A Bird In Flight

Sometimes we learn about nature or how lucky we are by chance. Living on Seneca Lake in upstate New York provides me with that chance on a pretty regular basis. I have the opportunity to gaze out my windows or off of my deck to watch nature in many forms. I have grown to love watching birds in flight. The flight can be short and brief, a mere jump and flap from one branch to another, or a beautiful soar on thermals above the water and the trees on shore. I get to see the migrations in the spring and the fall - the geese, the loons and the raptors to name a few. Sparrows and eagles move through or make their home here.

The other day, about a week ago, I caught the glimpse of a huge bird soaring along Seneca's shores in the left corner of my eye. I looked quickly as this beautiful specimen moved through the air to the north. Some things didn't compute. I had never seen a bird so large and the color was a mix of white, gold and black from underneath. Soon he or she was out of sight and I thought perhaps this was the American Bald Eagle that I know is here eluding my eyes. I had recently seen two Golden Eagles battling in the sky only yards from my deck over a fish that one had snatched from the water. They both twirled in the sky with wings outstretched, one finally victorious.

Yesterday the mystery of the large soaring bird was solved I believe. John Van Niel, an environmental professor, who writes columns for the Finger Lakes Times, had an article about an American white pelican who has recently ended up at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge just northeast of Seneca Lake.

Above is a photo Van Nile took of the visitor who I'm pretty sure I saw making his way to the refuge, a bit lost according to the author. The American white pelican has a wing span of up to nine feet and this certainly matches what I saw as this fellow traveled up the lake. Here is Van Niel's full article: SPEAKING OF NATURE - Pelican Makes Rare Stop.

Again, birds in flight are truly amazing, reminding us of our own travels or those of loved ones who we've traveled with over the years. So take some time to look up or look out and see these amazing creatures, finding the wind and each other just as we do.

The Fight Over LP Gas Storage At Seneca Lake Location Getting Nastier

The polarization over gas storage in old salt caverns around and under Seneca Lake here in upstate NY continues and seems to be getting worse as both sides dig in and try to make their position heard by people in decision making positions. That's ok to a point. It's what free speech and political processes are all about. But 'to a point' is the issue here.

Facts, or 'my facts vs your facts' seem to have taken over in the latest conversations. Some of this may be the result of a recent election in the Town of Reading where a number of folks opposed to the project ran and lost against incumbents and people in support of the project. The campaign allowed lots of people to voice opinions in letters to the editor that liked to take swipes at people vs issues. In that process the facts flew from both sides based on their position. All of that has continued after the election.

And then there's the national conversation and attitudes that are going on in the Presidential campaign and in protests in the street over police conduct, racism on college campuses, immigration, refugees and terrorism. Everything is beginning to collide and what seems to be a vacuum in leadership is allowing values to be redefined and hatred to become acceptable. An environment like this is not conducive to conversation and debate. It is becoming acceptable for people protesting to be thrown out of political rallies while being kicked and punched on the way to the exit. It has become acceptable for people to mock people with disabilities during campaign speeches. We are actually having conversations about registering people of specific religions and keeping people of certain ethnic backgrounds out of our country. Within the past few weeks, hundreds of people were shot in Paris. This past week a number of protesters in this country were shot during a demonstration of Black Lives Matter.

I lay all of this out because it really gives a sense of how badly we seem to be doing in terms of civil dialogue and civility in general. It also brings me back to the conversation about Seneca Lake. Facts and misinformation seem to be thrown around interchangeably. They sometimes become entwined and confused and hard to follow. Both sides are easily angered and frustrated. The process of approving or disapproving the project by public officials seems to be taking a very long time. I've concluded myself, quite some time ago, that this project is not in the best interest of Seneca Lake or the many thousands of people living around her or the many others who enjoy her beauty and recreational bounty.

This weekend, people opposed to the gas storage project, have been invited to march through the streets of Watkins Glen on Sunday, Nov. 29th, in solidarity with international Climate Marches throughout the world. I was extremely disappointed to see that an elected Schuyler County official, a county Legislator and former Undersheriff, posted a pretty awful comment on the march sponsor's Facebook page. After the announcement inviting people to join the march, he posted a comment that people should remember that Saturday was the beginning of deer hunting season. To make matters worse, another elected official, a NYS Assemblyman, has suggested that this fellow should get an award for 'poking fun' at these people. That's where we seem to be at this point. People talking about guns and protests and attempts at intimidation and excusing it as humor. It was a stupid and irresponsible comment by one official, followed by another.

