December 2013 - The Florida Focus

Transcription

Volume 4 • Number 12 • December 2013 • COMPLIMENTARY
’Tis the Season of Giving
Children Set Example on Priesthood Sunday
by Cindy Codi
On Sunday, October 27 the children of St
Joseph’s Church in Florida, NY and St
Stanislaus in Pine Island had a wonderful
surprise for their Pastor, Father Joseph
Tokarczyk, as they celebrated him on this
Priesthood Sunday.
They shared with Father Joe that a few
short weeks ago, while they were talking
about the Gospel of Lazarus and the Rich
Man in their Children’s Gospel Lesson, they
realized there were people right outside
their doors that needed their help. When
they learned that our local Florida Food
Pantry had been struggling with supplies,
and actually needed to limit the amount of
food that people were allowed to take from
the pantry, they realized that this was their
chance to put their Gospel into practice.
The children showed Father Joe that unlike
the rich man, they refused to ignore those
who were in need of help. With some help
from the parishioners, they were able to
collect over 780 food items that will be
donated to our local food pantry in Father
Joe’s name.
“What will happen when they run out of
this food?” a young child asked one of our
teachers downstairs. Well, no worries.
Father Joseph was even further pleased to
see his ministry at work when the children
shared that the second part of his gift was a
pledge that they had made. A Pledge to
Help Others,
always, as
disciples of
Jesus. They
asked for his
permission to
collect food
once a month,
to donate to the
Pantry, year
round, so there
will never be a
time when
others will need
to go hungry.
Father Joe
stands among
the many items
collected for the
Florida Food
Pantry.
Photo:
Cindy Codi
As importantly, the children included in
their pledge to help those “right outside our
door” those who are struggling and need
their help in other ways. “We all know
someone who is going through a hard time
at school, isn’t feeling well, or is worried
about something, and we know Jesus wants
us to help them as well. And we know
sometimes that can be as simple as saying
‘hi’ or just being kind.” They presented him
with this pledge, with all of their signatures
on it, as part of their gift to him.
What an honor for Father Joseph and a
beautiful gift to him on Priesthood Sunday.
A heartfelt “thank you” from his parishioners,
and what a tribute to his ministry, that he
can see what he has sown, that he is
literally teaching—even the youngest—by
example how to live the Gospel.
The Florida Food Pantry is located below the
Florida Presbyterian Church at 1 North Main
Street, Florida, NY 10921. The food pantry is
open every Thursday from 9 AM to 12 Noon. For
questions or to make a donation, please call 845544-3566.
Local Church Looking to Help Those in Need
Clearview Baptist Church, located at 2
Industrial Drive in Florida, is looking
to meet needs within the community.
Their new endeavor called "Know a
Need—Meet a Need" aims to do that.
"When we first started our church the
aim was to meet the needs of people
where and when we could. Our hope is
that our Know a Need—Meet a Need
program will enable us to do exactly
that. Christ came into the world to
meet the spiritual needs of men and
women but He also reached into the
lives of many people who were hurting
and met their physical needs as well.
We as a church are committed to
doing likewise," said Pastor Riker. He
continued, "We want to encourage
anyone who has a need or knows of a
need that friends or loved ones have to
let us know. No strings attached.
Times have been hard and funds are
tight for many of us but if Clearview
can assist someone that might need a little help right now, even if it is to put a few
presents under the tree for their children on Christmas morning, we offer ourselves to them."
If you want to contact Clearview Baptist Church about a need or want more information you can
visit them at www.ClearviewBaptistChurch.us. You will find a copy of their need card under the
"About us" tab, or you can call them at 845-519-9558.
PAGE 2 • The Florida Focus • December 2013
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ON
COMMUNITY CALENDAR • DECEMBER 2013
Sunday 1
Monday 2
Tuesday 3
.Wednesday 4
Thursday 5
Friday 6
Saturday 7
• St. Stan Rosary Society
Meeting; 11:30 AM; PI.
• St. Joseph Rosary Society
Meeting; 2 PM; Parish Hall.
• Florida Focus office open; 2:304 PM, Rm 208, Professional
Bldg, 62 N Main.
• Florida Fire Dept Meeting;
7 PM, Florida Fire House.
• Pulaski Fire Dept Meeting;
8 PM, PI.
The Florida Focus Hits
Newsstands!
• Seward Seniors Luncheon;
Noon, TBA.
• Village Planning Board
Materials Due by Noon, Village
Hall.
• Presentation on goals and key
components of the New York
State Reform Initiative; 7 PM,
SSSI
• Florida Focus Meeting; Noon,
Florida Bakery & Deli.
• Golden Floridians Business
Meeting, Food Drive for
Backpack Snack Attack, &
Bingo; 1 PM, FSC.
• Florida Family Fun Fest
Committee Meeting; 7 PM,
Village Hall.
• Flor-Wick Friends Meeting;
1 PM, FSC.
• Board of Education Work
Session; 7:30 PM, SSSI
Memorial Bldg.
• Annual Village Tree Lighting
Ceremony; 4 PM, Village Hall.
• Child-sitting Service; 10 AM – 2
PM, SSSI. See Mayor’s
column.
Sunday 8
Monday 9
Tuesday 10
Wednesday 11
Thursday 12
Friday 13
Saturday 14
• Operation Toy Train; Fire
Engine leaves 10 AM, Florida
Fire House.
Bldg, 62 N Main.
• Seward Seniors Cake &
Coffee; Noon. Regular
Business Meeting and Election
of New 2014-2015 Officers;
1 PM, FSC.
• Village Planning Board Work
Session; 7:30 PM, Village Hall.
• St. Joseph Holy Name Society
Meeting; 7:30 PM, Parish Hall.
• Golden Floridians Game Day &
Bingo; 12:30 PM, FSC.
• Village Board Meeting; 7:30
PM, Village Hall.
• Golden Floridians Holiday
Luncheon; Noon, Lobster Pier.
$15
• FFD Multi-Unit Drills; 6:45 PM,
Florida Fire House.
• Seward House Restoration
Meeting; 7 PM, FSC.
Sunday 15
Monday 16
Tuesday 17
Wednesday 18
Thursday 19
Friday 20
Saturday 21
• Free Blood Pressure
Screening; Florida Fire House.
Bldg, 62 N Main.
• American Legion Post 1250
Meeting; 7 PM, Legion Hall
Cohen Circle.
• Seward Seniors Christmas
Dinner; Noon, Lobster Pier.
.
• Golden Floridians Business
Meeting & Bingo; 1 PM, FSC.
• Village Planning Board Regular
Meeting; 7:30 PM, Village Hall.
• Flor-Wick Friends Meeting;
1 PM, FSC.
• Florida Lions Club Meeting;
6 PM, Logans Well.
• Board of Education Meeting;
7:30 PM, SSSI Memorial Bldg.
.
.
column.
Sunday 22
Monday 23
Tuesday 24
Wednesday 25
Thursday 26
Friday 27
Saturday 28
WINTER RECESS (NO
SCHOOL)
CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS DAY
WINTER RECESS (NO
SCHOOL))
WINTER RECESS (NO
SCHOOL).
WINTER RECESS (NO
SCHOOL).
ADS, ARTICLES, etc FOR THE
JANUARY ISSUE OF
THE FLORIDA FOCUS DUE
contact
[email protected]
or submit online at
www.thefloridafocus.org
.
.
column.
WINTER RECESS (NO
SCHOOL)
• Seward Seniors Trip to Mt Airy;
bus leaves 10 AM, FSC.
Sunday 29
Monday 30
Tuesday 31
WINTER RECESS (NO
SCHOOL)
NEW YEAR’S EVE & WINTER
RECESS (NO SCHOOL)
.
Abbreviations:
FFD - Florida Fire Department
FHS - Florida Historical Society
FPL - Florida Public Library
FFPL - Friends of the Florida Public Library
FSC - Florida Senior Center
GH - Golden Hill
KoC: Knights of Columbus
PI: Pine Island
PLAV: Polish League of America Veterans
Hall, Pine Island
PTSA - Parent Teacher Student Association
SSSI - SS Seward Institute
To place your not-for-profit organization’s meeting dates and events on the community calendar, please e-mail [email protected]
The Florida Focus • December 2013 • PAGE 3
Join the FFD in Meeting NY Operation Toy Train, December 8
The Middletown & New Jersey Railroad is proud to announce the Second Annual
"Operation Toy Train." The mission is to collect new and unwrapped toys for the US
several locations in NY, including Sugar Loaf and Warwick, where members of the
public can drop off toys, see Santa Claus, experience a variety of working railroad
equipment, and meet members of the Marine Corps.
The Florida Fire Department, in
conjunction with the Chester Fire Department, will be
helping out the annual Toys for Tots Drive for 2013. A
“Drop Box” will be located at the Florida Fire House
for all donations of new and unwrapped toys. You can
also call Jeff Babcock at 651-2762 to have your
donation picked up. On Sunday December 8, the
Florida Fire Department is planning to take Old
Engine 607 loaded up with tons of new toys and Fire
Department members to Sugar Loaf to meet the train,
the US Marines Corp, and Santa! The engine will leave
the Fire House at about 10 AM in order to meet the
train, which is scheduled to arrive at Anne Marie’s
Country Deli (located at 1398 Kings Highway in Sugar
Loaf) at 10:20 AM and remain there until 11:15 AM.
Everyone is more than welcome to attend.
For more information about NY Operation Toy Train, please
visit www.facebook.com/operationtoytrain or e-mail:
[email protected].
Zoe and Shannon Babcock stand with Santa and members of the US Marine Corps
after donating toys to last year’s Operation Toy Train.
Photo: Jeff Babcock
Kayla Receives Gold Award
Girl Scout
Kayla
Holterman,
a senior at
SS Seward
Institute,
has
received
her Gold
Award. The
Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl
Scout can achieve. This 80-hour-plus
project is focused on implementing
leadership skills to complete a project that
will have a long-lasting impact on the
community. Kayla, along with many
volunteers, restored the Bright Beginnings
Preschool playground, located at the
Warwick United Methodist Church. The
project was tailored to work on building
children’s gross motor skills through
occupational therapy techniques. The
restoration included building an outdoor
classroom, creating gravel digging pits,
replacing the roof on an old play structure,
building balance beams, picnic tables, and
benches, and repainting a large wooden
bus.
To earn a Gold Award, a global aspect
must be chosen. Kayla’s global aspect
targeted the Spanish-speaking preschool
aged children in the area. The Bright
Beginnings Preschool previously had an
ESL program, but was now looking to
expand the number of
children enrolled. Kayla
worked with Eilleen
Gagliano, the ESL
teacher, to create a flyer
in spanish that
promoted an open
house and grand
reopening of the
playground. Since the
open house, enrollment
in the ESL program has tripled from last
year.
