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8 CommunityDecember 22, 2011WWW.WOODBURYGAZETTE.COMDisillusioned as attemptto fund Valley View failsBy Sheryl Thomas, Co-founder of Orange-Sullivan Tea PartyPolitics. Sometimes it’s sickening, other times maddening and often times sad, as was thecase as eight lawmakers joined with Ed Diana to defund Valley View effective July 1, 2012.Only one more vote was needed to keep Valley View funded for a full year in order to givethe county time to prepare residents and family members for privatization or closure. Of the14 Republicans who eagerly signed on for Legislator Dan Depew’s 3-3-3 plan days earlierto amend Diana’s 2012 budget only 6 voted to override Diana’s veto.It is no wonder people say, “I want nothing to do with politics. It never changes. It’s arigged game played by insiders.” From my vantage point, it did look this way at manytimes throughout the months long ordeal. One more vote would have disarmed scared seniors,and a public upset to see a county landmark suddenly and carelessly tossed to thecurb.Diana’s rhetoric did not match his actions. Numerous meetings to find possible solutionsfor cost savings were promised; few were scheduled. It appears the only course of actionhe was entertaining was no more funding for Valley View, the sooner the better. But why?Why when several legislators stated openly that there was enough money in the countytreasury to see Valley View through 2012. Why when legislator Mike Anagnostakis offeredan actual amended budget that would not cost the county any extra surplus money, wouldnot leave the deal hanging on hopeful Union give backs, and would literally save the taxpayer?Why when legislators Depew,Castricone and the entire Democrat caucus offeredsensible proposals to fund Valley View for twelve months. Why?Where is the money going to be spent that is now “saved” from the defunding of ValleyView?Diana has been heard saying he believes this will not hurt his reelection campaign; thatpeople will forget by the time 2013 rolls around. That may be true but they are acutely awarenow that something is amiss with politics in Orange County. A case could be made that OrangeCounty voters have two years to prepare for a change in leadership. Nothing should betaken for granted. Voters should expect a plethora of challengers to many coveted seats.Decisions have consequences and voters have recourse. Time will tell if constituents whohave found their elected officials lacking in job performance are diligent to remember.The fight for Valley View has been an emotional roller coaster, even those that have nopersonal stake in its future. The story of Valley View has touched me and brought unexpectedfriendships. I’m sure we will see each soon, possibly when the games begin againwith Diana’s push to build a new government centerJ ewelryTHEBOXTwenty Years In Orange CountyKevin Gutierrez, owner and MasterJeweler, invites you to visit TheJewelry Box and see for yourself themagnificent work that he has created.Kevin, a Tiffany’s trained master jeweler for many years, cameto Orange County twenty years ago. Now, his shop in CentralValley is five years old. Having done personal work for many individuals,he brings many years of experience to you.Let Kevin evaluate your gold and diamonds and compare hispricing. It’s a small family business and his prices are always fairand right.• CUSTOM DESIGNS• REMOUNTS & SETTINGS• REPAIRS• ALL WORK DONE ON PREMISES• WE BUY GOLD AND DIAMONDSOak Clove mall, Route 32, Central Valley, NY 10917845-928-2215
WWW.WOODBURYGAZETTE.COM December 22, 2011Community 9Storm Water Retention Area DredgedFilled with silt - it impacted adjacent propertiesCentral Valley – Throughout this past year, MorganCourt and Gregory Lane property owners regularlyattended Town Board meetings. During public commentafter many of the meetings, Supervisor JohnBurke was asked, “Can you give us an update aboutthe Morgan Court retention pond?”For some time Woodbury Town attorneys had beencommunicating with the owner of the overgrownand silted-over retention area. After building attractivehomes surrounding this drainage area, the retentionpond, or, catch basin for storm run-off, had beenneglected for years. Yards were easily flooded, andit didn’t take major rains to cause flooding. Anotherannoyance during warmer weather was the abundanceof mosquitoes nesting in what had grown tobe a swamp. Notices were ignored for a long time,and not until legal action was about to the served tothe land owner by the Town of Woodbury, was anagreement finally worked out.Driving on Route 32 as one leaves Central Valley,large backhoes could be seen for about the last tendays, scooping into the mud, and moving the silt toembankments. The dam next to Route 32 has beencleared of mud and debris, an island in the centerA win-win for all – large backhoe dredgessilted over retention pond bounded byRoute 32, Morgan Court and GregoryLane. Photo by Ben Meyershas been retained, and the stream finally flows freely.This remedy is evidence of how persistence paysoff when holding your local government officials responsible.It also shows how the Town Board usedcommunications and authority to get its job done. Awin-win for all!Dear Friends of Woodbury, WE ARE RELOCATING!34 SMITH CLOVE RD. CENTRAL VALLEY 298 MAIN STREET. CORNWALLThe past eventful couple of months have leaded us to the decision to relocate. My mission all along was to be able to start myown business where I can still be with my children as much as possible. While the “business plan” would eventually free meup a year or two from now to do so, I have realized that my children need me NOW the most. Tropical Storm Irene reallytook a toll on us, as well as pneumonia and other common challenges. We are simply down- sizing to keep it all manageable.It was very important to me to partner with each and every Consignor & Vendor -for your understanding & support- as I feelthe business is really owned by each & every one of you, however, (and proudly) that includes over 230 of you! Please acceptmy apology for the past few unusual months & join me in the exciting, new adventures! We will be running the new storewith the same enthusiasm! I wish you warm, healthy & happy Holidays, & of course, sent w/ big hugs & kisses…. ChristineDon’t miss outIn Central Valley- Come shop our crazy In Cornwall- Come meet your local talentRELOCATION SALE!at this month’s OPEN HOUSE!Now through Friday, DEC. 23rdThursday, Dec 15 th 7-9 pmon the GREAT deals!(Wed, Thu, Fri: 11-7, Sat: 11-5, Sun: 11-3)(An ALL VENDOR Meet & Greet special event)Cornwall Store Hours: Mon-Closed, Tues, Wed, Thu: 11-2 Fri: 11-7, Sat. 11-5, Sun. 11-3ABConsignment@gmail.comFriend us on fb: “Christine Around Back Consignment” for store details, directions, info, pics & updates.
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