O&R Lights Up River Gauge For NY, Pa Emergency Services

PEARL RIVER, NY – As part of an upgrade to its electric system serving a riverside neighborhood in Port Jervis, N.Y., O&R took some steps recently that will make life much easier for emergency preparedness managers in New York and Pennsylvania during the spring flood season.

While conducting the upgrade to improve electric service reliability along Second Street, O&R installed an overhead streetlight at the end of the circuit serving the neighborhood. That streetlight shines on the depth gauge painted on the side of the Port Jervis-Matamoras Bridge that spans the Delaware River, linking New York and Pennsylvania. O&R provides electric service to Port Jervis as Orange & Rockland and to Matamoras as Pike County Light & Power Co.

This gauge is key to first-responder operations in both New York and Pennsylvania during spring flood season. Emergency preparedness managers in both states keep a sharp eye on the gauge to plan their operations from the evacuation of low-lying riverside areas to road closings to activation and deployment of emergency services personnel.

Until this light was installed, typically during night-time hours emergency preparedness managers either waited for first light to view the marker or shone a spotlight from high on the riverbank to see the markings etched into the bridge.

Barry Short, the Public Affairs Manager for O&R and its sister utility in Pennsylvania, Pike County Light and Power Company, said, “This new light is a win-win for our customers who live along the Delaware in two states. The most important data during a river flooding emergency is timely, accurate information about the status of the river. This new light helps make that critical information more fully available faster and easier to the right people who know how to use it best.”

Veteran Reporter Tracy Baxter Teaches HBE Students The “Write” Stuff

Veteran reporter Tracy Baxter presents a Journalism 101 workshop at Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School March 4. The writing workshop was one of the innovative literacy activities held at the school during Read Across America Week. (Contributed Photo)

Record online reporter Tracy Baxter teaches the craft of news writing to Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School fifth graders. (Contributed Photo)

PORT JERVIS – After covering Read Across America events at Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School for countless years, veteran reporter Tracy Baxter was on the other side of the camera last week. At the request of school administrators, Baxter spent the day at the school teaching fifth and sixth graders the basic journalistic skills needed to enhance their writing.

“Read Across America is designed to cultivate a love for reading – and writing. And, I can’t think of a better person to cover all the bases than a journalist of Tracy Baxter’s caliber,” said Assistant Principal M.T. Wieboldt.
Baxter has been reporting the news in the Hudson Valley 37 years. The Westbrookville resident began his career working here in Port Jervis as the news director of WDLC Radio. Later, he worked at WGNY Radio in Newburgh until he made the transition to television news in 1982. For the past two decades, while his three children attended Port Jervis schools, Baxter served as the news director and co-anchor for Cable 6 Television. Tracy Baxter now reports regularly on recordonline.com.

Baxter’s Journalism 101 class provided HBE’s budding writers with an overview of journalism and the different life skills needed to be a good reporter. Using several of his own video clips as examples, Baxter took the students through the steps involved in making and editing news segments.  He also stressed the importance of being a good listener and meeting deadlines.

During a hands-on journalism activity, students had to rely on their listening and organizational skills to write a news article about the 2010 Census. The students had five minutes to complete the assignment, using the facts presented to the class. Later, Baxter said he was impressed with the quality of the stories. “They took the writing assignment seriously,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised to see some of them reporting the news one day.

Wieboldt agrees, noting that Baxter generated a lot of enthusiasm at the school for interviewing, news writing, and videography. “Students are now busy working with their teachers to write articles for the school community,” she said. One group is writing about Tracy Baxter. Another group is looking to write a more in depth story about the 2010 Census. And, others are covering the school DJ Night and Read Across America. Wieboldt said the most accurate and interesting article will be published in the school’s April newsletter.

Port Jervis/Deerpark Pets Of The Week

If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call or visit the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark, Port Jervis located at 202 Rt. 209 North, Port Jervis during the following hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or Sunday 1 – 3 p.m. The shelter is closed every Monday. To check on animals available for adoption call (845) 856-3677 or visit www.pjhs.petfinder.com. At this site you will also be able to view cool videos of our animals in action. For shelter events and more information visit our main site at www.pjhumane.org.

Colby is a gray/brown tabby male under a year old. He is at the shelter with his siblings; Daisy, Velvet and Cheddar. They are at the shelter because their owner had too many animals. Colby has super soft fur and is a sweet fellow. He has wonderful markings and gold eyes with a rim of green on the inside. They are housebroken and Colby will be neutered before going to a new home.

Katie is a 6 year old spayed female white pit bull terrier. She has some light black freckles under her white fur. She is housebroken and crate trained. She will visit the neighbors if given a chance. Katie is strong on the leash but did go to obedience school for three months. She was too hyper for the young child in her last home. Katie and the other dog in the house didn't get along too well so she may not do well in a home with other dogs. Adoption will require a home visit.

Daisy is a long-haired all black female under a year old. She is at the shelter with her siblings; Velvet, Cheddar and Colby. They are at the shelter because their owner had too many animals. Daisy has a beautiful, soft long coat and pretty gold eyes. They are all housebroken and Daisy will be spayed before going to a new home.

Twenty-three Bus Drivers Complete Advanced Safety Course

The Port Jervis School District Board of Education recognized the bus drivers who completed the New York State School Bus Drivers Advanced Course March 4. Board President William Onofry (second from right) presented each driver with a certificate. Pictured with Onofry and Quality Bus Service co-owner Mike Martucci are (left to right): Front Row: Brenda Quick, Faith Robles, Kathleen Ford, and Maria Menzynski. Back Row: Pamela Richards, Nathanael Spence, Charles Powire, Jason Sisco, and Barbara Brollier.

