LEGISLATURE STUFF - Tammy Time

Greene County Legislature Acting Clerk Tammy Sciavillo recently earned the title of Certified Legislative Board Clerk from the New York State Association of Clerks of County Legislative Boards. On hand for the announcement were (front left to right) lawmaker Charles Martinez, Minority Leader Harry Lennon, lawmaker Patty Handel, Sciavillo, lawmakers Daryl Legg, Michael Lanuto, Michael Bulich and (back left to right) county administrator Shaun Groden, lawmaker Greg Davis, legislature chairman Patrick Linger and lawmakers, Sherry True, Jay Lucas, Thomas Hobart and James Thorington.

CATSKILL - If nothing else, it is a fancier sounding title for Tammy Sciavillo, the longtime Acting Clerk of the Greene County Legislature.

Sciavillo, who prefers to stay in the background, quietly doing her job, was thrust into the foreground, last week, when legislature chairman Patrick Linger singled her out for recognition.

“As many of you know, Tammy was recently - and deservedly - named the 2025 Greene County Employee of the Year,” Linger said.

“I’m also proud to share that she has earned the title of Certified Legislative Board Clerk from the New York State Association of Clerks of County Legislative Boards, having successfully met all required qualifications for that designation,” Linger said.

“According to the New York State Association of Counties, the role of the clerk of the Legislature is among the most complex and critical within county government,” Linger said.

Linger, continuing to read from a prepared statement said, “the Clerk plays a key role in supporting the county legislature by helping it carry out its core responsibilities.

“This position serves as the right-hand to the chairman, the principal assistant to [legislative] committee chairpersons and a vital link between the legislature and county departments, outside agencies and all levels of government - federal, state and local.

“The title, Clerk of the Legislature, is not just a job description; it is a title of distinction and great responsibility.

“Tammy was appointed Acting Clerk of the Greene County Legislature on November 10, 2003, and since that time she has performed her duties with unwavering professionalism, precision and dedication.

“Her work is essential to the smooth and efficient operation of this body, and she consistently delivers with excellence.

Linger, concluding his presentation, said, “on behalf of the entire Greene County Legislature, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tammy on these well-earned honors.

“We are deeply grateful for her steadfast service and commitment to our work. Quite simply, we could not do what we do without her; she is an indispensable part of this board’s success,” Linger said.

Sciavillo will keep her title as Acting Clerk, which is “the way we’ve done it here forever,” Linger said, not meaning it is on a trial basis.

In another matter, the Greene County Vet2Vet “Children of Veteran’s Scholarship Fund,” awardees were announced by county Department of Human Services (Aging and Youth) executive director Amanda Lyons.

“Supporting the children of those who serve our nation is a profound way to honor their sacrifices,” a Vet2Vet release stated.

“Scholarships like the Greene County Vet2Vet “Children of Veteran’s Scholarship” not only open doors to higher education but also show gratitude by investing in the futures of Children of Veteran’s,” the release states.

“This is a competitive $1000 scholarship awarded to a graduating senior who is an immediate relative of a Veteran/Service Member (Child or Stepchild, Sibling, Grandchild),” the release states.

Applicants must also have “been accepted into a two or four-year college, university or trade school, or been accepted into a branch of the military,” the release states.

“We were offering one $1000 scholarships for each of the six Greene County High Schools,” Lyons said, following the awarding.

“These funds were raised from the Vet2Vet Community Day that was held September 21, 2024. We sent the information about the scholarships to all six schools but only had 5 applicants (3 from Coxsackie-Athens, 1 Catskill, & 1 Greenville) so we decided to award all the applicants,” Lyons said.

The award winners are Andrew Scarlata (Greenville High School), Victoria Heim (Catskill High School), Riley McDonald, Isabella Bushane and Cristopher Mozzillo (Coxsackie-Athens High School).

A specific theme was selected for the student essays. “Focusing on scholarship, service, sacrifice and honor aligns with the contributions our veterans make to our great nation,” the release states.

“It’s a powerful reminder of how we, as a society, can step up and give back. Many veterans have achieved so much while serving their country proudly.

“With these qualities in mind, please attach a reflective essay on how you have exhibited these qualities in your personal and academic life, or how you will model them through your chosen career path,” the release states.

In a final matter, lawmakers approved a 99-year lease agreement between the county and Rip Radio LLC, the FCC licensee of radio station WRIP (FM) in Windham.

The contract covers “lease of property in the town of Jewett for use of radio transmission equipment at a radio antenna site,” a legislative resolution states.

“Due to the fact that it would be impractical and complex to meter Rip Radio’s specific electrical consumption at the site, Rip Radio shall pay the monthly sum of $25,” the resolution states.