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Forum:
Top Drawer 24 selection is
great honor
To the editor on May 6:
What a great honor...
My son is one of the student-athletes selected to be on the Top Drawer
24 Team. And as parents we could not be prouder! You sit back and watch
all of these children -- not just in sports -- who possess a determination
to succeed, and you can't help but smile and be proud of them. It’s
not about a bucket or a bowling pin or a soccer ball. It's about loving
what they do, and doing their best to achieve their goals.
I know my son has faced his fair share of challenges with sports throughout
his school life, especially in football, a sport that has had its problems
at Watkins Glen in the past couple of years. But even though the team
was losing on the scoreboard, its players were all winners in our eyes
(tough games). They could have lost every game and still have been winners,
because they never gave up!
Thank god we have kids who can surpass obstacles, with their heads
up and doing the best they can for their team and for themselves. We
have great kids in our schools, and they work hard to make us proud.
If there could be a Top Drawer 2400 team, I bet there still wouldn't
be enough room on it because we have so many great kids in this area.
My hope is that they keep working hard to be the best they can at whatever
they do.
Thank you for selecting my son Ernie Brennan -- and Ernie, thank you
for a wonderful ride. It was great to watch you play sports, and all
that you have done with the school plays since 8th grade ... everything.
Now we are on to the next level. Wow, who would have thought you could
hit a golf ball the way you do.
Good job to all who made it on the Top Drawer 24 team. And good luck
to those students competing on the high school playing fields and learning
in the high school classrooms next year.
Proud Mother
G. Brennan
Some links to follow EC student's
trip
To the editor on April 25:
Charlie, Just a short note that my son Brian Wich is in
Australia for almost 5 weeks. He left on April 21st from Elmira. He
is a junior at Elmira College and is on the trip with the college.
Brian is a 2005 graduate of OMCS and some of his former
classmates or teachers may want to read about his adventures by reading
the journal of one of the professors and pictures posted by another
professor.
It is an opportunity of a lifetime for Brian. He emails
us every couple of days and reports that he is having a great time.
Below are the links. Thanks for posting this.
Kathy Wich
Alpine NY
The links:
http://www.ecaustralia08.blogspot.com/
http://www.chazjac.blogspot.com
Photo shows a slice of area
history
 To
the editor on April 28:
While rummaging around in the attic of my mother's house
in Odessa today, I came across some album photos that belonged to Ernest
DeWitt (previous homeowner), who was my grandmother's first cousin.
Within one album is a postcard of Main Street, Odessa, on May 30, 1908
(shown here). I haven't seen a photo/postcard that matches this on any
of the historical archives within the Schuyler County websites.
Although I've recently returned to my hometown after living
in Florida, I've always been interested in the history of our area and
find it fascinating to delve into historical events that had an impact
on our towns as we know them today. I find the past eras of Schuyler
County to be very intriguing and also vital for our future generations
to know about.
Best Regards,
John Hayes
100 Maple Ave, Odessa
Thanks to firefighters and
all who helped
To the editor on April 25:
My sister and our entire family would like to express
our thanks to the firefighters that saved her home on Friday, April
11.
A huge thank you to the Odessa, Montour, Watkins Glen,
Mecklenburg and Burdett Fire Departments! Great job!
We would also like to thank our "Demo Experts"
Vicki, Grant and Ron! We could not have done it without you! Thank you
so much for keeping us laughing!
To our wonderful friends and neighbors, Wegmans, OMCS,
The Red Cross, TTC, Mrs. Vanzile, The Eberhart Family, the Mathews Family,
Ernie, Jim and Nancy for the support, food, clothing, donations, hard
work, painting, sanding, cleaning... the list goes on and on.... Thank
you! We have to say this is the best and most caring community anywhere!
Thank you all so much!
Beverly "BJ" Meyers, Britt and Michele
Rose, Tisha, and Grandma Rose!!!
Myers explains his reasons
for running
To the editor on April 25:
My name is Michael Roger Myers and I am running for a
seat on the Watkins Glen School Board. I have had two children graduate
and currently have one child in each of the district's three schools.
I teach elementary Physical Education in the Groton Central School District.
I have also been employed and volunteered in the athletics program in
the Watkins Glen school district.
My purpose in pursuing the position on the Board of Education
is to bring a holistic approach to our student body -- focusing not
only on our children’s academic needs but the needs of the whole
child. This means valuing the physical, social and emotional needs of
our students as well as health and nutrition. Academics focuses solely
on the brain; educators, however, must teach the whole child.
Current research is available on adolescence and the importance
of sleep. School start times at the middle and high school are too early
and need to be moved forward at least one-half hour. I must admit that
others have recognized the need before. In spite of their efforts school
start time has remained the same. Research has shown that adolescents
begin a “quality” sleep after 11:30 p.m. Middle school students
report at 7:30 a.m. and high school students at 7:35 a.m. This makes
the recommended eight hours of sleep impossible. In the cases of some
students, five or six hours of quality sleep is difficult to achieve.
Proper sleep not only contributes to attentiveness but is also shown
to have a substantial positive impact on memory. Sleep is also commonly
known to affect our mood and our eating habits. The ability to increase
student attention and memory with a little extra sleep is an easy choice.
Obviously there are obstacles to overcome: a lack of
buses, money and others.
The fact is enough money is spent on our students, over
$19,000 per student in our district. While this is below the state average,
it is certainly enough. My goal is to use the creative and talented
people in our district, as well as in our community, to overcome challenges
in moving school start time. Our children are expected to observe, comprehend,
memorize and recall a plethora of sequences, processes and facts, under
do-or-die test pressure. We must demand that our children are given
the best opportunity to succeed. Our monies are better spent on a well-rested
student more equipped to conquer the challenges of a rigorous school
day.
The department of State Education is advancing wellness
initiatives in all school districts. I will join the State of New York
as an advocate of our children’s wellness. Continuing briefly
in the same vein, it is also my intention to increase use and access
of our outstanding school facilities. In doing so we can improve the
wellness of all community members. Inviting the community into the school
will help build and strengthen home and school communication.
Further, I want to insure that time and money allocated
to teacher training is dynamic and beneficial. Educators are often limited
by the constraints of teaching to a test. It is in our best interest
that our educators engage in learning and are being exposed to the best
available and latest techniques.
In conclusion, this former football coach is not pursuing
a vendetta. I am pursuing the above and I will be accessible and responsive
to the community. Experience tells me that changing administrators freely
is not beneficial to a school district or taxpayers. I look forward
to working with board members and administrators to meet challenges
I know well. However, I will not hesitate to critically look at issues,
investigate them, and not just rubber-stamp them.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Myers
We have truly lost a legend ...
To the editor on April 24:
It is with sadness that I write to express my condolences
to the Argetsinger family on their recent loss. We have truly lost a
legend. I have been an ardent fan of motor sports since I was a young
child. Many days were spent “At the Track” with my brothers
watching their friends race in various SCCA events. Who could ever forget
the Formula 1 glory days! These are truly some of the fondest memories
of my youth.
