Golfing Highlights Column 7-1-11

Baxter Scores His First Ace

Sixth-seven year-old Roscoe golfer Rick Baxter scored his first career hole-in-one on June 16 in the Thursday Men's league at the Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club.
Playing golf for some 50 years the Tennanah Lake Thursday golf league is the only league he competes in.
He scored the ace on the 186-yard 11th hole which plays to a par 3 and tends to play shorter than the posted yardage. The hole has sand traps on the right and left side.
Shooting with a 20 handicap Rick's Thursday night team partners include Dan Hendrickson, Paul Stock and Ronnie Ackerly.
Married with two children Rick is the manager of the Live Bait Restaurant in Roscoe.

Memorial Tournament
Sunday July 10

The annual Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, July 10 and is limited to 80 golfers.
Tournament manager Chuck Husson announced that this event will feature two shotgun starts at 8:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. with a captain and mate format in four categories, men, women, mixed and senior.
Entry fee is $50 per golfer which includes golf, dinner and a one hour open bar. Dinner and the open bar for non-golfers is $30.
Reservations can be made with Husson at 607-498-5557.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Pace of Play
One of the biggest complaints I hear about a golfers round is how slow the group ahead of
them was during play that day.
Many people shy away from the game because of the time it takes to play a round. For those of us in the business we would like to do all we could to make your round as fast as we can and still make sure you enjoy your experience on the course.
In order to insure all golfers enjoy a smooth pace of play it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the group ahead of your not the group behind you. Always be ready to hit your shot when it is your turn. Try to do all your preparation, ex. reading the greed, picking a target to aim at, while other players are hitting without disturbing them. When riding in a cart try to drop off your partner and then head to your ball and get ready to hit.
When you park your cart around the green, make sure you leave it in a spot behind the green heading towards the next hole so you don't have to walk back to get it. This will allow the group behind you to play the next shot as you will be out of harms way faster.
Always hit a provisional ball when you think you may lose your first shot to avoid going back to hit another ball from where you originally hit from.
If every group on the course follows some simple rules of etiquette for pace of play, it makes the game much more enjoyable for everyone. I don't want players to run around the course playing speed golf, but if you finish your round in a timely fashion I think you will enjoy yourself more and get to get to the course for more rounds.
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 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net

TPD Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

An exact specific methodical Pre Putt Routine (PPR) is the "hallmark of every good, consistent putter.
I have a most successful PPR that I teach every student. All the golfers, regardless of experience, marvel at their resulting success.
Putting comes under the heading of "organization of your mind"
What are we going to do and how are we going to go about doing it is important and is can be accomplished with a Pre Putt Routine.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How to Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site, http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com


This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, by e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web site, http://bght.blogspot.com/ This column is also available on Facebook

Tournament-Golf Events

July 9-10--Senior Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign-up in Pro Shop
July 10--TVGC Memorial Tournament & Dinner, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact Chuck Husson 607-498-5557
July 15--Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July16--Single Golfers of Long Island, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Catskill Cup, Villa Roma Country Club, for information call 887-5097
July 17--Falls Lions-Alan Steingart Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Liberty Booster Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Deb Simpson 807-1996
July 22--Scotch Twosome Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
July 23--Black Bear Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign up in Pro Shop
July 23--Annual President Cup Turnament begins, Sull. Co. Golf & Country
Club.
July 23--Liberty Elks, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Harry Fox 482-5331
July 24--Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 24--Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 6--The Tursi Tournament, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop-
Aug. 7-- Tursi rain date
Aug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097
Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Aug. 27-28--Club Championship, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chcuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 17--Annual Steak Bake, 1 p.m. Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Cracolici's Hosting Car Show, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--The Hammer Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club, by invitation only.
Oct. 29--Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club closing dinner.

Here & There Column 6-28-11

Rain Showers A Blessing To Manor

The old familiar saying that at the end of every rainbow is a pot of gold can certainly be true for the Livingston Manor Central School's Lady Wildcats two-time Class D state softball champions and the winners of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association boys Class D baseball championship.
Both teams had to endure rain delays in their quest for the state championships and rain again let loose with a downpour June 17 as the Town of Rockland communities of Livingston Manor and Roscoe were getting set to honor their state champions with a Parade of Champions down Manor's Main Street.
The pot of gold after the rain delays was definitely there this year for Livingston Manor's two championship teams and the community turned out for the June 17 parade and packed the old high school gym where honors were bestowed on the two teams and their coaches.
Wow.....it just doesn't get any better then this but with every success story comes some joyful sadness that Livingston Manor fans will have to travel a little further next season to view the talented senior graduate Marissa Diescher who takes her outstanding pitching and hitting skills along with her great personality to Penn State on a full scholarship.
What memories Marissa will carry with her ........ finishing this years state championships with two no-hitters, winning two state titles back to back, being named the Gatorade/ESPN Rise state softball player of the year, ending a high school career with 24 no-hitters with six of them coming this year, an 0.16 ERA and 1,167 strikeouts.

Golfing Highlights Column 6-24-11

Paul Ryder III, left, is the new golf course superintendent at the Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. At his right is golf course consultant Michael Ciaravino

