The Florida Onion

The Florida Onion
Home & Garden
A little attention to the details goes a long way
Volume One, Number 2 © 2006 A Florida Chamber of Commerce Initiative
p.8
Parents + FUFSD
your input is wanted. learn about ways
to improve your school district p.6
A Florida Union Free School District, Florida Public Library and Fire Department Collaboration 50 cents
Young, Healthy & Fit
Florida Chamber
Featured Member
Highway Printing
Corporation
60 North Main Street
Florida, NY 10921
tel: 845-651-4488
fax: 845-651-2991
❖
Highway Printing is a
complete printing
service, serving Orange
County for over 25 years.
From FUFSD calendars,
to business cards, flyers,
and even the Florida
Fun Fest program book;
Highway Printing is a
valuable resource in our
community. Stop by
and visit, for all of
your printing and
zeroxing needs.
Florida Youth Soccer
Florida, NY Florida Youth Soccer held it's 5th Annual
Soccer Camp from August 7th-11th. Fifty children
from FYS participated in the week long event.They
enjoyed the great weather as they improved their
skills and played games. The camp was held at the S.S.
Seward Athletic Fields. Grades 1-11 were represented
at the camp. The camp featured G.B. Soccer, a
professional soccer training organization with
affiliations to top teams in Southern New York and
Northern New Jersey. The camp was organized by
Lee Maas.
Photo: Basel Simon, Grade 1
7 year old competitor clinches 2
National Grappling Championship titles
Florida, NY The Ultimate Sambo Mixed Martial Arts Academy competition team
recently participated in a two day National Level grappling tournament in
Wildwood NJ. The tournament, run by event leader, The North American
Grapplers Association (NAGA), drew participants of all ages, some from as far as
Brazil, resulting in over 1,000 competitors. NAGA is the largest grappling circuit in
the world with many of it’s competitors moving on to professional mixed martial
arts careers, such as Matt Serra (currently appearing in the TV show; The Ultimate
Fighter), and many of the infamous Gracie Brazilian Jujitsu practitioners.
Participants compete in both Gi (uniform) and No Gi divisions, each division
inside
Current Resident or Box Holder
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
MIDDLETOWN, NY
PERMIT NO 1339
Arts & Entertainment
Arts Community Grants (ACG)
announces Legal and Business
Boot Camp for Arts Professionals.
Page 3
Art & Culture . . . . . .p3
Calendar . . . . . . . . .p11
Editorials . . . . . . . . . .p3
Under 25
A community of confident,
energized and motivated youth.
Learn more about the Cub Scout
programs in Florida. Page 10
FUFSD . . . . . . . . . . . .p5
Governmentp11 Health
& Wellness . . . . . . . .p2
The Florida Chamber
of Commerce
in collaboration with
the Warwick
Preservation Quality
Committee is
announcing that an
information center has
been arranged at the
Laundry Shak,
133 North Main Street
in Florida.
The telephone number
is 651-7425.
The location is a media
center where merchants,
organizations, etc., can
post information.
65+
There are many activities,
programs and events available
for the senior citizens in the
Florida, NY community. Page 11
Heritage & History .p3
Library . . . . . . . . . . . .p8
Mayor’s Column . . .p4
Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . .p2
Under 25 . . . . . . . . .p10
Views & Opinions . .p2
2
The Florida Onion September 2006
Editorial
Are cruise ships safe?
By Marci Oakley
Are you nervous about cruising? According
to ICCL (International Council of Cruise
Lines) North American cruise lines have
maintained the best safety record in the
travel industry while transporting more than
90 million people throughout the world.
ports for the first time. In addition, each
ship will be inspected each quarter
thereafter.
WARWICK, NY July 26, 2006 -Q: I would like to take a cruise but with
the front page headlines featuring seven
foot waves and ships tilting I’m nervous.
Are cruise ships safe?
Nancy,
Goshen,NY
A: Whether you travel by foot, car, train,
air, ship or spacecraft, sadly enough
accidents do happen. I will refrain from
citing statistics but tell you that all
cruise ships must comply with
International Maritime Organization
(IMO)
standards.
To
ensure
compliance, the US Coast Guard
examines cruise ship construction
plans, continues to oversee the actual
construction of the ship and inspects
each new vessel as it enters into US
‘The cruise industry’s highest priority is
to ensure the safety and security of its
passengers and crew. During the past
two decades, North American cruise
lines have maintained the best safety
record in the travel industry while
transporting more than 90 million
people
throughout
the
world.’
www.iccl.org/pressroom/passafetyfacts
heets.pdf, 7/26/2006
after listing, at almost full capacity.
Overwhelmingly, passengers felt the
ship to be safe.
‘The cruise industry places the highest
priority on the safety and security of its
passengers and crew. With more
than 10 million passengers cruising
each year, the industry goes to great
lengths to ensure that its passengers are
safe and that they have a fun and
enjoyable
vacation
experience.’
www.iccl.org/pressroom/pressrelease.c
fm?type=a&whichrel=83
As a travel agency owner, I have the
ability to send my clients anywhere in
the world. They travel by luxury train
through Spain, on river cruises in
Europe, by car in Ireland and by cruise
ships at sea. I also have the
responsibility to advise my clients to be
cautious when warranted. I advise them
to visit the official government website
www.travel.state.gov for official travel
warnings. I urge them to take guided
tours offered only by reputable
agencies. There are some destinations
in the world that I do not feel are safe to
visit and I will not send my clients. It is
important to me that my clients enjoy
their vacations in a safe environment.
The US Coast Guard supports our
common goal of promoting safety when
my clients travel by sea.
Mega cruise ships are destinations unto
themselves, offering so much more than
a means of travel. Their popularity has
expanded at a rapid rate, and is
expected to keep growing. The cruise
lines are scrambling to keep up with this
surge in demand, but they never lose
site of their commitment to providing
passengers with a safe journey.
Article submitted by Marci Oakley,
travel agent. Visit her website at
www.CastleCruises.com or call
845-651-2250.
I have personally sailed two of the cruise
ships who unfortunately made
headlines last year for cruising mishaps.
Initially these ships were featured as the
newest, biggest ships with more
amenities than you can imagine: virtual
golf, swimming pools galore, movies
under the stars, choice of restaurants. In
each case, following their incidents,
they were quickly certified for travel by
the US Coast Guard and began
transporting passengers. The Princess
Crown sailed this week, just 48 hours
VILLAGE REALTY
WWW.VILLREAL.COM
845-651-4466
a full service seller/broker
representing sellers and buyers
sales rentals appraisals
Professional Building
62 North Main Street
Florida, New York 10921
email: [email protected]
The Florida Onion September 2006
3
Editorial
Reliving 1986
FLORIDA,
NY
Very few things
actually move me
to tears, usually
it’s movies like
H o m e w a r d
Bound and Eight
Below the movie
about the sled
dogs, being a HUGE animal lover, so
very few other stories make me well up.
I tivoed the SNY documentary Simply
Amazin’ which took you through the
1986 Championship season until the
very end with the World Series, and
when they were showing the last
moments of game 6, and then game 7 I
started to cry, the same way I did back
then when I witnessed this first hand.
Back in October 1986 I was 19 years old,
to me the perfect age to fully witness
this miracle, back in 1969, I was too
young and not interested in too much
concerning sports, in 1973 when they
won the pennant I still wasn’t the full
fledged sports nut that you visit here to
read everyday. By 1977 after my
grandfather and father brought me to a
double header in June of that year , I
was hooked and a Met fan for life. From
1977 until 1983 our Met teams stunk on
ice, but die hards like myself loved them
no matter what. It was an unconditional
love that I don’t think kids today feel
because of free agency, greed and
money.
The documentary on SNY talked about
the moment Keith Hernandez came to
the team back in 1983, Keith till this day
is my all time favorite Met. When we got
him I remember feeling euphoric, like
OK now maybe this team is starting to
get serious. Then came Gary Carter,
Doc, Darryl, Nails, Ray Knight, Wally
Backman and slowly I watch the
progression to greatness and it was a
glorious time. Being 19 years old, I
didn’t need my grandfather and father
to take me to games, I was going with
my friends, and boyfriend at the time
who had a Keith Hernandez-like
mustache. I watched every single game
back then like I do today and it was an
incredible thing to witness. Every pitch
and every hit was exciting, even when
they gave up 26 runs in that one bad
game, it was still exciting, and you knew
they were going to win it all.
That playoff series in Houston was
incredible, probably one of the best all
time division series I ever saw.
Then came the Red Sox for the World
Series, and things just looked bleak, but
you never gave up on this team. When
Buckner let Mookie’s ball roll through
his legs I felt a shot of adrenaline shoot
Life is a journey.
Myles Financial will help
you in achieving your goals.
through my body like I was actually on
the field playing that game.
Then came game 7 and they were down
3-0 early, but once again I said to myself
they aren’t done here. Sid Fernandez
saved that game for them, coming on in
long relief and doing an amazing job. I
remember watching it in my parents
bedroom, my father was away on
business and my mother could care less
about the Mets or baseball, so I was
upstairs watching the whole thing
unfold. After Jesse Orosco nailed it
down and threw his glove in the air and
came down to his knees from
exhaustion I started to scream, My
mother came running upstairs thinking
something happened to me, when I told
her the Mets won she humored me but
was very disinterested. I remember
watching her go back down the stairs
thinking ÒWhat on earth is wrong with
that woman? I watched all of the post
game madness, the fans running on the
field, the post game interviews, all of it.
It was some year.
I never felt that way about the 2000
Mets, because lets face it, had the
Cardinals not knocked off the Braves it
would have been a Braves- Yankees
World Series so it was never as moving
for me. But there was nothing like 1986,
my first witnessing of Met greatness and
I will never forget it as long as I live.
