Beef Box Specials at Heather Ridge

In-store Special! Just two more weeks! This saves you money, and we improve our winter cash flow! For February, we are offering two beef boxes:
The Ground Beef Box has 15 pounds of our all grassfed and grass finished ground beef, for just $100 (about a 25% less then the regular price).  Think meat loaf, meat balls, hamburgers!
The Winter Beef Sampler Box has a mix of cuts great for winter cooking! Beef stew, shanks, short ribs, brisket or bottom round roast, an eye round roast and ground beef. This box is $150, and is also around 25% less then the regular price.
You can order either or both boxes, or more than one of either!  Please contact me to reserve your boxes so we can get them ready for you. You cannot order this in-store special through our website.

If you are a member of our CSA, you can take an additional 5% off!  (Want to know more about our meat and poultry CSA? Click!)

Coming up: In March, we will offer a Pork Box, and in April will offer a Chicken Box.

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Edge Reaches 1,000-point Milestone

C-GCC Stand-out Honored by the National Junior College Athletic Association

HUDSON, N.Y. – Tanisha Edge, a sophomore at Columbia-Greene Community College from Cementon, N.Y., was lauded this month by the National Junior College Athletic Association after banking her 1,000th career point.

Edge reached the milestone during a Wednesday, Jan. 24 game against Fulton-Montgomery Community College, earning the point on a three-pointer in the third quarter. She was formally recognized at the C-GCC Twins’ home game on Saturday, Feb. 10, receiving an honorary, personalized Spalding basketball and a video message from NJCAA Executive Director Christopher Parker.

This is just the latest in a stellar season for Edge, who was named National NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Player of the Week in January, and also notched her seventh all-time NJCAA Division III Regional Female Athlete of the Week distinction in the same month – her third of the 2017-2018 season.

Richanna Lindo, director of athletics at C-GCC, explained that the Twins women’s basketball program was resurrected in 2016 after a 10-year hiatus, and has since excelled, currently seated second in the region. The team has also garnered coveted first-place votes and national recognition from the National Division III Women’s Basketball Poll Committee, and five players: Edge, Stacey Cherestal, Amira Furtado, Anyla Harper, and Shayna Ostrowsky, are all nationally ranked in various statistical categories.

“Receiving national votes marks a phenomenal moment for the Twins, and the accolades keep coming,” she said. “The team’s hard work is showing – and we’ve truly only just begun.”

For more information, visit sunycgcc.edu or cgcctwins.com.

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Man Arrested on Missouri Warrant in Delaware County

On Tuesday afternoon, February 13, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Davenport man on a Governor’s Warrant charging him with being a fugitive from justice and directing that he to be turned over to law enforcement agents from the State of Missouri.

Deputies arrested 25 year old Jerry D. Parkes of Davenport on the Warrant issued by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo upon requisition of the Governor of Missouri where Parkes stands charged with violating the terms of his probation and fleeing from that state to avoid prosecution. Parkes was arrested at the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he has been held without bail, since December, 2017, while the challenged his extradition to the State of Missouri. Parkes was initially arrested by Deputies in December and charged with being a fugitive from justice from Moniteu County, Missouri, where he was wanted for violating the terms of his probation imposed upon a conviction for domestic assault.

On Tuesday afternoon Parkes was arraigned by Delaware County Court Judge Richard D. Northrup, Jr., who ordered that Parkes be turned over to members of the Moniteu County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office to be returned to that jurisdiction to answer his charges. Parkes was subsequently turned over to members of the Moniteu County Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning for transport back to Missouri.

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For Review: From India with Love

Editor's note: In late 2016, Cobleskill Mayor Linda Holmes and I had a chance to sojourn to India as part of a documentary project regarding the sources of and solutions to violence.

Here's a partial description:

From India with Love is a documentary film about victims of violence from across America who embark on an epic journey to India, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who had also visited India to study nonviolence. The common denominator that binds them in this story is their unique exposure to violence and their desire to reinvigorate the conversation about nonviolence in America.

The group included: a single mother whose son was brutally murdered in a tragic school shooting (Sandy Hook, Connecticut) and her best friend, a former gang member (Los Angeles, California), an educator (Newark, New Jersey), a social entrepreneur and a music scholar (both Black Lives Matter activists from Oakland, California).

The film showcases how the culture of India empowers them with tools, wisdom and inspiration to find healing, solace and to become ambassadors of nonviolence in their communities.

Find the final product here.

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Fighting Tigers Weekly Recap

Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team split a pair of North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) contests during the week losing on Wednesday at home versus Cazenovia College by a 58-50 margin then winning on the road on Saturday over Keuka College 79-76. Senior guard Malik Chambers, West Point, N.Y., James I. O’Neill High School, averaged 13.0 points and 3.0 rebounds a game for the seek as the Fighting Tigers improved to 7-16 overall including a 4-11 mark in league action.

The Fighting Tiger women’s indoor track & field team posted a team score of 47 points to place fifth overall in a field of seven teams at the 2018 Class of Invitational hosted by Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. on Saturday. Sophomore thrower Sabrina Headrington, Phillipsburg, N.J., Phillipsburg High School, turned in the team’s top finish at the event taking second in the weight throw with a toss of 38’0”.


The men’s indoor track & field team posted a team total of 44 points to place sixth overall in a field of seven teams at the 2018 Class of Invitational hosted by Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. on Saturday. Freshman sprinter/hurdler Alex Hitchcock, Cobleskill, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, was the Fighting Tigers top performer taking third place in the 200-meter dash in 23.62 seconds and fifth place in the 60-meter dash in 7.42 seconds.

The women’s basketball team dropped a pair of NEAC games during the week losing at home to Cazenovia College 78-66 on Wednesday then falling on the road to Keuka College on Saturday by a 71-46 margin. Sophomore guard Shaliyah Graham, Bronx, N.Y., Martin Luther King High School, averaged 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as the Fighting Tigers fell to 10-13 overall on the season including a 5-10 record in conference play.

UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS:

Men’s Basketball vs. Wells College 2/17

Women’s Basketball vs. Wells College 2/17

Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Hosts 2018 NEAC Swimming & Diving Championships February 16-to-February 18


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Tobacco Control Reps do a Reality Check with State Lawmakers

New York State (NYS) Tobacco Control Partners and Reality Check youth visited Albany February 6 to share their successes and focus attention on unmet needs in tobacco control efforts statewide. Throughout New York, 33.7% of those with mental illness, 27.5% with less than a high school education and 26.8% who earn less than $15,000 a year smoke cigarettes. Tobacco kills more people each year than alcohol use, illegal drug use, car accidents, homicide and HIV/AIDS combined.

Representatives from Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties (ATFC-DOS) met with NYS Senator James Seward and NYS Assemblyman Clifford Crouch while in Albany for the annual NYS Tobacco Control Partners Legislative Education Day. Linda Wegner, Program Director for ATFC-DOS and Deyanira Cisneros, Community Engagement Coordinator for ATFC-DOS accompanied six Reality Check youth advocates from Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School to Albany. Tranquility Cleveland, Jillian Johnson, Jasmine Neill, Ahna Misiewicz, Ali Misiewicz and Arianna Mosenson helped educate lawmakers about tobacco use issues in local communities. They also shared their concern about the average age of a new smoker being 13 and the smoking rates in the Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie region being higher than the current statewide adult smoking rate of 14.2 percent - 22.9 percent for Delaware County, 26.3 percent for Otsego County and 19.3 percent for Schoharie County.

The NYS Tobacco Control Program is a network of statewide contractors who work on Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities, which includes Community Engagement and Reality Check, the Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York, the NYS Smokers’ Quitline and Surveillance and Research. NYS Tobacco Control Partners have contributed substantially to the drop in tobacco use rates among adults and youth through population-based, policy-driven and cost effective approaches to prevent youth from smoking and to help smokers to quit.  These approaches are now focusing on communities and populations with high tobacco use rates, especially those with poor mental health, low education and low income.

“We need to ensure that all New Yorkers regardless of income, education, race or mental health status, are given the help they need to quit tobacco use and, more importantly, to live in  environments that makes it less likely they will become addicted to the single leading cause of preventable death and disease in our state,” said Amanda Mulhern, Health Systems Coordinator with St. Peter’s Health Partners Community Health Programs who serves Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties among a total of eight counties.

Another population that warrants attention is youth. While youth smoking rates have significantly declined, electronic cigarette use among the state’s middle and high school students has doubled from 2014-2016[i], and studies show e-cigarettes can be a precursor to cigarette smoking in youth, even those who were not likely to smoke cigarettes.[ii]

“State-funded tobacco control programs prevent youth tobacco use and reduce adult smoking rates and ultimately save lives and millions of state tax dollars,” said Deyanira Cisneros, Community Engagement Coordinator with ATFC-DOS.  “But, as data about New Yorkers with low income, low education, mental illness and youth tobacco use show, when it comes to deadly and addictive tobacco use, the fight to save their lives isn’t over.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the Tobacco Control Programs in NYS be funded with $203 million, yet actual funding for these programs only totals $39 million.[iii] If these programs were adequately funded, the health and economic burdens of tobacco use could be significantly reduced.

Annual health care costs directly caused by smoking in New York State are $10.39 billion. This expense results in a tax burden of $1488 dollars for each New York State household every year.iv There are 28,200 deaths in New York State each year due to smoking, and thousands who are living with illnesses related to tobacco use.iii


For more information, visit www.gotobaccofreedos.org ,  TobaccoFreeNYS.org, TobaccoFreeNY.org and NYSmokeFree.Com.



i NYS Dept. of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control StatShot Vol. 10, No. 1/Mar 2017, accessed 1/2/18,  https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/reports/statshots/volume10/n1_youth_cigarette_and_ends_use.pdf

ii Journal of Tobacco Control, Feb. 6, 2017, accessed 1/2/18, http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2017/01/04/tobaccocontrol-2016-053291

iii Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Key State-specific Tobacco-Related Data & Rankings, FY18, accessed 1/2/18, https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0176.pdf

iv https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-us/new_york

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Municipal Corrections Training Course Debuts at C-GCC

HUDSON – Columbia-Greene Community College, the Columbia County Sherriff’s Office Corrections Division, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office of Corrections have announced a new, pre-employment basic-training course for corrections officers, slated to begin Monday, March 5.

Designed for individuals seeking careers in municipal corrections, including within city- and county-operated facilities, this 192-hour course is approved by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and satisfies the phase-one requirements of the DCJS Basic Course for Corrections Officers (phase two is completed in a post-employment setting).

The program was developed by members of both the Criminal Justice department and the Office of Community Services at C-GCC, in partnership with members of the corrections divisions of both the Columbia and Greene County Sheriffs’ Offices.

Sgt. Jeremy Huyck of the Columbia County Sherriff’s Office Corrections Division, who will serve as the program’s first director, explained that the 12-week course will meet in the evenings, with some weekend sessions, and will be taught by experienced corrections or law enforcement officers who hold DCJS Instructor Certifications.

“Our goals in designing the program are to open new career doors, enhance the employability of those seeking jobs in corrections, create networking opportunities, and overall, enhance people’s futures in law enforcement,” he said. “Corrections officers are an important part of our communities, ensuring safety and security.”

A mandatory information session is planned for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Columbia-Greene Community College. Municipal corrections employment opportunities are available in facilities across New York State, excluding New York City and state-operated corrections facilities.

For more information or to register for the information session, call 518.828.4181 ext. 3342.

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National Bank of Coxsackie now accepting Mortgage Applications Online

National Bank of Coxsackie has made a commitment to providing customers with modern products, services, and technological advances while at the same time remaining a hometown, local Bank. This month, NBC announced that customers can now apply for Mortgages and Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) directly through their website.

“This technology has been adopted by some larger banks, but NBC is one of the first community banks in the area to offer online mortgage applications. We realize that to remain competitive, we must continuously evolve and find new ways to reach our customers,” Senior Vice President Mark Maraglio commented.

