Click on the ad above to reach the Glenora website.
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Seneca Harbor Station & Captain Bill's
To reach the website of the Seneca Harbor Station and Captain Bill's, click here.
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Click on the ad above to visit the Visions Credit Union web site -- you deserve a financial partner that has your best interest in mind!
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Click on the ad below.
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Watkins Glen Supply, Inc.
P.O. Box 70
2768 State Route 14
607-535-2454
wgsupply@gmail.com
www.wgsupplyny.com
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Click here or on the ad above to reach a Chamber of Commerce website.
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SCT Computers
Apple Certified Technicians
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers
A+ Certified Technicians
Visit us at 306 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, 607-535-2495
or
124 Main St., Penn Yan
(315) 694-7399
Email:
Support@SCTcomputers.com
www.SCTcomputers.com
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Your authorized FedEx ship center
M-F 8:00-5:30 (Cut off time 3 pm)
Sat. 10-2 (no pickups)
306 N. Franklin Street
Watkins Glen NY 14891
607-846-7377
Click on the ad below to go to the United Way of Schuyler County website.
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Curly's Restaurant is a page sponsor -- of our People Page. People.
Other page sponsors:
Business -- Sidle Insurance
Sports -- Cayuga Health
Features -- Jeff's On-Site Services
Government -- Jr. Specchio's Inc.
Schools -- New York Connects, brought to you by the Office for the Aging.
Calendar -- Hi-Lites
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To reach the FOWL website, click on the logo above.
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To go to Jim Guild's Famous Brands website, click on the drawing above or here.
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Our Primary Pages
Sports People Features Business Government
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Schools PSA Calendar
History
Obituaries
Classifieds
Columns
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Rotary Club website.
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4 Novels by the editor
Island Nights
Excerpt here.
The Islander
The entire novel:
Prelude-Chapter 4
Chapters 5-13
Chapters 14-21
Chapters 22-29
Chapters 30-36
Chapters 37-44.
Cabins in the Mist
Excerpt here
The Maiden of Mackinac
Excerpts Maiden
and here and here.
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Click on the ad below to reach the website.
Saturday Schuyler Sports Scoreboard Football Boys Soccer: Sect. IV Stories on Sports. Photo: Storm swimmer Makenzie Fish, a multiple winner at IAC Championship. |
Early voting is here; also, Nov. 5 polling places The Schuyler County Board of Elections lists early voting times at the County Courthouse, the candidates who are running, and the polling places on Election Day, November 5th. Voting. |
State Park's Sentry Bridge will be replaced Photo in text: A rendering showing what the bridge will look like. (Provided) |
And inside:--Accepting blood screening registrations. People. --Operation Green Light to help veterans. Features. --Meet the Candidates Night canceled. Forum. --Lou Sand Award goes to Lab Assistant. People. --Montour gets $50K in business funding. Govt. --Imagination Library open to Schuyler kids. People. --Library sets curbside service upon closure. Forum. --Cayuga Health names Nursing Officer. Business. |
A weekly column from |
Glen School District plans $35.8M project |
Schuyler Humane Society gets $1.5 million gift |
A column by Odessa |
The attraction of water ...The editor looks at the role of bodies of water in his life -- how they influenced him as a child, and still do. Column.Anyone caring to advertise may contact the publisher, Charlie Haeffner, at chaef@aol.com for information. |
The Essentials: 42 outstanding SchuyleritesLongtime Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary and Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo have been added to the list of The Essentials, a group of 42 outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted life here or elsewhere. With the two latest inductees, there are now 21 men and 21 women among the honorees. None of The Essentials are in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame, but perhaps will be someday. Essentials. |
Click on the ad below
To reach the STATEMENTS website, click here.
The falls behind Dr. Kevin Field's office in Burdett.
Click on the ad below to reach The Falls Home website.
| And insideRead the latest Letters to the Editor on the Forum Page. |
For Part 1 of "Schuyler County and Me," reprised, Click here.
For Part 2, click here.
For Part 3, click here .
For Part 4, click here.
For Part 5, click here.
******
The Editor's Columns--Obituaries--
Death Notices on the Obituary Page.
Helen Gillmor Fausold, 65, of Ithaca.
Thomas G. Merrill, 72, formerly of Watkins Glen.
Gary Francis Chapin, 73, of Bentley Creek, PA.
Fred H. Barr, 76, of Montour Falls.
Glenna Versa Ergott, 100, of Watkins Glen.
Rebecca Ann (Young) Voorhees, 71, of Montour Falls.
Nolan Paul Ernhout, 32, of Tyrone.
April M. Derr, 41, of Montour Falls.
Diane A. Anderson, 86, of Hector.
Sante J. Conti, 78, of Watkins Glen.
Shea Thomas Callanan, 4½, of Rochester.