59 North Main St • Florida, NY 10921 • Tel: 845.651.3070
Arts and Entertainment
Arts in Orange is
pleased
to
present
its
affiliation with
the Volunteer
Lawyers for the
Arts (VLA) Legal
and Business Boot
Camp
for
Arts
Professionals™ that will be in venues
around the United States. Led by
veteran arts and entertainment
attorneys, this program covers all the
essential legal and business issues you
need to know, plus, behind the scenes
information as only these industry
insiders can provide.
Shari Forst is local Florida resident and
sports writer for mostvaluablenetwork.com,
she is also a regular commentator on
Life's A Pitch and North Coast Hockey
Tonight on sportstalkcleveland.com
internet radio.
Arts in Orange is a co-sponsors of the
program and Arts in Orange members
may attend at the discounted VLA
member rate (as low as $50) for two
days of intensive programming
including
lunch,
networking
opportunities and an extensive printed
Legal and Business Resource Guide.
You can visit her websites at:
mets.mostvaluablenetwork.com
nyjets.mostvaluablenetwork.com
nyrangers.mostvaluablenetwork.com
Sessions will include:
Intellectual Property
Contract Basics
Business Structures for Creative Endeavors
Special Considerations for Nonprofits
Special Considerations in Film/Video
Special Considerations for Musicians
Special Considerations for Visual Artists
Special Considerations for Dance
This course is for individual artists,
individuals in arts or cultural
institutions, art students of all
disciplines and law students. The
program will present information
important for people at all stages of
their professional development from
those just starting out to those who have
been working in the arts for many years.
Space is limited, please register ASAP.
This original program was developed by
VLA with the support of the National
Endowment
for
the
Arts. For
additional information about the
program and to register, please visit:
www.vlany.org/bootcamp
To learn more about the program or to
become an Arts in Orange member,
contact Jonette O’Kelley Miller, Special
Projects Administrator or Heather
Anderson, Community Arts Coordinator.
Under 25/Sports
requiring different skills and abilities.
Often competitors must wait as long as
6 – 8 hours between divisions. Unlike
many other types of tournament, NAGA
does not award medals for all children
who
compete.
Competition
in
grappling events is extremely tough
with
many
competitors
in
every
division.
Participants must
remain focused at
all times. To place,
yet alone take a
championship
title, is quite an
achievement.
Champions were
awarded engraved Samurai Swords and
all place winners automatically become
nationally “RANKED”.
Results: Demi D’Angelico-age 7, Florida
NY – 1st place – Gi division &1st place
No-Gi division; Alyia Perez – age 8,
Florida NY – 4th place –NoGi division;
Thomas Ricciardi-age 12 , Vernon, NJ –
3rd place Gi division; Mark Ricciardi –
age 9, Vernon NJ- 2nd place Gi division.
Honorable mention-John Sheridan age
9, Florida NY.
Adult Competitors include: S. Simon,
Florida NY 2nd place Gi division and
2nd place No-Gi division; Justin Press.
Ephrata PA 1st place No-Gi division &
honorable mention-Ryan Ahearn,
Warwick NY.
For additional information please
contact Ultimate Sambo Mixed Martial
Arts Academy, 845-651-5155 or visit
www.ultimatesambo.com.
4
The Florida Onion September 2006
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1
The Florida Onion
Serving the Florida, NY community.
From The Mayor
The Florida Onion is published monthly
as an initiative of the Florida Chamber
of Commerce in collaboration with
the Florida Union Free School District,
the Florida Fire Department and the
Florida Public Library.
Please address correspondence to:
The Florida Onion
P.O. Box 214
Florida, NY 10921
845-651-6000
EDITORIAL CONTENT
To be considered for publication, text
(articles, poetry, Q& A, upcoming
events, etc.) must be submitted via
email. Article must include full name
and contact information.
Photographs/artwork will be considered
for publication and must be submitted
with a caption and photo credit.
Written entries should be sent
via email to: [email protected].
ADVERTISING
To place an ad, please contact Evalyn or
Stephanie at 845-651-6000 or via email
[email protected].
2006 Advertising Calendar/Deadline
October
To Your Health
Home & Garden
SPACE RESERVATION: 9/1/06
November
Holiday Gift Guide
Family Home and Entertaining
Dining Guide/Restaurant Profiles
SPACE RESERVATION: 10/1/06
December
2006: The Year in Review
Education: Mid-Year Recess
Winter Destinations
Dining Guide/Restaurant Profiles
SPACE RESERVATION: 11/1/06
Reserve your place today,
BUSINESS CARD
ADS
ONLY
$40
It’s that time of year again!
The Florida
Chamber of
Commerce needs
YOU!
Dear Friend:
The past year has brought about
new endeavors and some changes
to the Chamber. We know that you
are proud of your community. We
know that all of you have ideas to
help make our village better. Please
show your support by joining the
Chamber or renewing your
membership. You DO NOT have to
be a business owner to join.
Most importantly, please consider
coming to our meetings. Your
input, even on an occasional basis,
can give us the boost of fresh ideas
needed to continue promoting our
lovely village as a viable,
independent entity of sound
business and community ideals.
