TRR photo by Sandy Long The retaining wall at the Roebling Bridge in Minisink Ford, NY will be raised an additional five to 10 feet to protect against future flooding impacts.

One stone at a time: restoring an historic structure

Project combines preservation, education and an ancient form of craft

By SANDY LONG

MINISINK FORD, NY—Neil Rippingale returns from the local quarry across the Delaware River with a smile on his wind-burnished face. “It’s such wonderful stone,” he muses, citing its inherent hardness, a quality that allows it to repel, rather than absorb, water.

Rippingale, of the Dry Stone Conservancy (DSC) based in Lexington, KY, leads a crew of stonemasons in the restoration of the Roebling Bridge’s retaining wall, which was damaged during regional flooding in 2006.

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Veterans Park celebrated in Bethel

By FRITZ MAYER

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY—Hundreds of residents, vets, firefighters and children were on hand on Veterans Day, November 11, at Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake for veterans services and the dedication of the new flagpole.

Local veterans from VFW Post 5499 hoisted an American flag, which was provided by Congressman Maurice Hinchey, which had flown over the nation’s capital for a day at Hinchey’s request. A flag commemorating veterans who are missing in action was also raised.

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Shrinking Sullivan West population

By FRITZ MAYER

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY—In a presentation that came as a surprise to almost no one, superintendent Dr. Kenneth Hilton said the student population of the district is small and getting smaller.

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Other stories in this issue:

• Sullivan races produce new county clerk, legislators
• Ethanol plant planned for Indian Orchard
• Gager Damascus write-in fails
• Superbug not so superbad
• Shohola imposes recreational impact fee
• 2007 Sullivan Showcase Award winners
• Search goes on at PennDOT’s Shohola Stockpile site
• Two new women supervisors, Tusten Republicans sweep

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S