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APALACHIN • OWEGO • NICHOLS TIOGA CENTER • NEWARK VALLEY
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YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER • www.TiogaWeb.com AUGUST 2015
Volume 30
Number 8
Miss Tioga Downs 2015
The 5th Annual “Rieger Regatta” saw dozens of rafts floating down the Susquehanna River Saturday, August 1. The rafters departed from the Hickories Park in Owego and traveled about 5 miles down river to the Town of Tioga Boat ramp, almost the same distance traveled 41 years ago by participants of the “Great Owego to Nichols Raft Race” (photo left)
The 2015 Miss Tioga Downs Pageant was held last month. Nine young women from the area participated. This year's winner of the Miss Tioga Downs Pageant is Kelly Andus (center) from Elmi-
ra. She won the $1,500 first prize. Jennifer Berish (left) from Apalachin was the first runner up and Samantha Masterson (right) Owego was the second runner up.
Ribbon Cutting in Owego - August 5 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 5, at The Petal Pusher, at 39 Lake Street in Owego. The Petal Pusher is a unique gift shop with handmade items, Ginger Snaps and
The 30th Annual Tioga Region Antique Car Show and Flea Market will take place on Sunday, August 16, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Hickories Park, Route 17c, Owego. Admission is $2 per person, free for children
other jewelry brands, handbags, soaps & lotions, pottery, scarves and many other one-of-a-kind gifts and treasured décor items. They are open Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
under 12. The show is sponsored by the Tioga Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. All vehicles are welcome, including Future Classics!
BEARCAT SCANNERS HEAR ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENS
BEAM Electronics Hobbies & more... 7830 Rt 434, Apalachin, N. Y. 625-2222
Summer Special $59.95! 7830 Rt 434, Apalachin 625-2332 or 206-2283
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
NEW BUSINESS OPENS IN APALACHIN
PAGE 2
Performance in the Park, August 5
John Kocee - Owner
VICINATO’S PIZZERIA 8208 Rt 434, Apalachin
607-625-5900
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HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 4 – 6 Kitchen Open: Mon-Sat till 9pm
“NO COVER” Saturday August 22 8pm to 11pm
Gene Hummel OPEN HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT Sat Aug 22 –Sign up closes at noon, play starts 1pm MONDAY ~ FREE POOL 7pm till 10pm
Tues & Sat – Wing Day –All Day Long $5.50 doz. • SUBS • WRAPS • SANDWICHES • BURGERS • SEAFOOD • • SALADS • APPETIZERS • TRY OUR HOMEMADE FRYS •
The Waverly Free Library will host “Performance in the Park Series” with featured performer Moreland the Magician on Wednesday August 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, at the Waverly Mini Park on the corner of Broad and Waverly Streets in Waverly. The show is free to the public. Moreland the Magician is an all around performer who will delight audi-
ences of all ages with his unique blend of magic, comedy, and audience participation. He is also known for his educational school and library performances, which use tricks, storytelling and audience participation to celebrate the wonderful world of reading and the magic found in books. www.davidmoreland.com
Ribbon Cutting at Family Resource Center, August 12 A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:30 am at the the Waverly Family Resource Center at 460 Broad Street in Waverly.
The Waverly Family Resource Center provides free play space for families and their young children. Parenting classes and activities are scheduled throughout the year. The Waverly Family Resource Center is open Monday and Wednesday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Tuesday 1:00 to 5:00 pm, and Thursday 3:00 to 7:00 pm.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Do you enjoy helping others? Would you like to make a difference by helping out your neighbor? If so, Tioga County Neighbors Helping Neighbors (TC NHN) would appreciate your help. TC NHN offers transportation, friendly home visits, friendly phone calls and information referral services to the elderly, chronically ill and disabled residents of Tioga County. For more information or to sign up to be a volunteer, please call Audrey McKean at (607) 414-1018. If you live in Nichols, Lounsberry, Tioga, Barton or Smithboro, please call Community Care Network of Nichols (CCNN) at (607) 414 -1018. If you live in Spencer or Van Etten, please call Senior Information and Referral Service (SIRS) at 1-888-5897833 ext 1. If you live in Richford, Berkshire or Newark Valley, please call Northern Tioga Neighbors Network (NTNN) at (607) 657-2323 or toll free at 1-877-6572823. Tioga County's
COMMUNITY PRESS
Volume 30 Number 8 August 2015 © 2015 Published by Brown Enterprise And Marketing 7830 State Route 434 Apalachin, New York 13732 Phone (607) 72-PRESS or (607) 625-2222 E-mail: press@tiogaweb.com www.TiogaWeb.com
Publisher/Editor ---------- Fred J. Brown Jr.
