Greene County Receives $300,000 Business Development Grant

CATSKILL — The Greene County Legislature has procured $300,000.00 in New York State Funding in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) which will administer the funds to provide grants ranging from $5,000.00 to $25,000.00 to businesses in Greene County with 5 or fewer employees. Under this new MULTI Grant program, Greene County Microbusinesses can be awarded access to expansionary and working capital for non-construction-related expenses on a reimbursement basis.

The MULTI Grant program received its award of NYS funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program offered through the NYS Office of Community Renewal on April 20th but the initial work on the program began early this year. James Hannahs joined the Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Planning in September of 2022, and has been working diligently to identify the needs of small businesses in the county and provide solutions.

As Executive Director of the GCEDC, Hannahs also noted that “MULTI Grant is just one of the components of a robust series of small business assistance efforts the GCEDC is preparing to launch this year. We will also be providing ‘Business Amplifier’ workshops and classes that will provide training in business finance, marketing, inventory control, site selection and technology.”

Greene County Legislature Chair Patrick S. Linger is very encouraged by the news of the award. “Small and startup businesses with 5 or fewer employees are the key to maintaining healthy communities” he stated. “When people can live and work in a place they love, it not only keeps talent from leaving the county but also attracts new entrepreneurs with a passion to succeed.”

“Small businesses are the fastest growing sector of our economy”, says Mark Maraglio, Board Chairman of the Greene County Economic Development Corporation. “Access to capital is key to helping them create jobs and thrive in our communities”.

“I’m very pleased that we have been able to bring some of the tax dollars our residents pay to New York State back to Greene County to be put to good use”, says Matt Luvera, Majority Leader of the Greene County Legislature. “Helping our small business access available state funds is the good work of our Economic Development team.”

Harry Lennon, Minority Leader of the legislature is particularly optimistic about how this funding will support local businesses, especially in our downtowns. “Key to the efforts of our municipalities focusing on downtown development and revitalization, and in partnership with local lending institutions, like the Bank of Greene County’s targeted low-interest commercial loan funding program, the County’s Multi-Grant program will continue to attract new investment in our downtowns.”

MULTI Grant applicants are required to submit an application with supporting documents for review and approval of the GCEDC. Successful applicants will also be required to complete an entrepreneurial training course. Businesses interested in applying for the program can visit the Greene County EDC website for more information or contact James Hannahs at jhannahs@greenecountyny.gov.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

What You Should Know About the Debt Ceiling Debate

If you’ve been keeping up on news coming out of Washington, D.C., you know that Congress is once again grappling with a need to raise the federal government’s debt ceiling limit. Legislation to that effect would provide the U.S. Treasury with authorization to issue new debt to help cover the costs of programs already approved by Congress. This is a typically routine action that avoids the U.S. defaulting on its loans. However, given the polarized political climate and hardened positions on both sides of the aisle, Congress so far has not negotiated an agreement to raise the debt ceiling by the summer deadline.

How could the issue play out and what are the possible ramifications for the financial markets? 

What’s happening in Washington

The need for Congress to take action and increase the debt ceiling occurs periodically. This year, similar to prior instances, it has become a political matter with differing views on how to effectively solve the problem at hand. 

If the debt ceiling is not raised on a timely basis, the federal government could default on its debt. This is significant as investors look upon U.S. Treasury bonds as debt securities that are backed by “the full faith and credit of the United States.” A default could tarnish that reputation, and potentially result in the government having to pay higher interest rates to attract bond investors.

At this point, the U.S. Treasury has reached its debt ceiling limit as previously authorized by Congress, and is undertaking “extraordinary measures” to avoid a debt default. Treasury officials indicate that these measures will likely be exhausted by June 2023. At that time, without Congress acting to raise the debt ceiling, a U.S. government default becomes a real possibility. 

Markets maintain a wary eye

What would a debt default mean? In a speech on Feb. 14, 2023, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that in the longer term, a default would mean “Future investments, including public investments, would become substantially more costly.” If interest rates on government bonds were forced higher, the impact could be felt across the bond market, pushing interest rates on other types of debt higher. 

