Tioga Downs Kicked Off the 2024 Racing Season
NY – Tioga Downs Casino Resort opened for live racing this year on its customary date of Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 4.
This year’s season provides a total of 59 live race dates and plenty of promotions, including bulldog, basset hound, and wiener dog races, comedy nights, giveaways, carnival rides, and contests.
Opening day featured live harness races, with first post at 5:00 pm. Racing starved patrons enjoyed the biggest day in Thoroughbred racing coupled with the return of the live horse races for the first time since last fall.
Patrons participated in the Derby Hat Contest, got a free magnet calendar and T-shirt, and entered to win a $500 Derby Dream Bet. Racing fans watched and wagered on the 150th Kentucky Derby, which was simulcast throughout the facility and the video board in the infield. The “Derby break” came after the fourth
race, from approximately 6 pm to 7 pm.
Eight New York Sire Stakes cards will take place this season, featuring the games top drivers and horses, with the $500,000 Empire Breeders Classic Finals for three-year-old colt and filly pacers on Sunday, August 25.
Tioga Downs is set to host various recurring weekly promotional events. “Bingo and Beer Night” is every Friday featuring Harness Racing Bingo and $1 draft beers. Sunday “Family Day” Specials feature dollar food specials and free bounce houses, water slides, farm tours, starting gate rides, and more.
Tioga Downs also offers fireworks nights, a mascot day, “corntastic weekend,” giveaways, and great food specials throughout the season. For more information about the 2024 racing season and promotions, please visit www.TiogaDowns.com.
Tractor Supply Store coming to Owego
On May 2nd the Town of Owego approved the construction of a new Tractor Supply Co. to be built on Route 434 between Storage Rentals of America and Aramark Uniform Services. Construction should begin sometime early 2025
NVFD Spring Flea Market - May 11
The Newark Valley Fire Department Auxiliary presents the Spring Flea Market on Saturday, May 11, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, rain or shine at the Newark Valley Fire Station, 7151 St. Rt. 38 in Newark Valley. Food will be available to purchase.
Memorial Day - May 27
The Village of Owego’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27. The parade will form on Temple Street, and will start at 10:00 am. The parade route will in-
clude North Avenue, Main Street, and Front Street, and will end at Courthouse Square where the traditional Service of Remembrance will take place at the Veterans Memorial.
Lions Mobile Food Pantry - May 21
The Foodbank of the Southern Tier and the Apalachin Lions will hold a Walk-Up Mobile Food Pantry on Wednesday, May 22, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, 1110 Pennsylvania Ave. in Apalachin.
Pre-registration is required. You can pre-register on Tuesday, May 21, from 8:30am until full (current limit of 125 registrations). If you register, please attend. Phone 2-1-1 or online at www.foodbankst.org/ cfd.
Bring a cart or bags to carry the food.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 2 to celebrate the grand opening of Golden Beauty Co. at 40 Lake Street in Owego.
Natasha Vestel, founder and sole stylist at Golden Beauty Co., envisioned a sanctuary where clients receive personalized care without distractions. With over a decade of experience, her expertise lies in lowmaintenance color services, catering to all ages with specialties including gray coverage, rich dimensional brunettes, and customized blonding
techniques. At Golden Beauty Co., Natasha focuses on enhancing natural beauty with timeless cuts and colors, ensuring clients’ individual style preferences are met. She stays updated with industry trends to offer clients a seamless blend of classic and contemporary looks tailored to their unique tastes. With a commitment to creating a relaxing atmosphere, Natasha aims to provide an unforgettable experience where clients can indulge in self-care and feel truly pampered.
At the Apalachin Library
719 Main Street, Apalachin (607) 625-3333
Open: Mon, Tue, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am -2pm www.apalachinlibrary.org
Mahjong Mondays, 2pm-4pm
No registration is necessary. Everyone is welcome.
Storytime
Tuesday & Thursdays, 10:30am
Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts. Tuesday and Thursday each week are the same theme.
Tech Tuesdays with Tina Tuesdays, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Drop by for one-on-one help on the computer and other devices.
Zen before Zzzzs Tuesdays, 6:30pm
Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice each week. No registration is necessary, all are welcome. Note: there will be no yoga on May 7 & 21.
