communitypress 0415
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April 2015 Community PressTRANSCRIPT
PRESORTED STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #9 APALACHIN, NY
BROWN ENTERPRISE AND MARKETING 7830 STATE ROUTE 434
APALACHIN, NEW YORK 13732
CARRIER ROUTE POSTAL CUSTOMER
APALACHIN • OWEGO • NICHOLS TIOGA CENTER • NEWARK VALLEY
YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER • www.CommunityPress.us Volume 30 APRIL 2015 Number 4
CAMPVILLE • BARTON • CANDOR SMITHBORO • CATATONK
Tioga Downs Tenth Season
Tioga Downs has announced its tenth racing season for 2015 starting
on May 2 and ending on September
12. There will be 61 days of racing
this season. Post time is 6:15 pm on Friday and Saturday with a Sunday
post time of 1:30 pm. On opening
day May 2, post time will be 5 pm. For a complete listing of race dates
and times go to:
www.TiogaDowns.com
On April 2, fire destroyed a horse barn on River Road in Lounsberry. The Nichols Fire Department was assisted by firefighters from Owego, Nichols, Southside, Campville, Tioga Center, Athens, and Warren Township. All the horses (pictured below) were able to make it safely out of the barn. The cause of the fire is under investigation. See Barn Fire on page 11
Fire Destroys Horse Barn in Lounsberry
7830 Rt 434, Apalachin 206-2283 or 625-2332
Spring Special $59.95!
BEAM Electronics Hobbies & more...
7830 Rt 434, Apalachin, N. Y. 625-2222
BEARCAT SCANNERS
HEAR ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENS
St. Patrick’s School to Close in June After more than 156 years of
educating generations of children, St.
Patrick’s School on Front Street in
Owego will close its doors for good in
June 2015 at the end of the school year. The recommendation to close the
school was presented by the leaders of
St. Patrick Parish and St. Patrick’s
School to the Bishop of the Rochester
Diocese who accepted the
recommendation after consulting with
the Diocesan School Board and a
council of priests from the diocese.
The parish and school leaders
recommended that the school close
because of a steady decline in
enrollment in recent years, projections of further enrollment decline, and the
mounting financial pressures on the
parish, which subsidizes the school’s
operation. The school currently has 58
students enrolled in Kindergarten
through Grade 6. A group of parents of students of St.
Patrick School attempted to raise funds
to keep the school open, but they failed
to raise enough money - they needed to
raise $500,000 - by March 15. The
deadline and the dollar amount were
imposed by the church.
The news was met with sadness in the
community, as many mourn the loss of a
school which has become a local icon
and landmark.
It is truly the end of an era. St. Patrick’s School will be missed.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 2
Tioga County's
COMMUNITY
PRESS Volume 30 Number 4
April 2015 © 2015 Published by
Brown Enterprise And Marketing 7830 State Route 434
Apalachin, New York 13732 Phone (607) 72-PRESS or
(607) 625-2222 E-mail: [email protected]
www.TiogaWeb.com Publisher/Editor ---------- Fred J. Brown Jr.
Published monthly RECEIVED BY MORE PEOPLE IN
TIOGA COUNTY THAN ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER • The Community Press, nor its advertisers are not responsible for typographical errors in articles or
ads. • Submitted articles are not guaranteed placement
but are printed on a space available basis. THIS PAPER IS FREE. IT IS PAID FOR BY THE
ADVERTISERS PLEASE SUPPORT THEM
TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE
COMMUNITY PRESS www.CommunityPress.us
Zion Lutheran School Honored
Zion Lutheran School in Owego
was recently honored by the Lutheran
Social Services of New York (LSSNY)
for its “Outstanding contribution to the
education of our children”. The Award
was through its Early Life Program,
which has a commitment to provide
superior early childhood education
experiences in center-based and home-
based environments within the New
York City area. LSSNY believes that
young children learn best when they feel
secure and know they can trust the adults
caring for them. Early LIFE’s goal is to
provide a safe and secure environment
for all children and families which
include the following: Educational
curriculum, instruction and assessments;
Safe, and healthy environment; Open
communication and collaborative
relationships with parents; and Staff
development and effective teaching
practices.
The Zion Lutheran staff is quite
honored to receive this award. Zion’s
Pre-K teacher (and alumnus), Jennifer
Schendel says, “We have a great thing
going at our little school and we work
hard to make this the best program for
the Pre-K students and their families. It
is a blessing to be recognized for all of
our hard work!”
Zion Lutheran School enrolls
children from preschool through Grade
6. It serves the children of six local
school districts including Owego-
Apalachin, Candor, Newark Valley,
Union Endicott, Tioga Center and parts
of Vestal. Busing is available for
students from these districts. For more
information call 687-6376 or go to
www.zionowego.org.
If you are a senior citizen (65 or older)
and live in the Town of Owego, college
and high school students are happy to
assist with yard work, window washing
and interior cleaning on Saturday, April
11, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
If you, your relatives or friends could
use some free labor, give Sister Mary at
Tioga County Rural Ministry a call at 687-
3021 and you will added to the list.
Spring Clean-Up
Owego Women of the Moose, Route
17C, Owego, will hold a Paddle Party on
Saturday, April 18, with a preview at 12:00
Noon and bidding starting at 1:00 pm.
Admission of $5 at the door includes 3
paddles, extra paddles will be available for
purchase. Food and beverages will be
available for sale. For more information
call (607) 761-5075.
Paddle Party Auction
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 3
HOMETOWN AUTO SALES & SERVICE
and
OUR GARAGE We’re Thinking Spring!
Are You?
Get Your Car Ready!
6792 Route 434 Corner of Pa. Ave & Rt 434
Apalachin 625-5345
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Sat 8-noon Oil Changes • Tires • Batteries & All Repairs
SALES open Mon – Fri 9-5; Sat 10-2 PLOW TRUCKS ~ SUV’s ~ PICKUPS ~ CARS VANS ~ DUMP TRUCKS
On line at: www.HomeTownAutoApalachin.com
The staff of “Hometown Auto” and “Our Garage”
Van Dervort Repair And Rebuild Service
185 Shady Hill Road, Apalachin 625-4658 PICKUP AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE
Lawnmowers, Small Engines - Repaired Alternators, Starters, Generators, Motors - Rebuilt
NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR TILLER AND LAWNMOWER CHECKED OUT AND
READY FOR SPRING!
PROPANE SALES & SERVICE
4 Generations of Being … Like Family
Scott Smith & Son 8 Delphine St., Owego, NY 687-1803
www.warmcomfort.com
607-759-9282 • Apalachin, NY
FULLY INSURED Email: [email protected] www.MikesGroundworks.com
Lawn Mowing Landscaping
Hauling Backhoe Work French Drains
Landscape / Hardscape New Lawns
Power Raking Drainage Work
Taking on New Lawn Mowing Customers for the 2014 Season • call us today!