It's an example of how nasty the conversation has gotten recently. It can happen on both sides of any issue and I would encourage everyone to tone it down. There are people who may take words like this too seriously. Try to be respectful of the opposition and don't encourage or let hate speech take over. In the meantime, my plan is to show up and join many others in the march through Watkins Glen. People will be wearing orange to signify both safety and the emergency that confronts Seneca Lake.

Little Stories Tell Bigger Stories

I woke up the other day being hit with local, national and international news stories that seemingly had great importance - a refugee and immigration crisis, presidential candidates insulting each other, themselves and the electorate, a Kentucky clerk refusing to do her job, people being arrested for blockading gates on Seneca Lake, a company refuting claims of a fire at their facility after smoke drifted for miles up the same lake. Lots to digest. Lots to think about.

But then, there it was. The report of a woman caught on surveillance tape stealing cans from a local recycling center. Police, the courts, the whole nine yards were involved in this event and capture. Obviously the local business can't have people taking items that they are collecting and processing but there is a bigger story in this little story on the police blotter. What kind of world and economy are we living in where people are even thinking about risking arrest for cans worth a nickel a piece? What kind of life is led by a person or family that supplements their income with money from recycled cans? What are we as a society offering when we see it happening? Is there an attempt to even find out what the bigger issue might be?

And then there's this. There are people in just about every community who go around, looking through trash cans, pulling out recyclables from municipal or private garbage. To some, including municipal authorities and police, they provide a service and have become fixtures in the street, accepted and protected. To others they are symbols of invaders and a part of society that are looked down upon. Some people even fight, yell and scream at these folks because they're making a mess of their trash, an interesting dilemma. But these trash pickers, panhandlers, collectors are just figuring out another way to survive and get the things they need or think they need. It could be anything. The things we may not approve of are always on the list - alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, lottery tickets, etc. But then there are other things - food, clothing, rent, the ability to go to a movie, etc. And in some cases it's done for the sheer joy and accomplishment of collecting.

As usual I don't have many answers but I do think this little story about an incident on our streets tells a bigger story that should make us think about what issues are facing others and what we can do to assist or accept.

Chasing Helicopters On Seneca Lake

Yesterday I went out on Seneca Lake, partly to calm down, get away from other thoughts and to just enjoy the beauty of this great body of water. During the week especially, the lake seems pretty quiet. Fewer boaters, water skiers and personal water craft. Although I have a motor boat, I like to go out into the middle of the lake or into an isolated cove, turn off the motor and just sit, drift and think. Sometimes it's the closest thing to meditation that I get to. Listening to ripples of water, watching Osprey, Great Blue Herons or Seagulls brings a certain peace. Every once in a while I'll fish, just to cast the line and reel it in, never really counting on catching anything and I seldom do.

The peace that I speak of above was broken by the constant drone of a helicopter. For a number of years I've seen this event taking place on the lake. Helicopters arrive, do some flyovers and then settle in on a specific area and hover for long periods 100-200 feet above the surface of the lake. I've seen them continue this type of operation for two to three hours at a time. There are times that they may drop something about the size of a 55 gallon drum from a cable and let it settle in the depth of the water while they continue to hover, later lifting the item back into the copter.

I've tried over the years to find out what this is all about with no success. There are lots of theories but no real answers. I've contacted my Congressman, the FAA, and the media. No answers, nobody's talking. Now I don't think it's a deep, dark military secret. My own theory is that it's testing of both the helicopter and sonar. There have been Helicopter facilities in the Southern Tier area for many years and I'm sure officials see this big body of water as an ideal place to do their testing. But yesterday I was angry and frustrated so I decided to take a little action. I saw the Helicopter in the distance on the east side of the lake fairly close to shore doing what it always does, hovering above the water creating little water spouts and swirls of waves splashing. I approached from the northwest and began aiming for the area east of the aircraft close to the eastern shore. As I moved in that direction I noticed the Helicopter moving toward the center of the lake while still hovering. I kept up my movement, now going to the center and coming in from behind the copter. Clearly we were engaged. As I got closer the aircraft suddenly rose, moved forward to the north and turned toward me. Now I was being buzzed. He came in low and got a good look at his stalker, rose again and flew off over the eastern hillside, gone for the day.