Ryder New Superintendent At Tennanah

Paul Ryder III is the new head golf course superintendent at the Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club.
Ryder took over his new duties in the spring of this year.
He began his employment at this golf facility a number of years ago as a mechanic and has worked closely with previous superintendents.
A Roscoe resident Ryder is a graduate from Roscoe Central School in 1998.
He is taking courses to become a certified golf superintendent.
Golf course management also announced that Mike Ciaravino, superintendent at the Hanah Country Club for the past 11 years is completing his second year as a consultant at the Tennanah Lake golf facilities.
Ciaravino is a graduate of Rosbury Central School and a graduate of the golf course management program at Delhi Tech. He served his 1st internship at the Onondaga Country Club, his 2nd internship at the Nassau County Club and at the age of 21 was 1st superintendent at the Colonial Country Club, a position he held for two years before moving on to the Hanah Country Club.
The Tennanah Lake Golf and Tennis Club also announced that Steven Goldberg has been appointed general manager and brings years of experience in all phases of the hospitality industry.
Anthony Hollis is the head professional and teacher at Tennanah Lake.
Tennanah Lake is the oldest golf course operating in Sullivan County. The facilities are presently owned by Love Realty.
A practice putting green and driving range are also available as well as a the full service pro shop.
Tee times reservations and information can be obtained by calling 607-498-5000 or at their web site, http://www.tennanah.com/
Playing the blue course the back nine holes can definitely be labeled as offering golfers some long uphill fairways.
Here is how we played the back nine, holes 10-18. .
Hole No. 10 is a 373-yard par 4 with a dogleg to the right. Take your tee shot to the center of the fairway. Don't go right or the trees will block your second shot to the green. Sand traps on the left and right front of the green and in the right rear. Your second shot makes or breaks your par score.
Hole No. 11 is a 186-yard par 3 which tends to play shorter than the yardage posted. Sand traps are on the right and left. If you overshoot this green there is a downhill slope in the back of the green.
Hole No. 12 is a 491-yard par 5 with a dogleg right some 100 plus yards off the tee. Keep the driver in the bag on this tee shot. There is water left of the green and traps on the right left front and right side of this green. We classify this hole a "real good" golf hole and your par 5 can be a challenge here.
Hole No. 13 is a 329-yard par 4 with an uphill open fairway with a slight dogleg to the left. Sand traps are in front of the green on both sides.
Hole No. 14 is a 548-yard par 5 and is the longest hole at Tennahan Lake. The fairway runs downhill, there is a pond on the left, keep your ball in the center of the fairway as it narrows going into the green. Stay out of the ditch which runs across the fairway. Traps front right and left.
Hole No. 15 is a 419-yard par 4, uphill and a straight open fairway. There is a unique covered bridge here which connects the 15th and 16 fairways and this tends to be a conversation piece for all golfers. There is a sand trap on the left and right of this green.
Hole No. 16 is a 413-yard par 4 with the fairway running downhill and immediate trees on the left. Stay in the middle of the fairway to keep out of trouble. There is a sand trap on the left and right of this green.
Hole No. 17 is a 196-yard par 3 with an elevated green. Tends to play longer then it looks and it takes a good tee shot with the club of your choice to the this green and score your par. Sand traps are on the left and right front of this green.
Hole No. 18 is a 408-yard- par 4 with an open fairway running uphill. Keep is down the middle. Traps right and left sides of this green.
This back nine runs a total of 3,365 yards and records a par 36.

Memorial Tournament
Sunday July 10

The annual Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, July 10 and is limited to 80 golfers.
Tournament manager Chuck Husson announced that this event will feature two shotgun starts at 8:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. with a captain and mate format in four categories, men, women, mixed and senior.
Entry fee is $50 per golfer which includes golf, dinner and a one hour open bar. Dinner and the open bar for non-golfers is $30.
Reservations can be made with Husson at 607-498-5557.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

The Mental Game is important.
Make a commitment to improve, and do 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 that if you don't succeed, you have not 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, 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 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net

TPD Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

An exact specific methodical Pre Putt Routine (PPR) is the "hallmark of every good, consistent putter.
I have a most successful PPR that I teach every student. All the golfers, regardless of experience, marvel at their resulting success.
Putting comes under the heading of "organization of your mind"
What are we going to do and how are we going to go about doing it is important and is can be accomplished with a Pre Putt Routine.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How to Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site, http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, by e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web site, http://bght.blogspot.com/ This column is also available on Facebook

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

June 24--Mamakating Lions, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 27--Bull Pen Tourney, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 28--Sullivan County Community College Tourney, Grossingers CC, Call the college for information
July 9--Cornell Co-Op, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Sean Welsh 292-2420
July 9-10--Senior Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign-up in Pro Shop
July 10--TVGC Memorial Tournament & Dinner, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact Chuck Husson 607-498-5557
July 15--Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July16--Single Golfers of Long Island, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Catskill Cup, Villa Roma Country Club, for information call 887-5097
July 17--Falls Lions-Alan Steingart Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Liberty Booster Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Deb Simpson 807-1996
July 22--Scotch Twosome Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
July 23--Black Bear Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign up in Pro Shop
July 23--Annual President Cup Turnament begins, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club
July 23--Liberty Elks, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Harry Fox 482-5331
July 24--Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 24--Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 6--The Tursi Tournament, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop-
Aug. 7 Tursi rain date
Aug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Aug. 27-28--Club Championship, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chcuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 17--Annual Steak Bake, 1 p.m. Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Cracolici's Hosting Car Show, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--The Hammer Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club, by invitation only.
Oct. 29--Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club closing dinner.

