Liberty to hold community budget forum on February 2nd

The Liberty Central School District in coordination with Sullivan County BOCES is holding a community budget forum to discuss the 2012-2013 school budget. The forum will be held on Thursday, February 2nd, 7-9 p.m. at Liberty High School and will give Liberty residents and opportunity to discuss their thoughts, ideas and concerns about the budget.

“During these difficult past budget seasons, we have needed to make significant reductions across the board,” said Liberty Superintendent Michael B. Vanyo. “This year also presents the additional challenge of staying within a 2% tax levy cap as well. We want to make sure that we are in touch with our community and want the public to have a voice in the budget formation process.”

The forum will begin with an introduction by Sullivan County BOCES Superintendent Larry Thomas, who will also moderate the event. Participants will be divided into smaller groups, guided by a Sullivan BOCES facilitator, to discuss key budget concerns including ways to save money, educational programs, and the top priorities of the community. Participants will then have the opportunity to discuss each group’s results.

If you would like to participate, please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, January 30 to District Clerk Tania DeFrank, at 845-292-6990 or tdefrank@libertyk12.org. R.S.V.Ps are strongly encouraged, but not required. For questions, please contact Communications Specialist Allison Ruef, 845-292-5400, ext. 2055 or aruef@libertyk12.org.

You Better Be Good, Santa is Coming to Town – Saturday 12/17

Attention children of all ages and you grown up kids too! Santa Claus is coming to the Town of Liberty on Saturday, December 17th! Santa’s Sleigh will be gliding onto Main Street in front of Town Hall (120 North Main Street) at 7pm.

There will be cookies, candy, and toys. The Santa Express’s 50 feet of magic lights and music will delight! See Santa, Mrs Claus, Frosty, and more. Don’t forget your letters to Santa!

7pm, Saturday, December 17th, 120 North Main Street (Main Street will be closed in that area)

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

Meet the Candidates

The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present a “Meet-the-Candidates Forum” on Thursday, October 27th, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the CVI Building in Ferndale. Invited candidates include all candidates vying to represent any portion of the Town of Liberty. On the County level, this includes the following districts:

District 3 – Elwin “Woody” Wood (incumbent) vs. Kitty Vetter

District 5 – Cindy Kurpil Gieger vs. Gregg Semenetz

District 6 – Jodi Goodman (incumbent) vs. Cora Edwards.

On the Town level, this includes the participants in the race for: Town Supervisor – Charlie Barbuti vs. Lynn Killian and the race for two seats on the Town Council Tom Hasbrouck (incumbent), Dean Farrand, Jeremy Gorelick, and Elliott Schneider. Candidates will be offered an opportunity to give a prepared statement followed by a brief question-and-answer session.

UPDATE

If you have questions and can’t make it – post them below, on our facbook page, or e-mail us! We’ll ask them for you.

Liberty Halloween Parade – October 29th

Here are the details for this years Liberty Halloween Parade!

Saturday, OCTOBER 29th 12:00 P.M.

11:15 a.m. – LINE UP AT THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT BEHIND THE ELKS LODGE.

11:30 a.m. – COSTUME CONTEST JUDGING & FLOAT JUDGING BEFORE THE PARADE. No late entries!

Costume Judging Categories for all ages: Scariest, Most Original, and Most Humorous.
Float Judging Criteria: Workmanship/Construction, Appearance, & Overall Presentation.

Pet Costume Contest !!!

FREE CIDER & DONUTS – FREE HALLOWEEN BAG WITH CANDY – PUMPKIN PAINTING

Rain Date: October 30th – Parade at 2:00p.m. – Line up 1:15 pm – Judging 1:30 p.m.

Further Information / Enter a float / or Volunteer call: 292-7690

Liberty Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Fall Dinner / Mixer

The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce is holding their Annual Meeting and Fall Dinner/Mixer on Thursday, September 22nd. The event takes place at Cracolicci’s on the Green (old Bogey’s – 52 Steakhouse for those who don’t know), the meeting is at 6:00pm and dinner starts at 6:30pm. Cost is $15 per person.

For more information please call the Chamber at 845-292-9797

Liberty Schools Hire New Athletic Director & Assistant Director of Student Services

The Liberty Central School District has added two new employees to it’s staff. Andy Buchsbaum is the new athletic director, he is replacing the beloved Jason Semo who took an Athletic Director position at the South Colonie Central School District. Liberty also hired Kathleen Bressler as the new Assistant Director of Student Services. She is the daughter-in-law of retired teacher Ralph Bressler.

Andy Buchsbaum

Andy Buchsbaum comes to Liberty via New Fairfield Public Schools, where he most recently served the district as its K-12 health and physical education coordinator and also an athletic coordinator at the high school. Prior to holding these positions, he taught physical education and was the head football coach. Andy has coached multiple sports at the varsity level which include football, baseball, indoor and outdoor track. Andy was honored as the Fairfield County Chapter Assistant Football Coach of the Year in 2003 and as the Fairfield County Chapter and Danbury News-Times Head Football Coach of the Year in 2007.

Andy served on numerous committees in New Fairfield such as the REMS (Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools) and Diversity Committees as their Chairperson; and the District Wellness and District TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring) Committee. He also serves as a Director to the New York Giants Youth Football Camps.

When asked what his favorite professional sports teams are, he answers without hesitation “The Giants, and I’m a big college football fan, Notre Dame is my favorite. Baseball? The Yankees. I do root for the UConn [University of Connecticut] hoops teams, but if it’s any consolation, my wife is a huge Syracuse fan. Truly, though, I love all sports, and I look forward to cheering on all the teams at Liberty.”

Although it is with sorrow that he say goodbye to Connecticut, Liberty was a great match for him and his young family (he is the married father of two boys, aged 4 and 2). “My wife’s family lives in Owego, and Liberty is close,” he explains. “I want to be an energetic and positive leader, and I look forward to becoming a part of this community and to work with the staff and student-athletes to build on Liberty’s success,” he adds.

Kathleen Bressler

If Kathleen Bressler’s name sounds familiar, that’s because it is – in the Liberty school community. Her father-in-law, Ralph Bressler taught math, science and computers at Liberty for 29 years before retiring last year. Kathleen comes to Liberty from Grafton Middle School in York County, VA, where she served as the assistant principal.

Prior to becoming the assistant principal, Bressler served as the assessment and compliance coordinator at Tabb High School in Tabb, VA and as a special education teacher and department chair at York High School in York, VA.

A 1996 graduate of Livingston Manor High School, Bressler is excited to come back to her roots and join the Liberty school community. “Both of our parents live in Livingston Manor,” she says of herself and her husband Karl. “We have a six-month old son, so we wanted to be closer to our families.”

Bressler attended Binghamton University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and moved on to earn her Masters degree at Mount St. Mary’s College in Newburgh, NY, with a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education. She will earn her doctorate in General Educational Administration later this year from the College of William and Mary, pending the approval of her dissertation: “The Effect of Administrational Support on Teacher Job Satisfaction.”

“I am excited to be back – it feels really good to be home in Sullivan County, and I can’t wait to be a part of Liberty. I can’t wait to have snow again!” She exclaims. We’ll check back with her in February and see if she still feels the same way!

Expanding Our Base Coverage Area – Hello Manor, Roscoe, and Tri-Valley Region

Over the past few months the Independent has become the source to turn to for many people outside of the Liberty area. In an effort to better serve those people we are adding FULL coverage of Livingston Manor, Roscoe, and Tri-Valley Region (Neversink, Grahamsville, Claryville).

We’ll still post news for other parts of Sullivan County (Monticello, Jeff, Youngsville, Bethel, Etc…), we’re just adding the same level of coverage to the areas mentioned above that we’ve given to Liberty over the past 2 years.