Published monthly RECEIVED BY MORE PEOPLE IN TIOGA COUNTY THAN ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER • The Community Press, nor its advertisers are not responsible for typographical errors in articles or ads. • Submitted articles are not guaranteed placement but are printed on a space available basis. THIS PAPER IS FREE. IT IS PAID FOR BY THE ADVERTISERS PLEASE SUPPORT THEM
TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE
COMMUNITY PRESS www.CommunityPress.us
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 3
Newark Valley Days
607-759-9282 • Apalachin, NY Newark Valley Days will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, 2015. On Friday, August 7, catch the high energy of Dixieland Jazz when the Dixie Kats hit the scene at the Train Depot from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The Train Depot opens at 6:00. Food and drink will also be on sale. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the warm summer evening listening to this popular band. There will also be an Art Show in the Rollie Noble Room (next to the Post Office) from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Prize-winning artwork will be announced at the reception that begins at 6:00. Refreshments will be served. There will be a large display of beautiful quilts draped across the pews just down the street at the United Church of Christ (the white church with the steeple) from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. On Saturday, August 8, there will be a craft sale on the Green from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. During this time enjoy music from Tom and Marie, the Lovesick Boys, DnT and the Kirby Band as they entertain throughout the day. The Art Show and Quilt Show will also run again from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be a Book Sale in front of Tappan Spaulding Library from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The annual parade will begin at 11:00 am, running along Main Street, Water Street and Whig Street.
There will be plenty of action at the Train Depot—food, games, activities, pony rides, and dogs. Catch the dog costume contest at 1:00 pm with prizes for apple theme, creativity, funniest and dog/owner look alike. Also come and be amazed by the 4-H dog agility demonstration. The Newark Valley Fire Department will be serving up delicious chicken BBQ on Water Street starting around 11:30 am. The annual 5K run at Trout Ponds will begin with a kid’s run at 3:30. At 4:30 the 5K run starts, ending back at the Trout Ponds in time to listen to Watts on Tap who will be playing until dark. At the same time watch a flock of rubber ducks bob down the creek as part of the Chamber of Commerce Rubber Duck Race, starting at 4:30 pm. There will also be a bouncy house, more demonstrations and more food, along with your favorite music. It all leads up to an exciting fireworks display after dark. Learn about the history of the area by visiting the Bement-Billings Farmstead living history museum Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00. The Farmstead is one mile north of the traffic light and this weekend all tours will be free. Newark Valley Days is sponsored by the Newark Valley Historical Society.
Located at
1819 Orwell Hill Road (SR 1036) Orwell, PA. Open Saturdays from May 23 to August 29, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
2015 Schedule of Events and Workshops August 8 – Small Looms Saturday. Small looms demonstrated. Children make straps and tapes with Joy and create a woven wall hanging (NIH). August 14, Friday. Advanced Cheese Making Workshop with Laryssa. Make Bleu Cheese. 10:00 – 3:00. Fee: $35. Details on website. August 15 – Threshing Barn Day. Visit the museum’s early 1800s English Threshing Barn. Lecture at 1:00 pm by Dick Warner, Woodwright.
