Join the Liberty Central School District for its first Great Pumpkin Dash 5K, held in conjunction with the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Walnut Mountain.

The 5K mountain run/walk/hike will kick off events at 9 a.m. Individuals and teams are welcome. There is a  minimum donation of $5, with a suggestion donation of $20, per runner. Proceeds will go to Ride 2 Survive and the Liberty High School National Honor Society. Participants may sign up via a Google Form, but walk-ons are welcome. All donations will be collected the day of the event.

The Fall Festival will continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with food, bounce houses, hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking and more at the park at 73 Mountain Road in Liberty.

Throughout the event, Liberty Central School District will be collecting donations for Fearless, a not-for-profit agency in Orange and Sullivan County dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking by providing free and confidential services.

Food within the expiration date and new and unused personal care products will be accepted.

Potential donations include:

• Food: Rice; pasta and pasta sauce; rice or pasta meal mixes (items similar to Rice-A-Roni, Pasta Roni, Hamburger Helper, etc.); canned vegetables, beans and fruit; all-purpose flour, sugars, artificial sweeteners; seasonings and Spices, adobo, sazón, chicken/beef/ham bouillon; mashed potato mix, canned potatoes; nut butters, jelly/jam; canned/boxed soups and stews; canned tuna and chicken, Vienna sausages; basic condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and mayonnaise; shelf-stable microwavable meals; breakfast cereals (low sugar) and oatmeal; pancake mix and syrup; fruit and pudding cups; granola bars, snack crackers, and other individually-wrapped snacks; 100% juice boxes or pouches; shelf-stable milk; cake and muffin mixes, cake frosting, gelatin and pudding mix.
• Personal care products: Feminine hygiene products: (tampons, pads, panty liners); full-Size toiletries (please, no travel or “hotel” size): (Soap, Body Wash, lotions, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant, cotton balls, cotton swaps); diverse hair care products: (shampoo, conditioners, gels, anti-breakage treatments, etc.); hairbrushes and Combs (bristle hairbrushes, synthetic or detangler style brushes, wide-tooth combs); and hair accessories (hair ties, bobby pins, clips, head wraps).

The rain date will be Sunday, Sept. 21.

For more information on the 5K or Fearless donations, email Liberty Central School District Community Schools Coordinator Katlyn Rusin at krusin@libertyk12.org.

For more information on the festival or to be a vendor, contact Parks and Rec at 845-292-7690 or p.r.dept@townofliberty.org.

The next Board of Education meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23,  in the HS Media Center at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty.

The agenda will be available Monday, Sept. 22, at Board Docs.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan shares the following message for the Redhawk Community:

Transcription below:

A school is just a building until faculty, staff, and students return. That’s why I’m so happy to have school back in session. It was wonderful to see so many new and returning Redhawks.

As is often the case at the start of the school year, we faced a few minor setbacks, but they were handled with minimal disruption. One disruption we avoided was the alternative traffic pattern at the elementary school. I’m grateful the culvert replacement was completed in time for the first day. I’m also pleased to report that the athletic field turf is expected to be installed by the end of the month.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll attend district and school events, cheer on our athletes, and support our students in the arts.

To stay informed, please visit our website at www.libertyk12.org and sign up for ParentSquare to receive the latest updates from the district, schools, classes, clubs, and more. As always, if you have questions, please email us at questions@libertyk12.org.

Let’s work together to keep Liberty a great place to learn and make the 2025–26 school year one filled with Liberty Pride.

Thank you

The village of Liberty will flush its water mains by opening hydrants throughout the system later this month. This may cause low water pressure and water throughout the village to become brown. The water will not be contaminated.

The flushing will likely impact the Liberty Elementary, Middle and High Schools and the District Office.

Flushing of the Parksville transmission line will take Sept. 15-29,  with the Village Water System  starting Sept. 29 until complete. Flushing will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

If water begins to get brown in a building, water fountains will be temporarily shut down until the water clears. Bottled water will be available if fountains are shut down. All staff and students are encouraged to limit water use  while

Updates will be available on the village website, www.libertyvillageny.org.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange and Sullivan Counties are offering a variety of virtual parenting workshops this fall. Parenting can be stressful, and tools and approaches are available to assist parents and caregivers to make things a bit easier.

The virtual approach allows parents to learn from the comfort of home and still gain valuable information in an interactive and welcoming setting. It also helps those that don’t have childcare or transportation, it can easily be accessed from their cellphone.

The following programs will be be offered:

Unpacking the Teen Years- Virtual

• Dates: Oct. 8, 22 and Nov. 5, 19
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Fee: $40 per family

During this positive and supportive approach to the teen years, we will discuss:

• Understand the changes in your teen
• Your role in parenting teens
• Ways to build connectivity with your teen
• Communication strategies and tools
• How to identify red flags for challenging behaviors

Discipline is NOT a Dirty Word – Virtual

• Dates: Thursdays, Oct. 2,16, 30, and Nov. 13
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Fee: $40 per family

This fun, interactive four session series is filled with resources about child development, parental coaching, and powerful parenting tools that support caregivers on their parenting journey. There will be ample time for questions and group discussions that support parental confidence and wellbeing.

Topics include:

• What is discipline?
• Why do kids misbehave?
• Understanding your parenting style
• Ways to co-regulate with your child
• Parental self-care
• Child and brain development 101
• Understanding the value of empathy and self-esteem
• Temperament
• Protective Factors framework
• Communication strategies
• How to build connection with your children
• 5 important techniques for your parenting tool box

Advance registration is necessary for attendance.  The program fee is $40 per family. If families are unable to pay the fee, they have the option to pay what they can or select solidarity to waive the fee. To register, visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County website at https://sullivancce.org/events. Those who register will receive the Zoom links to participate in the virtual series.