I felt like a Greenpeace activist for a moment. I had chased a Helicopter away from an otherwise peaceful place. I remembered a few Februaries ago when one of these aircraft disrupted a flock of a thousand or more Snow Geese. This is for you geese, I thought to myself. Many see the Snow Geese as an invasive species and a nuisance. I feel the same way about the aircraft. It's only one day and one Helicopter but it's a start and I feel better. What's that sound off in the distance? Ah, more work to do.

Choices We Make For Economic Development

People come to or move to areas for many different reasons and many times think or believe that they need to bring changes with them. It happens over time. Sometimes it's for the good and sometimes it's what makes a place worse. In the end, it's all a matter of opinion. People move to a peaceful, quiet bit of paradise. They enjoy it and want to share it. So they spread the word and little by little the peacefulness changes. The local coffee shop isn't just right. It would be great if they did this or did that. What if they offered more baked goods, different papers, etc. So it goes, so it goes....

Now there has to be a balance between staying the same and stagnating and planned growth. Sustainability, competitiveness and all of what comes with keeping communities alive and vibrant are critical issues to be faced.

I happen to live in one of those peaceful and beautiful places. Broadly it's defined as the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It's filled with the beauty and tranquility of the lakes themselves along with waterfalls, vineyards and fertile farmland. Communities struggle to deal with growth, taxes, the call for more services, better schools, housing options, etc.  What were once small family cottages have been replaced in many cases by huge McMansions where people can get lost in oversized space with views from every window or panel of windows.

Planning boards, economic developers and local legislative bodies struggle with the balance and the change. Chambers of Commerce do their jobs and sell the area and businesses more and more. They sell the small town feel and soon are faced with large corporate interests wanting a piece of the action.

All of this requires choices along the way and sometimes people pay a big price for choices that have been made by previous players or by people who have some huge vested interest. The compromise demanded by the choice making can be difficult. People and entities can be pitted against each other for years to come.

It seems to me that a clear mission and vision for a community or region is necessary before choices start to be made. There is also the issue of community ethics relative to change and choices. Are stakeholders always and truly a part of planning and development processes? Are people prepared for the economic payoffs or losses related to decisions that are made? Is the information about these economic factors widely shared?

There are those who still long for manufacturing jobs that will most likely never return due to the global economy and technological advances. Our industrial revolution that created the manufacturing sector transitioned to the technological revolution in the blink of an eye and some people missed or refused to see the transition.

So where does this all leave us in the Finger Lakes Region? Well, we've already made choices about wineries and they certainly bring an influx of tourists. They continue to expand along with craft breweries and distilleries. With all of these come many positives along with a few liabilities that can include large buses, rowdy visitations and a few dangerous encounters on area roads when designated drivers seem to have fallen off the wagon. The newest choice for the tourism buck and traffic will offer Casinos in all of their glory to the north and to the east. This choice is fueled by a governor's hope to garner some regional & upstate support. We will see how successful these choices are for the area. To the south we have pipelines and a planned LP Gas storage and transportation hub for the northeast in salt caverns along Seneca Lake. A Texas firm is enticing local officials with payments that are most likely way too small when one considers the potential risk to the community and the environment. So it goes, so it goes.....

I sit and contemplate all of these choices and their impact on the area we call the Finger Lakes. I sip my coffee and watch for the eagles that float above in the sky. I see an osprey carrying a fish back to its nest and a blue heron flying past the dock on this bit of paradise, hoping that it can continue for a little longer but realizing that hoping does little. We all need to make choices about our environment.

Seneca Lake Protests & Arrests Continue

If anyone thought things had quieted down at the Crestwood Midstream proposed LP and Methane gas storage site on Seneca Lake, north of the village of Watkins Glen, let it be known, they haven't. After a period of no protests and no arrests, within the past few weeks, the human blockades of the gates at Crestwood have started up again, along with new arrests. The District Attorney and the protesters have been arguing about who broke a supposed deal that would have put a halt to the civil disobedience and arrests at the site - at least that's according to the DA. The protesters on the other hand had read statements at their court appearances that indicated that they continued to be committed to civil disobedience if necessary.

The most significant activity though occurred on May 13th when a group of 21 more people were arrested for blocking the site. Among those arrested was Josh Fox, the Director of the 2010 movie Gasland. The movie was nominated for an Oscar and is a documentary about hydraulic drilling known commonly as fracking.

Prior to his arrest and protest, Fox produced a short video which is presented as a call to action on Seneca Lake. Sandra Steingraber, one of the organizers of the group 'We Are Seneca Lake', participates in the video with Fox and helps describe the issues related to the gas storage in abandoned salt caverns beneath Seneca Lake. I'd encourage people to view the video here,  Josh Fox Seneca Lake Call To Action Video.

One of the major criticisms by local authorities, and in some cases the media, relative to the ongoing protests at Seneca Lake, has been that the participants are not local residents. Local is the key word here. It seems this is a tactic to pit residents against the protesters. Historically this is an argument that tends to be used by people in power when protests occur anywhere. Suddenly geography becomes the main criteria for protest. Outsiders, troublemakers, etc. is a way of minimizing and devaluing the people who are questioning authority at the time. I was reminded recently how Martin Luther King, Jr. was identified as an outsider, a communist, etc. In addition, he was told to stay in his lane when he began to question the Vietnam war.

In this particular case, playing the geography card doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, since the issue is the protection of drinking water for over 100,000 people in an area that includes many municipalities and multiple counties surrounding Seneca Lake. In addition, the continued use, storage and transport of LP and Methane gas in huge quantities is frankly a national and international, yes global issue. No one should be surprised about people from all over being concerned about this issue and Fox's call to action is bound to increase awareness and participation by people legitimately concerned about the environment from many parts of the country and possibly the world.

I certainly don't understand the logic of New York State banning fracking but then allowing the storage of fracked gas and the creation of a storage hub under a magnificent lake and in one of the centers of upstate tourism. The dots are very hard to connect. Much more to come I'm sure, perhaps at a theatre near you.

Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr At Keuka College

I just wanted to let followers of The Gadfly know that I will be speaking on April 6, 2015 at Keuka College. The College has an annual Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , his words, actions and life at this time every year. My talk will be about my own experiences in Selma, Al., how I got involved, what that journey has meant and where we are today.

I'm very honored to have been asked to share thoughts and experiences with the college community and the public. Dr. King was assassinated 47 years ago today at 39 years old and with much left to do. His leadership and commitment to non-violence are missed in today's world but he continues to have influence throughout the world.

The talk on Monday will be at 4:30pm in Hageman Hall (Rm 109) at Keuka College. Here are more details Speaking Announcement & Article.

The Power of Non Violent Protest

It is easy to become frustrated with government and/or power authorities of all types. They usually hold all of the cards, They have the tools and means to control people and many times, we as a society, want them to have that power and control. But then things happen - things like injustice, threats to the environment or our way of life. Admittedly there are judgement calls involved about who, what, when, civility and how society acts in general. Belief systems and values end up playing essential roles in all of this. In the end however, most people can understand acts of conscience for what they are.

The power of non violent protest has a long and awesome history. Many people have suffered injustice and violent reaction to non violent protest over the years so this is not to say it doesn't come without challenges and pain. The reality though is that it works. Its results may not be immediate and there may be pain and suffering brought about by its use but it works and is one of the most successful ways of bringing about change.

I've written here before about the protests that have been going on at the proposed LPGas storage facility in salt caverns in and around Seneca Lake. Some 200 people have been arrested over the course of the past year blockading the main gates at this site. These protests have always been non violent and the people involved are all committed to the principles of non violent protest. They obviously feel strongly about the environment and the safety of the water supply for over 100,000 people. All of them are acting as a matter of conscience. They are doing what people of conscience have done for centuries, standing up to authority and the powers that be and confronting decisions that have been made about other people's lives.

