Heavy snow contributed to the collapse of the roof of this Port Jervis building. (Photo by Stan Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS – The roof and part of a three-story structure reportedly dating back to the early canal days in Port Jervis ’ history collapsed under the weight of days worth of heavy, wet snowfall this past Saturday morning. The building, owned by Robert Borrero of Port Jervis, is located across from the Port Jervis Bowling alley, on a small side street section of Canal Street, between the city’s West Main and Orange Streets.
The collapse was reported at approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 27. Once the building and street were secured and restricted, immediate measures were taken to remove affected portions of the building. Additional work was seen as ongoing throughout today.
Borrero, contacted following the collapse, said the building will not be demolished, but instead will be restored as nearly as possible in keeping with its history. While part of the building will be reduced to one floor, a large portion of the original structure will be restored to its original two-story level.
“It’s not just the building itself that is important, but it’s worth so much more to save because of its history,” said Borrero. “I’m still deciding on what type of roofing to replace the collapsed roof with, whether it should be the colored tin type or actual galvanized metal as was historically used. Amazingly, much of the original construction and content remain.”
Borrero noted that the original elevator used during canal days to get hay and other items upstairs for storage is completely intact as is a two-seater “inside” outhouse complete with portions of the original canal wall lining it.
“The rock is so perfectly placed that is a work of art,” said Borrero. “These old walls go way back probably 150-years or more. The history is very important to me.”
Borrero said the building was first owned and operated by the city’s canal attendants, and then sold to the grandmother of a current neighbor of the building. It was then reportedly sold by the second owner to Royal Furniture – for one dollar. Just prior to Borrero’s purchase of the building approximately 25 years ago, local resident Jimmy Smith owned the historic structure.
At one time, mules that pulled barges on the local canal were kept in the building, which also housed canal worker offices and other work areas for the bustling early-transportation hub of the city.
Port Jervis Fire Department’s 2nd Assistant Chief Frank Fuller III called the department’s fire police into service to assist with closing off the street and with traffic control following the collapse. Port Jervis Fire Chief Jim Fuller said Fuller III had been stopped by a Department of Public Works worker who noticed the roof had collapsed.
NOTE: A future edition of Pike County Press/Port Jervis News will showcase areas of the historic building. If any readers have photos or other information that they are willing to share in cooperation with the owner for this photo story, please contact siegels@citlink.net or the editors of this newspaper.
March 4, 2010 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Scouts, leaders, committee members and dignitaries are pictured during Cub Scout Pack 173’s Annual Blue and Gold Banquet, held at the Erie Trackside Manor this week. (Photo by Sharon E. Siegel)
Cub Scout Pack 173’s annual Poster Contest winners are pictured with contest judge Joyce Senkiew. From left are Michael Mahaney (accepting for his brother Joseph Mahaney, who was unable to attend), Jonahtan Weiss, Reyes Torres, and Daniel Miller. (Photo by Sharon E. Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS – Scouts of Pack 173 gathered at the Erie Trackside Manor last Tuesday evening to celebrate 100 years of Boy Scouting and 80 years of Cub Scouting. As the boys shared time with their families, leaders, fellow scouts, and invited guests, a salute was given to the century-old ideals and mission of scouting. Yet it was the individual achievements of each scout, along with recognition of 52 years of local scouting that drew the biggest cheers.
The pack’s annual Blue and Gold Banquet, which had been rescheduled from the previous snowy week, brought a well-balanced mix of ceremonial tradition, creative skits, award recognition, praise from city and district officials, great food, and perhaps most eagerly awaited – the arrival of the night’s guest entertainer, Macaroni the Clown.
Pack 173 Cubmaster Rex Horan acted as Master of Ceremonies, as he has for the past 41 years. He was joined at the podium by Den Leader Coach Marion Rohner, whose 52 years of service in scouting has kept her officially, and perhaps infinitely, placed by Guinness World Records as the World’s Longest Serving Den Mother.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the scouts in Mrs. Rohner’s pack, but I was a Boy Scout,” said Port Jervis Mayor Russ Potter, who praised the pack’s longtime leaders for their dedication. Potter, whose late wife MaryAnn was once an assistant leader in the pack, noted, “I helped whenever I could when my sons were in pack, and I know the amount of effort that goes into all the leaders do. I want to congratulate not just the kids, but the people who support them. It’s sort of like a race car that looks good on the outside; if it doesn’t have a good engine – it doesn’t go. It’s the leaders that keep this pack strong.”
