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IN TODAY'S LOCAL -- Nov. 28 Quigley letter may revive consolidation talks The topic of police consolidation was resurrected just when it seemed like the town and village had decided not to consider it. Supervisor Kevin Quigley wrote to Mayor Joe Gross on Nov. 13 to suggest that the town's position had been misunderstood. He wanted to eliminate the perception that the town had been indifferent to the proposal or was being uncooperative. Page 1.
Police overtime more than doubling Police overtime in Cornwall-on-Hudson is building up twice as fast as it did in the previous fiscal year. The department has been shorthanded since the retirement of Lou DiMiceli in 2007 and has more recently lost the services of Chris Park, who is out on disability. It is probably cheaper to have overtime than another full-time employee, but there could be a danger of full-timers being overworked and burned out. Page 1.
Art exhibit may set a Guinness world record Cornwall may be in the Guinness Book of World Records after an art exhibition at the Hudson River Gallery next weekend. Paul Gould has received more than 100 paintings for a competition that will be judged by Del-Bourree Bach of Mystic, Conn. If you're wondering how more than 100 paintings could be crammed into the gallery on Hudson Street, the explanation is simple. Each painting was created on a one-by-two-inch stretched canvass. Page 1.
Local kids begin life-changing challenge On Nov. 25, seventh and eighth-graders at the middle school were introduced to Rachel's Challenge. The program is based on the writings of Rachel Scott, who perished in the Columbine massacre. Page 1.
Too many deer around here? Dr. Bill Schuster added another dimension to the concerns of the Cornwall-on-Hudson Deer Management Task Force. In a Nov. 19 presentation, he acknowledged that the forest was changing as a result of the increase in the deer population. Where once there were virtually no deer in the forest, there is now an average of 34 per square mile. Could the abundance be considered an emergency? "We're not there yet," Dr. Schuster said. Page 1.
Wayward mustache makes Wonka even better Gavin O'Gorman's mustache, which kept falling off, added to an enjoyable performance of "Willie Wonka Junior" at the middle school. The show was performed by students on Nov. 21 and 22. Besides O'Gorman's hilarious mustache, there was plenty to cheer about. Page 3.
Central Hudson moves gas line Central Hudson is completing work to move a gas line on Shore Road. The gas line, which services West Point, was originally attached to the bridge and moved beneath the stream. Page 9 . Village is paying for water infiltration During a routine maintenance check, the village Department of Public Works discovered water infiltrating a manhole on Mountain Road. The water flows into the sewer plant and the village is being charged for this excess water. How many gallons and how much extra is being paid has not been determined. The water superintendent is expected to get a flow rate to determine how to correct the problem. Page 6.
Knights pay tribute to Cornwall seniors The Knights of Columbus cooked 240 pounds of turkey for its annual Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 22. Cornwall's senior citizens were welcome without charge. Supervisor Kevin Quigley was a guest speaker and organist Marie Collard provided the entertainment. "This dinner is a tribute to the seniors," said Al Mazzocca, who has been a member of the Knights since 1949. Page 5.
Storm King welcomes an All-American Chief Oren Lyons, a former All-American lacrosse player and a recently retired Professor of American Studies at the University of Buffalo, was a guest speaker at Storm King School on Nov. 12. Chief Lyons is a member of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame and a former teammate of Jim Brown, who became famous as a professional football player. Page 6.
High schoolers find things in common with peers For the last few years, the high school has distributed compatibility questionnaires. No one is obligated to fill them out, but the kids like to do it. "It shows," a faculty advisor said, "that even though some kids think they're different, there are a lot of people who feel the way they do." Page 6.
Fall art club shows off drawings with reception Pumpkin still life drawings done in chalk pastels, the work of middle school art club students, will be on display at Munger Cottage through Dec. 8. An opening reception was held last Thursday as parents and other community members were invited to meet the artists and view their artwork. Page 3.
