Field of the Forgotten Fallen
The Tioga County Veterans’ Service Agency and Tioga County recognizes September as “Suicide Awareness Month”. To promote awareness, we will be unveiling for the eighth straight year, the “Field of the Forgotten Fallen”. The exhibit will stay up through the entire month to bring attention to the national tragedy that is veteran and military
suicide! 22 veterans/military members a day complete suicide, that’s 154 per week, 660 per month and 8,030 per year! The exhibit is located on the lawn of the County Office Building at 56 Main Street in Owego, NY. This exhibit is designed to raise awareness about the issue of veteran/military suicide.
A heartfelt thank you to Les Wagner for his continued generosity and support of the Tioga Boys & Girls Club. Les does so much for our community, and we are grateful for all the ways he invests in our kids and their future. We are lucky to have champions like him in our corner! (Boys Club Photo)
This year marks the 24th Anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked commercial jets and attacked the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Never Forget & Always Remember September 11, 2001. Never Forget & Always Remember those who died, those who survived, and those brave heroes who answered the call to help others.
Town and Village of Owego to Host 10thAnnual September 11th Memorial Ceremony
The Town of Owego, in partnership with the Village of Owego Fire Department, will hold its 10th Annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at the Town’s 9-11 Memorial located in Hickories Park.
The ceremony will honor the heroes of September 11, 2001 the first responders who gave their lives to save others, as well as the thousands of Americans who perished on that day.
Town Supervisor Donald Castel-
lucci, Jr. encourages the public to attend and participate in this important remembrance.
“This ceremony provides our community with an opportunity to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice shown that day, and to ensure we never forget those who were lost,” said Castellucci.
The public is invited to join in commemorating this solemn anniversary and honoring the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and unity that arose from tragedy
SCHOOL IS OPEN SCHOOL IS OPEN IS OPEN DRIVE SAFELY DRIVE SAFELY DRIVE
Main St. Apalachin, NY 607-625-3333 Open Mon, Tues, Thurs: 10am-7pm; Fri & Sat: 10am-2pm www.apalachinlibrary.org Programs for September
Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10:30am Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts! Tuesday and Thursday each week are the same theme. No registration required. Please note: there will be no Storytime from 8/26 -9/4. Storytime will resume on Tuesday, 9/9.
Mahjong: Mondays | 2pm-4pm No experience or registration required.
Tech Time with Tina: Tuesdays By Appointment Sign up for some one on-one help with any tech topic!
Zen Before Zzzzzs: Tuesdays | 6pm Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice each week. No experience or registration required.
Euchre: Thursdays | 2pm-4pm No experience or registration required.
Senior First Friday Program – His Girl Friday and Lunch: Friday, September 5 | 11am-1pm See left for details! Registration is required.
Evening Book Club: Thursday, September 11 | 6:30pm Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen No registration required. The October book will be Take My Hand by Dolen PerkinsValdez.
Women’s Self-Defense Class presented by the Hidy Ochiai Foundation: Saturday, September 13 | 11am Registration is required.
Afternoon Book Club: Thursday, September 18 | 1pm The Long Call by Ann Cleves No registration required. The October book will be Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear.
Jane Austen Movie Club – Emma: Monday, September 22 | 4pm See next page for details. No registration required.
Triple Cities Ski Club meets Sugar Maple Cafè
Triple Cities Ski Club (TCSC) members enjoyed a lovely evening on the deck of Sugar Maple Cafe, 200 Front St, Owego, overlooking the Susquehanna River. All 24 attendees raved about each of their dinner selections: Greek Stuffed Steak, Shrimp Ceviche Salad, Berry Blue Chicken Salad and Granny Smith Salad. The desserts were equally amazing: strawberry shortcake and Maple Chocolate Cupcake with Bourbon Frosting. Yum!
People talked about dining with friends because the atmosphere and delectable dishes were so inviting. Sugar Maple Cafè owners, Aaron and Jenna Fairfield, opened up the back deck for the club's private party of 24 people and ordered perfect weather for the group as well, said one attendee.
The group had a relaxing time chatting with ski friends they hadn’t seen in a while. They finished just in time to enjoy the Triple Cities Soul Machine
By Jill Darling
concert at Hickories Park featuring the one and only Chloé Solan!
TCSCers jumped on the dance floor and got the party started as they always do. TCSCers know how to have fun year round and boast over 350 members.
TCSC meets the first Thursdays of the month, September through May at 7 pm, at the American Legion, 177 Robinson St, Binghamton, to discuss upcoming ski trips and year round activities. This year’s main ski trips are to Andorra with sightseeing in Barcelona, Winter Park, Colorado and Sugarloaf, Maine, with two trips to Killington, Vermont.
October’s meeting will feature Greek Peak Mountain Resort’s owner and Elmira businessman, John Meier. He’ll talk about what’s new for the coming season at Greek Peak. For more information about discounted skiing and to become a member go to the website at www.triplecitiesskiclub.com.