Very truly yours,
Bob Pugh
Bob Pugh
Membership Committee
Chairperson
This article is my way of communicating with
you, the residents of the community, on a
regular basis. Any opinions expressed are
strictly my own.
At present one vacancy on the Village of Florida
Planning Board exists. Meetings occur at least
two evenings a month beginning at 7:30 PM
and lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. The
wages offered for your time are not great but
the rewards of personal satisfaction and
community pride are considerable. If you have
an interest in helping to shape our community
and maintaining our quality of life, please apply
for this position. Schooling is available. For
more information call Village Hall at 651-7815
or me at 651-4466.
The next Village Board meeting to be held on
September 12th will be recorded by Cablevision
and rebroadcast throughout the month on the
Community Channel (#21).
As you have probably notice the entire Big V
building has been razed and within a few
months we can expect to welcome the QuickChek to our fair village. Some of the other
renovations around town are also coming to
fruition and Main Street is looking better than
ever. Plans for the new parking area from
Maple Avenue to North Main continue to make
progress. Plans for improvements at the park
at Glenmere Lake are also progressing and we
should be seeing some of these in the summer
of 2007. Also, suggestions are requested for the
utilization of the village land at Lempka Drive.
In the meantime the Farmers Market is still
going strong. The crop of vegetables and fruits
this year has been superb and vendors are
offering a wide spectrum of items for sale. The
parking arrangement is a big improvement over
previous years with entry only off of Route 17A
and the exit onto Route 94. There is also a
designated area for handicapped. Don’t forget
the market will only be open until October 10th
so if you haven’t visited yet, now’s the time to
go.
Mayor James Pawliczek
Mayor James Pawliczek
Village of Florida
P.O. Box 505
Florida, NY 10921
Curb Appeal is Key
Did you know
that
when
someone pulls
up in front of
your home it
only takes 15
seconds
to
develop
an
opinion about
your property?
Your property’s
landscape is not
limited to the
lawn and shrubs
but encompasses everything from the
street to your doorstep. For this
reason, you must make sure your
visual landscape looks its best. The
real estate industry refers to this as
“curb appeal”.
Take a step back and look at the front
of your house as if you were a
homebuyer.
How does your front
entrance look? A fresh coat of paint on
the front door, new house numbers, a
new mailbox, and a flowerpot can be
one of the best investments you can
make to increase the value of your
property. Rake the flowerbeds, trim
the shrubs, and remove any weeds
that may be growing in the cracks of
the driveway and sidewalk. Make sure
the lawn is mowed, edged and free of
unsightly weeds. If your windows
have broken or cracked glass, replace
it and make sure they shine. Consider
replacing shutters and gutters. If you
have vinyl or aluminum siding, having
it
cleaned
will
brighten
its
appearance.
A little work will go a long way in this
adjusting market. If your home has
curb appeal, homebuyers will want to
see the inside! And that makes the
battle half won.
Need more tips on preparing your
house
for
sale?
Visit
www.hudsonvalleymoves.com
Jeanine Panarelli, CBR is a Florida
resident and a Licensed Realtor. For
additional information, please contact
her at845-258-8293 (cell). Coldwell
Banker Currier & Lazier Realtors
Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Currier & Lazier Realtors
The Florida Onion September 2006
FLORIDA UNION FREE
FUFSD
Please address any comments about this FUFSD publication to Superintendent of Schools Douglas Burnside.
SCHOOL DISTRICT
www.FloridaUFSD.org
845-651-3095 Telephone
Superintendent’s Message
Extra-curricular activities provided at
Golden Hill and S. S. Seward
Dear Florida Community Members,
As we begin a new school year, I
am happy to share good news and
some information that I believe
will be important to both you and
your children. First, I would like to
congratulate Florida Union Free School District Board
Member Gloria McAndrews. Gloria will be receiving an
Award for Excellence in School Board Service from the
Mid-Hudson School Study Council. Gloria continues to
work hard with our Board of Education members and
me to support the educational programs for our
children. Gloria and other recipients will be honored at
a reception in October at Anthony’s Pier 9.
I want you to know that we provide many opportunities
beyond the school day for children to explore
and expand their talents. In this issue of the Florida
Onion, you will see lists of extra-curricular activities
provided at Golden Hill and Seward. Please feel free to
call 651-4407 (Golden Hill) or 651-4038 (Seward) if you
have any questions.
Last, just a reminder: On September 22nd, our district
will have a mandatory Emergency Early Dismissal Drill.
This means that schools will dismiss 15 minutes early:
Golden Hill at: 3:00 PM
Seward at: 2:05 PM
The purpose of this drill is for the district to review its
procedures that should be followed in case of an
emergency. Please call either building if you have any
questions or concerns.
On behalf of the Board of Education and all of our
district staff, I wish you and your children a happy and
productive school year. I look forward to seeing you at
one (or more) of our many school-sponsored events.
Please see September’s calendar below. The entire
calendar has been mailed to everyone. You can obtain
this calendar at the district offices if you have not
already received one in the mail.
