Golfing Highlights Column 8-31-07

The elevated seventh tee at the French Woods Golf Course gives golfers a beautiful view.

Cabin Fever At French Woods Golf Course

Carved out of the Catskill Mountains, the French Woods Golf Course provides unparalleled vistas and priceless views on it's 18 hole 6,000 yard public course.
The course is also unique in that it offers 7 private lodges situated throughout the golf course with each lodge featuring 2 bedrooms, dining and living room and full kitchen.
Russ and Lynn Bass have worked hard to bring a scenic challenging and enjoyable golf course to all levels of players
The clubhouse overlooks the course and entire valley providing panoramic views that reach out to as far away as 25 miles.
The land upon which the golf course is built is now once again back in the Bass and Bouchoux family whose descendants were some of the first settlers and land owners in the French Woods area....dating back to the mid 1800's.
In 1997, Russell and Lynn Bass (whose maiden name was Bouchoux) were looking to attract interest to the French Woods area. Their decision was to construct a golf course, restaurant and log cabins for rental.
Construction of the front nine of the golf course was started in the spring of 1997. This was not a simple easy project as the entire area was all woods.
Russell designed the course and since he was in the logging business, logging crews came in, cut down trees and cleared the land.
On June 29, 1999 the first nine holes were open. Work continued on the back nine and on June 29, 2001 the back nine opened.
The course is presently home to a Monday ladies league and Tuesday and Thursday ladies leagues. The Hancock Central School and Family School use French Woods as their home golf course for league competition.
The course plays from the blue tees 6,018 yards and is a par 72. The front and back nine play to par 36. The front nine plays a total of 2,959 yards from the blue tees
French Woods Golf & Country Club also offers fine dining in their very well designed modern clubhouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available along with special banquet and party packages.
Cabin and golf packages are also available.
Golf course superintendent is Dan Wormuth.
The pro shop offers all the essentials of golf and a small bar greets you as you enter the clubhouse. A putting green awaits you just outside the clubhouse entrance.
Club memberships are available at $550 for single and $725 for couples. Family memberships are $790.
The club special of $28 Monday through Thursday includes golf and cart for 18 holes and breakfast or lunch.
For tee or dinner reservations call 607-637-1800. Their web site is http://www.golfandxski.com/
We found the course very interesting to play from the blue tees.
We will describe to you this week how the first nine holes should be played. Next week we will detail the back nine.
Hole No. 1 is a 351-yard par 4, keep you tee shot down the middle and avoid the trees on both sides of the fairway. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 2 is a 135-yard par 3. Short narrow downhill fairway but club selection is important here.
Hole No. 3 is a 423-yard par 5 and best to keep your tee shot in the center of the fairway. This hole plays uphill with a large pond on the left which is visible from the tee. There is a trap on the right front section of this green. Good club selection here can get you a birdie.
Hole No. 4 is a 373-yard par 4 with a sharp dogleg to the left on your tee shot. Stay center right. There is water crossing the fairway about 100 plus yards from the tee. There are no traps on this green. Club selection on the tee is important here.
Hole No. 5 is a 500-yard par 5 with a dogleg left. Hit your tee shot over the fairway flag. There is a trap left front of this green. Good club selection here helps getting a birdie or par.
Hole No. 6 is a 177-yard par 3. Requires a tee shot straight down the middle for a birdie or par.
Hole No. 7 is a 317-yard par 4 and presents a view worth the trip to this golf facility. There is a highly elevated tee which makes this hole just outstanding and our favorite on this whole course.With the green sitting to the left it is best to play to the right side of the fairway. There is a big gully before this green. A nice par hole.
Hole No. 8 is a 360-yard par 4 with a dogleg right. Stay right on your tee shot and do not use the driver. There is some water left.
Hole No. 9 is a 370-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg right. Another nice view from the blue tee. There is a small pond right so play the center of the fairway. Trap is located on the right side of the green.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

The mental game is important. Make a commitment to improve, and not make excuses.
Before you make an attempt to improve your game, be sure you are ready to commit to the time and work required. Otherwise, you may set yourself up for failure or give in to convenient excuses.
For example, make sure that you have the necessary time and resources available....that other duties and distractions are taken care of, and that you aren't depending on anyone else (a teaching pro, mental coach, playing companion) who can't be counted on to follow through with their part in your plan for improvement.
The commitment and the planning must be such that if you don't succeed, you have no one to blame but yourself.
Indeed, it would be better to wait until you are absolutely ready than to make a half-hearted commitment to the challenge before you.
Robert Menges is the head Golf Professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club on Mt. Hope Road at Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by phone at 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

Local golf icon Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck will be the guest of honor at this years Twin Village Golf Club Annual Dinner Saturday, September 8 at the Rockland House in Roscoe.
Eighty-nine year-old "Bucky" has gone through a quadruple heart by-pass, developed medical problems with his right knee and has battled various other medical problems this past two years but his love for the game of golf gives him that hope and desire to someday return to play the game of golf again.
When Bucky was on the course you couldn't find a better dressed golfer as he sported the Payne Stewart look with knickers-style pants and long socks.
Bucky was and still is an accomplished musician and is a well-known author and writer of poems.
It's always a pleasure to be around Bucky because he is a pure gentleman and always proclaims his strong belief in God and his Christian faith.
We miss Bucky on the golf course with his 48-inch Yonex Titanium Plus driver and his 24-karet golf putter.
It will be a fun evening when the Twin Village Golf Club honors this golfing icon.
The evening will also honor all of the club champions for 2007. An open bar will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 and dinner will be at 6:30 p.m.
Those wishing to be a part of this evening can call Mary Austin for reservations at 607-498-4757.
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
Read our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Here & There Column 8-28-07

Boston Pops musicians warm up prior to the start of their August 19 performance at Bethel Woods.

