Loss of Pitchers Hurt Spartans

SPARTANS CLOSING LOSING SEASON  
 
   Loss of two pitchers to pro ball appears to be a major factor in the Sullivan Spartans 8-18 league record this summer in the 2013 Hudson Valley Collegiate Baseball League (HVCBL).
  Team manager Steve Alhona Wednesday night of last week following his teams 5-2 league loss to Eastern division  powerhouse, Hudson Valley Canes, gave an analysis of the teams loss and season record.
  Regarding the 5-2 loss to the Canes Alhona said, "I think for us it was just one of those days when we were trying to get some work in toward the end of the year and it's a good team right there (Canes) and we let their best hitter get up in RBI situations and he put three runs on the board against us."
  "You can't let their best hitter come to the plate with opportunities to drive in runs," Alhona noted.
  In talking about the 8-18 HVCBL league record Manager Alhona pointed out, "we have been mathematically eliminated from this years playoffs and overall our results comes down to pitching and we lost a couple of guys to pro ball and we just didn't have the arms to match up."
   The two pitchers Alhona made reference to included left-handed pitcher Travis Renwick (Middletown, NY/Chapel Field HS/Orange CC/Brockport St.) and RHP Bryan Chudy (Goshen, NY/Clarkson College).Both were graduated seniors from their respective colleges and Spartans management lets graduated seniors play out their final summers.
  Travis was signed by the Las Vegas Train Robbers (New Mexico) in the independent Pecos League. Bryan was signed by the Whitesands Pupfish in the Pecas League as well after throwing 10 innings for the Spartans this summer, striking out 14 and allowing 2 earned runs.
  Travis is presently 1-1 with over 22 innings pitched, appearing in 14 games for the Trainrobbers who have advanced to the Championship series vs. the Roswell Invaders.
   Bryan finished the season 0-2 with 6 starts, throwing 30 innings with an ERA of 4.01.
  The Spartans have had eight players play professional baseball over their 10-year existance.
   Coach Alhona noted that the Sullivan Spartans "have been mathematically eliminated from this years playoffs", and "the Canes are in the championship series."
   In his analysis of the overall 2013 season Alhona said "the key for us was pitching as we lost a couple of guys to pro ball and towards the end of the year we  got to the point that we did not have the arms to match up."
  When asked if a team can benefit from a season like this the coach pointed out "for our young guys it was a huge learning experience and they got a lot of valuable at bats against good college pitching."
  "We had three junior high school players  with us this year and they got a great opportunity to pitch and  come to bat against college pitching and have a lot of good work outs," Alhona added.
  In regards to some of the local college kids from the area who Alhona  pointed out "did not get a lot of playing time at their colleges they got 90 to 100 at bats here with us this summer and will go back to their schools with a lot of experience."
  Addressing reports that have been rumored in regards to their being no Sullivan Spratans team next year the coach stressed "that we don't want to jump to any conclusions on that one because this team is a great thing and is a great thing for the college and it benefits the college kids in our area."
  "In the three years I have coached this league we play in has progressively gotten better and there is interest in this team and as far as the future goes I think we'll have a team next year," Coach Alhona concluded.
   The Collegiate Baseball League was formed in the spring of 1996 by two residents of Orange County, Tim Croker and Jim Bisaccia. Their intention being to provide collegiate, and some of the better high school aged ballplayers the opportunity to improve their game and showcase their talents in a league designed to attract college coaches, as well as professional scouts.
  The league is comprised of teams from the Hudson Valley area of New York and southern Connecticut. Games are played from June through the second week in August.
  General manager of the Sullivan Spartans is Jared Carrier. He also served as head coach from 2002-2008. Team advisory board members include Sullivan County Community College head coach Ryan Snair and Steve Cabarcas.
  The 2013 players with local Honesdale,Pa. and Sullivan County connections include Jack Schilling, Honesdale HS (Sullivan CC), Joe Franke, Liberty HS (Oneonta St.),Mike Mills, Livingston Manor HS (Sullivan CC), Bobby Wagner, Monticello HS/Westfield St.), Tyler Lopez, Tri-Valley HS (Sullivan CC), Jesse Brown, Tri-Valley HS (Kings College), Rodney T. Jester III, Tri-Valley HS 2013 Grad (Tompkins-Cortland (TC3) CC), Bray Curreri, Eldred HS, 2014 Grad, Patrick Pierce, Sullivan West HS, 2014 Grad and Jon Harned, Monticello HS, 2014 Grad.
  The 2013 awards for this years team go to top pitcher Mike Mills, Livingston Manor HS/Sullivan CC), top offensive player, Jake Schilling (Honesdale HS/Sullivan CC), top defensive player, Bobby Wagner, (Monticello HS/Westfield St.), top newcomer Joe Franke (Liberty HS/Oneonta St.)  and most impdroved player Mike Ladka (Monroe-Woodbury HS/Sullivan CC).
  In last Wednesday's game the Hudson Valley Canes scored single runs in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth innings while the Spartans pushed across single runs in the second and seventh innings.
  Scoring highlights for the Spartans came in the second inning when catcher Joe Consorti from Newburgh blasted a long home run over the left field fence. Joe will  take his baseball prowess to Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. this fall.
  The Spartans were scheduled to close out their 2013 season with an away double-header Monday against the Connecticut Titans.


                                                                         

IDENTIFICATION OF PHOTOS

Sullivan Spartans head coach Steve Alhona.
                 