War of Independence Reenactment There will be a War of Independence
Re-enactment Weekend at the Benjamin
Patterson Inn Museum, Painted Post,
N.Y., on April 11 and 12, 2015. The
event is open to the public on Saturday
from 12:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday from
12:00 to 2:00 pm. The 1st NY McCrack-
ens Company will demonstrate drilling,
an encampment area and a firearms dis-
play. The McCrackens Company will
host two lectures discussing the dress of
a revolutionary soldier and the soldiers
of the McCracken Company. The Patter-
son Inn will be open for visitors. Soup,
bread and water will be available on site.
For more information, send e-mail
to [email protected] or
call 937-5281.
Debbie Howard to Run for County Clerk Debbie Howard has announced that
she is running for the office of Tioga
County Clerk.
With the announcement that the cur-
rent Tioga County Clerk, Robert Wood-
burn, is retiring, Debbie feels that now is
the time for her to seek this elected posi-
tion and to continue to make strides to
improve the quality of life in Tioga
County.
Debbie has lived in Tioga County
most of her life and is actively involved
in numerous community board activities,
such as the Tioga County Chamber of
Commerce, Guthrie Board of Women’s
Health, Leadership Tioga, Rural Minis-
tries and the Tioga County Republican
Committee as well as the State and Judi-
cial Committees.
Debbie worked for past Assembly-
men Gary Finch and is currently work-
ing for Assemblymen Chris Friend as
District Director of Tioga County.
“I am dedicated, hardworking and
will do whatever it takes to serve the
people of Tioga County and to make the
County a better place to live,” stated
Debbie.
Debbie lives in the Village of Owego
with her husband Gary Howard.
Thanks Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation Tioga County Rural Ministry
(TCRM) wishes to thank the Mildred
Faulkner Truman Foundation for a re-
cent gift of $1000. The funds can be
used for general purposes. TCRM is
grateful to the foundation for this gift
which allows it to extend its outreach
into the community and fulfill its mis-
sion of serving the unmet needs of those
who are poor, sick or elderly. TCRM
wants to express what a blessing the
foundation is to our community.
Tioga Downs Seeks Singers to Perform During 2015 Race Season
Tioga Downs wants to give talented
local singers a chance to perform the
National Anthem during the 2015 race
season. Selected singers will be featured
before Sunday races and major stakes
days.
Those interested may submit a video
or audio audition to Tioga Downs’ race-
caller and accomplished musician James
Witherite at [email protected].
YouTube links or unedited MP3 files are
the only media that will be accepted.
The National Anthem should be per-
formed a cappella and in a traditional
style in all auditions. Lyrics must be
memorized, and the total length must not
exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds.
“Tioga Downs has always been con-
nected with our community,” said With-
erite. “Involving area musicians as part
of the pre-race celebration is a great way
to showcase local talent and better en-
gage guests with our events.”
There are 17 Sunday slots and several
major stakes races available for a fea-
tured singer.
Tioga Downs is preparing for the
start of its 2015 season on May 2, the
same day as the Kentucky Derby. A sim-
ulcast of the derby is planned for Tioga
Downs with live racing beginning that
evening. Various other special events
and promotion are planned throughout
the year.
In addition to live harness racing,
Tioga Downs offers video lottery termi-
nals, video poker and electronic roulette.
A variety of eateries are also part of the
entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns
Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY, and
Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Gural is
in the process of preparing a new pro-
posal to apply for the state’s final full
gaming license. Once awarded, Tioga
Downs will expand its facility and work-
force to accommodate live casino gam-
ing. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and
Vernon Downs have created more than
700 family-sustaining jobs. For more
information on Vernon Downs, please
visit www.tiogadowns.com.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 4
LIONEL TRAINS FOR SALE: Two Li-onel O-27 Trains in original boxes, made in the USA 1989 and 1991 plus extras. New in box $450 Call (607) 972-3429 04/15 LESSONS: Beginning Piano Lessons please call 607-625-4934 4-15 Small Engine and Power Equipment Mechanic: Are you looking for extra cash to supplement your income/retirement working part time early in the day and have mechanical experience? Unless you have worked in the Outdoor Power Equipment field for years, there will be on the job and formal training. Computer information retrieval and forms completion desired. A mechanic from another field may qualify. The ability to learn is required and we hope to find the right person to spend years with us. Ex-pect a busy spring each year and some relaxation in the winter. 607-625-4658 for more info! 04/15 NEED IT CLEANED OUT: Need it cleaned out, we just charge less! Attics to basements. Also garages sheds and barns. Call MK’S Affordable Cleanouts at 607 217-7455 Free Estimates! 3/16 TOP DOLLAR PAID: Wanted! Old fish-ing tackle, lures, reels, etc. Some items worth $500. and more!!! Call me first, collector not a dealer so I pay more. Walt 607-972-5739 09/15
NEED IT MOVED OR CLEANED: Call us! Local moving, cleaning houses, at-tics, cellars, garages and out buildings. Some yardwork. 607-699-0212 05/15 BUYING: Buying Antiques & Vintage Collectables, paying highest prices and I come to you! Call Dave at 607-372-7860 07/15
NEED IT MOVED OR CLEANED: Call us. Local moving, cleaning houses, at-tics, cellars, garages and out buildings. Some yardwork. 607-699-0212 09/14 BUYING: Buying Antiques & Vintage Collectables, paying highest prices and I come to you! Call Dave at 607-240-9546 07/14
WANTED: Vintage Jewelry men’s and women’s including watches. Also old toys, paintings. Call Dave at 607-372-7860 11/15 DENT REMOVAL: door dings, hail dam-age, dents removed without harm to car finish! Olympic Detailing 607-625-2332 DOG BOARDING: Pleasant Valley Dog Kennel, 5367 State Route 38, Newark Valley, NY 13811. 38 years in business, indoor/outdoor runs. Daily rates $14 one dog, $21 two dogs same run 607-642-8776 06/15 WANTED: Your classified ad for our May 2015 issue. Please send in form below by April 25.
SEND US YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS
ALLEN MEMORIAL HOME, INC.
