could to make sure those challenges were met and those changes were as positive and beneficial as possible.

Will died on June 4 -- a life well lived!

Brian J. O'Donnell

The cast of the Lake Country Players production of Matilda The Musical JR. (Provided)

LCP performs Matilda Jr. on June 13-16

To the Editor on June 2:

Streets will be filled by the smell of rebellion when The Lake Country Players present Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. Based on the beloved book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, the play tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand, and change her own destiny.

Matilda (Margaret DeRusha/Shae Bechtold) has astonishing wit, intelligence ... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents, Mrs. & Mrs. Wormwood (Nick Brusso/Brielle Berg and Grady Cole/Kaylin Smith), but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey (Eliza Lewis/Mabel Kauffman). Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however -- the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Della Diliberto/Melanie Peterson), hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Under the production direction of Casey Smith, and the musical direction of Kim Laursen, the incredible cast of Matilda JR. is working hard to prepare a show that will wow the audience. The cast is made up of 72 youth ages 7-18 years representing Schuyler, Steuben, Chemung, Yates, and Tompkins counties. Due to the number of extremely talented actors who auditioned, 19 of the named characters in the show have all been double cast, with one set of leads headlining the Thursday/Saturday shows and the second group headlining the Friday/Sunday shows. Whichever night you attend, you will not be disappointed. So come, step into the world of magic and mischief as the Lake Country Players present Matilda The Musical JR. Once again, the use of digital backgrounds to enhance the story is provided thanks to many generous donors and assistance from Pro-Audio Consulting (Painted Post, NY).

Tickets for the show are sold at the door. Prices are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $10 for students. Children under 5 years of age are free. Show times are 7 p.m. on June 13-15 and 2 p.m. on June 16. Matilda The Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by, Music Theatre International, 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.

Finally, we would like to give a special thank you to all our donors/sponsors and to the Watkins-Montour Rotary for their community grant, and to Corning Inc. and Samantha Caldwell for receipt of the Employee Vibrant Community Grant from Corning Community Impact and Investment. We couldn’t do what we do for the youth in our area if it were not for all the assistance we get from the community, and it is greatly appreciated.

Lorry Johnson
Secretary
Lake Country Players

Tickets for the 97th Annual Watkins Glen High School Alumni Banquet, to be held Saturday, June 29 at 4:00 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Community Center, are on sale now through Thursday, June 27 at Famous Brands or by contacting Peggy Scott at 607-546-8268. Price is $25.00, cash or check (no cards), and reservations are required.

Grace Pitken Birge Mayfield from the class of 1930 will be posthumously recognized as this year's Distinguished Alumni in the field of Army Aeronautics. Graduating seniors will be awarded a minimum of $6,000.00 in scholarships. The banquet is presented by the WGHS Alumni Association.

The banquet is open to everyone. You do not have to be a member of the Association or a graduate of the Watkins Glen School District to attend. We would like to extend a special invitation to all past faculty and staff. Alumni and friends love to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff members that contributed to their education.

We would also like to extend an invitation to Odessa-Montour alumni. Friendly rivalries between these two schools go back many years. Come and connect with past student athletes and those many friends you made. It's a great meal at a great price and a good time to reminisce and share memories.

Peggy Doolittle Scott '70
President

I'm proud of the work we've done

To the Editor on May 13:

To the Watkins Glen School District Community:

The annual School Board and Budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 21 from 12-8pm.
I'd like to encourage everyone to come out and participate, and I would appreciate your vote as I run for reelection this year.

I'm proud of the work we've accomplished over the course of my time on the Board and I would welcome the opportunity to continue supporting our school district going forward.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Joe Stansfield

Support our libraries on May 14

To the Editor on May 6:

An important vote to support our community libraries will take place on Tuesday, May 14 from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Library. This vote will authorize support for two treasured community libraries: the Watkins Glen Public Library and the Hector Public Library. All registered voters in the Watkins Glen School District are eligible to vote.

All four of us who grew up as the Warner sisters in Watkins Glen are avid readers. We share titles of books to enjoy and audio titles that we listen to while driving, walking, gardening, baking, painting, and more. (Yes, audio books are available through our library!)

We enjoy so many of the services the library provides ... book lending, community workshops, book clubs, children’s programs, talks by authors, (including our youngest sister, Barb Warner Deane), computer instruction, research access, and so much more.

The need for a new library was first envisioned by Mary Lemak. She was a dear friend of our family, supporting our neighborhood newsletters and theater in the basement. Only a block from Mary’s home, the new library matched her vision of an accessible, welcoming community space for adults, teens and children.

Both of these libraries are members of the Southern Tier Library System, which offers an extensive program of book sharing between member libraries, as well as loads of online services. The libraries of the Twenty-first Century have evolved with technological changes and continue to offer many services to our community ... and in these days of rising prices, they are still FREE.

Kate LaMoreaux
Cynthia Terry
Patty Kehe

Sheriff seeking suspect in gunfire incident

The following message from Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey's office was issued Saturday evening, May 4th. Note: Smith was located on May 8 and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (a D Felony) and two misdemeanors: Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th and Menacing 2nd.

To the Editor on May 4:

At approximately 7:45 a.m., the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting gunfire at Mill Hill Road in the town of Dix. Law enforcement was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered an ongoing situation, and subsequent information led them to a secondary location on State Route 414 in the town of Catlin.

Protocols to neutralize the situation and ensure the safety of civilians were immediatelyimplemented. Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, along with the assistance of Chemung County Sheriff's Office, Steuben County Sheriff's Office, Watkins Glen Police Department, and the New York State Police, secured the area and initiated an investigation into the incident. Several Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Personnel were also staged at the scene to provide medical assistance.

The suspect has been identified as Rexford Smith (pictured), also known as "Ely," age 40, of Catlin, NY. His whereabouts are currently unknown, and he could possibly be armed with a firearm. We urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office at 607-535-8222. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to our investigation.

The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office is currently working diligently to gather additional
information and the area remains an active crime scene as law enforcement continues to
investigate the incident and apprehend the suspect involved. We believe this is an isolated
incident, and there is no direct threat to the public. The safety and security of our community remain our top priority, and we are working thoroughly to gather all pertinent information regarding this incident.

Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Schuyler County Sheriff's Office

Please help my sister raise research funds as she faces challenges of Celiac Disease

To the Editor on April 30:

If you went to Watkins Glen High School in the last twenty years or so, you might know my sister. You might not know her by name, but you would probably recognize her face. Every day for four years I walked by her picture on my way to lunch in the cafeteria. It hung there for years, amongst a collection of other WGHS record breakers, for her devotion and achievement in track and cross country running. As a teacher's daughter, I was used to having a familiar face within the halls of my school, but there was something special about walking past that portrait of my sister running. And indeed, it cemented running as part of my sister's identity in my mind from a very young age. After she moved away for college, it was often in running clothes that I pictured her in my mind.

My sister has always been a runner. I grew up watching her in running shoes, playing at the finish line as she ran cross country, never quite able to keep up with her pace. As an adult, I remember the shock and confusion I felt when I heard she had stopped running. It was with a cruel irony that I remember reading it in a text message she had sent, looking down past my phone to my own running shoes -- I was walking back to my apartment after a run. It didn't feel fair. Why?

Two years ago, my sister started experiencing a debilitating pain that began in her knee, but quickly snaked across her body. She was suffering from brain fog, exhaustion, and near constant illness. She was forced to give up running, but as a mother of three children under eight, she was unable to slow down. Thanks to the hunch of a rheumatologist, my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease after less than two years. In this way she was incredibly lucky. Most people with celiac disease suffer in the unknown for up to ten years.

Celiac disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage of the small intestine. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people worldwide suffer from celiac disease and are at risk for long-term health complications, including Type 1 diabetes and intestinal cancers. Before my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease, I knew very little about it. Perhaps like most of the general population, I assumed it was something akin to a food intolerance. However, being gluten free if you have celiac is not a choice -- it is the only option. There are currently no medications or cures. The only treatment is to be 100% gluten-free for the rest of your life.