JOHN BOGAERT LIKES EARLY MORNING GOLF

Taking up the game of golf at the age of 35 certainly has not hindered 69-year-old White Lake golfer John Bogaert's status as an outstanding golfer who regularly gets in 90 to 100 rounds of recreational golf during the short Tri-State golf season.
As owner-operator of the White Lake Fine Wine & Spirits Shoppe John gets in 4 to 5 rounds of golf on his two days off (Monday and Tuesday) and many days during the rest of the week getting up at 4 a.m. to be at the golf course to tee off at 5 a.m. so he can complete 18-holes of golf before he has to open his Shoppe at 9:30. "Most days at that time of the day I can get 18-holes done in one and one-half hours," he added.
Never golf on Sunday is John's strong stance as "this is family day and although I love golf I consider my greatest accomplishments are my family and especially my wife."
John noted that although he actually started playing golf at age 35 he did play one round in 1965 and "really got into the game in 1976."
Born and raised in Princess Bay and Dongan Hills, Staten Island, John attended high school at McKee High where he played Junior Varsity basketball and softball.
During the years of 1947-1951 his family lived in Venice, Florida but moved back to Staten Island in 1951.
John said he had a great love for horses as a youngster and had his own saddle horse which he rode in various Rodeo events and roped calves on Sunday. After high school he got involved with trotters and pacers (standard bred) and drove his first race at Liberty Bell near Philadelphia, Pa in 1963.
Experience with the trotters and pacers soon turned his attention to horse training and conditioning . John raced at Monticello Raceway in 1959 the second year the track was in operation with a short racing season of May through September.
In March of 1956 he was discharged from the Army and officially moved to Sullivan County where he trained two horses and became associated with well known owner-driver Lucien Fontaine who sent him four horses to train and condition.
That same year he met his wife, the former Rose Mary Manzi (of the famous Manzi racing family). John said they met on July 3, first dated on July 5 and were married that same year on November 13. Their family consists of two children, John and Christine and four grandchildren.
John stayed in the horse training and conditioning business for 15 years and in the fall of 1966 received a great job offer as a liquor salesmen with Graves & Rodgers and stayed with that company for 21 years before buying his White Lake store in 1988 which he has owned for 23 years.
Although he does not actively bowl anymore, John previously bowled in the Liberty Lanes Wednesday Business league and the Friday Mixed league with his wife in the 1980's. This lefty bowler maintained a 185 average which was considered at that time to be in the high average category. He bowled his only career 300 game on February 22, 1985.
Bogaert's golfing career included open recreational golf in 1976, league play at Lochmor in 1979, Wednesday Men's league at Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in the 1980's.
A member for 10 years at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club John played last year to a 4 handicap.
His golfing travels take him to some 34 different courses in the Tri-State area and his accomplishments include shooting an ace hole-in-one May 7, 2007 on hole No. 16 at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, broke 70 twice and shot 69 at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club, 69 at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club in 1995, have shot 15-16 rounds at even par at various courses and most of the time scores in the middle to high 70's.
Championship tournament play includes playing five times in the New York State Senior Amateur Tournament (at various courses throughout the state) where he made the cut twice,
has won low gross and lot net in the Monticello Kiwanis Tournament in the late 90's, won the senior division in the Sullivan County Amateur Tour in 1998 and won in May 1998 the Heineken Invitational at the Costadelsol Golf Course in Aruba which was a 9-hole tournament.
John pointed out that he was vacationing in Aruba and had not taken his golf shoes and clubs so he had to rent shoes and clubs and shot a 35 which was one under par to win this event which was open to only hotel guests where he was staying.
In pointing out some of his early morning golf matches John said "it's not light enough at times so we hit the ball and it we don't hear the ball hitting trees we figure it's in the fairway somewhere."

Here & There Column 6-21-11

Vacation In New York This Year

The old crooner Frank Sinatra always touted the greatness of New York New York and as we continue to look at an unstable economy and gas prices pushing anywhere around the $3.90 to $4.00 per gallon range many who are planning vacation trips during the summer months may choose to vacation just a little bit closer to home.
Local and nationwide polls are indicating those who will be taking traveling vacations will do so with shorter trips.
New York has a little of everything....ocean and lake, wooded mountains, quiet valley farmlands, the nation's largest industrial city and a widely varied population.
It is so easy at various times to hear and throw out negative thoughts and statements about this state having the highest tax structure and a government in Albany which only now is actually trying to fix a mess it has been in for years.
In the years before the Civil War, New York's swift growth made it true to its nickname, "The Empire State." It had the largest population, the greatest foreign trade, the richest agriculture, and the best transportation. It led in art, music and such reform movements as women's rights..
Today, New York is still a top influence in America, and the world, excelling in finance, manufacturing, communications, tourism, and transportation. It leads in the manufacture of wearing apparel, machinery and electronics, and is a printing and publishing giant.
With the economy and gasoline prices where they presently are it might be a good choice to travel and vacation closer to home in New York State. This helps our state economy and gives us the opportunity to view a state of great scenic beauty with a highly developed park system.
Just think about it......we have great attractions that include Niagara Falls, the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Saratoga Springs, Genesee River Gorge, beautiful Long Island beaches and of course our own great Bethel Woods Center For The Arts and the Forestburgh Playhouse.
Lets also throw in historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga, the Lake Placid Olympic Village, the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ellis Island, Hyde Park and of course New York City.
New York State vacations can provide shorter vacation trips, hopefully less gasoline usage, an opportunity to help our own state economy and the chance to see some great New York sites and destinations.

Celebration For Manor Champions

The Livingston Manor Central School boys varsity baseball team are the New York State Class D champions for 2011. They are enjoying the prade held for them and the Manor Girls softball team Friday night.

The 2011 New York State Class D Champons, the Livingston Manor Central School girls softball team, enjoys the victory parade held Friday night. They are repeat champions having also won the title last year.

PHOTO COVERAGE OF THE PARADE AND FESTIVITIES HONORING THESE TWO GREAT STATE CHAMPIONS CAN BE FOUND AT http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com/clark AND USE THE PRIVACY CODE.... photome

Golfing Highlights Column 6-17-11

New Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club Head Golf Professional and Teacher Anthony Hollis

