It has been over six months since the hatchery ceased operation. Not only has this affected fishing, which is down by 95 percent, the impact can be seen throughout the Park. There are considerably less ospreys, egrets, and herons present. The number of patrons, many of which would visit the hatchery, has decreased by an alarming number, bringing revenue down. The Department of Environmental Conservation is working on arriving at a solution to reopen the facility, but the wheels are turning very slowly. The State of New York seems to be even slower reacting to the problem. A new letter writing campaign would seem appropriate. Your letter to: Commissioner Carol Ash, Office of Parks & Recreation, Agency Bldg. 1, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12238, and to your local senator or congressman, might help enlighten the Commissioner to the stagnant situation.

The grist mill restoration is currently awaiting materials and labor, which are to be provided by the State, to resume. (Please read the Mill restoration update on the next page to learn what has already been accomplished.) Meanwhile, a special committee has been formed to apply for grants for funding the remaining phases of the restoration and other planned projects. This committee, made up of board members Bob and Edith Wilson, Jeremiah McGiff, Ed Kelleher, Keith Snedecor and Marianne Kinane have devoted countless hours in researching the history of the Southside Sportsmen's Club in preparation for applying to foundations for various grants. They deserve a huge amount of credit for all their efforts.

I would like to thank all of you who have responded to our 2009 Annual Appeal with a donation. Over $4000 has been raised so far due to your generosity. We would still welcome contributions from the members that have yet to answer our appeal. Much work remains on the Mill and related projects and we need everyone's help to accomplish it.

The Board is currently planning the Friends' annual Gala, scheduled for Sunday, October 4th. Our theme this year will be the history of the Southside Sportsmen's Club and the surrounding area. We hope to have some interesting displays using actual documents and photos obtained from the Club's archives.

Board member Bob Giffen has retired and relocated to Vermont. He bid farewell as of June 30. Bob is our expert on the history of the Southside Club and the local area and plans to continue contributing his Historical Bits to this newsletter. We wish Bob and his wife Mitzi the best. They will be missed. You may remember Mitzi's famous apple pies at the Galas.

Please visit the Park as often as possible and continue to support the Friends.

Sincerely,
Bob Labuski