Communitypress 0416 by Fred Brown

PRESORTED

STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #9 APALACHIN, NY

CARRIER ROUTE POSTAL CUSTOMER

BROWN ENTERPRISE AND MARKETING 7830 STATE ROUTE 434 APALACHIN, NEW YORK 13732

APALACHIN • OWEGO • NICHOLS TIOGA CENTER • NEWARK VALLEY

CAMPVILLE • BARTON • CANDOR SMITHBORO • CATATONK

YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER • www.CommunityPress.us APRIL 2016

Volume 31

Apalachin Highway Spring Clean-Up Would you like to help?

Number 4

Tioga Downs Eleventh Season

Tioga Downs will celebrate their 10th Anniversary with the opening of their eleventh racing season for 2016 starting on May 7 and ending on September 17. There will be 59 days of racing this season. Post time is 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday with a Sunday post time of 1:30 pm. On Opening Day, May 7, post time will be 5 pm. For a complete listing of race dates and times go to:

www.TiogaDowns.com The Apalachin Lions Club is looking for help with the spring clean up of Route 434 on Saturday, April 16, at 9:00 am. The clean up crew will meet at BEAM Electronics on Rt. 434. The amount of time normally spent is approximately two hours to pick up trash on a three-mile stretch of Rt. 434 in Apalachin. Please bring gloves, and dress for the weather, all clean up supplies will be furnished. For more information, call Lion Vince Hawley call at 6252365.

Sen. Akshar Releases Community Voice Survey Residents can fill out Survey Online at Akshar.NYSenate.GOV Senator Fred Akshar recently released his Community Voice Survey in an effort to gather opinions from his constituents on close to a dozen state issues facing the 52nd Senate District. “The only way we can be successful as a community is when local representatives actively work to make sure the hardworking people they represent can be heard,” said Akshar. The survey was mailed to thousands of households across the 52nd Senate District, but can also be completed easily online at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov. The survey follows a series of PopUp Office Events held in eight locations across the district, drawing crowds ranging from 10 - 80 people to discuss various issues, from tax relief to school funding to the heroin epidemic.

“Since starting my new job in November, it's been my honor to travel across our 52nd Senate District and listen to business owners, teachers, families and taxpayers,” said Akshar. “I've also been blessed to have lots of meaningful conversations on local issues at our PopUp Office events everywhere from the Whole in the Wall restaurant in Binghamton, to the McDonough American Legion, to the Owego Kitchen in downtown Owego.” “But there's always more I can learn.” Akshar has used a steady schedule of community engagement events to craft his legislative agenda, including his Small Business Jobs Revitalization Act introduced earlier this year, his support for the Planting Seeds Initiative to promote local Upstate farms and his opposition to Governor Cuomo's proposed $15/ hr minimum wage hike.

4th Annual Pink Elk 5K Run/Walk - May 15 The 4th Annual Pink Elk 5K Run/ Walk will take place on Sunday, May 15, at 9:00 am, at Vestal Elks Lodge 2508. Pre-Registration for the race is $20 and includes a Pink Elk T-Shirt and a breakfast ticket for the packet pickup on May 14 from 8:00 to 11:00 am. A family price is available $20 for the first entry and $10 for each spouse and child under 18 years old (pre-registration only). The pre-registration deadline is May 7. Race day registration will run from

7:30 to 8:45am and will cost $25. You can register by visiting the Vestal Elks Club website at southern.tier.net/ vestalelks. Breakfast tickets can also be bought at the online registration site. This year’s race is being held in memory of Donna Allis. Proceeds from this event will go towards Traci’s Hope and the Vestal Elks Club Veteran Committee. For more information, email Jake Brown at wmjbrown@gmail.com.

BEARCAT SCANNERS HEAR ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENS

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APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

607-206-0304 LANDSCAPING SERVICES  Mulching  Weeding  Planting  Seeding & Sod Installing  Tree & Shrub Trimming  Drainage & Excavating

HARDSCAPING  Field Stone  Walkways  Patios  Retaining Walls  Repairs

TREE & SHRUB TRIMMING • SPRING CLEANUPS www.Williams-Landscape.com SNOW REMOVAL & SALTING

PAGE 2

Twenty contestants competed in the 2016 Rockokie Contest at Tioga Downs. The first place winner, receiving a check for $5,000, was Alex Creamer from Montrose, Pa. On the final night of the competition, March 31, Alex sang “Born To Pay” an original song she wrote.

Baked Ziti Dinner April 9 A Baked Ziti Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at the Apalachin United Methodist Church, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue in Apalachin. The menu includes ziti, rolls with butter, vegetable, dessert and drink. The dinner is sponsored by the United Methodist Women of the Church. Donations are welcome. Plan on stopping by the Bake Sale Table to buy some delicious goodies to take home and enjoy.

Riverside Cemetery Association The Riverside Cemetery AssociationApalachin is holding a meeting for lot owners and descendants on Tuesday, April 12, at 6:30 pm in the meeting room of the Apalachin Library, 719 Main Street in Apalachin. New Trustees and individuals to assume key roles are needed. Open agenda includes discussion of a May spring clean-up day. For more information, call Roger Barton at (607) 625-3056. Tioga County's

COMMUNITY PRESS

Volume 31 Number 4 April 2016 © 2016 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

APRL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

PAGE 3

4-H Volunteer Named North East Region 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer

Spring Special

TIRES • BATTERIES • OIL CHANGES CAR CLEANING & POLISHING TOWING & ACCIDENT RECOVERY AUTO RENTAL with Direct Billing to Insurance

AUTO REPAIR AUTO CLEANING and DETAILING AUTO SALES Serving The Southern Tier Since 1989 • Daily & Weekly Rentals • Direct Billing to Insurance Co.

