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IN THIS WEEK'S LOCAL -- Feb. 27

Mayoral candidates forum

The mayoral candidates are coming to Munger Cottage at 7 p.m. on March 6 for a Friday night forum. The five candidates running for trustee seats have been invited to introduce themselves at the start of the evening. They will be followed by the main event, where Mayor Joe Gross and challenger Peter Neuman will respond to questions that have been written by the audience and the Local's news staff. Ken Schmidt, the principal of Cornwall-on-Hudson Elementary School, is serving as moderator. Page 1.

Village students grill their superintendent

On Feb. 20, the 10 members of the Student Council at Cornwall-on-Hudson School walked to the district office with their principal Ken Schmidt. The students received a tour of the district office followed by a question and answer period where the students did all the asking. Questions included:  What made you want to become a superintendent? and How long are you planning to be superintendent? Page 1.

Liquor store owners against sale of wine in grocery stores

Governor David Paterson's budget proposal contains a section that would allow wine into grocery, convenience, drug stores and any other business that has a beer license. The governor's goal is to increase tax revenue, but liquor store owners like Kenn Brodmerkel (owner of Cornwall Wines and Spirits) are not convinced. Brodmerkel believes business will be taken away from the small business owners, putting them out of business and leaving more citizens collecting unemployment. Brodmerkel has been collecting signatures in his store and joining other shop owners in lobbying state politicians. Page 1.

Will there be any stimulus for the town or village?

The town and village are standing in line for stimulus money, but the line is long and the competition is tough. Supervisor Kevin Quigley said the town sent packages to Congressman John Hall and Senator Charles Schumer for repairs to sewer line and the sewer plant. The village is expected to submit two water-related projects for funding. One would provide a standby generator for the Riley Road station that taps into the New York City aqueduct. The other would replace electrical feed wire at the wells. Page 1.

Parish holds pizza night to help veterans

On Feb. 13 St. Thomas of Canterbury School held a pizza night to benefit the Veterans Hospital at Castle Point. The Catholic Daughters of America provided the desserts and the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion obtained the food and did most of the serving. Guests brought gifts for the veterans including telephone calling cards, pajamas, underwear, books, writing supplies, toiletries, cookies and candy. Page 1.

MHU closing affects police

St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital will not be accepting new patients in its Mental Health Unit after march 1. The unit is likely to be closed by March 31. Town of Cornwall Police Chief Todd Hazard expects that the police will receive fewer calls from the hospital to help with unruly patients, but he belives that officers will spend more time on the road since they're obligated to accompany patients who are being transported to a mental healthy facility. Page 1.

Four-day school week not an option

It's unlikely the Cornwall Central School District will ever follow Arizona's Bisbee Unified School District, whose school board voted to keep schools closed on Fridays and extend school days by an hour to make up for the lost instructional time. Because Cornwall is one of 17 districts that sends its students to BOCES, the whole county would need to approve the change. Even then, it probably wouldn't be endorsed by the State Department of education because a minimum number of hours and days are required to be in school. Page 3.

Community saves Dragon Breakfast

A spending freeze threatened to cancel the Oustanding Dragon Breakfast, but community members stepped in to save it. Faculty and staff nominate students to be recognized and those students, their parents and the nominating teacher are invited to the breakfast. The breakfast is a quarterly event, but district cutbacks almost cancelled the event. Members of the community and the Parent Teacher Student Organization helped pay for the breakfast. Page 3.

Per pupil cost low in school district

A chart distributed at the first meeting of the School Budget Advisory Committee shows tat Cornwall ranks 15th out of 16 districts in the county in terms of what is spent per pupil. By dividing the current year's budget by the number of students enrolled in the district, $15,669 is spent per student. The county average is $19,359. Page 5.