On April 14, 2024, nearly two years after giving up running, my sister -- now living in Big Flats -- completed another marathon. I do not wish to minimize the challenges my sister faces daily by saying that celiac disease has not kept her down, but rather, to highlight her unimaginable willpower and strength. It is with that same determination that used to see her push through the finish line in school, running shoes stomping over gravel and grass and mud. Once again, I get to see Kelly with a running bib pinned to her running clothes. I talked to her after that marathon. She's never one to boast, so as a family we often have to do it for her -- she beat her previous marathon by over six minutes.

Now, she is taking on a new challenge, and it is for this that I am writing to you. Kelly was recently one of five people selected to run the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon for Team Gluten-Free. I ask anyone who can do so to please support the Celiac Disease Foundation’s research, education, and advocacy work by donating to Kelly's fundraising page. The Celiac Disease Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You can donate by using the QR code or by going to https://give.celiac.org/fundraiser/5396303. You can further help by shouting about your donations, in particular, by raising awareness on May 16th for the International Celiac Disease Awareness Day and spreading the word throughout the whole month of May.

Despite her ongoing challenges and continued symptoms, I am so incredibly proud of how she has tackled her diagnosis. Kelly is running this marathon in the hopes that one day we can improve the health and quality of life of those impacted by celiac disease. Any amount you can give will help this tremendous cause!

Ashley Savard
United Kingdom

'Empty the Shelters' program set

To the Editor on April 25:

The BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is prompting a national call for adoption once again this spring with its "Empty the Shelters" reduced-fee adoption event May 1-15. The Humane Society of Schuyler County will join more than 410 shelters in 43 states to help shelter pets find loving homes. The Humane Society of Schuyler County will participate from May 1 through May 15 offering a $50 adoption fee for all eligible shelter pets with approved adoption application.

"Our nation's animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now. Adoptions have slowed while a surge in owner surrenders due to families facing economic and housing challenges has left tens of thousands of highly adoptable pets desperate to find homes," said Cathy Bissell, Founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation. "Our Spring National 'Empty the Shelters' will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this critical time. Opening your home to a shelter pet saves a life and creates lifesaving space to help another pet in need."

BISSELL Pet Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" event is the largest funded adoption event in the country. It began in 2016 with a goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption. More than 226,000 pets have found homes since its inception. "Empty the Shelters" is BISSELL Pet Foundation's largest program, partnering with 742 animal welfare organizations in 49 states and Canada to reduce adoption fees.

BISSELL Pet Foundation and The Humane Society of Schuyler County encourage families to research the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to "Empty the Shelters," visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and www.schuylerhumane.org.

Humane Society of Schuyler County

Schuyler addresses the Veterans situation

To the Editor on April 25:

In response to rumors and news articles and to allay the concerns of our veterans, Schuyler County would like to address the following points and correct misinformation appearing online and elsewhere about our Veterans Service Agency and its employees:

Schuyler County has always been and will continue to be dedicated to supporting all Schuyler County Veterans, Armed Service Members and their families through our Veterans Service Agency.

No positions or services have been eliminated and none will be. A new director will be hired, and our existing Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will continue serving our veteran community. Additional support will be given to the VSO until a new director can be hired. The director position will be posted shortly, and a qualified candidate will be hired in the near future. All planned veteran events will continue.

All funds that are earmarked for Schuyler County veterans, including Dwyer Funds, undergo the county’s annual independent outside audit. Complete audits are available on the Schuyler County website. The latest independent audit is close to wrapping up and will be posted when it is completed.

All appointed Schuyler County department heads, including the Veterans Service Agency Director, received the same “cost of living” raise in January. These raises are set by the budget, which is available online at the county’s website.

Due to the need to protect every employee’s privacy, no confidential or private personnel information can be divulged without written permission.

Schuyler County would like to thank our brave men and women who served, and serve, as well as their families, and appreciate their patience during this time of leadership change in the department.

Schuyler County Government

Glen, Pert libraries urge patrons to vote

To the Editor on April 25:

The Watkins Glen Public Library and the E.B. Pert Memorial Library (Hector Reading Center) seek additional funding in the annual budget vote. School district libraries play an integral role in the intellectual and cultural development of our communities. However, they also face real and unique funding challenges. It is these challenges that have positioned both libraries to put forward this year's budget requests.

An immediate goal is to secure New York State chartered status for the E.B. Pert Memorial Library. Presently, the E.B. Pert Memorial Library is reliant solely on fundraising, donations, and some Town of Hector support. This is the first year that the E.B. Pert Memorial Library will appear on the ballot. If successful, the Library will be guaranteed a stable source of annual tax revenue. Securing chartered status also ensures their eligibility for state operating and capital aid for which they are currently ineligible.

The Watkins Glen Public Library and the E.B. Pert Memorial Library face growing financial challenges that threaten institutional viability. The current budgets for both libraries do not support the unprecedented rise in inflation, costs for staffing, and required maintenance of facilities. The Watkins Glen Public Library is facing one HVAC system that is near end of life and a second that is soon to follow. Despite the invaluable contributions our libraries make, they are underfunded, and the current tax levy is insufficient to maintain the level of service the community desires and deserves.

In review of 2023 library tax rates for 11 school districts served by Southern Tier Library System libraries, the Watkins Glen Central School District has the lowest library tax rate at 0.1343 percent, compared to other libraries' tax rates ranging from 0.2600 to 1.0450. The Watkins Glen Public Library and the E.B. Pert Memorial Library serve a population of over 8,000 residents and currently receive the least funding.

Both libraries have long been pillars of knowledge, offering a diverse range of services and resources that extend beyond the traditional concept of borrowing books. A successful vote can secure the continued success and growth of both libraries, as well as a strengthened partnership with the Watkins Glen Central School District to improve the quality of life for all school district families.

Additional details about the budget vote can be found on the Watkins Glen Public Library's website including the annual Community Newsletter, a list of frequently asked questions, and budget proposals: https://watkinsglenlibrary.org/budget-vote/

The vote will take place on May 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Public Library (610 S. Decatur Street, Watkins Glen). All registered voters in the Watkins Glen Central School District are eligible to vote. Absentee and early mail-in applications are available at the Watkins Glen Public Library or at the library website linked above.

Residents who are registered for absentee or early mail-in voting with the Schuyler County Board of Elections will still need to register directly with the Watkins Glen Public Library to receive ballots via mail. Deadlines for applications and casting ballots are available at the link above.

Questions? Contact Watkins Glen Library Director Kelly Povero directly at (607) 535-2346 or email wgldirector@stls.org.

Kelly Povero
Director, Watkins Glen Public Library

Thanks to those who have donated

To the Editor on April 24:

Thank you to all who have deposited returnable cans and bottles in the bin in front of the Reynoldsville Community Club. The funds will be used to continue our efforts in maintaining the original one-room schoolhouse in Reynoldsville on NYS Route 227.

The Club is available for rent from April to November for your family reunions, bridal showers, graduation parties, or any event you need with plenty of room inside and out with a pavilion and picnic tables.

All donations are welcome and we greatly appreciate the previous depositors and all donations in the future.

For further information or to become a member, feel free to contact Treasurer Diane Carl at 607-546-2031 or Secretary Jackie Cardigan at 607-546-5989.

Diane L. Carl
Burdett

Termination of Gardner is disgraceful

The following was submitted to Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno, with the request by the writer that it be published here, as well. So here it is, with minor editing.

To Whom It May Concern on April 19:

I am writing regarding the regrettable dismissal of Kristine Gardner. It has been suggested that she failed to meet her job duties, yet upon searching extensively, these duties are nowhere to be found on the county website. Public servants, whether they are educators, law enforcement officers, or employed by the county or village, serve the taxpayers. Their salaries are funded by the public, thus they ultimately work for us. The circumstances surrounding her termination (let's call it what it is, termination) are highly dubious and disgraceful. As a taxpayer who has witnessed Kristine's dedication firsthand, I can attest that this portrayal is inaccurate.

I personally employ two veterans at my business, and one residing in Schuyler County sought Kristine's assistance. She went above and beyond to resolve his issue, utilizing her skills and connections. Without her intervention, his situation would have been significantly more challenging. I am not the sole witness to her exemplary work. Therefore, this is not a matter of neglecting her duties. ... She has tirelessly supported the 1,500 veterans in Schuyler County.

You claim to strive for the betterment of our community ... but this incident is a glaring example of your disregard for the residents of this area. While you focus on sales tax revenue and positive Yelp reviews, the genuine concerns of those who call this place home are neglected. Having lived here my entire life, it is evident that the elected officials do not prioritize the well-being of the year-round residents.

I am deeply disappointed and appalled by the actions of this board and the series of poor decisions made in recent years. Rest assured, come November, the voters will remember these actions.

Sincerely,
Alyssa L. Wixson

To the Editor on April 11:

Honorable Basil Seggos
Office of the Commissioner
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233-0001

Dear Commissioner Seggos:
We welcome this opportunity to join the citizens and communities we represent in expressing our strong opposition to the current application before your department for a proposed 61-acre expansion of the current 14-acre Padua Gravel quarry operation located in the town of Dix, Schuyler County.

Specifically, we urge your department to deny the current, amended application and undertake, at a minimum, the requirement of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (sEIS) regarding the proposed project.

It is our understanding that you are in receipt of resolutions approved by the Schuyler County Legislature and the village of Watkins Glen, as well as public comments provided by individual citizens and/or their designated representatives, opposing the current application and requesting its revision and further review, through the aforementioned requirement of an sEIS, to address myriad and legitimate areas of concerns prior to any final decision on the proposed expansion of the Padua Gravel Pit.

We unequivocally support the need for the DEC to reject the current application and undertake an sEIS.

As we have noted in previous correspondence, the department’s handling of the current,
amended application to date has been insufficient and inadequate for proper public comment and participation to carefully and thoroughly review a project of this magnitude and its potential, severely negative impact on the local community.

This project proposes nothing short of a massive, five-fold expansion of the existing mine which, given its location up a steep grade directly above a neighborhood and the center of the iconic Finger Lakes village of Watkins Glen -- as well as nearby Watkins Glen State Park -- has already contributed to flooding, raised longstanding environmental concerns as well as concerns over truck traffic and motorist and pedestrian safety, and, as previously highlighted, poses a negative impact to the regional viewshed so critical and vital to the local tourism economy.

Furthermore, as you are well aware -- and as it has also been outlined in locally approved legislative resolutions and elsewhere -- the process by which this expansion application has been brought forth, dating as far back as 2007, raises troubling and unanswered questions. There has been minimal, at best, public notice provided throughout your department’s advancement of this application to its current status -- which is troubling.

In short, the proposed expansion is strongly opposed by local residents, the village of Watkins Glen, and Schuyler County. Community officials are also on record as stating that the mine is currently in violation of its existing permit. Recent reports have revealed your department’s issuance of repeated and current violations to Padua Gravel Pit’s current owner.

In light of these legitimate and well-founded local concerns, and the range of unanswered questions surrounding the handling of the application by your department, we once again urge you to reject the current application and initiate an sEIS for a careful, extensive, independent, and thorough examination of, among numerous aspects surrounding the proposed expansion of the Padua Gravel Pit, the evolution of the surrounding area throughout the time period this application has been under consideration.

Finally, and once again, we also renew our request that your department provide us with copies of all pertinent records and correspondence between your department and the project applicant during the 16-year period that this application has been under review by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Additionally, we request copies of any and all contracts that your department, the state Department of Transportation, or any other state entity has with the applicant for the purchase of aggregate or other materials from the Padua Gravel operation.

Thank you again for the opportunity to submit this formal public comment and to request your immediate attention and action. If you would like to discuss this request in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact us.

State Senator Tom O'Mara
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity is presently constructing its fifth house for a qualified Schuyler County family. We are most grateful for the continued support from everyone who has helped us along the way. We have constructed two houses in the Village of Montour Falls, one in the Town of Hector, and one in the Town of Dix. Our present build is in the Village of Watkins Glen at 126 Fifth Street.

This past Sunday, Easter Sunday, the annual sunrise service donated their collection to support us. We are most grateful. We build on Thursdays and Saturdays, 8-12 Noon. Volunteers are always welcome, no matter your skill set. Information at: www.schuylerhabitat.org, Facebook: schuylerhabitat or Post Office Box 45, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

Gratefully,

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity

United Way is dedicated to community

To the Editor on March 28:

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I express my support for the United Way of Schuyler County, especially as we commemorate its remarkable 75th-year anniversary.

United Way has been an integral part of our community, evolving from its inception as The Community Chest to its current role as a vital lifeline for our friends and neighbors in Schuyler County. As an organization, we recognize the significant impact the United Way has had on our community over the years.

We have been proud recipients of United Way funding, which has played a pivotal role in enabling us serve the residents of Schuyler County effectively. The financial support provided by United Way has allowaed us to provide invaluable services to the underserved populations in Schuyler County through FLACRA's Schuyler County SUD Clinic and Center of Treatment Innovation (COTI) program which provides 24/7 crisis response and services in the Schuyler County community for substance-related concerns such as overdose and emergent needs.

These initiatives have not only improved the lives of individuals and families in our community, but have also strengthened the fabric of Schuyler County itself.

Furthermore, we want to emphasize that even if our agency may have offices outside Schuyler County, our commitment to serving Schuyler County residents remains unwavering. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors here in Schuyler County.

As we join in celebrating the 75th-year anniversary of United Way in Schuyler County, we reflect on the incredible journey it has undertaken. We recognize the enduring commitment of United Way to the core values of compassion, community, and collaboration. This anniversary is a testament to the organization's resilience, vision and dedication to the well-being of our community.

We look forward to many more years of collaboration, making our community stronger together.

Jennifer Carlson
Chief Executive Officer
Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency

Thanks, Benjamins, for your many years of service to students at Watkins Glen

To the Editor on March 24:

I want to take this opportunity to express appreciation for two remarkable individuals who have been instrumental in bringing together musicals at Watkins Glen High School. After an incredible 20 years of dedication to our school, they are now preparing to retire their position at Watkins. The just-concluded "Alice in Wonderland" marks their final show as directors here at WGHS. Allow me to introduce Tim and Michelle Benjamin:

Tim, who has served at the Clemens Center for six years as the Director of Facilities, has been actively engaged in theater both on stage and behind the scenes since the age of 12. He is also a proud father to his daughter, Erin, who pursued a career in costume design and now resides in Detroit.

Michelle, who began her journey at Schuyler Hospital 17 years ago, currently holds the position of Director of Corporate Communications at Cayuga Health. Michelle generously volunteers for various community events, including assisting during the races at Watkins Glen, and is an active member of the Rotary Club. She began her involvement in theater, both on stage and behind the scenes, when she relocated to the area 34 years ago. It was during one such production -- of "Fiddler on the Roof" -- that she crossed paths with Tim, and the rest is history. They have now been happily married for 28 years.

Not only have Tim and Michelle dedicated their time working with students in theater, but they have also opened their home to host 15 Rotary Youth Exchange students over the years.

On behalf of the Board of Education, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Tim and Michelle for their remarkable 20 years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the students of Watkins Glen. Your presence at our school has truly enriched the lives of all those you have touched. The countless hours spent by both students and yourselves, juggling busy work schedules, devoting additional hours for rehearsals, and sacrificing your entire Sundays, truly exemplify your passion and dedication. We are immensely grateful for all that you have done for Watkins Glen, and we want you to know that your shoes will not be easy to fill. We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you at our future shows.

Last thing: I want to recognize our seniors on stage and behind the stage. Kay Davis, a senior, has been involved in the school plays for the last six years and portrayed Alice in this year's production. When she graduates this year Kay will also have her Cosmetology degree and will be employed at Younique Salon in Watkins Glen.

