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Schuyler Hall of Fame news

The following look inside the Schuyler County Hall of Fame is the work of Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Brian J. O'Donnell, who also serves as emcee at the Hall's induction ceremonies. This is the fifth in a series of articles. (See earlier entries below, along with stories on the most recent inductions.)

By Brian J. O'Donnell
Chairman, Selection Committee

In front of a "full house" composed of family & friends, MAX NEAL, JIM HOWELL and JUDGE JOHN PATRICK CALLANAN were inducted into the Schuyler County "HALL OF FAME" on Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2009 at Seneca Lodge.

KEN WILSON, JEFF CONFER & The Honorable J.C. ARGETSINGER spoke on behalf of the inductees and MAX, JIM and Karen (Judge Callanan's daughter) offered their reflections and appreciation.

The "Hall of Fame" plaques for Max, Jim and Judge Callanan will be on temporary display at the Watkins Glen Public Library prior to going to their permanent "home" in the Schuyler County Office Building on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen.

I offer thanks & appreciation to everyone in attendance at the induction for your support & presence on behalf of the inductees. I also want to acknowledge that Mayor JUDY PHILLIPS was present and I missed her with the other introductions (sorry Judy!)

Photo in text: Hall of Fame plaques of (from left) Max Neal, Jim Howell and Judge John Callanan

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

Schuyler Hall of Fame inducts Neal, Callanan and Howell

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo in text: Inductee Jim Howell

A brief look at the 2009 inductees

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

Max Neal:

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

The Honorable John P. Callanan Sr.

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

James D. Howell

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

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

Photos in text: From top, Max Neal, Judge John P. Callanan, James D. Howell

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Among the many on hand to honor the inductees:

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

Providing introductory remarks for the honorees:

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

Some of their remarks:

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

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

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

Emcee Brian J. O'Donnell.

Schuyler Hall of Fame news

The following look inside the Schuyler County Hall of Fame is the work of Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Brian J. O'Donnell, who also serves as emcee at the Hall's induction ceremonies. This is the fourth in a series of articles. (See earlier entries below, along with a story on the most recent induction.)

By Brian J. O'Donnell
Chairman, Selection Committee

It's time now to "rotate in" some additional Hall of Fame plaques/pictures at the Schuyler County Historical Society. Since last November the plaques for CAMERON ARGETSINGER, BARBARA BELL, DONALD BRUBAKER, SR., STEWART COATS, D. LLOYD COTTON, The Honorable WILLIAM N. ELLISON and GILBERT H. HILLERMAN have been on display at the Historical Society Musueum (108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY).

The new plaques/pictures on display now are as follows:

* MARK MARTIN: Member of the Burdett Fire Department for more than 72 years; served as Fire Chief 1966-1969 and was on the County Fire Advisory Council more than 32 years; served as Trustee, Village of Burdett Board 1976-2000; Hector-Union Cemetery Board of Directors for many years (President 1974-1991); Lifetime Honorary Member-Glen Region Sports Car Club of America; Heavily involved in Village of Burdett Reconstruction Project Route 79 (completed in 1997); Constructed the 1st Grand Prix Course (on the hill) -- Maintenance Supervisor of "The Track" until it was sold to Corning -- "BOSS MAN ON THE HILL"

* PATRICIA SUITS ELLISON: Director, Schuyler County Mental Health Association & Mental Health Clinic; President-Elmira Psychiatric Center Board of Visitors; President-United Way and League of Women Voters (longtime Member of both organizations); Watkins Glen Public Library & Schuyler Hospital Building Fund Drives; Board Member -- Challenge Industries, ARC, 'Jane Delano" Chapter American Red Cross and Schuyler County Community Services Board.

* DR. DANIEL L. HALEY: practiced Veterinary Medicine in Schuyler County from 1922-1960; instituted Bovine Tuberculosis testing in 1922 (as a result Schuyler County became one of the 1st New York State counties to be declared free of the disease); served as Director of Division of Animal Industry under Governor Harriman and helped eliminate Bovine Brucellosis (cause of Undulated Fever in humans); instituted County-wide Rabies Vaccination for dogs (one of the 1st NYS Counties to do so); served many years on Schuyler County Public Health Committee as Animal Health Advisor; served in France in World War I as a Veterinary Officer attached to Horse Drawn Field Artillery units.

