To the editor:

In her column (Vol. 29, No. 39) Nancy Fontanella conveys some dangerous, even potentially lethal, misinformation. Quoting a neighbor who is said to be an expert mushroom collector we are told that “... poisonous mushrooms are brightly colored with hollowed stems and deep gills on the underside of the cap.” In fact, most serious mushroom poisonings and virtually all fatalities are attributable to the white Amanitas.  Not only are these bland-appearing mushrooms devoid of color, but they are among the most commonplace varieties in these parts.  I can see several right outside my kitchen window. One cannot generalize about what general “types” of mushrooms are and are not dangerous to consume.  One can only make such attributions on a species by species basis using a good guidebook.

Michael Lieber

Narrowsburg, NY

[The following letter was sent to Town of Tusten Supervisor Dick Crandall and submitted for publication.]

Dear Mr. Crandall:

Since the towns of Tusten and Lumberland applied for and was given a grant from the UDC to develop a ridgeline zoning overlay district in combination with conservation and land development design subdivision, it is obvious that the town board is concerned with the present and future development of the ridgeline.

As a riparian, landowner, resident and taxpayer in the town of Tusten, I am requesting that town board put a moratorium on all ridgeline development until the results of this grant are made public.

Hank Schneider

Narrowsburg, NY

To the editor:

Since the following rebuttal was submitted to the Times Herald Record, and they apparently lack the journalistic integrity to publish it, I find it necessary to set the record straight, regarding issues at the Lodge in Rock Hill, in newspapers that care about the truth.

The statements made by Supervisor Cellini regarding conditional certificates of occupancy issued to the Lodge at Rock Hill and his questioning of their validity are laughable. The C of O’s in question clearly stated that the conference center rooms were to have a maximum occupant load of 99 persons per room (not per section), regardless of configuration, as Cellini is well aware, since he mandated that all documents generated by the Building Department required his approval before they were released. In addition, the occupant load cards that I personally put up in the conference center clearly indicated a maximum of 99 persons per room.

His inference that there was some kind of deal made is even more laughable. The Town of Thompson Building Department, during my tenure, did not make deals. We enforced codes (state and local). My issuance of these conditional C of O’s was well within my authority and discretion. In fact, I even consulted with the Department of State beforehand to make sure my actions were appropriate.

Cellini’s concern regarding occupancy limit violations at the Lodge is perhaps the biggest joke of all. Where was his concern at the first Casino Conference, held at the Lodge, when he knew that only 99 persons were allowed in any one room? Nonexistent, that’s where.

Cellini’s statements indicating that there would be no more C of O’s issued to the Lodge until they hook the sprinkler system up is also amusing, since that decision is not his to make. It is not within his authority to grant or deny a C of O; that responsibility rests with the building inspector and/or code enforcement officer. Perhaps if Cellini would focus on his own job, instead of trying to micromanage a department that he knows virtually nothing about and legally can’t interfere with, the town would stop losing valuable and loyal employees.

Probably the saddest part of this article is that no attempt was made to verify the accuracy of Cellini’s statements. When I called that newspaper’s offices to inquire why there was no attempt to contact me regarding these unfounded accusations, the response I got was “You’re not listed.” That’s pretty sad considering everyone in town hall has my home number, and since it is common knowledge that I am currently the code enforcement officer for Town of Cochecton (which is listed), a fact that was published in their own paper. Not to mention, I am on their subscriber list. No one even looked at the C of O’s in question, or they would have seen Cellini’s signature/initials right next to mine.

It is truly a shame that any newspaper would allow itself to be used, by the likes of Cellini, in such an obvious, and disingenuous attempt to ingratiate himself with the residents of and those doing business with the town, who are not pleased with my departure. By the way, Cellini, no need to respond, the residents of the town aren’t as dumb as you would like to believe.

John Drobysh

Cochecton, NY

To the editor:

Ms. Connolly seems to be obsessed with the Smallwood Civic Association. She is right that the association does not represent all the people of Smallwood and fortunately for us neither does she!

She has complained that Smallwood Lake was once free and now there is a charge. Anyone who used the Lake prior to the Association’s purchase of it was trespassing. When the Civic Association purchased it, they operated under the guidelines of the law. This means that they had to purchase liability insurance, which is very expensive. Other expenses such as lifeguards, grounds keepers, and gate workers needed to be paid. The fee for the lake is nominal and capital improvements are made all the time. Denise, it is your choice not to join, therefore do not complain!

