Here & There Column 5-7-13

Internet Sales Tax Is Fair

  Now when this columnist says that a new sales tax is fair .....it's gotta be fair.

  There has been a long-standing loophole in the tax code which protects online retailers from having to collect sales tax in states where they don't have a physical presence.

  Now I don't believe there are too many internet shoppers that have shopped online just so that they could avoid a sales tax.

  Some folks agree that those who shop online do so because prices are much better than for the same item offered at a brick and mortar and that the tax is a secondary consideration.

  The coverage of this topic seems to always avoid mentioning the truth about paying sales tax on internet sales. These sales are not exempt from local sales tax, the online merchant just is not held responsible for collecting the required sales tax if they do not have a presence in the state to which the merchandise is shipped.

  The debate swirling around this issue is heated. Proponents for the new internet sales tax legislation argue that is would level the playing firled for those brick-and-mortar businesses that can't compete with e-tailers that don't have to change their customers sales tax. Proponents also say that requiring online sellers to collect sales tax will bolster state treasury coffers which are desperately in need of replenishing. 

 The most vocal opponents say that having to comply with state tax collectors from scores of different states is an administrative burden that will break the back of small-business owners who do business online.

  And once again this issue has become political, the Senate is likely to approve the new legislation but the House of Representatives might not approve it.

  This issue can easily come down to the internet economy vs. the local merchant who has to collect the sale tax. 

  We think local merchants deserve a break here.

                                                      

Golfing Highlights Column 5-3-13

Cool Weather Greets Golfers

  Many of the local golf course management folks have expressed the fact that it's been a cold spring and the mixed bag of cooler weather has deterred a good launch of the Sullivan County golf season.

  But the good news is that the grass is growing, some trees are budding and so its time to tee it up.......hit it straight and long and lets all enjoy our 2013 golf season. 

  Golfing Highlights is back for our 13th season and we will continue to provide you with a column filled with golf league statistics, league standings, tournament information, the happenings on our local golf courses, new golf equipment, a tip each week from a local golf professional, a weekly putting tip, Ed's Outlook and golf feature stories.   

  Special attention this week goes out to all golf league secretaries and club professionals......remember to get your weekly golf league highlights to me at 845-439-8177, PO Box 116 Livingston Manor, NY 12758, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474.

Welcome Back To

Pro Bob Menges

  We welcome back to our Golfing Highlights Column for his 10th year Professional Robert Menges from the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club who will educate golfers with his weekly tips.

  Bob, 47, started his golf career as an assistant pro at the Swan Lake Golf Club under then head pro Steve Eisenberg.

  Menges noted that he will be giving private golf lessons and will conduct Junior Golf Camps during different weeks this summer. Golfers may call Bob at 845-292-0323.

 Golf Tip

 By Bob Menges

  Spring is finally here. There is nothing like the smell of fresh cut grass in the air. As we begin our early golf season, here are some hints to help you get going.

  As you get out on the course and start playing and if you are like me,you get excited and the thrill of low scores runs through our heads. If you are trying something new with your swing, be careful not to overload your brain with too many new thoughts. Sometimes when you think too much your body may shut down physically. I would suggest going back to the beginning.

  Remember the three fundamentals a good golfer tries to repeat each time he or she swings, grip, aim and set up. First always be sure you are gripping the club properly and try to maintain a light grip pressure. A big fault for early golf is to become frustrated at bad shots and start gripping the club too hard and then your arms and hands will not be able to help you swing the club.

  When you set up, work on your posture and remember to keep your feet closer together than you think. For iron shots, the outsides of your feet should be shoulder width apart, and for hybrids and woods, the insides of your feet should be shoulder width apart. When your stance gets too wide, you have a tendency to slide your hips instead of rotating them. Try to let your arms hang underneath your shoulders to allow for less tension in your forearms.

  Golf is a target game, so always try to aim at something for every shot. Try to develop a pre shot routine by standing behind the ball and picking a target, then walk around to the side of the ball and get set up parcel to your target line.

  Remember spring golf is the time to develop good habits that will make you become a better golfer as the summer gets closer. The goal is to steadily improve as the year goes on.      

