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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.

Website!! To link to the Curly's Family Restaurant website, you can click on the photo at left or here.

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Visit SchuyLines

SchuyLines.com, The Odessa File's sister publication designed to celebrate all things good about Schuyler County, is now online. For a look at the features-oriented website, just click here or on one of the logos above.

Obituary: Tucker William Stevenson

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

Tucker William Stevenson

Infant son of Kayla Cornish and Brooks Stevenson, joined the angels in heaven on May 19, 2013.

He leaves behind on Earth his loving parents and family, including maternal grandparents, Shannon Cornish and Scott Cornish; paternal grandparents, Cindy Stevenson and Doug Daugherty; maternal great-grandmother, Lisa Doolittle; and paternal great-grandparents, Joane and Charlie Stevenson.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

You may express condolences to the family online or “Light a Candle” in his memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Rebecca Sue Ameigh

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

Rebecca Sue Ameigh

Age 48, of Montour Falls, passed away on May 20, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, May 23, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by burial at Sugar Hill Cemetery.

Becky was co-owner of B&D’s Bargain Bin. She will be remembered most by her regular customers for her warm greetings, beautiful smile and her big heart.

She leaves behind her husband, Donald Ameigh; her mother, Roma; daughter, Stephanie Bulkley (Joe); sisters, Margie Carpenter (Rob), Kathryn Smith (David), and Angela Radka; aunt, Norma (Ray) Abbey; stepson, Donald (Christine); stepdaughter, Marnie (Sean); and grandchildren, Payten, Kaylee, Donny, Conrad, Ava, Salina, Brok, and Evalyn.

She will be deeply missed by many, but will live on in all of those who were a part of her life. Remember her every time you see that special something you bought from her that she prepared for you. She was a friend who will be impossible to forget.

Donny would like to thank Care First Hospice, Dr. Campbell, and the staff at Cayuga Medical Center for her care.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Rondinaro gains induction into DCI Hall

Special to The Odessa File

Four individuals, including Watkins Glen native Steve Rondinaro, have been selected for induction into the Drum Corps International (DCI) Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have left their mark on the marching music activity.

From instructors to designers to innovators, the Hall is made up of more than 100 men and women influential in the history of drum and bugle corps. The new inductees will be recognized in August, during the week of the 2013 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis.

Rondinaro has hosted DCI’s television and movie theater broadcasts since the late 1970s.

“For life-long drum corps fans, it’s practically impossible to imagine watching the DCI World Championships on television or in movie theaters without being engrossed by what Steve says about the drum corps activity,” DCI Staff Writer Michael Boo said. “Through the airwaves, he brings people right into the stadium.”

Rondinaro’s drum corps career started when, at the age of 9, he joined the Watkins Glen Squires, with whom he spent a dozen years. He later co-managed the corps, nearly achieving a 12th-place finalist spot in the 1975 World Championships in Philadelphia, his last year as a marching member.

Forging a career as a news reporter and anchor outside of drum corps, Rondinaro got his start with DCI’s television broadcasts when asked by Hall of Fame Member Don Whitely to host a local PBS telecast of the 1976 DCI East competition in Allentown, Pa. A similar opportunity was offered in 1977 for the DCI Canada event in Hamilton, Ontario, and by 1979 he got his opportunity in front of the camera on the PBS network at the World Championships, sitting alongside jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson as co-host.

Over the years Rondinaro has worked with a diverse array of co-hosts from actress Rita Moreno to sports broadcasting legend Curt Gowdy, using his experiences and talents as a drum corps “insider” to educate his television partners.

He later helped reorganize the Florida Vanguard into a new corps, Florida Wave, a group that went on to win DCI’s A-Class Championship title in 1984.

Photo in text: Steve Rondinaro

Emerson history walks to resume May 18

MONTOUR FALLS, May 16 -- Gary Emerson will resume his Catharine Valley Trail history walks with a hike from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, beginning at the Montour Falls Library.

The walk, about two miles in length, will take about two hours to complete. It will focus on the history of the trail, the Village of Montour Falls and the Chemung Canal.

Emerson, a resident of Odessa with a passion for local history, offers the walks throughout the summer. In addition to teaching American History at Newfield High School, he has written several local history articles for the Crooked Lake Review and the Schuyler County Historical Society Journal, as well as a book about the Chemung Canal.

For further information about the Emerson walks, contact Caryl Sutterby at 607-426-4015 or csutterby@stny.rr.com.

Obituary: Anna Stephno

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Anna Stephno

Age 90, a lifelong resident of Watkins Glen, NY, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, NY.

Anna was born in Watkins Glen on September 29, 1922, the daughter of Tom and Jennie (Flammia) Stephno. Anna was a 1943 graduate of Watkins Glen High School. She retired from A&P in Watkins Glen after 29 years of service. Having a big heart for children, she then spent eight years working as a teacher’s assistant at Watkins Glen Elementary School.

In addition to her parents, Anna was predeceased by her brothers, Joe and Nicholas; sisters, Angeline Stephno, Nellie Davis, and Mary Turner; and a sister-in-law, Jeannette Stephno. She is survived by a brother, Anthony Stephano of Seattle, WA; nieces Jennifer Nichols and Jessica Farrell; nephews Tom, Steve and Mark Turner and Paul Stephano; and a brother-in-law, Charles Davis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 Decatur St., Watkins Glen on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. with Father Paul Bonacci, celebrant. A private burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Watkins Glen.

Memorials may be made in Anna’s memory to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, PO Box 292, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

715 years of combined service recognized

Hospital recognizes contributions of 58 employees

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 15 -- Schuyler Hospital recognized employees with 5 to 40 years of service May 8 at its annual Employee Recognition Dinner.

In all, 58 employees were recognized for a total of 715 years of combined experience at the hospital.

The highlight of the evening’s celebration – held at Chateau LaFayette Reneau with Bower Catering – was a tribute for three 40-year employees: Diane Candido, Seneca View; Anita Smith, Admissions; and Blanche Bowen, Patient Accounting (retired in December).

Candido’s co-worker, Winona Beebe -- herself celebrating 35 years at Schuyler Hospital -- went to high school with Diane, and both started at Schuyler Hospital as nurse aides while still in school. “Well, that was only a few years ago, it seems. You have moved on and upwards in the nursing profession. I commend you for your dedication and years of service,” said Beebe.

Of Smith, co-worker Emily Grimmke said, “Anita is one of the best support people
during difficult situations in the Emergency Room and elsewhere. She can find a number, get information disseminated, find a form, and get someone on the line in a flash -- always with a smile, a sense of humor (invaluable!) and a question of what more she could be helping with.”

Bowen earned praise not only from her co-workers, but also from all the families she helped over the years as the Seneca View Billing Supervisor.

In presenting the years of service awards, Hospital President/CEO Andy Manzer thanked everyone for their dedication to each other, as well as to patients and residents.

Celebrating 35 years: Bruce Barrett, Winona Beebe, and Pam Palmer
Celebrating 30 years: Cora Sue Davis
Celebrating 25 years: Joylee Cornish, Deborah Drake, Penny Hammond, Carol Kruger, Janice Layton, and Carol Peters
Celebrating 20 years: Liz Ayers, Peter Daniluk, Patti Hardick, and Kathy Richtmyer
Celebrating 15 years: MaryEllen Claypool, Dianna Laprade, Jason Pitcher, Dr. William Saks, Kathryn Shaffer, and Linda Smith
Celebrating 10 years: Mindy Ahouse, Madia Bosley, Rebecca Goltry, Wendy Hughey, Yvonne Kellogg, Annette Kocourek, Valerie Franzese-Lynch, Dawn Macnaughton, Jeanne Maine, Debra Phaneuf, Norma Powers, Dr. Ashraf Sabahat, Kirk Smith and Noel Yaw
Celebrating 5 years: Paul Beebe, Michelle Benjamin, Jeannette Blake, Nacole Burchard, Richard Carney, Beth Flynn, Kevin Hollenbeck, Gina Marcellino, Suzanne McLoud, Brittany Oliver, Joey Paladino, Debra Phelps, Troy Preston, Debbra Rockhill, Terrie Sautter, Apryl Smith, Ryan Stackhouse, Dawn Taft, Diana Vaughn-Russell, William Vaughn-Russell and Judy Woleiszo

Photo in text: From left: Schuyler Hospital 40-year Service Award recipients Anita Smith, Blanche Bowen and Diane Candido (Photo provided)

Connecticut Hill neighbors clean stream

Remove tires, other debris thrown into Cayuta Lake tributary

Special to The Odessa File

CAYUTAVILLE, May 13 -- More than 150 tires were removed from a tributary to Cayuta Lake on a recent Saturday morning by 25 neighbors, distressed by increased dumping into the stream that flows next to Cayutaville Road and through the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area.

The DEC agreed to help properly dispose of the tires. Also removed were three truckloads of car parts, couches, roofing, and a leaky container of antifreeze – to name a few of the things thrown off the road into the creek.

The Connecticut Hill-Cayuta Valley Neighbors Group, who gather monthly for a potluck dinner, and the Odessa Men’s Group, who meet weekly over coffee, worked for two hours clearing the stream. It would have taken much longer without a tractor and winch supplied by Barlow Rhodes that helped pull the tires and other heavy items up the steep banks.

The many hands made the tough job bearable, a job the groups hope won't be needed again. Many communities, including the Town of Catharine, have Dumpster Days and there has been a yearly tire collection program sponsored by Schuyler County.

“We can’t live without clean water and Connecticut Hill is the headwaters for many streams that flow to Cayuta Lake, then to Cayuta Creek, the Susquehanna, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay," said Roxanne Leyes, one of the organizers of the tire pickup and a member of the Connecticut Hill-Cayuta Valley Neighbors Group. "All provide excellent fishing and other recreational opportunities. Streams connect to groundwater that supplies our drinking water wells, and it is distressing that some in our community forget this and dump their garbage carelessly near our waterways.”

Photo in text: The tire cleanup. (Photo provided)

Obituary: LaBrina R. Hearn

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

LaBrina R. Hearn

Age 42, of Watkins Glen, passed away on May 7, 2013.

Once in awhile you meet someone who makes everyone feel special, whose heart is like no other and who radiates love and compassion. We are lucky to call them our friend, our mentor, or sister. LaBrina was that person and will dearly be missed by her family and friends.

She loved to cook, entertain and meet new people. She loved to draw and would do so for her friends. She also loved music, watching movies, and would decorate and make wherever she lived a home. LaBrina was someone who listened and counseled many people. She loved people.

LaBrina is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Henry and Denise, Dennis and Johnnie, Andre and Catherine, and Joseph Hearn; sister and brother-in-law, Kimberly and Andrew Worthy; nieces, Nina Askew, Brianna Kimbrough, and India Kimbrough; grandnephew, Hunter Askew; and grandniece, Khaylee Kimbrough.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Saturday, May 18, with a gathering of family and friends from 2 -3 p.m.; followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home.

Obituary: Elizabeth K. Jones

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

Elizabeth K. “Betty” Jones

Age 89, of Watkins Glen, went to heaven peacefully at home on May 7, 2013.

She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Elsworth Jones. She is survived by two daughters, Constance (Richard) Emmerth of Frostproof, FL, and Linda L. Barber of Millport, NY; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A private committal service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to Care First (Southern Tier Hospice), 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce- Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Stewart B. Whitney III

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family friend. It previously ran in a Buffalo newspaper.

Stewart B. "Doc" Whitney III, Ph.D

Age 74, of Buffalo, New York died on May 6, 2013.

He was the beloved husband of Joan "Noel" (Conti); loving father of Scott, Belle, Liz and Stewart "Bo"; brother of Sherryl Hortman and Starr (Larry) Picchione; and is also survived by several other loving relatives and friends.

“Doc” was a summer resident at Hector Falls for over 20 years.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at University Presbyterian Church, Niagara Falls Blvd. & Main St., Buffalo, at 11 a.m. Monday, May 13.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Buffalo Zoo. Arrangements are by the Lester H. Wedekindt, Inc. Funeral Home.

Obituary: Elmer T. Buckley

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

Elmer T. Buckley

Age 86, of Watkins Glen, passed away May 1, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; children, Linda (Lyle) Diecenburg of Tyrone, Catherine (Dean) Thompson of Reading Center, Connie (Richard) Rexford of Tyrone, Chester (Susie) Buckley of Watkins Glen, Gordon Buckley (Lori) of Beaver Dams, and Carl (Annette) Buckley of Watkins Glen; 27 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Nathan and Gertrude; daughter, Shirley Walker; sisters, Doris Barber and Bernie Gray; granddaughter, Theresa Rexford, and great-great-grandson, Wayne Porter, Jr.

Elmer honorably served in the U.S. Army in World War II, and was at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the American Legion Post #660 of Dundee and Local Union #823B.

Memorial donations may be made to the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park, P.O. Box 137, Odessa, NY, 14869.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, from 12 noon-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4; followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held at the Union Cemetery of Hector, Burdett.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Keith B. Smith

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

Keith B. Smith

Age 79, of Valois, NY passed away May 1, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

Keith was born in 1934 in Troy, PA, with his twin brother Kenneth to parents Morris J. and Fannie Smith. He honorably served in the U.S. Army and worked as an Assistant Treasurer at Shepard-Niles in Montour Falls for 34 years.

He was an active volunteer for numerous organizations and projects, and an avid golfer. He was a lifelong member of the Watkins-Montour Lions Club and BPOE Lodge 1546 of Watkins Glen. He was also a volunteer for the Office for the Aging, Hector Presbyterian Church, Seneca Union Cemetery, and the Salvation Army.

He was predeceased by his parents; also brothers Wayne, Leland and Donald Smith. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Sally Jo Smith; children, Dr. Brian (Donna) Smith of Syracuse, and Barbara (Roger) Swartwood of Burdett; twin brother, Kenneth (Sandra) Smith of Cape Cod, Mass.; sister, Marjorie (John) Arcangeli of Burdett; sister-in-law, Nancy Smith Masti; and seven grandchildren, Garrett, Colleen, Brett, and Connor Smith, and Hilary, Makenzi and Mitchell Swartwood.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, May 5 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A memorial service will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Hector Presbyterian Church, followed by interment with military honors at Seneca Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you remember Keith with a donation to the Hector Presbyterian Church, PO Box 96 , Hector, NY 14818, or a charity of one’s choice.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle”online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Stewart G. Clawson

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

Stewart G. Clawson

Age 73, of Burdett, NY, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013.

Stewart was a lifelong resident of Burdett. He honorably served in the U.S. Army and was a 55-year volunteer with the Burdett Fire Department. He was also a lifelong member of the Burdett Methodist Church.

Stewart worked for the New York State DOT in Watkins Glen until retirement.

He is survived by his loving partner and fiancée of 24 years, Faith Shettleworth; sisters, Judy (Clarence) Mollet and Pauline Waller, both of Wabash, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Beulah Clawson; brothers, Horace and John Clawson, and sister, Georgetta Clawson.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Monday, May 6, from 12 noon-2:00 p.m.; followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A burial with military honors will be held at the Union Cemetery of Hector.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Experience Schuyler begins its run

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, May 1 -- About 45 people attended the Kick-Off Celebration for Experience Schuyler Tuesday evening at The Upstairs Inn at O'Susannah's Quilt Shop in Watkins Glen.

The event included food prepared by the participating business owners which will be featured on the recipe cards distributed as part of the event.

Experience Schuyler runs from May1 through May 11. Passports can be picked up at the participating businesses, including Finger Lakes Fibers, the Hi-Lites and O'Susannah's Quilt Shop in Watkins Glen, and the Village Bakery, Reality Realty and Stillman's Greenhouse in Montour Falls.

After visiting 17 of the 28 businesses, shoppers will be eligible to enter a prize drawing valued at over $400 and will receive a bead toggle made by Bonnie Scott of Joyful Adornments to hold the recipes together.

For more information, contact Helene Fausold at 351-8024 or hcfausold@stny.rr.com.

Obituary: Phyllis Standish

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

Phyllis Adele Bardeen Standish

Age 78, of Trumansburg and formerly Reading Center, NY, passed away unexpectedly on April 26, 2013 at Cayuga Medical Hospital with loved ones at her side, including son Jack.

Phyllis was born March 14, 1935 in Dundee, NY, to parents William Revere Bardeen and Emma May (Webster) Bardeen. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband Jack Lee Standish; and son Lloyd Eugene Standish; as well as siblings Morris Bardeen and Viola Fultz.

She is survived by a sister, Doris Ann (Bardeen) Hager; children, Jack Lee Standish II and Mona Rae (Gary) Bibow; grandchildren, Anthony Lloyd Hall (son of Mona) and Jonathon Lee Clawson (son of Jack); and numerous nephews and nieces.

Early in her life, she and her three children were involved with The Squires Drum and Bugle Corps. With this organization she also traveled throughout the country as a chaperone. This was an enjoyable time in Phyllis’s life and she would often share stories with people about it.

Phyllis worked very hard supporting her three children by maintaining and picking grapes by hand at numerous Finger Lakes vineyards. She enjoyed cross stitching, crocheting, singing, and spending time outside tending to yard work and flowers. She also enjoyed being with family and friends, and riding motorcycle with a large group of friends. She was a member of several groups throughout her life, including the North American Forty Touring Club and Retreads Motorcycle Club, as well as a Trike Organization. She and special friend Judy Craft traveled all over the country as well as Canada.

Her love of singing also allowed her to sing with the Sweet Adelines, Trumansburg Chorus, Canandaigua Chorus and Seneca Sound Waves.

Visitation will be at the Burdett Presbyterian Church, Church Street in Burdett, on Wednesday, May 1st, from 2-4 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Reading Center at a later date.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Barbara Bell

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

Barbara Hope Smith Bell

Age 92, of Watkins Glen, passed away April 22, 2013.

Born in 1920 in Cortland, NY to Lloyd A. and Gladys Everett Smith, she graduated in 1937 from Lowville Academy in Lewis County, NY. She married David Lewis Bell in 1939. He predeceased her in 1974.

Besides her parents and husband, Barbara was also predeceased by a sister, Marcia Smith Week, and brothers William Smith, Gordon Smith, and John Guppy. She is survived by a son, Richard D. Bell of Liverpool, NY; a daughter Judythe L. Walters of Watkins Glen; a grandson, M. Scott Walters of Ithaca; a sister, Charlotte Smith Sheldon of Newbury Park, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Barbara began her writing career while in grade school when her first poem was published in a nationally distributed Baptist Sunday School publication. In 1952 she began writing for the two weekly Watkins Glen papers and the Dundee Observer. Researching and writing the history of Irelandville for publication in the Watkins Express during Schuyler County's centennial sparked an abiding interest in Schuyler County history.

Looking for a more diverse use of local history stories led to contributions to a number of area publications. This, in turn, led to an offer in 1962 of full-time employment as a reporter and feature writer at the Ithaca Journal, a position she held until retirement in 1979. Prior to employment at the Ithaca Journal, she also worked part-time for WFLR radio in Dundee with three weekly half-hour segments about Schuyler County activities.

After retiring from the Ithaca Journal she returned to WFLR as a reporter for five years. She continued to write articles on local history for the Watkins and Dundee papers until about two years ago. Barbara became the Town of Reading Historian in 1954 and was named Schuyler County Historian in 1980. She retired from her duties as historian in December 2011.

Barbara has been listed in "Who's Who of American Women," "Foremost Women in Communications" and "International Who's Who in Poetry." She is included in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame and in 1995 was honored by the New York State Association of Municipal Historians as Outstanding Historian of the Year.

She was a charter member of the Schuyler County Historical Society. For 35 years she served as editor of the Historical Society's quarterly Journal, which she founded. She published four books about Schuyler history and a number of booklets while contributing to the historical journal. She published a book, "Schuyler County Days Bygone" -- a historical look at Schuyler County. She also published a historical novel, "Letters To Suzanna."

Barbara requested that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or to The Schuyler County Historical Society, P.O. Box 651; Montour Falls, NY 14865; Schuyler County Humane Society, P.O. Box 427; Montour Falls, NY 14865; or Reading Center Community Church, P.O. Box 23; Reading Center, NY 14876.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Reading Community Church in Reading Center on Saturday, April 27, from 1-2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m.

You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Frank 'Anthony' DeSarno IV

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

Frank “Anthony” DeSarno IV

Age 23, of Watkins Glen, passed away as the result of an automobile accident on April 20, 2013.

He is survived by his father, Frank “J.R.” DeSarno III (Cheryl Spencer); mother, Brenda DeSarno (friend Darlene Sommer); paternal grandparents, Frank A. “Junior” and Joyce DeSarno; sister and brother-in-law, Julie (DeSarno) and Alexander Kelly; best friend & fiancée, Katherine Strawser; aunts and uncles, Robin (DeSarno) and Jack Bloise, Sheree Goodwin, Lissa Seymour, Mike Fivie, and Joseph Fivie; and cousins. He was predeceased by both maternal grandparents, Herbert “Bud” and Beverly Fivie; and both paternal great-grandparents, Kingston and Mary Phelps.

Frank “Anthony” had worked with his father and grandfather since he was a small boy at the family-owned DeSarno’s Body Shop in Watkins Glen. He loved cars and fixing them. He always carried the odd bolt or screw in his pocket, in case he could fix something with it!

He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially the lake; boating, fishing or any water sport. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, bonfires and carpentry. His favorite place was Mr. Chicken for lunch; also he took pleasure in spending time with friends and his dog, Blue.

A friend said, “If you REALLY got in a jam or stuck, Frank was the one you would call!” He was good at anything he did with his hard-working hands.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., on Thursday, April 25 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Watkins Glen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the “Frank Anthony DeSarno IV Scholarship Fund,” c/o Community Bank, N.A., 401 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891, established in his memory for area high school students pursuing a career in auto body repair.

You may view his memorial, “Light a Candle” or sign a Guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Irene Graham Evans MSW

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

Irene Graham Evans MSW,
Certified Clinical Social Worker.

Mrs. Irene G. Evans, of Cazenovia, NY, passed away on April 15, 2013 at Community Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, NY, after a short illness.

She was born in Beaver Dams, Schuyler County, New York on May 16, 1921. She was the youngest daughter of Anna Love Graham and Hiram Hovey Graham.

Mrs. Evans attended a two-room school in Beaver Dams. She graduated from Northside High School in Corning, New York in 1938 and from Elmira College in 1942. During summers she worked at the Glen Springs Hotel in Watkins Glen, NY.

She continued her education and received her Master’s Degree at Case Western Reserve University Mandel School of Social Science in Cleveland Ohio. Her clinical interest and academic focus was with children and families. She stayed on one year after finishing her degree in Cleveland to work and study at the Youth Bureau, a private agency helping teenagers and their families, before returning to New York State.

She continued to work with children and family private agencies in Syracuse and Elmira for many years. Later she worked as a medical social worker at Syracuse Memorial Hospital and then at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady, New York.

Obituary: Kathleen VanderVliet

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Kathleen VanderVliet

Age 44, of Parkesburg, Pa. went to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa.

Born in Ithaca, NY on August 14, 1968, she was the daughter of Roger and Jean Hopkins VanderVliet of Hector, NY.

Kathleen was a graduate of Odessa-Montour Central High School, class of 1986, and Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. She was employed by Siemens Medical Solutions as a paralegal.

She is survived, in addition to her parents, by two sisters, Laura Jean VanderVliet of Aiken, SC and Nancy (Henry-Georges) Lombart of Cambridge, Mass.; a nephew, Philippe Lombart; uncles Robert (Donna) VanderVliet and Ronald (Harriet) VanderVliet, both of Florida, several cousins and many friends.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Kathy’s life at a memorial service to be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Odessa Wesleyan Church, Church Street, Odessa, NY. A luncheon will follow at the church with all invited for a time to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Odessa Wesleyan Church, 304 Church St., Odessa, NY 14869 or to a charity of your choice.

Obituary: Leon J. 'Sonny' Champion, Jr.

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

Leon J. “Sonny” Champion, Jr.

Age 72, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 2013 in Mt. Dora, Florida.

Sonny was born on August 11, 1940 to Leon J. and Carolyn (Murphy) Champion Sr. in Reynoldsville, NY.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia, and their three children, James (Dulcie) Champion of Bristol, Virginia, Michelle (Greg) Harrington of Dundee, and Michael (Leah) Champion of Odessa. He was fortunate to call Tris “Sonny” Campbell, Mary Anne “Sissy” Campbell, and Rick (Terri) Campbell his family as well. Sonny was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Jeffrey, Lilia, Mary, Stephen, Timothy, Brooks, Chandler, Jacob, Krista (Carl) Standish, Dustin Campbell, Ian Campbell and Ryan Campbell. He was extremely excited to find out that he was going to be a Grampa for the 13th time to Chase Michael-Leon Champion in August. Also surviving is his sister, Audrey (Bob Guthrie) Chaffie; brother, Delbert Champion Sr.; niece, Terri (John) Sujko; nephew, Chip (Sarah) Champion; and many other special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Edith Dewey, and Patricia and Selma Champion; sister-in-law, Bonnie Champion, and family members Tris “Dixie,” Mary and Sonny Campbell.

Sonny graduated from Charles O. Dickerson High School, Trumansburg, NY in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. He retired from Ontario/Trumansburg Telephone Co. in August 2002. After retiring, he and Pat wintered in Paisley, Florida.

Sonny’s favorite thing to do in Florida was to visit the Shockley Hills Club and the Paisley Assoc. Club where he had many friends. He loved to go to Spring Training. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and a New York Giants fan. He loved to teach kids to play baseball and coached Hector Little League for many years.

Sonny and Pat were often seen walking in Watkins and Florida.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2013. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 3 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. You may express condolences to the family, sign the guestbook, or “Light a Candle” online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Sharon Bingell

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

Sharon Bingell

Age 73, of Watkins Glen passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Friday, April 19 from 2-4 and 6-7 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m., Rev. Anne Campbell officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Reading Center.

Sharon was born in Watkins Glen to Lester and Florence Smalley. Sharon graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1957 and continued her studies and earned a Masters degree in Education. She worked as a school teacher for the Corning City School District and retired after 38 years of teaching elementary education.

She was also a member of the Schuyler County Legislature in later years, serving two terms until a decline in health. She was also a member of the Moose Lodge and V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.