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625-5345
Is your car ready for the HOT weather? Keep COOL stop in for our AC Special! The staff of “Hometown Auto” and “Our Garage”
August 20-21, Thursday & Friday. Understanding and Using Early Weaving Notation Workshop with Pat Hilts. The notation used to record 17th – 19th century patterns differs greatly from modern drafts. Learn how to interpret and adapt early drafts for present day use. 10:00 – 4:00. Fee: $50. Materials: $20. August 22 – Barn-Frame Looms. Spinning Tweed Yarns and a lecture on “The History of the Barn-Frame Loom” with Pat Hilts at 1:00 pm. August 29 – Wool Waulking Day. Visitors and staff finish tweed fabric woven at the museum in the old way with traditional Gaelic songs. Reference librarian Pam Crane on site. Last Saturday program for the 2015 Season. “No Idle Hands Events” (NIH) offer young visitors hands-on experience and a free kit for the first ten children. Kits include instructions and materials. Special Exhibits: “The History of the Great Wheel” and “The Farnham Family of Spinning Wheel Makers and their Influence” See www.hometextiletoolmuseum.org for more information on Saturday events and the museum’s summer workshop schedule for 2015. For details call the museum at (570) 247-7175 or email: info@httm.org.
Programs funded in part by the Bradford County Room Tax Fund, the United Way of Bradford County, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
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AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
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“Medicare 101” Seminar - Sept. 1 in Owego Will you be new to Medicare in 2015? Do you have Medicare, but would like a review lesson? If so, attend the “Medicare 101” seminar on Tuesday, September 1, from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Tioga Opportunities, Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Boulevard in Owego.
Attendees will gain knowledge that could prevent late enrollment penalties or coverage gaps, and learn ways to possibly enhance their finances. Call the Department of Aging at 6874120, ext. 344 to sign up for the “Medicare 101” seminar. Space is limited, so call today.
7 New St., Apalachin, N.Y.
Margaret Karpel – Owner E-mail: mkarpel@stny.rr.com
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NEED IT CLEANED OUT: Need it cleaned out, we just charge less! Attics to basements. Also garages sheds and barns. Call MK’S Affordable Cleanouts at 607 217-7455 Free Estimates! 3/16 TOP DOLLAR PAID: Wanted! Old fishing tackle, lures, reels, etc. Some items worth $500. and more!!! Call me first, collector not a dealer so I pay more. Walt 607-972-5739 09/15 BUYING: Buying Antiques & Vintage Collectables, paying highest prices and I come to you! Call Dave at 607-372-7860 07/15
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NEED IT MOVED OR CLEANED: Call us. Local moving, cleaning houses, attics, cellars, garages and out buildings. Some yardwork. 607-699-0212 09/14 BUYING: Buying Antiques & Vintage Collectables, paying highest prices and I come to you! Call Dave at 607-240-9546 07/14
WANTED: Vintage Jewelry men’s and women’s including watches. Also old toys, paintings. Call Dave at 607-3727860 11/15 DENT REMOVAL: door dings, hail damage, dents removed without harm to car finish! Olympic Detailing 607-625-2332 FOR SALE KENNEL: Heavy duty galvanized modular chain link fence kennel with one gate 6W x 8L x 4H (new $400) $250 excellent condition 607-624-2766 07/15
DOG BOARDING: Pleasant Valley Dog Kennel, 5367 State Route 38, Newark Valley, NY 13811. 38 years in business, indoor/outdoor runs. Daily rates $14 one dog, $21 two dogs same run 607-6428776 12/15 WANTED: Your classified ad for our September 2015 issue. Please send in form below by August 25.
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You can advertise your garage, yard or other sales, events, or items wanted or for sale here in the Community Press, the paper with the largest distribution (by US Mail) in the Owego market area. The same low rate for both commercial or personal family ads. Only $5 for the first 20 words. 1 WORD PER SPACE (add $1 for each 4 additional words)
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Send your classified ad to: COMMUNITY PRESS 7830 Route 434, Apalachin, NY 13732 Make check or money order payable to "BEAM" or drop off your ad at Beam Electronics in Apalachin. (phone 625-2222, fax 625-2111) NAME ________________________________ PHONE ________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ CITY __________________________ STATE ________ ZIP ____________ The Community Press goes to press on the first Monday of the month. Your classified ad should be received no later than the fourth Wed of the previous month.