Sullivan West High School senior Patrick Pierce pitching for the Sullivan Spartans last week in the teams 5-2 loss to the Hudson Valley Canes.


                                                                     

NEW MANOR PHARMACY OPENS

                         

  The former Siegel Building and the hamlet of Livingston Manor once again has it's own pharmacy.

  The dedication and opening ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new Manor Pharmacy took place last Thursday afternoon with owners Sonal Trivedi and Chitra Chauhan welcoming a nice crowd of folks who all expressed how pleased they were to again have a pharmacy in town. 

  Sonal Trivedi also owns and operates the Sullivan Pharmacy in Liberty and the Jeff Pharmacy in Jeffersonville. Chitra Chauhan owns and operates the Newburgh Pharmacy in Newburgh.

  Livingston Manor has been without a pharmacy since the former Medicap Pharmacy  located at the same 43A Main Street location, closed in November of 2011.

  The two Pharmacists that will be working the new pharmacy are Dave Zable and Harold R. Bruce.

  Former Town of Rockland supervisor and owner-operator for many years of the Siegel Department Store, Lee Siegel, acted as master-of-ceremonies and performed the official ribbon cutting.

  Siegel also read an official proclamation from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

  Following the ribbon cutting refreshments were provided by Cafe 43 which occupies the other half of the Siegel Building. 

  The historical Siegel Building  was built in 1890 and originally housed Alonzo Ostrum's blacksmith shop. In 1908-09 Lee Siegel's father, Solomon along with his two brothers, Ben and Joe, opened a retail store  and in 1946 Lee took over the building and opened the Siegel Department Store, a  mainstay on Manor's Main Street for many years. 

  The Manor Pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They will be closed on Sunday's.

  Manor Pharmacy phone number is 845-439-1188.

                                                       

IDENTIFICATION OF PHOTOS

                                             

Lee Siegel, former Town of Rockland supervisor and former owner of the Siegel Building performs the official ribbon cutting for the new Manor Pharmacy.

                                             

Dignitaries, owners and their families and employees of the new Manor Pharmacy at the official ribbon cutting ceremonies held last Thursday include, from the left, former Town of Rockland Supervisor Lee Siegel, present Rockland supervisor Ed Weitmann, Niru Parmar, owner Chitra Chauhan, Pharmacist Harold R. Bruce, employee Barbara Zweck,  employee Amanda Lamantia, owner Sonal Trivedi and Pharmacist Dave Zable.

                                                  

Festival Features Freedom From Drugs

Festival Features Freedom From Drugs

  A gospel music festival with special emphasis on improving the quality of life and saving individuals from the clutches of addition will be a major part of the Liberty To The Captives program Saturday, August 3 at LaPolt Park on North Main Street in the Village of Liberty. 

  This community event is being sponsored and directed by Pastors Rich and Cathy Ienuso of Lighthouse Ministries of Liberty, a non-denominational Christian ministry and will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  Pastor Rich in organizing this event noted that "the festival will bring nationally known personalities to our area to celebrate Liberty's proud heritage of Faith and Freedom  with several churches and organizations participating in a unity of spirit too rarely seen." 

  Featured guests include Roy B. Costner from Liberty, S.C. who led his fellow graduates in the Lord's Prayer during his valedictorian speech at his high s school graduation, Teen Challenge from Albany will share real stories of being set free from the bondage of addiction, Christa Jan Ryan from Pittsfield, Mass. will share her story depicted in the movie, 'Silent Screams from the Hamptons , Rev. Bill Banuchi, executive director of the New York Faith & Freedom Coalition and Evangelist Joe Chamberlin, an old-fashioned Pentecostal preacher who will also minister at Lighthouse Ministries on Sunday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. nightly. 

  Also taking part will be Pastors Trevor & Lorraine Harvey from Yonkers and Rev. Don & Marge NIchol from Gideon's Bible International who will be giving out free Bibles. 

  Liberty To The Captives will also feature activities for the kids and free food.

  Additional information can be obtained by calling 845-985-7026 or at the Web site http://www.lighthouseministriesny.com 

                                                        

Cathy and Rich Ienuso of Lighthouse Ministries.

                             

  

     

Golfing Highlights Column 7-26-13

 Does Golf Need Another Expensive Gadget?

  We don't see it happening very soon on Sullivan County or area golf courses but there is a new trend in golf carts that might be exciting to watch.

  What once was a futuristic dream of the space age, hovercrafts have been ordered and will be appearing at a golf course in Springfield, Ohio.

  The Bubba Watson hovercraft golf cart could get golfers excited but the bottom line for this new golfing extravaganza is that to own one it's going to cost you a solid $58,000.

  Wow.....and for that burdensome price you also get a trailer to tow it to your favorite golf course.

  OK so what's the details about the golf cart Hovercraft.

  This is a golf cart that glides over hazards on a cushion of air as easily as it does over fairways and the rough.

  Powered by a 65-hp twin cylinder Hirth engine, its nine-blade axial-flow ducted fan propels the craft up to 45 mph and nine inches off the ground without touching the grass.

  Can you imagine crossing a pond or steam to follow-up a cross water shot?

  The claim is that the fan's streamlined design minimizes noise while carrying two golfers and their caddies beneath a lift-up roof and two golf bags in an open rear compartment.

