10/31/20
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Written By Editor on 10/31/20 | 10/31/20
Obituary: Barbara Rion
Prattsville – Barbara Helen Jaeger Rion, 75, born on July 1, 1945 of Prattsville passed away on October 26, 2020 after a brief illness.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents Herman and Margaret Jaeger Jr., her husband, Walter Rion, a granddaughter Sierra Thorington, her in-laws Marvin and Virginia Rion, and her siblings and in-laws; Joan Gonzalez, Herman and Linda Jaeger, James Jaeger, Carole and Stanley Sutton, Linda and William Hoagland, Karl Jaeger, and Debbie and Robert Kenneally.
She is survived by her children Lisa (Edwin) Zimmerman, Jr.; Bobby (Sandi) Rion, and Chrissy (Jim) Thorington, along with 3 grandchildren, Kyle and Kendall Thorington and Robert Rion.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and chatting with her neighbors. She loved to bake including her famous lemon merengue pie, and banana and zucchini bread, which was loved by many. She looked forward to following her grandchildren and nieces and nephews at sporting events, playing cards and planting flowers. She especially enjoyed her phone calls from her nephews and nieces and her love of Fireball mixed with Rum Chata. She was the last of her eight siblings to leave this earth and now the Jaeger clan has been reunited! She always remarked, “I know how loved I am.”
A viewing will take place at Decker’s Funeral Home, 5312 Main Street, Windham on Wednesday, October 28th from 2-6 PM, with a service to be held on Thursday, October 29th at 10 AM at the Prattsville Community Church, Main Street, Prattsville, with a burial to follow immediately thereafter. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Community Church Hall immediately following the burial for refreshments. Masks will be required.
Obituary: Pamela Perreault
Ballston Spa - Pamela A. Perreault, 63, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, on Sunday, October 25, 2020, after a courageous fourteen month battle with cancer.
Affectionately known to many as Pammy Whammy, Pam was raised in Gilboa, NY, the daughter of Estella (Rogers) Nolte and Kenneth Nolte. She was predeceased by her father, Paul Clark, Jr. at a very young age. She attended Gilboa High School, graduating in 1975. Pam was an account executive in the food service brokerage industry for several years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Gregory; loving daughter, Karrie (Will) Ott; son, David T. Shepard; two stepdaughters, Jaime (Heather) Bernier and Heather (Steven) Comstock; loving grandmother to her most treasured and precious gifts, Sienna, Daxton, Tristan, Megan, Camron, and Jilian. Pam is also survived by her sisters, Paula Tuosto, Darlene (Randy) Briggs; brothers, Joe (Becky) Clark, Tim (Heather) Clark, and Kraig (Stephany) Nolte; and several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to her sister Paula and all of our dear friends, especially Julie Lynch, Kathy Gower and Mary Kay Greenfield for all their love and support provided. Thank you as well to Hildegard Medicus Cancer Center, Troy, NY for all of their care and compassion during this difficult time.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday October 29, 2020 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required per CDC guidelines.
A private funeral service will be held and burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland, NY. A celebration of her life will be held on a future date.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or The Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com
Obituary: Alice Olive Ostrander
Alice Olive Ostrander, 101, also known as “LaLa” or “Lummy”, of Howes Cave, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 14th, 2020, with her family by her side. Alice was born on April 3rd, 1919 in Catskill, NY to William J. and Agnes M. (Stromaier) Shufelt. She graduated in 1937 from Catskill High School. After graduating she was a secretary for a few years before meeting her husband Lawrence Ostrander. They married on May 29th, 1939.
Once married they moved to Windham, NY where Alice ran the Wyndham Country Club Pro Shop while her husband was a member of the PGA and taught golf for several decades. Her family built the Pro Den, which is now the Vesuvio restaurant. Once they both retired their time was split between West Palm Beach, FL and the family’s dairy farm in Howes Cave, NY. Her husband predeceased her on October 13th, 1995. After his passing Alice spent several years as a homemaker and being cared for by both daughters. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Anyone that knew her knew she was a kind hearted and gentle soul.
Alice is survived by her daughter, Alice “Irene” Sutch (Horst Prenha); grandchildren Lawrence (Debra) Sherman, Scott Sherman, Heather Sherman, and Joel (Debbie) Sutch; great grandchildren Melissa Keys, Christopher (Samantha) Sherman, Ryan (Sarah) Sherman, Kaitlyn Sherman, Sean Sherman, Sarah Belden (Nicholas Righi), Cody Ganson, Calob Ganson, Connor Ganson, Gerald Sutch, Naomi Sutch, Joelene Sutch; and great great grandchildren Peyton Sherman, Jacob Sutch, Ella Sherman, Adelyn Sutch, Julia Keys, Tala Sherman, Issac Sutch, Emmitt Sherman, Carter Sherman, Evelyn Sherman, and Isabel Sutch. In addition to her husband, Alice was also predeceased by her daughter, Nancy McQueen Sherman, on March 9th, 2013.
A period of visitation will be held at Langan Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Schoharie, NY on Monday October 26th, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A private burial will be held at a later date at Jefferson Heights Cemetery in Catskill, NY. In lieu of flowers, Alice’s family has requested donation be made to the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 340, Schoharie, NY 12122.
The Langan Funeral Home of Schoharie and the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home of Cobleskill are assisting the Ostrander family.
Letter to the Editor: Support Tague
To the editor:
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a dedication ceremony for the new paramedic station in Hunter and the unveiling of Greene County's fifth paramedic response vehicle. This event was the culmination of hard work by those at all levels of government, with officials coming together to respond to the needs of the community they serve.