Funeral Service
Established in 1884
511-513 East Main Street
Endicott, New York 13760
(607) 754-0110
For Pre-Funding, No Payment,
Traditional & Cremation
Options
Call or visit us at
www.allenmemorial.com
You can advertise your garage, yard or other sales, events, or items wanted or for sale here in the Community Press, the paper with the largest distribution (by US Mail) in the Owego market area. The same low rate for both commercial or personal family ads. Only $5 for the first 20 words. 1 WORD PER SPACE (add $1 for each 4 additional words)
Send your classified ad to: COMMUNITY PRESS 7830 Route 434, Apalachin, NY 13732 Make check or money order payable to "BEAM" or drop off your ad at Beam Electronics in Apalachin. (phone 625-2222, fax 625-2111) NAME ________________________________ PHONE ________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ CITY __________________________ STATE ________ ZIP ____________ The Community Press goes to press on the first Monday of the month. Your classified ad should be received no later than the fourth Wed of the previous month.
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Skyline Services 891 Pennsylvania, Little Meadows, Pa.
WE INSURE NEW YORK & PENNSYLVANIA FARMS • MOBILE HOMES • RENTALS • HOMEOWNERS
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HAVING TROUBLE GETTING
INSURANCE?
Call Sarah 1-800-258-9404
Check out our new Mobile Web Site!
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Dividing Perennials - Free Workshop on April 30 Learn how to divide perennials in a
free, hands-on workshop to be held on
Thursday, April 30, 6:30 to 8:00 pm at
the Tioga County Office Building at 56
Main Street in Owego.
Learn how to re-invigorate perennials
by dividing them. When you divide your
garden perennials, your plants will be
healthier, and you will have plants to
give away. Participants will practice on
demonstration garden plants. The work-
shop is appropriate for adults and older
children. There is no fee to participate.
For more information and to partici-
pate, contact Barb Neal, Association
Community Educator-Horticulture at
[email protected] or 687-4020 ext 304.
More at tioga.cce.cornell.edu
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 5
Stop in and see Greg Kies today!
Greg’s Auto Sales 770 Fifth Ave., Owego
(607) 687-1535
Check us out on line at: www.GregsAutoSales.biz
SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE
98% APPROVAL
Buy 1 Breakfast or Lunch get 2nd (equal or lesser value) 1/2 price
Congratulations to Tom G. our March Gift Certificate winner Open: 7 Days a week 7am - 3pm • 625-2212
www.facebook.com/gigisplaceapalachin
Join Gigi’s Place for a “THIRTY-ONE PARTY” Sunday April 12th 4:30 to 6:30
MORE MONDAYS
Grand Opening of
Redneck Boot Shop & Western Wear
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was
held April 4 at the Redneck Boot Shop
and Western Wear on Main Street in
Owego across from the courthouse.
The store is the first and only store of its kind within 100 miles of Owego. It
offers western style boots, hats, belts,
clothing and apparel. Redneck Boot
Shop & Western Wear carries several
lines of high quality boots for men,
women and children including Justin
Work Boots, Dan Post, Laredo and
Dingo. Clothing from Roper, Cowgirl
Tuff, B. Tuff, as well as their own line
of promotional apparel, soaps and
lotions from Ranch Organics, Boot
Bling, purses, handbags, and more.
The business is owned by Chris and
Irene White, who also own and operate
Chris White Home Improvements
(CWHI) in the Johnson Pool & Spa Plaza on Route 434. CWHI opened in
Owego in 2009, and did all of the
renovation work to prepare Redneck
Boot Shop & Western Wear for its grand
opening. The store has a rustic feel, with
exposed hardwoods obtained from local
lumber mills, and unique lighting
fixtures available at CWHI.
Redneck Boot Shop & Western
Wear also hopes to offer line dance
classes in the near future.
Chinese Auction on April 11 The Tioga-Nichols Area Lions Club
will hold a Chinese Auction on
Saturday, April 11, at the Nichols Fire
Station, River Road in Nichols. Doors
will open at 6:00 pm with drawings
beginning at 7:00 pm. Envelops with 25
chips can be purchased for $2.00. There
will be many filled baskets as well as
other items up for auction.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 6
~ ONLY 6 MILES SOUTH OF ROUTE 434 ~
LITTLE MEADOWS, PA. 570-623-3508 Open: 7 Days A Week 10:00 am till closing
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER HOMEMADE SOUPS
HAPPY HOUR ~ 3:30 – 5:30 Mon–Fri
CHICKEN & RIB BBQ –Saturdays (weather permitting)
Sunday April 26th Golf Tournament Details & Sign up at the Bar
Party Season is Coming fast - Contact us for your catering needs!
Pizza - 7 Days A Week - Hand Tossed - Full, Half Sheet or Round Friday Nite - Deep fried Haddock & Ribeye Dinners
• CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY •
The Terrace The Friendly Neighborhood Tavern
Rt. 434, Apalachin, New York 625-3935
Join us Saturdays for: Next To Kin - Saturday April 18
Gene Hummel Saturday April 25
Karaoke Saturday - April 11 & May 2
•Tue - Steak Nite • •Wed - Shrimp Nite • • Thurs - Clam Nite •
7 New St., Apalachin, N.Y.
Margaret Karpel – Owner Call today for an appointment
(607) 625-3591 E-mail: [email protected]
NOW ACCEPT-ING
ALL MAJOR
Robotics Program Offered
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Tioga County 4-H is offering an
advanced robotics program for youth
ages 9 to 19.
Lego NXT – Mindstorms is a
program that encourages participants to
design basic robots to complete specific
tasks, as well as learn about engineering
design and programming through hands
on activities using Lego NXT
Mindstorm kits.
The program will meet on Thursday
evenings from 5:00 to 6:30 pm,
beginning April 9 and ending June 18.
Participants in the program will have an
opportunity to show off their work at the
Owego Strawberry Festival, Tioga
County Fair and the NYS Fair. Program
meetings will be held at the Tioga
County Office Building in Owego. The
fee is $25 per participant and includes
robotics notebook, supplies and use of
NXT Robotics kits and programming.
To register, call 607-687-4020.
For more information, visit http://
tioga.cce.cornell.edu/events
Mandy Blood to Wed
Westley Ciaramella
Shari and Lee Blood of Apalachin
are pleased to announce the engagement
of their daughter, Mandy Blood, to
Westley Ciaramella, son of Neida and
Raymond Mazzei of Staten Island, NY.
Mandy is a graduate of The Fashion
Institute of Technology and is Head
Girls Designer at Ikeddi LLC. West-
ley graduated from The Fashion Institute
of Technology and is a Toy Inventor and
partner at Catapult Concepts LLC. An
April 2016 wedding is planned in
Brooklyn, NY.
Chicken & Biscuit Dinner - April 25 A Chicken and Biscuit Dinner will
be held Saturday, April 25, from 4:30 to
6:30 pm, at Apalachin United Methodist
Church, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue in
Apalachin. Cost is $9 for adults, $8.50
for senior citizens, $4.50 for children
ages 6 to 12, and free for children under
6. Take-outs will be available for $8.50.
Proceeds from the dinner are targeted to
support the church’s Outreach and Mis-
sion programs.