New Pro At Tennanah Golf Club

Thirty-year-old Anthony Hollis is the new Head Professional and Teacher at the Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club.
Hollis comes to Tennanah Lake from West Palm Beach, Fl. and is a graduate of Palm Beach Gardens High School and Florida Athletic University,
Anthony started playing golf at the age of 10 and in a short 3-4 year span started shooting in the 80's.
He started playing the game with his brother Andy Hollis who went professional and became a well-known name in the professional ranks before he was tragically killed in an auto accident at the age of 21.
Anthony competed last year in the Florida State Open and shot a 72 last year in the U.S. Open qualifying round and missed the cut by 2 strokes.
He is presently working to obtain his Professional Golf Association (PGA) designation and has been at Tennanah Lake for about a month.
"I'm presently giving golf lessons for $35 per hour," Hollis said.
Before taking over the Head Professional job at Tennanah Lake Hollis taught golf at the PGA National at Palm Beach Gardens and at the Highlands Falls golf facility. He has also served as assistant pro and was the golf teacher at the Ashville golf facilities.
At Tennanah Lake Anthony will head up the teaching department, supervise the pro-shop and will work with golf course tournaments and events.
Hollis is single, likes to fish and play basketball and is a TV sports fan.
Anthony can be reached at 607-498-5502, by cell at 561-324-9760 or by email at ahollis@tennanah.com
The golf facilities also offers a putting green and driving range.
The facilities also include two tennis courts, a heated pool, stay and play packages and catering facilities at Wolf's Catering.
Tennanah Lake is the oldest golf course operating in Sullivan County.
Tee times reservations and information can be obtained by calling 607-498-5000 or at their web site, http://www.tennanah.com/
This week we will outline the front nine 1-9 and offer suggestions on how these holes should be played.
Hole No. 1 is a 355-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg to the left. Take your tee shot to the left center. A trap is on the right front section of this green.
Hole No. 2 is a 547-yard par 5 featuring a narrow opening in front of the tee but the fairway then opens up some 75 to 100 yards from the tee. A straight tee shot is a must here or a lot of trouble will greet you on the left and right. A sand trap is on the left side of the green. A long-straight tee shot and a solid second shot slightly down hill makes this green reachable in two and a good par or birdie possibility.
Hole No. 3 is a 379-yard par 4 slightly uphill with a dogleg left. Best tee shot is right center on top of the hill. From here there is still a slight uphill shot. From 50 to 60 yards from the green there is a small deep ditch and it runs all the way across the fairway.
Hole No. 4 is a 192-yard par 3. Drive it left center and there is a trap on the left side of this new green. Takes a long iron or 3 to 5 wood to reach the green.
Hole No. 5 is a 358-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. Some trees will come into play if you hit left.
Hole No. 6 is a 413-yard par 4 which presents to every golfer one of the smallest openings from the tee to the fairway we have ever seen. After a real straight tee shot the fairway does open up to the left but there are trees to the right. Best tee shot is left center. Some 100 yards from the tee there is another ditch which runs across the fairway. A trap on the left and right side of the green also is a challenge.
Hole No. 7 is a 435-yard par 5 and the fairway runs straight uphill. This is where you let it all out with a long tee shot and a long iron or three wood from the fairway. A trap is on the right side of the green. Long ball hitters can go for the birdie on this hole.
Hole No. 8 is a 312-yard par 4. Sand traps are on the left and right side of the green and a large tree stands almost in front of the green which makes for an interesting approach shot to the green.
Hole No. 9 is a 190-yard par 3 and is slightly uphill and seems to play longer than 190 yards. A tough par 3 with a new green but a good tee shot to the green almost results in a par. Sand traps are at the front and back of this green.

The Golf Tip

By Robert Menges

In the ever-changing golf game, most players are under the influence that if they hit the ball longer they will play better.
Even though technology has increased how far the ball will travel, the scores are about the same. There is no doubt that if you hit the ball longer you should have less club to the green and be able to get the ball closer to the hole and make more putts.
I believe this to be true, but you better be able to hit the shots on the green close to the pin.
To do this it's important to carry three wedges in your golf bag. Most golfers have a pitching wedge with 47-49 degrees of loft.
You have a choice to make for the other two wedges. A gap wedge comes with about 50 to 53 degrees of loft and a lob wedge is about 60-64 degrees of loft. I would choose between these two clubs depending on how far you hit the ball.
A lob wedge will save you shots around the green and a gap wedge will help you with the in between yardages in the fairway.
You should always carry a sand wedge that has 54-57 degrees of loft.
The next time you play a round of golf, count how many shots you take from 100 yards to the hole. I think you will find that this will total about 60 percent of your score.
When you are trying to improve your score, it is important to lower the number of shots you take close to the green. I think having three wedges in your bag will help you accomplish a lower score.
Robert Menges is the 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, Bob can be reached at 845-292-0323 or by e-mail at menges@hughes.net

TPD Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

Confidence in your putting ability is a huge key.
4 step process.
1. Motivation to improve.
2. Practicing the correct elements of putting including 4 putting drills.
3. Quality, diligent practice putting sessions will bring good results.
4. Good results will give the golfer the CONFIDENCE to continue the practice and building of putting skills over time.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How To Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177, by e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-230-8674. For a more expanded version of this golf column visit our web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/ This column is also available on Facebook.