More directly, according to Yellen, “the federal government would be unable to issue payments to millions of Americans, including our military families and seniors who rely on Social Security.” Costlier borrowing could also reverberate to consumers as they obtain mortgages, car loans and other forms of debt.

Would this have a significant and extended negative effect on the economy? That’s an open question, but minimally we should expect that the longer the debate lingers and the closer the deadline draws near without resolution, we may face increased market volatility While you don’t want to overhaul your long-term financial plan based on speculation over how it will play out you may want to consult with your advisor about how to address potential, near-term ramifications that could be reflected in more volatile markets.

###

Michael D. Lanuto, CRPC®, AWMA® is a Financial Advisor with S.M. Miller & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Albany, NY.  He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 7 years. To contact him: 518-949-2039; 4 Atrium Drive, Ste 200, Albany, NY, 12205; Michael.Lanuto@ampf.com; https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.lanuto/lp/request-contact/3/. 

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

File #5498599 (Approved until 03/31/2025)

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Volunteer Work Day at the Delaware County Historical Association May 6

 

Do you have a few hours to spare?  Roll-up your sleeves and join the fun at the Delaware County Historical Association’s (DCHA) Volunteer Work Day from 10 am to 3pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the museum’s site on State Hwy. 10, three miles north of Delhi.

 

Rain or shine, we need your help in preparing DCHA’s site and historic buildings for our summer season.  Chores will include cleaning the numerous historic buildings at the museum and sprucing up the grounds. We will also be cleaning up the nature trail and cemetery. The museum will have cleaning supplies on hand, and volunteers are also invited to bring gardening tools or their cleaning equipment of choice.

 

We can always use your help, whether you have an entire day, or just an hour or two to spare. Please join the DCHA family of volunteers. Call 607-746-3849 or e-mail dchadelhi@gmail.com for more information.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

CATSKILL SCENIC TRAIL REOPENS EAST OF STAMFORD AFTER LOCALS LEND A HELPING HAND

 

 

ARKVILLE, NEW YORK (April 2, 2023) — On April 6th, Catskill Revitalization Corporation (CRC) executive director Todd Pascarella received a call from a Stamford farmer alerting him to a concerning condition on the Catskill Scenic Trail. A large culvert measuring five feet in diameter was apparently clogged and the water was backing up into adjacent farm fields and had been rising up the side of the rail bed about a foot each day.

 

It was quickly determined that the old 100-foot-long metal culvert pipe had completely collapsed in the middle under the trail and virtually no water could pass through. “The farmers along the trail immediately offered help, there was a large excavator there by the end of the day, and more equipment on its way the next” said Pascarella.

 

The owners of Eklund Farm Machinery and Prospect Livestock were situated to lend a hand in a hurry both with machines and men to operate them. With the problem being in a wetland area along Route 23, Pascarella called the DEC to be advised on how to proceed. After some back and forth, an emergency permit to replace the culvert was issued the next day. In addition, the DEC officials connected Pascarella with a dewatering pump on loan from Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District to keep the water out of the work area.

 

The CRC is a not-for-profit that maintains the rail trail as a community resource, and it generates no revenue from the trail itself. The costs associated with the trail are covered by a few grants from local foundations and with donations from trail supporters. The annual budget is limited though, and as the scope of the culvert project became apparent, Pascarella realized this single project could cost more to complete than the CRC typically spends on the entire 26-mile Catskill Scenic Trail in an entire year. Such a large and unexpected project could overwhelm the organization, “But when I turned to Billy Eklund for a cost range to complete the entire thing, he simply said don’t worry about that he would provide whatever was needed so that the trail could open back up,” Pascarella said.

 

As it turns out, the project was a great example of true community collaboration motivated by generosity and the desire to take care of a cherished local asset, the Catskill Scenic Trail. “If ever a major culvert had to collapse, it could not have found a better place to happen than Stamford, these farmers are amazing here, totally inspirational.”