John King with the 4-H Shooting Sports Rifle Team The National 4-H Council has announced that John King of Owego has been selected as the 2016 4-H Salute to Excellence North East Region – Volunteer of the Year. The National 4-H salute to Excellence 4-H Volunteer Recognition Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H, while promoting service through volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege. Each year, selected from state nominations, the 4-H Salute to Excellence honors one individual in each region as the Regional 4-H Volunteers of the Year and one individual in each region as the Outstanding Lifetime 4-H Volunteer. The Selection Committee was extremely impressed by John’s accomplishments. The competition was stiff with more than 30 nominations from throughout the U.S. being reviewed. The eight regional honorees, of which King is one, now become nominees for their respective national award, and one volunteer from each category

will be named the national honoree; the outcome of which will be announced in April. A plaque was presented to John by the 4-H Rifle Team at their last match of the season. A cash award of $200 was also presented to the Tioga Co. 4-H Program in recognition of King’s accomplishment. “John’s outstanding service to 4-H and its youth is nothing short of an embodiment of 4-H dating back to organization’s founding in 1902. The youth and future 4-H volunteers that we educate and inspire today will be our leaders of tomorrow,” said Adam M. Rosenberg, Grants Manager, National 4-H Council. To find out more about the Tioga County 4-H Program contact the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or visit tioga.cce.cornell.edu.

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Chicken BBQ - May 7 A Chicken BBQ will be held on Saturday, May 7, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Newark Valley, 63 S. Main Street in Newark Valley. Full dinner includes

half chicken, slaw, baked beans, roll, cookies for $8.50. Half chicken only for $6.50. Phone (607) 642-8811. Eat in or take out.

Growing Berries Workshop Do you have an interest in growing strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or other small fruits? Maybe you’d like to start a U-pick, or sell at your local farmers market? Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County will be hosting a workshop with Cornell University faculty to teach about growing and marketing berries, and then will host an on-farm hands -on component at a local farm to see some techniques in action. The work-

in ky l S

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shop will be held Saturday, April 23, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, 840 Upper Front Street in Binghamton. Register online at reg.cce. cornell.edu/vetsgrowingberries_203. The cost is $15 per person and includes all materials and lunch. Priority for spots will be given to veterans in the Southern Tier, but others are welcome to attend as space permits.

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APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

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A Woman Presidential Candidate - in 1884 Lecture about Belva Lockwood - April 28

Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner will speak about “A Woman Presidential Candidate in 1884” this month in Newark Valley. The event will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Thursday, April 28, at the Newark Valley High School auditorium, 68 Wilson Creek Road in Newark Valley. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. As we approach the New York centennial of woman suffrage in 2017 with the possibility of the first woman presidential candidate of a major party, women’s studies pioneer Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner brings this herstory to life with her engaging story-telling. In 1884, disgruntled feminists formed

the Equal Rights Party when both the Republicans and Democrats continually ignored women's concerns. Presidential candidate Belva Lockwood declared that, “It is quite time that we had our own party; our own platform, and our own nominees,” even if they couldn't vote for them. With the exception of the territory of Wyoming, it was against the law for women to vote in every state and territory in the union. The event is sponsored by NYC Humanities Public Scholars Program and Newark Valley Historical Society.

FR SALE: Two Coppre 8’ shoplights, never used, 120v, hardwire, electric ballast, $29 each or $55 both bulbs available Call 607-325-5916 04/16

WANTED: Highest Prices Paid for Antiques & Vintage Collectables. Like blue decorated crocks/jugs, old toys, watches pocket/wrist, jewelry men’s/women’s, banks, door stops, coffee grinders, fountain pens, military, firefighting items, and much more. Call (607) 372-7860 2/17

WANTED: Tractor or Jeep. 1940’s Empire tractor or Willys Army Jeep. Rusty or Broken down, infield OK! Call 570-395-41.27 05/16 NEED IT HAULED MOVED or CLEANED: We can help local moving . Cleaning of houses, garages, attics, out buildings! Call 607-699-0212 4/16

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PAGE 4

WANTED: Vintage Jewelry men’s and women’s including watches. Also old toys, paintings and vintage collectables. Call Dave at 607-372-7860 11/16 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 09/16

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. 40 years in business, indoor/outdoor runs. Daily rates $14 one dog, $21 two dogs same run 607-6428776 06/16 WANTED: Your classified ad for our May 2016 issue. Please send in form below by April 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 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.

APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

PAGE 5

Ribbon Cutting at Best Bagels in Town

Open: Tuesday-Sunday 7am to 3pm CLOSED MONDAY (607) 625-2212 www.facebook.com/gigisplaceapalachin A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on March 24 to celebrate the grand opening of Best Bagels in Town at 8836 Route 434 in Apalachin (between UHS and Jeff Kies Auto). Best Bagels in Town is a locally owned, family-run bagel shop that proudly serves 15 flavors of bagels made from scratch, flavored cream cheese made on site, breakfast pizza, bread bowls as well as a huge menu of breakfast and lunch items. Customers are welcome to dine in or take out. Best Bagels in Town specializes in preparing special order trays for events

of any size and will even host meetings and parties after regular business hours. The owners and staff at Best Bagels in Town are committed to the community where they do business and their goal is to give back to the community that supports them. Presently they are working with local Cub Scouts on a toy drive. Like and share their Facebook page: Best Bagels in Town-Apalachin and keep up to date with their specials and events. Best Bagels in Town is open Monday to Friday 6 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 6 am to 2 pm.

