Region

Seeking photos (up to 4) for 2013 Jeff Bank calendar through 4/20, $5 entry fee. Applications: jeffbank.com or kathryyn@catskillartsociety.org. 845/436-4227.

Despite postponement of a momentous vote on the Delaware River Basin Commission’s proposed natural gas regulations, activists carried through with a planned rally in Trenton, NJ on November 21 (see page 1). The rally was one of a quickly multiplying number of initiatives on the part of people responding to a sense that the time has come to be heard on issues ranging from the economy to hydrofracking.  Read more

"Natural Gas Development's Impact on Forestlands" educational web-based program, 1pm. extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/webinars/upcoming or 570/433-3040.

"Small-Scale Logging" live web-based educational program, 12noon & 7pm. extension.psu.edu/private-forests/tools-resources/webinars.

Santa arrives atop a 50' lighted musical sleigh in Bethel, 5:30pm, and heads to Main St. in Liberty. Cookies, candy canes, sing-a-longs. facebook.com/santaexpress or 845/557-3321.

Santa arrives atop a 50' lighted musical sleigh at Eldred corner, 5pm. Santa Express then visits Glen Spey Circle Park, Barryville River Market, Yulan 4 corners & Narrowsburg school, ending approx. 8pm. Cookies, candy canes, sing-a-longs. facebook.com/santaexpress or 845/557-3321.

All overdue materials returned to any branch of Western Sullivan Public Library will be exempt from fines. 845/482-4350.

While there are many issues facing elected officials this year, including in New York the reality of the newly imposed two percent property tax cap and reduced municipal revenues from taxes and other sources, the issue that stands out most is gas drilling: are you for or against, and where do you stand?  Read more

Congressman Maurice Hinchey has written to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) asking that they examine mortgage rules as they relate to gas drilling and the signing of gas leases.

The request came after a story in The New York Times reported that banks and real estate executives, especially in New York, are refusing to offer mortgages on properties that have gas leases attached to them. The report, published on October 19, said at least eight banks are now following this policy.  Read more

"Natural Gas Development & Impacts on Agriculture" educational program, 1-2:15pm. extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/webinars/upcoming.