Curly's Family Restaurant, Watkins Glen

Sponsoring this People page:

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

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Now available: A link from this ad to a full Curly's Family Restaurant menu. Click on the photo at left or click here.

Reading Center man meets Gen. Petraeus

Special to The Odessa File

Specialist David B. Cordick, Jr. of Reading Center is pictured with General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Force-Iraq, at a recent event in Washington, D.C. held for the Warrior Transition Brigade, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Specialist Cordick was evacuated from Iraq and attached to the brigade in October of 2007. He is a lifelong resident of Schuyler County and a 1990 graduate of Watkins Glen High School. (Photo provided)

Leadership Schuyler to graduate '08 class

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 7 -- The Leadership Schuyler program will graduate its Class of 2008 on Thursday, May 15th, at a ceremony running from 5:30-7 p.m.

The graduation ceremony, to be held at Castel Grisch Winery and Restaurant, will send individuals from the 7th class out into the community to volunteer, get involved and give back.

The ceremony will highlight the class’s activities this year. The keynote speaker will be David Hart, President and CEO of Hart Hotels.

Program sponsors include the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce, SCOPED, and Corning Community College.

Leadership Schuyler will soon be seeking participants for the Class of 2009. For more information, visit www.leadershipschuyler.com

Local Rotary hosts team from Greece

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 1 -- The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club recently hosted a “Group Study Exchange” team from Greece.

The team of five, from the southern region of Greece in and around Athens, spent five days in the Watkins Glen-Montour Falls area, staying with Rotarians and touring the area.

The visit is part of Rotary’s Group Study Exchange, which allows businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers to experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. The group included a Team Leader, who is a Rotarian, and four team members who were nominated by their area Rotary clubs.

“It was an important goal for our Club to host the Group Study Exchange this year, as it has been several years since a team has stayed in the Watkins-Montour area,” said Public Defender and Rotarian Holly Mosher, who organized the team’s visit. “I believe the GSE Team visit was a huge success due to our enthusiastic host families and the overall Club participation with the team members while they were here."

While in the U.S., the Greek contingent visited a total of five Rotary clubs, and capped off their visit in Niagara Falls at the Rotary District 7120 conference.

Photo in text: Top row, L to R: Avgi Martin, Victoria Kaplani, Aris Syngros. Bottom row, L to R: Vasileios Balis, Andreas Panousopoulos (Photo provided)

Obituary: Katherine Doyle Banner

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

Katherine Doyle Banner

Age 92, of Watkins Glen, NY, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2008 at Schuyler Hospital Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

Kay was born in Niagara Falls, NY on March 16, 1916, the daughter of Henry L. and Katherine L. Stebbins Doyle. She was a graduate of Lockport High School and the Ridley-Lowell School of Business. She worked for several years as a secretary and then raised her family.

Kay is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Lynn F. Banner, her son, Richard Timothy Banner, and her brother, Robert Doyle.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Christine Banner of Endwell, NY; her son, Michael Banner of Plympton, MA; a sister-in-law, Mary Doyle of Port Lyden, NY; her brother, Henry Doyle of Bradenton, FL; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and deepest appreciation to the staff of Seneca View who have been a second family to Kay during these past years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Dept. 55231, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 or the Humane Society of Schuyler County, P.O. Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Vestal, NY at a later date yet to be determined.

You may sign a guestbook for the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Roy 'Butch' E. Steinruck

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

Roy “Butch” E. Steinruck

Age 60, of Hector, NY, passed away peacefully April 30, 2008 at home after a short battle with cancer.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Sunday, May 4, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Union Cemetery of Hector, Burdett, NY.

He is predeceased by his father, August L. Steinruck, and a brother, David Steinruck. He is survived by his mother, Gertrude L. Steinruck of Hector; a sister, Beverly (Lyle) Knapp of Trumansburg; three brothers, William Steinruck of KY, Joseph (Bettyann) Steinruck of PA, and Phillip (Terry) Steinruck of Romulus; four children, Chris Steinruck of PA, Amy (Randy) Kelly of Burdett, Susan (Jeff) Steinruck of Burdett, and Michael (Laura) Steinruck of Burdett; stepchildren Darlene (Bob) Grover of Lodi and John (Linda) Grover of Chicago; 12 grandchildren; one great-grand daughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Roy loved being in the outdoors hunting, fishing or just enjoying nature. He loved to work and he just recently retired from Cayuga Medical Center after 29 ½ years of service. He was Supervisor of Environmental Services.

Roy was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. Roy will be greatly missed by all. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Southern Tier Hospice or a charity of one’s choice.

You may sign a guestbook or light candle in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Richard F. Chilbert II

The following obituary and photo were submitted by a friend of Richard Chilbert. The photo, the friend said, reflects Richard's fun-loving nature.

CHILBERT, Richard F. II

Age 22, of Altay, NY, passed away April 19, 2008 from a tragic bicycle accident.

Richie was born January 9, 1986, the son of Tammy and Steve Klock of Altay, and Keith Peppard of Odessa, NY. He was predeceased by his maternal great-grandfather, Norman A. Foster.

Richie is survived by his brother, Ron Peppard; and sister, Emily Peppard; great-grandmother, Mattie A. Foster; grandparents, Richard and Patricia Chilbert of Altay and Ronald and Sharon Peppard of Odessa; aunts and uncles, Heather and Jeff Jackson, Becky Peppard, and Evelyn and Donnie Landmesser; along with many great-aunts and great-uncles, cousins and friends.

There was a graveside memorial service held in Altay, NY, on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. We all love and miss Richie dearly.

Obituary: Ruth H. Drake

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

Ruth H. Drake

Age 81, of Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.

Ruth was born on June 18, 1926 in Penn Yan, NY, the daughter of Ernest and Sarah Drake. She was predeceased by both of her parents; a brother, Charles Drake; and sisters, Lola “Peggy” Glock Marmo and Margaret Webster.

She is survived by her lifelong companion and best friend, Mildred Denson; sister-in-law, Jean Drake; nieces and nephews, Sylvia Waite, Linda Richardson, Charlotte Parmenter, Charles Drake Jr., Ernest Drake, Nikki Marmo, Joseph Marmo, John Webster; and friends.

Ruth worked for 37 ½ years as a dispatcher with New York Central and Conrail Railroads. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Watkins Glen.

A memorial service celebrating and remembering her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the United Methodist Church, Watkins Glen. Rev. Elaine White will officiate services; interment will be held following services at Glenwood Cemetery, Watkins Glen.

Arrangements are with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen. You may view a special memorial or sign a guestbook at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Memorials may be made to Southern Tier Hospice, the Humane Society of Schuyler County, the United Methodist Church of Watkins Glen, or a charity of one's choice.

Racing legend Cameron Argetsinger dies

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 23 – Cameron Reynolds Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races in Watkins Glen and president of the International Motor Racing Research Center from September 2002 until mid-2007, died April 22 at his home in Burdett, NY. He was 87.

In addition to his international involvement in motorsports, Argetsinger was an attorney, graduating from Cornell Law School and practicing law in Schuyler County, NY, for 48 years.

Argetsinger’s contributions to motorsports in America are virtually unparalleled.

Inspired by his love of fast automobiles and the area’s natural beauty, in 1948 he conceived, organized and drove in the races through the streets in what would become the world-famous Watkins Glen Grand Prix.

In that first race, he drove his MG-TC to a ninth-place finish. He remained active as a driver through 1960.

Argetsinger brought full international races to Watkins Glen in 1958 and in 1961 inaugurated the U.S. Grand Prix for Formula 1, which had a successful 20-year run on the Watkins Glen circuit.

From the start, Argetsinger was a strong voice for international and professional road racing during a period in the 1950s and early 1960s when the political tides were directed elsewhere. He received the Grand Prix Drivers Association award for the best-organized Grand Prix in the world in an era when promoters negotiated with each team and handled all details of transportation and logistical movement of cars, equipment and personnel. He had the complete trust and confidence of all the European teams and drivers and settled everything on a handshake.

Ultimately, he restructured the entire payment system to accommodate the needs of promoting a major event in America and advanced many professional innovations essential to establishing the success that Grand Prix racing enjoyed in America during that period.

After leaving Watkins Glen in 1970, he was executive vice president of Chaparral Cars and was subsequently director of professional racing and executive director of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) from 1971-77. He also served as commissioner of the International Motor Sport Association (IMSA) from 1986-92.

“Nothing that Cameron did was ordinary,” said Bill Milliken of Williamsville, NY, a close friend who served as head of competition for SCCA at the early Watkins Glen races and who, in the Formula 1 years, would serve as steward of the meeting.

“Cameron’s interests were totally different than the average person. It’s amazing. He had the capability of dreaming pretty big dreams, and then he had the fortitude and strength of character to realize them,” Milliken said.

Argetsinger was appointed president of the International Motor Racing Research Center in 2002. At that time, John Bishop, IMSA founder and first chairman of the Center’s council, cited the experience Argetsinger was bringing to the post of president.