Edward W. Osborne, 63, of Watkins Glen.
David Paul Woodworth, 68, formerly of Watkins Glen.
Rose Marie Smith, 91.
Mary J. Hubbell, 89, of Newfield.
Joan L. Terry, 87, formerly of Montour Falls.
Donn Medd Gaebelein, 96, of Rock Stream.
Ian Matthew Mockler, 19, of Rock Stream.
To reach the Famous Brands website, click here.
Donations gratefully accepted ...Since The Odessa File operates primarily on the strength of advertising, its economic well-being can become a bit tenuous, especially when advertisers opt not to continue on these pages. Accordingly, any reader contributions are very welcome. Anyone wishing to send a donation can do so by mailing it to: The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869. |
Take advantage of our Ad Rates ...The Odessa File operates primarily on the strength of advertising, although a few readers send contributions to help the cause. Ad space is always available, in different page locations, but currently key page sponsorships are also available: atop the PSA Page (at $50/month). For a look at our Ad Rate chart, click here. For more information, contact The Odessa File by email (chaef@aol.com) or by phone at 607-742-2772. |
Congressman Nick Langworthy addresses his Chef's audience.
Langworthy visits Chef's as election day nears Photo: Congressman Nick Langworthy at Classic Chef's. |
Mars Rogers, selected by the judges as one of three talent-show winners, sings "From the Start" by Laufey.
Talent Show offers variety of acts at O-M Right: Noelle Freund sings "Let It Go" from "Frozen." |
The ribbon is cut at the Overlook Coffee Company in Burdett. From left: Burdett Mayor Linda Arcangeli; Cayuga Health System COO Tracy Gates (mother of Brittany Thorpe, who owns the building with husband Adam, and of Brandon Evans, who owns the business with his wife Christina Gandy); the Thorpes; Evans and Gandy; Schuyler Legislator Laurence Jaynes (rear); Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale; Sharon Murphy from the office of Congressman Nick Langworthy, and Schuyler County Deputy Administrator Chris Desrochers.
Ribbon is cut at Overlook Coffee Company Photo in text: Business owners Brandon Evans and wife Christina Gandy, with Gandy holding a Special Congressional Recognition presented by Sharon Murphy from the office of U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy. |
2 killed in Dix accident were visitors from India |
WGHS senior Julia Spahalski addresses the Rotarians.
2 honored as Rotary Students of the Month Brooks, introduced by O-M Secretary Judy Kastenhuber, was lauded for her volunteerism, and for her leadership and dedication as treasurer "of several clubs" -- as well as of the National Honor Society and the Class of 2025. A golfer and swimmer, she is also a member of Student Council and Drama Club, and has participated in school plays for three years. She plans to attend either Florida State University or SUNY Canton to pursue a career as a Crime Scene Investigator. Spahalski (pictured at top), introduced by Coach Ralph Diliberto, was lauded for her volunteerism and kind, respectful approach to life. A promising soccer player before knee injuries sidelined her, she holds state powerlifting records through strength training led by Diliberto, and is a member of the Lake Hawks Weightlifting Hall of Fame. Recently named the WGHS Homecoming Queen, she is president of Student Council, helps oversee the school store, and volunteers in the Elementary School. She plans to attend college in Elementary Education with an eye toward a career as an Elementary School teacher. Photo in text: O-M senior Riley Brooks with her award. |
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in the evening sky "Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS looking west from Fitzpatrick Hill at about 7:15 p.m. on October 15. "The comet has made its turn around the sun and is heading out of the solar system to its home in the Oort Cloud. "It will be back in about 80,000 years." It is expected to be best seen through Oct. 26 after making its closest approach last Saturday. Photo: Mark P. Taylor |
Rotary honors Vickio as Paul Harris Fellow Photo: Tony Vickio with Rotary's Bridgette Stewart, who presented him with the Paul Harris honor. He was introduced by Rotarian Don Stocum, who lauded Vickio's Spirit of Schuyler. |
Fire District formation meeting is canceled |
Gardner honored by Veterans' Services Dept. Photo: Kristine Gardner, center, receives award from Dept. of Veterans' Services Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans and Commissioner Viviana DeCohen. (Provided) |
The WGHS Homecoming Court: from left, Sam Caslin, Isaiah Rudy, Liam Smith, Julia Spahalski, Kendra Fish and Molly Coolican. (Photos provided)
WGHS names its Homecoming Queen, King Photo: Homecoming Queen Julia Spahalski, King Liam Smith. |
Among the Falls Harvest Festival performers was singer Holly Campbell, here singing "The Story," accompanied on guitar by Kerrigan Catlin.