Sports Roundup Brienne Ryan finished second in the high school state championships in the backstroke and third in the 50-yard freestyle. Cornwall's Division 4 football team fell to Washingtonville 21-12 in the Youth Football Super Bowl. Tom Walraven, a 1972 Cornwall graduate, was inducted into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame.
IN TODAY'S LOCAL -- Nov. 21 School district prepares for loss of state aid With the possibility of state aid to Cornwall being reduced by $1.1 million during the current school year, Tim Rehm introduced seven measures to reduce school spending. The superintendent wrote to school families and school employees to announce the changes. The new measures, occurring in the middle of the school year, will not have much of an impact on what the district spends. "These are only preliminary steps," Mr. Rehm told the Local. Page 1.
The Iraqi Children's Project: a reason to give thanks Three small Iraqi children spent the night of Nov. 12 at the Cromwell Manor Inn. They were in the United States because of their injuries or medical condition. Lt. Col. Paul Morrissey, a resident of Cornwall, founded the Iraqi Children's Project just over a year ago. Since then he has worked to bring 17 children to the United States to be treated at this country's finest hospitals. Page 1.
Village employee critically injured Tom Veseley, a 20-year Cornwall-on-Hudson employee, was critically injured in a two-car crash on Saturday, Nov. 15. The accident occurred in the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County. Mr. Veseley was in the car by himself after visiting his fiancee's father in the cardiac unit of Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Page 1.
A holiday tradition: Nana's Gang remembers troops On Nov. 15, Nana's Gang packed 37 cartons filled with goods for almost 200 military people serving overseas. The outreach is nothing new for the congregation at the Cornwall Presbyterian Church. Nana and her Gang have been sending packages to service people since World War II. Page 1.
Trustees appoint a special event committee At its Nov. 17 meeting, the Cornwall-on-Hudson Board of Trustees passed a resolution to form a special committee that will promote an educational and entertaining event for the Hudson-Fulton celebration in 2009. Page 2.
The man they called "Mr. Cornwall" Those who remember William B. Cocks (1885-1980) can testify that he loved to reminisce about his beloved Cornwall where he was born and spent most of his long life. Town Historian Janet Dempsey provides a brief biography of the man they called "Mr. Cornwall." Page 2.
Library leader about to leave Molly Robbins recently told the Cornwall Public Library trustees that she would be leaving her job as director to spend more time at home. She promised, however, that she would stay to help them find her successor. Page 3.
Skies to brighten on November 25 No matter what the weather is on Nov. 25, the evening will get brighter at 5 p.m. That's when the first set of beacons will illuminate the skies over the Hudson Valley. A minute later, the second set will go on. And by 5:05, the heavens will be lit from Bear Mountain to Mount Beacon. The event commemorates the 225th anniversary of the British leaving the area at the end of the Revolutionary War. In Colonial times the Continental Army used bonfires to communicate with troops and villages in the distance. In 2008, the bonfires have been replaced with beacons. Page 3.
Audience clamors for master plan review It wasn't on the agenda for the Nov. 17 Board of Trustees meeting, but as soon as there was an opportunity for public input, people wanted to know what was happening with the comprehensive plan for Cornwall-on-Hudson. Jeffrey Small, a member of the Planning Board, was the first to raise the issue. Page 5.
