Senator Seward: New Laws Will Encourage Livesaving Organ Donations

By State Senator James Seward

The holiday season is approaching and it is always a great time to get together with family and friends, share stories, and catch up with everyone.  It is also an opportunity to discuss important topics like organ donation.  

In New York, there has been an increased effort to encourage more people to become organ and tissue donors.  I helped pass several bills during the 2016 legislative session to enhance public awareness and increase the number of New Yorkers who sign up to help save lives through organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation.

Only 25 percent of potential New Yorkers are enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry -- the second lowest rate in the nation. To help increase enrollment, the senate has been advocating for additional resources and striving to raise public awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation through legislation and funding. The 2016-17 state budget included $1 million to support the New York Alliance for Donation – an increase of $750,000 over last year – as part of the senate’s ongoing commitment to help New Yorkers in dire need of transplants.

I was extremely pleased that senate bill 6228, extending “Lauren’s Law” for another four years was signed into law over the summer.  Lauren’s Law is named after 12-year-old heart transplant survivor Lauren Shields of Stony Point, New York, and makes it easier to choose to be a donor when enrolling for a driver’s license. The law prohibits a driver's license application from being processed unless the organ donation section is filled out. Applicants have to check a box stating “yes” or “skip this question”.  Prior to the law’s enactment, filling out the organ donation section on the application was optional.

Two other senate bills were signed into law and take effect shortly.

Senate bill 5313A will help increase the number of organ and tissue donors by lowering the age of consent for New Yorkers who choose to become a donor.  New York is one of only four states in the nation that requires an individual be 18 or older to enroll in an organ and tissue donor registry.  This leaves young people without a mechanism to document their consent to donate and puts parents in the difficult situation of having to assume what their teenage child would have wanted should a tragedy occur.  This new law, which will take effect on February 14, 2017, will give New Yorkers aged 16 or older who wish to consent to donation the ability to enroll in the state’s Donate Life Registry.  However, in the event that the young person may be considered for organ, eye, or tissue donation, the parents of that individual will be notified and given the final authorization for donation to take place.

Another measure set to become law, senate bill 6952A, would provide an additional opportunity for New Yorkers to document their decision to enroll as an organ and tissue donor. All applicants for health insurance offered through the state health benefit exchange would be provided space during the application process to register for the Donate Life Registry for organ, eye, and tissue donations.  This new law takes effect on January 1, 2017.

Another tactic to increase public awareness on this topic is to talk to young people.  Senate bill 7003 would help educate high school students about organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation by requiring state Department of Education officials to develop recommendations for instruction in blood, bone marrow, organ, and tissue donations and the life saving benefits each provide.

While this bill did not pass the assembly, the Department of Education agreed to work with organizations that promote organ and tissue donation to develop model curriculum, exemplar lesson plans and best practice instructional resources on the importance and value of organ and tissue donation.

Teachout-Faso Poll Showed Different Result than Election

The Schoharie News' second election poll was off by a bit much. According to our readers, they intended to vote for Zephyr Teachout approximately 50% to John Faso's 45%.

Faso wound up winning the race in the county with about 65% of the vote.

Former Middleburgh-Schoharie Railroad Depot Moved in Preparation to Become Museum

By Tyler James Middleburgh is going to have a new museum next year. The former Depot from the Middleburgh-Schoharie Railroad is being rehabbed at the corner of Maple Avenue and Wells Avenue.

The building, purchased by the Village of Middleburgh approximately ten years ago finally received clearance to be made into a museum, expected to be opened by the middle of 2017. On Saturday the structure was placed onto a new foundation built by Steve Myers Construction.

 

We were there to see the occasion. Later this year new windows, doors, and a roof will be placed on the building.

Top Female Leaders Come Together to Impact Girls in Speed Networking Program

 On November 19, some of the Capital Region’s top female leaders will come together for Dare to Climb, a special mentoring event for girls, sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY). The Great Escape Lodge will host this full-day enrichment program, which will feature a speed networking workshop. Among the mentors participating are Denise Gonick, CEO of MVP Health Care, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and Dianne Shugrue, CEO of Glens Falls Hospital.