Kayla would like to thank the WUMC,
Pastor Julia Yim, The Bright Beginnings
Staff, all of her volunteers and her Girl
Scout Leader, Norine Miller.
Kind and Gentle Pet Care
In-Home Pet Sitting
for the
Ones You Love
We Treat Animals With Love,
Dignity and Respect
Pet Visits to Your Home
Dog Walking
Pet Taxi
Insured and Bonded
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Team Shak (Tom and Jo Andryshak and
Janice Harter) took a bite out of the Big
Apple and completed the ING NYC
Marathon on November 3, 2013!
Jacqueline Rubino &
Robert Linen
Florida, NY
845-508-6145
The Florida Fire Department & Fire Commissioners
Thank the numerous Fire Companies, Businesses, Property Owners
and Mutual Aid Agencies that assisted in the battle of the
Mount Eve Forest Fire
October 21 – October 30, 2013
THANK YOU!
Your unconditional support and commitment
to our community is appreciated.
At the scene or on standby:
Fire Departments of: Chester, Coldenham, Cornwall, Cronomer Valley, Cuddebackville,
Goshen, Greenwood Lake, Huguenot, Johnson, Maybrook, Monroe, New Hampton,
Pine Island, Salisbury Mills, Slate Hill, Sparrow Bush, Tuxedo, Warwick, Washingtonville,
West Point, Woodbury
Mutual Aid Agencies: Chester EMS, NYS DEC Rangers, NY State Fire, NY State Police,
NY State Police Helicopter, Mobile Life Support, Orange County Emergency
Communication, Orange County Department of Public Works, Warwick EMS, Various
Orange County Fire and EMS Coordinators
Local Businesses: Central Deli & Catering, Dunkin Donuts of Florida, Quaker Creek Store,
Rookies Pizza, Subway of Florida, Werner’s True Value
And to all the local residents of the Town of Warwick who graciously volunteered their time
and services: Thank you.
“Nobody can do everything, but Everyone can do something” – Author Unknown
After-Thanksgiving Fire Consumes Dwelling
by Robert Cook
At 6:07 on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving, the Warwick Police Department
responded to a 911 hang-up call from a dwelling in the Florida Fire District. Upon
arrival they found a home in flames. The Florida Fire Department was notified and
Chief Joseph Bankston, first to arrive, found heavy fire and smoke with the
homeowner already out of the house.
Engine 608 arrived under the command of Jeff Morse. After assessing the scene
and the volume of fire involved (it was already through the roof) and being advised
that no other occupants were in the residence, Morse ordered his crew to
commence with an exterior attack for the safety of the FFD members. The fire was
nd
upgraded to a 2 alarm and a relay of multiple tanker operations went into effect
with the help of Mutual Aid departments. With their assistance, the fire was
brought under control at 8:40 AM.
Lions Club Welcomes New Member
The Florida Lions held an induction ceremony at their
September meeting, welcoming their newest member Linda.
The Florida Lions Club, founded on February 28, 1949 is a
non profit organization of dedicated volunteers, serving our
local Florida community. If you have ideas on how we can
assist the community or are interested in learning more
about the Lions Club, contact us at
[email protected] or join us for our next
meeting on Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 PM at the
Copper Bottom Restaurant.
The Florida Fire Department would like to thank the following departments for
their assistance on this cold morning: Warwick, Goshen, Pine Island and Chester.
Photos: Robert Cook
Linda is welcomed into the Florida Lions Club by current members
Bob Pugh, Jim Pawliczek, Vince Poloniak, and Rob Pugh.
Submitted by Amy Weslowski
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting December 6
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony of the Village of Florida will take place on Friday December
6, 2013 at 4:00 PM. The ceremony will take place on the front lawn of Village Hall at 33 South Main Street in
Florida. The Florida Union Free School District Choral Group, under the direction of Ms Kristen Henne, will
lead the caroling. The Florida Fire Department will be on hand to help out with the festivities. Everyone is
invited.
This young man helped out with a different Christmas tree over the Thanksgiving break. He is seen here having some
fun decorating the seasonal planting provided by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. He is the son of Andrea Muster,
owner of Worth Buying Home Decor located at 2 North Main Street.
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FROM OUR MAYOR
Gaskins-Suarez Engagement
The Florida Fire Company is holding
the tree lighting ceremony Friday,
December 6 at 4 PM at Village Hall.
The Golden Hill Chorus will provide
seasonal songs.
Barbara Jazwinski Gaskins, residing in Warwick, NY,
would like to announce the engagement of her
daughter, Sarah Gaskins, to Nick Suarez.
Sarah graduated from Boston University with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. She has managed
restaurants in Brooklyn, NY for the past 8 years. Nick
Suarez, son of Santiago and Bonnie Suarez of
Greenwich, CT, graduated New York University with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Culinary Arts
Degree from the French Culinary Institute. They
operate their own catering business, Backyard Cooking
Company, and are working on opening a restaurant.
Previously the village accepted TVs,
Obama Care has really shook up the
health insurance industry. Medical
insurance companies are scrambling
and altering their plans to conform
to the law. Because of this, the
village has spent many hours trying
to determine which is the best
coverage for our employees, and we
are not done yet.
March 18, 2014 is village election day
in New York. In Florida we will be
electing the mayor and two trustees.
Ruszkiewicz Elected District 3
Legislator
• Free estimates
• Furnace & boiler maintenance
• Kitchens and baths
• Service work
• New installations
Slesinski
Plumbing and Heating, LLC
Mark J. Slesinski, Owner
Serving Florida and surrounding regions
Tel: 845-508-6148
“I want to thank the people of District 3 for selecting me to
represent them in the Legislature for the next 4 years,”
Ruszkiewicz said. Thank you to all of you who worked so
hard on my campaign; all of our hard work has paid off. I am
truly honored by all of your support, and I look forward to
serving you in Goshen as I promised: openly, honestly and
responsibly.” Ruszkiewicz praised his opponent Harold
Ciappa as a “real gentleman,” and commended him on
“running a clean campaign, focused on the issues.”
Ruszkiewicz will succeed retiring Legislator and Chairman
Mike Pillmeier.
Candidates may pick up nominating
petitions December 31 at Village
Hall. That is when I will be picking
up my petition for re-election for
mayor.
Finally, December is the time for
friends and family getting together
and enjoying the holidays. While
you're celebrating, remember those
who are having a hard time. Please
remember the Florida Food Pantry.
Jim Pawliczek, Sr.
Mayor, Village of Florida
PO Box 505, Florida, NY 10921
This article is my way of communicating with
you, the residents of the Village of Florida, on
a regular basis. Any opinions expressed are
strictly my own.
Installation of Water Meters
Paul Ruszkiewicz (R,C,I - Pine Island) has been elected
Orange County’s next County Legislator from District 3,
after winning the November election against Democrat and
Working Families party candidate Harold Ciappa.
The couple currently reside in Morris, CT. A summer
wedding is planned.
PO Box 103
Florida, New York 10921
The village is providing a seasonal
service for families in the Florida
School District. Parents can enjoy
stress-free shopping by dropping
their children off at SS Seward from
10 AM to 2 PM on three Saturdays in
December (December 7, 14 and 21).
You must sign in when the children
are dropped off. Shop local while
secure in the knowledge that your
children are in good hands.
monitors, and electric gadgets for
disposal. Unfortunately, we lost our
pick-up contractor. Please be patient.
When we get a new pick-up
contractor, we will resume the
service.
Mark Slesinski
Slesinski Plumbing and Heating, LLC
has been retained by the Village of
Florida to install water meters at all
residences on Farries Avenue, Pillmeier
Place, Robert Drive and Susan Court.
Over the next several weeks, all
homeowners will be contacted to
arrange a date for installation.
Reminder: Village of Florida Planning
Board December Meetings
Materials must be in by noon on Tuesday, December 3,
2013. Work Session Meeting at 7:30 PM on Tuesday,
December 10, 2013. Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM on
Wednesday, December 18, 2013. All meetings are held at
Village Hall, 33 South Main Street.
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Clerk’s, County Executive’s Offices Recognized
by NY Organ Donor Network for Support
The New York Organ
Donor Network
recognized Orange
County Clerk Donna
Benson and Kristin
Jensen, Assistant to the
County Executive, for
their efforts to promote
and advance organ
donation. Pictured at the
Network’s New York City
Office are County Clerk
Benson, Stefan Segadlo,
NYODN educator, Kristin
Jensen, and James
Pardes. NYODN, Vice
President of Marketing
and Communications.
Goshen – Orange County Clerk Donna
Benson and Kristin Jensen, Assistant to
County Executive Edward A. Diana, were
recently recognized by the NY Organ Donor
Network for their efforts on behalf of the
County to increase awareness of and promote
enrollment in the organ donor registry.
Under Clerk Benson’s leadership, the
Orange County offices of the Department of
Motor Vehicles have made a concerted
effort to bring the option to register as an
organ donor to the attention of drivers.
DMV staffers have been through training,
sported “Donate Life” t-shirts and pins, and
distributed donor registration literature in
order to highlight the extreme need in New
York State to improve registry enrollment.
Naturalization ceremonies at which new
U.S. citizens are sworn in, also under the
auspices of the County Clerk’s office, now
include a speaker who provides a first-hand
account of the organ donor program and
encourages these newest citizens to enroll.
declared April Donate Life Month in Orange
County, presented a proclamation to the
New York Organ Donor Network at a
meeting of the full legislature, shared the
proclamation language with all New York
counties, and spoke live on WAMC radio
about his personal experiences on the
transplant waiting list. In addition, on
behalf of the County Executive, Jensen
organized a dress down day fundraiser that
raised more than $2,000 for a local organ
donor awareness program, coordinated a
number of radio interviews on the topic,
and recruited the Orange County Chamber
of Commerce and other local businesses to
support the outreach initiative.
At the New York Organ Donor Network’s
bi-monthly all staff meeting at their New
York City headquarters, Clerk Benson and
Jensen were presented with awards that
read “for exceptional efforts to promote and
advance organ donation.”
“It’s a fact, organ donation saves lives,” said
Benson. “Sadly, the percentage of potential
enrollees in New York State is far below the
national average. That’s why we’re doing
what we can here in Orange County to make
a difference and encourage enrollment in
the organ donor registry. It’s simple – you
can register at DMV when you get or renew
a driver’s license, at Board of Elections
when you register to vote, or by going
online at www.nyhealth.gov/donatelife.”
“It was an honor to be recognized
alongside County Clerk Donna Benson for
our efforts on behalf of the New York
Organ Donor Network,” said Jensen. “The
past year has been a real learning
experience and I’ve had the opportunity to
meet some amazing donation recipients and
donor families who have exemplified the
true value of this incredible gift of life. I
encourage everyone to take five minutes
out of their day to enroll as an organ donor.
Each of us can make a difference.”
To bring attention to the critical
importance of the organ donor program
and the registry, the County Executive
To learn more about the New York Organ
Donor Network or to enroll as a donor, visit
www.donatelifeny.org.
The Florida Family
Fun & Run Fest
Committee
would like to wish
the entire community a
very
Happy and
Healthy
Holiday Season.
Looking forward to seeing
everyone on
Sunday
August 10th 2014.
Let the Fun
Begin!
Richie Labanowski is Pine Island Chamber of
Commerce 2013 Citizen of the Year
WVHS Gives Thanks for Fundraiser
On behalf of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, I would like to convey my heartfelt
thanks to all the folks who helped to make the Annual Raffle Fundraiser so successful for
2013.
Special thanks to all the merchants who so graciously granted me the opportunity to sell
raffles in or outside their place of business, including: Central Deli and Northern Bear in
Florida, CJ’s Country Market in Pine Island, Red Barn in Middletown, ShopRite of Chester,
Tractor Supply of Chester, Fetch Bar & Grill, Frazzleberries, Greater Hudson Bank,
Wadesons Home Center, ShopRite of Warwick and the Greenwood Lake Post Office.
I so appreciated all the warmth, courtesy and cooperation that you all extended to me.
I am deeply grateful to all the shoppers and patrons who purchased raffles or made
donations. Your generosity, compassion and caring spirit was beyond my greatest
expectations.
Congratulations to our prize winners: Caroline H of Chester, Peter L of Florida, and
George and Janice Y of Highland Mills, all of whom were most kind and generous in
donating all or part of their winnings back to the humane society.
All of the proceeds from our fundraisers assist us in providing safe haven and the best of
long term care and comfort for the hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused pets in
our local community.
I hope you all take pride and pleasure in knowing that you help to brighten the lives of
our companion animals, while they wait to be adopted.
During these troubled and challenging economic times. We are more grateful than ever for
your continued support.
Submitted by Lee Peterson, WVHS Raffle Chairperson
20% Off
all Polish Pottery and
Woodstock Chimes
Sale ends 12/24/13
The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce has honored world class Polish Dancing expert
Richie Labanowski as its 2013 Citizen of the Year for his life of service to the people of the
Black Dirt Region.
The award was presented
by chamber president John
Redman at the chamber’s
annual social at the Polish
Legion Hall in Pine Island
on Sunday October 27. The
Youth Citizen Achievement
Awards were presented to
Pine Islanders Thomas
Maslanka, Jr, and Brigitte
Scheinert, for their service
to the community.
Labanowski, a former
John Redman, President of the Pine Island Chamber of
Marine who worked at
Commerce, presenting to Richie Labanowski the plaque
West Point for 32 years, is
honoring him as 2013 Citizen of the Year for his long and wide
on the board of Directors
ranging service to the community.
of the Polish Legion of
American Veterans Post 16 in Pine Island, where he serves as Post Chaplain. He has also
been active in St. Stanislaus RC Church in Pine Island for many years.
The Boy Scouts awarded Labanowski the prestigious “Ad Altare Dei” award for his many
years of service to the organization. He also served in the Pine Island Ambulance Corps
for 13 years.
In 1960 he was the polka champion of the Harvest Moon Ball, the most famous dance
contest in the world at the time. He danced to music by Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and
Tito Puentes and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. As a dance champion he rubbed
shoulders with Mickey Rooney, Danny Thomas and the McGuire Sisters and while on tour
met Patsy Cline. His dancing entertained many dignitaries, including General Omar
Bradley and Senator Edwin Muskie.
Labanowski’s continuing dedication to his Polish heritage is manifest in the many
contributions he makes to events held by the Hudson Valley Polonaise Society, including
giving weekly lessons in the Polish Dancing that made him famous.
The Youth Award winner Thomas Maslanka, Jr., a freshman at Dutchess Community
College, has volunteered at local events including the Black Dirt Feast, the Pumpkin
Festival and Pine Island Recreation. He has helped to care for an elderly relative at home
as well as neighbors who need help in their yards in the winter. While at Warwick Valley
High School Maslanka did three part time jobs while maintaining good academic grades.
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Brigitte Scheinert, also a Youth Award winner, is a Warwick Valley High School senior
where she helped organize the Harvest Fair. She volunteered at various community events
including Pine Island Recreation and ran a food and clothing drive for the Farm Workers
Community Center (The Alamo). All the while, Scheinert has achieved outstanding grades
at school.
The annual social was attended by more than 70 people including Assemblywoman Annie
Rabbitt, County Clerk Donna Benson, Warwick Deputy Town Supervisor Jim Gerstner and
many other local officials and dignitaries.
Mini-Biographies of the Newest Members of the Seward Athletic Hall of Fame - Part 1
by JJ Kimiecik
There were eight new inductees into the Seward Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. Here are brief biographies of four of the inductees; the next four will appear in the January issue of the
Florida Focus.
Rena Gorish Marr: Class of 1999
Tom Fuller, Sr : Class of 1966
Evan Kujawski: Class of 1996
Rena had an outstanding athletic career
with the Lady Spartans. She earned varsity
letters in basketball, softball and soccer for
4 years.
Tom played 4 years of varsity soccer, 2 years
of varsity basketball and 4 years of varsity
baseball. Two of those soccer seasons ended
up with the Spartans capturing the Orange
County League Championship. Tom was a
key member as his selection to the OCIAA
first-team All-Stars in 1964 and 1965
indicates. That led to his selection as SSSI
All-Sport Athlete for ‘65-‘66.
In 1995-1966 Evan could be seen dribbling
a soccer ball down the field, pony tail flying
in the breeze. Today she has her degree in
Pharmacy and is a Clinical Pharmacy
Specialist at the Stratton VA Medical Center
in Albany, NY.
Basketball was probably her best sport as
she finished with over 1000 points in that
sport. She was a 3-time All-State selection.
In her senior year she averaged 23.8 points,
10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals per game.
She continued that career at Wilkes
University in Wilkes-Barre, PA, playing
varsity in all 4 years. At Wilkes she
averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3
assists per game. At one time she held the
team record for most 3-pointers. She was
the team captain in both her Junior and
Senior years.
She also played 4 years of varsity soccer at
Seward, earning All-State honors as a goal
keeper in her Senior year.
She graduated from Wilkes with a
bachelor’s degree in psychology and a
master’s in community and counseling
psychology. She lives in Wallkill, NY with
her husband Dave and their 6-month old
triplets, Hudson, Harper and Sadie.
(She always was a fine 3-point shooter.)
One of the highlights of his baseball career
was a 3-homer game against Goshen. If not
for a missed base, it would have been four.
While at Seward she was a 4-year starter in
soccer. In her Junior year she scored 39
goals. She was honored as a scholar/athlete
by the T-H Record in her Senior year, and
was also a T-H Record first-team All-Star
that same year.
A highlight of his basketball days was a fullcourt shot at the buzzer, approximately 55
feet. That’s a record that will never be
broken as that gym is now the
library/media center.
She played varsity softball for 3 years, with
outstanding success both offensively and
defensively. In her Senior year she was
awarded MVP honor for that offense and
made the T-H Record first team.
After graduating from Seward Tom attended
OCCC, as it was then called, where he
played varsity soccer. He later attended
Harriman College.
After graduating from Seward she went on
to play soccer at Cornell University. An
injury in her Junior year abruptly ended her
athletic career. She the concentrated on
academics earning both a BA and a BFA
and graduated in the top 1% of her class.
His athletic accomplishments include perfect
300 games in bowling. That led to 13 years
of coaching youth bowling. He also coached
modified soccer and baseball for 2 years at
Seward.
He served 3 years in the US Army ,which
included 3 tours of duty in Viet Nam. He is
a member of the American Legion, Post
1250 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He
is a long-time member of the Florida Fire
Department and is currently a member of
the Village Board, being elected in 2002.
A rather full life Mr. Fuller.
Now, in addition to her work at Stratton VA
she also works at St. Mary’s Hospital in
Troy, NY as an inpatient pharmacist.
In her spare time she has become an avid
hiker and is on her way to climbing the 46
Adirondack High Peaks. Don’t bet against
her.
Melissa Oliphant: Class of 2006
One of the youngest members of the
Athletic Hall of Fame, Melissa Oliphant
certainly earned that honor.
She made the T-H Record first-team in
soccer in 2004. That same year she was
voted Seward MVP in that same sport.
In the 2004-2005 basketball season she was
again the MVP. She also made the AllSection team in her Junior and Senior
years. She helped her team make it to the
Final Four in 2005.
Another Seward MVP in softball was just
the beginning of numerous awards. In 2005
she was the NY State Sportswriters Class D
softball player of the year. That success led
to a full athletic scholarship at Division One
Florida A&M University. Her college career
had a quick start as she was named 2007
Rookie of the Year. In 2008 she was named
MVP in softball as she made the All-Conference
All-Star team. A year later her team was
Conference Champs and went on to play in
the Women’s College World Series.
One of her fondest memories of that stellar
softball career was a no-hitter against Army.
Not only did she give up no hits or runs she
also went 2 for 3 and drove in 2 runs in the
6-0 victory.
Melissa also excelled academically, graduating
Cum Laude. She is now a physical education,
health education, and kindergarten teacher
at KC Wright Academy in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Think she’s a role model for those
youngsters?
Call for Submissions: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Council of Orange County Announces 27th Annual
Substance Abuse Prevention Poster Contest
Human Rights Commission Art Exhibit December 6-18
“An Artist’s Response to Human Rights”—an exhibit in celebration of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights—will take place on December 6-18, 2013 in galleries on the
SUNY Orange campuses in Middletown and Newburgh.
The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County (ADAC) along with Orange
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County Executive Edward A Diana are proud to present the 27 Annual Substance Abuse
Prevention Poster Contest! This year’s theme is “Live Your Dreams! Be Alcohol and Drug
Free!”
The contest is open to any Orange County student in Grades 1 through 12. Posters may
be submitted in either English or Spanish and are due to our offices at 224A Main St. in
Goshen the week of February 10, 2014. For the poster contest application and
specifications, please visit www.adacinfo.com and then click on “Calendar/Events” and
then click on “Poster Contest.”
There are two Grand Prize winners, one for the best English language and one for the
best Spanish language poster entered. These winners each receive $200. Cash prizes are
st
nd
rd
also awarded to 1 , 2 , and 3 place winners in four age categories. The Grand Prize
posters are professionally framed, and copies of these posters are distributed throughout
Orange County. We celebrate the winners and their commitment to a healthier lifestyle
by recognizing them at a public award ceremony. Many local and state legislators and
dignitaries attend this ceremony to recognize the children’s achievements.
