There is a group of people who help out the Town of Wawarsing in a number of ways. They provide dinners to area seniors, they help hang holiday decorations, they paint signs for the Village of Ellenville and Town of Wawarsing among several other projects. But they don't belong to any community organization or scout troop — they are the inmates of the Eastern Annex and they are currently involved in one of their biggest jobs — clearing out the Rondout creek where it runs through Napanoch.

The effort, spearheaded by former correction officer and current Ulster County Legislator Leonard Distel, is meant to remove dead trees and other materials that were left in the creek bed from last year's flood. The hope is to alleviate the possibility of future floods by removing the debris.

The inmates and their supervising guards have had to overcome a few hurdles due to environmental concerns that prevent heavy machinery (i.e. bulldozers) from entering into the water for fear of contaminating the waterway. Therefore, while heavy machinery has been used to clear out and drag large pieces of matter out of the creek, the inmates have had to do a great deal of work by hand with chainsaws.

The effort, like all of the other projects that Annex residents are involved with, give credence to the motto: "Corrections is a good neighbor." And while the community benefits from this and other projects that the inmates perform, the inmates are given something in return. "I get a great sense of accomplishment," said Thurman Young.

"I am going home in two-and-a-half weeks and I can say that this experience [of serving the community] has given me a lot," said Richard Papile. "It shows you that maybe you can change your way of life," offered Steven Pankey.

"It makes me feel great. I have a sense of pride knowing what I have done for Ellenville. And once I get back out I will have skills that I can use," said Jessie Corner Jr.

"I feel like I am clearing my conscience. This is my chance to turn a negative into a positive," remarked Joseph Johnson.

The next program that the inmates will be participating in will be a holiday luncheon for seniors at the Napanoch Senior Center on December 14. The meal, which is free of charge, will feature door prizes and a meal with all of the trimmings.

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