COVID-19 test kits available in Thompson

TOWN OF THOMPSON — The Town of Thompson has received 450 COVID-19 test kits from Sullivan County government, according to town supervisor Bill Rieber.

Distribution of the kits began on January 7, on a first-come, first-serve basis, he said.

“We expect more availability in the coming weeks and encourage residents to look to our web page  https://www.townofthompson.com or to our official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TownofThompson for  information on current availability,” Rieber said. “Stay healthy and stay home if you feel ‘off,’ and get tested.”

Monticello toy drive nets joy for Head Start kids

MONTICELLO, NY — COVID-19 has canceled so many things, and last year’s Monticello High School (MHS) toy drive was one of them. Students at the school were worried that this year would be a repeat.

However, thanks to the ingenuity of advisor Karen Collura, the Toy Drive committee and support from the high school’s principal, Stephen Wilder and assistant principals Robyn Boardman and Anna Estep, they were able to pull off the event.

The drive benefited Head Start.

As in the past 30 years, donations were collected from first-period classes; the top four spots earned the traditional box of Blow Pops. In addition, whoever collected the most donations would be awarded a breakfast for their class, prepared by the building administration.

Since Head Start had a no-visitor policy, the committee had to pivot and create a new normal. Led by chairpeople Owen Bassett, Cavan Leaney Levenson, Liza Mitchell, and Marley Wells, the MHS toy drive committee did a wonderful job of organizing and shopping for items, in addition to designing stockings. Committee members also delivered and interacted (from the outside) with nearly 100 three- to four-year-old students at Head Start. MHS videographer Marley Wells captured the day, telling the story of this year’s toy drive through pictures and a slideshow.

This year’s toy drive winner was the PE class taught by Coach Denise Jasper and Coach Emily Woudenberg with a total of $520.82 raised. Overall, all the classes in the school donated a grand total of $1580.24.

 

Adam Bosch has been appointed the new president/CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress.

 

New CEO at Pattern for Progress

NEWBURGH, NY — Adam Bosch has been appointed the new president/CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress.

He’s a lifelong area resident, a former journalist, professor and policy analyst, and has worked in public affairs for the New York City water supply system.

He replaces Jonathan Drapkin, who stepped down in December after leading the organization for 15 years.

Bosch will join Pattern for Progress on Jan. 31.

Bosch currently serves as a volunteer on the Catskill Advisory Group, a state-appointed panel that is developing a strategic framework to tackle the challenges and opportunities of increased visitation to the Catskill Park. He also serves on a nationwide advisory group that is developing risk communications for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water supplies.

Pattern for Progress is a policy, planning, advocacy and research nonprofit. Learn more at https://www.Pattern-For-Progress.org.

Scholarship money available for Class of 2022

MONTGOMERY, NY — A total of nearly 150 scholarships worth nearly $446,000 will be awarded this spring to students in Orange and Sullivan counties. High school seniors and adults returning to college are encouraged to apply now for these scholarships, which are available through the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS).

Applications are available online at https://cfosny.org. The deadline is April 15.

Once an application is filled out, the student will be informed which scholarships they are eligible for and whether more work needs to be done.

A scholarship in honor of DVCS grad Billy Moran is available for scholar-athletes.

A recent addition to CFOS is the Billy Moran Athletic Scholarship fund. The scholarship honors the memory of Billy Moran, who was killed in 1981 by a hit-and-run driver at the age of 20. He was attending spring training with his Union College baseball team.

The scholarship, established by family and friends, is awarded annually to a Sullivan West graduating senior who maintains a 90 average, plays at least two sports, and exhibits citizenship and leadership as Billy did while he attended Delaware Valley Central School.

“A standout three-sport athlete, Billy excelled both academically and athletically and was considered an outstanding member of our community,” said his sister, Terri Kuhn. “His exploits on the gridiron, court and diamond are now captured only in our mind’s eye. Billy’s memory lives on because of people’s generous contribution of time and money to the scholarship fund.”

For more information or to apply for Community Foundation scholarships, visit https://cfosny.org or call  Lisa Mitchell at 845/769-9393.