The legal system tried a variety of things with these outlaws and lawbreakers, from throwing the book at them for simple trespass charges to having them stand in the cold awaiting their day in court. Some went to jail, some paid substantial fines but in the end, they also kept coming. Their numbers seemed to grow with every arrest and it looks like they have the numbers and support to continue.

Last night in the Town of Reading Court, something interesting and significant took place. Charges against 42 of the people who have been called Seneca Lake Defenders were dismissed and the Court indicated openness to dismissing charges against others. So here we have another example of the power of nonviolent action and its ability to change minds and actions by authorities. The protests will go on I'm sure but there is a new sense of civility and respect for all involved. Here is a statement that was issued by We Are Seneca Lake, the group that has organized these protests:

"In three speedy hearings on Wednesday night in the Town of Reading court, Judge Raymond Berry granted a motion to dismiss all charges “in the interests of justice” brought by 42 Seneca Lake protesters. All had been arrested as part of a sustained civil disobedience campaign at the gates of Crestwood Midstream.

The campaign, We Are Seneca Lake, opposes the expansion of gas storage in abandoned lakeside salt caverns owned by Crestwood.

Further, attorneys for the defendants announced that an agreement had been reached with the Schuyler County district attorney’s office to accept identical dismissal motions from the roughly 100 other civil disobedients also charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct relating to protests at Seneca Lake and whose cases are still pending. At least 20 cases have been transferred to other area courts in Schuyler County.

Ithaca attorney Ray Schlather, member of the legal defense team advising the protesters, negotiated the mass dismissal agreement.

Individually and in groups, the defendants who appeared before Judge Berry on Wednesday night submitted an oral motion asking for dismissal of their charges. They read from a statement that said,

We only have this planet. We must safeguard it for those who follow. Would that it not be necessary, but sometimes citizens of good conscience must engage in non-violent acts of civil disobedience to protect that sacred trust. As long as Crestwood Midstream Partners, or any other corporate or public or private entity, continues to threaten our way of life by the proven dangerous storage of highly compressed gas in the crumbling caverns at the Salt Point facility, I reserve the right to act as my conscience dictates in order to protect Seneca Lake, its citizens, and the surrounding environment. I reserve all rights to protest further at the Crestwood facility, although it is not my intent at this time to break the law in doing so.

After each recitation, assistant district attorney John Tunney expressed his willingness to accept a motion to dismiss. In each case, Judge Berry granted the motion and dismissed the charges “with prejudice.”

The proceedings were remarkable for the commendation offered to the protesters by Judge Berry, who has not always been fulsome in his praise for their actions during the five-month-long campaign that has seen maximum fines and jail sentences.

To one group of defendants, Berry said, “I’m very proud of you. You had a cause and you fought for it to the best of your ability. Congratulations.”

To another, he said, “I’ve grown to admire you people.”

Defense attorney, Sujata Gibson, who has worked closely with protesters since December, said, “This is a big moment in history to have this many cases dismissed in the interests of justice. It affirms the importance of this cause and the ethical motivations of the protesters. I’m sure the court and district attorney’s office were in a very difficult position, and they should be applauded for the thought they put into looking for outcomes that promote justice.”

Gibson continued, “We’ve seen a sea change in the way the court and the prosecutors have reacted to our cases—from maximum sentences for jail terms for trespassing violations to large-scale offers to support dismissals in the interests of justice. This is a testament to the sincerity and passion of the protesters. They are single mothers, wine makers, business owners and teachers. Their stories are deeply affecting. I’ve watched Judge Berry and the D.A. become very moved by the willingness of these human beings to make enormous sacrifices. I myself have been deeply moved.”

Protester Michael Dineen, who had previously been sentenced to jail by Berry for a protest-related act of trespassing and had a similar charge dismissed on Wednesday, said, “I am extremely proud to be part of a community that is willing to be arrested in such numbers to prevent Crestwood’s plan to industrialize our region and threaten our lake. And I’m thankful that the Schuyler County DA’s office has recognized that ‘we all have an obligation to protect our environment,’ and that justice is therefore best served by dismissing all charges.”