 

The Catskill Scenic Trail is now open again to all hikers, bicyclists, runners, and horseback riders.      

 

If there are any questions or concerns about the Catskill Scenic Trail, please contact Todd Pascarella, Executive Director of both the Delaware Ulster Railroad and Catskill Scenic Trail at director@durr.org.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

DWI Conviction in Walton

DELHI, NY – Timothy S. Bennett, 45, of Walton, NY appeared in the Walton Town Court on April 26, 2023, and pleaded guilty to Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated by alcohol, an Unclassified Misdemeanor, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.   

On January 7, 2023, the defendant crashed his car on State Highway 10, in the Town of Walton.  Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Lucas Elmore arrived on scene and interviewed the defendant.  The defendant admitted he was driving the vehicle when he went around a corner and his tire blew out, causing his car to overturn.  Upon interviewing the defendant, Deputy Elmore detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage, and also observed that the defendant had glassy and bloodshot eyes.  A subsequent police investigation revealed that the defendant was intoxicated by alcohol and had a blood alcohol content of .18 - over two times the legal limit. The defendant also had a suspended driver’s license. 

On April 26, 2023, the defendant appeared in the Walton Town Court, and pleaded guilty to Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified Misdemeanor, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a vehicle, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.  Honorable Michael Ripa, Justice of the Walton Town Court, sentenced the defendant to a 3-year term of probation supervision.  The terms and conditions of probation require the defendant to, among other things, enroll in and successfully complete the impaired driver program and a victim impact panel.  The defendant was also mandated to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, and to comply with any treatment recommendations.  Probation will require the defendant to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle the defendant owns or operates, for the 3-year probationary period. The defendant’s driver’s license was revoked for a minimum of 1 year, and he was ordered to pay a $1,200.00 fine and a $493.00 state surcharge. 

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Deputy Lucas Elmore of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department for his thorough investigation of this case, which permitted us to secure guilty pleas without the need for a trial.  Smith stated, “This defendant was driving with a BAC over 2 times the legal limit when he crashed his car. Driving while intoxicated puts everyone at risk.” 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Prayers for Peace Interfaith Service at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church

Sunday, April 30 at 2.30 pm

St. Johns will be hosting a Prayers for Peace interfaith service in the Church Hall.

 

Members of the Interfaith Community will participate and a gathering will take place afterward with food and fellowship.

 

We welcome Pastor Ivan and St. Johns as the newest member of the Mountaintop Interfaith Community. Thirty-one years ago, the Mountaintop Interfaith Community was formed to bring people of all faiths on the mountaintop together in the belief that by working together and embracing the traditions of all faiths, we can help create a more vibrant, engaged, and loving community of friends and neighbors.

 

This is an open invitation to all our neighbors on the mountaintop as we gather to celebrate our commitment to peace and our support the Ukrainian community in their time of great need.

Please join us and celebrate the cause for peace that draws mountaintop folks together.

St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church

92 Ukraine Road (off 23A)

Jewett NY 12444

 

Donations will be accepted for the continuing support of the people of Ukraine.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Open Mic Nights in Sullivan County

Open Mics:

Every Monday from 6-9pm at the Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor NY.

Every Thursday from 830pm- midnight or later at the Dale in Mountaindale NY.

We also occasionally host pop up open mics at Cabernet Frank's in Parksville NY

We'd love to work with you to help get the word out about these events! Here's the quick article that I wrote. I would add to it but wanted to keep it short.

Open mics by tradition, concerts by nature. Not your normal open mic nights, but magical moments in time.

Monday nights at the Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor from 6-9pmish  &

Thursday nights at the Dale in Mountaindale, 830ish until who knows when!

Show up with a pocket full of songs and an open mind. There is not a traditional sign up sheet, but once you find Caswyn Moon or Faith Kelly you will play your music until your heart is fulfilled. Not a musician? Show up and relax with an award winning brew at the Catskill Brewery or a slice of delicious pizza at the Dale because you will definitely be entertained by the best musicians in the Catskills coming together to form supergroups and jamming new and old material together. They become free concerts you won't  find anywhere else.