Contact Suzan Sussmann at 845-344-1234 or  sls536@cornell.edu with any questions.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County provides equal program and employment opportunities. The public can contact the office to request accommodations.

The Liberty Public Library is starting the new school year with afterschool opportunities for students.

On Sept. 17, students in grades 5-12 are invited to a Game Day, featuring board games, card games and more, starting at 3:15 p.m.  Students will also learn more about volunteer opportunities at the library to start earning hours they may need. Snacks will be provided.

For elementary students, the library will host Bookworm Clubs for elementary students in October and November.

The club will be offered Mondays, Oct. 20-Nov. 24, or Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Nov. 25 (no meeting on Nov. 11), for children in first and second grades. The club for third and fourth graders will be Wednesdays, Oct. 22-Nov. 19 or Thursdays, Oct. 23-Nov. 20.

They will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. afterschool. Library staff will pick children from Liberty Elementary to escort them to the library.

Participating children will read books, play games, have snacks, do crafts and more.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, by calling 845-292-6070. Those who call earlier will be asked to call back. Permission slips will be sent home with all children who are registered. Slips must be returned to the library or the child’s teacher indicating pickup preference. Children may be picked up at the library by 4 or they can be escorted to the LES Boys & Girls Club, if they are signed up.  Students in third and fourth grade also have the option to take the late bus home from the elementary school.

For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit the library’s website. The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.

Two people who have had a positive impact on Liberty Central School District will be honored next month by the Sullivan County School Boards Association.

High school math teacher Edward Lare will be presented with an Outstanding Educator Award, and cleaner Mary Chanov will receive an Outstanding District Employee Award.

“These two individuals embody what it means to be a Liberty Redhawk, with dedication to making Liberty a great place to learn,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

Mr. Edward Lare

Mr. Lare has worked for Liberty for four years. He was nominated by High School Principal Stephen Matuszak for his “extraordinary commitment to excellence in education and his unwavering dedication to his students’ success.”

Mr. Matuszak also highlighted Mr. Lare’s teaching method that personalizes instruction, encourages students to take ownership of their learning and balances structure with creativity, “ensuring that each lesson is meaningful, relevant, and accessible to learners of all abilities.”

Mr. Lare embodies lifelong learning. He enrolled in the new Coding Course through Sienna College, which will allow him to integrate coding and technology into his curriculum. “This endeavor not only reflects his passion for professional growth but also his commitment to equipping students with critical 21st-century skills,” Mr. Matuszak wrote in his nomination letter. “Edward is preparing his students for future opportunities and challenges in an increasingly digital world.”

Mr. Lare’s influence can be found beyond the classroom, by supporting students through mentoring, extra-curricular involvement and by fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. “His approachable nature and genuine care for students create a safe and welcoming space where learners feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking academic risks,” Mr. Matuszak wrote. “Many students have shared how Edward’s encouragement and support have made a lasting impact on their lives.”

He also has a positive impact on his colleagues, regularly sharing innovative teaching strategies and actively participates in professional development opportunities.

“In summary, Mr. Edward Lare exemplifies the qualities that make an outstanding educator: passion, innovation, dedication, and a heartfelt commitment to student-centered learning,” Mr. Matuszak wrote.

Mr. Lare thanked his co-workers for their support over the past four years. “Receiving the SCSBA is truly an honor and is humbling considering the outstanding educators who have received this award in the past,” he said. “It has always been a privilege working at Liberty with all of the dedicated staff members, supportive administration, and an incredible mentor, who all continuously inspire me to be the best teacher that I can be.”

Ms. Mary Chanov

Ms. Chanov has been a staple at Liberty Central School District for 25 years, serving in various roles including as a substitute, a teacher aide, a cafeteria monitor and the last 10 as a cleaner.

“Ms. Chanov exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, professionalism and compassion, making her a truly invaluable asset to our school district,” Dr. Sullivan wrote in his nomination letter.

She has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of students, staff and the entire school community, going above and beyond the call of duty. She regularly volunteers to work on weekends and after hours, ensuring that students have full access to their extracurricular activities.

Ms. Chanov plays a crucial role in maintaining and securing Liberty school facilities. She takes great pride in ensuring the buildings are always in excellent condition and safe for everyone.

“On numerous occasions, I have personally witnessed her working diligently on Saturdays, shampooing carpets, tidying offices, and even nurturing the plants in my own workspace, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant,” Dr. Sullivan wrote. “These small but thoughtful actions highlight her attention to detail and her genuine care for the environment in which we all work and learn.”

Ms. Chanov’s presence in common areas such as the cafeteria is an ongoing source of support and encouragement for students offering a kind word, a helping hand, or simply by creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere. “In this way, Ms. Chanov’s contributions extend far beyond her job description; she helps build a nurturing community where students feel valued, secure, and supported,” Dr. Sullivan wrote.

She also has had a positive impact on faculty and staff, assisting her colleagues through practical help, moral support, or simply by being a dependable and positive presence.

“Ms. Mary Chanov embodies the essence of an outstanding district employee,” Dr. Sullivan wrote. “Her dedication, compassion and tireless work ethic have a profound and lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the school environment as a whole.”

Liberty has also had an impact on Ms. Chanov, who will be retiring in January.

“During my career I’ve made so many friends and I cherish them. The learning I received from the students was priceless. It’s assisted me in helping other students throughout my career. I’ve learned to listen and appreciate the kids,” she said.  “It made me a better person and taught me how to help them.

“Receiving this award is an honor and a privilege,” she added. “I owe this award to the kids and to God for putting me in the best place to work.”

The awards will be presented at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at the SCSBA annual awards dinner and meeting in the Beechwoods Clubhouse at the Villa Roma at 356 Villa Roma Road in Callicoon.