As a town supervisor and resident of the mountaintop region of Greene County, I know just how rural and distant this area is, and that is part of its appeal. The remoteness however, can also be disastrous, adding precious minutes to response times in the event of an emergency.
That is why concerned residents, community leaders, elected officials, including NYS Assemblyman Chris Tague, and our emergency service providers came together to add an additional vehicle to the county-wide fleet dedicated to the mountaintop. This vehicle will operate 365 days a year, available 24/7, and will cut over five minutes off of average response times.
I am proud of the efforts of all involved and am grateful to have been a part of the solution. A special thank you goes out to Assemblyman Tague who worked diligently at the State level to secure a $50,000 grant for the purchase of the vehicle. During his tenure in office, Assemblyman Tague has been an advocate for our emergency service providers across New York State and not only supports legislation to help our everyday heroes in carrying out their duties but also delivers when he sees a need in the communities he represents.
When the health and safety of our residents is at stake, Assemblyman Tague has proven that he will work with local leaders to ensure that we have the necessary resources to aid those in their time of need. This coming Election Day, I urge you to keep in mind the assistance the Assemblyman has contributed to our community and I hope you will offer your support to his reelection effort.
Thomas Hoyt
Windham
Letter to the Editor: On Black Lives Matter
Dear Editor,
As an octogenarian, I've seen and heard a few things in my time but never have I seen such delusional reasoning and hatred. It's hard to understand how a person can say they love our country, if they hate half the people in it. Remember the time when, if we didn't like the politicians who were running the show. We simply voted the "bums” out.
It seems that voting isn't good enough. Now, it appears in order to get what you want, you can loot and burn down businesses. You can just deface, damage, or destroy statues and monuments you think are offensive. You can spit on, throw bricks at or bottles of urine at, and fire bomb police cars. You can deny someone's freedom of speech, if they disagree with you and if they persist in disagreeing with you. You have the right to be violent. You can even cause them injury because their speech is unworthy.
I am sure there are many peaceful protesters whose motives are sincere. They seek constructive change and their activities are guaranteed by the First Amendment. Unfortunately, these very same people can be and are co-opted by organizations whose motives appear pure and sincere but upon examination, they are not.
The tragic death of George Floyd is simply a crisis to be exploited
Nobody wants to unknowingly be a “Useful Idiot" for someone else's cause. I think it is imperative that we look behind the curtain. We need to find out more about these organizations and who is behind the protests and riots that are tearing our country apart, pitting one American against another. In order to bring about meaningful constructive change, there must be meaningful constructive solutions. The old axiom is: if you are not part of the solution you are probably part of the problem We need to understand the motives, intentions, and the direction these organizations would take our nation.
Let us look at Black Lives Matter first and examine some of their goals, known facts about them, and some of the statements their leadership has made.
The stated goals of Black Lives Matter:
-Advocate the overthrow of the President of the United States. -Advocate skin color reparations. (BLM.Com.) -Advocate for the transfer of property from white people to black people, -Advocate for the disruption of the western prescribed nuclear family structure, (BLM.Com.) -Advocate against religious faith/Christianity. (BLM.Com.) -Advocate for the dismantling of cisgender privilege and uplift black transgender folks, especially black transgender women. (BLM.Com.) -Advocate for the fostering a queer affirmation to free themselves of heterosexual thinking.
Background info on BLM:
-BLM is a corporation, its full name is: Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation,
-BLM has chapters in over a dozen major U. S. cities. -BLM is not a grassroots organization. -BLM is closely linked to Socialism and Communism.
The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights has no place in BLM plans. -BLM is big business which is hcavily associated with and supports the Democrat Party, -BLM is a leftwing political movement that will have significant impact on Democrat Party programs. -6 out of 7 BLM members are white and a majority of them are college educated millennial women.
Video clips of comments made on National TV:
-We all have seen the video of a group of BLM protesters marching down a street after Ferguson chanting: "Pigs in a blanket - fry-um like bacon". Another chant we've heard: “What do we want? Dead cops! When do we want it? Now!" -The President of the Greater New York BLM said, if the movement fails the achieve the changes they want, it will, "Burn Down the System.” -The co-founder of BLM, Patrisse Cullor, has stated, “We are trained Marxists”. More recently she has demanded the Defunding of the Police, the Abolishment of I.CE. and the Closing of Prisons be included in the Democrat Party Platform. -Susan Rosenburg is the Financial Officer of BLM. She is a convicted domestic terrorist who was sentenced 58 years in prison. She was pardoned by President Clinton. -Recently, I was watching the News from Chicago in disbelief as a Black Lives Matter's member, Ariel Adkins, said:that it was OK to loot because her people needed food and clothes, that looting was a form of reparations and that the stores wouldn't be hurt because they have insurance.
If black lives really matter, then why haven't we heard them say anything about the black on black crime in our major cities. Bob Woodson, former Civil Rights Activist said, that for every black person killed by the police there are 270 killed by other blacks. Also, in 2018, 52% of the black unborn babies in NYC were aborted. Maybe it is not about All Black Lives Matter. Maybe it is not about promoting justice. Maybe it is not about safe policing. Just maybe it is simply about a cabat of Marxists attempting to tear our country apart.
