Every Journey Matters

CATSKILL - Greene County Legislature members were more than pleased to join the planet wearing pink while recently conducting routine business.

Lawmakers dressed brightly to honor October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, carrying the theme “every story is unique, every journey matters.”

The tribute is, “a global opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer and call for action to improve access to timely diagnosis and quality care,” says the World Health Organization website.

“Every story is unique, every journey matters” recognizes that every experience of breast cancer is different,” the WHO site states.

“Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a unique journey. People may face different challenges depending on their diagnosis, treatment, support networks and access to care,” the site states.

“Every person affected by breast cancer deserves to be supported and treated with dignity. And everyone, wherever they live, should have access to the care they need,” the WHO site states.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In 2024, an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 694,000 women died from the disease.

“Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries in 2024. 8.2 million women were living with breast cancer at the end of the year,” the site states.

“It occurs in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, with rates increasing later in life. We must act to detect breast cancer earlier. Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge.”

In other matters:

—Lawmakers authorized a Veterans Memorial expansion at Catskill Point, along the Hudson River, down river from the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

“Historic Catskill Point is a site of significant cultural and historical 

importance for Greene County and the Village of Catskill, serving as a central location for community gathering, reflection, and public events,” the legislative resolution states.

“Greene County is home to many veterans who have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces, and whose service and sacrifice merit enduring recognition,” the resolution states.

“The Greene County Veterans’ Service Agency has proposed the expansion of the Veterans Memorial to enhance the existing memorial and

strengthen the site’s role as a dignified space for honoring veterans - past, present and future - while providing opportunities for public education and remembrance,” the resolution states.

Government leaders approved the total cost of $75,581.26 while noting, “revenue proceeds will offset the project cost, including $50,000 from the

Randall Fried Endowment Funds, currently in reserve, and approximately $18,000 from donor paver brick sales.”

North Country Group will perform all labor, provide all equipment (with customized bricks supplied by 4EverBricks) and coordinate all activities required,” the resolution states.

The job includes complete demolition and off-site disposal of existing walkway surfacing, site preparation, earthwork and excavation, aggregate sub-base compaction, hard scape expansion, commemorative donor paver brick installation, edge restraint installation, joint sand application, site restoration, and final cleanup,” the resolution states.

Work will start in late October with completion slated for May 1, 2027 to “ensure long-term durability, accessibility and quality,” the resolution states.

“The Greene County Legislature recognizes the significance of supporting public projects that honor veterans and enhance the cultural and historical fabric of Greene County,” the resolution states.

The Veterans Memorial, “stands as a lasting expression of gratitude for the service, dedication, and sacrifice of Greene County’s veterans,” the legislative resolution states.

—Lawmakers awarded the bid and authorized a contract to replace the roof on the county office building on Main Street in Catskill.

Government leaders, earlier this year, issued a public invitation for bids to fix damaged roofing materials, weathered flashing, related components and any other repairs identified during the job, the legislative resolution states.

Twenty-five notices were sent to manufacturers and installers, whereby six

inquiries were received which resulted in three bids submitted.

The lowest responsible bidder was The Garland Company of Cleveland, Ohio, at $741,839 and the resolution states.

Two remaining offers were $999,624 and $1,115,391, the resolution states. Funds for the project will be taken from an existing reserve account.

Photo: Respectfully observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the Greene Country Legislature (left to right) Charles Martinez, Greg Davis, James O’Connell, chairman Patrick Linger, Patty Handel, Thomas Hobart, Michael Lanuto, Sherry True, minority leader Harry Lennon, Daryl Legg, majority leader Matthew Luvera, James Thorington, Jay Lucas and Michael Bulich.