Come out and play, maybe you will meet someone nice… Or find your new favorite local musician!

For more information on these open mics reach out to FaithxKelly@gmail.com or follow @TheCatskillBrewery and @TheDalePizza on Instagram or Facebook.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Two SUNY Delhi Students Receive SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence

Reginal Odametey and Grace Thomas recognized

DELHI, NY (04/25/2023) Two SUNY Delhi students received the prestigious 2023 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence this week. Reginald Odametey and Grace Thomas were among a group of exceptional students to be recognized for their outstanding achievements throughout their SUNY experience in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. Created in 1997, the Chancellor's Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by SUNY.

"Each of the students recognized today is an example of our extraordinary student body and their rich and diverse 'SUNY stories'," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King. Jr. in an award ceremony in Albany, NY. "Every student can find their community at SUNY, and I congratulate each of the winners for making the most out of their college experience."

"With their dedication to academic excellence, service, and leadership, Grace and Reginald embody the very best of our student population," said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, Officer-in-Charge at SUNY Delhi. "They have both fully engaged in the student experience at Delhi and made a positive impact on our campus. I am proud of all of their accomplishments and excited to see where their drive and talent take them in the future."

Grace Thomas of Apalachin, NY, is a standout student in the rigorous Veterinary Science Technology program at SUNY Delhi. Her dedication to her studies is demonstrated not only by her 4.0 GPA but also achieving multiple professional certifications while a student, including infection prevention and puppy raising for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Grace is also a peer mentor, generous with her time helping other students succeed. Grace has actively participated in various volunteer projects on campus from animal clinics to suicide prevention walks. She is an accomplished student-athlete on the women's volleyball team, where she made the NAC all-academic team.

A first-generation college student graduating with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Delhi in May '22, Reginald Odametey of Bronx, NY, has made a lasting impact on the campus community through his academic achievements and activism. Extraordinarily engaged on campus, he has served in key roles in student clubs, Greek life, residence life, and student programming. He has empowered fellow students through his work in the multicultural center, advocating for DEI and social justice. Reginald's compassion, generosity, and drive embody authentic leadership which will serve him well as he goes on to pursue his career goals in the criminal justice field.

About SUNY Delhi

Enrolling over 3,000 students, SUNY Delhi's hands-on approach to teaching and learning includes over 60 academic programs in specialized areas, including applied technologies, nursing, hospitality, veterinary sciences, applied sciences, business, and liberal arts and sciences. SUNY Delhi offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, as well as master's degrees both on campus and online. Visit delhi.edu to learn more.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Local Violet Industry Subject of Talk

CATSKILL – Steven Mann didn’t know about the local violet industry until he became president of the Museum of Rhinebeck History.  Then he could hardly avoid it!

“During its heyday, violet production in the Hudson Valley was the top money maker,” he explained.  “More than 6 million violets were cultivated here each year – with Rhinebeck being the epicenter.”   There were so many greenhouses erected that it was nicknamed “The Crystal City.”

On Sunday, May 7^th, Mann will be speaking on the Violet Industry at a luncheon/fundraiser held at Temple Israel of Catskill, 220 Spring St., Catskill, NY.  The cost, for tea sandwiches, salad and dessert, along with the lecture is just $20.00 per person.  For reservations, call or text 518.751.8986, or e-mail stevenaamann@gmail.com.

The luncheon follows a morning Plant Sale in the Temple – featuring annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, succulents and garden-related merchandise.  Items have been donated, for the benefit of the Temple Israel Cemetery Fund, by Holmquest, Agway and the Farmers Regional Market in Menands.

“This is the third year we’ve had a Plant Sale,” Mann said.  “It’s a wonderful kick-off for Spring.  Everyone is brimming with optimism when it becomes time to plant seedlings.”  Items will be sold in 6-packs – reasonable priced at $3.50 – $5.50 each depending on the plant.  In addition, there will be some flower pots available along with gardening implements.