Why have the politicians danced around criticizing Black Lives Matter? For the Democrats their silence is a green light for more and for the Republicans, their lack of push-back is also a green light for more,
If you doubt the validity of this letter, please check it out for yourself. Don't hop on the bandwagon before you know which way the bandwagon will take our nation. Our greatest asset is an informed public.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Masterson, Jr.
Sharon Springs
Letter to the Editor: Barber for Senate
Dear Editor,
For the first time since I was born in the early nineties, Schoharie County will be represented by a new State Senator because longtime representative Jim Seward is retiring at the end of this year. After a lifetime of service to us – not only in Schoharie County, but across the entire 51st Senate District – Mr. Seward has earned a well deserved retirement, and I wish him nothing but health.
This retirement, however, means that voters have an awfully important choice to make on Election Day to decide who our next State Senator will be, and to me, the choice is fairly simple.
Jim Barber’s roots run deep in Schoharie County, literally. Born and raised down the road in Fulton, Jim is the fifth generation of farmers who have cultivated a living from the fertile soil of our blessed Valley. He has not only carried over the legacy of his family’s farm for another generation, but he has provided a source of honest labor and employment for residents over many years.
When Jim has not been busy working on the farm or raising a beautiful family, he has been fighting for our agricultural interests on the state level as the Special Assistant in the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and on the federal level as the New York State Executive Director of the USDA Farmer Service Agency.
Since announcing his Senate candidacy last year, Jim has impressed me greatly with his depth of knowledge and his truly bipartisan spirit. A graduate of Cornell, he hit the books and proposed a six-point tax policy to shift the burden of crippling property taxes off of Upstate New York’s residents, while ensuring that he will be a voice for us in Albany.
A lifelong farmer and businessman, Jim understands that we need to simplify the regulatory state that New York has become, while ensuring the environment – our most precious asset in the Schoharie Valley and beyond – is protected for generations to come, and that our Second Amendment rights are preserved now.
One of the truly admirable qualities of Jim’s character is that he always shows up for us:
- Whether it be as our local farmer who needs to prepare the farm stand, he showed up.
- Whether it be as our local school board member at Middleburgh Central, he showed up.
- Whether it be as our local agricultural voice in Albany or Washington, he showed up.
- Whether it be as our local candidate for New York State Senator, he showed up.
The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of his opponent, Peter Oberacker.
When it was time for Peter and Jim to debate before the League of Women Voters, Peter claims he didn’t show up because the nonpartisan League is anti-Second Amendment, which makes me wonder how he’ll ever find the courage to step foot in Albany then. We don’t have to worry about that problem with Jim, because not only does he show up, but he does so while standing for our values.
Please, on this upcoming Election Day, head to the polls and cast your ballot for Jim Barber to represent us in Albany.
Timothy Knight,
Middleburgh Village Trustee
Over 60 Farmers and Producers Across District and State Support Jim Barber for State Senate
Jim Barber, a fifth-generation farmer from the Schoharie Valley running for New York State Senate in the 51st District has seen overwhelming support from farmers across the district and the state. Over 60 farmers and producers have joined “Farmers for Barber” to show their support for Barber who, if elected, will be the only full-time farmer in the State Senate.
"These farmers understand, as I do, how critical it is that we have a representative in the State Senate who shares our values and work ethic,” said Barber. “Someone who can speak from the personal experience of earning a living as a full-time farmer. We can be sure that Albany will continue to enact legislation that will mandate how we should be farming and running our businesses. I need to be there to represent all of us.”
Farmers for Barber include:
Jeff and Sallee Ten Eyck, Summerhill Farm and Brewery
Kareem Massoud, Paumanok Vineyards
Dave Handy, Sharon Springs Garage
Mark Henry, WD Henry and Sons
Jim and Shannon Hayes, Sap Bush Hollow
Kathie Arnold, Twin Oaks Dairy
Darrel Aubertine
Ed Hansen, Hansen Farms
Ralph Child, Child Farm
Maureen Marshall, Torrey Farms
John Martini, Anthony Road Winery
Mike McMahon, EZ Acres Farm
Kate Mitchell, Chicory Creek Farm
Brian Nicholson, Red Jacket Orchards
John Noble, Noblehurst Farm
Scott Osborn, Fox Run Vineyard
Amy Machamer, Hurd Orchards
Pete Ferrante, Wallkill View Farm
Shannon Finn-Danforth, Cowbella
Allen Gandelman, Main Street Farm
Bill and Jan Gibson, Gibson and Son Farms
Linda Cross, Pitreadie Farm
Paul Fouts, Fouts Farm
Richard Giles, Lucky Dog Farm
Sandy Gordon, Gordon Farms
Ginny and Todd Green, Mid-Lakes Highlands
Kenyon Parsons, Parsons Farm
Greg Coon, Coon Brothers Dairy
Seth Friedman Greentopia Farm
Emily and Daniel Hallahan, Art Farm Flowers
Carrie Edsal, Black Willow Pond Farm
Ilyssa Berg, Painted Goat Dairy
Jesse Pascale, Rock Hill Farm
Chrissy Chiacchia and Holly Kingstrom, Gaia’s Breath Farm
Kate Miller, Weathertop Farm
Dwayne Hill, Shaver-Hill Maple Farm
Corey Mosher, Mosher Farms
Douglas Muller, Hudson Valley Seed Company
Joy Crist, Crist Orchards
Ed King, King’s Ransom Farm
Theresa Pullis, Dream Weaver Farm
Roxana Hurlburt, Hurlburt Farm
Kenny Migliorelli, Migliorelli Farm
Stewart Young, East River Dairy
Fred Wilklow, Wilklow Orchards
Brian Reeves, Reeves Farms
Emily Baker and Graham Savio, Conrad Hill Farm
Jack and Alice Schoonmaker, Schoonmaker Farms
Peter Ten Eyck, Indian Ladder Farms
Sharon Tomaselli, Cooperstown Cheese
Don and Rita Barber, Rosebarb Farm
Dave and Joyce Barber, Breezy Acres
Tom Della Rocco
Mark and Kim Dewey, Dewey Produce
Peter Ferrante
Norman Greig, Greig Farm
Richard Jacobson, Hill Haven Farm
Zaid Kurdieh, Norwich Meadows
Klaas Martens, The Martens Farm
Carolyn and Frank Wellington, Wellington Herbs and Spices
10/30/20
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Letter to the Editor: Common Sense versus Emotions
Written By Editor on 10/30/20 | 10/30/20
Once upon a time in America, common sense was, well, common. But not today. A friend of mine said in joking: “Common Sense is like a super power, it is unique”. As we see today’s events unfolding, I have to sadly and whole heartily agree. Only a few select individuals seem to currently possess this trait that was common amongst our Founding Fathers.