A very busy year-in-review was recapped by Horan, with multiple events and community service having been completed in each month of the past year.
“In March, we had our Pledge of Alliance at the Council Meeting. Then we … ,” began Horan, taking up where last year’s Blue and Gold Banquet recap left off.
Scouts waited anxiously as winners of the pack’s annual Poster and Essay Contest winners were announced by the pack’s contest judge, Joyce Senkiew. This year’s winners are, for essays, Jonathan Weiss (Wolf), Daniel Miller (Bear), and Joseph Mahaney (Webelos), and for posters, Reyes Torres (Tiger), Jonathan Weiss (Wolf), Daniel Miller (Bear), and Joseph Mahaney (Webelos).
Rohner, who said she has no plans to give up her decades-old mission to scouting, praised the service of her pack’s longtime leaders and attributed her pack’s continued success to their efforts and the support of scouting families. Along with her own 52-years of service, the longtime dedication of local scouting leaders was applauded.
On hand were leaders and committee members, with the following years of service: Philip Mahaney (3), Marina Sauschuck (9), Jean Miller (12), Earl Miller (13), Rob Sayers III (14), Linda Sayers (16), Linda Cicalese (22), Mike Cicalese (22), Bob Sayers, Jr. (23), Loretta Olenick (25), Janet Dobbs (33), Alexander Grech ( 40), Betty Jean Grech (40), Rex Horan (41), and Marlene Horan (41).
And with the business and eating portion of the banquet out of the way, Rohner began calling upon – in order of rank – the most important honored guests of the banquet, her scouts.
“And now for some skits from the boys,” announced the world’s longest serving, and perhaps most enthusiastic, den mother. “Tigers from Den 1, up and at ‘em!”
Holding their winning essays are this year’s Pack 173 Essay Contest winners, pictured with Cubmaster Rex Horan and Contest Judge Joyce Senkiew. From left are Michael Mahaney (accepting for his brother Joseph Mahaney, who was unable to attend), Jonathan Weiss, and Daniel Miller. (Photo by Sharon E. Siegel)
WINNING ESSAYS
Three Cheers for 100 Years
By Jonathan Weiss – Wolf Scout
There is Boy Scouts 100th birthday. We are celebrating with three cheers for 100 years. I found out that many important people have been Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Eagle Scouts, and Den Mothers. So I decided to find 100 of them. They include sports people, actors, singers, Olympians, astronauts, presidents, kings, and every day people. They have all made Boy Scouts what it is today.
Cheers for 100 Years of Scouting
By Daniel Miller – Bear Scout
Happy Birthday to the Boy Scouts of America. For over 100 years they have had lots and lots of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts doing many things. We give food to the poor and clean up the parks. We learn about God and our country. But most of all we have lots and lots of fun.
100 Years of Scouts
By Joseph Mahaney – Webelos Scout
In the past 100 years Scouting has shaped the lives of many scouts. Scouting has kept many kids out of trouble and has influenced their lives in a positive manner by fun activities and trips. We have done a lot of things. Scouts have saved lives. Scouts do achievement games, have watermelon spitting contests, and a lot more. And it is all because of the leaders who volunteer their time for the scouts. In my years in Cub Scouts, Mrs. Rohner has guided us down to Webelos and Mr. Sayers has guided us down to Boy Scouts. Cub Scouts has been fun. In Webelos, we go camping with the Boy Scouts and soon we will be mastering all new tasks in Boy Scouts. There is no limit to where the path of Scouting can take you.
March 4, 2010 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Port Jervis Police Officer Scott Robinson and his children enjoy sledding at West End Beach. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
A sign placed at West End Beach provides guidelines for sledding throughout the winter. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS – While the region was spared major snow accumulations sustained in areas south and east of the Tri-States communities, the several inches we received locally brought outdoor enthusiasts out last weekend for some good old-fashioned family fun.