Annual Falls Harvest Festival draws a crowd Photo at right: A youngster keeps a close watch on a large snake held by Dan the Snakeman, who bills himself as a snake and reptile educator. |
Montour Falls Tea Company owner Sarah Moore, center, prepares to cut the celebratory ribbon. From left: SCOPED Executive Director Judy McKinney Cherry, Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan, Sarah Moore, Schuyler County Legislator Laurence Jaynes, and Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale.
Ribbon-cutting welcomes tea firm to Montour Photo in text: The Montour Falls Tea Company logo as presented on a t-shirt worn by business owner Sarah Moore. |
Left: Author Jim Potter at the signing. Right: Potter talks to another author, Barb Warner Deane, at his signing. Potter said the work of Deane, formerly of Schuyler County and now of Geneva, inspired him (because of her local ties) to write "Rocco of 1935."
Book signing draws steady crowd in Watkins Potter says the plot, which encompasses boxing, a woman's disappearance, and a local sheriff's efforts to unravel the mystery of that case, is "mostly made up" -- although stemming from stories told him by his late grandfather, James Scaptura, a Golden Gloves boxer in the 1930s who was also a muskrat trapper, a Jefferson Hotel bartender, and a Watkins Salt worker. He died in 1999. Potter, an IBM engineer turned building contractor, published the book through Amazon, where it is available. It may also be found in local stores. |
Clinton and other nearby Montour Falls streets were closed, and the neighborhood evacuated. The car shown here was en route to pick up a family member from a nearby house.
Gas leak prompts evacuation of part of Falls Photo: A board overseen by officials stationed at the Montour Falls Fire Department during the leak kept track of where emergency personnel was being utilized. |
Ameigh earns Region III Athlete of Week honor |
Judge Spaccio resigns amid investigation |
School Board to discuss filling vacant seat Photo in text: Jessica Bravo (File photo) |
Along the Catharine Valley Trail ... "The scenery along the Catharine Valley Trail between Montour Falls and Watkins Glen never disappoints! "I spotted this Juvenile Osprey there recently." Photo by Marti Dense |
Grand Prix Festival held in downtown Watkins |
Odessa's 444,000 gallon water tower, installed in 1999. This is the first time it's been cleaned of sediment-- something DPW Chief Steve Siptrott said might become an annual event. The water being pumped from the bottom of the tank was carried through the green hose and out to a field.
Sediment removed from Odessa water tower Photo: Black water pours out of a hose connected to a vacuum wielded by a diver in the water tower tank. |
An Atlantic worker serves as a second set of eyes for the diver, who was wearing a camera showing on the TV screen what he was seeing at the bottom of the tank.
Plaque honoring Victor Franzese unveiled Photo: Linda Franzese, widow of Vic, was on hand for the ceremony, which had been kept a secret from her. She said she was both surprised and "overwhelmed." |
WG girls top ND in OT as Honrath sets record Photo: Skye Honrath, left, with the game ball, and previous record holder Hannah Morse. |
Board OKs pickle-ball league's use of Center The Watkins Glen Village Board on Sept. 3 approved a request for use of the Community Center for a pickle-ball league. The league, overseen by Bob Decker, will operate on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. starting Oct. 16 and running through March 6. The eight-team league is expected to see participation by 40 people. Photo: Trustees Stephen Klemann, left, and Bob Carson. |
Chamber presents awards at luncheon The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce presented four awards to area businesses and individuals at its annual awards luncheon at Veraisons Restaurant on Aug. 29th. People. Photo: Schuyler Legacy Award winner Kate LaMoreaux. |
Visit Jerlando's Ristorante & PizzeriaThree locations: in Watkins Glen, Horseheads and Montour Falls Click here or on the photo at left to go to the Jerlando's website. There you will find information about all three locations, plus menus. Left: The front of the recently renovated Jerlando's at Franklin and 4th Streets, Watkins Glen |
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
on the Seneca Lake waterfront.
16 N. Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY
(607) 535-6116
Upscale, contemporary rooms and suites plus an American restaurant, an indoor pool and a fitness center.
For other recent Schuyler County news, click here.
Pet of the Week: Harley The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225. All have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, kennel cough, DH(L)PP, have had a complete fecal analysis, been treated for internal and external parasites, are heartworm tested and on heartworm preventative and flea and tick preventative, and are microchipped. Stop in on Mondays and Fridays from 10-1, Saturdays from 10-4, or Sundays from 2-5 without an appointment or call us at 607-594-2255 to schedule an appointment. Or visit our website, www.schuylerhumane.org, to fill out an adoption application to get the process started. |
NASCAR sets August race at WGI in 2025Watkins Glen International will once again help set up the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs field with an August race weekend near the end of the 2025 regular season. Sports. |
Schuyler Habitat to dedicate house in Watkins Photo: The Habitat house. |
Quacey Wilt (14) gains some yardage for the White squad at the Blue-White scrimmage.
