Marion supervisor report
From Town Supervisor Monica Deyo

Volunteers made the youth soccer program a success. We are deeply grateful to Tom Verstraete (and his wife, Barb) for all of the work that goes into coordinating the program ... setting up teams, ordering equipment, marking out the fields, and organizing the coaches. We had almost 400 youth sign up this year, and in spite of the often unseasonable weather, there was positive feedback from the parents.

Many thanks to volunteer coaches for giving your time to our kids so that they could have enjoyable evening activities at the Town Park. Steve Schutt also deserves recognition; he was responsible for installing the new baskets and poles on the basketball court. He painted the backboards as well, with a customized 'The Garden.'

Kathy Baker was totally responsible for the concession stand supplies. She does know which food items are the most popular sellers, and makes sure that the stand is well-stocked. This year, the concession stand grossed $5296 - that's a lot of hot dogs, candy, and soda! We realized a profit of $2062 from the sales, and we thank those of you who worked at the booth.

The money earned goes directly into the Park Improvements Reserve Fund, which this year include the fence repair and replacement around the basketball court.

Water extension projects - several are in the works. Arbor Road and Route 21 South are installed and waiting for DEC or Dept. of Health approval, so that those customers can hook up.

Phase I of the Northwest Water Quadrant is nearing construction and funding approval; Phase 2 of the same project is in the engineering stage, so that we can submit a funding application for that area. The Northeast Water is in process as well. The Town Board's goal is to have townwide water within the next 10 years.

The Grange/Library project is progressing nicely. Currently there is some work going on in the interior of the building as well as the exterior site work for drainage and parking.

You have probably read about the downtown issues brought to the Board's attention by merchants distressed by youths hanging out on the streets of the hamlet. At the meeting on Sept. 11, there were about 30 students (mainly high school seniors) in attendance. We were really impressed with them. They came to present their side of the story and the issues they face, and the fact that they like being with their friends but have no place to gather to talk and enjoy each other's company.

Unfortunately, the bad behavior of a few teenagers can create a stereotypical image that is not fair to the rest. There are good ideas for solutions to their problems, and it is hoped that we can have an ongoing dialogue with them and with their parents. We definitely will not go to the extent of enacting a curfew ordinance. Marion can be proud of the majority of our young people.

top of page

 Copyright © 2000
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513
All Rights Reserved