HAPPY 3rd
BIRTHDAY AIDEN
April 28th
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 7
7 Days a Week
Mon-Sat 11 till closing; Sunday open at 1pm
Township Cabin, Route 858, Little Meadows, Pa (570) 623-2475 HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 4 – 6
Kitchen Open: Mon-Sat till 9pm
“CABIN FEVER” Sat. April 11th 8-11pm featuring music by
“THE FALCONERS”
MONDAY ~ FREE POOL 7pm till 10pm Tues & Sat – Wing Day –All Day Long $5.50 doz.
Friday & Saturday- Surf & Turf w/ Salad Bar NEW Shrimp Specials
• SUBS • WRAPS • SANDWICHES • BURGERS • SEAFOOD • • SALADS • APPETIZERS • TRY OUR HOMEMADE FRYS •
• Daily & Weekly Rentals • Direct Billing to Insurance Co.
5780 Route 434, Apalachin, NY 13732
Rental 625-9904 Towing 625-5653 members call us directly
Spring Special
TIRES • BATTERIES • OIL CHANGES
CAR CLEANING & POLISHING
Richards Monument Service
Complete Monument Cleaning
3670 Waverly Rd. Owego, N. Y. 13827 607-687-3210
BEFORE AFTER
SPRING
SPECIAL
Only $95.00 !
Recruiting Young Adults
for Work Readiness Program
It’s that time of the year again for
employers to start seeking seasonal help.
The Youth Employment Program of
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE)
Tioga County is currently recruiting
more youth to participate in the work
readiness class and help them be more
prepared in this competitive job market.
Through a partnership between
Broome-Tioga Workforce New York
and CCE Tioga County, the Youth Em-
ployment Program assists Tioga Coun-
ty’s youth (18-21) overcome or mini-
mize barriers to employment and be-
come life-long learners with the neces-
sary skills to support long-term success
in the job market.
This past month one of
the youth participants com-
pleted the CCE Work Readi-
ness Class and obtained his
Customer Service and Sales
Certificate from the NRF
Foundation. After many job
applications and interviews,
he finally obtained employ-
ment working for Walmart as
a receiving associate. He is in
the process of pursuing train-
ing to become employed
someday as a carpenter.
During the program, par-
ticipants are able to increase
their education and skill level,
obtain their High School
Equivalency diploma, secure
local unsubsidized employment, and/or
pursue post-secondary education de-
grees. Youth are able to overcome their
employment barriers and increase our
community’s skilled labor force. As a
result, the community benefits from
youth becoming tax paying, wage earn-
ers that are less dependent on public
assistance.
For more information about how to
become a participant in the program call
Cara Zampi, Youth Employment Educa-
tor, at 687-4020 (CCE office) or 687-
8501 (Employment Center M/W).
Visit tioga.cce.cornell.edu. for more
information about other programs of-
fered in Tioga County.
The Historic Owego Marketplace in
downtown Owego is pleased to an-
nounce plans for the upcoming 35th An-
nual Strawberry Festival to be held Fri-
day night (block Party), June 19, from
5:30 to 10:30 pm, and Saturday (Craft
Fair), June 20, from 9:00 am to 5:00
pm. Committee co-chairs, Fran and
Sandy Dunbar, are excited to be back
again this year to help plan some new
and exciting activities at the festival and
promise to make this year's event anoth-
er great success.
This annual event is host to over
30,000 guests each year; with plenty to
see, taste and enjoy. With more than 200
vendors offering unique crafts, delicious
food and interesting activities for all, as
well as lots of entertainment that in-
cludes two music venues featuring ten
bands, two jugglers, puppet shows, a
bicycle stunt show, parade, Friday night
fireworks and so much more, downtown
Owego is transformed into a walking
mall where the Owego Strawberry Festi-
val is blended throughout the beautiful
village streets in the center of our thriv-
ing mercantile district.
The Strawberry Festival will also
include:
Friday Night Block Party
Strawberry 5K Run/Walk
"Straw Dogs Strut Their Stuff" parade
Wine and Beer Tasting Tent
Miss Strawberry Pageant
Fireworks over the River
Saturday Festival Parade
Firemen Hose Race
Wine and Beer Tasting Tent
Rubber Ducky Derby
Craft Fair
Activities for kids
Vendor applications, sponsorship
opportunities, directions and other ways
to get involved in the festival can be
found on the web at:
www.owegostrawberryfestival.com
Owego Strawberry Festival Celebrates 35 Years
Crafters, Vendors Needed Crafters and vendors are needed for
the Country Roads Craft Show to be
held April 18 at the Newark Valley Fire
Department Hall, from 9:00 am to 3:00
pm. For more info call Kat at (607) 237-
9477.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 8
116 Vestal Road, Vestal, New York HOURS: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday 9 am – 4 pm
CALL FOR
COMPETITIVE PRICES
• 748-3989 •
PROPANE
FUEL OIL • KEROSENE
WOOD PELLETS &
COAL by the Bag
Don’t send your money out of town! Keep it locally, right here in the
Southern Tier!
Locally Owned & Operated since 1960
$9.26 +tax
20 lb. Refill
New Broil King gas grills in stock fully assembled
Gas grill parts for all makes of grills in stock!
Call for Furnace Installation Estimates
LANDSCAPING SERVICES Design & Install Renovation Lighting Mulching Maintenance Excavation/Drainage
HARDSCAPING Design & Install Patios/Driveways/Walks Permeable Pavers Retaining Walls Cleaning/Sealing Repairs
607-206-0304
www.Williams-Landscape.com
LAWN MAINTENANCE & MOWING
SPRING CLEAN UPS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
HONDA
HYUNDAI
USED
DAVID HOWARD Internet Sales
4455 Vestal Parkway, Vestal, NY (607) 352-1524 fax 797-6263 [email protected]
Country Roads Craft Show - April 18 The Country Roads Craft Show will
be held at the Newark Valley Fire De-
partment Hall along with the N V Fire-
man’s Auxiliary Fundraiser and Bake
Sale on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00
am to 3:00 pm
The craft fair will feature more than
20 vendors and crafters for Mother's
Day and spring decorating ideas. Admis-
sion is free.
Come and be one of the judges for
the Auxiliary's Baking Contest. You
judge for your favorite dessert and you
place or mail your entry back by May 1,
2015. One of the judges will win $25
from a drawing of all entries.
Clip this article and get a free cup
of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa at the Coun-
try Roads Craft Show.