  Motorcycle-style handlebars steer the craft while a fly-by-wire reverse thrust system provides braking and backwards hovering up to 25 mph.  

  Golfers who have tried this golf cart say that the low profile aerodynamic design minimizes air drag and maximizes stability in crosswinds.

  The golf cart's outer surface is made out of fiberglass composite and urethane foam composite.

  The Windy Knoll golf course in Springfield, Ohio just bought two of them and is the first course in  the country to have them....cost to rent this cart is $230 a round and they will have a 30-minute course that each person will have to take prior to driving one.

  While discussing this new style golf cart with fellow golfers questions included how the cart would handle on the small steep hills of a golf course environment, will it blow golf balls around, are they too noisy for golf courses and are there problems getting in and out of the craft.

  The company building this new golf cart is Indiana-based Neoteric Hovercraft.

  Chris Fitzgerald, president of Neoteric Hovercraft said, "at first, they were just looking for a way to promote Bubba Watson," and eventually it was about the hover golf cart.

  The BW1 model is named after Bubba Watson's initials. 

  Local Tarry Bray golf professional Glenn Sonnesnschein when asked about the Hovercraft golf carts said, "I'm not familiar with them, but the last thing golf needs is another expensive gadget."   

Ed's Outlook

  Phil Mickelson did what Phil Mickelson does best.

  The British Open champion birdied four of his last 6 holes and called the last 18, "the best round of my life."

  Phil really stepped up and proved himself a winner on the links style courses with back to back wins (The Scottish Open and now The British Open).

  This was Phil's fifth major and he is now one more away from a career grand slam. Next year's U.S. Open will be an exciting time for Phil and gives him the opportunity to win the career grand slam.

  The U.S. Open will be played at Pinehurst, where we remember the putt on the 18th hole by Payne Stewart to defeat Phil.

  Phil has turned out to be one of the best golfers to ever play this game and he certainly has his game pretty well figured out now. 

  A great win......to come back from so many shots back starting the day was magnificent. 

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league and tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all of Ed's pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

Golf Tip

By Robert Menges

  Managing a loss is one of the more important skills golfers must learn.

  Let's face it....everyone loses.

  Golfers must learn to manage losses over the year they compete in this great game.

  No one wins every match or tournament and all who play this game have to learn how to digest a loss and not let it damage his or her confidence or mood.

  A loss does not define who they are.

  Problems occur when the loss causes the golfer to make inappropriate and unnecessary swing changes in the stroke.

  After a defeat, golfers often become more swing-focused rather than game-focused. That can lead to a tight swing which can quickly turn into a slump. 

  To properly manage a loss you need a way to ventilate the feelings you have about it so that is can be put behind you. A support system is helpful and could include help from a professional, seeing as swing coach or even a sport psychologist.

  Find someone you trust and let yourself air out your feelings.

  Talking it out with someone will help you relax and once again return to your target awareness.

  Robert Menges is the head golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club on Mt. Hope Road in 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 telephone at 845-292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net

The Putting Tip

By Joe Bermel

  How important is putting to the overall game of golf.

  As I have stated previously statistics show putting is 40-43% of the average golf score.

  In putting, I link organization with strategy.

  The strategy component is easier than you might think.

  It involves:

  1. Picking a distance based on the current realistic skill from which the golfer can reasonably attempt a one-putt....say 10-12 feet.

  2. With all putts longer then 12 feet the thought is to get the first putt close enough to the hole to get a two-putt result.

  Remember..... two-putting is good putting for the average golfer.

  Organization decisions are made when you read the putt. Will the ball move left or right or vice versa. Is the putt uphill, downhill or flat, the distance between the ball and the hole and deciding on the correct strategy and never second-guess your first decision. 

  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 www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

                                                                  

The Bubba Watson hovercraft golf cart.

                           

 

Here & There Column 7-23-13

Govt.-Schools Sharing Services

  We have commented often in the past that government and school districts should share services and consolidate because that is where the real potential for government efficiency lies.

  So very often village and town municipalities are located within several miles of each other......such is also the case for many neighboring school districts. 

  Consolidation has been strongly suggested by Governor Cuomo but there is always stiff opposition from politicians who don't want to lose their power.

  When one takes a serious look at our economy intelligent political and school district leaders are slowly realizing that more could be done by local entities. 

  Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress CEO Jonathan Drapkin noted recently that consolidation efforts "will meet familiar roadblocks," with some "twisting the discussion to preserve jobs that are no longer necessary," and "they'll argue for maintaining community identify that refuses to adapt to changing times," and "it's always the way we've done it," someone will yell.

  A definition of is government working in our best interest is simply answered with a question asked by Drapkin in Pattern's Point of View when he states, "so let's ask whether three different agencies should plow the roads in one town."

  Great examples at attempts to consolidate and share services include the sharing of the position of school superintendents by both the Roscoe and Downsville school districts and the fact that Sullivan County BOCES has implemented several shared services for Sullivan County school districts. 

  Sullivan County officials are once again looking to pursue cheaper alternatives to building an $80-million new county jail of which County Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson calls, "pretty unrealistic under the present circumstances."

  Pattern for Progress has offered alternatives to the new county jail discussion which does have to be resolved as the current jail does not meet standards and could be forcibly closed by the state.

  Cost savings by government and school districts have to be vigorously pursued and taxpayers should demand it.