She was predeceased by both parents, her brother Eugene Smalley and sister Valnetta Crissinger. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Leif and Laura Bingell; brothers Robert Smalley, Thomas (Carla) Smalley, and Michael (Ida) Smalley; brother-in-law Robert Crissinger; and sister-in-law Audrey.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Obituary: R. David Kendall

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

R. David Kendall

Age 75, of Hector, passed away on April 16, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 1-2 p.m. at the Hector Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will follow there at 2 p.m., Rev. James Yao officiating. A reception will be held at the church after the funeral service.

David was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Kendall and Rosella Fowler, and his brother, Edward Kendall. He is survived by six children, Chuck Kendall, Kim Kendall, Katrina Kendall, Robin Antonio, Kit Willmann, and Kay Kendall; a sister, Roseleah (Lauren) Lodge; his beloved Bea; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

David was the farm manager for Hazlitt’s 1852 Vineyards for more than 20 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, and especially loved hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a past volunteer fireman at the V-L-H Volunteer Fire Company and was also the owner and proprietor of the Red Light Cut-Up in Hector.

He was also renowned for walking across Seneca Lake with Jim Hazlitt and Guy Schamel in 1976 while it was frozen.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Welliver welcomes project executive

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, April 16 -- The Welliver firm has announced that Sarah Welch, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has joined the company as Project Executive-Business Development in the company's Montour Falls office.

Welch’s primary tasks will be to seek new business opportunities, provide support to the company’s major customers, and strengthen relationships with industry partners and design firms.

According to a press release, her "depth of expertise in the design and construction industries will further build upon the quality of professional services offered to Welliver’s customers. She will utilize her 20-plus years of experience as a project manager and design professional to consult on, plan and manage projects for clients across the region."

Welch's education includes a Master of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech and a BA in Environmental Design & Energy Conservation from Allegheny College. She resides in Scipio, New York.

Based in the Southern Tier for more than 100 years, Welliver provides program and construction management, general construction,and design/build and self-perform services to the Upstate New York and Northern Tier Pennsylvania regions. Its clients include healthcare systems, high-end manufacturing companies, science and technology partners, and Pre-K-12 and higher education institutions. It is currently managing projects at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Corning-Painted Post Area School District, Corning Museum of Glass and Cornell University, among many others. More information is available at www.buildwelliver.com.

Photo in text: Sarah Welch (Photo provided)

Obituary: Howard 'Bill' Lattin, Jr.

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Howard “Bill” Lattin, Jr.

Age 76, of Horseheads and formerly of Penn Yan, passed away at Schuyler Hospital on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Family and friends are invited to attend Bill’s Memorial Service on Wednesday, April 17 at 2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan. The family requests no flowers, so please consider making a memorial donation in Bill’s name to the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan, Penn Yan Little League, Arnot Health, Schuyler Hospital or Seneca View Skilled Nursing.

Bill was born on June 7, 1936 in Elmira, NY to the late Howard Sr. and Anne Pettingill Lattin. He graduated from Odessa High School, served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a Highway Engineer for 35 years with the NYS DOT in Hornell, NY. Bill was a Past Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan. He was an avid sports fan, loving the New York teams -- the Yankees, Mets, Bills, Giants and Knicks.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Klube Lattin; son Craig (Rosie) Lattin, grandson Tyler and granddaughter Regan; son Todd (Zulme) Lattin, and grandsons Todd Jr., Matthew and Benjamin; a brother, John (Laurie) Lattin of Myrtle Beach; a sister, Linda A. Lattin; a brother-in-law, Robert (Barbara) Klube of Getzville, NY; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Welker of Columbus, GA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may sign the guestbook at www.townsendwoodfuneralchapel.com

Obituary: Tina M. Horner

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

Tina M. Horner

Age 50, passed away April 7, 2013 at her home in Montour Falls.

She was born on June 19, 1962 in Pennsylvania to Kimp and Patricia Horner. She was predeceased by her mother Patricia; her grandparents, Russell and Ethel Horner, and Blane and Mary Brooks; her very “special brother” John Liquori; and special friend Billy Berry.

She is survived by her special friends and staff members from The Arc of Schuyler; her father and stepmother, Kimp and Sherran Horner of Watkins Glen; a sister, Melissa Resnick of Texas; stepbrothers David Flavin III (Sue) of Corning and Michael Bergmack of North Carolina; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, all of State College, PA.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Monday, April 15 from 12 noon-1 p.m.; followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m., Rev. Richard Evans officiating. A committal service and burial will be conducted at Pleasantview Cemetery in Reading Center.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Arc of Schuyler, 203 12th St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may express your condolences to the family, sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Sheila M. Tuttle

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Sheila M. Tuttle

Age 64, died April 6, 2013 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, Florida.

Mrs. Tuttle was born in Montour Falls, NY and has lived in Vero Beach for 42 years, coming from Burdett, NY.

She was a graduate of Watkins Glen High School, Watkins Glen, NY.

Mrs. Tuttle was employed as an administrative assistant at the Vero Beach Press Journal. She also worked at Publix Grocery Store and for Carter and Associates of Vero Beach.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, James D. Tuttle of Vero Beach; son, Jimmy Tuttle (Cindy) of Eva, AL; daughter, Regina Tuttle of Vero Beach; mother, Delia Voorhees of Vero Beach; brothers, Joe Voorhees of Syracuse, NY, Arthur Voorhees of Vero Beach, Steve Voorhees of Micco, FL, and Wally Voorhees of Vero Beach; sister, Nancy Voorhees of Vero Beach; 4 grandchildren, Eric Compton of Savannah, GA, Danielle Henchcliffe (Steve) of Falkville, AL, Kimberly Adkins (Logan) of Madison, AL, and Jeffrey Tuttle of Eva, AL; 6 great-grandchildren, Caleb Compton, Ava Wyatt, Dylan Compton, Stanley and Cynthia Henchcliffe, and David Adkins and one on the way by Jeffrey Tuttle and his girlfriend Katelyn Stanley. She also leaves behind her beloved cocker spaniel, NaNa, and other members of her large extended family.

Pallbearers will be her son, Jim, brothers, Art, Steve and Wally, and grandsons, Eric and Jeffrey.

Mrs. Tuttle was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Voorhees.

Donations can be sent to Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 2240, Vero Beach, Fl 32961, Attn: April Hargett in memory of Sheila Tuttle.

SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 10, 2013 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m. April 11 at Strunk Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery.

Obituary: Gene E. Robertson

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

Gene E. Robertson

Age 77, of Burdett, NY, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY.

Gene loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. His dog Jack would follow him everywhere. He raised numerous types of animals and birds on his farm. He also loved woodcarving fish.

Gene was well known as “The Butcher” in the small family-owned grocery store, “Gene’s Budget Market” in Burdett, back in the 1960s. He later worked at the Watkins Glen State Park until he retired.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, April 9 from 10 a.m.-12 noon at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon at the funeral home; Rev. Mike Kelly officiating; followed by a committal service at the Union Cemetery of Hector, Burdett, NY.

Gene was born in Ilion, NY, the son of the late Glenn and Doris Robertson. He was also predeceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Joyce, in 2004; and a brother, Glenn “Bob” Robertson.

He is survived by four children, Pamela (husband Harold) Marsh, Lori Robertson (husband Bill Barnhart), Brian (wife Sandra) Robertson, all of Hector; and Marjorie (Joe) Guerriero of Beaufort, SC; a brother, Gary (Betty) Robertson of Burdett; a sister-in-law, Rosa Robertson of Interlaken; special friend Jean Pike; best friend and hunting buddy Robert “Bob” Lovell; several nieces and nephews; 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Calling hours, service set for Bucklaew

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

Calling hours and a memorial service have been set for Richard F. Bucklaew, 63, of Tyrone and formerly Clarence, NY, who passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 after a brief battle with cancer.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 10-11 a.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Those wishing may kindly consider a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to either Pathways, Inc., 33 Denison Pkwy, Corning, NY 14830 or Care First, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

O'Mara seeks Veterans HOF nominations

ALBANY, April 4-- State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) is seeking nominations for the New York State Senate’s “Veterans Hall of Fame,” an online tribute to the military and civilian lives of distinguished veterans from across New York State.

“So many veterans served our nation courageously and honorably, and then returned home to lift the lives of our local communities. The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is just one more way to give a local veteran a well-deserved and well-earned expression of our gratitude and admiration,” said O’Mara, who represents New York’s 58th Senate District encompassing 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).

The Senate established its Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005. It’s designed to honor New York veterans whose service in the United States Armed Forces was accompanied by service to the community and accomplishments as a civilian, and includes veterans representing Senate districts from throughout New York State. Senators conduct induction ceremonies within their respective legislative districts and at the Capitol coinciding with veterans-related observances throughout the year.

This year’s Senate Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Albany is planned for Tuesday, May 21, just before the Memorial Day weekend observances.

O’Mara is accepting nominations for this year’s inductee until Friday, April 26. Nomination letters, which should include a short biography highlighting the nominee’s military and civilian service and achievements, can be sent to O’Mara’s Albany office: Room 812, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12247. Nomination letters can also be e-mailed to: omara@nysenate.gov.

The following area veterans have been inducted into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame by O’Mara:

-- Philip C. Smith, a highly decorated Korean War combat veteran and well-known figure in Schuyler County government and veterans’ affairs as the former director of the Schuyler County Veterans’ Service Agency, was a Hall of Fame inductee in 2011; and

-- J. Arthur “Archie” Kieffer, longtime Chemung County historian and a World War II combat veteran, was honored at a ceremony at the Chemung Valley History Museum in Elmira last May.

Other area veterans who are Hall of Fame members are the late Frank C. “Fritz” Pesesky, a veteran of World War II and former director of the Chemung County Veterans Service Office (2005); William K. Kastner, a Vietnam veteran and longtime director of the Steuben County Veterans Service Agency (2006); and the late Robert Laskaris, a highly decorated combat veteran and well-known figure in Chemung County veterans’ affairs (2008).

The online Veterans Hall of Fame can be found on O’Mara’s Senate website, located at www.omara.nysenate.gov.

Obituary: Augustus Dan Beligotti

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Augustus Dan “Gus” Beligotti

Age 81, USMC Retired Captain, passed away at home in Montour Falls surrounded by his family on Monday, April 1, 2013.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 5 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 Fifth St., Watkins Glen, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 6 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Gus’s name to the Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Gus was born on February 19, 1932 in Watkins Glen to the late Luigi and Teresa Beligotti. At the age of 18, Gus enlisted in the USMC, retiring after 21 years of active duty. He continued to honorably represent the Marine Corps the remainder of his life.

He is survived by his sister, Jane Butterazzi; sons, Dino (Nan), Danny (Ruth), and Adam (Gina); and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of which he took great pride and joy in. Gus was predeceased by his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Willie Beligotti; brothers, Feno, Nato, Aldo and Frank; and sisters, Mary, Julia and Anna.

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

SFLW to hold BBQ for scholarship fund

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, April 2 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women, a chapter of New York State Women, Inc., will hold a chicken barbecue on Sunday, April 21 at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge.

The proceeds will benefit the SFLW scholarship fund. For $8, diners will receive a half-chicken dinner, complete with baked beans, salad, rolls and dessert. A half-chicken combo for $6 is also available, as are takeouts .

The barbecues will be served starting at noon and continue until sold out. Advance ticket holders must pick up the dinner by 1 p.m. For tickets or further information, email sflwomen@gmail.com.

New York State Women, Inc. provides members with professional development, networking, grassroots activism and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

The Southern Finger Lakes Women chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, visit the chapter website at http://www.sflw.org/ or contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

A couple of fishermen cast their lines in Catharine Creek, beneath the South Genesee Street bridge south of Montour Falls.

Trout season opens under ideal conditions

MONTOUR FALLS, April 2 -- Anglers from around the region gathered Monday morning at points along Catharine Creek for the start of trout season in the state.

The weather was cooperative -- near 40 degrees and a slight drizzle -- as individuals and small groups searched for spots along the creek that would yield a prized catch of a sizable trout.

Anglers along the creek near the Rte. 14 overpass in Montour Falls found the going slow. One man who had just caught and released a sucker was moving on to another spot. "They're hiding," he said.

Upstream -- at a popular spot about 100 yards north of the South Genesee Street bridge -- there was better luck. A group of about 20 anglers gathered there, and four of them -- two former Elmirans, each with a grown son joining in the fun -- were hauling in suckers and trout alike.

One of the men, Bill Cleary of Cortland -- on hand with his son Shawn -- hauled in a good-sized trout and two suckers in about 10 minutes. His friend Mike McLaughlin of Newfield -- present with grown son Chris -- had already caught some trout. "We got about a dozen, all told," he said.

"This is the best spot," added Cleary, "this spot and up and down (the nearby creek waters). I've been coming here for forty years."

There were reports, too, of numerous catches upstream, toward Millport -- as well as in other areas of the state. One fisherman in Central New York -- along Nine Mile Creek near Syracuse -- reported catching five trout in 10 minutes.

Trout season runs until October.

Photos in text: Anglers on Catharine Creek south of Montour Falls.

Three anglers -- with others beyond them -- tried their luck beneath the Rt. 14 overpass.

4 dates set for State Lifeguard Exams

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 27 -- The Finger Lakes State Parks will be holding their annual New York State Lifeguard Exams at the Watkins Glen High School on 12th Street in Watkins Glen, NY.

The exams will be held on the following dates and will begin at 5:30 p.m. sharp.

Friday, April 12, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013

Candidates are encouraged to arrive 1 hour prior to the exam to register and are given an opportunity to practice their CPR skills.

New candidates and returning lifeguards must pass the exam in order to be considered for a position in the upcoming season. Candidates are required to bring their picture ID and their own pocket masks for the CPR portion of the exam.

Please visit www.nysparks.com for a list of all the qualifying procedures and prerequisites to employment or for other exam dates and locations.

Candidates are encouraged to pre-register by either calling the Finger Lakes State Parks Regional Office at (607)387-7041 x 113 or by e-mail at Bonnie.Jepsen@parks.ny.gov.

Obituary: Dolores 'Dutch' Colunio

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

Dolores “Dutch” Colunio

Age 85, of Watkins Glen, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, March 27 from 1-2 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. A committal service followed by burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

Dolores was born on September 4, 1927 in Mt. Morris, NY, one of nine children born to the late Donald and Mary Gaylord.

Doloros was a member of the Moose Lodge #426 of Montour Falls and the American Legion Post #1612 of Big Flats.

She was predeceased in 1994 by her husband, Nicholas Colunio; also by brothers Gordon, Loren and Richard Gaylord; sisters Betty Morley, Norma Davis and Dora Gaylord; daughters Bonnie Lou Colunio and Kathy Deidrichs; and a grandson, Steven Aguirre.

She is survived by her daughters, Carol (Tom) Randall and Linda (Bobby) Naylor, all of Watkins Glen; sisters, Jeanette Margreno of Watkins Glen and Bernie (Joe) Salamendra of Dundee; nine grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

You may sign a guestbook or view her memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Richard F. Bucklaew

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

Richard F. Bucklaew

Age 63, of Tyrone and formerly Clarence, NY, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 after a brief battle with cancer.

A memorial service at a later date will be announced. Updates will be posted at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Richard, “Dick” or “Bucky” as he was known by his friends, worked as an electrician with IBEW Local #41 of Buffalo and later IBEW Local #241 of Ithaca. Dick and his wife moved 15 years
ago to the shores of Lamoka Lake, where he loved spending time in the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting.

Dick was born in Buffalo, NY, one of six children, to the late Mearle and Ruth Bucklaew. He was
also predeceased by his sister, Marguerite; and father-in-law, Paul Bowers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Barbara; daughters, Sara Bucklaew of Tyrone and Jaclyn Bruner of Corning; grandsons, Andrew and Jacob Bruner; mother-in-law, Mildred Bowers of Buffalo; siblings, Wray (late Brenda) Bucklaew, John (Kerry) Bucklaew, Joyce (Paul) Meyer, and Jim (Carol Zwolinski) Bucklaew; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul (Mary) Bowers, Douglas Bowers, Richard Bowers, Thomas Bowers, Laura (Henry) Brozyna, and James (Melissa) Bowers; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Those wishing may kindly consider a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to either Pathways, Inc., 33 Denison Pkwy, Corning, NY 14830 or Care First, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Robert S. Davis

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Robert S. “Bob” Davis

Age 84, of Watkins Glen, NY passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Interment will be private. Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the American Cancer Center or Care First.

Bob was born on December 19, 1928 in Montour Falls, NY to the late Lester and Pauline Larish Davis. He served in the Army during the Korean War, retired from Corning Glass, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, painting pictures and spending time with his “buddies.”

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dominica Barber Davis; children, Michael (Andrea) Davis, Darla Davis, Doreen (John) Franzese, and Mari (Chuck Cooley) Davis; grandchildren, Danette Davis, Darcy (Anthony) Pellicano, Matthew Franzese, Sara Franzese, Michael Davis, Joseph Landon, Zachery Landon, and Kiera Cooley; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by 12 brothers and sisters.

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

Two police cars, left, stayed at the site after the arrests. The gate blocked is on the right.

12 arrested, charged with trespass

WATKINS GLEN, March 18 -- Twelve people were arrested Monday morning on trespass charges at the same Inergy storage facility where three people were arrested last September.

The protest came hours before a planned rally at the Seneca Lake marina in opposition to hydrofracking and Inergy's planned LPG storage expansion. About 100 people turned out for the rally.

The Schuyler County Sheriff's Department, state police and Watkins Glen village police participated in the arrests, which came at about 10:50 a.m. Observers said 11 of the people blocked the entrance to the facility, refusing to let a truck leave the premises -- sparking the police response. The 12th arrestee was a National Lawyers Guild observer, one of several at the protest.

Arrested and issued appearance tickets were:

Marjorie K. Rodgers, age 58, of 805 Larchmont Rd, Elmira.
Richard F. Jones, age 64, of 8054 Saunders Rd, Belfast, NY.
Michael E. Dineen, age 64, of 7342 Wyers Point Rd, Ovid.
Melissa A. Chipman, age 55, of 5399 State Route 414, Hector.
James Amato Borra, age 64, of 5399 State Route 414, Hector.
Katarina Anya Anderson, age 23, of 111 Danby Rd, Ithaca.
Kathleen C. Alvey, age 22, of 120 Aurora St. apt 8a, Ithaca.
Sandra K. Steingraber, age 53, of 14 Bradley St., Trumansburg.
Jack D. Ossont, age 69, of 3900 Dundee Himrod Rd, Himrod.
Darmaye L. Marley, age 53, of 3909 Tichenor Rd, Hector.
Nathanael T. Miller, age 26, of 308 University Ave 8, Ithaca.
Dennis James Fox, age 20, of 92 E. Bartlett Rd, Middle Island.

Supporters ventured to the Sheriff's Office following the arrests, with nearly 20 of them sitting and standing in the department's lobby area, waiting until the 12 were processed and released. Each arrestee is scheduled to appear in Reading Town Court.

Among those present to show support were Jeremy Alderson and Susan Walker, two of the three people arrested last September. Walker served a 15-day jail term after refusing to pay a fine, while Alderson is still awaiting trial, now set for May 2 after motions he had filed were rejected by Town Justice Raymond H. Berry.

State Park lifeguard exams scheduled

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, March 12 -- The Finger Lakes State Parks will be holding their annual New York State Lifeguard Exams at the Watkins Glen High School on 12th Street in Watkins Glen.

The exams will be held at 5:30 p.m. on five Fridays -- March 22, April 12, April 19, May 3 and June 7.

Candidates are encouraged to arrive one hour before the exam to register and be given a chance to practice their CPR skills.

New candidates and returning lifeguards must pass the exam in order to be considered for a position in the upcoming season. Candidates are required to bring their picture ID and their own pocket masks for the CPR portion of the exam.

Visit www.nysparks.com for a list of all the qualifying procedures and prerequisites to employment or for other exam dates and locations.

Candidates are encouraged to pre-register by either calling the Finger Lakes State Parks Regional Office at (607)387-7041 x 113 or by e-mail at Bonnie.Jepsen@parks.ny.gov.

Obituary: Robert B. Barber, Sr.

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

Robert B. Barber, Sr.

Age 84, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

Bob was the oldest of five boys born to Rex and Mildred (Tinklepaugh) Barber of Forest Lake, PA. He is survived by his wife, Nina (Barrett) Barber; daughter, Doris Harrington (Ronald Bullivant); son-in-law, Ernest Easling; four grandchildren, Michele Stone (Hector Lopez), Marie (Scott) Bowers, Devin Barber, and Susan Bullivant; six great-grandchildren, Trentin and Boyd Barber, Thea and Wynnie Bowers, Esteban Lopez, and Kearstin Masson; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Robert B. Barber, Jr.; a daughter, Ann Easling; and his four brothers, Ernest, Paul, Harold and Melvin Barber.

Bob was the owner for over fifty years of Barber’s Excavating and Trucking, also Barber’s Garage, Barber’s Disposal, Barber’s Ice, and the Sinclair Gas Station in Watkins Glen. He was a charter and lifetime member of the Millport Hunting Club and former member of the Montour Moose Club.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, March 14, from 4-6 p.m.; followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m. A committal service and burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Bradford Memorial Park in Towanda, PA.

You may sign a guestbook or view his memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Louch-Moore engagement announced

MONTOUR FALLS, March 3 -- David and Sharlyn Louch of Montour Falls proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie Lee Louch, to Chad Michael Moore, son of Dennis and Shareen Moore of Watkins Glen.

The future bride graduated from Odessa-Montour High School and from Elmira College in Elmira, NY, with a Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education. Ms. Louch also earned a Master's degree from Walden University in Reading and Literacy. She works as a third-grade teacher in Alexandria, Virginia.

The future groom graduated from Watkins Glen High School and from the State University of New York at Geneseo, NY, with a degree in Psychology. He attended Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY and earned a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Mr. Moore works as a human resources analyst for Volkswagen Group of America in Herndon, Virginia.

The couple currently resides in Northern Virginia. A wedding is planned for the fall of 2013.

Photo in text: Stephanie Louch and Chad Moore. (Photo provided)

Benefit planned for Danny Daugherty

By Bonnie Seeley

ODESSA, March 3 -- A benefit program is being planned for Saturday, March 30 in Elmira to assist a beloved father and grandfather, slowly and painfully losing his battle…a battle that he has fought for the better part of the past 30 years.

Danny Daugherty, 58, a veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees, became ill long after his service during the Vietnam era. During Danny’s hitch in the Navy, from 1971 to 1974, while serving in Vietnam, he was exposed to the military toxin Agent Orange -- a mixture of chemical herbicides with a dioxin component sprayed by U.S. military forces onto Vietnam's forests and crops during the war, with the dual purpose of destroying cover for enemy movements (defoliation) and destroying food sources.

Exposure to Agent Orange has been blamed for an abnormally high incidence of miscarriages, skin diseases, cancers, birth defects, and malformations among the Vietnamese people and of cancers and other disorders in U.S., Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in Vietnam.

Danny did not exhibit the symptoms of Agent Orange exposure until a number of years after his hitch in the military. In 1986, he began having heart problems. He has suffered four major heart attacks, as well as a number of minor heart attacks. He has acute diabetes, requiring him to have five shots of insulin every day. Additionally, he is legally blind and suffers from congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. A trusty tank of oxygen travels everywhere with Danny, as he needs his oxygen levels augmented 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Danny has spent at least half of the past three months in and out of the hospital with various maladies.

He receives treatment from Veterans Administration personnel in Bath, Buffalo and Syracuse, he said, with the VA taking care of all of his medical expenses provided at those places. He has one non-VA doctor in Elmira he has to pay from personal funds. The closest VA facility at which Danny receives treatments is a clinic near St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira.

Danny’s wife of 39 years, Deborah, cannot work outside the home, because her husband requires round-the-clock care. The couple’s three children -- Mike, 39 and living in California; Judy, 37, of Elmira; and Jessica, 35, of Odessa -- do what they can to help out.

The Daughertys’ 10 grandchildren are the loves of their Grandpa’s (and Grandma’s) life. Mackenzie, 17, Summer, 14, Aiden, 6, Michael, Jr., 4, and Josh, 2, belong to Mike. Judy has Justin, 15, and Rylin, 1; and Jessica’s children are Caleb, 14, Reese, 9, and Christopher, 6.

Two pet dogs help to complete the family. Joe, a German Shepherd, and Savannah, a Chihuahua, provide lots of love and entertainment for the whole family. Much of the time, Savannah can be seen curling up in Danny’s lap, cuddled close to her beloved owner.

Danny’s family and pets help to sustain him. A positive outlook and a sense of humor help tremendously, but the prognosis is grim. With neither spouse able to be employed, money is really tight. "I’m living on borrowed time," said Danny. "My grandkids are what keep me going. I know I’m not gonna get any better. I thank God (for) every day."

To help out, family and friends are holding a "Benefit for Danny" on Saturday, March 30, at the Elmira American Legion Post, 316 Lake Street in the city. The benefit will run from 1 p.m. until it ends. The donation for admission is $10. The food choices include chicken and pulled pork. There will be a 50/50 Raffle, a Chinese auction, and an entertaining clown. The local band "DILF" will be performing from 2 to 5 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling Danny’s daughter, Jessica, at 607-220-6904, or his wife, Deb, at 607-594-6750, or can be purchased at the door. All proceeds from the benefit will be used to cover Danny’s non-VA medical expenses.

Anyone who would like to help out in any way -- contributing time, talents, or much-needed monetary funds -- is encouraged to call one of those two numbers or Bonnie Seeley at 607-594-2588 or 607-426-6025.

Photo in text: Danny Daugherty (Photo provided)

Obituary: Tony Ruiz

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

Tony Ruiz

Age 61, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on February 21, 2013, at his home in Burdett, NY.

Born Segundo Antonio Ruiz Quintanilla on July 26, 1951 in Hamburg, Germany to the late Margarete Bielefeldt and Segundo Ruiz Quintanilla, Tony spent his early years in Germany, where he was an avid handball and socceer player and took care of race horses. He loved photography and later became a supporter of the Arts.

Tony met his future wife, Christa Wolf, in 1978, when they were colleagues at the University of Konstanz in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The two lived in Berlin, Germany for ten years before moving to Ithaca in 1989. They were married in 2000 and moved to Burdett in 2001.

Tony received his undergraduate degree from the University of Hamburg, Germany and his Ph.D. in psychology, in 1983, from the University of Technology in Berlin, Germany, where he was also an Associate Professor in the Department of Work & Organizational Psychology. He went on to hold visiting research professor positions at the University of Oklahoma; Osaka University, Japan; University of Ghent, Belgium; and the Aarhus Business School in Denmark.