Patterson Inn Spring Dinner
Hearth Cooking Workshop
Benjamin Patterson Inn located in
Painted Post is offering a Hearth
Cooking Workshop. Learn to cook a
delicious hearth dinner with foods used
in spring time recipes.
The menu includes dandelion green
salad, pickled carrots, chicken and
dumplings, cake with jelly and whipped
cream. Food will be cooked on the
hearth using historic cooking methods.
The workshop will be held on
Saturday, May 2, and is limited to 12
participants, (adults and mature
teenagers 14 years old and up with a
parent). Do not delay, sign up by April
22. Cost is $45.00 for members, $55.00
for non members.
To register for the workshop, call the
Corning Painted Post Historical Society
at (607) 937-5281.
Mobile Food Distribution by Lions - April 29
Low to moderate income individuals
and families are invited to participate in
a Mobile Food Pantry Distribution
sponsored by the Apalachin Lions in
partnership with the Food Bank of the
Southern Tier. The distribution will be
held on April 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
at St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church
parking lot, 110 Pennsylvania Ave. in
Apalachin. Bring your own bags/boxes.
Call the Food Bank of the Southern
Tier 607-796-6061 with any questions.
In addition to The Mobile Food
Pantry, the Owego Apalachin Family
Reading Partnership will be distributing
free children's books.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 9
Tax Preparation Bookkeeping
Business Consultant
DARLING TAX SERVICE Vicki Darling
Barbara Snyder
Phone (607) 625-4395 6276 State Route 434 Fax (607) 625-5488 Apalachin, NY 13732
Coleman & Daniels FUNERAL HOME LLC
Locally Owned and Operated Proud to be Serving
Our Community for over 130 Years Traditional Funeral & Cremation Options Pre-Arrangement Counseling & Financing
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6519 Rt 434
Apalachin, NY
607-625-3010
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Vestal, NY
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607-785-0411
Mark J. Murphy, Lic. Mgr. Steven Gabriel, Lic. Mgr.
Ronald Yurecka Kurtis VanAbs
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Quality Reliable Service 3908 Waverly Road, Owego,
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Farmhouse Brewery in Newark Valley
Tripling Its Production
The FarmHouse Brewery is the
proud recipient of a grant through the
Regional Economic Area Partnership of
Tioga County in conjunction with the
USDA, for the purchase of brewery and
brewery-related equipment.
A total of three 7-barrel fermenters
are expected to arrive at the brewery in late April, tripling the beer production
capacity for Tioga County’s only
malthouse and farm brewery. The
manufacturer of those fermenters is
Mendon Precision of Rochester, New
York (www.mendonprecision.com). The
FarmHouse Brewery celebrated the
Grand Opening of their Tap Room
location in Owego in July of 2014,
offering 21 taps of NYS labeled farm
brewery beers, farm cidery ciders and
old-fashioned sodas. They are licensed as a “NYS Farm Brewery,” and one of
only about 75 within the state. The farm
brewery license requires a graduating
percentage of hops and barley grown in-
state, eventually capping out at 90% in
2024. By operating their own in-house
malting tanks, the brewery is easily
meeting 100% of their own base malt
grain bill, as well as a portion of the
minimums for a select few breweries
and distilleries across the state. In the
coming months they will begin distributing their kegged beers to Owego
area restaurants and pubs.
The FarmHouse Brewery’s
dedication to sourcing local ingredients
doesn’t stop with beer; they make the
greatest effort to find farm fresh
seasonal grains, fruits and vegetables to
incorporate into their handcrafted ales
and hard ciders. At their Tap Room you
will find baked goods, jams and jellies,
soaps and craft items from local artisans. Even their glassware, kegs and brewing
equipment are purchased from NYS
suppliers whenever possible
Benefit for the Gifted … from the Talented A benefit for Camp Ahawaga will be
held on Friday, April 17, at 7:00 pm in
the Owego Middle School, Sheldon
Guile Blvd, Owego. The “Benefit for the
Gifted … from the Talented” will fea-ture:
Galumpah: Combining stunning
acrobatics, striking visual effects, physi-
cal comedy and inventive choreography.
Kathy Hansen Dance: Kathy Han-
sen Dance School of dance has been
committed to providing quality dance
for 40 years. You’ll appreciate the arts
with a performance bursting at the
seams with music, dance and dreams.
Rick Pedro: Rick’s infectious blend
of patriotic standards, ragtime barn-
burners and modern classics are fused with his unique stage presence. Rick
comes alive, thrilling his audiences with
fast paced melodies, soulful harmonies
and uproarious comedy.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for stu-
dents and senior citizens. For ticket in-
formation contact Amy B. at (607) 761-
4353 or Center Stage at 625-5595.
Apalachin Lions Highway Spring Clean Up Would you like to HELP?
The Apalachin Lions Club is looking
for help with clean up of Rt. 434 on
Saturday. April 18, at 9:00 am.
The clean up crew will meet at BEAM ELECTRONICS on Rt 434. The
amount of time normally spent is
approximately 2 hours to pick up trash
on a three-mile stretch of Rt. 434 in
Apalachin. Please bring gloves, and
dress for the weather, all clean up
supplies will be furnished. For more information or questions
give call Lion Vince Hawley call at 625-
2365.
Fish Fry
The Tioga County Rural Ministry will hold a Doug’s Fish Fry on April 16 at the
Rite Aid Parking lot in Owego from 11:00
am to 6:00 pm, for the benefit of the Tioga
County Rural Ministry.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 10
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Tioga 4-Hers Win Regional Hippology Contest
The Tioga County 4-H Horse
Program senior team won the South
Central district 4-H Hippology (Horse
Knowledge) contest on March 7.
Team members Marta Lengyel,
Marlie Lukach, Hannah Gehring and
Anna Raymond, all of the Berkshire
Broncos 4-H Club earned 1158.5 points
to secure first place. In individual scores
Marta Lengyel placed 2nd, Anna
Raymond placed 6th, Hannah Gehring
placed 7th, Marlie Lukach placed 9th,
and Kristen Martin, Ranch Riders 4-H
Club, placed 12th.
During the contest, participants must
take a written test of 50 questions,
identify 35 horse related items, judge
two horse show classes, and answer 40
one-on-one interview questions. The
senior team must also present a team
presentation on a horse related topic.
The Tioga Co. Junior Hippology
Team placed 3rd overall. The team
members were Tammy Perrotta, Farm
Fanatics 4-H Club, Alison Goodrich,
Ranch Riders 4-H Club, Stacie Greene
and Katie Greene, both of the Berkshire
Broncos 4-H Club. In Individual scores
Alison Goodrich placed 4th, Stacie
Greene placed 6th, Tammy Perrotta
placed 11th and Katie Greene placed
13th.