Open to both Girl Scout members and non-members, the Dare to Climb program gives girls the opportunity to ask questions and hear the experiences and advice of some of the region’s most successful women in healthcare, the arts, and business.

“Girls need to see women succeeding at the type of career they want to do,” said, Mary Buszuwski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. “They need it for inspiration, leadership, paths to follow, and to help them believe that they can succeed.”

In the morning, Liska Wilson; CEO of She’s a Boss, will lead an introductory exercise to get girls more comfortable with networking. Afternoon workshops on college application prep and financial literacy will be led by Linehan College Counseling, Godfrey Financial Associates, The Financially Savvy Graduate, and College Advisor of New York.

Dare to Climb is a featured program of GSNENY’s Young Women’s Leadership Initiative, offering various hands-on leadership programs to female high school students throughout northeastern New York.

List of participating mentors:
Gwendolyn Bluemich, Strategic Education and Workforce Development Initiatives, GlobalFoundries
Colleen Costello, President and Co-Founder, Vital Vio Inc.
Carmen Duncan, CEO, Mission Accomplished Transition Services
Alisa Endsley, Professional Actress, Broadway and West End
Kathleen Godfrey, CEO, Godfrey Financial Associates
Denise Gonick, CEO, MVP Health Care
Heather Howley, President, Independent Helicopters
Amy Keyes, Executive Director, Suffolk County Landbank Corporation
Donna Kirker, Vice President of Patient Services & Chief Nursing Offices, Glens Falls Hospital
Jill Levy, Concert Master, Albany Symphony Orchestra
Kelly Linehan, College Admissions Counselor, Linehan College Counseling
Kathleen McLean, President, The McLean Group
Susan Schell, Certified Financial Planner, Financially Savvy Graduate
Dean P. Skarlis, President & Founder, The College Advisor of New York
Liska Wilson, CEO, She’s a Boss
Carrie Woerner, New York State Assemblywoman, District 113

Board Hears Emotional Pleas to Face Heroin Crisis

The Board of Supervisors met today with several experts to speak regarding the ongoing heroin problem in Schoharie County.

Larry Kossmann-Nelson spoke on behalf of the Middleburgh Area Business Association. He was joined by fellow members Jamie Casterlin and Justin Behan. Kossmann gave an emotional plea to the Board of Supervisors regarding the local heroin crisis. He described his brother Michael's death due to cardiac arrest following several robberies by a heroin addict. Kossmann described the current state of enforcement as “archaic.” He cited a meeting with the Village of Middleburgh and the Sheriff's Department to discuss how to combat heroin abuse. “I strongly urge you all to release funds to the Sheriff's Department” for enforcement. Kossmann recommended the purchase of window clings with the number of the Sheriff's Department's confidential tip line.

Bonnie Post from the Opioid Task Force spoke next with a presentation about drug abuse. She stated that over 100,000 New Yorkers sought opioid addiction treatment, with about 90% of these starting use before the age of 18. Heroin addicts now especially face rural residents and men and women nearly equally. Just between 2013 and 2014 the use of the overdose treatment drug Naloxone increased approximately 50% during EMS calls statewide. Heroin overdose deaths in the state also more than doubled between 2009 and 2013.

In Schoharie County alone treatment for opioid addiction was higher through September 2016 than all of 2015. Between 2010 and 2014 the number of users between 20-29 years old increased by 39% and there was an increase of 32% more users between 30-39. Tina Sweet, the new Commissioner of Social Services spoke about the impact of heroin and opioid addiction on foster care. In the past year local children in foster care has more than doubled, as has CPS reports. In one week alone, Sweet signed nine decisions affecting fifteen children.

Deputy Sheriff Zach Reinhart spoke as a “boots on the ground representative.” Reinhart spoke of the number of overdose statistics. The Sheriff's Department and local state police have both utilized Narcan each six times in 2016. “These are your communities that this is affecting.” The Deputy described law enforcement's assistance to aid with health services for those in immediate need of assistance. Speaking of the rise of heroin addiction in the county, he said, “The thing that surprised me was the who.” Reinhart said that heroin users are not always identifiable.

Overall local overdose calls have stayed largely steady over the last four years. Since 2013, overdose calls for non-heroin causes has fallen dramatically while heroin calls have more than doubled. “You're losing your towns to this disease.” In one recent response, the Sheriff's Department searched a hotel room where two small children were left outside while their parents used. In another situation, a suspected heroin addict was arrested for forging checks as his grandmother to allegedly feed his habit.