Ribbon Cutting at Owego Kitchen

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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held March 22 at the Owego Kitchen, 13 Lake Street in Owego. The Owego Kitchen is a comfortable and rustic village cafĂŠ serving fresh baked breakfast goodies and lunches, made from scratch. On-line ordering is

available for your take-out convenience. They are open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Their phone number is (607) 223-4209. www.the owegokitchen.com

Auction to Benefit 4-H Horse Program A JP North Horse Tack Auction will be held Friday, April 29, in the 4-H Youth Building on the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Owego. A preview of new horse tack and supplies will begin at 5:00 pm, and the auction will begin at 6:00 pm. The Tioga County 4-H Horse Program will benefit from the auction. The auction is open to the public, and Visa,

MasterCard, Discover, and American Express Cards are accepted. The 4-H horse clubs will also be accepting refundable cans and bottles for a can drive. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. For more information about Tioga County 4-H, call the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or visit tioga.cce.cornell.edu

APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

Rummage & Bake Sale - April 9 A Rummage and Bake Sale will be held Saturday, April 9, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Little Meadows United Methodist Church, 843 Pennsylvania

PAGE 6

Zion Lutheran School Receives Smartboards

Avenue (PA Route 858) in Little Meadows. Lunch will be available. Bag sale begins at 1:00 pm.

~ ONLY 6 MILES SOUTH OF ROUTE 434 ~

LITTLE MEADOWS, PA. 570-623-3508 Open: 7 Days A Week 10:00 am till closing

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER HOMEMADE SOUPS HAPPY HOUR ~ 3:30 – 5:30 Mon–Fri

Tuesday Trivia Nite starting at 6pm CHICKEN & RIB BBQ –Saturdays Sunday April 30th Golf Tournament Details & Sign up at the Bar In House Horse Shoe League starting - stop in for detail Party Season is Coming fast - Contact us for your catering needs! Pizza - 7 Days A Week - Hand Tossed - Full, Half Sheet or Round

Friday Nite - Deep fried Haddock & Ribeye Dinners

Second and Third Grade students and Lockheed Martin employees stand by a new smartboard. Front row left to right: Lydia Kunte, Connor Kotski, Kayla Ferraro, Laura Ludwig. Back Row. Jennifer Kotski, Jeff Brown, Ruth Schian (Teacher) and Chad Norcross. Thanks to a generous donation from Lockheed Martin this fall, Zion Lutheran School received four smartboards from the company. Having dual classrooms, that meant that the K/1, 2/3 and 4 through 6 classrooms each received one, as well as the

school’s computer lab. On March 5, with the help of Zion Lutheran church members and school parents, the boards were installed. The children and Teachers have enjoyed learning how they work and the activities that can be done. Zion previously had received projectors from the Owego School district that they were able to use. Also, last fall Southside Fire Company held a chicken BBQ and Zion received monies from them, which paid for the necessary wiring and mountings for the projectors. “We are so blessed to have different parts of the community come together, making this project possible,” said Janet Pawlak, Zion Lutheran School Principal. “The children, current as well as future students, will benefit from this initiative as it is important to remain current with the technological resources available to us.” Zion Lutheran School enrolls children from preschool through Sixth Grade. Located two miles out of downtown Owego, Zion serves the children of six local school districts. Busing is available for students from these districts. For more information, call 687-6376 or visit www.zionowego.org.

Letter to the Editor

Thank You for Voting Thank you to all those who voted for the Taxpayer First Party in the Village of Owego’s election held on March 15th. It is a privilege and pleasure to be able to represent the interests of all residents. We will work hard to enhance the services and infrastructure of the village. Our priorities: • Financial Accuracy & Accountability • Maximum Efficiency & Effectiveness • Ensure that the taxpayers have a voice in making final decisions on major issues Now is the time to start prioritizing and governing. As we are faced with serious challenges, we would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to get involved. Much Appreciated, Taxpayers First Party Steve May – Mayor Mike Phelps – Trustee Earl Hartman – Trustee Ed Morton – Trustee

APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

PAGE 7

Congressman Reed Visits TUW to Discuss Poverty

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Congressman Tom Reed visited the Tioga United Way office last month to meet with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and several non-profit organizations to discuss poverty in Tioga County. Laurie Ellis of Catholic Charities spoke from the heart when she said, “We need to empower and respect those who are struggling” and added that living in poverty is an exhausting way of life. Barbara Patten of Franziska Racker Centers, said we should aim for early intervention and shouldn’t wait until the child is entering the school system; we should be addressing their needs at the earliest possible opportunity. Kermit Bossard of Spencer Van Etten Community Food Cupboard, added we need to help those not only for a month but by putting a plan together for their long term needs once their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are addressed. Georgianna Horvath of Literacy Volunteers, added that one way to help residents is to improve their ability to read and write, perform basic math functions, and to use computers. She added the functional illiteracy rate in Tioga County is approximately 14%, with 9-10% of residents over the age of 25 not having a high school diploma. Shawn Yetter, Commissioner of Social Services for Tioga County, noted that the Tioga Workforce program assists job seekers to gain a skill and/or trade, and to prepare for, find and keep jobs and has had much success. Dorothy Richter of Community Care Network of Nichols, acknowledged that

jobs and programs are all excellent ways of assisting our residents, however, she pointed out that without transportation, the residents cannot get to the literacy classes, skills training, medical appointments, social services, etc. She added that we must not forget about our county senior citizens. They are sometimes difficult to find but they are the ones who are often willing to volunteer to help others once they’ve been helped themselves. Congressman Reed listened carefully and shared a few anecdotal stories. As the youngest of twelve children and the son of an Army officer, he could sympathize with the challenges of the Tioga County residents. Congressman Reed is currently working with Speaker Paul Ryan on reforming the Welfare System in America and wanted to learn more about the obstacles, successes, solutions, and ideas that he could take back to Washington. He noted that many folks in Washington don’t truly understand that rural upstate New York faces different challenges than New York City and he’s planning to bring several other legislators to take a tour of our area. In attendance: Alycia Anthony, Kermit Bossard, Christina Brown, Nancy Eckstrom, Laurie Ellis, Andrew Hafer, Georgianna Horvath, John Knowlton, Jane Maas, Sister Mary O’Brien, Carolyn Palladino, Barbara Patten, Dorothy Richter, Marte Sauerbrey, Connie Sternberg, Linda Wintermute, Shawn Yetter, Zoe Ann Zielinski.