Children found the hill behind Bon Secours Community Hospital’s new medical building, located across the street from the hospital, to be fun — but challenging as they navigated their sleds through the wooded hillside. A safer, city-sanctioned sleigh riding area has been set aside at West End Beach, to be used during daylight hours. The city’s recreation department has placed hay bales around a section of the West End Beach hill to keep children sledding within an area set aside specifically for sledding.
While no snowboards or skis are allowed, sleds, toboggans and other snow-navigating devices were clearly found to bring enjoyment to those who visited the area throughout last weekend.
For other winter recreational ideas, visit the recreation department’s website at www.pjrec.com
A sledding course has been established at West End Beach by the city’s recreation department. Hale bales provide safe borders for sleigh riders, and a bench provides a place for family members to relax and observe. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
December 23, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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(Photo by Sharon Siegel)
(Photo by Sharon Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS — Approximately ten Port Jervis residents were displaced by a fire that occurred in a Pike Street apartment building at the height of last weekend’s particularly treacherous Sunday afternoon ice storm. The upper Pike Street fire was one of three calls responded to by Port Jervis Fire Department volunteers during the icy afternoon, an afternoon in which one PJFD volunteer required transport to the hospital.
The Pike Street fire was reported by a tenant in the three-story 190 Pike Street building at approximately 1:10 p.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which originated in a second floor rear apartment, but then spent additional time securing the rest of the building.
“A tenant was thawing pipes with a torch and caught a wall in the rear hallway/bathroom area on fire,” said PJFD Chief Joe Kowal. “We got the fire out quickly, but we remained in the building to check other areas to make sure the fire had not extended past this wall.”
The fire caused electrical and plumbing concerns, including broken pipes, which required the power to be shut off to the building. The Red Cross was called to assist displaced tenants who occupied multiple apartments in the building.
A PJFD firefighter was injured outside of the building when he slipped on ice and a compartment door on his company’s fire apparatus came down on his head. He was transported to Bon Secours Community Hospital where he was treated for a laceration to the head and released.
Port Jervis and Matamoras Fire Departments spent approximately two hours on scene. Sparrowbush, Huguenot, and Greenville Fire Departments were called for standby.
The other two Sunday calls brought firefighters to the scenes but required no further action. One call was for a broken pipe at the Port Jervis High School. The other was a heat-related concern at the Deerpark Reformed Church.
December 17, 2009 | Posted in
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By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS— A city website born in the 1990s and heavily relied upon ever since has been updated and re-launched as a continued information resource for digital visitors to Port Jervis. The registered domain name remains the same, with the web site accessible at www.portjervisny.org.
Port’s updated municipal site features a user-friendly, easily-navigated layout. Site links include online administration information, website statistics, polls and surveys, limited content syndication RSS feeds, audio and video files, slide show photo gallery, an online site map, and plans for key-word search access.
User friendliness, ease of use, ease of posting press releases, breaking news, and documents are just a few of the elements the city’s webmaster for the evolving site appreciates.
“People want access to the government, and this is a medium for channeling to the homes of constituents and visitors,” said Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, JoAnne Burton. “Important information on the site includes contacts for local and regional elected officials and city departments, breaking news, emergency issues, public meeting dates, and services provided within the municipality.”
Maintenance of the website has historically been placed in the hands of each mayor’s confidential secretary, with secretaries having acted as webmaster since the site’s initial inception more than a decade ago. This is a practice that Burton wholeheartedly embraces. She says the original website carried a wealth of information and received many compliments for its historical content. As time progressed, however, some complaints were received about cumbersome navigation of the site, and the city realized the need to modernize.
“People have grown accustomed to seeking information on the web and having the ability to download forms and applications,” explained Burton. “The old site relied on software, Frontpage 2003, while many municipal websites today use web-based Content Management Systems (CMS). CMS allows controls and managing of data for creating content on our web site. The advantages of CMS are that it affords non-technical users to add content without HTML knowledge, reduces publishing time, and allows multiple editors.”
When the city’s computers were replaced a while back, software to maintain the site was lost in the process. Officials saw this as a good time to seek simpler web solutions to reach internet users.
Burton said future plans for the site include a slide show gallery, which will be posted soon, as well as a more interactive format for users. This includes allowing for future payment of water and tax bills online, broadcasting of council meetings online, and processing online requests for service adjustments, such as turning on or off water services or reporting street lights out.
“As technology evolves, so will the site,” said Burton. “Additional features are a continual work in progress, with new pages still to come.”
November 19, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Color Guard units from Tri-States Naval Ship Post 7241 and Port Jervis Police Department are pictured between two veterans of recent military service. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS — Port Jervis has always been a community that honors its heroes, and last week’s Veterans Day Parade and ceremonies provided the opportunity to do so once again. As units of veteran organizations, scouts, community groups, marching bands, jeeps and escort vehicles paraded from Port Jervis Middle School along Main and Pike Streets to Veterans Park, families, school groups, and individuals cheered and applauded America’s service men and women.
Despite the chilly November 11th temperature, hundreds lined the sidewalks and park to salute and pay tribute to current and past military efforts, both locally and throughout the country as a whole.
On hand to address those gathered were local, county, and state elected officials, veteran representatives, and former longtime Congressman Ben Gilman. Each spoke of the great sacrifices made by members of America’s armed forces and their families, and the powerful impact of their service on protection of American freedoms.
Orange County Legislator-elect Dennis Simmons, himself a veteran of foreign war, who acted as Master of Ceremonies praised not only the veterans present but also those who turn out each year to show their support.
These included local school bands and choral groups, scouts, fire and police department representatives, music groups, community service organizations, and residents.
Members of each branch of the armed forces were called upon to stand during a medley of patriotic songs, and two local servicemen were singled out for special honors for both past and continued service.
Vincent Livingston and Daniel Dwyer were each presented with plaques by Rosa-Fleming VFW Post 161 Commander Ray Kahmar, in a surprise tribute paid for decades of dedication and service to the Tri-States area and its many veterans. The awards were presented by Kahmar on behalf of Roosa-Fleming VFW Post 161, Tri-States Naval Ship #7241, James C. Bilz American Legion Post #685.
Dwyer, who served with the U.S. Army, has held countless positions in the VFW and served as longtime editor of the NYS Veterans News. He is also a past editor of the Union Gazette and an active member and leader in many community organizations. Livingston, who served with U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Nassau CVE #16 from 1944-1946, is a past commander of the Orange County Council and past Captain of the Tri-States Naval Ship #7241. He recently received a 70-year service pin for continuous service to scouting, beginning with his teens, and he is also active in many community and church organizations and projects.
Refreshments were served at the local veteran posts where the camaraderie and veteran remembrances continued.
Scouts from Girl Scout Troop #491 wore authentic period uniforms from the 1920’s and 1930’s to pay tribute to veterans of all ages. Pictured: L-R, Leader Danielle Wright, Junior Scouts Shealyn Bidgau, Marissa Wright, Sabrina Edwards, and Ashley Adamsky. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Color Guard units from Tri-States Naval Ship Post 7241 and Port Jervis Police Department are pictured between two veterans of recent military service. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Dan Dwyer (left) of VFW Post # 161 and Vince Livingston (right) of Tri-States Naval Ship #7241, both longtime active veterans and members of many local service organizations, were honored for decades of service to the community. They were presented plaques on behalf of the VFW, the Naval Ship, and the American Legion by VFW Commander Ray Kahmar. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America took time to visit several monuments in the park and to remember comrades killed in battle. They are pictured with, third from left, former Congressman Ben Gilman who made many trips to foreign countries to assist with diplomatic and military matters. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Members of the local Elks organization carried a gigantic American flag and were among the many local community service groups on hand to salute the service of America’s veterans. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Among the youngest parade participants were these lively majorettes from the Broome Street Traveling All-Star Band. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Members of the Port Jervis High School Band provided lively marching music as well as patriotic music for ceremonies held in Veterans Park. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
Cub Scout Pack 173 scouts carried flags and saluted local veterans for their service. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
November 19, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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(Photo by Sharon Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS, N.Y. – Dental patients in the tri-states community have benefited from a partnership that began in dental school, and evolved into marriage as well as the shared practice known as Aesthetic Family Dentistry.
