The Entrepreneur’s Corner

By Dr. Son Tran

Tip #1: Start with “WHY”

What It Means

Before you open a shop, buy equipment, or print business cards, ask yourself: WHY do I want to run this business?
Is it just to make money? Or do you want to provide something helpful to your neighbors? Your “WHY” is your purpose. It’s the deeper reason you get up early and work hard every day. A strong WHY keeps you going even when business is slow, and it helps your customers connect with you on a personal level.

Every successful business has a reason for existing beyond just making profit. That reason shapes your customer service, your product, your pricing—and even how you talk about your work. When you know your WHY, you can make decisions more confidently. You stop chasing every trend, and you focus on what really matters.

Think of your “WHY” as the roots of a tree. You don’t see them, but they hold up everything. The stronger the roots, the longer your business can grow.

 Stories from Business World

You may have heard of Chick-fil-A, the fast-food restaurant known for friendly service. Their founder, Truett Cathy, once said: “We’re not just in the chicken business; we’re in the people business.” That’s their “WHY”—to serve others with kindness and care.
That’s WHY their workers say “my pleasure” instead of “you’re welcome.” People go there not just for the food, but because they feel valued.
They close every Sunday, even though they lose business, because part of their purpose is giving employees time to rest and spend with family. That’s how seriously they take their “WHY.”

Another example is TOMS Shoes, whose founder Blake Mycoskie started the business to give a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. That mission helped turn a small idea into a global brand.

 How You Can Use It

Let’s say you run a small auto repair shop. Your “WHY” might be: “To help working families stay safe and keep their cars running without being overcharged.”
Or you run a hair salon: “To make people feel confident and happy when they look in the mirror.”

When your customers know WHY you do what you do, they’re more likely to trust you—and come back.

Here in Cobleskill, I know a local sandwich shop that started with the simple purpose of offering healthy food made with love. Their sign says: “Just like Mom made it.” That’s their “WHY”—and it brings people back. The owner told me: “I don’t just make sandwiches; I make people feel like home.” That’s the kind of WHY that lasts.

A Fun Example

At a farmers market, I once saw two booths selling the same honey. One man just said, “$10 per jar.” The other smiled and said, “These bees are from my family farm. I started beekeeping with my daughter during the pandemic.”
Guess who had a line of customers?
It wasn’t just honey—it was a story. A reason. A WHY.
People didn’t just buy a jar. They bought meaning. They bought connection.

 Final Thoughts

Your business is more than a job. It’s a way of helping people.
When customers see your heart, they’ll support your hands.
So before you plan anything else, take a moment to answer this simple question:
“WHY do I do what I do?”
Because your WHY is what turns a small business into something truly special.

Dr. Son Tran is a business and entrepreneurship professor at SUNY Cobleskill.

 

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THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - An Overhanging Ledge

Last week we visited a ledge just north of the North-South Lake Campground. We discovered that it had origins dating back to a Devonian age river channel. We witnessed flood events in that ancient stream which are preserved in today’s strata. This week we will be looking at the very same strata from a different angle and seeing something entirely different. Take a look at our illustration. You will see that there is an overhanging ledge of sandstone beds at the top, the same as last week. But look below; there you will observe more sandstones. These must somehow be softer than the overhanging beds. They have thus found a way to erode more quickly and retreat farther into the hill. Now look at the very bottom of our photo. You will soon spot a heap of loose flat slabs. They used to be up above – up there as part of the overhanging strata. We can guess that, from time to time, each of them, one by one, has fallen from that “ceiling.”  Over time they have piled up right where we see them. Altogether that’s a nice image of some rather commonplace stratified rock. But we looked and began to ponder more about what we were looking at.

