Owego Little League’s 72nd Season Opens with Parade and Ceremonies - April 27
The parade and opening day ceremonies for Owego Little League will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024. This year will be the league’s 72nd season.
The parade will begin forming at 8:00 am in front of the Owego Police Department on Temple Street and will begin promptly at 8:30 am. The field ceremonies will
begin at 9:00 am at Hyde Park, with all players, coaches, league officials and sponsors being represented.
If you wish to take part in the parade and/or opening ceremonies, contact Owego Little League at owegolittleleague@gmail.com to confirm as soon as possible.
Mobile Food Pantry inApalachin -April 24
ter, phone 2-1-1 or register online at 222.foodbankst.org/cfd
Wednesday, April 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, 1110 Pennsylvania Avenue in Apalachin.
Pre-registration is required. To regis-
You can register Tuesday, April 23, at 8:30 am until full. There is a limit of 125 registrations.
If you register, please attend the event.
Bring a cart or bags to carry the food.
Highway Construction and Maintenance Affect Exits 65 & 66
Due to planned highway construction and maintenance, the westbound offramp at Exit 66 of the Southern Tier Expressway (Rt 17) will be closed most of the summer beginning Monday, April 1st.
Exit 66 is the exit for Apalachin and Campville.
In addition, both lanes from Exit 65 in Owego east to the Broome County line will soon be reduced to one lane of traffic in both directions until work is completed sometime in 2025.
A $47 million construction project is underway on State Route 17 in the Town of Owego.
The project seeks to renew an important stretch of to improve safety. The project is expected to take two years and will resurface around 22 miles of pavement and rehabilitate two bridges to improve mobility and resiliency along the highway. It will also upgrade guide rails. Specifically, the project will take place between Owego and the Broome County line.
“This project is a long-needed repair of a heavily traveled route and will be greatly appreciated by all. I am very thankful NY State is investing in infrastructure in Tioga County,” Owego
Mayor Mike Barata said.
During the construction season in 2024, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction separated by a concrete barrier and westbound traffic will be crossed onto the eastbound side. In Spring 2025, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction separated by a concrete barrier and eastbound traffic will be crossed over the westbound side.
The project was recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The governor’s office said the stretch of highway has been impacted heavily by the magnitude of traffic and harsh weather conditions.
Also, be aware that road maintenance will necessitate lane reductions on the eastbound lanes of Route 17. The reduction of both eastbound lanes will occur between Exit 65 in Owego and the Broome County line. From the time the lane reductions take effect until the completion of the work in 2025, traffic will be limited to one lane in both eastbound and westbound directions in the affected area. This will likely result in slower travel times, so plan accordingly and allow extra time for your commute in this area.
Tioga County Celebrates County Historian Emma Sedore and the Return of the Bell of Sessions
The Tioga County Legislature last month celebrated the return of the Bell of Sessions and honored Emma Sedore for her service as Tioga County Historian.
The Bell of Sessions was the official bell that was purchased in 1855 and was properly hung in the cupola of the Tioga County Courthouse that stood at the corner of Court Street and Main Street in Owego. In 187273 a new Courthouse was built on the Public Square and the Bell of Sessions was rung when Court was in session. As the years went by, the towers fell into disrepair, and were too expensive to repair and the Bell of Sessions was no longer used and removed by the County.
In 1931, at the request of the Trustees of the Village of Owego, the bell was loaned to Croton Hose Co. #3 on Talcott Street in the Village of Owego where it was used as
a fire bell with the understanding that the bell would be returned to Tioga County upon request.
In 1952, the bell was removed and replaced by a siren, and this is where the written history of the Bell of Sessions disappeared.
Thanks to our County Historian Emma Sedore and her love of history, she started searching for the bell in 1997 and in 2020 finally confirmed the location of the Bell of Sessions.
Emma has over 23 years of service working for Tioga County as our Historian, and she has contributed greatly to preserving our county’s history.
Emma has written books, articles and spoken around the Southern Tier, sharing her knowledge. She has assisted many organizations helping them find pertinent information about their history.
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185 Shady Hill Road,Apalachin 625-4658
Mahjong
Mondays, 2pm-4pm
No registration is necessary, and all are welcome. If you do not know how to play, come and learn.
Storytime
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am
Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts.
Tech Tuesdays with Tina
Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm
Drop by for some one-on-one help on the computer and other devices.
Zen before Zzzzs
Tuesdays, 6:30pm
Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice each week. No registration is necessary, and all are welcome.