Thomas Field, a senior, has been supporting and working backstage for three years. After he graduates this year Thomas will attend Dean College in Massachusetts, where he will be playing lacrosse and studying Exercise Science and Sports Broadcasting.

We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

Tracey VanSkiver
Member, Watkins Glen Board of Education

Photo in text above: Tim and Michelle Benjamin (File photo)

FOWL Board seeking to add members

To the Editor on March 18:

Would you like to be part of a team that works closely with the Watkins Glen Public Library? Friends of Watkins Library (FOWL) is an organization of enthusiastic community members who sponsor a variety of programs and purchases that enrich the community through fundraising and volunteering. Some of the past programs sponsored were Books Sandwiched In, Compost Theatre Storytime, and scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Purchases included library tote bags, supplies for the children’s programs, and new seating.

The FOWL Executive Board is seeking to increase its representation of the community by adding new members. The Board meets periodically throughout the year to make decisions about how best to support the Library with direct implementation of those ideas. If interested in joining the fun, contact FriendsOfTheWatkinsLibrary@gmail.com or call the library at (607) 535-2346 and tell the staff of your interest.

Friends of Watkins Library

I believe in giving back to the community

To the Editor on March 18:

Hello Village of Watkins Glen Residents.

I am excited to announce that I am running for one of the two trustee board seats open for election on March 19, 2024, for our wonderful Village of Watkins Glen. My name is Stephen Klemann, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a village trustee.

I have been a resident of Schuyler County for 48 years, Of those, 20 have been in this beautiful village. My magnificent wife, Sheila, and I raised four daughters, Lexi, Aislinn, Alannah, and Aubrey, in this great community. When not working or attending school, our family enjoys sporting events or participating in village and area activities.

Being a proponent of giving back to the community and area, I have volunteered time with Watkins Glen Promotions for over 20 years, was a committee chair for the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament fundraiser for 15 plus years, past president of the local Lions Club, certified coach for USA Swimming, involved in NYS Swimming (asst. coach of Watkins Glen Girls and Boys Varsity), and asst. coach of the Glen Gators swim program. Supporting our youth while instilling leadership thought processes, life-guiding principles, and teamwork skills are paramount foundations that I have enjoyed helping provide to local students for over 20 years.

I am currently a Director for Closed Loop Partners, an investment company that focuses on solid waste and recycling infrastructure to drive the circular economy. I have and currently hold roles in leadership, business development, operations, and management. Some of the responsibilities within these roles throughout the last 29 years have provided me with expertise in operations management, municipal infrastructure, budgeting (including managing multi-million dollar capital funding and acquisition projects) and building/operating recycling facilities throughout the country. I would be honored to share my knowledge in a role as a village trustee.

My commitment to you is to dedicate my skills to the fullest extent possible, focusing on the budget and taxes, encouraging all aspects of communication, utilizing village values as a guide for growth, and being a partner to drive the highest quality of living possible for our beautiful, best-in-class village.

I want to thank all the law enforcement, fire/rescue, village court system, department of public works, village office staff, current board, planning/zoning and others who are committed to the safety and operations of our great community.

It would be a privilege and honor to serve you as a village trustee. Please come out to vote on March 19, 2024. VOTE Stephen Klemann.

I also ask that you vote for Bob Carson, a long-time friend and business owner in the community, who is running for re-election to the village board. Together, we are running on the Concerned Citizens Choice line and would appreciate your vote for the two available village trustee seats.

Thank you for living, working, being great neighbors, and operating businesses in the Village of Watkins Glen.

The best to all of you.

Stephen Klemann

Photo in text: Stephen Klemann and his family. (Provided)

Voting Information:
March 19, 2024
Watkins Glen Community Center
155 South Clute Park Drive
12:00 pm-9:00 pm

Tourney will help support United Way

To the Editor on March 14:

I teach an Advertising & Marketing class at Watkins Glen High School. As a student-led Advertising and Marketing team, determined to gain real-life experience in the field of Advertising and Marketing, while giving back to our community, we decided to put together a fundraiser.

This Spring we will be hosting a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Watkins Glen Field House, "Lake Hawk Havoc.".All proceeds will be donated to The United Way of Schuyler County.

We selected The United Way of Schuyler County because it’s a volunteer-led organization that mobilizes the resources and strategic thinking of the non-profit, private, and public sectors to improve lives, strengthen the community, and build a stronger Schuyler County.

We were wondering if you would be willing or interested in helping us advertise this event? We just want to try and make this event special as the United Way does so much for so many organizations.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Angela Morse

Editor's Note: The ad also appears on the PSA Page.

I pledge to listen to your concerns

To the Editor on March 11:

Greetings, Watkins Glen residents! My name is Ian Ault, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as a candidate for village trustee. While I may not be a native of this area, I bring a wealth of experiences and a deep commitment to serving our community.

I am originally from Central City, Nebraska, a town about the size of Watkins Glen. Throughout my high school years, I was involved in sports, particularly football and track, and spent my leisure time fishing, drawing, and working on my car. From age 13 on, I kept busy with work, starting in corn fields and later in construction.

After high school, I pursued my dream of serving our country in the Army, first as an Airborne Ranger stationed in Savannah, Georgia, and later in the New York National Guard based in Ithaca, NY. During my military service, I traveled to many countries, deployed to Afghanistan twice, and contributed to critical security operations across New York State post-9/11.

Choosing to make New York my home, I settled in the Dundee area and embarked on a journey to become an educator. While in college, I began working at Hillside Children's Center, a residential treatment facility supporting at-risk youth and families. After obtaining my teaching certification, I had the privilege of teaching at Hillside's school. In 2016, I discovered Watkins Glen, and it immediately felt like home. Since then, I have proudly called this community my own and have been teaching at WGCSD since 2019.

As a teacher, husband, and father of four children, I have a personal stake in the well-being of our community. My commitment to serving Watkins Glen extends to ensuring a brighter future for all residents. If entrusted with the role of trustee, I pledge to prioritize listening to your concerns, advocating for our residents, and fostering collaborative efforts. I view the position of trustee as a solemn commitment to making objective decisions with transparency.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am eager to earn your vote and work together to shape a brighter tomorrow for Watkins Glen.

Ian Ault

Photo in text: From left, son Balan, wife Carey, daughter Evelynn, and Ian Ault with family dog Hank. (Provided)

Easter Sonrise Service set at park

To the Editor on March 9:

It is with great joy that we invite you to attend the Annual Easter Sonrise Service at the Watkins Glen State Park on Sunday, March 31, at 6:30 a.m. This will be the 88th year that the Schuyler County Churches have organized this greeting of the dawn on Easter morning. All are welcome. Please bring a chair, and perhaps a warm blanket!

If you would like to sing in the choir, please attend at least one of these rehearsals: Sunday, March 10 and/or Sunday, March 24 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Montour Falls Methodist Church. There will be a "dress" rehearsal Saturday, March 30 at 3 p.m. at the park. Music for the two anthems will be provided. We will be singing Mary McDonald's arrangement of Chris Tomlin's hit "I Will Rise" and a Cliff Duran arrangement of Phil Wickham's hit " Living Hope." Kevin Austin will be giving the Easter message.

A free will offering will be taken to be shared with Habitat for Humanity and the Food Pantry.

The service will happen no matter the weather, the Son will always rise! For more information, you may contact Kim Laursen- mamacagwell@aol.com.

Kim Laursen

United Way is integral part of Schuyler

To the Editor on March 7:

This letter is in support of the United Way of Schuyler County. The Hector Library has for many years reached out for assistance in providing families, children and the elderly of the Township of Hector with programming that met the needs of rural populations. Graciously the United Way has provided us with the necessary funding to meet the needs of our population.

Without the financial support each and every year, our small rural library (which receives no financial support from tax dollars for this purpose) would not be able to raise enough money through fund-raising. This library serves a population of over 5,000, of which 3,897 are resident borrowers. The library offers programming for all ages of people, from birth through 100. United Way funds almost all of these programs each year, with sometimes a small amount paid for by our book sale and rummage sale.

United Way of Schuyler County is an integral part of all of Schuyler County's population support. Without this wonderful organization, many smaller unfunded or underfunded organizations would not be able to carry on the work so necessary to meet the needs of a rural, lower income, population. I certainly hope they will be able to continue with their hard work, supplying funds to those in need.

Board of Directors
E.B. Pert Memorial Library

Fitness center opening on trial basis

To the Editor on February 29:

Odessa-Montour Central School is excited to announce that the fitness center (located in the Hanlon Elementary School) will be open to the public on a limited trial basis. The fitness center will welcome the public during the month of March on Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday the 9th, 16th, and 23 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., and Wednesday the 27th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

At this time, we ask for fitness center users to be 18 or older. Participants will be asked to fill out a waiver, and sign in each time they come in. We also invite community members to come walk the building during open fitness center hours; please sign in and out at the fitness center.

Interest and usage will be assessed for possible continuation beyond March. Please direct questions to Andy Campbell at acampbel@omschools.org.

Andrew Campbell
Facility Use Proctor
Odessa-Montour Central School

Thanks, United Way, for your help

The following was written to the United Way of Schuyler County in support of the latter's efforts on behalf of the Girl Scouts.

To the Editor on February 20:

I am writing in gratefulness for the support your organization has provided to our local Girl Scouts and council for the past 75 years -- and to thank you as we head into the next 75.

Through its work, the United Way of Schuyler County has provided countless opportunities for young women in your region. The funds we receive here at Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways directly support girls in Schuyler County. They are used for financial assistance toward annual Girl Scout membership fees, unlocking the opportunity for those who face financial hardship to have the chance to be immersed in our Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Girls are also able to take part in outdoor adventures and grow an appreciation for nature by attending our Girl Scout summer camps because of this relationship.

Our girls and volunteers are actively involved in their community because of your generosity and support. Making birthday cake kits, providing helping hands for local food pantries, wrapping gifts for Seneca Santa, and creating tray favors for local hospital patients are just a few examples of how our members are rooting themselves locally. Several girls are currently working on their Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects as well -- our Movement's highest-earned awards and through which girls make their communities, and the world, a better place.

I am confident that our continued partnership will continue to make a significant impact and positively change the lives of so many girls in Schuyler County by providing them with paths for emotional and social engagement in their local community.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

JoAnne Morak
VP of Advancement and Retail Operations
Girls Scouts of NYPENN Pathways

Our work is far from finished ...

To the Editor on February 18:

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the remarkable display of resilience and unity demonstrated by the people of Schuyler County during last Tuesday's public hearings convened by the DEC concerning the proposed expansion of the Padua Ridge Gravel Mine by over 400%. The turnout at both sessions, despite the inconvenient timing of the initial 2 p.m. slot on a workday, was a testament to the unwavering determination of our community to protect its interests and preserve its integrity.

It is clear that the people of Schuyler County refuse to be sidelined or silenced when the well-being of our community and its residents are at stake. Since the inception of a similar proposal back in 2007, the DEC's handling of the matter has consistently leaned towards expediency at the expense of due process and community input. However, the overwhelming participation and vocal opposition at the hearings underscored the profound economic, environmental, scientific, and historical concerns surrounding this expansion. Moreover, the potential threat to the public drinking water intake of the village of Watkins Glen cannot be ignored.

The solidarity and collective action witnessed during the hearings evoked memories of our community rallying together in support of one of our own whenever faced with times of adversity. It is moments like these that remind us of the strength and resilience inherent in our community spirit. Yet, our work is far from finished, and the battle is far from over. I urge all concerned citizens to reach out to Senator Tom O'Mara's office at 607-735-9671 and Assemblyman Palmesano at 607-776-9691 to underscore the urgent need for our state representatives to vigorously defend our community against this looming threat.

Thank you to this proud community for your unwavering dedication and resolve. Let us stand firm and united, for our voices are our strongest asset in safeguarding the future of Schuyler County. Together, we shall never falter.

Mark Stephany
Watkins Glen

What do healing spring water, Franciscans, and gravel have in common? Well, Tuesday afternoon and evening, residents of the Village of Watkins Glen and local towns, business owners, farmers, and others held some very important respectful conversations about all three.

It isn't often in these polarized times that community residents can come together and have a respectful conversation. But they did. Long-time residents (some of several generations), new-comers, Republicans, Democrats, young people and some not so young, all came together to have a respectful conversation.

They were gathered at the Clute Park Community Center to meet with the Administrative Law Judge for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the proposal to expand the Padua Ridge gravel pit by almost four times its present size.

Resident after resident rose to speak respectfully to the law judge and to each other. That doesn't happen very much these days, but it did today.

Whatever the DEC decides, let it be known that our community can have a respectful conversation across parties, generations, and ages. America needs more of what we showed each other today. It just might heal our soul.

The Reverend Michael Hartney
Watkins Glen

How can DEC even consider this?

To the Editor on February 13:

The following was submitted to the New York State Department of Enironmental Conservation in Avon, NY by Dr. Cynthia Terry of Watkins Glen.

To the DEC:

I am a resident of 112 Seventh Street, Watkins Glen, town of Dix, Schuyler County.

I write to express my dismay and great concern about the proposed expansion of the Padua Gravel Pit in the Town of Dix to nearly five times its existing size.

I am alarmed at the length of time allowed for public comment, especially considering the enormous impact this expansion would have on quality of life for the residents, businesses and tourists who enjoy Watkins Glen. Surely a more in-depth study of the impact is needed to assess all the potential consequences to our treasured community.

The increased traffic anticipated on our already overburdened steep, windy roads deserves more consideration and careful study.

I am a retired physician whose previous duties included staffing the Schuyler County Hospital’s emergency room. Our public health and safety officials do a valiant job to stretch beyond the small village experience for the 4-5 month tourist season. However this expansion of traffic seems only to our detriment.

As a resident living only two blocks from the Watkins Glen gorge, I treasure its beauty and importance to our area. The increased noise, air pollution and water run-off are threats to property damage and property values.

The Padua property was once a beautiful tourist destination for the famed Glen Springs Hotel, attracting international tourism.

The Finger Lakes area is now recognized as a world class tourist destination.

How can this expansion enhance our area?

How could the DEC even consider the expansion given the stated mission of the DEC?.

Cynthia Terry, MD

We need at least 90 days for comments

To the Editor on February 11:

Below is another letter I sent to our state legislators regarding the Padua Ridge Expansion. If you feel it is fit ... I would like it published in The Forum.

Margaret Schimizzi

Honorable Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano:

Once again, I hope all is well and once again, I ask for your help.

Today (Sunday, 11 February) I attended a public meeting at the Watkins Glen Municipal Building regarding the Padua Ridge Expansion Plan.

It is my understanding that the DEC of NYS has opened a 25-day window for comments either for or against the expansion after the public hearings schedule for this coming Monday and Tuesday.

On Thursday, 8 February I spent the morning combing through the DEIS. Seven-hundred plus pages with all the maps, tables and charts. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement.

I tried to hone in on just a few issues that directly affect our residents -- those I represent as a village trustee: Reclamation, potential impact to water resources, potential noise impacts and potential drainage and erosion impacts.

I’m not an expert in any of these areas, but I can read. In any and all of these areas, the verbiage is vague. There are no definitive deadlines for reclamation, no definitive statements regarding oversight and quite frankly no relief for those living in the village who could be most impacted by any mishap that has occurred and could occur.

As a tourist community, the visual impact of this project is grossly and woefully underestimated. This also affects the economic impact of such a project in our tourist town.

All that aside or all that considered, once again I ask for your assistance to have the window of public comments be expanded from the 25 days set by the DEC to at least 90 days so that folks have the opportunity to digest the information, ask questions and let their voices be heard about this very important issue that will impact our village immensely.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration of this very crucial issue.

Margaret Schimizzi

Thank you, United Way, for your support

To the Editor on February 6:

I am the Executive Director of Schuyler Head Start, Inc. and I'm writing to publicly thank Schuyler County United Way for always supporting our much-needed work through their generous donations year after year.

Schuyler Head Start is a federally funded early education program for preschool-aged children. The program offers 3- to 5-year-old children and their families health, education and social services, and there is no fee to participate. Early Head Start extends the services provided through Head Start to pregnant women, infant, and toddlers up until age three.

Children are eligible to participate in the programs if their families' income falls below the 100% of the federal poverty limit. Children whose families receive public assistance (such as TANF or SSI), children with disabilities or special health needs, homeless children, and children in foster care are categorically eligible regardless of family income. Up to 35% of a program's enrollees can be children whose families' income is between 100% and 130% of poverty. Those with lower incomes and those who are categorically eligible are accommodated first.

Schuyler Head Start is a stand-alone provider that serves children in Schuyler County. The program is funded to provided center-based services for 68 children, and 22 for Early Head Start.

The mission of Schuyler Head Start, Inc. is to provide quality education and health services to children and their families in an environment that enhances their strength, embraces their diversity, and encourages their creativity.

In order to fulfill our mission and meet our approved school readiness goals, we rely on donations from community agencies such as the United Way. We are blessed to have such an amazing organization that is made up of local volunteers. All money raised by the United Way is given back to the agencies in our community.

Thank you, Schuyler County United Way, for all the monetary donations. Your support truly helps our children to succeed and strengthen our families.

Tina Winchell
Executive Director
Schuyler Head Start, Inc.

How could anyone let this happen?

To the Editor on January 30:

I haven't lived in Watkins Glen in 40 years. But I still call it my home. My grandfather, Homer Ellison, and then my mother Frances ran the Ellison Souvenir Shop directly across from the Watkins Glen Gorge for over 50 years.

I can not imagine the tranquility of the Gorge being disrupted by what would be the noise and dirt of a gravel pit expansion that would be near the Gorge itself. This could possibly endanger visitors and eventually damage the beautiful gorge itself.

How could anyone let this happen to such a magnificent place that nature has created for the pleasure of mankind?

I encourage anyone who has the power to stop this, please act. You don't realize the absolute beauty of Watkins Glen until you move away from the area. You are gifted and blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Cheryl Allison Edkin Arnold

Attached is an email I sent to State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmaseno this evening regarding the gravel pit expansion in Watkins Glen and the planned DEC public hearings. If you feel it is appropriate, I would like to request that you publish it in the Forum for public consumption.

Thank you in advance.

Margaret Schimizzi

To: The Honorable Senator Thomas O'Mara and Assemblyman Philip A. Palmesano

Gentlemen:

Good evening and I hope you are doing well. I write to you tonight, not as a Trustee of the Village of Watkins Glen, but as a life-long resident who was raised here, raised my children here and now my children are raising their children here in Watkins Glen.

We are in serious need of assistance regarding the proposed expansion of the Padua Ridge gravel pit spearheaded by "It's Greener Now" Inc.

I have a feeling I don't need to go into great detail regarding the negative impact this expansion will have environmentally, economically, and aesthetically to the village of Watkins Glen. I know you are quite familiar with our little town, how we live ... and how we make a living, but I would like to provide a snapshot, so as to speak.

First, I think it is imperative to acknowledge the impact mining aggregate on a hill will immediately have on the folks who live directly below the gravel pit. The potential for run-off, the flooding of basements to the residents on the side hill, and quite frankly a landslide are all considerations that should and must be given serious thought before moving ahead with this expansion.

You are well aware that Watkins Glen depends greatly on tourism. Be it the wine industry, visitors to the gorge or just folks who enjoy Seneca Lake. This expansion would greatly compromise the natural beauty of our area. I remember growing up here and looking to the west to a beautiful building, rich in history, that eventually succumbed to deterioration. Now, I look to the west and see a gigantic hole in the hillside -- not pleasing to the eye, but worse, a potential catastrophe to our beloved town.

"It's Greener Now" cannot guarantee a mudslide won't occur or that folks' basements won't be flooded or that their runoff doesn't affect others' land (which has already happened) or even have a negative impact on our water source and our lives.

The DEC has scheduled two public hearings to discuss their findings regarding an environmental impact study and to take public comments regarding the expansion. One is in person (Feb. 13) and one will be virtual (Feb. 12). Unfortunately, the in-person public hearing is scheduled for 2 o'clock in the afternoon at the Clute Park Event Center. Hardly a convenient time for the working folks to attend and express their opinion of this proposal one way or the other.

I implore you as my representative to the State Senate and State Assembly to put forth any measures you can to at the very least have the DEC move the in-person public hearing to a time when the majority of the people in this village ... who will be impacted the most by this proposal ... can have an adequate opportunity to listen and to speak.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.

Margaret A. Schimizzi
Resident and Constituent

Postscript on Jan. 30: Tom O'Mara's office called me and Laurie DeNardo today to say he talked to someone at DEC ... I don't remember his name. We were told that the hours would be extended until 7:30 p.m. for the in-person public hearing.

I would like the public to know ... that our state legislators responded to my email swiftly and took appropriate action to make sure all residents have the opportunity for their voice to be heard on this very important issue. Now it is up to us.

Margaret A. Schimizzi

Proud to be a United Way agency

To the Editor on January 18:

In 2008 Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity became a local partner with Yates County Habitat for Humanity. Since then, we have built or renovated four homes in Schuyler County to provide decent, affordable, and energy-efficient housing for four families (fifteen individuals). We are now starting our fifth house, which is a renovation project. It will be like new when completed and will be called "home" by a single parent and her two children.

From the beginning, United Way of Schuyler County has been a financial supporter and a cheerleader for Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity. The United Way of Schuyler County works collaboratively with organizations in Schuyler County to improve the well-being of county residents and of the community. When community nonprofit organizations work together, everyone benefits. When individual community members offer their gifts of volunteer time and / or treasures, when local businesses offer donations of product or labor, and when we all support each other, everyone wins.

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity is proud to be a United Way of Schuyler County agency.

Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity,
in partnership with Yates County Habitat for Humanity

Thanks to those who helped on raffle

To the Editor on January 5:

United Way of Schuyler County would like to thank and recognize those who participated in the cash raffle drawing held on November 30th at Wags to Riches.

1st prize: $1,000 to Kevin Rumsey, who graciously donated $500 back to United Way.
2nd prize: $500 to Cherie Kennison, who graciously donated $100 back to United Way
3rd prize: $500 to Mary Jo Roth of Horseheads
4th prize: $500 to Melody Lachut of Horseheads
5th prize: $500 to Alan Rowswell of Grand Island

Board members who sold the winning tickets were Jamie Rumsey (wife of Kevin), Deb Simpson (daughter of Cherie), Sharon Stadelmaier (mother of Melody), and Barb & Curt Connelly, who sold the other two winning tickets.

Some board members went above and beyond in their efforts to sell more than their allotted 10 tickets. Bill Yessman and Curt and Barb Connelly sold tickets at the Harvest Festival, Curly’s Family Restaurant, and the Burdett Craft Bazaar. Their efforts resulted in two of the out-of-town winners. Deb Simpson, Daryl Kelly, Sharon Stadelmaier, Tina Rappleye, Drew Guild, and family and many personal friends of mine sold additional tickets.

Deepest gratitude to those who purchased tickets on behalf of United Way of Schuyler County and the agencies we support. As we celebrate our 75-year anniversary, we know that none of it would be possible without the continued community backing. One gift works many ways and helps hundreds of our local family and friends. Donations can be mailed to: PO Box 270, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or online at: unitedwayschuyler.org.

Peggy Scott
Executive Director

As the United Way of Schuyler County kicks off its 2023-24 campaign, we'd like to share our deep appreciation for the long-term support the organization has provided the Humane Society of Schuyler County.

Their generous support has enabled us to help families keep their beloved pets when faced with crisis, provided pet food for those in need, and helped to offset the cost of spay/neuter surgeries for income eligible residents.