Newspaper helps out-of-staters keep in touch It's not unusual to like your home town, but in Cornwall the bond seems to be stronger. People stay connected long after they've moved away. While most of the Local's readers are right here in Cornwall, the newspaper is pleased to have subscribers in 37 states. Most long-distance readers are former residents, but some are college students or military people serving overseas. Page 8. School play provides comedy and mystery The Cornwall High School Drama Club performed "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" Nov. 14 and 15. The show mixed the mystery of who the Stage Door Slasher in with comedy which mimicked some of the great comedy performers of our time. Right from the start the audience was drawn in to the drama. The cast were rewarded for their effort with hoots and hollars from the crowd once the show ended. Page 8. 'Off Broadway' show entertains over 100 resident seniors Over 100 seniors packed Munger Cottage Nov. 13 to see the Hotsy Totsy Players, a group of 30 volunteers whose average age is 85. The group was formed by the Sisters of Atonement in Graymoor, N.Y. 20 years ago. Four years into the program they began putting together shows and have been traveling on the east side of the river for 16 years. The performance included singing, dance numbers and some acting. Page 9. Sports roundup The varsity football team lost to Nyack 24-21 in the state quarterfinals when Kevin Arduino's last-minute touchdown was called back for a holding penalty. The high school volleyball team finished fourth in the state. The girls played a round robin with the three other semifinalists in Glens Falls on Nov. 15. Aisling Cuffe finished second in a cross country race that included the best high school runners in New York State. Allison Cleary, Carly Marshall, Brie Ryan and Cassie Vondrak will be heading to the state swimming championships this weekend. Pages 13, 14 and 16.
BREAKING NEWS -- Nov. 18 School district reports four cases of whooping cough Superintendent Timothy Rehm advised the Board of Education last night that there have been four cases of whooping cough at Willow Avenue Elementary School since September with two cases as recently as last week. Precautions have been taken to disinfect the school. The nurse has advised students to wash their hands and cough into their arms, not their hands, to avoid spreading germs. Notices have also been sent home to parents. Symptoms include runny nose and persistent cough. If caught early enough, whooping cough is treatable with antibiotics. It's more dangerous to infants who can experience a high-pitched whoop from inhaling. Vomiting may also occur. According to Dr. Jean Hudson, Orange County health commissioner, 27 cases have been confirmed in the county this year. SPORTS UPDATE -- Nov. 15 Nyack 24 Cornwall 21 (unofficial summary) SCORING C: 19-yard pass from Arduino to Zuzek. Kick good (7-0, 1Q) N: 61-yard touchdown pass from Nichols to Leonard. Kick good (7-7, 1Q) C: Arduino four-yard run. Kick good (14-7, 2Q) N: Davis four-yard run. Kick good (14-14, 3Q) N: Francis 33-yard interception return. Kick good (14-21, 3Q) C: Arduino 11-yard run. Kick good (21-21, 4Q) N: Pierre-Louis 29-yard field goal (21-24, 4Q) STATISTICS Touchdowns: Arduino 2, Zuzek 1. Extra points: Kirshner 3. First downs: Zuzek 6, Arduino 5, D'Esposito 2, King 2. Passing: Arduino 15 completions in 27 attempts for 257 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Receiving: Zuzek eight catches for 149 yards, King four for 91 yards, Bennett two for 11 yards; Kelly one for six yards. Rushing: Arduino 18 carries for 117 yards. D'Esposito six carries for 47 yards. Interceptions: Kelly and Arduino. Fumble recoveries: Biolsi, Jebb, Zuzek. Sacks: Incantalupo, Staudle, Zuzek, Robillard.