Thank you, Cameron Argetsinger, for providing the experiences
that are now part of my cherished family memories. Your vision and dedication
to American road racing will forever leave an indelible imprint on the
sport and Watkins Glen community. May you rest in peace knowing that
in both small and large ways you have impacted the lives of many generations
of both fans and the racing community.
Tom Phillips
Watkins Glen School District Superintendent
Clearing up potential name
confusion ...
To the editor on April 23:
I would like to clear up some potential confusion about
the upcoming elections for the Watkins Glen School Board. The Mike Myers
who is running for the Board this year is not the same Mike Myers (myself)
who is on the current Board. Michael R. Myers is the previous football
coach of the Watkins team and is running for election this year; Michael
D. Myers has been on the Board since 2003. I neither encourage nor discourage
the public to vote for Michael R. Myers.
I do, however, heartily endorse the four incumbents who
are running for re-election this year. Gloria Brubaker, Bob Dill, Kevin
Field and Tom Richardson have been outstanding Board members. These
"Fantastic Four" represent a wide spectrum of the tax-paying
public, and bring a wealth of experience and perspective to the Board.
Consider: in voting for these four, one votes for a
local psychologist, local business owner, members of charitable organizations,
retired engineer, assistant football coach and college baseball pitcher,
manager of government employees, Board members of long standing, recent
Board members -- and above all, a commitment to excellence in education
and hard-nosed attention to the bottom line.
I encourage the public to return these four to office
so that they may work on behalf of our District to continue the great
improvement we have seen in recent years.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Myers
Seeking a home for lovable
dog ...
To the editor on April 21:
I was wondering if you could do (son and daughter-in-law)
Benjamin & Paula a bit of a favor...Could you run a short article
about the dog they found last weekend?
This very lovable dog was found on River Road near South Corning, on
Sunday, April 13th. He was playing in the road, and Benjamin & Paula
rescued him. Otherwise, he would probably have been struck by a car.
He was wearing a red collar and had no license tags or any other identification
on him.
They took him home with them that night, and Paula took him to the Town
of Corning Dog Warden on Monday morning. They were informed that if
he wasn't adopted within a short period, he would be euthanized.
Both Benjamin & Paula love animals. Paula, in fact, is taking courses
online to become a Vet Tech. They could not bear for this friendly and
docile dog to be euthanized, so they adopted him immediately and got
him his rabies shot. They have nicknamed him "Lucky," because
he WAS lucky that they rescued him when they did.
Free to Good Home
Approximately 1-year-old male Heeler mix, weighing about 35 pounds.
"Lucky" has a great disposition, is housebroken, likes people,
cats, and other dogs. Has had his rabies shot. This dog would make a
great pet for a single person or a family. He would be a good pet for
pretty much any situation. If interested, please call Paula at 607-426-4291.
Thanks.
Bonnie Seeley, Odessa
A football mom adds her opinion ...
To the editor on April 3:
Here's my two cents on the continuing saga of Watkins
Glen Football.
I don’t know exactly how to express all the thoughts
that are running through my head about the saga of the football team
without offending anyone, nor making a fool out of myself in the process,
but I’m going to give it a try anyway. Some may agree with what
I have to say and some won’t, and that’s OK. I’ll
get over it.
First of all, the team has known since the beginning of basketball season
that they were going independent, they were NOT blindsided. (Maybe you
really should listen to your kids more often.) The team was also ready
and willing to face the assigned teams from the IAC, even though it
MAY have been a four-game loss right off the starting block. That was
a risk they were willing to take to be able to get to the playoffs.
I am truly sorry the rising seniors and juniors will never have that
chance, my son being one of them. All of the other issues raised over
this subject are just nonsense and rubbish. The focus needs to be on
the young men that make up this team.
I’ve been watching this group of young men since they were nine
years old. I’ve also had the pleasure of coaching many of them
in various sports. They never cease to amaze me at what they can do
when they have their best foot forward.
This is not the time to hang your head and give up on these young men.
They have accepted the fact they are playing independently and you should
be supporting them, not giving them more reasons to fail -- or worse,
give up.
Just in case you are wondering, YES, I am very angry over the turn of
events of the last year, but there is not a thing I can do about it.
I refuse to waste my time on the woulda, shoulda, coulda. Let us put
more effort in supporting these young men and less time on pointing
fingers and making idiots out of each other. It’s not very becoming,
nor is it a good example to be set.
Unfortunately, the metropolis of Watkins Glen hasn’t ever produced
an NFL player or a first-round draft pick, but at least give them the
benefit of the doubt that they may, with or without a 260-pound lineman
and a 6’4” wide receiver who only ever attended day camps.
To the football team, you have my undying support 'til the end!
Mamma Secord '83
A very proud football mother!
Thanks to all who helped with
benefit
To the editor on March 31:
To all who helped at the benefit for Jeremy Hoffman on
March 8, 2008 ... The day in spite of the weather was a success. There
are so many to thank that doing a list would certainly leave someone
out. Even if you only came for a short time, you made a difference in
a young man’s life. Jeremy continues to make progress and thanks
you all for your efforts. It just supports the fact that Schuyler County
is truly a great and caring place to live. Thank you to all.
The members of the Odessa Fire Department
Former resident excels at free-throw
line
To the editor on March 30:
Hi, could we put this on the Odessa File?:
Tanner Brill, 11, represented the Diocese of Rochester at an upstate
regional foul shooting contest in Syracuse on March 29. The event was
sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Tanner won at the school, county,
and diocese level, making 24 out of 25 foul shots.
He is the son of David and Amy Brill of Manchester, NY,
and formally of Montour Falls. He represented St. Dominicks in Manchester.
Thanks.
Nancy and Charlie Cole
Football success requires dedication
To the editor on March 26:
Piggybacking a little on my previous letter as well as
on some information within the letter from Michael Myers, I feel I have
2 more cents to spend.
First off, I was not aware of the outrage over the score
of the game against Unatego last season. To be honest, that is just
plain silly. I played and coached at different levels for 7 years and
am, like most Americans, a die-hard fan of football. I have never understood
all the whining and moaning about running up the score -- AT ANY LEVEL.
As a small-fry coach, if my team had a comfortable lead, I tried my
best to get each player as much playing time as possible. Most coaches
do this at every level. What most coaches do not do is tell their second-
and third-string players not to try hard when they get in the game.
How do you tell any kid not to take the ball and run as hard and fast
as he can or make every tackle he can, especially when his playing time
comes in short spurts? The fact is YOU DON’T. If you don’t
want the other team to score on you, STOP THEM.
With that said, there are always going to be teams who play at the
same level whose second- and third-string players are more talented
than their opponents' first-string players. Unfortunately, for the better
part of 20 years, Watkins Glen has been on the short end of this stick.
This is the part where I may ruffle a few feathers. Like it or not,
both Watkins Glen's and Odessa-Montour’s recent football woes,
including when I was in school, had nothing to do with the coaches,
administration, or other teams. The problem, I’m afraid, is with
the mindset of the majority of the players and parents.
If you take a close look at every successful high school sports team
in the area, one thing will become abundantly clear:
most of those team members are preparing for that sport year-round.