This small but dedicated group of volunteers gives tirelessly of their time to make our community stronger through the support of numerous agencies who serve the needs of our community.

Did you know that The United Way reaches The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler, My Place, Habitat for Humanity, Schuyler Head Start, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, just to name a few? Surely, they have touched the lives of so many of us who call Schuyler County our home.

We hope that you'll consider supporting the United Way as the organization launches its 2023-24 fund-raising campaign.

Sincerely,

Georgie Taylor
Executive Director
Humane Society of Schuyler County

Seneca Santa served 225 kids this year

To the Editor on December 28:

Two hundred twenty-five children from one hundred five families were visited by Santa's elves delivering packages filled with an enormous assortment of gifts from Seneca Santa, Inc.

I woke up the morning following the "bagging" for the program to a very vivid visual dream. The dream consisted of a jigsaw puzzle of Schuyler County. Each piece of the puzzle represented someone who had contributed to the program. Whether it was money, toys, books, hats/mittens, or just time, each piece made a complete puzzle, and the puzzle would not have been complete without each piece in place.

I have been blessed with longtime friends, family, and supporters who helped make the program what it is today. I have been equally blessed with new friends and supporters who have made it possible for me to maintain this wonderful Schuyler County tradition. Every year is similar, but there are always adjustments and changes that are necessary according to the circumstances of the program for that particular year.

Several monetary donations made this year included notes attached from those who were either directly or indirectly affected by the Seneca Santa program. These are perfect examples of "paying it forward." I have always told everyone involved that if "one" child is made happy by this program, it is more than worth it. The reality is, there are thousands of children who have benefited from the generosity of so many others.

There is no way possible I could list each and every one who has contributed, but I hope they know that I thank God for them every day. I also hope they realize that their gift to the program, no matter how big or small, has brought joy and happiness to deserving children from Schuyler County. I am so humbled by all who make it happen.

Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man. No other words could convey more perfectly the success of the Seneca Santa program for 2023.

Peggy Scott
President

It's good to see the Hall of Fame honoring another class of Coaches and Athletes

Editor's Note: The Watkins Glen High School Athletic Hall of Fame is inducting six new members during the girls and boys holiday basketball tournaments in the WGHS Field House after Christmas. The inductees include coaches John Fazzary and Jeff Smythe, and athletes Courtney Warren-Manning, Patrick Hazlitt, Matthew Gill and Alexis Castellaneta. See story on Sports.

To the Editor on December 23:

So nice to see Watkins Glen High School honoring another class of Coaches and Athletes for Hall of Fame induction later this week. Seems appropriate at this time to speak to the inaugural Class of Coaches/Athletes and a bit of the history of the Hall of Fame.

Faculty Manager Bill Davis came to me in early 1990 with the idea to honor coaches, athletes and benefactors for an on-going and permanent Hall of Fame display in the high school. Together we made this happen and began the process for nominations and selections (mostly involving the Athletic Council). Parents and other community members were welcome to actively participate as well. Location for the display was on the wall space (mainly the northern side) of the auditorium hallway between the auditorium and what was then the gymnasium. There was no standard size for frames and pictures, but under each frame was a standard name plaque.

As the years passed it was determined to look toward a more standardized display (same size for all), and the addition of the Field House provided ideal space for a more permanent and appropriate display of individuals so honored. Former and retired coaches were always actively contacted, as were former athletes (with the oldest dating back to the 1920s). Since 1990 the Watkins Glen Athletic Hall of Fame has served as a way to honor and preserve athletic history and highlight those gifted individuals who were such a large part of that history and tradition.

During that first-year nomination and selection process, the WGHS Sports Boosters were very focused and interested in Bill Davis being honored also (the first person as an athlete and a coach). This was kept from Bill until the night of the formal induction.

The inaugural CLASS was:

*BLAINE MOREHOUSE
*COACH JOE LEMAK
*JIM SCOTT (Also a long-time Coach through the years)
*BILL COLUNIO
*BILL DAVIS

Again, congratulations to this year's honorees. So glad to see this tradition continue!

Brian J. O'Donnell
Former WGHS Principal and School Board Member

P.S.: I would also like to say what an important role Craig Cheplick played in implementing the display in the Field House and in keeping the Athletic Hall of Fame running for years.

Photo in text: The inaugural class of WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. From left: Bill Davis, Blaine Morehouse, Joe Lemak, Jim Scott, Bill Colunio.

Seneca Santa says 'Thank you'

To the Editor on December 14:

Due to the efforts of Cascata Events in Montour Falls (Dustin & Antionette D'Angelo-Corbett), Seneca Santa was the recipient of over $1,900.00 that was raised by their Friendsgiving 2023 event. The following were instrumental in making it happen:

Diversion Brewing Co. -- Mangus Ridge Winery -- Joe Hittenburg
Finger Lakes Soap Co. -- 2 Cats Cakery -- Bruce Boughton
Babes and Buds Coffee Lounge and Boutique
Watkins Glen Supply -- Dennis Winge Music -- Anonymous Donor
Althea's Finger Lakes Tavern -- Charcuterie Creations by Stacy -- Matthew VanEtten
Watkins Glen International -- Jessica Rae Photography -- Fionnagh Krenzer
Montour Falls Tea Co. -- Babies Breath Candle Co. -- Valerie Ann Snider

My own personal thanks to Dustin & Antionette for hosting this event that brought everyone together to not only have a good time but to also give back to the community. I am honored and humbled by the generosity of so many that made it happen.

Hundreds of children are provided a wonderful Christmas because of the long-standing tradition of Seneca Santa, Inc. in Schuyler County. God bless everyone who helps make it happen!

Peggy Scott
President

Cash raffle raises funds for United Way

To the Editor on December 1:

United Way of Schuyler County attended the recent festivities at the Wags to Riches store operated by the Humane Society of Schuyler County on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen, and drew the winning tickets for the United Way's fund-raising cash raffle.

Five tickets were drawn for a total of $3,000 -- a first prize of $1,000 and four drawings of $500 each. Funds raised go to benefit 21 local agencies the United Way helps support.

Pictured from left are United Way board members Sarah Matthews and Aimee Churchill, Quinn Stamp (who drew the winning names), and board members Peggy Scott and William Yessman.

The Humane Society is one of the 21 agencies that United Way supports. Donations can be made by check mailed to: United Way of Schuyler County, PO Box 270, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, or online at unitedwayschuyler.org.

Peggy Scott
United Way of Schuyler County

Youth Cheerleaders did great at Moravia

To the Editor on November 20:

This past weekend the Schuyler County Youth Cheerleading squad traveled to Moravia for our "Superbowl." Our Junior and Senior teams combined to compete as one, and with 22 girls we competed in the senior division in the Moravia High School-hosted event: the 2023 Youth Finger Lakes Cheerleading Competition.

We are happy to report that our Storm cheerleaders came home in 4th place with an impressive showing. It was an extremely tough competition, and our girls represented very well. Many of our cheerleaders chose to do the individual jump-off, where they showcase their individual skills, and our own Alayna Brown made it to the jump-off in impressive style.

I want to recognize the hard work that these young student athletes put in and also want to share their accomplishments with your readers. Youth sports are where we garner the next generation, and we have phenomenal youth sports here in Schuyler County.

Our team consisted of 21 girls from ages 7-12 years old, grades 2-6. These girls started practicing for sideline cheer in August alongside their Flag cheer counterparts and a few teammates who weren't able to continue through competition season. These teams cheered each weekend for the Schuyler County Youth Football Storm teams throughout the Southern Tier.

Competition practice started in Mid-September, with much of the credit going to two of our senior cheerleaders, Brie Turnmyre and Alayna Brown, for creating our choreography and routine. Their creativity created a stunning routine that wowed the crowd and the judges!

Thank you for allowing me to brag a bit about our team and the hard word that they do. We are always looking for new athletes. Signups for Football and Cheer will begin over the summer, and more information can be found on the Schuyler County Youth Football Facebook page. Information for Cheer and Football is available by messaging there.

GO STORM!!