Storm tunes up with Blue-White Scrimmage Photo: Starting quarterback Christopher Simiele, a junior, eludes a tackler during the Blue-White Scrimmage. |
Fall sports get under way at WGHS and O-M Practices began in full on Aug. 26 at Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools for the upcoming high school fall sports season -- including cross country at O-M for the first time in years. Sports. |
Ivy Lane Flowers owner Abby Lane cuts the ribbon. From left, the ceremony speakers: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo; Sharon Murphy from the office of Congressman Nick Langworthy; building owner Jeff Dill (behind Murphy); Abby Lane; Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale, and Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno.
Ribbon cutting celebrates Ivy Lane Flowers Dill recruited Lane after hearing of her participation in a Floral Design program at the New York Botanical Gardens in New York City and her interest in opening a floral business. The wine bar/floral business has worked so well, he said, "I can't imagine this being anything else." Photos: |
Schuyler Storm Head Coach Trevor Holland addresses his team.
Storm varsity football team has its 1st practice Photo: A member of the Storm varsity football team practices on a new piece of equipment: a Jax Tackler -- purchased by the WGHS Sports Boosters. |
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Wendy Criss with Diesel during his first day outside after several days in the hospital. (Photo provided)
Diesel, back with owner, needs to take it easy Photo: Cornell animal hospital workers with Diesel. (Provided) |
The band Still Kickin' performing at the Odessa Community Day on Church Street in the village.
Crowd attends Community Day |
Parole denied again for convicted killer Horein |
Olivia Coffey is greeted by husband Michael Blomquist, who preceded her home from Paris. Livy said having her husband, parents and other family at the Olympics "was really nice."
Livy, teammate arrive home to airport welcome Livy said it had been "a long travel day," and that she hadn't expected such a welcoming committee, complete with signs. She said that while her team's fifth-place Olympics finish "was not the result I thought we were gonna get ... it didn't mean there was any less effort." She said she hasn't made up her mind whether to compete in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, while Molly said "if Livy does, I will." Photos: Olivia Coffey arrives to an airport welcome; and Coffey with teammate Molly Bruggeman, now of Corning. |
This banner, funded by community donations, was installed Aug. 13 at the corner of 4th and Decatur Streets in Watkins Glen.
Watkins Elks Lodge presents $6,000 in checks |
Camp Star kids enjoy a day in Watkins Glen Photo: The Camp Star kids got firetruck rides. (Provided) |
Glen Board OKs concert; alters meeting time Tabled: A request for 40 cars to drive two laps of the Old Grand Prix Course on Sept. 20. The board wants further information, including the role expected of village police. |
Odessa Village Board moves ahead with Phase 2
of its water project. Govt.
Among the fire department trucks responding to the blaze was a Watkins Glen ladder truck. Also on site: trucks from the Montour Falls and Dundee departments.
Fire damages Watkins Glen home; dog saved A fire that began in the kitchen at the rear of the house at 114 Eleventh Street in Watkins Glen late Sunday morning spread upstairs but was quickly extinguished by firefighters. The homeowner, Wendy Criss, was not present at the time, but her dog -- a mixed Lab named Diesel -- was. He was found inside on the floor near the front door by a firefighter, carried outside and attended by firefighters feeding him oxygen. Veterinarian Martha Hawksworth arrived to treat him, and had Diesel -- gradually recovering from his ordeal -- taken to Lakeside Veterinary Services in Montour Falls for more observation. The homeowner -- who one official said had only recently obtained Diesel from a Tompkins County animal shelter -- arrived before Diesel's departure and was able to comfort him. Meanwhile, fire investigators were on site trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Top Photo: An air conditioner in a kitchen window was scorched, and the window broken. (Photo by David Waite) Bottom Photo: Diesel, apparently recovered. |
Heavy rain powers Montour's Shequaga Falls The rain from tropical storm Debby drenched our region Friday, prompting flash flood warnings in several counties and creating flood conditions in some Steuben County communities. In Montour Falls, the most visible result of the rain was likely Shequaga Falls, whose rushing water was something of a tourist attraction, with many drivers parking nearby so they could get out to snap some photos of Mother Nature roaring. Photo: A view of Shequaga Falls on Friday afternoon, Aug. 9th |
Curb installation
An Aug. 5th rainstorm slowed, but didn't stop, road crews installing new curbing along Main Street in Odessa. The NYS Department of Transportation project, which includes sidewalks and traffic bump-outs, has been underway for weeks on one side of the street, but has now shifted to the other. Construction work in the village has also included the installation of new water pipes throughout.
Olympics: Women's Eight team finishes 5th Coffey, an alternate at the Rio Games, was also a member of the Eights crew that finished fourth at the Tokyo Games. Her rowing team in Paris included Ithaca College graduate Meghan Musnicki in seat five, along with Molly Bruggeman, Margaret Hedeman, Maddie Wanamaker, Claire Collins, Regina Salmons, stroke Charlotte Buck and coxswain Nina Castagna. Photo: Olivia Coffey on an Olympics promotional ad. |
Maggie Coffey reports from Paris. Forum.
The fellow throwing the ball connected on this attempt, sending the young woman into the dunk tank full of water.
Hector Family A-Fair completes its 2-day run Photo in text: Among the entertainments: a magic show by Ron Cain, here shown preparing. |
Summer Rec
Kids attending the Summer Recreation program at Watkins Glen's Clute Park are shown here undertaking a project Friday under the tutelage of Corning's Science and Discovery Center, which is teaching various hands-on lessons each day under a Community Foundation grant. The subject this time was the creation of slimy worms, made of malleable plastic materials. The Summer Rec program, reprised last year after years off, is completing its fourth of six weeks.
Jackie Mace, one of five girls in the wrestling camp, squares off against Quacey Wilt during the camp's Clute Park outing. Mace attends Odessa-Montour High School, while Wilt attends Watkins Glen High School.
Wrestling Camp takes to the Clute Park shore Photo: Amber Swaney and Eli Kastenhuber wrestle in one of the day's many bouts. In the background, officiating, is Troy Monks, a coach at Horseheads High School who was himself a three-time Section IV wrestling champion at O-M and an NCAA Division III champion in 1990 while wrestling at SUNY Cortland. |
Ribbon-cutting marks FLX Studio anniversary Photo: Amanda Colunio outside the FLX Studio |
Ben Stamp of the FLX Gateway Community Development Corp. cuts the celebratory ribbon.
Ribbon-cutting marks opening of FLX Works The Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, the Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee, and the FLX Gateway Community Development Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 17th celebrating the completion of FLX Works, a coworking space in downtown Watkins Glen. Ribbon. Photo: Among the speakers: State Senator Tom O'Mara. |
Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo and Deputy Mayor Peter Cherock at the July 16 Village Board meeting.
Watkins Board ends yard waste-bag program The Watkins Glen Village Board -- citing cost and an absence of need -- on July 16 voted to end a program that provided free yard waste bags to village residents. The move saves the village $10,000 a year. Board members -- noting that the bags were often used for other purposes -- said they discussed the move with various residents who seemed unbothered by it. Besides, the board noted, leaf pickup will continue, so the move does not impinge on that service. Mayor Laurie DeNardo also thanked village personnel who helped Monday in the cleanup from the late afternoon storm that knocked down trees and knocked out village power until 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Photo: The remaining stock of yard waste bags sits in the Watkins Glen Village Hall. |
Most of the Watkins Glen School Board's organizational meeting was conducted in storm-caused darkness. Here Assistant Superintendent for Business Kyle Percey is illuminated by his battery-run laptop.
Caslin elected WG School Board president Watkins Glen School Board member Keith Caslin was elected by the board July 15th as its president for the coming year. He garnered four of the seven available votes to outpoll incumbent president Joe Stansfield. Theresa Butler was elected vice president with the same four votes -- from Caslin, Jessica Bravo, Tracey VanSkiver and herself -- to outpoll the incumbent VP, Craig Bianco. In a ceremony before the meeting, Superintendent Kai D'Alleva bid farewell to several retiring staff members, including teacher Robin La Face, Athletic Director Rod Weeden, and Phys Ed teacher and coach Kim Suddaby. He also said farewell to Tim and Michelle Benjamin, who directed WGHS musicals for the past 20 years. Photo: Keith Caslin at the July 15 meeting, before the storm knocked out the lights. |
This tree brought down lines and blocked Cass Road near the intersection with Route 414.
Storm knocks down trees, knocks out power A rainstorm driven by high winds knocked out power to thousands of Southern Tier residents late Monday afternoon, July 15, including in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. Traffic lights in Watkins went dark, along with businesses and homes around the village. Fallen trees blocked traffic on South Decatur Street and Cass Road, and small bits of debris cluttered roadways in both villages, on Rt. 224 going up to Odessa, and on various Schuyler rural roads. Photo: A falling tree damaged one end of the roof at Kurtz Enterprize in Montour Falls during Monday's storm. The damage was covered by a tarp before nightfall. |
We present the 2024 Tribute Award honorees |
The Yard FLX on 414 celebrates its rebirth A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 12 celebrated the recent opening of The Yard FLX -- a go-kart (photo above) and mini golf destination long popular in years past but fallen on recent hard times. With new owner Aimee Barton leading the way, the facility has been reborn with a vision of reviving its legacy as an entertainment destination. Features. Right: Aimee Barton |
Annual Glen fireworks display draws crowd |
Glen getting $4.6M water infrastructure grant Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo. |
Rob Halpin is sworn in as the O-M School Board president by District Clerk Jennifer Stevenson.