Drinking water in the Vestal Central School District comes from municipal sources, the Town of Vestal and the Town of Owego. These municipalities provide testing of the water, and therefore, per EPA guidelines, the school district is not required to test. However, with the recent concern about high levels of lead in the drinking water of Broome County schools, Vestal CSD took the precautionary step of conducting its own water testing to ensure the safety of drinking water for our students and staff. A representative sampling was taken

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Water Quality Testing in the Vestal Schools at every building in the school district from March 2 to 4, 2016, and a report was given to the district on March 11. Regarding drinking water, the EPA has determined limits for both lead and copper. The level of lead that should not be exceeded is 15 ppb (parts per billion) or .015 mg/L (milligrams per Liter). The copper level that should not be exceeded is 1.3 mg/L. All results in all buildings were less than the EPA action limits for both lead and copper.

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Free Presentation: “Understanding Long Term Levels of Care” Are you or a loved one facing decisions regarding long term, out of home placement? Exploring options for long term care is confusing and complicated. It is difficult to understand what acronyms like ACF, ALP, ALR, EALR, and SNF really mean. On Tuesday, April 26, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Rollie Noble Room at the Village Municipal Building, 9 Park St., Newark Valley, the Department of Aging will welcome Maria Motsavage

from Levene Gouldin & Thompson, who will explain the differences between these levels of care, as well as whether Medicare, Medicaid, or other types of insurance will pay for them. She will be available to answer questions you might have regarding navigation of the health care system. Call (607) 687-4120, ext. 331 to reserve your seat for this free presentation. Information packets are also available upon request.

New Broil King gas grills in stock fully assembled Gas grill parts for all makes of grills in stock! Call for Furnace Installation Estimates

APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

PAGE 8

Tioga Downs Marks Construction Progress with “Topping Off” Ceremony

Next To Kin

Saturday April 16th

Karaoke Saturday - May 7th •Tuesday - Steak Nite • • Wednesday- Shrimp Nite • • Thursday - Clam Nite •

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tainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols and Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York. Tioga Downs was recently recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a full gaming license. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.

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After four months of construction, the preliminary framework for the multimillion dollar expansion to full casino gaming at Tioga Downs is nearly complete. A “Topping Off” ceremony was held on Monday, March 7, at 2:00 pm outside the entertainment complex. Local dignitaries, Jeff Gural and Tioga Downs personnel signed the final steel beam before it was lifted into place. Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current enter-

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Newark Valley Senior Receives Farm Bureau Scholarship Joshua Kline was chosen as the Tioga County Farm Bureau winner by New York Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee. A senior at Newark Valley High School, Joshua is the son of Bert Kline of Newark Valley and Kelly Walker of Maine. Joshua is a very well rounded student and has participated in a range of extracurricular activities. Most notably Joshua is serving as the Art Club at Newark Valley High School. Joshua is employed at SweeTrees in Berkshire on weekends where he assists Dan and Ruth Beasley with maple syrup production and serves as an assistant tour guide. Joshua was required to write an essay answering the question “If you had the power to change something in your community or on your farm, what would you change and why?” His application and essay were reviewed by a panel of judges who remarked about his ability to articulate the importance of offering agricultural education in Tioga County and his astute observation of our changing local agricultural landscape. “The world of agriculture has many bright young leaders,” said Hank Ferris, member of the scholarship selection committee. “Joshua clearly demonstrated his depth of knowledge and commitment to agriculture. With talented and intelligent leaders like Joshua on the horizon, the future of New York agriculture seems particularly bright. We are thrilled that our scholarship money will be put to good use in helping students like Joshua reach his full potential.”

Kline plans to attend the State University of New York at Cobleskill this fall. He will be recognized at the Newark Valley Awards presentation in June. This scholarship opportunity is open every fall to all high school seniors in Tioga County. County winners receive a $500 scholarship and advance to the regional competition. A state winner is selected from all region winners. New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community.

MARCH 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

From The Photo Vault: Horse Racing in Tioga County

PAGE 9

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On February 17, 1970, George Montgomery (above) of Hickory Hall Farm, Glenmary Drive, Owego, announced his vision of a “Race Track” in Owego. Montgomery hoped to obtain a harness racing license from the state and build a track near Owego. The “Tioga Group” planed to have the track, named “Tioga Downs”, completed by Labor Day 1972. The state offered them a quarter horse racing license instead of a harness license (due to pressure from other tracks in the state) and the plans for “Tioga Downs” were scrapped.

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On October 29, 1975, James Nuckel (center left) of CIB International, Little Ferry, New Jersey, broke ground on “Tioga Park,” New York State’s first and only quarter horse track. The first race was scheduled for July 1, 1976, with 125 days of racing the first season and 180 days for the 1977 season.

