Memorial Day - May 29
Tioga Downs Begins 18th Racing Season
The Village of Owego’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 29. The parade will form on Temple Street, and will start at 10:00 am. The parade route will include North Avenue, Main Street,
and Front Street, and will end at Courthouse Square where the traditional Service of Remembrance will take place at the Veterans Memorial. This year’s parade chairman is John Loftus.
Arbor Day 2023
Tioga Downs in Nichols will celebrate its 17th Anniversary with the opening of its 18th racing season at 5:15 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023. There will be 59 days of racing this season which ends on September 23. Post time is 6:15 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (except opening day post time of 5:15 pm), and 1:00 pm on Sundays. For a complete list of race dates and times go to: www.TiogaDowns.com
Arbor Day Tree Planting - On Friday, April 28, the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District coordinated the planting of 75 trees and shrubs in the Canawanna Nature Preserve, a project under the aegis of the Owego Rotary Club. High school students from Owego Free Academy
Environmental Sustainability and Horticultural Clubs and Future Farmers of America assisted with the planting. The trees were selected to be part of the native habitat restoration project of the Owego Rotary Club in Canawanna.
PIANO TUNING &
15%
Storytime
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am
Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts.
Yoga
Tuesdays, 6:30pm
Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan diMicheie Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice each week.
Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 16, 6:15pm
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Afternoon Book Club
Thursday, May 18, 1pm
“The Mysterious Affair at Styles” by Agatha Christie. Set in England during World War I, this is Christie’s first detective novel and introduces the fictional detective Hercule Poirot.
AspireHope NY
Tuesday, May 23, 10am-12pm
607 222 4096 rpedro1@stny.rr.com www.rickpedro.com Van
Star Wars Party, Revenge of the Sixth Saturday, May 6, 10am to 1pm Star Wars games, crafts, and prizes. Learn how to figure out your very own Jedi name. No RSVP is necessary, dressing in costume is optional. Fun for all ages.
Evening Book Club
Thursday, May 11, 6:30pm
Lawnmowers, Small Engines -
185 Shady Hill Road,Apalachin 625-4658 PICKUPAND
“Women Talking” by Miriam Toews. Place a hold for this book in the catalog, or find it on Libby or Hoopla.
The Ollie and Nola Show
Saturday, May 13, 10am-12Noon
Storytime with two certified therapy dogs, Ollie and Nola. There will be dogrelated stories, a craft, yummy snacks, and opportunities to read to the dogs after the program.
Friends of the Library Meeting
Monday, May 15, 6:30pm
The library is always looking for new volunteers.
Tioga Opportunities:
Tuesday, May 16, 10am-12pm
Stop by the library to meet a representative of Tioga Opportunities. Services include financial education and stability; health and wellness; safe and affordable housing; and community awareness.
Meet a representative of AspireHope NY, Inc., a peer-run non-profit organization supporting individuals with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health or developmental challenges and their families The agency delivers independent peer services, support groups, parent and caregiver education, respite care and more to individuals and their families to achieve wellness and develop natural supports.
Makerspace Open House
Saturday, May 27, 11am-1pm
The Makerspace is back. No RSVP is needed for the Open House. Drop in anytime to try your hand at a paper flower craft. There will be a craft for children and a craft for adults.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 29
The library will be closed in recognition of Memorial Day.
The Library Wants Your Books
Place your gently-used books on the porch of the library under the “Donations” sign.
Book Barn
The Book Barn is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10am-7pm; Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm.
AMBAWellness Program - May 20
The NYS Women Inc., Susquehanna Chapter is sponsoring their Annual AMBA Wellness Program on Saturday May 20, 2023, from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, at the Royal Order of the Moose Club, Rt 17C West in Owego.
The AMBA Wellness program includes a panel of blood tests for Coronary disease, liver and kidney diseases, Anemia and Diabetes.
The cost for the program is $48.00, which includes the NYS Women Inc. sponsorship fee of $7.
Checks for the blood lab are to be made out to AMBA Wellness Pro-
gram, and the $7 sponsor fee to NYS Women Inc., Susquehanna Chapter or cash.
The following optional tests are available for an additional fee and require a script from your physician; Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), TSH, Vitamin D, Hemoglobin A1C, Insure colon rectal kit.
Participants should contact their physician for permission to have test results sent to their office.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-234-8888 by Friday May 19, 2023.