Golden Hill
S. S. Seward
Band
Athletic Teams 7-12
Chorus
Chess Club
Elks Hoop Shoot
Fine Arts Club
Golden Bank of
Girls Volleyball Club
Florida/Provident Bank
Hacky Sack Club
Junior Great Books
HS Drama
Junior Student Council
HS Student Council
Math Olympiad
Library Club
National Geographic Bee
Literary Magazine
NFL Punt, Pass and Kick
MS Drama Club
NY Kids Growing Food
MS Student Council
Peer Mediation
Music Club
Post Office
National Junior Honor
Safety Patrol
Society
World Drumming
National Honor Society
Youth Ending Hunger at GH
Newspaper Club
Pep Band
Runners Club
Select Choir
Senior Enrichment
Ski Club
Doug Burnside
Doug Burnside
5
Yearbook Club
Youth In Government
6
The Florida Onion September 2006
On The Hill
Please address any comments about this FUFSD publication to Superintendent of Schools Douglas Burnside.
www.FloridaUFSD.org
Meet the BLT
by Norine Miller and Joyce Willetts, PhD
Nearly all are parents, some are
teachers, a few are local business
owners. Most have full-time jobs and
other volunteer commitments. Why
then, do they devote their precious time
to the Building Leadership Team (BLT)?
Perhaps John Redman states it best,
“Golden Hill has about 480 or so very
good reasons.” Whether giving a strong
voice to every child or making a
difference to just one, BLT members
strive to make positive contributions to
the school, home, and community.
Arnold Bieling Community
Stakeholder; Co-owner Roe Bros
Dan Codi Parent of 2 GH students;
Board of Ed Member; Director of
Product Engineering, Philips
Semiconductors; youth baseball,
basketball, and soccer coach
Karyn Meier aptly describes the BLT as a
mechanism to fine tune existing
programs and to address unmet needs,
whether on behalf of an individual, a
class, or a grade level, or on behalf of the
entire student body or school
community. In the next few weeks, the
BLT will be sending out its annual Call
for Proposals. Turning the ideas they
receive into reality starts with team
discussion and usually ends with just
plain hard work. “I feel strongly that
shared decision-making teams like the
Ron DePace School Principal;
father of 2 (19- & 22-year old) and
active in everything
Robin Fraser Parent of 1 GH
students; full-time accountant,
part-time instructor; active in
Scouts, church, PTA, GH library
Mary Knieriemen Parent of 1 GH
student; works full-time; active in PTA
Marlene Lysack School Nurse;
parent of two Seward/College
graduates; active in church and
wherever needed in school
Karyn Meier Parent of 2 GH
students; active in Scouts, PTA,
Warwick Farmer’s Market
845-651-3095 Telephone
BLT lead to the
CALENDAR
most
informed Meet the Teacher (Kindergarten only)
1:30pm
Sept 1
decisions
and First Day of School (Noon dismissal for Kindergarten only)
Sept 5
s u c c e s s f u l Second Day of School (Noon dismissal for Kindergarten only)
Sept 6
programs,” says
7pm/7:30pm Sept 7
PTA Get Acquainted Social & General Meeting
Dan Codi. “What
Florida Public Library visits Kindergarten
Sept 12
most
impresses
Golden Hill School Pictures
Sept 19
me as a BLT
Back to School Night
7pm
Sept 20
member is how
5:30pm
BLT Meeting
Sept 21
even the smallest
Early Dismissal Drill/Test (All students will be dismissed 15minutes early) Sept 22
initiative demands
the integration of
all school partners to be successful,” children. And that’s exactly what the
adds Mary Knieriemen. Parents, BLT does.
teachers, school administrators, and
community
stakeholders
work This article was reproduced from "Meet
alongside each other on the BLT. As the BLT" by Norine Miller and Joyce
Jean Lankering points out, the whole Willetts, PhD; Parent-to-Parent, the
picture needs to be seen in order to Quarterly Newsletter of the Golden Hill
make a difference in the lives of PTA, Vol 1, Issue 2, 2005.
Norine Miller Parent of 2 GH
students; active in Scouts, PTA,
GH library; classroom activities
owner, helps the District and its
students whenever and however
he can
John Redman VP of FUFSD BOE,
Pres of Orange County School
Board; represents FUFSD to Town
of Warwick Partnership for Quality
Community Committee; active in
Pine Island & Warwick Chambers
of Commerce; as a local business
Kara Rolando Teacher (3rd Grade)
Marlayne Sick mother of 3;
School Librarian;Coordinator,
Reach To Recovery Volunteers,
Orange Co American Cancer Soc;
Board of Directors, ACS;
completing Master’s Degree in
Educational Technology
Joyce Willetts, PhD Parent of 1
GH student; works full-time in own
business; member National
Science Teachers Association;
active in Scouts, PTA
Academic Improvement Plan
School Name:
Year:
District Goal:
BLT Objective(s):
Activity
Target
Population
Responsibility
Time
Frame
Resources Needed
(including
Professional
Development)
Evidence that objective(s) has (have) been met. (How will you know that your objective has been met?)