Halpin re-elected as School Board president Robert Halpin was unanimously re-elected by his fellow Odessa-Montour School Board members as board president at the group's annual organizational meeting Thursday night. Jennifer Mosher was re-elected without opposition as the board vice president. Before those votes, Halpin was first sworn in to a new three-year term on the board, as were incumbent Dana Sgrecci and newcomer Jason Dechow, all winners in the district's May election. Photo at right: New O-M School Board member Jason Dechow. |
Storm in the distance Glenda Stermer-Simpson sent this photo that she snapped as a storm approached during July 10th's atmospheric turbulence. "Here is a picture of the storm, from Frost Hill Road, Montour Falls, looking west," she wrote, adding: "Pretty neat to watch it come across the hill." |
Teaming to raise funds for women with cancer The Schuyler Health Foundation and the Gorges Givers group have established a fund to provide emergency finanical aid to women diagnosed with cancer. Fund. |
True Love
The photo above was provided by Watkins Glen's Marti Dense, who wrote: "A picturesque view of 'True Love' sailing by the Painted Rocks at the south end of Seneca Lake." True Love, based at the Seneca Harbor Park Pier in Watkins Glen, is a 67-foot schooner with a rich history, including inclusion in the 1956 movie "High Society."
58 earn their diplomas at WGHS graduation Photo: Senior Class President Alyson Gibson |
O-M bids farewell Photo: One O-M grad's cap. |
Garrison wins the 20th annual Susan Award Photo: Keyonna Garrison with her Susan Award. |
A total of $6,000 in Watkins Glen Alumni Association scholarships went this year to four WGHS graduating seniors. The honorees included (from left) Vey Cowan, Thalia Marquez and Keira Sulkey, shown at the Alumni Banquet on June 29. The fourth honoree was Brenna Pierce, who couldn't attend the banquet since she was out of town.
Aviation pioneer honored at Alumni Banquet The Distinguished Alumni honoree at the annual Watkins Glen High School Alumni Association Banquet June 29th -- held at the Watkins Glen Community Center -- was Grace Pitkin Birge Mayfield, valedictorian in the Class of 1930. Mayfield, who passed away in 1994, was honored in the field of Army Aeronautics. Schuyler County's only female licensed aviator in the late 1930s, Mayfield served during World War II with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group that helped ferry combat aircraft within the U.S. at 126 bases -- and which, years later, won full veteran privileges. She was later a flight instructor and flight controller in Denver, and taught science and aeronautics in the Denver Public School system. On a dare from her class, she took up skydiving at the age of 56. She was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 1983. Photo: Grace Pitkin Birge Mayfield |
Dub G Awards ceremony honors Glen athletes School year-ending athletic awards -- the Dub G Awards -- were presented June 22 at Watkins Glen High School. The ceremony, in the school auditorium, saw Athletes of the Year announced, as well as Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year Award winners. For a list of all of the Dub G honorees and some photos, see Sports. |
This cake was sliced into pieces and distributed to the dozens of friends and family members on hand at the Bucket Bar & Grill to celebrate Gary Emerson's doctorate.
Friends, family celebrate Emerson's doctorate Photo: Gary Emerson at the Bucket Bar & Grill party. |
Schuyler County Historical Society Museums Executive Director Heather O'Grady-Evans, right, with Rotary Club President Nan Woodworth upon the presentation of a grant by the club to the Historical Society.
Rotary distributes annual community grants Photo in text: Stacey Parrish, representing the Village of Watkins Glen, speaks upon accepting a Rotary grant for use in the village's Summer Recreation Program. |
The Village of Montour Falls offered hayrides around the B.C. Cate Elementary School grounds.
B.C. Cate kids get close look at agriculture Photo in text: Art teacher Michelle Walsh brought her Highland Cow to the Farm Day for kids to see close-up. |
The craft STEM-Sail Research barely missed crossing the finish line, capsizing instead, both crew members eventually in the water.
Cardboard Boat Regatta draws a festive crowd |
Awards bestowed at year-end WGHS assembly |
New historic marker unveiled at Jerlando's |
Schuyler Scholars honored at dinner The top academic seniors in the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford high schools were honored Wednesday night, June 12th at the 17th annual Schuyler Scholars dinner, held at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Schools. Photo: Each honoree received a plaque. |
Coffey to compete at Olympics in 8-oared shell |
Gillis is The Odessa File's O-M Athlete of Year Photo: Brad Gilllis with his O-M Athlete of the Year Award, sponsored as in past years by the E.C. Cooper Inc. Insurance Agency of Watkins Glen. |
O-M bestows its year-end sports awards Photo: O-M juniors Gavin Lohmeyer and Riley Brooks, recipients of Section IV Character Counts awards. |
Kyren Young and Sasha Honrath at the signing ceremony.