 

                                               

 

 

We looked at this and thought about that something very different. And that “something” was the top of a typical waterfall. Specifically, we were thinking about something called the capstone of a waterfall. That’s Ge101, introductory geology. It’s a course that almost always talks about the formation of a waterfall. The teachers speak about a sturdy, tough horizon of rock called the capstone. Below it there is always softer, easier to erode rock. Well, there’s actually nothing “soft” about any of those lower sandstones but they are subject to relatively faster rates of erosion. Horizons of the soft stuff are constantly experiencing all the physical and chemical processes of weathering. Those horizons, over time, have been retreating just a little quicker than the overlying capstone strata. That leaves a growing “ceiling,” relatively resistant to all that weathering, hanging up there above. Take a look at our photo and you will see all this. You see, those slabs up there were all only softly cemented to each other. That means that there had been a constant stress imposed by gravity. Every once in a while, a slab of capstone dropped. Then, over long periods of time, more and more blocks of capstone rock dropped, and the waterfall finds itself retreating. We geologists call this waterfall retreat.  So, we have discovered all of the elements of a typical waterfall in this typical Catskills ledge; the only thing that is missing is the water! Well, take a look at our second illustration, a print from 1873 by Winslow Homer. Theres the water. Now you can see how Kaaterskill Falls and our ledge are the products of these same processes.

                                                         

All this conjures up into question an issue that let’s call “ledge retreat.” We are asking – do ledges retreat in a manner similar to waterfalls? On the face of it – yes, they seem to. But, without the help of flowing water, hillslope retreat is a much slower process.

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net. Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

 

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A Conversation about …Clover and Thyme

By Jean Thomas

It's July. The days have already begun to get shorter. There is no accompanying decrease to the heat or the rain. I am beginning to resent the weather, which, frankly happens about this time every year. So, other than record-breaking statistics, is normal. The rain has been abnormal so far, though, which has made the lawn a whole new universe. Areas that would have looked like bald patches because the grass grew so sparsely are now as lush and green as the rest of the lawn. Constellations of white clover are sprinkled everywhere. Mowing has become a competetive sport, not against other homeowners but against the next deluge. Victory is declared when I manage to mow the evening before a full day of rain. I sulk when I miss the window of opportunity, and the clover is a badge of failure. But clover is no villain. It's a pollinator supreme, nourishing millions of insects and helping them spread pollen for their neighboring flowering plants. There is a whole list of benefits to the presence of white clover in a lawn or, for that matter, garden. The roots help aerate the soil and have little nodules that retrieve nitrogen and deposit it in the soil, improving the fertility. Clover can redeem areas threatened with erosion with their network of roots. Many farmers and ecologists buy bags of the seed to do all this intentionally. I get it for free. When I mow the lawn, I trim off all the flower heads and get a temporary golf course effect of uninterrupted emerald green. I will admit, I am partial to the clover galaxy. 

When I mow, I monitor the whole lawnscape. I keep an eye out for ant hills developing (rare) and patches of wild thyme. The thyme is developing colonies of tiny round leaved plants right now. A thyme lawn is aspired to among many who love the idea of an herbal expanse of purple. In my experience, in the Catskill wilderness, a totally thyme lawn is unrealistic. It is not possible to keep grasses from invading, not to mention the clover we were just describing. Thyme lawns can be beautiful in very small gardens and among hardscape details, where constant attention is possible. The compromise is what I see in many of the yards in my neighborhood. The dry areas fill up with thyme, which spreads to the perimeter of the dry area. Nothing much infiltrates there because of the thyme's tolerance for drought. Now, any plant will appreciate a manageable surplus of water. Thyme is no exception. As I ride over the clumps of thyme, I admire the lush growth it is making this year. It is beginning to show flower buds, and soon, on a hot day, there will be scattered blotches of purple adorning the green of the lawn. The clover seems to step back briefly to give the thyme a moment of glory. I spend more time outside with my camera than I ought to trying to capture the beauty. I have yet to succeed. Like clover, thyme is credited with many virtues, but more in the herbal uses than soil amendment. They make good neighbors, to each other and to the environment. And to me. There's even a thing called a “bee lawn” that combines both of these with certain low growing wildflowers. That's what I have and it planted itself! Here's a link: https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn. 

 

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Meet Your Margaretville Hospital Board Members - Emilie Adams

By Matthew Avitabile

MARGARETVILLE — This article begins a series interviewing members of the Margaretville Hospital Board to help bring information to the public about critical services. We are starting with our first of nine board members about the hospital and board.

This week we spoke to Emilie Adams, who has been a member of the Margaretville Hospital Executive Board for five years. She has been chair for two years, previously serving as vice chair.

She paints watercolors, has chickens, ducks, dogs, children, and a husband. She said her husband describes her as “collecting living things that depend on you for survival.” Her family moved to the area in 2014. Adams’ husband is from Wales and Adams was born on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa Reservation in Minnesota. She is half Native American, but looks just like her German father. 