Moonlight Madness Stuffy Sleepover
Thursday, April 4, 6pm
Ever wonder what happens at the library when the doors are closed for the night? Bring your favorite stuffy for a special Pajama Storytime on Thursday, April 4, at 6pm. Then kiss your stuffies good night and leave them at the library for a Moonlight Madness Stuffy Sleepover. The librarians will take lots of pictures so you know what adventures your stuffy got up to at the library. If you can’t make it to the event but still want your stuffy to participate, just drop your stuffy off at the library anytime it’s open between Monday, April 1 and Thursday, April 4. Pick your stuffy back up anytime between 10am and 2pm on Friday, April 5 or Saturday, April 6.
Drop-in Solar Eclipse Program
Friday, April 5, 10am-1pm
Drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm to take part in lots of fun eclipse related crafts and decorate an eclipse cookie. All attendees will also receive a free pair of eclipse safety glasses (while supplies last).
Evening Book Club
Thursday, April 11, 6:30pm
Readers will discuss Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros. Place a hold for this book in the catalog or find it on Libby and Hoopla. The May book will be “Little Liar” by Mitch Albom. No registration is necessary, and all are welcome.
Pokémon Club
Saturday, April 13, 11am-1pm
Make new friends, trade cards, build and tune decks, battle, and eat snacks. No need to register – all are welcome.
Moth Night
Monday, April 15, 7pm
Lepidoptera (“winged insect”) enthusiast and Naturalists’ Club of Broome County representative Colleen Wolpert will give a talk about moths followed by a trip out to the library’s pavilion to observe these interesting creatures. Be sure to wear dark colors and do not use insect repellent. No need to register, and all are welcome.
Apalachin Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 16, 6:15pm
Members of the community are always welcome to attend.
Afternoon Book Club
Thursday, April 18, 1pm
Readers will discuss The Breakdown by B.A. Paris. Place a hold for this book in the catalog. Next month’s book will be The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. No registration is necessary, and all are welcome.
Secret Garden Tea Party
Saturday, April 20, 11am
Join Miss Wendy for tea, refreshments, and a craft. This program is intended for children at least 3 years old and their accompanying adult. Space is limited and registration is required. Stop by the library or call to register.
AspireHope NY
Tuesday, April 23, 10am-12pm
AspireHope NY, Inc. is a peer-run nonprofit organization supporting individuals with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health or developmental challenges and their families.
Tioga Opportunities
Thursday, April 25, 10am-12pm
Services include financial education and stability, health and wellness, safe and affordable housing, and community awareness.
Star Wars Themed Ollie & Nola Show
Saturday, May 4, 10:30am
Save the date for a special Star Wars-themed Ollie & Nola Show on Saturday, May 4, at 10:30am.
May the Fourth be with you!
Apalachin Lions Spring Highway Clean Up Would You Like to Help?
The Apalachin Lions are looking for help with the cleanup of Rt 434 on Saturday, April 27, at 9:00am.
The cleanup crew will meet at BEAM ELECTRONICS next to Dunkin Donuts on Rt 434. The amount of time normally
spent is approximately 2 hours to pick up and bag trash along a designated three-mile stretch of Rt 434 in Apalachin. Please bring work gloves and dress for the weather; all clean up supplies will be furnished.
Tioga Fresh Food Rescue Program Updates Food for Thought
How much food does your household throw away every day?
Food waste happens in almost every household in America. According to Feeding America, the US produces over 80 million tons of discarded food products. That’s the same as 149 billion meals.
This is happening at the same time that 1 in 6 people in the US are relying on food assistance programs and resources.
What does this mean and how does this translate for Tioga County?
The population within Tioga County that is facing food insecurities equates to approximately 4,150 or 8.5% of the total population. These are the individuals and families that are experiencing a lack of access to or the necessary funds to obtain adequate, nutritious food on a regular basis.
Every viable bit of food that can be intercepted before it hits the dumpster could be a meal for someone local who would otherwise go without.
Food Rescue is the practice of safely collecting edible, prepared foods from
restaurants, grocers, and other food establishments, and then distributing it to local hunger relief agencies. Food Rescue simultaneously gets food to those who need it, reduces food waste, and minimizes the amount of toxic emissions from food waste in landfills.
To help combat food waste, Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga (CCTT) has implemented a Food Rescue program called Tioga Fresh. One of the newest partners in this program is the Grand Union in Owego.
In the last three months, Grand Union has donated over 7,000 pounds of food to both Tioga Fresh and Tioga County Rural Ministry. KFC out of Sayre, PA and Tioga Downs Casino and Resort in Nichols have been collaborating with CCTT and Tioga Fresh to minimize food waste over the last year. In that time, thousands of pounds of food have been rescued, packaged, and offered to those who visit the food pantry, or used the Community Kitchen operated by Catholic Charities in Nichols.
“When we stop food waste, we take a big step to ending hunger.”
Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Thurs. and Sat 10626
Bakestand
Most Thursdays at Tioga Pack and Ship Parking Lot
8 Main St. Owego, NY
Berries and Produce in season Open April through October
NOTICE
Closed Thursday 5/9/24 (Ascension Day)
We want to have bakestand in Owego on Friday 5/10/24
Keeping Our Youth Interested in Reading
Arlene Kucharski, of Apalachin, has been giving away books to young children for the past 10 years at the Blue Dolphin. Above Arlene gives out her 800th book to Jayden Brown.
Baking by Numbers “Tips” Local Charities
More than just that initial aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries, it’s the smile from owner, Nasia Duncan, that greets everyone who walks through the door of Baking by Numbers in Owego.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Nasia surprised Catholic Charities with a donation of “tips” that totaled well over $200.
“The tipping culture has just gotten way out of hand,” says Nasia. “Everything I sell is priced the way it needs to be, and I’ve told customers that tipping isn’t necessary.”
Customers are so used to tipping a little extra, so Nasia put out a large glass jar, but it’s not for collecting
tips. This jar is used to collect month -long donations to specific local charities.
If you stopped in during March, all donations in the large jar went to Tioga County Rural Ministry. During February, it was Catholic Charities, January was Kali’s Klubhouse, and December was Holiday Angels.
“I love doing this and it is helping me to get to know some of the local charities and learn what they do,” adds Nasia.
Baking by Numbers is located at 59 North Avenue in Owego, and is open Thursday to Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm.
Owego Town Residents Yard Waste Drop Off Location
Beginning Saturday, April 20, through October 19, Town of Owego Residents can drop off yard waste at the town’s property located on Kuenzli Road in Apalachin. Kuenzli Road is located off Main Street in Apalachin. If traveling eastbound, Kuenzli Road is the first right turn after Billings Road, or if traveling westbound, it is the first left turn after Crossing the Apalachin Creek.
The waste drop off location is open
Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
There will be predetermined areas for different materials.
The following can be dropped off: tree limbs, brush, and branches. Grass clippings and leaves can be brought in bags. Bags must be emptied and taken away.
You cannot drop off garbage or building materials of any kind.
50 YearsAgo
It’s April 1974. At the Academy Awards, The Sting wins seven Oscars including Best Picture. Glenda Jackson and Jack Lemmon win for best actors. Ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal wins for best supporting actress. As David Niven is speaking, a streaker runs across the stage. Niven remarks, “Isn’t is fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off his clothes and showing his shortcomings.”
Patricia Hearst, 20, announces that she has renounced her former life and joined the Symboinese Liberation Army who kidnaped her 58 days ago.
In California, 200,000 people attend the Jam I rock festival to hear Earth, Wind & Fire; Black Sabbath; Deep Purple; and Seals & Crofts.
At the Eurovision Song Contest, a Swedish group named Abba wins with a song called “Waterloo.”
With his 715th home run, Hank Aaron breaks the home run record set by Babe Ruth.
President Nixon signs legislation to raise the minimum hourly wage to $2.30 by January 1976.
Israel’s Prime Minister Golda Meir resigns after five years in office.
Westar I, the first commercially owned satellite, is launched. It will provide voice, data, TV, and telex transmission services.
Patricia Hearst (a.k.a. Tania) participates in a bank robbery in San Francisco.
Lt. William Calley’s sentence is
cut in half from 20 to 10 years for the My Lai Massacre.
William “Bud” Abbot, of the Abbot & Costello comedy team, dies at the age of 78.
President Nixon releases 1,308 pages of edited transcripts in response to the House Judiciary Committee subpoena.
Elizabeth Taylor, 42, and Richard Burton, 48, decide to end their marriage.
Matthew McHugh, a 35-year-old lawyer from Ithaca, announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 27th district.
About 8,000 fans fill the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena for a Grand Funk concert.
Easter day temperatures reach into the high seventies. At night, violent thunderstorms rip through the area causing power outages. A tornado touches down in Berkshire.
Local gas prices range from 44.9¢ to 58¢ a gallon.
Top tunes include Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede, Sunshine on My Shoulders by John Denver, The Lord’s Prayer by Sister Janet Mead, and Bennie and the Jets by Elton John.
Wednesday night TV shows include Chase, The Cowboys, Kojak, and Doc Elliott
Movies playing in local theaters include Cinderella Liberty, The Great Gatsby, Blazing Saddles, Serpico, The Candidate, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, The Way We Were, and Jesus Christ Superstar
Owego Rotary Club’s Care Committee Contributes
The Owego Rotary Club has donated nearly $7,000 worth of personal care items to Tioga County’s food pantries from March 2021 to January 2024.
Each month three pantries serving Tioga County are identified. They indicate their nonfood needs, and the Care Committee endeavors to purchase and deliver the products. Items like shampoo, laundry detergent, soap, toilet paper, etc. are not routinely available in
food pantry stock. This helps fill a basic family need.