Dr. Seth Horn grew up in Matamoras, graduated from Delaware Valley High School in 1988, and followed his father, Dr. William Horn, into his Port Jervis dental practice. He took over the business upon his father’s retirement in 2005.
The younger Horn met his wife of 12 years, Dr. Dide Tosyali, at Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She is originally from Smithtown, N.Y., but is pleased to have made her family’s home in the tri-states region. The couple has two daughters, Mina (age six) and Leila (age four), and as a family they enjoy gardening, traveling, and attending the girls’ ballet and gymnastic events. When they are not together as a family, the two dentists are still together throughout each day – as fellow dentists in Port Jervis’ Aesthetic Family Dentistry.
Each dentist has a room in which he/she offer a variety of cosmetic services, including veneers, non-metal crowns and fillings, Invisalign, and implant services in addition to continuing to provide all phases of general and family dentistry. There is a third exam room for additional services.
Personal attention from the doctors and their staff of seven are among the services the practice is known for, and among the qualities the doctors are proud of.
“One of our strengths has been our personal relationship with our patients. Many of our patients have been with us since the 70s and 80s, and we also see their children and grandchildren,” said Horn. “Our patients know that we strive to achieve their individual goals for their oral health and appearance.”
Horn said he and his wife view dentistry as evolving in exciting ways, continuing to make procedures better and more comfortable for their patients.
As an example, Horn said his office most recently has started offering Invisalign, a clear alternative to traditional braces, and mini implants, which make dentures more comfortable and more stable to wear.
“We have continued to stay at a high level through the quality of our services and our personal attention to our patients,” said Horn, whose practice also prides itself in keeping up on the latest trends and technologies.
Horn said his father, who practiced in the area for many decades, is enjoying retirement by traveling and spending time with his six grandchildren. The elder Horn established the dental business in 1970 and operated his office first from a Front Street location, from 1970-76. The practice was moved to its current location in 1976 to accommodate the growing number of patients.
To contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry, call 845-856-5049 or stop by their modern office located at 155 East Main Street right across from Bon Secours Community Hospital.
Pictured in one of three exam rooms in their practice is Dr. Seth Horn and Dr. Dide Tosyali who offer a wide range of dental services daily from their East Main Street Aesthetic Family Dentistry. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
The doctors and staff of Aesthetic Family Dentistry pride themselves in service, personal attention, and modern services offered to their patients. Pictured are: Back Row, Judy Amato RDH, Phyllis Milana, Dide Tosyali DMD, Seth Horn DMD, Middle Row (standing) Natisha Sands RDH, Sandy Wilson, Front Row (seated) Polly Roberts, Kathy Knibbs. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)
October 29, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Yvonne Duryea introduces her committee members to those in attendance. From left to right Debbie Raia, Yvonne, Tony Collado, Debbie Jackson. (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)
By Jerry Goldberg
PORT JERVIS — Yvonne Duryea, who heads the Complete Count Committee of Port Jervis, is getting ready for the 2010 Census.
“In 2000 it is estimated that Port Jervis lost about $3 million because we didn’t get an accurate count,” said Duryea. “We are going to raise the awareness of the 2010 Census. We need to get the word out especially to those that are hard to count. We are going to work diligently to increase our numbers so we get our fair share of available funds.”
Duryea then called up the other members of the committee: Tony Collado, Debbie Jackson and Debbie Raia. Duryea praised them for the work they have done and the continuing work ahead of them.
Duryea introduced three women who are part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. From the Department of Commerce there was Brenda Easley-Webb, regional director for New York State and Rhode Island, Juanan Leandry-Torres, who was there to assist Webb, and Anita Jindal, who is a census specialist in charge of Dutchess County.
Webb spoke to those attending Tuesday’s Common Council meeting as well as the Common Council members. Webb explained how important the 2010 Census is and how people can help increase the mail back response rate. She said she wants to make sure the census form gets mailed back when people receive it.
Webb presented a powerpoint presentation that let people know how important the census will be since the data collected will determine how over $300 million of federal funds gets dispersed to our diverse and growing population. The census will help communities plan for their future as far as disaster and emergency services, health care, schools, libraries, senior centers and other needed services and improvements to their community.