The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County is very proud of the publicity
this annual event receives. We are equally proud of our young people who create healthy,
positive statements about substance abuse prevention through their artwork. We strongly
encourage your participation!
For questions or information please contact Allie Lerman, Poster Contest Coordinator, at ADAC
at 845-294-9000 ext. 258 or [email protected].
Daniel M. Collins, a senior in the Florida UFSD works on
his painting for this year's Human Rights Commission art
exhibit in art teacher Lucy Duquette’s class.
The goal of the exhibit, featuring
th
works by Orange County 11 and
th
12 grade high school students, is
to raise awareness of the
importance of human rights and
freedoms. “When you see this
artwork exhibited all in one space,
it becomes a very powerful
commentary on how our young
people see the world and how they
hope to change it,” said Dawn
Ansbro, Executive Director of the
Orange County Arts Council.
This exhibit is presented each year
by the Orange County Human
Rights Commission in collaboration with SUNY Orange and the Orange County Arts Council.
th
“On this 65 anniversary of the ratification on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I
am so pleased that the Orange County Human Rights Commission in collaboration with
SUNY Orange and the Orange County Art Council will for the third year provide a platform
for our students to express themselves through their literary and visual artwork while
enhancing their appreciation of human rights,” said Commission Chair Fred Cook.
Submitted by Lucy Duquette
For more information about the Orange County Human Rights Commission and the exhibit, visit
www.co.orange.ny.us/content/124/1340/default.aspx.
Golden Hill 4th Grade Bring a Friend to Lunch
Photos: AnnMarie Scotti
Golden Hill
Elementary
Florida Union Free School District
S. S. Seward
Institute
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SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Summing Up
It is hard to believe that 2014 is just around the corner! What’s
more amazing is all that we have accomplished in taking on
the challenge of better preparing students for an unpredictable
world. This summary comes to you with appreciation for your
interest and support as we work together for the good of our
kids.
Where we want to be: We’ve established
a goal of being recognized at the state and/
or national level for INNOVATIVE programs
that provide PERSONALIZED instruction
that yields RESULTS for all students.
Where we were: Florida has long been
known for high quality teachers and
individualized student attention. Gaps in
technology and pockets of innovation made
it more difficult for students to navigate
through different approaches and systems.
Usable information on student progress and
achievement was typically up to individual
teachers and grade levels, with limited data
available from state and nationally normed
achievement tests.
What we have done: We’ve been
determined to create a unified K-12
approach to personalized instruction. Over
the past 3 years groups of teachers from
across all grade levels have studied our own
Student Learning Outcomes and NYSED
Reform Initiatives. Teachers have influenced
the way teachers are evaluated, students are
instructed, and decisions that are made in
response to the continuous flow of new
demands. Old “testing” has been replaced
with new tools that provide all teachers
more detailed information about student
performance levels and strategies to better
reach them. Ideas for grouping students,
designing projects, and integrating content
in larger project based learning efforts have
been developed by teachers and shared
across the district. We believe that to fully
engage students in their learning, we must
fully engage teachers in the collaborative
design of that learning.
What is next: Now that we have a few
years under our belts, there’s greater clarity
regarding the Common Core Standards. In
addition to devising truly personalized
instruction, we want to rededicate our focus
to more effectively engage parents and the
community as instructional partners. This
requires a more robust public information
effort, drawing input from parents and area
employers to help us move toward the real
world applications that will better inspire
and engage learners. Three communication
efforts are underway right now.
• Mr. Cameron and the elementary staff
has surveyed parents to see what topics
are of the greatest interest, and what
times parents are most available. They
will be devising programs starting in
January to provide parents information
to help them better support their children.
• Mr. Rheaume and the staff at Seward are
currently surveying graduates from the
classes of 2009, 2011, and 2013 to learn
more about where our graduates have
succeeded, and where they have had
difficulties.
• The administrators and I have invited
the community to a program at 7 PM on
December 3 in the SS Seward Dining
Room. The goal is to help our
community understand the goals and
key components of the New York State
Reform Initiative. We hope that the
information provided will allow parents
and community members to consider
ways you can be more actively involved.
Success calls for input and involvement
from our community. We have already
benefited by input through our Building
Level Teams, District Advisory Team, and
PTA/PTSA organizations. We hope you will
get involved and help shape the plans and
decisions that will propel the Florida
schools into the spotlight as a center of
innovation, personalization and excellence!
Take care,
Diane MH Munro
Superintendent of Schools
Teach Them to Reach... Reach Them to Teach
The Florida Union Free School District has established “The Helping Hands at Golden Hill
Scholarship Fund” with the support of Ronald DePace, who served as the Golden Hill
Principal for 17 years prior to his retirement in June of 2013.
The fund is dedicated to help students access enrichment programs that they might
otherwise miss out on due to cost barriers. During his years of service to Florida’s
children, Mr DePace was well known for his enthusiastic support of enrichment programs.
Opportunities outside the school day and week expanded dramatically during Ron’s
tenure.
A committee will be created at Golden Hill comprised of current Principal Andy Cameron,
School Nurse Marlene Lysack, and including teachers and support staff. The committee
will design aspects of the program including but not limited to criteria for awards,
application process, confidentiality guidelines, and formal partnerships.
Community residents who wish to contribute to the Helping Hands at Golden Hill Fund
are welcome to do so. Checks can be made payable to the Florida Union Free School
District with the notation “Helping Hands Scholarship Fund.” Contributions can be
received at the Golden Hill Office, or at the District Office at 51 N Main Street.
Busy Evening at the November Board of Ed Meeting
There were a number of presentations and recognitions at the November 21 meeting of the FUFSD
Board of Education. Besides announcing the “Helping Hands Scholarship Fund” (see above), Girl
Scout Troop 494 (top) were recognized for their continuing efforts to help victims of Hurricane Sandy,
Coach Bill Steele received a certificate from Board President Karyn Meier in recognition of 209 wins
in soccer (see November issue of the Focus), and fifth graders from Golden Hill talked about their
weather symposium (see page 12).
Photos: AnnMarie Scotti
Golden Hill 2013-2014 1st Quarter Honor Roll
High Honor Roll
Grade 5
Grade 4
Luke Blumenberg, Nicholas Campana,
Noelle Conde, Katelyn Finnerty, Riley Itzla,
Morgan Kelly, Christian Kozak, Sophia Licata,
Maryann Perez-Mestanza, Declan Murphy,
Ava O’Halloran, Alina Pachot, Elliana Santiago,
Bradley Vogt, Sean Weslowski
Eddie Celiz, Alessandra Dwyer,
Kassidy DeGroat, Isabella Florentino,
Marissa Gordon, Alimasi Kipela,
Dominick LaBelle, David Lawrence,
Shannon Madigan, Kalynn Parker,
Bernard Nathan Rebaya, Courtney Reicherter,
Madison Schreibeis, Grace Stroh-Simon,
Marlen Sylaj, Kadisie Trude, Luke Young
Honor Roll
Seniors Visit Golden Hill
Weather Symposium
Standing (left to right): Bob Scott, Principal
Andrew Cameron, and Nancy Scott. Sitting (left
to right): Agnes Kiely, Richard Kiely, Rose
Meester
The Golden Hill fifth graders were so
excited to have some of Florida’s senior
citizens participate in their Poetry in Science
"Weather" Symposium on November 5, 2013.
After the interactive symposium there was a
snack and talk with the seniors and
students. A wonderful time was had by all,
with everyone looking forward to the next
opportunity to get together.
Text: Wendy Rohn. Photos: AnnMarie Scotti
Giving Thanks for Book Donation
During this Thanksgiving holiday season I would like to tell the readers of the Focus of a
very special family that showed many of the students of Golden Hill Elementary what it
really means to give thanks!
During the Scholastic Book Fair held at Golden Hill (during the month of November) I was
approached by a mom and asked for a list of students that were unable to purchase books.
I immediately approached Mrs. Lysack (school nurse) and she supplied me with names of
those students.
This very special mom gave me money to purchase books for many of our children.
This selfless, incredible, loving mom did not know which students received the gift of
books, but I had to let the readers know of the kindness of this one family. I am blessed to
teach in a community where I see this “Giving of Thanks” on a daily basis.
From my family to yours... Enjoy the holiday.
Marlayne Sick- Library Teacher Golden Hill Elementary School
Grade 5
Grade 4
Thomas Bracken, Jayden Diaz,
Brendan Durkin, Charlotte Patton,
Emily Romano, Gianna Romano,
James Piscitelli, Deniz Sarki,
Joseph VanDenBurg, Jared Verblaauw,
Braden Webber, Kailyn Wood
Gavin Acuna, Tony Anderson, Ryan Behrent,
Roman Bundza, Cole Buchalski, Alexa Byrne,
Kathleen Califf, Jack Cutrona, Angelina Daniel,
Valentina Emanuel, Kyra Falone, Aidan Finley,
Jillian Freund, Thomas Gooler, Hugo Leana,
Robert Matos, Brianna McLeod,
Kathryn Mulhare, Ellyana Oliver,
John Paffenroth, Emely Ruiz,
Hailey Schmalfuhs, Jonathan Sullivan,
Liam Webber
Wellness Under Construction at Golden Hill
Everyone at Golden Hill Elementary School
shares the excitement of preparing for our
Harvest Days. We are thrilled to welcome
Gina McAteer a former Golden Hill student
and Seward Alumnus to Golden Hill.
Wellness Committee members met with
Gina, who is the new registered dietician at
Warwick Shoprite, to discuss our
partnership and to plan for a year of
Harvest Days. Our partnership with
Shoprite enables us to continue to educate
the children about wellness and making
healthy food choices. We are committed to
creating an atmosphere at Golden Hill that
will encourage children on their wellness
journey. The Orange County Department
of Health (OCDOH) continues to support
this initiative with us and provides us with
tools to “get it done” so our children can
become healthy adults. The banner the
OCDOH provided to promote Harvest Days
is displayed in the hallway near the
cafeteria.
Our first Harvest Day in November
introduced the students to Honey Crisp
apples. Gina McAteer talked to children
about the nutritional value of this fruit
before they sampled it. Most students
remarked about the sweetness of this apple
variety. On December 3 the students will
look forward to another surprise fruit or
vegetable to taste at lunch. The increased
awareness and interest is leading our
children to try unfamiliar fruits and
vegetables.
The students each received a Passport to
Wellness. They have stickers each month for
the fruit or vegetable tried that require
them to respond if they liked what they
tried, didn’t like it or didn’t try it. Jr.
Wellness Committee members collect the
data and graphs are made to show students
the results. The favorite new fruit or
vegetable tasted will be announced at the
end of the school year.
This opportunity to taste fruits and
vegetables is leading children to be aware of
new healthy food choices. They are aware!
This awareness opportunity is encouraging
children to make changes. Wellness is
always under construction at Golden Hill!
Marlene Lysack, RN
Parents can find additional resources about My
Plate at www.choosemyplate.gov and nutrition
at www.pbskids.org/lunchlab.
Seward NJHS Welcomes
Eight New Members
On November 18, the SS Seward Chapter of
the National Junior Honor Society inducted
8 new members for the 2013-2014 school year.
Searra Bell welcomed those in attendance
to begin the proceedings. Chapter President
Liam Quattrociocchi then lit the Candle of
Knowledge and spoke about the virtues one
must possess to qualify for NJHS. Current
members then took turns speaking about
qualities that NJHS members strive to
exhibit. Erika Straub spoke about
Scholarship; Robert Verblaauw about
Leadership; Emily de Jong about Character;
and John Shaughnessy about Service. The
new members were then inducted. They
include: Holly Blumenberg. Alexa
Dougherty, Grant Gravelle, Samuel Knecht,
Athena Moustakas, Alana O’Halloran, Kelly
Sgombick, and Angela Squillace.
Following the new member pledge, and
some congratulatory remarks from Seward
Principal Michael Rheaume, the inductees
shared refreshments with family and friends.
The Seward Chapter of NJHS meets
throughout the school year and works on
projects to help those in need.
Submitted by Robert Gravelle, Seward NJHS Advisor
Liberty Science Center Trip
th
On October 29, the 8 grade students at SS Seward Institute attended a field trip to the
Liberty Science Center located in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ. The science center
has recognized the need for STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) as a vital and critical component in today’s society.
Both students and chaperones experienced an amazing day filled with learning, inspiration,
adventure, and fun with hundreds of hands-on exhibits and presentations. Students were
given the opportunity to climb a rock wall, step out on a narrow steel girder beam 18 feet
in the air, and crawl through the mysterious 80 foot pitch-black Touch Tunnel. Students
were also exposed to the largest IMAX dome theater in the nation where they enjoyed
“Titans of the Ice Age” on an 88-foot screen.
Happy Learning!
Submitted by Lynn McGovern
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
by Micaela Quattrociocchi
Heads turned as proud parents
craned their necks to see their
children walk onto the stage to
receive their pins, sign the
legendary book, and be inducted
into the National Honor Society on
November 13, 2013.
The President of the National
Honor Society, Thomas Smyth,
welcomed the audience. He was
followed by Vice President,
Matthew Dagele, who led the
audience in the Pledge of
Allegiance. Then came the traditional
lighting of the candles. Tom lit the
center candle, representing
Knowledge, which embodies the
basis for being a part of this elite
society. The rest of the candles are
lit from this candle, since the other
characteristics are all based on
knowledge. Beau Ressa lit the next
candle, representing Scholarship,
which illustrates the need for the
inductees to lead their fellow
classmates academically, after
which the candle of Leadership was
lit by Matt Dagele, who described
the reason these members need to
be leaders in and out of the
classroom. The third candle,
Service, was lit by Micaela
Quattrociocchi, the Secretary of
NHS, who explained the need for
the new inductees, as well as the
current members, to help others
through community service.
Continued on page 14
The annual National Honor Society induction was held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. A new tradition was added this
year by students. The new inductees selected a faculty member to give a keynote address at the ceremony. This year's
guest speaker with Mr. Don Lewis. There were a total of 14 inductees (see article). Thank you to the current members of
NHS for all their assistance with the ceremony!
Caption and photo submitted by Jena Giannotti, Seward NHS Advisor
Left to right: Mrs Lynn McGovern, Youth Ending Hunger Advisor, YEH
members Jennifer Mendez, Cassie Rodriguez, Liam Quattrociocchi, and
Mrs. Vanessa Baron, Library Media Specialist, pictured with some of the
new books and materials.
Photo: Mark Stewart
Feeding Hungry Minds
The SS Seward Youth Ending Hunger Club, with the help of Mr.
Mark Stewart, recently hosted a Scholastic Book Fair. Nearly
$1300 in books were sold during the week of November 4–8. Youth
Ending Hunger members volunteered to work the book fair during
their lunch and study halls. Approximately 40% of the net proceeds
were donated back to the SS Seward library in the form of
merchandise, including books and educational materials that were
selected with the help of Mrs. Vanessa Baron, Library Media
Specialist. Scholastic has been around for more than 90 years
encouraging the intellectual and personal growth of all children,
beginning with literacy. A second book fair is planned for April.
Submitted by Lynn McGovern
Seward Students Visit
West Point
What a great experience it was for six SS
Seward High School students to visit the
United States Military Academy on
November 7, 2013. The students, along
with Mr. Petrisko, were actively engaged
with the cadets to develop an
understanding of how physics is applied in
the area of human performance.
The SS Seward Youth Ending Hunger Club would like to extend our
heartfelt thanks to all the students, faculty, and staff who contributed
to our recent food drive. The response was overwhelming. All
proceeds were donated to the Florida Food Pantry, which is located
below the Florida Presbyterian Church at 1 North Main Street,
Florida, NY 10921. The food pantry is open every Thursday from
9 AM to 12 Noon. For all questions about the food pantry or to make
a donation, please contact Denise Thibault at 8455443566.
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, continued from page 13
The final candle, which stands for Character, the final quality for all members, was lit by
the Treasurer, Daniel Collins.
All of these requirements had been met by the inductees to qualify for the National Honor
Society, but these characteristics need to continue on with the new members as they are
truly the ones that the rest of the school looks up to. As a final step for the students to be
inducted, Tom led them in a pledge as the individual candles for each member were lit. In
total, fourteen students were inducted to this chapter of NHS.
As an added bonus to this year’s ceremony, Mr. Donald Lewis, the guest speaker who was
chosen by the members, delivered a speech to the new inductees that motivated them to
always do their best and reminded them of the pride associated with this distinguished
accomplishment.
Thanks to Ms. Giannotti, the new Advisor of the National Honor Society, the ceremony
went off without a hitch, and was a huge success. Ms. Giannotti had previously been an
advisor for NJHS at another school, and engaged in many projects, including taking a
group of students to the Special Children’s Health Fair. All of the members are looking
forward to this year to see what can be done to help our community and school, and
according to Ms. Giannotti, she “hopes to initiate more community service projects that
will directly benefit the Florida community.” She is working with the PTA to create
projects that “link parents and students together.” All of us are happy to have Ms.
Giannotti as our Advisor, and are also happy for the new members.
Congratulations to the newest members to our NHS Chapter: Jake Kinley. John Sheridan,
Joseph Diaz, Natasha Duran, Ashley Gallagher, Cole Gill, Katie Kobylaski, Breanne
Kovatch, Sara Kovatch, Noel La Fratta, Kara Shaughnessy, Kyle Straub, Mikaella
Verblaauw, and Kathryn Warren.
The emphasis of the day was to have the
students be active participants in activities
and tests that develop a baseline of human
performance data. Additionally, by
analyzing the results, students evaluated
themselves on what they need to do to
improve their performance. Students
utilized optical motion sensors, force
meters, electromyography (EMG) systems,
metabolic analyzers, and
electrocardiogram (EKG) instruments to
evaluate their performance.
Later in the day, the students viewed the
cadets conducting various types of
military strategic combat training skills,
such as hand to hand combat tactics,
swim survival skills, boxing lessons, and
completion of an obstacle course. The day
ended with a tour of the academy, which
provided a unique insight into the beauty,
history, and architecture the facility has to
offer. The students will be returning in
December to conduct further research on
topics relating to the area of human
performance.
Submitted by Steve Petrisko
Fair Funding for Our Schools Update
The FUFSD was represented by FUFSD Superintendent Diane Munro and Golden Hill PTA
President AnnMarie Scotti at the second event in the “Fair Funding Our Schools” initiative
on November 13. The workshop, entitled “How to Create an Advocacy Group in Your
District,” was held at Orange-Ulster BOCES in Goshen. The workshop represented part of a
long-term effort to have school districts throughout the region join forces to ensure that NY
State’s public education system is protected. Emphasis was put on eliminating the Gap
Elimination Adjustment or GEA (see November issue of the Focus) as a first priority.
Dana Castine did double duty at
the November 21 meeting of the
FUFSD Board of Education. As a
leader for Girl Scout Troop 494,
she helped describe the girls’
work, then she switched hats to
her FUFSD role as Director of
Technology Integration,
presenting, along with Lisa Tiger,
information on COMPASS
learning, as well as giving an
update on technology policies.
Photo: AnnMarie Scotti
Veterans Day in Florida
The Veterans Day service took place at the Veterans
Memorial on North Main Street in Florida on November 11.
The service followed the traditional agenda, starting with
Cub Scouts from Pack 44, who are sponsored by American
Legion Post 1250, leading the assembly in the Pledge of
Allegiance. Fray Fuller, Commander of Post 1250 led the
service, which included speeches by Florida Mayor Jim
Pawliczek, Orange County Legislator Michael Pillmeier, and
Orange County Clerk Donna Benson.
After the ceremony, the veterans invited everyone to the
Florida Firehouse. Pictures from 4th and 5th graders at
Golden Hill Elementary that expressed “What Veteran’s Day
Means to Me” were on display at the firehouse. Students
Kyra Falone and Emily Romano were on hand to receive
prizes for their winning entries in the annual competition.
Above: Student artwork on display at the Florida Firehouse and winners of the competition, 4th grader Kyra and 5th grader Emily.
Photos: Nancy Scott. Below: Cub Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance (left), Beth Fuller, President of Post 1250 Auxillary, addressed
the attendees (center), and the National Anthem was led by Allison Zovistoski.(right). Photos: Joyce Willetts.
Orange County to Participate in “Treasure Our Children”
Free Day of Fun with Santa, Elves December 7 in Middletown
(Goshen) – Orange County Emergency Communications (E-911) and the Orange County
Sheriff’s Office, with Operation Safechild and their K-9 Demonstration, will take part in
“Treasure our Children” on Saturday, December 7 from 11 AM to 5 PM. This free Hudson
Valley Event will take place at Party Zone USA located at 360 E Route 211 in Middletown, NY.
The event is organized by Empowering Events, founded by Orange County 911 Dispatcher
Kelly Lopez, and is dedicated to children affected by domestic violence. Businesses in the
Hudson Valley are generously donating their time and resources to bring awareness to this cause.
