By Rob Potter
LIBERTY — June 18, 2004 – Thanks to some dedicated adults, a group of local kids have spent a good deal of time this spring learning about a sport they can enjoy for years to come.
For two hours each Saturday afternoon in May and June, a group of about 15 youngsters between the ages of 7 and 17 have gathered at Garry’s Great American in Liberty to enhance their archery skills. The boys and girls shoot balloons that are attached to bullseye targets at the Catskill Mountain Archers’ indoor archery range, which is located in the basement of Garry’s Great American.
Josh Edwards, the Recreation Program Assistant for the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department, oversees the youth archery program. He noted that he receives plenty of help in running the program.
Howard Travis, who is the proprietor of Travis Archery in Liberty, serves as an instructor for the program. In addition, the Sullivan County Archers provides equipment and the Catskill Mountain Archers and Garry Cassevah, proprietor of Garry’s Great American, donate the use of their facility.
“The kids get certificates and awards at the end of the program,” Edwards said.
Of course, they also receive a great deal of archery knowledge while having fun.
The kids in the archery program are: Bart Bubbico, Esa Cano, Adam Donaghy, Benjamin Donaghy, Matthew Higgins, Cory Kavleski, Krysta Kelly, Tory Kleinberger, Aaron Maclean, Brittany Panagakos, Hunter Reeves, Brandon Reeves, Nick Scheibe, Christopher Sheridan, Kerri Sheridan, Velisha Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Kailyn Traub, Damian Travis and Larissa Travis.
“These are great kids,” Howard Travis said. “They are learning to appreciate the sport of archery.”
Cassevah, who is also a member of the Catskill Mountain Archers, agreed with Travis.
“This gives them something positive to do,” Cassevah said.
Judging by the smiles on their faces, participating in the program is something the kids really enjoy.
Nine-year-old Tori Kleinberger was one of the youngsters shooting at the range last Saturday. This is the first year she has participated in the archery program.
When asked what she enjoyed most about archery, Kleinberger was quick to reply.
“Popping the balloons,” she said with a big smile.
Edwards noted that most of the boys and girls in the archery program are Town of Liberty residents, however some hail from neighboring townships.
He said that the program was very successful this spring.
“We’re planning to do this again in the fall,” Edwards said. “I would like to get some classes going and start a league. I want to get more non-residents involved.”
To find out more about the Town of Liberty Youth Archery Program, please call Edwards at 292-7690.