The Ollie & Nola Show: Star Wars Edition
Saturday, May 4, 10:30am-12 Noon
Join certified therapy dogs Ollie and Nola for a Star Wars-themed storytime in celebration of May the Fourth (Be With You)! There will be Jedi training, light sabers, a scavenger hunt, Jedi mind games, a craft, and snacks. No RSVP is necessary, and all are welcome.
Afternoon Book Club
Thursday, May 9, 1pm
The book is The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. Place a hold for this book in the catalog or find the audiobook on Libby and Hoopla. The June book will be The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. No registration is necessary, all are welcome.
Evening Book Club
Thursday, May 9, 6:30pm
The book is The Little Liar by Mitch Albom. Place a hold for this book in the catalog or find it on Libby and Hoopla. The June book will be Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. No registration is necessary, and all are welcome.
Apalachin Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 21, 6:15pm
Members of the community are always welcome to attend.
Partners in Parenting Night
Thursday, May 30, 5:30 - 7pm
A free dinner and meetup - talk about parenthood with other parents while children take part in a special Thursday evening storytime. Registration is required. Register in person at the library or call 625-3333.
Free Notary Services
The library now has free notary services on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-7pm, and on Saturday 10am-2pm
Memorial Day
Monday, May 27
The library is closed on May 27 in observance of Memorial Day
Tioga Opportunities Inc.
Hosts Guthrie Lourdes Mammography Van
Early detection saves lives! With today’s busy schedules, Tioga Opportunities is making it quick and convenient for women to prioritize their health and get the screenings they need.
The Guthrie Lourdes “Mammo on the Move” Mobile Mammography Van will provide digital screening mammograms and education at Tioga Opportunities, Inc. Family Health Clinic, 110 Central Ave. in Owego on Monday, May 13, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
You are eligible to use the van for breast screening if you are age 40 or older, have no current breast problems or symptoms, have no history of breast surgery, or had a biopsy over one year ago with benign results and no further problems.
You do not have to be a patient of
Guthrie Lourdes and your results can be sent to the health care provider of your choice. Insured and uninsured women are welcome. No referral is needed. Appointments may be made by calling 607798-5723. To find out if you are eligible for low- or no-cost screenings, call the Cancer Services program at 607-7783900.
Tioga Opportunities, Inc. also provides confidential and compassionate family planning, women’s health care, and wellness education, and acute health services, and offers a sliding scale fee dependent on income and household size. Same-day appointments are often available.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 607-687-5333 or go to www.tiogaopp.org/family-planning.
Apalachin Church to Hold Rummage Sale & Chicken BBQ - May 18
Park Terrace Community United Methodist Church will hold a Rummage and Food Sale as part of the Tioga Terrace Annual Garage Sale on Saturday, May 18, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The rummage sale will include everything from books, toys, crafts, and other numerous household goods on display and treasures galore. No
clothing or electronic items will be for sale.
In addition to the garage sale, there will be chicken barbecue, pizza, hot dogs, baked goods, and beverages available at the annual church event.
The Park Terrace Community United Methodist Church is at 30 Glann Road in Apalachin.
At the TiogaArts Council
The Tioga Arts Council (TAC) presents “The Skies Above: Close & Beyond” by Mary J. Mack. This exhibit features works in watercolors and colored pencil featuring skies from Owego and around Tioga County, Key West, and unique celestial events.
A lifelong artist, Mary J. Mack paints and lives on a hill in Owego. Her work has been exhibited in Tioga and Broome counties. Her 2010 exhibit “Paintings from Provence” showcased paintings she created during a residency in Provence, France. Her artwork can be seen at
@artistmarymack on Facebook.
Notecards with images of her artwork are available at the Black Cat Gallery in Owego.
The exhibit will be on display until May 25.
Many thanks to Scott, Smith & Son, Inc. and Brandon Smith for sponsoring this exhibition.
The Tioga Arts Council is at 179 Front Street in Owego, and is open Wednesday to Saturday, 12 Noon to 4:00 pm
For more information call Tioga Arts Council at 607-687-0785.
AnnualAMBAWellness Program - May 20
The NYS Women Inc., Susquehanna Chapter is sponsoring their Annual AMBA Wellness Program on Saturday, May 20, from 6:00 to 10:00 am, at the Royal Order of the Moose Club at 3 Goodrich Road in Owego.
The AMBA Wellness program includes a panel of blood tests for coronary disease, liver and kidney diseases, Anemia and Diabetes. The cost for the program is $44.00, the NYS Women Inc. sponsorship fee of $7 and this year there is now a $15 specimen collection fee.
Checks for the blood lab are to be
made out to AMBA Wellness Program, and the $7 sponsor fee to NYS Women Inc., Susquehanna chapter or cash.
The following optional tests are available for an additional fee and require a script from your physician: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), TSH, Vitamin D, Hemoglobin A1C, Insure colorectal kit.
Participants should contact their physician for permission to have test results sent to their office.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-234-8888 by Friday May 17, 2024.
Ribbon Cutting at Kayak Canoe & Bike Rentals
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on April 24 to celebrate the grand opening of Owego Row & Ride at 690 Route 17C in Owego.
Owego Row 'N Ride creates water and bike experiences for adults, children, and families that emphasize
the joy of the great outdoors in Owego.
For more information, contact Owego Row & Ride at 607-4445475 or OwegoRowNRide@gmail.com or go to owegorow-n-ride.odoo.com
Ribbon Cutting at Confection Connection
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held April 10 at Confection Connection at 28 Lake Street in Owego to celebrate the expansion of its business with the introduction of Dietary Restricted Lunches each week.
In response to the growing demand for dietary accommodations, Confection Connection is adjusting its baking to exclusively offer Gluten -Free products and is actively pursuing Gluten-Free Certification.
Not only will Confection Connection Owego provide Gluten-Free options, but it will also cater to other dietary restrictions, including DairyFree, Vegan, and Nut-Free alternatives. This commitment solidifies its
position as one of the few establishments offering 100% Gluten-Free products with certification.
This celebration marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, highlighting its dedication to providing inclusive and delicious treats for all.
Confection Connection Owego LLC is a renowned bakery dedicated to providing delectable treats to the Owego community and beyond. With a commitment to quality and inclusivity, the company specializes in Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, and Nut-Free options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Tioga Co. Historical Society ChosenApril 2024 Spotlight on Nonprofit
The Tioga County Historical Society was the recipient of the April 2024 Spotlight on Nonprofit award from Visions Federal Credit Union and the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce .
The Tioga County Historical Society was formed in 1914, and has been in its current museum building at 110 Front Street in Owego since 1960. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and has a collection of
hundreds of thousands of images and items dating from the time of the indigenous people to today.
The society’s museum offers monthly programs, a quarterly newsletter, and assistance to researchers. There is no admission fee, although donations are gratefully accepted.
For more information about The Tioga County Historical Society and its services, go to tiogahistory.org
Chicken BBQ Fundraiser - May 18
The Candor Historical Society and MisFitz Motorcycle Club are teaming up again for their joint Chicken BBQ Fundraiser, on Saturday, May 18. Pick-up is 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at 1189 Spencer Road (old NAPA location). Dinners include
BBQ chicken, beans, applesauce, and a cookie for $15 each.
Presale tickets are available now. Contact a member or call Patti at 607 -760-7551. Please help support both organizations.
MOTHER’S DAY
Tioga County Chamber of Commerce
April 2024 Spotlight on Business
D5 Consulting LLC was the recipient of the Spotlight on Business Award for April 2024 from the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce.
D5 Consulting LLC is a NYS registered Minority Business Enterprise that specializes in comprehen-
sive leadership training solutions. Its tailored programs cater to businesses, schools, and correctional facilities, covering essential modules for modern workplaces and youth leadership development.
Tioga Opportunities - WIC Clinic Schedule
Monday, May 6, 1pm to 6:15pm at INSPIRE S-VE Community and Fitness Center, 57 East Tioga St., Spencer.
Thursday, May 9, 9am to 1:30pm at Berkshire Community Center, 11 Jewitt Hill Road, Berkshire.
Monday, May 13, 1:00pm to 6:15pm at Waverly Community Methodist Church, 158 Chemung St., Waverly.
Wednesday, May 22, 9:15am to 2:15pm at Waverly Community
Methodist Church, 158 Chemung St., Waverly.