Tony was a Visiting Professor and Senior Research Associate at Cornell University from 1990-2008 and, most recently, a Research Specialist at the University of New Hampshire’s Hunter College Institute on Disability. Throughout his career, he published numerous scholarly articles on organizational behavior, human resource management and disability statistics.

Tony could often be found tending his vineyards and bees on the beautiful land overlooking Seneca Lake, where he and Christa restored a farmhouse and barn. The two spent many enjoyable hours sailing, swimming and walking in the fields and woods. During the last year of his life, Tony stoically endured and, with the loving support of Christa, worked hard to overcome the physical and other challenges presented by long-standing spinal injuries.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 34 years, Christa Wolf; a brother, Manuel Ruiz; his stepdaughters, Christina and Kati; and by a large community of friends and colleagues. Tony will be remembered for his kindness, mentorship, keen intellect and delight in life.

There will be a private service preceding cremation. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to The Ink Shop, 330 East State Street, Ithaca NY 14850. You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home.

Obituary: Warren S. Kendall

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

Warren S. Kendall

Age 102, of Watkins Glen, former owner of Kendall’s Market in Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 24, 2013.

He was predeceased by his loving wife and dance partner, Genevieve (Landolf) Kendall, in 1986 and a grandson, Mitch Kendall. He is survived by his son, Lyndon Kendall of Elmira; four grandchildren, Ken Kendall, Kim Kendall, Sue (Scott) Rodgers, and John (Leigh) Kendall; twelve great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Warren was born on Baker Hill Road in Watkins Glen on June 28, 1910, the son of the late Harry J. and Mary A. (Sterling) Kendall. Warren studied at Watkins Glen High School, leaving school several months before graduating to work full time at a grocery store. He later became the owner of what became known as Kendall’s Market, located on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen, selling groceries and meat.

Later in life, he pursued the hobby of dairy and beef cattle farming. He and his wife enjoyed dancing, and Warren continued to polka until he was 98 years old.

A funeral service for Warren will be held Friday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. There are no prior visiting hours. A committal service and burial will immediately follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

Those wishing may consider a memorial donation to the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891; or Schuyler-Yates RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), 323 Owego St. Unit 5, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

At the banquet: From left: Outgoing Hector Fire Chief Mike Hicks, his wife Elaine, and incoming Chief Brandon Karius. (Photo by Doug Yeater)

Hector firefighters hold annual banquet

Special to The Odessa File

HECTOR, Feb. 25 -- The Valois, Logan and Hector Volunteer Fire Company held its annual banquet Saturday at Logan Ridge. Among the attendees were chiefs from surrounding fire departments: Lodi, Trumansburg, Watkins Glen, Montour Falls and Odessa, to name a few. Also present were various local officials.

The dinner was provided by the Falls Cafe of Trumansburg. Two Goats and Hazlitt Winery also helped sponsor the event.

A highlight of the evening: After 13 years as chief, Hector Fire Chief Mike Hicks handed over his role to new fire chief Brandon Karius.

SFLW welcomes Fazzary as new member

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 25 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women, a chapter of New York State Women, Inc., welcomed Dr. Ashley Fazzary as a new member of the chapter at a recent meeting.

Dr. Fazzary is a native of Watkins Glen and graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 2001. She attended Cornell University as a pre-med major and later went to the SUNY College of Optometry in New York City, where she graduated in 2009.She and her husband moved back to Watkins Glen, where she opened Fazzary Eye Care/Eyes on Seneca on Franklin Street.

The March 18 meeting of SFLW will be held at the Harvest Café on Main Street in Montour Falls, starting with a 6 p.m. with a social time. In observance of Women’s History Month, Dream Barn Productions, c/o Tracy Gavich, will be presenting an interactive theater of “Women in History who have run for President of the United States.”

New York State Women, Inc. provides members with professional development, networking, grassroots activism and career advancement resources. Its mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, visit the chapter website at http://www.sflw.org/ or contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489.

Photo in text: Dr. Ashley Fazzary, left, and Gloria Hutchings, SFLW Membership Chair. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Alice R. Baker

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

Alice R. Baker

Age 95, of Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls, NY.

She was born Alice Rosella Devendorf on December 2, 1917 to Nora and Gilbert Devendorf in Mallory, NY. She was married to John C. Church from 1938 until his death in 1942. She married Charles Baker in 1945 and lived in Chemung County until 1956, when they moved to Hector. In 1995 she relocated to Watkins Glen.

Alice is survived by her 98-year-old sister, Evelyn Cady, of Baldwinsville, NY; daughter and son-in-law, Sue Church Smith and Clint Smith of Telford, TN; daughter Jo Church Abbie of Romulus; and daughter Charlene Baker of Ithaca; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Alice retired from the Marine Midland Bank in 1980 after 25 years. She continued serving her community first and foremost in the Hector and Watkins Glen Presbyterian Churches, primarily working with financial records. She also volunteered at the Arc of Schuyler and served many years on its board, and was concerned always for the quality of life of the people they served. She also served 13 years on the Schuyler County Mental Health Board.

In 2003 she was honored by the Hospital Auxiliary for 3,500 volunteer hours at the Schuyler Hospital gift shop.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday from 4-6 p.m.; followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m. A committal service and burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the North Syracuse Cemetery.

Those wishing may consider a donation in her memory to her churches, The Arc of Schuyler or the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may sign a guestbook or view her memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Wesley J. Laughlin

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

Wesley J. Laughlin

Age 77, of Baker Hill Road, Watkins Glen, passed away on Monday, February 18, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sharon R. Laughlin; mother, Violet M. Laughlin; children, Michael Laughlin and Rebecca Laughlin, both of Watkins Glen, and Barbara William, Charles (Lysa) Bassett, and Lori (George) Brandell, all of Washington; sister, Frances “Sue” (James) Chu, of Pennsylvania; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gordon (Betty) Swarthout of Beaver Dams, Gladys (Richard) Easling, of Tyrone, Deedee Allington of Painted Post, Kenneth (Nancy) Swarthout of Corning, Keith (Carol) Swarthout of Beaver Dams, Cynthia Baker of Addison and David (Kathy) Swarthout of Beaver Dams; special friends Rodney and Kathy Andrews; four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Wes was retired from RL Callahan.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Sunday, February 24 from 1-3 p.m.; followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the Beaver Dams Cemetery.

You may sign a guestbook or view his memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Hospital receives donation of bookshelves

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 16 -- Thanks to Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library in Odessa and the Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley, along with Girl Scout Troop 351 (which donated books), Schuyler Hospital now has two “Bright Red Bookshelves” loaded with books -- one in its Emergency Department waiting room and the other in the Montour Falls Primary Care Center waiting room.

The books are there for younger patients and visitors to enjoy, and they may also take a book home -- to encourage reading and literacy. A donation basket is also situated by the shelves where the public may donate gently used and new books that will be processed for future use.

Photo in text: Mike Morseman, left, builder of the Bright Red Bookshelves, and Girl Scout Troop 351 members Aubrey Kellogg, Katie Cook, McKenzie Kellogg and Abbey Morseman at the Schuyler Hospital Emergency Department Waiting Room. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Ruth W. Wirth

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

Ruth W. Wirth

Age 93, passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Bethany Manor following declining health.

Born January 7, 1920 in Rockville Centre, NY to John and Wilhelmina Magee, she was preceded in death by her husband, Randell J. Wirth; son, Jerry, and brother, John Magee. She is survived by sons Lawrence Wirth of New York City, Richard (Diane) Wirth of Oceanside, NY, and Robert (Wendy) Wirth of Burdett, NY; grandchildren Amy (Anthony) Bo, Horseheads, NY, Lori (Erich) Asperschlager of Burdett, NY, Richard Wirth of Oceanside, NY, and Emily Wirth of New York City; great-grandchildren Andrew and Ryan Bo and Juliet Asperschlager; and a sister, Winona Magee of Kingman, AZ.

Wherever Ruth lived, she was involved in the activities she loved. She was a member of the St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Rockville Centre for over 70 years. She sang in the choir and belonged to the United Methodist Women.

After retiring in 1987 from a New York City engineering firm where she was a secretary, she joined several Long Island senior centers, including those in Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Long Beach and Island Park. She was both a hospital and senior center volunteer.

Ruth sang with the Freeport Community Chorale, and for many years was a soloist during concerts and productions of the Fortnightly Club “Music for Fun” group and the Center Stage Players of the Sandel Senior Center in Rockville Centre. When Ruth was singing, all was right with the world. Even as her body declined, she felt powerful and strong when she sang.

In 2006, after relocating to Montour Falls, NY, she quickly made friends throughout Schuyler County. She sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, belonged to the Red Hat Divas, Choose 2 Trust group, the Widow’s Club and Bridge Club, was an RSVP volunteer, enjoyed the company of those who dined at OFA’s Silver Spoon Café, and from a bench on the Seneca Lake Pier, she chatted with visitors from around the world.

In January 2011, Ruth moved to the Courtyards at Bethany Village. She was amazed that so many wonderful people could all work at the same place. She considered Bethany her home and was appreciative of those who cared for her.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, February 17 at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will immediately follow at 4 p.m., Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Burial will be at Long Island National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Ruth may make donations to the Schuyler County Office for the Aging (OFA), 323 Owego St., Unit 7, Montour Falls, NY 14865 or the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Kimberly VanDyke

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

Kimberly VanDyke

Age 49, of Dryden and formerly of Rock Stream, NY, passed away after a brief battle with leukemia on February 11, 2013.

Kimberly was born on May 30, 1963 in Penn Yan. She was a driver for Gadabout Transportation Services in Ithaca.

Kim was preceded in death by two brothers, Gilbert Mathews, Jr. and Garrick Mathews. She is survived by her three sons, Robert (Jillian) Stinson of Bradford, Ryon (Heather) Stinson of Watkins Glen, and Shaun VanDyke of Rock Stream; her parents, Gilbert Mathews of Bradford and Patricia Hamm of Penn Yan; five brothers, Michael (Lisa) Hamm of Dansville, Jeffrey Hamm of Elmira, Steve Hamm of Geneva, Denny Hamm of Mississippi, and Greg Mathews of Savona; a sister, Gillian (Fred) Campbell of Bradford; former husband Michael VanDyke of Rock Stream; and six grandchildren, Riley, Garrett, Gianni, Micaela, Kileigh and Artie.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday, February 16, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Those wishing to remember Kim may send flowers or consider a memorial donation to the American Leukemia Foundation, PO Box 2270, Roswell, Georgia 30077.

You may “Light a Candle” or extend condolences to the family in the guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Dix man convicted in child porn trial

Special to The Odessa File

ROCHESTER, NY, Feb. 12 .-- Daryl E. Vonneida, 62, of Dix was convicted by a federal jury Tuesday in Rochester of 14 charges, including production of child pornography, transporting minors in interstate commerce for illegal sexual activity and possession of child pornography.

The defendant, who was previously convicted of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree in Schuyler County Court, faces a mandatory term of life in prison on four of the charges relating to the production of child pornography and transporting minors in interstate commerce, according to the office of U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13 before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa

The defendant was charged after two minor children came forward with allegations of abuse by Vonneida. Members of the New York State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence in September 2011 and recovered videos produced by Vonneida in which he coerced four children to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

Evidence presented by the Government at trial showed that the defendant used his position as a volunteer photographer at a church in Horseheads to gain the trust of the parents and the victims.

"This case serves as an important reminder to parents and guardians of children," said Hochul. "As the actions of this defendant demonstrate, child predators can be of any age, and include persons who work to gain the trust of parents and the child. Predators like the defendant are manipulative, resourceful, and can appear kind and generous – such as volunteering to take the child on overnight trips to amusement parks. In order to protect those most vulnerable in our society – our children – parents are reminded to speak often to their children in age specific terms. Topics should include appropriate conduct and permissible physical contact with adults, immediately speaking to the parent about any interaction with an adult which the child believed was inappropriate or 'creepy,' and knowing common lures used by predators to entice their child."

Helpful information on protecting children

Hochul's office, meanwhile, encouraged the public to visit the following websites for helpful information about protecting children from exploitation and abduction:

NY Sex Offender Registry
http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/

DOJ National Sex Offender Public Website
http://www.nsopw.gov/

What you can do to protect your child (NCJRS)
https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/psc_english_02/intro.html

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Justice
OJJDP Publications—Child Protection
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/pubs/missing.html

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
http://www.missingkids.com

NCMEC’s website to teach children about dangers on the Internet
http://www.netsmartz.org

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Against Children Program webpage
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/crimesmain.htm

SWCD honors Chedzoy, Hector officials at session

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 9 -- The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held its annual luncheon at the Elks Club Friday and presented the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award to Brett Chedzoy, owner of Angus Glen Farm on Station Road, and Merit Awards to two Town of Hector officials -- Supervisor Ben Dickens and Highway Superintendent Jay Arcangeli.

Soil and water improvement projects accomplished in 2012 were also reviewed for an audience of 85 people that included local officials, farmers, and other landowners.

The importance of shared services to achieve soil and water quality protection was emphasized. “If it weren’t for the commitment of municipal leaders, particularly Ben Dickens and Jay Arcangeli this past year, conservation work would not get done in a timely, cost-effective manner, and the Schuyler Soil and Water District would not have been able to meet project goals in 2012,” said Jerry Verrigni, District Manager.

Highlights of implemented work presented at the meeting included: 18 stream stabilization projects; 5 waterway and crossing improvements; 3,000 feet of hard road ditch stabilization in three towns; 30 miles of seeded road ditches and over 90 acres of other critical area seeding that included marinas, athletic fields, and construction sites; over 65 agricultural environmental management practices implemented on area farms such as cover crops, improved grazing, manure storage, a composting facility, diversions, and access roads; numerous constructed and improved wetlands with partners, the Upper Susquehanna Coalition and Wetland Trust; and over a dozen educational events, many done in cooperation with Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Brett Chedzoy was recognized for the various conservation practices implemented on his farm to protect soil and water resources. Angus Glen is a multi-generational beef farm and is operated with assistance from his parents, Jim and Rosita, his wife, Maria and their three children, Ian, Clara and Joe.

“Brett is an innovator who is using all the tools of good grazing management," said USC Grazing Specialist John Wickham. "He got rid of a heavy use area near a stream by increasing his rotational grazing acreage and using bale grazing; he maintains vegetated stream buffers; uses silvopasturing -- animals grazing in forests; and his tender, grass-fed beef is sought throughout the state.”

Brett has used many Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) programs offered by the State, the Conservation District and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service. “By participating in the AEM program, we are helping to keep our streams and lakes clean while providing a safe, abundant food supply and maintaining the status of agriculture as a preferred land use for natural resource protection,” said Brett. “We love raising healthy animals for high-quality meat sold to local markets.”

For more information on soil and water conservation programs for landowners and municipalities, go to www.schuylerswcd.com

Photos in text:

Top: From left: Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan; Alison Hunt, District Representative for Congressman Tom Reed; Maria and Brett Chedzoy, owners of Angus Glen Farm, and Anthony J. Specchio, Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors Chairman.

Bottom: From left: Dennis Fagan; Alison Hunt; Town of Hector Supervisor Ben Dickens; Town of Hector Highway Superintendent Jay Arcangeli; and Anthony J. Specchio. (Photos provided)

7th annual Schuyler Steps Out planned

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 7 -- Schuyler Steps Out -- the free community walking program presented by Schuyler Hospital -- is coming back for its 7th year, kicking off early next month.

Open to anyone who works or lives in Schuyler County, the program begins on Friday, March 8 with an opening celebration and information session.

Teams must register with the hospital by Feb. 22, and team representatives should plan to attend the opening celebration.

While many teams are workplace-based, both service clubs and churches -- and even Scouts -- can form teams. All that’s required is walking daily for 8 weeks, logging steps walked with pedometers, and reporting to the hospital weekly. At the end of the 8-week program, awards are given for most team steps, most valuable “players,” and most improved.

“We continue to sponsor this program because our participants tell us that it gets them moving more and -- most importantly -- some have lost weight, reduced use of medications, and seen some major changes in their overall health,” said Michelle Benjamin, Executive Director of Community Relations for Schuyler Hospital. “We hope to foster healthy changes that are long-lasting, far beyond this 8-week program.”

The program will run March 11 to May 12.

In 2012, 367 walkers on 21 teams logged 279 million total steps, or 137 thousand miles – the equivalent of 5.5 trips around the Earth.

Schuyler Steps Out is a partnership between Schuyler Hospital, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and Wal-Mart.

For more information, or to sign up a team, contact Benjamin at (607) 210-1950 or through info@schuylerhospital.org

Schuyler man pleads guilty to meth count

Special to The Odessa File

ROCHESTER, Feb. 6 -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced Tuesday that Joseph Baudendistle, 38, of Odessa has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to possession of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Moynihan, who is handling the case, said that during the course of an investigation into the manufacturing of methamphetamine in the Southern Tier area of New York State, law enforcement officers learned that Baudendistle purchased in excess of nine grams of ephedrine base products within a 30-day period, a violation of the United States drug laws. The defendant visited four different pharmacies in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls between January of 2011 and February of 2012 and purchased in excess of the permitted amount of Sudafed and Suphedrine, Moynihan said.

Baudendistle was arrested in August 2012, along with Khristine Bedient, Robert Getman, Jr., Margaret Shermer and Joshua Watson. He is the second defendant to be convicted. Joshua Watson was convicted of a similar charge on January 24 and will be sentenced on March 28.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph Fazzary; Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division; the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff William Yessman; and the Watkins Glen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas R. Struble.

Sentencing of Baudendistle is scheduled for March 24 at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Larimer.

Obituary: Marjorie Overhiser

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

Marjorie Overhiser

Age 91, of Beaver Dams, passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, and Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the Beaver Dams United Methodist Church, County Rte. 19, Beaver Dams. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Marjorie was born on January 14, 1922 in Watkins Glen, the daughter of the late Lewis and Leonta Beardsley. She was a longtime member of the Beaver Dams United Methodist Church, and was a member of the choir and UM Women’s Group.

She graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1939, and was a member of the “Watkins Glen '39ers” group which met every month. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; raising four children.

She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer Overhiser, in 1996. Survivors include her children and their spouses: Edward and Rosemarie Overhiser of Randallstown, MD, Linden and Lois Overhiser of Rochester, Marcia and Peter Kasprzyk of Beaver Dams, and James Overhiser and Julie Nucci of Owego; brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Jackie Beardsley of Massachusetts, and Lewis “Scoop” and Rhoda Beardsley of Virginia; nine grandchildren and their spouses: Marjorie Overhiser-Fine, Joseph (Sumi) Overhiser, Lisa (Damon) Matacchiera, Linden J. (Rachel) Overhiser, Jill (Thomas) Wendela, Paul (Darci) Kasprzyk, Ryann Tuthill, Coco Heitmann and Anna Heitmann; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Schuyler County Public Health, c/o Memorial Donations, 106 S. Perry St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891; or Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

You may sign a guestbook or extend condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Whitney Valentine can be seen scaling the ice at Aunt Sarah's Falls in this photo looking down from the top of the falls. It was shot by her partner, Chance Philippi -- whose boot toe is visible.

They were inching up Aunt Sarah's Falls

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 30 -- Aunt Sarah's Falls boasted a sight Tuesday afternoon that had passing motorists slowing and looking up at the frozen waterfall.

At first there was a male figure -- Chance Philippi of Corning -- scaling the ice fronting the 90-foot falls, slowly traversing, placing ice screws into the frozen water, a long length of rope trailing behind him.

That sight in fact had prompted someone to call the Sheriff's Office, which sent a deputy to the scene -- but he found no village ordinance against such an occurrence, and no posted signs.

So he told the climbers to be careful, which they were. Philippi -- a young man who repairs chimneys and is about to join the Simmons-Rockwell auto sales business in Bath -- made it to the top. His girlfriend, Whitney Valentine, tried it next.

As she scaled the ice -- softened by the day's thaw -- the skies opened up. It started to rain, and soon was pouring.

"I was absolutely soaked!" she exclaimed in an email later.

Philippi and Valentine are fairly new to the sport of ice climbing. She said they started back in 2010, then spent a couple of years in Colorado, where the opportunities were greater. They also participate in rock climbing.

"We ice-climbed over at Keuka Lake, on the western shore, on Sunday," said Valentine, who works at a Corning pizzeria. "We introduced my 13-year-old nephew to it that day, and he liked it."

They pick their spots based on ice buildup, of course, but also on an absence of "No Trespassing" signs.

"We were driving by here, and it wasn't posted, so we stopped," she said. And climbed. The warming trend had softened the ice, making the task easier, she added -- in essence giving them an easier toehold than is available in rock-hard ice.

"There are a lot of falls in the area," she said. "Watkins Glen should promote ice-climbing as a tourist attraction, because climbers would come from all over the world." There are ice-climbing competitions in many countries, she said.

It is perhaps well that she reached the summit when she did, for it wasn't long before the creeks feeding Aunt Sarah's Falls sent their rain-swollen water there in force. Within a couple of hours, the water was running freely over the edge of the falls and down, soaking the layers of ice built up during the area's recent deep freeze.

But the forecasters say winter's cold will be back, and soon. And with the cold will be more ice, and presumably more opportunities for those with ropes and ice tools and spiked boots ... and nerve.

Photo in text: Whitney Valentine feeds out the rope from the base of the falls as Chance Philippi nears the summit.

Left: Whitney Valentine and Chance Philippi gaze up at the ice wall. Right: Later, Valentine scales the ice while Philippi controls the rope from the summit.

Obituary: G. Robert Harrison

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

G. (George) Robert Harrison

Age 91, formerly of Odessa, NY, passed away peacefully at Van Duyn Home and Hospital in Syracuse, NY on January 24, 2013.

Robert was born May 13, 1921 in the Town of Virgil, Cortland County. He was the son of the late Ellsworth R. Harrison and Leola Wilson Harrison Sayre. He married Geraldine N. Churchill (who predeceased him on January 15, 2012) on February 14, 1942. The couple enjoyed nearly 71 years of marriage.

He is survived by his three children, Jon R. Harrison of Rochester, NY, Nancy H. Dean of Dawson Springs, Kentucky, and Elizabeth H. Chapman of Syracuse, NY; his brother, Edward Harrison of Summerfield, Florida; and his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert was a longstanding member of the Odessa United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of World War II, having proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps in China, Burma and India. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Cole-Hansenberger-Deland Post 676 of the American Legion, having held all posts and county offices as well as many district and department offices. He was also a member of the recently disbanded China-Burma-India Veterans Association. Robert served several terms as Odessa Village Trustee and Town of Montour Councilman.

He was formerly employed at several local automotive establishments and most recently served for 20 years as Schuyler County Director of Weights and Measures. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing regularly with family and friends as a member of the Trumansburg Golf Club.

Calling hours will be Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 10 a.m.-12 noon at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th Street, Watkins Glen, NY. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Odessa United Methodist Church, Church Street, Odessa. A brief interment ceremony will follow the funeral at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Alpine, NY (weather permitting).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to the Odessa United Methodist Church. You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Robo-Kids show what their
4-H program is all about

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 26 -- A 4-H robotics program that may develop the engineers of tomorrow was on display Friday night at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex.

Members of two youthful teams of competitors -- Schuyler County's 4-H First Lego League (FLL) Robotics Teams, the Servo Slammers and the Servo Hackers (also known as Robo-Kids) -- were on hand at an open house to explain the program, now in its third year, that leads each year to a Senior Solutions Challenge.

As part of Friday's program, the Schuyler County Deputy Sheriff's Association presented a check to the overseeing organization, Cooperative Extension, in the amount of $300.

Cooperative Extension 4-H Assistant Program Educator Roger Ort, who spearheaded establishment of the teams and serves as their overall leader, was talking about the program during the open house.

Sixteen youths from Hornell to Tioga County participated this past year, he said. Since a maximum of 10 are permitted on each team, the two teams were necessary. "I turn over leadership duty to the parents on each team," Ort said, "and sort of serve as assistant coach to both squads." If the membership continues to grow past 20 youths, a third team will be formed.

The participants, he said, work with Lego NXT kits, which provide all the necessary components for building robots of various shapes and sizes. Each kit also has programming elements through which the Slammers and Hackers -- utilizing a computer -- can program the robots.

The Senior Solutions Challenge offers a chance -- on a large wood board with various figures and stages -- for the competitors to amass points based on how well the programmed robots complete designated tasks, such as placing items in a certain order, or knocking over tiny bowling pins with a small plastic ball.

"Some of those (tasks) are 5 points," said Ort, "and some are 40."

Winners of the Challenge -- which is held at Corning Community College and attracts teams from around the region -- move on to a larger competition in Rochester. "We haven't advanced to that point," Ort said, "but we scored twice as many points this last time (in December) as we did the previous year."

Ort -- recently named by the New York State 4-H as a State 4-H Robot Specialist with a mission to establish similar programs around New York -- pointed across the room to a display of two metal robotic devices donated for the evening by a team in Corning sponsored by Corning Incorporated.

"That's the next step up," he said. "Our team is for kids 8 to 14, and then they can join the Corning team at 15. Corning Incorporated wants them to come back eventually and work as future engineers."

Part of the reason for the open house was to spread the word about the program and to find new recruits for the 4-H teams. Anyone 8-14 who is interested in participating or in obtaining more information -- or adults who wish to volunteer -- may call Cooperative Extension at 607-535-7161 and ask for Roger Ort.

Photos in text:

Top: 4-H program member Carson Lampila of Van Etten, left, explains to Open House visitors how the Senior Solutions Challenge works.

Middle: Youths try out some of the robots on display at the Open House.

Bottom: The check presented by the Schuyler County Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Obituary: William G. Forsyth

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

William G. Forsyth

Age 76, of Odessa and formerly Watkins Glen, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26 at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Lakeview Cemetery.

Bill was born in Elmira Heights on December 8, 1936, the second youngest of 14 children, to William and Lena Forsyth. Bill worked for the Public Works Department of Watkins Glen. He also worked and bowled at Johnny’s Lanes and worked as a mechanic at Smalley’s Garage.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie (Pike) Forsyth, 12 of his siblings and both parents. Survivors include his four children, Betty Hayes of Montour Falls, Kelly (Arthur) Bennett of Watkins Glen, Susan Williamson of Ohio, and William G. Forsyth, Jr. of Arizona; a brother, Harold Forsyth of Elmira; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

The scene as photographed from across Rt. 228, which passes by the front of the property.

