Come support the community of Hancock in helping one of our local citizens Martine Dufton and her family as they tirelessly work to KICK CANCER’S BUTT! We encourage any and all residents, families, friends and neighbors to come out and enjoy the Carnival and know that the proceeds will indeed help to SAVE A LIFE!
Voting Period Runs Through August 31 — Nine U.S. Communities Will Win Funds to Build or Improve a Local Dog Park and Hancock Hounds Dog Park is Part of the Pack
Hancock, NY – August 1, 2022 – PetSafe® brand, a global leader in pet product solutions, has announced the 30 finalists for its popular Bark for Your Park™ grant contest and Hancock New York has been selected for a chance to win grant funds for the Hancock Hounds Dog Park. This year, PetSafe® will award prizes totaling $125,000 to nine deserving communities.
Since introducing the program in 2011, PetSafe® has donated more than $1.65 million to support more than 80 off-leash dog parks in the United States. Now through August 31, 2022, anyone over the age of 18 that lives within the U.S. can vote once per day, every day for their favorite community at barkforyourpark.com. Employees and partner employees of the parent company of PetSafe®, Radio Systems Corporation®, are also not eligible to vote in the grant contest.
“We need our entire community to help us on this amazing opportunity to win grant monies to make Hancock Hounds Dog Park a reality by voting all month long! Hancock Hounds wants to ensure our residents we can be here for years to come and provide dog owners with a safe, comfortable, and secure place to get outside and play with other dogs. The new Hancock Hounds Dog Park is looking to add ADA accessibility, water features, and both a large and small dog run to ensure all dogs and owners feel welcome and safe!” says Jill Keller,Executive Director – Hancock Hounds Dog Park.
Finalists were chosen from a panel of PetSafe® judges that scored each submission on the level of enthusiasm and support for a dog park project within the community and the impact that a dog park project will have on the community. Participants entered to win funds for either a new park or to improve an existing dog park. Following the contest voting period, four communities with the highest votes will receive $25,000 for the construction of a new park and five will be awarded $5,000 to enhance their local dog parks.
“The PetSafe® brand is always looking for ways to help pet parents. That’s why we’re so proud to support communities by helping provide a safe place where dogs can run and play,” says Celeste Vlok, marketing manager for PetSafe® brand. “It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm and commitment each finalist community has put into fulfilling their dog park dreams. We invite all to join the fun by voting for their favorite community.”
For more information on the 2022 Bark for Your Park™ grant contest and to vote for Hancock NY, please visit barkforyourpark.com.
About PetSafe®
PetSafe® is dedicated to keeping pets healthy, safe and happy through innovative product solutions. As an industry leader, PetSafe® brand offers behavioral, containment and lifestyle solutions. PetSafe® brand is owned by Radio Systems Corporation®, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and services over 50 countries globally. For more information, visit petsafe.net.
ABOUT HANCOCK HOUNDS DOG PARK:
Hancock Hounds Dog Park, Inc. is a NYS Not-for-Profit 501c3 Charitable Corporation, as an S20 NTEE community beautification category. When completed in 2022-23, the 1.5 acre dog park will measure approximately 100 feet by 175 feet and is divided into separate sections for small and large dogs. For more information about Hancock Hounds Dog Park, Inc, please visit hancockhounds.com or email info@hancockhounds.com
Stay tuned for more information on the continued fundraising efforts on GoFundMe and follow HHDP on social media using the handle @HancockHoundsDogPark
ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Please Contact: Richard Lowe
OFFICIAL PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT – CLICK HERE
VOTE FOR US AT THE LINK BELOW
https://barkforyourpark.petsafe.com/locations/hancock-ny/
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WHAT: FIELD OF DREAMS: Awards Ceremony & Sports Scholarship Fund
WHO: Sponsored by Hancock Partners Inc. (501c3), which is a New York State Not-for-profit Charitable Corporation operating in Hancock New York to support local businesses with support from state and municipal leaders. Hancock Partners seeks economic growth and new opportunities for the community, along with town beautification. Hancock Partners, Inc. is a New York State not for profit Corporation with a 501c3 IRS designation, dedicated to fostering and promoting the economic and social growth of the Greater Hancock, New York area which is proudly celebrating twenty years of service to the Hancock community and surrounding area.