I’m not just talking about one-hour sessions in the weight room
before school starts. Look at the great Watkins girls swim teams under
Kate LaMoreaux and the great wrestling teams under Mike Watson. The
bulk of those athletes were attending summer camps exclusive to their
sport. Watkins Glen’s recent boys' basketball success can also
be attributed to a better year-round program, as opposed to 7 guys playing
pick-up at Clute Park in the summer when I was in high school.
Small Fry feeder programs such as the Glen Grapplers, the Glen Gators,
“Jimmy Scott” Saturday Basketball, Chemung Valley Soccer
and Schuyler Small Fry Football only take you so far. They teach the
fundamentals, but if you end athletes' development at that level and
think they are going to continue to progress throughout high school,
you are mistaken. This is where the athletes need to get together with
the parents and talk about where they want to go with their sports participation.
This is the point when you need to decide if you are in it for the fun
and the experience or if you are in it to win. Few if any local football
players and their families have decided to play to win.
I’m not talking about attending a 3-day camp at Odessa-Montour
High School featuring local Division III and Junior College coaches.
I’m talking about sending your kids to one- or two-week position-specific
camps at places like Penn State, Syracuse, SUNY Albany, and even as
close as Cornell. It is there, in the sweltering summer days of July,
where your September games are won or lost. It is there where an athlete
decides he is going to put on the uniform in the fall to do more than
just show off for classmates and grandparents in the bleachers. It is
there where a kid on summer vacation decides he is not just going to
play football in the fall; he is going to be a football player. I understand
these camps cost money. That’s why you have fundraising events.
That’s also why you have summer jobs.
High school sports have changed. Until the parents and student athletes
involved in the football programs are willing to change as well, losing
seasons WILL become commonplace. It doesn’t matter how many 280-pound
sophomores you have on your roster. It doesn’t matter how many
6 foot, 4 inch wide receivers you have. It doesn’t matter how
many coaches you get rid of or how many independent schedules you play.
If you think football season is between the second week of August and
the last week of October, you are not going to be successful. My high
school teammates and I learned this the hard way. Until the attitude
and dedication of everyone involved in the program changes, everything
will stay the same.
Jesse Scott
RAF Molesworth, England
Watkins Glen High School
Class of 1997
Former coach weighs in on WG
schedule
To the editor on March 25:
I have a lot of opinions about football and the school
administration. All of those will be left aside as I present only facts
regarding this year’s move by Watkins Glen to an independent schedule.
Our administration was upset with the lopsided score
of the Unatego game. The administration felt that Unatego should be
punished for running up the score. The section leaders were sympathetic
to the complaint. In the end, however, there wasn’t much the section
could do. Less than three weeks after the Unatego game, the section
received a letter from our superintendent requesting two consecutive
years of independent schedules. This request was granted, and as of
today our football team will be independent for the 2008-09 and the
2009-10 seasons.
The letter also requested four opponents, O-M, S-VE, Edison,
and Notre Dame. Other schools in the section were not enamored with
all the football travel, either. This led to the creation of east and
west divisions. When the new divisional alignments were announced, our
division was WG, Lansing, T-burg, Notre Dame and Whitney Point. One
administrator commented about how different things are today than they
were when he coached. Fact, the '82 football team played a sectional
bowl game at Delhi against Delhi. This school is on the other side of
I-81 and always has been. Things haven’t changed that much after
all. Compare this information with what was reported from the BOE meeting
and you are left with questions.
How could this idea to go independent, travel through
three levels of administration and A.) Not involve the coaching staff?
B.) Not consider the 20-plus returning football players? C.) Happen
before the end of the season? D.) Have no board member know about it?
E.) Still be so bad? Further, how can the superintendent, along with
other administrators, sit in the BOE meeting and pretend that this was
a thoughtful response? How can these same individuals sit in a public
forum with people they supposedly work for and tell them what next fall's
schedule would’ve been? The statements I read were disingenuous
at best. Why the deception? Is this what’s meant when the district
says they want what’s “best for kids”? Or did we get
let in on the back end of a tantrum thrown by our administration?
Whatever is done, don’t blame the coaches. They
are at-will employees who will not voice displeasure. They have seen
first-hand what happens when coaches demand what’s best for kids.
Michael R. Myers
Some input on restaurant photo
To the editor on March 24:
The picture with the RESTAURANT sign over the door and
the Chicken/Trout Dinner sign out front belonged to Capt. Leonard Knapp
and overlooked Glen Creek.
That is the old concrete bridge on Franklin Street over Glen Creek with
the light posts on top.
Charles F. Knapp
Editor's Note: For a look at the Kelly Collection
photo page, click here.
A look back at another season
...
To the editor on March 19:
I'll keep this short and simple. I'd like to invite the
Watkins Glen School Board to open the 1995-1996 Senecan Yearbook. Turn
to the football page. Note the results of those games. Note the teams
we played.
Before the final game of that season, our head coach had some words
of encouragement for us. After an independent campaign designed to get
us back on our feet, he said the final game would be a good measuring
tool that would tell us how far we'd come and how far we needed to go.
Final Score: Unatego 74, Watkins Glen 0.
Jesse Scott
WGHS Class of 1997
RAF Molesworth, England
Employ the Power of Purple
on May 1
To the editor on March 17:
Attention all residents of Schuyler County!
On May 30-31, we will be holding the 2nd Annual American Cancer Society
Relay For Life of Schuyler County. In anticipation/preparation of this
wonderful overnight fund-raising event, I am attempting to contact as
many businesses, government agencies, individuals, and schools as I
possibly can to get them involved.
It has come to my attention that in large and small communities across
the United States, May 1st is annually celebrated as "Paint Your
Town Purple Day." Won't you help us to prepare to Relay by spreading
the word about Relay For Life in our communities, our schools, our workplaces?…Any
place where people gather can be a place to invite others to take up
the fight.
Sharing the Power of Purple is easy and fun! Just hang
up some purple decorations, wear your favorite Relay gear or purple
shirt, even screw a purple bulb into your porch light. Show Purple Pride
in all you do!
On May 1st, please join us in making a BIG PURPLE SPLASH in our community,
or you can encourage other Relayers to keep the purple going ... building
enthusiasm, hope, and support until the time of our big event.
For additional ideas for incorporating the Power of Purple into the
Schuyler County community on May 1st, please contact me at any of the
addresses/numbers below. Many thanks, in advance, for your assistance
and participation in this project.
Bonnie Seeley
Seeley Super*Star Productions
301 Church Street
Odessa, NY 14869-9703
Home Phone: 607-594-2588; Cell Phone: 607-426-6025
E-mail Address: MAMASEELEY1@yahoo.com
New schedule sends 'I give
up' message
To the editor on March 14:
I read the opinions in the Forum regarding the Independent
football schedule, and I totally agree with the writers. If gas cost
is an issue, then why support "regular" games for the Varsity
basketball, soccer and baseball teams? Is this a message from the powers
that be that "if your program does poorly, you will go to independent
status"? Was Coach Brower even asked his opinion?