SHYNESS TURNS TO CONFIDENCE

WURTSBORO-- Twenty-four year-old Felicia Ramos suffered with shyness and low self esteem as a young girl in high school but through her participation in beauty pageants she now not only exudes confidence but has become a humanitarian helping many charitable organizations.
At Kingston High School Felicia noted that "I didn't branch out with friends because I never wanted to be let down." Art was her favorite high school subject.
She credits pageantry as "giving me confidence and a whole new approach to life with the ability to now inspire young girls to fulfill their goals and dreams."
"I started competing in pageants as an excuse to wear my prom dress again but then I never stopped and never looked back, Ramos said.
No stranger to pageantry Felicia in 2009 won the title of Miss Sullivan County "Miss America" Southeast New York and New York, in 2010 she was crowned Miss Catskill International and in April of this year won the title of Miss Sullivan County International 2011 at the Villa Roma Resort.
In October this year she will compete for the Miss New York International title at the Villa Roma.
Her move to Sullivan County was propagated because of her attendance as a student at Sullivan County Community College and the purchase of her home.
Felicia is engaged to her high school sweetheart of seven years and they make their home together in Wurtsboro.
She plans on attending SUNY New Paltz in the spring of next year to major in communications and a career in public relations.
At the present time Felicia is employed at Kohl's Distribution Center in Wurtsboro.
A life changing event in Felicia's life took place when she met Aimee Swift, the owner of the Beauty Doctors salon in Bloomingburg and was told the story how Aimee was severely abused as a child and how she decided to make it her mission to make sure no child is treated the way she was treated.
In January 2010 Swift started the very first Childhelp chapter in New York now known as the Hudson Valley NY Childhelp Chapter (HVNY Childhelp).
Started in 1959 by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect and at-risk children. Their approach focuses on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach.
The national Child Abuse hotline is 1-800-4-A-CHILD. This organization offered residential treatment centers, therapeutic foster care, child abuse prevention, education and training.
Felicia immediately because a member and advocate for the HVNY Childhelp and served as a judge in the organizations first fundraiser, a pageant called the "Diva Feva" Pageant on April 18.
As a dedicated humanitarian Felicia also works with other charitable organizations including Charity Water, Children's Miracle Network, Relay For Life, TLC (Teen Link to Community) and March of Dimes.
Aimee stated that the pageant "demonstrated inner sparkle and outer fabulous in the contestants and helped raise over $1,000."
Felicia is seeking members for the local chapter and is working on raising awareness along with fund raisers so that "one day a safe haven can be built in the Hudson Valley for abused children." The next fundraiser is a $6 pancake breakfast at Middletown Applebee's June 26 from 8 to 10 a.m.
Anyone interested in learning more about Hudson Valley NY Childhelp or would like to make a donation can contact Aimee Swift at 845-733-6945, email hvnychildhelp@yahoo.com or on Facebook at HVNYCHILDHELP.

Taking part in the June 4 flower planting project at the Sullivan Resort LLC Grossinger Golf Course, with some of the flower beds on the right and left of this group in front of the Golf Course Clubhouse, were front row, l to r, Mike MacNamara, Dan Short, Max Lindquist, Brittany Maggio, Chris Whipple and Leonard Bernstein. Back row l to r, Robert Hayes, Nick Schiebe, Brendan Sanok, Emily MacNamara and Tara Berescik

FFA GETS HANDS ON EXPERENCE

LIBERTY--Taking classroom instruction, agricultural education along with plant science class knowledge and turning it all into a community-private industry beautification project is all part of the Tri-Valley Central School Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.
A flower planting project at the Sullivan Resort LLC Grossinger Golf Course took place this year on June 4 but the actual program was started by Tara Berescik a number of years ago after she spoke with Tri-Valley school board member Leonard Bernstein and James Gorman an employee at the Grossinger Golf Course and past Tri-Valley FFA member.
Grossinger's was interested in having the students in the program plant their gardens and asked for sketches after providing the school with pictures.
The plant science class came up with sketches and design plots for the gardens and they in turn were handed back to Grossinger's with the proposals for layouts, designs and plant materials.
Ms. Berescik pointed out that Grossinger's liked the proposal and the Tri-Valley FFA ordered the specified plants and grew them in their greenhouse.
"Originally having never done something like this before, we ended up with almost double the plants we needed and many new beds were started on the grounds," Ms. Berescik said.
This same type of activity has now gone on for the past five years but now Robert Hayes works with Mike MacNamara
FFA members still grow the plants and do all of the planting based on a budget presented by Grossinger's and their need.
Ms. Berescik noted that the Tri-Valley FFA does the purchasing of the materials and also grow from seed or plug with all the plants raised in the school greenhouses as a part of the plant science curriculum. The students transplant plugs or plant seeds and care for the plants in all stages of development.
The Tri-Valley greenhouses were built in 1976 through 1979 and another was built in the last five years, The greenhouses total over 3,000 square feet and are multi-purpose with classroom projects, special projects and sales.
Seeds for most of this planting are grown between March and May and because of the climate in this area the actual plantings should not be done on a large scale like a golf course until at least June 1 to try to avoid frost.
The coordination between Tri-Valley FFA and Grossinger's is handled by Robert Hayes who along with Ms, Berescik supervises the FFA activities and the students.
Ms. Berescik emphasized the importance of this flower planing project by saying, "this kind of project is vital to agriculture programs and to area businesses. As far as programs are concerned a community connection is vital."
"By working with people in the community we are learning from experienced workers and are earning money to perpetuate other activities, she said.
This project adds to developing job skills, earning money for the chapter, creating relationships for jobs in the future, earning money to help to keep the costs of these type of activities manageable and adds to learning the importance of hard work and effort.
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Bowling Returns To Callicoon

Kristal Whitmore is the new owner and manager of Callicoon Kristal Bowl

Vennis Brown, on the ladder, and Dan Brown of Mid-West Construction are working on remodeling part of the ceiling at Callicoon Kristal Bowl

Part of the machinery used to rebuild the Brinswick A-2 pinsetters at Callicoon Kristal Bowl

CALLICOON KRISTAL BOWL OPENS JULY 1

CALLICOON--A revival of the sport of bowling is presently taking place in the building that once housed Callicoon Lanes and on or about July 1 the completely renovated and refurbished 10-lane Brunswick Callicoon Kristal Bowl will open for business under the ownership and management of Kristal Whitmore.
The bowling center which has been closed for several years is undergoing major renovations and improvements.
Kristal noted that her and husband Mark and their daughter and son make their home in Damascus, Pa. but over the years spend a majority of their time in Callicoon.
Renovations at the new Callicoon Kristal Bowl include improvements to the kitchen area and addition of a dining area. Kristal has baked locally for a number of years and emphasized that "Kristal will be baking." She noted that in addition to having fresh home made baked goods the Kristal Bowl kitchen will provide, pizza, sandwiches, snacks, dinner meals and a nice variety menu.
New flooring has been added in the kitchen and bar area and the bowling center will carry a full liquor license.
Major changes include a new roof, added insulation and a new modern "greener" heating system. The present Brunswick A-2 pinsetters are presently being totally refurbished with all new parts by Joe Gager who went to Brunswick school several years ago, the pin deck area is being leveled and new kick back plates are being added on all 10 lanes.
The center will feature an automatic scoring system and as soon an the summer camp season is over the 10-lanes will be re-sanded and refinished for leagues that will start in September.
Present contractors working at Callicoon Kristal Bowl include Vennis and Dan Brown of Mid-West Construction and Kristal's brother, Kory Keesler of Kory Keesler Contracting.
The important aspect of lane conditioning and the upkeep and maintenance of the lane conditioner will be handled by Mark Whitmore and Kory Keesler and lanes will be conditioned on a daily basis.
Open bowling, camp bowling and birthday parties will take place during the summer months with winter league's forming in late July and early August.
Callicoon Kristal Bowl can be reached at 887-6887.