WHERE: Hancock Town Square – 20 E Main Street Hancock, NY 13783
WHEN: Saturday July 30th, at 3PM
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 21ST 2022
Hancock, NY – On July 30th, the Hancock Partners are proud to announce the launch of a new community development initiative, as part of its Hancock Economic Development Initiative. The program will soon begin working to fund a new annual sporting activities and scholarship fund to celebrate local hero and American Baseball Legend: Honest Eddie Murphy. This event entitled “Field of Dreams,” will honor Honest Eddie Murphy annually in Hancock, New York. This new development is intended to be a true family friendly activity and centrally located to the heart of the community. To achieve this highly anticipated and requested community activity Hancock Partners needs your support by donating to this event and volunteering time to help set it up. Bring a chair, spouses, teens and children of any age, who might be interested in learning more about the Baseball Hall of Fame, and sports legends like Honest Eddie Murphy.
Many may recall that the right fielder for the 1919 Chicago BlackSox was a native of Hancock NY named John Edward Murphy born on October 2, 1891 and who died February 21, 1969. Murphy was famously nicknamed “Honest Eddie”, while he was an American professional baseball right fielder. He played in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. He appeared in three World Series. His first two were with the Athletics in 1913 and 1914 World Series. Murphy appeared in the 1919 World Series as a member of the Chicago White Sox, a series best known for the Black Sox Scandal. Eddie Murphy was born on October 2, 1891, the youngest child of Charles and Theresa Murphy. Charles Murphy was a college educated man which afforded him the ability to stay out of the coal mines of Pennsylvania, which was considered dangerous work. Instead, he worked as a hotel manager which was located near a rail line. The education of his father also helped provide a future for young Eddie that kept him out of the coal mines.
Murphy began his professional baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles of the Eastern League, later named the International League. On August 24, 1912, the Orioles traded Murphy and Jimmy Walsh to the Philadelphia Athletics for Bris Lord, Claud Derrick, and cash. Murphy made his professional debut at the age of nineteen for the Scranton Miners of the New York State League in 1911. The team was managed by former MLB star Monte Cross. After getting 97 hits with a .300 batting average, Murphy moved on to the Baltimore Orioles. Before he made his pro debut, Murphy played as a ringer, more or less, for the Honsdale of the semi-pro Anthracite League. Murphy played in his first major league game on August 26, 1912. During his first season, he posted a batting average of .317 over 33 games. During the 1913 season, he became a “regular” in the outfield and participated in the A’s World Series contest against the New York Giants.
In 1915, the Chicago White Sox purchased his contract. Murphy played the remainder of 1915 and the next six seasons for the White Sox. Murphy was a base stealing threat in the early part of his career, finishing eighth in the American league in 1914 with 36 steals and ninth the following season with 33 stolen bases. He would go on to steal 111 bases throughout his career in the majors. Murphy had played for an A’s team that was one of the best in the American League. However, after the underdog Boston Braves upset and swept the A’s in the 1914 World Series, an angry Connie Mack sold off or outright released his best players. Murphy was one of the few hold overs on a depleted A’s squad. However, his fortunes would change when Philadelphia went to Chicago to face the White Sox, and Murphy was informed by Mack that his contract had just been sold….to the White Sox.
Murphy was mainly a pinch hitter for most of his time in Chicago. In 1917, Murphy was on his third pennant winning team in five seasons, but did not appear in the World Series, as White Sox manager Clarence Rowland left Murphy off the play off roster in favor of Shano Collins. With “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and Happy Felsch called up by the military to build ships in the shipyard, Murphy regained a starting role. The depleted White Sox fell to sixth place and Rowland was fired and replaced by Kid Gleason. In 1919, Murphy appeared in 30 games and hit for a .486 batting average. That year, the White Sox made the World Series. It was an infamous series, and as a result of the Black Sox Scandal, six members of the White Sox were banned from Major League Baseball; Murphy was not one of those players. Consequently, he was given the nickname “Honest Eddie.”[7] Unlike before, Murphy was on the roster and made a few pinch hit appearances.
