National Seed Swap Day 2022
Written By Editor on 1/3/22 | 1/3/22
Local SUNY Potsdam Students Named to President's List
Agricultural experts to share research, best practices, and recent trends virtually
SUNY COBLESKILL ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT OF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME VERSUS MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
2021 Leaderful Delaware Class Graduates
Written By Editor on 1/2/22 | 1/2/22
Upcoming at the Mountain Top Library
Two Greene County Residents Arrested for Burglaries
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office arrested Maria Uvino, age 30, and James Hartley, age 38,
both of Ashland. Uvino and her boyfriend, Hartley, had been the suspects in several burglaries in the Ashland area over the last few weeks.
On December 27th a home owner heard someone in his attached garage trying to forcibly enter his kitchen, when he yelled, the perpetrators fled into a wooded area behind the residence. A GCSO Deputy, who was nearby, arrived immediately thereafter and saw the perpetrators in the woods. The Deputy entered the woods and gave chase, ultimately apprehending Uvino.
A search continued for Hartley, who had made multiple threats to shoot police officers via phone and social media, throughout the next two days. The search concluded at approximately 3:00am this morning, 12/29/21, when Deputies found tracks in the snow leading to a vacant house on CR 10 also in Ashland. As Deputies approached the house, Hartley fired several rounds through the windows at them. A perimeter was established around the house and contact was made with Hartley who subsequently surrendered without further incident. Uvino was charged with Burglary 2nd degree, 2 counts of Felony Criminal Mischief, and 1 count of Possession of Stolen Property- she was arraigned before Judge Jacobs, T/Catskill Court, and was committed to the Greene County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail/ $100,000 bond on 12/27/21.
Hartley was arrested on a Warrant for Burglary 2nd and 2 counts of Felony Criminal Mischief and arraigned before Judge Lawyer, T/Ashland Court on 12/29/21 – Hartley was committed to the Greene County Jail with no bail. The investigation remains ongoing and multiple further charges with regards to the events this morning are forthcoming. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by The State Police, The Greene County District Attorney’s Office and Greene County Probation.
Message of Hope by Sister Chirya: Keeping the Inner Light Bright
We have to think about how we can focus on and be instrumental for our own transformation. To think about the transformation of others is a waste of time. Remember, “When I change, the world changes.” Transformation comes from keeping God’s company. He is not only the Supreme Soul; He is my Father, Teacher, Friend, Guide. Keeping His company brings transformation in the self. I must not waste my time getting caught up in concerns about the body, other people or anything of the world. Let me be free from any kind of tension and pay attention to staying connected to God’s light. The inner strength and power I receive brings transformation within. Seeing my transformation, others will have love for me.
So let’s get started. Well-being is a skill. It needs cultivating. Get into the habit of exercising your mind in order to keep it healthy. Everything, which means everything, in our life begins with our thoughts. Every thought creates vibrations. Vibrations are like sound waves; no obstacles can stop their radiation. To exercise the mind means creating a pure positive thought and holding stable that feeling and thought. This means if I need peace, I can emerge and hold on to that thought and feel the light of peace within for however long I want. This daily practice prepares one to deal with difficult times.
Get into the intermittent daily habit of simply closing your eyes and taking 10 deep breaths. Look within and increase your awareness - the capacity to know what your mind is doing. Stop now and then for a moment to practice and become aware of the quality of your thoughts. Check and change them when necessary. Daily, consciously choose the quality of your thoughts - accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and throw away the waste. As is my thinking, so are my actions and experiences in life. Value what you have regardless of how little it may seem to you. Count your blessings. Who knows how long you will have them!
Each day create and nurture good vibrations within and silently touch everyone with your bright inner light. We have received a very clear path. I simply have to walk on this path I see in my mind and show it to others. When we do this the darkness of ignorance in the world now will be dispelled.
Contact: Yvonne Chirya Risely bkchirya@gmail.com chirya.
risely@peacevillageretreat.org
Roxbury Fire District Meeting Notice
Please take notice that the organizational meeting for the Roxbury Fire District of the Townof Roxbury, County of Delaware, NY, will be held on the 13th day of January 2022 at 7:00pm at the Roxbury Fire House, located at 53613 State Highway 30, Roxbury, NY 12474.
This notification is being given to the news media pursuant to the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of NY by order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Roxbury Fire Department.
New data show health care providers increasingly Ask, Advise and Assist smokers in quitting
Written By Editor on 12/30/21 | 12/30/21
Albany, NY: New NYS Department of Health data show an increase in health care providers working with patients to quit smoking.
More than three-quarters of smokers who saw their provider in 2019 reported that their doctor advised them to quit smoking—a 12.5% increase from 2014. More than half reported that their doctor offered assistance to quit—a 23.3% increase from 2014. Smokers who receive assistance from their physicians double their odds of successfully quitting.
