Red Meat Facility: We Talk With Supervisor Elect Charlie Barbuti
The red meat processing facility slated to be built in Liberty has been a topic of discussion lately after a similar operation opened it’s doors in Delaware County. To get a wider prospective on the plant, it’s future, and impact on Liberty we thought it would be ideal hear what our newly elected politicians had to say about it.
Today we heard from Town of Liberty Supervisor-elect Charlie Barbuti. He was kind enough to answer a few questions:
LibertyIndy.com: What is the purpose of the meat processing facility?
Charlie Barbuti: The purpose of the Red Meat Facility to be located in Liberty is to give all farmers in the region a more economical process to get their product to the market. It is the hope of the Sullivan County IDA that the availability of processing facility so close to the farm will encourage our farmers to raise more meat which will create an additional or expanded revenue stream for the farmer. In short while we hope that farmers that already raise meat will take advantage of the new plant and save themselves the expense of going over 100 miles away to process their meat the plant will also encourage them to expand their operations as well as encourage other farms to begin raising meat. Farmers have strongly expressed a need for this facility.
LibertyIndy.com: Does Liberty need it?
Charlie Barbuti: The construction of the facility will create jobs for the short term as well as permanent jobs in operating the plant. Liberty needs more jobs. The many farmers that will travel to this facility will stop at the local gas stations and restaurants. Liberty’s businesses need the extra revenue. Having farmers travel in to town from other areas in the region will expose those folks to the many businesses and services Liberty can offer. Liberty needs more exposure. Do we need this plant? We sure could use the boost.
It seems at this time that almost all the hurdles that have held up this plant have been addressed and it looks like construction should begin in the short term.
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Thanks to Mr Barbuti for taking a few minutes out of his day to answer some questions. In the following weeks we’ll be adding more input from community leaders.
Liberty Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Delights Crowd
The First Annual Holiday Parade and Town Tree Lighting took place on Friday, December 2nd. Sponsored by the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department, this new parade featured many of the town’s fire trucks decked out in holiday lights. The Swan Lake Fire Department even added a holiday themed float to the procession and the Liberty Fire Department Ladies Auxillary marched up main street as elves, presents and even Santa Claus and a reindeer.
There were several floats in the parade made by local civic organizations such as 4H, Boy Scout Troop 95, Girl Scouts, Liberty Public Library and New Hope Community as well as individual families. Other organizations walked with their members, like the Cub Scouts of Troop 17 decked out in reindeer antlers. Also in the parade were local radio station Thunder 102, a vintage truck carrying the reigning Sullivan County pageant winners and another antique truck driven by newly-elected Town of Liberty Supervisor Charlie Barbuti with his beloved model trains circling in the bed. Closing out the parade were members of the Boys & Girls Club’s Liberty chapter who made a gingerbread house themed float that was followed by dozens from the organization in handmade gingerbread men masks handing out candy.
Despite the cold evening weather, the mood on main street was warm and full of holiday spirit as a significant number of citizens came out to watch and participate in the parade. Even managers from the Liberty Shoprite donned Santa hats and handed out free candy canes to children waiting for the parade to start.
Following the parade the Town of Liberty tree was to be lighted on the lawn of the town hall building. Although there was a delay in between the end of the parade and the actual tree lighting the still blocked off street filled with anxious onlookers. After a countdown the tree was lit with lights all of the way to the top and decked with ornaments made for free by local children at the Liberty Fitness Center.
Volunteer to become a Master Gardener
Volunteer to become a Master Gardener through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Sullivan County. An intensive 15-week training program for Sullivan County residents will begin in February 2012 at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Center in Liberty. Up to 20 individuals will be accepted into the program after an application process.
Begun in 1975 in New York State, the Master Gardeners Program combines a set curriculum, learning experiences and tutoring. The program provides home and community gardeners with unbiased gardening information based on research and reliable experience. Community service is required as part of this “neighbors teaching neighbors” approach.