As the 1920 season rolled along, the White Sox were fighting with the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees for the pennant. Rumors swirled around that the fix was in for that season just as it had been in the World Series. After seven players were implicated in the fix, Murphy replaced the now suspended Buck Weaver at third base. The suspension took its toll on the White Sox, who quickly fell out of contention. White Sox owner Charles Comiskey issued checks in the amount of $1,500 to the players like Murphy who did not partake in the fix, telling the players they were wronged out of money that should have been theirs under no fault of their own. The saga of the Black Sox scandal didn’t end there for Murphy.
In 1926, Murphy was called to testify before the baseball Commissioner Landis. Swede Risberg and Chick Gandil claimed that in 1917, the Detroit Tigers threw a series and that the members of the White Sox paid them to do so. Eddie Collins admitted that a collection was taken up among the players of the White Sox, but it wasn’t for the Tigers to throw the series, but it was as a “reward” for the Tigers beating the Red Sox. Murphy testified that he never gave money to the collection and that he had no clue of the reward money being collected. After a brief investigation, Landis cleared Murphy and the other white Sox players and dismissed the claims of Risberg and Gandil.
On June 1, 1921 the Cleveland Indians placed a waiver claim on Murphy and purchased his contract from the White Sox.[8] From 1921 until 1925, Murphy played for the Columbus Senators of the International league. Through his stint with Columbus, Murphy continued to be an excellent hitter, hitting .397 in 1925 at the age of 33, which won him the league’s batting title. In 1927, he played for the Rochester Tribe (who would later go on to be called the Rochester Red Wings ), playing for manager George Stallings and alongside former MLB star Rabbit Maranville.
At the age of 35, Murphy appeared in 83 games for the Tribe, again batting over three hundred, batting .341 for the season. Murphy ended his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1926. In 11 years, he had 680 hits, scored 411 runs with 111 stolen bases, and a .287 lifetime batting average with 4 home runs and 195 RBI. In his final major league game, Murphy only had one at bat. Giants pitcher Jimmy Ring got Murphy to hit into a double play in the Pirates 9-5 loss to New York. After his brief return to the majors, Murphy split the 1927 season between the Montreal Royals and Jersey City Skeeters before he retired for good.
This year, nearly 100 years from when Honest Eddie Murphy retired, Hancock was again pleasantly surprised when their Hancock-Deposit Eagle ball teams both became state champions and are taking the opportunity to make their sporting achievements part of the celebration. In addition to the normal awards handed out at this event, Hancock Partners will be establishing an “Honest Eddie Murphy” Scholarship Fund and inviting the youth athletics to be part of this ground-breaking and exciting program. A special Sports Award Plaque will be presented to each school in both categories, and these athletes will all be eligible for the first Scholarship which will likely take place in 2023-2024 after funding requirements have been met. The Hancock Partners, the entire Town and Village of Hancock, and the Hancock Fire Department and Rescue Squad welcome you to please join us on the Hancock Town Square to enjoy the celebration and the Field of Dreams Parade, activities, and Live Music courtesy of French Woods! Special thanks to the Hancock Fire Department for coordinating the Heroes Parade, arranging volunteers and food vending to help raise funds for the scholarship fund for the students..
ABOUT HANCOCK PARTNERS
Hancock Partners is leading the front lines on economic and social growth development. Therefore, the Hancock Partners are proud to present HEDI, the Hancock Economic Development Initiative. HEDI was born out of the direct facilitation and collaboration with local governments and key community stakeholders. A financial contribution by the George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation as well as the Hancock Town and Village secured a regional and economic development director to implement the HEDI plan.