This sends an "I give up" message to our kids,
and also threatens other programs such as the ones I mentioned that
if they don't perform at a high level, win States, or get into the playoff
scenario for their prospective sport, that they too will suffer the
same fate. Why even bother having a football program if our kids are
just going to be playing what one writer called "eight scrimmages"?
It's bad enough that the equipment for the football program
is shoddy, to say the least. Other than 1-on-1 blocking drills, how
can the program teach these kids how to block, when the sleds weren't
even operable? How about the blocking cages (we used to call them "bell-ringers"
when I played, for obvious reasons)? They're in shambles, rusted and
broken down. Seems to me, if funding is an issue for these items, our
school could get creative and utilize the tech department to do a refurbish
project on these pieces of equipment, or build some sleds made of wood.
Because we got driven into the ground by some of these
teams doesn't mean we have to tuck our tails and run from adversity.
I'm not sure if the coaches tried to fight this issue. If they did,
then my hat's off to them; but, if the coaches did nothing, then that
sends a negative message to the players. It tells them that they aren't
good enough, and that message, even from the school district, speaks
volumes. Our kids deserve better than that.
I, for one, believe in you guys. I know a lot of you from
your small-fry days on up through the first modified year, and you have
my support.
Roger Willis
Watkins Glen
You're sending a bad message
to the kids
To the editor on March 12:
I would first say that many will say this independent
football schedule is not my business because I don't have kids in the
Watkins School District. However, I will express my opinion on the matter
as a parent and as a youth coach.
I understand it is easier to take the route of an independent
schedule, and I also understand the gas issue; however, I don't think
that it should be a factor in the decision.
It has been touched on a bit, but maybe needs to be said
again. These kids work very hard year around. Many have been in the
gym since the end of last season, and I am certain that the seniors
on this year's team have been working in the gym for the past 3 to 4
years year around in hopes that they will have a good season their senior
year.
I have to support Coach Lee's sentiment on the issue as
well. I think that you send a bad message to these young men by opting
for the independent schedule. You will consistently meet obstacles in
your adult life that you may or may not be able to overcome easily.
But the really important part of that scenario is that you attempt it,
and give all that you have to overcome that obstacle -- not look for
the easy way out.
Yes, the team struggled last season because they are young, but that
is not the only reason. They struggled because they had their third
new coach in as many years, each with a completely different game plan
and play book. It takes time for the relationship of trust to come about
between a player and his/her coach, and between other players, and until
that relationship exists, they won't work as a team and ultimately they
will struggle to win games. But I truly believe that toward the end
of the season that relationship was starting to happen, and the team
stepped up their game a bit.
It would be a shame to take away this team's chances of advancing to
Sectionals without ever giving them the opportunity to prove themselves.
It would be an even bigger shame and a dis-service to the team if they
went 8-0 with no place to go from there. Do I think that some of the
schools they play are a little more advanced? Sure. But there is nothing
wrong with being the underdog. If anything, you tend to work a bit harder
when you are the underdog. And it may not be this year, and maybe not
next year, but eventually, if they keep testing themselves against better
teams, they will rise to that level. If you played every game knowing
you were going to win, it would certainly take the luster out of the
win.
Scott McCray
'Easy
way out' is not the way to go
To the editor on March 12:
The Watkins Glen School District is setting a great example
for the kids: When times get tough, back down and look
for the easy way out.
Last year the excuse was the team is young. Well, now
they are a year older, and you wanna move to independency. We're sure
if you asked the kids if they wanted to play for a championship or just
play 8 games that don't matter -- which makes them basically scrimmages
-- every kid would choose championship.
The people who are making these decisions should think
back to their senior year and the sport they played -- baseball or whatever
-- and think about how it felt to play in Sectionals and compete for
a championship. And even if they don't make it, you at least have to
give them a chance. And don't say you are making the decision for the
kids, because you used that excuse 2 1/2 years ago when a coach was
not rehired after turning the program around, and how did that decision
turn out?
So thanks for trying to turn Watkins Football into a
joke again. We hope the coaches and kids that are there now won't let
this happen.
Deven Dickerson
Jerry Bond
Brad Hrynko
Class of '05
Independent move is slap in
the face
To the editor on March 12:
What a slap in the face for the Watkins Glen Varsity Football
Team!!!
“Your record last season was not good – in fact you were
cremated by most of the teams you played. The cost of gas is high, so
we’ll pick the teams you play to keep transportation costs down”!!!
Is the Basketball teams’ schedule going to be modified to save
costs? Or does their record not warrant it?
Many young men planning on playing football next year are at the Field
House at 6:00 a.m. every morning already -- getting prepared for next
season. If by some miracle (and miracles do happen) they have a good
or maybe even great season, there is no chance that they could go to
a playoff game because of their independent status. What is the incentive
to have a good season?
And as far as being pitted against "schools the other side of
Route 81, some we'd never heard of" – what a great opportunity
for a geography lesson!!! Take out a map of New York State and look
at it.
Margaret Schimizzi Smith
Brown, Secord set national,
state marks
 To
the editor on Feb. 28:
On Saturday Feb. 16th, New York State AAU powerlifting
competition took place in Clyde, NY. Jeremey Brown set 2 new national
records in the 16-to-17-year-old category with a bench press of 400
lbs. and a dead lift of 570 lbs.
Mack Secord set 2 state records in the 16-to-17-year-old
category with a bench press of 265 lbs. and a dead lift of 425 lbs.
These two athletes are students at Watkins Glen High School.
Thank you.
Coach Ralph Diliberto, Burdett
Photo in text: Mack
Secord, left, and Jeremey Brown (Photo
provided)
A photo from Jim Scaptura ...
To the editor on Feb. 27:
 Jim
Scaptura -- retired teacher at Odessa-Montour and the main person behind
the ever-growing "Walk of Fame" (honoring race car drivers)
depicted in the sidewalks on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen -- sent
me the attached picture.
It's a great photo of Coach John Donohue (a very popular Watkins Glen
Coach in the 1920s) and his "mid-1920s" basketball team. The
player at far right in the front row may be Clyde Granston; I'm unsure
of any others. Perhaps your readers can supply us with some names.
Brian J. O'Donnell
Background
on some Kelly photos ...
To the editor on Feb. 27:
Just wanted to add some info to your 4th batch page of
Kelly Collection photos. I was thrilled to find the H.M.Smith coal yard
(of Harry M. Smith) since he was like a grandfather to my mother, and
the buildings are now gone. (About halfway down the page, entitled "a
local business.") Would you have a higher resolution version of
this photo? I would love to see what Harry looked like, since he was
important in my family history. (Note: No, we don't)
Regarding the first picture of Seneca Lake frozen over...
This was a rare occurence that happened in mid-February of 1912, according
to my great-grand-uncle Fred G. Stone of Montour Falls. He wrote in
his diary:
"Sat., Feb. 10 -- 16 below 0 -- the coldest day
of the winter."