“Health care was not really a thing,” on the Reservation. We had tribal healers and doctors and dentists that visited the reservation every month.”

Her mother had trained to be a police officer, moving to Portland, Oregon. She had a 25-year fashion career, living and working in Paris, before moving to New York City. Adams met her husband, had kids, and moved Upstate when her kids were young.

Adams said that she is most satisfied when “helping.”

Adams joined the board after being asked to serve by Jim Howie. Her experience as a birth doula and lactation counselor was valued, especially during the pandemic. She had time to serve, working virtually during this period. Adams was interviewed and while she didn’t seek it out, it was a valuable chance to serve the community, she said. 

As a birth doula Emilie helps families navigate their healthcare throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery and the first few months postpartum  She has done this over the last ten years. She provides “physical but not medical” assistance. She describes herself as a “really trained birth coach.” Emilie is also a certified lactation counselor, helping families nurse and feed their babies. 

She said that she enjoys her leadership role but it “isn’t without its challenges.” Serving as chair means that there is a considerable amount of work to ensure people are being heard and needs are being met, for employees, patients, and the broader community. 

She serves as co-chair on the Auction Committee, which takes up a significant amount of time but resulted in the very successful art auction, which raised thousands for the hospital. She cites the effort by the board members and Jim Howie’s idea in organizing the auction. Adams utilized her experience in the art world and in New York City art galleries to assist in the project.

The auction is growing annually and “we’re raising real money,” she said.

Adams has multiple conversations each week regarding the hospital and the nursing home.

Joining the board in her mid-40s, there is a significant perspective Adams brings to the table.

“The more diverse the board is,” the better the results, she said. “I’d love to see more diversity on the board.”

Volunteering on the board is a responsibility, but is not too much work for a dedicated volunteer.

The last five years has seen the board accomplish “a lot,” she said. The successes are not always as well-known and often occur “behind closed doors.”

This includes the role of bringing in a helicopter landing pad to simplify the process and shorten time to emergency services. While it was originally seen as “impossible,” the groundbreaking will happen later this summer.

Adams also cited bringing raises to all of the staff at Mountainside and the Hospital.

The board is working on making Primary Care more accessible to local residents. There is an active effort to bring another doctor to the hospital.

Sometimes there is a “lifestyle” difference that may make it more difficult to bring an outside doctor to a rural area, she said. Adams cited her own experience wanting to move from the city to raise her kids. New doctors and medical staff may also seek similar experiences.

“Staffing across healthcare is a big issue,” she said. Adams cited that being closer to New York City means that Margaretville hospital competes with medical centers in the region. Some pay more than locally, she said, which provides a significant challenge. “There’s a big difference between a massive high volume hospital in the city to a small rural critical access hospital like ours. That said, I am so proud of our staff and the services they provide.”

The board member said that the hospital offers a “great ER” and critical care access, as well as being a “safety net” for local care. She cited being part of a health network to help expand access.

“WMC is committed to rural healthcare,” she said. The hospital has a “reciprocal gateway” for certain healthcare access, including a cardiologist who comes up monthly.

“All of our accomplishments over the last few years  feel like a big victory to me,” she said. Adams added that there is always a need for increased healthcare access in the area.

The board is also seeking to refurbish the Palen Building, she added.

The role has allowed Adams to meet a number of members of the community she hadn’t known before.

The hospital board is seeking members for volunteer committees, including for the annual art auction. There is a chance to donate, including as a substitute for a birthday gift for friends or family members. Such donations can help raise funds for important facets of the hospital. Goods can also be purchased or donated to the hospital thrift shop. Members of the public are also members on the Hospital Board, which does not require medical experience.

“Basically you have to be a great person who wants to help,” she said.

There are two boards with potential openings: the executive board and the foundation board.

The hospital is a critical access facility partially funded by the government, she said. It’s important to remember that local efforts and those of WMC Health are intended to keep the hospital open and expanded further.

She called the effort to expand a part of the “commitment” by WMC.

Anyone with questions or concerns are welcome to contact Executive Director Mike Hockman anytime about the hospital or nursing home. Members of the board are open to comments and said that anyone can “flag down a board member at the grocery store. Every time I go there I run into at least one board member!.”