  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

  We welcome back for the third year the world famous "Putting Doctor" Joe Bermel.

  Joe will entertain us about the importance of putting to the entire game of golf. 

  Putting: A Pragmatic Approach:

  How important is putting to the entire game of golf? We cannot understate it......on average 43% of the total score is putting. For a golfer to tangibly raise the skill level of their putting game, they must understand, and be committed to apply, all of the Keys To Good Consistent Putting.

  Absolute Key # 1 is organization of your mind. What are we going to do and how are we going to go about doing it. A clear organized mind is paramount.

  Key # 2 is a specific, exacting, methodical PPR (Pre-Putt Routine). A great PPR is always airtight.

  Key # 3 is that of a triangle. Your eyes see the distance between the ball and the hole. A signal is sent to your mind. Your mind sends a signal to the muscles in your fingers for the amount of acceleration for the desired distance you want the ball to travel...EYES, MIND, HAND.

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

Manager & Half

Price Membership

At Twin Village GC

  The Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club has announced that Katie Doyle will be the full-time manager at the club this year. She has soda, water, candy for sale and is starting out with a small food menu.

  The club also announced that the half price membership promotion for people that have never been a member has been continued for this season.

  Call Chuck Husson at 607-498-5557 for membership information. 

  The golf club can reached at 607-498-5829.

 Most Local Courses

 Have Spring Rates

  Most of our area golf courses are now open featuring reduced spring golf rates.

  Many leagues have also started their 2013 season. 

  Call the course you are interested playing at for this information.

 Ed's Outlook

  The R&A and the UNGA has laid out their plans to ban the anchoring of long putters. 

  The PGA Tour and the PGA of  America have voiced their opinion that they do not think this is good for golf and they have gone so far as to say that the PGA Tour may invoke a local rule that would allow anchoring.

  Looks like all that is needed now is for the European Tour to follow suit so that the R&A and USGA ban wouldn't hold much weight......but the European Tour has indicated that it wasn't as big a deal to them as it was in America so they planned on following the R&A's ban on anchoring.

  Stay tuned for more on this new golf controversy. 

Golf Events

May 4, 2ed Rock Hill Ambulance Corps. Annual Pearl Dumond Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament, Tarry Brae Golf Course, call Tom Burgursky at 845-798-0549 or Marc Strauss at 914-799-1705.

May 10, Mamakating Lions Club Tournament, Tarry Brae Golf Course, call 845-434-2620.

May 20, New Hope Community 3ed Annual Wallace Berkowitz Tournament, Grossinger's Country Club, call Laura Morace at 845-434-8300, ext. 318.

June 1, Dave Currier Memorial 8 a.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, contact Joe Currier at 845-252-7358.

June 1, Mike Schulte Memorial 2 p.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, contact Charlie Schadt at 845-798-2452.

June 7, Monticello PBA Tournament, Lochmor Golf Course, call 845-434-1257.

June 7, 7th Annual Jake Hulse Memorial 8 a.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, contact Bill Hulse at 845-292-0438.

June 7, 2013 Pro-Am Tournament to benefit Occupations Inc. At the Golf Club at Mansion Ridge. Information at parchiere@occupations.org 

 June 8, Jake Classic Golf Tournament, Tarry Brae Golf Course, call 845-434-2620.

June 9, Shady Acres Hunting Club Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

June 9, Jeffersonville Lions Club Tournament, 1 p.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Contact Doug Immoor at 845-482-5094.

June 15, Bill Carlson Memorial, Tarry Brae Golf Course, call 845-434-2620.

June 29, Town of Callicoon Republican Party Tournament, 1 p.m. start,  contact Bonnie Hubert at 845-482-5390.

June 30, Pars For Parkinson Tournament, Tarry Brae Golf Course, call 845-434-2620.

July 13, Friends Outing, 8 a.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323.

July 19, Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 07-498-5502.

July 20, Liberty Elks Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.  

July 21, Fallsburg Lions Tournament, Tarry Brae Golf Course, call 845-434-2620.

July 21, Swan Lake Fire Company Tournament, 1 p.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323.