"Mon., Feb. 12 -- Seneca Lake is frozen over and that is very unusual...there
was a good many skating on it yesterday. "
"Tues., Feb. 13 -- I went down to Watkins tonight to see the lake...it
is frozen over from shore to shore and is just like a glare...is very
smooth...there is a great many enjoying skating... two fellows skated
from Geneva to Watkins yesterday, something never was done before. I
walked out on the ice quite a ways."
"Sun., Feb. 18 -- thawing fast -- There was a boy got in the lake
while skating and was drowned this afternoon...he was from Pine Valley,
a telegraph operator."
Barbara Bell wrote in her book "Little Tales from Little Schuyler"
that John Townsend, a local auto dealer, drove his Maxwell onto the
ice and gave rides to daring people. He had chains on the tires and
provided buffalo robes for warmth, as the top was down. Ben Birge, his
brother Charles Birge and Nelson Longstreet of Hector were some that
skated the length of the lake to Geneva, beginning at Valois. They did
it in two days, spending the night in Geneva. The book says that the
ice cover held for about a month, though it would partially re-thaw
and re-freeze, making things dangerous.
Regarding the Great Flood of 1935 -- this happened on July 7th. I have
more pictures at
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyschuyl/Flood01.html with an eye-witness account
from Rhoda Rollins. One story was quite sad, where a woman in Watkins
refused to be evacuated, then her house was swept away by a wall of
water from the Glen, and she ended up drowning.
Really enjoyed the history pictures. I need to visit your site more
often.
Kind regards,
Linda O'Halloran (with 150 years of Schuyler
county family history)
Dublin, Ireland
Photo brings to mind good hoops
DNA
To the editor on Feb. 21:
Good basketball DNA ... In the recent O'Donnell files
photo of the Watkins High girls basketball team of 1915-1916, the young
woman seated on the left identified as Kathryn Wood Ball just happens
to be the great-grandmother of local hoops standouts Conor Flahive,
Carter Flahive, Paul Flahive, Luke Flahive, and Corey Fallon Flahive.
Thanks for publishing this memento of gramma Kay.
Lyman Flahive
Hector, NY
Visit to Albany was very informative
To the editor on Feb. 20:
 I
oversee the Schuyler County Youth Court and recently I and Youth Bureau
director JoAnn Fratarcangelo accompanied four youths from Schuyler County
to the Youth Leadership Forum at the Capitol Building in Albany on Feb.
11th-12th.
On the first day of the forum, we made our way through
the state museum, which is home to many different artifacts in New York
State history. It is also home to a very impressive 9/11 exhibit. The
youths then participated in various team-building exercises along with
being part of panel discussions on how to be more involved in their
communities.
The second day of the forum started with a legislative
breakfast, which gave our youths the chance to informally meet our local
Senator. Assemblyman O’Mara was unable to attend; however, Senator
Winner was able to make it and spent a few minutes with our group. After
the breakfast concluded, we made our way to Senator Winner's office
for a scheduled meeting. The youths presented the Senator with a book
about Schuyler County and some of the limitations youths have around
the county -- one being the lack of public transportation. The Senator
seemed to enjoy talking with us, and the youths had some really great
questions for him.
We then made our way to our next meeting, with Assemblyman
O’Mara. We presented him with a similar book and emphasized the
need for year-round youth employment. Again the youths had lots of questions
-- such as how one becomes an Assemblyman, and whether there are classes
that tell you what to do after being elected.
Before departing for Schuyler County, we took part in
the Capitol Tour, which makes stops at the State Assembly room, the
million-dollar staircase and other important places inside the Capitol
Building. The trip was very informative, and we learned a lot. Hopefully
this story can make it onto The Odessa File, as it would really
mean a lot to the youths who went. Also, you can link to the Youth Court
website at myspace.com/schuyleryouthcourt
Adam Lawton, Schuyler County Youth Program Coordinator
Photo in text:
From left: Adam
Rice, Thomas Wickham, Maggie Lucero, State Senator George Winner, Erik
Ellison and Adam Lawton, Schuyler County Youth Program Coordinator.
(Photo provided)
Consider joining Friends of
Library
To the editor on Feb. 11:
The Friends of the Watkins Library – FOWL –
is the fund-raising branch for the WG Public Library with the mission
of contributing to its growth and improvement. A totally volunteer Board
serves to coordinate activities, events and funds to assist the Public
Library wherever possible.
There are only three fund-raising activities for FOWL
-- Annual Memberships (February/March)
-- Book Sale in June
-- “Light Up The Lake” flare sales in July
Through the generosity of our patrons, we at FOWL have been able to
assist the Public Library in a number of physical improvements and also
provide various program support when needed. Providing interior planters
and flowers/plants, replacing roof gutters, financing outdoor signage,
purchasing bookcases, and giving funds for bathroom floor repairs are
only a few of the ways FOWL has helped the Library improve. In addition
to an annual donation to supplement the Library’s budget, FOWL
also provides funding on an annual basis to maintain the Library’s
computer courses offered to patrons. FOWL also provides some scholarship
money for students studying Library Science and/or becoming School Media
Specialists.
We are asking that people consider joining FOWL and making this our
biggest membership year ever. Your generosity and support will help
FOWL be successful in its mission to support our Public Library. There
are three categories for membership -- we ask that you select one and
send your membership money to the Library (610 S. Decatur St., Watkins
Glen, NY 14891). You may also stop in the Library any time to become
a member.
• Individual Membership $7.00
• Family Membership $15.00
• Patron Membership $25.00
We offer you our sincere thanks & appreciation!
Brian J. O’Donnell
SRO: There are several issues
to consider
To the editor on Feb. 6:
After reading the various viewpoints expressed regarding
the SRO Program, it appears to me that everyone so far has very good
observations on the subject. As with any such topic, there is probably
no “right answer” to this situation. We can never put a
stated value on the safety of our children and school staff members.
Every time a school program is either instituted or done away with,
weighing the potential benefits with the costs is exactly what we as
taxpayers do.
The issue is not whether having a state trooper assigned
to our schools is an effective way to help prevent violence …
of course it is. The issue isn’t even whether or not Trooper Waite
in particular is beneficial to our school. Having spent some time in
the schools myself, however limited, as a substitute teacher and volunteer
coach, I can tell you that we are extremely fortunate to have Trooper
Waite available to us. The real issues are these:
1) Is having a state trooper the most cost-effective way to deal with
the root causes of safety issues both as a preventative, or as a deterrent
should an emergency situation happen.
2) Given the number of administrators, counselors, and other support
staff not directly involved in instruction, not to mention the number
of teacher’s aides who work with the most needy of our children,
are these people being utilized in the most cost-effective manner, or
do we need to look at what other ways that these people could be utilized.
3) If there was a way to compare the similarities among the people
who commit the violence in schools, I would bet that one common attribute
would include feeling alienated from parents and siblings, and society
in general. Working with troubled family situations is not necessarily
something that a state trooper is trained to do.
I see so many good things that are being done at school to bring attention
to the danger and destruction of bullying behavior, and encouraging
children to pay attention to the signals that other children give when
they feel hurt and angry; some who intend to harm others.