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 5
Dog Park Under Construction in Owego
SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE 98% APPROVAL Stop in and see Greg Kies today! Greg’s Auto Sales 770 Fifth Ave., Owego (607) 687-1535 The doghouse structure at the future site of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park in Hickories Park, and the pillars and arch will serve as the entryway to the park. (ODOG Photo) The long anticipated construction of Park rules will be posted on an inforthe Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog mation board or at a kiosk at the park Park is underway at Hickories Park in entrance. Owego. The memorial arch, which includes a Fully funded by Adam Weitsman, sign, “Rebecca Weitsman Memorial owner of Ben Weitsman & Son and UpDog Park,” will serve as a loving tribute state Shredding, the dog park is named at the park entrance. in honor of Weitsman’s sister, Rebecca, The three-acre state-of-the-art dog who passed away from cancer. Thanks park will offer separate areas for small to Weitsman’s generosity, the park will dogs and large dogs to play, and will now serve as a fitting tribute as Rebecca have many other significant features. An was an avid dog lover. oval play area is in the works, which The groundbreaking of the Rebecca includes 13 pieces of agility equipment Weitsman Memorial Dog Park was for dogs to play and train on. made official at the end of May, with The large dog section, the largest Homer C. Gow & Sons, Inc. awarded section of the dog park, will be over two the construction contract. acres in size, and the small dog and agilExcavation started in late May, and ity areas will be approximately oneaccording to Steve Paul, Owego Dog quarter acre in size. Owner Group’s (ODOG) project managODOG and other park users, in er, work has been progressing nicely. agreement with the Town of Owego, Prior to excavation, relocating electric will fundraise and volunteer their time to poles and installing water lines was rehelp maintain the park, ensuring its lonquired and has been completed. Other gevity for use and enjoyment by guests work completed since the excavation of and their canines for many years to the park includes the installation of the come. doghouse structure and the pillars and ODOG members anticipate that the arch that serve as the entryway to the dog park will be completed by the end park. Much of the fencing has been inof August or early September, dependstalled as well. ing on the weather. The doghouse building, which will The dog park will be an exciting atbe used by ODOG members for storage traction for tourists and visitors coming and maintenance purposes, is positioned to the Southern Tier region accompanied at what will be the entry point to the dog by their canine companions, as well as a park. significant addition to Hickories Park. Visitors bringing their dogs will walk For more information, find “Owego under a memorial arch as they enter the Dog Owner’s Group” on Facebook or park grounds through a gated fence. visit www.owegodogs.org.
Stop by Gigi’s Place and wish Natalie a Happy Birthday 8/12
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607-206-0304 LANDSCAPING SERVICES Design & Install Renovation Lighting Mulching Maintenance Excavation/Drainage
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LAWN MAINTENANCE & MOWING
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 6
“Homecoming� Holy Mass Celebrated by Ghana Bishop Afoakwah in Owego
601 Gates Road, Vestal, N.Y.
Welcome Dr. James D. Ploutz, DC. Detrick Family Chiropractic is happy to announce the addition of Dr. James D. Ploutz, DC to our staff.
New patients are always welcome and invited to call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment
Detrick Family Chiropractic 601 Gates Road, Vestal, New York
607-766-9600
Ghana Bishop John Yaw Afoakwah celebrated his "Homecoming" Holy Mass Wednesday night, July 22, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Owego. Concelebrants were Pastoral Administrator Father Thomas Valenti, Parochial Vicar Father Peter VanLieshout and Father Peter Adu Nkansah, Sacramental Minister at St. Marianne Cope in Henrietta, with Deacon Michael Donovan. In November 2015, Father Afoakwah was appointed by Pope Francis as the new bishop of the Diocese of Obuasi, Ghana, and he was enthroned as the third Bishop in January 2015. Before becoming a bishop, Afoakwah spent four years in Tioga County as Parochial Vicar for St. Patrick's and Blessed Trinity parishes St. Margaret Mary in Apalachin, St. John in Newark Valley and St. James inWaverly. He returned to Ghana in September 2011. The 61-year-old Bishop Afoakwah, a native of the Ashanti Region in South Ghana, was ordained a priest in 1992. After the Homecoming Mass in Owego, Bishop Afoakwah met many Tioga County friends at a reception in the parish hall, including Stacey and Mike Winters who spent three weeks on vacation with him at his parish in Ghana two years ago. Special congratulations came from his former pastor, Father Bill Moorby, now pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Aurora.