Mother’s Day Chicken BBQ - May 14
The Candor EMS is once again holding their annual Mother’s Day Chicken BBQ on Sunday, May 14, with pick-up starting at 11:00 am.
The BBQ includes half BBQ chicken, baked beans, salt potatoes, and a cookie dessert ($14.00 each).
Funds from this event are designated toward their ambulance replacement funds.
Tickets are now available, and pre-ordering is recommended by calling 607-659-5529 or emailing the office at Office@candorems.org.
Your local EMS has been very active in the community this past year, having already gone out on 240 calls since the first of the year, as well as sponsoring many events to
assist and inform the public on its needs and assets. Their outreach included a Teddy Bear Clinic where they had children bring in a stuffed animal to use to demonstrate how they take care of people while on a call to those who have been injured. They have held CPR and AED programs, initiated a Jr. EMS program, and have sponsored community blood drives.
Candor EMS is thankful for the community’s support, and looks forward to another successful Mother’s Day BBQ. Come on out and help support this awesome community organization and people that help and support you.
Largest Private Collection of Toys Open for Public Viewing in Owego - May 13
Become a Kid Again: Take a once in a lifetime journey through Tom’s Toy World - the largest private collection of toys in the U.S. on Saturday, May 13, in Owego.
Tom McEnteer, Tioga County educator, historian, and collector, is hosting a student scholarship fundraising event opening his amazing private toy collection to the public on Saturday, May 13.
Tom, along with his now passed wife Sally, spent much of his lifetime in Owego and Tioga County as a public middle school teacher, community historian, toy collector and shop owner, author, museum director and board member. He is now making the rare and remarkable opportunity to share his enormous life collection with the public.
The Community Foundation for South Central New York and the Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation
invite you to Journey Through Tom’s Toy World. Take the once in a lifetime journey through Tom’s Toy World: The largest private collection of toys in the United States.
You can Experience Tom’s Toy World and the over 100,000 toys for the enjoyment of all ages on Saturday, May 13, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, 2 miles west on Rt 17C from Owego.
Families, grandparents, children of all ages are welcome. Tickets are $10 for adults and youth 12 and older. Under 12 are free accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families $25.
All proceeds benefit High School Scholarships for Graduating Seniors through the Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation for students in Binghamton, Candor, Owego and Newark Valley.
Tioga Co.Announces New Public Health Director
2011 when she began working for Tioga County Public Health as a Public Health Educator, before being promoted to Community Health Program Supervisor, where she oversaw Health Education and Children’s Services. Heather was promoted to Deputy Public Health Director on April 14, 2020, which was the same day Tioga County saw its first reported case of COVID-19.
8 Main Street., Owego NY
In front of Price Chopper Plaza, in Tioga Pack & Ship Parking Lot
Every Thursday Hours: around 9:30 to 5:30
Open at 10626 State Route 38, Newark Valley (next to Stroughten Farm)
At Newark Valley we have a sign out beside rt 38.
Sometimes we have a tent, sometimes in the building, depending on weather. Every Thursday-Friday-Saturday 8am to 7pm
Fresh donuts Thursday & Friday only
We have - PIES, BREADS, COOKIES, WHOOPIE PIES, CINNAMON ROLLS, CREAM FILLED DONUTS, GLAZED DONUTS, PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE, FRUIT JAM, DIFFERENT SCENTS OF HOMEMADE NATURAL HAND AND BODY SOAPS, LOCAL HONEY, FRESH BROWN EGGS
Heather Vroman has been appointed the new Public Health Director effective April 12, 2023.
Heather has a long history of working in the Public Health field and has also worked at Tioga County Public Health for the last 12 years.
Heather is a 2006 graduate of SUNY Cortland where she received her Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Health Education. She started her Public Health career as a Public Health Educator in Burke County, North Carolina. She moved back to the area in
Heather’s leadership and guidance throughout the pandemic was commendable. From the day the department had their first COVID-19 case and every day after, she led the team through the endless amount of hurdles. She was always available, even after hours, when questions and unique situations came up.
Martha Sauerbrey, Tioga County Legislative Chair says “Heather’s knowledge for Public Health and passion for serving Tioga County made her the perfect candidate for this position. I cannot wait to see the improvements and growth that we anticipate from the department.”
Heather Vroman commented “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve Tioga County and I am thankful to be able to do it with a wonderful team.”