But aren’t we also aware that there are people like Bucky Phillips
who would kill any of us with no conscience at all, for no reason? Aren’t
these the people that state troopers were hired and trained to protect
us from?
One other observation…
Maybe it’s time that parents give validity to the reports from
schools regarding their children’s negative behavior. Teachers'
accounts of disrespect and immaturity of children are not an attack
necessitating an all-out defensive maneuver. Children have temporary
lapses during which they do bad things … don’t we all? They
are not “bad kids.” But there is no need to protect them
from the consequences of their behavior either. If there was more support
for the people who deal with children on a daily basis, maybe children
would be less likely to even think about doing some of the horrible
things we hear about. Needing someone to police our schools might then
be less necessary.
Kurt Bischoff
1931 Ridge Road
Odessa
Seeking info for 30th O-M reunion
To the Editor on Jan. 28:
Calling OMCS Class of '79 grads -- we need updated addresses
and emails to plan our 30th year reunion, July 2009. Please email Pam
Saunders with your updated address & email.
Also, please help us find others from our class (give
us names & emails or addresses that you know of). We appreciate
your help in locating classmates.
Also, if you would like to be on the reunion planning
team, please contact us-we welcome you.
Betty Ganung DeNardo bettykay11@aol.com
Laurie Bannister Hanlon mhanlon@stny.rr.com
Pam Saunders lpammy61@yahoo.com
Sue Warne Howser artsuejr@peoplepc.com
Some information on historical
photos
To the Editor on Jan. 25:
I happened to see some of your historical photos you
received from the Kelly estate. I have a little info on them. One of
the boys shown in the Schuyler County Boys Band picture is my late grandfather,
Charles H. Price of Montour Falls (top row, 2nd from right). I would
guess the photo was from the late '20s to early '30s, judging from his
age.
Also, the chemical pumper shown belonged to the Watkins Glen Chemical
Company (one of the original companies of the Watkins Glen Fire Department).
Not sure of the date, although that type of apparatus was common from
the 1880s through the 1910s. Maybe one of the members in the Watkins
Glen Fire Department will have more information on it.
Thanks,
John D. Jelliff, Odessa Fire Chief
Dr. Correa: District still
owes me $5,000
To the Editor on Jan. 18:
I am the former superintendent of the Watkins Glen Central School District
and I am writing this letter regarding the recent newspaper article
about the State Comptroller’s audit of the District books, in
which some question has been raised about the payment of accrued unused
leave, which I was entitled to per my employment contract with the District.
I am now residing out of state, and if a friend of mine had not called
me to let me know about this article and news coverage on the audit
findings, I never would have known that I was being maligned and falsely
accused of taking money from the District. I should have been given
some notice that I was the subject of an “investigation”
or that there were some unanswered questions that required further information.
In fact, the District wrongly withheld a final payment of $5,081 to
me for unused leave time, which was due to me under my contract. In
fact, a number of letters were exchanged with the District’s legal
counsel, regarding the final payment of $5,081.00, and none of the issues
raised in the audit report were ever brought up as a problem that needed
to be dealt with.
The background facts and information regarding this situation are as
follows:
I served as Superintendent of Schools of the Watkins Glen Central School
District from July 1, 2000 through August 31, 2006. My most recent contract
with the District included the payment of unused sick and accumulated
vacation days. Subsequently, on May 31, 2006, the District and I signed
a transition agreement that clarified the benefits I was to receive
through my last day of employment by the District on August 31, 2006.
All of these agreements were made with Board approval and by Board
resolution, with the full knowledge and acknowledgment of the Board,
and were similar to other such contracts entered into by the Board.
Another fact which some Board members acknowledged was that I was
unable to use these leave days due to the rigor and demands of a school
hearing which was then ongoing. For this reason, the Board approved
the carryover and additional payout for these days since they could
not be otherwise used.
According to the 2006-2007 Salary Notice provided by the District,
I possessed 41 days of unused vacation days at the end of the contract.
As provided by the transition agreement, I was to be paid a per diem
rate for 40 of these unused vacation days. That rate was to be 1/240th
of my 2006-07 salary. According to the Retirement Severance for Superintendent
of Schools,
provided to Dr. Correa by District Treasurer, the per diem rate equaled
$508.06. Multiplying that rate by 40 days, the total owed on August
31, 2006 was $20,547.40. At the direction of its attorneys, however,
the District Treasurer only paid me $15,466.80, leaving unpaid the remaining
amount of $5,081.00.
For months after this controversy arose, I communicated with the District’s
counsel, explaining
the matter to them, since it was District counsel that ordered that
my pay be reduced. Having communicated with the District’s counsel,
it became increasingly clear that none of the above stated facts were
in dispute, but the District refused payment anyway. The audit report
hardly makes any mention of the fact that it was District counsel that
reviewed and authorized this payment to me, but then also withheld the
final payment of $5,081 based on a claim that it represented a “duplicative
payment,” which it did not.
I do not owe any debt or money to the District. I continued to possess
40 days of unpaid vacation time as of August of 2006. According to my
transition agreement with the District, I was entitled to payment for
all 40 of these days. For these reasons, the reduction of my payment
was unwarranted and remains outstanding.
I have never received anything that was not due to me and approved
by the Board or included in my contract. The contract can be easily
verified and always included payment for unused leave. My contract was
no different than any other teacher or administrator contract of the
District. Many teachers and administrators received similar payments
for unused leave.
My accumulated sick and vacation leave is well documented in the District
files as well as the
transition agreement approved by the Board. The attorney for the school
district reviewed the payment to my Tax Sheltered Annuity account and
approved it on September 1, 2006. I have numerous emails in which this
is documented as well as copies of the records from the District. The
internal auditor for the school board would also have approved all payments,
as well as the external auditor. If anything was amiss it was the District
that did not follow its own procedures.
Through my attorney, I have sent a more detailed letter than this to
the auditor for the Comptroller’s office explaining these facts.
As superintendent at Watkins Glen, I served the District conscientiously
and diligently and request that the auditor’s report be amended
to reflect these facts and to show that in fact the District still owes
me over $5,000.
Thank you,
Dr. Mary Ellen Correa
Montour mayor responds to grant
Montour Falls Mayor Donna Kelley received word Tuesday
that the village was being awarded a $700,000 grant from the Restore
NY Community Initiative Program for redevelopment of the Montour House.
Her response:
To the Editor on Jan. 14:
I would like to thank everyone involved in helping this
project go forward. Special thanks go to our State and Local Legislators
for their support. Special recognition also goes to SCOPED, whose efforts
and assistance in the grant application process and otherwise were indispensible.
Finally, I thank and commend the Village Trustees for
backing this project. Rehabilitation of the Montour House is a large
and important undertaking that the community feels strongly about. I
hope and believe that this is the beginning of more good things to come
for the Village of Montour Falls.
Mayor Donna J. Kelley
Schuyler Little League has
new website
To the Editor on Jan. 13:
I would like to announce that the Schuyler County Little
League now has a website. We feel that the website will help facilitate
keeping the community, players and parents better informed and up to
date with the happenings in our league.
