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Saturday Night Youth Group Fun Nights from 6-9pm, Glory to God Christian School on Route 52 in Liberty starts December 9th. For youths 12 –
18, come play pool, ping pong, games and enjoy refreshments, call 292-7887 for more information
Local News Continued
Superintendent’s Corner
By Matt Youngfrau
When Dr. Ivan Katz came to the Fallsburg Central School District last September,
he brought a vast amount of experience to a district currently in a state of flux. While Katz has worked hard within his new
district to learn the system, he has also taken steps to reach out to the public. To that end, Katz set up a series of meetings
called the “Superintendent’s Corner” to receive input from the public. The first Superintendent’s
Corner took place Thursday, January 18, at the Youth and Senior Center in South Fallsburg. Approximately, 30 people attended
the first hour and a half session. “I wanted to hold informal meetings like this to hear the concerns of the parents and the people in the community,”
Katz told the group. “I know some people get confused when it comes to the budget. That’s why this first corner
is ‘Understanding Your School Budget.’” Katz explained that the school district was just beginning the process to develop their budget for the 2007-2008 school
year. While no numbers are even close to being ready, Katz explained the budget process and ho the budget is formulated. Fallsburg’s budget is made up of many elements. The
School Board, Superintendent, and their staff evaluate such factors as educational programs, support systems, enrollment projections,
and the conditions of the physical plant. The revenue is made up of State Aid, Real Estate taxes, and other revenue such as
grants. As with any balanced budget, the expenditures must equal the revenues. Once the budget overview was complete, Katz fielded questions from the audience. Concerns were raised
over higher taxes due to tax exempt land, programs available at the school and the education their children were receiving.
Katz explained that they could only do so much with what they had. One problem is a number of unfunded mandates-programs like
“No Child Left Behind” that must be satisfied with no funding from the federal government to do so. “We only have control over non-mandated programs,”
Katz informed the group. “We really only control about 10% of the budget. And this not just about money. This is also
about accountability.” Katz ended the
meeting informing the public of some important upcoming dates. The first budget session will take place on Wednesday, February
14 from 7:15 to 8:30 P.M. at the Middle School. Two weeks later on February 28, another budget session will be held at the
same location and time. The budget vote takes place on May 15. Katz encouraged all members of the community to contact him
with their concerns at superidentscorner@fallsburgcsd.net. The School’s website is also www.fallsburgcsd.net
“Candide” Book Discussion
With Dennis Warner at the Ellenville Public Library
Ellenville, NY- Dennis
Warner hosts a book discussion on Voltaire’s “Candide” at the Ellenville Public Library Community Room on
Wednesday February 7, 2007 at 4PM.
Candide is an intelligent and witty look at the corruption and hypocrisy that is found in religion, government, philosophy, science, and even romance. It is a satirical novel abundant
in dark humor that forces each of us to face the possibility that it is possible to challenge blind optimism without losing
the will to live and pursue a happy life. Dennis
Warner is a former high school English teacher at Ellenville High School and current host of the widely popular “Dennis
in the Morning” radio show on 107.9 WELV. Warner last hosted a discussion of “Lolita” at the library in February 2006. “We are excited to have Dennis hosting another book discussion. He
provides a lively and passionate exchange of ideas about great literary works,” said Community Relations Coordinator
Rick McCormack.The program is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 3:30 PM.
The Community Room is completely accessible to the handicapped. For information, please call 845 647-5530.
Central Hudson Cautions Against
Theft of Utility Services
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is vigilant
when it comes to identifying and prosecuting those attempting to steal electricity or natural gas. “Theft of service is a crime, and one which we prosecute to the full extent
of the law,” said Carl E. Meyer, President and COO of Central Hudson. “Our field representatives undergo regular
training to recognize and report theft of service, and are active in seeking suspected cases during their daily tasks. Lost
or un-recovered revenue can raise the cost of service to the vast majority of honest customers who legally receive and pay
for their service.” During 2006, Central Hudson has recovered $160,000 from individuals attempting to steal electricity
and natural gas through overt or fraudulent means.
“To help stop these criminals and reclaim stolen revenues, we’ve also established a toll-free
and confidential Theft of Service telephone line at 1-877-728-3465, to provide a way in which our customers can report suspected
cases,” said Meyer. “This telephone line is one of many methods available to identify and apprehend those who
would steal energy, and our security team works with state and local authorities to fully investigate all leads,” noted
Meyer.
Thieves may try to tap into
electric or natural gas lines, or attempt to disable metering equipment. “Not only is theft of service illegal, attempting
to tamper with high voltage electric and pressurized natural gas lines, meters and facilities can result in a serious or fatal
injury,” explained Meyer. “Tampered equipment can also create a potential hazard to innocent persons passing by.”
Theft of service may also be attempted through falsification of personal information
when establishing an account with Central Hudson. “Fraudulent billing schemes are illegal, and will be prosecuted,”
noted Meyer. “Our employees are taught
to identify ways in which energy may be stolen, and we work with local law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute
those who steal energy,” said Meyer. “Theft of service harms both Central Hudson and its customers, can cause
severe injury to perpetrators, and can compromise public safety.” Customers who may suspect theft of service by a home or business
are encouraged to contact Central Hudson’s confidential and toll-free Theft of Service hotline right away.
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