“Treatment is the end of the cycle,” said Reinhart. He said that one addict told him, “I would rather die than stop” using. He cited law enforcement as the “vehicle that gets them to the treatment.” Bonnie Post spoke again about the recovery process. She said that often addicts facing health or criminal situations seek treatment but then drop off once the immediate problem is resolved. “There is a wonderful life in recovery,” she added. Ms. Sweet urged all in attendance to to talk to their children about drug use. Norine Hodges of SCCASA mentioned the Surgeon General's report that recent addiction patterns is a “paradigm shift.”

As of right now there has been no response to the Board's letter to the state regarding additional drug funding. Supervisor Chris Tague of Schoharie offered to reach out to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Lopez. Board Chair VanWormer recommended also sending a letter as a whole. Supervisor Dave Simkins of Broome asked if there was a strategic plan to end heroin addiction. Supervisor Larry Bradt of Carlisle said that he hoped President-Elect Donald Trump could help prevent drug flow from Mexico. He also asked if the Sheriff's Department considered using undercover officers to capture drug dealers. “From what I see, it's happening a lot,” he said. Sheriff Desmond said that the topic was discussed at the meeting in Middleburgh and described a similar pattern of drug deals across the county. He described a five year old child finding her mother dead from a heroin overdose. Supervisor Peggy Hait reinforced this idea, requesting an undercover officer. Desmond responded that the Sheriff's Department has been working with the Cobleskill Police Department. He reiterated that such programs require increased funding. Desmond said that Assemblyman Peter Lopez got the Sheriff's Department a $2,500 grant which will be used to expand drug enforcement over the coming year. “It costs a lot of dimes to do this type of work.”

County Administrator Steve Wilson spoke of a process to help curb heroin use in the county. He said that several department heads have recommended shifting funding to directly deal with opioid addiction. Wilson said that SCCASA is among the most effective options to prevent use among young people. He also said that he and the partners in this project will unveil plans over the coming year. Supervisor Tague thanked Wilson and the presenters for their hard work.

Supervisor Pete Coppolo of Middleburgh discussed an issue with insurance coverage that prevents drug and alcohol addicts from being able to stay in rehab long enough to fully recover. Supervisor Simkins said that the Board had to give the Sheriff's Department “ammunition” to assist in their enforcement. Supervisor Bill Federice of Conesville said that “there's a lot more to this than nabbing the person putting a needle in their arm.” He stated that a multifaceted approach was needed, especially to expand surveillance for drug enforcement. Federice said that Schoharie County being so small “everybody knows everybody,” which makes it more difficult to utilize local residents as undercover officers.

Undersheriff Ron Stevens asked residents to help in the effort. If people see something suspicious, writing down license plate numbers and descriptions to call the Sheriff's Department's confidential tip line at 295-2295.

Supervisor Simkins asked if there was a way to send a recommendation for stronger punishments for drug dealers to the state. Supervisor Smith said that it was a good idea and that he would assist. Norine Hodges said that such efforts are helpful and should be followed through. She recommended that retired police could be used to provide inexpensive eyes and ears in communities. Supervisor Tague recommended holding a press conference in Albany to show that “we're serious about this. Maybe the Governor will hear us.”

County Clerk's Office and DMV Announce Thanksgiving Week Hours

The Schoharie County Clerk’s Office & our Dept. of Motor Vehicles will be closed on both Thursday & Friday next week for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Also, on Wednesday Night before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23rd, the DMV Office will close at 4:30 pm, and the Clerk’s Office will close at 5pm. (Normally, Wednesday is our “Late Night” till 7pm, but because of the Holiday the next day, we’ll close at our standard daily times.)

SUNY Cobleskill Women's Basketball Ranked Sixth in NEAC Opening Coaches Poll

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team will open the 2016-17 season ranked sixth overall among 14 teams in the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) pre-season Coaches Poll. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a 2015-16 season that saw them post a 9-16 overall mark including a 7-11 record in conference play.