Read across America kicks off

Read across America is in its 12th year and is an annual reading motivation and awareness program celebrated on March 2, Dr. Seuss' birthday. Schools in the district, however, make it a month-long celebration which encourages children to read daily. Prizes are awarded weekly for students who participate in the Partners in Reading Program and those who participate for the entire month will receive a free book. Page 5.

BULLETIN --Feb. 20

Special Town Board meeting

The Town Board will hold a special meeting in the conference room at Town Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. to discuss the town's insurance coverage.

IN THIS WEEK'S LOCAL -- Feb. 20

Seven injured in two accidents on Thruway

Six patients were treated for minor injuries and one was airlifted to St. Francis hospital as a result of two accidents around mile marker 51.5 of the New York State Thruway last Friday. The first accident occurred when the driver of a pick-up truck collided with a car and sent it off the road into the woods. The second occurred when a box truck hit a car parked in the shoulder. Page 1.

School budgeting different this year

The schedule for creating the school budget has been revised as the district waits to see what it wil be receiving in aid. Early estimates are the district is earmarked to receive $115,00 through Title I and $680,000 over two years through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The district is expecting a reduction in state aid of more than $2 million. The impact of that loss is that just rolling over the existing programs would create a double digit increase in taxes. The administration's goal is to present a budget that will be affordable to taxpayers. Page 1.

Highway men say it's been a tough winter

While most of the storms this winter have only brought a few inches of snow, most of them began with ice and ended the same way. As a result The Cornwall-on-Hudson DPW has racked up 454 hours of overtime and had used 850 tons of sand and salt through Feb. 17. The town's highway department currently has 150 tons less in the salt barn than what is normally kept in reserve. Page 1.

Cornwall volunteers rebuilding a Newburgh street

For two mornings a week, local volunteers are heading to Newburgh to held Habitat for Humanity reclaim boarded-up buildings located on East Parmenter Street. Several churches in Cornwall are also participating in this program. Once the homes are completed they are purchased at cost and the monthly payments are often less than what the people were paying in rent to live in substandard apartments. Page 1.

RiverFest could benefit Hudson-Fulton celebration

RiverFest in Cornwall-on-Hudson is scheduled for June 6. The following day a 400-boat flotilla is expected to make its way through the area as it makes its way up the Hudson River. Village Trustee Barbara Gosda, who also serves on the Hudson-Fulton Committee, said plans have not been solidifed that weekend, but said it's something the committee would consider. The tent from RiverFest will remain through the weekend and it's possible vendors could return for a second day. Page 5.

Small cast has big expectations

Since the Canterbury Theatre Ensemble is made up of more women than men, their next show, "Steel Magnolias," will cast all women. Anne Fulton, Sarah Fulton, Gahlia Greene-Kaufman, Pamela Hawks, Ilene Osinski and Cynthia Topps star in the production. The play will be peformed at the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre on Feb. 27 and 28 and March 1, 6 and 7. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. for the March 1 matinee. Page 7.

Italian Dunkers back by popular demand

On Feb. 12 the Italian Dunkers made their return to the menu in the Cornwall Central School District. They're made with Italian bread, a thin layer of mozzarella cheese and a choice of marinara or meat sauce to dip the bread. About 1,300 students purchased the Italian Dunkers compared to the 1,400 students who buy the district's other popular hot meals - stuffed crust pizza and mozzarella sticks. Page 8.

Recession has not affected Little League

It costs $90 to enroll one player in Little League, $170 for two players from the same family and $240 for three siblings. Registration fees can be tough for a family where a parent is out of work, but so far there has not been an increase in the number of members asking for waivers due to financial hardship. Page 8.

Wartime letters reread on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was celebrated in a unique way at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor. The afternoon featured authentic letters from U.S. servicemen and women to their spouses and sweethearts during seven major wars. The letters began with the Civil War and continued on through both world wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq. Page 8.

