New Classrooms, Labs Open



New classrooms have opened at the Henry Wells Middle School. The 50-plus year old facility in the Brewster School District is undergoing a major renovation and construction project that is expected to be completed next September in time for the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year. A new library welcomed its first students last month, and now with the new […]

Corvino Raises Funds for Eagle Project



Dozens of people were up early Sunday to attend breakfast at the Brewster VFW Hall—a meal that helped Brewster High School senior Jon Corvino raise dollars for supplies needed to complete his Eagle Scout project. He will lead Scouts as they construct a picnic area outside the school’s gymnasium/cafeteria entrance, one that will allow students to dine outdoors when the […]

New Legislator Leaves School After 40 Years



Roger Gross left the Brewster Board of Education last week with mixed emotions. While thrilled to have been appointed to the Putnam Legislature on New Year’s Day, succeeding long-time Legislator Tony Hay, who assumed the supervisor’s post in Southeast, Gross called the Brewster District an “important part of my life.” Gross taught history and social studies on the secondary school […]

Hand in the Till at Animal Kingdom?



A Stormville woman is not only looking for a new job but also facing state prison for allegedly stealing from her employer. The Sheriff’s Department reported the arrest last week of Samantha Cardin, 22, in connection with the incident. Chief Investigator Gerald Schramek said Cardin was taken into custody on charges of grand larceny after management at the Animal Kingdom, […]

Southeast, Buffeted by Money Woes, Winterizes Toilets, Drains Pipes



Southeast’s new Supervisor Tony Hay has imposed a spending freeze after declaring a “fiscal emergency” for town government. The former Putnam legislator, who took office as Southeast’s chief elected official on Jan. 1, described his town as the “Titanic. We have hit an iceberg and will sink unless these harsh financial measures are implemented.” Hay told the Courier last week […]

31 Suspensions for Drunk Driver



Kent Police shook their heads in disbelief after arresting a Kent man on charges of DWI. Eugene Dollinger, 54, was found to have 31 active suspensions and revocations on his driver’s license, several for alcohol related offenses. Dollinger’s car was stopped on Hill and Dale Road last week at 10:30 p.m. by Officer Ray Beauchesne after the Putnam 911 Center […]

Cunningham’s Corner



Monday was Martin Luther King Day, and it was marked throughout Putnam County. Is there anyone who’s not stirred by hearing a recording of one of his speeches? The striking thing to me is how good almost ALL of his speeches were, not just the famous ones. The cadence, the effective use of repetition, the evocative word choice. He combined […]

What’s in a Name: Health Director, or Commissioner?

Director position would not require a medical doctor

It appears that Putnam County’s Commissioner of Health position will be short lived. At last week’s meeting of the legislature’s Health Committee discussion focused on the commissioner’s post as compared to a public health director. Rebecca Wittenberg is now serving as interim director. The veteran county Health Department employee and lifelong Brewster resident was appointed to the position by former […]

Is There a Doctor in the House? In Carmel, Yes



She’s not called Dr. Nan Hayworth for nothing. The congresswoman who represents constituents in the 19th district visited Putnam Hospital Center last week— where she observed a series of glaucoma screenings in recognition of National Glaucoma Awareness and National Eye Care Month. Before being elected to Congress two years ago, Hayworth practiced ophthalmology for 16 years. Members of the hospital […]

Sifting Through the Sands of Time



HOUSEHOLD MATTERS. Washing Red Flannel. To wash red flannel mix a handful of flour in a quart of color water, and boil ten minutes. To this add some warm suds, and wash the flannel gently, rinsing rather than rubbing. Now rinse it in two or three warm waters, and the brightest scarlet will never lose its colors. To Clean the […]