Thursday, May 23, 9:15am to 2:15pm at Apalachin United Methodist Church, 303 Pennsylvania Ave., Apalachin.
Visit and subscribe to Tioga Opportunities Community Calendar at https://tiogaopp.org/communitycalendar/
Tioga Opportunities is at 9 Sheldon Guile Boulevard in Owego. For more information, call 607-687-4222
Tioga County LegislatorAppointed to NYSAC Public Safety Standing Committee
Tioga County is a member of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and is pleased to announce that District #7 Legislator, Keith Flesher, Chair of the Tioga County Public Safety Legislative Standing Committee, has been appointed to serve on NYSAC’s Public Safety Standing Committee.
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) was formed in 1925 and their mission is to foster excellence in county government and unite the voice of New York County leaders. The organization is comprised of several standing committees that are essential in the development of NYSAC’s advocacy planning and efforts to shape their policies and positions on legislative issues impacting New York State counties.
As a member of the Public Safety Standing Committee, Legislator Flesher will develop, discuss, and adopt resolutions highlighting the
priorities of New York’s County governments and make up the foundation of NYSAC’s Legislative Platform.
Martha Sauerbrey, Chair of the Tioga County Legislature commented, “As past President of NYSAC, I am pleased that Legislator Flesher will be representing Tioga County on the Public Safety Standing Committee. His experience and knowledge will add value and quality to the committee’s work and will provide additional opportunities for Tioga County’s concerns to be heard at the State level. Tioga County is currently undergoing a multi-million -dollar interoperable radio communications project that will enhance the communications and safety of our citizens, law enforcement, and emergency services personnel and having NYSAC’s advocacy through the Public Safety Standing Committee at the State level will be an added benefit for Tioga County ”
Tioga Opportunities to Host Decision-Making Day
Are you prepared to make important decisions about your future?
Tioga Opportunities, Inc. (TOI) is pleased to announce Decision Making Day, featuring local attorney Greg Catarella, Esq., scheduled for May 10, from 9:00am to 11:30am at TOI’s Countryside Community Center located at 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd. in Owego.
Decision Making Day offers attendees the opportunity to gain insight on the importance of advanced healthcare decision-making and key legal documents that shape end-oflife care and estate planning. Local attorney, Greg Catarella, Esq., recognized for his expertise in elder law and estate planning, will lead an informative session regarding wills, living wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and do-notresuscitate (DNR) orders.
“This program offers an invaluable opportunity for individuals to gain the tools they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing and estate planning,” said Christine Shaver, Director of Program Operations at Tioga Opportunities, Inc.
Whether you are considering end-
of-life planning for yourself or a loved one, Decision Making Day provides the resources and support you need to navigate these important decisions with confidence. This program is free to the public, but reservations are appreciated by calling 607-687-4120.
50 YearsAgo - May 1974
It’s May 1974. New York’s mandatory odd-even gas program ends.
A Maryland Court of Appeals disbars former Vice-President Spiro Agnew. Expo '74 opens in Spokane.
The House Judiciary Committee begins closed formal hearings to determine whether to recommend that the full House impeach Nixon.
In Los Angeles, a TV station carries a live broadcast of a one-hour shoot-out between police and the Symbionese Liberation Army. Six members of the SLA are killed. Patty Hearst is not among them.
India detonates a nuclear bomb underground, becoming the sixth nation to have nuclear power.
Duke Ellington, 75, dies of lung cancer in New York City.
At the Emmys, Alan Alda and Mary Tyler Moore win for best actors in a comedy. “Upstairs, Downstairs” wins for best drama.
President Nixon agrees to turn over 1,000 pages of edited Watergate transcripts. The House Judiciary Committee warns Nixon that his refusal to hand over the actual tapes might constitute a ground for impeachment.
The Ti-Ahwaga Community Players present “The Fourposter.”
Steve Rieg of Owego is named 1974 Boy of the Year at the Tioga County Boys Club’s 10th annual awards dinner.
If you buy a 16-ounce glass of Pepsi at Carroll’s for 39 cents you can keep the Looney Tunes glass featuring Tweety, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, or Porky Pig.
More people are buying bicycles and prices have risen 20% - the average price of a good 10-speed bicycle is now $135.