The technology allows users to create a profile directly on National Bank of Coxsackie’s website so they can save their progress and return to finish the application at a later date; check in to see the status of their completed application; and upload any additional documents that may be needed to make a lending decision.

“In an ever changing industry and environment,” Assistant VP and Marketing Officer Nicole Bliss said, “we want to be able to give our customers the delivery channels they are looking for. That is not necessarily stepping foot into one of our eight branches. Sometimes it’s being able to apply for your mortgage or home equity on a Sunday morning from your couch”
Visit National Bank of Coxsackie at their website, www.nbcoxsackie.com to apply for free today.

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SUNY Women's B-Ball Falls to Poly

Marcy, N.Y.: The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team once again took to the road on Wednesday evening dropping a 67-54 North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) decision to the Wildcats of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. With the defeat the Fighting Tigers fall to 8-11 overall including a 3-8 mark in conference play while the Wildcats improve to 13-6 overall including a 9-1 mark versus NEAC opponents.

In a game that was for the most part evenly played; the Wildcats forced the Fighting Tigers into 22 turnovers that the home team turned into an18-to-6 advantage in points off turnovers and provided them with, the margin of victory.

Sophomore guard Addy Lawson, Cooperstown, N.Y., Milford High School, posted a game high of 22 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists for the visitors on the night. 

Cobleskill will return to action on Saturday February 3^rd when they host the Nittany Lions of Penn State Berks in conference play at the Iorio Gymnasium with tip-off at 3:00 p.m.

FINAL BOX:

Cobleskill St. vs SUNY Poly
01/31/18 7:00 PM at Marcy, NY (Campus Center Gym)

Newspaper Box Score Cobleskill St. vs SUNY Poly 01/31/18 7:00 PM at Marcy, NY (Campus Center Gym) At Marcy, NY (Campus Center Gym) SUNY POLY 67, COBLESKILL ST. 54 COBLESKILL ST. (8-11, 3-8 NEAC) Addy Lawson 9-20 0-0 22; Ali Changa 3-6 3-4 9; Shaliyah Graham 4-9 0-0 9; Gabby Muraczewski 3-5 1-1 7; Stacey Sprague 2-5 0-0 4; Yonique Hill 1-1 0-0 2; Alexia Massaroni 0-2 1-2 1; Monique Britton 0-4 0-0 0; Erica Cabrera 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 22-55 5-7 54. SUNY POLY (13-6, 9-1 NEAC) Kiersten Leos 7-12 1-1 18; Paige Gallo 4-8 7-7 16; Khristaijah Jackson 6-17 2-4 14; Taylor Aybar 3-6 1-1 8; Rylie Smith 2-6 0-2 5; Caitlyn Mackay 1-2 0-0 2; Shannon Harrison 1-6 0-0 2; Cassidy Albright 1-4 0-0 2. Totals 25-61 11-15 67. Cobleskill St.................   11   15   14   14  -   54 SUNY Poly.....................   19   15   18   15  -   67 3-point goals--Cobleskill St. 5-18 (Addy Lawson 4-12; Shaliyah Graham 1-2; Monique Britton 0-3; Erica Cabrera 0-1), SUNY Poly 6-20 (Kiersten Leos 3-6; Taylor Aybar 1-3; Paige Gallo 1-3; Rylie Smith 1-3; Cassidy Albright 0-2; Shannon Harrison 0-3). Fouled out--Cobleskill St.-None, SUNY Poly-None. Rebounds--Cobleskill St. 41 (Gabby Muraczewski 7; Addy Lawson 7), SUNY Poly 29 (Khristaijah Jackson 10). Assists--Cobleskill St. 12 (Erica Cabrera 7), SUNY Poly 15 (Paige Gallo 5; Taylor Aybar 5). Total fouls--Cobleskill St. 16, SUNY Poly 10. Technical fouls--Cobleskill St.-None, SUNY Poly-None. A-84

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SUNY Cobleskill Loses at SUNY Polytechnic 59-45

Marcy, N.Y.: The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team returned to the road on Wednesday evening dropping a 59-45 North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) decision to the Wildcats of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. With the loss the Fighting Tigers to 5-14 overall with a 2-9 mark in conference action while the Wildcats improve to 13-6 overall including a 9-1 mark versus NEAC opponents.

Both teams started the contest on the cold side offensive with Cobleskill moving out to a 16-15 lead with 6:32 remaining in the first half. However the host Wildcats outscored the visitors from that point 15-2 to take a 30-18 lead into the break.

In the second half the visitors could come no closer than eight points as an 18-for-56, 32.1%, shooting effort hindered their comeback attempts despite a stellar defensive effort which held the Wildcats to only 20-of-51, 39.2%, from the field including only 4-for-13, 30.8%, from three-point range.

Freshman Antwan Claxton, Bronx, N.Y., Taft High School, registered a team high of 11 rebounds to go with eight rebounds and two blocked shots while senior swingman Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School, had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists on the night. 

The Fighting Tigers will return to action on Saturday February 3^rd when they host the Nittany Lions of Penn State Berks in conference play at the Iorio Gymnasium with tip-off at 1:00 p.m.

FINAL BOX SCORE:

Cobleskill St. vs SUNY Poly
01/31/18 5:00 PM at Marcy, NY (Campus Center Gym)

Newspaper Box Score Cobleskill St. vs SUNY Poly 01/31/18 5:00 PM at Marcy, NY (Campus Center Gym) At Marcy, NY (Campus Center Gym) SUNY POLY 59, COBLESKILL ST. 45 COBLESKILL ST. (5-14, 2-9 NEAC) Antwan Claxton 5-13 1-2 11; Joel Costello 5-15 0-0 10; Devin Boyle 3-5 0-1 8; Malik Chambers 1-8 4-4 7; Anthony McNeil 3-8 0-0 6; Christian Cooper 1-2 1-2 3; Scott Glasheen 0-1 0-0 0; Kahlil Wilson 0-2 0-0 0; Ja'Quan McGill 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 18-56 6-9 45. SUNY POLY (13-6, 9-1 NEAC) Kevin Williams 9-16 6-8 24; Malik Johnson 3-7 4-5 10; Blake Haga 3-8 0-0 9; Tyler Taverne 3-5 1-2 7; Frank Reali 1-4 1-2 4; Redell Freeman 0-7 3-4 3; Josh Rodriguez 1-1 0-0 2; Nick Reali 0-2 0-0 0; Tymeek Mackie 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 20-51 15-21 59. Cobleskill St.................   18   27  -   45 SUNY Poly.....................   30   29  -   59 3-point goals--Cobleskill St. 3-17 (Devin Boyle 2-4; Malik Chambers 1-3; Ja'Quan McGill 0-2; Joel Costello 0-3; Antwan Claxton 0-5), SUNY Poly 4-13 (Blake Haga 3-7; Frank Reali 1-3; Redell Freeman 0-2; Nick Reali 0-1). Fouled out--Cobleskill St.-None, SUNY Poly-None. Rebounds--Cobleskill St. 36 (Christian Cooper 8; Antwan Claxton 8), SUNY Poly 37 (Kevin Williams 12). Assists--Cobleskill St. 6 (Joel Costello 4), SUNY Poly 16 (Redell Freeman 9). Total fouls--Cobleskill St. 20, SUNY Poly 16. Technical fouls--Cobleskill St.-None, SUNY Poly-None. A-104

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Rep. Faso’s Scaffold Law Legislation Advances Through Committee

Washington D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) hailed the action taken by the House Committee on the Judiciary to approve H.R. 3808, the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2017. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Faso and other New York representatives, can now move to the House floor for consideration. 

H.R. 3808 would require any project financed with federal taxpayer dollars to utilize the same liability standard as every other state. Currently, New York State is the only state in the country to apply absolute liability to construction companies and project owners in the event of a gravity-related accident.

“With infrastructure legislation on the agenda, now is the time to fix this antiquated rule which unnecessarily increases costs and doesn’t contribute to workplace safety in our state,” said Rep. Faso. “This legislation means that every dollar of federal funding goes to build roads, bridges, and other needed projects and is not wasted on unnecessary liability insurance premiums. We need to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and join the 49 other states utilizing a comparative negligence standard. This will lower costs in New York State and allow us to build more projects by making federal dollars go further.”

“For far too long, every New York taxpayer has been paying billions to limit our already scarce resources to rebuild schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, affordable housing, and environmental infrastructure because of the Scaffold Law. We fully support Rep. John Faso’s “Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2017” (H.R. 3808), and applaud his efforts to ensure that federal funding will go as far as possible toward rebuilding our State and economy, and not be siphoned off by the excess costs imposed by this law. AGC NYS looks forward to continuing the fight to eliminate the Scaffold Law’s absolute liability with Rep. Faso and industry partners.” – Mike Elmendorf, President and CEO, Associated General Contractors of New York State.

“This week marks tremendous progress towards ensuring that federal infrastructure dollars are not wasted. This bill will make more infrastructure improvement possible, without compromising quality or safety.” – Tom Stebbins, Executive Director, Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York

“Habitat for Humanity of New York State works to achieve a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  Families struggle with housing costs in both rural and urban areas of New York.  We support H.R. 3808 because it would lessen this struggle by enabling fairer liability-related costs for construction projects using federal dollars.” – Mary Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity of New York State

"As our housing crisis grows even more urgent, taking this crucial step to reform New York’s outdated Scaffold Law will enable our state to greatly increase the production of affordable housing for low- and middle-income families,” said Jolie Milstein, president and CEO of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH). “We strongly urge Congress to support Rep. Faso’s legislation, which would also generate much-needed jobs and local economic growth as part of the construction of more affordable housing for New Yorkers.”

“The Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2017 would give projects receiving federal taxpayer funding a dose of common sense: the bill would make certain that taxpayer dollars are not spent paying off abusive lawsuits based on local laws that are outside the mainstream. Instead, those funds could be used for important transportation and infrastructure innovations and improvements.” – U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform

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Cuomo Announces New Solar Generation and Battery Storage Project at SUNY Delhi

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new project to build a solar and energy
storage system in the Southern Tier that will provide clean, local power to the State
University of New York at Delhi campus and the local community. This project is the
latest milestone of progress in meeting the Governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision
strategy to create a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New
Yorkers. SUNY Delhi will partner with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the
Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) on the project.

“New York State is leading the nation in making smart investments in renewable
energy,” Governor Cuomo said. “This innovative new solar and battery storage project
in the Southern Tier is an example of our great state institutions working together to
provide renewable energy solutions to more New Yorkers with lasting education,
environmental, and financial benefits.”

The project will help move New York State closer to meeting its clean energy goals of
reducing greenhouse gases by 40 percent and ensuring that half of all energy used in
the state comes from renewable sources by 2030. The project’s battery storage
component will count toward the Governor’s new energy storage mandate to accelerate
the state’s transition to a cleaner electric grid. The initiative, signed into law in
December, set a target of deploying 1,500 megawatts of energy storage by 2025.
“NYPA is working directly with our customers to explore new and innovative ways to
support their clean energy goals and the needs of their communities,” said Gil C.
Quiniones, NYPA’s president and CEO. “At the same time, every day we are helping
to realize Governor Cuomo’s commitment to integrate more renewable energy
resources into our state’s power grid.”
The DCEC/SUNY Delhi Project, currently in the preliminary stages of planning, will be
designed and implemented by NYPA. Once installed, the solar plus battery energy
storage system will provide solar power generated onsite to the campus and nearby
DCEC members while also serving as a laboratory for students in SUNY Delhi’s

Integrated Energy Systems degree programs to learn about community-scale solar
energy installation, operation and maintenance. It will also aid the efforts of the larger
SUNY system to meet its own energy goals.
“Our ability to install energy storage regionally will boost the resiliency of SUNY and our
surrounding communities in case of natural or manmade disaster,” said SUNY
Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “My thanks to Governor Cuomo for his support and
leadership in reforming our energy use and improving our infrastructure, and to NYPA
and DCEC for their partnership. This is an exciting opportunity for the SUNY Delhi.”

The project’s partners expect the system will be approximately 2MW of ground-
mounted, storage-paired solar power constructed on 18 acres of property owned by

SUNY Delhi on Arbor Hill Road. The location is adjacent to a DCEC substation, allowing
the array to tie directly into the existing power distribution network. The battery will also
be in this location. During design, NYPA will analyze all potential use cases for the
battery, including demand response, peak shaving and/or resiliency services.
Developing the solar plus storage system will make DCEC a first-mover among
municipalities and power cooperatives. The system will serve as a replicable model for
rural cooperatives across New York State.
Mark Schneider, CEO of DCEC, said, “I am proud of the partnership between the
Cooperative, SUNY Delhi, and NYPA because this project will help us to meet our clean
energy commitments in a cost-effective manner while also helping SUNY Delhi enhance
their academic programs.”
State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “Partnerships such as the one between SUNY
Delhi, NYPA and the DCEC expand upon the usage of renewable energy in New York
State. This project will provide an alternative source of energy, while at the same time
providing college students with a unique learning experience.”
Assemblyman Michael J. Cusick said, “We are continuously working to increase
energy efficiency in our state. This project, a partnership between NYPA, DCEC, and
SUNY Delhi, will not only work with the community to create energy solutions but will
also work to invest and educate our young scholars regarding the impacts of energy
usage in our state. Providing college students with the visual and hands-on experience
of working with such a project is a great way to instill energy conscience values in our
next generation.”
Project partners will also reach out to the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association (NRECA) to share lessons from the project with rural cooperatives across
the country.
This partnership represents just one of the many ways NYPA is supporting New York’s
ambitious climate change goals in ways that align with the financial and environmental

priorities of their customers. Through another business model, NYPA is partnering with
SUNY New Paltz to implement a solar energy and battery storage system which will be
used at times of high electric demand and during emergencies or outages. That project
is expected to complete later this year.
The SUNY Delhi project is a product of NYPA’s EDGE program, which enables
customers to gain access to distributed energy resources that meet their specific energy
needs in a more cost-effective way. In this instance, under the EDGE program, NYPA
employed a new business model designed to help reduce barriers to utility-scale solar
development.
For more information about this project or other ways to become involved in renewable
energy initiatives, contact NYPA’s Project EDGE at 914-287-3390;
Carley.Hume@nypa.gov.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on
climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more
resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in
clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and generating 50 percent of
the state's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven
730 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income
households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created
thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is
ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030
and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by
2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean
energy technology and innovation, visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us
at @Rev4NY.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16
generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than
70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more
information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook,
Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher
education in the U.S., with 64 college and university campuses. In 2015–16, SUNY
served nearly 1.3 million students, including nearly 600,000 in credit-bearing courses
and programs and more than 700,000 through continuing education and community
outreach programs.

About the Delaware County Electric Cooperative
The Delaware County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DCEC) is a non-profit rural electric
cooperative serving more than 5,300 members/customers in Delaware, Schoharie,
Otsego, and Chenango Counties. Their primary mission is to provide a safe, reliable,
and cost-effective electric power supply to their members.

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Mid Hudson Aids Eagle Scout Project

The Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union recently gave a huge boost to an Eagle Scout Project that aims to help in the rescue of injured and helpless wildlife. For the benefit of Outpost # 4, a non-profit wildlife rescue organization in Delanson, N.Y., Eagle Scout candidate, Lucas Bulay's goal is to raise funds for the purchase of a used cargo trailer and then to retrofit the trailer for use as a wildlife rescue vehicle as well as to be used for educational events throughout the state. Thanks to a donation of $500.00 from the credit union and generous donations from other businesses and individuals Lucas is well on his way to begin work on the trailer with other Scouts and volunteers. Work on the trailer should be completed by mid March thus allowing Outpost # 4 to expand its rescue operations this spring.

For further information about the project and the work of Outpost # 4 contact Linda Brown at 518 657 9613

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Cobleskill Police Blotter

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

At 10:54 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Shawn M. Stuber, 36, of Cobleskill, NY, for Menacing 2nd, Criminal Mischief, and Criminal Trespass 2nd.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $10,000 Bail/ $20,000 Bond.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on January 30th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

At 2:37 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jennifer L. Wheelock, 47, of Cobleskill, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on February 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 7:32 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Michael P. Jacobchek, 69, of Coram, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $500 Bail / $1500 Bond.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on January 30th at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

At 1:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Eric J. Defreitas, 22, of Campbell, NY, for Trespass.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on February 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 1:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Dirk-Jan Kloet, 24, of Cobleskill, NY, for Trespass.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on February 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 1:42 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ronald L. Stedman, 22, of Schoharie, NY, for DWI.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on February 20th at 5:00p.m.

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Auction Notice: Cangelosi Self Storage in Windham

By reason of default and conducted under the provision of Section #182 of the New York State Lien Law, Cangelosi Self Storage will sell at auction all of the personal property stored by:

Bruce Hotaling, Jr. in Unit #51

at 10:00 am, Thursday February 15, 2018 at the premises of Cangelosi Self Storage, Route 23 and South Street, Windham NY 12496. Cangelosi Self Storage reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to impose a minimum bid.


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Youth Engagement/Reality Check Coordinator Job Announcement

The Research Foundation for SUNY at SUNY Cobleskill/Advancing Tobacco Free Communities-Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties is seeking a full-time Youth Engagement/Reality Check Coordinator.

The NYS Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Control provides grant funds to the Research Foundation of SUNY at SUNY Cobleskill to implement Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties (ATFC-DOS). ATFC-DOS educates the community and decision makers, mobilizes community members around problems that tobacco addiction causes, and helps decision makers understand the options they have to address these problems. ATFC-DOS works to prevent and reduce tobacco use through youth action and community engagement to change the community environment to support New York State’s tobacco-free norm.  Efforts focus on reducing youth exposure to harmful tobacco marketing in retail settings, decreasing exposure to secondhand smoke in outdoor areas and multi-unit housing, and reducing smoking imagery in the media. Reality Check youth advocates have been working across New York State since 2001 to educate community leaders and their peers about the tobacco industry’s manipulative tactics to recruit youth to become the next generation of replacement smokers.