“Master Gardener training is a core program of Cornell Cooperative Extension throughout New York State and we are pleased to be able to return it to Sullivan County,” said Lydia Reidy, the Sullivan County CCE Interim Executive Director. “Now residents from all parts of the county will have an opportunity to participate in this extremely valuable community service program.”
Cornell Cooperative Extension staff from both Ulster and Sullivan counties will provide the training, led by Dona Crawford, CCE Ulster’s Master Gardener Coordinator. Sullivan Renaissance is collaborating with CCE to help fund the program and identify both volunteers and service opportunities.
“Sullivan Renaissance has worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension on a number of projects over the years, but this is the most exciting cooperative effort by far,” said Sullivan Renaissance Director Glenn Pontier. “We often get requests for horticultural assistance. Just imagine the boost when 20 new gardening volunteers begin to assist with garden design and maintenance in communities from Long Eddy to Monticello to Bloomingburg.”
Training dates will run every Tuesday from February 7 through May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Snow makeup dates are the Thursdays following the snow days. Cost is $200 with $50 returned to those who complete the training and the requisite 100 hours of community service.
Volunteer applications are available from Cornell Cooperative Extension and from Sullivan Renaissance. Individuals should check “Master Gardener” in the section “Volunteer Position.” Completed applications must be returned no later than January 6, 2012 to: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754. Applicants may be asked for an interview and are subject to a criminal background check.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by national, state and county governments – that helps New York residents put research-based knowledge to work. For information call 845-292-6180 or visit http://blogs.cce.cornell.edu/sullivan/.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Nourishes Community and Economy
A new report prepared by AKRF, Inc. shows that Bethel Woods Center for the Arts continues to provide positive economic impacts in Sullivan County and New York State. In 2010, the Center drew over 182,000 visitors to its performances, events and Museum, with an additional 32,000 to community and education programs. Bethel Woods generated an estimated 467 direct and indirect jobs which equates to 150 full time equivalents. These jobs produced an estimated $8.26 million of salaries and wages, of which $5.83 million are estimated to have been in Sullivan County.
Bethel Woods Chief Operating Officer, Darlene Fedun, says the report for 2010 shows success for the Center’s mission to inspire creative expression and civic engagement to enrich the human spirit, while driving regional economic development. Fedun adds, “This report indicates we’re on a positive track in spite of a difficult economy. And in fact, our 2011 figures will be even more promising with higher attendance and more performances. Our diverse cultural programming provided through the Museum, the Pavilion, and Event Gallery offer ample opportunities for our visitors to experience high quality arts opportunities that open their minds and hearts. Our education programs such as World Stage Series, JazzReach, and free ticket access for under-served groups engage and encourage children and parents to explore creativity and the arts together. And, we’ve improved economic development in 2010 as well with 66% of our guests bringing their dollars from outside the County.”
Examples of the positive community impact contained in the report include the rebirth of the Kauneonga and White Lake communities and the Route 17B corridor adjacent to the Center. In Kauneonga Lake a series of vacant and decaying buildings has been transformed into thriving restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops. The Center’s sewer extension resulted in construction or upgrading of several restaurants, the construction of a new Jeff Bank branch and the Catskill Distillery. The total of all 2010 income taxes, employee and contractor sales taxes, and real estate and special assessments was approximately $800,000, which in turn benefits Sullivan County, the Town of Bethel, the Monticello and Sullivan West school districts, local fire departments, libraries and ambulance corps.
Fedun says, “At Bethel Woods Center for the Arts we are composing a timeless harmony of history, civic engagement, and the arts that will serve to inspire creativity and expression, and to increase our cultural and economic opportunities here in Sullivan County.”
Friday: Liberty Tree Lighting and First Annual Holiday Parade
The Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its first annual Town of Liberty Holiday Parade in conjunction with the Town’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Join in the fun to celebrate the holiday spirit by entering a float, decorate a vehicle, or march with your group/organization.