Firefighters battle blaze outside Odessa

ODESSA, Jan. 22 -- A late-night blaze Monday struck a one-story home at 2441 State Route 228 near Odessa. The blaze, which gutted much of the structure, was caused by a candle burning in a bedroom, a fire official said.

Firefighters from seven departments were called out at 10:42 p.m. on the cold, occasionally snowy night. One fire official said early indications were that the residents -- Willard and Mary Lou Webster -- had phoned in the alarm before escaping the structure. The blaze was roaring by the time the first of the firefighters arrived from Odessa.

Also responding were departments from Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Mecklenburg and Burdett, and later Millport and Enfield.

Odessa Fire Chief Mike Tomassi said the fire -- which started in a bedroom, and was caused by a burning candle left unattended -- was fully involved by the time he arrived, and was fueled shortly after that by the explosion of two oxygen tanks inside the house. Firefighters knocked down the main flames quickly, but pockets continued burning as winds periodically gusted, sending thick smoke swirling. NYSEG arrived at the scene shortly before midnight to cut the power.

The Websters were helped into an ambulance and transported to Schuyler Hospital. One official said they were being treated for smoke inhalation. A third person -- a grandson who resided with the Websters -- reportedly accompanied them.

Two dogs in the house escaped with the residents, and three other dogs tied up outside were not injured.

Two vehicles parked near the residence are apparently "still drivable," said Tomassi, although the one closest to the structure might have sustained some heat damage.

Most of the house was gutted, and the remainder is uninhabitable, Tomassi said. He did not know if the Websters had insurance.

The Red Cross was notified to help arrange alternative housing.

****

Photos in text:

Top: A firefighter strides across the edge of the roadway in front of the structure, pulling some hose behind him.

Bottom: Smoke was thick and rose high into the night sky.

Snow periodically swirled and the temperature continued to dive.

Left: A firefighter strides in front of the building. Right: Montour Falls Fire Chief Jeff Confer.

Two firefighters (right) hose down a hot spot after the major flames were extinguished.

High school girls sought to attend conference

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 18 -- On Saturday, March 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Region VII of New York State Women, Inc. will offer its Youth Leadership program to local high school girls (grades 10 through 12) at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

The centerpiece of the event is the organization’s “Reality Store” experience, which is a simulation where participants select a career, make lifestyle choices and learn to budget their money to be able to support those choices. Presentations will also be given on résumé writing, interviewing, appropriate/inappropriate workplace attire, public speaking and social media. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to network with business and professional women.

The cost of the program is $60 and includes lunch. Some scholarships are available. For more information or to obtain a registration form, go to www.sflw.org or email sflwomen@gmail.com.

The mission of New York State Women, Inc. is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The organization includes women and men of every age, race, religion, political party and socio-economic background. For further information on New York State Women, Inc., go to wws.nyswomeninc.org.

Obituary: Garry Raymond Belanger

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a friend of the family.

Garry Raymond "Gar" Belanger

Age 60, died January 15, 2013. Garry was born in Manchester, NH, and raised in the Watkins Glen/Montour Falls area. He lived many places, including Phoenix, AZ, but mostly on the road. He graduated from Odessa-Montour High School in 1971.

He leaves behind Belanger siblings: Roger (Kathy), Topeka, KS; Nancy, Horseheads, NY; Charles (Georgia), Van Etten, NY; Kenny (Randi), Chenango Forks, NY; Wayne, Plymouth, NH; Steve, Ithaca, NY; and Mary Belanger (Sona), Allenstown, NH; and an amazing number of nieces, nephews, friends, fans, and extended family!

From the early beginnings of Gar’s life he showed a deep interest in music, beginning with drums at the age of 9; as years passed he became a first-string drummer with the world renowned Watkins Glen Squires Drum and Bugle Corps. Continuing his interest in music, he mastered drums, guitar, bass, keyboards and his wonderful voice. He played with many local bands, and eventually with his brothers formed their own band, “The Belanger Brothers.”

Gar was a professional recording artist, performer, songwriter, producer and singer. When people heard his voice, they paid attention. He toured with brothers Kenny and Wayne, as well as other artists, for 40 years, performing and backing many great artists of yesterday and today. Always being active in the music business right to the end, Gar is what you would call a true dedicated musician.

Gar was a free-spirited soul and musician who will always remain with everyone who had the pleasure to know him through his songs and spirit. He will be sorely missed among friends, fans, family and the music world.

Gar always loved flowers, but more importantly, he loved to give a helping hand to food banks, homeless shelters and various Missing Children’s foundations. Donations in Gar’s name to the charity of your choice will be truly appreciated.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, Jan 19 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at The Watkins Glen VFW, 30 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen.

There will be many musicians, friends, and fans performing, telling stories or just smiling to pay tribute to Garry. Please join us in sending Gar off to his new Tour that stretches beyond The Heavens. Rest in Peace and enjoy '"That Great Gig In The Sky"; "In a blink of an eye life goes by."

Obituary: Alice Moore

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

Alice Moore

Age 82, of Watkins Glen, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, January 18, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A private funeral and committal service will be held at the convenience of the family, with burial at Rock Stream Cemetery.

Alice was born in Kane, PA, the daughter of the late William and Ruth Forsythe. She worked as a 6th Grade teacher for the Odessa-Montour Central School, retiring in 1985. She and her husband Max celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 27, 2012.

Alice was predeceased by her brother, Frank Forsythe. She is survived by her husband, Max; three sons, Max Moore II of Walled Lake, MI, Michael (Valerie) Moore of Burdett, and Mark (Catey) Moore of Washougal, WA; a brother, William (Sybil) Forsythe of Indiana; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 274 N. Goodman St., Box 7, Suite 401 Village Gate, Rochester, NY 14607 or the Humane Society of Schuyler County, PO Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Mary E. Pratt

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

Mary E. Pratt

Age 93, formerly of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2013.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, January 18 from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira.

Mary proudly raised eight children. She loved bingo and joining her friends every week in Burdett to work on crafts. She also knitted hats for newborn babies born at local hospitals, and enjoyed putting puzzles together. She lived for 20 years in Catherine Court, where many of her puzzles are on display.

Mary was born in Elmira, NY on May 13, 1919, the daughter of the late George and Florence Guise. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter M. Pratt; a son, Jack Pratt; a brother, John Guise, and a son-in-law, Garth Cook. She is survived by seven children, Alan (Mary Jane) of Elmira, Nelson (MaryAnn) of Watkins Glen, Larry (Sandy) of Newfield, Ellen Cook of Florida, David of Ithaca, Steven (Jennifer) of Lansing, and Becky (Chuck) Roth of Ohio; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Pratt of Watkins Glen; 21 grandchildren, including special grandchildren and loving caretakers Kate Mizzoni and Lori Wiles; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, 220 Steuben St., Montour Falls, NY 14865.

You may view her memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Angeline M. Decker

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Angeline M. "Granny" Decker

Age 95, of Watkins Glen, New York peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, NY.

Angeline was born in Burdett, NY on February 22, 1917, the daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Favella) Valeant. Granny will be remembered for her love of her family and her baking. She was an active communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Charles, sisters Mary and Delores, and her brother, Joseph.

Granny is survived by her son, Richard (Kathleen) Decker; daughter, Peggy (Don) Blandino; grandchildren, Richard (Karen) Decker Jr., Bob Decker, Steven (Catrina) Decker, Paul (Michelle) Blandino, David (Cristy) Blandino, and Brian Blandino; great grandchildren, Emily, Ashley, Gabriella and Ella Decker, and Anthony, Jesse and Angelina Blandino; nephew and niece, Joe Valeant and Beverly Borders, and several great nieces, nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 14 at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 Fifth St., Watkins Glen. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 Decatur St., Watkins Glen. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watkins Glen. Memorials may be made in Granny’s name to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, PO Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

Rev. William Wells, left, the Abraham Family pastor, gave a blessing at the dedication, and also shared memories of Dr. Abraham. (Photo provided)

Dedication honors Dr. Abraham

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 11 -- More than 50 people, including co-workers, friends, community members and family -- were on hand Jan. 5th at Schuyler Hospital for a dedication ceremony honoring the life and service of Dr. PV Abraham.

Speakers at the dedication -- which took place outside the hospital’s Surgical Suites, where a plaque was unveiled-- included Schuyler Hospital President and CEO Andy Manzer; Dr. William Saks, Surgical Department Chair; Rev. William Wells, the Abraham Family pastor; and Rob Swinnerton, Schuyler Health Foundation Board Chair and former Hospital CEO. Refreshments were provided afterward.

Dr. Abraham, who conducted surgeries at Schuyler Hospital and saw patients at his private practice in Montour Falls for over 30 years, passed away in April 2011.

He was highly respected at Schuyler Hospital and in the Schuyler County community. When named a “Healthcare Hero” by the hospital, Dr. Abraham responded: “I want to leave patients with a smile and their health.”

Photo in text: Dr. Abraham (Photo provided)

The Abraham Family stands with the plaque dedicated to former Schuyler Hospital surgeon Dr. PV Abraham. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Riley Ann Bannister

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File through the Barber Funeral Home, Horseheads.

Riley Ann Bannister

Infant daughter of her loving mother, Nicole Bannister, our little angel went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 5, 2013.

She is also survived by her grandfather, David Bannister, and aunt, Danielle (Darron Hall) Bannister, both of Montour Falls, NY; and by great grandparents and many extended family and friends who live near and far who loved her dearly. She was a miracle and blessing from God.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Montour Falls United Methodist Church, 124 Owego Street, Montour Falls from 1-2 p.m., with a celebration in remembrance of Riley to follow there at 2 p.m., the Rev. Sheila Price officiating.

Arrangements are with the Barber Funeral Home, Horseheads, NY.

Stephens Award goes to O-M's Lee Sidle

Special to The Odessa File

ELMIRA, Jan. 9 -- Odessa-Montour High School senior Lee Sidle was honored Tuesday evening in Elmira as the recipient of the annual Joel Andrew Stephens 5C Award.

The award, presented at the downtown Holiday Inn by longtime Elmira Notre Dame football coach Mike D'Aloisio, is named after the former ND three-sport standout who died of cancer at the age of 22 in 1998.

"(Joel) had a strong commitment to his team and his school and was a leader," said D'Aloisio, noting that Stephens served as a role model to others, showed humanity in his abilities and talents, demonstrated kindness and compassion in his actions, displayed leadership qualities and faced adversity with dignity and class.

The 5C portion of the award stands for Christianity, courage, character, commitment and compassion. The award is presented annually to a football player in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania who not only is an outstanding athlete, but also exhibits those five traits.

D'Aloisio said Stephens' life will not soon be forgotten, and added: "What we have done for ourselves alone dies and is gone forever. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."

D'Aloisio, in quoting O-M Coach Bob Lee, said of Sidle: "He is a solid athlete, team player, team leader, fought through injury and still played his heart out ... He is one of the most respectful players I have ever coached. He carries that respect to his teammates, his community and his family. He has a solid family background with the love of God in his heart."

Added D'Aloisio: "Having coached him for a year (Sidle started at running back for Elmira Notre Dame as a junior), I can attest to the character of this individual. One thing that is very impressive he does outside of athletics is that he's been a Boy Scout for 10 years, has earned over 30 merit badges and is an Eagle Scout. That is a tribute to his character."

Photo in text: Lee Sidle with Ron Stephens, father of Joel Stephens. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Gwendolyn T. McCabe

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, Homer.

Mrs. Gwendolyn T. "Gwen" McCabe

Age 85, of Burgett Drive, Homer, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2012.

A longtime area resident, Gwen was born September 27, 1927 in Elmira, a daughter of the late Richard M. and Edna Waugh Tinker. On July 2, 1949 she married Timothy J. McCabe, Sr. in St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen.

She graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1945 and Cortland State Teachers College in 1949 with a degree in education. She went on to teach from 1949-1951 at Groton Central School, and from 1961 until her retirement in 1986 in the Cortland City School District.

Gwen was a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church, Homer, where she was active in the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the Cortland County Historical Society, the Cortland County Genealogical Society and the 20th Century Club, and was a member of the Cortland RSVP, primarily volunteering at the Cortland Regional Medical Center.

Professionally, Gwen was twice nominated for the New York State Teacher of the Year by two different school principals and was a member of the Cortland Retired Teachers Association and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting and traveling.

Surviving are her sons, Timothy J. (Annette) McCabe of Lansing, NY, Patrick M. (Holly) McCabe of Tully, NY and Steven (Abby) McCabe of Littleton, CO; and a brother, Richard (Maggie) Tinker of Watkins Glen, NY. Gwen cherished the time she spent with grandchildren Andrew (Marnie) McCabe; Matthew (Jessie) McCabe; Travis McCabe; Shannon (Dan) Aridgides; Staci McCabe and Christopher McCabe and her two great granddaughters, Jaelize and Cate McCabe.

In addition to her husband, Timothy McCabe, Sr. in 1994, she was predeceased by a sister, Phyllis Caldwell.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 in St. Margaret’s Church, 14 Copeland Ave., Homer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul J. Alciati. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cortland.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 4 from 5-8 p.m. at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 N. Main St., Homer.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Sam Benjamin and Dr. Margaret Boufal for their wonderful care during Mrs. McCabe’s recent illness.

Memorial contributions in Gwen’s name may be directed to the St. Margaret’s Church Building Fund, 14 Copeland Ave., Homer, NY 13077.

Obituary: Delphine L. Funk

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

Delphine L. Funk

Age 83, of Burdett, NY, passed away unexpectedly in North Carolina while visiting her daughter's home on December 24, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen; a funeral service will follow there at 2 p.m., with burial at the Union Cemetery of Hector, Burdett, NY.

Delphine was born in Nebraska, daughter of the late Fred and Alvina Neben. She was predeceased by her husbands, Allen Utter and Louis Funk. She is survived by five daughters, Jane (Tom) Stevens of Georgia, Cheryl (Del) Cummings of Hector, Nellie Monroe of Watkins Glen, Barbara (Bill) Church of Odessa, and Janice Linsley of Elmira; a brother, Harvey Neben of Walton, NY; 6 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Delphine especially loved casinos and bingo. She was a member of the Hector Presbyterian Church Euchre Club, Montour Falls Moose #426, and formerly the Senior Bowling League in Watkins Glen.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hector Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 96, Hector, NY 14841. You may express condolences to the family or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Sitting on the bench from left: David Centurelli's mother, Wanda Centurelli, and nieces Amy and Jessica Centurelli. Standing from left: Centurelli's widow Lisa, Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon, family friend Peggy Jensen, Sheriff William Yessman, and Centurelli's sister Linda and brother Dick.

Garden bench dedicated to Centurelli

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 29 -- Family and friends, along with Schuyler County employees, gathered on December 24 outside the Schuyler County Human Services Complex to dedicate a garden bench in memory of Deputy David Centurelli.

Centurelli passed away on May 23, 2012 following complications from a heart attack. A 34-year veteran of the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, he had provided security at the Human Services Complex in recent years. One of his passions was visiting the Cornell Cooperative Extension Teaching Garden at the building. Due to his love for the garden and his dedication to the employees of the county, the garden bench was purchased by the employees and placed in the CCE garden.

On hand for the dedication ceremony was the Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon, who welcomed the crowd and offered an invocation. She was followed as speaker by Sheriff William Yessman, who shared a special tribute to Deputy Centurelli. Additional sentiments, words of thanks and closing remarks were shared by Centurelli’s widow, Lisa Cuddy Centurelli.

Following the ceremony in the garden, participants gathered in the Silver Spoon Café at the Complex for light refreshments and the sharing of memories.

Photos in text:

Top: The garden bench with an inscribed plaque that reads “I will watch over you and keep you from harm.” (Photo provided)

Bottom: Deputy David Centurelli (File photo)

Obituary: Paul E. Jacquet

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

Paul E. Jacquet

Age 85, of Valois, died at home on Dec. 24, 2012.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Paul was born in San Jose, Calif., the son of Paul and Lydia Gruber Jacquet, and grew up in Willow Glen. He served in World War II as a military police officer.

Paul was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Francis, in 1978. He is survived by his second wife, LouAnn, seven children, three stepchildren, 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valois-Logan-Hector Volunteer Fire Company at P.O. Box 46, Hector, NY 14841. You may express condolences to the family or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home.

Obituary: Patricia H. Meehan

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Patricia H. Meehan

Age 77, of 2695 County Line Road, Watkins Glen, NY died Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in Florida.

Friends may call at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119-5th Street, Watkins Glen on Friday, December 21 from 4-8 p.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 22 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's of the Lake Church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Pat was born March 13, 1935 in Elmira, NY and was the daughter of Philip and Alberta Guild Hager. On July 28, 1956, she married William C. Meehan Sr., who preceded her in death in 2004. Pat was retired from Schuyler County Social Services. Recently she enjoyed her summers working for the Watkins Glen State Park.

She is survived by her children, Annette (Roger) Tijerina of East Lansing, MI, William (Beth) Meehan Jr. of Watkins Glen, NY, Barbara (Scott) McIntyre of Matthews, NC and Terri (Jon) Thorpe of Nichols, NY; grandchildren, Matthew (Andrea), Roger Jr and Michael Tijerina, Jay Meehan, Scott McIntyre Jr and Randy (Kristy) and Erick (Sarah) Thorpe; great grandchildren Kayla and Tyler Tijerina and Kambrie Thorpe; sisters Phyllis (Jud) Gardner of Watkins Glen, NY, Betty (Bob) McNutt of Barefoot Bay, FL and Nancy (Andy) Anderson of Satellite Beach, FL; sisters-in-law Kathryn Smith of Mundelein, IL, Vera Franzese and Anne Meehan of Watkins Glen, NY; brother-in-law Thomas Meehan of Honeyoye Falls, NY, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Robedeau, brothers-in-law Louis Meehan, Joe Franzese and Owen Smith, and sister-in-law Mary Meehan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's of the Lake Church Restoration Fund, PO Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

Obituary: Grace M. Cherock

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Grace M. Cherock

Age 94, of Watkins Glen, NY passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, December 20, 2012.

Grace was born in Watkins Glen, NY on February 3, 1918, the daughter of the late Rocco and Mary (Compese) Scaptura. Grace had a business degree from Elmira College and was employed as a secretary for Havens Insurance Co. and E.C. Cooper Insurance of Watkins Glen. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church and a member St. Mary’s Guild.

In addition to her parents, Grace was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John F.”Piggy” Cherock, on April 20, 2012; her daughter, Jean Marie; and by her siblings, Celicia DeNardo, Rocco "Dick" Scaptura, Frank Scaptura, Joe Scaptura, Nick Scaptura, and Marie C. "Mellie" Spena.

Grace is survived by her loving family: sons, John (Betty) Cherock Jr and David (Sandra) Cherock; grandchildren, Nicole Cherock-Kriner, Christy Cherock-Luna, and Jennifer Cherock-Hopper; six great grandchildren; a brother, George Scaptura; sisters-in-law Judy Scaptura and Rose Cherock; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec 28 at the Link at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 Decatur St. Watkins Glen, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church following at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Grace’s memory to CareFirst, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14831; St. Mary’s Guild or St. Mary’s Church, PO Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, or to Catholic Charities of Schuyler County, 607 Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

Ector-Wilson engagement announced

WATKINS GLEN -- Sam and Kathy Ector of Watkins Glen, NY would like to announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Ector, to Mark Wilson, son of Matthew and Helen Wilson of Corning, NY.

Both are 2009 graduates.

The bride-to-be graduated from Watkins Glen High School and is employed by My Place A Play and Learning Center located in Montour Falls, NY.

The groom-to-be graduated from Corning and is employed by BorgWarner of Ithaca, NY.

The couple plan to exchange their vows in the Fall of 2013.

****

Photo at right: Ashley Ector and Mark Wilson.
(Photo provided)

Obituary: William H. Rice

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

William H. Rice

Age 57, of Watkins Glen, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on December 14, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Burial will follow at Montour Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Adam Rice of Watkins Glen and Portsmouth, VA; his mother, Marjorie Rice of Watkins Glen; a sister and brother-in-law, Kathie and Daryl VonNeida of Montour Falls; his mother-in-law, Clara Wheaton of Montour Falls; sisters-in-law, Clara (Ted) Pike of Montour Falls, Florence (Terry) Wheatcraft of Addison, Carol Wheaton (fiancé Robert Levis) of Addison, and Michelle (Paul) Holley of Sinclairville; a brother-in-law, Fred (Mary) Wheaton of Montour Falls; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, James Rice.

Bill served on the Watkins Glen Police Department for 25 years, retiring in 2010. He had since worked for Security at Watkins Glen International. He was a member of the Watkins Glen P.B.A., B.P.O.E. Lodge #1546, V.F.W. Post #2674, and the Empire State Cruizers Car Club, and was a past member of the Watkins Glen Volunteer Fire Department. He was very generous in his support of Seneca Santa, the Children’s Miracle Network and the P.B.A, and was an American Red Cross blood donor. Bill was also well known as an avid gun collector and a PT Cruiser car enthusiast.

Those wishing to remember Bill may consider a memorial donation to Seneca Santa, the P.B.A., the Children’s Miracle Network, the American Red Cross, or a charity of one’s choice. Addresses will be available at the funeral home or online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in his memory online in "Obituaries" at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Carol Joan Oaks

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

Carol Joan (Bagley) Oaks

Age 84, died at home in Watkins Glen, NY, on December 13, 2012.

Joan was born to Roger and Genevieve (Brooks) Bagley in Batavia, NY in 1928. After attending college in New York City, she worked as a medical secretary before starting her family. Joan was a volunteer for Southern Tier Hospice as well as the Watkins Glen Library and Schuyler Hospital.

She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout Leader, generous to any charitable organization that sent her a request for donations, an avid reader, notoriously camera shy and a willing sailing partner even though she never learned how to swim. She was a dog lover, a General Hospital fan, and her cookie jar was never empty. She was passionate about politics and even took part in a march for peace in Washington, DC in the '60s.

She is survived by her sons, Douglass Oaks and his wife Darienne of Shelburne, VT, Mark Oaks and his wife Carolyn of Fabius, NY, and Jonathan Oaks and his wife Penny of Marietta, NY; her daughter-in-law, Lisa Oaks of Horseheads, NY and her daughter Ellen (Oaks) Peterson and her husband Edward of Horseheads, NY; grandchildren Linsley Oaks, William Oaks, Sara Oaks, Katherine (Oaks) Shaw and her husband Patrick, Abigail Oaks, Allyson Oaks, Elizabeth Peterson, Perry Peterson and Nathaniel Peterson; and great-grandchildren Harper and Lennon Shaw.

She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, William "Bill" Oaks, her son Michael "Tod" Oaks, and her sister Mary Claire (Bagley) Chase.

A memorial service and committal at Lakeview Cemetery will be held at the family's convenience.

Donations may be made in her name to Care First (formerly Southern Tier Hospice), 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830, or to The Watkins Glen Public Library, 610 South Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in her memory online in "Obituaries" at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Man sentenced in absentia to 18 years

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 14 -- A 32-year-old Watkins Glen man who failed to appear in Schuyler County Court last week for sentencing on three burglary charges and three related grand larcenies was sentenced Friday to 18.5 to 22 years in prison despite being currently at large.

Matthew C. Voorhees, of 1922 Meads Hill Road, was given 15 years for the burglaries and 3.5 to 7 years for grand larcenies committed during the burglaries, according the Schuyler County District Attorney's office.

Assistant DA John Tunney asked that the court sentence Voorhees to 30 years on the burglaries -- 10 years for each count, running consecutively. But County Judge Dennis Morris imposed the maxium of 15 years on each count, to run concurrently -- meaning Voorhees will be given credit for time served for all three sentences at the same time.

The grand larceny sentence is to run consecutively to the burglary sentence, adding 3.5 to 7 years to the 15, bringing the total sentence to 18.5 to 22 years.

The burglary counts are Class C Violent Felonies, and the grand larcenies are Class E Felonies.

The DA's office, in a press release, said that since Voorhees is not in custody, "this raises a potential risk for anyone who comes into contact with (him), and people are cautioned to not try to approach or apprehend him. If anyone has information about Voorhees, they should immediately contact the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department at (607) 535-8222."

Voorhees was convicted in a jury trial in October of burglarizing residences in Tyrone, Montour Falls and Watkins Glen. At that time, Judge Morris increased bail to $5,000 from $2.500, and the defendant's family posted it. The matter was adjourned for a pre-sentence investigation, and the defendant was required to come back for sentencing -- which he failed to do.

Habitat Dedication

The Centurelli clan poses Friday afternoon, Dec. 7 following the dedication of what will be the first Habitat for Humanity home in Schuyler County. The project is dedicated to the late David Centurelli, a county deputy and navigation officer who was also a founding father of the Habitat chapter. Centurelli family members on hand included, from left: David's brother Dick, sister-in-law Anne, nephew Matt Jolliff, mother Wanda, sister Linda, widow Lisa, and nieces Jessica and Amy. The site is alongside Havana Glen Road, across from Havana Glen Park, on almost an acre of property donated by Marcia Barton Douglas.

O-M grad Williams is home on leave

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 10 -- Private James Williams, a 2012 graduate of Odessa-Montour High School, graduated from the United States Marine Corps boot camp on Parris Island on Dec. 7 and is home on leave.

Williams will be leaving for Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, North Carolina for Marine Combat Training on Jan. 8.

To welcome him home, his family hung a 4-by-8-foot Welcome Home banner on the family garage at 2334 County Route 7 (the Lower Foots Hill Road), Montour Falls.

*****

Photo at right: Private James Williams (Photo provided)

Hospital Auxiliary honors volunteers

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, Dec. 10 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary held its annual Fall Award Luncheon recently, recognizing its volunteers for their total of 5,811 hours served in 2012.

Auxiliary volunteers greet and assist visitors at the Hospital’s front desk, work the Hospital’s Gift Shop, plan for and work at events, complete administrative tasks for various departments, and help the Activities Department in the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

Specifically recognized for hitting milestones of hours served in recent years were Sue Monnell for 500 hours; Clara Greis, Julie Mathews and Judy Caruso for 1000 hours; Nancy Pratt for 1500 hours; Doris Fazzary for 2000 hours; Carol Bower for 4500 hours; Annabelle Specchio for 6500 hours, and Joanne McLaine for 9000 hours.

New volunteers are welcome. Volunteers can choose an activity or activities they would like to assist with, and hours are flexible.