“We’re urging people to make reservations early as we can only accommodate 48 for lunch,” Mann concluded.  “I think people will want to learn more about the violet history.  And what can be better than bringing all your winter garden planning to fruition while helping a good cause.”

The Plant Sale runs from 8:30AM until Noon on Sunday, May 7^th.  There will be a Garden Basket Raffle, too.  Luncheon/lecture reservations (12:30PM – 2:30PM) should be made by calling or texting 518.751.8986, or e-mailing stevenaamann@gmail.com.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

DENISE CORLEY - COME WHAT MAY, RECENT WORK IN ANDES

SAVE THE DATE! We are pleased to welcome the artist Denise Corley to start the Spring/Summer exhibition series at Diamond Hollow Books. DENISE CORLEY - COME WHAT MAY, RECENT WORK opens Saturday May 6 with a reception for the artist from 12-4 PM. The show will run through June 11 and be open during regular business hours, Thursday-Sunday 10-5 PM.

 

Denise Corley, working in a wide variety of media, has developed an astounding body of work over the past fifty years, and Diamond Hollow is pleased to present a selection of some recent pieces, largely from a series of paintings made on molded commercial packaging material. Vibrantly colored, sometimes brooding abstract forms explore the history of painting itself and the magnificence of the natural world, and reflect the deep seeing of an artist who strives to bring some order to a chaotic universe. The recent molded works represent a kind of epiphany which resolves but also extends issues raised by a many of her earlier series such as the wire works and the Tectonic and Synchronous paintings of past decades. 

 

A native of Detroit, Corley studied at Wayne State University with John Egner, Judy Rifka, Ron Gorchov and others. She has exhibited steadily in solo and group formats in New York City since the early 1980s. For an excellent overview and documentation of Corley's oeuvre, please refer to https://www.djcorley.com/home. Further information upon request.

 

 

 

Top image : Outsider Modern, 2022, acrylic, press molded paper, 16 1/2 x 22 x 4 1/4” 

Bottom images : Installation view, (formerly) Side Show Gallery, 2019 

 

 

Denise Corley in her Brooklyn Studio 2023

 

At Diamond Hollow Books we show a revolving selection of Contemporary Art in our three main rooms and, beginning with the Denise Corley exhibition, will hold regular formal exhibitions. Our June show will feature Susie Bellamy, Sharon Horvath and Tom Pappas. For more information visit  www.diamondhollowbooks.com

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

CROP Celebrates After-School Professionals Appreciation Week April 24-28, 2023!

Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership, or CROP, is celebrating After-school Professionals Appreciation Week, April 24-28, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

 

An estimated 850,000 professionals work with children and youth during out-of-school hours providing enriching experiences and academic support throughout the US.  The CROP after-school program addresses several critical needs that help alleviate the challenges of living in a high-poverty, rural area. More than 1,000 students each year in grades K-8 will have access to a safe and nurturing place after school hours and during the summer. Locally, CROP employs over 125 staff members in 14 school districts including Roxbury, Gilboa-Conesville, Hunter-Tannersville, Worcester, Jefferson, Stamford, Andes, Milford, Morris, Laurens, Edmeston, Charlotte Valley, South Kortright and Margaretville.  Staff provide homework help, art and theater projects, clubs to inspire creativity, service learning opportunities, academic enrichment, and outdoor play. The CROP program is funded through the highly competitive federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The program is a free resource for families.

We are joining the effort because research shows that After-School Professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. We encourage you to join us in thanking after-school professionals!

#HeartOfAfterschool!

For more information, contact:
Heather Morse,  CROP Program Manager
Office: 607-267-4544
morseh@roxburycsd.org

Pictured here are CROP students at Roxbury Central School harvesting vegetables from their student garden.  The veggies were washed and then served as a salad in the school cafeteria.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD