Press and Sun-Bulletin from Binghamton, New York • 16

83 Press Sun-Bulletin Wednesday, February 6, 2002 Senate passes bill to expand women's health insurance LOCALSTATE Clause lets fewer religious organizations opt out of covering birth control clause, and also would eliminate co-payments needed to get services like screenings and treatments. "The job is still not done," said Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, Orange County, the Senate sponsor of the bill. "The Assembly must approve this also." The two houses should appoint members to serve on a conference committee to resolve their differences, said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan. But Bruno, who pointed out that such a panel failed to reach an agreement last year, rejected that idea and called on the Assembly to adopt the Senate's version of the bill.

rights of the Catholic Church being violated. "I don't like the conscience clause. It's not fair to the Catholic Church," said Sen. George Maziarz, R-North Tonawanda, Niagara County. Sen.

Raymond Meier, R-Western, Oneida County, said he voted no because of the requirements a church-run facility provide that more than half of its employees are Catholic and that more than half of the people they serve are Catholic as well to be exempt. "It becomes a very dangerous proposition when the government sets up tests to decide what religion someone is," he said. "We are not going to get caught up in talks. We want a result," he said. It wasn't immediately clear how that standoff could be overcome.

The matter is politically more urgent for the Senate than the Assembly. Next Tuesday, Republican John Ravitz, who supports the bill, is facing Democrat Liz Krueger in a special election to fill a vacant seat formerly held by a Republican on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Krueger has made the Senate's failure to act on the measure a major campaign issue. The vote in the Senate was 49-8. Some of those voting no said they were concerned about the for annual breast-cancer checks for women over 40 (instead of over 50, as is now required.) It would also expand coverage for cervical-cancer checks and for the first time cover both screenings and treatment for osteoporosis.

On the contraceptive-coverage issue, which has held up a deal for the past few years, the Senate abandoned its insistence that all religious institutions be allowed to opt out of providing coverage because of the church's opposition to the use of contraceptives. Instead, a so-called "conscience clause" is more narrowly drawn so that few religious organizations, such as parishes, would be exempt. The Assembly bill has no such bridge their differences and send a bill to Gov. George E. Pataki for his signature.

The bill passed just a week before a crucial Senate special election in Manhattan where women's health has been a key issue "will provide women with expanded access to critical healthcare services that can save lives," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, Rensselaer County. Like the Assembly bill, the Senate measure mandates coverage By JAY GALLAGHER Albany Bureau Chief ALBANY Despite the concerns of some lawmakers that the rights of the Catholic Church could be violated, the Senate on Tuesday passed a bill mandating expanded insurance coverage for women, including coverage for contraceptives for most who work in Catholic-run institutions like schools and hospitals. The Assembly passed a similar bill last month, but it was unclear Tuesday if the two sides could Mills urges lawmakers to increase funding for poor schools 'The whole point of the state aid formula is to level the playing field to make it possible for people to educate their children regardless of where they live. RICHARD MILLS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER By ER1KA ROSENBERG Albai) Bureau ALBANY New York might not have much more money to give to schools this year, but it should steer funding to low-income areas that need it most, the state's school chief said Tuesday. Education Commissioner Richard Mills told lawmakers at a public hearing on the state's $14.2 billion education budget that the current system for distributing the money is hopelessly flawed because it does not help poor school districts enough.

"Lower student achievement. Greater student poverty. Lower teacher salaries. More uncertified offered no increase, saying the state can't afford to boost education spending since it predicts a $5.7 billion revenue shortfall in its overall $88.6 billion budget. "The regents proposal is more than we can afford this year.

Nobody likes saying it, but that's a reality we have to face," said Assemblyman John Flanagan, R-Suffolk County. Lawmakers sharply questioned Mills about targeting money to poor districts, saying it would mean some schools they represent would get less state money. Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, D-Mamaroneck, Westchester County, said residents of her relatively wealthy part of the state already pay for almost all school costs Obituaries aany ai pressconnecis.com anu aremveu mio York State Council of School Superintendents. His group supports the idea, even though some members would lose money.

Rogers noted that $27 million is a tiny fraction of the regents' overall 14.5 billion request for education funding. "The test-score data that we have tells a tale of two education systems," Rogers said. State money should go to the districts, mostly in cities and poor rural areas, that ha ve low scores, he said. The Pataki administration has defended its proposal by pointing out the state aid to schools rose 45 percent, or $4.4 billion, over the past seven years. a searcnaoie uaiaoase.

Ard DeForest Benedict of Hallstead, Pa. A Funeral and Committal service will be held at Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, 5 Susquehanna Avenue, Hallstead, Fridav, February 8, 2002. at I a.m. with Mr. James Seller officiating.

Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hallstead. The family will receive callers Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials in honor of Ard Benedict may be sent to WPEL Radio, Box 248, Montrose, Pa. 18801.

Connie (Martone) Bethke formerly of Binghamton Connie (Martone) Bethke, 78, formerly of Binghamton, died on February 1 in San Antonio, Tex. Survivors include her son, Gary; daughter-in-law, Jane, San Antonio; and brother, Jack who resides in Spring Hill, Fla. She graduated from Binghamton Central High School and served in the Women's Army Corp. during WWII. She was a retired employee at Kelly Airfield in San Antonio where she worked for several years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Orland (Sonny) Bethke; and her parents, Tony and Mary Martone. 2 Card of Thanks The Family of Sean M. O'Brien Perhaps you sent a lovely' card, or sat quietly in a chair, perhaps you sent a funeral spray, if so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part. Michelle and Children Winnie, Kevin and Kate O'Brien Karen and Del Chamberlain Tim and Dorothy O'Brien Vince O'Brien, Sue and Tom Mollo In Memorial In Loving Memory of Frances Redolphy Frannie, You were constantly at my side, as never have two sisters been closer friends. This has been a long year without you. Still miss your "laugh" and your companionship. Your sister, Blanche In Loving Memory of Bruno Pisani 12818 to 2601 You fill our thoughts each moment that goes by.

thoughts of you, sometimes force us to cry, but we know that the Suffering is now at an ease, Now a smile fills our Face when we hear Your voice in the the breeze Our dreams at night are with you again and again As you grace the Presence of the Lord Jesus, God and Heaven. We Love You Miss You Your wife, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, grandchildren, family and friends The Obituaries, In Memoriams and Cards ot Thanks that appear here are paid announcements. The list of deaths that appears elsewhere in this section, is provided free of charge. Obituary Department: 798-1104. HOURS: Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday Holidays through local property taxes.

"In some of my districts, (local taxpayers) are funding literally 95 percent (of school costs), so they have a concern which is valid," Oppenheimer said. Assemblyman John Flanagan, R-Suffolk County, illustrated the political problems with a plan that increases funding but cuts the amount going to some districts. "Six hundred million dollars sounds terrific, but if the seven districts I represent lose out Flanagan said without finishing his sentence. The regents proposal would cut funding to 105 districts by $27 million, according to Thomas Rogers, who analyzed the plan for the New i i Zohrab (Zo) Melkonian of Queensbury Zohrab (Zo) Melkonian, of Queens-bury, passed away Saturday, September 15, 2001 unexpectedly. Bom September 6, 1929 in Binghamton.

he was the son of the late Paul and Haiganoush Melkonian. He was a graduate of Binghamton Central School and Harpur College in Binghamton, Class of 1958. Mr. Melkonian was a veteran of the US Navy during the Korean War. He was the manager of Queensbury Hotel.

In 1971 and 1972, he was named employer of the year at the Queensbury Hotel presented by New York State Association of Teachers of Mentally Handicapped. Inc. He enjoyed daily meetings with friends and talks over politics and the stock market. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Judy Hunter Melkonian, Queensbury; one daughter, Nairi Melkonian, Bradford, one sister, Louise and her husband, Leon Manak-ian, Hialeah, one niece, Karen Rardon and her husband David, Zions-ville, nephews, Greg and Donna Hunter, Herkimer, Jeff and Valerie Hunter, Oxford, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Gaby Hunter, Herkimer. A funeral service was held in Queensbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society. 380 A Glen Glenn Falls, N.Y. 12801, or the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany, N.Y. 12205-5512. Dorothy M.

Schrauger of Binghamton Dorothy M. Schrauger, 69, of Binghamton, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2002. She is survived by her loving family; three daughters, Marcia Ross, Sally Swartwood, and Karen Tepple; two sons, Stephen Schrauger and Kenneth Schrauger; one brother, James McBride; two sisters, Jean Coolbaugh and Norma Chesnut; thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild; several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins; one special friend, Jim Coleman. Funeral services will be held Thursday 12 noon at the Peter P. Savage Funeral and Cremation Service.

338-344 Conklin Binghamton with Rev. David C. Seaver, Chaplain of Spiritual Care at Lourdes Hospital, officiating. Burial will be in Spring Forest Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m.

until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dorothy to the American Diabetes Association, 356 North Midler Syracuse, N.Y. 13206. 1AVAGE Funeral Crrmalion Smice "Family Serving Families" 607.724.1415 Gerald W. Balmer of Oakland, Pa.

The funeral services for Gerald W. Balmer will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2002 at 1 1 a.m. at the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, Susquehanna with Rev. Kenneth Bitler officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Susquehanna, Pa.

The family will receive friends at the Hennessey's Funeral Home, 208 Jackson Susquehanna on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna Fire Department, Susque hanna, or your local Cancer Society. teachers. Older buildings. Higher tax rates and lower tax revenues.

The state aid system is supposed to address these problems. It does not," Mills said. Mills and the Board of Regents have asked for a $600 million increase in state aid to schools, 87 percent of which would go to the CSJ John Stephens Deister of Vesta! John Stephens Deister, 92, of Vestal, formerly of Elmira. went to be with his Lord Monday, February 4, 2002. He was predeceased by his wile, Janet R.

(Leisenring) Deister, Elmira in 1992 and is survived by his children and their spouses, John and Barbara Deister, Henrietta, N.Y., Bonnie Lou Deis ter and Elmer Cornelius, Vestal; grand children, Amy (Greg) Gomes, Ferndale, Julianne (David) Flanagan, Annapolis, Michael (Pam) Vaillan-court and Andrew Vaillancourt, both of Sacramento. great-grandchildren, Anna, Emma, Scoit, Marcus and Mikaela; sister-in-law, Theresa L. Drake, Endwell; along with several nieces and nephews. Mr. Deister retired from Moore Business Forms in 1975 after 46 years of service.

He was a member ot the First Presbyterian Church in Endicott and a member of the Mount Moriah Lodge 0145, Jamestown, N.Y. Family and friends are invited to call at Wm. R. Chase Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Port Dickinson, N.Y. on Wednesday, February 6 from 7 to 9 p.m.

and on Thursday, February 7 from 10 to 11. a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 15 Grant Endicott. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Rev.

Janice Devine will officiate. Committal service and Interment will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, 15 Grant Endicott, N.Y. 13760, or the Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad, 324 Myrtle Vestal, N.Y.

13850 in his memory. Frieda L. Rudolph of Johnson City Frieda L. Rudolph, 92, died Sunday, February 3, 2002 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. while vacationing with her daughter and son-in-law.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ursula and Bernard Bronson, Johnson City; a son and daughter-in-law, Walter P. and Leila Rudolph, LaJolIa, sister, Ruth Frass, Frohburg, Germany; her grandchildren, Mark and Kay Canfield, Pasadena, Jonathan Rudolph, Los Angeles, Holly and James Favino, West Chester, Dr. Raquel and Curtis Mullen, Albemarle, N.C.; her great-grandchildren, Michael, Stephen, Shannon, Christopher, Robert, Caleb, Joel, Rose, Jacob, Julieann, and Justin; her great-great-granddaughter, Lcena Kay; and nieces and nephews, Werner Henne-mann, Thca Pistorius, Jutta Jaschke, Eva Schellenberg and Ellen Linger, all of Frohburg, Germany. Frieda came to America from Germany all alone at the age of 17 to make her home. She retired as a cook at Vail-Ballou, Clinton was a long time member of St.

Paul's Lutheran Church of Johnson City and loved her home and family. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 1:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 500 Main Johnson City with her pastor, Rev. Dana Karen Izzo, officiating.

Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the Barber Memorial Home, 428 Main Johnson City on Thursday from 10:1.5 to 11:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. state's 200 poorest districts under a proposed system that combines several aid categories into one.

"The whole point of the state aid formula is to level the playing field to make it possible for people to educate their children regardless of where they live," Mills said. Gov. George E. Pataki has -m UDiiuaries are posiea Rose (Prochaska) Michalek formerly of Binghamton Rose (Prochaska) Michalek. 96, of Endwell.

died Monday morning, February 4, 2002 at Lourdes Hospital after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank in 1959. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Delores and Douglas Williams, Endwell; one son and daughter-in-law, Francis and Barbara Michalek, Binghamton; three grandchildren, Robert and Donna Williams, Endicott, Pamela and David Harmon, Scottsdale, and Francis R. Michalek, Binghamton; four great-grandchildren, Jason and Christine Williams, Daniel and Jonathan Harmon; three sisters, Sally May-ko, Josephine Hurst, Binghamton, Louise Skok, Binghamton; one brother, Louis Prohotsky, Binghamton; also several nieces and nephews. Rose was a retired employee of Endicott Johnson Shoe Co.

and was a member of SS. Cyril and Method Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Sedlock Funeral Home, 161 Clinton Binghamton and at 9:30 a.m. at St.

Cyril's Church where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Slovak Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Family requests, that those wishing may make memorial contributions, in her name, to the Friends of Seton Catholic Central High School, or St. Cyril's Church Memorial Fund.

The family would also like to thank the nursing staff on Seton 3 at Lourdes Hospital for the comforting care during her final days. Irene E. Kohn of Conklin Irene E. Kohn, widow of Robert Kohn, died February 2, 2002. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Vincent Borelli, San Jose, Beverly and Phil Bock-mier, San Diego, and her dear friend, Delna Fanner.

Mrs. Kohn, well known in the bridge world as a Life Master player, teacher and director, was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church, Binghamton. At the request of the family, Graveside services will be private. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 42 Chenango Binghamton, N.Y.

Arrangements are by the Ernest H. Parsons Funeral Home, 71 Main Binghamton. Virginia E. Keefe of Binghamton Virginia E. Keefe, 93, of Binghamton, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2002 at her home.

She was born on July 1, 1908 in Margaretville, N.Y. the daughter of the late Frederick and Charlotte (Mae) Dexter. Virginia was the wife of Emmett F. Keefe who predeceased her February 18, 1966. Virginia was formerly employed at Fowlers Department Store and McLean's Department Store in Binghamton.

She was a member of St. Paul's Church, Binghamton. She is survived by a number of second cousins; and several close friends. Funeral services will be held at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Binghamton, Thursday at 10 a.m.

Rev. Corey S. Van Kuren, her pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Roy Jeffords of Candor, N.Y. Roy Jeffords, 86, of Candor, N.Y., passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at the Waters of Endicott, N.Y. where he had been residing since March 2000. There will be no services. Arrangements are with Richards Funeral Home, Owcgo.

Leon Martin Eaton Leon Martin Eaton, 80, died February 2. Mr. Eaton was born in Binghamton, N.Y. and moved to The Villages from West Palm Beach in 1989. He was retired from sales management for P.P.G.

Industies, Pittsburgh, Pa. He was a Boy Scout leader for 40 years, past president of Oshkosh, Chamber of Commerce, past president of Kiwan-is Club, Oshkosh, past president of Wisconsin Club, The Villages, Grand Marshal of the Elks Lodge, Oshkosh, a US Navy veteran of WWII and the Korean War and a member of North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lake. Survivors include his wife, Rosemarie, sons, Dennis, Parkton, Thomas, Pasadena, Jeffrey, New Orleans, daughters, Dawn Westermann, Blue Bell, Cheryl Fuller-Meloon, Montverde, Mary Moubray, Oneonta, N.Y., Lynn Czap, Boyertown, Kathleen Albert, Naples, Maine; brothers, Al, Castle Creek, N.Y., Norman, Albuquerque, N.Mex.; sisters, Leona Cleveland and Mary Schrock, both of Binghamton; 23 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services for Eaton will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 6 at North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lake with Rev.

Betty Walters and Dr. Lee Leeder officiating. Inurment will be in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 7 with full military honors conducted by Lake County War Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Lake Sumter, 12300 Lane Park Tavares, Fla.

32778. Beyers Funeral Home, Lady Lake, is in charge of arrangements. William Pine of Binghamton William Pine, 74, died Monday February 4, 2002 at his home. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Marion Joyce (Weitman) Pine; and daughters, Rena (Willem Fabcr), Leslie and Denise; grandchildren, Erik Benjamin and Liza Rachel Faber, and niece Diane Kurinsky (Steve Gross) and Arieh Kurinsky, Shoshana and Mara Gross; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Warren and Grace Weitman; also many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was born in Brooklyn on April 27, 1927, graduated from Columbia College of Optometry and moved to Binghamton in 1949. Bill had a private optometric practice on Court St, for 30 years. Also, Bill enjoyed practicing optometry for disadvantaged patients in several area hospitals and nursing homes. Bill was very active in the Temple Concord Men's Club as Program Chairman for many years. He was a US Army veteran and served as editor ot the Stars and Stripes during WWII.

Avid tennis fans. Bill and Marion traveled extensively visiting different cultures around the world. Shiva will be observed at 99 Aldrich Ave. from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday (February 6, 7).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Concord, 9 Riverside Binghamton, N.Y. 13905, or charity ot one choice, jq Dorothy S. Jamieson of Port Crane Dorothy S. Jamieson, 79. of Port Crane, passed away Monday, February 4.

2002 at her home. She was predeceased by her son. Donald Stanley. She is survived by her de voted husband, Carroll (Curly) Jamieson, For! Crane; a daughter, Dale Coleman, Panama City, six grandchildren, Tim Cole, Cynthia Cole, Don Cole, Sheri Speycr, Amy Matheson and Andy Stanley; also several great-grandchildren. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 80 and the Senior Center of Johnson City.

Dorothy was a former employee of the Sheltered Workshop. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. from the Wm. R. Chase Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Port Dickinson with Rev.

Judy Wanck officiating. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. Wm. R.

Chase Son Funeral Directors 737 Chenango St, Port Dickinson, NY 1 3901 772-0320 Alta P. Furey i of Montrose, Pa. lAlta P. Furey, of Montrose, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2002 at the Towanda Hospital, Towanda, Pa. She was born in Montrose, Pa.

to the late Dr. Warren W. and Maude A. (Harrison) Preston. Mrs.

Furey was a graduate and Valedictorian of the Montrose High School, Class of 1927. She was the co-owner of Furey 's Restaurant Public Montrose in the 1930's. She was the oldest and longest attending member (since 1912) of the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, a member ot the Civil Defense Corps, serving as an airplane spotter during WWII. She was a former member ot the Women Monday Club, federated Garden Club and two Duplicate Bridge Clubs. A daughter, Ms.

Mary Ann DeWitt, Montrose, three granddaughters and grandson-in-law, Susan Burchill, Endwell, Ann and Steven Lathrop, Montrose. Pa. and Amy DeWitt, Winston Salem, N.C.; iister-in-law, Mrs. Elmer Preston, and two nieces, Karen Bader, Ariz, and Jan Tachcrra, Calif, survive Kirs. Furey.

Her husband, James E. Furey; brother, Dr. Elmer Preston; two Sisters-in-law, Mary and Katheryn Fu rey; brothers-in-law, William and Leo Furey all predeceased Mrs. Furey. The family would like to thank her Caregivers, Patty, Jill, Vie Marv, Janet, Sarah and Lori Ann for all their assistance with Mrs.

Furey. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2002 at the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose Jvith Rev. H. Chase Page officiating.

Friends may call on the family on Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at (he Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home, Montrose, Pa. Interment will be in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Pa The family will take care of the flowers, however, donations can be made to the Endless Mountain Medical Care Foundation Building Fund, Attn: Patty Looby, 1 3 Grow Montrose, Pa. 18801, or the First Presbvtcrian Church of Montrose Church Montiuse, Pa.

18801. VnignUy-) PROPER i mm mimmmmmi i i.