Hall of Fame will induct new members

Hall of Fame will induct new members

WATKINS GLEN—After a hiatus of four years, the  Schuyler County Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the selection of three new members to be preserved in the hall Wednesday, Oct. 23.
After reviewing a number of nominations from the community, the committee has selected the following for their tremendous contributions to Schuyler County:
William Peters owned and operated a successful insurance agency in downtown Watkins Glen for several decades. After his arrival in the community, he immersed himself in many organizations throughout the county. He served on the following board of directors: Schuyler County United Way as chairman of the Fund Drive; Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce as vice-president; Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as president; Sullivan Trail Boy Scout Council; Schuyler Hospital as long-time member and Chairman; Schuyler Hospital Health Foundation; Glen National Bank; REDEC; Grand Prix Corporation; and Five Lakes Development. Peters was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, and was also awarded “Business Person of the Year” by the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce. Peters actively participated in a multitude of fundraising efforts across the county and was named “The Honorary Chair of the Family and Friends Campaign” by the Schuyler Health Foundation.
Born to Greek immigrants in the heart of the depression, Nick G. Anagnost graduated from Sherburne High School and Albany College of Pharmacy. In 1966, Anagnost and his wife Anne moved to Montour Falls, as he became a partner in Montour Pharmacy.  A few years later, he became sole owner, and rapid expansion began in earnest.  During the next four decades, the store grew tenfold. He also mentored dozens of student employees, many whom went on to become pharmacists.  If a customer couldn’t afford their prescription, Anagnost was known to take fresh eggs or homemade jam as payment.  He has the distinction of being the longest, continuous working pharmacist in the history of Montour Falls. He coached the Montour Pharmacy little league team for many years, and served the village as a trustee and youth commissioner. He has been a generous benefactor and friend to many in the community, various organizations, and to the Odessa-Montour Central School sports booster club. He was named to the school’s sports hall of fame in 2008 as a benefactor. Anagnost was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, and was also awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce. He recently endowed a tuition assistance scholarship to Albany College of Pharmacy available annually to a graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School or Watkins Glen Central School.
Lt. William Elkins came back from World War II with German shrapnel in his knee and Cornell Law School on his mind. Before there was a Legal Services Corp., before pro bono counsel for the poor, and before Miranda vs. Arizona, there was Attorney William Elkins. Elkins owned and practiced in a solo private practice law firm in Burdett for over 30 years. Elkins was a probation officer and a public defender for Schuyler County for a number of years. Elkins was a member of and/or volunteered his time with the following organizations: The Lions Club, The Grange, Burdett Players, American Legion Post, Reading Community Church, Burdett Methodist Church, Glen Baptist Church, and Conservative Party. Elkins was the recipient of a Purple Heart in 1945.
The induction ceremony is Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5 to 7 p.m. at Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen. To RSVP, call the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce at 607-535-4300 or email meredith@watkinsglenchamber.com.