July 27, Billy Moran Memorial Golf Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

July 28, Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

August 4, St. Georges Church Tournament, 1 p.m. start, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, contact Bill Moloney at 845-482-5625.

August 10, Tennanah Lake & Catskill Pheasantry Pull & Putt Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

August 12, Hospice Annual Golf Outing, The Powelton Club, Newburgh, contact gloria@hospiceoforange.com at call 845-561-5362, ext. 366.

August 25, Roscoe/Rockland Fire Department Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

Sept. 15, Methol Hunting Club Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

Sept. 21, Kathy McMichael Memorial Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf Course, call 607-498-5502.

  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.

                                               

                                                

JESTER BATS 800 IN SERIES

                                                                       

Tri-Valley senior shortstop/pitcher Rodney T. Jester displayed an outstanding three-game offensive attack this week against S. S. Seward with a hitting pace of 8-for-10 (a batting average of .800) in games played Tuesday at "The Rock" in Chester and a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Grahamsville.

In Tuesday's 5-4 Bears win Jester went 2 for 3 with a pair of triples and three RBI's. Jester also pitched in the seventh to earn the save for winning pitcher Alex Brown. In the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday won by S.S. Seward 8-5, Jester went 3 for 4 with two doubles and an RBI and in the second game of the doubleheader won by Tri-Valley 8-7 Jester had three hits and three RBI's. In the 8-7 win Wednesday Aric Boyes drew a bases loaded walk on a 3-2 pitch to score the game winning run after Jester drew an intentional walk, his second in the two Wednesday games.The Bears are now 4-7 overall and 4-5 in OCIAA Division V  league play. 

                                                

Bowling Highlights Column 4-26-13

  PBA Summer Swing Series

  The GEICO Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Summer Swing Series will be held at three different Milwaukee area bowling centers from May 20-June 2. 

  The hosting centers include AMF Waukesha, AMF West and AMF Bowlero.

  The tour will feature five two-hour telecasts on CBS Sports Network---the Badger, Wolf and Bear Opens, the Milwaukee Open and the GEICO Summer King of the Swing. 

  They will air on consecutive Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET beginning June 11.

  PBA's online channel, Xtra Frame, will provide wall-to-wall coverage of all preliminary rounds of the Summer Swing.  Xtra Frame subscription information can be obtained at pba.com and click on the Xtra Frame logo. 

  Veteran PBA announcer Dave Ryan returns as the play-by-play announcer for this summer series and will be joined by color analyst Randy Peterson.

  Ryan served as the voice of the PBA for five years and joined CBS Sports Network in 2009 and has spent the past four years covering college football, baseball and basketball along with college and professional lacrosse and professional tennis. 

  Ryan is a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in broadcast journalism.

  Peterson, a 13-time PBA tour champion and 2011 PBA Hall of Fame inductee, is currently in his 12th season as a color analyst for PBA Tour telecasts. 

 Ed's Outlook

  An interesting 2012-2013 bowling season is coming to a close and this will be our wrap-up column for this season.

  As always a good number of 300 single games and 800 plus series were recorded at Kiamesha Lanes. Congratulations to all for this achievement.

  Liberty sadly lost a bowling establishment in the closing of the long owned Fix family Liberty Lanes but Kiamesha Lanes owner A. C. Patel replaced the void with the conversion of the former Eckert Drug Store into the 12-lane Liberty Bowl.

  The economy still is having a big effect on league bowling.

  The Professional Bowling Association introduced their new team competition which was well received but East coast bowling fans still have only one PBA event they can go to at North Brunswick, New Jersey......sad because several years ago the PBA came to Latham, NY, Cheektowaga, NY, Norwich, Conn., Long Island and North Brunswick. 

  Contact your local bowling establishment for information on summer league bowling.

  See ya in the fall, have a healthy fun-filled summer.......our Golfing Highlights column will start next week. 

  Ed Townsend is a PR Consultant to the sport of bowling. Ed can be contacted at 845-439-8177, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com. View this column and our Golf column and all our pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook.