April 1976 - construction of the new Tioga Park in Nichols continued at a fast pace in order to be complete for opening day July 1, 1976. Phase I of construction included the grandstand, track, parking area, and barns at a cost of $4 million. Phase II was to include enclosing, air conditioning, and heating of the grandstand and enlarging the parking area. The Tioga County IDA approved the sale of $6.5 million in bonds to help pay for construction costs. On July 19, 1978, owner James Nuckel announced that Tioga Park would immediately close and canceled the rest of its racing season. Nuckel stated that the track was losing thousands of dollars a day!

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APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

Community Bank Celebrates 150 Years

PAGE 10

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This year, Community Bank N.A. celebrates a major milestone: its 150th anniversary. A history of community Founded in 1866 as S.D. Hungerford & Co. Bank and later renamed St. Lawrence County National Bank, it all began with one branch location and a few employees in Canton, New York. The bank was renamed Community Bank N.A. in the early 1990s. Today, Community Bank N.A. has its headquarters in DeWitt, New York, a branch network with nearly 200 locations across New York and northeast Pennsylvania, and more than 2,000 employees. Modern triumphs The bank has sustained its tradition of a community-focused approach in smaller markets and ensuring highquality customer service since it first opened its doors in 1866. In recent years, this approach has earned the bank national recognition for customer satisfaction from J.D. Power and Associates, and financial performance from Forbes. In 2015, the bank was named most trusted bank in the Northeast in the MSR Best in Retail Banking Awards. Community Bank N.A. President and CEO Mark Tryniski said: “We are pleased and humbled to be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Community Bank. The history of our sustainability is as timeless as it is simple: always do what’s right for your customers and your communities. Success and growth are merely by-products. I would like to thank and recognize those who are most responsible for this legacy – our associates. We are, after all, not in the banking business, we’re in the people business. The care and pride our people take every day in serving our customers and our communities has built a foundation of trust and confidence upon which we hope to build the next 150 years of progress.” Looking ahead, sticking to principles Looking ahead at the banking landscape in the coming years, Tryniski said technology will continue to play an increasingly integral role in how banks do business and engage with customers. Community Bank N.A. continues to invest in technology that offers customers convenience and data security as customers increasingly use electronic banking channels. But, he added, the principles of community-mindedness, attention to the individual customer and

maintaining a strong team of employees will ensure that the Community Bank N.A. success story will continue well into the future. About Community Bank System Inc. Celebrating its 150th birthday in 2016, Community Bank System Inc. operates more than 190 customer facilities across upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania through its banking subsidiary, Community Bank N.A. With assets of approximately $8.5 billion, the DeWitt, New York, headquartered company is among the country’s 150 largest financial institutions. In addition to a full range of retail and business banking services, the company offers comprehensive financial planning, insurance and wealth management services. The Company’s Benefit Plans Administrative Services Inc. subsidiary is a leading provider of employee benefits administration and trust services, actuarial and consulting services to customers on a national scale. Community Bank System Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the company’s stock trades under the symbol CBU. For more information about Community Bank, visit www. communitybankna.com or ir.community banksystem.com.

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APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

P.E.O. - Chapater B - Newark Valley News

PAGE 11

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January 21, 2016 – Wear Your Emblem Day, members of P.E.O Chapter B, Newark Valley, gather at the Owego Kitchen to celebrate Founder’s Day. Sisters from not only Chapter B, Newark Valley, but also from Chapter BO and CL, Binghamton Chapters, spread the word and celebrated the day. P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. P.E.O.’s sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women's lives with six philanthropies that include ownership of a women's college, Cottey College, and five projects that provide higher educational assistance in the forms of loans, grants, and scholarships. Chapter B, Newark Valley, has been very busy over the past year, supporting the six philanthropies: 1. Cottey College An independent, liberal arts & sciences college for women in Nevada, MO, owned & operated by the P.E.O. Sisterhood since 1927 2. Educational Loan Fund (ELF) Low interest revolving loan fund 3. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Need-based scholarship, Citizen of country other than US or Canada 4. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) Need-based scholarship 5. Scholar Awards (PSA)Merit-based award, Must be within 2 years of completing a doctoral level degree 6. STAR Merit-based scholarship, For high school seniors enrolling in a postsecondary institution upon graduation 7. And NYS specific scholarships and grants as well for college and advanced degree work Chapter B also awards a small grant to a graduating senior girl to assist as she goes on to higher education. They keep in contact with the award winners as they transition to college or technical school. The group is active in our communities as its members support local food pantries, visit shut-ins, and assist women in need of help and encouragement. Highlights of 2015-1016: March 2015, New Officers Installed Kristy Scales, President; Sherrill Ward, Vice President; Glenda Clark, Treasurer;

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Saturday May 14th Ruthanne Orth, Recording Secretary; Lauren Botzenhart, Corresponding Secretary; JoAnn Byrne, Chaplain; Ellen Snapp, Guard. June 2015 – Kristy Scales, Tracy

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Keener, and Lauren Edsall attended the annual NYS P.E.O. Convention in Albany. Currently there are 80 P.E.O. Chapters in New York State. Emma Graves, Newark Valley High School senior received Chapter B’s local award. She is now attending Tompkins Cortland Community College. In the fall, Chapter B Newark Valley hosted the Fall Reciprocity Luncheon at the Owego Treadway. Chapters from Oneonta to Elmira, Ithaca and Binghamton were in attendance. New members, Mary Ellen Odom and Tracy Keener were initiated into our Chapter in November. December 2015 – Chapter B gathered for a brunch meeting and to hear Marilyn Bell’s report on the P.E.O. International Convention in Indianapolis, IN. March 2016 - new officers were elected and installed. Kristy Scales, President; Sherrill Ward, Vice President; Glenda Clark, Treasurer; Ruthanne Orth, Recording Secretary; Lauren Botzenhart, Corresponding Secretary; Gigi Knight, Chaplain; Ellen Snapp, Guard.