Owego Elks Emporium Celebrates 50 Years of Sharing Memories of the Past With The Community
Nestled in the middle of Church Street on the outskirts of the Owego Historic Marketplace is one of the oldest running antique and flea markets in the Southern Tier. And they are celebrating their 50th Anniversary on Sunday September 7, from 8 am to 3 pm.
In 1972, after a deal to purchase the Lodge property fell through, the Lodge Bowling Alley was left vacant. The bowling lanes and equipment were sold, and the dropped ceiling was installed in the Lodge Ballroom to conserve heat. It wasn’t until two enterprising lodge members had a vision to use the empty space to make money that the Emporium happened.
The first antique show was held on April 28, 1976, spearheaded by Jack and Phil Knapp. Five years later, the flea market aspect of the operation was added, being held on the first Sunday of each month. As time passed and the Emporium succeeded, it was decided to host the antique and flea market on the first and third Sundays of each month. The Knapp brothers continued to operate the Emporium for 25 years. Because of the popularity of the venue and the consistent revenue stream, lodge members decided to continue operations. Glenn Millar, Emil Kotasak, Vern Turner and
his wife Marcia continued the tradition. Today the Emporium is run by Dave and Barb (former wife of the late Emil Kotasek) Dray. Barb has been a promoter of the Emporium for over 25 years.
The Emporium’s success is a blessing to the Lodge. Over 20 vendors of collectibles, antiques, and vintage items drive the enterprise's success. They evoke memories of the past for both us and customers. A trip to the Emporium is sure to entertain enthusiasts, young and old.
The Emporium invites the community and lovers of all things “old” to celebrate their birthday. There will be free coffee and Stoughton donuts in the morning. Cake and ice cream will continue the celebration in the afternoon. To complete the festivities, a treasure chest and basket raffle with treats and candy, and a 50/50 raffle will be running all day.
The Elks Antique and Flea Market Emporium is located on Church Street in Owego NY. Parking is available in the Lodge lot on Front Street and on streets surrounding the property. For more information, call the Lodge at 607-6871039. Someone will get back to as soon as possible.
Tioga Count Legislative Meeting
The Ninth Regular Meeting of 2025 will be held at 12:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in the Edward D. Hubbard Auditorium of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street, Owego, New York 13827. All Committee Meetings and Legislative Worksessions will be held in the Legislative Conference Room of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827. 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.
By Carol A. Henry
The New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) hosted an inaugural All-State Elementary Honor Band performance at Ithaca College on August 13, at Ford Hall. Out of 90 5th grade students, state-wide, five Candor elementary band students were selected to participate. Those chosen for this Honor Band included Makenzie Stanton (Clarinet), Luca Mobilio (Saxophone), Bryson Perrot (Trumpet), Jonathan Wright (Trombone), and Arianna Hulse (French Horn, who was unable to participate).
Candor Elementary Band director Luis Ingels, had heard about the program from a colleague, and seeing the potential in several of his students, decided to submit nominations to NYSBDA.
“The students were chosen by teacher recommendation, where I had to describe their playing ability, but more importantly their overall demeanor. I emphasized that they had excellent behavior, were respectful, responsible, safe and caring in addition to hard working., patient and kind to all. I believe these were the main reasons for being chosen, as the students had only been playing one year. They were exemplary representatives of Candor Elementary and had a ton of fun.”
The Elementary School Principal, Peter Ahart, and school administration, got behind the program and worked with BOCES
to cover student expenses. Each student received a t-shirt, lunch, and a certificate for their full-day participation, which included full rehearsal with all 90 musicians, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The “Director’s Band”, a group of band directors from around the Northeast preformed three numbers, starting at 5:00 p.m., followed by the performance of the student’s Honor Band, conducted by Mike Struzik and Jackie Kovacs, in front of a full house with parents, family and friends.
Ingels, who has been teaching at Candor for three years previously taught in Brooklyn for 10 years, with a Masters in Music and Music Education from Columbia University. He was chosen as an allday chaperone during the rehearsal, so was with the students the entire time.
“As one of the chaperones, I was in the room helping students with their music, which is what I love to do. And I have to say I am extremely proud of our 5th grade students that participated in the Inaugural NY All-State Elementary Honor Band at Ithaca College. An honor well deserved!"
It goes without saying that “this was a fantastic opportunity for Candor students to join and play beautiful music with musicians from all over New York State.” With their “hard work, dedication, and maturity” these young musicians are an asset to their school and community.
Years Ago
It's September 1975. In Sacramento, California, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme points a gun at President Gerald Ford. Before she can fire it, a Secret Service agent grabs the gun.
Mother Elizabeth Seton, founder of the Sisters of Charity, is canonized. She is the first native born US saint.