Liberty, Livingston Manor/Roscoe, and Tri Valley Varsity Football schedules are featured on our event calendar now too.

So if you live in the Town of Liberty, Livingston Manor, Roscoe, or Tri-Valley Region – bookmark the Liberty Independent today! Submit your local news or events by using our contact form or by e-mailing us at info@libertyindy.com

Flash Flood Warnings, School Delays – Thursday Edition

4:11 PM

(EXTENSION – time) Flood Warning issued September 08 at 3:56PM EDT expiring September 09 at 3:56AM EDT by NWS Binghamton

…The Flood Warning Is Cancelled For The Following Rivers In New York… Beaver Kill Near Cooks Falls Affecting Delaware And Sullivan Counties Neversink River Above Bridgeville Affecting Orange And Sullivan Counties …The Flood Warning Continues For The Following Rivers In New York…Pennsylvania… West Branch Delaware At Hale Eddy Affecting Delaware County West Branch Delaware At Walton Affecting Delaware County East Branch Delaware At Harvard Affecting Delaware County East Branch Delaware Near Fishs Eddy Affecting Delaware County Delaware River At Callicoon Affecting Sullivan And Wayne Counties Delaware River Near Barryville Affecting Sullivan And Pike Counties Neversink River Missing Neversink River At Godeffroy Affecting Orange County Safety Message… Do Not Drive Over Flooded Roads Or Bridges… Stay Tuned To Noaa Weather Radio…The Official Voice Of The National Weather Service…For Later Developments… For Further River And Weather Information You Can Visit Our Website At Weather.Gov/Bgm && The Flood Warning Continues For The Delaware River At Callicoon. * At 2:30 PM Thursday The Stage Was 14.1 Feet. * Flood Stage Is 12.0 Feet. * Moderate Flooding Is Occurring And Moderate Flooding Is Forecast. * Forecast…The River Will Crest In The Next Two Hours Around 14.2 Feet Then Fall To Below Flood Stage Friday Morning.

10:50AM ANOTHER FLOOD WARNING ISSUED

Flood Warning issued September 08 at 10:38AM EDT expiring September 08 at 10:37PM EDT by NWS Binghamton

…The Flood Warning Continues For The Following Rivers In New York…Pennsylvania… East Branch Delaware Near Fishs Eddy Affecting Delaware County Beaver Kill Near Cooks Falls Affecting Delaware And Sullivan Counties Delaware River Near Barryville Affecting Sullivan And Pike Counties Neversink River Above Bridgeville Affecting Orange And Sullivan Counties …The Flood Warning Continues For The Following Rivers In New York.. West Branch Delaware At Hale Eddy Affecting Delaware County East Branch Delaware At Harvard Affecting Delaware County The Flood Warning Continues For The Delaware River Near Barryville. * At 9:45 AM Thursday The Stage Was 17.4 Feet. * Flood Stage Is 17.0 Feet. * Minor Flooding Is Occurring And Minor Flooding Is Forecast. * Forecast…The River Will Continue Rising To Near 20.0 Feet This Evening. The River Will Fall Below Flood Stage Tomorrow Evening.

9:46AM FLASH FLOOD WARNING

Flash Flood Warning issued September 08 at 9:40AM EDT expiring September 08 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Binghamton