The Tioga Co. Novice Hipology
Team placed 2nd overall. The team
members and Individual scores were as
follows: McKenna Murphy, Farm
Fanatics 4-H Club, 4th place, Tess
Bergford, Ranch Riders 4-H Club, 6th
place, and Paige Lee, Berkshire Broncos
4-H Club, 7th place.
The event was attended by 35 4-H
horse program youth from six counties
in the South Central District. Marta
Lengyel will represent Tioga County on
the NYS 4-H Senior Team at the NYS
Hippology contest held during the NYS
Fair in August. The three other senior
team members will represent Chenango
and Delaware counties. Anna Raymond
is a Senior Team alternate, and Stacie
Greene is a Junior Team alternate.
For more information about the
Tioga County 4-H Program contact the 4
-H Office, Cornell Cooperative
Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or
visit www.cce.cornell.edu/tioga.
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 11
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Saturday April 18th Starting at 1pm
The Nichols Fire Department
responded to a grass fire with possible
extension to a barn at about 2:40 pm on
Friday, April 2, on the dead end section
of East River Road next to Route 17/86 in Lounsberry.
The Tioga Center Fire Department
was alerted immediately and that was
shortly followed by Southside and
Owego Fire Departments. Additional
apparatus and manpower were requested
from Windham Center and Athens
Township Fire Departments in
Pennsylvania.
Arriving at the scene, Nichols
firefighters found that the fire had spread
to a large horse barn with a metal roof. All the horses were pastured in adjacent
fields and were not threatened at any
time. However, firefighters realized that
the barn could be beyond saving. The
barn's metal roof created a problem for
extinguishing the fire. When metal roofs
collapse, anything burning below them is
sealed from water flow. In this case, a
large construction excavator was used to
remove the metal sheets and expose the
fire underneath. Near the burning barn and separated
by about 40 yards were a residence and
another out-structure along with at least
two 100-pound propane tanks. Electric
service lines were an issue but that was
quickly resolved. The firefighters'
priorities included protecting the
uninvolved structures and developing an
aggressive water supply.
Eighty firefighters were at the scene
with approximately 18 pieces of
apparatus. At least 9 tankers were used as a rolling pipeline and were re-filled
from a hydrant across the highway from
the Lounsberry Truck Stop
approximately 1.5 miles from the scene.
This was on a narrow, dead end road so
the tankers had to back in for the last
quarter mile where they filled two
portable tanks. From there water was
pumped to an aerial ladder waterway and
several hand lines.
An estimated 100,000 gallons of water were used to fight the fire. The
tanker shuttle which was quickly
established allowed for an adequate
water supply for the duration of the fire.
During the early stages of the barn
blaze, the wind blew embers to an uninhabited island in the Susquehanna
River just north of the scene and a large
grass fire soon developed. The
Campville Fire Department was
dispatched along with an airboat and
crews to handle the island fire. The
airboat was used to transfer personnel
from shore to shore. To fight the fire on
the island, firefighters used five-gallon
back pack water supplies, rakes and
grassfire brooms to control the flames.
The response to the fire initiated a backup response with Newark Valley
covering Owego, Apalachin covering
Southside, and Waverly-Barton covering
Nichols.
Even though this was a defensive,
exterior attack, respiratory protection
was employed in the hot zone and
included the excavator operator. As
firefighters approached the perimeter
they were checked for SCBA and
structural firefighting gear. The scene was behind a DOT ribbon
rail scant yards from the highway. As
such, the traffic was impacted by drive-
by viewing.
This was a very successful operation
with excellent integration between the
departments involved. Particularly
apparent was the water supply training
offered by the NYS Office of Fire
Prevention and Control. This allowed all
the players from many departments to
work efficiently and smoothly. The Nichols Fire Company has practiced
these evolutions with surrounding
departments and it paid off with an
excellent water supply.
Most units were replenished,
reloaded, washed and in service around
9:30 pm. Nichols Fire Department was
involved beyond then. In spite of
challenging conditions the call was
handled well and cooperatively. This is
impossible without formal training and inter-company drills.
Barn Fire 80 firefighters respond
Fire spreads to island in Susquehanna
OFA Jazz Band to Perform at Free Concert
The Owego Free Academy Jazz
Band will perform at this month’s
Always On Sunday Concert, April 19, at
4:00 pm at the Owego Elks Lodge,
corner of Front and Church Streets in Owego.
The OFA Jazz Band is a group of
talented local students who perform
under the direction of Daniel Fabricius.
In recent years the Jazz Band has
attended the Mansfield University Jazz
Festival, Festivals of Music in Toronto,
and the Oneida Jazz Festival. The band
has appeared twice at the Lincoln Center
Plaza in New York City. For the past
two years the OFA Jazz Band has
attended the NYSSMA Major
Organization Evaluation Festival and
was awarded Gold ratings for both
performances. Always on Sunday concerts are free
and open to the public, but donations are
welcome. The Always on Sunday
Concert series is made possible, in part,
with funding from the Tioga County
Senior Citizens Foundation. This is the
last concert of the season.
For more information, contact the
Tioga Arts Council at 687-0785.
www.tiogaartscouncil.org
Call Earl for an appointment 625-3015
1429 Main Street, Apalachin, N. Y.
Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S.? On April 23, 2015, SUNY Broome
Community College will welcome
filmmaker Heather Arnet for a screen-
ing and discussion of her documentary
“Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S.?”
The film chronicles the election of the
first female President of Brazil and asks
“Why not a woman president of the
United States?” The goal of the film,
according to Arnet was not to point out
how America has not succeeded in
electing a woman president. Her aim, as
her grandmother pointedly says in the
film, was to figure out “How the hell
did other countries do that?”
This free community event will be
held in the Decker Health Sciences
Building, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, and promis-
es to be a thought-provoking prelude to
the 2016 US Presidential election.
OPEN 7 DAYS
A WEEK
Tisdale Assorted California Wine 750 ml. 12 Bottle Case …. $59.92 Blue Nun Riesling 3 Liter Box ………………………………………….. $17.99 Assorted Alan Kura Wines of Argentina 750 ml. ………………. $9.99 Rapa Nui Wines of Chili 750 ml. ………………………………………. $9.99 Georgi Vodka 15 Different Flavors! 1 Liter …………………….. $10.99 Canadian Leaf Whiskey 1.75 Liter …. $16.99 1 Liter ….. $10.99
Sweeneys Plaza, Rt 434, Apalachin
Gift Certificates Available
Case Discounts on non-sale wines
APRIL 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS PAGE 12
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Local Authors to Visit Apalachin Library The Apalachin Library will host two
local authors this month.