REMINDER -- Nov. 14 Democrats schedule meeting The Cornwall Democratic Committee will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Munger Cottage. IN TODAY'S LOCAL -- Nov. 14 Identification needed to borrow building keys The town supervisor and council passed a resolution on Monday requiring civic groups to leave a form of identification in order to borrow keys to town buildings. In the past keys have been lost requiring the town to replace locks. Page 10. Local artist shows off paintings with exhibit at the Ritz Viven Abrams Collens, a 23-year resident of Cornwall, has her artwork on display at the Ritz Theater in Newburgh until the end of November. Her large-scale acrylic paintings are for sale, as well as prints of her work. The money raised will help restore the historic theater. Page 10. Two nights left to catch Storm King's 'Dracula' Tonight and tomorrow night, at 8 p.m., will be the last nights to check out "Dracula" presented by The Storm King School Department of Performing Arts in assiciation with Canterbury Theatre Ensemble. Page 8. Lee Road students get a lesson in nutrition Foodplay Productions visited Cornwall Elementary School last Thursday to teach the students about good nutrition. Tom Hodgskin played the coach of the U.S. juggling team. He taught his star juggler, Janie, played by Ashley Beam, about eating the right foods. Page 8. A grateful town thanks its veterans Cornwall held its Veterans Day Ceremony on the lawn of Veterans Park on Tuesday. American Legion Post 353 Commander Jim Kline opened the ceremony and was followed by a prayer from the Legion's Chaplain Joe Hanley. Other speakers included town supervisor Kevin Quigley and village Mayor Joe Gross. Past Legion commander Andrew Maroney and Legion member Bull Fulton laid a wreath at the base of the monument and Master Sgt. Abby Mayer played "Taps." Page 1. Town approves budget for 2009 At Monday's public meeting, the Town Board unanimously adopted its budget for the next fiscal year. The total budget is $10,387,351, but the amount to be raised by taxes is $6,094,951. On the average home valued at $200,000, homeowners will see an increase of about $50. Page 1. Status of village police still uncertain "I'm treading water," Police Chief Charlie Williams told the Board of Trustees at a Nov. 10 work session. The chief indicated that he's short of officers and he's been waiting for approval of a records management program that is being used by almost every police department in the county. But he said that his requests have been put on hold, because of the possibility of consolidation. "I'm asking for definitive action," he said. "Can't we move forward. Page 1.
Cadets continue tradition at NYMA Cornwall is unique in that it observes Veterans Day in two places at the same time. In addition to the town's ceremony at the monument, there is a traditional program at NYMA. This year's guest speaker (Major General Robert A. Knauff) began with an unusual introduction. "I'm not your first choice," he admitted. Knauff, the chief of staff of the New York Air National Guard, was at the academy as a last-minute replacement, but he delivered an inspiring message. Page 1.
Voters say Nancy Calhoun is still the one Nancy Calhoun was elected to a tenth term in the New York State Assembly. A week after her election she referred to the Republicans' disadvantage in the Assembly (they're outnumbered 109-41) and she proposed eight steps for reforming the government in Albany. Page 5A.
Village DPW gets a new set of wheels The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson leased a 2008 International Work Star from Arkel Motors in New Windsor and then arranged for the installation of a plow and sanders. Dave Halvorsen, the DPW superintendent, said that under the terms of a municipal lease the village would own the truck after it made five annual payments of, roughly, $20,000. Page 5A.
Around Village Hall At the Board of Trustees' Nov. 10 work session, the RiverFest Committee asked for permission to hold the event in June, the Cornwall Food Cooperative asked to partner with the village in applying for a grant, the mayor indicated the need to appoint someone to a grievance committee (for home assessments), trustee Barbara Gosda proposed the formation of a separate committee to hold a Hudson-Fulton event. Page 9A.
Photographer shoots pictures close to home People who go to Tom Doyle's photography show at the Paul Gould Gallery in Cornwall-on-Hudson may be surprised by the location of his shots. He sanpped all of them within a few minutes of his home. The show, entitled Hudson Valley Views, will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. The photographer is hoping that many local people will be able to attend -- not only to see his work, but to admire the scenery around them. Page 10A.
Sports Roundup The high school volleyball team advanced to the state semifinals in Glens Falls. The football varsity won its fourth straight section championship. Aisling Cuffe and the girls' cross country team were both runners up in the State Class-A championships. The girls' soccer team had its 20-game winning streak snapped when it lost to Rye in the state quarterfinals. The Lions Club had 162 people enter its Sunday afternoon race. Section B.