                                      

Golfing Highlights 7-19-13

 New Assistant Pro At Villa Roma

  Twenty-three year-old Jeff Marcy II is the new assistant golf professional at the Villa Roma Golf Club.

  He took over the assistant golf professional job in April following a four-year internship at Silver Lake Country Club in Perry, NY.

  A major indication that he has a bright future ahead of him was achieved in early June when he qualified for the New York State Open to be held July 23-25 at Beth Page, Long Island.

  Jeff qualified with a score of 74 on the par 72 Trump National Country Club at Hudson Valley, NY. He presently maintains a 1 handicap.

  Marcy's caddie for the qualification round was his dad, Jeff Marcy Sr. who the younger Marcy started playing golf with at the age of 10.

  Jeff noted that his early golf years were established and molded by his dad and his grandfather.

  A resident of Castile, NY Marcy attended Letchworth High School, Genesee Community College and SUNY Delhi.

  "There was no golf team at my high school and  my first competitive golf came about when a golf team was organized in my first year at Genesee", Jeff said. 

  During his high school years Marcy competed in basketball  football and baseball with his passion favoring baseball. "After baseball games or practice my father or grandfather would meet me and we would be off to the golf course," Jeff said. 

  His two years of college golf at Delhi gave him competitive golf against Division 1, 2 and 3 college teams where he established himself as the number one and two player on this team. At Delhi he maintained a 2.5 to 3 handicap.

  Jeff graduated from Delhi  with a BS in Business Management and Professional Golf Management. He will be entering the PGA Golf Professional educational certification program in the near future.

  Jeff's family also consists of two sisters who he said, "play sports but not golf." His dad is a self-employed electrician.

  When asked what he considers the strength of his golf game he quickly noted, "I drive the ball between 280 and 290 yards and pretty much keep it in the fairway."

  We joked about the golf phase which says "drive for show and putt for dough," with him indicating that he continually is working on the short game and putting.

  Asked about special achievements he has performed while on the golf course Jeff pointed out "I shot a hole-in-one on a 273-yard par 4 (which is actually called a double eagle or an albatross) at the Quail Hollow Country Club in Ohio while playing in the two-man best ball ESPN Golf  Challenge with the ball landing on the green and rolling in the cup." 

  The new assistant golf professionals duties at the Villa Roma include managing the Tuesday Men's golf league, the Thursday Ladies league, running the Pro Shop and giving golf lessons. 

  Stop by and say hello to Jeff or call him for tee times at 845-887-5080.

Ed's Outlook

  Add these two tournaments to your golf schedule.

  The 7th annual Rally for a Cure Golf Tournament, supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, will be held Sunday, August 11 at the Winding Hill Golf Course located on Route 17K in Montgomery.

  The entry fee of $90 per person includes the greens fee, cart, goodie bag and after play lunch with a cash bar available.

  Registration takes place at 8 a.m. followed by a 9 .m. shotgun start. A cart decorating contest will be judged prior to the shotgun start. Remember to wear pink.

  Make checks out to Winding Hills Thursday Ladies Golf League and mail to CJ Bull, 420 Lake Shore Drive, Pine Bush, NY 12566.

  The 1st Annual Scramble For The Kids Golf Tournament and BBQ will be held August 24 at the Honesdale Golf Club, Honesdale, Pa.

  The shotgun start is at 1 p.m. with the BBQ following approximately at 5 p.m.

  The tournament proceeds will benefit the Wallenpaupack Youth Bowling Program. 

  The four-person teams entry fee is $60 per person before August 1 and $70 per person after August 1. The fee includes golf, cart and the BBQ. The fee for just the BBQ is $18 before August 1 and $25 after August 1. 

  Tournament information may be obtained from Matt Tardone at 570-982-0649.

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league and tournament information, shot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177,  email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all of Ed's pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com. We are also on Facebook. 

Golf Tip

By Robert Menges

  Simple Drill To Improve Your Swing Tempo:

  Here's a simple drill to improve your swing tempo.

  Go to the driving range and alternate between hitting shots with your short irons and then your long clubs.

  For example, hit one shot with your wedge and the next with your three wood. Hit the next shot with your eight iron and the next shot with your three iron. 

  Then the next shot with your nine iron and then hit your driver.

  And when your doing this try to make the swing with the longer club the same as your swing with the shorter clubs.

  Do this exercise and do it often so you can achieve a smooth, rhythmical swing from one club to the next.

  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 email at menges@hughes.net

   The Putting Tip

   By Joe Bermel

  All golfers regardless of skill or experience level want to play well and score well.

  Unfortunately, swinging well and scoring well don't always coincide.

  The reason is PUTTING.

  Current statistics show that approximately 43% of the average golfers score is putting.

  Golfers can hit the ball well, putt poorly, and thus score poorly. 

  One key measure of good, consistent putting is not how many one putts a golfer makes over the years, but how many three putts are made, thus consistently two putting  most holes.

  Short putting....that is from a tap in up to six feet, is the most important.

  One of the most important aspects of putting is having an exacting, organized, methodical pre putt routine. An organized mind will dictate an organized routine for the body to follow.

  Visualization is another key....the more you look at the distance between the ball and the hole, the better you can get the speed of the putt correct.

  Have confidence because it's your ability and skill to perform well.

  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 www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com 

                                 

                               

Villa Roma Golf Club assistant golf professional Jeff Marcy II assisting golfers in the Pro-Shop.

