Kids meet nature, Realtors celebrate Lobby Day and more

What's going on in your community June 1-6

Posted 5/31/23

USDA to help damaged farms

REGION — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural …

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Kids meet nature, Realtors celebrate Lobby Day and more

What's going on in your community June 1-6

Posted

USDA to help damaged farms

REGION — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after damaging weather, including freeze events. 

FSA offers the Livestock Indemnity Program; the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; the Emergency Forest Restoration Program; and the Tree Assistance Program. Producers located in counties receiving a primary or contiguous disaster designation are eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.

Contact your local FSA office for more information or visit www.farmers.gov/recover.

Lobby Day for the Board of Realtors

The Sullivan County Board of Realtors attended the New York Realtors Lobby Day in Albany. Pictured are Beth Bernitt, left; Mary Jones-Mellet; Loretta Wolff; Mary Bakalis; and James DiNapoli.
The Sullivan County Board of Realtors attended the New York Realtors Lobby Day in Albany. Pictured are Beth Bernitt, left; Mary Jones-Mellet; Loretta …

ALBANY, NY — On May 2, Sullivan County Board of Realtors members Mary Bakalis, James DiNapoli, Loretta Wolff, Mary Jones-Mellett and Beth Bernitt attended New York Realtors Lobby Day at the Capitol.

It was hosted by the New York State Association of Realtors, and over 400 Realtors attended. 

Mike Kelly, director of government affairs for NYSAR, briefed the Realtors on legislative priorities for housing-related issues, including housing inventory and affordability challenges; opposition to “good cause” eviction; and support for the legislation, including creating a first-time homebuyer savings account; increasing experience required for a broker’s license; additional fair-housing measures in co-ops; and a technical amendment to the state’s telemarketing restrictions during states of emergency. 

The Sullivan County Board of Realtors members spent the morning speaking with Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-100). The conversation was productive, and the assemblywoman supported the Realtors’ efforts. 

The afternoon was spent in Sen. Peter Oberacker’s office, speaking with his chief of staff, Ron Wheeler. Wheeler indicated that the senator supported all the items on the Realtors’ agenda. 

Kids go gardening at the Bookworm Friendship Garden

Some of the hard-working gardeners pause for a photo.
Some of the hard-working gardeners pause for a photo.

HAWLEY, PA — Children got their hands dirty recently as they planted vegetables, herbs and flowers at the Community Garden located on the back of the Hawley Public Library.

They planted tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, zucchini, lettuce, basil, parsley, beans, kale and marigolds. 

The seeds and plants were generously donated by Lukan’s Farm Resort and Restaurant; gardener Jessie Caccavale  and volunteer members of the Country Gardeners Club assisted. 

This is the second year in a row that the Country Gardeners, in partnership with the Hawley Public Library, are taking the kids on the wonderful adventure of gardening.

For the next two months, children between the ages of six and 12 will be able to travel into the magic of Mother Nature. Now they will focus on watering, measuring the growth of each plant and writing down in their working diary the progress of their garden.

They will work until they can take their harvest home.

Children interested in participating can register at the Hawley Public Library.

Kids meet nature at Lackawanna College’s summer day camp

COVINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — This summer, local youths aged five through 13 can join nature-focused summer day camps. 

The camps will take place at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Rd.

The property is home to native plants and wild animals, forested areas, a stream, a marsh, meadows, instructional gardens and both indoor and outdoor classroom space. Campers will spend time exploring natural habitats and playing summer games, while the staff guides them through innovative experiential activities including hiking, stream and forest ecology, environmental activities, nature-based art projects and much more.

For more information or to register, call the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center at 570/842-1506 or email yaniks@lackawanna.edu.

Students earn National Technical Honor Society status

Fifty-three career and tech students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.
Fifty-three career and tech students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

LIBERTY, NY — The Career and Technical Education Center at Sullivan BOCES inducted 53 students into the National Vocational Technical Honor Society (NTHS). 

The NTHS was created in 1984 to bring honor and recognition to students in career and technical education. Induction into the National Technical Honor Society is one of the highest accomplishments bestowed upon a career and technical education student, a BOCES spokesperson said.

Jeffrey Molusky, executive principal of the Career & Tech Center at Sullivan BOCES, welcomed those in attendance and recognized the accomplishments of the students, who have put forth a tremendous effort and shown great aptitude in their chosen trade.

Carla Granados, Addison Kidney, Zandy Valencia Bamac, Joseph Park, Angelica Rothberg and Sanna Woytowick explained the different components of the NTHS and its meaning behind its purpose, colors, emblem, insignia and slogan.

Debra Heidt Dunwell, one of the chapter advisors, also explained the benefit of the National Technical Honor Society and how its seven pillars (leadership, scholarship, skills, honesty, citizenship, service and responsibility) help students become positive role models for others while encouraging leadership skills.

Molusky concluded the ceremony and congratulated the inductees on their hard work and installation into the National Technical Honor Society. “This is an honor that you will be able to carry with you throughout your education and your career.”

The inductees and their home school districts are:

Animal Science: William Chellis, SWCS; Nevaeh Davis, LCS; Amelia Edwards, SWCS; Dominic Gagliardo, LCS; Steven Gil de Lamdrid, SWCS; Hannah Gill, LCS; Zoie Marks, LMCS; Caleigh McDole, FCS; and Keely Schock, SWCS 

Auto Body: Samuel Olivares Reyes, LCS

Auto Technology: Alyssa Gettel, SWCS; Daniel Omogbai, MCS; and Colin Phelps, SWCS

Basic Welding: Patrick Adams, ECS; Bretten Benzenberg, MCS; Zaylee Cox, RCS; Vincent Mingo, TVCS; Jake Parks, LCS; Cameron Revicki, RCS; Ethan Williams, ECS; Kayla Wilson, SWCS; and Sanna Woytowick, MCS

Broadcasting and Music Production: Reece Hendrickson, SWCS

Construction Technology: Terrence Hayden, FCS; and Junior Nathaniel Ordonez Bonilla, FCS

Cosmetology: Melany Manzanares, LCS; and Elyanna Ocasio Lombardi, LCS

Early Childhood Education: Kamaryn LaNoce, LMCS; Alexis Oshaughnessy, RCS; and Jersey Rios, MCS

Health Occupations: Jillian Carlsen, LMCS; Ralph Cherubino, LMCS; Taylor Doty, TVCS; Isabella Francisco, RCS; Jordanna Martinez, MCS; Maytte Morales-Romero, LCS; Lesly Panama, LCS; and Allie Sierens, SWCS

Innovative Design: Hannah Easop, MCS; Dylan Evans Machacek, MCS; Kylie Feeney, ECS; and Joseph Park, RCS

Natural Resources: Corey Bedward, MCS; Robert Buck, RCS; and Nicholas Carroll, MCS

New Vision: Matthew Chigbundu-Obiokoye, LCS; Madison Clancy, MCS; Addison Kidney, ECS; Ava Toledo, MCS; and Allison Weinstein, MCS

Public Safety Services: Dennis Call, MCS; Madison Morales, LCS; and Angelica Rothberg, LCS

A night of celebration for DKG

The Tau Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society welcomed new members. Pictured are Sharon Schroeder, left; Kimberly Everett; Heather Mady; Elizabeth Huggler; Mary Ellyn Levy; and Leah Exner.
The Tau Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society welcomed new members. Pictured are Sharon Schroeder, left; Kimberly Everett; Heather Mady; Elizabeth …

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. 

Its Tau Chapter is composed of female educators from the area. 

On May 11, the chapter met at Sorello Ristorante for a night of delicious food, fellowship and celebrations. 

Tau Chapter was organized on May 9, 1952. Since the chapter’s beginning, there have been many members representative of the school districts in Sullivan County, Hancock and Downsville.

Babara Boncek and Lorraine Ganz were honored as 50-year members of DKG, and Penny Coombe received recognition as a 25-year member. Member Mary Ellyn Levy received the DKG Women of Distinction Award. This award is given to a chapter member who has shown exemplary leadership in promoting the society’s purposes.

Tau Chapter also inducted new members Heather Mady, Kimberly Everett and Sharon Schroder. These women bring to the chapter a wealth of experience in education and a dedication for community service. They will continue the traditions, purposes and works of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Story contributed by the DKG Society International, Tau Chapter.

Monticello Elks distribute $8,000 in grants

MONTICELLO, NY — Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 has been assisting local children, veterans and the homeless. 1544 utilized a $3,500 Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon Grant to purchase more than 100 winter coats for kids in the Monticello Central School District and the Fallsburg Central School District. 

The Elks Lodge also used a $2,500 ENF Gratitude Grant to donate 50 boxes full of food to veterans in the community. Monticello Lodge also donated $2,000 from an ENF Spotlight Grant to the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless. 

The Monticello Lodge currently has 315 members. 

To learn more, call Exalted Ruler Brian Bock at 845/866-9288.

The Monticello Elks hosted a full house at the penny social on May 7. The lodge helps veterans, youngsters and the homeless.  ....
The Monticello Elks hosted a full house at the penny social on May 7. The lodge helps veterans, youngsters and the homeless. ....

community, sullivan county, wayne county, new york, pennsylvania,

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