 The Bowling Tip  

 By Mike Luongo

  Bowlers: This weeks tip will help you execute and repeat good shots by having your body set properly so that you can use the laws of physics to roll the ball and eliminate tension in your swing.

  As I've mentioned in previous columns, too much upper body and head movement make it very difficult to repeat shots.

  The purpose of the stance is to place the body in an athletic position, eliminate all unnecessary movements during the approach and reduce tension.

  Resting forearms against the body, in the stance, will help reduce tension in the upper body.

  How do we do this?

  Here are the four steps in the proper order for setting posture.

  1. Set the feet (toward your breakpoint).

  2. Set your head (tilted over the ball).

  3. Set your posterior (this is your balance point as you are swinging a heavy object).

  4. Set the ball position close as noted above.

  You are now in position to start a smooth approach. Maintain your body position and let the ball swing under your shoulder. You will find this easy to repeat shot after shot.

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com      

Local Scores

(compiled by Ed Townsend)

Kiamesha Lanes

Monday Men's

  Roy Sweeney 232, Eddie Lake 237, 235, 688, Rick Lake 255, 225, 651, Dan Ricco 234, 651, Michael Weiner 226, 607, Paul Durland 278, 679, Vinnie Collura 237, 225, 633, Don Durland 259, 275, 713, Walt Edwards 608, Larry Berens 248, 654, Tom Belgiovene 225, 618, Rudy Belanchia 258, 655, Jon Wilhelm 238, 279, 720, Ronnie Totten 238, 633, Kevin Stackhouse 269, 231, 702, Charlie Tuttle 227, 241, 672, Corey VanKeuren 630, Jesse Lopez 227, Juan Lopez 235, John Lopez 228, 636, Justin Lopez 235, 655, Billy Curry 232, Keith Smith 632, Kenny Atkins 269, 258, 746, Pedro Agapito 636, Dan Van Aken 225, Jim Piontex 299, 698, Matt Fallon 225, 279, 725, Gregory Fallon 269, John Fischer 238, 299, 760, Dave Graham 225, 621, Armen Murad 600, Bobby Cooper 247, Jody Farquhar 634, Al Caycho 236, 232, 657, Jason Budd 238, 641, Bret Budd a nice 300 game and 726 series, Jim Van Aken 259, 650, Tim McIntyre 230, 253, 692, Josh Strang 266, 676.

Wednesday Men's

  Kyle Stevens 238, 245, 697, Frank Scuderi 234, 629, Rudy Belanchia 226, 235, 648, James Van Aken 240, 228, 667, Tim McIntyre 245, 665, Josh Strang 226, Chris Gibson 244, 640, Keith Smith 234, 672, Pedro Agapito 249, 684, Jon Wilhelm 257, 230, 709, Larry Whipple 256, 604, Chris Parken 233, Kyle Matthews 608, Kevin Stackhouse 228, 225, 667, Will Bruce 228, Ronnie Totten 641, David Sawall 225, 611, Jason Rogers 619, Mikey Travis 279, 608, Jo Jo Van Keuren a nice 300 game followed by a 229, 252 for a 781 series, Pete Mitro 235, 605, Serafin Rodriguez 226, Serafin Rodriguez III a 237, 609, Donald Durland 613, Al Frangipone 620, Paul  Durland 602, Eddie Walsh 258, 652, Pete Meachum 636, Paul Minton 232, 256, 699, Jason Jones 235, 641, Dwayne Cabrera 257, 673, Tom Mitchell 248, 651, Shane Conner 228, 238, 664, David Garlinghouse 228, 246, 673.

 Thursday Ladies

  C. Lennix 183, A. Woolard 204, 189, C. Nicholson 180, V. Bernhardt 205, L. Stubits 188, C. Brown 195, L. Cartwright 187, M. Hopper 182, F. Good 189, S. Schmahl 192, K. Borowski 187, P. Gibson 183, D. Durland 211, 183, 193, 587, T. Barres 190, J. Lake 224, T. Smith 182, D. Collins 182.

 Friday Mixed

  Larry Berens 266, 665, David Graham 238, 624, Eddie Lake 245, 661, Ryan Lepke 231, 247, 694, Tom Palmer 232, 649, Frank Scuderi 244, 667, Kevin Stackhouse 629, Jon Wilhelm 247, 248, 242, 737, Tracey Barres 180, 185, 189, 554, Sillporah Boldiis 208, 501, Cathy Carpenter 183, 517, Meagan Courtney 209, 540, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 180, 230, 572, Debbie Durland 209, 192, 184, 585, Sara Durland 206, Nancy Green 186, 180, Joan Lake 184, Antionette Rau 204, 186, 534, Linda Schaefer 202, 510, Karen Scuderi 181, Carolyn Williams 184, 194, 512. 

 Callicoon Kristal Bowl

 Hortonville Ladies

  Sue Naughton 173, Kelly Gombita 164, Lillian Zieres 190, 179, 181, 550, Opal Hocker 183, Joyce Brooks 187, 175, 157, 519, Chris Burr 160, Debbie Loughrey 166, 151, 151, Deedee Schrader 185, 173, Barbara Pingel 175, 155, Judy Mohn 160, Mardette Wilcox 188, 213, 159, 560, Nicole Rossomando 157, 155, Darlene Mantzourate 150, Sandy Cassevah 154.

 Del. Valley Men

  League champions this year is the BCDJR team with members Jim Stone, Chris Berner, Roy Holmquist, Bob Cady and Dean Shattuck. Individual scores include Mark Yewchuck 189, 190, Joe Gager 203, Russell Lyons 234, Bob Head 183, 180, Dean  Shattuck 234, 201, Bob Cady 222, Jim Stone 181, Bill Meyer 183, 192, Mark Hawley 180, 194, Samii Markoa 191, 190, Kory Keesler 186, 201, Bruce Rutledge 196, Jamie Greir 195, Rob Bivins 209, Mark Goda 186, 181, Ed Leroy 188, Brian Starr 202, 194, 191, Eugene Fulton 189, Matt  Fulton 235, 189, 180, 604, Jim Kautz 199, Mike Sorge 202, Mike Gieger 194, 180, Albert Tyles 183, Eric Kubenik 194.

                                  

Chester Sweeps Tri-Valley

CHESTER SWEEPS TRI-VALLEY   

                                           

 Dominant pitching and an explosive offense were the true trademarks of the Chester Hambletonians varsity baseball team last week as they swept the Tri-Valley Bears in three games played at both Chester and Grahamsville.

  Chester coach Mike Doucette at the conclusion of the three-game series said, "our goal was to go 3-0 this week because S.S. Seward (Florida) has not lost and we go 2-1 next week with Tuxedo  and 2-1 the following week with Seward then we can win the division outright."

  In discussing the Hambletonians pitching Doucette noted, "when you have a guy  that throws a perfect game and another guy that almost throws a perfect game my initial thinking before the start of the season was that Michael Coffey was my number one pitcher but Ryan Cabrera (had the no hitter against Eldred) has really stepped up and now it's like like having a one and a one-A."

  In last Thursday's game at Tri-Valley Chester senior Zack Krawczyk struck out 10 Bears batters in seven innings of pitching. In his assessment of Krawczyk coach Doucette said, "he has good control, spots the ball, is a smart pitcher and has good location where Matt and Ryan have good velocity and good curves."

  The offensive punch by Chester throughout the three game series showed a display of strong line driving hitting which Doucette said came after their first scrimmage "and then we saw Goshen twice and Middletown which are double 

AA and single A schools and in these games we were popping up a lot but the adjustments we made after that resulted in line drives." 

  "We don't strike out a lot, we are a good contact team and we're tough 1-9," Doucette added.

  In absorbing the three-game losing streak Tri-Valley coach John Rusin had high praise for Chester saying, "they put the ball in play, they don't give up on the bats, they play great defense , their pitchers keep them in the game, they don't walk many batters and they are a very well rounded baseball team."

  Rusin pointed out "that is seems like every game in this series one inning is where things got bad for us." "We played five out of seven or six out of seven good innings but unfortunately you need to play solid for seven innings to make a good baseball game, Chester did that and we did not" he added.