In collaboration with the Program Director and Community Engagement Coordinator, the Youth Engagement/Reality Check (RC) Coordinator assists with development, implementation and reporting of work plan initiatives and meeting program deliverables consistent with NYS Bureau of Tobacco Control’s (BTC) goals. Responsible for day-to-day operations of youth action program interfacing with youth, community members, elected officials, organizations and decision makers at every level. Recruit, engage and motivate youth in tobacco control initiatives and help coordinate recruitment, education and recognition events. Participate in regional and statewide meetings, BTC trainings and professional development opportunities.



Salary: $45,000 - $50,000 commensurate with education and experience. 



Required Qualifications:

Education: BA/BS in education, youth development, public health, human services or related discipline
2-3 years of experience in youth development and/or working with youth relevant to the role of the position
Ability to meet acceptable background check requirements
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate to implement community education events and youth advocacy efforts
Knowledge of strategic planning and ability to develop, implement, manage and evaluate programs, materials and activities to meet work plan deliverables
Knowledge of youth development principles and ability to motivate and empower youth ages 13-18 to become leaders and advocates 
Ability to communicate effectively with community members, stakeholders and decision-makers through oral, written and visual channels
Ability to write press releases and media alerts and promote program through social, print and other media outlets
Strong interpersonal and public relations skills with proven ability to work effectively with community and business leaders, organizational allies, local government reps and state officials
Knowledge of public health issues and policies and tobacco control initiatives


Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in education, youth development, public health, human services or related discipline
Knowledge of the geography, demographics and unique needs of three-county region


How to Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and official college transcripts by 2/16/18 to wegnerl@cobleskill.edu. Job application materials may also be mailed to Advancing Tobacco Free Communities, 125 Schenectady Ave., #005 Old Gym, Cobleskill, NY 12043 postmarked on or before 2/16/2018.



Only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.



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Cobleskill Man Arrested after Pursuit

On January 24th, 2018, the New York State Police in Cobleskill arrested Shawn M. Stuber, age 36, from Cobleskill, NY for Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd, Resisting arrest and numerous Vehicle and Traffic Offenses.   Stuber was observed operating a vehicle where he committed a traffic violation on State Route 30 in the Town of Fulton and subsequently failed to pull over for the violation.  Stuber was arrested after a short vehicle pursuit, where he then fled on foot until he was apprehended.  Stuber was processed and turned over to the Village of Cobleskill Police for a warrant on unrelated charges.

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Kira Weaver Named to Spring 2017 Dean's List at SUNY Oneonta

Kira Weaver of Gilboa, NY, was among 1,534 SUNY Oneonta students who earned Dean's List honors for the fall 2017 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

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C-GCC Dean's List Announced for Fall 2017 Semester

Columbia-Greene Community College President James R. Campion and Acting Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Carol M. Doerfer have announced the President's and Dean's lists, respectively, for the fall 2017 semester.

The distinction of Dean’s List is awarded for a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. President’s List is awarded for a minimum grade point average of 3.75. A matriculated student, full or part-time, who demonstrates either of the above levels of achievement during any given semester, will automatically be placed on the Dean’s or President’s List for that semester. To qualify for these honors, the student must complete a minimum of six semester hours of college-level courses that earn quality points toward their GPA. The student must have no failures, repeats, or incomplete grades within the semester under consideration.

The following students have been named to the President's list:

Jennifer A. Giordano and Carlene M. Palmer-Palmateer, both of Acra;

Juliana R. Tatro of Ancram;

Sarah M. Mason of Ancramdale;

Jennifer A. Ames, Jessica A. Finnegan, Troy D. Lynch and ManDrake E. Vermilyea, all of Athens;

August J. Cuti, Erica S. Delong, Skylar E. Flouton, Alany Gomez, Shannon E. Murphy, Daniel J. Ott and Melissa R. Sangi, all Cairo;

Brooke S. Baum, Daniel P. Byas, Benedetto G. Calcavecchia II, Sidnee S. Centeno, Warren V. Graff, Truc Lien T. Huynh, Jake G. Jensen, Francis V. Kearse, Jason Li, Diana L. Lobdell, Jeffrey Macholdt, John H. McClung, Holli M. McLaughlin, Miriam Quintana Vargas, Isaiah Russell, Riannon S. Vincent, Aaliyah J. Warner, Angeline White and Anthony R. Williams, all of Catskill;

Valerie L. Hammond and Julianna M. Potter, both of Chatham;

Emily R. Foutch of Churchtown;

Mykel L. Blanks of Claverack;

Kiana Kipp and Lori Kipp, both of Clermont;

Katharine Fallon and Erin E. Sturgis-Pascale, both of Copake;

Amy E. Balint, Katelyn M. Bennett, Erika Y. Burke, Anthony J. Burnell, Jessica DelVescovo and Alli Kohlmeyer, all of Coxsackie;

Sara N. Repko, Craryville; Eric W. Von Schilgen of Cropseyville;

Timothy Leach of Delmar;

Ryan Ledee of Durham;

Julianna F. Sroka of Earlton;

Marissa N. Brevoort of East Chatham;

Katherine M. Byrne and Christopher J. Clark, both of East Durham;

Alicia M. Liuzzi of East Greenbush;

Monica A. Abreu, Kayla B. Duntz, Suzanne M. Morris, Tiffany M. Ogden, Jacob Provo and Andrew V. Romano, all of Elizaville;

Erin A. Crawley, Randall E. Schmollinger and Natasha D. Zacchio, all of Freehold;

Alexandria P. Braidt, Eliza M. Cort Watson, Alexandra C. Fingar, Tyler J. Hoffman, Gianna M. Mollo, Tyler Mortenson and Phyllis A. Normand, all of Germantown;

Kathryn R. Kraham, Rachel L. Nielsen and Victoria A. Zidel, all of Ghent;

Alexis Rivera and Gabriela Rosado, both of Glasco;