Joseph Falank will be at the library
on Tuesday,
April 7, at 7:00
pm. Falank is the
author of a young
adult novel titled
Seeing. His
second novel,
The Painted
Lady, will be
released in
August.
Freddie Remza will be at the library
on Tuesday, April 14, at 7:00 pm.
Remza’s newest
book is The
Stolen Brooch.
Freddie has
traveled a lot
and will talk
about her book
and her travels.
The authors
will have books
for sale. All are
welcome.
Donations for Our Troops The Vestal Elks #2508, 2071 Vestal
Parkway West, are taking up a collection
to send overseas to our troops, now till
April 30. Donations can be dropped off
in the main lobby.
The Vestal Elks are currently sending
packages to five different soldiers
located around the world.
The Vestal Elks thank everyone in
advance for their support.
The Third Annual Pink Elk 5K
Run/Walk will be held 11am on
Sunday, April 19, at Vestal Elks
Lodge 2508. Proceeds will benefit
Traci’s Hope and the Vestal Elks
Lodge Veterans’ Committee. The
cost is $20 if you pre-register and
$25 the day of the race (T-shirts will
be limited). Family price is $20 for
the first runner, $10 for each spouse
and child under age 18 (must pre-
register). Pre-registration includes a
T-shirt, pasta dinner the night be-
fore, and a snack after the race. Reg-
istration the day of the race starts at
9:30 am - 10:45am on Sunday, April
19. For registration forms, go to
southern.tier.net/vestalelks or send
an email to Jake Brown at
Annual Pink Elk 5K Run/Walk, April 19
April 2015 TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS WEB EXTRA PAGE 1X
Tioga Opportunities Presents
Decision Making Day
Have you thought about a will,
power of attorney, or health care
proxy? You can learn more about
these essential documents at
Decision Making Day, Tuesday,
April 28, 9:00 to 11:00 am, at the
Countryside Community Center
in Owego.
Greg Catarella from Levene
Gouldin & Thompson will
present important information on
wills, living wills, powers of
attorney, health care proxies, and
do-not-resuscitate orders.
The program is open to the
public, but registration is
required. Call the Department of
Aging at 687-4120 ext. 331 to
reserve your seat.
The Community Center is at 9
Sheldon Guile Blvd in Owego.
Falls Prevention Workshop More than one third of adults over
age 60 fall each year, resulting in serious
injuries. Falls are not a normal part of
aging, and muscle strength and balance
can be regained at any age. The “Stepping On” Falls Prevention Well-
ness Workshop provides education to
people over the age of 60, assisting them
to remain independent and in their
homes. Caregivers are also welcome to
join the workshops. Strength and bal-
ance activities, home safety, bone
health, nutrition, footwear, assistive de-
vices, and much more will be discussed.
This program is coming to the De-
partment of Aging (9 Sheldon Guile
Blvd, Owego) on Mondays, April 20
through June 8 (no class May 25) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Refreshments will be
served.
The registration fee of $35 covers all
classes and the program manual
(financial assistance is available). Clas-
ses fill quickly, so register today. Call
607-757-0750 or 607-765-4180 for more
information.
Energy Efficiency Adventure at the Library The cheapest, greenest energy there
is, is the energy you don’t use. That fun-
damental fact has prompted the Apala-
chin Library to look for ways to tighten
up the facility, starting with an Energy Audit on April 22, coincidentally Earth
Day.
“We’re so blessed to be in a commu-
nity that supports the library through
time, talent, and money,” Cathy Sorber,
Library Director, said. “We have a deep
commitment to use the community’s
money wisely and well. Avoiding unnec-
essary energy costs is one huge way to
do that.”
The library is taking advantage of a
free energy audit program offered
through NYSERDA (New York State
Energy Research and Development Au-
thority). After the audit completes, the
auditors will return in mid-June to re-view the results of the audit, and present
recommendations for improving the
buildings’ energy efficiency.
The recommendations from the audit
will provide the basis for planning and
developing energy efficiency improve-
ments to the library. If you’d like to
learn more about this effort, please con-
tact Janet Thomas at jjsthom-
4 H’ers Participate in Presentation Event On March 21, fifteen Tioga County 4
-H members participated in the nine-
county 4-H District Public Presentation
event held in Broome County. One of
the participants, Cassie Hollenbeck of the 4-H Shooting Sports program, quali-
fied to advance to the New York State 4-
H Public Presentation event on May 16
at Cornell University.
The 4-H’ers began their journey in
February at the Tioga County 4-H Public
Presentation event where they were se-
lected, based on their scores, to partici-
pate in the district event. The following
are the categories, youth, club, and
presentation title:
• Junior Demonstrations (ages 9-12): Tammy Perrotta, Farm Fanatics 4-H
Club, Sweet and Easy.
• Junior Illustrated Talk (ages 9-12):
Rachel Brennan, All Over Clover Kids
4-H Club, How to Gut a Deer; Layla
Etienne, Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club,
Dogs are Great; Megan Henry, Flora &
Fauna Friends 4-H Club, Writing Music;
Broderick Hines, All Over Clover Kids
4-H Club, Star Wars Legos; Rosaria
Hines, All Over Clover Kids 4-H Club,
Oh My Gods; and, Jenna O’Connell, Flora & Fauna Friends 4-H Club, Added
Sugars.
• Senior Demonstrations (ages 13-19):
Cassie Hollenbeck, 4-H Shooting
Sports, Wan Bo-Tournament Style; and,
Megan Holloway, Berkshire Broncos 4-
H Club, Horses Improve Our Lives.
• Senior Illustrated Talk (ages 13-19):
Haley Cornelius, Berkshire Broncos 4-
H Club, How Music Affects Your Moods;
Staci Greene, Berkshire Broncos 4-H
Club, Duck Commander; Emily Henry, Flora and Fauna Friends 4-H Club,
Sports; Megan Klett, Animal Aholics 4-
H Club, A Day At the Dog Groomer;
Marta Lengyel, Berkshire Broncos 4-H
Club, Evolution of the Horse; and, Leah
O’Connell, Flora and Fauna Friends 4-
H Club, Nutrition Suspicion.
Strawberry Festival 5K & Kids Shortcake Registration is open for the 2015
Strawberry Shake 5K and Kids’ 1 Mile
Shortcake Run/Walk to be held in
Owego on June 19 in conjunction with
the Strawberry Festival. Last year, this annual event drew
over 800 runners and walkers, and or-
ganizers are expecting more people to
participate this year.
This is a USA Track and Field sanc-
tioned event on a certified course. It will
be timed by the Triple Cities Runners
Club and awards will be given to 1st,
2nd and 3rd place in all age categories
for both male and female. This mostly
flat and fast 5K route takes participants
through the streets of historic downtown Owego.