“No one that I know in racing could possibly bring the same expertise and sense of organization and ethics as Cam Argetsinger,” Bishop said. “Cam has done everything there is to do in racing, from being the pioneer road racing organizer, to top official, to president of a sanctioning body to commissioner of a sanctioning body. Nobody brings the breadth of experience that Cam has.”

Argetsinger was a member of the inaugural induction class of the Hall of Fame of the Sports Car Club of America in January 2005. He also is in the Schuyler County (NY) Hall of Fame.

Argetsinger was a visionary who made things happen. Despite his many professional successes, honors and recognitions, he always considered his family his greatest accomplishment. He remained close to his children, was proud of the achievements of his grandchildren, and took great delight in his great-grandchildren.

He leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Jean, their nine children, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to the grand- and great-grandchildren, he is survived by Jean and his children J.C. and Joan of Montour Falls, NY; Louise and Tom Kanaley of Rochester, NY; Michael and Lee of Chicago, IL; Marya Smith of Elizabeth, IL; Margretta (Getchie) of New York City; Peter and Sjoukje of Sebring, FL, and Watkins Glen, NY: Rob and Elizabeth of Sunset Beach, CA; Sam and Joan of Burdett, NY; Philip (Duke) of Phoenix, AZ; and Susann Gary Argetsinger of Burdett, NY.

Argetsinger lived in the farmhouse near Burdett where his father was born in 1883, overlooking the family vineyard and Seneca Lake. The only child of Attorney J. Cameron and Louise Williams Argetsinger, he was born March 1, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, and spent his childhood summers with his grandparents in Schuyler County. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the Army.

Addendum: A funeral Mass was conducted on Sunday, April 27, at at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Decatur Street, Watkins Glen. The family met with friends afterward at the Racing Research Center, 610 S. Decatur St. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Racing Research Center. Arrangements were by the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY.

Photos in text:

Top: Cameron Argetsinger and his wife Jean during an event at the International Motor Racing Research Center, which he served as president. (File photo)

Bottom: A photo of Cameron Argetsinger at the wheel of an early race car. The photo was on display at the Motor Racing Research Center during the reception following Argetsinger's funeral Mass on Sunday, April 27.

Statement from WGI's Rust on passing of Argetsinger

The following statement was issued by Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust regarding the passing of Cameron R. Argetsinger.

“Everyone at Watkins Glen International is deeply saddened by the death of Cameron Argetsinger. His vision and contribution to WGI, motorsports and our community were extraordinary. I am very proud to have gotten to know him and glad that I was able to spend time with both him and his wife Jean during one of their many visits to the track.

"We are honored that he was able to see the return of open-wheel racing to The Glen and was able to be our grand marshal during the inaugural event in 2005. His legacy will remain at WGI every 4th of July weekend when we present the Cameron R. Argetsinger Trophy to the race winner in his honor.

"I will truly miss his presence, but will remember him with admiration. On behalf of everyone at The Glen, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Argetsinger family.”

Morgans celebrate their 50th anniversary

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. -- Marjorie and Abbott R. Morgan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 1, 2008.

They renewed their vows in a private ceremony at St. Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The couple’s three sons -- Chris, Jonathan and Sean -- performed the readings.

The mass was followed by a beautiful reception at the Tarpons Springs Yacht Club. With over 150 guests in attendance, including family and friends from 30 states and Thespians from Alexis Drive, a blast was had by all at the bash.

With music spanning many generations, it was a festive atmosphere filled with line dancing, California crooning, bag pipe playing, delectable cuisine, and exceptional cocktails. Everyone left with memories that will last for another 50 years.

Marjorie and Abbott moved to Watkins Glen around 1966 with their three sons. Ab retired as a Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Army in 1973. In 1974 he became an English teacher at Watkins Glen High School and taught for 20 years. Marjorie stayed busy at home and volunteered her time in the community. Ab and Marj were instrumental in the success of the Lake Country Players.

In 1994, they retired to Crystal Beach, Florida, and now reside in Tarpon Springs. They co-founded and continue to perform non-stop with the West Coast Players Theatre Group, where they both have won several awards for acting and directing.

Photos in text:

Left: The Morgans at their 50th anniversary celebration.

Right: Photo from when Abbott and Marjorie Morgan were married in 1958.

Obituary: Marcy T. Jones

Marcy T. Jones

Age 20, of Salt Point Road, Watkins Glen, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at Schuyler Hospital.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, Thursday, April 17, from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be private.

Marcy worked at Jerlando’s Pizzeria in Watkins Glen. He was an outstanding athlete who played football and basketball for Watkins Glen High School. He helped children with reading disabilities, volunteering his time as a Literacy Volunteer in Schuyler County. He will be remembered as a great friend and a hard-working person.

He is survived by parents, Richard Jones and Carolyn Watkins, both of Watkins Glen; grandparents Emma Davey of Florida and Jap Watkins of Georgia; a son, Travon E. Jones, of Watkins Glen; brothers and sisters, Latasha Jones, Waneta Jones, Richard Jones Jr. and Shawnetta Jones, all of Connecticut, Latisha Richardson, Albert Jones, Izell Jones, Shawna Jones, Kenton Jones, Tritona Watkins, and Amanda Jones, all of Watkins Glen, and Destiny Jones of Beaver Dams; his best friend and companion, dog Gage; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in his memory may consider Catholic Charities or Schuyler Hospital. You may light a candle in his memory or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Ronald G. Wilson, Sr.

Ronald G. Wilson, Sr.

Age 64, of 2700 Walt Gilbert Road, Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 12, 2008 surrounded by his loving family.

A gathering of friends and relatives, to celebrate his life, will be held at his home on Friday, April 18, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ron worked as a machine operator for International Salt and U.S. Salt in Watkins Glen for 37 years; he was also a Union Steward for several years. He owned and operated a dairy farm for 12 years on the Moreland-Beaver Dams Road; and attended the Moreland Presbyterian Church. He joined the Montour Moose Club in 1977 and was a 30-year member.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda (Lamb) Wilson; a daughter, Lorena Ensley (William Clark), Watkins Glen; sons Ronald Jr. (Carlotta) Wilson, Alpine, and William Wilson, Mark Wilson and Jerry Wilson, all of Watkins Glen; his mother, Araminta Howe, Watkins Glen; a brother, Charles (Carol) Wilson, Watkins Glen; a sister-in-law, Connie Wilson, Jacksonville, NC; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Gordon Wilson.

Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Southern Tier Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Memorial envelopes will be available at the home.

You may sign a guestbook or light a candle in his memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen, NY.

Daughter of area family will be featured

Laurie Coffey, whose sister attended WGHS, appears on upcoming PBS series 'Carrier'

WATKINS GLEN, April 10 -- The eldest daughter of a Watkins Glen-area family will be featured on a Public Broadcasting Service mini-series, "Carrier," starting April 27.

Laurie Coffey (pictured at right in a PBS photo), a Navy fighter pilot who is the daughter of Calvin and Maggie Coffey, will be on four episodes of the mini-series. She is currently stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, where she trains other pilots.

Her youngest sister, Olivia, attended Watkins Glen High School in her freshman year before going to prep school and then on to Harvard. Olivia -- known as Livy -- was the center on the 2003-04 Watkins Glen varsity basketball team that reached the final of the Section IV tournament before falling in the closing seconds to Candor.

Laurie Coffey, the oldest of four Coffey daughters, graduated from Corning East High School -- where she was a basketball standout (at 6' 1", she considered a WNBA career, but an Achilles tendon injury blocked her) -- and attended the U.S. Naval Academy. She is now a Navy lieutenant.

The 10-hour miniseries follows life aboard the USS Nimitz -- a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier -- during deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2005. Coffey -- a 12-year veteran of the service -- piloted the F-18 Hornet off the carrier at the time for Strike Fighter Squadron 94, also known as “The Hoboes.”

According to a press release: "The USS Nimitz is 24 stories high, three football fields long and carries more than 5,000 Navy personnel and 85 military aircraft. Filmed from May to November 2005, nearly 2,000 hours of high-definition video were captured aboard the ship during a full six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf, of which three months were spent in combat in support of the ground troops. For the first time, a television series takes a raw and personal look at the Navy’s role in this controversial war."

For an advance look at the miniseries -- which airs from 9-11 p.m. April 27-May 1, visit www.pbs.org/weta/carrier/video.php

Most of Laurie's appearances are in segments 1, 2, 5 and 7 of the show, her mother Maggie
said in an e-mail. Of Laurie's youngest sister, Livy, Maggie said this: "Livy is enjoying Harvard. She is in the 1st varsity boat and her first race is this Saturday against Brown - hooray!"

Rowing comes naturally to the clan. Both Calvin and Maggie were exceptional college rowers, and Calvin later operated a company that built sculls. The Coffeys also taught rowing classes in the canal off Seneca Lake starting in 2004, setting up a launch on the edge of WGHS school property.

Photo in text: Laurie Coffey (PBS Photo)

Obituary: Shirley M. Cunningham

Shirley M. Bishop Cunningham

Shirley M. Cunningham, 69, a resident of Arnot Ogden Medical Center's Skilled Nursing Unit for the past 10 years, and formerly of Corning, NY, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2007 after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Shirley was born April 12, 1938 in Gloversville, NY. She graduated from Painted Post High School in 1954. Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 30 years, Tomman A. Cunningham, in 1986, second husband Herman Amberge in 1996, and her father, Delbert Bishop, in 1984.

Before beginning her career at The Leader in the business office, Shirley was active in Corning Hospital Chapters, serving in many leadership capacities. Over the years, she was active in five different PTA units. Together with her husband, Tom, she received the PTA Jenkins Award while serving at Northside Blodgett Middle School. Shirley participated in many levels in the Community Schools Program in the Corning-Painted Post School District, teaching baton lessons, and working in the Painted Post Elementary Library.

Shirley was an active member of the Painted Post United Methodist Church before her illness prohibited her from attending.

Surviving are her mother, Marion Bishop of Painted Post, NY; daughters Debra M. Dupuy and fiance Clifford D. Davis III of Odessa, NY, and Sandra K. (Mike) Hillman of Elmira, NY; son Eric A. Cunningham, and wife Tina, of Richmond, VA; grandchildren Cllifford D. Davis IV of Pittsburgh, PA, Emily Davis of Watkins Glen, NY (and fiance Staff Sgt. James Price, currently serving in Germany), Aaron Smith and Chrissi Fulkrod of Elmira, NY, Sarah, Lisa, Laura and Tomman Hillman of Elmira, Kelsey, Morgan and Taylor Cunningham of Richmond, VA, and Tyler and Tanner Dupuy of Odessa, NY; great grandchildren Isabella and Alex.; sister and brother-in-law, Yvonne and Howard Morse of Painted Post, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank all the staff connected with the AOMC Skilled Nursing Unit who so tenderly and compassionately cared for Shirley over the years she was a resident there.

The family will receive friends at Acly-Stover Funeral Home, Corning, on Sunday, April 6, 2008, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 7, 2008, at 10:00 am with Pastor Tom Bell of the Coopers Plains Community Church officiating. Burial will be in Coopers Cemetery, Coopers Plains, NY.

Memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be made to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit or to Southern Tier Hospice.

Obituary: Robert O. Brink

Brink, Robert O.

Of Horseheads, NY, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, April 5, 2008 with his family by his side.

Bob was born September 26, 1928, a son of the late Frederick and Daisy Smith Brink. He worked for over 30 years at Cargill Inc. in Watkins Glen, NY, and also worked for many years part time at JC Penney’s. Bob was known for his strong faith in God and for his sense of humor.

He is pre-deceased by his twin brother, Richard Perry. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Marjorie Flatt Brink; son, Michael (Lorie Brink) of Elmira, NY and their children, Olivia and Michael; daughter, Kathleen Brink (David Cutton) of Horseheads, NY and their children, Michele, Rachel, and Eliana; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan’s Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads on Tuesday April 8, 2008 from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM. Bob’s Funeral Service will be held at the Oakwood United Methodist Church, 212 Oakwood Ave. Elmira Heights, NY on Wednesday April 9, 2008 at 11AM with Rev. Patrick Holder officiating. He will be laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery at 2PM with Full Military Honors.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Arnot Ogden Medical Center’s Skilled Nursing Unit for the wonderful care and compassion they provided over the last year.

'Volunteers of Valor' nominations sought

Senate tribute to recognize distinguished emergency services volunteers

Special to The Odessa File

ELMIRA, April 4 -- State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira) announced today that he is accepting nominations for the Senate's inaugural "Volunteers of Valor" program to honor a local emergency services volunteer.

Winner and his Senate colleagues from across New York are seeking nominations from local organizations, leaders and residents to honor volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians, auxiliary police officers and other emergency services volunteers from their respective legislative districts. Each senator will select one honoree.

“Volunteer firefighters, EMTs and other emergency services volunteers have long been a bedrock of community pride,” said Winner, who chairs the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. “But we absolutely need to keep focusing on ways, large and small, that recognize their contributions to our communities. The Senate’s ‘Volunteers of Valor’ tribute is one more way for us to give our volunteers a nod of appreciation."

The Senate will pay tribute to the 2008 “Volunteers of Valor” at a reception in Albany on Tuesday, June 10, where each honoree’s photograph and biography will be on display as part of a special exhibit highlighting their service.

"It’s going to be a meaningful tribute, and I look forward to the opportunity to salute an outstanding emergency services volunteer from the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region," said Winner, whose 53rd Senate District encompasses all of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and part
of Tompkins County (the city and town of Ithaca, and the towns of Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses).

Winner plans to appoint a panel of community leaders to review the nominations he receives and select his district’s “Volunteer of Valor.”

Requests for a nomination form can be made to the senator’s district offices in Elmira (732-2765) or Bath (776-3201), or to his Albany office (518-455-2091).

Nomination form requests also can be e-mailed to: winner@senate.state.ny.us

Week of the Young Child is a celebration

(Note: The following was provided by Debbie MacDonald, Executive Director of the Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council, which is located at 235 South Catharine Street, Montour Falls.)

MONTOUR FALLS, March 29 -- The Week of the Young Child is a time to honor young children and all those who make a difference in children's lives.

All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and Schuyler County has a great opportunity to do our part. Parents, teachers, child care providers and other adults play important roles in the lives of young children, and Week of the Young Child celebrates their efforts.

You can show your support for early learning in Schuyler County by promoting early literacy programs, thanking child care providers who care for our children, and working to ensure that our policies support early learning for all young children.

NEED IDEAS?
• Read to a child
• Thank your child-care provider with a card
• Make a donation, in your child's name, to the Schuyler County Child Care Coordinating Council and support our efforts for children
• Donate a book to the local library

The Week of the Young Child is a time to focus our attention on bringing Schuyler County together for children. For more information, visit the National Association for the Education of Young Children at www.naeyc.org/about/woyc.

Obituary: Michael C. Dillon

Michael C. Dillon

Age 72, of 2155 CR 23, Watkins Glen, passed away in the comfort of his home after a courageous battle with cancer, on March 26, 2008.

According to his wishes, there are no visiting hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 1:00pm at Second Milo Cemetery, Rt. 14A, Penn Yan, NY.

He was born in Penn Yan, NY on January 17, 1936; son of Arthur Percepter Dillon and Helen Lucille Comfort Dillon. He worked as a truck driver for over 38 years and for the Schuyler County Highway Department. He was an avid NASCAR and Earnhardt fan.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dianna (Mitchell) Dillon; daughters, Faith Madigan of Watkins Glen, and Corian (Michial) Miller of VanEtten, NY, and Shawna Dillon of Watkins Glen; grandchildren, Daryl Madigan, Michael Madigan, Caitline Dillon, Dustin Steves, and Kayla Kress; sisters, Lucille Brownell and Rebecca (Lester) Hoose, both of Prattsburgh; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his sons, Michael Madigan, Brent Dillon, and Kenneth Dillon.

Memorials in his memory may be made to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

You may sign a guestbook online or light a candle in his memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Funeral arrangements are by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Richard L. Cervoni

Richard L. Cervoni

Age 81, of Thurston, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

The family will receive friends at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday, March 29, from 1:00 – 3:00pm. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 3:00pm at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be held at Montour Cemetery at a later date.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Cervoni; sons, Ron (Gloria) Cervoni, and Vaughn (MaryEllen) Cervoni, all of Corning; brothers, Lewis and Lester Cervoni, both of Painted Post; 5 grandchildren, Tammie (Orie) Copp, Nichole Cervoni, Brieanna Cervoni, Katelyn Cervoni, and Brooke Cervoni; 2 great-grandchildren, Kayla and Steven Copp; and sister-in-law, Alice Cervoni, of Watkins Glen. He was predeceased by brothers Chester and Russell Cervoni.

He and Joyce lived in the Steuben County area most of their lives. Dick worked for Corning, Inc. as an electrician. He retired after working there 47 years. His hobbies included motorcycle riding, and he enjoyed building many homes.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the Parkinson Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509 New York, NY 10018 (www.pdf.org)

You may light a candle in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

RSVP volunteers assist with tax forms

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 20 -- Several trained RSVP volunteer tax counselors assisted nearly 50 local older adults with their 2007 federal income tax returns Wednesday.

Step-by-step directions for completing a simplified tax return were described in mass tax clinics held at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex.

Retired individuals who are not usually required to file a tax return must do so this year in order to receive the federal “stimulus” payment. This includes people receiving Social Security, Veterans or Railroad Retirement benefits. Rebate checks will be mailed to qualified citizens from May through July. Further details about the Economic Stimulus Payment can be found at www.irs.gov.

Wednesday’s tax clinic was in addition to the regular tax counseling services provided to Schuyler County residents age 60 and older. RSVP partners with the Buffalo IRS office; the volunteers participate in extensive training in tax law and e-filing systems. Services under the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program are free.

Another mass tax clinic will be conducted next week. Schuyler County seniors are encouraged to call RSVP at 607-535-7105 to schedule an appointment for this and other tax counseling services. Tax assistance will be available until April 15th.

Photo in text: Senior citizens attend tax clinic at Human Services Complex. (Photo provided)

Senior Citizen of Year nominations sought

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, March 19 -- The Schuyler County Office for the Aging is accepting nominations for the 2008 Senior Citizen of the Year.

The nominee must be age 60 or over and someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the seniors of Schuyler County or someone who has shown sincere and faithful dedication through service to their community.

Nominations are due no later than April 14. The winner will be announced at the Annual Senior Dinner Dance on May 8. Nomination forms are available at the Office for the Aging, 323 Owego Street, Unit 7, Montour Falls, NY 14865 or by calling 535-7108.

Women of Distinction nominations sought

Special to The Odessa File

ELMIRA, March 19-- State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira) announced today that he will accept nominations over the next several weeks for the Senate's 11th annual "Women of Distinction" program to honor women making outstanding contributions to local communities.

Winner’s announcement comes as the Senate earlier this week unveiled an exhibit in Albany paying tribute to "Women of Distinction" throughout state history. This historical exhibit, which coincides with the state’s March celebration of Women's History Month, will remain on display in the Legislative Office Building until the end of the month.

The historical exhibit features a celebration of notable New York women, past and present, including Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Eleanor Roosevelt and, as a result of Winner’s efforts last year, the career and life of astronaut and Elmira native Eileen M. Collins.

As part of Women's History Month, Winner and his colleagues also honor women from their respective legislative districts.

"The Women of Distinction tribute is a meaningful recognition. I look forward to the opportunity to recognize our area’s outstanding citizens," said Winner, whose 53rd Senate District encompasses all of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and part of Tompkins County.

Last year, noted area architect and historic preservationist Elise Johnson-Schmidt of Painted Post represented Winner’s district as a “Woman of Distinction.”

Winner plans to once again appoint a panel of community leaders to review the nominations he receives and select one honoree who will be invited to an awards ceremony and reception in Albany in June, where her biography and photograph will be included in a special exhibit on display
at the Legislative Office Building.

"We all know someone who makes an enormous difference to the community-at-large. Whether she is a service provider, a teacher going above and beyond the call of duty, a businesswoman, or simply a community resident known for her good deeds, I'd like to see her recognized," said
Winner.

Nominations must be returned to Winner’s office by Monday, April 14. Requests for nomination forms can be made to the senator’s district offices in Elmira (732-2765) or Bath (776-3201), or to his Albany office (518-455-2091). Nomination form requests also can be e-mailed to: winner@senate.state.ny.us

Obituary: Carole Paradiso

Carole Paradiso

Carole Paradiso, age 67, of Freeville, NY, and formerly a longtime resident of Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully in the arms of her family on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY.

Carole was a special person who was loved and treasured by all who knew her. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and baker. She was also an accomplished oil and watercolor painter, and dressmaker. Carole worked for E.C. Cooper Insurance in Watkins Glen and Carey-McKinney Insurance in Ithaca.

The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday morning from 10am-11am. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00am; Rev. Allen Kinney will officiate. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watkins Glen at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Carole is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Paul Paradiso; daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret and Russell Bouse (granddaughter Jacqueline Carole Bouse) of Lexington, MA, and Kathryn (Gerald, Jr.) Holden (grandchildren Sarah, Joshua, Rebekah) of Dryden; brothers, Frank Jr. (Harriette) Bierline, of Pine City, and Frederick (Carol) Bierline, Bath, NY; mother-in-law, Angie Paradiso Specchio, of Watkins Glen; brothers-in-law, Robert Paradiso, of Geneva, and James Paradiso, of Watkins Glen; sisters-in-law, Mary (Dave) Cook, of Montour Falls, and JoPat (Jack) Wright, of Watkins Glen; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by infant daughter Paradiso; parents, Frank Bierline and Pauline (Stuck Bierline Brimmer); and father-in-law, Ratsie Paradiso.

Memorial donations in her memory may be directed to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, 115 Broadway, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10006 (www.lymphoma.org) or a charity of one’s choice.

You may view a special memorial in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Doris (Jacobs) Austin

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Doris (Jacobs) Austin

Doris (Jacobs) Austin, 88, formerly of Vestal, NY, passed away peacefully into eternal peace on March 10, 2008 at Seneca View, Montour Falls, NY.

A memorial service will be held Thursday morning, March 13, at 10:00 a.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St. Watkins Glen. There are no prior visiting hours. The Rev. Richard Evans will officiate. Interment will be at Vestal Hill Cemetery, Vestal, NY.

Doris was predeceased by her husband, Clayton O. Austin, in October 1997, and parents Lyle and Bernice Jacobs.

She is survived by three children, Clayton (Rhonda) Austin of Apalachin, Audrey Stayer of Montour Falls, and Geraldine (Robert) Wrisley of Newfield. Doris was the proud grandmother of Michelle (Gregory) Stayer Jelliff, Amy (Aaron) Stayer Brott, Debbie (David) Stayer Kelly, Lynette Austin, Scott Austin, Robert (Deborah) Wrisley Jr., Cindy Wrisley, and Sheryl (Randy) Tubbs. She is also survived by siblings and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

You may view a special memorial for Doris at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Bruce A. Bond

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Bruce A. Bond

Bruce A. Bond, 46, of Hector, NY, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, March 9, 2008.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home Friday at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Hector Presbyterian Cemetery, Hector, NY.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Angela Bond; four sons, Bruce Jr. (Melanie, children Azia, and Donovan), Trent, Corey, and Brandon; nephew, Joseph Esposito; parents, George Bond, Sr. (Beverly); brothers and sisters, Linda Knapp, Timothy Bond, Susan Caslin, Charles Bond, George Bond Jr., Debra Opdyke, Larry Bond, Viola Woodworth, Craig Bond, Leslie Miller, and several other nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Barbara Bond Miller, infant sister Patricia Bond, and grandfather Frank Fredericks.

Bruce attended Watkins Glen High School and was a wrestler. He served in the United States Army for 6 ½ years. He served as a Staff Sergeant in Oklahoma and Germany. He worked for Cargill Salt Inc. in Lansing and Watkins Glen, NY for the past 21 years. Bruce enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.

Memorials in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. You may view a special memorial or light a candle in his memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

O-M grad Angle serves aboard Truman

Special to The Odessa File

NORFOLK, Va., March 1 -- Odessa-Montour graduate Brittany Angle has chosen a career path that has taken her deep below the deck of an aircraft carrier -- the USS Harry S. Truman.

She is now Machinist Mate Fireman Brittany Angle, who -- according to a recent issue of the Give 'Em Hell Herald (a service publication produced for the public) -- teams with other Navy sailors in "the catapult shop" to keep the steam pressure up for use by the ship's catapult launchers. The catapults are the devices that get aircraft up to speed quickly on the ship's relatively small deck and into the air.

According to the Herald article -- provided to The Odessa File by Angle's grandmother -- Angle "does much more than attend to the steam valves. Other jobs which keep (her) busy" include "focusing on the cleaning of accumulators," a large piece of equipment that requires Angle and her workmates to crawl inside to remove "rust, dirt and anything else that has built up since the last time it was cleaned," she was quoted as saying.

Photo in text: MMFN Brittany Angle, right, and MMFN Kara Harris in the Truman's Catapult Shop. (Photo by MCSN (SW) David-Craig Mann)

Truman Facts:
Length of Flight Deck: 1,096 feet
Width of Flight Deck: 251 feet at its widest point
Area of Flight Deck: 4.5 acres
Water Displacement: 97,000 tons
Propulsion: 2 nuclear reactors
Number of Catapults: 4
Number of Aircraft Elevators: 4
Homeport: Norfolk, Va.
Crew Size: More than 5,200
Meals served daily: 18,150
Weight of Anchors: 30 tons each

Obituary: Robert A. Mowry

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Robert A. Mowry

Age 61, of Horseheads, NY, and formerly of Watkins Glen, passed away unexpectedly while hunting on Friday, February 29, 2008.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 3, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11:00am at the funeral home.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Dobson Folnsbee) Mowry; five children, Daniel (Jenni) Mowry, Anthony Mowry (Jackie), Jamie Mowry (Jimmy), Brandi Mowry (Jesse), and Shannin Mowry (Tom); four stepchildren, Lauri (Joseph) Nichols, Chris (MaryAnn) Folnsbee, Thomas Folnsbee and Dustin Folnsbee; a sister, Annabell (John) Lutomske; 7 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Tyler, Brooke, Jacob, Liam, Connor, Jackson and Davis; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Mowry; grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Earl Mowry and Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Martine; and a granddaughter, Jade Ann Koloski.