According to second-year head coach Katherine Kollar the Fighting Tigers will be heading into the new season with different expectations and objectives given the veteran nature of the roster.
“With our experience our expectations are much higher this year with our overall goal being to make the league play-offs. I am very excited for our seniors who worked very hard last year and during the off-season to justify a move from thirteenth in last year’s pre-season poll to sixth this year which is a very big jump. But as I told our team after the rankings came out, you can enjoy this for ten seconds then it’s time to go back to work because there’s still much left to do for us to achieve our goals.”
This season the Fighting Tigers will be depending heavily several returning letter winners led by three-time All-NEAC Team selection senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, who averaged 13.8 points per game and was among the nation’s leading rebounders for the third consecutive season at 14.5 per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 64.3 percent from the free throw line.

Joining Anderson among the returners will be senior guard/forward Ashley Creighton, Niskayuna, N.Y., Catholic Central High School/Schenectady Community College, who averaged 11.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game and senior guard Shiann Coons, Albany, N.Y., Bishop Maginn High School/Schenectady Community College, who averaged 10.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Among the new recruits, fans can look for freshman combination guard Addy Lawson, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School, an aggressive player with strong ball handling skills and freshman point guard Erica Cabrera, Middletown, N.Y., John S. Burke Catholic High School, an excellent defender to make immediate impacts.

The Fighting Tigers will open the season on Tuesday November 15th when they host the Trailblazers of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA at the Iorio Gymnasium with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Fighting Tiger Western Equestrian Makes Showing at Morrisville State College IHSA Shows

 The SUNY Cobleskill western equestrian team continued their impressive start to the season by bringing once again bringing home a first place finish and a second place finish in a field of five teams from the third and fourth Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 3 shows of the season hosted by Morrisville State College. The Fighting Tigers posted a score of 32 points in the first show to take the top spot in the field then were beaten by the host Mustangs of Morrisville State College 29-20 in the second show.

Cobleskill junior Morgan O’Sullivan, Killingworth, Conn., Haddam-Killingworth High School, earned High Point Rider honors in both shows by winning the Open Reigning Division and taking third overall in the Open Western Horsemanship Division in the first show then coming back to take the Open Western Horsemanship Division in the second show to go with a sixth place finish in the Open Reigning Horsemanship Division.

Junior Amanda Stevens, Chenango Forks, N.Y., Chenango Forks High School, also posted IHSA Regional qualifying efforts in Intermediate Western Horsemanship at the competition for the Fighting Tigers.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Saturday December 3rd when they return to Morrisville State College for a pair of IHSA Zone 2 Region 3 shows beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Senator Seward Column: Freeze Out High Energy Bills

Even though winter is still a few weeks away, the first chilly signs are being felt and a few snowflakes have been spotted in the air.  Skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, ice fishing and other winter recreational activities await here in upstate New York.

Unfortunately, the cold temperatures lead to an indoor activity none of us are too fond of - paying the heating and electric bills.  The good news is that there are steps you can take to help lower your energy costs.

Some of the tips I am including in this column have been detailed in the past.  Many are common sense, while others are new.  I am hopeful that by utilizing some or all of the tactics you will be able to better manage your energy use and keep winter bills in check.

One of the simplest cost saving measures is to lower the thermostat.  For every one degree you set back your thermostat, you can save one to three percent on your annual heating bill.   By installing a programmable thermostat you can adjust your home’s temperature based on your family’s schedule.  Dropping the temperature at night, during the day when you are at work and your children are at school, or any other time when you leave the house for more than two hours can provide real savings.  It takes less energy to warm a cool house than to maintain a higher temperature all day and night.

It is also vital that you do everything you can to keep out the cold.  A quick inspection of your home may reveal areas where heat, and in turn, cash, are simply leaking out.  Check for insulation in your attic, walls, ceilings and floors, and install more if needed.  Inexpensive weather-stripping around doors and windows can also go a long way in blocking cold drafts.  You should also replace any cracked windows and use easy to install storm window kits to keep out breezes.  Finally, close your curtains at night to keep warm air inside.

Keeping your furnace or boiler in tip-top working order is also key.  You should have your furnace checked and cleaned annually by your heating contractor.  To keep it running efficiently, check your filters and replace them as needed and insulate ducts or pipes that run through unheated spaces.