The parade will be held Friday December 2, 2011 at 6:00 pm. Line-up will begin at 5:00 pm at the municipal parking lots behind the Elks Lodge. The parade will commence through Main Street and end at the Liberty Elementary School. The snow date will be December 3rd.
Following the parade the Annual Tree Lighting will take place at the Town Hall and Liberty Main Street Stage. Light refreshments will be served. Bring your children to the Liberty Fitness Center Nov. 28th – Dec. 1st from 3-6:00pm to decorate ornaments for free that will be hung on the Holiday Tree. The Liberty Chamber of Commerce will also be announcing the winners of the Liberty Merchants Holiday Window Decorating Contest.
For further information or to register a float please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at845-292-7690.
Release provided.
Town of Liberty Parks and Rec Winter 2011-2012 Programs
Here is the Winter 2011-2012 Town of Liberty Parks and Rec Program Flyer! Great programs once again! May we suggest the discounted lift tickets for Holiday Mountain – HUGE savings for Liberty Residents.
Arts and Crafts
Children in grades K-4th are welcome to come to the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation building after school to work on fun arts and crafts projects. A Parks and Rec. Staff Member will pick up students at the Elementary School. Maximum of 12 students.
Dates: Mondays January 16th –February 27th
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Fee: $ 15 for Liberty Residents
$ 25 for Non-Residents
Pre-Register at the Parks and Rec Office
Teen Night
Liberty Teens ages 13-17 can come to the senior center to enjoy a night full of fun. Win prizes at weekly ping-pong and billiards tournaments. Use the projection screen to play Xbox 360 games or enjoy a movie. The Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department will provide refreshments.
Dates: Fridays from January 6th- February 24th
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE- students must present a Liberty
School District ID.
ADULT
Walking
Is the weather bad outside? Getting to Cold? Looking to get in shape? Then join the walking program that meets every Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the hallways of the Liberty High School.
Dates: January 10th – April 26th
Times: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Fee: $ 10 for Liberty Residents
$ 20 Non-Residents
CO-ED Volleyball
Want to play some competitive ball? Then sign up for CO-ED Volleyball and play on Thursday Evenings at the Liberty Middle School Gym.
Dates: Thursday’s Jan 5th- March 29th
Times: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $ 10 Liberty Resident
$ 20 Non- Resident
FAMILY
Family Snow Tubing/Skiing/Snowboarding at Holiday Mountain
Open to Liberty Residents Only
Sign your family up for Snow Tubing at Holiday Mountain and receive discounted rates. Day/Date/Time: Sundays, January 8th, 2012-February 26th, 2012. Snow Tubing hours are from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
FEE: Pay just $14 dollars per person for a two-hour session when you present your Liberty Parks and Rec. ID.
Sign your family up for Skiing/Snowboarding at Holiday Mountain and receive discounted rates. Day/Date/Time: Sundays, January 8th, 2012 – February 26th, 2012. Skiing hours are from 10 a.m.- 5p.m.
FEE: Lift Ticket- $ 13 pp, Rentals-13pp, Group Lesson- $15pp, Snowboard Rental-$20pp.
To take advantage of these Rates, purchase a Town of Liberty Parks and Rec. ID for $5.
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT
The Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation will be looking to fill the following positions for the Summer 2012 season:
Life Guards
Water Safety Instructors
Day Camp Counselor
Counselor In Training
Concession Attendant
Park Attendant
Office Clerk
Applications will begin being accepted January 2nd 2012. The last day to hand in an application is March 30th 2012. Stop by the office or call to receive an application. The Town of Liberty is an equal opportunity employer.