Polarization On Seneca Lake

It's very sad to see the polarization that is taking place on Seneca Lake about the storage of Liquid Propane Gas and Methane Gas in unlined salt caverns along the shores of this great body of water. I know so many of the people involved on both sides of the issue. Having worked in Schuyler County for so many years, I was a part of that community and I watched and I think helped it grow and develop. As I've said before, my own view of the lake and environment has evolved over the years and yes, I've become very concerned about maintaining the quality of this beautiful body of fresh water.

What's so sad about the polarization is that it has become so black and white. There is no middle ground. Locally you are on one side or the other. Clearly a them or us kind of discussion exists. The main actors on either side have always been at that point I'd guess, but now they expect their friends and neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, business partners to think the same way. Much of what I hear is like listening to parrots. The arguments have become carved in stone. There doesn't seem to be any room for real or meaningful discussion. In terms of the opponents it continues to be about fracking and for the supporters, the protesters are a bunch of out of town, Ithaca based weirdos who are just trying to make trouble. Buttons get pushed around language and how people are referred to.

People fall in step and everyone begins to make the same arguments. "They've been storing gas in salt caverns for 50 or more years and there's no problem." What this predominant point lacks is any understanding that risk usually increases over time. To others it's all about gas and fracking. I'm honestly disappointed that more people aren't concerned about the salinity of the lake. There have been issues over the years including a mining accident in Himrod, NY that damaged the aquifers and emptied huge amounts of salt into the lake. People who study the ecology of the lake are not sure though about why the salinity in general is rising and what's causing that steady increase. The ongoing study of the Seneca Lake watershed is of critical importance to all of the communities surrounding the lake and beyond.

For my own part I don't think government agencies or local officials have done the greatest job in approving the gas storage project or communicating about it. I'm also concerned about how and if corporate money plays a role, because I think that tips the scale in an unfair way when people are making decisions about a commodity (fresh water) that people depend on. The fact is that gas and oil companies do throw money at communities through Community Benefit Agreements, Payments In Lieu of Taxes and contributions to non-profit agencies as a way of garnering support for their projects and development. In many communities, government or quasi government agencies begin to naturally depend on these dollars. I would guess this may have happened in Schuyler County but have no real solid information.

Opponents have not always presented themselves well either, but on the positive side they seem to have evolved and are really trying to follow principles of non-violence and conflict negotiation. No one likes it when people have to resort to breaking the law but there are legitimate reasons for that to occur at times. Personally, I view it as a matter of conscience rather then a tactic. I think there is a certain solemnity to civil disobedience that goes with the territory. I haven't necessarily thought very highly of some of the 'themed' demonstrations that opponents of the gas storage project have held but that's a personal preference. As I said, they are evolving in their actions and arguments and seem to be really trying to convey a sense of legitimate concern, respect to local authorities and to law enforcement.

Using the court, the weather and law enforcement to make the activists as uncomfortable as possible has crossed the line in a number of instances. It's a double standard when people on the one hand decry civil disobedience and then seem comfortable breaking, bending or stretching the laws of due process and constitutional protections. In the end I think government officials will be made to regret these actions. In addition, I think these actions have in fact helped people make the determination that they should become more involved or speak up against what is perceived as injustice by people in power.* (see note below)

I think there is still room for a middle road. I think reasonable people should be able to reason with each other. I think government and law enforcement officials can act responsibly and courteously respecting the law, just as they expect others to act. I think government is in a position to converse with the corporation about their tactics, their safety records, their plans, etc. and modify some of government's role and expectations. In the absence of this, we have parties agreeing to no negotiation, no change and no one backing down.

I happen to think everyone would be better off if people could respect and understand that different points of view exist and that you don't become the enemy if you express concern about clean water, Seneca Lake or the legacy we leave for our grandchildren. There is an attempt at intimidation when an expectation is set that everyone should think and react the same way. That we should all band together against the 'outsiders' and protect our community from this onslaught. Our community has gotten bigger due to global reach and technology. As that has happened new ideas and beliefs have come with new people and new neighbors. We may not agree on everything but for better or worse, we're in this together.