To find out more, contact Auxiliary Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Pratt at 535-5129, or fill out an application on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org

Obituary: Margaret S. Knowles

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

Margaret S. Knowles

Age 93, of Valois, NY, died December 5, 2012.

Margaret was born in Watkins Glen, NY on November 7, 1919, the daughter of Lloyd Evans and (Helen) Louise Roberts. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 73 years, Leland H. Knowles, and sisters Gertrude Dye and Norma McCawley.

She had been a resident of Hobe Sound, FL and Valois, NY. She moved to Valois in 1983 from Vestal, NY, where she worked in the office of Lee Knowles, Inc. for 52 years with her husband. Prior to moving to Valois; she served in Endicott, NY as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, PTA volunteer, and president of the Rebekahs and Rotary. Later in life, she joined the Red Hats of Watkins Glen.

Margaret’s love was her family. She was a good neighbor, great friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Family, friends and neighbors were always welcomed at her home. She was a very thoughtful, caring person who always remembered your birthday or favorite food when you came to visit. She was also quietly friendly, sweet, sensitive, kind and modest. She never forced her opinions or even her values onto others. She liked sweets, especially donuts. And she was always the “behind-the-scenes” person and organizer, but never took credit. She will be missed by all.

She is survived by her daughters, Fay (Patrick) Donovan of Bluffton, SC, and Dona Monahan of Bristol, CT; three grandchildren, Mark (Muriel) Donavan of Boynton Beach, FL (and great-grandson Eric (Sherri) Ponsati and great-great-granddaughter Madison) of Oahu, Hawaii, Scott (Lisa) Donovan (great-granddaughter Elizabeth Bleu) of Charlotte, NC, and Amy (Patrick) Blankenship (and great-grandson Donovan) of Hilton Head, SC; brother LeRoy (Emma Lou) Evans of Watkins Glen, and sister Ruth (Charles) Hayes of Montour Falls.

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, December 8 from 2-4 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Hector Presbyterian Church, Hector, NY, followed by burial at Seneca Union Cemetery in Valois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VLH Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 46, Hector, NY 14841. You may express condolences to the family online in "Obituaries" at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Florida man wins Mustang at Center

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 4 -- A retired Marine living in Kissimmee, FL, is the winner of the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 raffled by the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen.

The winning ticket held by Patrick Woods was drawn on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Center by Town of Dix Supervisor Harold Russell. Dix is the town in which the Watkins Glen International race track is located.

“You never think you’re going to win something like this. It’s a bit overwhelming,” Woods said after learning of his win.

Woods, who is retired after a 30-year career in helicopter aviation with the U.S. Marines, said he bought raffle tickets for the Mustang Boss 302 “just on a whim.”

Woods said he is a “car guy,” noting that he owns a 1928 Model A Ford roadster pickup, which he drives. But he drives it conscientiously – it still has its original 10-gallon gas tank.

“You don’t get very far,” Woods said.

His new Mustang should take him a lot further.

The Mustang Boss 302 was selected as the Racing Research Center’s 2012 raffle car as a way of honoring the 50th anniversary of the debut of the Mustang concept car at the 1962 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

The Center raffles a significant vehicle each year as its major fund-raising effort to support its mission to preserve the history of motorsports.

Center officials hope to announce the 2013 raffle car early in the new year.

The Racing Research Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 1999. It is recognized as a world-class leader in the collection of materials representing the documentary history of amateur and professional motor racing worldwide.

Photo in text: Town of Dix Supervisor Harold Russell, right, reads the winning ticket for the Mustang Boss 302 after drawing the ticket on Dec. 1 at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen. Looking on is Center President J.C. Argetsinger. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Russell Edward Rhodes

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Russell Edward Rhodes

Russell, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, and formerly of Alpine, New York, was born December 9, 1921 in Schuyler County, New York. He passed to his reward on November 24, 2012. His parents were Edward and Mary Sprague Rhodes.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wives, Elizabeth Carman Rhodes, Ann Best Rhodes and Gladys Price Rhodes; six of his seven sisters and his one brother, and one grandson.

Surviving are a sister, Mildred Blumenstock; children Barlow (Karen) Rhodes, Erma (Donald) Cardwell, Linda (Robert) Tiemann, Edward (Mona) Rhodes, and Russell (Suzanne); 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

Russell had a farm on Oak Hill and worked at Thatcher Glass in Elmira Heights and in Tampa, Florida for many years. He also worked at Knox Glass near Atlanta, Georgia. He knew the machines that made glass bottles. He was a hard-working man and supported his family for his entire life.

He loved hunting deer in New York on his land there, and growing oranges and grapefruit on his Florida property.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a Charter Member of Temple Terrace Lodge 691 High Twelve and a member of Temple Terrace Lodge No. 330 F&AM.

There will be no calling hours. He will be cremated and interred in Laurel Hill Cemetary, Odessa, New York at the convenience of the family.

Esposito sentenced for Burdett standoff

Gets 10 years for Menacing, Reckless Endangerment, drug count

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 27 -- Joseph V. Esposito, 29, of Montour Falls was sentenced Monday in Schuyler County Court to 10 years in state prison in connection with a shooting incident in Burdett on Oct. 18, 2011.

Esposito drew an eight-year term for Menacing a Police Officer, and two years for a previous felony drug conviction for which he had received a conditional discharge. Sentencing by Judge Joseph Cawley also included terms of 2 1/3 to 7 years each on two counts of Reckless Endangerment, which run concurrently with the Menacing sentence.

Esposito was found guilty in a jury trial last summer. He was acquitted of a charge of attempted murder in the incident, which included shots that struck passing cars and the approaching vehicle of Undersheriff Breck Spaulding.

Esposito's actions that day led to a three-hour standoff with police that brought through-traffic in Burdett to a standstill. Esposito ultimately surrendered peacefully.

Sheriff Bill Yessman spoke forcefully in court before sentencing was pronounced, telling the judge that his vehicle was struck by a shot fired by Esposito after the defendant had struck another passing car along Route 79 in the village. "I could have lost my life," Yessman said, adding that Spaulding could have lost his, as well. A trooper and deputy also were in direct danger, he noted.

The sheriff said that while Esposito has claimed to be under the influence of meth at the time of the incident, that was just an excuse to avoid responsibility. "People use drugs every day, and don't do what you did," he said to the defendant. "You made the decision to prepare three high-powered rifles and to fire shots at officers." He added that Esposito had not exhibited any remorse for his actions.

Assistant District Attorney Matt Hayden -- who prosecuted the case at trial -- said Esposito "could've stopped after the first discharge, but made the conscious decision to reload and fire. This was not one single bad decision. It's a case that cries out for sentencing in consecutive fashion ... Each act had the potential of taking life."

Esposito's attorney, Elizabeth Mannion of Elmira (right), said her client has shown remorse, taken responsibility and "is not claiming he's less culpable for substance abuse." She added that while she was not mitigating the seriousness of what he did, "at the end of the day ... nobody was injured."

And Esposito spoke briefly, saying he was "truly sorry for what happened that day. I'm glad nobody got hurt."

Said Judge Cawley to Esposito: "I really don't get this, don't understand your conduct. The only reason nobody was injured was by the grace of God."

He said failed efforts by Esposito to seek rehabilitation help after his earlier conviction -- for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, a Class D felony -- were not convincing, and that "you want (that help) now because you're looking at a tremendous amount" of prison time.

He then sentenced Esposito to the 10 years, which would have been significantly longer if the individual terms had been levied consecutively. Explained Hayden afterward: "That would have brought a complex set of mathematic computations into play," but would have essentially meant 15 to 20 years of prison time.

"I would have liked the consecutive sentences," Hayden said, "but any time we get the maximum, we can't be too unhappy."

Esposito has been housed in the Chemung County Jail, and will get credit for time served. After he has completed his sentence in a state facility, he will face three years of post-release supervision.

Photos in text:

Top: Joseph Esposito is led back to jail by Deputy J.M. Gladke after the sentencing.

Bottom: Esposito's attorney, Elizabeth Mannion.

Obituary: Edward H. Kendall

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Edward H. Kendall

Age 67, died on Nov. 3, 2012 following a long illness which he bravely endured with a smile until the end.

Ed was born on Nov. 27, 1944, the son of the late Rosella and Ralph Kendall. Originally from Hector, NY, he spent his final years in North Carolina with his wife Jill, next to the ocean that they loved so much.

Ed is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jill (Stenberg); sons Richard (Robin) and Andrew (Heather); daughters Becky (Carl) Larson and Heather (Nader) Awwad; grandchildren Adam, Allison and AJ Kendall, Bryan and Devin Larson, and Gabrielle Awwad. He is also survived by his sister Roseleah (Lauren) Lodge and his brother David Kendall and many, many nieces and nephews.

Ed's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In his younger years he worked in Hector on the farm with Bob Beattie. From there he joined Wickham’s Service Co. and became a furnace repairman. At the same time he was the Superintendent of the Hector Water District and manager of Smith Park Campground. Ed and Jill moved to North Carolina in 1998.

Everyone is invited to join the family for a Memorial Service to celebrate Ed's life. The service will be held at the Watkins Glen Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of calling hours, family and friends are invited to gather at the church following the service for a luncheon to celebrate the life of “Eddie” Kendall. Donations may be made to The ALS Association Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, 120-101 Penmarc Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Sheriff seeks donations for Sandy victims

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 19 -- Although it has been almost three weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit, the need for relief remains great. Many people still have no home, no heat, no food or basic necessities. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman is holding a donation drive to collect needed items for the people of New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding New York counties who were severely impacted by the storm.

The donation drive is part of a statewide effort organized by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association in cooperation with the Salvation Army. Sheriffs’ offices around the state will collect donations of essential items during Thanksgiving week, and the Sheriffs’ Association will coordinate delivery of the supplies to the Salvation Army for distribution to those in need.

“This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks for all of our blessings, it is a great time for us to reach out to the people of our state who have been hit so hard by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and share our blessings with them,” said Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman.

Donations will be accepted at 106 10th Street, Watkins Glen between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 20 and ending on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The sheriffs’ offices are collecting the items listed below. For health reasons, donated items such as towels and blankets should be new. For logistical reasons, donations of used items, such as clothing and furniture, are not being collected at this time.

--New, Inexpensive Towels
--New, Inexpensive Blankets
--Flashlights
--Batteries
--Toiletries
--Non-Perishable Foods
--Cleaning Supplies
--Work Gloves
--Garbage bags
--Baby wipes/diapers
--Cases of water

The Sheriff’s Office does not have the ability to accept monetary donations. To donate directly to the Salvation Army, mail a donation to: The Salvation Army, 117 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10566.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. (NYSSA) is a not-for-profit corporation, formed in 1934, for the purpose of assisting sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of sheriffs’ services to the public. It comprises all of the elected and appointed sheriffs of New York State. For more information about it, visit www.nysheriffs.org.

Obituary: Dale Crout

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

Dale Crout

Age 41, of Watkins Glen, left his loved ones on Thursday, November 15, 2012 as the result of a helicopter accident in Corning, NY.

Friends and family are invited to call Monday, November 19 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. Fourth St., Watkins Glen. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m.

Dale graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1990, and married his wife Brenda a year later. Together, they have three children. Dale built his family a beautiful home and cherished every minute that he spent with them. Dale worked as a LineMan for NYSEG. He spent every weekend at a race track with his family cheering on his youngest child, Kendale.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 21 years, Brenda Crout; daughters Erica (Joseph) Westervelt and Courtney Crout; son, Kendale Crout; sisters, Marcia Crout (Dave Barber) and Becky Sue Bianco, Montour Falls; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Sandra VanHorn; father-in-law, Tom Pastrick; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Ernest “Sonny” Crout, mother Wilma (Rinker) Crout, brother Walter L. Crout, paternal grandparents Ernest W. and Josie Crout, and maternal grandparents Frank and Alma Rinker.

Dale was a hard worker who always put family first. He loved his family more than anything in life and he touched everyone he met. When talking about his family, you always saw a sparkle in his eye that showed the love he had for them.

Dale built what his family calls "Crout Plantations" with his own hands and his family is more proud of him than he ever knew. He will be missed more than words can express and whenever we hear the roar of a racing engine, we for sure will know it is Dale behind the wheel.

You may express condolences to the Family or “Light a Candle” in his memory online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Mary Louise Pascariello

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

Mary Louise Pascariello

Age 81, of Nokomis, Florida, and formerly of Watkins Glen, NY, passed away on November 4, 2012.

She was born on January 21, 1931 in New York, New York. Mary was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Osprey, Florida.

She is survived by her two children, Theresa (Robert) Merrill of Nokomis and Tony (Jacqueline) Pascariello of Sayville, New York; eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

Local arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen. You may express condolences to the family online in “Obituaries” at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Obituary: Marianna Lovell Brown

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Marianna Lovell Brown

Age 66, of Englewood, Florida passed away at her home on November 8, 2012.

She was born on October 3, 1946 in Montour Falls, NY, and grew up in Odessa, NY. She was a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was known by many names – Sis, Ma Brown, MB and “Brown,” and made a career out of helping others. She volunteered and advocated for the migrants, elderly, and disabled.

She went on to co-found, with dear friend Joyce Lubold, what is now AIM Independent Living Center in Corning, NY. In the 1980s and '90s she served as Executive Director of AIM, which has been the source of many inspiring and crazy stories for friends and family who lived through those times. From the birth of “The Green House Center” and ultimately ADA, Marianna and Joyce were always up for an adventure, and known to “shoot for the stars.”

Her character was dedicated, dependable and loving, with a great sense of humor. She had a passion for cooking, baking, music, singing, dogs, flowers, and loved to create beautiful rock gardens. She was the anchor of her family.

Marianna had some specific “beliefs” such as: always doing the right thing, everyone is equal, laugh, have fun every day, and make other people laugh. She would put into action what she and others would think or dream about, but think impossible. Her actions impacted so many people. Lastly, she was adamant to the end that 2x0=2 (math was not her friend).

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years and high school sweetheart Thomas F. Brown of Englewood, FL; daughter Kimberly S. Brown of Union Springs, NY; son Mark T. and Jennifer (Pope) Brown and grandchildren Nick and Anna Brown of Westerville, OH; her brothers, John Lovell of Maryland, Frederick Lovell of Virginia and Raymond Steffen of Watkins Glen, NY; an aunt, Anna Edwards of Avoca, NY, and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-0050.

A memorial gathering will be scheduled in Corning, NY in the Spring of 2013.

Obituary: Melvin J. LaRue

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

Melvin J. LaRue

Age 74, of Watkins Glen and Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

There are no prior visiting hours. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 24 at Lakeview Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

Mel worked for the Akzo Salt Company in Watkins Glen.

He was predeceased by his mother Helen, brother Richard, sister-in-law Mary LaRue, brother-in-law Grant Doland, and grandson Kyle Gregory. He is survived by his children, Kim Robert LaRue of Bath, Linda Gregory of Watkins Glen, Greg (Lisa) LaRue of Elmira, and Diane (Charlie) Foster of Green Brook, NJ; a brother, Clifford (Marylou) LaRue of Rock Stream; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Mike Lisowski of Watkins Glen; grandchildren Robert LaRue, Samantha (Dave) Bailey, Erin and Sydney Foster, Kody Gregory, and Chase and Kailey LaRue; great granddaughter Emma Bailey; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you may consider a memorial donation to a hospice of your choice or the GLM Memorial Soccer Foundation, 700 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Ceremony organizer Tony Specchio prepares to hand the American Flag to Boy Scouts, who raised it on the flagpole in front of the courthouse.

Watkins Glen service honors our veterans

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 12 -- About 100 people were on hand Monday in front of the Schuyler County Courthouse for a Veterans Day ceremony honoring our military men and women, past and present.

The keynote speaker was retired Schuyler County Court Judge J.C. Argetsinger, a veteran himself, who said we should be "so proud of those veterans who have come back with skills learned in the military and helped build their community and become its leaders."

Veterans are the ones who have "ensured our freedom," he said -- not judges or politicians or the media. And it is veterans, he added, "who have kept liberty alive for 240 years."

The U.S. defeated Communism, Argetsinger noted -- "put that philosophy, we hope, on the ash heap of history" -- but today faces another threat in the form of "religious fanatics who hate our way of life ... We must remain bipartisan and strong" as we combat the threat they pose.

Other speakers included Watkins Glen Village Mayor Mark Swinnerton, Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan, and several veterans, including David Boyle, a naval veteran and commander of American Legion Post 555 in Watkins Glen.

"When you see our veterans, please thank them for their service," Boyle said.

Said Swinnerton: "We should be eternally grateful to all who have served and do serve" to ensure our freedom. They have "done more than we can ever repay. We should start by saying thank you."

Added Fagan, who noted that his father Art -- who recently died just short of his 90th birthday -- was a World War II veteran who spent 11 months as a prisoner of war: "We enjoy and cherish many freedoms" that would "not be possible without the service and sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces."

Photo in text: Boy Scouts prepare to raise the flag.

Left: Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton addresses the spectators, with Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan in the background. Right: Bernie Riley plays Taps.

Obituary: Mark Mihalko

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

Mark Mihalko

Age 47, of Watkins Glen and formerly North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2012.

He is survived by his parents, Frank and Sharon Pastore of Watkins Glen; father, Michael (Anna) Mihalko of Corning; brothers, Frank (Coleen) Pastore and Jeffrey (fiancée Rose) Pastore; sisters, Michelle Mihalko and Heather Mihalko; nephews, Brad (Erica) Pastore, Daniel Pastore and Adam Pastore; and the love of his life, Patty Rekczis; also numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. He also loved cooking and enjoyed being with his family and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 6-8 p.m.; followed by a funeral service at 8:00 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

Those wishing to remember Mark may consider a memorial donation to a charity of one’s choice. You may express your condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Elizabeth 'Betty' Tripp

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

Elizabeth “Betty” Tripp

Age 85, formally of Fairport and Hector, NY, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2012.

She was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, William F. Tripp. They were married May 7, 1949 at St. Catherine’s Church in Hillcrest, NY. Betty was born Nov 19, 1926 in Starrucca, PA, the daughter of the late Leon and Mary Skurski. She was also predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Anthony, John, Louis, Joseph, Sophia, Helen, and Katherine.

She graduated from Preston High School in Lakewood, PA. in 1944 and the City Hospital School of Nursing in Binghamton in 1948. She worked as a School Nurse Teacher at Fairport High School.

She is survived by her children, Marilyn (Fred) Murray, of Plymouth, MA, and Thomas (Marie) Tripp of Canandaigua, NY; four grandchildren, Trevor (Caitlin) Tripp, of Round Lake, NY, Cassie Murray of Boston, MA, Thomas Murray of Quincy and Norwell, MA, and Eric Tripp of Canandaigua, NY and Austin, TX.

The family would like to thank The Falls Home in Montour Falls and Vienna Gardens of Phelps for their special care in recent years. And a special thank you to the staff at Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers and Sailors Hospital, Penn Yan.

Burial will be at Seneca Union Cemetery in Valois at the convenience of the family.

You may sign a guestbook or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce- Chedzoy.com.

Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen (TEL: 1-877-826-3513).

Obituary: Alan Dunning

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

Alan Dunning

Age 66, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 24, 2012.

He is survived by his children, Byron Carl Dunning, Rachel Irene Smith, Mishka Anne Smith and Jacob Alan Smith; grandchildren Joshua Aidan Dunning and Noah Avery Dunning; and a sister, Sherrie Ann Dunning.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Irene Dunning, with whom he emigrated from England in 1957. Alan worked at Cornell University in the Nuclear Physics Department until he retired.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at his home at 4445 Drew Road, Montour Falls on Monday, October 29 at 11 a.m.

Those wishing to express condolences to the family may consider memorial donations to the Smith Children College Fund, c/o Chemung Canal Trust Co., 318 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen (Tel: 1-877-826-3513).

Obituary: Helen L. Edmister

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

Helen L. Edmister

Age 94, of Beaver Dams, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 4-6 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m., Rev. Anne Campbell officiating. A committal service and burial will be held at 11 a.m. the following morning at Beaver Dams Cemetery.

Helen was a graduate of Watkins Glen High School and a lifelong resident of Beaver Dams. She was a 65-year-plus member of the Moreland Presbyterian Church and the Olive Branch Grange #42 of Moreland.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Julia Maine; husband Clifford; son William; daughter Sharon Taylor; brothers Tracy and Clarence Maine, and great-grandson Kyle Pack.

Helen is survived by her children, Isaac Edmister (Ellie Savey) of Elmira, Morris Edmister (Thelma Carmell) of Beaver Dams, and David Edmister (Chloe Gray) of Horseheads; a son-in-law, Chuck Taylor; 23 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

You may view her memorial or extend condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

SFLW names McCarthy Woman of Year

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 22 -- The Southern Finger Lakes Women (SFLW), a Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., has presented its annual “Woman of the Year” award to Kelly McCarthy of Hector.

The presentation was made Oct. 15 as part of New York State Women, Inc.’s observance of “New York State Women in Business Week,” which recognizes the accomplishments of women in business and the professions in New York State.

McCarthy received a Bachelor’s degree in English with Education and Writing concentrations from Virginia Tech. She has worked at three high tech software start-ups over the past 12 years and in 2009 went to McAfee when they acquired Solidcore Systems.

McCarthy serves the youth of the community by volunteering at Watkins Glen Elementary School – providing cyber security and safety and ethics education to third and fourth graders. Last year, she went into the Watkins Glen Middle School to work with fifth through eighth graders on a similar program. She holds a seat on the Watkins Glen School Board and is working on securing funds to promote a lacrosse program for the youth of the community.

She has presented a workshop on social media security to the New York State Women, Inc., at their Winter Board meeting in Corning, and followed that workshop by making other presentations on the topic to local chapters and other groups.

She is married to Chip Dunham. They have three sons.

The mission of New York State Women, Inc., is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. The Southern Finger Lakes Women Chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Gloria Hutchings at (607) 594-2489 or JoAnne Krolak at (607) 732-1171.

Photo in text: Woman of the Year honoree Kelly McCarthy, left, and Mary Ellen Morgan, Status of Women Committee Chair. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Shirley Miller

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

Shirley Miller

Age 75, of Watkins Glen, passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

She was born on May 12, 1937 in Burdett, the daughter of the late Edwin and Emily Rarrick. She was a lifelong member of the Burdett Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon, Elder, and Clerk of Session. She was in charge of the church Harvest Dinner for many years. Shirley was a Mets baseball fan, enjoyed country music and loved her dogs and cats. She also worked as a sitter for children whose parents were at work.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.The family wishes to thank her loving caretaker April and her friends at Jefferson Village for their love and care.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 1-2 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., with burial at Hector Union Cemetery in Burdett.

You may “Light a Candle” in her memory or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

IC, Arc team up for Design Challenge

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Oct 11 -- Dr. Lynn Gitlow, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College, and four of her students visited The Arc of Schuyler during National Disability Employment Awareness Month to discover the range of jobs performed by employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Glen Industries, The Arc’s industrial and vocational training division.

Gitlow’s students Emily Rand, Amy Kuhl, Melissa Stutzbach and Seth Werlin intend to compete for a $10,000 first-place cash prize by participating in the 2013 AbilityOne Design Challenge, a service learning opportunity founded by NISH, a national nonprofit agency creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Design Challenge encourages students to apply their science, engineering, and technology skills to develop assistive devices that help workers with disabilities.

“Some of our mailing, assembly and food co-packing jobs require repetitive action and certain abilities that not all employees have,” Director of Glen Industries Brian Bockelkamp said. “The right assistive tool could help make the job easier for some people and expand job opportunities for others. It’s a matter of inventing the right device.”

Rand, Kuhl, Stutzbach and Werlin are working together to do just that. During their visit, the students talked with employees about some of the barriers they experience on the job. The employees’ feedback will help the team devise an idea for an assistive device that could increase employee productivity and consequently their earnings.

“The Design Challenge is a great opportunity for collaboration between The Arc and Ithaca College,” said Wendy Shutter, The Arc’s Director of Information Technology. “For The Arc, it’s building a partnership that can empower us to provide progressive services to people we support. For students, it’s an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a way that can truly improve a person’s life.”

The 2013 Design Challenge closes in January for high school students and in April for university students. For more information about partnering with The Arc for the Design Challenge, contact Wendy Shutter at 607-535-6934. For more information about The Arc of Schuyler, visit www.arcofschuyler.org.

Photo in text: Anne Walker, an employee of Glen Industries, and Director of Glen Industries Brian Bockelkamp (both left) explain the labeling process to Ithaca College students Seth Werlin and Emily Rand. (Photo provided)

Northrup Foundation holds annual session

By Brian J. O'Donnell

The Northrup Educational Foundation, Inc. – established in 1937 – held its annual meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.

Founded to perpetuate the memory of Seaman F. Northrup (1876-1935) – born in Beaver Dams, N.Y. – and his father and mother, Flavius W. and Josephine M. Northrup, the Foundation continues to carry out a plan formulated during the lives of Seaman and his wife Julia Hawes Northrup.

The Foundation has distributed dozens and dozens of interest-free loans and some scholarships to young men and women graduating from Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford High Schools. The scholarships – awarded the past two years – are in memory of Marie Earl, who donated more than $150,000 to the Foundation in the early 2000s. Marie was one of the Foundation’s cirectors for some 22 years.

Edwina Ellison was one of the founding members of the Northrup Foundation, and her son, The Honorable William N. Ellison (pictured at right), served as President of the Board of Directors for more than 20 years, remaining on the Board until his death on May 23, 2012.

At the September 27th meeting, Northrup Foundation President Brian J. O’Donnell began with a “moment of silence in memory of Judge Ellison” and then followed up with the comment that he was both honored and humbled to be sitting in the President’s Chair. O’Donnell added that Judge Ellison had been a wonderful role model and that if he could do half the job the Judge did, he would be happy. He went on to caution the directors not to expect the same wit and wisdom so ably displayed by the judge over the years.

The annual meeting continued with a welcome to two new board members: Reverend Beverly Karr-Lyon and Dr. Jamie Coleman.

The Northrup Educational Foundation, Inc. hopes to continue its mission for decades to come and reminds all who have interest-free loans (payments due beginning the year following graduation from college) that your repayments finance those same interest-free loans for student honorees of the future.

Photo in text: The Honorable William N. Ellison, who died earlier this year.

S2AY Network hires Quality Coordinator

Special to The Odessa File

PENN YAN, Sept. 30 -- The S2AY Rural Health Network has appointed Kim Arnold of Penn Yan as a Regional Public Health Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Coordinator.

With the increasing emphasis at both the State and Federal levels on improving population-based health outcomes, the role of public health is rapidly shifting, and an emphasis on quality is even more important.

Arnold will have responsibility for ensuring that a focus on high quality, evidence-based practices and procedures are built into all public health programs. She is an RN with a BSN, and has a public health background as well as experience in the medical community. She will be assisting the Public Health Departments in Schuyler, Steuben, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne and Yates Counties through the Network's activities.

The S2AY Rural Health Network works to meet the most pressing public health-related needs in those counties. For further information about the Network or the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement effort, contact Andrea Haradon, Network Consultant at 607-962-8459.

Obituary: Suzanne M. Padgett

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

Suzanne M. Padgett

Age 42, of Rock Stream, NY, passed away after a brief illness on September 23, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, September 28, from 12 noon-1 p.m.; followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. to celebrate her life.

Sue is survived by her children, John Bogart III of Bath, NY, Crystal Bogart of Bath, and Brett Bogart of Dundee; her mother, Fannie Padgett of Bath; special companion Herman Nazario; brothers and sisters, James (Deborah) Padgett of North Carolina, Deborah Taylor of Canandaigua, Timothy Padgett of Bath, Jeffrey Padgett of Bath, Donna (Frederick) Runyan of Canisteo, Carol (Bill) Hoppe of Hornell, and Karen Murat of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Howard D. Padgett, Sr., and brother, Howard D. Padgett, Jr.

Sue was born and raised in Bath. She was a loving and devoted mother, daughter and sister. Sue always made people happy when she was around, putting others first before herself. She was also a very hard worker. Sue would often laugh and play around the house, even throwing the pigskin “football” around or playing horseshoes. Suzie would rather be outside than inside, and especially loved horses and ladybugs. She worked at Watkins Glen International Raceway.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. You may “Light a Candle,” sign a guestbook, or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Richard L. Frederick

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

Richard L. Frederick

Age 64, of Hector, NY, passed away on September 15, 2012.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hector Presbyterian Church, Rte. 414, Hector, NY; followed by interment with military honors at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Dick was born on June 1, 1948 in Ridgway, PA, the son of the late John and Alma (Yonkie) Frederick. He was also predeceased by three sisters, Shirley Rhines, Marion Salvatore, and Alice Lang; a brother, Clarence Frederick, and a stepson, Jimmy Mosier.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 17 years, Cathy (Mosier) Frederick. They were married in St. Marys, PA on September 29, 1995. He is also survived by his son, Darren (Teresa) Frederick of Clarion, PA; a stepson, Robert (Olivia) Mosier of Kersey, PA; a stepdaughter, Dawn (Bob) Mitchell of Ridgway, PA; sisters Hazel Taylor of Austin, PA, Esther Lentz of Montour Falls, NY, Grace Williams, Emporium, PA, Kathryn Kline, Kersey, PA, Doris (Ray) Haag of Punxsutawney, PA, and Marge (Jack) Rhines, DuBois, PA; 15 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Dick lived in the Ridgway and Kersey area until he moved to Hector in 1999. He worked as a mechanic, truck driver and equipment operator for Doyle Vineyard Management in Hammondsport. He loved hunting, fishing and racing.

Dick served in the U.S. Army on the DMZ in Korea during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a Class A member of the American Legion Fox Post 511 of Dagus Mines, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Valois-Logan-Hector Fire Department or the American Cancer Society.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in his memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Richard J. Bell

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Albany.

Richard J. Bell

Aged 88, died Sept. 2, 2012 at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albany, New York.

Richard, the son of Alderman John T. Bell and Bertha Amy Norris Bell, was born in Corning, NY on Nov. 23, 1923. Having lived in Corning until retirement, he, his wife and daughter moved to Sun City Center, Florida in 1988. They lived there for 23 years until moving to Albany for better health care.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Panyard Bell, and is survived by his son, Gregory Bell (wife Nancy H. Goody), Albany; brothers David Bell, Elmira, NY, and Alan Bell, Cocoa Beach, Florida; his closest niece, Brandy Bell Lewis, and her daughter Morgan Lewis of Brunswick, Georgia; his closest nephew, John Jeffrey Bell (and wife Debbie) of Manchester, Conn., and long-time family friend James Beckett of Corning.

An Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Bell was later Tax Commissioner for the City of Corning, and then Director of Real Property Tax Services for Schuyler County.

His ancestors moved to Schuyler County in 1826. With these roots and his love of the region, he was appalled by proposals to allow high-volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas there. Therefore, any memorial gifts may be sent to Food & Water Watch, 68 Jay St., Suite 713, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (for New Yorkers Against Hydrofracking).

Jeanne Alexander Garner earns PhD

Special to The Odessa File

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Sept. 10 -- Jeanne Alexander Garner received her PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX in May 2012.

Garner conducted research which was at the forefront of answering key endocrinological and reproductive physiology questions regarding nesting trends, fecundity and hatch success for critically endangered leatherback sea turtles. Results will help biologists and conservationists assess sea turtle management strategies.

Garner received her M.S. from Florida Atlantic University in 2000, and her B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1998.

She is a founding member of the USVI Sea Turtle Assist and Rescue (STAR) Network, a member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Pi Kappa Phi honor society and is a PADI certified SCUBA diver.

Garner has been a speaker at the International Sea Turtle Symposium and other conferences as well as author and co-author of publications relating to her work. Jeanne and her husband, Steven, founded the West Indies Marine Animal Research and Conservation Service, a 501 c(3) Non-Profit Organization based in St. Croix, USVI.

Jeanne is a graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School. She is the daughter of Verne and Virginia Alexander of Watkins Glen. She, her husband Steven and daughter Morgan reside in Frederiksted, St.Croix, USVI.

Photo in text: Jeanne Alexander Garner at work, with a sea turtle. (Photo provided)

Shannon Belanger earns nursing degree

Special to The Odessa File

ELMIRA, Sept. 9 -- Shannon M. Belanger (nee Ricci), a 1994 graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, recently received her Nursing Degree from Arnot-Ogden School of Nursing in Elmira.

Following her June commencement from Nursing School, Shannon passed her State Board Exam in July. She is currently employed in the Cardiac Care Unit of Arnot-Ogden Medical Center.

After her 1994 graduation from OMCS, Shannon attended William Smith College in Geneva, where she received her BA in Economics in 1998. From that time, until 2009, she worked in the Accounting Department of several local banks and credit unions. She was employed as a Top Accountant at CCSDFCU (now known as First Heritage Federal Credit Union), when she decided to make a major career change.

According to family members, Shannon received lots of support during her three-year Nurse’s Training from her husband, Greg Belanger. While his wife was attending nursing school daily and working part-time at Corning Hospital, Greg, a teacher in the Bath School District, was a tremendous help at home. The Belangers have two sons, Hayden, 9, and Caleb, 7.

Shannon is the daughter of Sharon Thompson of Montour Falls, an Instructional Aide in the OMCS District, and Douglas Ricci of Fredonia.

Photo in text: Shannon Belanger (Photo provided)

Center plans Milliken tribute at festival

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 6 -- The Legends Speak panel discussion at the Grand Prix Festival on Friday will be a tribute to William F. (Bill) Milliken, a true legend in the history of racing in Watkins Glen.

Milliken (pictured at right) died on July 28 at the age of 101.

The Legends Speak, sponsored by the International Motor Racing Research Center, will be at 3 p.m. in Lafayette Park and will honor Milliken’s accomplishments in racing, as well as in aeronautical and automotive engineering.

Panelists will include Milliken’s son, Doug; Center Historian Bill Green; J.C. Argetsinger, Center president and son of Cameron Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races in Watkins Glen in 1948; Otto Linton, who raced against Milliken in 1948 and ensuing years; and Bill Bradshaw, chief grid marshal at the U.S. Grand Prix at Watkins Glen from 1961 through 1980.

Milliken famously named “Milliken’s Corner” on the 6.6-mile original circuit when he rolled his Type 35 Bugatti in the inaugural 1948 race. Undeterred, he went on to compete in more than 100 races, inevitably choosing race cars that exuded technical innovation and engineering challenges. From 1961 to 1970 he was chief steward of the U.S. Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

At last year’s Grand Prix Festival, Milliken was inducted by Watkins Glen International into the Watkins Glen Legends of the Glen.

Linton (pictured at right), a Legends Speak panelist, drove a 1933 MGJ4 in the 1948 race. He was an active racer through 1961, at the helm of cars including OSCA, Formula Junior and Siata.

Linton, a resident of West Grove, PA, is the last living participant from the 1948 races, according to Green.

Milliken, a Maine native, was a graduate of MIT and during World War II was assistant head of Flight Test at Boeing Aircraft, a job that included early flights of the prototype XB-29 and some B-17s. Later he was a managing director at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory. He authored distinguished engineering books including “Race Car Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis Design,” which, according to Geoffrey Goddard, former head of Cosworth Engineering and a professor at Oxford University, is on the shelf of every Formula One designer in the world. He also wrote a popular autobiography, “Equations of Motion - Adventure, Risk and Innovation. An Engineering Autobiography.”

Milliken was, until his death, chairman of the 2012 Sponsorship Team campaign of the International Motor Racing Research Center.

“Bill Milliken’s name is synonymous with Watkins Glen and the Racing Research Center,” Center President J.C. Argetsinger said.

“He helped organize the first race in 1948 and drove his Type 35 Bugatti into fame at that event. He designed the present permanent circuit in 1956 and was a supporter of the Center even before the library was built. Over the years he donated many important racing artifacts and delivered many fine lectures here,” Argetsinger said.

The Center was honored to host two birthday celebrations for Milliken: for his 99th in 2010 and his 100th in 2011.

Photos in text: Bill Milliken (top) and Otto Linton

Obituary: Barbara Dallas

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

Barbara Dallas

Age 54, of Voorheis Road, Trumansburg, NY, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 30, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Reynoldsville United Methodist Church, Rte. 227, Reynoldsville, NY, on Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 1-3 p.m., with a memorial service following at 3 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the children, c/o Chemung Canal Trust Co., c/o Dena M. Carrigan, 318 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Please make donations payable to “Barbara R. Dallas Memorial Fund.”

Barbara was born in Cortland, NY, daughter of the late Harold F. and Alice (Maier) Dallas. She was also predeceased by a brother, Jeffrey Dallas. She is survived by her 14-year-old son, Phillip Dallas, and 11-year-old daughter, Samantha Dallas, both of Trumansburg. Also, three brothers, Dr. J. Gregory (Carol) Dallas of Fullerton, CA, Donald R. Dallas (Tina Kouzi) of Norfolk, VA, and Dr. Peter A. (Sara) Dallas of Albany, NY; a sister-in-law, Jane Dallas (Jeffrey) of Hillsborough, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a Registered Nurse and formerly worked for the Gannett Health Services at Cornell University. She adored and lived every moment of her life for her two beautiful children. She loved to cook and share her creations with her children, family and friends. And also her special sense of humor.

You may view her memorial, “Light a Candle,” or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Friends gather to help Michael Czarnecki

MONTOUR FALLS, Aug. 27 -- They came to help a friend, and in the process showed their creative talents.

Billed as "A Soiree," about 60 people turned out Sunday evening to raise funds to help poet-publisher Michael Czarnecki get back on his financial feet. The event was sponsored by the Watkins Glen Writers Group, and held in cooperation with the Old Havana Courthouse Theatre, located at the Soiree site on the Montour Falls Village Hall's second floor.

Czarnecki, a moving force in promoting the writing fraternity of Schuyler County, was left homeless in early July when lightning struck his home on Wheeler Hill in Steuben County while he was on vacation in Maine.

"I had just gotten there," he said about his visit to Acadia National Park, a place he loves to visit to reinvigorate his creative soul. This time, a phone call from back home left him deflated.

"I couldn't believe it," he said of the news in that phone call -- that fire had destroyed his residence, the place where he also ran his small publishing business. Foothills Publishing has been getting the work of area poets and essayists to the public since the 1980s -- including a number of the people present in Montour Falls on Sunday.

"You just can't imagine something like that happening," Czarnecki said of the fire, shaking his head.

But it did happen, and everything was gone, including all of the Foothlls backlog of books and its archives. "We can't get those archives back," he said, "although some people have said they can track down most of the books that were published -- that they're around."

Czarnecki said he and his wife have been living in a trailer donated by a friend, and that Foothills Publishing is in the early stages of rebounding. And a new residence will be built in late September through a house raising conducted by Amish neighbors.

Meanwhile, another fund-raiser is set for Sept. 8 from 7-10 p.m. at 171 Cedar Arts Center in Corning. There will be a silent auction of artwork at that event.

Sunday's gathering depended on monetary donations placed in a jar on a table near a buffet of various foods. About two-dozen artists took the stage to perform, in some cases reading their poetry or prose, in others singing or playing an instrument or both.

Among the readers were Peter Motzenbecker, who shared some of his prose, including an account of the fire at Czarnecki's home; Claraneal Creighton of Hector, an 89-year-old who read a humorous account of a bird-feeding incident; Jesse Turner, a singer-songwriter who accompanied herself on guitar, sharing two lively, original songs; Carrie Hooper, a blind singer with a dynamite voice who sang "Whispering Hope" by Alice Hawthorne and "Climb Every Mountain" by Richard Rodgers and shared this philosophy: "Even though I'm blind, a disability doesn't have to disable you. There are tough times, but I have faith in God, with the Lord helping me to climb every mountain."

Other presenters included Watkins Glen Writers Group founder Charlotte Dickens, who read short prose excerpts; John Roche, a published poet who teaches English at the Rochester Institute of Technology; Austin MacRae of Freeville, who with his brother Devon sang two original songs (accompanying themselves on guitar); Frank Judge, a poet who teaches in Rochester; poet Bob Darling, formerly of Odessa and now a professor of English at Keuka College; and Southwind, the dulcimer and autoharp duet of Betsy Galbraith and Kate LaMoreaux.

Emcee for the evening was Odessa-Montour High School senior Katelin Pierce, a member of the Writers Group.

They, and others, were there to help a friend. As the Writers Group's Dickens said: "Michael has contributed so much to our lives and to this community."

And now it was time to give back.

Photos in text:

From top: Michael Czarnecki; Austin (lef) and Devon MacRae; and Jesse Turner.

Left: Poet Bob Darling. Right: Emcee Katelin Pierce.

Rotarians Don Stocum (center left) and Jim Bacalles (center right) were among the pizza servers for the Camp STAR kids' lunch at Clute Park.

Camp STAR kids have a day of Schuyler fun

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 17 -- Members of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club spent their weekly luncheon meeting Thursday hosting an annual event at Clute Park -- a picnic lunch with the kids from Camp STAR.

Camp STAR is a free week-long camping program for children with disabilities who don’t usually get the chance to attend camp. Held in August every year at Watson Homestead in Steuben County, the camp is supported by the 11 Rotary Clubs in the area -- hence the acronym STAR (Southern Tier Area Rotary).

Said Watkins-Montour Rotary President Michelle Benjamin: “I think it's great for our club to treat these kids to a day on Sencea Lake. It's a great way to provide service to kids with disabilities. Plus, our club members enjoy spending time with the kids."

The children also spent time Thursday riding on the Seneca Legacy boat on Seneca Lake and receiving firetruck rides from members of the Watkins Glen Fire Department.

Throughout the week, Camp STAR kids enjoy a variety of activities, including field trips, group athletics, swimming, hiking, crafts and a nature study. The program is designed to incorporate recreation with therapy.

Camp STAR kids play at Clute Park after their pizza lunch.

Kevin and Patricia McCann and son Matthew of Lone Oak Farm.

2 Schuyler County farm families recognized for Environmental Distinction

Road-side signs awarded for conservation commitment

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 15 -- Lone Oak Farm, owned by Kevin and Patricia McCann, and Bower Farms, owned by David, Carol, Eric and Aaron Bower, were each presented with an Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) "‘Farmers Partnering to Protect Our Environment" road-side sign Tuesday in recognition of their exemplary conservation of natural resources and commitment to environmental protection.

The signs were presented during the Schuyler County Farm Bureau summer picnic at Reisinger’s Apple Country, a fruit farm on Ellison Road, just west of Watkins Glen.

The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) presented the sign awards, and Stephanie Bergen, Schuyler County Farm Bureau President, congratulated each of the farmers. The Schuyler County Farm Bureau and the Schuyler County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board are co-sponsors of the awards with the Soil and Water District.

Lone Oak Farms is located in the Town of Tyrone near the hamlet of Wayne. They milk 65 cows and farm 265 acres. The McCanns have implemented farming practices that increase and maintain soil organic matter, reduce soil compaction and minimize soil erosion. They use a rotational grazing system with improved laneways, have built a covered, manure composting facility, have enhanced a vegetated stream buffer with a stabilized stream crossing, and have built diversion ditches.

“The McCanns are always striving to farm with the least impact on the environment while making a reasonable family living,” said SWCD Grazing Specialist John Wickham.

“Through the AEM process, we have developed a plan to address potential water quality concerns," said Kevin McCann. "AEM helped us install an improved grazing system and a stabilized crossing to protect our stream, and our composting facility prevents soil compaction through the avoidance of winter spreading.” Matthew, Kevin’s teenage son, assists his father with farm work.

Bower Farms is located near the Village of Burdett and has been in the family since 1968. It is a commercial field crop and vegetable farm with about 1,400 acres under cultivation. The farm is known for its excellent integrated pest management practices and its soil conservation efforts. Cover crops, strip cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation are practiced. Diversion ditches slowly carry water across fields, and stream buffers protect water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.

“Healthy soil and clean water are what make our farms viable businesses,” said David Bower. “Clean, well managed farms produce better profits, are more attractive to lenders, and are better for the community as a whole.”

Carol Bower, David’s wife, helps with many aspects of the farm, and Aaron and Eric Bower, their sons, work full-time on the farm. Aaron’s wife, Carrie, also assists when needed as does Garrett, their oldest son. Lukas and Derek, the younger sons, are learning farming from the family.

“The Bower and McCann farms are encouraging the next generation to farm and in a manner that protects our natural resources, ensuring that farming remains a vital part of life in our beautiful county,” said Soil and Water Conservation District Field Manager Elaine Dalrymple.

Photo in text: The Bower clan at the Farm Bureau picnic, with their sign. (Photo provided)

Picnic scenes: The following photos are from the Schuyler County Farm Bureau's annual picnic, held Tuesday at Reisinger's Apple Country. A rainstorm moved in shortly before dinner was served, prompting a round of applause from those in attendance.

Left: Farmer Ed Gates. Right: Schuyler County Farm Bureau President Stephanie Bergen and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.

Left: Rocky Kambo, a planner with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County, chats with the organization's Executive Director, Danielle Hautaniemi. Right: State Senator Tom O'Mara.

Left: Schuyler County Legislator Glenn Larison. Right: 2012 Watkins Glen High School graduate Danielle Teed, reading a Farm Bureau essay she wrote that earned her a $100 scholarship. She will soon be attending Alfred University.

Obituary: Charlotte M. Callanan

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

Charlotte Ann (Myers) Callanan

Age 81, a longtime resident of Watkins Glen, NY, died peacefully on August 13, 2012 at Schuyler Hospital's Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls, NY.

She was born on December 10, 1930 in Fulton, NY to Alberta (McDougall) and William Arthur Myers. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, The Honorable John (“Jack”) Patrick Callanan, Sr., retired Schuyler County, Surrogate and Family Court Judge of Watkins Glen, NY, and their five children: Karen A. Callanan (Nahant, MA), John Patrick Callanan, Jr. (Eleanor Honan) (Burdett, NY), Margaret (”Peggy”) Copley Callanan ( East Aurora, NY), Kevin Callanan (Kathy Koerner) (Mumford, NY) and Constance (“Connie”) Shea Bennett (Mathew) (Hudsonville MI). Charlotte also had nine grandchildren: Shannon Shea Schamel (Mathew) of West Chester, PA, Cornelius Daniel (Neil) Callanan of Washington, DC, Courtney, Amanda, Patrick and William Callanan of Mumford, NY and Abigail, Madison and Joshua Bennett of Hudsonville MI, as well as a sister-in-law, Kathleen Callanan of Buffalo, NY, several nieces and nephews and a cousin, Bill Meyers (Pam), formerly of Fulton, NY.

Charlotte graduated from Buffalo State Teacher’s College, Buffalo NY and worked as a teacher in Ithaca, NY upon her graduation. For over 50 years, after moving to Watkins Glen in 1955, Charlotte was an active participant in the community, working as a tireless campaigner and supporter of her husband Jack’s three runs for elective office. She also served as President of the Schuyler County League of Women Voters and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Schuyler Hospital.

Charlotte also worked at the Odessa-Montour School District in Odessa, NY in administration and publicity. She also spent countless hours over the years volunteering for numerous organizations, including St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church of Watkins Glen, the Watkins Glen Public Library, The Squires Drum & Bugle Corps, The PTA, 4-H, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She was an avid bridge player for many, many years, thoroughly enjoying her bridge-playing friends and companions. She was a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen.

A Mass celebrating her life will be held on Friday, August 17 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. Fourth Street, Watkins Glen on Thursday, August 16 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Those who wish may send a donation in her memory to The St. Mary’s of the Lake Restoration Building Fund, St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or the Watkins Glen Public Library, 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may "Light a Candle" or view her memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Evelyn L. Thorpe

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

Evelyn L. Thorpe

Age 92, of Watkins Glen, passed away on August 7, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Monday, August 13 from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 8 p.m. Her burial and committal service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Sugar Hill Cemetery.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Susan Terwilliger; her husband, Bernard; children Wayne, Marvin and Larry Thorpe; and three grandchildren.

She is survived by nine children, Roberta (Roland) Thorpe, Charlotte (Peter) Bond, Laura Kent (Gil LeRoux), Lola Ray, Pearl Champion, William Thorpe, Jay (Virginia) Thorpe, Sue (Robert) Olevnik, and Rhea Serefine; 31 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Evelyn resided at Jefferson Village in Watkins Glen for over 20 years, and was one of its first 10 original residents.

During WWII she worked at the Eclipse. She later worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension as a nutrition aide for many years. Her hobbies included crocheting hats and gloves for the children of Schuyler County and the Bath VA, as well as crocheting blankets for babies born at Schuyler Hospital.

She was a devoted RSVP volunteer, receiving the honor RSVP Senior Citizen of the Year in 1994 as well as numerous other awards, such as the President's Volunteer Service award, and the Souhan Award for her volunteer service at the Willard Psych Center in the 1980s. She was also a long-term member of the Schuyler County Senior Citizens Club.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Obituary: Carolyn C. Noble

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Carolyn C. Noble

Age 65, of Moravia and formerly of Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by family and friends, after a brief illness on Sunday, July 29, 2012.

She was born on April 19, 1947 in Johnson City, graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1965, and received a bachelor of arts degree from SUNY Geneseo in 1969. She married the love of her life, Thomas B. Noble, on June 28, 1970. She and Tom lived in many New York state parks (Letchworth, Watkins Glen and Fillmore Glen), until finally deciding to retire in the Moravia area, where they have lived for the last 22 years. She was employed by the Girl Scouts of America, The Hospitality Center at Cayuga Correctional Facility, Chronicle Guidance, Rent-A-Film, and NY State Parks. She was an avid crafter and enjoyed puzzles and playing games with her daughter and grandchildren.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Charles Arthur Callear and Marion Louise (Decker) Brown; her twin brother, Charles Callear; and a beloved daughter, Kristine Dawn Seaman.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Thomas B. Noble, of Moravia; a daughter, Kimberly (husband Kenneth) Seaman, of Watkins Glen; and grandchildren Thomas, Jonathan and Samantha Seaman, of Watkins Glen, and Alexander and Elizabeth Seaman, of Moravia.

Carolyn was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who loved her family with her whole heart. She had a warm smile and a gentle spirit and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Wade's Funeral Home, Moravia, with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moravia Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Squad.

Obituary: Frances Dewey

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

Frances Dewey

Age 84, of Porter Street, Watkins Glen, passed away at home on Friday, July 27, 2012.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at St. Mary's Cemetery in Watkins Glen.

She is survived by her daughter, Angie “Princess” Fawn and husband Dennis of Groton; a sister, Stella Andrews of Leoti, Kansas; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frances was born in Beckley, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Anna and John Stanko Sr.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle”online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Evening to raise funds for Czarneckis

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, July 29 -- The Watkins Glen Writer’s Group will present a special evening of readings and song from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at the old Havana Courthouse Theater in Montour Falls to benefit and support poet Michael Czarnecki, his wife Carolyn and their family in their rebuilding efforts.

The Czarnecki family lost their home and virtually all of their possessions when lightning struck their house while they were on vacation recently.

"Currently living on their land in borrowed trailers," the Writers Group said in a press release, "they are hoping to be under cover before winter. We are hoping the fundraising event will help them get closer to their goal – and be an enjoyable and entertaining evening for all."

Admission to the event will be by donation, with all funds going to the Czarneckis.

The evening will feature music, readings and food. The air-conditioned Old Havana Courthouse Theatre is located on the second floor of the Montour Falls Village Hall.

Organizers are currently gathering performers and food providers. Those interested in participating may contact Karey Solomon at threads@empacc.net by Aug. 10.

Obituary: George Lennon Jones

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

George Lennon Jones

Age 83, of Watkins Glen and formerly of Long Island, departed on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

He was born September 19, 1928 in Wilmington, North Carolina, the son of the late Harvey McKinley Jones and Annie Louise Sampson Jones. After graduating from Williston Industrial High School, Class of 1947, he attended Hampton University in Virginia. The Jones Family relocated to Copiague, New York on Long Island, where George worked in his father's shoe shop business.

George was drafted into the Army in 1951 for two years. He continued as a reservist in the Armed Forces until 1958. In 1955, George married Edythe Joy Smith and continued to live in Copiague, where they raised their daughter, Rena Elizabeth Jones Presti of Palm Coast, Florida. For 31 years he worked as a manager of Sam Axinn Lumber Company in Amityville, New York.

George was a member of the American Legion Post 1218 and Breezy Point Yacht Club in Amityville, New York. He attended St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Lindenhurst, New York. George and Edythe retired to Watkins Glen, New York in 1996 where he was a member of St. James' Episcopal Church.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Harvey McKinley Jones Jr., William Leroy Jones, and Hillary Joseph Jones. George is survived by his wife, Edythe Joy Smith Jones; daughter Rena Elizabeth Jones Presti; son-in-law Vincent John Presti; grandson Vincent George Presti; a brother, Fredrick Leon Jones; sisters Mildred Eliza Quick, Rizpah Louise Welch, Gladys Louquin Taylor, Lois Demetra Hunter, and Emma Matrina Beach; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews, and a host of friends.