There are also a number of steps you can take to help conserve energy.  When you are upgrading your appliances you should look for those that carry the ENERGY STAR® label to assure you are purchasing the most energy efficient products on the market.  If your furnace is over ten years old you may want to replace it with an ENERGY STAR® approved unit to save up to thirty percent in energy costs.

Additional energy saving tips are available on-line at a special website created by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), www.nyserda.ny.gov.   The site includes plenty of useful information on cutting your energy costs, community outreach programs, and information on how to receive a home energy assessment.

Even after implementing energy conservation measures many New Yorkers still find themselves struggling to pay their heating bills.  For some people, help is available.  The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) that provides financial assistance to eligible households to help pay for their home heating costs.

Last winter approximately 1.5 million households statewide received HEAP benefits.  The regular benefit for the upcoming heating season ranges from $350 to $575 depending on household income and type heating.  There are several benefit add-ons which are also available.  Some households could also qualify for an additional emergency benefit which will be offered starting on January 3, 2017.  To find out if you may be eligible for HEAP benefits, use the on-line pre-screening tool at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or contact your local social services office.

Fighting Tigers Tip-Off Season With Victory at Home

COBLESKILL - The SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers women's basketball team roared into the 2016-17 season on Tuesday night, beating the favored MCLA Trailblazers 66-60 in non-conference Division III play at home. 

Freshman Addy Lawson
played a pivotal role on
Tuesday, scoring 20 points
in her collegiate debut.

Led by an impressive breakout 20 point debut by Freshman guard Addy Lawson, the Fighting Tigers squeezed out the victory just hours after placing sixth in the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) pre-season Coaches Poll.

Buoyed by an improved 9-16 record last year and the return of several starters, hopes are high for the women's squad heading into Katherine Kollar's second-year as head coach.

Hopes that remain high following Tuesday's promising tip-off to the new season, in which the Fighting Tigers struggled early on to gain the upper-hand against the Trailblazers before coming out on top. 

Trailing 18-6 with under four minutes to go in the first quarter, SUNY Cobleskill clawed their way into a 23-18 lead midway through the second quarter on the efforts of Lawson, who scored 11 of  the Fighting Tigers 17 points over the eight minute run.

Tied at 28 each at the half, the Fighting Tigers were able to gain the lead early in the third quarter and maintained it throughout the remainder of the contest. 

Senior guard Ashley Creighton and Freshman forward Shaliyah Graham largely carried the squad in the second half, with Graham scoring key baskets late in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. Team Captain Shelby Preston scored 7 points and earned 11 rebounds overall. 

The Trailblazers were led by Senior guards Courtney McLaughlin and Ashley Clawson, who scored 20 and 13 points respectively in MCLA's defeat.

SUNY Cobleskill be on the road next, competing in the 2016 Hunter College Tip-Off Tournament this weekend. They return home to face the Southern Vermont Mountaineers on Tuesday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. 

Senator Seward, Community Partners to Announce Collaborative Effort to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) will be in Otsego County, noon on TUESDAY, November 15th, at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. Senator Seward, a member of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, will be joined by officials from LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, Bassett Healthcare Network, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals to unveil a collaborative initiative to help dispose of unused prescription medication.

WHAT:  Collaborative effort to encourage proper disposal of unused prescription medications

WHEN:  Tue, Nov 15, Noon

WHERE:  60 Lake St., Cooperstown; Otesaga Hotel, Abner Doubleday Room (downstairs)

WHO: NYS Senator James Seward, Julie Dostal, Executive Director of LEAF; Dr. Vance Brown, President & CEO, Bassett Healthcare Network; Rhonda Sciarra, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, and a young woman from who will share her story of prescription drug abuse/misuse.

WHY:  Every 14 minutes, an American dies from an unintentional drug overdose. Seven out of 10 people who abuse prescription drugs get them from friends or family members. Help combat the opioid epidemic and abuse of prescription medications through proper disposal.

Cuomo Vows to Defeat Trump in Fundraising Letter

Governor Andrew Cuomo is drawing a line in the sand following the election of President-Elect Donald Trump. Cuomo was an early backer of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

The Governor sent a letter the Saturday after the election as a simultaneous column in the NY Daily News, for fundraising, and on Facebook to make a plea to anyone in the state that may feel let down by the results of the election last week.