The
Tioga County Prom 5K
GrantApplication Deadline - June 1
Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation (TCSCF) grant funding is available for agencies that serve the needs of the senior population in Tioga County, NY.
Programs and projects designed to improve the lives of older citizens can be considered. Applications must be received by June 1, 2023, for project consideration. The foundation is unable to consider applications from private
citizens.
For applications and more information, visit the website at www.tcseniorfoundation.com.
Grant applications and supporting documents may be filed electronically at the website or printed and mailed.
To receive a blank application by mail, address a request to TCSCF, P.O. Box 117, Owego, NY 13827, or email seniorcitizensfoundation@yahoo.com.
County Legislature Meeting - May 9
The Fifth Regular Meeting of 2023 of the Tioga County Legislature will be held at 12 Noon on Tuesday, May 9, in the Edward D. Hubbard Auditorium of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street in Owego.
All Committee Meetings and Legislative Worksessions will be held in the
Legislative Conference Room.
Individuals requiring any accommodation or auxiliary aid may contact the Legislative Office at (607) 687-8240. With advance notice, necessary auxiliary aids will be provided at no cost to the person requesting assistance.
On Sunday, April 23, Catholic Charities of Tioga hosted the first Tioga County Prom 5K in Owego. About 100 people were in attendance, with around 70 participating in the Run/Walk.
This event also served as a drop off location for gently used prom attire and several dresses and men’s wear were generously donated during this time.
These dresses and formal wear will be available for any student free of charge during the next week or two from the Tioga office: 139 Roki Blvd, Nichols. After that time, any items left over will be distributed to the local schools that are offering a similar opportunity to their students.
This race was formed as a way to raise funds for the after prom/graduation parties within the Tioga County, NY school districts. Ten dollars from each registration plus some extra donations for a total of $745, will be split and sent out to the participating districts. The remaining funds benefit the Catholic Charities OPWDD (developmental disabilities) programs for students and adults.
“We would like to thank all those who participated and volunteered with the event, as well as all of our local businesses that helped sponsor this,” stated Renee Spear, Executive Director for CCTT. The sponsors involved were: The Julia Zepkowski Memorial Foundation, Excellus BCBS, Pasto Law Firm, P.C., Scott Smith & Son, Dynamic Cleaning, and Community Shop. Best Buy Distribution Center provided several volunteers to assist with the event.
“This race is an ideal example of what can be accomplished when you have an entire municipality that works together,” said Michelle McLaren, Development Assistant for Catholic Charities and Event Director for the Prom 5K. “Every step of the way, there was not just support, but also encouragement from all of the entities involved.”
McLaren said that from the initial approval with the Owego Village Board and OACSD, to the direct contacts and participation with OPD, DPW, and Owego Fire Police, everything fell into place and ran smoothly. “We look forward to making this race bigger and better for 2024.”
This event was fully organized and hosted by Catholic Charities of Tioga County.
To find out how you can help with CCTT for any upcoming events, go to https://www.catholiccharitiestt.org/ or email: michelle.mclaren@dor.org
TravelingArt Exhibit Visits Tioga County
“Behind the Wall”, a traveling exhibition of drawings, paintings, letters, stories, and poems, will be on display at the Coburn Free Library in Owego during the month of May. The exhibit includes 140 works by 90 individuals in detention facilities in 22 states.
The artworks and writings in “Behind the Wall” have been collected by Prisoner Express, a project of the Durland Alternatives Library, and curated by Ithaca -area artist Treacy Ziegler. Prisoner Express uses newsletters, book exchanges, and art and creative writing programs to foster hope and a sense of community among incarcerated people around the country. The project currently serves more than 4,000 prisoners and has reached more than 37,000 over the last 20 years.
“Behind the Wall” was conceived and coordinated by Story House Ithaca. Both Prisoner Express and Story House Ithaca are projects of the nonprofit Center for Transformative Action. The exhibit is presented in collaboration with
the Finger Lakes Library System and supported by an action grant from Humanities NY.
This exhibit is an opportunity to peek inside the lives, hearts, and imaginations of people you might otherwise never encounter, learn more about their world, and be inspired by their art.
The Coburn Free Library is located at 275 Main Street in Owego.
We
50 Years Ago
It’s May 1973. Chicago’s 110-story Sears Tower is the world’s tallest building at 1,454 feet.
Secretariat wins the Kentucky Derby. Seventy-seven percent of Americans think Nixon should not resign.
The Washington Post wins a Pulitzer Prize for its investigation of Watergate.
