Challenge grant awarded to revitalize Honesdale’s downtown

HONESDALE, PA — The John and Helen Villaume Foundation awarded a $30,000 challenge grant that will go toward efforts to revitalize Honesdale’s downtown.

The foundation will match donations of any size, up to a total of $30,000.

Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Wayne County Community Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Lisa Burns, executive director at the Greater Honesdale Partnership, said the grant “will help us achieve safer crosswalks and sidewalks, bike lanes, and preserve our historical authenticity.”

For more information or to donate, see the partnership at visithonesdalepa.com.

Visitors association travel guide underway

SULLIVAN COUNTY — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) is preparing its 2022 travel guide, and requests that members send information so they can be included.

The guide, they say in a statement, “is a portfolio of the best-of-the-best experiences highlighting the Sullivan Catskills as a world-class destination.”

It will be published the first week in January and is distributed throughout New York State and at trade shows. It is also available online.

If you want to be included in this year’s travel guide, submit your listing information to sbg@scva.net no later than September 30.

For more information, contact SCVA Director of Business Development Saraid Gonzalez, at 845/747-4449 Ext. 301.

The 2021 scholarship recipients.

Brady Hentschel and his 247-pound Reserve Grand Champion market hog.

Jack Montgomery and his Grand Champion market hog.

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Livestock sale boosts Wayne 4-H and Future Farmers

HONESDALE, PA — On August 14, Wayne County came out to support its youth.

The 4-H/Future Farmers of America (FFA) Junior Livestock Sale, traditionally a way for the groups to earn money for scholarships and other program needs, posted a record total of $436,170.

The sale saw 274 market steers, hogs, lambs, goats and pens of market meat rabbits auctioned off. Some were donated back and re-sold in what’s called “buy-backs,” helping to drive the total higher.

Last year’s sale was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So this year, the 2020 scholarship recipients were announced. They were: Nicholas Andrews, Dalen Banicky, John Bateman, Kyle Bonham, Kassandra Diehl, Katherine Diehl, Dustin Edsall, Tyler Gries, Lydia Grossman, Kara Kelly, Grace Mead, Rachel Olver, and Macey Rutledge.

Thirteen 4-H and FFA Livestock Scholarship recipients, who will seek higher education or enter agribusiness in 2021, were introduced. Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each were awarded to Shawn Bronson, Emma Diliberti, Calvin Hedgelon, Brady Hentschel, Emily Johannes, Wade Maines, Matthew McNichols, Isabelle Richner, Abigail Robson, Joseph Seeley, Adam Sheard, Celia Sheard, and Matthew Stone.

A barbecue was served to buyers, 4-H and FFA members and their families during the sale. In addition to Lopatofsky Auctions, who ran the sale, volunteer auctioneers were Tim Madden, Brian Non, and John Wetmore.

Direct donations to memorialize a death or milestone occasion are also a means of adding to the scholarship fund. Contributions and memorials can be directed to the Wayne County Junior 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale Scholarship in care of Rosalind Williams, secretary and scholarship fund manager, 409 Stock Farm Road, Lake Ariel, PA, 18436.

Libraries keep busy in September

WESTERN SULLIVAN COUNTY — Vacation may be over, and summer reading club is done, but area libraries are still full of activity.

At the Western Sullivan public libraries in Callicoon, Jeffersonville and Narrowsburg, director Audra Everett listed some of the programs available for kids and adults.

Kids over 10 years of age can register any time in September to make magnets for their new lockers. Everything needed is supplied. Adult supervision may be required.

Or try this: You can go fly a kite, but first you have to make one. The library gives you a kite to color, and then you can let it fly. Free for children under 10.

Every Wednesday, teens can join an online hangout. It starts at 4 p.m. During the weekly Zoom call, participants catch up on each other’s lives, talk about their projects and what they want to do in the future. There are even virtual games. Open to teens from 13 to 17 years of age. Registration is required and a Zoom link will be sent.

On September 7, the Knitwitz meet at the Jeffersonville branch. Everyone, no matter their skill level, is welcome.

Learn a new language online with Rosetta Stone at 1 p.m. on September 8. Once you register, the Zoom link will be sent.

Tween online gaming starts at 4 p.m. on September 8. Kids aged nine to 13 can socialize and play the game Among Us in a monitored environment. It’s a live, small-group online class available on any device. Registration required, and Zoom link will be sent.

For more information about any of these activities, or to register, go to WSPLonline.org.

Terrell Epps honored by New Hope Community

 LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — Terrell Epps, a direct support professional (DSP) at New Hope Community, has been recognized for his “outstanding contributions to the people he supports, through innovative and meaningful leisure and social activities,” the not-for-profit said in a statement.

Epps was given the organization’s Maxine Belson Award.

“Terrell is an outstanding member of our team and we are very pleased to recognize his contributions to our organization. He has an extremely positive outlook and a gift for encouraging people to participate in activities that not only bring them joy but enable them to grow as individuals,” said Debra J. McGinness, Chief Executive Officer of New Hope Community.

The Liberty resident has worked in New Hope’s various homes as part of their Without Walls programs, and as a Special Olympics coach. 

He had to learn more about golf quickly when Taylor Van Keuren left New Hope this year and Epps stepped in as golf coach. 

“I learned a lot about the game,” Epps said, “but as a DSP and coach, I also learn so much from the people I support.”

For more information about New Hope, visit newhopecommunity.org.