Although there is plenty of room for
a competitive spirit, this run is all about
fun. Go for your best time, walk with
your friends, run with your co-workers
or just have a good time at this commu-
nity fitness event.
Most participants will leave with a
2015 Race T-Shirt, but sizes are limited
so early registration is advised. Water,
snacks and other fun freebies will be
available on site or in your race packet. After the race, head down to the vil-
lage to the Owego Strawberry Festival
Block Party and relax, refresh and cele-
brate. There will be live music, lots of
places to eat, shopping, fireworks over
the Susquehanna River and more as
Owego kicks off 35th Annual Strawber-
ry Festival.
For more details, to register online,
view the route or download a registra-
tion form, go to www.runsignup.com
and search “Owego Strawberry Shake 5K”. Prices increase after the pre-
registration deadline on June 11 at noon.
For more information, email crhaf-
[email protected] or call Tioga County
Tourism at 687-7440.
How to Join the VFW
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
is the largest organization of combat
veterans in the United States. The VFW
was founded for one, single purpose: to assure those who've protected our coun-
try are protected in return. This protec-
tion comes in the form of programs,
standing up for veterans rights in Wash-
ington, D.C., and reaching out with help
in our community.
The hard truth is the Glenn A. Warner
Post 1371 Veterans of Foreign Wars
can't do it all and urgently needs more
resources from all veterans who are eli-
gible for membership.
The Owego VFW strives to continue to do good things for deserving people -
our veterans, their families and their
communities. VFW members work eve-
ry day to make a difference. It's the
VFW's strength as an organization. And,
with each individual membership, the
VFW grows stronger.
Membership Eligibility
There are three primary requisites for
membership in the VFW: 1) a United
States Citizen or U.S. National, 2) Hon-orable service in the Armed Forces of
the United States, and 3) Those serving
honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces in a
foreign war or overseas operation recog-
nized by a campaign medal.
Veterans are eligible if in Korea after
June 30, 1949, and recipients of hostile-
fire or imminent danger pay. Veterans of
World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grena-
da, Panama, Lebanon. Persian Gulf and
Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan and other
smaller expeditionary campaigns, as well as occupation duty, qualify.
If you meet these requirements and
wish to join, follow these few easy steps.
Contact the Owego VFW to sign up. Go
to the post located at 207 Main Street.
Or call the Post at 687-1371 for an appli-
cation. Quartermaster Dave Bensley will
make sure it is mailed to your home and
follow up with you if you have ques-
tions. By joining now, the Owego VFW
pays your first year dues and your new membership will be valid for a full cal-
endar year.
A new Facebook page is on line. Ac-
cess VFW Post 1371 for updates.
Volunteer Opportunities
Owego VFW Post 1371 has lots of
volunteer opportunities for you to con-
sider. Among them a Post Officer, Hon-
or Guard for Funeral Honors for de-
ceased veterans wake, funeral or burial.
March in veterans and community pa-
rades. Post Colors at dinners and cere-monies.
Memorial Day weekend
Invite school students to accompany
you and educate them while placing
American flags on veterans graves.
March in parade. Teach children the
meaning of Memorial Day and Freedom
Isn't Free at the Tioga Veterans Memori-
al Service of Remembrance.
Before Memorial and Veterans Days,
share your service experience in elemen-
tary, middle school or high school class-rooms. Organize programs for veterans
in RivervView Manor Nursing Home,
homebound and hospitalized. At Christ-
mas time, take responsibility for one
cemetery and make sure each veterans
grave has an evergreen wreath thanking
them for their service and sacrifice.
Support to fund raising events such as
Golf Tournaments, Children's Picnic,
Free Children's Movie at Tioga Theatre,
Free Children's Bowling, Children's Christmas Party in Warner Hall. Post
events like Friday night dinners, Bingo,
community benefits and other activities
during the year.
Who to Contact
Updates coming to last week's VFW
report on the Ladies Auxiliary, Men's
Auxiliary, Vietnam Veterans of America
like their support to the Rt. 38 Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor
Tribute Ride, support to the younger
Veterans of Modern Warfare on their new "battlefield" - the home front and
other VFW Post activities.
Nearly every day, American veterans
arrive home from Iraq or Afghanistan.
The environment they return to makes a
real difference in how the transition
home goes. War zone veterans, their
families and their communities would
benefit from everyone getting involved
and creating a welcoming, thoughtful
and helpful environment. Tell us more what the community can
do to make a difference in the lives of
returning war zone veterans. In your
own words, write your idea and email to
VFW Post 1371 Memorial Day Chair-
man [email protected]. on special
assignment for this purpose.
Veterans News
OWEGO LITTLE LEAGUE NEWS BRIEFS www.eteamz.com/owego
April Practices
Baseball VP Chris Rieg is happy that
Hyde Park is alive with 17 OLL teams
practicing outdoors for the 64th season
after the four inch snow cover melted. Completed online registrations and play-
er drafts resulted in three Majors, five
Minors, five Modified Tee Ball and four
Tee-Ball Teams. Softball WP Dave
York is coordinating the girls softball
practice schedule. VP Jim Lavo says the
Tri County Teener Baseball season starts
later.
Work Bee Saturdays
Hyde Park’s annual field cleanup days
will be Saturdays, April 11 and 18, start-
ing at 9 a.m. Volunteers will come from the OLL families and the community at
large. They’ll do actions from the “To
Do List." Organizers say the annual
spring cleaning days gets everyone to-
gether to do their part. Many hands
make light work.
Opening Day April 25
Saturday, April 25 - a week earlier - for
Opening Day Parade, Hyde Park Cere-
monies and a full day of games on the
five diamond complex.
Traditional Parade. Players report to the
Owego Police Station on Temple Street.
Parade Marshall John Loftus lines up
teams starting at 8 a.m. Parade marches at 8:30 a.m. past the Fire Station, up
North Avenue, down George Street to
Hyde Park. Ceremonies on Nick Raftis
Memorial Field start at 9 a.m. Games
start afterwards.
Wanted: History Enthusiast
Baseball History Enthusiasts - volun-
teers and editor - needed to research and
write OLL history from 2001 to now. "A
League of Our Own - Fifty Years of
Memories" was edited by Steve Law-
rence and distributed on the 50th Anni-versary. Email your interest to jraft-
OLL/Williamsport Web Sites
Webmaster Eric Hawkins posts breaking
news and field updates on the OLL Web
Site www.eteamz.com/owego. Find
newsletters for parents, players, manag-
ers and coaches on Williamsport
www.littleleague.org