The family will hold a viewing and Mass at St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Lindenhurst, New York on Saturday, July 14 at 1:30 p.m. The family will be present to receive friends and relatives at the church from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Interment will be at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn, Long Island.

You may “Light a Candle” or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home.

Obituary: Barbara M. Wheeler

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Lynch Funeral Home, Horseheads.

Barbara M. (Tuttle) Wheeler

Age 78, of Cayuta, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, July 6, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born February 15, 1934 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of the late James and Victoria Fiala Tuttle of Dundee, NY. She graduated from Dundee Central School and attended Alfred University.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, David L. Wheeler; her brother, James Tuttle Jr. of Dundee, NY; her children, Stephen L. (Donna) Wheeler of Cayuta, NY, Anne M. (John) Mace of Odessa, NY, Michael J. Wheeler of Cayuta, NY, Kathleen D. (Martin) Vondracek of Odessa, NY, Mary L. (Kevin) Root of Van Etten, NY, Paul F. (Jill) Wheeler of Watkins Glen, NY, and Elizabeth (Ryan) Ayers of Cayuta, NY; 18 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of caring friends.

Mrs. Wheeler was an exceptional wife, mother and friend, known for her ability to create beautiful quilts and clothing for family and friends. Professionally, she worked for the Schuyler County Ambulance Association, the Schuyler County Board of Elections, Attorneys James Buyoucous and James Kerwan, the Social Security Administration and Cornell University, and retired from the New York State Department of Corrections.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Lynch Funeral Home, 318 W. Broad St., Horseheads, NY on Monday, July 9 from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 10 at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Odessa , NY.

Flowers are acceptable, or those wishing may remember Mrs. Wheeler through memorials to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning , NY 14830.

The Hepcats Big Band performs during Tuesday's concert at the Clute Park Pavilion. (Photo by Alice Crispell)

Hepcats perform as part of concert series

With the threat of rain on Tuesday, July 3rd, the second 2012 Concert in the Park in Watkins Glen's Lafayette Park was moved to Clute Park, within the safe confines of the pavilion there.

By Alice Crispell

WATKINS GLEN, July 4 -- “I met him when I was 8,” Rose Ciccone said about her late husband after she danced Tuesday evening to “Spanish Eyes,” played especially for her by the featured band that evening at the weekly Concert in the Park.

That is the song Rose and her husband danced to during their honeymoon. As she remembered her wedding on the S.S. Intrepid during WWII, Rose said, “It brought tears to my eyes.”

Rose ran this concert series for two decades, and still helps oversee it on this, its 23rd year. Julie Sissel is now the chief organizer.

The band that played Tuesday was the Hepcats Big Band, the second performing group in the weekly summer concert series. This is the band's 13th year together.

“Playing the music is just a blast,” said Ray, a band member serving as Tuesday night’s conductor. The band members take turns conducting so that each person has a chance to play an instrument, as well. Ray, as well as being a conductor, plays the alto saxophone in the band. To learn more about the the Hepcats and big band music, go to http://www.hepcatsbigband.org/.

The Hepcats also played an arrangement to honor all the military men and women present. Lou Anne, the singer in the band, announced all the branches of the armed forces as the respective men and women from those service organizations stood.

The next Concert in the Park of the summer will be on Tuesday, July 10th. The schedule for the summer is as follows:

July 10: Ageless Jazz Band -- Classic Big Band, Swing Music
July 17: Lucky Ducks -- Dancing and Listening Music
July 24: Joe Cavallaro's Dixieland Jazz Band
July 31: Dave Paugh and the South Shore All-Stars -- Big Band, Oldies, Classic Rock and more
Aug. 7: Travelen Lite -- Country and more
Aug. 14: Alderhollow Country Band
Aug. 21: Sgro Brothers
Aug. 28: Andy Stobie & The Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra

For more information, go to http://wgconcertsinthepark.com/

Photos in text:

Top: One of the many couples who took to the dance floor.

Bottom: Members of The Hepcats Big Band on a break. (Photos by Alice Crispell)

Some of the concert-goers listened to the Hepcats from outside the pavilion. (Photo by Alice Crispell).

Obituary: Leland H. Knowles

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

Leland H. Knowles

Age 93, died July 1, 2012 at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls, NY.

Leland was born in Thurston, NY on March 3, 1919, the son of Harry and Mina Knowles. He had been a resident of Hobe Sound, FL and Valois, NY; moving to Valois in 1983 from Vestal, NY, where he had a contracting business for 52 years.

Leland was patriotic, a man who personified “The Greatest Generation.” During WWII, he served in the Army-Air Force as a tail-gunner on a B-29 Bomber, and flew 19 missions. He insisted on Fourth of July celebrations every year because he felt lucky to be an American. Prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Lee Knowles, Inc. for 52 years.

He served as president of the Southern Tier Home Builders Association and was a member of several organizations, including: West Corners Firemen, Mechanics Club of Montour Falls, Elks of Stuart, FL, Red Men of Watkins Glen, V.F.W. of Hobe Sound, FL, 58th Bomb Wing Reunions, Endicott Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge and Odd Fellows of Union, NY, and American Legion Post 1700 of West Endicott, NY.

He enjoyed sailing, boating and fishing at his favorite place, Seneca Lake. He also enjoyed carving wooden birds and inventing things.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Margaret (Evans) Knowles; daughters, Fay (Patrick) Donovan, of Bluffton, SC, and Dona Monahan of Bristol, CT; grandchildren, Mark (Muriel) Donovan of Boynton Beach, FL (and step-great-grandson, Eric (Sherri) Ponsati and great-great granddaughter Madison of Oahu, Hawaii), Scott (Lisa) Donovan (and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Bleu) of Charlotte, NC, and Amy (Patrick) Blankenship (and great-grandson, Donovan) of Hilton Head, NC; brothers, Ernest Knowles of Painted Post, Harry Knowles of Spartanburg, SC, and Stanley Knowles of Hardy, VA; and a sister, Mary Personius of Watkins Glen.

The family will receive friends and family at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, July 6 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Hector Presbyterian Church, followed by burial in Valois at Seneca Union Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the "New England Air Museum," ATTN: 58th Bomb Wing, 35 Perimenter Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 08096. You may express condolences to the family online in "Obituaries" at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Lena W. Ely

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

Lena W. Ely

Age 85, of Burdett, NY, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2012 in the early morning hours, surrounded by those who loved her most.

She was the widow of Floyd R. Ely, who died in January 2007, and a daughter of the late Albert and Tressie Wray of the Corning area. She is survived by her beloved daughter and caregiver, Marie Ely (Robert Sr.) Baumgardner; daughter, Margaret E. (Norm) Ward; son, David (Irina) Ely; daughter, Mary (David) Moore; seven grandchildren, including her beloved Daniel Ely; and four great-grandchildren. Lena is also survived by her brother, Thomas Wray of Corning; her sister, Phyllis Jones of Painted Post; her brother-in-law, Frances Borden of Mocksville, NC; and many loving nieces and nephews, including Craig (Amber) Gehr.

A celebration of Lena’s life will be at noon on Friday, June 29, at the Hector Presbyterian Church, with interment in the church cemetery.

The family will provide flowers. If desired, contributions in Lena’s memory may be made to Southern Tier Hospice or the Hector Presbyterian Church. You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

A firefighter marches past the collapsed structure.

Fire destroys pole barn on Altay Road

READING CENTER, June 29 -- Fire of undetermined origin Wednesday destroyed a 50-by-70-foot pole barn on the Altay Road used until recently as headquarters for the Kelly Construction business.

The blaze, which began shortly before 2 p.m., brought firefighters from several departments to the scene. On hand were trucks from the Tyrone, Dundee, Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Burdett and Odessa departments.

One firefighter said the structure, at 2154 Altay Road, was fully involved when the trucks arrived following reports of heavy smoke and what a dispatcher described as "multiple explosions."

The fire spread quickly through the structure, which was built in 2009 and contained two office spaces, a storage room, a bathroom and a workshop area. It was in the process of being sold by owner Nick Kelly, with the closing reportedly scheduled within a few days. The prospective buyer was reportedly from Horseheads.

Firefighters found the blaze difficult to extinguish, with the roof collapsing fairly quickly, leaving pockets of fire in hard-to-reach locales.

Kelly, who rushed from lunch at Curly's Restaurant to the scene upon being notified of the fire, commented on the event.

"Hundreds of thousands of dollars," he said, waving skyward, in the direction in which the smoke was heading. The structure was insured, he said, "though the matter is under discussion" to determine what, exactly, within it was covered.

Among the casualties was a skid-steer loader, which one insurance agent said is valued at $25,000 or more. Kelly said there was some other equipment in the workshop, but that $200,000 in equipment was spared by its placement near the structure in a thick metal travel container. The container was being utilized in conjunction with Kelly's ongoing move to the Frog Hollow Marina, where he serves as general contractor for projects there and shares an office with owner Ed Woodland. Kelly will soon be building a 64-by-120-foot storage and office structure at Frog Hollow to replace the one on Altay Road.

Investigators on the scene Wednesday tried without success to determine a cause of the blaze. Accordingly, a State Fire Investigation Team is being invited to lend its assistance.

Photos in text:

From top: A scene in the wake of the fire; owner Nick Kelly (right) talks to firefighters; a skid-steer loader was burned.

Firefighters haul away a piece of the building.

Firefighter hoses down embers on the charred end of the building.

Obituary: Jayne A. Marshall

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

Jayne A. Marshall

Age 89, of Watkins Glen, passed away on June 24, 2012.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lyndon Marshall; daughter, Shari Felix; and sisters, Dorothy Zeigler and Margaret Pernhagen. She is survived by her son, Robert E. (Susan) Marshall; sister-in-law, Agnes Holmes, of California and formerly Watkins Glen; six grandchildren, Christie Coolican, Brian Coolican, Robert Marshall Jr., Leanne (John) Komnick, Matthew (Angela) Marshall, and Jamie Lynn (Mike) Gabe; and five great-grandchildren, Addison and Molly Coolican, Josaiah and Christian Komnick, and Aubrey Gabe.

Jayne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen since 1954, where she also taught Sunday School. She was a bank teller for Glen National Bank and a founding member and volunteer of the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Wednesday, June 27 from 4-6 p.m.; a funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. The burial and committal services will be held at Seneca Union Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, 220 Steuben St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891.You may sign a guestbook or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com

Family of Friends Campaign provides 4 areas for donations

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 25 -- The Schuyler Health Foundation’s 2012-13 Family of Friends Campaign is all about change, according to Foundation Executive Director Michelle Benjamin.

“For our 2012-13 Annual Appeal, we are offering Schuyler Hospital supporters the opportunity to choose where they would like their donations to go,” said Benjamin. “That way, every donation is as individualized as the donor.”

The Foundation’s purpose is to provide funds to, or for the benefit of, Schuyler Hospital and related medical facilities.

Donors in 2012-13 may choose from one of four areas for their donations: Unrestricted capital needs; Technology; Equipment; and the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

Unrestricted gifts allow Schuyler Hospital to direct funds to capital projects of greatest need. Donations to Technology will help upgrade the hospital’s operating rooms, including new and advanced surgical and monitoring tools. Donations for Equipment will go toward new beds, a Pulmonary Function Therapy System, and more. And Seneca View donations will help continue to enhance the living experience for residents -- meeting needs (such as new tub rooms) and adding amenities to the total facility renovation funded by the 2011 Family of Friends Campaign.

Honorary chairs for the 2012-13 campaign are Dr. Benjamin Saks, Dr. James Norton, and Dr. William Saks.

Benjamin said that, since the Hospital’s founding in 1920, the facility has continued to evolve in order to continue to meet changing community needs.

In 1954, the “Shepard Relief Hospital” was renamed Schuyler Hospital to demonstrate the facility’s connection with the community. In 1972, Schuyler Hospital opened its current location, and in fact worked closely with the Department of Health to open early as Hurricane Agnes wreaked havoc on the area and Schuyler took in evacuees from Corning Hospital and beyond. In 2011, Schuyler announced an affiliation with Cayuga Medical Center, bringing new services and physicians to the community.

“The one thing that has not changed– and that will never change – is the personalized, compassionate care given by our ‘family’ to yours,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin added that charitable giving helps to make important advancements at Schuyler Hospital possible, keeping the hospital a relevant and vital part of the Schuyler County community.

Donors may give to the Schuyler Health Foundation on-line at www.schuylerhospital.org

Photo in text: From left, Honorary Chairs Dr. Benjamin Saks, Dr. James Norton and Dr. William Saks. (Photo provided)

Obituary: Dr. John G. Allen

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

Dr. John G. Allen

Age 91, of Lancaster, PA., formerly of Corning, NY, West Jefferson, NC, and New Port Richey, FL, passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Maxine (Snell) Allen.

John was born on March 5, 1921 in Watkins Glen, New York. He was the only child of Dr. Oakley A. Allen and Harriette (Fisher) Allen. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1939. He attended the University of Michigan and graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1946.

He served as a medical officer in the United States Army from 1943 to 1952. He practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in Corning, NY, where he set up his practice in 1956. He delivered a countless number of babies until his first retirement in 1985. He didn’t stay retired very long as he was invited to start the first Obstetrics and Gynecology practice in Jefferson, NC. After that was established, his second and final retirement was in 1988.

He retired to New Port Richey, FL, where he would spend his days playing golf with his best friend, Dr. Jack Love. He enjoyed golf very much and played regularly all his life until the age of 90. He also loved to travel. He and Maxine spent several summers driving across the country in their motor home.

John was a member of the Corning Consistory and a 33rd Degree Mason. He was a past president of the Corning Lions Club as well as a Vestryman at Christ Episcopal Church.

In addition to his wife Maxine, he is survived by his daughter, Libby Rattrie (Neil) of Jacksonville, FL, and his four sons, Thomas Allen (Silvia), of Oradell, NJ, Michael Allen (Toni), of Riverside, CT, Scott Allen (Joanne) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Mark Allen (Beatrice) of Doylestown, PA. He will be missed by his ten grandchildren; Paige, James, Bryan, Andrew, Jonathon, Emily, Danielle, Sean, Kimberly and Hannah, and four great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his first wife, Jean (Markley) Allen (in 1964).

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, NY. A graveside service will be held at the Hector Union Cemetery, Rte. 79, Burdett, NY on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM.

Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, the Wounded Warriors Project -- http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ -- or the Union Cemetery of Hector Association, 5650 Updyke Road, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

You may express condolences to the family online in "Obituaries" at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Alberta R. Smith

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

Alberta R. Smith

Age 81, of Price Road, Montour Falls, NY, died at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

Alberta was born on August 21, 1930 in Montour Falls, the daughter of the late Herbert and Ara Kipp. She was also predeceased by her brother, George Kipp, as well as by her sister, Virginia (Kipp) Gilbert; husband, George Smith, and former husband, Frank Simpson; stepchildren, Nelson Smith, Dennis Smith, Sally (Smith) Ayers, and Glen Smith; and grandchildren, Jeff and Jason Cervoni.

She is survived by her sister, “Betty” Elizabeth Jones of Watkins Glen; children, Robert Simpson (Denise Bradley) of Burdett, Frank Simpson of Creston, NC, Donald (Regina) Simpson of Reading Center, Ronald (Caroline) Simpson of Watkins Glen, Beverly (Ronald) Cervoni of Watkins Glen, and Harry (Tina) Smith of Oklahoma; stepchildren, George (Bernice) Smith of Holy, NY, Rick (Amy) Smith of Gaines, PA, and Kirk (Linda) Smith of Montour Falls; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Alberta worked at Corning Glass for 15 years before she retired. She also owned and operated several convenience stores in the area.

Friends and family are invited to call Friday, June 22 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of visiting hours, Rev. William C. Wells officiating. Burial will follow at Montour Cemetery.

You may “Light a Candle” or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Irene C. Larabee

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Lynch Funeral Home, Horseheads.

Irene C. Larabee

Age 84, formerly of Terry Hill Road in Horseheads, NY, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls, NY.

Irene was born April 21, 1928 in Horseheads, the daughter of the late Harry E. and Cecelia Ostrander Kiser. She was married to Grant S. Larabee Jr., who predeceased her on Nov. 19, 1987. Irene was also predeceased by her brother, Ivan Kiser.

Irene loved her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with them.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth & Robert Bowen of Spencer, NY and Helen & Daniel Teed of Watkins Glen, NY; grandchildren Kelly Bowen, Ryan & Marianne Bowen, Sarah Teed and Danielle Teed; great granddaughter McKenzie Laine Bowen; a sister, Carrie E. Mizio of Big Flats, NY; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy Larabee Devendorf of Horseheads and Beverly & Ed Besley of Montour Falls; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of caring friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Lynch Funeral Home, 318 West Broad Street, Horseheads on Tuesday, June 19 from 4-6 p.m. Mrs. Larabee’s funeral and committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6 p.m.. The Rev. Anne Campbell will officiate.

Irene will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Grant in Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads.

Obituary: Allan P. Waite Sr.

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

Allan P. Waite Sr.

Age 82, of Watkins Glen, peacefully entered God's Kingdom, surrounded by his loving family, on 12 June, 2012, after a courageous and lengthy battle with numerous medical issues.

Al was born to Daniel J. Waite and Isabel Weed Waite on Nov. 2, 1929 in Watkins Glen, NY. He retired in 1993 as a Patrolman with the New York State Park Police in Watkins Glen after 38 years. In his early adult life, he worked for Shepard Niles Crane and Hoist Co. in Montour Falls for 14 years.

He was a member of the Watkins Glen Fire Department, past president of the Watkins Glen Fire and Rescue Squad, a volunteer with Seneca Santa, a former member of the American Legion Post 555 of Watkins Glen, and a former Boy Scout volunteer leader. He also was a 65-year member of the Watkins Glen United Methodist Church, where he served as former chairman of the Trustees Committee, and a member of the Finance Committee and the church Administration Board. He honorably served his county in Korea in 1951 with the U.S. Army’s 5th Regimental Combat Team as a tank driver.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Daniel J. Waite, Jr., Harold E. Waite, and Douglas W. Waite; sisters, infant Helen M. Waite and Beverly Waite Hoyt; a brother-in-law, Richard Hoyt; and a sister-in-law, Lydia Waite.

A beloved husband, father and papa, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sylvia Drake Waite; children, Taryn (Ronald) Bath, Colonel Allan Phillip (Shelley) Waite, Jr, Tamre Waite, Robin (Frank) LaFace, Tanya (Brent) Chomyszak, and David (Elizabeth) Waite; grandchildren, Joshua (Missy) Waite, Nathan C. (Ann) Waite, Sr., Kristopher (Emily) Waite, Chelsea (Timothy) Tabisz, Lindsay Bath, Jonathan Bath, Travis Waite, Courtney Waite, Isabella LaFace, and Giuseppe LaFace; and great-grandchildren, Sarai, Adeyna, Kyla & Barrett Tabisz, N. Christian, Jr., Caleb, Charis and Carryn Waite, and Jacen Waite; a very special mother-in-law, “Mom”, Jean B. Drake; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth R. Waite, Linda D. Richardson (David Costley), and Charlotte (Charles) Parmenter; brothers-in-law, Charles E. (Deborah) Drake, Jr., and Ernest M. (Josanne) Drake; an aunt, Mildred C. Denson, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, June 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Watkins Glen Fire Department, Schuyler County Ambulance, Southern Tier Hospice or Watkins Glen PBA. You may “Light a Candle” or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: William P. Sellers, IV

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

William P. Sellers, IV

Age 66, of Reynoldsville, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on June 12, 2012.

Will, as he was known to friends and family, had a brilliant legal mind and was masterful as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in any court of law. He began his career as a law clerk with the Chief U.S. District Court Judge in Virginia, followed by serving as a partner in the law firm of Scialdone, Sellers and Weise in Portsmouth, Virginia. In 1977 he became the Chief Assistant State Prosecutor for the City of Roanoke. That same year he became Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Roanoke, and from 1978 to 1983 he was First Assistant U.S. Attorney, W.D. Virginia.

From 1983 until 2005 Will served as Senior Litigation Counsel and Chief Administrative Office for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. During his career with the U.S. Department of Justice he was Senior White Collar Crime Prosecutor, Fraud Section; Senior Legal Advisor for Regulatory Enforcement, Criminal Division; and supervisor of the Litigation Branch. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award of the FBI.

He was a member of the following Bar Associations: Tompkins County, Schuyler County, Virginia State. He was a lecturer of law classes at Ithaca College for two years. He was a Baron of the Magna Carta, was a member of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, The Society of the Cincinnati, The Society of Descendants of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, and the Clan Donnachaidh Society, was President of the Virginia Scottish Games for many years, and had recently joined the Single Action Shooting Society.

He graduated from Duke University (Pi Kappa Phi) and the University of Richmond School of Law. Will was a gentleman farmer who loved sailing, Duke Basketball, surfing, playing guitar, horseback riding, playing cards, gardening, and wearing his kilts and everything Scottish. He was an avid reader, loved to tell a great joke, and loved his nieces and nephews, five dogs, six cats and three horses. But the love of his life was his wife of 35 years, Ruth.

He is also survived by his brother Edward Sellers (wife Mary); his in-laws Donald (USAF Ret. Lt. Col.) and Joy Lee Mansfield; brothers-in-law Mark Mansfield (wife Luida) and Brian Richardson (wife Virginia); loving nephews Jordan, Nicholas (wife Johanna), Jesse, Gillean, and Devin; loving nieces Sara and Cassady; great-niece Nina; and his lifelong devoted friend, fellow sailor and fellow mischief-maker at Norfolk Academy, Michael Nold (wife Gail).

A memorial service to celebrate Will’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Reynoldsville United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Burdett Volunteer Fire Department. You may view his memorial online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Bruce Adams

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

Bruce Adams

Age 83, of Hector and Horseheads, NY passed away on June 12, 2012.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marion; his children, Amy (Chip) Cochran of Hackettstown, NJ, and Bonny Adams (fiancé E. Scott Smith) of Millport, NY; a brother, Richard (Liz) Adams of Hector; a sister, Jean Bishop of Montour Falls; and four grandchildren, Christian and Cameron Cochran, and Nicholas and Austin Dalrymple. He was predeceased by a brother, Bud Adams; and sister-in-law, Jean Adams-Moiseichik.

Bruce worked for Corning, Inc. for 36 years, from 1951 until his retirement in 1987. He later founded Precision-Analytical in Watkins Glen. Bruce was a member and elder of the Hector Presbyterian Church. He was a co-founder of SHOC (Schuyler Housing Opportunity Council, Inc), a member of CPI (Community Progress, Inc.), a member of Church Men Against Poverty, an honorary member and treasurer of the Valois-Logan-Hector Volunteer Fire Co., and served on the Corning-Painted Post School District Board of Education. He was also a recipient of the Erroll Shand Award for Community Service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hector Presbyterian Church Education Fund, PO Box 96, Hector, NY 14841, or SHOC, PO Box 371, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16 at the Hector Presbyterian Church.

You may “Light A Candle” or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: W. Jefferson Lyon

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

W. Jefferson Lyon

Age 96, of Watkins Glen, entered eternal life in the early morning of June 11, 2012.

He was born July 17, 1915 in Middletown, NY. The family moved to Binghamton, NY three years later. He was educated in the Binghamton school system and in 1933 joined the staff of the Binghamton Morning Sun newspaper, where he filled a variety of reporting and editorship posts until 1942. He then became publicity director for the Curtiss-Wright Airplane Division in Buffalo.

In 1945 he moved to New Jersey, joining an advertising agency which handled major aviation accounts. Ten years later, after branching out to form his own public relations firm, he was named vice president in charge of communications for Blue Cross of New Jersey, the nation’s pioneer hospital prepayment plan. That post, which he held until retirement in 1980, involved all of the plan’s governmental and press relations.

In subsequent years, Lyon did consulting work in the health and aviation fields and ultimately returned to the newspaper field as a feature writer and columnist.

His first wife, the former Marian Blass by whom he had three sons, died in 1985. In 1987 he married the Rev. Beverly Karr, who had been pastor for members of the Blass family in Galeton,
PA. She served the Beemerville Presbyterian Church in New Jersey before accepting the call to serve the First Presbyterian Church in Watkins Glen, where they have lived since 1997.

Lyon is survived by his wife Beverly; his three sons: Thomas (Janis) of Carlsbad, CA, John
(Barbara) of San Diego, CA and Rexford (Lois) of Bernardsville, NJ; one sister, Doris Frank of Berlin, NJ; three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Letitia Sage and grandson Max Lyon.

Notable examples of Lyon’s civic involvements: President of the New Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society; member of Rotary International and a Paul Harris Fellow; Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Heart Association; Board member and secretary of the New Jersey Auto Club (AAA); Board member of Center of Hope Hospice; Sussex County Jury Commissioner; Director, Newton Trust Company; Director, Sussex County United Way; and board member of FOWL (Friends of Watkins Glen Library). He was also an elder and trustee in the Branchville Presbyterian Church in New Jersey, and a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, Watkins Glen, where he sang in the choir.

His funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur Street, Watkins Glen on Thursday, June 14 at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Yoachum Hill Cemetery, Carter Camp, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Cobblestone Springs Center for Renewal, 4306 Lakemont-Himrod Road, Dundee, NY 14837.

You may view his memorial or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Obituary: Julia Frances Furcha

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, Trumansburg.

Julia Frances “Franny” Furcha

Age 92, of Mecklenburg, passed away in Carrollton, Georgia on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the age of 92.

Born in Montour Falls, New York on July 20, 1919, Franny was the daughter of John Edwin and JoAnna (McCarthy) Miller. She was a 1936 graduate of Trumansburg High School, and later worked at the Ithaca Public Schools and Cornell University.

Franny provided a lot of support to her husband Arthur, who was one of the founding members of the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company. Franny was very active in the Company’s Ladies Auxiliary, Fire Police, and EMS services (being awarded Top Responder for 20+ years). As the first female volunteer firefighter in New York State, Franny served her Company as President, Secretary, truck captain, and Fire Police Captain. She was also a member and Past President of the Schuyler County Fireman’s Assn. "Franny Stories" told by fellow firefighters, community members and family will warm the hearts of those who knew and loved her for generations.