* CHARLES LAMONT (MONTY) STAMP: Member, Cornell Cooperative Extension -- received "Larry Hollier Morris" Farmer of the Year Award in 1989; Member & Past President of Schuyler County Farm Bureau 1958-through 1990s; National Contour Plowing Champion 1958; Member -- Wine Grape Growers of America, American Vintners Association & New York State Wine Grape Growers (held several elected positions); selected (along with his family) by Vineyard Management Magazine (a national publication) as the "Winemaking Family of the Year" (1st New York State family so honored!); Town of Reading Councilman & Town Supervisor for many years; former Boy Scout Master and Little League Baseball Coach; Member -- Watkins Glen Fire Department (40 years -- past Chief & Deputy Chief); taught "Learn Not To Burn" program for many years.

* former SHERIFF MICHAEL J. MALONEY: Schuyler County Sheriff's Department (more than 30 years) -- youngest New York State Sheriff when appointed in 1973; Coordinator for Police Training for Schuyler, Chemung & Steuben Counties for more than 25 years; Recipient of "James Riesbeck Memorial Award" in 1992 given by Corning, Inc. to the "Law Enforcement Professional of the Year"; helped implement Sheriff's Dept. K-9 Unit in 1983; began Drug Awareness Resistence Education (DARE) in Schuyler County School Districts; Began Stop DWI Program in 1983; instrumental in establishing "Drug Free School Zones" near county schools; Member-Board of Directors & Executive Committee, Chemung/Schuyler Chapter of American Red Cross; Past President -Schuyler County Mental Health Association; Past Director-Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy.

* WILLIAM P. (CAPTAIN BILL) SIMIELE: owner/operator of "Captain Bill's Seneca Lake Cruises" since 1973; the Stroller IV was joined by a miniature golf course & snack bar, and in 1986 by the Columbia for dinner cruises; lifelong resident of Watkins Glen who served in the U.S. Marines in World War II; former school bus driver; Mayor of Watkins Glen 1972-73; named by Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce as "Business Person of the Year" in 1996; demonstrated professionalism, excellence in hospitality, willingness to take business risks, strength in leadership and persistence in realizing his vision; a leader in the development of TOURISM in Schuyler County.

* former SHERIFF MAURICE E. (Morris) DEAN: Schuyler County Sheriff 1958-1973 (youngest NYS Sheriff when elected); responsible for construction of new jail facility; inaugurated one of the very 1st Educational programs for inmates (replicated throughout New York State); wrote "Work Release Program" for New York State; instituted Central Dispatching for Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance & Rescue) - forerunner for today's 911 service; organizer and long-term Director (for 14 years) of Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy at Corning Community College; served in U.S. Navy in World War II (Pacific Theater 1944-1946); former Safety Director for U.S. Grand Prix; Member - Board of Directors Glen National Bank; Charter Member Lions Club; Member -- American Legion, VFW and BPOE-Elks.

Please feel free to visit these plaques -- and those of other Schuyler County "Hall of Fame" members -- displayed prominently throughout our communities.

Schuyler Hall of Fame news

The following look inside the Schuyler County Hall of Fame is the work of Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Brian J. O'Donnell, who also serves as emcee at the Hall's induction ceremonies. This is the third in a series of articles. (See earlier entries below, along with a story on the most recent induction.)

By Brian J. O'Donnell
Chairman, Selection Committee

Four additional Hall of Fame plaques/pictures have been placed in County facilities: HOWARD A. HANLON's picture/plaque is now on display in the Hanlon Elementary School in Odessa (Principal Tim Young) while the pictures/plaques for DR. FRANCIS WARD, DR. WILLIAM F. TAGUE & DR. JAMES J. NORTON are on current display in the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library (106 First St., Odessa, NY)

* HOWARD A. HANLON:
-- co founder & former President of Cotton-Hanlon, Inc.
-- Odessa Montour School Board of Education as Member for more than 30 years & President for 15 years
-- Member, Sullivan Trail Boy Scouts (25 years) and received the Silver Beaver & Silver Plaque Awards
-- former President of National Hardwood Lumber Association
-- author of four books detailing the lumber industry in this and other parts of the United States
-- "He enjoyed the wide open spaces, the forest trails, the settlement at the foot of the mountain, and the almost obscure trail."