Although it is a work in progress at the moment, we would
still like for people to come and get acquainted with the site so that
when we start our registrations and tryouts, and then the season, everyone
will be familiar with the site.
We are looking forward to the coming season, and the new
website will be a big part of that. When you visit you will see that
there will be a calendar of all of the games in the league, from all
divisions. Along with this, we will be able to track the win and loss
counts of all teams (no scores kept in Tee ball), as well as standings.
And MUCH, MUCH more.
If you could please post the site url somewhere, I would
very much appreciate it. It is http://eteamz.active.com/SchuylerLL/
Scott McCray
Schuyler County Little League President
Montour Falls has changed greatly
...
The following is in response to a scene on the page
containing Bill Kelly Collection photos. To get to that page, click
here.
To the Editor on Dec. 26:
Charlie, though I am only in my fifties, I can recognize
this picture. The building on the right with the "Weed" sign
is my father's former furniture store -- Vedder & Scott's. They
moved in there around 1960 and ended that business sometime in the 1990s.
My brother Fred would know the exact dates. However, the three-story
building behind the sign is the former Masonic Lodge before it was torn
down. There were three businesses there during the '50s and early '60s…my
father's store (Vedder & Scott Furniture, before moving to the Weed
Bldg.), Lynn's Barber Shop, and a plumbing store, later a donut shop
(Tobies). The Masonic Lodge demo'd the building in the 1960s and built
their present Masonic Lodge. They would have more information on the
background of that building. The Weed building was sold after my father
closed the furniture store, and a year or two ago it was demolished.
Across the street you see the Montour House in the background (west);
all the others are gone, now the home for the post office and bank.
The wooden structure between the Weed Bldg. and Masonic Bldg. used to
be the U.S. Post Office, during my youth. Of course by then it was a
block building. It was a really cool building. You walked in and on
the right wall would be the FBI Most Wanted posters. The back wall was
all the mail boxes. Along the left side was the business windows.
Of course, you may have already recognized the scene, but not the businesses.
The village has changed greatly since I spent my youth there. Just like
all the towns across America. As they say, you can never go back…especially
after 40 plus years. As I said, I had spent my youth in Montour Falls,
but like a lot of young people I moved away to serve my country, attend
college and move on to a vocation and raise my own family. Hey, thanks
for printing the pictures. I know you probably have more WG pictures
vs MF pictures, but it is fun to take a look at them.
I trust you had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a good & healthy
New Year.
Robert Scott
Midland, Texas
Rooftop photo was atop old
high school
To the Editor on Dec. 23:
One of the historical photos you have on your website
from the collection of Mr. Kelly shows two young men on a rooftop in
Watkins Glen and that rooftop is the old Watkins High School, looking
North toward the lake. You probably were already aware of the location
of the photo and the fact that it had to have been taken prior to 1929,
when the new school was built after the old one burned down.
I wish I knew the identity of the two men in the photo,
but I don't. I just thought I'd comment on the photo's location because
it is such an unusual photo of the village from the old days, in that
it is taken atop a tall old building. Very interesting!
Thanks for the great job you do!
Jamie Coleman
My Mom
is one of the operators pictured
The following is in response to a photo on the History
Page of operators at a local telephone exchange.
To the Editor on Dec. 18:
What a great picture.
The fourth woman back from the front of the picture is actually my mother,
Darlene Nye Morehouse. She was, indeed, an operator at the local exchange.
The first woman in the picture, I believe, is Micci Fazzary, then Helen
Human, unknown and then my Mom. She passed away four years ago and I
haven't seen this picture in a VERY long time. Thank you for including
this on the web site.
Kenna L. Morehouse
Cornell University
Greetings from Bri aboard Disney
Magic
 To
the Editor on Dec. 10:
I am sending Christmas greetings from Alice in Wonderland
(aka Brianna Hurley) aboard the Disney Magic to everyone here
in Watkins Glen.
Thank You!
Kim Hurley
Photo in text: Brianna
Hurley portrays Alice in Wonderland (here with the Mad Hatter) on the
cruise chip Disney Magic. Brianna is a Watkins Glen High School
graduate. (Photo provided)
No sadder sight than a 'backyard'
dog
To the Editor on Dec. 8:
I am writing about an issue that has gone unaddressed
for too long: that of the perpetually chained or penned,
so called "outside" or "backyard" dog.
There is no sadder sight than these outcast, forlorn,
forgotten animals, relegated to the status of lawn ornaments and virtually
ignored by the family.
Many chained or penned dogs are seriously neglected. Some
lack fresh, adequate housing, hygiene and the most basic veterinary
care, including vaccinations required by law. Every winter a number
of such dogs are found frozen to death.
We urge you to take a stand in your neighborhood, and
call the Sheriff's Department to help any tied-out dogs in your area.
Or call your Dogs Deserve Better representatives: Marnie
Havens at 594-3529 or Heather Colunio at 535-2526.
Marnie Havens
You have filled our plate ...
To the Editor on Dec. 7:
Charlie,
I just want to add my congratulations to you for the well-deserved
recognition by the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce of you and The
Odessa File. In a community that has often been starved for news
coverage, you have filled our plate.
You also strive to provide fair and full coverage of sometimes complicated
issues. You seem to have figured out the balance between the sometimes
bad news and the everyday great news that takes place in the Schuyler
County community.
As others have said, though, your great work is with young people in
our area. You've provided them with opportunities to see themselves
at their best, and you've let us see them that way too.
Great job! I know it's hard sometimes, but you do it well. Thank you.
Jim Wilson
Executive Director
The Arc of Schuyler County
Awards
echo your commitment, passion
To the Editor on Dec. 6:
Charlie,
Congratulations on 5 great years of The Odessa File and the
several awards you have recently received. You have unselfishly provided
coverage second to none to our kids, our schools, our government agencies,
and our county.
While a great many who live here appreciate what you do,
I am sure that it is appreciated as much or more by the young men and
women serving our country in Iraq, the proud grandparents who attend
your Top Drawer 24 event, or the local retiree who has relocated south.
The awards you have received echo your commitment and
passion to Schuyler County and the fine people who live here. Thanks
for The Odessa File, and may there be many more good years
to come.
Coach Cheplick
I hope
this serves as validation to you
To the Editor on Dec. 4:
Charlie:
I was very pleased to hear that the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce
named you as the recipient of their Community Spirit Award. Your dedication
to the kids of Schuyler County is exceptional. You provide a valuable
service for the youths of the county and constantly publish what great
things they are accomplishing.
The work and dedication of putting together the daily website reports
and summaries is done quietly in early morning hours by you. Not many
people realize the level of commitment you have so that in the morning
as they click on www.odessafile.com they are able to see their child,
grandchild, niece, nephew, brother, sister or neighbor.
Most importantly, to see the reactions when students see themselves
being recognized on your website is worth every second of the long hours
you put in. I hope that these moments of pride along with the recognition
bestowed on you by the Chamber serve as validation to you for all the
work you do so the youths of Schuyler County receive the recognition
they so richly deserve. You truly are the Schuyler County Crier
Thomas J. Phillips
Superintendent of Schools
Watkins Glen Central School District
Congratulations
to Charlie on honor
To the Editor on Dec. 3:
I just read on The Odessa File of the Schuyler
County Chamber of Commerce's selection of Charlie Haeffner for the "Community
Spirit Award."