Parks and Recreation Office: 119 N. Main St. Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845) 292-7690 Fax: (845) 292-3588 Senior Center: (845) 292-1033
Email: p.r.dept@townofliberty.org
Web Page: www.townofliberty.org
Liberty Troopers arrest Liberty man for DWI and drug charges after responding to a fight in progress in the Village of Monticello
On November 26, 2011, State Police in Liberty arrested a man for DWAI Alcohol and drug charges after responding to a fight in progress in the Village of Monticello. Ivan Rivera, a 20 year old resident of Liberty, ran from the scene and fled in a vehicle. Troopers pulled the vehicle over and found Rivera to be intoxicated. Troopers also located marihuana and 10 bags of heroin. A passenger in the vehicle, Taylor Fracasse, a 19 year old female from Parksville, was found to be in possession of cocaine. Rivera was charged with Driving while Ability Impaired by alcohol, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Fracasse was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree. Both subjects are to appear in the Village of Monticello Court on December 2, 2011.
SHERIFF ASKS CITIZENS TO CHECK THEIR CELL PHONE BILLS
Sheriff Mike Schiff is asking Sullivan County residents to check their cell phone bills to make sure that the state mandated 911 surcharge and sales tax is being properly credited to Sullivan County. “Many of our residents travel to Middletown or Pennsylvania to purchase their cell phones.
When the accounts are set up they do not always accurately reflect that the subscriber lives in Sullivan County”, said the Sheriff. In some cases citizens may have moved into Sullivan County and the cell phone company didn’t pick up on the change of address. This means that the county sales tax and money that should be going to the 911 Emergency Communications Center could in fact be going to another location. “Proper funding of your 911 Center keeps you and your family safe”, said Schiff. The Sheriff urged all cell phone users to take a moment to look at their bill. ”If the 911 surcharge and sales tax does not say Sullivan County, please contact your cell phone provider immediately and have them correct the error. In these tough economic times, public safety needs to receive every dollar it is entitled to”, said Schiff
LHS Students to Participate in All-State Music Festival
Six Liberty High School music students have been selected to participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Area All-State Music Festival to be held at Suffern High School on November 18th & 19th according to Gary Siegel, Director of Music at LCS.
Selections are based upon NYSSMA Solo festival ratings and director recommendations. There are over 450 students selected to participate from over 40 school districts from Rockland, Greene, Ulster, Orange and Sullivan counties (NYSSMA Zone 9)
Liberty High School students Willie Killian, Drew Maier and Ryan Boxberger will be performing with the Area All-State Mixed Chorus and Amanda Bertholf, Sydney Goldstein and Taylor Lamerand will be performing with the Area All-State Women’s Chorus.
All the selected students are active members of the performing ensembles at Liberty High School. They are under the direction of Tim Hamblin – High School Chorus. The students will rehearse on Friday evening (November 18th) and Saturday morning (November 19th) and afternoon with approximately 450 other students from the five county area. Each ensemble will be directed by a guest conductor who is prominent nationally in the music education field. The festival will culminate with a concert at 4:30 PM on Saturday, November 19th and will take place in the Suffern High School Auditorium at Suffern High School.
Release and Photo Provided
Neversink Renaissance Releases Fourth Annual Barn Quilt Calendar
Neversink Renaissance has released its Barn Quilts of Neversink 2012 Calendar depicting historic barns during the various seasons of the year. This is the fourth year in a row that Town of Neversink residents have photographed barn quilts placed on the town’s barns by local volunteers.
This year’s calendar also celebrates the grand opening of the new addition to the Daniel Pierce Library and the Time in the Valleys Museum. This is the culmination of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the support of countless area businesses and contractors, and the enthusiasm of a community that had a dream ten years ago to construct a state-of-the-art library and museum.
Calendars are available at the Neversink Town Hall, the Daniel Pierce Library and the Time in the Valley’s Museum at a cost of $7.00. Proceeds will go the Tri-Valley Little League and future town beautification projects. As a special incentive, those purchasing three calendars at these locations will get one free.
Calendars may also be ordered by mail at: Neversink Renaissance, PO Box 307, Grahamsville, NY 12740. With shipping, the cost is $9.00 for one; or $17.00 for two. Checks should be made payable to Neversink Renaissance.
To download the order form, go to www.townofneversink.org. For more information call the town hall at 845-985-7685.