HV Philharmonic & Boston Pops Outstanding

Making beautiful music together was certainly the theme for the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and The Manhattan Transfer on the evening of August 12 at Bethel Woods Center For The Arts.
The Manhattan Transfer has been together for more than 30 years and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic (originally called the Dutchess County Philharmonic Orchestra) was formed in 1932 and started to perform its first public concerts in 1934.
At the Hudson Valley Philharmonic began its warm-up session those sitting in the audience might have wondered if several of the orchestra members in the violin section were also going to put on a fashion show for different style hats.
The lead violinist wore an attractive styled straw hat while another violin player sported a white sporty looking headpiece.
Conductor Randall Fleischer noted that a number of the members of this orchestra also play at the New York Opera and the New York Philharmonic.
The audience quickly warmed up to this outstanding orchestra when they played Cole Porter's "Begin The Beguine."
Well known musical hits from top-noted composers filled the evening air to everyone's enjoyment..
The Manhattan Transfer opened the second half of the show with the Philharmonic by singing the popular "Get Your Kicks On Route 66."
The Manhattan Transfer is comprised of talented Tim Hauser, Janis Siegel, Alan Paul and Cheryl Bentyne and their mix of swing music with a jazz twist and pop along with numerous other styles made this evening entertaining and fun.
This was definitely a Manhattan Transfer audience that showed their appreciation for this unique style of music.
In its formative years, the group developed a strong cult following while playing such New York clubs as Trude Heller's, Reno Sweeney and Max's Kansas City.
Bethel Woods and the Boston Pops presented a first for their venue on Sunday, August 19 when the audience took part in a "Cinematic Sing Along" with great songs like "As Time Goes By", Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", "Moon River", "The Way We Were", Que Sera, Sera", "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "Over The Rainbow."
We truly mean that is does not get any better then the Boston Pops and Keith Lockhart, one of the finest conductors ever to take the podium.
The audience on this night was also treated to three very talented singers, Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley and PopSearch 2007 Grand Champion Maria Perry.
Lockhard conducted this fine very talented group of musicians through a "Tribute To Oscar and Tony" with great hits like Gone With The Wind, Overture to Around the World In 80 Days, Main title from My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and the balcony scene from West Side Story. "America's Orchestra" again proved to be a big, big hit at Bethel Woods in their second appearance in two years.
Two great shows by Bethel Woods Center For The Arts.

Golfing Highlights Column 8-24-07

A good tee shot on the Villa Roma Club Hole No. 13 will determine your birdie or par. This 174-yard par 3 is an all downhill shot from an elevated tee. A great golf hole on an oustanding course.

Excellent Golf Course--Outstanding Management

Any great golf course has to have excellent management to keep it that way.
Certainly this is the case as the Villa Roma Golf Club where Matt Kleiner heads up a staff for what Golf Digest has called, "A Little Slice of Heaven."
Matt started playing golf in high school as a sophomore and kept improving his game. He became the team's number one player in his senior year at Calhoun High in Merrick.
After turning pro in 1979, he played on the Florid Mini Tour Circuit from 1979 to 1985. He was a teaching professional at Glen Cove Golf Club in Glen Cove from 1979-1980 and from 1984 to 1985.
Matt met his wife, Jill, in 1984 at the GlenCove Golf Club and became head professional at the Villa Roma Resort in April 1985 while the course was still under construction
Matt is described by golfers as an excellent teacher and provides lessons by appointment.
In his 22ed year at the Villa Roma, Matt in recent interviews has said he wants to play more Professional Golf Association (PGA) events and that after turning 50 he is looking to compete in Senior PGA Club Pro Tournaments.
In addition to Kleiner his staff consists of Assistant Golf Pro Gregg Semenetz, an outstanding golfer in his own right, Razor Ransom and Sarah Nebzydoski. Keeping the golf course tees, fairways and greens in beautiful playing condition is the responsibility of golf course superintendent Jeffrey Coccodrilli.
This par 71 course has a total yardage of 6,458 from the black tees.
This golf facility offers a well equipped Pro Shop, a driving range, putting greens and practice facilities.
Last week we outlined the front nine.
This week we look at the back nine with a total yardage from the black tees of 3,275. The back nine is longer and more challenging but rewards solidly struck shots.
The back nine with a par of 36 features five par 4's, two par 5's and two par 3's.
Hole No. 10 is a 385-yard par 4 with a tree lined fairway that opens up after the tee shot. The fairway slopes downhill and the key shot here is off the tee slightly off center to the left side of the fairway. There is water some 20 to 30 yards in front of this green and a trap on the left side of the green. A good wedge shot puts you in play for a birdie or par.....a real nice golf hole for the start of the back nine.
Hole No. 11 is a 545-yard par 5, the longest hole on this course. It takes a good tee shot to keep you away from the marsh wet area located center-right off the tee, Keep the tee shot center or left center in the fairway which slopes right to left. Keep is straight and this long hole rewards you with a par.
Hole No,. 12 is a 357-yard par 4 with a dogleg left and the fairway running uphill to an elevated green. Keep you tee shot left center for a good second shot to the green. A trap is located on the right front side of the green.
Hone No. 13 is a 174-yard par 3 which requires accuracy and good club selection. The tee is elevated high above the green so it is an all downhill shot. . Traps are left and right of the green. We really like this hole and your tee shot will determine your birdie or par.
Hole No. 14 is a 332-yard par 4 with the first part of the fairway sloping downhill and a pond confronting golfers off the tee. Keep your tee shot firm and to the left center of the fairway to avoid a fairway trap on the right. The second half of the fairway slopes uphill to the green, which has a trap on the right front section.
Hole No. 15 is a 513-yard par 5 with a dogleg right. Traps are on the left and right side of the green.
Hole No. 16 is a 430-yard par 4 with an open fairway. Best play here is to the left side of the fairway. There is a trap on the right front section of the green. A nice par 4 here is reachable for many.
Hole No. 17 is a 180-yard par 3 and the tee shot must go over a large pond. Take the water out of play and select the right club for putting the ball in the center of the green and you will have your par 3.
Hole No. 18 is a 435-yard par 4 and some decision-making is in order for the tee shot. The fairway runs slightly with a dogleg right and there is a pond about 195-yards off the tee. It's about a 240-yard long tee shot to clear the pond so many golfers prefer to lay up in front of the pond. A nicely hit fairway shot from in front of the pond puts you in a good position for the par 4. There are traps left and right of the green. A few good decisions here makes this an outstanding golf hole.
The pro shop can be reached for reservations and information at 887-5097. The course Web site is http://www.villaroma.com/