  In putting a positive approach to his team coach Russin said, "I believe in my guys, they have the goods to be great, they are a great bunch of kids and they work very hard but we have to move forward as we have six league games left, 12 games left overall and  our goal is to get into the sectionals and we don't care how we get in and we hope to get enought league wins to do that."

  The one bad inning in Thursday's game for the Bears was the top of the second when Chester scored five runs off four singles, two doubles and an error. Chester scratched out one run in the top of the first inning and took an early 6-0 lead after two innings.

  Winning Chester pitcher Krawczyk also had two hits, Cabrera added three hits including a double and drove in three runs and Giovanni Alfonso doubled and singles twice to boost Chesters record to 9-2 and 6-0 in OCIAA Division V league play.

  Scoring honors for Tri-Valley went to Rodney T. Jester who doubled twice, drove in a run and scored a run. Mike Foster had two hits and Justin Swarthout added two RBI's. The Bears overall record is 2-6 and 2-4 in OCIAA league games. 

  In the first game last week at Grahamsville Chester won easily with a 15-3 score where Coffee allowed only five hits and struck out 12 over six innings.

Alfonso went 4 for 4; and Colin Marco had three hits and three RBI's. Chris Wittekind also added three hits for Chester.

  Tri-Valley's Jester and Foster each had two hits.

  The second game last week at Chester saw Cabrera getting the win for Chester as he also went 2 for 4 with an RBI. He struck out nine in six innings.

Colon Marco drove in two runs for the Hambletonians.

  Jester had a two-run double and Josh Borozny went 2 for 3 for the Bears.

  Chester this week moves on to play Tuxedo and Tri-Valley plays S.S. Seward.

                    

                              

PHOTO INFORMATION FOR SOME OF THE PICTURES

Tri-Valley shortstop/pitcher Rodney T. Jester led the Bears scoring attack in the three games last week against Chester with two hits Monday, a two-run double in Tuesday's game and doubled twice, drove in a run and scored a run in Thursday's game.                                                     

Chester senior pitcher Zach Krawczyk struck out 10 Thursday in the Hambletonians 12-6 win over Tri-Valley. 

                                                          

  

  

 

Chester 15-Tri-Valley 3

  Chester ace pitcher Matt Coffee struck out 12 and allowed only five Tri-Valley hits in a 15-3 win over the Bears Monday at Grahamsville.
  Coffee mixed in a nice fastball with a good curve and changeup to keep Tri-Valley batters unsettled at the plate.
  The Bears pitching failed to stop Chester's offensive attack. Several errors in the field also did not help Tri-Valley.
  Rodney Jester and Mike Foster led Tri-Valley each getting two hits.

                                                                       

Here & There Column 4-23-13

Lottery Money And Consolidation 

   Whatever happened to the state lottery money that was designated to go to education?

   Proponents of the lottery system gave us all kinds of indications that the funding of education would no longer be a problem.

   Now with school officials in Sullivan County and throughout New York State having to make difficult decisions with their 2013 school budgets......we question the State of New York to give everyone answers as to where the lottery money is going and why must our educational systems be facing a crisis. 

   Statewide our school districts are anticipating cuts which include  elimination of jobs, closing some of their schools, trimming back athletic programs and slashing  art and music programs.

   School districts also have to consider the state-imposed tax cap

  The dismal economic news just is not improving and school boards find it difficult to cut teaching positions and programs but everyone is faced with unprecedented financial challenges.

  Consolidation is often talked about but never seems to get out of the starting gate.

  Those advocating school consolidation say we must cut costs and that the present economic picture demands districts to share and consolidate.

  The need to restructure school districts can start first with regionalizing both teaching and non-teaching services.......a good example recently noted was Sullivan County BOCES sharing electrical work within county schools.

  This is not a favorite subject for school districts but everyone must begin looking for regional savings that will cut costs and help school districts balance their budgets.  

  We continue to remind everyone that New Yorkers have the distinct honor of having the highest tax burden in the country and some of these unpopular subjects like consolidation can help to solve many problems facing us.

  We must not forget that state lottery money topic as it's time all of us demand answers as to where that lottery money is going.