Food co-op hires Quinn for same old job

The food cooperative's Board of Directors recently hired Stella Quinn to serve as the group's coordinator. It's not a new position for Quinn, she just changes from a volunteer to an employee. She will serve in her capacity until the cooperative opens a storefront and hires someone to operate it. That coudl happen as early as this summer. Page 13.

IN THIS WEEK'S LOCAL -- Feb. 13

Village race officially begins

The two mayoral candidates - Peter X. Neuman and incumbent Joe Gross - waited for the deadline on Feb. 10 to submit their petitions. In the race for trustee, Cornwall-on-Hudson voters will be able to choose two out of the five people running. Incumbent Mark Edsall will be joined on the ballot by Andrew Argenio, James Kane, Maryanne Rose O'Dell and Doug Vatter. Village elections this year will be held on Wednesday, March 18. Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Page 1.

School district to sue

The Cornwall Central School District is owed over $100,000 by districts in Harrison, Yonkers and New York City. The money has been hard to collect so the district is taking legal action. The charges stem from the education of children in foster care. The law states that a potion of the expense can be charged back to the district where the foster care began. Page 1.

With little funding, Hudson-Fulton is full steam ahead

The Hudson-Fulton coordinating committee met last week to discuss events throughout the year to help celebrate the qudricentennial of Henry Hudson's voyage up the Hudson River, as well as the invention of Robert Fulton's steamboat. The committee has already received $500 in federal aid and another $500 is expected, but town Deputy Supervisor Mary Beth Greene-Krafft said state funding is currently not available. It will be up to local groups and organizations to expand on existing events and gear them toward the quadricentennial celebration. Page 1.

Old pictures shown at Munger remain a mystery

On Feb. 8 Walter Snapper Earl showed the second set of 100 pictures to a crowd of 40 people at Munger Cottage. The photos were scanned and developed from his father's collection of glass-plate negatives. He estimates the photos were taken during the early part of the 20th century. The pictures were shown twice, but there were no cries of recognition. Even the scenery seemed unfamiliar. The final batch of photos will be shown at 3 p.m. on March 8. Page 1.

Officer John Machuca still remembered for his smile

A memorial Mass was held on Tuesday in honor of Officer John Machuca, who was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver 20 years ago. Officer Machuca's family - his wife, Laura, daughter, Marsha and son, John - were in attendance, as well as officers from the Town of Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Town of Woodbury and Town of New Windsor. Former Supervisor Richard Randazzo said he will always remember Officer Machuca for his smile and the sentiments were echoed by his family. Page 1.

Town council fills vacancies to boards

The Town council made the following appointments at its Feb. 9 meeting:

Gerry Wagner - Economic Development Advisory Committee; Ted Dobias - Zoning Board of Appeals; Michael Loblanco - Planning Board; Jacqueline Conklin - Board of Assessment Review; Brigid Flynn and Elizabeth Longinott - Board of Ethics; Kathy Ellick, Gary Haugland and Kevin Trotta - Conservation Advisory Council. Page 2.

Town pool to re-open this summer

Last year the town pool was closed because it was losing too much water. The leaks have since been fixed and the pool is ready for use. The wading pool is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The town pool will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday; 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Page 3.

24-year-old cancer survivor is now ready to fight back

In May, Virginia Fasulo will trek through the Grand Canyon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It's the second time she's tried to help the organization. Her first attempt was canceled when she was stricken with the disease that she was trying to combat. Virginia is a 24-year-old cancer survivor. Her father, Thomas Fasulo Sr., was also diagnosed with lymphoma and they both started chemo together. After several months Virginia's hair is growing back and her father is regaining some weight. Page 3.

Unscripted lines wow audience at Willow

The Willow Avenue Drama Club production of "Arabaian Nights" was Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8. The 85 cast members have been rehearsing since September, but when the pressure was on, some forgot their lines. This didn't stop the young actors and actresses from filling the void with unscripted lines. This was probably the best part of the show as the ad-libbing kept audience members smiling and laughing. Page 5.