“The role of the board is to be the conduit for the community and the staff of the hospital in a bigger network” and a chance to disseminate information back into the community.

“We’re community members,” Adams said.

 

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95th Annual Delaware County Farm Tour

DELAWARE COUNTY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County is holding its 95th annual Delaware County Farm Tour on Friday July 11th.   The first stop will be hosted by Harmonie Farms, the Mattson family, beginning at 11:00 AM.   This third generation 175 cow dairy farm has long been adopted cutting technology and practice, and recent installation of robotic milkers, Robotic feed pusher and upgrades to the freestall barn are the latest advancement on this farm.   The farm is a long-term successful adopter of no-till planting practices and has been steadily growing their equipment fleet for forage harvest.  The youngest generation on the farm, Andrew and Wendy Mattson recently honored as the 2025 Delaware County Outstanding Young Dairy Farmers, are proud to continue the family tradition working alongside father and uncle Mike and Mark Mattson, and a very dedicated crew of employees.  

The second stop will be hosted at Brookside Maple and Farm owned and operated by Matt, Micah and Caroline Scobie, beginning at 1:00 PM with lunch.  Bring your own lunch; milk and ice cream will be provided.  During lunch we will hear from Delaware County Dairy Ambassador Lillian Eklund on her team’s dairy promotions efforts.  Brookside Maple and Farm is a diversified operation that includes a 4,500-tap maple syrup production facility, 40 cow-calf pair beef operation, and sheep for fiber production with direct-to-consumer sales through on-line sales, farmers markets, and farm stand.  They also market to local stores. The maple operation is a New York Grown and Certified operation through the New York State Department of Ag and Markets, which will be discussed.   The farm recently constructed their own winter feeding and cattle management barn, and they have been participants in the Watershed Agricultural Program.    We will tour their beef barn and sap house/farm store and hear about their plans for growing the business.   This stop will also feature a demonstration of precision agriculture application of both liquid and semi-solid manure by Albano’s Precision Application, a custom manure services business serving farms of the region though the Conservation Innovation Grant Project.    The liquid manure application demo will feature direct injection into sod, and tour goers can look at the samples of as-applied manure application maps, the first in Delaware County.   Manure injection benefits include reduced manure odor, reduced risk of nutrient loss, and increased fertilizer manure fertilizer value for crop production.    

Updated details on the tour can be found at https://ccedelaware.org/ or by calling 607-865-6531.

 

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Andes Academy of Art Presents "Take Home a Nude" Clothesline Sale Andes

ANDES — The Andes Academy of Art is thrilled to announce its annual "Take Home a Nude" clothesline sale, a unique opportunity to purchase unframed figure drawings at exceptionally reasonable prices. The event will take place on Saturday, July 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at 506 Main Street Main Street, Andes. In case of rain, the sale will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 26.

Featuring works by some of the finest figure drawing artists in the region, this event offers art enthusiasts and collectors a chance to acquire beautiful, original drawings while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, helping to provide care and shelter for animals in need.The clothesline sale is a celebration of creativity, community, and compassion.  Visitors can browse an array of unframed nude drawings, each showcasing the skill and artistry of local talent, all at budget-friendly prices.“We’re excited to bring this vibrant event to Andes, offering art lovers a chance to take home unique pieces while contributing to the well-being of animals in our community,” said Peter Mayer, Curator of the exhibit from the Andes Academy of Art. “It’s a perfect blend of art, nature, and philanthropy. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover extraordinary artwork, collect local artists, and make a difference for animals in need. For more information, contact the Andes Academy of Art at 917-859-5397 or visit AndesAcademyofArt.com

 

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Hardenburgh Approves Highway Raises, Discusses Short-Term Rental Moratorium

HARDENBURGH – The Hardenburgh Town Board approved a 3% pay raise for three highway department employees and discussed plans to address short-term rental regulations during its monthly meeting on Thursday, June 12. 

In recognition of the Highway Department's work and effort, the board voted to implement the 3% raises that were budgeted for in January but had been held back. The resolution increases the hourly rates for three MEO employees to $29.68, $26.25, and $19.61, effective with the next full payroll in June. 