We are in a period of very troubling times for America as well as our Rights and Freedoms. Illogical, emotional thinking and reactive actions have resulted in the complete lack of common sense to prevail in the face of the chaos that is upon our nation. While claiming that riots are ‘free speech’ and ‘peaceful protests’, we have seen Governors, Mayors and politicians siding with rioters and looters while allowing law-abiding citizens to be at the mercy of terrorist activities. We have seen calls to defund/abolish our police departments across the country. Does anyone really believe this will resolve the problem and appease the rotestors?
We have also seen an all-out attack on our history and culture under the false premise that removing symbols will erase our history and make today OK. Our history is what made America great – good or bad – and it is a permanent part of who we are.
It seems as though many segments of society have been injected with an emotional venom that destroys anything that hints of logic. Everything from politics to the ‘food police’, with businesses and government agencies in between, react emotionally to the baseless whining of extremists rather than proceeding rationally, in ways that make sense.
The anti-gun / anti-Second Amendment establishment are front and center when it comes to subversives who loudly tell the biggest lies; so loud and so repetitive that low informative viewers, listeners and readers end up believing them. Persistent back-biting, spiteful language and intentional lies have become the way of the world and the more outrageous the allegation the wider it is disseminated. As the old saying goes: “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”
There are myriad reasons why the situation has developed to where it is now. Pick one – dumbing down of schools, breakdown of the family unit, the overreach of “Big Brother”, biased media with their political agenda, political politicians pandering for votes and leaning whichever way the ‘wind is blowing’, the Anti-Trump factor and, just recently, the COVID 19 pandemic, cancel culture and the BLM movement.
Law-abiding citizens need to be extremely aware of our actions and how we behave in public and on ‘social media’ platforms. We must be careful of the image we project, lest we inadvertently defeat ourselves in the PR war that is raging against our Second Amendment Rights and Freedoms. But I am in no way suggesting that we relinquish our right of free speech and expression. We must aggressively defend all our rights as protected by our Founding Fathers and bestowed upon us our Divine Creator. When we show pride and respect for everyone’s rights under the Constitution, we not only demonstrate the untruths of the anti’s lies, but we also inoculate ourselves against those same lies. It’s our PR strategy to combat the assault on all of our rights.
This madness needs to stop immediately and the only way this will happen is if ‘We The People’ – the American law-abiding citizens of every political party or race - stand up and say enough is enough and save our country. One way we can do this is by voting!
God Bless our great nation and may she continue to stand for Liberty, Freedom and Justice for all. We can make a difference, IF we stand together. United we stand and divided we fall.
Richard Rossi
Denver, NY
10/27/20
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Funds available for supplies and equipment to help area farms fend off COVID-19
Written By Editor on 10/27/20 | 10/27/20
The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new burden to already challenged farmers. In response, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) has created a matching fund program for farms in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties. The funds help to pay for supplies and equipment needed to prevent COVID-19 from spreading on farm operations.
Unlike many grants applications, which can be complicated and lengthy, the application process for the Stop Covid On Your Farm program is very simple.
Fill out a short, easy-to-understand application
Meet with a NYCAMH Ag Safety Educator at the farm to learn how COVID-19 could spread and explore possible ways to prevent that.
Complete the project and submit your receipts. You are then reimbursed 50% of the cost of the project – up to $1500
The application includes a list of suggested projects, such as:
Cleaning supplies (soap, laundry detergent, disinfectants, single use towels)
Thermometers and visitor logs
Handwashing stations
Plexiglas/curtain separators
Touchless time clock software/services
Hooks, hangers, lockers for employees
Equipment for improving ventilation or air quality
Because each farm is unique, farms are encouraged to propose projects based on their specific needs. For example, LBJ Farms, a dairy in Delaware County has improved ventilation by installing fans in the barn and the milk house.
“Airflow in the barn and milk room are now amazing after installing the fans,” said owner Steve Bishop.
This matching fund program is made available through a generous grant from the Community Foundation for South Central New York. The Foundation’s program officer, Tina Barber, says:
“Keeping farmers safe and healthy means they can continue to provide vital food and dairy products to communities experiencing food insecurity.”
NYCAMH’s Director Julie Sorensen added,
“The pandemic has presented challenges for all of us. However, given farmers designation as “essential workers” they have had the unenviable task of looking for ways to stay open while keeping workers safe. We hope the funding and technical assistance provided through the Stop COVID On Your Farm Program will make it easier for farms to balance these demands.”