* DR. WILLIAM F. TAGUE:
-- served medical needs of Schuyler County in obstetrics & gynecology from 1950-1989 as he served as Chief of OB/GYN at Schuyler Hospital;
-- Honorary Member & Past President for Schuyler Hospital Medical Staff;
-- instrumental in the construction/implementation of the Rollin O. Baker Medical Arts Building and Schuyler Medical Associates;
-- Medical Director for Skilled Nursing Facility (from 1989-1999) after his retirement from active practice;
-- author of, "From Creaky Stairs to CAT Scans (story of Schuyler Hospital in 1995 to mark 75th anniversary of the Hospital;
-- Member, Board of Directors, Chemung-Schuyler Chapter of American Red Cross and recipient of the "Flora Barber Award" as Outstanding Board Member of the Year in 1995

* DR. FRANCIS WARD:
-- Physician & Surgeon n Schuyler County 1931-1970; "His patients ALWAYS came first!"
-- Medical Director -- United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen; instituted 1st disaster plan there;
-- Major in the U.S. Army Air Corps 1941-1945; aboard the LST-291 at Omaha Beach on D-Day
-- Schuyler County Coroner
-- Odessa-Montour Central School Doctor and Odessa Village , Catharine and Cayuta Town Medical Officer 1931-1970;
-- presided over Schuyler County Unit of the American Cancer Society
-- "an OUTSTANDING Physician, a VISIONARY and a contributing CITIZEN of the community."

* DR, JAMES J. NORTON:
-- served medical needs of residents of Schuyler County in Family Practice & Surgery from 1950-1986;
-- former Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, Chairman - Emergency Department, Medical Director for Long-Term Care Unit and Medical Director - Primary Care Unit for Schuyler Hospital;
-- Co Founder & Medical Director for Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance;
-- President for Board of Visitors for Elmira Psychiatric Center;
-- Founder, Primary Care Unit at Schuyler Hospital;
-- Founder, Schuyler County Medical Scholarship;
- Chairman, Schuyler County Highway Safety Committee.

From top: Howard A. Hanlon, Dr. William F. Tague, Dr. Francis Ward, and Dr. James J. Norton. (Photos provided)

Schuyler Hall of Fame news

The following look inside the Schuyler County Hall of Fame is the work of Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Brian J. O'Donnell, who also serves as emcee at the Hall's induction ceremonies. This is the second in a series of articles.

By Brian J. O'Donnell
Chairman, Selection Committee

While our County building is under renovation, the Schuyler County "Hall of Fame" is on display in various locations throughout the County. Now on display in the Watkins Glen High School (in a showcase near the auditorium lobby) thanks to Superintendent Tom Phillips and High School Principal David Warren are the plaques/pictures of eight individuals with great ties to the school district.

Louise Stillman: Librarian at Watkins Glen High School 1940-43 and 1947-1972; researched/chronicled much of Watkins Glen District history through 1972; author of "Schuyler - Around and About" (29 historical essays illustrating County history & lore); Historian for Town of Montour and Village of Montour Falls and Deputy County Historian; named "Mrs. Montour Falls" May 4, 1991 at May Day Fest in Montour Falls; Member of National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Finger Lakes Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Committee;

Irving D. Goodrich, Sr. :Schuyler County Educational Supervisor Westrside (Towns of Dix, Orange, Reading and Tyrone) 1936-1940; Schuyler County Superintendent of Schools 1940-1968; spearheaded efforts for Watkins Glen centralization in 1950 and led unification of Montour Falls with Odessa in 1958 -- led major building projects in both districts; Superintendent for Schuyler County BOCES from 1940-1968; 1st SCT-BOCES (Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga) District Superintendent from 1968-1975; Secretary for Watkins-Montour Rotary Club for more than 36 years; active in Watkins Glen Methodist Church, Retired Teachers' Association and Myrtle Jefferson Lodge F&AM 13;

John A. Beers: Teacher & Assistant Principal Watkins Glen District (1901-1909); District Principal (Superintendent) 1909-1941; added curriculum in Commercial, Vocational, Arts & Music Education to an already established curriculum of Classical & Academic challenge; organized annual Senior Trip to Washington, D.C. (chaperoned every trip from 1912-1935 with exception of World War I war years of 1917-1918; life member Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, 32nd Degree Mason, and long active in Methodist Church; President of Teachers' Association for this section of New York State; President, Watkins Glen Historical Society; and Historian for Village of Watkins Glen;