In Amsterdam, a former mental patient slashes Rembrandt's "Nightwatch" over a dozen times.
Tawney Elaine Godin, 18, from Saratoga Springs, New York, is chosen Miss America in Atlantic City.
Patty Hearst, who now calls herself Tania, and three SLA comrades are arrested in San Francisco.
Sarah Jane Moore, 45, shots at, but misses President Ford in San Francisco. A bystander knocks the gun from her hand.
Don Iverson, 29, wins the BC Open.
Ross Park Zoo ends a summerlong celebration of its 100th birthday by dedicating a $7,000 aviary.
by: Beverly Brown
while trying to rescue two rafters caught in the vicious currents at Rockbottom Dam. The next day, Fire Chief John Cox and Captain Donald McGeever drown while trying to find Russell's body. The bodies of Cox and McGeever are recovered, but Russell's is not found and he is still presumed drowned.
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The Village of Owego board considers building a boardwalk along Riverow.
The Bicentennial flag is raised at the Tioga County's Courthouse.
Binghamton bans night football games for the remainder of the season following incidents of violence and vandalism after a night game between Binghamton Central North and Vestal.
A spell of steady rain causes floods and two million dollars worth of damage to private property, crops, roads, and bridges in Tioga County.
Binghamton fireman John C. Russell, 26, is presumed drowned
Two lions are settled into their new home in front of the south entrance to the Tioga County Courthouse in Owego. The metal statues once guarded the entrance to the Wilson house at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue in the village (now a parking lot). They were originally in front of a house in New York City which Mrs. Wilson used to pass by as a child. When the New York City house was demolished, Dr. Wilson bought the lions for his wife and brought them to Owego.
St. Margaret Mary's Church in Apalachin dedicates their new church hall.
Movies playing at local theaters include Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Once is Not Enough; Give 'Em Hell, Harry; Luther; and Gone withthe Wind.
Top tunes include RhinestoneCowboy by Glen Campbell, At Seventeen by Janis Ian, How Sweet it Is by James Taylor, Run Joey Run by David Goddes, and Fallin' in Love by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds.
When Ag and I were married in 1928, we lived for a time with Ag's Mom, her brother Leo, two sisters, and a boarder at the corner of Main and Beethoven Streets in Binghamton. Our neighbors on the second floor below us were the Coffeys. He was a Linotype repairman, a Canadian who had been sent by his company to South Africa where he had become acquainted with Mary (the daughter of a missionary) who later became Mrs. Coffey. Neither had ever driven a car and Bill wanted to know if they bought a car, would I teach him to drive? I had some doubts about teaching someone in his fifties, but they were both good tennis players, so in great physical shape, and had been very kind to us, so I agreed. They bought a new Chevy sedan and he had progressed with his driving enough so that when I would feel his forearm when he had hold of the wheel, that it didn't feel as though it were made of stone.
One Sunday they wanted to go for a drive, so with Bill driving we went up near Nineveh. I saw a man walking on our side of the road, carrying a lunch pail in his left hand. I thought Bill was allowing him enough room but maybe he swung his hand out a little just as we were passing him. Anyway, the car struck his lunch bucket which struck his leg which knocked him off his feet and into the brush. Bill didn't stop immediately but I told him he had to stop. His wife piped up, "He's motioning for you to go on, that he is all right!"
By then Bill had come to a wider place and pulled over. The Coffeys were very sorry and wanted to do anything to help. They offered him money, but he said that was all right. They
tried to buy him a new lunch pail, tried to give him money to buy more lunch, but he refused everything and acted as though he wished we would leave.
When we had come back for a little while, we found out why. Two state troopers showed up that evening with a long list of charges against Bill: he had been driving so fast that he couldn't stop for a thousand yards, he had deliberately crowded the man off the road, he had started to drive away but must have had second thoughts. The troopers took statements from each of us and told Bill not to worry too much. The insurance company must have taken care of everything, the Coffeys never told us of the final outcome. Later on, a man I worked with said he knew this man and that he had had an accident similar to this before.
Mrs. Coffey told us of an amusing incident that she had heard of once. It seems there was a small troupe of singers and actors that put on little shows in the small towns. One of the female singers sang of a little old lady who loved her vegetable garden but because of the hot sun she usually waited until the evening to work in it. One line in this song told of this little old lady who every evening "squats among her cabbage and peas." The next day a delegation from the church came and asked if that line could not be changed. The townspeople, they said, like Elmer Gantry, wanted to avoid the very appearance of evil. The singer told them that would be no problem. So the next evening when that song came up, it ran along much the same as it had before except the last couple lines which told of this little old lady who every evening, "squats among her lettuces and leeks."
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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 $7.50 for the first 25 words. (add $1 for each 4 additional words) Community Press 7830 Rt. 434 Apalachin, N.Y. 13732