“Does anyone know when the first census was done?” asked Webb. One hand shot up from the audience and gave Webb the answer, 1790. ”Someone has done their homework because that’s the correct answer. A census has to be taken every 10 years according to our Constitution. This year it will be easy as there are only 10 questions. The census forms are confidential and the information on the forms can’t be disclosed for 72 years. I don’t know about you but I know I won’t be here then!”
Everyone in attendance at the Common Council meting received a 2010 Census canvas tote, an information packet and a 2010 Census coffee mug.
The presentation was interesting and hopefully the Complete Count Committee of Port Jervis will be able to get the number of people more accurate this time and Port Jervis will get funding they failed to get from the 2000 census.
October 15, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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Joe Pagan a Cudderbackville fireman tells the Port Jervis Common Council some of his reasons he thinks Access 23 TV is an important part of life in both Port Jervis and Deer Park. Pagan told the council that he had used the TV station to request help for the tragic fire that took place in Deer Park earlier that day.
By Jerry Goldberg
PORT JERVIS — Access 23 TV got a second lease on life as the Port Council voted not to terminate its arrangement with the city at last Monday’s Common Council meeting.
The City of Port Jervis, which is the landlord of the building that houses Access 23 TV, had given the station an Oct. 5 eviction date. The City collected no rent for the use of the property and also paid for the utility bills. The main issue was internal fighting taking place between two factions of the all-volunteer 30 member TV station.
There are several issues with which the city had concern, including the lack of direct contact at the station regarding leasehold issues, a lack of liability insurance, and the payment of utility bills.
Access 23 serves both Port Jervis and Deerpark, but Deerpark does not provide any financial support for the operation of the station. The people of Port Jervis pay approximately .02 cents per day per household, or $7.55 a year as part of their tax bill.
Joseph Pagan a firefighter from Cudderbackville, spoke at the podium in support of Access TV. “It helps the community get together and provides community information. I used the station to offer my condolences to the family that lost loved ones in the fire earlier today and to call for volunteer help for that incident.”
Tony Cea, who has a regularly scheduled show on Access TV called Voice of the People which airs Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. and again on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., took to the podium next. “I met Joe recently and he told me about all the children he helps in the community. He has found young men living in the woods, dropouts from society and he has given them hope that people care and helped them get back in to society. Some of them joined the fire department. This is just some of the things Joe does for the community. After speaking to him I had him on my show tonight ad he told about what he does…Since my show is a live call in I had calls from local firefighters and firefighters from Matamoras who shared with the community on their experiences.” Cea said Pagan wanted to reach out to young people and ask for their help and to consider volunteering on their local fire departments. “I think we’ll see an upsurge in volunteers for the fire department.”
Cea went on to say Access TV is a good station that recognizes individuals in the community and lets people know they can help in many ways to support the place they live in.
Mimi Keys another volunteer member of Access 23 said, “The fate of the station rests in the hands of this council. We have met all the criteria the city has asked us for. I really hope someone will make a motion to keep Access 23 on the air and in its present location.”
Later on in the meeting Common Council member Richard Roberts said, “I think we have to bring this issue regarding the TV station to a head. They have done all the things we have asked for. They have reorganized, elected temporary officers and are going to accept nominations for new officers with an election taking place in December. According to Sharon Siegel there is clearly a majority of Access 23 members who want to move forward and rise above the factional problems they have had.”
Roberts made a motion to rescind the eviction notice the city has given them and allow Access TV to remain in their present location. He added he wanted them to immediately acquire liability insurance and to begin paying their own utility bills beginning January 1, 2010. The motion was passed and Access 23 TV station will continue to present programming as they have done in the past.
Mayor Gary Lopriore stated Access 23 TV expenses have been carried by the people of Port Jervis. He also mentioned that the City of Port Jervis has requested that Deerpark come up with a few thousand dollars for some renovation work needed at the station.
Afterward there were several audience members who thanked the Port Jervis Common Council for rescinding the eviction and passing the motion.
Tony Cea who has a twice weekly TV show by the name of Voice of the People tries to impress upon the Port Jervis Common Council how important Access 23 TV is to the community. He spoke of all the people who called in to his TV show earlier that evening after he had Joe Pagan on for an interview.