Warren W. Clute: President (1938-1973) and Chairman of the Board (1973-1976) Watkins Salt Company; President (1938-1966) and Chairman of the Board (1966-1982) Glen Bank and Trust Company; Director (1963-1986) Columbia Gas of New York & Columbia Gas System; Director (1941-1944) Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Vice Chairman (1951-1955) and Chairman (1956-1958) Finger Lakes State Parks Commission; Chairman (1938-1946) Schuyler County American Red Cross; and Chairman (World War II) Schuyler County War Bonds Committee;

Jean Argetsinger: Founding Member and 1st President League of Women Voters (1955); Board Member Watkins Glen Public Library, International Motor Racing Research Facility, United Way, Chemung-Schuyler Chapter of American Red Cross, Association for the Blind, Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, Mental Health Association, Mark Twain Arts Council and Elmira College President's Council; and member Watkins Glen Board of Education 1959-1970;

Don J. Wickham: Former Vice President & President of the NYS Farm Bureau Federation; former President of Schuyler County Farm & Home Bureau and 4H Association; former NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets; former Member of the NYS Commission on Highway Finance Planning; former Trustee of the State University of New York; former President of Finger Lakes Fruit Products Cooperation of Watkins Glen; and former President & Member, Watkins Glen School Board (1951-1956); very instrumental in securing building materials for the Elementary School in the early 1950's;

Dr. Thomas (Jack) Love: Accredited veterinarian, initiated county-wide rabies clinics and helped eradicate Tuberculosis & Brucellosis in Schuyler County dairy herds (1946-1992); served over 22 years on the Watkins Glen Central School District Board of Education (President for more than 11 years); co-Chairman of the Committee to construct Alumni Field; helped guide School District through Centralization; highly involved in the planning & construction of the Elementary School and the High School; early organizer of the Watkins Glen Golf Club (President three times); chaired committee to secure Watkins Glen State Park swimming pool; chairman for committee to secure Little League Football in county (1950s); member of Committee to build Motor Racing Research Library; instrumental in the "Irving & Marie Goodrich" playground;

Dr. Lloyd N. Peak: Chief School Officer and High School Principal, then Superintendent of Schools in Watkins Glen (1967-1987); began CORE/Gr. 5/6 concept as we know it today; began Sunrise Scholars Program and full-day Kindergarten program; implemented educational television and computer education programs in the schools; implemented Regents Action Plan and Excellence & Accountability program; implemented Elementary School renovation program; very active with United Way, Burdett Players and numerous other organizations.

Watch for additional "Hall of Fame" biographies in the coming months!

Photos in text:

From top: Louise Stillman, Irving D. Goodrich Sr., Warren W. Clute, Don J. Wickham, and Dr. Lloyd N. Peak. (Photos provided)

Schuyler Hall of Fame news

The following look inside the Schuyler County Hall of Fame is the work of Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Brian J. O'Donnell, who also serves as emcee at the Hall's induction ceremonies. This is the first in a series of articles.

By Brian J. O'Donnell
Chairman, Selection Committee

Due to the renovation at the County Office Building for the next several months, the Schuyler County Hall of Fame has gone "On the Road" with various plaques/pictures on display in several locations throughout the County.

In the very near future, the Montour Falls Memorial Library (Luke Rondinaro, Library Director) will display the Hall of Fame plaques/pictures of the following honored individuals:
* HARLOW J. BAILEY
* JOSEPH HOFFMAN
* WALTER D. HOFFMAN
* DR. ROBERT MICHEL
* ANTHONY PULOS
* PHIL SMITH
(Pictured here are: Dr. Michel, Joseph Hoffman, Walter Hoffman and Phil Smith. See brief biographies below).

Also -- in the very near future -- the following plaques/pictures will be on display at the Watkins Glen Public Library (Harriet L. Eisman, Library Director):
* ARTHUR H. RICHARDS
* JAMES T. WILSON
* KEN J. WILSON

Planning is now underway to display the following plaques/pictures in the Watkins Glen High School (Thomas Phillips, Superintendent):
* JEAN ARGETSINGER
* JOHN A. BEERS
* WARREN W. CLUTE
* IRVING D. GOODRICH
* DR. THOMAS J. LOVE
* DR. LLOYD N. PEAK
* LOUISE STILLMAN
* DON J. WICKHAM

Currently, the plaques/pictures of the following honorees are on display at the Schuyler County Historical Society:
* CAMERON ARGETSINGER
* BARBARA BELL
* DONALD BRUBAKER, SR.
* STEWART COATS
* D. LLOYD COTTON
* The Honorable WILLIAM N. ELLISON
* GILBERT H. HILLERMAN

(The Historical Society will rotate additional honoreed plaques/pictures every few months or so.)