                                        

  

  

  

  

   

  

              

Here & There Column 7-16-13

Gas Prices And A Vacation

  Whew.......great to get away on vacation but following 13 days away from home and several thousand miles of traveling there comes pounding in your head that familiar saying "it's great to be home."

  Love to see what's going on in other states and traveling through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and northern Florida gives one an entirely new outlook on life in these United States. 

  Took our vacation this year to an entirely different section of the State of Florida as we soaked up the sun, ocean breeze and the beautiful ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico at Panama City Beach Florida.

  If you have ever been there you can easily see that there is a notable difference from the Atlantic Ocean eastern section of Florida.

  The outer sections of Panama City Beach are much different then downtown which we found presented almost a carnival atmosphere where spending your hard earned buck is easy to do. 

  I will say that the restaurants we ate in downtown were some of the best I have ever experienced. Definitely a nice vacation location and maybe even a nice place to live (at least for the winter months).

  A vacation like this is so much rewarded when you have a two-bedroom, three bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and living room condo that allows you to step right out onto the beach or enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast on your balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

  Of course in traveling by car to Florida you get a pretty good picture of what is going on with gasoline prices. The further you travel south the lower gas prices get. It is New York taxes on gasoline sales that tells the difference here? What a pleasure to pull up to a gas pump and pay $3.13 a gallon and we even drove by a gas station selling regular gas for $2.97 a gallon.

  We and many others complain about our high gasoline prices but nothing ever gets resolved resulting in lower prices at the pump. 

                                                  -30-

Photo Identification

Gasoline prices like this in Georgia make vacation traveling a lot easier to take.

                                                            

  

GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Gospel Music Festival Aug. 3

  LIBERTY--A Gospel Music Festival along with free food and activities for the kids will be held Saturday, August 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the LaPolt Park on North Main Street in Liberty.

  Under the direction of pastors Rich and Kathy Ienuso the music festival will include presentations by Teen Challenge with participation by local churches. 

  The festival theme is "There is freedom from drugs, alcohol and addictions.

  Rain date for this event is August 10.

  For information call Pastor Rich at 845-985-7016.

                                               

3 TRI-VALLEY PLAYERS NAMED TO ALL-STATE TEAMS

 TRI-VALLEY PLAYERS NAMED TO STATE ALL STAR TEAMS                                                                

 

 Two Senior graduates and a Junior pitcher from the Tri-Valley Central School varsity baseball team have been named to the New York State Sports Writers Association All-State Class C baseball teams for the 2013 season.

  Named to the 4th all-state team was Senior short stop/pitcher Rodner Jester III.

  Receiving 7th all-state team honors were Senior infielder Michael Foster and Junior pitcher/infielder Alex Brown.

  Jester received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the school's spring sports assembly while Brown received the Outstandidng Pitcher award and Foster the Outstanding Offensive Player award.

  Coach John Rusin in naming Jester the MVP told those in attendance at the sports award assembly that, "Rodney had the type of season most players dream of and most coaches pray for. He had three wins pitching and was our only senior pitcher. Defensively, I have to be honest with you, he's the best glove  I have ever coached. He's a wizard out there, he's a pleasure to watch. He makes it look so easy and at times seems so nonchalant but he has great ability and has done a great job. He's an outstanding glove man. At the plate this year his stats are absolutely staggering. He had only one game this year that he did not get a hit....the second game of the year. One game out of 22 games he did not get a hit. The last 20 games of the year he hit....that means he had a 20-game hitting streak which is unbelieveable. He batted 526, he had an on base percentage of 563. He had a 934 contact percentage of putting the ball in play.....you can't get better than that. He stole 15 bases, he had 40 hits in 22 games, he scored 26 runs and drove in 28 runs. He's a young man who loves baseball and will be playing next year in college, I'll miss him very much."

  Both Jester and Brown are playing Senior American Legion travel baseball this summer with the Ellenville American Legion Post.

  Jester this week also joined the Sullivan County Spartans travel team and will play out the remaining season which ends on July 28.

 

 PHOTO IDENTIFICATION 

 

Tri-Valley Varsity Baseball Coach John Rusin, left,  with his MVP Rodney T. Jester, MIP Andrew Exner, Outstanding Offensive Player Michael Foster and Outstanding Pitcher Alex Brown. 

 

                                                                

Golfing Highlights Column 7-12-13

New Improvements At TVGC

  The Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC) has appointed a new clubhouse manager, is making modifications to its traps, is improving fairway definition and has added upgraded golf carts and maintenance equipment as it approaches the final stages for implementation of the Open Space Institute (OSI) proposal to purchase from the club an easement which requires that the course will remain a golf course in perpetuity (forever) and will never be developed for other uses.  

  Twenty-three year-old Katie Doyle took over in May as the new clubhouse manager. She handles collection of green and cart fees and for the first time in several years the club now offers a lunch menu.

  Katie, a 2008 graduate of Tri-Valley Central School, noted that the lunch menu includes hot dogs  hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, egg salad sandwiches  mozzarella sticks and salads. Soft drinks are also available. Lunch is also available to the general public.

  Board of directors president Ron Schulte and treasurer Chuck Husson pointed out that modifications and painting have been completed on the interior portion of the clubhouse and future improvements of the kitchen area are planned.

  Golf Course improvements already made include the planting of new trees and bushes to improve fairway definition, several sand traps have been modified and reduced in size and all traps have new sand.