Honrath, Young ink celebratory college forms Photo: Cakes were part of the celebration for both Sasha Honrath and Kyren Young. |
Matilda Jr. had scores of children in its cast. It was presented for the final time June 16 at Watkins Glen High School.
LCP's Matilda Jr. ends its 4-day run at WGHS Photo in text: Dancing played a key role in the play. |
Representatives of the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel and the Schuyler Health Foundation gathered outside the hotel for the check presentation.
Foundation receives $20,000 Ice Bar donation Photo: Hart Hotels President and CEO David Hart at ceremony |
Odessa File Spring MVP, All-Stars unveiled With the spring high school sports season concluded, The Odessa File presents its choice for the MVP among all of the sports, as well as a listing of the Schuyler All-Sports All-Stars. See Sports. --Vickio is Odessa File's WGHS Athlete of Year. Sports. |
Horses were among the attractions at Saturday's Montour Falls Fire Department Parade on Main Street in Montour.
See story and photos on Features.
Annual 3-day Fire Dept. Festival ends its run Festival Chair Keith Pierce said the festival was the fire department's "only fund-raiser of the year." Live music was provided at the Parmenter Sound Stage each night and Saturday afternoon. The first musical group up Thursday night was Goin' South Entertainment. On Friday night, it was Clark Jackson; on Saturday afternoon, the Dean Goble Band; and Saturday night, Random Tangent. Photos in text: Top: A young girl sends a red dart (top left) toward balloons at one of the festival's games of chance. |
Ceremony marks Stonecat Cafe's 25 years Photo: Cutting the ribbon. |
Marquez inks celebratory SUNY Geneseo form Photo: Thalia Marquez at the signing ceremony. |
Interns help village with sustainability efforts Photo: Interns Helena Donnelly (left) and Emma Malnoske. |
The ball caroms away from the basket in one of the boys' games at the 3-on-3 tournament in the WGHS Field House.
3 on 3 tourney raises funds for United Way Photo: Hannah Morse looks for a shot. |
Lou's trombone A story from Steve Rondinaro about his father Lou's wartime and musical experiences, and about a D-Day anniversary opportunity. Trombone. Photo: The late Louis Rondinaro and his trombone. |
Kramer to succeed Weeden as AD at WGHS |
From left: Burdett Historian Martha Evans, Schuyler County Historical Society Museums Executive Director Heather O'Grady-Evans, Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan, and Sara Lattin, Chief of Staff in the office of State Senator Tom O'Mara, at the ribbon cutting.
Ribbon cutting celebrates Museum's 50 years Photo in text: Lattin (right) presents a State Legislature proclamation to O'Grady-Evans. |
A baptism times three Photo: Chris Stamp holds grandson Logan Wilkens. |
Repair Cafe volunteer David Martin works on a cuckoo clock brought in by Cassandra Hinkle of Enfield, right.
Hector Repair Cafe helps recycle used items Photo in text: Volunteer Chuck Wilke works on a lamp at the Hector Repair Cafe. |
Cycle Boats co-owners Sam Hale, left, and Chris Marriott.
Ribbon cut for Cycle Boats business on lake A ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 30 at Seneca Harbor Park welcomes a new business, Finger Lakes Cycle Boats, a week after it started transporting passengers on Seneca Lake. The company's boat, named the Seneca Siren, offers a combination of motorized travel and old-fashioned pedal power, with up to 10 people manning bike-like pedals to move the craft along on its travels. Business. |
Want to phone The Odessa File?
You can reach us at (607) 742-2772
Want to e-mail this website? Just click below.
chaef@aol.com
Want to contact us?
You can write to: P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869
You can call: (607) 742-2772
You can email: chaef@aol.com
For other recent Schuyler County news, click here.
And also:
Area historical photos can be found on History.
For full coverage of the 2013 Alice Trappler murder trial, you can click here.
For other recent Schuyler County news, click here.
Click here or on the ad above to reach the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development website
--------------------------------
Click here or on the ad above to reach a Chamber of Commerce website.
--------------
For more information about Public Health,
visit its website here.
----------
Watkins Glen's Annette Rodriguez has published her second book of poetry, titled "Surfaced. See me, Understand Me." It is available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and on her website here.
-------------
Read The Stoneware of Havana, N.Y. and Its Makers
by Allen F. Sweet.
A history of the manufacturing of Stoneware in that village (Montour Falls) from 1850-1888. More than 100 color photos.
Available at the Schuyler County Historical Society Museum.
-----------
A book of poetry by J.A. Bauman of Watkins Glen -- "words that God gave me to share with you." Available through Amazon.com.
-----------
A Christian-based autobiography written by Melinda Kreischer, pen name for a long-time Finger Lakes area resident. Ordering information can be found here.