Space Station Skylab is launched. Astronauts Conrad, Kerwin, and Weitz will stay on board Skylab for 28 days.
The Senate panel begins televised Watergate hearings. Archibald Cox is named Watergate prosecutor.
The price of gold reaches $100 an ounce.
Johnny Carson hosts the 25th Annual Emmy Awards. “The Waltons” is voted best drama and “All in the Family” is named Outstanding Comedy Series.
Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Princess Anne, 22, to commoner Lt. Mark Phillips, 24.
Scranton Fabrics opens a store on Binghamton’s south side.
The Owego-Apalachin Central School Board approves a $6.6 million budget for the 1973-74 school year.
The old Endicott Johnson Men’s Scout Factory off Lester Avenue is demolished.
Owego’s Tioga Theater is sold. The theater’s marquee advertises “Opening Soon with Family Entertainment.”
The Tioga County Sheriff's Department has begun using their first radar unit to catch speeding motorists. The $2,000 unit can detect speeders about a half-mile in either direction.
Rod Serling speaks to an audience of 800 at Broome Community College.
Four businesses open on Owego’s
Lake Street: Vaughn’s Clothing, Just Pants, Sawicki’s Bakery, and Lange’s TV (which relocated from Front Street).
A surprise snowfall leaves one inch of snow on the ground in Binghamton. No snow falls in Tioga County.
Aviation Day at the 22-year-old Broome County Airport is celebrated with glider and hovercraft demonstrations, the Silver Eagle helicopter precision team, and passenger flights of the Triple-Cities area by Commuter Airlines for $3.75 per person.
The Ti-Ahwaga players present “Rashomon,” a two-act drama about a Japanese samurai.
The BCC board of trustees reduces tuition to $600. Just last month they raised the tuition from $525 to $624.
At SUNY-Binghamton, 1,600 students receive diplomas at graduation ceremonies in the Men’s Gym.
Top tunes include “Daniel” by Elton John, “Pillow Talk” by Sylvia, “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby” by Barry White, and “My Love” by Paul McCartney
Movies in local theaters include “Clockwork Orange,” “Frenzy,” “The Heartbreak Kid” with Cybill Shepherd, “Soylent Green” starring Charlton Heston, and “High Plains Drifter” with Clint Eastwood.
Saturday night TV shows include “All in the Family,” “Emergency,” “Bridget Loves Bernie,” “Julie Andrews,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Men,” “Bob Newhart,” “Carol Burnett,” and “The Strauss Family.”
And a solid state stereo 8-track tape player for your car costs $29.97.
Summer Music Series Begins May 13 in Newark Valley
On Saturday, May 13, Nate Gross Band will kick-off the Village of Newark Valley’s Artistic Expressions at the Trout Ponds summer music series. The performance begins at 5:00 pm, playing until approximately 8:00 pm.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, the kids and their bikes, and enjoy some great music while the kids enjoy the
TOP DOLLAR PAID: Wanted! Old fishing tackle, lures, reels, etc. (PRE 1960) Old coins and currency. Call me first, collector not a dealer so I pay more. John 607-321-4085 03/24
HELP WANTED: Wanted experienced mechanic. Must have New York State Inspection License Apply in person only. Nicks Garage, Main St Apalachin. 06/23
playground and park.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.
BEE SWARMS WANTED: Bee swarms wanted on trees and in buildings. Call 607-625-3318 or 607-201-4357 4/23
WANTED: Your classified ad for our May 2023 issue. Please send in your ad by April 25, 2023, with payment of $7.50 first 25 words 25¢ each word after 25
SEND YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS Community Press, 7830 Rt 434, Apalachin, N.Y. 13732
no later than the fourth Wed of the previous month.
Elda Capuni-Lemmon Running for School Board
country for the first 13 years of my life, and for the next 5 years I lived under the chaos of a country trying to rebuild from the ashes. I moved to the USA, reluctantly at first, when I was 18. I soon came to love this country for its openness, freedom, friendliness, and opportunities it has afforded to many immigrants like me. I try to instill in my children the same sentiments and teach them why America is unique.
Nichols Park Pond Receives Grant
Inspire has received notice from The Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation that The Nichols Park Pond Beautification Project has been awarded a capital project grant to be used to assist in the restoration of the trail around Nichols Pond in the Village of Spencer.
