Mailbag

To The Editor:
Judy Van Put’s recent article reminded me of a long-discussed objection to the change in the big game rifle season. I have not missed opening day since 1976 and our group, which at one time numbered more than 30, made calls and wrote several letters to the DEC, expressing our disagreement over the change from Monday opening to Saturday. The few responses we received said that the change was made so that children would not have to miss school.

To The Editor:
This is in response to Henry Blaufox’s recent letter to this paper, which is filled with optimism and misinformation about the potential benefits of fracking in the watershed. It’s easy and convenient for Mr. Blaufox to blame New York City as the source of our future economic woes, instead of blaming the frackers, who are truly the bad guys. They have the money and are trying to buy their way into our lives. Here today, gone in a few years, in a lottery-like situation where few benefit and the damage is great.

To the Editor:
 Thank you so much for your recent article regarding the Village of Fleischmanns’ fundraising efforts for the village park. 

We would like to provide your readers with some additional options for their potential donations.  The Village of Fleischmanns has three separate escrow accounts designated for the park revitalization: the Fleischmanns Playground Fund, the Fleischmanns Tennis Court Fund and the Fleischmanns Park Fund. 

You may mail checks to the Village of Fleischmanns, PO Box 339, Fleischmanns, NY 12430. 

To The Editor:
In last week’s Catskill Mountain News, committee members were pictured wearing limited-edition Fleischmanns Park T-shirts. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be used for the restoration of key facilities at the park, not to promote the Fleischmanns Park Centennial Celebration as stated in your story. 

By purchasing and wearing the shirts, community members can visually display solidarity and support for achieving our overall fundraising mission, to have the park complex and all its component parts functionally operative for the 2013 summer season. 

To The Editor:
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation released revised regulations dealing with exploration and extraction of natural gas on December 12. They are accepting public comments until 5 p.m. on January 11.

To The Editor:
There is a rather idyllic aire to Mr. Birns’ recounting of ancient inhabitants of the area in his latest “Catskill Catalog” column. While we should give credence to the factual record as shown in archeological as well as written and spoken history, more needs doing for there to be a thorough accounting.

To The Editor:
In a recent article published in the News entitled “Rosemary Farm owners to speak at Roundtable,” Dawn Petrlik says that she bought the Rosemary Farm. This is a long way from the truth.

A long time ago Mr. Herrick from Margaretville bought the Rosemary Farm and sold it in parcels. There are several owners. Mr. and Mrs. Sova own the tenant house. Dawn owns the house, the old yellow barn, and a few acres.

To The Editor:
If a book, Profiles in Courage were to be written about Margaretville, no doubt Mayor Bill Stanton would occupy many chapters.

Regarding the “Aqua Berm” controversy, there simply would be no controversy if the berm was aimed towards the river.

Constructing a 20’ X 8’ berm aimed towards the village could have dealt Main Street businesses and homes a fatal blow.

To The Editor:
As a bow hunter, I am very proud of the game animals that I harvest and how they provide for my family. I heartily congratulate Garrett Hinkley on his successful harvesting of the bear, a photo of which was published in the November 28 issue of the Catskill Mountain News.

Hunters have an intimate relationship with the outdoors and nature and the respect we have for nature must be reflected in our personal and public actions. This is one of the reasons we must me more respectful in the photographs we publish of what we harvest.

To The Editor:
Did anyone else receive a copy of E.O. England’s latest rant in the mail?   A copy of his letter was sent to me anonymously. I am not sure why, or by whom - but since they went to the trouble to send it, I will address his disgustingly racist letter.  The following is from socyberty.com: