For your convenience, we have installed the link below to make donations to this website easier. Now you can utilize your PayPal account or your credit card.

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To go to Jim Guild's Famous Brands website, click on the drawing above or here.

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Clifford Motors: Sponsor of this page

Clifford Motors, the Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick dealer in Watkins Glen, is the sponsor of this Odessa File Features page.

Address: 111 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Phone Number: (607) 535-2754

Click here or on the photo to reach the Clifford website.

Chamber seeks Hall of Fame nominations

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 7 -- The Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce is once again
sponsoring the Schuyler County Hall of Fame, in conjunction with the County Legislature.

Nominations for a fall 2008 induction are currently being accepted. Formal nomination forms may be secured from the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce, 100 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. The forms are available on line at www.schuylerny.com under “About the Chamber” and “Hall of Fame.”

Completed nominations are due back at the Chamber office no later than May 31. Nominations should have as much documentation and information as possible, as the selection committee is not a research committee, and depends greatly on information submitted.

The Hall of Fame, first instituted in 1995, was established to “recognize and honor dedicated individuals who have unconditionally contributed their energy, commitment and persistence to achieving their vision for Schuyler County.” In that process, each member of the Hall of Fame has improved and enhanced life in Schuyler County for all.

For more information, contact the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce at (607) 535-4300 or email chamber@schuylerny.com

Parkinson support group sets meeting

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 7 -- The Finger Lakes Parkinson Disease Support Group will meet Thursday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex at the intersection of Route 14 and 323 Owego St. in Montour Falls.

Attorney Dennis Morris will be the featured speaker on the topic of Estate Planning. He will discuss wills, transfer of assets, health care proxy, and other relevant legal topics which affect one’s future health care, while protecting financial security of a surviving spouse.

Mr. Morris is legal counsel to the Schuyler County Office for the Aging. Individuals with Parkinson disease and caregivers who have family members with Parkinson disease are welcome to attend. Interested persons can contact OFA for more information at 535-7108.

This group is co-sponsored by the Schuyler County Office for the Aging and RVSP of Schuyler and Yates Counties.

Author Neale to discuss, sign her books

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 6 -- Former Odessa resident Cynthia Neale, author of the novel The Irish Dresser and the sequel Hope in New York City, will read, discuss and sign her books on Saturday, May 24, at the Montour Falls Memorial Library, 406 W. Main St. The event begins at 7 p.m.

Neale's books deal with hope during the Irish famine and its after-effects. She has a continuing concern about hunger in the world and donates 10% of her book sales to OXFAM, a humanitarian aid organization.

The public is invited to attend, and light refreshments will be served.

League to host domestic-violence specialist

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 6 -- The Schuyler County League of Women Voters will host Georgia DeGregorio, a Specialist on Domestic Violence for the New York State League of Women Voters, when it holds its May luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Glen Motor Inn, Route 14 north of Watkins Glen.

DeGregorio will explain proposed legislation to amend the Family Court Act and Criminal Procedure Law to provide equal access and equal civil and criminal protections to non-married, non-parent victims of domestic violence. The NYS League of Women Voters supports this legislation.

Agencies, law enforcement personnel and legal-system employees who work with victims of violence are being encouraged by the League to attend.

The luncheon cost is $12, and reservations should be made by May 14 by contacting Mary Barnes at 535-4600, Nancy Herzig at 535-6667 or 535-1841, Shirley Kohena at 546-2641 or jerry@htva.net, or Shirley Craver at 594-2334.

Books being accepted for annual sale

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 5 -- Start packing up those books that you no longer have room for or interest in.

The Friends of the Watkins Library Annual Used Book Sale is now accepting books, puzzles, videotapes and magazines. Donations may be taken to The Arc on 12th Street in Watkins Glen during business hours. If you are unable to take your books to The Arc, leave a message for Glenda Gephart at 535-4844 and arrangements can be made to pick them up.

The sale will be Thursday and Friday, June 19-20, from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Arc.

Week 11: Lakewood Vineyards keeps lead

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 3 -- Defending champion Lakewood Vineyards retained the lead through the next-to-lasat week of this year's Schuyler Steps Out walking challenge, with Glenora Wine Cellars holding on to second place.

In fact, there was no movement in the standings this week, but there are close races to watch in the homestretch!

Glenora Wine Cellars reported that one team member, Karen Ambroz, was just short of making 2 million steps on her own.

This second annual Steps Out challenge is an effort to keep residents and employees throughout Schuyler County active and healthy during winter and spring months when people typically slow down their exercise routines. The program is sponsored by Schuyler Hospital and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Teams representing area organizations may have any number of members. The steps taken each week are calculated as an average number of steps per participating team member, so more members doesn’t necessarily give a team an advantage. Participants track their steps by wearing a pedometer. The pedometers were distributed to team members at no cost by Schuyler Hospital.

At the end of the challenge, the team with the highest average number of steps per member will be awarded the Champion’s Cup, and $2,000 will be donated in their honor to a local non-profit organization.

Last year, 16 different organizations -- led in the end by Champion's Cup winner Lakewood Vineyards -- and over 750 people around Schuyler County participated in the inaugural Schuyler Steps Out Program. Together these groups took a total of 630,830,935 steps, which is the equivalent to approximately 315,415 miles or 12.67 trips around the Earth.

2008: Tally for the 11th week. Totals are cumulative averages.

Lakewood Vineyards: 1,038,009
Glenora Wine Cellars: 865,145
Odessa-Montour Schools: 849,221
Schuyler Hospital: 786,220
Arc of Schuyler County: 735,232
Watkins Glen Elementary School: 703,347
Cornell Cooperative Extension & Veterans Services: 702,447
Watkins Glen Middle School: 687,371
Watkins Glen High School: 672,649
Hazlitt Vineyards: 665,759
Schuyler County Government and OFA: 648,332
Watkins Glen Mayor's Office: 627,506
Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce: 547,991
Merrill Land Surveyors: 540,125
Catholic Charities: 517,770
Watkins Glen International: 414,899*
United Way Southern Tier: 388,945
Chemung Canal-Montour Falls: 305,058*

* Not yet reporting for Week 11

RSVP celebrates Volunteer Week

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 1 -- In recognition of their dedicated service to Schuyler County throughout the year, RSVP volunteers attended the annual appreciation event at the Clute Community Center Wednesday, April 30. The luncheon corresponded with National Volunteer Week and RSVP’s celebration of its 35th Anniversary under the continued sponsorship of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Activities included presentation of Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, comments from the visiting New York State Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service, music with an "old-time" flair by “Just Us” and a lively square dance demonstration.

RSVP volunteers donate their time and talents in support of essential services provided by local non-profit organizations. Interested individuals age 55 and older are encouraged to join RSVP by calling 607-535-7105. Local volunteer opportunities are also highlighted on www.volunteermatch.org.

Photo in text: Helen Haight (left) received the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service in Schuyler County. She is pictured with RSVP Director Beth Lisk. (Photo provided)

Live Like Liz Inc. wins Chef Challenge

Special to The Odessa File

DUNDEE, May 1 -- Live Like Liz, Inc. won the 2nd Annual Veraisons Restaurant Celebrity Guest Chef Challenge, raising almost $400 for their organization. The celebrity chef challenge began in January and concluded in April with over $1,400 raised for local organizations and charities.

Every other Thursday, local celebrities were front and center at the pasta buffet in Veraisons’ dining room to serve guests their freshly created dish of pasta. In return, Glenora Wine Cellars donated a portion of sales for the evening to the charity of the celebrities' choice. Glenora Wine Cellars matched the winner’s raised donation.

Participating organizations included: Lakewood Winery (Monty Stamp Fund at the New York Wine Grape Growers organization), Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce (NASCAR celebration in Montour Falls), Dundee Central School (Dundee Youth Center), Keuka Comfort Care, Schuyler Hospital (Schuyler Health Foundation's 2008 Family of Friends Campaign), Finger Lakes Wine Country (Big Brother Big Sisters), Live Like Liz Inc., Friends of the Outlet (Keuka Outlet Trail Spot Improvement Project), Keuka College (Keuka College Scholarship Fund).

“This is a great way to help local organizations raise money for worthy causes,” said Gene Pierce, President of Glenora Wine Cellars. “Glenora Wine Cellars enjoys giving back to the local community, as they give so much to us. Thanks to all of you who participated and attended.”

Glenora Wine Cellars has been in the wine industry for 30 years, producing award-winning high-quality wines. Glenora Wine Cellars was the first winery on Seneca Lake in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Country. Today the property offers a 30-room inn (Inn at Glenora) and a gourmet restaurant (Veraisons) along with the winery on the beautifully groomed 40-acre estate.

Schuyler Arc's celebration set for May 16

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 1 -- This year marks an important milestone for The Arc of Schuyler: 30 years of providing supports to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc was founded by a group of parents and friends of people with disabilities in 1978. Over the past 30 years, the organization has grown and evolved, but its basic mission remains the same.

To celebrate this and all of its accomplishments, The Arc will hold its 30th Anniversary and Birthday Celebration at the Watkins Glen Community Center on Fourth Street on Friday, May 16.

The evening’s celebration will include cocktails, dinner, and live music and dancing. Entertainment will be provided by the band Flame from Fulton County -- a band in great demand that is made up of 11 people with developmental and physical disabilities, including autism, Down’s syndrome, and blindness. The band's fame is growing fast, but its message remains this: it wants to change the world through music.

People of all ages and backgrounds connect with this band. Parents with developmentally disabled children are often overcome with emotion watching Flame -- inspired to hope that their child can achieve great things and, even more importantly, have a fun, fulfilling life.

The group has two strong-selling CDs and a full tour schedule, and has drawn the interest of documentary filmmakers and a TV production company interested in developing a project for it.

Flame began in 2003 from a recreation program at Lexington in Fulton County. The plan was to have the band play at the agency and around town. However, word spread and requests for appearances began pouring in. Flame now averages over 90 paid performances per year -- at conventions, corporate conferences, civic events, school functions, dances, and private parties. Their song list contains over 100 classic-hit rock, country and blues songs from the past five decades.

Activities at The Arc’s celebration begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending should contact The Arc at 535-6934 for ticket information by May 9.

Hazardous Waste Day will be Sept. 20th

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 26 -- Household Hazardous Waste Day has moved to the fall!

This annual event offers Schuyler County residents (no businesses) the opportunity to properly dispose of hazardous materials, tires and electronics. A small fee will be collected for tires and electronics (hazardous materials are free).

The date for the 2008 event is Saturday, September 20th. Prior registration is required and space is limited.

Registration will be conducted by Cooperative Extension and will be held August 18-29. For more information, call Jenna Hicks at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County at (607) 535-7161.

Mass in the Vineyard sets summer slate

WATKINS GLEN, April 15 -- The following are the scheduled dates and locales for the Mass in the Vineyard program from April through August.

Father Paul Bonacci, pastor of the Schuyler Catholic Community, will be celebrant at all the Masses. Each Mass will begin at 7 p.m.

April 23 -- Lakewood Vineyards
May 28 -- Atwater Estate Vineyards
June 25 -- Chateau Lafayette Reneau
July 23 -- Arcadian Estate Winery
August 27 -- Castel Grisch

September through December dates and locations have not yet been set.

You can help 911 dispatchers help you

The following is a Public Service Announcement issued by the Schuyler County Emergency Management office.

Many times during an emergency, people become panicked and confused, and can’t even remember enough to know what number to call. Schuyler County Emergency Management reminds you to call 911 in an emergency. Also, if you call for help, be prepared to give the dispatcher as much information as possible regarding your location and the nature of the emergency.

Often finding the location of an emergency is a daunting task for responders. Responders make every effort to respond swiftly and safely to all requests for assistance. Posting your 911 house numbers is one of the easiest things you can do to assist in an emergency. Responders rely on these numbers when searching for a residence.

When traveling, keep track of the route numbers you are on and reference points such as town or county you are in. In the event that you need assistance while traveling, the more information as to your location that you provide to the 911 center, the sooner assistance will reach you.

If you need more information, contact Schuyler County Emergency Management at 535-8200 -- or you can find information at www.schuylercounty.us and follow the link to Emergency Services/911.

September Hill offers lending library

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 13 -- Thanks to a grant from the Fingerlakes Regional Perinatal Forum, Schuyler Hospital’s September Hill Women’s Center now offers a “Mother’s Lending Library.”

Received in the summer of 2007, the grant has allowed September Hill to purchase books and videos/DVDs for new parents on topics including: prenatal care, prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding, labor and delivery, postpartum, postpartum depression, infant care, fetal growth and development, infant growth and development, teen pregnancy, and infertility.

Materials may be borrowed for a period of two weeks, and up to five books/videos may be borrowed at one time. This library will be open for use during September Hill’s regular business hours.

For more information, contact Schuyler Hospital’s September Hill Women’s Center at (607) 535-4645 or visit www.schuylerhospital.org

Seneca Water Colors set for June 6

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 7 -- Schuyler Hospital’s Health Foundation has set the date for its second annual Seneca Water Colors fundraiser.

The “wine, water and art event” benefitting Schuyler Hospital has been set for Friday, June 6, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., aboard the Seneca Legacy in Watkins Glen.

“We are firming up some of the details -- including which artists will be auctioning off their work -- but are confident the event will continue to be a can’t-miss evening,” said Ken Wilson, Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation.

The Foundation co-sponsors the evening with the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary. Space is limited to the first 175 responders.

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

Senior Citizens dinner-dance set for May 8

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 4 -- The Schuyler County Office for the Aging will hold its annual Senior Citizens Dinner-Dance on Thursday, May 8, at the Clute Park Community Center.

The schedule:

3:30 p.m. -- Appetizers and Beverages; Bert Salmirs on Piano
4:15 p.m. -- Welcome
4:30 p.m. -- Dinner Served
5:30 p.m. -- Senior Citizen of the Year Award and the Marjorie Norton HIICAP Volunteer Award
6:00- 8:00 p.m. -- Music and Dancing -- Dixieland Band

Reservations are required. Call 535-7108 by May 1.

Dinner honors Health Check volunteers

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 31 -- "Celebrating the Making of a Miracle” was the theme for the Schuyler County Health Check’s volunteers’ recognition dinner hosted in Montour Falls on March 24.

The event was held to thank participants who assist in the free Health Check medical clinics, and obtain new insights for improving their health services. Legislators, physicians, nurses, registrars and support staff were present for the occasion.

George Roets, Director of Schuyler County Public Health and Community Service, was Master of Ceremonies, introducing the miracle theme. Dr. Richard Castor spoke to the critical role that each volunteer plays in providing time and specific talents to the endeavor. Richard McDaniel of Cornell University asked the audience to provide ideas on how to improve services to patients, recruit new volunteers, and streamline clinical procedures. Previously a patient survey had been mailed to 90 patients and a website volunteers’ survey had been employed to glean additional information.

To date over 425 patients have been treated involving 1,630 hours of volunteer time. This equates to an average of 13.5 forty-hour weeks annually that have been devoted to helping those in the area who cannot afford medical health insurance. It is estimated that 20% of the county’s residents are uninsured, surpassing the national average of 16.4%. Forty-six percent of patients treated at the clinic are unemployed.

The cost of operating the clinic is minimal, $28.41 per patient. The personnel cost value of these services is estimated at $25,500 annually with a market value of three times this amount. The value to the patients? Immeasurable!

The benefits for the patient of this medical availability are an earlier diagnosis and treatment, improved prognosis, restored health, plus reduced costs to the general medical community.

Created in 2004, Schuyler County Health Check is an association of volunteers who are dedicated to serving those in need of medical care who cannot otherwise afford it. Medical services include but are not limited to primary healthcare, physical exams, prescription assistance, health education, specialty healthcare and dental referrals, and free or loaned medical equipment and supplies.

The medical healthcare center is a not-for-profit organization supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, private industry, churches, service organizations, grants, the United Way and patient donations. It is affiliated with the Health Ministry of the Southern Tier located in Corning, NY. The clinic is open every Thursday evening at the Mill Creek Center, 106 S. Perry St. in Watkins Glen. Walk-ins are invited from 6-6:30 pm. Appointments are preferred. For further information call 535-8145.

Kathryn Martin as Muzzy Van Hossmere, backed by Muzzy's Boys (Andy Blanchard, Khaya Makhubu, Eric Mack, Jacq Goehner and Marshall Secord), performs a second-act song.

'Modern Millie' proves to be a treat

By Charlie Haeffner

WATKINS GLEN, March 30 -- A confident, talented cast treated audiences Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon at the Watkins Glen High School auditorium to a thoroughly charming theater experience with the WGHS production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

The play, set in the flapper era of 1920s Manhattan and involving the adventures of a Kansas girl there, featured a number of familiar, upbeat songs delivered by Samantha Johnson in the title role of Millie Dillmount, by Jay Meehan as her love interest, Jimmy Smith, by Margie Amisano as the scheming Mrs. Meers, by Kathryn Martin as socialite singer Muzzy Van Hossmere, by Michelle O'Brien as Miss Dorothy, by Ian Remmers as Mr. Trevor Graydon, and by Ernie Brennan and Shane Absalom as Bun Foo and Ching Ho.

Directors Tim and Michelle Benjamin pulled together a complex production -- utilizing simple, effective sets, colorful costumes, eye-catching '20s hairstyles, appealing lighting and sound, and an energy and confidence that was evident in cast and crew each day, from pre-play warmup through rousing conclusion.

"It was wonderful," said one elderly women leaving the building at the end of the first evening.

"They were great," added a middle-aged man. "They really pulled it off."

Photos in text:

Top: Samantha Johnson, as Millie, sings about her newfound love.

Bottom: Andy Blanchard warms up his voice with the rest of the cast before the start of Sunday's performance.

Samantha Johnson as Millie is carried aloft by several of the play's characters.

Left: Music director Sarah Matthews at the piano. Right: Pit Band member Bernie Riley. Other band members were Samantha Riley, Tom Bloodgood, Thomas Wickham and Homer Wixson.

Cast members listen to co-director Michelle Benjamin during pre-play gathering.

Ernie Brennan, left, and Shane Absalom hold Margie Amisano at conclusion of musical number.

Left: Khaya Makhubu during scene in which most of the cast was booked at police headquarters. Right: Ian Remmers, as Mr. Trevor Graydon (Millie's boss), performs a song.

Left: From left, Shane Absalom, Ernie Brennan, Margie Amisano and Michelle O'Brien perform a scene. Right: Jay Meehan as Jimmy Smith sings "What Do I Need With Love?"

Left: Jaimie Sedlack applies makeup to Ian Remmers. Right: Kathryn Martin prepares for her role.

Left: Jay Meehan as Jimmy Smith and Samantha Johnson as Millie Dillmount in a window-ledge scene. Right: Samantha Johnson belts out a number early in the play.

Khaya Makhubu snaps a photo of himself with Margie Amisano before Sunday's performance

Left: Pit Band member Tom Bloodgood. Right: Sami Eisenhart as Ethel Peas.

Haleigh Wixson warms up her voice with the rest of the cast before Sunday's performance.

Left: Michelle O'Brien as Miss Dorothy goes airborne during dance with Ian Remmers. Right: Kathryn Martin performs "Only in New York."

Left: Margie Amisano, as Mrs. Meers, performs a song. Right: Celeste Shaffer.

Ashley Savard, left, and Molly Murphy are anything but upset as they are booked at police headquarters with fellow party-goers.

Samantha Johnson sings during a cast warm-up session Sunday.

Left: Ernie Brennan, left, as Bun Foo, and Shane Absalom as Ching Ho. Right: Haleigh Wixson.

Left: Mrs. Meers (Margie Amisano) is grabbed when she tries to escape and is returned to the stage by, from left, Haleigh Wixson, Ashley Savard, Emily Wickham, Molly Murphy and Jaimie Sedlack. Right: Co-director Tim Benjamin, who also portrayed a police officer, addresses the audience.

Jaclyn Conklin and Andy Blanchard portrayed a married couple leaving a cafe in a hurry.

A kidnapped Michelle O'Brien is freed by Shane Absalom's Ching Ho.

Samantha Johnson, left, as Millie dances along with other cast members early in the play.

The cast was as follows:

Millie Dillmount -- Samantha Johnson
Jimmy Smith -- Jay Meehan
Gloria -- Ashley Savard
Rita -- Jaimie Sedlack
Alice -- Molly Murphy
Cora -- Emily Wickham
Lucille -- Haleigh Wixson
Ethel Peas -- Sami Eisenhart
Mrs. Meers -- Margaret Mary Amisano
Miss Dorothy -- Michelle O’Brien
Ching Ho -- Shane Absalom
Bun Foo -- Ernie Brennan
Miss Flannery -- Celeste Shaffer
Mr. Trevor Graydon -- Ian Remmers
Muzzy Van Hossmere -- Kathryn Martin
Speed Tappists -- Molly Murphy, Ashley Savard, Ashley Cole, Emily Paza, Kelsey
Johnson
The Pearl Lady -- Sarah VanAlstine
Letch -- Marshall Secord
George Gershwin -- Eric Mack
Dorothy Parker -- Stephanie Monroe
Rodney -- Andy Blanchard
Kenneth -- Jacq Goehner
Muzzy's Boys -- Eric Mack, Andy Blanchard, Khaya Makhubu, Marshall Secord, Jacq
Goehner
Daphne -- Jaclyn Conklin
Dexter -- Andy Blanchard
Mathilde -- Ashley Cole
New Modern -- Sami Eisenhart
Ensemble -- Molly Bilinski, Sarah Bond, Billy Brennan, Sarah Huey, Kelsey Johnson,
Caomi Lotz, Nicole Long, Katie Russell, Megan Shumway

Cooperative Extension schedule of events

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 27 -- Cooperative Extension has sent along a listing of all of its upcoming classes and meetings. They are as follows:

1. Information Session for the Intermunicipal Plan for the Village of Montour Falls and Town of Montour Falls.

The public is invited to an information Session for the Intermunicipal Plan for the Village of Montour Falls and the Town of Montour Falls. The meeting with be held Thursday, March 27th at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex, Room 120, from 7:00-9:00 pm.

This meeting will report on the past two years of work on an intermunicipal plan for the Village and the Town, and roll out the revised zoning ordinances that will help the municipalities manage growth and promote quality development. The project was funded through a grant from the New York State Quality Communities program, and has been completed with the assistance of Shepstone Management Company and Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County.

For more information, see the project website, http://www.shepstone.net/Montour/, or contact Danielle Hautaniemi at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County (535-7161).

2. Purchase of Development Rights

The public is invited to attend an information session concerning “purchase of development rights” to be held on Monday April 7th at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex, Room 120, starting at 7:00 pm.

Purchase of development rights by a government agency or land trust is done to ensure that farmland is protected and not converted to other non-farm related uses. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets provides some financial assistance to compensate landowners for the development rights of their farmland. Since the inception of this program in 1996, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has awarded nearly $80 million to protect approximately 36,000 acres on 200 farms in 18 counties.

The project is sponsored by the Agriculture and Farmland Protection board with assistance from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County.

The information session will have a panel format, with the majority of time allocated for land owners to ask questions about the program.

For more information, visit http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AP/agservices/farmprotect.html or contact Danielle Hautaniemi at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County (535-7161).

3. Berry Brush-up Course

Sponsored by Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins and Tioga Counties.

When: Wednesday April 9th, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon
Location: Broome County Cooperative Extension
840 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905-1500

What: Come learn about Small Fruit Nutrition, Strawberry Weed Management, Bramble and Blueberry Weed Management and Blueberry Nutrition Survey Results.

4. Introduction to Growing Stone Fruit

What: Learn to grow peaches, plums, cherries at Cornell’s Cooperative Extension’s “Introduction to Growing Stone Fruit” workshop.

When: June 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Reisingers Orchard, 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen

Fee: $10, which includes light refreshments.

The workshop will be held in the orchard, so dress for the weather. Pre-registration required by 4:30 p.m. June 5th. For more information, call 607-687-4020.

5. Maple Weekend at Arnot Forest

Come to the Arnot Forest and help us celebrate sap season and transition to spring! Walk in the woods or visit the sugar house, where sap becomes syrup. Take time for a self-guided tour of the adjacent sugar bush to see how trees are tapped, sap is collected, and the forest is managed to promote healthy sugar maple trees. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family, and taste our syrup first-hand at Saturday and Sunday’s pancake breakfast! And…see live amphibians, reptiles and birds of prey (call ahead for times at 255-2115). For more information, visit www.arnotforest.info

Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 29 & 30

Time: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free

Pancake breakfast: $6/person age 5 and up, under 5 free Lunch: Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili

6. Tree Planting and Site Preparation

At this workshop, landowners will learn how to choose and establish the right tree and shrub species for their property. We will cover soils, planting techniques, common mistakes, site preparation methods, pest problems, planting designs, maintenance, costs, and other aspects of a successful planting project.

Presenter: Brett Chedzoy, CCE Schuyler County. www.arnotforest.info

Date: Saturday, April 5 Time: 10 a.m.-12 Noon

Pre-registration Cost: $12/person. Day of event cost: $15

7. Mother’s Day Wildflower Breakfast

Bring Mom to the Arnot Forest for a peaceful and relaxing breakfast at the lodge, then take a guided, or self-guided, wildflower walk. Learn to identify the beautiful wildflowers that carpet the forest floor in the springtime. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Check website for last-minute updates: www.arnotforest.info

Date: Sunday, May 11. Time: Breakfast and self-guided walk 9 a.m.-12 noon. Guided walk 11:00 a.m.

Pre-registration Cost: $8/person, $2/person kids under 12

8. Water, Woods and Wildlife

This workshop is designed to provide landowners, land managers, and educators with the information and field experience they need to understand, recognize and protect vernal pools and the animals that call them home. Learn what vernal pools are, why they are important, and what you can do to enhance and protect these valuable wildlife habitats. A field session will include a “hands-on” organism identification session, where participants will visit vernal pools and learn to recognize wood frogs and spotted salamanders, their egg masses, and other vernal pool organisms. Pre-registration is required for this program. Call 607-255-2815 to register, or email dlt5@cornell.edu for more information.

Date: Sunday, April 20 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Cost: $20 /person

For the complete chart, click above or here.

Schuyler Hospital CEO Rick Stelzer, left, and Dr. Joseph Hinterberger perform a skit that led to a drum duet by the pair to the music of "Wipeout."

Hospital showcases talent, raises funds

WATKINS GLEN, March 15 -- Schuyler Hospital medical staff, along with other employees, family and friends offered their talents through the presentation of 20 acts Saturday night at a talent show designed to raise funds for the Schuyler Health Foundation.

Singing, dancing, a comedy skit, and performances by flautists and pianists had a large crowd of area residents applauding loudly and often during the performances in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium.

The Health Foundation creates awareness and raises funds to support the programs and services of Schuyler Hospital and its related medical facilities.

Dr. William Saks Jr., a local obstetrician-gynecologist, served as master of ceremonies, incorporating explanations about hospital facilities, and a great many jokes, between acts.

Those acts featured representatives of nearly every department at the hospital -- such as nursing, administration, maintenance, housekeeping and dietary. It was, as Dr. Saks had predicted in pre-show publicity, "a fun, family-friendly evening."

Pre-intermission highlights included performances by Kelsey Flint-Martin, singing "Danny Boy" a capella; Mikaela Hinterberger, offering serious ballet and then joining with registered nurses Pam Palmer and Judy Grizenko in a ballet comedy routine; Dr. Saks on piano; and Dr. Stephen Spaulding and Dr. James Winkler in a comedy skit titled "Who's the Surgeon?" -- patterned after Abbott and Costello's classic "Who's on First?"

Following intermission, highlights included performances by flautist Deb Bissonnette, CNM, accompanied by pianist Laura Mack; Melissa Hoose, billed as Schuyler's Shania, belting out three songs, including Patsy Cline's "Crazy"; hospital CEO Rick Stelzer and Dr. Hinterberger performing a drum duet to the music of "Wipeout"; and Dr. P.V. Abraham, Dr. Sunil Prasad and Kathy McCauley, RN, performing a skit titled "Slice 'Em and Dice 'Em."

Photos in text: Flautist Deb Bissonnette, CNM, performs "Greensleeves"; Melissa Hoose sings, with the Schuyler Hospital Kickers dancing behind her; and (from left) Dr. Sunil Prasad, Dr. P.V. Abraham and Kathy McCauley, RN, prepare for surgery in a comedy skit.

Dr. William Saks Jr. performs at the piano.

Dr. James Winkler, left, and Dr. Stephen Spaulding in "Who's The Surgeon?"

Left: Members of the Winkler family on unicycles. Right: R.J. Kelly, 18 months, dances.

The Tutti Flutti Quartet performs. Members include Elaine White, Kathy Palmisano, Amy Winner and Dawna Fetter.

Left: The emcee, Dr. William Saks Jr. Right: Kelsey Flint-Martin sings "Danny Boy."

Dr. Joseph Hinterberger and sons Jonathan, Josiah and Joseph perform "Stomp."

Mikaela Hinterberger at the end of her ballet performance.

Pam Palmer, RN (left), Mikaela Hinterberger and Judy Grizenko, RN, perform a comedy routine.

The Young at Heart Singers perform "Happy Are We, The Children of Jesus."

The Montour Moose Lodge dining hall -- scene of the Arc of Schuyler's annual steak dinner -- was a busy place Saturday night.

Arc of Schuyler dinner draws a crowd

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 9 -- They turned out in sizable numbers Saturday night for the annual Arc of Schuyler Steak Dinner at the Montour Moose Lodge -- a fund-raiser that helps the Arc with its programs each year.

The photos here are from the evening -- an evening in which The Arc of Schuyler Executive Director, Jim Wilson, was watching the activity with a pleased expression, and giving credit to the Moose Lodge workers, Interact Club members and Arc employees who "make it all work smoothly."

Various dignitaries were on hand -- Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Tom Gifford and Watkins Glen Mayor Judy Phillips among them -- as were families of Arc clients. But it went beyond that -- to community residents who could support the Arc's efforts and get a good meal at the same time.

Photo in text: Kitchen workers for Saturday night's dinner included Watkins Glen High School Interact Club members Kelly Martin, left, and Jenna Swarthout on dishwashing detail.

Left: Pam Palmer of Odessa and grandson R.J. Kelly were on hand for the dinner, and said it was great. R.J. especially liked the cupcake. Right: Nitasha Clinton, a senior at Odessa-Montour, was among the dinner workers on hand. Her mother is employed by the Arc of Schuyler.

Left: Cupcakes carried a reminder that this is the Arc of Schuyler's 30th anniversary year. Right: Watkins Glen High School student Emily Wickham, center, talks to one of the Interact waitresses.

Among diners Saturday night were, from left: Sharon Lindsley of Odessa, Watkins Glen Mayor Judy Phillips, and former Watkins Glen Village Board member Wayne Weber, who is seeking election to the board again next month.

Humane Society urges spaying/neutering

(Note: The following article was provided by the Humane Society of Schuyler County.)

ALPINE, Feb. 6 -- According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 5 million companion animals are destroyed each year in shelters across the country. That’s over 50% of surrendered and impounded dogs, and over 70% of cats. The reason: a serious lack of resources, including not enough homes.

Many animal welfare organizations agree that the best way to address this pet overpopulation is to spay/neuter all companion animals. Unwanted litters of puppies and kittens often become unwanted adult pets. To bring attention to this issue, groups around the country raise awareness by celebrating Spay Day on the last Tuesday of February each year.

“We are working diligently to ease the pet overpopulation problem locally,” says Georgie Taylor, president of the Humane Society of Schuyler County. The organization sponsors a low-cost spay/neuter program for county residents. “We don’t want cost to be a deterrent for anyone,” Taylor adds.

Over the last few years, the Humane Society has altered over 4,000 dogs and cats through its spay/neuter program, which operates several times each month from the organization’s facility in Alpine. Veterinarians from Shelter Outreach Services perform the surgeries; the rest of the work is done by a group of volunteers. In addition, low-income owners may request assistance vouchers and have their pet spayed or neutered at a participating local veterinarian.

Spay/neuter not only helps ease overpopulation by ensuring pets don’t breed, it protects companion animals from certain types of reproductive diseases and cancers. It also makes certain types of unwanted behaviors—such as scent-marking and roaming—less likely.

To make an appointment to have a companion animal altered, to request an assistance voucher, or for more information, call the Humane Society at 546-7710.

Schuyler Chamber sets '08 events calendar

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 30 -- To help residents, businesses and visitors plan ahead, the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce / Watkins Glen Promotions has released its festivals and events calendar for 2008.

Scheduled events coordinated by the Chamber and Watkins Glen Promotions include:

June 14-15, 2008
14th Annual Waterfront Festival and Cardboard Boat Regatta
Presented by Weyerhaeuser
Seneca Harbor Park, Watkins Glen
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

August 6, 2008
12th Annual Thunder in the Glen
Presented by General Revenue Corporation
Seneca Harbor Park, Watkins Glen
3-10 p.m.

September 5, 2008
16th Annual Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen
Presented by Chemung Canal Trust Company
Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
Noon-9:30 p.m.

September 2008
8th Annual Donald Brubaker Annual Golf Tournament
Date to be announced
Watkins Glen Golf Course

October 11, 2008
The Falls Harvest Festival
Presented by Cargill
Main Street, Montour Falls
Noon-6 p.m.

October 2008
2008 Schuyler County Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Date & location to be announced
4:30-6 p.m.

December 5, 2008
Watkins Glen Village Christmas
Presented by TEPPCO
Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
5-8 p.m.

Sponsors, vendors, exhibitors and entertainment are now being solicited.

For more information, or for a comprehensive list of community events, contact the
Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce / Watkins Glen Promotions at (607) 535-3003
or go to www.schuylerny.com

Glen Methodist Church is on the market

Structural, foundation woes prompt move

WATKINS GLEN, May 17 -- The Watkins Glen United Methodist Church at 127 East Fourth Street is going up for sale, and might become the victim of demolition.