Kristopher M. Cafaldo, Thomas Ernst, Colin P. Menzynski, Ariana M. Messina and Gabrielle E. O'Neill, all of Greenville;

Randy J. Dunham of Haines Falls;

Allison E. Potter of Hannacroix;

Lydia W. Bjorkman and Nikita N. Bradford, both of Hillsdale;

Ellen E. Boothroyd, Lauren M. Bowes, Leigh-Ann Brash, Kindra Chiappinelli, Megan A. Clark, Jennifer D. Cukerstein, Roxanne P. Dancer, Brandis N. Dean, Joseph W. Everts, Nicole Florio, Rebecca L. Grey, Sarah H. Holbrook, Witness Joseph, Julie V. Klugo, Elizabeth Krikelis, Lauren N. Martin, Virginia Mueller, Amanda Mummery, Elizabeth T. Runyon, Deborah M. Tibensky and Ashley E. Vohrer, all of Hudson;

Erin G. Wilson of Hyde Park;

Alesha I. Brodhead, Patrick J. Donahue, Maria Iqbal, Jennifer Villa and Kayla Wesolowski, all of Kingston;

Fayline L. Williams of Lake Katrine;

Brandon C. Pinelli and Adrianna J. VanAlstyne, both of Leeds;

Gavin Colwell of Livingston;

Jeffrey B. Vining of Maplecrest;

Nichole K. Rosen of Marlboro;

Rebecca U. Therrien of Medusa;

Emily E. Hofstetter, Emily J. Montague and Kayla L. Simmons, all of Mellenville;

Rachel L. Arnwine of Middleburgh;

Jamie L. Peters of Middletown;

Samantha Fletcher of Millerton;

Michael J. Gubler and Olivia N. Shaffer, both of Nassau;

Katrina N. Kormanik of Newtown;

Tasceia A. Clarke of Old Chatham;

Skyler R. Bullard, Suzanne C. Cantelmo, Jessica L. Hill, Samantha D. Kulcsar and Shannon M. McNeff, all of Palenville;

Serena L. Race of Philmont;

Hoa T. Nguyen of Poughkeepsie;

Russ E. McCabe of Purling;

Morgan C. Bogardus and Carissa J. Van Alstyne, both of Ravena;

Catherine Gomm, Jessica L. Ljutich, Fawn L. Shaffer and Heather L. Stary, all of Red Hook;

Alyssa M. Martin of Rexford;

Ronny W. Burdewick, Nylah Interrante and Anne Schaffer, all of Round Top;

Christine M. Dempsey, Jake M. Grimaldi, Molly C. Speirs, Johna A. Valk, Catherine L. Wilson and Rachel A. Wood, all of Saugerties;

Lauren Scott of Selkirk;

Tyler Conley of Stanfordville;

Alexandra Mercer of Stockport;

Shelby L. Rideout of Stottville;

Mary J. Tracy of Tannersville;

Shakira A. Boel, Lynn E. Dougherty, Austin J. Haley-Berry, Tori V. Popp and Deisi Sola, all of Tivoli.

Alyssa A. Lawrenson of Troy;

Riley P. Werner and Casey S. Winner, both of Valatie;

Mark J. Randazzo of West Coxsackie;

Vanessa Abbinante of Willow;

Adam Pitt of Windham.



Student's named to the Dean's List include:

Andrew O. Chiesa, Russ Gray, April M. Reddington and Danel J. Rippel, all of Acra;

Jessica M. Houghtaling of Alcove;

Cory L. Chinn and Christina S. Musarra, both of Amenia;

Joseph A. Barnum Jr., of Ashland;

Dale Adams, Tamara S. Canelli, Jaclyn E. Chiudina, Cody J. Hall, James P. Murphy and Julianna H. Trombley, all of Athens;

Dylan A. Auger, Rebecca L. Biegel, Amanda L. Dudley, Maryann Dykeman, Michael P. Lupoli Jr., Michael R. Serrano, Patricia E. Skinner, Nina Sommer, Matt J. Ware and Jeremy R. Woodell, all of Cairo

Joelle Dean and Megan Grandinetti, both of Castleton;

Michael J. Casaregola Jr., Adrienne Clark, Jessica Coleman, Max S. Dancer, Chloe M. Edgington, Marisa N. Ewing, Kiayra M. Lee, Madison R. Leibowitz, Timothy J. Milano, Jessica N. Mungo, Ashlei L. Saldana and Mikayla C. Weeks, all of Catskill;

Elizabeth S. Ernst, Madison M. Ford, Aaron Kipp, Lily G. Schmitt and Alexa L. Wilson, all of Chatham;

Tate M. Dusenbery, Shane L. McNally and Melissa Nedwell, all of Claverack.

Sarah J. Juzapavicus and Dominick Tarsia, both of Climax;

Cheyenne L. Bosko, Hunter Goodacre and Mara N. Smith, all of Copake;

Tahira S. Ashraf, Elijah C. Chewens and Samantha L. Mccarten, all of Coxsackie;

Peter J. Campbell and Lisa A. Covey, both of Craryville;

Matthew Ballard and Sara M. Biegel, both of Earlton;

Kera D. Hunt and John Rohan, both of East Durham;

Austin P. Arsenault, Vilhjal Campbell, Samantha M. Lauria and Imani Maitland, all of Elizaville.

Daniella K. Weinschreider of Elmont;

Lucas T. Foster, Mary Jane Ientile, Logan J. Mead, Lily M. Palmieri and Alyssa N. Pasco, all of Germantown;

Joshua Battaglia, Melissa A. Davis, Mackenzie Finck, Schuyler J. Makas, Courtney Mashaw and Karly Rothvoss, all of Ghent;

Ravin S. Williams, Glasco; Krista Sabarre, Glenmont; David J. Phillips, of Gloversville;

Justine N. Albin, Kaela L. Koerner, Brie S. Statham and Madisyn Woods-Heath, all of Greenville.