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Being A Good Mudder:
Invariably at one time or another, some moisture is going to fall on us while we are enjoying a tour of the golf course.
Some advice for playing in the rain is important because playing in the rain is full of distractions. It can become a distinct advantage for players gifted with powers of concentration stronger than their physical abilities.
With the assumption that you at least have your rain suit handy, here are a few extra arrows for your wet quiver:
* Have you tried Latex gloves? Rubber on rubber doesn't slip. Pulling them out at just the right time can be fun too. I like the yellow-colored ones the best. Naturally, it takes a plop, but you can do it. The "rain gloves" made by several manufacturers are another option if you lack some chutzpah.
* Wear you contact lenses, if you have them. It's tough to hit the ball when you're seeing three of them because of the raindrops on your glasses.
* Bring several towels. They'll come in handy for a variety of reasons.
* Bring several hats. In spite of the Redford/Newman glorification of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," many golfers can't hack the drips.
* Re-read the casual water rule.
* Always dry your ball and your putter blade before making the stroke.
* Remember shots out of the wet sand always go farther.
* Bring a baggie for your score card. It's nice to show your opponents how badly you "out-mudded" them once you return to the 19th hole.
Robert Menges is the golf pro at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

No offense to Zach Johnson, Angel Cabrera or Padraig Harrington, but....well...the annual PGA Grand Slam of Golf sure got a boost when Tiger Woods won the PGA Championship to round out the foursome.
The annual event bringing together the year's major championship winners is moving to Bermuda this year for the first time and will be played in October.
Ewart Brown, the Premier of Bermuda, was at Southern Hills and no doubt rooting for Tiger.
"For our island, this will not be a country club tournament. It will be a country tournament," Brown said.
"To be able to get Tiger now means our investment now stands to reap significant returns."
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
Visit out Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Golfing Highlights Column 8-17-07

Villa Roma Golf Course staff members include, from the left, PGA Golf Professional Matt Kleiner, pro-shop assistant Sarah Nebzydoski, starter Razoe Ransom and Assistant Golf Professional Gregg Semenetz .

The 213-yard par 3 second hole with the fairway sloping downhill requires an accurate tee shot. Traps are to the right and left of this green.

Villa Roma Can Challenge The Expert

The Villa Roma golf course is one of the newest golf facilities in the Catskills.
Built in the late 1980's and opened for play in 1988, the course features some of the best fairways and greens in the region and has been called by Golf Digest "A Little Slice of Heaven."
This par 71 course has a total yardage of 6,458 from the black tees and most golfing experts agree it is a perfect challenge for the expert. The front nine total 3,183 yards and the back nice totals 3,275 yards. From the blue tees its 3,000 yards on the front nine and 3,034 on the back nine.
The fairways and tee boxes in our most recent play were found to be in excellent condition and the greens were fast. A great job by Golf Course Superintendent Jeffrey Coccodrilli.
The course was built by David Postlevaite.
Matt Kleiner is the PGA Golf Professional at the Villa, a position he has held since 1986 while the course was still under construction.
Gregg Semenetz is the assistant golf pro.
Sarah Nebzydoski is very helpful in the pro shop and in taking reservations and Razor Ransom helps golfers get started on time.
Golf instruction is provided by Matt Kleiner. Appointments for instruction can be made at the pro shop.
The Pro shop offers a complete selection of name brand men's and women's golf apparel and equipment including Nike, Slazenger, Gear for Sport, Titleist, Foot Joy, Callaway, Ping and Taylor Made.
Seasonal golf memberships are available at the cost of $990 per person or $1,500 per couple. Memberships include green fees or the entire season, club storage and locker room, 10 percent off Beechwoods Grill, members tournaments and year-end members banquet.
Golf fees for 18-holes Monday-Sunday for non-guest players is $55 and $65 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. After 3 p.m. fees are $30.
The course also offers a driving range, putting greens and practice facilities.
The front nine of this course is very generous off the tee, but the greens must be read properly with their undulations. The front nine features two part 5's, three par 3's and four par 4's.
Hole No. 1 is a 365-yard par 4 which requires a straight drive off the tee and it's better to stay left center as the fairway slopes left to right. The key for a par here is club selection on your second shot.
Hole No. 2 is a 213-yard par 3 with the fairway sloping downhill. A trap is to the right of this green and an accurate tee shot will determine the par here.Don't stray right here.
Hole No. 3 is a 533-yard par 5. Most of the fairway runs uphill and best to keep your tee shot in the center of this fairway. The green has undulations and staying out of trouble here will get you your par.
Hole No. 4 is a 408-yard par 4 downhill with a slight dogleg to the right. A good drive here and an accurate pitch shot has you seriously looking at a birdie. The green slopes left to right .There is a deep bunker at the right front section of this green and a trap on the left side. A nice golf hole.
Hole No. 5 is a 395-yard par 4. Keep it straight here and in the middle of the fairway. The second half of the fairway slopes slightly downhill. Good shot making will produce opportunities for a par or less here.
Hole No. 6 is a 400-yard par 4, pretty much a straight shot. Traps are on the left and right front of this green.
Hole No. 7 is a 171-yard par 3, the shortest hole on the front nine, There is a trap on the left side of the green but your club selection is important in recording your par,
Hole No. 8 is a 495-yard par 5 and is the most interesting hole on the front nine, Keep your ball right center as this hole plays a slight dogleg right, The important decision on the second shot is to succeed with a long iron or good fairway wood and go for the green or lay-up with the second shot somewhere about 10 to 20 feet from the pong and marsh area, The green has traps on the right and left sides of this green. An excellent golf hole.
Hole No. 9 is a 203-yard par 3 with traps on the left side and right front of this green. An accurate teen shot get you your par.
While enjoying this beautiful layout take in the magnificent views of the countryside.
We will detail the back nine in next week's column
For information and tee times call 887-5097. Their web site is http://www.villaroma.com/