  Schulte and Husson noted the addition of several upgraded golf carts and upgraded golf course maintenance equipment.

  Additional future TVGC improvements include adding newer upgraded golf carts and dam and pond improvements.

  Under the Open Space Institute easement proposal the TVGC could expand and improve the existing clubhouse, construct a golf cart shed and could make improvements and expansion of the club's maintenance facility. 

  The OSI easement points out that if the golf club ever ceases to be a golf course it will remain forever an open and undeveloped space.

  Certificate shareholder members of the TVGC overwhelming approved last year entering into agreement with OSI as the club had increasing difficulty in the past several years making ends meet and countless volunteer hours from board members and regular members in running fundraisers and tournaments along with other activities have been the deciding factors in keeping the budget positive.  

  Dwindling membership and course play due to poor economic times were becoming major management topics among owners and operators of this small nine-hole golf course  and this prompted the TVGC to explore the $188,500 conservation easement offer from OSL.

  The 29-acre nine-hole 2,045 yard par 32 TVGC has been previously appraised at $400,000 and would receive from OSA  the total sum of approximately $188,000 blut after paying taxes the total figure would be approximately $141,000 and TVGC could opt to receive payments over a five-year period of about $32,000 per year.

  At the time of approval of the OSI easement by the club certificate members last year Husson noted that the $32,000 per year for five years  could help the club make needed improvements and be financially sound for at least 10 years. 

                                                 Ed's Outlook

  Vacation time took  us into an entirely different golfing experience at Panama City Beach, Florida  where we found that golf at night, especially during the 100 degree daytime temperatures, is indeed very popular.

  Yes......I said golf at night at executive par 3 golf courses where the entire course is lighted just like a major league baseball stadium.

  We'll introduce you to this type of golfing experience in one of our upcoming columns.

  Tiger Woods is close to signing a new endorsement deal with Nike, his long-term endorser.

  His current contract, signed in 2006, is set to expire sometime before the end of the year. Woods termed it "just a matter of time" before the deal is signed.

  Golf Digest, as part of an annual report on golfer's income, put Woods' earnings at $77 million off the course in 2012. It did not break down what he received from Nike, although the figure is believed to be more than $20 million per year.

  Ed Townsend is a PR Consultant to the Sport of Golf and compiles the information for this column. If you have league and tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com  or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all of Ed's pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

                                                  Golfing Tip

                                               By Robert Menges

Buried Bunker Lies

  To blast the ball out of the sand, your club needs to swing more up and down to create a steeper angle of attack.

  To help illustrate, have someone stand (or picture a well) several feet behind the ball. In the backswing, hinge your wrists early to get the club up more, avoiding the person ( or wall).

  Also make note of the length of the backswing. It should almost be a full swing. In order to create enough speed and energy to blast the ball out of the sand, avoid taking a short and/or law backswing.

  From this position, you will be able to swing the club into the sand on the downswing. It's imperative that you strike the sand 1 to 2 inches behind the ball and finish with the club low to the ground.

  Amateur golfers often try to scoop or help lift the ball out of the sand. This usually results in the club hitting the sand too far behind the ball and either missing it completely or taking too much sand and leaving the ball in the bunker. Or, the club misses the sand and strikes the top of the ball resulting in a topped shot that can go anywhere. 

  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 email at menges@hughes.net 

                                                  The Putting Tip

                                                By Joe Bermel

  Here is one of the best putting drills since "sliced bread" was invented.

  Drill # 2......A Quadrant Drill.

  1. Take 1 golf ball.

  2. On practice green, establish on one hole at four foot distance only.

  3. First putt straight uphill.

  4. Second putt straight downhill.

  5. Third putt right edge slight right to left.

  6. Fourth putt left edge slight left to right.

  Every golfer has these four putts many times every round. Do this drill again and again.

  Make yourself make three consecutive putts at each quadrant.

  This will make you a better two putt per hole average.

  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 631-589-1334, at his Web site www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by  email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com                 

                                                  

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION 

                     

Katie Doyle is the new clubhouse manager at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club. 

                                                 

  

             

Here & There Column 7-9-13

The Controversial Drill Issue

   The controversial drill issue or fracking has resulted in staunch support for and against natural gas drilling that continues to stir the political pot.

  There are two ways to face this issue, 1. use less gas or in some cases oil, 2. come up with economical alternative sources of energy.

  What is at stake here is the Marcellus Shale which is a black shale formation extending deep underground from Ohio and West Virginia northeast into Pennsylvania and southern New York including parts of Sullivan County.

  The subject about the natural gas resources of the Marcellus shale formation have been known a long time but the depth and tightness of the shale made gas exploration and extraction expensive and difficult.

  The reason interest is now the topic of the day is because of recent enhancements to gas well development technology.....specifically horizontal and hydraulic fracturing.

  Questions raised deal with environmental and community impacts with most concerns related to water use and management and the composition of the fluids used for fracturing the shale.

  The quantity of water needed for hydraulic  fracturing of the Marcellus shale is said to require large volumes of water.

  It's firmly stated that the New York State DEC regulatory program oversees drilling and is responsible for protecting the environment, water resources and public water supplies.

  Today, with energy prices at record highs, extracting this gas looks to be affordable and energy companies along with landowners are lining up to reap profits potentially worth billions.

  Gas companies are ready to spend a billion dollars or more on infrastructure investments in upstate New York.