Isaac H. Potter of Hannacroix;

Gurleen Cheema, Brittany L. Hay, Timothy J. Roberts, Tanya Schnackenberg and Brianna R. Van Alphen, all of Hillsdale;

Mohammad Basit, Caitlin H. Cowan, Nicole M. Cozza, Thao N. Doan, Evan M. Foutch, Louiedell S. Gargantiel, Michaela M. Gomula, Roberta J. Hapeman, Laura B. Hoysradt-Wheeler, Karen M. Hunt, Michael J. Ianiro, Widnick Joseph, Kimberlee Kinsman, Joshua P. Moon, Jennifer L. Moore, Brianna B. O'Leary, Olivia K. Otty, Erick H. Reyna, Ashli M. Riggins, Justin C. Smith, Stacey M. Smith, Emily G. Stone, Jennifer M. Taylor, Eliza M. Tkacy, Marguerite A. Vargas, Jason A. Vernon, Stephen R. Walsh Jr. and Jason H. White, all of Hudson.

John P. Tomaine of Hyde Park;

Haley J. Hickman, Justine M. Murphy and Phillip J. Proper, all of Kinderhook;

Africa C. Douglas, Rannisha Hagley, Kate Kristiansen, Sarah Malone and Anna K. Zuvic, all of Kingston;

Kelly E. Hunter of Lake Katrine;

Rhiannon R. Apjohn and Lyndsey A. Orin, both of Leeds;

Jared Rifkind of Maplecrest;

Rebecca L. Butler of Milan;

Beth M. Caddell, Klaudyna L. Graczkowski, Ashley L. Judson, Laura Kramarz and Morgan E. Moore, all of Millerton;

Chantelle Smith, Milton; Alysha M. Lauster, of North Chatham;

Matthew Cotton, Olivia L. Pagano and Eric W. White, all of Palenville;

Rachael C. Beaumont, Desiree A. Graziano and Cory M. Morelock, all of Philmont;

Linzey Pugliese of Port Ewen;

Karam Sawaqed of Poughkeepsie;

Amanda C. Atkinson of Preston Hollow;

Sabrina L. Maynard of Purling;

Neville A. Tonge and Melanie Zelno, both of Ravena.

Tracy M. Beers, Olivia D. Bernard, Altaira M. Calen, Katie J. Drummond Andrew M. Guerrino, Alexandria Jerro-Greco, Christopher J. Kahle, Marist Parr, Katherine M. Quirk and Gabrielle N. Reath, all of Red Hook;

Dana Bell, Lorna E. Kessler and Kristen L. McGilvray, all of Rhinebeck;

Carmine J. Galtieri of Round Top

Kailee E. Cornelison, Madelyn Duvall, Anthony R. Fabiano, Nathaniel R. Lewis, Kiara R. Petramale, Lauren E. Rexford, Daniel M. Sachar, Ashley J. Vernon and Rosemary Whitaker, all of Saugerties;

Amanda M. Bowman of South Westerlo;

Sara S. Altomer, Stockport; Daniel J. Repko and Michael J. Rice, both of Stuyvesant;

Tawni L. Vanamerongen of Surprise;

Sean M. Berry of Tivoli;

John C. Welch Jr., of Ulster Park;

Kathryn S. Carpenter, Catherine L. Leonard and Sarah J. Shook, all of Valatie.

John D. Bougourd of Vernon;

Nicole M. Richards of Wassaic;

Amy G. Batza of West Coxsackie;

Michelle G. Soffos of West Hurley;

and Jordan T. Akey of Wingdale.



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E-Cig Use is Skyrocketing among NYS Youth

The good news is that due to tobacco control measures, the current smoking rate among adults in New York State is 14.2 percent. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the percent of New York State youth who have ever tried and currently use e-cigarettes doubled from 2014 to 2016 according to recently released data in the NYS Youth Tobacco Survey. Electronic cigarettes and similar devices (also referred to as e-cigarettes, vape pens, mods, and e-hookahs) are the most frequently used tobacco products among New York State youth. E-cigarettes typically deliver nicotine, flavorings and other additives to users via an inhaled aerosol.

Among middle school students, the rate increased from 6.9 percent to 14.1 percent and among high school students, the rate increased from 21.6 percent to 43.8 percent. The percent of youth who currently use e-cigarettes and similar devices, defined as past-30-day use, also doubled from 2014 to 2016. Among middle school students, the rate increased from 3.2 percent to 6.4 percent and among high school students it increased from 10.5 percent to 20.6 percent.

E-cigarette use among youth is a major public health concern. Nicotine is addictive and has lasting consequences for youth brain development including impaired cognitive functioning and the development of addiction pathways in the brain. Studies confirm that e-cigarette use among youth is associated with both intention to smoke cigarettes and subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. Smoking remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease locally, statewide and across the nation. The smoking rates in the Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie region are 22.9 percent for Delaware County, 26.3 percent for Otsego County and 19.3 percent for Schoharie County.

In 2017, Advancing Tobacco Free Communities conducted a telephone-based survey of people in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties in cooperation with applied psychology majors at SUNY Cobleskill. 40 to 45 percent of survey respondents across all three counties felt they did not know enough about e-cigarettes/vape pens to say whether they thought they were more or less harmful than regular cigarettes. 31 percent of those sampled believed that e-cigarettes/vape pens were equally as harmful as regular combustible tobacco; however, 13 percent of the sample felt that e-cigarettes/vape pens were less harmful than smoking regular cigarettes.

The U.S. Surgeon General reports that the use of products containing nicotine in any form among youth and young adults, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. The U.S. Surgeon General has also concluded that e-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine. E-cigarette products can also be used as a delivery system for to marijuana and other illicit drugs. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can prime young brains for addiction to other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Almost all e-cigarette products sold in convenience stores and similar retail outlets contain nicotine. With or without nicotine, e-cigarettes are not hazard-free and the inhaled emission may contain heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and other toxic chemicals. E-cigarettes are available in a wide variety of flavors, including many that are particularly appealing to youth. More than 85 percent of e-cigarette users ages 12-17 use flavored e-cigarettes, and flavors are the leading reason for youth use.

“We know that secondhand e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., deputy director for research translation in Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health. “It’s critical to protect our nation’s youth from this preventable health risk.”

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