My name is Elda Capuni-Lemmon and I am running for the school board in the OA district. I have been a resident of Apalachin, NY since 03/2003. I have three children who attend OFA and OAMS. I hold an MA in Economics and an MA in Italian, both from Binghamton University. I have worked as a financial analyst, an economics and Italian Instructor at BU during my studies, a substitute teacher in the Owego Apalachin school district from 2005-2006, and I have been an Italian adjunct instructor at SUNY Broome since 2006. Having spent most of my career in education, I value it for the opportunities it opens up but also for the impact it has in forming the new citizens of a nation.
I grew up in a communist, atheist
I am unapologetically anticommunist, pro-American and proGod. I am running because I want to promote a patriotic education that considers the good and the bad of our history, but recognizes that while each country has its faults, this country is indeed an amazing place! No country can survive with self-hate, just like no person can thrive with self-hate. I am running because I want to promote education that teaches our country’s founding values, the best defense against evil regimes such as those created by communism throughout the world. I am also running because I want to make sure that parents always have a say in their children’s education, unlike parents in my native country, Albania, where under communism children like myself, were trained to turn against their parents, and many did! I want to make sure that our local community, not some distant politician, has the last say in our children’s education.
3 Vestal High School Odyssey of the Mind Teams Qualify for World Finals
The grant, in the amount of $5,000, will support the implementation of a sustainable, inclusive trail that will reflect ADA accessibility, intergenerational usage, and characteristics that allow individuals with a physical disability to enjoy the trail. Nichols Park Pond is located in the heart of the Village, and its usage is free to the public for fishing, boating, walking, and nature recreation. The trail connects all sections of the community and is easily accessed on Spencer’s Main Street.
“We are very grateful for this sup-
port. The grant will allow us to create a safer trail with better drainage and a more stable surface allowing for yearround usage. Members of our community and our visitors have enjoyed this unique natural resource, and we are certain that they will embrace this upgrade,” said Dale and Joan Weston, cochairs of the Project.
The Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation, based in Owego, manages the charitable trust of its benefactress, Mildred Faulkner Truman, by providing worthwhile grants to organizations which enhance and benefit the residents of Tioga County, New York. Through this generous foundation, many grants have been made which address the challenges of communities, and make a significant difference in the lives of their residents.
SOAP for HOPE Collection to Benefit TCRM
Tioga County Rural Ministry (TCRM) is planning its annual Soap for Hope drive throughout the month of May.
This collection focuses on products that are not covered by food stamps and allows TCRM’s pantry to share these highly desired items with those who use the pantry services.
TCRM invites the entire community to join in its efforts to meet community needs.
Area stores, businesses, churches, and schools are hosting TCRM’s bins.
TCRM would be grateful if you could help by donating an item or two. Items that are needed include bar soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, facial tissue, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shaving supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturizing lotion, shampoo, diapers, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.
If you would like to know the location of the bins, call TCRM at 607-6873021 and ask for Rachel or Sister Mary. New hosts and sites for the bins are most welcome.
The Vestal School District is proud to share that two Vestal High School teams won first places in their Division III’s problem-solving categories in the New York State Odyssey of the Mind championship on April 15. The teams, who solved Division III Problems 1 (Pirates and the Treasure) and 2 (Because iCan) competed at the New York State Fairgrounds and will be moving on to the OM World Finals May 24-27 at Michigan State University.
Taking first place in Division III, Problem 1: The team of Clark Donacik, Brendan Horn, Alexander Jiao, Leah Jones, and Jaelynn Wiggins, coached by Jeff Donacik and Jeff Horn.
Also placing first in Division III, Problem 2: The team of Abeera Chaudhri, Nabeeha Chaudhri, Amina Haq, Megan Jones and Ella McIntyre, coached by Sumeeta Chaudhri.
In third place for Problem 3 (Classics… The Walls of Troy): The team of Aamna Bhatti, Kayanaat Kaur, Gavin Kretzmer, Manya Kukkar, Aiden Nemecek, Illa Ontaneda, and Francesca Vallone, coached by Mike Willis.
In addition to the three Vestal High School teams advancing to the World Finals, two other Vestal CSD teams competed in the NYS Tournament. Vestal Middle School’s team took seventh place in Division II, Problem 1, while Vestal Hills Elementary’s team scored
13th in Division I, Problem 3 (Classics).
Congratulations to all these Vestal students who exemplified collaboration, ingenuity and improvisational problemsolving skills