----------
My Wild Ride: The Untamed Life of a Girl with No Self-esteem, an autobiography by ex-Throughbred trainer Susan Bump -- who grew up in Montour Falls -- is now available in e-book formats at major retailers including Amazon.com
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Click on the ad below to go to the Schuyler County Transit schedule.
-----------
The Elizabeth Amisano Ovarian Cancer Education Fund
Live Like Liz, Inc.
P.O. Box 434
Watkins Glen NY 14891
www.LiveLikeLiz.org
LiveLikeLiz@yahoo.com
---------
Contact us about our ad rates
E-mail chaef@aol.com
----------------
A novel by Steve Piacente about a military cover-up, and about the ethical boundaries of journalism. For a closer look, click here.
---------
The author, J.N. Brown, is a 2005 graduate of Odessa-Montour High School. He works at Corning Inc. To visit his website, click here.
----------
An account of a daughter's eating disorder and her mother's seeming helplessness and desperation in the face of it -- and yet a story of hope, love and survival, and a lifeline to other parents dealing with obsessive behavior. $17.95 from ecwpress.com
-----------
A self-help guide to understanding the role of emotions, this book offers a four-step path to emotional mastery and freedom. $15.95 from Infinitypublishing.com
-------
Click here or on the ad above to reach the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development website
--------------------------------
Click here or on the ad above to reach a Chamber of Commerce website.
--------------
For more information about Public Health,
visit its website here.
----------
Watkins Glen's Annette Rodriguez has published her second book of poetry, titled "Surfaced. See me, Understand Me." It is available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and on her website here.
-------------
Read The Stoneware of Havana, N.Y. and Its Makers
by Allen F. Sweet.
A history of the manufacturing of Stoneware in that village (Montour Falls) from 1850-1888. More than 100 color photos.
Available at the Schuyler County Historical Society Museum.
-----------
A book of poetry by J.A. Bauman of Watkins Glen -- "words that God gave me to share with you." Available through Amazon.com.
-----------
A Christian-based autobiography written by Melinda Kreischer, pen name for a long-time Finger Lakes area resident. Ordering information can be found here.
----------
My Wild Ride: The Untamed Life of a Girl with No Self-esteem, an autobiography by ex-Throughbred trainer Susan Bump -- who grew up in Montour Falls -- is now available in e-book formats at major retailers including Amazon.com
------------
Click on the ad below to go to the Schuyler County Transit schedule.
-----------
The Elizabeth Amisano Ovarian Cancer Education Fund
Live Like Liz, Inc.
P.O. Box 434
Watkins Glen NY 14891
www.LiveLikeLiz.org
LiveLikeLiz@yahoo.com
---------
Contact us about our ad rates
E-mail chaef@aol.com
----------------
A novel by Steve Piacente about a military cover-up, and about the ethical boundaries of journalism. For a closer look, click here.
---------
The author, J.N. Brown, is a 2005 graduate of Odessa-Montour High School. He works at Corning Inc. To visit his website, click here.
----------
An account of a daughter's eating disorder and her mother's seeming helplessness and desperation in the face of it -- and yet a story of hope, love and survival, and a lifeline to other parents dealing with obsessive behavior. $17.95 from ecwpress.com
-----------
A self-help guide to understanding the role of emotions, this book offers a four-step path to emotional mastery and freedom. $15.95 from Infinitypublishing.com
-------
An eternal message of lights, hope and faith
The week following Susan Haeffner's passing was fraught with signs -- most of them light-based, and one in the form of a vision. Here the editor relives those days in an effort to pass along a message of hope and faith. Message.
Above: The Aurora Borealis (From the Internet--as seen in Scandinavia)
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An eternal message of lights, hope and faith
The week following Susan Haeffner's passing was fraught with signs -- most of them light-based, and one in the form of a vision. Here the editor relives those days in an effort to pass along a message of hope and faith. Message.
Above: The Aurora Borealis (From the Internet--as seen in Scandinavia)
-----------
The editor has been thinking about fame (a commodity foreign to him personally), and about the famous people he has encountered. Some thoughts on the subject. Famous.
The Sound and the Silence: A Memoir
Some things in life can mean a great deal -- can embody hope and dreams ... and memories. The sailboat is one such thing for the author. Silence.
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Some sports stories and essays inside
Check out our sports related stories and essays, located at the bottom of the Sports Page.
Some special feature packages
From stories of life years ago along Steam Mill Road, to stories by the editor -- you can find them at the bottom of Features.
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The editor's long search for some childhood icons
When he was a child, the editor let fear get the better of him while he was watching a pair of beloved TV heroes in peril. The scar from that experience lingered for decades. For a journey through what the editor's son calls "a weird obsession," click here.
Above: One of the heroes in question.
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A cabin in the woods
The editor travels, figuratively, back in time to an old haunt, familiar faces and warm memories. Cabin.