  Environmental groups and opponents to the drilling indicate that there are hundreds of things that can go wrong when a company receives a permit to drill.

  Those supporting drilling say twice as many people favor drilling as oppose it. Supporters say leasing of land and the drilling will bring millions into a state that is economically dying.

  Financially strapped counties will also benefit supporters of drilling say and there would be the creation of thousands of jobs.

  Could this become the biggest boom in Sullivan County history?Can this drilling process be done safely and will our water resources be protected?

  To drill or not to drill?...... maybe a county or state referendum should be put to everyone and let the folks voice their opinion at the ballet box.

                                       

Here & There Column 7-2-13

Happy Birthday America

  The 4th of July results in various activities for all of us.

  This  national holiday is marked by patriotic displays and families gather together for parades, picnics, carnivals, fairs, concerts, baseball games, a barbecue, political speeches,  ceremonies,  and in some years there is the long weekend to spend with friends or relatives.

  Of course there is the evening fireworks displays often accompanied by patriotic songs including the national anthem, God Bless America, America The Beautiful, My Country, Tis of Thee, This Land Is Your Land, Stars and Stripes Forever and regionally Yankee Doodle in northeastern states and Dixie in southern states. 

  Independence Day, commonly known as the 4th of July has a special meaning in that it is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

  During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain took place on July 2, 1776 and Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4.

  This date is the day we set apart from all others, to honor the anniversary of the birth of our nation.

  The most famous line from the Declaration of Independence is, "we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

  This one line in our Declaration of Independence paved the way for every single law on the books today and it holds the basis for our Separation of Powers and all three branches of government........it is also the foundation of the civil rights movement.

  Enjoy your July 4th......Happy Birthday America. 

                                                                    

Golfing Highlights Column 7-5-13

 Slow Play Getting Some Attention

  Slow Play or sometimes called pace of play has always been a topic of discussion, debate and frustration both in open leisure play, league play and tournament competition.

  Remember well the many times we played leisure play at golf package golf courses in South Carolina and the range master would come riding by asking if we could speed up play and we would have to explain to him that we were writing down information on how to play each hole and also taking pictures for publication in our golf column.

  It's the range master's job to keep play moving smoothly and they always understood our reason for the slower pace.

  But, then there's the golfing foursome that is either not hitting the ball well or is hitting it all over the course...in these cases the range master allows foursomes in back of this group to hit or play through.

  Courtesy is not always understood by some golfers and if for reasons of slow play there should always be the offer to play through.

  The United States Golf Association (USGA) is now finally getting into the act and has launched a new nationwide public education program campaign to address the game's growing problem of slow play.

  Hopefully this will help golf course managers resolve the pace-of-play issue. 

  The campaign called 'While We're Young' was used by the USGA to enforce stricter policies of slow play at the U.S. Open.

  USGA president Glen Nager told reporters on the eve of the U.S. Open at the Merion Golf Club that "pace of play has been an issue for decades, but it's now become one of the most significant threats to the health of the game."

  Nager added, "five hour play rounds are common and they're incompatible with modern life....beyond the time involved....poor pace of play saps the fun from the game, takes too much time, frustrates players and discourages future play."

  Nager pointed out that "more than 70 percent of golfers felt that pace of play had become a bigger problem in recent years and more than 50 percent admitted to walking off the course due to frustration over the length of rounds."

  The National Golf Foundation stated that in a recent study "some 91 percent of serious golfers reported that they're bothered by slow play and say that it detracts from their golf experience."

  Borrowing the iconic "While We're Young" line from the character played by actor Rodney Dangerfield in the 1980 film 'Caddyshack', the campaign takes a lighthearted approach to encourage golfers to improve the pace of play.

  An interesting topic is that I have not ever heard anything from local golfers about this subject in area tournaments or league play......how's the pace of play in your league?

Ed's Outlook

  Retired Associate Justice of the New York State Appellate Court and well known Sullivan County resident and golfer Anthony T. Kane of Forestburgh has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc. 

  Justice Kane in all probability will be part of the 7th Annual Hospice Golf Classic August 12 at the Powelton Golf Club in Newburgh.

  This tournament fills up fast and golfers are encouraged to register early.

  Cost per golfer is $200 and they may choose to play the Scramble format or Best Ball format.

  Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a barbecue lunch at 11 a.m. A shotgun start follows at 12:30 p.m.

  Following golf, a cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an open bar and hors d'oeuvres, dinner at 6:30, an awards presentation at 7 p.m. followed by a golf raffle. 

  There will be 10 cash prizes drawn during dinner, including a $10,000 winner.

  A maximum of 600 tickets will be sole  and you need to be present to win. 

  To purchase a $100 golf raffle ticket, register to golf, or secure a sponsorship, contact Gloria Alisandrella, director of special events at 845-561-5362 ext. 366 or email at gloria@hospiceoforange.com or visit the Web site at hospiceoforange.com/golf

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league and tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at  http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on facebook.          

 Golfing Tip 

By Robert Menges

 Buried Bunker Lies. 

   To blast the ball out of the sand, your club needs to swing  more up and down to create a steeper angle of attack.

  To help illustrate, have someone stand (or picture a wall) several feet behind the ball. In the backswing, hinge your wrists early to get the club up more, avoiding the person (or wall). 

  Also make note of the length of the backswing. It should almost be a full swing. In order to create enough speed and energy to blast the ball out of the sand, avoid taking a short and /or low backswing.