To date HEDI has secured more than 100k+ of local grants, spend, and in 2022 alone has accrued more than $40k in matching grants from Delaware County, with over $430k in outstanding grant applications, pending approval for FY 2022-2023. You can seek support and help from the Hancock Partners in applying for grant funding, planning future endeavors and supporting the community by emailing us at: director@thehancockpartners.org
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JULY 30TH, 2022 – FIELD OF DREAMS SPORTS AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP FUN EVENT
(Press & Event Schedule)
INTRODUCTIONS
(Teams to Meet at 3:30PM at Hancock Central School Bus Garage)
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PRODUCTION SETUP:
FIELD OF DREAMS SETUP: THREE MAIN CENTERS OF FOCUS
1 STAGE #1 GAZEBO/BANDSHELL (Pre-Set Music Setup for 6-7PM)
(Audio/Mics/Mic Stands/Hay Bale Seats)
2 STAGE #2 FIELD OF DREAMS SET
(Audio/Mics/Mic Stands/Backdrop/Cornstalks)
3 STAGE #3 IMAGES & MEMORABILIA & GAMES
(Fire Dept BBQ Chicken/Hot Dogs/Drinks)
MEDIA ALREADY INVITED AND CONFIRMED
FOX NEWS & Bold Gold Radio accessing this event for live broadcasting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Meagan Schaefer, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
609-330-4883
House Passes the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act
Trenton, NJ (July 21, 2022) – Late last week in a 220-206 vote, the House passed the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act (DRBCA), included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Coalition applauds the made in order amendment that was offered by Rep Evans (PA), Rep Fitzpatrick (PA) and Rep Blunt Rochester (DE) to the NDAA.
Reauthorization of DRBCA would enhance the current legislation through 2030 by changing the 1:1 match requirement to a 90% federal investment with 10% match for small, rural, or disadvantaged communities that are submitting restoration projects for consideration, an important step to creating better access to critical conservation and restoration funding.
Signed into law by former President Barack Obama in 2016, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA) created the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP). Administered by the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), DRBRP develops a coordinated approach to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration, protection, and public outdoor recreation access and activities across the Basin. The DRBRP provides a competitive grant and technical assistance program known as the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) to support on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects, which is facilitated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
Since 2018, DWCF has awarded $26.6 million to 123 projects, which generated $46 million in match, for a total conservation impact of $72.6 million. Reauthorization of this critical and well-established federal program would continue to affirm the nationally and historically significant Delaware River Watershed as a resource worth protecting.
“The Coalition applauds Basin lawmakers for supporting the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act. This already highly successful program will be made more effective by reducing the match component, paving the way for more shovel-ready conservation projects in our watershed, particularly in small, rural or disadvantaged communities,” said Kelly Knutson, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed director. “This critical piece of funding will enhance our ability to protect and preserve the Delaware River Watershed for future generations.”
“Thank you to Delaware Rep. Blunt Rochester and every House member who voted to support the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act. The Delaware River Watershed provides drinking water to 13.3 million people and pumps $25 billion dollars in the regional economy annually,” said Lori Brennan, Nature Conservancy, Delaware/Pennsylvania chapter executive director. “The investments enabled by this Act are vital to protecting and restoring the watershed’s wetlands, habitats and waterways.”
“We’re grateful to House lawmakers for reauthorizing the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and advancing conservation in this must-pass legislation,” said Alexandra Kozak, Pennsylvania field manager with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The Delaware and its tributaries are iconic for trout anglers in the Northeast, but these resources wouldn’t be what they are without on-the-ground conservation projects made possible by the program. We urge the Senate to match these provisions to maintain the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act in the final NDAA, which would be widely celebrated by the hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation community.”
The Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act and funding source will bolster the substantial work already taking place in the watershed to combat critical issues like habitat degradation, invasive species, and climate change.
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About Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed:
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed protects and restores the land and waters in the Delaware River Basin. We amplify the collective power of 175 member organizations and other stakeholders as we advocate for a healthy and protected watershed with an inclusive, unified voice. The Coalition convenes member and non-member organizations, builds capacity, coordinates communications, and advances policy at the federal and state levels. Click here to learn more.
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TMR Scout Museum has a new local archeology exhibit : Archeology of Ten Mile River Village/Tusten Village: https://www.tmr-archeology.tmrmuseum.org.
The exhibit includes 300+ artifacts excavated by a NPS archeologist on TMR property in 2018. Many of the artifacts date back to the 1800s. The 2018 NPS excavation is the first that I am aware of at this site and my exhibit is certainly the first on this subject.
Ten Mile River Village/Tusten Village is largely forgotten today, but it was the center of the bluestone mining and lumbering industries in the early 1800s. Narrowsburg, in comparison, was where the Raftsmen used to stop overnight on the trip down the Delaware River.
This site is part of the property that presumably will become NYS land in a few years and therefore might be more suitable for additional archeological digs.
Please contact Assoc. Curator David Malatzky at tzky@aol.com for more information.
David M. Malatzky
Assoc. Curator,
Ten Mile River Scout Museum
Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce, Hancock Partners, and the Hancock Hounds Dog Park(HHDP) are pleased to announce the 1st Annual Hancock Art Walk sponsored by the Hancock Hounds Dog Park, The Campton’s, James Serio Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty, which began May 6th 2022 during Mother’s Day Weekend Celebrations and extended until August due to popular demand. The Google Map above shows the official walking path, and this can be downloaded or sent to others by clicking the map above. The walk takes approximately 30minutes each directions assuming time to stop and read each artist’s bio and information.
“This walk is about celebrating mother’s in all forms, says Richard Lowe – Vice President of the Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce. The 2022 Hancock Art Walk will host a “Natural Beauty” theme focused on Flora, Fauna & Fish to coincide with the Festival of the Founding Fish held on May 20-23rd with the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.”
The Hancock Art Walk will begin near the entrance of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, at the The Campton’s Art Gallery located at 169 E Front Street Hancock, NY 13783 featuring the custom art piece below by local artist and Campton’s owner Laura McManus. Laura’s work will also be dramatically featured in the Hancock Town Square seen below, and her Husband Jim McManus is featured at the Hancock Hounds Dog Park truly celebrating and embracing the 2022 theme!
The Hancock Art Walk will then run down E Front Street, then navigates around the Hancock Town Square on Wheeler Street and then continues west along Main Street until reaching the Hancock Town Hall & Dog Park at 661 West Main Street with local artists displayed in local shop windows, and prominently displayed along the route from one end of the village to the other, terminating at the location of new dog park. The Hancock Town Hall has kindly agreed to lend artists the use of their parking fence to hang and display art for the Art Walk, for the temporary display for the month of May to only be installed with permission, and only the Chamber and Dog Park Staff to ensure no damage to the fence. HHDP is working hand-in-hand with local artists, business owners and the new Hancock Arts Alliance to cultivate long-term relationships with regional artists for future Hancock Art Walks.
HHDP has been fortunate to have incredibly talented members and local artists, who have contributed to our marketing success. For example, our logo was designed by none other than the Emmy-Award winning artist and graphic designer, of CBS fame, David Keller. David’s wife Jill Keller serves as the Executive Director of HHDP. Jill Keller is also a famed artist who has been a professional food stylist for over 15 years, with clients that include fortune 500 corporations, national restaurant chains, and major media publications.
The 2022 Hancock Art Walk intends to serve as a significant attraction for travelers, homeowners, and passersby on the highway. The event’s location will encourage people to get out and appreciate what the town has to offer. It will also demonstrate how we aim to incorporate arts and culture into all of our events which will not only stimulate the minds of those coming to the events, but will also make it look visually appealing from a distance encouraging future travel to Hancock and, in turn, Delaware county as a whole. Hancock Hounds Dog Park Inc. is a 501c3 New York State Not-for-profit Charitable Corporation. The completed dog park will be built across 1.5 acres of flat land conveniently located behind the Hancock Town Hall at 661 W. Main Street in Hancock, New York.
Arts & Culture Music Series in the Hancock Town Square. (June 2022 – September 2022)
The annual Summer Nights Live outdoor concert series is hosted in the Hancock Town Square each year. The Town Square will also be the host of the 2022 programming season. We are now celebrating our fifth season of the Summer Nights Live program, which proudly provides free cultural arts performances and live music each month. The events traditionally run from May to August, however, this year we are starting in June, and extending our season to September. This is being done to ensure more regional tourists and locals can enjoy the showcase and have more flexibility with their families. The 2022 season will be a mix of unique and exciting artists.