SPORTS UPDATE -- Nov. 8 Football team wins Class A title for Section 9 Cornwall defeated Wallkill 37-14 at Dietz Stadium in Kingston to successfully defend its title. Kevin Arduino set Section 9 passing records for the most yards and the most touchdowns in a season. Ken Kirshner broke his brother's school record for extra points in a season. SCORING Corn: Bennett 6-yard pass from Arduino. Kick good (7-0, 1Q) Walk: Hecht 32-yard pass from Ewald. Kick good (7-7, 1Q) Corn: Zuzek 15-yard pass from Arduino. Kick good (14-7, 2Q) Corn: Kirshner 25-yard field goal after interception by Smith (17-7 2Q) Walk: Ponesse 1-yard pass from Ewald (17-14 2Q). Corn: Arduino 3-yard run (after long runback by Flores). Kick good. (24-14 2Q) Corn: King 14-yard pass from Arduino. Kick good (31-14 3Q) Corn: D'Esposito 2-yard run. Kick wide (37-14 3Q) STATISTICS Touchdowns: Bennett, Zuzek, Arduino, King, D'Esposito. Extra points: Kirshner 4. Field goal: Kirshner. Passing: Arduino 26 completions in 35 attempts for 314 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Receiving: Zuzek 8 catches for 111 yards. King 7 for 64 yards. Smith 6 for 86 yards, D'Esposito 4 for 47 yards, Bennett 1 for 6 yards. Rushing: Arduino 13 carries for 92 yards. D'Esposito 10 carries for 21 yards. Interceptions: Kelly 2, Smith 2. Fumble recovery: Watts.
IN TODAY'S LOCAL -- Nov. 7 Public can contribute to special section On Nov. 28, the Cornwall Local will publish a new special section called "Holiday Traditions." We are inviting you to either send us your favorite recipe or to write about a holiday memory. Entries should be no more than 150 words and should be at The Local by 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. That will give us enough time to read the material and make selections. Submissions can be send by e-mail to reporter.local@verizon.net or by regular mail to The Cornwall Local, P.O. Box 518, Cornwall, NY 12518. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. Page 1.
Council looks to control key borrowing The town attorney is looking into drafing a resolution that would require a form of ID in order to borrow the key to use Munger Cottage for social functions. Sometimes the key is not returned and the police have to take the time to track the group down that borrowed it. Page 2 . Students take tour of Half Moon Students from Storm King School toured a replica of Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, on Monday. The tour was a preview of next year's Hudson-Fulton celebration in recognition of when Hudson sailed up the Hudson River in 1609 and the introduction of the steamboat in 1807 by Robert Fulton. The students learned about navigation, eating habits and how the crew moved about the ship. They also received a history lesson about fur trading. The Half Moon is open to the public this weekend and is located at the Newburgh waterfront. Page 1.
Council seeks to ban skateboarding The town supervisor and council are researching the possibility of introducing an ordinance that would limit where teenagers can skateboard, citing insurance liability as the major driving force. The governing body seeks to ban skateboarding on the steps of Town Hall, as well as the parking lot. Page 1.
Police to launch records program The Town Police Department launches its county-wide records management program on Monday. The program will allow the department to access police records county-wide. The program will save time on paperwork allowing officers to spend more time on the street. It also provides additional public safety by being able search for a suspect on a database and find out arrest information from other municipalities. Page 1.
Cornwall splits its vote on Election Day With the absentee ballots still to be counted on Nov. 4, it appeared that Cornwall had split its vote. The local electorate favored Republican John McCain by a slight margin and threw 70 percent of its support to native Republican Bill Larkin. In the other two major races, Cornwall went Democratic, giving a plurality to John Hall and Richard Randazzo. Page 1.
Hudson-Fulton group gets grant The Hudson-Fulton Committee has been quiet recently, but it hasn't disappeared. Evidence of that is a new web site that the committee created after receing a $1,000 grant from the state, which will be matched by a grant from the town. The site (www.cornwalls2009.org) will include Cornwall's history, points of interest, a schedule of events, and a link to organizations that are planning quadricentennial activities and would welcome volunteers. Page 1.
Library director to leave Molly Robbins will be leaving her position as the director of the Cornwall Public Library, but she will be staying on the job until her replacement is found. In announcing her resignation, Mrs. Robbins told the Board of Trustees that she wanted to spend more time with her family. Page 3A.
Planning Board plans for December At its December meeting, the Town of Cornwall Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed change for Stone Hollow -- a 38-home development off Willow Avenue. The board will also issue its findings on the final environmental impact statement for Cornwall Commons. Page 3A.
Cornwall candidate reflects on campaign "It's always a great experience to run for public office," Richard Randazzo told the Local. "And I've always enjoyed the support of Cornwall." The former supervisor ran for a seat in the state Assembly for a fourth time, and once again he was narrowly defeated. If he had won, Cornwall would have had both a state Senator and a state Assemblyman living within its borders. Page 5A.
Food co-op attracts 54 new members The Cornwall Food Cooperative had a membership drive in front of its new headquarters in Cornwall-on-Hudson on Saturday, Nov. 1. Although it seemed like just an outdoor get-together on a warm autumn afternoon, by the end of the day 54 people had signed up to become new members. Page 8A.
Musical comedy murders are a scream The title makes you wonder if it's a mystery or if it's supposed to be funny. Danny Distasio, a cast member of "The 1940 Musical Comedy Murders" settled the issue. "We've been saying the same lines for a month," he told the Local, "and we still laugh at each other." The show will be performed at the high school on Friday through Sunday, Nov. 14-16. Tickets can be bought at the door. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Page 9A.
Green Living Expo at Cornwall Methodist Church On Nov. 1, the Cornwall United Methodist Church organized its second annual Green Living Expo. It didn't draw a capacity crowd, but there was a moderate flow throughout the day. Rev. Bob Milsom, the church pastor, told the Local that he was pleased to consider the expo an official church activity. "It's nice to see people trying to take the initiative," he said, "and trying to find solutions." Page 9A.
Sports Roundup Three girls teams (volleyball, soccer and cross country) won section championships. The football team defeated Saugerties 42-0 in the section semifinals. The boys' soccer team lost in sudden death and the boys cross country team was edged by Goshen by a single point. Cornwall's tip tennis players lost to opponents who eventually reached the Section 9 finals. Pages 2B-10B.
SPORTS NEWS -- Nov. 1 Soccer, Cross Country and Football teams win The girls soccer and cross country teams won section championships. The Dragons' football team defeated Saugerties 42-0 in the Class-A semifinals. Scoring Cornwall: Arduino 15-yard run. Kick good (7-0, 1Q) Cornwall: King 76-yard pass from Arduino. Kick wide (13-0, 1Q) Cornwall: D'Esposito 12-yard run. Kick good (20-0, 2Q) Cornwall: Zuzek 8-yard pass from Arduino. No kick (26-0, 2Q) Cornwall: Bennett 37-yard pass from Arduino. Kick good (33-0, 3Q) Cornwall: King 14-yard pass from Arduino. Kick wide (39-0, 3Q) Cornwall: Kirshner 29-yard field goal (42-0, 4Q) Statistics Touchdowns: King 2, Arduino, Bennett, D'Esposito, Zuzek. Extra points: Kirshner 3. Field goal: Kirshner. First downs: Arduino 2, Wroten 2, D'Esposito 2, Smith 2, Zuzek 2, Bennett, Blythe. Passing: Arduino 13 completions in 18 attempts for 250 yards and four touchdowns. King one completion im one attempt for 7 yards. Receptions: Bennet 5 for 68 yards. Zuzek 3 for 50, Smith 3 for 43, King 2 for 90, D'Esposito 1 for 6. Rushing: D'Esposito six carries for 57 yards, Arduino five for 38, Blythe one for 16; King one for 9, Bennett one for 7, Wroten five for 6. Interception: Kelly. Sacks: Roth and Zuzek. |