* Note - For those who haven't followed this very closely, I thought a clarifying note may help. There have been over 200 arrests of people blockading the entrance to the Crestwood facility where storage of Methane has been approved. NYS DEC is still jn the process of making a decision about Propane. For the past number of weeks, defendants have had hearings or arraignments in front of the Town of Reading Judge who holds his Court in the Reading Town Hall. Supporters of the defendants have been refused entry to the court and the use of other areas of the building in what seems to be a clear attempt to discourage and disperse supporters. Parking has been restricted in the area as well. In some cases family members coming to witness and support individuals have been banned from the courtroom proceedings. All of this in extremely cold weather. A lot of information about the arrests and court process can be found at the website of We Are Seneca Lake. 

Economic & Human Impact of Flooding On The Arc of Yates & Community

Many are aware of the severe flooding that took place in Yates County last week. Not once but twice. Small businesses and individual home owners were all hit hard in various parts of the county. Roads and other infastructure was also seriously impacted. Penn Yan and Branchport were hardest hit. Some damage can be seen easily but there's a lot that someone passing by may not see or understand immediately. Water flooded basements where many businesses stored supplies and inventory. Mechanical equipment also tends to be in basement areas. Much is lost or destroyed and some people are struggling with issues around if they can ever re-open or return to their home. All of this is heartbreaking for the people going through it, for neighbors and friends. The community has pulled together in a positive and wonderful fashion. County and municipal officials have done a great job along with non profit groups, Churches and disaster relief agencies.

There is a story though that needs to be told about an organization that also got hit extremely hard. I'm referring to The Arc of Yates, a non profit that provides supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc does this on a daily basis in a quiet way, making sure people have the supports they need to live as independently as possible. During last week's storms, The Arc's  day habilitation and work center site on North Ave. was flooded and re-flooded after an initial clean up had begun. For most of the week many people were without employment or program support from The Arc. I don't know the exact number but when you count employees out of work and people not receiving supports, you're probably talking about well over 200 or perhaps 300 people. Think about that from an economic impact perspective.... And then there's the cost of not just the clean up but all of the repairs and maintenance. I've heard estimates of $200 to $300k but who knows what the total will be in the end. The Arc has insurance and I'm sure it's a good policy but it certainly won't cover everything. In addition to the North St. building, The Arc operates a number of homes for people with disabilities. I would guess a number of these have been impacted by water in basements and yards.

The people at The Arc are good and smart people who work their hearts out to make life easier for one of the community's most vulnerable populations. They get a lot of important and well deserved government funding for the job they do but they also get cut when people want to reduce budgets. In addition they have to raise dollars to take up the slack when funds don't match service needs. This latest challenge is hitting them hard and many people may not understand first, the important work they do as well as the economic impact they have on the Yates County community. Obviously everyone deserves help and support when this kind of natural disaster strikes. I just want to urge people not to forget The Arc, its employees and the people with disabilities that they support during this hard time. Here is a link to a way that you can help The Arc directly as they go through this expierience. Help Restore The Arc of Yates

When Communities Pull Together

Great things happen when communities pull together.

Earlier this week, 5+ inches of rain fell continuously in Penn Yan, NY, Branchport, NY and other small communities in Yates County. Someone said it was more rain then the area normally receives in a month. The results have been devastating for the Village of Penn Yan and other areas of Yates.

That's where the great things are happening. People are pulling together to help each other out. Keuka College students and staff are all over town, moving material, cleaning up yards, scraping off mud. Great work. The Red Cross is doing what they do best, disaster services, shelters and food. Public Works and Emergency Services, pumping water, working on gas lines, clearing roads and debris. Churches and social service agencies, feeding, counseling, helping and praying. Police and Fire Departments, responding with command posts and organized leadership. The media has also played a significant and great role using social media like Twitter and Facebook to communicate information to residents quickly.

Private bloggers and websites have also played important roles. Here's one called In The Finger Lakes that normally let's people know about all the great opportunities there are in this area. In the past few days it has helped get the word out to people about the devastation and problems. Nice job. Take a look Here.

So what's happening in Penn Yan is a reiteration of what's good about most communities. People care about others in a crises and want to help and they do. More power to you Penn Yan and Yates County.  Keep it up and let's be glad we have each other to lean on.