We are proud to curate from a number of culturally diverse arts programming options, which include dance, art, and musical performances. Thoughtful consideration is given to creating an immersive and memorable encounter with artists during each presentation. We want the tourists to remember what town/region that they are in, and to come back to Delaware County and Hancock more often. This season we are adding a festival onto the last two performance weekends to create an exciting experience, which can cater to different shopping desires of regional tourists. Crowds will want to be outdoors and shopping this year more than ever, and we want to be ready to service their needs and have vendors ready with products and services that meet the level of demand. We have partnered with the Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway to create unique tourist driven experiences, with funding provided by the Mee Foundation, Delaware County Tourism & Promotion Grants, sponsors and local donors who make these events possible.
As always, the intent is to give preference to artists who can enhance the community’s global knowledge, with different styles of music and performances that speak to a broader audience of tourists. In previous years we featured asian national dance, Mongolian throat singing, Native American tribal dance. This year we hope to feature a new category to this listing, with a focus on unique and international cuisine. Food motivates people to try new experiences, flavors and cultures. It’s often used as a crowd pleaser to cultivate and educate crowds with tastes and smells that delight and intrigue tourists. Each music style will be paired with traditional dishes most culturally relevant to each genre. For example: a masterclass in southern creole cooking and southern comfort foods served by vendors in conjunction with the Jazz performance by the Wayne Tucker Band in July, followed by British classic foods such as: fish & chips for the British Invasion festival in August. Regional food trucks will also be invited to join the festivities. Hancock Partners would like to include an exciting youth program, inspired by the hit program Chopped where the children can learn some of these cooking lessons, and compete against one another in a safe and fun environment, to win fun prizes at the festival. We hope to develop this new summer program with the Hancock Community Education Foundation and roll it out this year at the Rock Block Party in September.
We continue to cultivate and promote the production of original interactive works and hope this year to feature augmented reality technology onsite during the performance events, to better engage with tourists in new and exciting ways. The Hancock Art Alliance is looking at new ways to engage the community for their Color Your World Grant from Delaware County. The intent of these events is to both expose the local community to new cultural and artistic experiences, as well as increase and extend the current tourism season during the summer and fall months in Delaware County and specifically here in Hancock, NY. Rain dates will be announced as needed.
JUNE 18th 5-7PM Opus Black String Trio – Contemporary String Trio/ String Quartet. Alternative music. Established in 2016
JULY 16th 5-7PM Wayne Tucker & The Bad Motha’s – NYC Jazz Band & Food Festival
AUG 20th 5-7 PM Dave Novak’s Fab Cats – British Invasion Band Cover Band & Food Festival
SEPT 16th 5-7PM ROCK BLOCK PARTY – Pearly Baker’s Best – Grateful Dead Cover Band & Food Festival
NARROWSBURG – The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB) Committee elected officers at its April 25 annual meeting to lead the non-profit organization which promotes and protects the outstanding character, heritage, and beauty of New York State Route 97 and its communities, while encouraging economic development through tourism and recreation.
New Chairperson Richard H. Lowe III (Village of Hancock) is a first-time officer.
Rosie DeCristofaro (Town of Delaware) was named vice-chairperson, and Larry H. Richardson (Town of Cochecton) continues his long-standing role as secretary-treasurer.
The Hancock Village Board appointed Lowe to the UDSB board in January of this year. It coincided with his accepting the position of Director of Regional and Economic Development for Hancock Partners, Inc., a non-profit organization that has focused on stimulating, producing and evaluating growth in the Hancock region since 2003. Originally from Manchester, TN, Lowe became a full-time Hancock resident in the Fall of 2020. He has more than a decade of experience in the fashion world, offering design and consultation services to leading industry firms, as well as a background in immersive marketing, trend forecasting services, and heritage branding for American-based businesses.
Lowe trained in Fashion Design and International Trade & Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. Lowe serves as vice-president for the Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer efforts have extended to community projects by the Delaware Valley Garden Club, Hancock Rotary Club, Hancock Community Education Foundation, and Friends of the Upper Delaware River. He helped raise funds to build phase one of the Hancock Hounds Dog Park, is involved with upgrading the Junction Pool River Access, and hopes to implement a major town rebranding initiative with beautification, cultural, historical, and recreational elements. Lowe and his husband, Michael-John Stevenson, live in the Hancock village limits and have a PomChi dog named Cosmo.