Local bankers and businessmen report that pennies are in short supply.
BCC tuition will increase to $650 in September.
If you ever thought your “one” vote didn’t matter... The Owego-Apalachin school district’s proposed $7,200,000 budget is rejected by a single vote! (148 to 147). This is the first defeat in the district’s 20-year history. School officials are stunned.
Hickories Park opens for the season. For the first time in two years, there will be no vehicle entrance fees. The town board establishes a 30-day limit on use of camping spaces in order to discourage people from living in the park during the summer. The camping spaces cost $2.50 per day.
At the Tioga County Fairgrounds, country singer Jeannie C. Riley performs two shows at Country Western Day sponsored by the Deputy Sheriff's Association.
Merchants in the
Village of Owego want police to patrol the business district on foot between 3:00 pm and midnight in order to crack down on loitering teenagers who disturb shoppers with vulgar language, litter the sidewalks and streets, engage in horseplay, break and vandalize windows, and lounge on shoppers’ cars.
Magnetic Laboratories plans to build a light manufacturing facility on East Main Street in Apalachin.
Doctors’ insurance premiums against malpractice will increase 93.5% due to the increase in the number of malpractice suits and the higher awards in court. Locally, general practitioners pay about $500 per year for malpractice insurance. In July, that will increase to almost $1,000. Specialists, who currently pay $5,000 per year, will see their premiums rise to about $9,000.
Plans for “Emerald Heights,” a multi -million dollar residential and recreational development on an old potato farm in Richford, have been postponed due to high interest rates. A group of New Jersey developers have plans to build roads, a golf course, water and sewer facilities, trailer sites, summer and vacation houses, and provide a site for a small shopping center and light industries.
There’s a tennis boom in Broome. The Binghamton Tennis Center on South Mountain is transforming their plans for two indoor tennis courts into a complete family recreational center which will include 10 outdoor courts, four indoor courts, a swimming pool, and picnic area.
First City Bank offers to pay $1.05 for a roll of 100 pennies.
Top tunes include “The LocoMotion” by Grand Funk, “The Streak” by Ray Stevens, “Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me” by Gladys Knight and the Pips, “Dancing Machine” by Jackson 5, and “The Entertainer” by Marvin Hamlisch.
Thursday night TV shows include The Waltons, Kung Fu, The Flip Wilson Show, Ironside, and The Streets of San Francisco Movies at local theaters include The Three Musketeers, Walking Tall, Sleeper, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean starring Paul Newman.
My name is Elda CapuniLemmon and I am running for the school board in the OA district. I have been a resident of Apalachin, NY since 03/2003. I have three children who attend OFA and OAMS. I hold an MA in Economics and an MA in Italian, both from Binghamton University. I have worked as a financial analyst, an economics and Italian Instructor at BU during my studies, a substitute teacher in the Owego Apalachin school district from 2005-2006, and as an Italian adjunct instructor at SUNY Broome. Having spent most of my career in education, I value it not only for the opportunities it provides, but also for the impact it has in forming the new citizens of a nation.
I grew up in a communist, atheist country for the first 13 years of my life, and for the next 5 years I lived under the chaos of a country trying to rebuild from the ashes. I moved to the USA, reluctantly at first, when I was 18. I soon came to love this country for its openness, freedom,
friendliness, and opportunities it has afforded to many immigrants like me. I try to instill the same sentiments and appreciation to my children and teach them why America is unique.
I am unapologetically anticommunist, pro-American and proGod. I appreciate the support and positive feedback I received from the community on my run last year. I am running again because I want to represent families that, like me, want to promote a strong academic and patriotic education. Having grown up being fed official narratives in communism, I want the young generation to grow up with a healthy dose of skepticism and learn to analyze and discern data for themselves.
No country can survive with selfhate, just like no person can thrive with self-hate. I am running because I want to promote an education that teaches love of country, its faults notwithstanding. Our country’s founding values are the best defense against evil regimes such as those created by communism throughout the world. I am also running because I want to make sure that parents always have a say in their children’s education, unlike parents in my native country, Albania, where under communism children were trained to turn against their parents, and many did! I want to make sure that our local community, not some distant politician, has the last say in our children’s education.
Thank you for your support and I hope to have your vote for the OA school board.
