Concert management falls short of expectations

To the editor:

I read your front-page, rather benign article, in the August 10 issue of The River Reporter, reporting the Crosby Stills Nash and Young concert. I feel that I have an obligation to send a message to any present and future ticket-holders of Bethel Woods concerts: caveat emptor.

The grand opening of this venue with the New York Philharmonic was nothing short of magnificent. The lawn seats only added to the wonderful flavor of the evening. The staff was helpful and friendly. The expectations of management were well defined and the audience remained orderly and respectful of the performers and their fellow onlookers.

Last Saturday, however, I left at intermission in total disgust.

I became suspicious when there was confusion over what exactly was to be allowed. No tailgating in the parking lot? We arrived three-and-a-half hours early only to see numerous tailgaters. Our lawn seat rules changed from only blankets to bleacher cushions to low folding beach chairs to bagged folding chairs. Once there, some were made to move the bagged chairs behind a certain point; others were not. Then, staff allowed some of those with chairs to sit on the sidewalk surrounding the perimeter of the amphitheater. Soon they were standing, blocking most views of the thousands behind them. Eventually, there were verbal confrontations and complaints to the staff, but nothing changed.

Problems mounted as some over-imbibed. Glass bottles and garbage were strewn all over the lawn. Masses of people walked on the sidewalk between the amphitheater and the lawn, completely blocking our view.

Given the fact that people were sitting everywhere—including areas far beyond the viewing distance of the stage—it is clear that they had oversold tickets.

“Where was the staff?” you may ask. We spotted them as we exited, under a pavilion far removed from the site.

I phoned Bethel Woods the following afternoon to jokingly request a refund, only to get an answering machine. I would think that an operation of that magnitude would have at least one human being actively employed.

Certainly, I can think of a better way to spend my Sunday evening and $50 than this.

A good neighbor

To the editor:

As the head of one of the world’s largest international community services organizations helping children that have been affected by life-threatening illnesses, I was quite disappointed in the article concerning Camp Simcha and its neighbors Ronald and Mercedes Schneider (The River Reporter, August 17-23.)

Many children from all over the world, from various different backgrounds, come to this campsite to be able to become children again. Its world-class medical care gives children with cancer, some of them with a terminal diagnosis, a few days of respite. It has been an extraordinarily good neighbor to adjacent residents, as well as to the wonderful community of Glen Spey. As you correctly reported, Camp Simcha has not had any violations nor misused any local ordinances and codes. All medications and medical treatments, as well as disposal of medical waste, meet professional standards, as well as board of health standards.

It is disheartening that anyone would complain about a helicopter ride for a dying child, or for a medical evacuation for someone that is so ill. It is upsetting that anyone does not understand the need for a PA system when medical emergencies are commonplace.

Camp Simcha has invested more than $15 million over 15 years and employs locals and supports local charities. I am sure that the Glen Spey community is proud of our unique achievements.

Camp Simcha and its parent organization, Chai Lifeline, has attempted to reach out to our neighbor to see how we can accommodate. We have invested tens of thousands of dollars, above and beyond any legal requirement to do so. Unfortunately, our neighbor has reverted to constant complaining, and some inappropriate outbursts that have created a very un-neighborly environment.

We have adhered to all the laws and regulations governing us. Anyone who has a problem with the local laws and regulations can take it up with the appropriate authorities.

On behalf of the thousands of children that have become children again due to the incredible magic that has been created in Glen Spey, NY, we thank each and every one of our neighbors for their wonderful support and help during difficult times and good times.

Rabbi Simcha Scholar

[Editor’s note: Our story reported: “The DEC filed an Order of Consent against the camp for violation of its SPDES [State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System] permit after inspections in August and November 2004 determined that ‘sewage was being bypassed around the wastewater treatment system.’”]

An ode to greed

To the editor:

What will happen if imperialism comes to the Catskills?

The deranged warriors run a wire through your heartland because they think they can.

Their polarizing DC current, sucking energy while transforming beauty into blood money.

The world is their oyster to lick dry in a desperate attempt at virility.

Transparent greed coalesces with the energy of broken hearts, creating chaos.

But they can’t hide from their children, who will bear the burden of the truth.

The child holds the brochure that showcases the towers as the Catskills’ version of Mount Rushmore,

Memorializing those who are responsible.

“Grandpa, did you do this?”

The graffiti artists have named the towers:

The Bush Freedom Tower.

They say, “We will get used to it.”

The question for the future is:

What happens when we don’t?

Much ado about nothing

To the editor:

Could someone please enlighten me as to why a “nuisance attraction” lighthouse innocently placed on a new gravel bar on the Delaware River in Narrowsburg had to be dismantled?

Is it because it would really be a hazard, or is it more that the National Park Service needed to flex its muscle?

Is it because someone in Narrowsburg had nothing better to do than demoralize a good deed?

If anyone can help me out, please do so.

The great turning

To the editor:

Even though our times look very dark, know that we are in a great turning toward cooperation rather than competition; community rather than isolation, fear, and lack of support; humanity and compassion rather than violence.

If you look for actions supporting the great turning, you find them popping up here and there all over our county and our nation. Community- supported agriculture, renewable energy both in private homes and in the planning stages for local electricity from local wind farms, attempts to preserve the natural beauty of the Upper Delaware valley, community-friendly banking, and the many events in September celebrating and honoring peace and nonviolence in Sullivan County.

Keep tuned and come alive with us in the “great turning.”

Tim Shera

Verizon threatens scenic values

To the editor:

Visitors to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area have been dismayed to learn of a new threat posed by the communications industry to the amenities of the park. Verizon Wireless has submitted applications to construct two 180-foot cell-phone towers within the New Jersey section of the park, one in Sandyston and one in Walpack. Concerned citizens point out the steadily tightening noose of cell towers in nearby Montague, Sandyston, Frelinghuysen and Knowlton, NJ as well as others in Middle Smithfield and Milford Township, PA, which already threaten to choke what remains of the park’s fragile view shed. The opposition of park superintendent John J. Donahue to a public hearing on the Verizon application only increases their concerns. Most park visitors we meet are eager to petition their elected representatives for remedies. We agree.