The community is invited to spend the day with Santa
and his elves, and watch as they ride in on Silverlake FD’s
Ladder Truck. Children 17 years of age and under will
enjoy free haircuts, manicures, makeovers, goodie bags,
as well as arts and crafts. People of all ages may enjoy
raffles, door prizes every hour, live entertainment,
Christmas costume contest, face painting, balloons,
indoor amusement park, laser tag, free pictures with
Santa, food and more!
“My office always actively participates in youth programs
throughout Orange County,” said Orange County Sheriff
Carl E. DuBois. “Having this event during the Holiday
Season reinforces our sense of giving and caring.”
Orange County Sgt. Dustin Palen
with his K-9 at last year’s Treasure
Our Children community event
All donations will be gifted to the children at Safe Homes
of Orange County and HONOR Ehg’s “A Friends House.”
For more information, please contact Kelly Lopez at 845-8918085 or Melissa Alterio at 845-742-1206.
Full Service Laundromat
Drop Off Wash & Fold Service
Dry Cleaning & Ironing Too!
FREE Dry On
Wednesday!
Large Capacity Washers & Dryers
Clean, Spacious, and Friendly
Fully Attended
Free Wi-Fi ATM on Premises
FREE
n
Tide O y!
a
d
Tues
Restrictions Apply
THE LAUNDRY SHAK
LAUNDRYSHAK.COM
Open Mon-Sat 7-9, Sun 7-6 Located Directly Across From Quickcheck
133 North Main St. - Suite 6 Florida NY (845) 651-SHAK
4 Cohen Circle Florida, NY 10921
Please sign-up online or call
to register for programs
that you would like to attend.
(845) 651-7659
www.floridapubliclibrary.org
A member of Ramapo Catskill Library System and Orange Library Association
Creative Writing Class
Holiday Floral Designs
with MJ Goff , career writer & regular
contributor to Times Herald-Record.
Hone creative writing skills in a series
of classes designed to start & complete
a piece of writing ready for publishing
(if you choose) First Monday of
Holiday arrangements by Vicki Week,
floral designer at Florida Flowers & Gifts.
She has been a floral designer for over 20
years, specializing in event and wedding
designs. Shop owner Alexandra Scholtz
will also present ideas. She grew up in
the family flower shop & expanded the
business to Florida. She loves creating
bridal bouquets. Attendees are eligible
for three free prize drawings for three
holiday pieces. For Adults Only.
Month beginning Dec. 2
(no meeting in Jan.)
from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Relax, Enjoy & Create
Time Away from the Hustle & Bustle
Come to the library, a very relaxing
place to spend an hour & a little time
away from the hustle & bustle. Sip a
cup of hot chocolate or your favorite
coffee or tea, browse some great reads.
Time will be set aside to get creative.
Select from 3 holiday crafts to make &
take: chocolate spoons, a mini wishing jar,
and a glass magnet or two.
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m
Friends Cookie Swap
Join or renew your membership in the Friends
of the FPL today! Come to the Friends’
annual cookie swap and social hour.
Bring a friend and a dozen homemade
cookies. Take home a festive assortment!
Adults only. (Memberships starting at
$10 can be purchased in the library.)
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
Weekly Series For Kids, Tweens &Teens
Registration rules vary. Please visit the online calendar of events for details.
Rhymetime for Toddlers - Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Storytime for Preschoolers - Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. OR 1 p.m.
Discovery Time for Families - Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Dec. 4/5 - Snowflakes
Dec. 11/12 - Make Pancakes with Miss Maria
Books & Beyond ~ kids in grades K - 3 only on Tuesdays at 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 3 - Holiday decoration & stories
Dec. 10 - Make a Surprise Gift
Tweens ~ for kids in grades 4 & 5 only on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 - Surprise Gift for a Special Someone Dec. 10 - Holiday cookie baking
Teen Time ~ for young adults in grades 6-12 on Mondays
Snack at 2:30 p.m., Activity at 3 p.m. Bring a friend/make a friend!
Dec. 2 - Holiday snacks & the classic movie A Christmas Story
Dec. 9 - Holiday cookie baking ~ we’ll make some to share with the Friends
of FPL at the annual cookie swap for adults on the evening of Dec. 9.
Teen Scene ~ A NEW time for teens to be at the library together. Create
canvas art, get a glitter tattoo & enjoy some midday food. Meet new friends!
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Black Dirt Storytelling Guild
Saturday Afternoon Family Matinee
Adults over the age of 16 are invited to our monthly meetings to tell a story or "just
listen" on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The Guild is dedicated to
promoting the art of storytelling and listening. Upcoming themes: Dec. 12 Food,
Glorious Food; Jan. 9 Bad Behavior, For adults only. Please join us!
Join us for an afternoon showing of Monsters University.
Popcorn & juice will be served.
Knitting Circle
Join our lively & casual group for all levels, beginners to experts. Crocheters are
welcome, too. Master knitter Kathleen Braun will be on hand for lessons or help
with a current project. Mondays, 12/16, 1/27 and 2/24 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Holiday Book Café
Each December, the Page Turners Book Club celebrates the holidays with a Cafe.
This is also our third year collecting mittens for donation to Golden Hill Elementary
School where they are distributed to childen in need. Enjoy good food, the company
of each other and a special guest visit with Marie Blon, who will help us consider
how to prioritize our holiday thoughts and anxieties. And, of course, we will discuss
our December selection, A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. Please join us!
Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
December Library Hours
& Meetings
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Weekenders Family Program
This is a drop-in program for all ages. Come and have fun making
the new rubber band bracelets with our Magical Colorful Loom.
We will supply the looms, hooks, bands, clips and charms so you
can do-it-yourself! Don’t know how? Don’t worry ~ we’ll help you!
Saturday, Dec. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The Library is a Drop-Off Point for:
Florida Food Pantry
Seasonal Donations:
Cell Phone Recycle
Christmas for Kids Toy Drive
Ink Cartridge Recycle
Alamo Center Toy Drive
Newly-knitted blankets for Project Linus
Mittens for children in need
Used Books and DVDs in Excellent Condition
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday, 12/2, 7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting
Monday, 12/9, 6:30 p.m. Friends of FPL Cookie Swap
CLOSED FRIDAY, DEC. 13 FOR IN-HOUSE STAFF TRAINING
Florida Public Library Check it out!
www.floridapubliclibrary.org
New at FPL!
Digital Magazines
Access our collection of digital
magazines on your PC, Mac,
Tablet and Smartphone. FREE!
Florida’s Favorites
Tell us some of
your favorite authors and we’ll be sure
to get you their newest books as soon
as they are released.
iPads on a Cool Table courtesy of
the Vogt family available for use in the
children’s room. Same rules as public
computer use apply.
I am a Friend of The Florida Public Library
Celeste McAteer
I have been a member of the Friends of the FPL since 1995.
I am proud that my oldest son James made picnic tables,
benches, planters, garbage bins and cleaned up the back area
for the library with the help of our family and the Boy Scouts.
This project helped him earn the rank of Eagle Scout. I have
enjoyed helping move books for the book sale too.
As a Friend, I presented a program on health and wellness for
adults.
My favorite thing about the Florida Public Library is the great
staff that works there. They are always helpful and able to get
me the books I request, even from other libraries. One book
came from as far away as Texas! I loved the summer reading
programs my kids were involved in when they were younger.
Some of my favorite items that I borrow from FPL are books on
natural healing, finances, raising children and wellness.
What others should know about FPL: It is a great resource
loaded with educational and self-help information as well as a
variety of interesting programs for anyone at any age.
When I'm not at the library, I like to read, spend time with my
family, work on home improvement projects, hike, garden and go to any beach, anywhere.
Thank you, Celeste, for being a Friend of the Florida Public Library!
Color NOOK for children & parents
to enjoy a picture book when visiting
the library. Find it next to our Juvenile
Picture Books!
Visit www.floridapubliclibrary.org and learn how you can be a Friend!
THE KNIGHTLY NEWS
Christmas-for-Kids
Toy Drive
Breakfast with Santa
CHRISTmas-for-Kids Breakfast with Santa will be held on
Saturday, December 21, from 9 to 11 AM at the Knights of
Teen Table We’ve added a table with
Please support the Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus in
our annual Christmas-for-Kids Toy Drive. All toys will be
Columbus Hall. There is limited seating, so reserve now!
chairs and a Windows 8 Tablet in the
teen section. Come in and have a seat!
distributed locally to any needy child. Our sincere
You MUST RSVP by December 11 by calling Al at (845)
appreciation to all of the following local participating
258-9724. Breakfast includes waffles, sausage, potatoes,
merchants, who we ask you to patronize:
and juice, coffee or tea. We will be giving a new toy to all
Florida: Central Deli, Florida Library, Florida Pharmacy,
boys and girls. Breakfast with Santa is the Knights’ Gift to
Florida Post Office, Golden Hill Elementary, Headlines, Laundry
Shak, Provident Bank - Florida, Roe Brothers, SS Seward High
School, St. Joseph's Church, Walden Bank
the Community! HO! HO! HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS
Coming in January!
Learn a new language
with this interactive database that
provides step-by-step lesson plans for
38 different languages.
is a great web-based
digital storytelling program for our
community stories. We will be able to
upload historical pictures or documents,
add accompanying audio or video and
invite others to record commentary.
Navidad para los niños. Desayuno con Papá Noel. El
Consejo de caballeros de Colón del Valle Warwick 4952, 75
Warwick: Akins Pharmacy, Apple Valley Pharmacy, Café Ala
Mode, Edward Jones Investments, Etched in Time, Galloway
Dental, Jockey Hollow Veterinarian, Leo Kaytes Ford, Main
Street Barbers, Park Avenue School, Pennings Market, Price
Chopper, Provident Bank - Warwick, Sanfordville Elementary,
Shoprite - Warwick, Sneakers to Boots, St. Stephen's Church,
St. Stephen's School, Warwick Dry Cleaners, Warwick Valley
High, Winslow Riding Academy
Flo-Wick, Pine Island, and Goshen: Salvato's Deli
(Flo-Wick); Quaker Creek, St. Stanislaus (Pine Island); Goshen
Diner (Goshen)
Chester: Chester Cinema-6, Chester Diner, Curves, Medical
Store, Shoprite - Chester, Valley View Nursing Home
North Main Street, Florida, NY 10921 (Detrás de la iglesia
ortodoxa de St. Ignatius Antioch). Sábado, 21 de
diciembre, 9–11 AM. ASIENTOS LIMITADOS – RESERVA
AHORA! Debes S.R.C. por 11/12/2013. Llame Edwin en
[845] 820-1018, Laura en [917] 532-7971. Desayuno!
Waffles, Salchicha, Papas picadas, café o té. Estaremos
dando un NUEVO JUGUETE a todos los niños y niñas.