Here & There Column 6-14-11

Spending Has To Be Consolidated

Many times headlines on columns or stories are very misleading as was the case recently when the penning of a column read, "Don't Make Liberty Police a scapegoat for village woes."
No one in their right mind would ever want to make any police department a scapegoat for what ever the real problem is. All municipalities are doing here is reaching out for possible solutions and the Village of Liberty has done nothing wrong in exploring the approach they made.
Most police agencies do what they have to do and most do it with efficiency and professionalism.
Getting down to the real issue and shoving all the political smokescreens and BS aside the Village of Liberty and many other villages both in and outside this county are facing financial "woes" that they have never had to deal with or have been attempting to ignore for many years.
Municipalities everywhere have just too much overlapping of services and we are seeing more and more consolidations taking place..... the truth of this whole issue is that spending by all government has to be consolidated.
In conversation the other day at Florida, NY a town councilman remarked to me that in the three seconds is takes to read a newspaper sentence, the federal government will have borrowed $175,000 and every passing second results in another $58,000.
A statement like this simply ties in the total fact that all government's addiction to spending is literally choking the life from us taxpayers and will no longer be tolerated by the voting public.
The Village of Liberty had no choice but to try and cut down spending which with the cooperation of the police department union was accomplished and jobs were saved and taxpayers were protected from a huge tax increase.
NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued incentives for municipal consolidations and it very well may push the Village and Town of Liberty to take this step.......actually if the village made the decision to dissolve all the services would become the responsibility of the town and suggestions about the village police department being taken over by the town would be mute and a special town police district for what formerly was the village would have to be established.
There has just been too much political BS thrown into this entire issue.
As we reiterate once again, government has to learn to live within their means and reduction of services and consolidations must be made.
Our village and town governments have difficult budget problems with funding police work and a possible solution here would be the incorporation of these departments into our countywide police department--the Sullivan County Sheriff's Dept.

Golfing Highlights Column 6-10-11

Dan Morrissey of the Bionic Family at the New Jersey Golf Show in February

Golfers Go Bionic

Balance, energy and strength are important aspects of every ones daily lifestyle and now the Bionic Family is becoming a part of many golfers lives.
An interesting display at the February North Coast New Jersey Golf Show at Somerset, NJ was the booth owned and operated by Bionic Family and its manager Dan Morrissey.
Morrissey pointed out to us that the Bionic Family of products are much different from other products on the market "because we use cutting edge technology to deliver century's old science which creates a total balance for life."
Dan noted that Perfect World Solutions, Inc. "prides itself on being the world leader in the use of Frequency Based Technology as we have extraordinary, life changing products."
Perfect World Solutions says they "have distinguished ourselves as a provider of safe, proven approaches in the new field of Frequency Based Technology."
Morrissey indicated that the company's Biotic products "address the critical health issues faced by industrialized nations of the world and we strive to bring proven science, backed by solid research, utilizing the power of frequency to the people of the world."
The products suggest that they can optimize the body's natural energy flow.
Quoting Aida Franco, M.D., in one of Perfect World Solutions brochures, she said, "the experience of wearing the Bionic Band is unique for me as a medical doctor but I have experienced health problems concerning my wrist and knees and after being introduced to the Bionic Band I instantly noticed the return of strength in my hands."
Dr. Franco went on to say, "as someone who has faced the despairing position on losing my necessary motor skills, I strongly recommend trying this wristband and experiencing the overall energy and strength it adds to one's life."
I stood in amazement at this informational booth and watcher golfer after golfer go through an exercise which convinced them to purchase one of this company's products.
I said to Dan that I had heard and read a lot of information on these types of products but found it a little difficult to believe that these products can optimize the body's natural energy flow.
He then used an experiment on me that many of us have seen on television by pushing down on my outstretched arm and pushing me off balance with and without the Bionic Family armband on my wrist.
I can honestly say he used the same amount of pressure on both of these experiments and my arm and balance held up must better with the armband on.
Wow........I commented to myself and further evidence that I have felt a difference now since I'm wearing one of their bracelets. This is very evident in the distance in my drives on the golf course.
For the time being I can testify that these Bionic Family products appear to have optimized my body's natural energy flow and that Frequency Based Technology is something worth looking into.
Perfect World Solutions is based in Phoenix, AZ and their web site is http://www.bionicband.com/

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

How to find your rhythm in a hurry.
Here's a real simple exercise you can do anytime on the course to regain your rhythm. Simply turn a driver or wood up the other way and swing.
Doing this will make the club very, very light and it will change the feelings that you've been having with the club.
Once you've had a number of swings like this, I suggest you grip the club normally and go back to swinging it the way you normally would. But doing this drill will help you to feel the clubhead and that's critical in the golf swing.
Have you heard the expression "swing the clubhead?" Well, if you have or you haven't....just do it.
Swing the clubhead and not the club. Let the clubhead do the swinging and feel the power you get without forcing it.Keep turning the clubhead over so you can get the feeling of the clubhead more often.
You'll soon regain your rhythm and with it will return your confidence.
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 292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net

The Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

The miscue of golfers is that on short putts, especially, they decelerate on the forward stroke. Golfers need to do the exact opposite, that is accelerate on the forward stroke.
Short putting is from a tap up to 6 ft., the "holy grail" of putting. Paramount to be proficient here...Your 2nd putt on every hole is between a tap in and up to 6 ft. How many of these 18 you make or do not make will determine your score.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How to Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or sent an email to edwardctownsend@hotmail.com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web site, http://www.bght.blogspot.com/ We are also available on Facebook.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