Find an application at https://www.nycamh.org/about/funding-opportunities.php or contact NYCAMH by phone at 800-343-7527 or e-mail at stopCOVIDonfarms@bassett.org
NYCAMH is a private, non-profit occupational health center serving the health and safety needs of New York’s farmers.
Turkey Trot for Hospice Goes Virtual for 2020 Helios Care Dedicates Event in Memory of John Hayen
Oneonta, NY - Helios Care is announcing two new elements of the 2020 Turkey Trot for Hospice. The event will be held virtually, and this year’s Turkey Trot is dedicated in memory of John Hayen.
Since 2013, the Turkey Trot has become a Thanksgiving tradition for hundreds of families and community members and has always been an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones. A virtual event allows families and friends to safely gather virtually while continuing the tradition of the Turkey Trot despite the pandemic.
John Hayen was an active Oneonta community member, sports personality and Townsquare Media Executive who recently passed away after an illness. John was a founding member of the Turkey Trot for Hospice Committee and was integral in the planning and support of the event. In recognition of his support, Helios Care is dedicating the 2020 virtual event to John's memory.
"We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend John Hayen. Many will miss him and his passionate spirit,” said Kelly McGraw, Helios Care’s Director of Access and Turkey Trot Event Director. “Dedicating the 2020 race to John will allow Helios Care to show our gratitude for the enthusiasm he brought to this event and his advocacy on behalf of hospice care.”
Registered participants will be able to run or walk any time, any place from Friday, November 20th through Monday, November 30th. If desired, registered participants can download a virtual mobile app which automatically tracks pace, distance and overall time, and provides the option of automatically uploading results.
Runners/walkers are encouraged to share pictures and results through the event’s website and Facebook page. All posts will be entered into prize drawings. Those registered by November 2nd will be guaranteed a long-sleeved race T-shirt.
For more information and to register go to www.hospice5k.com or contact Kelly McGraw or Alicia Fish at 607-432-6773
CCE Announces Virtual Annual Meeting Nov 5th
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Schoharie and Otsego Counties announced its upcoming annual meeting, scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m. CCE will conduct the meeting virtually, online utilizing Zoom, and invites all residents to learn more about the work and accomplishments of the organization, especially in its COVID-19 response for our communities.
To participate, please register online at www.cceschoharie-otsego.org/annual-meeting, beginning immediately. Participation is free. After registering, an online link will be returned by email for participants to effortlessly enter the meeting space on November 5.
Educators will discuss educational efforts and outcomes, and the meeting will conclude with 4-H educators presenting an abridged version of the 4-H Virtual Showcase. The Virtual Showcase visually highlights the stories of 4-H’ers whose year of program projects could not be publicly demonstrated with county and state fairs being postponed until 2021.
The ballot for election of at-large board members and program advisory committee members will be presented during the meeting. All members are asked to cast their ballots.
To learn more about the annual meeting, visit CCE’s website at www.cceschoharie-otsego.org, or by calling CCE at 518-234-4303 ext. 111 or 607-547-2537 ext. 0.
Senator Seward Column: Move Over, Save a Life
Emergency workers, police, and highway crew members put themselves in harm’s way every time they respond to a roadside accident. Often times, these hardworking individuals are attending to life-threatening situations where time is of the essence. They work in tight spaces on roadside shoulders and they are focused on doing their job. These individuals need to know they are able to work safely, without constantly looking over their shoulders and worrying about speeding motorists.
That is where New York’s Move Over Law comes into play.
I helped enact New York’s Move Over Law in 2011 to protect New Yorkers working along roadways. Since then, the law has grown to include a wide range of emergency and hazard vehicles. The Move Over Law pertains to both sides of the road - not just the shoulder on the right - and includes tow trucks, construction vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances. The law now applies to vehicles with flashing blue, green, red, white, or amber lights, giving law enforcement more authority to penalize violators who jeopardize the safety of those working along highways.
Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.
Beginning in July, State Police started working with NYSDOT on a joint initiative called "Operation Hardhat," which utilizes various tactics to apprehend those who endanger highway workers. State Troopers are present within work zones, often dressed as highway maintenance workers to identify motorists who disobey flagging personnel and speed through active construction and maintenance work zones.
While “Operation Hardhat” includes an enforcement component, the main objective is to educate the public about the dangers our highway workers encounter on a regular basis. The campaign is also increases awareness regarding the laws here in New York State.
National Move Over Day just passed (October 17) and while the COVID pandemic prevented large observations, I did want to recall a meaningful press conference I took part in last year highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and driving safely when encountering emergency and hazard vehicles on our highways.
Officials from the New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Police, and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee also took part in the press conference to raise awareness and urge drivers to obey this key law.
The event took place at the New York State Thruway's Herkimer Maintenance Section in Herkimer County next to Ron Deming Memorial Garden. This site is quite meaningful because almost four years ago we tragically lost Ronald Deming of Little Falls, a Thruway Maintenance employee, who was killed while assisting in the recovery of a vehicle previously involved in a traffic accident. Ron was doing his job – helping others. Sadly, he became the victim.
Sally Deming, Ron’s wife, also took part in the awareness event. I have immense respect and admiration for Sally who has been an outspoken advocate for the Move Over Law. Sally is spreading an important safety message and keeping Ron’s memory alive by telling his story.