These donations have been made possible in part through a generous $10,200 contribution from Carrie Schroll and her husband Alex Penney given in memory of Carrie’s grandmother, Eleanor Melville. Mrs. Melville was a longtime Owego resident known for her charitable work and her years of service to the Coburn Free Library.
Community Indoor Garage Sale -April 27
A Community Indoor Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Apalachin United Methodist Church at 303 Pennsylvania Avenue in Apalachin.
Set up time is 7:00 am
You can rent an 8-foot table for $20. Any items you do not sell must go home with you.
Tables are not reserved until payment is received. Make checks payable to: Apalachin UMC.
For more information, contact Sue Tripp at 607-372-7371 or apalachintrea@yahoo.com
The event is sponsored by the Apalachin United Methodist Church.
“The Elephant Man” OpensApril 5th at Ti-Ahwaga Players
the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other.
The production marks the Ti-Ahwaga directing debut of Zach Curtis, who is the Producing Artistic Director of Chenango River Theatre in Greene, NY.
Senior Citizens Foundation Accepting GrantApplications
April 5-21, Ti-Ahwaga Community Players in Owego will present Bernard Pomerance’s “The Elephant Man,” a dark and poignant telling of the life of John Merrick.
The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man – the victim of rare skin and bone diseases – he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital. Under
The Elephant Man features a number of familiar faces from the Ti-Ahwaga stage, including Ryan Canavan (Dr. Treves), Jamie Cornell (Carr Gomm), Andréa Gregori (Mrs. Kendal), Josh Wilburn (Ross/How) and Nina Varano (Alexandra/Sandwich). Making their TiAhwaga debuts are Parker Howland (John Merrick) and Rich Bocek (Lord John). Amy Frankovich, who most recently played in the pit for Ti-Ahwaga’s Cabaret will play cello for the production.
The show will feature costume, lighting, and scenic/projection design from Julia Adams, Ron Harris and Zach Curtis, respectively. The Elephant Man is stage managed by Katherine Bartlette Running April 5-21, tickets are $20-25 for all performances. The recommended way to buy tickets is at: https://tiahwaga.com.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Rummage & Bake Sale
Saturday,April 20, in Little Meadows
The Little Meadows United Methodist Church will hold a Spring Rummage and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 20, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, at 843 Pennsylvania Avenue in Little Meadows, PA. A Bag Sale will begin at 1:00 pm.
The rummage sale will include household items, clothes, glassware,
Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation (TCSCF) is now accepting grant applications from community agencies and non-profit organizations for project funding for 2024. Requests can be considered for programs and projects designed to improve the lives of older citizens who live in Tioga County, NY. Go to www.tcseniorfoundation.com for
applications and information.
Applicants may send forms and supporting documents to the Foundation electronically or by mail. To receive a blank copy of the application, send a request to TCSCF, P.O. Box 117, Owego, NY 13827.
Questions should be directed to seniorcitizensfoundation@yahoo.com.
dinnerware, toys, books, games, jewelry, home decor, seasonal decor, and more.
The bake sale will include cookies, breads, pies and more; and will benefit the church’s campership fund.
Soup, sandwiches, and drinks will be available for purchase.
Girl Scout Fun Patch Honors Belva Lockwood
The Belva Lockwood Inn, located at 249 Front Street in Owego, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, announced the launch of a new Girl Scout Fun Patch Program honoring the extraordinary Belva Lockwood.
Belva Lockwood wasn’t your average woman. A lawyer, politician, and social reformer, she shattered barriers and championed causes we hold dear today. This exciting program lets Girl Scouts of all ages explore Belva’s incredible story and earn a commemorative patch.
The program offers a variety of activities tailored to different age groups such as learning adventures to unravel Belva’s fascinating life through ageappropriate reading, research, and historical exploration; and creative expression adventures to design campaign material, create a time capsule, organize a debate.
For Girl Scout troops visiting the inn, the program offers a half-day immersive learning experience with activities such as mock trials and suffrage sash making or participation in a historical scavenger hunt at the Belva Lockwood Inn
Tioga/Nichols Lions ChanceAuction April 27
The Tioga/Nichols Area Lions Club will hold their Annual Chance Auction on Saturday, April 27, at the Nichols Fire Station in Nichols, NY.
The doors will open at 6:00 pm and drawing will begin at 7:00 pm. Envelopes with 25 chips can be purchased for $2.00 apiece. There will be many filled baskets as well as other items up for auction.
(optional).
This program empowers Girl Scouts to discover the power of perseverance. learn about women’s suffrage and the fight for equality; develop critical thinking and communication skills, and unleash their creativity and leadership potential.
Space is limited for “Day at the Belva” field trips. Call Innkeeper Brie Woods at 607-223-4367 or email info@belvalockwoodinn.com to learn more and schedule your troop’s participation.