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Prepare our mind for a better game.
We all have different ways of doing things on the golf course, which is why one technique or strategy might work for one person but not another.
For example, some of us will visualize the shot we want to hit in our mind, because it helps us execute the shot. For others, they have to experience the shot.
With that said ( or written, in this case), it never hurts to try something new. So here are several "pep talks" you can create to help build your confidence for the next round.
After each round of golf, take 60 seconds to sit quietly and replay your three best shots of the round. Visualize them in slow motion and lock every detail into your memory. They'll come back to cheer you on in the future..
Tell someone about your best shot of the day, but never talk about your worst shots. Professionals can usually remember every shot during a tournament, but there is one shot they "just don't recall"--it's their worst shot. Let the bad shots go, and never, ever talk about them.
After every shot, remember to say, "great shot" and mean it when you say it. the results may not be exactly what you wanted, but the ball went where you hit it. So go and do it again.
Breathe before every shot or putt, remember to breathe deeply and softly. It will relax your whole body and allow you to focus on the task at hand.
Make it a part of your pre-shot routine to consciously expect a great shot. As you pull the club from your bag, smile. As you look down the fairway or line up your putt, smile. As you stand over the ball, smile. Expect the best.
Finally, but perhaps most importantly , have fun our there. Golf is a game. Yes, it can be very challenging and frustrating at times, but it is intended to be a form of enjoyment. Enjoy the day, the weather and the time with friends, Chances are, you'll enjoy the wonderful game of golf as well.
Robert Menges is the golf pro at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

The 4th annual Mansion Ridge Beef & Brew golf tournament will be held Thursday, August 30 with a 1 p.m. shotgun.
The event features prizes, contests, dinner, beer and wine and greens fee and cart for $115 per person.
For information and registration call the pro shot at 845-782-7888.
The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge is located at 1292 Orange Turnpike in Monroe.
Our talks with the many golf professionals at the golf course's we review each year always seems to center around the topic of how important it is to gain chipping skills and how this will improve scoring for the amateur.
The pros tell me that the average amateur is not particularly adept at hitting greens in regulation and in order to make that all elusive par, the golfer must be able to chip the ball close.
Then the conversation always leads to what chipping consists of and they always say that it is a shot in golf no more than 20 years off the putting green which requires touch and creativity in order to make the ball stop as close to the hole as possible.
The pros tell us that the chipping swing should be with the shoulders, that we should use the putting stroke and we should be creative when chipping.
Sound simple doesn't it...... we tried it and guess what.....it works.
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com. Visit our BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Here & There Column 8-21-07

Tournament Manager Dennis Dietrich

Eileen Collins, left, with Analey Dietrich at the Eddie Collins Memorial Tournament

Behind The Scenes Of A Great Tournament

The best of the best softball teams in the Northeast came to Sullivan county the weekend of August 10-12 to play in the 26th annual Eddie Collins Memorial Tournament at the Edward M. Collins Park in Mongaup Valley.
And the games we saw truly proved that these were some of the top men's major modified softball teams in the Northeast.
If you enjoy sports and particularly modified or fast pitch softball then this venue was the place to be on this weekend.
We often talk about activities and events that support Sullivan County's business economy and this annual softball tournament brings players and visitors that eat, sleep and play for three days in Sullivan County.
The overall success of events like this softball tournament is often overlooked but credit for how well run this tournament is must go to Dennis Dietrich and the some 20 volunteer workers he gets to keep the scorebook, work the scoreboard, play music between innings, provide infield maintenance and run two concession stands.
Hours and hours of preparation work also goes into the planning of this great event. Plans for next years tournament starts during and at the conclusion of this years tournament.
And to be sure the tournament teams themselves told us at this weekend event that this is a very well run and managed tournament and that a lot of credit must go to Dennis Dietrich and his many volunteer helpers.
Two of Dennis's daughters, Shannon and Analey are there with their dad working as early as 7 a.m. till early in the morning on the two nights and three days tournament action is taking place. Shannon was even out driving the roller on the Thursday night prior to the start of the tournament the following night.
One of the major spectators taking in the tournament for the past 26 years was Ms. Eileen Collins, mother of Eddie Collins, a 1970 Eldred Central School graduate who was known throughout the area as an outstanding athlete. He passed away from viral pneumonia in April 1981 when he was just 29 years old.
The tournament this year featured a little bit of international flavor as several ballplayers on the Zubi's Lawn Care team of Port Jervis were from New Zealand and Australia.
This tournament featured some premium players that produced a top quality softball tournament and a must see for those who enjoy a good brand of softball.
A tip of the hat to Dennis Dietrich and his crew for staging a top quality sporting event for Sullivan County.

County Alzheimer's Association Raises $5,000

Committee members for the 8th Annual Silent Auction to benefit the Sullivan County Alzheimer's Association held August 5 at Callicoon Center include, from row left to right, Chrissy Bunce and Jullian Bierstine. Back row, from the left, Sue Bunce, Dianne Brady, Amy Krist, Janet Scherf, John Fink, Sheila Lashinsky, Ellen Hoffman, Michele Bierstine, Nancy Matrafilo and Marcia Fink.