You can read more about New York State’s Move Over Law and view a public safety announcement (PSA) featuring Sally Deming on the New York State Thruway Authority website at https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/safety/moveoverlaw.html. Along with the PSA, the Thruway Authority has, in the past, staffed a special exhibit at the New York State Fair featuring equipment damaged in work zone incidents on New York highways.
We can all do our part to make sure similar tragedies are not repeated on our roadways. When you see flashing lights on the side of the highway, slow down, and when safe, move over. That simple act behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and death and ensure that a husband or wife, a father or mother, will make it home safely to his or her family.
10/26/20
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Columbia-Greene CC Honors Transfer Students
Written By Editor on 10/26/20 | 10/26/20
HUDSON – National Transfer Student Week launched in 2017 – occurring the third week of October each year – and Columbia-Greene Community College has participated every year since.
Organized by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), National Transfer Student Week celebrates both transfer students and the professionals who support them on their academic journeys.
As a two-year institution, C-GCC calls attention to just a handful of its successful alumni who’ve gone on to study at four-year colleges, underscoring the many opportunities open to transfer students who start their careers in higher education at community colleges.
The College’s own ‘Transfer All-stars’ are nominated by faculty, staff, and administration at the college, and featured on C-GCC’s website and social media channels through the creation of digital ‘trading cards’ detailing their accomplishments.
C-GCC’s 2020 Transfer All-stars are:
Michael Alert ’19 of Hudson, N.Y.; attending Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga.
Sean Berry ’20 of Tivoli, N.Y.; attending Salem University, Salem, West Va.
Randy Dunham ’19 of Haines Falls, N.Y., attending The College of Saint Rose, Albany, N.Y.
Olive Shaffer ’19 of Nassau, N.Y.; attending University at Albany – SUNY, Albany, N.Y.
For more information, visit SUNYcgcc.edu.
10/23/20
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Fleischmanns Man Arrested for Murder
Written By Editor on 10/23/20 | 10/23/20
This morning, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that a Fleischmanns man has been arrested and charged with murder following a domestic dispute in the Village of Fleischmanns that happened on Thursday night
At approximately 10:50 p.m. Thursday night, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, New York State Police and the Margaretville Hospital Ambulance were dispatched to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and succumbed to the injury.
Upon arrival, Sheriff’s Deputies identified the suspect as 19 year-old Dakota Hall. Hall, the brother of the victim, was taken into custody without incident by Deputies, assisted by New York State Troopers.
Following further investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies and Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged Hall with murder in the second degree. Hall was arraigned before Judge Lance and was ordered to be held without bail in the Delaware County Correctional Facility.
This case, an apparent domestic dispute, remains an active, on-going investigation being conducted by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit.
Sheriff DuMond indicates further details will be released as the case develops.
10/21/20
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Annual Schoharie County Historical Society Meeting Tuesday
Written By Editor on 10/21/20 | 10/21/20
The annual Schoharie County Historical Society Membership Meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. with a special presentation by local historian Pete Lindemann.
Hosted by Schoharie County Historical Society President Michael West, the virtual event will begin with a brief business meeting, including the election of the Class of 2021 Board of Trustees, reports from executive officers and updates from special committees, historical society staff and director Melinda McTaggart.
Following the business meeting, Schoharie County Historical Society Trustee and local historian Peter Lindemann will provide an engaging presentation entitled “The October 17, 1780 Shots That Saved Schoharie.”
Please follow the instructions below and we look forward to seeing everyone there!
*Please call the Old Stone Fort at (518) 295-7192 or e-mail erika@theoldstonefort.org with any questions or for assistance in setting up and signing into Zoom.
OldStoneFort is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Annual Membership Meeting 2
Time: Oct 27, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 844 4243 6055
Passcode: 817701
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Ruth Kelder Obituary
Ruth Kelder, 91, of Turk Hollow Road in Halcott Center died peacefully surrounded by her family at her residence Friday October 16, 2020. She was born October 29, 1928 in Windham, daughter of the late Jacob and H. Gertrude Alle. Ruth was a telephone operator, then a Supervisor for N.Y.Bell while in Windham. A Halcott resident since 1953, she was employed by the Margaretville Central School for twenty-five years, having retired in 1993. Ruth began as a cook, and was later promoted to cafeteria manager. She had excellent skills in time management and finance, and was always mindful and considerate of the employees. Ruth was an active member of the Halcott United Methodist Church, was church pianist for decades, and volunteered to train lay speakers in area churches. She had recently been recognized for her countless efforts by being named the first Emeritus Member of the Catskill Hudson District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. Ruth was a former member of the Halcott Grange, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking. According to her, she had been the Halcott Tax Collector for what seemed like 100 years, and her husband Amos was before her! Above all, her family was paramount to her, and she was "Gram" to four wonderful grandchildren and two handsome great grandsons.
Surviving are her daughter Pattie Kelder and son Andy Kelder both of Halcott, and son-in-law Rev. Timothy Riss. Grandchildren: Jonathan and Samuel Riss, Nichole and Rachael Kelder. Great grandsons: Greyson and Booker. She was predeceased by her husband Amos Kelder in 1976, daughter Janet Kelder Riss in 1998, siblings: Harold, Walter, Austin, Leon, Paul, Ivan, Dorothy (Hanley) and several nieces and nephews.