Evaluation Method
The Florida Onion September 2006
7
Bright Ideas Needed
The BLT’s most valuable resource is
the concerned adult community
involved with our students, be they the
parents, school-based personnel or
business leaders.
If you have any idea for a program that
will broaden our children’s school
horizon, or if you see a need that is
currently not being met... WE WANT
YOUR SUGGESTIONS!
This is your opportunity to have direct
input on what happens at Golden Hill
Elementary.
Ideas should be submitted on the
official proposal form on page 7 (this
makes it easier to compare diverse
proposals). See example for more detail.
Forms can be requested and picked-up
at the Golden Hill main office.
WANT TO HELP!
INTERESTED IN BEING A BLT MEMBER?
Come check us out at the next meeting! BLT meetings
are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
The next full meeting is scheduled for September 21,
2006 at 6:00 PM in the Golden Hill school library.
You are welcome to come and discuss
your suggestions.
All ideas will be welcomed.
S. S. Seward
Seward PTSA continues its support!
Please address any comments about this FUFSD publication to Superintendent of Schools Douglas Burnside.
As the 2006-07 school year
approaches, the thoughts
of school supply lists,
homework and school
buses means the days of
summer are coming to an
end. While the students of
SS Seward Institute have
been enjoying the days
away from school, the Seward PTSA has been working
with Seward teachers and administration to support
numerous programs for them.
During the 2005-06 school year, the PTSA was
instrumental in bringing a brand new HAM radio to
Seward. This radio allows Seward students, and their
teacher, Mr. Chris Golodich, to communicate with
other HAM radio operators from around the world. A
quick look at the bulletin board outside Goldich’s
classroom shows postcards from countless countries
www.FloridaUFSD.org
and states. Mr. Golodich has worked tirelessly to have
students “see” outside of Seward via HAM radio usage.
The PTSA donated the necessary funds to purchase
the radio, and it has been in use since. Past PTSA
president Tina Moser was thrilled to deliver the radio.
She was terribly impressed with the program and her
enthusiasm has certainly left an impression on all
those surrounding the program.
For the upcoming school year, the PTSA has been the
driving force behind the work to bring, “Trout in the
Classroom” to Seward students. While the sixth grade
will be exposed to this wonderful DEC sponsored
interdisciplinary unit of study, certainly all students
will marvel in the growing trout. Mr. Darren Fogarty,
sixth grade science teacher, has been trained to
present the unit to his students and has given his own
creativity to trout at Seward. As many of you that have
fished for trout know, they require cold, clean water to
845-651-3095 Telephone
survive. Via a PTSA donation, the school was able to
purchase the required filtering agents and a chiller.
The chiller regulates water temperature to keep it at a
cozy level for the young fish. Be sure to look for
updates and photos of the trout and students in future
issues!
The PTSA has always answered the call for assistance
at Seward. Said Principal Michael Rheaume, “really,
time and again, the PTSA works to benefit our
students and faculty. They truly understand the spirit
of community and the importance of a great
education.” Further, he stated, “I would like to thank
Tina Moser, past President and President Lori
Friedenreich for their support, as well as all the other
PTSA members.” The PTSA holds numerous events
during the year; please support them in their efforts by
joining and participating in this wonderfully positive
organization.
8
The Florida Onion September 2006
Views & Opinions
The views expressed in this section are exclusive to the individual/organization that submitted the article. Please address any comments to the contact information listed with the specific article.
Warwick Smart Growth Alliance
Local citizen’s group seeks balanced solutions to challenges of rapid growth
The Warwick Smart Growth Alliance is looking for
ways to make sure we maintain a healthy environment
which we, our children and generations to come can
continue to enjoy.
Warwick, New York, March 2002. Many residents of
the Town of Warwick are expressing concerns about
how the quality of their lives is being affected by rapid
population growth that is forcing the sprawl-type
development of farms and open spaces. They are
speaking out about their concerns at local Planning
Board meetings and writing letters that appear in
editorial sections of every local paper.
This week a group of local residents formally
announced the formation of the Warwick Smart
Growth Alliance to examine the challenges that stem
from rapid growth and development facing the Town
of Warwick. The Alliance of businessmen, community
leaders, environmentalists and concerned individuals
is working together to identify sensible and
sustainable solutions to local issues, using the
guidelines of Smart Growth.
The Town of Warwick with all its distinctive
neighborhoods – Florida, Greenwood Lake, Warwick
Village, Pine Island, New Milford, Amity and Bellvale –
has been recognized regionally and nationally as a
wonderful place to live and raise a family. In the midst
of the rapid growth and conversion of much of Orange
Country into one bedroom community after another,
Warwick has managed to retain its unique spirit, rural
identity, vibrant economy and sense of place.
But, even with its rural sense of community, the Town
of Warwick is feeling many of the unwanted effects of
rapid population growth and sprawl development:
• An increase in traffic and dangerous speeding on
local roads and scenic byways as well as traffic
congestion at intersections in village centers that
forces local residents to look for ways around those
bottlenecks.