CONGRATULATIONS Charlie on such a well-deserved honor. In just a few
short years you have become the "voice" of Schuyler County.
You have given our communities, our citizens, our scholars and our athletes
priceless publicity for so many positive achievements and efforts. One
cannot go anywhere in Schuyler County without seeing you in attendance
with your camera and your notebook as you record the news and the history
which impacts and affects our County and which chronicles so many positive
achievements by so many.
Truly, you tell the "story" of Schuyler County
each and every day! You remind me of another gentleman -- of years gone
by -- who also told the stories of Schuyler County in such an enthusiastic
and caring way: ARTHUR RICHARDS. As my good friend
Rick Hughey said about Art: " He truly believed
in the beauty and wonder that is Schuyler County and he shared that
with the world." Charlie -- you do that same thing so very well
and we all are fortunate to have you in our midst!!!
Again, CONGRATULATIONS and I hope you continue to publicize what's best
about our County for many years to come!
Brian J. O'Donnell
Thanks
to Liz Fraboni for the photos
To the Editor:
I, too, would like to thank Liz Fraboni for the photographs
she's taken of your scenic county. Mrs. Fraboni's photography really
brings back memories of the time I spent in Schuyler County as an exchange
student at OMCS and as a guest of the Senka, Gifford and Robbins families.
I can't believe almost two decades have passed since that memorable
year. Thanks also to the editor for this site.
Jyri Turunen
Finland
Information
on the Glen Trolley
The following is in response to a photo published
on our History page from the Bill Kelly collection. See History.
To the Editor:
I did a quick search and found this about the Glen Trolley.
The information is from the website http://www.rootsweb.com/~srgp/articles/vetrhist.htm
"The Glen trolley route ran north to Watkins Glen from Elmira.
It was the highlight of the life of many a small citizen of the area
to be taken for a Sunday afternoon ride on the cars. This line was abandoned
in favor of a bus line in 1922, having served the community faithfully
since 1895. When the farmers and their families wanted to go into 'the
city' for a day of shopping, the horse and buggy was left hitched in
the Masonic hitching shed in Millport and the trolley was taken to Elmira.
Many students rode the trolley morning and night to High School in Horseheads,
and men went to work in town by the same mode of transportation."
Jennifer Geck
Information
on Beardsley & Forbes
The following is in response to a photo published
on our History page from the Bill Kelly collection. See History.
To the Editor:
In regards to the picture of Beardsley & Forbes. There
used to be a Beardsley Auto Parts store in the 1960s. The building looked
similar to the one in the picture. It was located on Franklin Street.
It was approximately across the street from the Old Glen Chevrolet,
which is or was Clifford's. I used to do some business at Beardsley
Auto Parts when I was a young man and living in Odessa.
Jack Woodford
Prince Frederick, Maryland
More
on Beardsley & Forbes
The following is in response to a photo published
on our History page from the Bill Kelly collection. See History.
To the Editor:
This building was Beardsley auto parts until about 1980.
It was just north of the VFW building. It was recently torn down to
make room for the hotel.
Marlana Beardsley
Let's
complete the Catharine Valley Trail
To the editor:
At the risk of angering our golfing friends, we have to
question the priorities of NY State Parks. While the same folks who
could be working on the Catharine Valley Trail (CVT) finish up work
on the clubhouse at the Mark Twain State Park, we note that the State
has managed to find the funds to buy the bankrupt Indian Hills golf
course.
Although originally scheduled for completion in 2001, lack of resources
(money and manpower) is the reason that State Parks has given for failure
to complete the CVT. We know that the golf courses are valuable public
resources, but we also know that trails are important community resources
that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users. We also know that the
Trail will have a significant economic benefit for the community when
it is completed – approximately $3 million per year.
With a new administration in place, the Friends of the Catharine Valley
Trail are hopeful that our goal of 2008 for completing the CVT is reasonable.
If you share in this goal, let your elected representatives know about
your concerns.
Michelle Benjamin, vice president, Friends of
the CVT
Linda Burke, treasurer
Jay Schissell, president
Charlotte Winkky, secretary
We are
lucky to have Schuyler Hospital
To the editor:
I never really understood when people would say “we
are so lucky to have Schuyler Hospital” until this past Christmas
when my Dad had to be admitted to Schuyler Hospital ICU. With the care
he was receiving and him just up the hill from my parents' home, we
were able to spend a lot of time with Dad and still be able to have
the best Christmas possible. We got him back home once again rejuvenated.
Then a couple of weeks ago he again had to be admitted to the hospital
and we requested Schuyler Hospital. There was really nothing more the
health professionals could do for Dad, so we wanted him close to us
in Schuyler Hospital. The doctors and staff treated Dad and our family
with the utmost respect. They were there by our side and grieved along
with us when Dad passed away. We will always remember their kindness,
professionalism and compassion. We are truly blessed to have such a
wonderful, caring facility in our back yard.
We are also very lucky to have other caring Community Agencies like
Schuyler Volunteer Ambulance Service, Watkins Glen Fire and Rescue,
Schuyler County Home Health Agency, Dr. Donnelly and his staff and St.
Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church. All these people working together
make Schuyler County one fine place to live.
Mary (Franzese) Kelly
Group
addressing underage drinking
To the editor:
As part of a comprehensive Community Health Assessment
conducted in 2005, it was noted that the rate for alcohol-related motor
vehicle deaths and injuries in Schuyler County (129.7) was almost twice
that of the Finger Lakes Region as a whole (68.3) and more than two
and one-half times the NYS rate (49.2). The rate of intoxicated youths
involved in auto accidents was almost twice the number of any of the
six surrounding counties.
In April of 2006, the Schuyler County Health Department invited several
county agencies, healthcare providers, schools and the law enforcement
community to a meeting to discuss the documented problems and consequences
of underage drinking in Schuyler County. After much discussion of the
strengths and weaknesses throughout the county, it was decided that
a multi-agency task force would be formed to address the issues. This
task force is known as the Schuyler County Commission on Underage Drinking
or SCCUD.
The mission of this group is to reduce the number of youths who experience
the consequences of inappropriate alcohol use. The committee’s
emphasis will be on the adults who influence and role model for children.
SCCUD will be seeking input from several different groups within the
Schuyler County community, and more information regarding the committee’s
activities will be forthcoming.
Schuyler County Commission on Underage Drinking
Photos
of Nordquist boys and Odessa
 To
the Editor:
I've attached a photo of my late dad James Nordquist and my uncle David
Nordquist and an early picture of Odessa. Both grew up in Odessa. David
Nordquist passed Nov. 8 in his home in Whitehall, Pa.
In the picture, David is on the left and James on the right.
Thanks,
John Nordquist
3876 Ball Diamond Rd.
Hector, NY 14841
The Pulse of the Neighbors
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