I would like the readers to know that I am a proud member of the Smallwood Civic Association. I have lived in Smallwood for the past 17 years. Our Board of Directors consists of volunteers who give much of their time and efforts to the community. To celebrate Smallwood’s 75th anniversary, a day of free entertainment was held at the civic park for all to attend. We have established a community park with a playground for children, a ballfield, a basketball area, a handball court, and a bocce ball court. On an annual basis, we have sponsored a children’s carnival, which has been open to the public. Ice-skating for all of the Town of Bethel residents was held at Smallwood Lake once upon a time. The civic association and the Town of Bethel worked together as a team back then.

Denise, it’s funny that when I discuss the town board meetings with people who attended, no one seems to have noticed you ever being there!

Susan Conroy

Smallwood, NY

To the editor:

It is nice to note that Ms. Connolly, in her letter of September 25, does not refer pejoratively regarding senior citizens, retired residents, or part-time residents who are all full-time tax payers in Bethel, as she did in her first letter to the editor on September 11. However, her continued mis-information and assertions that the “community leaders and so many residents referred to as the town’s big mouthed bullies” ignores the fact that on three specific occasions town and county officials had to make public apologies to the civic association for their behavior. Since Ms. Connolly does not attend any meetings and only relies on second-hand information, it is no wonder that she formulates her statements based on erroneous data. The “small group of individuals” Ms. Connolly refers to, have accomplished the opening of the public access to the Toronto Reservoir for everybody’s free and unfettered use, which was granted by a Federal License in 1992. They also produced a 75th anniversary celebration, which was enjoyed by over 1,000 people on August 23. Quality of life issues, such as 911 addresses and local property conditions, are on the top of the civic association’s agenda, and many residents have availed themselves of this service. Meetings are very well attended and membership represents the majority of the homeowners in Smallwood, not withstanding Ms. Connolly’s baseless statement to the contrary. What has Ms. Connolly done to improve the quality of life in Smallwood?

Ms Connolly is still misinformed about the civic association fee structure. Civic association membership is $30 per year. This supports the above activities and the recreation park, summer program, general membership meetings and newsletters—a bargain in anyone’s eyes. The additional fees support the beach, boating facilities, life guards, insurance, maintenance, etc. One can simply choose civic association membership for $30.

Our membership is healthy and a mailing list should include all residents of our community. Membership has increased due to this mailing campaign.

The civic association will continue to represent the needs of th community through active attendance at town board, planning board and zoning board meetings, since these boards are the heart and soul of Bethel.

Herman Wiener, President

Civic Association of Smallwood

To the editor:

Everyone has his or her own right to voice an opinion, but so far I have not met anyone in Smallwood who refers to our community leaders as “big-mouthed bullies” other than Ms. Connolly. She seems to have a lot of hatred and personal dislike spewing from her. I find that sad.

I am a resident of Smallwood and have many friends and acquaintances in the community. It seems to me that everyone I know and meet is a member of the civic association. Even those friends of mine that belong to the social club of Smallwood. Maybe the association does not represent all of the homeowners, but it certainly represents most of them. I believe people realize the association has leaders that tirelessly work for them and the betterment of Smallwood. This has been demonstrated in many of the wonderful facilities and activities we are presently enjoying.

Ms. Connolly has a right to decline joining the association, but she seems to have a difficult time realizing that she is the one in the minority.

Marilyn Schein

Smallwood, NY

To the editor:

I am replying to Denise Connolly’s defamation of the Civic Association of Smallwood. I have been secretary for the Civic for the past 21 years.

Living in Maryland before I moved here, I worked for the League of Women Voters for 10 years. I have worked for both of these organizations because of my strong conviction that the success of a democracy depends on citizens paying attention to the workings of government, particularly local government. Citizens have an obligation to serve as watchdogs of local government. If we don’t, who will?

As far as I know, Ms. Connolly doesn’t attend Bethel Town Board meetings, so how can she accurately report what goes on? A surprisingly large number of homeowners have attended some town board meetings to support the association; people who are willing to come out and speak out.

Obviously she did not bother to read the civic application for membership. It costs $30 to join the Civic; to join the lake costs more due to all the costs involved—lifeguards, insurance, maintenance, etc. The Civic Association of Smallwood has lasted as long as it has, succeeded as well as it has, entirely due to the support of its membership, and the dedication and hard work of members of the board.

Mary Ann Burke

Smallwood, NY

To the editor:

BOCES Superintendent Martin Handler’s September 11 comments to the Eldred Central School Board of Education as recorded in the September 18-24 edition of The River Reporter are an improvement over the outrageously partisan statements he made to Sullivan West voters before the final merger vote in the former Delaware Valley district in 1999.