Vice-Chairperson Rosie DeCristofaro has been the Town of Delaware’s representative on the board since the majority of Route 97 was added to the New York State Scenic Byways System through legislative action in 2002. DeCristofaro is Broker/Owner of Callicoon Real Estate, LLC. She was elected Vice-President of the Sullivan County Board of Realtors for 2022. She is also actively involved with the Callicoon Business Association, serving as its vice-president this year. DeCristofaro lives in Callicoon with her family.
Secretary-Treasurer Larry H. Richardson has also served on the UDSB board for all 20 years. He was elected vice-chair at the first meeting following UDSB’s June 2, 2003 incorporation, chaired the group from 2005-2008, and first assumed the office of Secretary-Treasurer in 2009. Now retired after 30 years as an executive with the Yaun Company, Richardson is a former Cochecton Planning Board member (1988-1995), town councilman (1995-2015), a four-time past chairperson and ongoing town representative for the Upper Delaware Council since 1989, and a founding member/treasurer of the Cochecton Preservation Society. He also serves as a director on the boards of Garnet Health Foundation – Catskill, Grover Hermann Hospital Auxiliary, and the Fosterdale Cemetery Association.
UDSB, Inc. voting members are the Village of Hancock; the Towns of Delaware, Cochecton, Tusten, Highland Lumberland, and Deerpark; the City of Port Jervis; and Sullivan County. Each participating municipality appoints a representative and alternate(s).
Committee participation also includes invited non-profit organizations; governmental agencies; business, beautification and tourism groups; and historical societies which are active in the Upper Delaware River Valley.
The organization’s purpose is to implement the goals and objectives of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Enhancement Concept plan, including byway appearance, safety, and relationship to the Delaware River; promotion, preservation and marketing of the byway’s history, recreational and cultural resources, and unique communities; and development of interpretive materials and visitor facilities.
The UDSB Committee meets monthly on the 4th Mondays at 7 p.m. in Narrowsburg. For more information, email info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org or call the 866-511-UDSB toll-free hotline.
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  One Bug 2022 a Rousing Success! The 14th annual FUDR One Bug event was held onApril 30 and May 1 and the weather, water, fish, and bugs provided our participating guides and anglers with a delightful two days of early season fishing. Many One Bug veterans are fully aware of how challenging the river can be this time of year. However, air temperatures in the 60’s, some mixed sun and clouds, and healthy numbers of wild rainbow and brown trout poking their noses up made for an enjoyable and successful weekend for our participants.The One Bug plays a critically important role in supporting the work of FUDR. It has become a highly anticipated event that kicks off the spring fishing season. It is also a fun two days of friendly fly fishing competition that reunites old river comrades and generates new and lasting friendships. We extend our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to everybody who spent the weekend with us. One Bug anglers, and the guides who care for them on the river, are emblematic of how the love of a river and a passion for the sport of fly fishing can generate a powerful conservation and stewardship ethic. The Upper Delaware River will need that to remain clean and healthy for future generations of anglers and everybody else who has the river close to their hearts.There are many moving parts to the One Bug and plenty of expressions of gratitude to share. I’ll start with FUDR’s captain of the One Bug Team, Sherri Resti Thomas. The 2022 event was Sherri’s 12th One Bug. She’s learned a thing or two along the way and nobody does it better. Sherri manages a committee of One Bug advisors and by the time you read this note, she will have already convened the group to begin planning the 2023 event. Sherri sees all the nooks and crannies, anticipates the unanticipated, and gives everybody her unique style of personal attention. Thanks Sherri and great work!Sherri had some help from FUDR’s other two staff members, Shell Dufton and Molly Oliver who lent a helping hand on the dozens of details that require attention to ensure a successful One Bug. Thanks Shell and Molly!Thanks to the leadership of FUDR Board Chairman Craig Bouslough, and