Desayuno con Santa es regalo de los caballeros a la
comunidad! HO! HO! HO! FELIZ NAVIDAD.
The Knights of Columbus Hall is located behind St. Ignatius
Orthodox Church at 75 North Main St. Florida, NY 10921.
FOCUS ON WELLNESS
Grocery Shopping on a Budget
Let There Be Light
by Gina McAteer, MS, RD
Retail Registered Dietitian for the ShopRite of
Warwick
by Paula Aston, CHC, EdD
My late husband, Walt, was a Jewish NYC boy. As he
was raised to celebrate neither Hanukkah nor
Christmas, he didn’t appreciate all the outdoor lighting
that decorates homes and properties at this time of year.
He thought it was just an extension of the seasonal
crass commercialism. ”No,” I said, “people decorate, to
share their joy with their neighbors.” “Ah,” he replied,
thoughtfully stroking his carefully tended beard. Ever
after that, he looked at holiday lights with new eyes.
This year, the first of Hanukkah’s eight evenings coincides with Thanksgiving. The media is
having a ball, hyping “Thanksgivukkah.” It’s ironic, in a way, to have both holidays on the
same day. It makes sense for people to give thanks for lamp oil that lasted for eight days,
instead of one, or none.
But I digress. I want to focus on light. I love the holiday lights… the bright lights, in
general… or the soft lights that come through stained glass windows. Plants need light for
photosynthesis. Human beings need light to enhance the spirit.
There are many people who suffer from SAD—seasonal affective disorder—when seasons
change and our days become shorter. One solution to this problem is to use lamps with
natural light bulbs wherever you read or work on projects. I have two such Ott-lite Lamps,
one standing on either side of my computer desk. I bought them at Michael’s. They are also
available at Target or Amazon or Jo-Ann’s. My mother has a table-top Ott-lite lamp, next to
her livingroom chair. She uses it when she reads or does crossword puzzles. These lamps
are better for your eyes and they do help with SAD, in my experience.
Humans also need light for vitamin D absorption. When I moved to Louisiana and found a
doctor for my thyroid prescription, she also checked my vitamin D levels and discovered
how low they were. I did some research on the difference between D2 and D3 supplements.
I decided to take D3, in small amounts every day, no need for a prescription. According to
1
an article in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism “Vitamin D(2) potency
is less than one third that of vitamin D(3). Physicians resorting to use of vitamin D(2)
should be aware of its markedly lower potency and shorter duration of action relative to
vitamin D(3).” Vegans choose D2 because it is plant-based, whereas D3 is animal-based.
Yes, you can get vitamin D from food sources, such as fish or fish oil, but you will not get
enough. Further, the older you get, the more vitamin D you need, to protect yourself from
2
osteoporosis. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. Ask your doctor to check
your D-levels.
During this holiday season, when you’re
thinking of gifts, natural lighting may be a
helpful choice for loved ones… or a
Caribbean cruise! LOL! Even small
candles—or great tall ones—can be welcome
gifts. The Candle Shop in Sugar Loaf has
my fave candles in the world.
Whatever holidays you celebrate, let there
be light! See you next year!
Contact Paula at [email protected]. Sources
used in this article: 1. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004
Nov; 89 (11):5387-91. “Vitamin D2 is much less
effective than vitamin D3 in humans.” 2. .
www.wedmd/vitamins-supplements
Below are tips you can use while shopping
without having to worry about going over
your budget.
Unit Price
The unit price of an item is the cost of a
product based on a set measurement. When
you look at a shelf label you will see two
prices; on the left there’s the unit price and
the right, larger price is the price of the
item. Using the unit price you can easily
determine which is the lesser expensive
item. For example, a packet of seasoning
may have a lower item price because of its
size, but a higher unit price meaning it’s
the more expensive option. Get in the habit
of checking tags and you’ll see your grocery
bill shrink!
Shop with your Dietitian!
A store dietitian is a great resource for
locating items at a lower cost. We are
familiar with the products in the store and
are always willing to help you find lower
cost and nutritious alternatives to your
favorite foods. Set up a time to have us
walk around and shop with you – many
times they have coupons and information
from companies, too!
Check your Circular
Planning your meals around the weekly
sales is a great way to cut costs! Make sure
to check the circular online or at the store
and create your list around those
discounted items. You can also often find
coupons online or through smartphone
apps that load automatically to a store’s
courtesy card. Make sure to stock up on
items you frequently eat when they’re on sale!
Shop the Seasons
Fruits and vegetables are in season
throughout different parts of the year so
make sure to shop accordingly. If a produce
item is out of season, purchasing the frozen
or canned option will be a lesser expensive
option at that time. Once again, use the unit
price to compare which one is best for your
budget!
Choose the Store’s Own Label
Purchasing the store’s own label items is an
easy way to help lower your total grocery
bill without losing the taste and quality you
expect. These items are typically a lower
cost than the brand name items you see
advertised on TV and in magazines.
Buy in Bulk
As the size of the product gets larger, the
unit price shrinks. When possible, buy in
bulk to save money on items you use
frequently. Bags of apples or potatoes,
family size packs of meat, and larger
container of yogurt are all wonderful
options to buy in bulk!
Save Leftovers
Cooking larger amount of food at one time
is not only a time saver, but also saves you
money! Placing leftovers in containers and
taking them to work or packing them for
school is a great way to save money from
eating out. Packing your lunch can also
eliminate extras costs associated with eating
out. Freezing leftovers can also save time
when you’re in a pinch and need a quick,
nutritious meal.
DID YOU KNOW: ShopRite of Warwick offers
FREE nutrition service by a Registered
Dietitian? Gina McAteer, MS, RD, is available
for grocery store tours, individual counseling,
product information, health events, and
community programs. Contact her at
917.612.7425 or email her
[email protected].
PSYCHIC MOMENTS
Astrology
by Psychic Cyndee
Dedicated to my friend
Kathryn Monat
February 5, 1943- November 6, 2103
My very dear friend, Kathryn Monat
passed away on November 6. She was
the best teacher and astrologer that I have ever known. I am
dedicating this column to her and sharing with you some of
what she taught me. I love you, Kathryn. Thanks for sharing.
Most people are familiar with Astrology and the twelve basic
signs of the Zodiac. The day and month that you were born
determines what "sign" you are. For example, I was born on
January 27, which means that I was born under the sign of
Aquarius. The day and month of your birth will determine
your Sun sign only. Most people don't look into much deeper
into than that.
Now if you know the exact time of day you were born you can
determine what your Moon sign is. I was born at 8:49 am and
that means that my Moon sign is Gemini. The moon rules our
emotional body and its the feminine counterpart to our
masculine. Knowing both the Sun sign and Moon gives us a
deeper look into a person’s psyche. The exact time of birth
gives us an additional perspective called "the rising Sign" or
Ascendent. The Ascendent shows us the sun position on the
horizon and then we can determine what sign it was in. There
is always a 2-hour window in reference to placement and an
epheremis can help make the calculations. The rising sign
shows us how a person is seen by others. The concept is
simple. My ascendent at 8:49 AM on January 27 will not be
the same as someone else's, even though they may have been
born on January 27 at 8:49 AM. In order for us to share the
same ascendent they would have had to have been born on
the exact same day, month, year and in the same
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geographical location in reference to longitude and latitude.
Once again an ephemeris can be used to help to pinpoint
longitude and latitude calculations. Using my exact time of
birth 8:49 AM shows that my rising sign is Pisces. Rising
signs may be a little tricky for some people to understand. In
order to accurately read someones birth chart the Sun, Moon
and Ascendent must be placed in the proper signs, You can
not divide the planet into 12 astrological signs and expect it
to be an accurate illustration of Astrology.
The Sun, which is masculine, determines your basic qualities,
the Moon, which is feminine, determines your emotional
nature, and the Rising Sign determines your outward
appearance. The Sun, the Moon and the Rising Sign are the
main three determining factors when creating a person's
profile. Each and every planet, however, plays an important
role in helping to create a persons birth chart. Mercury, for
example, is a very fast moving planet and when Mercury is in
Aquarius can manifest genius in one's chart. Mercury in
Taurus on the other hand can create a "slow thinker." Jupiter
rules optimism and good fortune so a favorable aspect can
manifest a person with a jovial personality that bounces back
from misfortune.
freely creating easy situations. Difficult aspects (squared, or
opposition) can block the flow of energy which may create
struggles and challenges.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS...
...from my heart to yours... xxoxxo
My book "The Angel Diaries" is available on Nook and Kindle and
makes a wonderful Christmas present. Gift Certificates for
Private readings,Spirit Communication and Astrology also
available at: www.psychiccyndee.com or call 845-537-1279
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Marie Pehush
Suite 112 in the Professional Building
62 N Main St, Florida, NY 10921
Hours by Appointment
Call 845-651-1165
The ascendent is always placed in the first house of the
Zodiac wheel. There are 12 houses. For example, my
ascendent is Pisces, therefore the first house in my chart is
ruled by Pisces. My Sun, which is Aquarius, is in the twelfth
house of the Zodiac because it comes before Pisces. The
second house is Aires, the third is Gemini and the next would
follow the logical progression of astrological signs.
Within the astrological wheel are something we refer to as
"aspects." Some aspects are favorable while others are not.
Whereas favorable aspects (a trine) can support the flow of
energy and a good "karmic" effect, where the energy flows
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1-car garage on 108 x 231-ft property. Good value at
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PINE ISLAND: Two homes on two separate properties. Must be sold
$99,000 cash only; not mortgageable. Investor's opportunity.
together.
PAGE 20 • The Florida Focus • ber
2012 2013
December
BAKING WITH LILY
Pepperkaker
(Norwegian
Gingerbread
Cookies)
by Lily Eriksson
Museum Village's
Christmas in the Village
2013, December 7 and 8
Monroe, NY – Museum Village invites the
community to come and share in the music
and festivities of our Christmas in the
Village on Saturday and Sunday, December
7 and 8.
There will be activities and crafts for
everyone to enjoy. Listen to a reading of
“’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by
Museum Director Michael Sosler. Snack on
roasted chestnuts and warm pretzels. Sample
warm gingerbread cookies made over the
open hearth in the Log Cabin. Make a candle
and print a letter to Santa in the Learning
Center. And be sure to hop on the Hay Ride
around the Green to visit Santa!
RECIPE
The entire family will have an opportunity to
enjoy the village and share in the history and
charm of the 19th century as you stroll
around the green and visit the many
buildings and exhibits.
Preheat oven to 350
Makes about 48
⅔ cup butter, room temperature
¾ cup packed light-brown sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons dark molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1½ teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon baking soda
3:00 PM –
Santa Arrives at the Gift Shop!
