David J. Pitkin, a retired social studies teacher from Saratoga Springs, has published a new book of stories about haunted places in New York, including several of local interest. The book, "New York State Ghosts," was printed by Aurora Publications.
Among the ghosts Pitkin writes about are three at the Clemens Center in Elmira. According to stories Pitkin collected, the performing arts center is haunted by a stagehand who loved the old Keeney Theater -- which became the Elmira Theater and then the Clemens Center -- so much, he has never left it.
There is also a beautiful woman who appears in a long, blue dress and is said to be a deceased member of the theater's pit orchestra, and another woman who worked at the theater.
Pitkin also writes about haunted places in Montour Falls, Lowman, Hornell, Candor and several in the Binghamton area.
Pitkin is a numerologist, the founder of Parapsychology Study and Investigations, and the author of "Haunted Saratoga County." He's good at spinning tales: In the summer, he works as a storyteller at Fort William Henry in Lake George.
The book is available by writing to Aurora Publications, 6315 State Route 9, P.O. Box 690, Chestertown, NY 12817, or e-mailing pitkinaurora@aol.com.
?JIM LOWMAN REMEMBERED: Diane Brown of Elmira has shared a memory of Jim Lowman, a longtime Star-Gazette reporter and editor and a Chemung County legislator who died last week.
Diane wrote that after Jimmy's retirement from the newspaper, he registered as a substitute teacher in Elmira schools. Brown works at Parley Coburn Elementary School, and Jim would often substitute there.
Between two big computer rooms at the school, there is an office, and it is a tradition for staffers to put treats in that office to share. The staff loved the days when Jim was working, because he would always stop at Kountry Krullers on his way to the school and pick up doughnuts to share.
"We loved him, but not because of the doughnuts," Brown wrote. "He was truly one of the nicest people anyone could ever know. ... Those of us who worked up in those rooms have been remembering him with great fondness."
?BENEFIT FOR GRACE ROSE NICHOLS: A spaghetti dinner to benefit the infant Grace Rose Nichols, who was born with a pulmonary defect that led to significant brain damage, is planned from 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at the American Legion in Big Flats. Plans include live music, door prizes, raffles and other activities. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children.
?CELEBRATIONS: Happy birthday to Sharon Ellis of Wellsburg. She's 57 years old today. Happy birthday to Paige Kinnaird, Shirley Schrock and Emily Bates, all of Elmira. Happy birthday to Dave Brace, and happy anniversary to Tom and Cyndi Brace.
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