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APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

PAGE 12

Arm Knitting Course in Owego The Black Cat Gallery in Owego will offer a craft class in arm knitting on Sunday, April 10. Craft Yarn Council knitting instructor Amy Miles will teach the course in arm knitting. The class is easy and suitable for all skill levels from complete beginner to experienced knitter. The project will be a cowl that most students will finish within the 2-hour scheduled time. All materials will be provided. Sign-up and pre-pay the class fee at least 48 hours before class begins to ensure your class materials are reserved for you. The cost is $25. The Black Cat Gallery is at 190 Front

Street in Owego. Call 687-5550 to reserve your space in the class.

The Beddoe’s in Concert Everyone is invited to attend a concert with the Beddoe’s at Memorial Park Baptist Church, 1013 Front Street in Vestal, at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 8. The concert is free; a love offering will be taken during the program.

Wayne and Carol Beddoe have been singing for the community for many years and will be singing a variety of songs from sacred music to songs from popular shows.

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Owego Gallery Features Soap Maker

This month’s featured artist at the Black Cat Gallery in owego is soap maker Nancy Eckstrom. Nancy has been hand crafting soap for more than 20 years using food quality plant based ingredients including herbal infusions grown in her own garden. Locally produced honey, beeswax, and

FarmHouse Brewery beers are incorporated into several formulations. Nancy’s soap is scented using only pure essential oils that are distilled from plants. Fragrance oils made from synthetic ingredients are never used. Handcrafting soap blends science and art to develop the skin nourishing bars that are naturally moisturizing because of the glycerin that is a by-product of the soap making process. Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it attracts and retains moisture on your skin. The result is a mild pure soap that gently cleanses your skin without being harsh or drying. Look for fabulous soaps, made by Nancy, under the label Three Maries. The Black Cat Gallery is at 190 Front Street in Owego.

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APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

Living Heart Healthy - April 15 The American Heart Association will offer a free “Living Heart Healthy” program on Friday, April 15, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at the Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Boulevard in Owego. The program will educate people on ways to get healthy, stay healthy, and understand the warning signs and risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and a stroke. Topics covered will include the importance of physical activity and eating

healthy, understanding your BMI, how to manage your blood pressure, and much more. There is no cost for this program, but registration is required. Call (607) 6874120, ext. 331 to reserve your seat. Informational packets are also available upon request. The event is being offered through the Department of Aging, Tioga Opportunities, Inc. in Owego.

New VP at Upstate Shredding Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling is adding an industry veteran to its team. Matt Schroth brings extensive experience to his new role as Vice President of Commercial and Expansion. Schroth will focus his efforts on expanding the growing company in various markets beginning primarily with its recent foray into the Western Pennsylvania market with its New Castle retail scrap yard and shredder which will open in the Spring of this year. The shredder is the first step in a multi-million dollar expansion planned for the region. The company primarily operates throughout Upstate New York and Southern Pennsylvania. “It’s an exciting time for us. We are always looking for new areas where we can grow and expand. I am confident that Matt is the right person to spearhead those efforts and move us forward,” said Adam Weitsman, CEO of Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling. Most recently, Schroth served as Director of Non-Ferrous Sales for Schnitzer Steel Industries. During his time there, he was responsible for overseeing the sale of all non-ferrous materials from both Schnitzer's auto and met-

als recycling businesses. His wide ranging duties also included assisting with industrial scrap bids, general market guidance, commercial strategy and research and development plus quality control for Schnitzer's multiple downstream separation plants. Schroth’s extensive experience also stems from time spent with Boston’s Hugo Neu-Schnitzer and Camden, New Jersey-based secondary aluminum smelter State Metal Industries. “I’ve enjoyed working for a number of firms across the country, but I was eager for the opportunity to move to a growing, nimble private company,” said Schroth. “I thrive on the upbeat team atmosphere that defines Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling, and I believe Adam Weitsman has the energy, drive and vision to continue to take his company to the next level.” Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling is the East Coast’s largest privately held scrap metal processor, operating 16 locations throughout New York and Pennsylvania. For more information on the company, visit www.upstateshredding.com.

Farm Safety & Tractor Operation Grads Eleven area youth successfully completed the 2016 Tioga County 4-H Farm Safety and Tractor Operator Certification Program and have earned their tractor operator certificates. The youth completed 24 hours of classroom instruction, passed a written exam, a daily service test and a driving skills test. The program is taught by certified instructors. Area equipment dealers opened their doors to provide equipment, space and assistance with the program. These businesses included Goodrich Auction Service, Inc., Newark Valley; Power & Paddle, Candor; Coleman’s Sales and Service, Barton; Lindsey Lawn & Garden, Apalachin; Klett Farm, Owego; Iron

Kettle Farm, Candor; Joe Sign’s Equipment, Owego; and Frisbie’s Farm Equipment, Spencer. Participants also heard a presentation from a representative of NYCAMH, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health in Cooperstown. The participants are eligible to compete in the NYS Tractor Driving competition at the Empire Farm Days in August in Seneca Falls, NY. For more information about Tioga County 4-H Program, contact the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or go to tioga.cce.cornell.edu.

County Legislature Meeting The Fourth Regular Meeting of 2016 will be held at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, April 12, in the Edward D. Hubbard Auditorium at 56 Main Street in Owego. Committee meetings will be held in the Legislative Conference Room, the Edward D. Hubbard Auditorium, or Conference Rooms as listed located at 56 Main Street.