PORT JERVIS — Twenty-three bus drivers who serve the Port Jervis School District recently completed the advanced course of study, sponsored by the State University of New York. Offered at Quality Bus Service in Sparrowbush, the New York State School Bus Drivers Advanced Course is a 10-hour program designed to help the state’s experienced school bus drivers to continue to do their jobs safely.

The Quality and Port Jervis bus drivers spent two Saturdays, volunteering their time, to learn more about the pupil transportation industry and further their commitment to safety. The advanced course has four main goals:  self-assessment, sharing, updating, and revitalization.

“New York State’s outstanding school transportation record can be attributed directly to the state’s stable core of veteran school bus drivers,” said Quality Bus Service co-owner and course instructor Mike Martucci. A NY State Education Department School Bus Driver Instructor (SBDI), Martucci said “Driving a school bus is a unique, challenging, and complex job.  And, the responsibility for transporting children is profound.”

“Port Jervis children deserve safe transportation and it was a privilege to have had the ability for so many of our drivers to attend such a valuable course,” said Martucci.

Congratulations to the following drivers for receiving their New York State School Bus Driver Advanced Course Certificates: Rosalie Anselmo, Regina Baumgardner, Barbara Brollier, Donna Carver, Bobbi DiDonato-Swingle, Kathleen Ford, Moncia McDonald, William McKerrell, Maria Menzynski, Jennifer Mills, Ann Ponds, Charles Powrie, Brenda Quick, Sandra Quick, Patricia Quicksell, Pamela Richards, Faith Robles, Dolores Sentinella, Jason Sisco, Ann Terpening, Donna Tonnessen, Jennifer VanBuren, Karen Wells.

100th Day of School

PORT JERVIS – The ASK Fit Kids program teamed up with the 100th day of school to get students active and healthy. The Fit Kids program promotes healthy behaviors among ASK students and teachers to help everyone gain the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to establish healthy eating and physical activity behaviors to improve overall health and academic performance. On the 100th day, students and teachers were asked to find unique ways to exercise throughout the day to complete 100 exercises. The day kicked off with Mr. Solimando over the morning announcements getting the entire school to do 25 jumps all at the same time. Congratulations A.S.K in completing all 100 physical activity tasks!

Jump Rope For Heart

PORT JERVIS – The A.S.K physical education classes incorporated in to a unit The American Heart Association’s: Jump Rope For Heart. Jump Rope For Heart promotes the value of healthy habits to elementary children while empowering them to contribute to their community’s welfare. Students learned about the benefits of jumping rope and then were able to experience creative jumping stations. At one of the stations, students tried to do as many jumps as they could in a minute. The top jumper in every class won a jump rope. Jump ropes were donated by the American Heart Association and The Orange County Department of Health.

Orange Reminds Residents To Avoid Excessive Costs When Obtaining Certified Copies Of Deeds

GOSHEN – Once again, Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana, County Clerk Donna Benson and Commissioner of Consumer Affairs Charles Mitchell want residents to know that when you need a certified copy of your deed the fastest and least expensive way to obtain this document is your local County Clerk.

“Residents from across our County have received solicitations in the mail urging them to pay 50 or 60 dollars to obtain a copy of their deed,” Benson said. “This added expense is not necessary since any homeowner may obtain this document by contacting my office and paying the modest fee of $5.20.”

Added Commissioner Mitchell, “When I received this solicitation, I was very concerned that residents were being taken advantage of because I knew that anyone wishing to obtain a replacement document need only contact their County Clerk.”

Residents are encouraged to visit our County website @ www.orangecountygov.com to see the many services that are available for free or nominal processing fees or call the Clerk’s office directly at 845-291-2690.

Deerpark To Enforce Seatbelt, Child Safety Seat Laws

DEERPARK — Throughout the month of March the Town of Deerpark Police Department will be deploying patrols specific to the enforcement of the State’s seatbelt laws and child safety restraints.  These roving patrols are being funded by a grant through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

AIDA Is Coming To Port Jervis Stage

PORT JERVIS — The Tony award-winning rock musical, AIDA, is coming to Port Jervis High School March 19-21 for three performances.

Set along the banks of the Nile in ancient Egypt, AIDA is the tragic love story of a captive slave princess and an Egyptian prince whose love transcends time and cultural barriers. The beautiful musical score, created by Elton John and Tim Rice, uses music ranging from reggae and gospel to zealous rock ballads to express the characters’ emotions and celebrate their diversity.

Evening performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20. An afternoon matinee is scheduled for Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m.

The general admission price is $12. The cost for specially-priced student and senior citizen tickets is $10. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Port Jervis High School Ticket Line at 845-858-3122. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

The Port Jervis performance of AIDA is directed by High School music teacher Alvera Sylvester.

Bunny Ready To Hop At The Deerpark Annual Easter Egg Hunt

HUGUENOT — The Town of Deerpark Recreation Committee is hosting the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27 starting at 11 a.m. at Harriet Space Memorial Park on Route 209 in Huguenot.  The event is free for all children ages 10 and under and will include a visit from the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.  In addition, live music will be performed by Alyssa from the band September Dogs.

“It is very important to have good recreational events for the kids in our community,” said Daniel Morse, Chairman of the town’s Recreation Committee.  “This will be the first of many events that the committee will put on for the benefit of the children and our residents.”

In case of inclement weather, please visit the town’s web site at www.townofdeerpark.org for rescheduling information.  For more information about the Easter egg hunt, please contact Dan Morse at 845-672-3829.

Residents are also encouraged to attend the Deerpark Lions Club’s Bunny Breakfast on the same morning starting at 8 a.m. at the Cornucopia Restaurant on Route 209.  Cost of the breakfast is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 10 and under, and free for ages 2 and under. For more information about the breakfast, please contact Joanne Vicaretti at 845-856-4065.