County Alzheimer's Association Raises $5,000

The 8th Annual Silent Auction to benefit the Sullivan County Alzheimer's committee association proved; to be an overwhelming success as over $5,000 was raised to help eliminate Alzheimer's disease.
The event held Sunday, August 5 at the Callicoon Center Firemen's pavilion was under the direction of chairman Marcia Fink of Callicoon. Committee members also included Sue Bunce, Nancy Matrafailo and Kathy Ridley.
Ms. Fink noted that the Alzheimer's Association is the leading donor-supported, voluntary health organization in Alzheimer research, care and support. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and to provide care and support for all affected.
The Association also wants to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The Callicoon Center event saw over 200 items auctioned which also included a raffle drawing for a 66" x 66" quilt handcrafted and donated by Nancy Matrafailo.
Major items donated for the silent auction came from Amy & Les Kristt, Anita Robertson, Anna Marie Jones, Bethel Woods, Body, Mind & Spirit Diane Lorino, Buffalo Zach's, The Dime Bank, Callicoon Theater, Candy Cone White Lake, Catie Lucus, Catskill Oral Surgery Dr. Karl E. Krause, Delaware Valley Farm & Garden, Don't Woodworking, Doris Elflein, First National Bank of Jeffersonville, Forestburgh Playhouse, Frank Armstrong, Frankie & Johnnys (Nardi's), Gail O'Neil, Gloria McCausland, Grapevine Restaurant, Janet Newberg, Janet Scherf, Jeffrsonville Pharmacy, Johanna D'Angelo, John Puntar, Kristin Porter, Laurie Sendrick, LeRoy Plumbing & Heating, Lillie & Debbie Weiss, Lynn Burton, Marge Sommer, Master Falconer Brian Bunce, Melissa Hunter, Michael Angelo's , Ouida Edington (Watkins), Pat & Jack Yelle, Paul Hans, Raimondo's Restaurant, Richard & Edna Donovan, Robert Green, Rockland House, SJN Lawn Maintenance, Sarah Weeks, Secret Garden Sue Bodenstein, Sophie McDermott, Spiro's Restaurant, Sue Bunce, Sullivan County Democrat, Susan Hamlin (Pilot) and the Terry Brae Golf Course.
Ms. Fink game special thnks to Eric Bressi (Elvis' Lost Brother) for being the MC and providing music for this event and also to Brian Bunce, master falconer for having on display one of his falcons. She also gave thanks to the Callicoon Center Fire Department for use of their pavilion and its facilities and to the Kristt Company and Makovic Homes (Memory Walk sponsor).
Ms. Fink made note of two other major activities to support the Alzheimer's Association and they include the Alzheimer's Golf Tournament on August 25 at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club and the Memory Walk 07 on September 30 at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center in Monticello.
Information on both events can be obtains from Ms. Fink at 845-887-6200.

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Marty's Furniture Store Sold

Carole amd Ryan Edwards are the owners and managers of the new Manor House of Furniture & Appliances

48-Year-Old Manor Furniture Store Sold

Marty's Furniture & Appliances, a 48-year-old well known Livingston Manor business has been sold and is now operating under the name of Manor House of Furniture & Appliances.
The new owners are Carole and Ryan Edwards, who for the past 15-years have owned and operated and will continue to operate the Carole Edwards Realty & Modular Homes business.
Carole's husband, Edwin is retired from Verizon and is a self-employed carpenter.
Carole is a native of Roscoe, graduated from Roscoe Central High School and attended Sullivan County Community College.
She coached varsity cheerleading at Livingston Manor Central School for eight years and is active in the annual Walk The Cure march. Carole acknowledged that she and several other Manor ladies walk almost on a daily basis.
Ryan Edwards is a graduate of Livingston Manor Central School and attended Sullivan County Community College.
He coached varsity baseball at Livingston Manor, two years as an assistant coach and one year as head coach.
Active in baseball while in high school Ryan presently plays both slow-pitch and modified softball in Liberty and Fremont.
An occasional golfer he participates in golf scramble tournaments on weekends.
He is single and enjoys big game hunting and bird hunting.
House related potential sales is what got the Edwards' interested in getting into the furniture and appliances business.
Manor House features major brand names like Sealy, Ashley, La-Z-Boy, Bassett, Whirlpool and GE.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 9-5 and can be reached at 845-439-5657.

New Liberty Restaurant Opens

New Owner-managers of the recently opened Grapvine Mediterranean Grill restaurant in Liberty are, from the left, Doyle Gosney, Cindy Howe and Dimitris Vernezos.

Grapvine Restaurant Has Experience On Their Side

A combined 70-years of restaurant experience has gone into the opening of the new Grapevine Mediterranean Grill at 79 Sullivan Avenue in the Village of Liberty.
Dimitris Vernezos, 39, of Woodridge, Doyle Gosney, 39, of Liberty and Cindy Howe, 44, of Liberty are the owner-managers of the restaurant which formerly housed Manny's Steak House and officially opened as the Grapevine Mediterranean Grill on July 11
Their reason for getting into business for themselves was "the opportunity to do something for ourselves and to provide simply good food at fair prices in a pleasant atmosphere."
The combined 70-years of restaurant experience is almost unheard of in todays food-service industry.
Doyle Gosney with 25-years of experience was born in New Jersey and lived many years in Lake Havaua, Arizona where he started as a short order cook after high school. He managed a restaurant there for some 7 years, was a waiter-manager at the Srardust Diner in Hacketstown, New Jersey for over 3 years and worked over 7 years as a waiter and later a manager at the Blue Horizon Diner in Monticello.
The famous laugh (heard around the world) of Cindy Howe will now become a permanent fixture at the Grapevine Mediterranean Grill and with this laugh and friendly demeanor comes a restaurant hostess and waitress with 28-years of experience.
Cindy can certainly be labeled as the best of the best when it comes to taking care of her customers. Over the years she has worked at Kenny's & Benny's, Toys' Bar, the famous Triangle Diner in Liberty, Angela's Restaurant and some 14-years at the Blue Horizon Restaurant in Mountie.
Dimities Vernezos was born in Greece and has lived in the United States for some 22 years. He and his wife, Paula, have two children and make their home in Davos at Woodridge. He formerly make his home in Liberty.
His 17-years of restaurant-food business includes 3 years at the Liberty Diner, several years each with Johnny D's in Newburgh and Jack and Jills in Middletwon, a food salesman for Maines and 12 years both as a waiter, hostess and manager at the Blue Horizon in Monticello.
Dimitris said he started out in this business as a dish washer and worked his way up to being a waiter and finally into management,.
The three new owner-managers noted the success of any restaurant business is the "quality and pricing of the food."
They presently employ between four and seven employees.
The restaurant has its own bar and two separate dining areas.
They are open 7 days week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Reservations can be made at 845-295-3170.