Individuals requiring any accommodation or auxiliary aid may contact the Legislative Office at (607) 687-8240. With advance notice, necessary auxiliary aids will be provided at no cost to the person requesting assistance.

WEB PAGE EXTRA 1

Vernon Downs Readies for 2016 Season by James Witherite Vernon Downs racing media Racing will soon return to Central New York’s “Miracle Mile”, as Vernon Downs readies for an 84-date season slated to begin on Friday, April 22, 2016. As in seasons past, top trotters from across North America will visit Vernon Downs through the summer of 2016, as the Zweig Memorial for 3-year-old trotters comes back in July. Likewise, the Crawford Farms and Muscle Hill trotting events for top older trotters are slated for August. In addition to the top-tier Grand Circuit stakes, New York-sired 2- and 3year-olds will visit the Miracle Mile for a full slate of New York Sire Stakes events through the summer, including Empire Breeders Classic events for 3year-old trotters. Locally-based young horses are availed a pair of late-closing events in the opening weeks of the season, as well.

The 2016 meet will carry a standard post time of 6:45 p.m., and returns to a Thursday-through-Saturday schedule (along the lines of the 2014 meet) due to run through Saturday, November 5. As in seasons past, fans on-track will be greeted by a wide variety of promotions, including the always popular Change Your Luck drawings and Horseplay Car Giveaway. The Vernon Downs Simulcast Network has undergone a winter makeover, and will seek to prove more bettor-friendly for players on- and off-track alike. Horsemen are reminded that nomination blanks for the Catherine Burton and Anthony Farina late closing series are due Friday, April 1. Further information about the 2016 season at Vernon Downs is available at www.vernondowns.com.

Vestal Hall of Fame Committee announces Candidates for Induction The Vestal Hall of Fame Committee has announced the following candidates for induction into the 2016 Vestal Hall of Fame. They will be honored at the induction dinner/ceremony on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Social hour begins at 6:00 pm, with dinner served at 7:00 pm and the induction ceremony immediately following. Captain Michael Giannetti Class of 1988 A decorated naval aviator and officer, Captain Michael Giannetti has commanded the elite “World Watchers” Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 and served in the Pentagon on the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff. His current assignment is Director of Current Operations on the Commander Pacific Fleet Staff in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His impressive list of awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal and multiple Air and Navy Commendation Medals. His commitment to community did not falter in the face of a full professional career as he has, among other charitable endeavors, served as a Big Brother, coached Special Olympians, built Habitat for Humanity homes and volunteered with the Humane Society. Dwayne King Class of 1960 An inspiration for serving others has driven Dwayne King to unprecedented heights, first as a bush pilot in Alaska, and then as a pioneering missionary in Russia. He has founded his own nonprofit organization, Kingdom Air Corps, to train others to continue his mission work, while still advocating to open general and missionary aviation in Rus-

sia. He has spent his life in remote frontiers, like Alaska and the far eastern region of Russia, where there are no roads, bringing in food, supplies and encouragement. Lieutenant Colonel Drew Watson Class of 1975 A leader of the highest caliber, Drew Watson rose through the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before he retired. He has commanded the elite First Force Reconnaissance Company, First Marine Expeditionary Force, was selected to represent the U.S. Marines as a ground exchange officer with the British Royal Marine Commandos and also served as Deputy Chief Instructor and A Company Commander at the Marine Corps Basic School. Lt. Col. Watson brings his sense of duty to his community, supporting the Semper Fi fund. He is also a senior mentor with Total Courage, which provides character development coaching tailored to train, teach and mentor coaches, students and other athletes to win with character. For tickets to this year’s Hall of Fame Dinner, visit the Home or Alumni page of Vestal’s website at www.vestal.stier.org and look for the news article with dinner invitation and more information. To have an invitation mailed to you, call 607-757-2241. Dinner reservations are respectfully requested by April 25, 2016. There is also an opportunity for local businesses to sponsor this year’s Hall of Fame Dinner. For more information on how to become a sponsor, contact Betty Engle at the telephone number listed above or ejengle@vestal.k12.ny.us.

4-H Fall Turkey Project The Tioga County 4-H Program has again partnered with the Owego Kiwanis to offer the 4-H Fall Turkey Project. A Kiwanis sponsor will purchase six birds for the participating 4-H member. The 4-H member is responsible for all feed and butchering costs. At the end of the project, the sponsor will get a bird free of charge. The 4-H member will then be responsible for finding buyers for the remaining five birds. The program will begin in June and 4-H youth

will raise the birds until late October at which time the birds will go to the butcher. Youth raisers must become members of the 4-H program to participate and must be 9 to 19 years of age. For more information about this or about the Tioga County 4-H Program contact the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 6874020 or go to tioga.cce.cornell.edu.

APRIL 2016

TIOGA COUNTY COMMUNITY PRESS

Jewish Food Festival - April 10

“Decision Make Day” Offered in Owego, Waverly Have you thought about a Will, Power of Attorney, or Health Care Proxy? Come learn more about these essential documents at Decision Making Day. Greg Catarella from Levene Gouldin & Thompson will present important information on Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders. This program is being offered on in Owego on Thursday, April 21, 9 to 11 am, at the Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Boulevard, and in