Bob worked for Suit-Kote in Watkins Glen. He was a member of the Montour Moose Lodge and a former Watkins Glen Fire Department volunteer. As an avid outdoorsman, he especially loved hunting and fishing. Bob was a passionate NASCAR fan, but his grandchildren were his favorite joy. Bob was very much in love with his wife, Bonnie, and looked forward to spending his retirement years with her in South Carolina. He was as generous a man as there ever was, and was very close to each of his children. His zest for life and knack for making people around him smile will be missed by many friends and family members.

Donations in his memory may be made to Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may view a special memorial or sign a guestbook for the family at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: James Edward Crans

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

James Edward Crans

Age 59, of 4 Rolling Terrace Drive, Apalachin, N.Y., went to be with the Lord on February 29, 2008. He passed away peacefully at home.

He was the son of Harry and Barbara Swarthout Crans and was a lifelong resident of Dundee, N.Y., living the last five years of his life in Apalachin.

Jim was a 1966 graduate of Dundee Central School, served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. During his adult life he was employed at Penn Yan Boats, The Showboat Motel, Seneca Foods and Northland Cranberry's. He currently was employed as a production manager at Leprino Foods in Waverly, N.Y. Jim was an avid golfer, but enjoyed spending most of his spare time with his family.

He was so loved, and will be sadly missed by his wife and soulmate, Beverly (Jayne) Crans; their children, Eric (Amber) of Waynesburg, Pa., Daniel (Kimberly) of Blacksburg, Va., and Jamie Ellen of Apalachin, N.Y.; grandchildren Leah, Ryan, Logan, Hailey and Kendall; his mother, Barbara Crans, of Dundee; his siblings, Henry (Deb) Crans, Newfield, N.Y., Helen (Dick Axtell) Brown, Dundee, Barbie (Arnie) Sorensen, Himrod, N.Y., and Timothy Crans, Hammondsport, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Maurine Jayne (Byron) Morris, Durham, N.C.; many dear aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and his favorite feline, Mr. Yellow.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home in Watkins Glen. N.Y. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Dundee Baptist Church on Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate Jim's life.

Memorial donations in his name may be sent to Lourdes Hospice, 161 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, N.Y. 13905 or to a charity of one's choice.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Harry W. Crans, and a nephew, Scott Kiklowicz. You may sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Alfred George Wood

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Alfred George Wood

Age 82, of 5817 Ridge Road, Seagrove, NC, formerly of Reynoldsville, NY, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at his home.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hector Union Cemetery, Burdett, NY.

Born in Sayre, PA, Mr. Wood was a Navy Veteran of World War II and served on the USS Guam. He was retired from Emerson Power Transmission in Ithaca, NY. He attended Whynot Wesleyan Church in Seagrove. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a dedicated family man.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Shirley VanEtten Wood; daughters, Sandra Woodard of Seagrove, NC, Merry Burnham of Seagrove, NC, Sally Saunders of Seagrove, NC, and Jacqueline Lovell of Montour Falls, NY; sons, Lewis Lent of Bridgewater, MA, George Wood of Newfield, NY, and Mark Wood of Burdett, NY; 24 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro, NC, and will receive friends on Thursday, February 28, 2008, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, NY.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204-0009. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com or www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Authorities: Suspect served time before

From published reports

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 27 -- The man charged with robbing the Community Bank in Watkins Glen on January 17th served time before for a pair of bank jobs, according to published reports.

David M. Harrington, 38, of Rochester -- whose arrest is detailed in a story below -- served about five years in jail following 1999 bank robberies in Corning and Onondaga County, authorities were quoted as saying. They added, however, that at the time of the previous prosecution, Harrington also admitted to a string of robberies that started in 1993. He served time from 2000 to 2005, and was released from Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonyea

Harrington (pictured at right) currently faces a single count of Robbery, Third Degree, a Class D felony, for the holdup in Watkins Glen last month. The maximum sentence for that, Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary said Monday, was seven years.

Harrington also faces possible charges for robberies at banks in Ithaca and Corning last year -- which, assuming conviction, could turn those seven years into three consecutive terms, or 21 years.

But Tuesday's reports quote at least one authority as saying sentencing could be stiffer than that based on Harrington's previous record.

As it currently stands, Harrington's Watkins Glen case will go to a grand jury, possibly when the next one convenes on Friday.

Obituary: Constance (Wickham) Kulp

The following obituary was sent to us by family members of Constance Kulp.

Constance Rae (Wickham) Kulp

Constance Rae (Wickham) Kulp, born August 25, 1969 in Rochester, NY. On February 12, 2008, our Lord Jesus Christ reached out and took her hand and she joined her sister Tammy Sue in heaven.

She is survived by her son Adam James Kulp of Gainesville, Florida, and her parents, James and Jacquelyn Wickhom of Odessa, NY.

There will always be memories of Connie in the Cayutaville Church, where she attended as a child.

These were security-camera photos from bank robberies in Corning in late August (left) and Ithaca in October. (Photos provided)

Police charge Rochester man in Watkins bank robbery

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 25 -- A 38-year-old Rochester man was taken into custody at his home Monday morning by police from several Southern Tier police agencies and charged with Robbery, 3rd Degree, a Class D felony, in connection with the January 17th robbery of the Community Bank on the corner of Franklin and Fourth Streets in Watkins Glen.

David M. Harrington, 38, a licensed asbestos remover from the Gates-Chili section of Rochester, was arrested without resistance at his home -- where he lived alone -- and was returned to Watkins Glen and arraignment at 1:30 p.m. before Acting Village Justice David McElligott. Harrington was then sent to the Schuyler County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Representatives from the Watkins Glen Village Police, Schuyler County Sheriff's Department, New York State Police in Montour Falls, Schuyler County District Attorney's Office, Ithaca Police Department, Corning Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation traveled to Rochester to secure the arrest of Harrington. Watkins Glen Police Chief Tom Struble said that charges in connection with Corning and Ithaca bank robberies last year have not been issued, but that the investigation in both of those robberies -- committed on August 27th and October 11th, respectively -- are continuing.

Harrington faces a maximum of 7 years on the Community Bank robbery charge, according to Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, who said the case will either go to a preliminary hearing or to a grand jury.

Struble said Harrington does not have an attorney, and speculated that the suspect might be represented by the County Public Defender's Office run by Attorney Holly Mosher.

Fazzary noted that a grand jury is convening Friday, but would not say whether he intends to take the Harrington case in front of it. Whichever direction the case goes, he said, it will ultimately be tried before Schuyler County Judge J.C. Argetsinger.

If Harrington is also charged by Corning and Ithaca authorities -- for robberies at the Community Bank branch on Market Street in Corning (where between $5,000 and $10,000 was reportedly stolen) and at a Tompkins Trust Company branch in Ithaca (no amount was revealed) -- he will remain in Schuyler County custody, Fazzary said, but be tried in those other jurisdictions, as well.

Harrington would have faced a more severe Class C felony count if a gun had been displayed during the Watkins Glen robbery. A gun was not displayed at the other two robberies, either. If charged by Ithaca and Corning authorities, Fazzary said, Harrington could be facing consecutive sentences upon conviction, or a maximum total of 21 years in jail.

Struble said the contingent traveling to Rochester in several vehicles consisted of himself; District Attorney's Office investigator Dick Pierce; Sheriff's Department investigator Matt Maloney and Lt. Craig Gallow; and Montour Falls State Police Investigator Joe Kelly, as well as FBI, Ithaca Police and Corning Police representatives.

The possibility of an accomplice being arrested is being "looked into," Struble said, conceding that such an arrest would -- if effected -- involve a getaway driver. But he said it still wasn't known exactly how the Watkins robber disappeared from the scene so quickly -- whether anybody picked him up near the bank.

He said a mug shot of Harrington will be released in the near future, possibly on Tuesday.

Struble said Harrington is employed as a licensed asbestos remover -- not running his own business, per se, but contracting out his services. The man has no connection to the Watkins Glen, Ithaca or Corning areas, the chief added. Harrington lived alone, although he has family members in the Rochester area.

The arrest followed several weeks of daily investigation by all of the involved departments, Struble said, and was reached through "no one little thing. We followed tips from other agencies and from phone calls," and pieced together connecting facts through frequent meetings of the investigators until "we developed enough information to make the arrest."

He said Harrington chose banks some distance from his home because "he thought he wouldn't be recognized," but that someone -- whether local or not, the chief wouldn't say -- thought they did in fact recognize him from the bank photos that were spread across the Internet following the Watkins heist.

The Community Bank robbery occurred in the afternoon as the man police say was Harrington entered, approached a teller and handed her a note demanding money. She complied, and the robber left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The teller sounded an alarm, and police responded within a couple of minutes, but by that time the robber had exited the bank on Fourth Street and disappeared.

Photos from that robbery and from the Ithaca and Corning robberies showed similarities in the physical appearance of the man, and the method of operation in all three robberies was similar -- prompting all three police agencies to work together on the investigation along with the Sheriff's Office, State Police, DA's office and FBI.

The description issued that day -- of a man between 35 and 45 years of age -- fits Harrington, Struble noted.

"Yes, it's the guy," the Chief said, referring specifically to the Watkins robbery. "We're certain of that. It provides a little ease that hopefully this guy did all three (banks) and now we got him off the street."

He said an "extreme amount of manpower went into" the investigation -- involving all of the departments that participated in Monday's arrest.

Photos in text: Security-camera photo of the Watkins Glen bank robbery in January; the scene outside the bank following the robbery; and Watkins Glen Police Chief Tom Struble that afternoon.

Obituary: Margaret Frances Just

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Margaret Frances Just, 84, of New Bern, NC, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at Craven Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Just was formerly of Montour Falls, N.Y., and had lived the past nine years with her daughter in North Carolina. She loved spending time with her family, cooking, crocheting and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold L. "Hoot" Just, and her sister, Doris Butcher. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Just of New Bern, NC; two sons, Frank Just and his wife, Sandy, of Montour Falls, N.Y., and Ron Just of Burdett, N.Y.; and six grandchildren, Anthony, Adam, Tracey, Michael, James and Brian. Also, one cousin, Beverly Ostrowski and her husband Ted, of Endicott, NY; 1 nephew and 3 nieces.

Mrs. Just and her husband, “Hoot,” operated “Hoot and Hesses Greenhouse” in Montour Falls for many years, selling vegetable plants and homegrown vegetables from their own garden on Canal Street. Also, the two were actively involved with the Squires Junior Drum and Bugle Corps of Watkins Glen in the 1970s.

The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, from 3-5 p.m.. A memorial service in her memory will be held at the funeral home at 5:00 p.m., with Rev. Thomas Montgomery officiating.

Interment will be held at a later date at Montour Cemetery, Montour Falls, NY. You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Millie Rhodes

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Millie Rhodes

Age 93, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away Friday, February 15, 2008 at Elcor Health Center, Horseheads, NY.

According to her wishes, a private graveside service at Montour Cemetery will be held at the convenience of her family.

She is survived by a daughter, Shirley Shaffer (companion Patrick McDaniel), of Montour Falls; brother Clayton “Bill” Harrington, of Odessa, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Norris M. Rhodes, in 2001; parents, Joseph “Bert” and Susanna Harrington; brothers, Edward, George, and Harold Harrington; and sister, Ollie McRorie.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Montour Falls. You may sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Marjorie Woodford Markell

The following obituary was sent to us by the family of Marjorie Markell.

Marjorie A. Woodford Markell

Age 73, of Horseheads, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, February 17, 2008.

She was born in Odessa, on Jan. 11, 1935, the daughter of the late Clarence and Edna (Mead) Woodford.

She is survived by her sisters and brother, Wilma (John) Wiltsie of Earlville, NY, Rudolph Mead of Horseheads, NY, and Eleanor Grover, also of Horseheads, NY; nieces and nephews, Patricia Wiltsie of Earlville, NY, Richard Wiltsie of Oxford, NY, and Jeffery and John Mead of Auburn, NY; many grand nieces, grand nephews, and a great-grand niece and two great-grand nephews.

Marge was an employee at Cornell University, American Red Cross and the AARP.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., Horseheads, on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 1:00 p.m. Interment at a later date in Cayuta Cemetery in Cayuta.

Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the American Lung Association, 300 Winners Circle, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12205; or the American Heart Association, PO Box 349, Syracuse, NY 13220.

Obituary: Christina Beck

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Christina Beck

Age 93, formerly of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at The Montgomery Home in Odessa, NY.

The family will receive friends Friday from 4-6 p.m. at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A service remembering her life will be held at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. A graveside committal service will be held at a later date at the Shandaken Cemetery, Shandaken, NY.

Christina was born in Springfield, MA, the daughter of Scott and Mary (Greentree) Sickler. She grew up with her family in Phoenicia, NY, and worked as a secretary for the Kingston Consolidated School District in Kingston, NY. She and her husband, Justin C. Beck, moved from Kingston, NY, to Boynton Beach, FL, after retiring. After her husband passed away in 1989, she moved to the Sidney Place Apartments and later the Montgomery Home in Odessa, NY.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Michele Beck of Mecklenburg, NY; and two grandchildren, Rachel and Joshua. She was predeceased by her husband, both parents; sisters Elizabeth Hanel and Rae Gumaer; and a brother, Ronald Sickler.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Odessa Fire Department Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 132, Odessa, NY 14869. You may view her memorial at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Bleilers ready for mission trip to Mexico

(Note: The following was written by Rev. Jeremy Spencer for the newsletter of the Odessa Baptist Church, "The Village Messenger." Reverend Spencer gave his permission for the article to be published here, as well.)

ODESSA, Feb. 12 -- Dr. Brian Bleiler, his wife Loueda, and their three children, Alyssa, Matthew and Jenelle, are preparing for a short-term mission trip to Mexicali and Tijuana, Mexico beginning Thursday, Feb. 14th. The family leaves New York Feb. 14th and returns Feb. 22nd.

"Our hope is that this can be an experience of friendship-building between us and our brothers and sisters in Christ who worship and serve in Mexico and Tijuana.," the Bleilers wrote. Dr. Brian Bleiler plans to provide eye exams for 40 students, faculty, and staff at the Dios Con Nosotros (God With Us) Seminary in Mexicali. Meanwhile, the family has been learning Spanish-language worship songs, and the kids have developed special ways to share with new friends.

The family hopes to paint, clean, build, dig, or do whatever may need to be done in Mexicali and elsewhere. Along the way, they also hope to visit a grade school operated by a Baptist church in Tijuana as well as a women's shelter known as the "Deborah House."

On Sunday morning, Feb 10th, the Bleilers were commissioned as short-term missionaries during the Odessa Baptist Church worship service. This project in Mexicali is part of the American Baptist Churches USA mission program under the leadership and direction of missionaries Tim and Patti Long. Tim is the son of Rev. Jack Long, who pastored the Montour Falls Baptist Church and interimed at the Odessa Baptist Church in the past.

Photo in text: The Bleiler family at the Odessa Baptist Church on Sunday. From left are Matthew, Alyssa, Loueda, Brian and Jenelle. (Photo provided)

County employees recognized at luncheon

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 6 -- Dozens of Schuyler County employees who have achieved 5, 10, 15 and more years of service with the county were honored Tuesday at the second annual Employee Recognition Luncheon.

On hand at the event -- held in the county's Human Services Complex -- were Legislature Chairman Thomas Gifford and Legislators Glenn Larison, Dennis Fagan and Mike Yuhasz. County Administrator Tim O'Hearn was the emcee.

Also honored at the luncheon was Odessa File Editor/Publisher Charlie Haeffner, presented a Schuyler County Sheriff's Department 2007 Citizen's Certificate of Appreciation by Sheriff William Yessman. The award had been scheduled for presentation the previous Saturday night, at the annual banquet of the county Sheriff's Association, but Haeffner -- tied up covering a key sports event -- could not attend.

Yessman took advantage of Tuesday's luncheon to rectify the matter, calling Haeffner up to the podium and presenting him the certificate along with a letter that read:

"The Odessa File is the main source of Schuyler County news to many people in and out of the area. You took an idea, and brought it to fruition by working through difficult times to bring the news of Schuyler County to everyone. For that we thank you. Your dedication and diligence are extremely commendable and you are clearly deserving of the department's 2007 Citizen's Certificate of Appreciation."

After that, O'Hearn called up employees one by one while reading aloud short biographies of them.

Recognized for five years of service were:

Maria Beylo, Building & Grounds/Information Technology
George Roets, Health Services
Dianne Thomaris, Health Services
Charlotte Jaynes, Health Services
Beth Stratton, Health Services
Diane Schmidt, Health Services
Mihai Dascalu, M.D., Health Services
Karen VanderBurg, Health Services
Jennifer Mehta, Health Services
Kristin Hazlitt, Esq., County Attorney's Office
Joseph Fazzary, Board of Elections
John Vona, Board of Elections
Shannon Slater, Office for the Aging
Roxanne Stanko, Office for the Aging
Carol Parsons, Office for the Aging
Richard Voorhees, Office for the Aging
Christopher Rosno, Probation
Michele Wasicki, Dept. of Social Services
Rebeca Foote, Dept. of Social Services
Alfred Foote, Dept. of Social Services
Rebecca Howard, Treasurer's Office
Lisa Harer, Youth Bureau
Jack Gladke, Sheriff's Department
Kate Mizzoni, Sheriff's Department
Nicholas Preston, Sheriff's Department
Kenneth Switzer, Sheriff's Department

Those recognized for 10 years of service:

John Wyre, Buildings and Grounds
Thomas Bloodgood, Real Property Tax Agency
Georgeanne Bakker, Dept. of Social Services
Ranay Conroy, Dept. of Social Services
Philip Smith, Veterans Service Agency
Gregory Mathews, Highway Department

Those recognized for 15 years of service:

Lois Hubbell, Health Services
Dennis Morris, Esq., County Attorney's Office
Joseph Fazzary, Esq., District Attorney
Charlotte Dickens, Dept. of Social Services
Christopher Ward, Sheriff's Department
Lawrence States, Sheriff's Department

Those recognized for 20 years of service:

Carlene Motzenbecker, Dept. of Social Services
William Everetts, Sheriff's Department

Recognized for 25 years of service:

Debra Perkins, Office for the Aging

Recognized for 30 years of service:

James Coleman, Esq., County Attorney

Photos in text:

From top: County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, left, with honoree Christopher Rosno of the Probation Department; Sheriff William Yessman, left, with Odessa File editor Charlie Haeffner (Photo by Peggy Tomassi); Joseph Fazzary of the Board of Elections; and John Vona of the Board of Elections.