• School and property taxes continue to escalate,
placing undue burdens on residents on fixed
incomes and stress on all residents. Stress is also
placed on local schools to tighten and stretch their
budgets while still providing an enviable learning
environment and expanding extra-curricular
activities for our children.
• A series of droughts followed by heavy storms have
created concerns for the quantity and quality of our
water. And, while it is not unique to the Town of
Warwick, the air is becoming noticeably more
polluted. Both could have significant impacts on the
community’s health.
• With the local Warwick agricultural industry
providing an $87 million base for the local economy,
demand for new homes eats up working farmland
and can easily erode this economic base without
creating a viable replacement. And, with the
continued conversion of farmland to suburbia, a
valuable and secure source of local food will be lost.
• Wildlife is being pushed away from their established
runs and habitat, forcing them to forage in
residential yards and gardens
• Other quality of life issues, such as lighting intruding
in homes and blocking the night sky, are also making
themselves felt.
Castle Cruises
“Warwick has made great strides in preserving a
special sense of place,” says Andy McLaughlin, Smart
Growth Alliance Chairman.
“Precedent-setting
initiatives such as our new zoning codes with
provisions for open space preservation, our PDR bond
which has preserved over 2000 acres of active
farmland, and our communities’ hard work at
downtown revitalization have set our standards.
These actions have helped maintain an enviable
quality of life, and have attracted new residents to our
Town, villages and hamlets.
“However, those initiatives are now four years old – a
lifetime in the fast pace of the 21st Century. We need
to continue to respond to new challenges as we grow
and continue to look for unique local solutions to the
challenges facing this special Town. For this reason
we have formed the Warwick Smart Growth Alliance, a
local citizens’ group, to strive to find local solutions,
using the principles of Smart Growth, to preserve our
community identity, the open spaces and working
farmland which we all treasure, letting our community
grow in a sensible, balanced and sustainable way.”
Over the next few months the Warwick Smart Growth
Alliance will be sponsoring events throughout the
Town, focusing on the local communities, and their
unique identities. The Warwick Smart Growth Alliance
will also look closely at the complex issues facing our
residents in an attempt to identify ways of alleviating
the stress on our residents and infrastructure
stemming from rapid development and growth.
As part of the Florida/Warwick community, we
would like you to be aware of the CPP and CPF which
will be on this November's ballot.
The Warwick Smart Growth Alliance welcomes interested
and concerned residents to join. For more information,
contact Penny Steyer or Andrew McLaughlin at the
Warwick Smart Growth Alliance. Correspondence can
be sent to PO Box 992, Warwick, NY 10990, 845-986-6003
or visit them online at, www.warwicksga.org.
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9
10
The Florida Onion September 2006
Under 25
Summer Cub Scouting
Summer Cub Scouting by Joyce Willetts, Pack 44 Cub
Scouts from Pack 44 have had a busy summer! In July,
they earned fishing belt loops and pins at the annual
Pack 44 Fishing Derby at Glenmere Lake. Fishing was
slow but that didn't dampen the Cub Scouts'
enthusiasm one bit. When they weren’t fishing they
made poles and tied flies, tried their hand at casting,
and learned about different types of fishing reels. And
of course, tried their hands (or mouths) at the cherry
pit spitting contest. There’s plenty of lung power in
Pack 44! In August, Pack 44 had a fundraising booth at
the Florida Family Fun Fest, providing golf and dice
games for children to play. The booth was very
popular—it seems there are several budding Tiger
Woods in the Florida community! Next, it was on to
the ropes for a team-building course at Ring
Homestead Camp in Middletown. Our Cub Scouts
tackled tall trees that left many adults gasping on the
ground. Pack 44 also showed its community spirit in
August by officially adopting The Park at Glenmere
Lake. Pack 44 holds many of its meetings and events
there and our Cub Scouts will do their “Good Turn for
the Hudson Valley” by picking up litter in the park on
a regular basis. Pack 44 also calls on everyone to “Do
Your Best!” to help keep Florida’s beautiful Park at
Glenmere Lake clean and litter-free. Besides Pack
activities, many of our Cub Scouts took part in events
sponsored by the Hudson Valley Council Boy Scouts of
America. At the Chester
Area Day Camp, they had
a week-long blast on the
BB range, learned about
science and nature, did
arts and crafts, and
performed skits and songs
in the end-of-week show
they put on for their
families. Several also
attended “Boot Camp” at
the D & H Canal
Campgrounds, where they
practiced camping skills,
Native
American
writing,
leatherworking,
woodworking, and knot tying—and let’s not forget the
hiking and campfire activities! These are just a few of
the year-round activities that boys aged 6 to 11 can
expect to experience as a Cub Scout in Pack 44. Join us
at our next Pack Meeting on September 26th to learn
more and sign-up for membership. Come prepared
for fun–and don’t forget to bring a stick to roast your
hot dog and marshmallows around the campfire!