June 11--Jake Gunther Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 11--Jeffersonville Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Doug Immoor 482-5094
June 17--LGA Junior Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
June 17--Riveredge Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 18--Town of Callicoon Republican Party, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bonnie Hubert 482-5390
June 24--Mamakating Lions, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 27--Bull Pen Tourney, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 28--Sullivan County Community College Tourney, Grossingers CC, Call the college for information
July 9--Cornell Co-Op, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Sean Welsh 292-2420
July 10--TVGC Memorial Tournament & Dinner, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact Chuck Husson 607-498-5557
July 15--Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July16--Single Golfers of Long Island, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Catskill Cup, Villa Roma Country Club, for information call 887-5097
July 17--Falls Lions-Alan Steingart Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Liberty Booster Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Deb Simpson 807-1996
July 22--Scotch Twosome Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
July 23--Liberty Elks, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Harry Fox 482-5331
July 24--Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 24--Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097
Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chcuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620

Here & There Column 6-7-11

A Special Person In My Life

Many of us have those special persons in our lives where we never talk to them about our relationship and it hurts when we lose them without ever having that once in a lifetime opportunity to share what our true feelings in life meant to each other.
In April of this year during the Easter vacation my wife and I traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee and upon our return home learned of the death on April 18 of our "Special Aunt" Gladys Spettigue, a long time resident of Narrowsburg who also made her home at one stretch of time in Liberty.
"Glady" as I always called her was more then just an aunt to me and we shared a special personal secret that meant so much to both of us.
When growing up as a youngster I spent many days at the Spettigue household in Liberty and at two resident locations in Narrowburg where cousin Joan and I shared a special bonding that most cousins never have.
There are many memorable Wood-Spettigue family times that I will always hold close to my heart.
Gladys lived in her own home until October of last year and she would always tell me she was fine living alone and she took tremendous pride in her ability to maintain her independence even at the age of 94. My wife and I loved to surprise her by stopping in unannounced and then taking her to lunch or dinner in Honesdale.
Her late husband, Marvin "Bud" Spettigue, worked many years for New York State Electric & Gas both in Liberty and the Narrowsburg western Sullivan County area. Glady was also predeceased by her two daughters, Joan Morhmann and Judy Glick.
Her ability to live alone was greatly enhanced by two outstanding neighbors Doreen and Ed Kraus who looked after her daily needs for many years and two of the greatest grandchildren on this earth, Sandy Kehrley of Rockaway, NJ and Todd Mohrmann of New York City who spoke with her almost daily and handled most of her personal and business issues.
Time tends to heal the loss of those close to us but for the time being we greatly miss this loving, caring and very special person in our life.

Golfing Highlights Column 6-3-11

Dean Winters, new assistant greens keeper at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Course. He also works part time as a club house attendant.

Winters New Assistant Greens Keeper At TVGC

Following his love for the game of golf 19-year-old Dean Winters recently was named the assistant greens keeper and club-house attendant at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC).
A 2009 graduate of Tri-Valley Central School, Winters played three years of Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball, scoring one of the most historic three-pointers in school history in a game at Fallsburg with less then three-seconds left on the clock during his senior year to pull out a two-point victory for Tri-Valley.
About a year ago he was attracted to the game of golf and started playing with his father Charlie Winters and well-known local championship golfer uncle Donald Winters.
"I never had any interest in the game of golf in my high school days and thought it was a little crazy hitting and chasing after that little white ball but once I started playing after graduation I fell in love with the game and now play it as ofter as I can," Dean noted.
An outdoors type person Winters, when told there was an opening for an assistant greens keeper at TVGC said he would love to work on a golf course and "be close to a game that means so much to me."
Dean has also become a member of the TVGC and is now a member of the Monday Night Men's league. Club members and officers of the board of directors have said they were pleased with Dean's attitude and work habits and that he has quickly learned what it takes to be a good greens keeper.
When not out on the course he works as a club house attendant.
Dean is now contemplating taking on-line greens keeper courses this winter to obtain his certification.
Although there has been a lot of rain this early spring the course at TVGC is in excellent condition. Several years ago changes on the course included starting the fairways about 50 yards in front of the tee boxes instead of having them go right up to the tee box.
The course also in the past two years installed 9 new tee signs that have the TVGC logo, hole #, par, distances to holes from red, white, and blue, and the layout of the hole so people can visually see it on the sign. Some nine local businesses have also sponsored a hole for the next 5 years, so the expenses of the signs were covered.
Golfers now also see that TVGC has designed a new logo that is visible on all nine tee signs, on all of the shirts in the "pro shop", on all the golf carts and on all nine flags.
Another improvement added to the course in recent years includes adding blue tee boxes and every hole will have its own red tee box as well. There is not one hole where there is a joint tee box.
Soda and light refreshments are for sale in the club house.
The TVGC is run by a board of directors and officers President Ron Schulte, Vice President Ralph Kirchner, Treasurer Chuck Husson and Secretary Bill Knipscher.
The club is host to a mens and ladies league and a Thursday morning ladies fun day.
Tournament events scheduled this year at TVGC include the return of the Men's and Women's Club championship, the Athletic Cup Competition beginning in June, the LGA Junior Tournament on June 17, the Memorial Tournament and dinner on July 10, the Scotch Twosome Tournament on July 22 and the annual club dinner on September 10. An after dark tournament is also in the preparation stages.
The nine-hole 2,045-yard par 32 TVGC has in the past several years added several changes including adding some narrow fairways and adding rough where open fairways use to be. Cutting of the greens, fairways and rough and adding of a 90-degree cart policy also added to the beauty of the fairways and a better playing surface for all golfers.
The course features five par fours and four par threes. The longest hole on this course is the 349-yard par 4 ninth hole, where golfers have to remain accurate and stay away from hooking shots into a brook on the left side of the fairway. If the tees are set way back on the ninth, this also presents a very narrow entrance and tee-shot onto the fairway. A pond on the right and the small brook with soft wet marsh on the left presents a "don't make a mistake and you better hit a straight shot" from the fairway to the green.
A trap in front of the ninth green prevents the chip, bump and run shot. The need for accurate wedge shots to the green can help when going for the par 4.
One of the more difficult par 3 holes on the course is the 210-yard third hole. Again, the golfer must keep center or right to avoid going left out-of-bounds into the cornfield. There is a long trap in front of the green and if you shoot for the green on any shot, you better not go over the green or you will have a wet ball since it will lane in the small brook immediately behind the green.
In fact, this brook also runs in back of the 168-yard par 3 sixth hole and the 180-yard par 3 eighth hole, making the smart golfer lay up in front of the front edge of these greens.
The smaller size greens and pin placements add to difficult chip shots and the need for an accurate short game to score well on this course.
For all tournament or TVGC information and tee times call the club house at 607-498-5829 or e-mail tvgc@yahoo.com The club Web site is available at http://roscoegolf.com