Watkins Glen man faces federal charge

Special to The Odessa File

ROCHESTER, Feb. 1 --A Watkins Glen postal employee pleaded not guilty Thursday in United States District Court to a one-count Information charging him with with knowing disclosure of confidential information by a government employee.

The charge against Dominick Fazzary Jr., 41, was announced by U.S. Attorney Terrance P. Flynn of the Western District of New York. The charge, if proven in court, carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment, a fine of $100,000, or both, and removal from employment.

Fazzary, of Watkins Glen, was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and released on his own recognizance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank H. Sherman, who will handle the trial of the case, said the Information charges that Fazzary -- while employed in October 2003 as a distribution/window clerk at the Post Office in Watkins Glen -- unlawfully disclosed "confidential information coming to him in the course of his employment, namely, the existence of a mail cover, a confidential investigative technique for law enforcement controlled by the United States Postal Service, to the subject of the mail cover."

The matter was investigated by Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, assisted by the Office of Criminal Investigations for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Obituary: Floyd A. Arnold

The following obituary was sent to us by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Floyd A. Arnold

Age 36, of Watkins Glen and formerly of Burdett, NY, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday from 12 noon-2 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A memorial service in his memory will be held at 2 p.m.

Floyd was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Elise Arnold. He worked at Seneca Lodge for 13 years. This past year he started working for his own friends in construction.

He was a loving father, and is survived by sons Zachary and Benjamin Arnold and daughter Cassie Paver (children to Diane); brothers, Mike (wife Holly) Arnold and Carl Arnold, Jr.; a sister, Patty Castello; step-sisters Jeanie Blauvett, Donna Prunier and Carol Frederick; and a niece, Carly Arnold (daughter of Mike and Holly). He was a loving boyfriend and friend to Teresa L. Schmidt and her girls, Cassana and Alexus Niver.

Floyd was a very dear, kind, loving, funny and caring friend to many. He loved to hunt, fish and work. He also was a very big fan of Rusty Wallace. He will be missed by all of the many people whose lives he touched in different ways.

You may view a special memorial, sign a guestbook or light a candle in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Richard D. Cosgrove

The following obituary was sent to us by the Townsend-Wood Funeral Chapel.

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 22 -- Richard D. “Dick” Cosgrove, 74, passed away on January 21, 2008 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Home in Montour Falls.

Family and friends may call from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 Fifth St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Richard’s service will immediately follow calling hours at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating.

Memorials may be made in Richard’s name to the The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen, 610 S. Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891-1613.

Richard was born in Gibson, NY on November 18, 1933, the son of the late George and Marian Bishop Cosgrove. He served in the Korean War and retired from the Village of Watkins Glen as an Auto Mechanic.

Richard was an auto racing driver and enthusiast, being a charter member of the Watkins Glen Region SCCA and the MG Car Club, holding numerous offices. Richard was also inducted into the Watkins Glen Walk of Fame.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Christine Cosgrove; children, Jo Lynne Crout of Avon Park, FL, Becky Sue Bianco of Montour Falls, LeAnn (John) Spritzer of Endicott, and Richard “Dirk” (Mary) Cosgrove of Horseheads; grandchildren, Brooks Swett, Theresa and John Michael Bianco, and Abbie, Brittany, Kristan and John Michael Spritzer; a great-grandchild, Dante Blevins; a sister, Betty (Delmar) Mapes of NC; sisters-in-law Marion Cosgrove of CA and Joan (Ronald) Gascon of Watkins Glen; a brother-in-law, David Lyons of FL, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Richard was predeceased by his daughter, Robin Kay Cosgrove; a sister, Virginia Beau; a brother, George Cosgrove; and a sister, Phyllis Lyons.

Family and friends may sign the guest book at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

3 charged in Town of Dix meth-lab probe

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 21 -- Two men and one woman were arrested Monday as Sheriff's Deputies, State Police and the Schuyler County District Attorney's Office executed a search warrant at a suspected methamphetamine lab in the Town of Dix.

The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, working in conjunction with the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, executed the warrant at 7 a.m. at 1741 Gano Road, which has a mailing address of Montour Falls, following an investigation that "developed information identifying a potential methamphetamine lab," according to a press release.

"The search did identify items related to the production of methamphetamine, and the Drug Enforcement Administration responded and assisted in processing the scene," the press release said.

The following persons were arrested:

-- Grant E. Simons, 45, of 1741 Gano Road, Montour Falls, charged with one count of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in the Third Degree (a Class D felony) "for allegedly possessing items used for the production of the meth." Simons was being held in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

-- Charles A. Patchen, 30, and Jennifer L. Park, 35, both of 1741 Gano Road, Montour Falls, each charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (a Class A misdemeanor) for allegedly possessing methamphetamine. Patchen and Park were being held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.

Investigators said two of the three lived in a trailer on the property, a run-down structure that had been condemned by code enforcement officials. The third person resided in a barn behind it. The site, one published report noted, was that of the former Grantfest music festival, which was also the scene of a fatal festival-related beating in August 2002

"The investigation into the production and possession of methamphetamine is ongoing," the press release said, noting that other charges are pending while authorities await "further DEA processing and lab results."

Police seek leads in wake of bank robbery

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 18 -- Watkins Glen Police Chief Thomas Struble was seated at his office desk Friday afternoon when a reporter peered in from the hallway.

"Hey," said the chief. "Come on in. I was just checking out the Internet. Your site, in fact."

The reporter sat down, pulled out a pen and paper, and started asking some questions about the bank robbery the day before -- an afternoon heist in which a white male between the ages of 35 and 45 walked into the Community Bank up the street from police headquarters, showed a teller a note that demanded money, and walked out with a sum of cash. Police have not divulged how much money that was.

"Standard procedure," said the chief. "We don't want the robber to know everything we have. It could compromise the investigation."

Police have actually been fairly open with their information in this case -- utilizing the media in an attempt to spread the word about the man, who seemingly disappeared after exiting the bank.

Struble said the teller pressed an alarm fairly quickly, which was transmitted to an alarm company, which called the local police dispatcher. A second call came to the dispatcher simultaneously, placed by someone calling directly from the bank.

"Police were on the scene in a minute to a minute-and-a-half," said Struble.

But the man was gone -- police think by foot at first, but in what direction they're not sure. "The description was put out there quickly," said the Chief. "But he was gone -- somewhere, somehow."

That begged the question: Didn't the bank have exterior cameras that might have recorded the robber's departure on the street?

"Nope," said Struble. "No exterior cameras. But some businesses in the area have them. We're in the process of looking at their tapes."

And has he seen anything on them that might prove helpful?

"Nothing yet," he said.

The reporter then turned to the robbery note, which authorities have said the robber took with him. Police had not divulged its contents on the day of the robbery, and the reporter was wondering if they might intend to do so.

"No, we're not doing that," said the Chief.

"Well, let me ask this," said the reporter. "Did it say in the note that the man had a weapon?"

"No," said Struble, "there was no mention of a weapon. But that doesn't mean he didn't have one. The teller, in fact, did a phenomenal job. She did exactly what she had to do -- she complied, and got as much of a description of the man as she could."

Well, what about that description -- how a lot of people think this robber was the same man who hit a Corning bank in late August and an Ithaca bank in October?

"I admit it looks like it could be the same guy," said Struble. "But there's no physical evidence linking the three robberies together. TV called up here and wanted me to say it was the same guy. The Corning police chief says it's the same guy, they told me. But I'm not comfortable saying that. I don't want to jump to that conclusion."

The investigation would go smoother, in fact, if there were conclusive evidence that the same man hit all three banks. "Then we could concentrate our resources," the Chief said. "And with a serial bank robber, we'd have a story that we could circulate in media farther away. They'd probably be more interested. That might help us catch him."