The old Storm King club house is gone

A landmark came crumbling down Monday morning. The old Storm King Club House was torn down, but the new club house is ready to take its place. The old building was filled with memorabilia that will be moving to the new clubhouse a few paces away. The new building offers a view of the ninth fairway and the mountains behind it. It also has a professional kitchen that makes it more attractive for outings and catered parties. It includes a dining room, grill room, base and a more spacious locker room. It will open to members on March 1, but the grand opening isn't until May. Page 8.

Food co-op draws capacity crowd

A food co-op membership meeting, preceded by a pot luck mix-and-mingle dinner, drew a capcity crowd to the Cornwall Presbyterian Church on Feb. 5. Fifty people were expected to show, but the final count was over one hundred. The food-cooperative was formed on May 30 with the goal of offering fresh and local produce, meats, dairy products and bakery items at a nearby storefront. The plan is to open a storefront in the summer at 208 Hudson Street in Cornwall-on-Hudson. Page 8.

Historical floats sought for July 4 parade

Members of the Historical Society are looking to get involved with the Hudson-Fulton quadricentennial celebration by asking residents to create floats for the July 4 parade. At a recent Historical Society meeting guests were shown photographs of the earlier parades to get an idea of what the floats used to look like. The Historical Society plans to work with the Fourth of July Committee to come up with some guidelines for this year's floats. Page 9.

From Man of the Year to the doghouse

Jimmy Kent was the Independence Day Committee's Man of the Year, but now the Town of Cornwall is sending him to the doghouse. Kent's Recreation Department will be moved to the recently renovated kennel that once housed canines while they were waiting for adoption. The department is expected to make the move by the end of March. Page 9.

Cornwall kids of all ages meet to sing in choral workshop

On Feb. 8, music groups from all five Cornwall schools gathered at the high school for a choral workshop. It gave the high schoolers in the audience a chance to see how much they've grown during their years in the program. It showed the elementary school students how much they could accomplish if they continue to work hard. Page 10.

Maple Road water pumps to be replaced

Since the October ice storm the Maple Road pump station has been operating at half capacity. When motors seized after the system was restarted, two pumps were left to pump water to residents on the mountain. The cost to repair the pumps will be about $13,000. The village board approved the emergency repairs on Monday. Page 10.

IN THIS WEEK'S LOCAL -- Feb. 6

Twenty years later officer still remembered

A memorial mass will be held on at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Town of Cornwall Police Officer John Machuca, who was killed by a drunk driver in the line of duty. Town of Woodbury Police were in a high speed pursuit toward Angola Road in Cornwall. Machuca decided to lend mutual aid but when he approached the Angola Road intersection he was struck by the drunk driver. Willie Aaron Thompson was sentenced to seven to 14 years in prison for vehicular manslaughter. He was released in July 2001. Machuca left behind a wife and two children. Page 1.

Cleanup party for Main Street?

Town Supervisor Kevin Quigley recently spoke to members of the Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce outlining preliminary concepts to give Main Street a facelift to attract new businesses. Uniform repairs and store fronts with a range of acceptable colors were among the ideas. Page 1.

SBAC looks for members and guests

The first meeting of the School Budget Advisory Committee is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the Lee Road cafetorium. The committee, charied by school board president Brendan Coyne, allows residents to get involved with the budget process. Ten people have already expressed interest in joining. Others are welcome to join or attend meetings as spectators. The group will meet on four Wednesday nights for sessions that last two hours. Page 1.

Board of Trustees approves 09-10 budget

Residents will see a 2.825 precent increases in taxes after the Village Board of Trustees approved last Thursday its $6.6 million spending plan for the 2009-10 fiscal year, which begins March 1. The new tax rate is $8.52 per $1,000. The village garbage rate for residential and commercial property owners will increase four percent. The water rate will remain the same at $12.34 per 1,000 gallons consumed for the town and $7.25 per 1,000 gallons consumed for the village. The village sewer rate will be 85 percent of the water charge. Page 1.