The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Use your putter. When deciding to put or not from just off the green, the first thing to remember is that anytime you can putt, do it.
Keeping the ball on the ground and using the most reliable club in your bag---the putter--is a logical and smart choice. A good putt will always get you closer to the hole than a good running shot with one of your irons.
The biggest factor is determining whether to putt or not is what lies between you and the hole. Most important is the grass surface. If the path is clear, the ground relatively smooth and the grass is short, choosing your putter is an easy choice.
Another factor to look closely at is how the ball is sitting. Remember, if the conditions are good, we want to putt the ball.
When making these putts from off the green, it is very important to keep our concentration and use good putting fundamentals.
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 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net


Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel


Special key to good, consistent putting is "Finishing The Putting Stroke."
Most golfers do not finish and then they wonder why they are short of the hole. You start the stroke and then you must finish and "hold the finish."
Finishing means the putter head is minimum 2 feet past the ball. This helps the momentum and the ball will roll end over end and will "reach the hole."
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How To Put Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his Web site www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com


This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 845- 439-8177 or send an e-mail to edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit the Web site http://bght.blogspot.com We are also available on Facebook.

Tournament-Golf Events

Tournament-Golf Events

June 3--Jake Hulse Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Hulse 292-0438
June 3--Monticello PBA, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
June 5--New City FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 5--Sandy Acres Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, contact 607-498-5502
June 11-Monticello High School, Contact Dennis Browne 774-9436
June 11--Jake Gunther Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 12--Jeffersonville Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Doug Immoor 482-5094
June 17--LGA Junior Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
June 17--Riveredge Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 18--Town of Callicoon Republican Party, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bonnie Hubert 482-5390
June 18--Eastern Stars, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club
June 24--Mamakating Lions, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 27--Bull Pen Tourney, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
June 28--Sullivan County Community College Tourney, Grossingers CC, Call the college for information
July 9--Cornell Co-Op, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Sean Welsh 292-2420
July 10--TVGC Memorial Tournament & Dinner, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact Chuck Husson 607-498-5557
July 15--Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July16--Single Golfers of Long Island, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Catskill Cup, Villa Roma Country Club, for information call 887-5097
July 17--Falls Lions-Alan Steingart Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Liberty Booster Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Deb Simpson 807-1996
July 22--Scotch Twosome Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
July 23--Liberty Elks, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Harry Fox 482-5331
July 24--Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 24--Swan Lake Fire Co., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club
July 24--Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 5--B.P.W./Chamber, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Susan Hamlin 292-2420
Aug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097
Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chcuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620

7TH INNING LOSS BY TRI-VALLEY

SEWARD SCORES 8 RUNS

IN 7TH TO WIN TITLE

Up by a 7-0 score with one out in the top of the 7th inning the Tri-Valley Central School Bears varsity baseball team looked like they would easily wrap up the Section 9 Class C championship Wednesday afternoon at the Loren Campbell Baseball field at SUNY New Paltz but S.S. Seward pulled off an astonishing victory by scoring 8 runs to defeat the Bears 8-7 and claim the Section 9 championship. Seward's 8 runs came off a two-run homer over the left field fence by Anthony Bailey, two errors, walks and timely hitting.

In Photo No. 1 Tri-Valley catcher Steven McInerney takes his turn at bat during the early innings when the Bears recorded their 7 runs, 5 in the first inning and 2 in the fourth.
Photo No. 2, Bears pitcher George Baggatta showed good form and control with an outstanding curve ball that kept Seward's big hitters off stride for 6 innings. The 90 degree heat took it's toll on Baggatta in the seventh inning.
Photo No. 3, Tri-Valley short stop Rodney "Taylor" "Donnie" Jester (No. 2) scores one of the Bear's seven runs as on deck batter Greg Swarthout (No. 7) waits for Jester to cross home plate.
Photo No. 4, Bears first baseman Fred Dumond (No. 31) gets down on one knee to reign in a low throw.

Tri-Valley Defeats Pine Plains 10-5

TRI-VALLEY DEFEATS PINE PLAINS 10-5

Top Photo--A jubilant Tri-Valley Central School varsity baseball team celebrates the school's first Section 9 win in the last seven years of play in the OCIAA, defeating Pine Plains 10-5 Tuesday at Pine Plains. Tri-Valley's three run seventh inning broke open a tight 7-5 game.
Third Photo--Winning pitcher Joe Mickelson pitched a complete game, striking out seven and going 3 for 4 at the plate with one double and two RBI.
Second Photo--Tri-Valley's Peter DeMilia slams a double and went 2 for 3 with two RBI.
Fourth Photo--Tri-Valley's Sophomore outfielder Cody Exner who played most of this season on the Junior Varsity takes a good lead at first base during the seventh inning after recording his first hit as a varsity player.
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