Speculation is that the man is from outside our area -- but possibly not terribly far away. The reporter suggested that the man could be from Pennsylvania, since TV and newspaper coverage reaches from the Southern Tier of New York into Pennsylvania, and the robber could perhaps bask in the media coverage from that distance.

"That's funny," the Chief said, "because some of the guys working on the case thought the same thing. Nothing to go on, really. It was just a gut feeling."

Since the pictures from each bank heist show a robber of similar physical characteristics -- but not similar enough to trigger an official pronouncement that this is a serial matter -- the Chief was asked if the man might be altering his appearance each time with makeup ... say altering his chin shape or nose or cheekbones.

"That has been brought up," the Chief said. "We'll discuss that and other things next week."

He was referring to a meeting tentatively set for early Tuesday afternoon at the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department, where Ithaca, Corning and Watkins Glen police officials will compare notes.

In the meantime, police have to depend on the old procedurals like knocking on doors, looking for someone who's a witness. In this case the doors belong to shopkeepers near the bank, in the hope that one or more of them might have seen in which direction the man departed. "We went back through this morning," Struble said, "double-checking, asking more questions." And coming up empty.

Along more modern lines, an FBI agent from Elmira dusted for prints and bagged evidence at the bank on Thursday afternoon. The evidence -- including fibers that might yield DNA information -- were being sent to an FBI laboratory in West Virginia for processing. Some of the evidence "might develop into something," Struble said. "And some might not be anything."

And the FBI office in Williamsport has been contacted for information it might have on any bank robberies in that region -- in Pennsylvania -- in the recent past.

"You know," Struble said, "robberies are no big deal to the media in bigger cities. They happen often. But it's different here. We love the quality of life we have, so when we do have a robbery, we take it seriously. We don't become callous toward it."

And so he and other police investigators will continue to pursue the case, pursue the robber.

"We've had tons of leads of people fitting the man's description," Struble said -- referring to the man's ball cap, Carhartt coat, blue pants, brown shoes, mustache and five o'clock shadow.

"None of the leads have panned out," he added. "The guy did a great job of blending in."

Photos in text: Watkins Glen Police Chief Thomas Struble in photos snapped on the day of the robbery -- talking to reporters, copying a report, and walking on the sidewalk outside the bank.

Troopers who came rushing north on Franklin Street, sirens blaring, turn the corner at Fourth Street shortly after 2:30 p.m. on their way to parking spots behind the Community Bank -- which is located out of the photo on the left.

Robber hits Community Bank in Watkins

Passes note to teller, gets money, leaves; no weapon shown

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 17 -- Police were searching Thursday evening for a man who walked into the Community Bank, N.A., in Watkins Glen at 2:19 p.m., handed a female teller a note demanding money, and walked out with the cash she handed him.

Investigators from the Watkins Glen Village Police, Schuyler County Sheriff's Department and State Police were on the scene quickly, with DEC police arriving later and an FBI agent on the way. Fifteen minutes after the robbery, officers were visible inside the bank, where they interviewed personnel and secured bank camera images that showed the man during his short stay there.

The theft, in fact, might not have been a stand-alone incident. Reports circulated shortly after the robbery that there might be a connection between this one and bank robberies last year in Corning (late August) and Ithaca (October). The man pictured in photos taken at those heists is similar to the man in the photos from Thursday's robbery, Corning investigators were quoted as saying. (See the security-camera photos from those robberies at the bottom of this story)

When Thursday's robber left the bank, police said, he exited through the door on the north side of the building -- at the corner of Franklin and Fourth Streets -- and disappeared. Conflicting stories were surfacing as to which direction he went -- east or west -- but investigators thought he probably left the immediate area on foot. One witness told police that while walking on Madison Avenue to the west, she saw a man who matched the description given by authorities.

Watkins Glen Police Chief Thomas Struble said there was no reliable account yet as to which way the man might have gone. In an attempt to find witnesses, police were checking nearby stores -- most of which were closed -- and talking to shop owners in those that were opened.

The robber was described as a white male between 35 and 45 years of age, about 6 feet tall, and weighing from 185-225 pounds. He was wearing a brown Carhartt jacket, a blue baseball-style cap, possibly with a red letter on it, blue jeans, and brown shoes. He had a mustache, and a scruffy five o'clock shadow of whiskers.

The amount of money taken was not released by police -- standard in robberies.

Investigators said this marked the first bank robbery in Watkins Glen since 1999, when the Chemung Canal Trust Company branch across the street was hit. The Community Bank building was hit by a robber about 20 years ago, they said -- with the suspect taking a left out of the bank and going to the Savoy next door for a drink. He was captured there. But Thursday's robber was not so accommodating.

Struble, in interviews with the media at Village Hall -- where the various police agencies had set up headquarters -- said Thursday's robber entered the bank, issued no threats, had no visible weapon, handed the teller a note, and left after the teller complied with his demands by giving him drawer money. After he left, the alarm was sounded.

Investigators gathering on the scene put up yellow tape barring the public from the bank, and put out an all-points bulletin. Media gradually appeared, cameras in hand, and the snow started falling as the wind picked up.

"If he'd only waited a little while, the police could have tracked him," said one observer wryly about the snowfall.

Word about the robbery reached the Watkins Glen School District superintendent's office at 2:28 p.m., which triggered a lockdown of school buildings. Students had already been dismissed, but the lockdown was standard procedure to protect students still on hand for after-school activities.

Photos in text:

From top: Bank camera footage of the robber; after the robbery, Sheriff William Yessman (left) and retired Watkins Glen Officer in Charge Richard Pierce (who now works for the District Attorney's office) huddle on Fourth Street; investigators pass the Community Bank sign; Watkins Glen Police Chief Thomas Struble (yellow coat) talks to a DEC Police officer and a State Trooper across the street from the bank; yellow tape blocks off the crime scene.

Investigators can be seen inside the bank just after 2:30 p.m., a short time after the robbery.

Last year's Corning (left) and Ithaca robberies:

These were security-camera photos from bank robberies in Corning in late August (left) and Ithaca in October. (Photos provided)

Obituary: Louis H. Nikl

The following information was provided to The Odessa File by a family member.

Louis H. Nikl

Louis H. Nikl died Sunday, December 23, 2007 at Seneca View in Montour Falls, NY.

Louis was born July 11, 1913 in Czechoslovakia to Ludwig and Anna Nikl. He came to the United States at age seven and graduated from Binghamton High School. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was married for 67 years to Florence Snyder Nikl, who predeceased him. He retired from the Maine-Endwell School system as head custodian in 1979.

Mr. Nikl was a devoted member of the Endwell United Methodist Church; and a loving father to his daughter, Sandy Nikl Senka.

In addition to his daughter and son-in-law John Senka of Montour Falls, he is survived by granddaughter Debbie Ames (Don) of Horseheads, NY, grandson John Senka (Tambi) of Bath, NY, grandson Jeffrey Senka of Montour Falls, NY, great-granddaughter Grace Ames, sister Emily Kaschak, sister-in-law Marilyn Nikl, and several nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Louis H. Nikl can be made to a charity of your choice.

Obituary: Richard Franklin Dunbar

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

Richard Franklin Dunbar

Age 99, formerly of Elmira Heights and Horseheads, and recently of Odessa, NY, passed away peacefully Friday, December 14, 2007, at Seneca View, Montour Falls, NY.

Born August 6, 1908 in Elmira, NY, he graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School as Salutatorian in 1926. He later graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1932 with a degree in civil engineering and was a member of Sigma XI. He married Delores Kidd in 1937 and was married for 69 years. He was a member of the Oakwood United Methodist Church.

He spent 8 years as traveling auditor (1932-1940) for Jewel Tea Company, later working for American Bridge as a structural Engineer (1940-43) and for Eclipse Bendix Corp. as a research and test engineer (1943), becoming Assistant Plant Engineer (1950) and later Plant Engineer (1952). He became District General Manager for Chemung County Sewer District in 1962, and was involved in numerous community organizations.

Richard served as Elmira Heights Village Clerk (1944-56) and President of the Elmira Industrial Management Club, was a Past Master of Elmira Heights F&AM Lodge 913, a Past Director of the YMCA, a member of the Chemung County Planning Board and the Water Pollution Control Association of New York State, a Boy Scout assistant leader, and a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials in his memory be directed to the Oakwood United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 212 Oakwood Ave., Elmira Heights, NY 14903; or Schuyler Hospital, c/o Schuyler Health Foundation, PO Box 828, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

He is survived by three children, Carole (Thomas) Gifford of Montour Falls, Kenneth (Joan) Dunbar of Horseheads, and Gerald (Charleen) Dunbar of Mineral, VA; six grandchildren, Paul (Kathleen) Gifford, Dulcie (James) Champion, Deborah (Christopher) Zentz, Kristen Dunbar, Tiffany (Mark) Lione, and Ashelly (Steve) Cook; and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, Friday, December 21, from 12 noon-1:30 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, Rev. Patrick L. Holder officiating. Burial will b