However, Mr. Handler, in talking now about the annexation of a smaller district (Eldred) by a larger one as opposed to a merger of relative equals, is alleged to have said, “No new school board would be created and Eldred would have no guarantee of representation on the larger district’s board.”

Actually, even in a merger of equals, such as the three-way Sullivan West merger, there is no guarantee of representation for any district, let alone a smaller one. This is something that should make Eldred voters think twice before rushing into such a project.

I found it most interesting that when Mr. Handler talked about dissolving the Eldred district he said, “I don’t know of any advantage to doing that, but it is in the law.”

In the winter of 1998, I had a private meeting with Jeffersonville-Youngsville Superintendent Jack Jordan about the proposed merger of Jeffersonville-Youngsville, Delaware Valley and Narrowsburg. I raised the possibility of dissolving Narrowsburg and splitting that district up between Jeffersonville-Youngsville, Delaware Valley and Eldred and was informed that it was not possible.

Actually, such a solution would have avoided overtaxing the facilities of the neighboring districts and would also have avoided the four years of ongoing controversy and scandal that have resulted from the poorly thought out Sullivan West merger.

Eldred residents should know that closing down their high school and tuitioning out their students is an irreversible step. Once you close down the high school, you will never get it back.

Learn something from the Sullivan West mess. Keep your independence.

Noel van Swol

Long Eddy, NY

To the editor:

Our Kucinich house party at my home on Sunday—the International Day of Peace—was a rousing success. What made it so successful was watching a 30-minute video of Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Democratic candidate for president, show us who he is by talking about what he proposes to do as president. Essentially, he wants to take us back to the ideals that underlie our nation. He is very outspoken about this and is an absolute polar opposite to Bush and his divisive and destructive policies and actions.

You will be very inspired by this video and the man, which it presents to us. You will love his passion and his caring. Please call me at 845/292-2279 and we will arrange it so you can see it.

The Kucinich campaign, of course, needs money and other kinds of support so his inspiring message can reach everyone in this country. Please send money now before September 30 so federal matching money will be available. The toll free number is 866/413-3664 or Kucinich for President, 11808 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111. When you call in, you can ask for a kit of materials so you can have your own video.

Tim Shera

Liberty, NY

To the editor:

This morning’s White House press conference has left this reader in a state of shock.

There is substantial evidence to believe the White House has deliberately misused classified intelligence and broken federal law in order to intimidate and silence a whistleblower, former Ambassador Joe Wilson.

Exposing an undercover CIA operative is a Federal crime and the severest violation of national security one can think of.  The White House’s claim to ignorance, “no information has been brought to our attention” is wholly unsatisfactory and indicates to this reader that there is a cover-up going on at the very highest levels of the administration.

Patriotic Americans should demand an investigation be held outside the supervision of the Ashcroft-run Justice Department. Congress should either appointment a special prosecutor or hold its own Congressional investigation to get to the bottom of this national security disaster.

The fate of our democracy hangs in the balance.

Michael H. Wang

New York, NY

To the editor:

Sullivan County’s Legislators have completed several projects. They’ve doubled their own salaries; they’ve pushed the Consumer Protection Agency overboard and raised the sales tax.

Some projects not completed include garbage and casinos (a random but apt juxtaposition). Those are still being debated. Or, rather, the issue of importing garbage is seemingly being debated; debate concerning casinos has never interested our legislators.

Which leaves us where?

First, legislators took very good financial care of themselves.

Secondly, exploited consumers must now fend for themselves and pay higher taxes. Everyone who shops here now pays more for almost everything so that the influential old boys, who own millions upon millions in local real estate and businesses, are not inconvenienced by higher property taxes. 

The income generated by garbage importation, at the expense of the health and well-being of the surrounding population, offers an malodorous illusion of economic health so rather than making humane, imaginative or hard decisions, the legislature intends to keep it that way while winking at their colleagues who “fight” it. Ignoring dissenters or patting them on the head, is something they do well. And they’ve purposely hidden the costs of casinos from us—for years—though we’d pay them.

Which is why all of them should be dumped from office; those responsible for the above and those who simply didn’t bother to employ their public positions to effectively raise hell about them.

Dump them all. Those we put in their places would be on notice that we, the voters, are a force to be reckoned and are not satisfied to be patted on the head. Unless we do, it’ll be more of the same. For sure.

Lee Karr

Forestburgh, NY