New DVD recounts CWC origins, programs

MARGARETVILLE, N.Y., April 30, 2007 - "Of Streams and Dreams, The Programs of the Catskill Watershed Corporation," was premiered at the 10th Annual Meeting of CWC Member Towns April 24.

The video, produced by Drew Harty of Treadwell’s Galene Studios, was created to mark the tenth anniversary of the New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement which established the CWC. The non-profit local development corporation runs a number of environmental protection, economic development and education programs in the City’s Catskill/Delaware Watershed.

The video, produced by Drew Harty of Treadwell’s Galene Studios, was created to mark the tenth anniversary of the New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement which established the CWC. The non-profit local development corporation runs a number of environmental protection, economic development and education programs in the City’s Catskill/Delaware Watershed.

"After a decade of work to benefit the Watershed, its residents and businesses, it seemed an appropriate time to take stock of our accomplishments," remarked Executive Director Alan Rosa.

The 15-minute DVD begins by explaining the history of the City’s presence in the region, the development of six major water supply reservoirs, and the 1997 agreement which struck a new note of partnership between upstate communities and New York City.

The remainder of the film explains the CWC’s primary programs through the stories of several people who have benefited from them.

Interviewees include CWC President Perry Shelton, former NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Marilyn Gelber, Bovina Councilman Chuck McIntosh, Shandaken homeowner Karen Charman, Walton Plant Manager John Phraner, Windham restaurateur Claudia Desgaches, Roxbury Project Manager Peg Ellsworth, Windham teacher Joyce Valenti, and Jeff Gratz of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Region II.

Also captured on camera are Bovina Center strollers, Pink Elephant Preschool students frolicking in Kirkside Park, workers at Northeast Fabricators in Walton, diners at Bistro Brie & Bordeaux in Windham, Stamford Central School students cleaning up the West Branch of the Delaware River, and Windham-Ashland-Jewett students testing water samples from the Bataviakill stream.

The video also features lovely scenics of the Catskill Mountains and its rivers and reservoirs. Narration is by Nelson Bradshaw of Stamford, with sound by Jack Schleup of Mt. Vision.

The DVD will be distributed to all Watershed Towns, Villages and partner organizations, and will be available for screenings at schools, civic group meetings and other gatherings. To arrange for a showing of "Of Streams and Dreams," or for more information, contact Diane Galusha, Communications Director, 845-586-1400, Ext. 29; galusha@cwconline.org.