IN THE NEWS
Here you'll find a selection of feature photos and stories about The Center that were originally published in our community newspaper, The News of the Highlands. Beginning in 2014 through the present, we'd like to share with you some of our highlights and memories brought to you by local journalism.
All Stories & Photos by MJ Pitt
The News of the Highlands / Times Hudson Valley Media
Used with permission
Pharoby Ripa, Michael Graber, John Gunza and Barbara Bott enjoyed looking through scrapbooks of old local history at Monday's 'Sit and Chat' featuring Gunza and Graber.
February 3, 2017
Sit, chat and learn local history
For over a year, most often on the last Monday morning of the month, some local people gather at The Center on Main St. in Highland Falls to talk about local history.
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It's an informal gathering, fueled by cake and other refreshments. Sometimes there are just a few people there, other times -- like this week -- the room is buzzing with community members.
The sessions, hosted by The Center's Ann Molina with coordination efforts by Agnes Saffoury, are run by Highland Falls natives Michael Graber and John Gunza. Between the two, people at Monday's session said, there's probably not a thing about local history they don't know.
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This past Monday's topic was 'Main St. to the Depot' (meaning the railroad station that eventually became the Highland Falls Marina and is now a private home). The session was a bit atypical -- neither Gunza nor Graber gave any sort of talk. Instead, Gunza brought books and displays full of local history -- postcards, billheads, school memorabilia and more.
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At every table in the room, people were sitting going through the albums, marveling at how some things look the same in the community, and others look nothing alike. They also noted the incredible prices on bills from decades ago -- for instance, a bill from blacksmith Alphonse Bosch was $8.50, to shoe a horse. Another was for some painting someone had done --$4.13.
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Gunza loves those billheads, especially the logos on them. Most of his are from local businesses that are long gone. He still finds them occasionally, on websites, at 'paper' shows, or is given to him by families who find them tucked away when cleaning out an estate, etc.
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The same goes for his 600-plus postcard collection. While he actively seeks them, the ones that people hand off to him are even more precious.
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Interestingly, collecting old postcards is big business these days -- the average Highland Falls ones range from $15-18 for Main St. scenes, and upwards of $20 for old railroad scenes.
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Both Gunza and Graber say they enjoy the 'sit and chat' sessions for several reasons.
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One, they both not only love local history, but love to learn more about it. They say they do that at every session, as community residents from longtime families share tidbits of information with them.
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At Monday's session, Highland Falls Barbara Bott was engrossed in some of Gunza's books of certificates from Highland Falls High School, but also Graber's tales to go along with them.
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"I've learned a lot from them," she said.
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For instance, Highland Falls' Barbara Mennite was looking at a postcard of the old Cozzens Dock. Mennite, chairman of the village's Economic Development Corporation, has been involved in a project to find funding to restore the old Highland Falls marina.
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"If we get it, we should make note that the dock was called Cozzens Dock and maybe rename it that," she said.
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As she looked at the picture, she wondered why it was named Cozzens Dock. Graber knew and explained that people arriving there by ferry often then stayed at Cozzens Hotel, up in the village.
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That led him to another story.
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Abraham Lincoln came to or through Highland Falls three times, arriving each time at Cozzens Dock. The first was when he was president-- he arrived by train having come in from Illinois. The second was in 1862, and he arrived in Peeksill, came by ferry to Highland Falls, and stayed at Cozzens Hotel. The third, unfortunately, was passing through on his funeral train.
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Conversation moved on to the Stevens Hotel (where the empty lot next to the post office is now), and Dr. McMenamin -- the local physician who "had a guy with a horse and wagon" who drove him around to see his patients. His office was located where the dry cleaner on Main St. is now.
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"I love presidential history," Graber said, noting "there is lots of psychology there". He says he's privileged to have visited the presidential birth site or major speaking site of every of America's 45 presidents, up to Bill Clinton.
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Graber also moderates the Junior History Club at the Highland Falls Library, with Library Director Suzanne Brahm. It's a little more national focused, he said, but still involves local history, like the Buffalo Soldiers.
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Both Graber and Gunza are as native to the community as one can be. Gunza was born at West Point on January 22, 1938.
Graber was born in Cornwall on January 8, 1939. Only Saffoury could top both of them ... she was born in Highland Falls!
The 'Sit and Chat' sessions are free and open to all -- while neither men yet knew the topic of next month's, meeting because there is expected to be a 'fill in' speaker, they'll be there and ready to reminisce in March! Watch The Center's column in The News for the date and topic.
Honorees Dr. Shannon Waite, Barbara 'Charlie' Murphy, Lisa Mackey and June Gunza are shown with Master of Ceremony John Hunter.
April 14, 2017
Four honored at 'Make a Difference' event
Lisa Mackey, June Gunza, Barbara 'Charlie' Murphy and Shannon Waite have one thing in common, or so says the Hudson Valley Women's Association and Friends (HVWAF) and The Center of Highland Falls. They make a difference.
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The 15th annual 'People who make a Difference' scholarship breakfast was held at the West Point Club on April 1. John Hunter was the master of ceremony at the event.
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"Today is a celebration of everyone in this room," Hunter said. "Highland Falls is a very special place and I believe each one of us is very connected to each other in some way."
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Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Sheboy was the guest speaker at the event, and spoke about the sense of community he has encountered in the nearly two years he has held his position. He spoke of how he grew up in a small community in Ohio, very poor, and came to rely on his community for support.
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"Because of that, I have a very strong sense of not only community, but faith and family," he said. "This community is like a family, and I believe in it."