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
Spiedie Eating Contest - Aug 8 at Tioga Downs
Major League Eating and Lupo’s will host for the second year The Tioga Downs World Chicken Spiedie-Eating Championship on Saturday, August 8, at 7:00 pm trackside at Tioga Downs in Nichols. The chicken spiede is renowned throughout central New York and claims Endicott as its birthplace. It is comprised of grilled, marinated chicken cubes on a bun. The term “spiedie” comes from the Italian spiedo, meaning spit or spiedini, referring to cubes or balls of meat cooked on a skewer. Sanctioned by Major League Eating,
the 10-minute contest will feature Major League Eaters from around the country. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut (pictured at left), world champion eater will be competing. He recently lost to biggest rival Matt Stonie at the Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Championship in Coney Island, NY. Chestnut set the World Chicken Speidie-Eating record last year by consuming 13.75 Lupo’s spiedies in 10 minutes. Other Major League Eaters like #10 Juan Rodriguez, Chicago, IL, #13 Badlands Booker, Selden, NY, #15 Yasir Salem, New York, NY and #19 Crazy Legs Conti, New York, NY will be competing, all of whom recently competed at the Fourth of July Hot DogEating Contest. In addition to bragging rights, competitors will vie for a cash purse that totals $4,000. More information on Tioga Downs is available at www.tiogadowns.com. For more details on chicken spiedies, visit www.spiedies.com Information on Major League Eating can be found at www.majorleagueeating.com.
PAGE 7
WANTED Antiques & Collectibles Decorated Crocks & Jugs Old Toys Old Halloween & Christmas Decorations Jewelry/Men’s & Women’s Fountain Pens –Match Holders Watches - Pocket & Wrist- Old Lighters Banks—Mechanical & Still Military & Firefighters Items
Have a Item Not On This List If it is made before 1975 Call & see if it is something—I Buy! (607) 372-7860
Bishop Celebrates Mass in Apalachin
We will be CLOSED
Saturday Aug 8th
SERVING 7BREAKFAST & LUNCH day a week—7am to 3pm Congratulations to Sue L. our July Gift Certificate winner Open: 7 Days a week 7am - 3pm • 625-2212 www.facebook.com/gigisplaceapalachin
His Excellency The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, on July 26 celebrated the 10:45 am Sunday Holy Mass at St. Margaret Mary Church on his first visit to Apalachin At the altar were Parochial Vicar Father Peter VanLieshout, Parochial Administrator Father Thomas Valenti, Deacon Joe Federowicz and the Bishop's Secretary Father Daniel White. Bishop Matano was especially pleased when he learned his three altar servers - Daniel Raftis, Ben Cacciaglia and Will Delaney - all portrayed the role of Jesus in the Youth Production of The Living Stations of the Cross. Bishop Matano delivered a powerful homily, and asked “I hope that's Heaven calling”, when a cell phone rang during his homily. The bishop left the recessional to greet parishioners near the en-
trance to the church hall, and in the front row near the altar he blessed a baby who did not cry during the Mass. Outside, the bishop greeted all individually with a smile and warm words as they left church.