In addition to her sons, John Arthur (Rae) of Whitesburg, GA and Jere Louis (Gail) of Colorado Springs, CO, Franny is survived by six grandchildren, Jacqueline, Melissa, Kathy Jo, Joelle, Jennifer and Valerie; 17 great-grandchildren, Charity, Brandon, John, Joe, John, Nathan, Grant, Julia, Sarah, Cecelia, Eric, Caleb, Joshua, Seth, Dylan, Beverly, and Elijah; and nine great-great-grandchildren, Dylan, Bethany, Emily, Hannah, Cayden, Logan, Asher, Chandler, and Ian.

The family will be present to receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 8 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. Services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 9 at the Mecklenburg Fire House, 4495 County Rt. #6, Mecklenburg with the Rev. Cheryl Hine officiating. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Franny’s memory are asked to kindly consider the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 108, Mecklenburg, NY 14863.

For additional information, contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446 or www.ness-sibley.com.

Obituary: Blaise Fallon

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

Blaise Fallon

Age 67, of Hector, NY, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012 as the result of an automobile accident.

He was a software security engineer for Symantec. As Senior Principal Technical Education Consultant, he taught computer security all over the world.

Blaise graduated from Falls Church High School in Falls Church, VA. He also earned degrees from the University of South Dakota, Huron College, and Spring Arbor College. He was an avid reader, wood worker, photographer and world traveler.

He is survived by his loving companion, Marcia Romanik; children, Blaire Byrley of Chapel Hill, NC; Mark Blaise Fallon of Los Angeles, CA, and Christopher Galitz of Blacksburg, VA; step-children David Fallon, Deborah Wagner and Scott Smith; a sister, Sheila Bhardwaj; his step-mother, Barbara Fallon; 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Blanche Fallon, and a sister, Sharon Mills.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Obituary: Elizabeth Kelly Cortright

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

Elizabeth (Betty) Kelly Cortright

Age 88, of Zephyrhills, Florida, and formerly of Watkins Glen, died peacefully in her sleep on May 30, 2012, just as she wanted, with her family around her.

She was born August 25, 1923, raised in Elmira, attended EFA, met Arthur Kelly and married him and moved to Corning to start her married life. She and Arthur raised five children: Marge, Bob, Denise, Rosanne, and Fred, all of whom attended school and lived in Watkins Glen.

According to family:

After Mom and Dad divorced, Mom met and married the love of her life, Charles Cortright, and shortly thereafter moved to Zephyrhills, Florida, where they lived until Charles' untimely death in 1985. Mom lived and florished in Florida, where all three of her daughters currently live.

Mom and Charles were founding members of the Faith Baptist Church in Z'hills and were both active in the choir, Awana, and drove the Church bus, bringing young hearts to love Jesus. Mom was also on the Board of Directors for Bay Area Legal Council in Pasco County, FL, and a Lifetime Member of the VFW Auxiliary; she always waved our flag proudly. In her later years she moved to Florahome, FL, to live with her daughter Marge and Carl Wilson. It was a big adjustment moving to the country and leaving her family, friends, and church.

She found a new church home, the Oak Ave. Baptist Church, and loved the people there. She lived a long and full life and loved her family fiercely. She was a servant of God and loved her Lord. She loved to play cards, dominoes and Yahtzee and made it her mission to teach each grandchild and great grandchild how to play as soon as they were old enough. There was no greater store on earth better than Walmart, where she spent every minute and every dime she could. Her last outing was to "Wally World" on her scooter!

She is survived by her children, Marge (Carl) Wilson of Florahome. FL, Bob (Carol) Kelly of Rogers, Arkansas, Denise (Larry) Alexander of Z'hills, FL, Rosanne (Greg) Green of Florahome FL, and Fred (Lura) of Garner, NC; former son-in-law Glen Mason; and grandchildren Scott and Heather Mason of Hector, NY among 17 grandchildren and many great grandchilden, one of whom shared her birthday. She also is survived by three sisters and one brother.

Mom is now re-united with her family, her beloved Charles and her Savior. Mom spent many hours preparing us for her death, She was "Ready to Go" when God called her name on May 30th. Rest in Peace, Mama.

Macri-Lawton engagement announced

HECTOR, May 30 -- Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Laura Macri of Hector are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Devin Macri, to Jonathan Lawton, son of Steven and Marie Lawton of Montour Falls, NY.

Devin graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 2006 and from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in May 2012, with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Jonathan is a 2001 Odessa-Montour High School graduate, and received a Criminology/Criminal Justice degree from Keuka College in 2005. He is working as a police officer for the Town of Irondequoit.

The couple currently reside in Rochester, NY. Jonathan surprised Devin with the proposal at The Town Pants concert in March 2011.

They plan to wed on November 3, 2012 in Montour Falls.

Ribeiro-Kress engagement announced

WATKINS GLEN, May 29 --Mr. and Mrs. Gene Kress of Watkins Glen are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Adam Lee Kress, to Amy Teresa Ribeiro, daughter of Albert and Sandra Ribeiro of Port Tobacco, Maryland.

The bride-to-be has served as superintendent for several federal construction projects in the Washington D.C. metro area, including projects at The Pentagon (post 9/11 reconstruction), Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. She is completing her associate’s degree at the Community College of Baltimore, School of Health Professions.

The groom-to-be serves as Assistant Director of Communications and Assistant Director of Semester in Washington for The Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University At Albany-SUNY. He is also a Doctoral Candidate at Rockefeller, in the Department of Political Science, with research focusing on the intersections of gender and legislative politics. Adam holds a master's degree in Gender and Legislative Politics (2009) from Rockefeller College, a Master of Public Administration in Government, Politics, & Policy Studies (2007) from Cornell University and a dual B.A. (Magna Cum Laude - 2005) from Elmira College in Political Science and Public Affairs with a minor in American Studies.

He has been active in professional politics, serving first as an intern and then later as a direct marketing consultant for United States Senator John Kerry (D-MA). He is also the author of two book-length collections of poetry and numerous individual publications.

The couple got engaged in Saint Michaels, Maryland. They are planning a 2013 wedding ceremony in Watkins Glen, New York, and will reside in Southern Maryland.

Obituary: Marie C. Spena

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Marie C. “Mellie” Spena

Age 89, of Watkins Glen, NY passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, NY.

Mellie was born in Watkins Glen, NY on December 28, 1922, the daughter of the late Rocco and Mary (Compese) Scaptura. She worked for many years at the Watkins Glen Elementary School and as a volunteer at the gift shop at Schuyler Hospital. She was a very active member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. She sang in the Resurrection Choir, was a member of the Guild, and walked children to Religion Classes.

Mellie was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas J. Spena, in 1983 and by her siblings, Celicia DeNardo, Rocco “Dick” Scaptura, Frank Scaptura, Joe Scaptura, and Nick Scaptura.

Mellie is survived by her children, Frank Spena, Sr. of Watkins Glen and Mary Rose (Gregory) Laux of Tonawanda, NY; her grandchildren, Frank Spena, Jr., Nicholas Piersons, and Bradley Piersons; her sister, Grace Cherock; her brother, George Scaptura; a sister-in-law, Judy Scaptura; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Friends and family may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 31 at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 5th St., Watkins Glen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday, June 1 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or the Schuyler Hospital Volunteer Fund, 220 Steuben St., Montour Falls, NY 14865.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

Obituary: David L. Centurelli

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

David L. Centurelli

Age 59, of Watkins Glen, passed peacefully on May 23, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester after complications from a heart attack he suffered on March 26, 2012.

Deputy Sheriff David L. Centurelli, a 34-year veteran of the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, will be greatly missed and remembered for his many services to this county. He was the current President of the Schuyler County Deputy Sheriffs Assoc., a Watkins Glen Fire Department volunteer, past Asst. Fire Chief, past President and VP of the Watkins Glen Fire Company, Schuyler County Fire Investigator, Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity board member and volunteer, member of Montour Moose Club, and in 2008 received the “Deputy Sheriff of the Year” award. In his youth, he was very active in the Schuyler County 4-H program and helped develop the fair grounds that are still used today.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Centurelli; mother, Wanda Centurelli of Watkins Glen; sister, Linda Centurelli of Watkins Glen; brother, Richard (Anne) Centurelli of Odessa; step-children, Elena (Dean) Jenkins of Carthage, Christy Hill of Dundee, and Jared (Jamie) Hill of Dundee; three grandchildren, Brianna Dykes, Alex Dykes, and Brennan Buono, all of Dundee; nieces Amy and Jessica Centurelli; and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, June 1 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-9:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen; Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Schuyler County or the Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity.

The Centurelli Family wishes to offer special thanks to the Cardiac Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital on 7-1600 and all the staff who were so good to David during his two months in their care.

You may express condolences, sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Helena A. Howard

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

Helena A. Howard

Age 90, of Horseheads, NY, a former lifelong resident of Rock Stream, Watkins Glen, and Schuyler County, died peacefully at home on Friday, May 25, 2012.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 3 at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, where a memorial service will be held at the conclusion of visiting hours, Rev. Jeremy Spencer officiating.

Expressions of sympathy in Helena's memory may be made to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830; or the Schuyler County Historical Society, P.O. Box 651, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

Helena was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, George L. Howard, on May 6, 2004; sisters Dorothy VanDyke and Margaret Andrews, and brother Carl Andrews.

She is survived by her children, Dennis Howard of Traverse City, MI, and Karen Morgan of
Horseheads; granddaughters Janet Morgan of Corning and Rana Morgan Criss (Chuck) of Belmont; close friend Carrie Carozzoni of Corning; and several nieces and nephews.

Helena was born in the Town of Reading on May 31, 1921, a daughter of the late Arthur and Cora Andrews.

Helena worked for Western Counties Telephone Corp. in Dundee for many years. Her hobbies included genealogy, gardening and bird watching. She was also a co-founder of Jo-Ho’s, a genealogical organization.

You may express condolences to the family or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Bon Edwards

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

Bon Edwards

Age 73, of Montour Falls, NY, died peacefully at Bethany Manor on May 25, 2012, surrounded by his wife and children.

Bon was born April 2, 1939 in Anna, Illinois, a son of Bon and Freda Edwards. He lived most of his life in the Chicagoland area, and attended Murray State College and the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was a gifted athlete, trying out for both the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago White Sox, leaving that legacy to his children and grandchildren.

His sense of humor and extroverted nature were traits that not only won him friends wherever he lived, but contributed to his successful vocation as a heavy equipment salesman. In later years he followed his wife back to her roots in the Southern Tier. Bon loved his family, his many dogs, and competitive sports.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane Walker Edwards; his children, Sandi (Scott) Foster of Maryland, Amy (Pat) Galloway of Wisconsin, Nicole Edwards of Florida, and Jon Edwards of Montour Falls; his sister, Carol Delso of Illinois; grandchildren Andrea and Sam Galloway; mother-in-law Doris Walker of Elmira; aunt Joyce Klosterhoff of Illinois; brothers-in-law Ernie (Connie) Walker of Dryden and Bob (Debbie Kraemer) Walker of Vermont; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bon and his family were grateful that his last few days were in the comfort and care of the
staff at Bethany Skilled Three and Southern Tier Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home in Watkins Glen. There are no calling hours, and a celebration of Bon’s life will be private at the family’s convenience.

Contributions may be made to Southern Tier Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. You may
express condolences or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Hon. William N. Ellison

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

Hon. William N. Ellison

Hon. William N. Ellison, Justice Supreme Court, Retired, passed this life on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at his home in Watkins Glen.

Justice Ellison, son of former District Attorney Arthur R. Ellison and former County Attorney Edwina M. Ellison of Watkins Glen, New York, was born on July 15, 1929. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, former Surrogate's Court Clerk and Court Reporter, Patricia Sullivan Suits Ellison.

Also surviving are his children, Harry A. (Melissa) Ellison of Arlington, VA, William N. (Diane) Ellison, Jr. of Farmington, NY, Mary Patricia Ellison of Mountainside, NJ, and Anne E. (Jeffrey) Snelling of Palmyra, NY; and his grandchildren, Ellen, Mark, Michael, Zack and Rory Ellison and Abigail and Hannah Snelling.

Justice Ellison graduated from Watkins Glen Central School, Harpur College and Cornell University Law School. He served as Watkins Glen Acting Village Police Judge, Town of Dix Justice of the Peace, Schuyler County District Attorney, Schuyler County Judge, and Surrogate and Family Court Judge, and was twice elected to the New York State Supreme Court -- the first and only Schuyler County attorney to be elected to the Supreme Court. Upon his retirement, the Schuyler County Courtroom was named in his honor.

The Judge was active in the community as a member and president of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, and was the recipient of its Paul Harris Award. He was also involved in the County Heart Association, the Southern Tier Heart Association, the County Cerebral Palsy Association, the Schuyler County Bar Association, the Watkins Glen Central School PTA, and the Schuyler County Jaycees. He was a director of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corp., and the treasurer and a director of Schuyler Hospital. He was treasurer during the construction of the Watkins Glen Golf Club, an Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, a lieutenant in the Fire Department, a director of the Special Children's Center in Ithaca, and trustee and Chairman of the Board of Corning Community College.

He held 50-year memberships in the Schuyler County, New York State and American Bar Associations, and was at the time of his death vice-president of the Watkins Glen Central School District Public Library and board member and past president of the Northrup Education Foundation.

Justice Ellison was committed to upholding the rule of law, and to fairness to all lawyers and litigants who appeared before him. Above all, he possessed a love for family and for the area where he spent his life.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Tuesday, May 29 from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Paul Bonacci, Celebrant, at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen; with committal services at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891; or the Northrup Educational Foundation, Inc., c/o President Brian J. O’Donnell, 101 Willow Dr., Watkins Glen, NY 14891, in memory of Hon. William N. Ellison.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Obituary: Neal O. Kelly

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Neal O. Kelly

Age 63, of Burdett, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, May 21, 2012.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan; his sons, Andrew and Neal Jr. (Moose); and his favorite daughter-in-law, Sherri. The joy of his life was being known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren, Brandon, Jordan, Haley, Justin, Sean, and Tapanga. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary and Mary Kelly, Sharon Kelly, David Kelly, Kevin and Terry Kelly, and Jason and Pam Kelly; his sister Patricia and Terry Dense; sisters-in-law, Joann and Roger Townsend, Diann and Mark Murphy, and Carol Ann and David Driesbach; special aunt and uncle, Carole and William Templar of Hilton Head; and several nieces and nephews, all very special to him.

Neal graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1967. He was a member for 45 years, past chief and treasurer of the Burdett Volunteer Fire Department; and a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge #1546. Neal retired from Time Warner Cable in 2006.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 25 at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 Fifth St., Watkins Glen. His funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with participation from the Watkins Glen Elks and the Burdett Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Burdett Fire Department Building Fund, PO Box 238, Burdett, NY 14818.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Elsie R. Brewer

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

Elsie R. Brewer

Age 79, of Dundee, NY, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2012 in the comfort of her home, under hospice care, surrounded by her four daughters.

Elsie was born in Odessa, NY on November 3, 1932, the daughter of the late Sydney and Frances Beebe. On April 30, 1955, she married Donald F. Brewer and they happily lived and raised their daughters in Dundee.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1991 and by siblings Joy Beebe, Clyde Beebe, Ione Havens, Neal Beebe, Nelson Beebe and Paul Beebe. Elsie is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Joy (Carter) Foster of Kennesaw, GA, Donna Brewer of Brockport, Wendy (Timothy) Gibson of Dundee, and Barbara (Robert) Belmore of Dundee; brothers Merton (Gladys) Beebe and Guy (Virginia) Beebe; sisters-in-law Connie Beebe, Harlene Beebe, Marian Bolin-Beebe, and Betty Sudol; five grandchildren, Heather (Keith) McLaughlin, Jolee Bailey, Chelsie Belmore, Austin Gibson and Aubrie Belmore; one great granddaughter, Avery Bailey Weatherbee; and several special nieces and nephews.

Elsie was a devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother, and friend to many. Elsie’s long career in banking finished with her retirement from Chemung Canal Trust Company in 1992 after serving many customers at the Montour Falls office. Elsie had been a member of the Dundee Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and Treasurer. She also volunteered as secretary to the Town of Starkey Planning Board and as an Election Inspector.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, May 24 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a committal service at Hillside Cemetery in Dundee.

Those wishing may remember Elsie with memorial donations to the Dundee Emergency Squad., 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837. You may express condolences to the family online or “Light a Candle” in her memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Havlen named Lou Sand Award recipient

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 18 -- Schuyler Hospital recently named Ron Havlen the recipient of the 2012 Lou Sand Award. The honor came at the hospital's annual Employee Recognition Dinner on May 9.

Havlen, Information Technology (IT) Manager for the hospital, was nominated for the award by his fellow staff members.

The nomination described Havlen as “always being there” when technological issues happen, and always willing to patiently help and explain. Havlen has also been instrumental as various electronic medical records technologies have been implemented – and continue to come on-line – at Schuyler Hospital.

Ironically, the IT “fix-it guy” was on vacation when the award was presented – his first vacation in 16 years.

Schuyler Hospital annually gives the award in memory of Lou Sand to an employee who demonstrates exemplary service to others, and whose compassionate commitment of service to fellow employees, patients, residents and community brightens their lives -- traits, officials say, were exemplified by Lou Sand.

Photo in text: Ron Havlen (Photo provided)

Hospital Auxiliary names Bower president, honors Doris Fazzary as Volunteer of Year

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, May 18 -- The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary has named Carol Bower its new president, and honored Doris Fazzary as its Volunteer of the Year.

The moves came at the Auxiliary's annual spring luncheon on May 8, at which the organizaton unveiled its Board of Directors for 2012-13.

Officers in addition to Bower are Linda Confer, 1st Vice President; Terrie Sautter, Secretary; Rita Tague-Carmony, Treasurer, and Gretta Preston, Corresponding Secretary.

The Auxiliary honored Fazzary for her commitment to the Auxiliary, as well as for her friendliness, smiling face, and helpful nature at the front desk.

Since 1974, the Auxiliary has donated over $480,000 in equipment purchases for the hospital. Since 1988, it has contributed more than 175,000 volunteer hours -- the equivalent of two full-time employees each year for 24 years.

The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary was formally organized in 1969, bringing together the Hospital’s Pink Ladies (formed in 1952) with members of the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour Hospital Guilds, both active since the 1920s.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, go to www.schuylerhospital.org

Photo in text: Doris Fazzary (center) is honored as Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year by Auxilians Joanne McLaine (left) and Clara Greis (right).

Obituary: Mary W. Corwin

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

Mary W. Corwin

Age 86, of Watkins Glen, passed away on May 15, 2012.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, May 18 from 2-4 p.m.; with a memorial service following at 4 p.m. Committal services will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Montour Cemetery at a later date.

Mary was born on February 3, 1926 in Montour Falls, the daughter of Ray W. and M. Mae Corwin. She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Helen Cass, a sister-in-law, Rosemary Corwin, and nephew James Cass. She is survived by her brother, John Corwin, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Watkins Glen United Methodist Church or the Schuyler County Humane Society.

You may view her memorial, “Light a Candle” or express condolences to the family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.

Service set for John D. Wilkinson III

The following notice was submitted to The Odessa File by a family member.

John D. Wilkinson III (August 18, 1935-November 21, 2011)

WATKINS GLEN, May 15 -- Friends and family are invited to attend a burial memorial service for John D. Wilkinson III at Glenwood Cemetery on May 19, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.

A car procession will depart at 3:15 p.m. from the Ninth Street side of the St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church parking lot in Watkins Glen.

Should the weather be inclement, a service will be held at St. Mary's of the Lake Church.

Obituary: Harry F. Durtche

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

Harry F. Durtche

Age 86, of Watkins Glen, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

He is survived by seven children; a brother and sister; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

You may express condolences to the family or “Light A Candle” in his memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com. Arrangements are by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Watkins Glen's Houseknecht to be honored as Woman of Distinction by State Senate

Special to The Odessa File

ALBANY, May 8 -- State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) announced today that Virginia “Ginny” Houseknecht of Watkins Glen, a long-time area Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and leader, and founder of the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, will be honored next Tuesday, May 15, in Albany as a “Woman of Distinction” by the New York State Senate.

The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program, which began in March to coincide with Women's History Month in New York State, allows senators statewide to select one honoree from their respective legislative districts for this distinguished, statewide tribute.

For 35 years until her retirement in 2005, Houseknecht served as the Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County. She is known across the Southern Tier for her leadership and research-based education in food sciences, nutrition and health, parenting, and financial management.

Shortly after her retirement, Houseknecht was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Devastated, yet wanting to do something positive to help others, in 2006 she established the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group with the endorsement and strong support of the Schuyler County Office for the Aging and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Her motivation to help others has led to the success of this critical support organization, which now provides accurate information, with guest speakers and a resource library, binding relationships, and a strong support network for those in need.

O’Mara noted that since the creation of the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group six years ago, more than 100 area persons with PD and their caregivers have benefitted from Houseknecht’s work as founder and facilitator of the organization.

"Ginny’s decades-long career as a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and leader is remarkable enough. She made an enormous difference in thousands of lives," said O’Mara, whose legislative district encompasses Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and a portion of Tompkins County (the city and town of Ithaca, and the towns of Enfield, Newfield, and Ulysses). “But since 2005, her response to Parkinson’s disease has been inspirational and a true testament to her personal strength, perseverance and an undeniable, lifelong commitment to reaching out to
others and building supportive communities. The Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is a lifesaver and a singular achievement.”

Barbara Hubbell, Director of Community Solutions for the United Way of the Southern Tier, nominated Houseknecht for this year’s “Woman of Distinction” tribute.

"Ginny has always been a distinguished business professional and respected authority in her field," said Hubbell. "Not surprisingly, to those who know her, the overwhelming effects of Parkinson's disease have not dampened her spirit or desire to improve the lives of individuals and families in
Schuyler County."

Houseknecht will represent O’Mara’s 53rd Senate District and join honorees from across New York at the Senate’s 15th annual “Women of Distinction” tribute on Tuesday, May 15. The awards ceremony and reception will be held in the Legislative Office Building, where Houseknecht’s biography and photo will be displayed as part of a special Senate exhibit.

Among her other honors, Ms. Houseknecht is a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Schuyler Senior Volunteer of the Year, and Friend of Extension awards. She is a member of the League of Women Voters, and the Southern Tier Library System Foundation’s campaign
committee.

Photo in text: Virginia Houseknecht (Photo provided)

Obituary: Barbara B. Spena

The following obituary was submitted to The Odessa File by the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Barbara B. Spena

Age 87, of Watkins Glen, NY passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Arnot-Ogden Medical Center.

Barbara was born on February 21, 1925 in Watkins Glen, NY, the daughter of the late Joseph and Kathleen (Carey) Barile. She was employed for many years with the Selective Service Draft Board and at the Schuyler County Mental Health Clinic in Watkins Glen. She was an active member and communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen, and a member of the League of Women Voters.

She was predeceased by her husband, James, on October 15th, 2011; her brothers, Bernard Barile and Joseph Barile; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” (Dr. William) Frank, Paulmena “Polly” (Angelo) Serefine, Margaret Barile, Mary (Spike) Blunt, Josephine (John) Carpenter, Virginia (Walt Dempsey and Joseph) DeDominick, and Louise (Leon “Ham”) Andrews.

She is survived by her sons, Bob (Lorraine) of Rochester and J.D. “Jud” (Rebecca) of Binghamton; grandchildren, Andrea, Rob, Samantha, Lucy, and Michael; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the Haughey-Wood Funeral Home, 119 5th St., Watkins Glen. A Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 10 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 Decatur St., Watkins Glen. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 289, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com

Schuyler Hospital President Andy Manzer addresses the Leadership Schuyler audience.

Leadership class receives diplomas

WATKINS GLEN, May 4 -- The annual graduation ceremony of the Leadership Schuyler program Thursday night saw 11 professionals receive diplomas after a six-month program that taught them about leadership, public speaking and themselves.

The ceremony, at the Watkins Glen International Media Center, featured talks by State Senator Tom O'Mara and Schuyler Hospital President Andy Manzer discussing their leadership roles and lauding the graduates for undertaking what Manzer called "the journey" that the Leadership Schuyler program provides.

Student speakers included Greg Tumbarello, general manager of Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro, and Nikita Hairston, director of tourism and marketing for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.

The emcee was Linda Lathrop of Joint Education and Training, Inc., the training program facilitator. She, along with Chamber of Commerce President Rebekah LaMoreaux, distributed diplomas. The Chamber co-sponsors the program with the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED).

Also on hand was Alison Hunt from U.S. Representative Tom Reed's office, distributing certificates of Congressional recognition.

Graduates, in addition to Tumbarello and Hairston, included Amber Simmons and Jennifer Mong of the Arc of Schuyler; Karen Hetrick and Jeanne Maine of Schuyler Hospital; Susanna Wickey and H. David Mahnke of the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association; Lori Asperschlager of the Town of Burdett and Cornell University; Audrey Edmister of the My Place Childcare Center; and Daniel Triana of Welliver.

The graduates, who met periodically over a six-month period, learned leadership skills and developed a knowledge of community issues. Chief among the skills was public speaking, through impromptu talks and book reports.

Said Tumbarello during a power-point presentation with Hairston: "We learned not to be afraid of change, to always smile, and to try and see the big picture." The program, he added, is important in developing leaders during a period in which Finger Lakes business -- spurred by tourism -- "will continue to grow." The classes, he said, "helped us become a little more comfortable with who we are. It gave us networking opportunities, and a chance to make new friends."

Added Hairston: "It was so worth it, so worth the time. I recommend it to anybody."

Photo in text: Student speakers Greg Tumbarello and Nikita Hairston.

Leadership Schuyler students pose after graduation.

Beauty in the light

The editor's son David was enroute from Odessa to Morrisville when the rainbow on the right caught his attention northeast of Ithaca.

David tried several shots, and found with most of them that a rainbow is ethereal -- difficult to capture in a photograph unless there is a dark background for contrast. For a few moments, that contrast existed enough for him to capture this image ... an example of beauty in the light.

(Photo by David Haeffner)

Some links to people features

Here are some links to other pages on this website dealing with features about people:

A tale called "Bubba," about a childhood hero, can be reached by clicking here.

Tales of life along Steam Mill Road years ago, submitted by now-Australian resident Betty Appleton, can be reached by clicking here.

A story about the editor's family being menaced by a maniac on the highway can be reached by clicking here.

A story about the Lazio-Clinton campaign in Schuyler County, and its relationship to herbal remedies, can be found by clicking here.