A portion of the church's membership, meeting in a special charge conference Wednesday night at the church, voted 19-3 to approve a resolution endorsed by the Board of Trustees to seek a buyer for the structure rather than invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural and foundation repairs.

Those repairs, the resolution noted, "have an estimated cost between $425,000 and $857,000" -- funds which "the church does not have access (to) ... or reasonable expectation of being able to raise."

Board of Trustees chairman Bryan Lotz explained after the vote that the move toward a sale started as many as three years ago with the realization that increasingly apparent building problems -- combined with a steadily declining membership -- could lead to the action taken Wednesday.

The trustees, with wide-ranging and daunting engineering estimates in hand, voted to pursue this course a couple of months ago, but needed to "go through some hoops" involving church procedure before a buyer could be sought. Wednesday's vote was the last such obstacle.

He said he isn't sure what the asking price might be -- but that it would be "as high as possible." He said there is no accurate assessment of the building, but that a rough estimate might place its value at $200,000.

The $425,000 to $857,000 range of repair estimates might well be too low, he added. But whatever the cost, it is out of the range of the church's ability to pay.

The congregation -- a membership of less than 100 (down from more than 200 in the 1970s) with an average attendance of 25 to 30 (down from 70 to 80 just ten years ago) -- will continue to worship at the church under Pastor Elaine White until a purchase offer is obtained, said Lotz. Then the worshippers will attend services in the church parsonage a block away on Fourth Street.

"It has an open floor plan," he said of the parsonage, with enough room "for a small congregation to meet."

"Our ultimate goal," Lotz added, is for the church to buy some land and build a smaller structure "more efficient" than the current one.

The Watkins church, established in 1873, has survived a couple of fires and a commercial buildup on either side. It is a throwback, Lotz said, "to an age of the horse and buggy, but now 18-wheelers go by."

That increase in traffic and vibration on land that used to be swampy has contributed quite naturally, he said, to foundation problems in both front corners of the building -- "they're sinking" -- and to problems in the structure's rear. "The back half of the church has shifted south about three inches," he said.

Those and other problems will continue to worsen without repairs, he said. But there is no way to pay for them. So a buyer will be sought.

The process "might take a week or it might take a year," he said. "We have no earthly idea." And whoever buys it, he suspects, will likely tear the church down rather than pour as much money into it as repairs would require.

Lotz said he and the other trustees expect the buyer will be a commercial one since the church is situated on commercially-zoned property on "the second busiest street" in the village. The trustees will handle any work involved in negotiations. Whether they use the services of a real estate broker appears open to question, since a line that they would utilize a broker was removed from Wednesday's resolution before the vote was taken.

Lotz said that if the sale in Elmira of the Centenary United Methodist Church is any indication -- if this sale too leads to demolition -- this church's leadership will be given a period of time (Centenary had 60 days) in which to remove items. He said that in that event, stained glass windows, church pews and the pipe organ will be sold. Companies exist that purchase such furnishings, he said, although local interest in small keepsakes of the building can probably be accommodated.

On hand Wednesday night to run the meeting was Jeff McDowell, pastor of the Bath Methodist Church. He was there at the request of the district superintendent, who couldn't attend.

As a Yes-No vote was taken by paper ballot, he noted that the church members voting on the building's fate looked somber, and assured them that "'No' sometimes doesn't mean no, but that you feel the loss."

While he and recording secretary Jim Frost were tallying the ballots, a pianist played movingly as the members present sang the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul."

Then McDowell announced the vote count, concluding: "You have made your decision. There is a lot of work to be done in the future. We need to pray for the trustees, and trust the trustees."

The Resolution that was passed 19-3:

"Whereas the Watkins Glen United Methodist Church's current building has multiple structural and foundation problems, And whereas the correcting of these problems have an estimated cost between $425,000 and $857,000, And whereas the church does not have access to the funds to cover this, or the reasonable expectation of being able to raise such funds, and there being no known grants available, the Trustees of the Watkins Glen United Methodist Church propose the property, current building and adjacent vacant lot be sold and that the congregation continue to worship in the church building until (it is) sold, or in the parsonage owned by the same or make arrangement to continue worshipping in another suitable place, until and unless another building could be purchased or built at a suitable location."

Photos in text:

From top: Exterior view of the church, a view of the sanctuary on the second floor, and the sign out front at night.

Aerial photos of our region are available

WATKINS GLEN -- Local photographer Bill Bauman has been capturing the beauty of our area for years with his camera, and now has large aerial shots like the one above of the Gorge and shoreline -- along with other photos -- available for sale at the Glen Mountain Market on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen.

To obtain one, visit the Market, or contact Bauman at 535-4116 for an appointment.

Fire in the kitchen ... Put a lid on it

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

Special to The Odessa File

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Indian of the Lake

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

It was in the possession of an official there.

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

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

Check out the feature below

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