A Private Service to celebrate the Life of Ruth will be held on Saturday at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia . Friends will be received on Friday evening October 23 from 7-9pm and Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home. The family requests that face coverings be worn, and social distancing may limit the gathering capacity at the funeral home. Ruth had suggested memorial contributions may be made to the Halcott United Methodist Church. You may share a special memory or condolence with the family on Ruth's Tribute Wall at gormleyfuneralhome.com
Sharon M. Fancher Obituary
CONESVILLE – Sharon M. Cammer Fancher, 74, passed away at her residence on Monday, October 19, 2020 after a battle with cancer. Sharon was born in Catskill on July 26, 1946, daughter of the late Robert and Kathleen Rogers Cammer. She was a longtime resident of Conesville, and worked as a licensed teacher’s assistant (LTA) in the Gilboa Conesville Central School, retiring after more than 20 years of service. In retirement, Sharon always managed to keep herself busy, doing fun activities such as bowling, gardening, crafting, baking, going for walks or rides, spending time with her friends, or just sitting on the porch with a cup of tea. She enjoyed knitting, completing puzzles, solving crosswords, and reading a good old-fashioned book! Sharon dedicated her life to loving and supporting her family, hosting holiday dinners and family gatherings. She especially loved the time spent with her family, particularly her grandsons, Dylan and Cole. She was always there for everyone and put others before herself, until the very end.
Sharon is survived by her sons, Brian (Karen) Fancher and Darren (Christina) Fancher; her grandsons, Dylan and Cole Fancher; her brother, David (Peggy) Cammer; many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, Sharon was predeceased by her husband, Everett E. “Sonny” Fancher on November 2, 2013.
Calling hours will be Friday, October 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Face masks and social distancing will apply, as well as a capacity limit of 40 persons in the building at a time. Burial will follow the funeral in Gilboa Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Conesville United Methodist Church, 1295 State Route 990V, Gilboa, NY 12076 will be appreciated. A Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.
Scott Vining Obituary
Scott E. Vining, Sr. passed away Friday morning, October 16, survived by Leonard J. Vining, Jr., grandfather, grandmother Mariam Vining (predeceased); Lowell E. Vining, father, Jill Vining, mother (predeceased); Scott’s fiancé, Malissa Burke; Scott’s children: Lakken Vining, Scott Vining,Jr., (Amanda) Brian Vining, and granddaughter, Izabella Vining; Louise Vining Keneally, aunt, Robert Keneally, uncle; Leonard Vining, III, uncle, Diane, aunt; cousins: Jennifer Ragland, Christina Keneally, Brenda Sims, Sean Keneally, Joshua Vining and Jessica Stevens.
Scott was “Dad” to his fiancé, Malissa’s adult children: Stacey Post, John Votelink, and Michael Hamill. To Malissa’s granddaughter, Laura Pitluga, he was Papa Scott.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at Maplecrest Living Faith Community Church, Monday, October 26th, at 1:00pm. Masks and social distancing are required. The celebration service will be on Zoom, to participate email your address to: lfcc@hotmail.com
10/20/20
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Man Arrested for Political Sign Theft
Written By Editor on 10/20/20 | 10/20/20
Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that an on-going investigation into the recent thefts of campaign signs in the Town of Walton area has led to the arrest of a Walton man.
In recent weeks, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies have received numerous complaints of roadside campaign signs being stolen. A New York State Forest Ranger patrolling the Steam Mill Forest in the Town of Masonville last week recovered more than twenty stolen campaign signs that were dumped on the state owned land.
On Wednesday evening, October 14, 2020, Deputies arrested and charged 20 year-old Jarett L. Griffin, of Walton, with petit larceny following an investigation and review of video surveillance images by Deputies and the candidate. Griffin is accused of stealing a campaign sign during the first week of October.
Deputies are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone witnessing the theft or destruction of campaign signs to note a description of the person(s) or vehicle(s) involved and report their observations to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
Griffin was issued an appearance ticket directing him to appear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date to answer the charge.
Delaware County Sheriff Welcomes K-9
Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the graduation of the Sheriff’s newest K9 Team; Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 “Eli”. K9 Eli is named after the first Sheriff of Delaware County, Elias Butler, who served in 1797. Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 Eli were one of (10) teams that graduated from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Academy in Montgomery New York on October 9th.
Deputy Karcher and Eli spent months of training dedicated to Drug Detection, tracking and criminal apprehension. Training was particularly intensive and strenuous due to Covid restrictions that the cadets and K9s at the academy had to endure.
At the graduation ceremony, each K-9 and their handler demonstrated the extraordinary techniques and skills they have obtained and achieved during this intense time.
Speaking on the event, Sheriff Craig DuMond remarked, “I would like to congratulate Deputy Karcher and K-9 Eli for this remarkable achievement. I am absolutely confident in their abilities and know they will make Delaware County proud. I would also like to warmly thank the wonderful and supportive people of Delaware County who have continued to contribute funds to our K-9 program. Your contributions have made and will continue to make our K-9 program a success well into the future”.
10/19/20
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Arrest in Hancock Burglary
Written By Editor on 10/19/20 | 10/19/20
Hancock, NY – Today, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged a Parksville, NY, man in connection with an early January burglary at a convenience store in the Village of Hancock. The arrest is a part of a lengthy, and on-going, multi-jurisdictional investigation being conducted by several Federal, State, County and local law enforcement agencies and District Attorney’s Offices into numerous commercial burglaries in the states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Early Thursday morning, January 2, 2020, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and Investigators responded to a burglary at the Hancock County Store. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered forced entry to the business and the apparent theft of merchandise from the store. Deputies and Investigators recovered physical evidence at that location that was believed to have left by the perpetrator.
