Our librarians

Anyone who has ever encountered a computer glitch knows it can be a jungle out there, as far as getting competent, affordable, technical support is concerned. That is why I continue to praise Patrick McCullough and Cindy Menges of the Western Public Computer Center to the sky. Funded by the Federal Stimulus Program for its first two years, the center has since become an integral part of the Western Sullivan Public Library, with branches in Jeffersonville, Narrowsburg, and Callicoon. But folks from elsewhere should also be aware that ultra-patient, ultra-knowledgeable Patrick and Cindy are but a drive or phone call away, five afternoons a week. I, for one, cannot thank the duo enough for such kind, expert assistance.

Agriculturally speaking

Ag remaining the answer to socioeconomic prosperity in our area, New York State, and across the U.S. as a whole, I have been overjoyed to read about the new curd plant headed to Sullivan County. Hope being one of the best medicines known to man, the articles about the new plant alone have probably boosted the spirits of our hard-working, price-squeezed dairy farmers and their families. But what a huge blessing it will be for them and the Sullivan economy in general, when the new curd business actually begins processing local milk to make its delectable products.

Polystyrene

Outside Sullivan County, leave it to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg when it comes to shaking things up. For instance, I have been pleased by his plan to do away with polystyrene foam trays, cups, etc. used by eating establishments, since such items do indeed remain in landfills or elsewhere in the environment forever. My idea, however, is that the mayor or federal government hold two competitions, one for designing an affordable, bio-degradable alternative to polystyrene, the other for developing a process whereby polystyrene foam is degraded into “eco-friendly” substances.

Baseball (love those Yanks)

On the baseball diamond, the greatest relief pitcher in history, Mariano “Mo” Rivera, may well have done himself and the New York Yankees a disservice by announcing his retirement weeks before the start of the regular season. What was Rivera’s rush? Could he not have waited until the post-season? No matter how great an athlete and closer Rivera has been, such an early March proclamation could negatively impact his own competitiveness and pitching prowess, not to mention teammate performance and overall club morale. As a Yankee fan, I certainly hope I am “off-base” about all of this, but only the months ahead will tell.

Susan Kross

Dairyland, NY