Dan Plummer before him, the FUDR Board of Directors has evolved into a highly cohesive group that greatly enhances the work of the organization and the staff. Several current and former board members participated in the One Bug including Craig Bouslough, Steve Taggart, Maury Cartine, Christine Larocca, Kim McCormack, Jim Asselstine, Peter Moskovitz, Joe Anscher, Alex Smith-Constantine, Travis Conley, Dan Plummer, Pete Grimbilas, Lee Hartman, Jim Costolnick, and JC Clark.As in years past, we are very grateful to our corporate supporters – Orvis, Patagonia, and Simms/Costa – who help the One Bug through team entry and product donations. A special thanks to Orvis for providing all our guides and contestants with a beautiful Orvis Pro Vest, an Orvis tote bag, and a sweet Orvis Helios 3 blackout rod for the winning team.One of the important elements of the One Bug is its partnerships with local businesses in the region that rely on the tourism economy generated by the river. This year we worked with several nearby restaurants, lodging establishments, local businesses, and landowners who helped us pull off a seamless event. They include:Pheasant Tail Tavern in Deposit – What a beautiful facility in Deposit to kick-off the One Bug on Friday night! Thanks to Leonard Solomon and his great staff for their graciousness and hospitality.West Branch Angler – Thank you to Matt Batschelet and his staff at the River Run restaurant for providing a delicious meal at our Sunday night awards dinner and giving us permission to use the WBA boat launch.Circle E Diner – The Circle E knows the One Bug well and their friendly staff did a great job with our breakfasts and lunches. Thanks to Stacy, Ray, Martine, and the rest of the Circle E crew!Hancock House Hotel – Another veteran of the One Bug, the Hancock House Hotel provided a great buffet breakfast for us and comfortable and convenient lodging for many of our participants. Thanks to Kim and the Bass family for the warm accommodations!The Camptons – Jim, Laura, and Bob have become close friends with FUDR over the years as our across-the-street neighbors and never turn down an opportunity to help FUDR. Thanks to the Camptons for our Sunday lunches!Little Italy – A buffet of delicious Italian style food hit the spot for our hungry One Buggers after a long day on the river Saturday. Thanks to Little Italy owner Andrew Grigoli who had everything ready to go when we got there!One Bug Shuttle Drivers – Thank you to Bill Gross and Gene Cramer for making sure everybody’s vehicles and trailers made it downriver to their assigned take-out ramps. Great job guys! Landowners – Thank you to Andy Stone, Denis Luebke, and Ray Turner for giving us permission to launch some of our One Bug boats on their property. Much appreciated guys!One of the most special elements of the 2022 One Bug is the inclusion of a team from the FUDR/Bill Canfield summer fly fishing camp for kids. Our camp committee lead by Pete Grimbilas, Steve Taggart, and Kim McCormack has done exemplary work in providing kids aged 12-17 with a fly fishing and river conservation experience that will last a lifetime. This year our kids team included Michael O’Neill (2-time camper) and his sister Joliana O’Neill (2021), Jacob Oathout (2021), and Gabriel Dubois (2021). Thanks to guide Matt Ertzinger for keeping the kids safe on the river and on fish!FUDR is proud to create an event that blends just the right amount of fun, camaraderie, and friendly competition. While the awards we give out are something everybody looks forward to, it’s really the good spirit behind the event that carries the weekend. Thanks again to all our guides and anglers for their willingness to help our organization and the work we do to protect the fishery and river!Here is a link to the 2022 One Bug award winners:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-Wd0v_14URTqOAG4eqHHxic60tsF-e9bx4S4QGzxAsw/edit?usp=sharing For the River, Jeff Skelding skelding@fudr.org Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) works to protect and restore the UDR watershed for the benefit of local economies, communities, people, and the environment. FUDR engages communities and people to protect the river and the world class wild trout fishery, revitalize local economies, and build strong coalitions at the local, regional, and national level.In collaboration with our many valued partners, FUDR has brought over $4 million dollars into the UDR Watershed for stream restoration projects. FUDR.org facebook.com/FriendsOfTheUpperDelawareRiver twitter.com/UpperDelaware Instagram.com/friendsoftheupperdelawareriver |