The board also addressed the need to update the town's Comprehensive Plan. Officials discussed adopting a violation fee schedule, creating a short-term rental policy, and working toward a local law to place a moratorium on new short-term rentals and special use permits. 

In other business, the board authorized the Beaverkill Valley Land Trust to hold a bike event on Beaverkill and Shin Creek roads on July 20. 

During departmental reports, the Highway Superintendent updated the board on the near completion of the Shin Creek Bridge project and progress on the Millbrook Road project. The town assessor reported that there were no tax grievances filed this year. 

The board approved vouchers totaling $12,576.17 for general accounts and $33,685.63 for highway accounts. The date of the next town board meeting was changed to July 17. The meeting began with a moment of silence for community member Maxine Phelps.

 

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Local restaurants Rally for Dine Out For a Cause Fundraiser for Hospice

ONEONTA – Helios Care continued their Dine Out For a Cause fundraiser and celebrated success with Sloan’s New York Grill, who presented a check to the nonprofit totalling $700. The restaurant participated in the fundraiser on April 24th. 

Dine out for a Cause started in 2023 to help support the patients and families served by Helios Care in Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. Each participating restaurant donates a percentage of proceeds from their designated day, giving patrons an easy (and delicious!) way to help make a difference. 

The momentum continues this month with 3 exciting opportunities to dine out locally and give back: 

● Barnyard Swing Mini Golf and Family Fun Center on Tuesday, July 8th ● Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe on Friday, July 18th 

● The Mill Pond Inn & Tavern in Jefferson on Thursday, July 31st  

Grab your friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal, all while supporting local businesses and local families in need! Every bite helps brighten someone’s day. For more information and how to get involved, visit Helios Care online at HeliosCare.org/events/. 

Image below: Sloan’s New York Grill presenting a check to Helios Care.

Pictured left to right: Joan MacDonald, President & CEO of Helios Care; Erna Morgan McReynolds, Helios Care Board Member; Caryn Balnis, manager of Sloan’s; Kathryn Dailey, Director of Development & Marketing of Helios Care. 

 

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HealthAlliance Hospital Marks 4 Years of Lifesaving Heart Care at Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory - More than 2,300 Advanced Cardiac Procedures Performed since 2021

KINGSTON — WMCHealth’s HealthAlliance Hospital proudly marks the 4- year anniversary of the only Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory in Ulster County. This state-of the-art, lifesaving center delivers advanced heart care to residents of Ulster County and the  surrounding region. 

Since opening in June 2021, under the direction of Falak Shah, MD, FACC, FSCAI, the Cardiac  Catheterization Laboratory team has provided life-saving cardiac services and surpassed major  clinical milestones, including: 

• Nearly 1,900 cardiac catheterizations 

• Close to 400 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) 

• Numerous electrophysiology (EP) device implants and cerebral angiograms 

“These figures represent lives saved and health restored,” said Dr. Shah. “Our team remains  committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate cardiac care right here in the community.” 

The Kingston-based lab was established as part of WMCHealth’s ongoing investment in  expanding specialty services across the Hudson Valley. The lab gives patients access to  advanced, time-sensitive procedures without the need to travel long distances for expert care.

This local milestone aligns with a recent, broader network achievement: 

Westchester Medical Center, WMCHealth’s flagship hospital, recently earned elite certification  for heart valve treatment and has performed more than 1,000 transcatheter aortic valve  replacement (TAVR) procedures—a benchmark that further underscores the network’s  leadership in complex heart care. Read more here 

“WMCHealth continues to set the standard for cardiovascular excellence across the region,”  said Julio A. Panza, MD, Director of the Department of Cardiology for WMCHealth. “The  Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at HealthAlliance Hospital plays an essential role in ensuring  patients receive advanced cardiac services close to home.” 

To learn more about WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute or to schedule an appointment, call 914.909.6900 or visit: wmchealth.org/service-line/cardiovascular-care

 

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Hiker Rescued after Ankle Injury

A scene from the Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest rescue

Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest rescue

MIDDLETOWN — On June 29 at 2:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker in Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest reporting a member of their hiking party suffered an unstable ankle injury at least three miles from the trailhead. Forest Rangers and fire department personnel hiked into the subject, secured them in a wheeled litter, and carried them to the trailhead. At 11:45 p.m., EMS called for a med flight to take the subject to Albany Medical Center. 

 

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