Here & There Column 8-14-07

Liberty Central School Junior Elana Ehrenberg plays her tenor saxophone with the Liberty High School Jazz Ensenble prior to the August 4 start of the Bethel Woods Evening of Jazz. The Liberty High School Jazz Ensenble entertained prior to the start of the 6:30 Main Stage Show.

Age Has Not Blemished The Talented Dave Brubeck

Bethel Woods just gets better and better as was evidenced on Saturday, August 4.
Most 85-plus year-old seniors today are contented to sit back in their rocking chair and listen to their favorite musician.......but not Dave Brubeck, who we were told is 87 and on this date he displayed with precision his piano playing musical talents as part of the Bethel Woods Evening of Jazz.
Along with the Dave Brubeck Quartet the Jazz "Jam" session featured Earl Klugh and Randy Crawford & Joe Sample.
The entire Brubeck Quartet pounded out the Jazz beat with precision and each of the four members had the opportunity to show the Jazz loving fans that they still had what it takes to entertain at the top of the marque.
It was so easy to see why Brubeck is often regarded as a genius in this entertainment field and one of the most well known jazz pianists of all times.His style on August 4 ranged from refined to bombastic.
More than any other improvising artist during the past 45 years, Brubeck stands out as a brilliant pianist, composer and bandleader. Dave has expanded the rhythmic horizons for the general public, essaying with ever-increasing assurance time signatures like 5/4, 7/4 and even 13/4 while creating a body of work that is notable for its consistent levels of melodic content and harmonic invention.
Brubeck clearly showed why he is a member of that charmed circle of improvising artists whose popularity is commensurate with his musical accomplishments. The first jazz figure ever to make the cover of Time, Brubeck has for nearly half a century been a leader of perhaps the most widely known and well-traveled quartet in the history of jazz.
And you can truly tell Jazz fans from other musical fans.....just watch their heads and bodies swing to the well known and well loved jazz beat.
Also thoroughly entertaining the crowd on August 4 was Earl Klugh, a Detroit born jazz fusion guitarist and Randy Crawford who for three decades has traversed a musical spectrum that ranges from jazz and soul to R&B and pop. Her warm timbre and inventive emotional phrasing has won Crawford countless fans around the world. Pianist and composer Joe Sample added that special touch for Jazz on this beautiful August evening.
Prior to the start of the Evening of Jazz on the main stage Bethel Woods Center for the Arts played host to the Goshen youth Jazz band led by Ellen Dickinson and the Liberty High School Jazz Ensemble conducted by Daniel L. McConnell. This was the second year in a row for Liberty as they entertained at the Top of the Lawn.
Upcoming entertainment at Bethel Woods includes ArloGuthrie and Richie Havens on Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m., Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on Sunday August 19 at 7 p.m., Trace Adkins & Gary Allan with Terri Clark on Friday, August 24 at 6 p.m., Lynyrd Skynyrd with the Marshall Tucker Band on Sunday August 26 at 7:30 p.m., Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price on Wednesday August 29 at 8 p.m. and Earth Wind & Fire with special guest Taylor Hicks on Saturday, September 8 at 8 p.m.
Information on tickets is available at 845-454-3388 or at http://www.bethelwoodslive.org/

Golfing Highlights Column 8-10-07

Men's Division champions of the July 29 Roscoe Kiwanis Club tournament are, from the left, Rob Eggleton, Merlin Brock (who also had the longest men's drive) amd Jim Tempel who also served as tournament chairman. Also a member of the winning team but not available at the time this photo was taken was Phil Eggleton.

Mixed Couple Champions of the July 29 Roscoe Kiwanis Club Tournament were, from the left, Chuck Husson, Anna May Hussen (who also won women's closest to the pin), (Tournament Chairman Jim Tempel), Marcia Fink (who also won women's longest drive) and John Fink.

Senior Men's Champions of the July 29 Roscoe Kiwanis Club tournament included, from the left, Ed Townsend, Don Eggleton, (Tournament Director Jim Tempel), Joe Schulte and Ron Schulte.

Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament Had Fun For Everyone

Serious golf tournaments certainly have their place in this great sport but we are finding more and more golfers who like to get in those friendly fun-filled captain and his crew best ball tournaments where handicaps do not come into play.
These captain and his crew tournaments have all four golfers hitting their tee shots and from there on into the cup all four golfers play the best ball. A nice fun-filled addition to the game of golf.
Such was the case on Sunday, July 29 when the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club hosted the 17th annual Roscoe Kiwanis golf tournament under the leadership of tournament director Jim Tempel and his very able assistant Joe Schulte.
A beautiful sunny afternoon greeted golfers as they teed off at the 1 p.m. shotgun start.
Tremendous support for this tournament came from those who donated prizes and hole sponsors.
Huindreds of dollars in prizes for a drawing that took place following a cocktail hour and dinner at the Rockland House came from Kirchner Chevrolet and Dodge, Roscoe Lumber Yard, Bank of America, M & T Bank, Peck's Market, Spiro's, Buffalo Zach's, Roscoe Diner, Fairway Inn, Morning Star Creations, Tennanah Lake Golf and Tennis Club, Twin Village Golf Club, Terry Brae Golf Course, Lochmore Golf Course, Swan Lake Golf Course, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club, Kutsher's Country Club, First National Bank of Jeffersonville, Schmidt's Wholesale. Verona Oil Company, Raimondo's Restaurant and Anna May's Beauty Salon.
Hole sponsors included Butternut Grove Campsite, Clark Companies, Olympian Nutrition, Armstrong Builders, Michael Decker Construction, Mirabito Fuel, James Stevenson Construction, Creelside Ventures, Napa Auto Parks, M & T Bank, First National Bank of Jeffersonville, Roscoe Coffee Shop, Stone Realty, Austin Physical Therapy, The Little Store, Sunoco Country Store, Elliott & Pomeroy Real Estate, Harris Funeral Home, Johnston & Rhodes, Kohler Lumber, Mike Preis Insurance, Meisner Electric, Annie's Place, Joe and Ron Schulte, Mary Dette Flies, Tom Darbee Plumbing, John's Barber Shop, Tiny's Auto, Catskill Grocer, Exxon, Riverside Cafe, Pat Murtagh and the Rockland House.
Monies raised by this tournament support community activities and needs.
This tournament was played under the captain and his crew best ball format and also included a fewest putts category.
Merlin Brock has the longest men's drive and Marcia Fink has the longest women's drive.Closets to the pin for women was Anna May Husson.
Men's division champion included the team of Rob Eggleton, Phil Eggleton, Jim Tempel amd Merlin Brock. They also had the fewest putts.
Second place in the men's division went to the team of Don Eggleton, Ed Townsend, Joe Schulte and Ron Schulte.
Mixed couple champions included the team of John and Marcia Fink and Chuck and Ann May Husson.
Special thanks for helping with this tournament went to Jackie Rosen, Jerry Hill, Phil Eggleton, Al Johnston, Betty Tempel, Shirley Wood, Don Eggleton, George Kinney and Ed Parks.
The Rockland House hosted the cocktail hour and dinner after the completion of tournament play.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Scoring is all about getting the ball in the hole with the least amount of strokes, and the short game is a key component to accomplishing this.
One of the ways to improve the short game is to work on distance control.
In this drill, I set up four targets....whether it's buckets or whatever visual object you can find....with distances ranging from 10 to 40 yards.
After the targets are in place you then hit one ball at each target in sequence. By hitting at different targets in sequence, you once again will prevent yourself f rom locking in to one distance. In the long run, this will help you develop better feel for your distance control.
As far as club selection, I suggest you start with your 5 degree wedge for this drill, and then experiment with your other wedges. The key here is to develop your touch for the different distances.
Robert Menges is the head Golf Professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for priviate lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by phone at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

Just a reminder to our many readers that our Golfing Highlights Column along with our Here & There Column and both gofling and bowling news is available at our Web (BLOG) page http://bght.blogspot.com/
Sometimes you come across something that just feels right.
This is one of those times.
Marriott Golf has introduced a program where children 15 and under can use a rental set at no charge when playing golf with a paying adult. This is an extension of a program where children 15 and under can play for gratis with a paying adult at Marriott Resort facilities across the country. Now the clubs will also be included. The clubs are Accu-Length Junior Golf Clubs. Restrictions apply, but now there's no excuse for leaving the little ones in the hotel room.
Visit http://www.marriottgolf.com/ for more information.
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or via e-mail at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Look us up on our Web BLOG at http://blogspot.com/

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Here & There Column 8-7-07

Heavy Brew As Klatsch Discusses Gasoline Price Puzzle


We have a pretty intelligent coffee klatsch........if I might brag a little.........our latest discussion took over three pots of home brew (coffee that is) and over 36 home made donuts....... which is a standard menu for the seven of us who include three Democrats, three Republicans and one Independent and our heavy discussion recently was the price of gas and what in the world could be going on with this finicky and sometime secretive industry.
Once just has to read and listen to recent reports that our nations refineries are not up to snuff and then there is one hundred other excuses why the price of gasoline is where it is today.
One of out members pointed out that during the week of July 23 the gasoline headlines read, "gas prices, energy futures fall." And at that time is was actually reported that gas prices dropped below a national average of $3 a gallon during the previous weekend, while energy futures were having their own decline at the same time on suggestions that OPEC may increase its output.
Several of us jumped all over that statement because OPEC in the past months were talking about cutting back on production. Makes one wonder what kind of words game everyone is playing and who can one believe.
One of our members who looks very closely at the stock market and its goings on said reports now out show that oil is fairly valued at $60 to $65 a barrel, which he said leads some to conclude the cartel may be open to reversing its long-held position that oil supplies are adequate.
All seven of us don't believe this sudden change of heart by OPEC.
We also questioned the price of gasoline in the tri-county area with prices ranging from $3.05 to above $3.15..... so how come this region is not seeing gas prices below a national average of $3 a gallon?
The gasoline industry is saying that the prices are down partly due to a cooler summer which they claim is reducing demand for gas........we determined that the combination of high supplies and low demands could send prices much lower in time for the winter heating season.
What scared several of us are predictions that the market appears poised for additional price lows.
One of our members who is retired from the oil industry pointed out that the so called energy traders are now looking at the prospect that OPEC could boost output and that prior to this time there was a lot of criticism of OPEC for cutting production this year.
'It's a game they play with our money and it stinks," said the majority of out coffee klatsch.
We all also agreed that one should not hold their breath hoping for OPEC to increase their production.
We all generally agreed that as the price of a barrel of oil trends higher......and the pump price for gasoline has actually decline,......then what could be at play is oil companies now desire to keep a lit on profits so Congress does not import additional taxes.
A real tough topic and so many questions still remain and as we finished off our coffee and donuts we all agreed that a close watch of this industry is required with a system of checks and balances being regulated by someone who has more responsibility then out present leaders in Washington are showing.

Golfing Highlights Column 8-3-07

Russell Glover, third from the left, Director of Golf and Head PGA Professional at The Country Club of South Carolina, welcomes area golfers, from the left, Ed Guthrie from Narrowsburg, George Korth from Padukah KY. (formerly from Livingston Manor), Josh Jennings from Port Jervis and Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend from Livingston Manor.