"So let me be absolutely clear: If anyone feels that they are under attack, I want them to know that the state of New York – the state that has the Statue of Liberty in its harbor – is their refuge.

Whether you are gay or straight, Muslim or Christian, rich or poor, black or white or brown, we respect all people in the state of New York."

This follows Cuomo's initial reaction following the election. On Wednesday, November 9th the Governor reported having a good conversation with the President-Elect. While Cuomo said that he disagreed with much of Trump's agenda, ultimately he would bring in a knowledge of cities, especially New York, "I think Donald Trump being from New York is a bonus not just for this state, but for other states also," Cuomo said.

In 2009, Trump donated $25,000 toward Cuomo's successful bid for the Governor's mansion. In 2006, Trump donated $26,000 toward his also successful campaign for state Attorney General.

The Governor is expected to mount a campaign for President in 2020.

Cuomo finished his Facebook message, "We are New York, and we will stand up for you. And on that, I will never compromise. Count on it."

Fighting Tiger Women's Swimming and Diving Swept by William Smith College and Cazenovia

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s swimming & diving team suffered a pair of defeats on Saturday afternoon in a double dual meet hosted by William Smith College. The Fighting Tigers fell to host Herons of William Smith by a 141-56 and to the Wildcats of Cazenovia 124.5 to 78.5. With the losses the Fighting Tigers fall to 0-5 on the year versus head-to-head competition.

Sophomore Emily Sugrue, Long Island City, N.Y. , The Renaissance Charter School, was the team’s top individual performer on the afternoon with a pair of second place finishes. Sugrue took second in the 100-yard freestyle in a time of 59.65 and the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:13.31.
Cobleskill will next be in action at the Diamond City Invite hosted by Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Pa. on Saturday November 19th and Sunday November 20th beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Soccer Drops 3-0 Decision to Alfred University in ECAC Tournament Opening Round

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s soccer team ended their season on Saturday evening falling into the host Saxons of Alfred University in the opening round of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Men’s Soccer Tournament by a 3-0 margin. With the loss the Fighting Tigers conclude the season with a 9-8-2 overall mark while the Saxons improve to 9-7-2 overall on the campaign.

The host Saxons scored twice in the first half to effectively put the contest in the win column outshooting Cobleskill 19-to-7 on the afternoon while holding a 10-to-2 advantage in corner kicks. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Tanner Puff, Wallkill, N.Y., Wallkill High School, recorded six saves on the afternoon in defeat for the Orange & Black. 

FINAL BOX:

Soccer Game Summary (Final)
SUNY Cobleskill vs Alfred University (Nov 12, 2016 at Alfred, NY)

SUNY Cobleskill (8-9-2) vs. Alfred University (9-7-2) Date: Nov 12, 2016  Attendance: 55 Goals by period       1  2  Tot ------------------------------- SUNY Cobleskill.....  0  0 -  0 Alfred University...  2  1 -  3 SCORING SUMMARY:   1.  26:04 AUMS2016 Graeme Corrigan (Oumar Soumahoro)   2.  35:19 AUMS2016 Oumar Soumahoro (Andy Ricci)   3.  71:25 AUMS2016 Richard Lander (unassisted) Shots: SUNY Cobleskill 7, Alfred University 19 Saves: SUNY Cobleskill 6 (Tanner Puff 6), Alfred University 3 (Chris Gutierrez 2; Brian Larkin-Gero 1)

Fighting Tigers Hunt Seat Competes at Morrisville State IHSA Shows

The SUNY Cobleskill hunt seat equestrian team posted a sixth place finish and a tie for fourth place in the 10 team fields at a pair of Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 3 show hosted by the Mustangs of Morrisville State College at their College Equestrian Center on Saturday November 5^th and Sunday November 6^th.

In Saturday’s show the Fighting Tigers posted three individual victories as freshman Rachel Snyder, Honeoye, N.Y., Honeoye High School, won in novice fences, senior Emilee Klein, Cooperstown, N.Y., Cooperstown High School, won in advanced walk trot canter and sophomore Kristen Daly, Cobleskill, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, won n beginner walk trot canter.

On Sunday’s show Cobleskill received a win in the beginner walk trot canter from sophomore Kate Joslyn, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Saturday November 19^th they travel to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. for an IHSA competition hosted by Skidmore College at the Van Lennep Riding Center beginning at 8:30 a.m.

TEAM RESULTS:

November 5^th Show Results:

Place	Team	Score
1.	Skidmore College	45= High Point
2.	Morrisville State College	44= Reserve High Point
3.	Hartwick College	39
4.	SUNY Oneonta	31
5.	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)	28
6.	SUNY Cobleskill	27
7.	Colgate University	24
8.	University at Albany	21
T-9.	Siena College	18
T-9.	Keuka College	18
11.	Union College	11

November 6^th Show Results:

Place	Team	Score
1.	Morrisville State College	45= High Point
2.	Skidmore College	42= Reserve High Point
3.	Colgate University	32
T-4.	SUNY Cobleskill	31
T-4.	University at Albany	31
T-6.	SUNY Oneonta	29
T-6.	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)	29
8.	Hartwick College	21
9.	Siena College	19
10.	Keuka College	15

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Soccer Receives ECAC Tournament Bid for First Time in Program History

After posting one of the best turnaround seasons in the nation the SUNY Cobleskill men’s soccer team has been selected to compete in the 2016 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Championship Tournament. The Fighting Tigers who finished the season with an 8-8-2 overall record are seeded fourth in the Region 4 bracket of the tournament and will face the number one seeded regional host the Saxons of Alfred University from the Empire 8 Conference who finished the campaign with a 8-7-2 overall mark on Saturday November 12th at 5:00 p.m. at Alfred’s Yunevich Stadium.

After finishing the 2015 campaign with a 0-18 overall mark including a 0-13 mark in North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) action; Cobleskill improved 500 percent under the direction of second year head coach Joseph Machado whose squad will be making, the first ECAC post-season appearance in program history.

Upon learning of his team’s selection to the tournament, Coach Machado was excited about the prospects of continuing the season and his team’s impressive turnaround year.
“I’m proud of what our young men have accomplished this year and being recognized by the ECAC is a testament to all of the hard work we’ve done since the pre-season. We’ve come a long way over the last 14 months and I’m happy that our seniors get to extend their careers while our underclassmen get to experience post-season play for the first time.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will face the winner of the day’s 7:00 p.m. game between the number two seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State Altoona from the Allegany Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) who finished the year with an 11-7-1 mark and the number three seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State Harrisburg from the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) who were 11-8 overall on the campaign in the quarterfinal round which will also take place at Alfred University’s Yunevich Stadium on Sunday November 13th at 2:00 p.m.

In total, 16 teams were selected into this year’s championship tournament and divided into four regional brackets. The winners of each bracket will move on to the semi-finals which will take place on Saturday Nov. 19 at site to be determined by the ECAC with kick-offs at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The tournament’s championship game will then be hosted at the same site on Sunday November 20th beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Iroquois Gas Hosts Hazardous Materials Exercise

First responders from Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties were activated October 8, 2016 to respond to a simulated emergency at the Iroquois Gas Transmission System’s Wright Compressor Station.

The hazardous material (or HAZMAT) full scale exercise simulated a leak of mercaptan during a standard delivery by Chevron Philips. Mercaptan is the distinct and recognizable odorant added to natural gas that makes it easier to detect gas leaks. It is also extremely flammable, and harmful if swallowed or inhaled in high concentrations.

 The goals of the exercise were to validate coordination and communication capabilities for a pipeline incident, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of emergency response plans. Gallupville Fire Department and the Fulton, Montgomery & Schoharie regional HAZMAT team secured the scene, used appropriate personal protective equipment to suppress the (simulated) fire, and were processed through decontamination procedures. A hotwash discussion followed to discuss strengths and weaknesses, and determine what changes (if any) should be made to policy and/or procedures.

 “More than 70 people gave up their Saturday morning to be a part of this exercise to ensure that if this type of event were to occur in Schoharie County, our first responders would be prepared to respond effectively.” Michael Hartzel, Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services Director said.

“This drill was a great opportunity for Iroquois to train with local emergency officials in responding to an emergency on its pipeline system.” stated Spencer Robinson, Manager of Right-of-Way.