Respectfully submitted by a very proud coach!

Niki Turnmyre

United Way: a tradition in Schuyler

To the Editor on November 14:

"Give ... Give enough!" was the rallying cry 75 years ago when community leaders launched the first effort to collect donations to support organizations serving Schuyler County residents.

The Schuyler County Community Chest joined similar programs across the nation, heralded by President Harry Truman as "practical demonstration(s) of the democratic faith we profess."

"When the people of a country like ours -- free to act selfishly in their own interest -- choose to act unselfishly in the common interest, this is democracy at its best," Truman said in a national radio address to launch October 1948 Community Chest campaigns in 1,200 communities.

In Schuyler County, Kathleen Golding of Watkins Glen was chairwoman of the undertaking to raise $17,000 for six organizations: Shepard Relief Hospital ($10,000), Boy Scouts ($2,119), Cancer Society ($1,500), Girl Scouts ($1,300), Salvation Army ($800), and the Cerebral Palsy Association ($500).

"What you donate will benefit you, your family, your neighbors and friends, your community, your county -- GIVE -- GIVE ENOUGH," urged the Watkins Express newspaper in its Oct. 6, 1948 issue.

The door-to-door campaign, enlisting upwards of 200 volunteers covering every community, fell short by $781. But that first October drive laid the foundation for a Schuyler County tradition that continues today under the banner of United Way, a name-change adopted in 1994.

In 2023, donations to United Way will help support 21 agencies serving Schuyler residents. The list includes Schuyler Hospital (re-named in 1954) and the Boy and Girl Scouts, each benefiting since the beginning.

This year's campaign goal is $123,000.

United Way of Schuyler County

Dinner raises $400 for Seneca Santa

To the Editor on November 9:

A dedicated group of community volunteers recently put on a spaghetti dinner at the Watkins Glen School Apartments, with the proceeds going to Seneca Santa, Inc.

Special thanks to Linda Mapes for making the initial contact, to Jeff Fazzary of Art & Nancy's for donating his time and materials to make the dinner, and to outstanding baker Marie Quintal for spectacular desserts. Over $400 was raised.

Pictured, from left: Gabby Fazzary, Linda Mapes, Dominick Madaffari, Jeff Fazzary, Beverly Mello, Frank LaFace, and Michelle Hyde (Photo provided).

Peggy Scott
President, Seneca Santa

The cast of "Seussical, the Musical" pose on the WGHS Auditorium stage. (Provided)

LCP's 'Seussical, the Musical' Nov. 17-19

To the Editor on November 8:

Whether you like Green Eggs and Ham or not, you will love the upcoming Lake Country Players' production of "Seussical, the Musical" to be presented November 17 and 18 at 7:30 and November 19 at 2PM at the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The show features favorite Dr. Seuss characters like The Cat in the Hat (played by Alex Gill) and Horton the Elephant (Brenden Wendling) along with Gertrude and her one-feather tail (Kelsey Gill) and Amazing Mayze (Annabeth Wheaton).

The basic story line revolves around the unconventional "thinks" of young JoJo Who (Anne Roney) and the uncompromising loyalty of Horton to the distressed teeny tiny characters of Whoville. JoJo's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor (Pam Kelly, Elizabeth Fresquez) are depending on JoJo to save their nearly microscopic planet from the clutches of the Wickersham Brothers (Della Diliberto, Grady Cole and Gavin Lewis) and the extreme negativity of the brassy Sour Kangaroo (Sami Cox), all of whom live in the Jungle of Nool. Much of the story is narrated by a trio of lovely young Bird Girls (Bri Holton, Edele Morgan, Peyton Dennis) and the Cat, with the assistance of Thing One and Thing Two (Natalie VanSkiver, Arloween Loucks-Scuteri).

After a short stint at boot camp under the command of General Ghengis Khan Schmitz (Phil Watson), JoJo revolts at the stupidity of war, and goes AOL. An eagle steals the clover upon which resides the planet of Who, but Horton is stuck on Mayze's nest hatching her egg while she dallies in Palm Beach and visits the circus where Horton has ended up.

Who will save the tiny planet of "Who" from destruction? Can anyone help Horton while he faithfully incubates the egg? What will actually come out of the egg? Will the citizens of the Jungle of Nool (Horton's home) convict Horton of fabricating his tale of Whoville? Come see for yourself in this energetic, fun show all about Seuss, directed by Enaw Elonge with musical director Jenn Kraemer and accompanist extraordinaire Brian Cerow. Tickets available at the door at WGHS by cash or check.

Kim Laursen

Members of the O-M boys varsity soccer team at the breakfast. (Photo provided)

Thanks to the fans and the Moose Lodge

To the Editor on November 6:

On Sunday, November 5th the Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity soccer teams conducted their annual fund raising breakfast at the Montour Moose Lodge.

Again this year the kids had a good time serving drinks, busing tables, cooking food, cleaning and washing dishes.

The two teams want to give a huge thank-you to all of the fans who came out to support the two teams and to the Montour Moose Lodge, which is always so great working with our athletes, supporting our programs and all of our area's youth sports organizations.

Kennith May
O-M Boys Soccer Coach

Photo in text: Members of the O-M girls varsity soccer team at the breakfast. (Provided)

I'm running for Catharine Town Council

To the Editor on October 25:

--Sharon Bradford

An open letter to the Hector Town Board

To the Editor on October 20:

Dear Board Members:

The ongoing debate over zoning in Hector is often portrayed as a choice between government control and private property rights, but this is a false comparison in my view. Of course private property rights are important -- they are the foundation of land use in this country, unlike Europe, for example, where property rights historically derived from the Crown.

But communities have rights too. Specifically, as a collective group of citizens, we have the right to decide what kind of town we live in. For example, we have the right to expect that a quiet residential neighborhood will remain that way, and not turn into an entertainment district with outdoor music blasting a quiet summer evening to smithereens.

We have the right to make choices. Do we want to preserve our agricultural land base, or watch it get whittled away by low density residential lots that are too big to mow but too small to plow? Do we need economic growth? What kind? Where? Shouldn't we be concerned with the quantity and quality of water that runs off our steep slopes? Do we care about the scenic views from our public roadways that enhance our lives and also attract visitors?

Individual citizens will respond differently to such questions, but isn't it better that we work out matters ourselves rather than leaving them to chance or worse, have them decided for us by out-of-town developers or the lawyers for some big corporation?

Hector is changing rapidly, and the most compelling reason for zoning is that it lets the citizens who live here decide our own future.

A great deal of hard work and citizen input went into the draft zoning ordinance before you. Scaled back significantly from the first draft, it is flexible, amendable, and very much needed. It deserves your support.

Charles J. Fausold
Valois

United Way of Schuyler County served 306 spaghetti and meatball dinners on October 9, 2023 at the Moose Lodge in Montour Falls. All proceeds raised will go to the 21 agencies that support our friends and neighbors in Schuyler County.

The following volunteers made it possible:

Larry Scruggs, Andrew Yessman, Jan Granston, Demitrius Dillon, Johnathon Williams, Heidi Gardner, John Bouvier, Dustin Cummings, Drew Popovich, Brixton Fuller-Bianco, Broghan Fuller-Bianco, Holly Campbell, Ben Campbell, Alex Campbell, Andy Campbell, Sadye Halpin, James Halpin, Connor Foggie, Cara Reynolds, Katie Sirrine, Erik Rizen and Kristine Morseman.

The following board members contributed time and monies:

Debbie Simpson, Stacy Woodworth, Curt Connelly, Veronica Lewis, Daryl Kelly, Bill Yessman, Barb Connelly, Sharon Stadelmaier, Kai D'Alleva, Jamie Rumsey, Terri Orbin and Drew Guild.

Thank you to the Moose Club and Larry Scruggs for their community service in hosting the event. Thank you to all those who purchased tickets and supported the dinner. United Way has had the distinction of serving Schuyler County for 75 years. Donations may be mailed to PO Box 270, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or online at unitedwayschuyler.org.

Peggy Scott
Executive Director