It's my hope that additional plaques/pictures of honorees will be displayed at other County locatons. Planning is underway now to contact these sites. Please watch this site for those locations and additional plaques/pictures as we continue to honor Schuyler County's BEST & BRIGHTEST!

The Schuyler County Hall of Fame is sponsored jointly by Schuyler County & the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce.

Information on the four pictured:

* Dr. Robert Michel, D.D.S.: Served the needs of Schuyler County for almost 30 years; typical work week was 70 hours (days, evenings, & weekends); strong advocate for retention of dental hygienists in our schools; implemented fluoride rinse program for students & mouthguard requirement for athletes; took care of dental needs of nursing home near the hospital at no charge for any service; with a strong belief in doing more for the poor & disadvantaged, he would only charge parents $1.00 per child.

* Joseph Hoffman: Town Supervisor in Catharine 1923-1957; Chairman - County Supervisors 1946-1957; respected farmer; instrumental in helping the centralization process for County schools; provided direction in the development of construction of the Schuyler County Office Building; and helped develop radio system for County emergency system

* Walter D. Hoffman: Member, Town Board of Catharine for 27 years; Member, Odessa Fire Department Rescue Squad for 57 years (1st Captain & Founding Member); Member, Schuyler County Ambulance Corps (30 years); Member, Farm Bureau (President) & Cooperative Extension; and 1st area farmer to have a stall barn and milking parlor (1957)

* Phil Smith: Member, Schuyler County Legislature (1972-1995) and its Chairman (1984-1991); Member, Montour Falls Planning Board (1996-2006); highly involved in "Watkins Glen Tomorrow" project (30+ years); Director, local Veterans Administration (1997-present); Member, Southern Tier Planning Board (1984-1991); Member, Odessa-Montour Board of Education (1968-1970); Korean War Veteran (awarded Silver Star and Bronze Star); honored by Governor George Pataki with Conspicuous Service Award given for "service to his country and community."

Watch this site for additional biographies in the coming months!

Photos in text: From top: Joseph Hoffman, Walter D. Hoffman, Phil Smith and Dr. Robert Michel.

Clayton Richards, representing his father -- the late Arthur Richards (pictured in plaque on left) --told the audience that his family was "extremely grateful for this wonderful honor."

3 join Schuyler Hall of Fame

Ken Wilson, Jim Wilson, Art Richards inducted; 150 at ceremony

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 24 -- Kenneth J. Wilson, James E. Wilson and the late Arthur H. Richards, Jr. joined elite company Thursday when they were inducted into the Schuyler County Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Seneca Lodge.

An estimated 150 people attended the ceremony to honor the three men, selected in June by a Hall of Fame committee

To be selected, emcee Brian O'Donnell explained, a person must have distinguished himself or herself "and in doing so, brought reflected prestige to Schuyler County," and "must have been actively involved in his/her field for a significant number of years in Schuyler County."

Ken Wilson (pictured above) was introduced by former State Supreme Court Judge William N. Ellison, himself a member of the Hall of Fame.

Wilson, said Ellison, "is the Go-To Person in the county," a man who has devoted himself to many causes over the years that were designed to improve life in Schuyler County.

"He knows everyone, and is a friend to all," said Ellison. "He is truly a son of Schuyler County."

Wilson has been actively involved over the years in the efforts of Rotary, the Schuyler Health Foundation, Schuyler Hospital, the Friends of the Watkins Library, the library's Board of Trustees, SCOPED, the Watkins Glen International Advisory Board, the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce (past president and board member), the Schuyler County United Way (past president vice president, campaign chair and board member), and First Presbyterian Church (where he is an elder).

In his acceptance remarks, Wilson said that "the whole reason in getting involved is to make Schuyler County a better place." He said one of his current goals is to encourage young people raised in the county to return to live here.

Jim Wilson (pictured at right), the only Executive Director the Schuyler Arc has known in its 30-year existence, was introduced by Margaret Cook, who has worked with him in the past and described him as a man for whom "good is never good enough."

He is "innovative, politically intuitive ... reserved, and even shy," said Cook, adding that he is also known as The Hawk, "because he never misses a trick." He is "persistent," Cook said, and has "tremendous energy, never gives up, but knows when to say when."