During their investigation, Deputies and Investigators noted similarities in that burglary and the December 9, 2019, burglaries at the Hancock Mirabito Convenience Store and the Hancock, NY, Post Office that were being investigated by Sheriff’s Investigators, Village of Hancock Police and United State Postal Inspectors, as well as other commercial and Post Office burglaries in Delaware and Sullivan Counties that were being investigated by New York State Police and U.S. Postal Inspectors.
A suspect in the Hancock Country Store burglary was later identified as a result of the forensic analysis of physical evidence recovered from the scene of the burglary at that location.
10/16/20
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Vote in Our Poll: Who Do You Support for Congress?
Written By Editor on 10/16/20 | 10/16/20
Three Injured in Delhi Head on Crash
This afternoon, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that three people were
transported to O’Connor Hospital Friday morning, October 16, 2020, as a result of a two-car,
head-on collision on State Highway 28 in Delhi.
At approximately 10:45 a.m. Friday morning, members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office,
Delhi Fire Department and Delhi and Bovina Emergency Squads responded to a 911 report of a
head-on collision, with entrapment, on State Highway 28 in Delhi, near the intersection of
Federal Hill Road.
Investigation by Deputies determined that 87 year-old Robert E. Helt, of Margaretville, NY, was
driving north on State Highway 28 when he crossed into the southbound lane and struck an on-
coming car being driven 54 year-old FaithAnn Hill, of Delhi, NY.
Helt was extricated from his vehicle by a homeowner and passerby immediately following the
collision. Hill and a passenger in her vehicle, 31 year-old Corinne N. Wheeler, also of Delhi,
were extricated from their vehicle by members of the Delhi Fire Department upon their arrival.
All three victims were transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi for treatment of non-life
threatening injuries.
Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing their investigation of this accident.
10/15/20
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Senator Seward Announces Grants for Local Libraries
Written By Editor on 10/15/20 | 10/15/20
State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of over $950,000 in public library construction grant funds.
“Our libraries are significant educational resources that also serve as community hubs," Seward said. “In many towns and villages, the local library is also a historic landmark in need of costly technological and accessibility upgrades that must be accomplished while still maintaining the building’s traditional character. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our local library administrators have met new challenges head-on and I applaud them for continuing to safely serve the public under these trying circumstances.”
The grants are from $34 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the 2019-20 state budget.
“Libraries have evolved a great deal over the years to continue to meet community needs, especially in the rural areas I represent. Electronic lending has skyrocketed and many people utilize the Internet at their local library to job search or catch up on news from around the globe. Many adjustments have taken place over the past few months, but our local libraries are still vital community beacons,” Seward added.
Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to construct new library buildings, create additions to existing structures, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs. New furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space. Renovations designed to provide accessibility for those with disabilities are a high priority. Broadband infrastructure projects are also eligible
New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $1.5 billion. More than 52 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 31 percent are more than three decades old.
Senator Seward is a past member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries and a consistent advocate for libraries. He has routinely received high marks from the New Yorkers for Better Libraries for his support of libraries.
“Assisting libraries with state funds takes the burden off local taxpayers, while preserving and improving these valuable resources for generations to come,” Seward concluded.
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Complete listing of individual grant awards throughout Senator Seward’s district:
Library Name | Address | Amount | Project Description | Library System | County |
Edmeston Free Library - Proposed New Library | 26 East Street Edmeston NY 13335 | $88,166.00 | Electrical update with hardwired carbon monoxide/smoke detectors. New front porch roof, ADA ramp, and structural restoration. | Four County Library System | Otsego |
Finger Lakes Library System | 1300 Dryden Rd Ithaca NY 14850 | $60,437.00 | Renovate roof on the two-story & single story parts of building and rehabilitate parking lot. | Finger Lakes Library System | Tompkins |
Frank J Basloe Library | 245 No Main Street Herkimer NY 13350 | $72,647.00 | Add an ADA compliant bathroom by reconfiguring the 2 existing bathrooms and a hallway. | Mid York Library System | Herkimer |
Frankfort Free Library | 123 S Frankfort St Frankfort NY 13340 | $70,110.00 | Upgrades to lower level lighting, flooring, relocation of kitchen and janitorial closet to provide energy efficient, usable, public space. | Mid York Library System | Herkimer |
Groton Public Library | 112 East Cortland Street Groton NY 13073 | $150,000.00 | Phase 2 will feature interior redesign. Relocation of children's area & the adult stacks. Adding two handicapped accessible bathrooms & vestibule. | Finger Lakes Library System | Tompkins |
Kinney Memorial Library | 3140 Co. Rt. 11 Hartwick NY 13348 | $7,751.00 | Replace front door with a new automatic door to increase accessibility. | Four County Library System | Otsego |
Little Falls Public Library | 10 Waverly Place Little Falls NY 13365 | $8,438.00 | Reconfigure existing children's area in order to improve access, increase safety and accommodate new technology. | Mid York Library System | Herkimer |
The South New Berlin Free Library | 3320 State Highway 8 South New Berlin NY 13843 | $197,926.00 | Library building addition to include ADA compliant restroom and community room. | Four County Library System | Chenango |
The Community Library | 110 Union St Cobleskill NY 12043 | $287,305.00 | East wing building envelope improvements and fire suppression system expansion. | Mohawk Valley Library System | Schoharie |
Worcester Free Library | 170 Main Street, PO Box 461 Worcester NY 12197 | $9,000.00 | Install air cooling system utilizing air handlers. | Four County Library System | Otsego |
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