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He spoke of how public schools provide a sort of adhesive in any community, nothing that students in school here are not only "held to a high standard, but are supported".
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In the awards, first up was the awarding of three scholarships -- to O'Neill High School students who will graduate this June, Imari Hunter, G'Quan Graham and Erin Blauvelt. All three are preparing for their future -- Blauvelt to study nursing at the University of Florida; Hunter hoping to study pre- law in college; and Graham, already an EMT, to continue his studies and become a nurse.
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Sheboy assisted with the awarding of the scholarships, as well as introducing the first "Make a Difference" winner, Lisa Mackey, a guid- ance counselor at O'Neill High School for the past 11 years. He spoke of how she encourages students not only academically, but helps them to find leadership opportuni- ties, such as with Girls' and Boys' State programs.
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"Her efforts give others the opportunity to make a difference," he said.
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Mackey said how grateful she was to receive the award and said she loves her job. "This community continues to inspire and excite me," she said.
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Second to be honored was Town Councilwoman June Gunza, who was introduced by Pharoby Ripa.
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"June is like the Energizer Bunny, she never stops," Ripa said. "She is always busy working in the service of others. She's a person who sees problems or concerns, sees solutions and then finds the people who can fix them."
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Ripa called Gunza "a natural mediator" who can "stand her ground without being aggressive or rude".
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Village Trustee Brian Aylward introduced Murphy for her award.
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"Charlie is an unsung heroine who goes around doing things for people," he said, "she has a great spirit about humanity."
He noted she not only works locally as a village trustee, but helps around the world, speaking about her recent mission trip to Vietnam.
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"Charlie is a fine human being and many try to emulate her," he said. "I'm hum- bled to present this award to her."
Murphy deflected the praise, saying "I'm standing here taking some credit, but it's always a group effort in our little community".
Michael Waite presented his wife, Dr. Shannon Brown Waite, her award. She is a 1997 O'Neill High School graduate who has gone on to leadership roles in education in New York State. But in addition, Waite called his wife a "supermom" to their
two small daughters.
In her remarks, Waite said she is grateful to God, her family, Highland Falls and O'Neill High School for helping to make her who she is today. She spoke about the strong foundation she received at O'Neill, as well as about Highland Falls.
Speaking specifically to the scholarship winners, she said: "I charge you all to remember that you coming from a small town is not a deficit, but a benefit. Highland Falls is far from perfect, but it is an amazing, amazing place. Never forget
where you came from."
Each of the four recipients not only received an engraved plaque from The HVWAF and The Center, but also cer- tificates of commendation from Assemblyman James Skoufis and Senator Bill Larkin. Town Supervisor Bob Livsey presented those.
Hunter took a few minutes at the end of the program to seek praise for Ann Molina, who runs The Center and is the founding member of the HVWAF.
G'Quan Graham, Imari Hunter and Erin Blauvelt all received scholarships at the brunch.
June 30, 2017
An 'enriching' summer experience
The Center focuses on education
(Editor's Note: Ann Molina, director of The Center of Highland Falls, submitted this story to The News to tell the community about summer at The Center. Just a week after local schools dismissed for the summer, there are a dozen students enrolled and participating in the summer enrichment program, which began Monday. The Center is funded via donations and fundraisers. MJP)
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The third annual enrichment program at The Center started this week with career day. A full day of speakers and skill building exercises to motivate creativity, promote positive behaviors and encourage leadership skills.
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Merv Livsey, Village trustee and Army reservist instructor, shared his life experiences and his multiple talents that he shares in the community. The students also participated in a “military” type drill, led by Livsey to be aware of one’s emotions and to be a leader not a follower.
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New York City correction officer, accomplished jazz musician and skillful martial artist Steven Terry shared the many interests he has mastered to continue growing intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. He shared the dangerous conditions within the city jail he works in everyday, his faith and street smarts that help him handle the job.
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CSM (retired) Tyrone King, the local promoter of the national Juneteenth celebration, presented an in depth understanding of the Juneteenth Festival (a state holiday in Texas) that is celebrated through the world. He shared the benefits he received from serving in the military for more than thirty years. He encourages the students to be a part of the planning and implementing the 2018 Juneteenth Festival.
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Firefighter Fran Galu, president of the Highland Falls Fire Department, shared the opportunities and the community service the students could become a part of at fire department at the age of 16. She also shared how the Fire Department raises funds to maintain the fire station and services and how the community can help.
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Peace Officer Danny Zint, senior court officer in the Town of Highlands Court, shared the requirements and training to be a court officer. He also shared some history of how the court officers began in Highland Falls when he was the only officer until now when there are three officers stationed during court hours. Zint prepared the students for their court observation visit this week, with Judge Stewart presiding.
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Final speaker was Samani Henry, a student at Berkeley College, majoring in forensic science, shared the importance of applying oneself in high school early, taking AP courses, and getting involved in extracurricular activities and the importance of community service. She is an intern this summer and worked on the Juneteenth Committee.
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As, always Suzanne Brahm has opened the doors of the Highland Falls Library and gave personal tours of the facility.
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The students are working on developing floor plans, program themes and creating employment opportunities in their individual ideas about how to enhance The Center of Highland Falls. This year students from Westchester and Cornwall are enrolled in Center’s program for students ages 12 to 16 years old.
September 29, 2017
An anniversary celebration for all -- Although it was her brainchild, Highland Falls' Ann Molina, far left, won't take a bit of credit for the three-year success of The Center, a non-profit community center that operates and facilitates all kinds of services. The third anniversary of The Center was celebrated on Saturday, and all through the day there were groups of people there to say hello, congratulations, and thank you to the many volunteers who make it all happen.