Through his efforts, she said, the Arc has grown to provide services to hundreds of developmentally disabled citizens.

"He has," she concluded, "significantly and positively impacted Schuyler County."

She also read a letter from State Senator George Winner, who commended Wilson on his service to the county and said: "No one is more deserving of this honor."

The late Arthur Richards (pictured at right) -- a well-known reporter-photographer in Schuyler County and, later in life, a well-known radio voice -- was the subject of opening remarks by radio personality Rick Hughey, and represented in an acceptance speech by son Clayton Richards.

Hughey told how he first met Richards while a boy, when Richards rushed to a golf course where Hughey was present and where a plane had made an emergency landing. Richards arrived asking where the crash was, only to find there had been no crash -- and ended up doing a story, anyway, featuring the boy and his companions in the next week's paper.

They met again years later, he said, when Richards joined the staff of WGMF, the radio station where Hughey (now a WFLR contributor) was working. Richards, he said, "could paint a picture" on the air "with well-chosen words." And to this day, he said (Richards retired in 1979, and died in 1980), he can still hear the words Richards used whenever Arthur signed off from a radio talk: "Arthur Richards here."

Richards' son Clayton -- who many at the ceremony noted bears a strong resemblance to his father -- said that Arthur was never well-paid as a reporter, but that "the thousands of bylines he received over the years were his reward."

Art Richards was a newspaper reporter for the Elmira Star-Gazette and Sunday Telegram, the Watkins Review & Express, Reuters News Service, the Associated Press and United Press International.

He was a staunch promoter of the county's beauty -- producing local postcards and, through his writings, attracting visitors here -- and was one of the founding fathers of road racing in Watkins Glen, coordinating efforts by Cameron Argetsinger and Don Brubaker, Sr., that resulted in races in the Watkins Glen streets. That racing led to development of the Watkins Glen International racetrack.

He also served as Schuyler County Historian from 1960-1979, was press director for road racing here from 1948-52, was Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and secretary and press director of the Finger Lakes Association.

Emcee O'Donnell noted that of 32 Hall of Fame members inducted in previous years, only seven are still alive. Four of them were present: Judge William N. Ellison, his wife Patricia Suits Ellison, Jean Argetsinger and Dr. James Norton. Unable to attend were former Sheriff Michael Maloney, historian Barbara Bell, and Phil Smith.

Other members of the Hall of Fame -- which is sponsored by the Schuyler County Legislature and the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce -- are, by year of induction:

1995: Cameron Argetsinger, Harlow J. Bailey, Donald Brubaker Sr., Warren W. Clute, Dr. Robert Michel, Dr. Lloyd N. Peak, Louise Stillman and Donald J. Wickham.

1996: Irving D. Goodrich Sr., Dr. Daniel L. Haley, Howard A. Hanlon, Gilbert H. Hillerman and Dr.William F. Tague.

1997: John A. Beers, Stewart Coats, D. Lloyd Cotton, Maurice Dean, Anthony Pulos, William Simiele and Charles "Monty" Stamp.

2000: Dr. Francis Ward, Mark Martin, Dr. Thomas (Jack) Love and Joseph Hoffman.

2007: Walter D. Hoffman.

Photos in text:

From top: Ken Wilson at Thursday's ceremony; Jim Wilson addresses the crowd; the late Arthur Richards (photo provided); and Hall of Fame members William N. Ellison and Patricia Suits Ellison.

Left: SCOPED Executive Director Kelsey Jones, left, and HSBC bank manager Tony Fraboni were on hand for the induction ceremony. Right: Radio personality Rick Hughey

Left: Margaret Cook, who introduced Jim Wilson. Right: Clayton Richards, son of the late Arthur Richards, accepted the induction honor on behalf of his father. Many Richards family members were on hand for the ceremony.

Ken Wilson, left, speaks to Jim Kuehl before the induction ceremony. Kuehl succeeded Wilson as Schuyler Health Foundation Executive Director.

Left: Emcee Brian J. O'Donnell. Right: Watkins Glen Mayor Judy Phillips, left, and Max Neal.

Arthur Richards' son Clayton and granddaughter Elizabeth visit with Jean Argetsinger.

Among those on hand were Jay Hoffmeier, left, and Dr. James Norton, a Hall of Fame member.