International Day at Lee Road

Parents of second grade students at Lee Road School were invited to send in foods associated with their heritage for International Day held last Friday. The result was 30 different dishes representing 12 nationalities. The classrooms were decorated with Chinese lanterns, African masks and a map with flags the size of postage stamps representing the different nations. Page 1.

Mayor Gross asks for help with dangerous intersection

On Monday, Mayor Joe Gross took action on the petitions he got at the public hearing for the proposed master plan by sending copies of the petition to Senator Bill Larkin and Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun. He also enclosed a letter which echoed residents' concerns that the intersection of Duncan Avenue and Hudson Street is an accident waiting to happen. Gross' letter asks for help to address the problem. Page 2.

Storm King recognizes members with exceptional service

On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Storm King Fire Engine Co. #2 had their 141st Annual Inspection Dinner at Mountainville Manor. Trustee Bill Fogarty installed the 2009 Company and Auxililary Officers, who took an oath to protect and follow their duties as members of Storm King Fire Engine Co. #2. Four awards were handed out recognizing those members who demonstrated exceptional service over the year. Award winners included:  Nancy Bryan (Most Participation for an Active Member), Christopher O'Dell (Most Participation for an Active Honorary Member), Robert Gosda (Most Participation for an Active Life Member) and Kristi Van Duzer, Doug Vatter and George Lindenberger (top responders for alarms). Page 3.

COVAC honors those who saved lives

The Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance Corps held its annual dinner on Friday, Jan. 23 at Anthony's Pier 9. Brian Fiorio shared four cases during the year where COVAC's intervention kept patients alive. Administrative and operational officers were installed. Award winners included:  Roxanne Galvin (Board of Directors Award), Brian Fiorio (President's Award), Brianna Kane (Member of the Year) and Robert Galvin and Sean Patterson (Captain's Award). Lifesaver awards were given to Michael Bigg, Kevin Moore, Storm King Engine Company, Sean Boyle, Robert Galvin, Brianna Kane, Kerri Tulloh, Jack Boyle, Kristen Sebesta-Boyle, Kristen Tiltti, Sgt. Philip Sinagra and Regional EMS. Page 3.

Chief Hazard Tased by New Windsor cops at board meeting

Police Chief Todd Hazard asked the town council to consider buying three Tasers for the police department. To help the board members make their decision, he showed tem how the device worked at a work session meeting on Feb. 2. Hazard said the Taser, which is used by 14 agencies in the area including Cornwall-on-Hudson, serves as an alternative to physical force and may reduce the risk of police officers and suspects being injured. Hazard cited a case where an officer missed two months of work after wrestling with a suspect. He said the Tase might have prevented the injury and it might have served as a deterrent without even being fired. Page 8.

Coat and boot trade comes to Cornwall

Karen Kaiser-Sharp, owner of Madison Avenue Boutique, will be hosting a coat and boot trade at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Participants are asked to drop off gently used children's coats, boots and snowsuits. In exchange they'll receive a trading ticket for each item to be exchanged for a different item. Buying new clothes for a growing child can be a burden on parents when expensive outfits are quikcly outgrown. Tough economic times doesn't make it any easier. Kaiser-Sharp believes her program will help families recycle and reuse clothing that just takes up closet space. Page 10.

Doctor expands radiation center

Dr. Uma Mishra has added 2,700 feet to his Radiation Oncology Center on Route 9W. He has installed the latest equipment. The expansion helps Mishra keep up with the latest equipment. Everything is his office is digital now. Page 10.

Studio 208 offers new ways to find health

Studio 208, located in the village on Hudson Street, promotes health and wellness through a number of daily programs. Activities include Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Nia, Tai Chi, Meditation, Belly dancing, Beyond CORE, Open Yoga, as well as monthly workshops. Lynn Peebles and her husband Doug Land opened the studio in the fall. Page 11.