4:00 PM –
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
reading
5:00PM –
in
the
Playhouse
12 Days of Christmas Sing-a-long
Sunday, December 8: 12 noon – 5 PM
1:00 PM –
Santa Arrives at the Gift Shop!
3:00 PM –
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
reading
4:00PM –
in
the
Playhouse
12 Days of Christmas Sing-a-long
Cost for adults is $12, for seniors is $10, and
children (4 -12), $8 (children under 4 free).
Museum Village is a living history museum
preserving a vast collection of eclectic, 19th
century artifacts for educational purposes. Using
these artifacts and reproductions, we provide
hands-on experiences and exhibits illustrating
the transition from a rural to an industrial culture
and economy in America, provoking thought and
discussion about history.
www.museumvillage.org. Museum Village is a
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Educational Institution.
Focus November Coloring Competition
Congratulations to 1st Grader Kristen and 5th Grader Sara who won the November coloring competition!
Directions
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar
until blended. Beat in 3 tablespoons water and
molasses until smooth. In a medium bowl,
combine flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger,
cardamom, lemon peel, and baking soda.
Gradually stir into molasses mixture to make a
stiff dough. Add remaining 1 tablespoon water, if
necessary, to shape dough into a ball. Wrap ball
of dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30
minutes. Line baking sheets with parchment
paper, or grease lightly. On a lightly flower
surface, roll dough 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into
hearts, gingerbread men and ladies or other
shapes. Arrange on prepared baking sheets and
bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Kristen, whose picture
is shown on the left
included some nice
background features,
Sara, whose picture is
shown on the right
captured the different
colors of the fall
leaves.
Congratulations both!
The December
coloring competition is
on page 23.
Screened Topsoil
Robert J. Schreibeis
55 MAPLE AVENUE
FLORIDA, NEW YORK 10921
Saturday, December 7: 2 PM – 7 PM
TEL 845 651-7765
CELL 845 988-1310
FAX 845 651-7750
Polish Night
The Middletown Elks Lodge 1097 is
hosting their annual Polish Night on
December 7, 2013 at the Middletown
Elks Lodge (48-62 Prospect St,
Middletown NY 10940) from 6 PM to
11 PM. A family-style dinner by Ceal,
will be served promptly at 6 PM.
Menu includes pierogies, stuffed
cabbage, ham, kielbasa &
sauerkraut,roasted red potatoes,
butter bean, rolls dessert, and coffee.
Entertainment will be provided by
the GBs (a 5-piece band). Cost is $30
per person; jacket required durning
dinner, reservations deadline
December 2 2013.
For more information call Edna
Machnicki at 845 343-1384, Jim
Woods at 845 644-5055, or Kathy
Rogers at 845 649-6328 or 3865199. For additional information on
just dancing allowed in at 7 PM, call
Kathy.
St. Anthony Community Hospital’s Recent Diabetes
EXPO Offered Important Service to the Community
On Saturday, November 9, the Center for Diabetes Education at St. Anthony Community
Hospital hosted an all day Diabetes Expo, which was open to the public, at the Town Hall in
Warwick, NY.
The event was aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and providing access to educational
materials and resources. The Expo featured information provided by the Center for Diabetes
Education as well as vendors and sponsors.
A main attraction during the Expo was a series of informative presentations throughout the
day by four physicians: Doctors Nicholas Belasco, Yuriy Gurevich, Seth Hurwitz and Sergio
Obligado. All are affiliated with St. Anthony Community Hospital and Board Certified in
their specialties on treating and living with diabetes. Each presentation was followed by an
enthusiastic question and answer period.
“I would I’d like to thank the four physicians who took time away from their busy lives to
provide wonderful presentations to members of our community,” said Certified Diabetes
Educator Lourdes Braadt, RN. “I‘m confident that everyone who attended left much more
knowledgeable regarding various aspects of diabetes, especially the importance of
prevention and management. I would also like to thank our community vendors: ShopRite,
Price Chopper, Ochs Orchard and Pennings Farm and Market for helping us to provide
healthy snacks to those who attended.”
The Center for Diabetes Education at St. Anthony Community Hospital offers a series of
classes for all patients who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or those who
demonstrate poorly controlled diets. During group or individual sessions, clinical instructors
offer initial assessment, emotional support and will seek to help patients achieve a better
understanding of the disease. They will show their patients how to live a normal and
productive life with diabetes and how to control the disease through diet and exercise.
For more information about the Center for Diabetes Education or the Expo, call 845-9875168 or visit bschs.bonsecours.com
Warwick Bookstore Offers Taekwondo Event
WARWICK - Tom Roberts, owner of Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe located at 31 Main
Street in Warwick, recently hosted an evening of taekwondo, the national Korean martial
art, if not physically, then academically, in the form of a standing-room-only book signing
event. On hand to discuss the contents and benefits of their newly-released book,
Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo & Koryo, were authors Grandmaster
Richard Chun and Warwick resident and school owner, Master Doug Cook. Co-written by
the two legendary martial artists, the work focuses on taekwondo exercises known in
Korean as poomsae in conjunction with the history and philosophy of the art.
th
With five additional books to his credit, 9 degree black belt Grandmaster Richard Chun is
best known for his world-renowned school in New York City and for his participation is
th
establishing taekwondo as an Olympic sport. Likewise, 6 degree black belt Master Doug
Cook owns and operates the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located at 62 Main Street in
Warwick and is an awardwinning author with four
(845) 986 2565
JOHN J. MABEE
best-selling books
FAX:
(845)
987
1690
JOHN V. MABEE
available worldwide.
Books can be purchased
locally, at major booksellers or
through the Internet. For
further information call (845)
986-2288, or visit the
Chosun Taekwondo
Academy website at
www.chosuntkd.com.
J.M. Electric & Son Inc.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL
BUCKET TRUCK - CONTROL WIRING
GENERATOR SALES & INSTALLATION
WARWICK
FLORIDA
870 PULASKI HIGHWAY
GOSHEN, NEW YORK 10924
5k4Paws Gives Thanks
On behalf of the Warwick Valley Humane
Society, The 5k4Paws Committee would like
extend our heartfelt thanks to all the
Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Runners,
both 2- and 4-legged, who helped to make
our 2nd Annual 5k4Paws Fundraiser a huge
success raising much needed funds for all of
our homeless animals.
First and foremost, our sincere appreciation
to the Warwick Valley Middle School for
allowing us to use the school property and
custodian Ken Vanetten for his gracious
assistance. Our deep gratitude to the Town
of Warwick Police Department, the
Volunteer Ambulance Corp of Warwick and
the Volunteer Fire Department of Warwick
for ensuring our race was safe for all
participants and to Councilman Floyd
DeAngelo for presenting the awards.
businesses who have our deepest
appreciation: FRIENDS of Warwick Valley
Humane Society, Apple Valley Pharmacy, A
& E Advertising, Dr. Gordon “ In Memory of
Beloved Angel”, Town of Warwick PBA,
Glenmere Mansion, Sports, Fitness & Fun,
Diamondback Drugs, NorthEastern Martial
Arts Academy, Greater Hudson Bank of
Warwick, Fratello’s, Riehle Opticians, and
The Landmark Inn.
Great paws of applause to our donors Sugar
Shack, Pennings Farm Market, Warwick
Shop Rite and CKO Kickboxing of Warwick
and the services provided by Rooster Tees,
Tam Enterprises and FASfinishes.
We are so grateful to all the volunteers who
gave their time to help set up the signage,
guide our runners and walkers for the
course, coordinate the registration and clean up.
Our special thanks to George McManus for
guiding us through “the course” for our
event and to our major sponsor Fetch Bar
and Grill. We are indebted to DJ SALSA K2
Dance Company for the great music and to
our fantastic photographer, Steve Feneck.
We thank you all for your support of our
Humane Society on a daily basis and your
overwhelming
generosity
for
our
fundraisers, enabling us to continue the
commitment we have made to all our
homeless residents to keep them
comfortable, healthy and protected while
they wait for their FOREVER HOMES.
Our 5K4Paws is made possible with the
yearly sponsorships of friends and local
Submitted by the 5K4Paws Committee: Michelle
Little, Lisa Notturno, Celia Ross
DecEMber Activity Tip:
Increase flexibility
by stretching
every day for
10 minutes
The Florida Focus Coloring
Contest
Students residing in the Florida Union Free School
District are invited to enter The Florida Focus
Coloring Contest. Two $10 prizes will be awarded:
one to a winner in pre-K through 2nd grade and one
to a winner in the 3rd through 5th grade. Winners are
chosen by The Florida Focus, Inc.
Simply color the picture using crayons, markers, glitter, whatever you like (be creative).
Drop the picture off in the Golden Hill Elementary
School office, or mail the completed picture to:
The Florida Focus
62 N Main St, Suite 208
Florida, NY 10921
Or, drop the picture in
The Florida Focus mail box at
62 N Main St
Florida, NY 10921
(in the Professional Building).
All entries must be postmarked or placed in
The Florida Focus mail box by Monday 23 December,
2013.
All entries must be accompanied by this form:
Student Name:
Grade:
E-mail or phone number to contact if student wins:
Signature of parent or guardian (required):
The Florida Focus is published
monthly by The Florida Focus, Inc., a
NY State not-for-profit organization.
Please address correspondence to:
The Florida Focus, Inc.
62 N. Main St., Rm 208
Florida, NY 10921
Please send all contributions to:
[email protected]
To place an ad, please contact:
[email protected].
Visit us online at
www.TheFloridaFocus.org
Volume 4, Number 12, December 2013
Thanks and best wishes to all our
customers during this
holiday season
2050 ROUTE 17A, GOSHEN, NY 10924
845-615-9090
Wishing
everyone the
very best of the
season
Professional Building, 62 N Main, Florida, NY 10921
845-651-4466 [email protected]
From All of Us to All of You Have a Healthy & Happy Holiday!
Quaker Creek
Store
Quality Products Since 1947
767 Pulaski Highway
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 258-4570
www.JanetsBakedGoods.com
Wishing you and your
family a wonderful
Holiday Season!
Continued Blessings
in the New Year.
Happy Holidays from All of Us at
Season’s Greetings
to all our customers
Please remember to shop local this holiday season
7 Edward J. Lempka Drive
Florida, NY 10921
Season’s Greetings!
from
Frank
Nicky
& Dan
Franico’s Warwick
25 Elm Street
Warwick, NY 10990
(845) 986 8000
Franico’s Florida
8 S. Main Street
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651 8095
Franico’s Pine Island
692 County Rte 1
Pine Island, NY
(845) 258 1616
Warmest wishes to you and
yours this holiday season
176 N Main St, Florida, NY 10921
845-651-0845

December 2013 - The Florida Focus

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