This 10-year-old Lhasa Apso named Hogan made friends very easily with four local golfers on a March golf trip to SouthCarolina. Josh Jennings of Port Jervis welcomes Hogan into his golf cart.

Hogan Joins Local Golfers At A Real Gem

How often can golfers be joined by a happy-go-lucky 10-year-old Lasa named Hogan who knows the course well and really liked riding in our golf cart at The Country Club of South Carolina.
This friendly pup belonged to one of the residents who make their home at this golf facility and the owner noted that her dog just loves to hook up with golfers and he travels with them both by foot and in their golf carts. He even enjoyed snacking with us from time to time.........and if it got a little too hot he would find some water and cool off. What a way to enjoy a round of golf with Hogan......and he didn't give us any guff about our golf game and best of all he didn't offer any golf or putting tips.
Pure challenge mixed with incomparable beauty, sculptured fairways, scenic lakes and many greens tucked into hollows surrounded by dogwoods makes The Country Club of South Carolina a true southern gem and an experience Northeastern golfers can look forward to in late March when the urge to play some golf draws may of us to South Carolina.
This rare piece of land has previously hosted the Nike Tour's South Carolina Classic and is one of the top 10 courses in South Carolina.
The Country Club of South Carolina is a popular course offered in a golf package managed by Lisa Haynes, golf director of Swamp Fox Golf in Florence, SC
Swamp Fox offers over 30 outstanding golf courses to play, comfortable accommodations and booking of the golf courses with guaranteed tee times before you arrive there.
For an outstanding golfing experience call Lisa at 1-800-845-3538, email at swampfoxcountrygolf@sc.rr.com or go to their web page at http://www.swampfoxgolf.com/
The Country Club of South Carolina is popular in the Pee Dee Region and attracts residents and golfers from all over the world. This course has the look and feel of one of the hallowed halls of golf so it became a must play this past March for a foursome of New York and Kentucky golfers to venture out to perform their golf talents on his magnificently manicured 18-hole Ellie Maples-designed, PGA Tour-tested golf course.
Playing in the two-state foursome were Narrowsburg golfer Ed Guthrie, Port Jervis golfer Josh Jennings, Paducah Ky. golfer (and former Livingston Manor resident) George Korth and Golfing Highlights columnist Ed Townsend from Livingston Manor.
From the Black tees the course has a USGA rating of 74.8 with a slope rating of 141. Par for the course is 72.
From the championship tees the course features a 588-yard par 5 sixth hole and a 558-yard par 5 (11th hole). The 162-yard par 3 (12th hole) over water makes for an interesting golf shot.
Russell Glover is the Director of Golf and head PGA professional.
The Country Club of South Carolina is owned and operated by The SIM Group and the Sintra Corporation. There are available an array of real estate choices.
The this famous course was built in 1969 and has hosted the Ben Hogan Tour, Buy.Com Tour, Nike Tour and the Nationwide Tour.
Club Professional Glover noted that the golf packages through March and April produced heavy play during those months and are "good to keep costs down for our members." The club has 289 members and only has member-guest club tournaments. There are no leagues that play here and Glover acknowledged that the facility is "mainly private."
You read about them in magazines, you see them in beautifully designed ads--exclusive golf clubs beckoning you to play their incomparable fairways....but once in a while, you discover a course, that for whatever reason, draws you even deeper into the game.......certainly this fits this course. This facility is truly a soothing place to recreate, to socialize and a place every golfer should schedule on their golf trip to South Carolina and the Swamp Fox Golf Package.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Chipping: Gaining skills in chipping is perhaps one of golf's most important components to improve scoring for the amateur.
The average amateur is not particularly adept at hitting greens in regulation and in order to make that all elusive par, the golfer must be able to chip the ball close.
First we must define the term chipping. (Note this is a loose definition and may not hold up in any court.) Chipping is a shot in golf from no more than twenty yards off the putting surface and requires touch and creativity in order to make the ball stop as close to the hole as possible.
So if you can make the ball stop close to the hole your chances of one-putting the green are increased.
The chipping stroke should, in most cases, emulate a good putting stroke....mostly shoulders and very little wrist action. This motion can be seen best when watching pros like Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia play a fairway wood from off the green.
Speaking of the fairway wood off the green, this is a very creative shot not intended for the faint of heart. Most amateurs would do well to select a seven or eight iron when they can bump and run the ball to the hole and a pitching wedge or sand wedge when a soft landing is required.
Be sure to pick out a target landing area and have a read on which way the ball will break once it starts to roll.
Chipping well can easily reduce strokes per round by three to five. Practice this shot for at least fifteen minutes of your practice time per hour. It will help you to understand breaks in the green and speed control involved in getting the ball close.
Quick tips......swing with shoulders, use putting stroke and be creative when chipping. Robert Menges is the head Golf Professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by phone at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

The Callicoon Kiwanis will hold their annual Golf Tournament on September 9 at 1 p.m. at the Village Roma Country Club.
A great organization that does great work deserves support in this event.
For additional details call 932-8436 or e-mail robisch@localnet.com
There was more than a little surprise when Tiger Woods revealed that his wife, Elin, was hospitalized on the Thursday of the U.S. Open with non-life threatening omplications related to her pregnancy. Woods never said a word, competed in the U.S. Open and finished a stroke behind winner Angel Cabrera. Woods hustled back to Orlando that night on his private place and made it to the hospital in time for the delivery of the couple's first child, a girl named Sam Alexis. It made many wonder what would have happened had Woods tied Cabrera, forcing a playoff the next day. But when it was disclosed that his wife had been in the hospital...both doctor and mom told Tiger not to come home......it made a few wonder what they would have done. Could you imagine not halting a business trip with your wife in the hospital, a baby due any day? Of course.....the U.S. Open is not just any business trip.
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by e-mail at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com. Look us up on our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/