Pack 44 Pack Meeting and Fall Recruitment 26
September 2006 6 p.m. Rogowski Farm Picnic
Grounds, Pine Island For more information or
directions call Karyn Meier at 651 7675 or visit the
Pack website at webusers.warwick.net/%7Eu1032616
WANTED
writers • artist • photographers
illustrators • local historians
reporters • commentary
ALL AGES WELCOMED
Email your stories and images to
[email protected]
The Florida Onion September 2006
11
Community Calendar
Community Calendar
On Going
Village of Florida Family Fun
Fest Committee
First Wednesday of each month.
7pm in Village Hall. P.O. Box 505,
33 S. Main Street, Florida, NY 10921.
New Members are needed and
welcome. The planning for next
year’s event begins in September.
Come out and give your suggestions
as how the event can be made
even better than it was this year.
s Fire Department
Free Blood Pressure Screenings
Every Third Sunday of the month.
9:00am to 12:00pm.
Florida Farmers' Market
Every Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Call 651.6000 or email
[email protected].
Florida Seward Seniors
Meets every other Tuesday.
Contact Ms. Glowaczewski,
membership chairwoman, at
P.O. Box 39, Florida NY 10921.
The Golden Floridians
Meets on Wednesdays at Senior
Citizen Center. Contact Jane
Resch at 845-651-4304.
St. Stephen's/St.Edwards
The 3rd largest parish of Orange
County, is starting a young adult
group for adults ages 21-35. Join
us for our Fall kickoff meeting at
St. Stephen's Church in Warwick
on September 12th at 7:30 PM. For
information, contact Cindy Seeley
at 651-5184. Bring a friend or two!
"2006 Christmas Show" at the
American Music Theatre, tour of
the Amish Country, a visit to The
National Christmas Center,
afternoon gaming at Atlantic City
and much more. Call for details
and reservations Linda, 651-4770
or Jane, 651-4304. Deadline for
reservations September 28,
2006.
September
5 Tuesday
t FUFSD First Day of School
Come see “The Miracleof
Christmas Show" at the Sight and
Sound Millennium Theatre
9 Saturday
s Fire Department
Parade(s) General Montgomery
Day & Middletown Fireman’s
Parade
Travel with the Golden Floridians
on a Diamond tour to Lancaster,
PA on Dec. 4-6, 2006. Cost $300
for 4 meals, 2 nights lodging,
two holiday shows, "The Miracle
of Christmas" at the Sight and
Sound Millennium Theater and the
26 Tuesday
Cub Scouts
Campfire/Meeting Join us for a
special campfire program to learn
more about our Cub Scout Pack.
7:00 p.m. at the Rogowski Farm
in Pine Island.
Upcoming Events
Local Groups/Organization
Newcomer’s Club
Newcomer’s Club a social organization that offers new residents the
opportunity to meet new people, and learn more about the community.
Activities include book club, classic movie night,out–to–lunch, ladies
night out, dinner round, cooking demos and scrap book club. For
information call Linda 651—005l or Marie 988-1814.
Not Listed?
To submit your group or event for
consideration in The Florida Onion,
please send your information to
[email protected]
or call 845-651-6000.
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Thank you for your support of the 2006
Florida Family Fun Fest
Look for pictures in the October
issue of The Florida Onion
Village of Florida Family Fun Fest Committee
Meeting are held the first Wednesday of each month. 7pm in
Village Hall. P.O. Box 505, 33 S. Main Street, Florida, NY 10921. New
Members are needed and welcome. The planning for next year’s
event begins in September. Come out and give your suggestions as
how the event can be made even better than it was this year.
Government
Local Government
Florida Village - Clerk
33 South Main Street
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7815
Village Offices Information
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7815
Village Justice
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-4940
Village of Florida Historian
33 South Main Street
Florida, 10921
Orange County
(845)651-7815
Park & Recreation
Bridge Street
Florida, 10921
Orange County
(845)651-8622
Police Department
2 Cohen Circle
Florida, NY
(845) 651-7800
Florida Village
Highway Department
45 Maple Avenue
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-4332
United States Post Office
15 Edward J Lempka Drive
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7831
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-6000
Historical Places
Florida Historical Society
Village Hall
P.O. Box 97
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7466
Florida Village
Water Department
Glenmere Avenue Extension
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7175
Planning Board
Dates for work session and regular meetings for the remainder of 2006. All material
for the regular meeting must be in the planning board office at noon 15 days prior
to the meeting.
WORK SESSION DATES
REGULAR MEETING DATES
P.O. Box 217
Sept
19,
2006
7:30pm
Sept 27, 2006 7:30pm
33S. Main Street
Oct 17, 2006 7:30pm
Oct 25, 2006 7:30pm
Florida, NY 10921
Dec 5, 2006 7:30pm
Dec 13, 2006 7:30pm
845-651-7626
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LANDED IN FLORIDA
Country Saab of Orange Country
Sales - Service - Body Shop
120 South Main Street
Florida, NY 10921
Contact Robb LoForese
845-651-4603