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AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 8
Local Teens Return from Mission Trip By Norma Paisley
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While most teens are enjoying their summer vacations going away with family and visiting parks and other entertaining venues, the teens from Warren Center Baptist Church in Warren Center, Pennsylvania, were on a mission, a mission trip that is. The industrious group of eight girls, seven boys, aged thirteen to eighteen, and five adults headed to Union Beach, New Jersey, to spend the week of August 5th through the 11th helping victims of Hurricane Sandy. That’s right, nearly three years after the super storm there is still devastation, and many families are still displaced and unable to return to or remain in their homes. The reasons vary but most have to do with the homes now showing distress from the flooding that wasn’t apparent in the months after the storm. Many simply can’t afford to fix the damage; others can’t afford to move out in spite of the damage but are being forced out due to code violations. More than helping to demolish, clean up, repair or rebuild, this group wanted to share Christ’s love with those who might feel forgotten or hopeless. The teens held various fundraisers to earn the money to go on the trip and joined with TEAMeffort® Mission Trips, an organization that has many mission sites throughout the US.
The group stayed with St. John’s United Methodist Church in Hazlet, New Jersey, about two miles form the worksites. A local organization, Gateway Church of Christ, works with the local population and provided the tools and materials needed for the worksites. The teens did everything from busting concrete, and loading and disposing of the rubble, to cutting trees and overgrown brush, to cleaning gutters. Within days the teens had transformed what had been an overgrown, debris-strewn property back into a clean, neat lot with a mown lawn. The teens, wanting to do something as a special surprise for the homeowner, set about digging and building a flowerbed around a tree in the yard using their own funds. The homeowner shared her surprise and heartfelt appreciation as she told the teens that her husband had planted that very tree years ago. Her husband died just before Sandy came and destroyed her home. The work was demanding, hot, and tiring but the spirit of the group was undaunted as they joyfully headed to the worksite each day. The average amount saved by homeowners due to mission groups performing physical labor on the worksites is $30,000 per site.
When it’s too hot to cook Let us do the cooking for you! Serving Lunch & Dinner or Just a Snack! Stop in and try our Homemade Soup Sepcials
Tuesday –Steak Nite Wednesday - Shrimp Nite Thursday - Clam Nite
The Terrace The Friendly Neighborhood Tavern Rt. 434, Apalachin, New York 625-3935
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 9
Community Press File Photos
A Moment in Tioga County History It’s August 1969
Good Luck to all the Golfers at Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Stop in for breakfast, lunch & dinner before or after the Tournament!
625-3830 Photo by: Fred J Brown Jr
The Evening Times (Sayre, Pennsylvania) Thu, Aug 21, 1969 (now the Morning Times) 'The Hickories' Park to Receive National Acclaim Tioga County's newest park, "The Hickories," will receive national publicity due to a photograph appearing in a local newspaper. This all came about when Sgt. Fred Stearns, public relations specialist attached to the United State Army Concert Band, requested copies of news releases of the Aug. 6 performance of the Army Band at On-The-Green near Owego. Al Tucker, concert chairman for the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce forwarded a tear sheet of a front page story from a local newspaper. The story included a picture taken by staff photographer, Fred Brown. The picture was an elevated perspective taken from the rear of the grandstand and included a segment of the 7500 persons attending the tour performance.
Following the receipt of the tear sheet there were 48 hours of telephone calls between the Pentagon and Tioga County. For six years, apparently, the Army had been searching for this type of photograph, one capturing the band inconcert and the audience. A chamber staff member commented, after the barrage of telephone calls had ended: "It's nice to know this will become their official photograph, and it may have a million dollar tourist value, ultimately for our little county, but for a while it began to look like a World War II message center during a critical operation." This was the band's second visit in nine months. A mix up in mail between upstate Oswego and down state Owego brought it to this latter community when chamber officials responded, resulting in a packed house for the performance and its second visit.
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Apalachin, NY (607) 625-3131 or (607) 754-2541
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• Draperies • Top Treatments • Vertical Blinds • Mini Blinds • Cellular Shades • Roller Shades • All Top Brands
300 Main Street Endicott, NY 607-785-0411
765 Main Street Vestal, NY 607-748-4695 Mark J. Murphy, Lic. Mgr. Ronald Yurecka
Steven Gabriel, Lic. Mgr. Kurtis VanAbs
Locally Owned and Operated Proud to be Serving Our Community for over 130 Years Traditional Funeral & Cremation Options Pre-Arrangement Counseling & Financing www.ColemanAndDaniels.com
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 10
Owner Fires Back Against Efforts to Block Tioga Down’s Gaming License Seneca County passes resolution aiming to eliminate competition
Jeff Gural
While issuing support for the Lago Resort & Casino, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors effectively asked the State of New York not to grant a full gaming license to Tioga Downs. In a resolution passed last month, the Board recommended creating “exclusivity zones” in the 90-mile region surrounding Lago and the other sites granted licenses under the 2013 Gaming Act. Tioga Downs falls just within that radius. Yet in their presentation to initially obtain the full gaming license, both Lago and the Board noted that competition was positive, as it improved the quality of the product offered to patrons. Currently, Tioga Downs generates approximately $60 million dollars in slots revenue. Once an expansion is complete, revenue is expected to triple, pumping additional tax and philanthropic dollars into the community. “Now that the Lago project is facing its share of struggles, the Seneca County Board issues a low blow like this to try and eliminate the very competition their camp all said was a good thing and a positive for their project. We have in good faith submitted our application to the selection committee, and we are looking forward to the successful award of a full gaming license,” said Jeff Gural, CEO and Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment LLC. “Furthermore, given the number of Native American casinos and racinos
near Lago, it’s likely that most of their customers will come from these facilities. It seems a little overreaching to ask that Tioga Downs be excluded from applying for the Southern Tier License because it might take a few customers from Lago,” added Gural. Construction on the Lago project has halted while the next steps to correct potential environmental issues can be determined. Meanwhile, Tioga Downs is prepared to begin its expansion as soon as a license is granted and would be the first to market among the others awarded a license. Plans are in place to begin work once selected so as much construction can be completed before winter, pending regulatory approval. “From the beginning, I felt that our project was the right size in the right community. We have been around as a racino for the past decade and have been critical in getting these full gaming licenses passed in New York State. The Seneca Board and Lago need to focus their energies on their own project and overcoming the myriad of obstacles that they currently face. As for Tioga, we have done our due diligence and we look forward to this next phase of growth for our community and the entire Southern Tier region,” Gural added. Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic roulette. A variety of eateries are also part of the entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs is the lone bidder for the state’s final full gaming license in the Southern Tier region. Once awarded, Tioga Downs will expand its facility and workforce to accommodate live casino gaming. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.
VERVALIN CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
(607) 625-3102
• KITCHENS • BATHS • ADDITIONS • DECKS •
• CUSTOM COUNTER TOPS • CEILINGS • • REPLACEMENT WINDOWS • PANELING •
FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES
Michael VerValin
Apalachin, N.Y.
IS YOU CAR READY FOR VACATION?
TIRES • BATTERIES • OIL CHANGES CAR CLEANING & POLISHING
NEED A TOW? IN AN ACCIDENT? REQUEST THE POLICE TO CALL BECK’S! • Daily & Weekly Rentals • Direct Billing to Insurance Co. •
5780 Route 434, Apalachin, NY 13732 Rental
625-9904
Towing 625-5653
members call us directly
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 11
Janet Thomas Announces Candidacy for Owego Town Board Janet Thomas, a thirty-year resident of the Town of Owego, has declared her candidacy in the upcoming election for the Town of Owego Council. She will be running on both the Democratic Party and Working Families Party tickets. Her main reason for running is that she believes she can lend some much needed balance to the board, and that her presence would foster a more open dialogue on issues affecting Town of Owego residents. She is especially interested in working to improve the town’s crumbling infrastructure, to address the recent increase in local drug abuse, and to make clean, affordable energy more available to local residents. Thomas states, “Town of Owego residents deserve a councilwoman who will fight to use our hard-earned tax dollars to improve our community. We have every right to expect safe neighborhoods, functional storm sewers, decent roads, and a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, our current board has not been able to deliver these things and has had the town in a holding pattern for far too
long. When I’m elected, I’ll reach out to the best and brightest in our community to develop and implement a plan to address these concerns, and I firmly believe that jobs will be created in the process.” Janet is a retired IBM project manager who raised two sons as a single working mother. She is currently president of the Friends of the Apalachin Library, and a trained master gardener. Among her volunteer efforts was rewarding work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in Tioga and Broome Counties.
Labor Day in Nichols
Celebrate Labor Day on Monday, September 7, with Nichols American Legion Post 1624. There will be Chicken Spiedies ($6.00) and Pulled Pork Sandwiches ($6.00) and more available
from 11:00 am until sold out. There will also be a Flea Market. Tables are still available for the flea market. Cost is $10 each. Contact 6997994 for more info or to reserve a table.
29 Washington Avenue, Endicott, NY Call Ahead for Quick Pick-Up (607) 484-0188 Check us out on the web: www.1stThaiBasil.com Lunch Hours: Mon. –Fri. 11:00 am –2:00pm Dinner Hours: Sun, –Thurs, 4-9pm; Fri, & Sat, 4-10pm
The All NEW Thai Basil Restaurant NEW ~ Management & Best Service NEW ~ Menu and Recipes NEW ~ Chief NEW ~ Low Prices More Seafood Than Before! Best Cooking Best Food • Best Beverages ~ Thursday Night Special ~ HEALTHY FOOD NIGHT
Park Settlement Road Bridge Closed for Repairs The Park Settlement Road Bridge is closed for repairs. Inspection of the bridge has shown steel pile deterioration. Based on the level of deterioration present, the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic until a repair can be made. Local traffic will have to
travel Lord Road then South on Anderson Hill Road to NYS Route 96. The repairs are to be completed by September 7, 2015. If you have any questions please call the Highway Department at 687-0302.
Gift Certificates Available
AUGUST 2015
TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS
PAGE 12
Kids’ Night Out - Outdoor Viewing Big Hero 6 Join the Tioga Arts Council on Saturday, August 8, at dusk (8:30 pm) for the movie “Big Hero 6” shown on a 24-foot inflatable screen at Nichols Park in Spencer, NY. Come dressed as your favorite character, bring a blanket, and enjoy a family movie under the stars. This event is free and open to the public. Tioga Arts Council's Kids' Night Out movie series is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union. For more information, call 687-0785 or email tiogaartscouncil@gmail.com.
Crafters Needed for Newark Valley Days, Aug 8 The Newark Valley Celebrations Committee is inviting any and all crafters to take part in Newark Valley Days this year. A variety of crafters are needed for the Village Green on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
There will be music on the bandstand all day and many other activities throughout the village. Contact Julia Sherwood at (607) 6429586 or email rufusnv@aol.com.
FREE POOL
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Tuesday nights 6-10 HORSE SHOE PIT NOW OPEN!
FREE WiFi –Bring your laptop!
Sweeneys Plaza, Rt 434, Apalachin
Enjoy The Summer !
Montego Bay Coconut Rum 1 Liter .................................. $10.99 Setter Straight Bourbon. 1.75 Liter .... $17.99 1 Liter .... $10.99 Canadian Leaf Whiskey 1.75 Liter ….. $16.99 1 Liter .... $9.99 Odesse Vodka 1.75 Liter …………………………………... $12.89 White Nights 5 Times Distilled Vodka Made in Belgium 1.75 Liter ….... $21.99 1 Liter ….... $14.99 Blue Nun Riesling 3 Liter Box ……………………………... $17.99
Wine Tasting hosted by Thirsty Owl Friday August 14, from 4-7
TRY OUR WEEKLY SPECIALS
Willy’s Friendsville Inn (570) 553-0111 Cottage St., Friendsville, Pennsylvania
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING? Personalized Labels for wine bottles are FREE with purchase of wine. Many styles available
Gift Certificates Available • Case Discounts on non-sale wines
1429 Main Street, Apalachin, N. Y.
Voted: Best Auto Service Center In the Southern Tier! Call Earl for an appointment
625-3015
David Robertson’s 1953 FORD F-100