  From this position, you will be able to swing the club into the sand on the downswing. It's imperative that you strike down into the sand 1 to 2 inches behind the ball and finish with the club low to the ground.

  Amateur golfers often try to scoop or help lift the ball out of the sand. This usually results in the club hitting the sand too far behind the ball and either missing it completely or taking too much sand and leaving the ball in the bunker. Or, the club misses the sand and strikes the top of the ball, resulting in a topped shot that can go anywhere.

  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 

    Here is one of the best putting drills since "sliced bread was invented.

    Drill # 2..... A Quadrant Drill

    1. Take 1 golf ball.

    2. On practice green, establish on one hole at four foot distance only.

    3. Ist putt straight uphill.

    4. 2nd putt straight downhill.

    5. 3rd putt right edge slight right to left.

    6. 4th putt left edge slight left to right.

    Every golfer has these 4 puts many times every round. Do this drill again and again. 

    Make yourself make 3 consecutive putts at each quadrant.

    This will make you a better 2 putt per hole average.

    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 www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com  

Golfing Highlights Column 6-28-13

Golf Attire Is Important

  An accepted dress code on the golf course differs in many areas so make sure you are aware of this before you being as it will help you enjoy your golfing experience. 

  I've seen many styles of golf attire on the golf course.....some good and some not so good.

  Most sports today request and require those in their particular activity to wear that sports proper attire and golf is no different.

  You do not want to be approached by the golf pro or pro shop manager and told you will not be permitted to play golf because you are not wearing the correct attire.

  As we previously noted some golf course's will actually stop a player from playing his round of golf if he or she is considered inappropriately attired.

  This can prove to be highly frustrating and leave you very upset at the end of the day is you are stopped from playing golf simply because of a misunderstanding on appropriate clothing.

  There are some golf courses that do not permit men and boys to wear shirts without collars or sleeves. Another area that get attention is the use of running pants and shoes that have metal spikes.

  Some golfers have fallen foul of the offensive clothing rule when they have an item of clothing that has an offensive logo on it.

  Jeans and sandals,for both men and women are also discouraged.

  Men's proper attire on the golf course includes collared shirts, the right pair of pants or shorts and golf or athletic shoes A pair of golf shoes when worn must only have the soft spike type and not metal spikes which cause damage to all parts of the golf course, particularly the greens.

  Shirts can either have long or short sleeves and there is no problem with turtlenecks or pullover sweaters. Socks can include the short style or regular length and preferably plain.

  For the ladies playing golf, fitting shirts and skirts and even Capri's are allowed. Generally, women are barred from wearing pants of any type including jean shorts. The length of the skirt or shorts is important for women and they have to ensure that it is not more than 5 inches above the knee.....each golf course is guided by its own specific rules and guidelines in this matter.

  Women also should wear collared shirts unless they are sporting a pull over with a V-style neck.

  The ladies are allowed sleeveless shorts with collars or shirts with either long or short sleeves. Socks for the ladies should be ankle length with proper golf shoes and if they wish a hat or visor is acceptable. Socks ought to be solid colored and should not have objectionable logos or designs on them.

   Golfers.....if you bring a guest along to play the same rules as noted above will apply.

   It's always best to be sure of dress codes and club rules so before going to the golf course give them a call or check out their website before you go.

 Ed's Outlook

   Two golf tournaments to add to your golfing tournament calendar include the Liberty Elks 2ed Frank Finn Memorial Golf Tournament to be held Saturday, July 20 at the Tennanah Lake Golf Club.

  Registration is 11 a.m. and tee off is 12 noon.

  The entry fee is $75 per golfer ($70 for the Early Bird Special) and includes 18-holes of golf, cart, lunch, BBQ dinner, beer, soda, prizes and raffles.

  For information call Harry or Peggy Fox at 845-482-5331.

  The second tournament is the first annual Steve Lagota Scholarship Tournament to be held Sunday, August 25 with registration and a putting contest starting at 11:30 .am. There is a 1 p.m. shotgun start, all at the Villa Roma Golf Course.

  The format will be 4 person Captain and crew.

  Entry fee is $100 and includes cart, green fees, putting contest, beverages on the course, closest to the pin, straightest drive and a buffet after golf. There will also be raffles and 50/50.

  Buddenhagen's Ford is sponsoring a $10,000 (50-50 split) for a hole-in-one.

  Buffet only tickets are $20 and it is asked that they be purchased before the tournament.

  Hole sponsorships are also available at $100 per hole for new sponsors and $75 is you sponsored a lane at Kristal Bowl for the bowling scholarship tournament. 

  Donations of an item or gift certificate are also being accepted. 

  Applications may be mailed to Brian Starr, PO Box 115, Lake Huntington, NY 12752.

  Contact Brian for additional information at 845-292-4826 or 845-866-1344.

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league and tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let Ed  know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all of Ed's pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

  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 nurts 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 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"--its 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 put, 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 out 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 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 at 845-292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net  

 The Putting Tip

 By Joe Bermel

  Most important barometer for building for building putting skills is MOTIVATION.

  The student golfers I have taught over the years that improve the most are those that are motivated the most.

  Practicing diligently what they learn.

  Performing the putting drills every practice session.

  Building better putting skills is an ongoing process. Try EVERY week. 

  Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organizations and golf shows-tournaments.

  His special edition DVD "How To Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his Web site www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com