The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Extended The * Flash Flood Warning For… Delaware County In Central New York… Sullivan County In Central New York… Pike County In Northeast Pennsylvania… Wayne County In Northeast Pennsylvania… * Until 330 PM EDT * At 936 AM EDT…National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated An Area Of Excessive Rainfall Over The Warned Area. Another Shot Of Heavy Rainfall…With Embedded Thunderstorms…Will Track Northward Through The Poconos And Western Catskills Late This Morning. Additional Rainfall Amounts Of 1 To 2 Inches…With Locally Higher Amounts…Are Expected. Existing Flood Problems Will Maintain Themselves…Or Worsen. * Locations In The Warning Include But Are Not Limited To Blooming Grove…Equinunk…Hawley…Honesdale…Lackawaxen…Milford… Pleasant Mount…Waymart…Bethel…Bloomingburg…Callicoon… Davenport…Delhi…Deposit…Grahamsville…Hancock…Hobart… Liberty…Livingston Manor…Loch Sheldrake…Margaretville… Meredith…Monticello…Roscoe…Roxbury…Sidney…Stamford… Walton And Wurtsboro. Rapid Flooding Of Streams…Creeks…Urban…And Poor Drainage Areas Is Likely In And Near These Locations. When You Can Do So Safely…Please Report Flooding To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-877-633-6772…Or By Email At Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov. Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Into Areas Where The Water Covers The Roadway. The Water Depth May Be Too Great To Allow Your Car To Cross Safely. Move To Higher Ground.

9:25AM = FLOOD WARNING

Flood Warning issued September 08 at 9:25AM EDT expiring September 08 at 9:24PM EDT by NWS Binghamton

…Forecast Flooding Changed From Minor To Moderate Severity For The Following Rivers In New York…Pennsylvania… West Branch Delaware At Walton Affecting Delaware County …Forecast Flooding Changed From Minor To Moderate Severity For The Following Rivers In New York…Pennsylvania… Delaware River At Callicoon Affecting Sullivan And Wayne Counties …Observed Flooding Increased From Minor To Moderate Severity… …Forecast Flooding Increased From Minor To Moderate Severity… The Flood Warning Continues For The Delaware River At Callicoon. * At 8:30 AM Thursday The Stage Was 13.5 Feet. * Flood Stage Is 12.0 Feet. * Moderate Flooding Is Occurring And Moderate Flooding Is Forecast. * Forecast…The River Will Continue Rising To Near 14.3 Feet This Evening. The River Will Fall Below Flood Stage Tomorrow Evening. * Impact…At 13.0 Feet…Bank Parking Lot On New York Side Begins To Flood

Here are todays delayed schools:

2 HOUR DELAYS:
Roscoe
Livingston Manor
Sullivan West

The Latest flood warning from 4:15AM:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BINGHAMTON HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR…
SOUTHEASTERN BROOME COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK…
SOUTHEASTERN CHENANGO COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK…
DELAWARE COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK…
SOUTHERN OTSEGO COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK…
SULLIVAN COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK…
PIKE COUNTY IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA…
WAYNE COUNTY IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA…

* UNTIL 1015 AM EDT

* AT 412 AM EDT…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED AN
AREA OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL OVER THE WARNED AREA.

* LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO BLOOMING
GROVE…EQUINUNK…HAWLEY…HONESDALE…LACKAWAXEN…MILFORD…
PLEASANT MOUNT…WAYMART…BAINBRIDGE…BETHEL…BLOOMINGBURG…
CALLICOON…DAVENPORT…DELHI…DEPOSIT…GRAHAMSVILLE…HANCOCK…
HOBART…LIBERTY…LIVINGSTON MANOR…LOCH SHELDRAKE…
MARGARETVILLE…MEREDITH…MONTICELLO…ROSCOE…ROXBURY…
SANFORD…SIDNEY…STAMFORD…UNADILLA…WALTON AND WURTSBORO.

RAPID FLOODING OF STREAMS…CREEKS…URBAN…AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS
IS LIKELY IN AND NEAR THESE LOCATIONS. RAINFALL RATES ARE EXCEEDING
ONE INCH AN HOUR ON SATURATED GROUND. SEVERAL MORE INCHES OF RAIN
ARE LIKELY THIS MORNING.

WHEN YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY…PLEASE REPORT FLOODING TO THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE AT 1-877-633-6772…OR BY EMAIL
AT BGM.STORMREPORT@NOAA.GOV.