Port Jervis Common Council member Richard Roberts as he made the motion to rescind the October 5 eviction notice given to Access 23 TV by the City of Port Jervis who is the landlord of the premises occupied by the station.
October 2, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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2) Owner Jim Radeloff stands in one the large showcases that are featured in the three-story, 30,000 square feet Pike Street Royal Furniture store. (Photo by Sharon E. Siegel)
By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS – Royal Furniture of Port Jervis knows how to survive during tough economic times, with skills that have allowed the Pike Street business to succeed from its earliest Great Depression founding days through today’s floundering economy. What is it that has kept the business going?
“Early to bed, early to rise – work like h—, and advertise!” kidded current owner James Radeloff, who said, seriously, the business has actually added a downtown outlet store to capture a different market. ”Unlike all chain stores, our philosophy is to make every sale – no matter how low we need to discount prices.”
It’s that philosophy, along with obvious good humor, that has not only kept the business afloat, but flourishing for 80 years. Ironically, in fact when the country has experienced difficult times in the past, the business has actually expanded. Radeloff noted in 1977, during previous bad times, the business expanded its Pike Street location to its current 30,000 square feet. Most recently, it opened an additional downtown outlet.
Royal, which is celebrating 80 years of business in Port Jervis this year, has always operated under the same family ownership, from its original Pike Street location. This is something Radeloff says the company prides itself in.
“We are the 3rd generation of the original owners, and it is all about pride and determination to keep the family business going,” said Radeloff of his career choice. “We have 25 local people working together here to make customers happy.”
The business first opened in 1929, under the ownership of founders Sam and Nettie Rosenstein, a young married couple who were only 19 years old at the time. The couple chose Port Jervis for their business location because of its central location between their two hometowns, Scranton, PA, and Bronx, NY. They also viewed it as a nice small town and a good area in which to settle and raise a family. Eventually, the proprietorship was passed along to their daughter Mady and son-in-law Sol Ganz, and then to the Ganzs’ daughter and son-in-law James and Robin Radeloff.
Radeloff attributed lessons passed along from generation to generation as another secret to Royal’s success.
“My father-in-law taught me how to run the office. My mother-in-law taught me how to do the buying,” said Radeloff, who says their advice, along with modern considerations, has worked out fine.
Royal’s long time reputation of offering quality furniture, friendly sales people, and great delivery people are among attributes the busy owner also says has allowed his business to do well despite a sluggish economy. Keeping up with modern trends and technologies has also been important, including the addition of a company website at www.royalfurnitureofpj.com.
“We now have the ability to ship nationwide, and beyond,” said Radeloff. “In the last month, we have delivered to Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Lake Ontario, Dallas, and South Africa.”
However, it’s still local customers and customer satisfaction that brings the most pride to Radeloff and his staff. Many of the store’s customers, like its generational ownership, have returned generation after generation to furnish their home and often relate experiences shared by their parents and grandparents in furnishing their homes. Customer referrals have been important to the success and longevity of the business, something that the owners very much appreciate.
“Many of the younger customers grew up with furniture from our store,” said Radeloff. “When we get phone calls from customers telling us how good something looks in their home, and how nice their rooms look, that’s a good feeling.”
At A Glance
Business: Royal Furniture
Address: 128 Pike Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771
Telephone: 845-856-4474
Hours: Open Seven Days a Week, M, T, W, Th, Sat-9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., F-9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun-11:30 a.m.-4 pm.
Owner: Jim Radeloff
Employees: 25
Products/services: As a family business, the owners have always strived for personal and attentive service, a reputation of courtesy and efficiency, free delivery, and a sales staff that is professional, knowledgeable and creative and not only there to sell, but to help define customer needs and help them create a stylish and comfortable home, room by room. Royal Furniture features three floors, 30,000 feet, of quality, affordable furniture for the entire home and for all purposes.
4) Free delivery has always been a service provided to the customers of Royal Furniture. (Photo by Sharon E. Siegel)
Royal Furniture as pictured from lower Pike Street in Port Jervis. (Photo by Sharon E. Siegel)
September 17, 2009 | Posted in
Port Jervis |
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