“We thank the many different agencies that collaborated in the planning and execution of this important training exercise.”

Great American Smoke Out Station at SUNY Cobleskill and Emoji Power-wall at Schoharie Central Next Week

 Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties (ATFC-DOS) in collaboration with staff at the Beard Wellness Center is working to build a healthier SUNY Cobleskill college campus where many live, learn, work and play. ATFC-DOS is funded by a grant from the New York State Bureau of Tobacco Control to the Research Foundation of SUNY at SUNY Cobleskill and works on a variety of initiatives to change the community environment to support New York State’s tobacco-free norm.

ATFC-DOS will host two Great American Smoke Out (GASO) stations on campus November 17th from 11 am to 2 pm in Champlin and Prentice dining halls. Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out challenges people to stop using tobacco and provides an opportunity to advocate for tobacco control initiatives. ATFC-DOS wants to encourage students, staff and faculty to “quit like a champion” even if just for a day. At the GASO table there will be information about tobacco issues and a list of cessation resources as well as quit pledge cards and tobacco-free campus pledge cards. If someone signs a quit pledge card, he/she will receive a pen or lanyard, but if someone turns in a pack of cigarettes/cigarillos/cigars/snus/smokeless tobacco in addition to signing a quit pledge card, he/she will earn a t-shirt. So plan to stop by and quit tobacco use. You can do it one day at a time.

Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities/Reality Check is working collaboratively with Schoharie Central School on a Great American Smoke Out (GASO) project with principal Kevin Calacone as the school’s point person. The GASO project highlights the statewide ad campaign Seen Enough Tobacco. A pad of paper emojis will be placed in each homeroom class grades 6-12.  Each student choosing to participate will be asked to write his/her name on a paper emoji so that it reads for example: “Joe has seen enough”. We also encourage students to collect signed emojis from other students and from family, staff and faculty members.  The homeroom collecting the most emojis will earn a pizza party as well as “We’ve Seen Enough” t-shirts. The collected emojis will be assembled into a highly visible power-wall within the school communicating that “We’ve Seen Enough Tobacco” to students, staff and visitors. The school’s GASO power-wall will help combat the large, visually appealing displays of tobacco products that are pervasive in stores and are intended to attract the interest of youth in addition to adult customers. In 2012 the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that tobacco industry marketing causes youth smoking.

Senate Candidate Jermaine Bagnall-Graham Post Election Statement

"Last night was truly a special night for me and my family. Though I did not win, I am proud of the campaign that I was able to run in only six months. I was an unknown going against the establishment, but was able to run a campaign that was clean, honest and honorable. I was able to wake up this morning and feel proud of what I have accomplished. I have met some wonderful people during these past six months. The residents of the 51st Senate District are truly amazing.

I want to congratulate Senator Seward on his victory! I was able to speak to him last night and we had a very nice conversation. With all of the attack ads on television and in the papers, we were both pleased with the civility of our particular contest. I also want to thank the people of the 51st Senate District for coming out and voting. Democracy was witnessed last night. Moving forward, I will take time to reflect on what I did and how to improve. I will also focus on family and community.

This is Senator Seward's victory, but he knows that there is someone watching his every vote and every move. If I decide to run again, I will be better prepared and will have more time to reach out to voters and let them get to know about me and what I bring to the table. I am thankful for all the support I have received during this election cycle. I have always maintained that if it ain't broke, don't fix it! The people have spoken and it was determined that the 51st District does not need fixing. When it does, I will be there to answer the challenge.” said Jermaine Bagnall-Graham, Democratic Candidate for New York’s 51st State Senate District.

Trump Takes Presidency after Winning Pennsylvania

Donald Trump has secured over 270 electoral votes to win the Presidency tonight. After polling that showed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton leading by about 3% nationally, the popular vote will be very close.

However, the electoral college has swung decisively in Trump's favor. The Republican nominee has won almost every rust belt state, including Wisconsin, Ohio, and now Pennsylvania. The 20 electoral votes from that state have placed Trump with at least 275. Trump has  2,756,689 votes compared to Clinton's 2,685,252. Trump has 48.85% and Clinton has 47.58%.

More results, including from Minnesota, Nevada, and New Hampshire are still outstanding. However, there is no path left for Hillary Clinton to take the White House.