The Lower East Side of New York City, circa 1910, will pop up in Elmira when the eighth annual Jewish Food Festival takes place on Sunday, April 10. The festival, held at Congregation Kol Ami, 1008 West Water Street in West Elmira, will re-create a street market modeled on the fabled Hester Street, the old Jewish immigrant neighborhood. The foods planned for the festival range from well-known favorites such as matzo ball soup, deli sandwiches, and chopped liver to harder-to-find specialties such as knishes, potato latkes (pancakes), and Middle Eastern street food, including falafel, Israeli salads, and bourekas (cheese-filled pastries). The bakery stand—always a favorite—will have rugelach (cinnamonflavored pastries), mandelbrot (sweet almond bread, similar to biscotti), babka (cinnamon or chocolate-filled yeast cake), challah (braided egg bread that traditional Jewish cooks serve at every Sabbath dinner), and hamantashen (triangular fruit-filled pastries, usually made for the Purim holiday). Crumb buns are an addition to the bakery offerings this year. In true New York style, authentic egg creams—which contain neither eggs nor cream—will be made to order at the beverage stand. All cooked foods are being prepared on the premises by volunteers. While the food itself is more than enough reason to attend, the setting adds to the experience. The interior becomes

a complete turn-of-the-century street scene, with market stands, a strolling Klezmer musician, lamp posts, and even laundry hanging overhead. Volunteers from the local Jewish community, in costumes typical of the early 20th century, will sell each type of food from a separate market stand. Café table under market umbrellas offer places to eat, and there will be additional seating in a tent on the lawn. There will also be a “Hester Street Tchotchke [trinket] Market,” and several raffles. Admission tickets are $12 at the door, or $10 in advance. All tickets include entry into a door-prize drawing. Paid admission includes 3 starter tickets for food. Additional food tickets may be purchased at the festival for $1 each. Children age 12 and under will be admitted free with an adult. Festival hours are 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased until Friday, April 8, from Congregation Kol Ami, the Jewish Center and Federation, B&C Photo, Gerould’s on Hoffman, and Christopher’s in Elmira; Market Street Apothecary and Connors Mercantile in Corning; or members of the planning committee. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.twintiersjewishcommunity.com, and will be available at the door. For more information, call (607) 734-8122.

NYS Honey Production Honey production in 2015 from New York producers with five or more colonies totaled 3.6 million pounds, up 9% from 2014, according to Blair Smith, State Statistician of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Field Office. There were 58 thousand colonies producing honey in 2015, down 3% from 2014. Yield per colony averaged

62 pounds, up 13% from the 55 pounds in 2014. Producer honey stocks were 899 thousand pounds on December 15, 2015, down 41% from a year earlier. Honey prices increased during 2015 to 294 cents per pound, up 4 percent from 283 cents per pound in 2014. The Honey Production report and all other NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Scholarship for Students with Finnish Heritage The Finger Lakes Finns offers a yearly scholarship for area high school seniors who have a Finnish heritage or interest and involvement in Finnish culture. The Finger Lakes Finns promotes cultural and educational appreciation of Finnish heritage and customs, and provides a social setting for enjoying old and new friendships in the Finnish tradition.

The scholarship award criteria and application can be found at www.fingerlakesfinns.org/scholarship/ index.htm They have also been sent to area high school guidance counselors. Completed applications and required documents must be received by May 21, 2016, to be considered.

WEB EXTRA PAGE 2

Waverly on Friday, May 6, 9 to 11 am, at Elderwood, 37 North Chemung Street. The program is open to the public, but registration is required. To attend either of these events, call the Department of Aging at 687-4120 ext. 331 to reserve your seat. Informational packets are also available upon request. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at each session.

Letter to the Editor

Owego-Apalachin School District Budget Dear Editor, School budget season is well underway. To date the BOE/Administration of OACSD has held a one hour budget forum and that was it! At the next Board meeting, March 31st, Dr. Russell will present his proposed budget to the board. In an effort to give the board some thoughts to consider, work on or ask about, I sent the following to your board members on March 2nd. March 2, 2016 Board Members: For your information and consideration. During the development of this years' budget here are some points to ponder and to be taken under consideration and discussion by our elected community servants. 1. This is the second year in succession that pension costs have dropped considerably. See the link to a recent Press Connects item. 2. Health care cost are being reduced significantly as a result of changing our +65 retirees to Medicare Plan F The actual monthly savings needs to be determined and made public by Mr. Pryor. Perhaps Mr. Pryor could be asked to develop and present these cost savings at the next board meeting. A conservative monthly estimate is in the neighborhood of $100,000 or a $1.2 million annual spending reduction. The budget needs to be adjusted to reflect these savings. Please resist the urge to spend because you can! 3. Thanks to the Board's wisdom in adopting a reasonable salary range for the "Search Announcement" for Dr. Russell's replacement, the district could expect to realize a substantial reduction in salary and benefits in the compensation package for the incoming Superintendent.

4. As for the ongoing negotiations with the bargaining units, one should also expect a favorable outcome which could increase employees contributions toward health care premiums, another cost reduction. Along with NYS's projected increases in "Foundation Aid," the reduction or elimination of the GAP adjustment, the price of fuel declining drastically and "our new highly efficient, economically low cost maintenance built into the new OES building": it is reasonable to expect a reduction in the overall operating costs for the 2016 - 2017 school year. As it shapes up now; this is the budget season when the Board can comfortably deliver a reduction in the Tax Levy, provide for continued quality in our student programs and reduce the tax burden on your neighbors and the citizens of the Owego Appalachin School District. It's your call! It is up to you! http://www.pressconnects.com/story/ news/local/new-york/2016/02/12/ schools-pension-costs-dropagain/80283814/ Thank you for serving your community. Joe Chartrand, Founder Tioga Citizens for Affordable Education & Excellence So there you have it. Since there is never any public discussion of the budget by board members prior to Dr. Russell’s presentation, all we can do is wait and see what Dr. Russell presents for the 2016-2017 budget. I will keep you advised. Joe Chartrand Owego, NY