Dr. Ronald Pope, Columbia Memorial Health Vice President of Medical Services, Care Centers, said: “Helping patients to stop smoking is an important goal for our care team. CMH providers can offer several options to help smokers kick the habit and improve their health and quality of life.”
Despite the increased communication around the health effects of smoking, there is still more work to be done. The Twin Counties’ adult smoking rate was a third higher than the statewide average in 2018. Smoking rates are particularly high among New Yorkers of low socio-economic status, lower education and those with behavioral health issues.
Columbia County Mental Health Center integrated questions about clients’ smoking status into their intake process in 2019.
“Forty percent of all cigarettes in the United States are consumed by individuals who live with mental illness or substance abuse disorders,” Tobacco Cessation Specialist Rose Aulino said. “Because of that, nicotine dependence has been a real focus of treatment for us. The results have been encouraging.”
Smokers that are interested in quitting are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider about what nicotine replacement therapy and/or counseling options are available. You can also call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 to receive free nicotine patches and be connected with a quit coach.
Tobacco-Free Action of Columbia & Greene Counties is a nonprofit organization funded by the NYS Department of Health that advocates for policy change to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, make tobacco products less visible and accessible, and make tobacco use more expensive, less convenient, and less socially acceptable.
Columbia Memorial Health is an advanced multi-specialty healthcare system serving more than 100,000 residents in Columbia, Greene and Dutchess counties at more than 40 primary care and specialty care centers. In addition, CMH’s inpatient hospital, located in Hudson, has served our region since 1893 and is one of the most innovative and technically advanced facilities in the Hudson Valley. Columbia Memorial Health, Albany Med, Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital are part of the Albany Med Health System, the largest locally governed health system in the region. Learn more at www.columbiamemorialhealth.org
To learn more about the Columbia County Mental Health Center and the services offered, please visit www.columbiacountymhc.com
Review: New Braunfels Chocolate
Written By Editor on 12/29/21 | 12/29/21
Middleburgh Library News
Written By Editor on 12/28/21 | 12/28/21
Ashland Speaks by Lula Anderson
Cobleskill Library News
Come start a new chapter with us! Starting in the new year The Community Library is officially fine free for late items. Borrowers will still be responsible for fees on lost and damaged items. Items will go into lost earlier. A patron’s card will be blocked and unable to be used until those lost items are returned. Library Director Kim Zimmer said, “Like other libraries across the country eliminating fines decreases barriers and increases access to resources for our community. By going fine free we are ensuring that libraries are for everyone resulting in a strong community.” Late fine donations are still welcome.
Reminder the Community Library card holders have access to Ancestry remotely through December 2021. At the beginning of the new year Ancestry will no longer be available off site. In Library use is a return to the company’s prepandemic policy. Visit our website for access, you will need your Library card. https://
Tuesdays in January join your neighbors and make new friends during the Tuesday Knitters group! You can find them downstairs in the Program Room at 1pm until 3pm. This is a new time. Bring your own supplies and learn something new while you chat, listen or just get in your zone.
Friday, January 7 and 21 Storytime at 11 am in the Program Room downstairs. Join us for stories and a craft.
Friday., Jan. 7 Fan Favorites Book Club 12:00 pmThe January meeting of our new Fan Favorites Club will focus on books written during or about “The Gilded Age” in America, the period between 1870 and 1900 that is the focus of the new HBO series premiering in January. Participants can share recommendations of favorite authors and books associated with this period or just listen, learn, and be inspired by others’ recommendations. Register online at https://bit.ly/
Tues., Jan. 11 Short Fiction Workshop 6:00 pm Our newly reinvigorated writing group will next meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 11 to participate in writing exercises and offer supportive feedback on group members’ short fiction works-in-progress. Returning members will share their progress on last month’s writing prompt, but new members are very much welcome to join us. Register at https://bit.ly/
Thursday, January 13th at 1pm Library Board of Trustees. The Board meets downstairs in the Program Room and meetings are open to the public.
Thurs., Jan. 20 Poetry Reading and Workshop with Matthew Burns 6:00 pm The Community Library is pleased to welcome award-winning poet Matthew Burns for a combination poetry reading and workshop on Thursday, January 20th at 6:00 pm at the library. Mr. Burns will read from his recently published poetry collection, Imagine the Glacier, and present a mini-workshop on how to engage with and appreciate poetry. Sponsored through a grant from Poets & Writers, Inc. This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Thurs., Jan. 27 Intro to Crochet for Absolute Beginners 5:30 pmJoin The Community Library for a basic crochet class presented by talented local crochet artist Kristi Goodrich. Kristi will provide an easy-to-follow introduction to the fundamental crochet skills necessary to get first-timers started on simple, fun projects. This course will also provide the basics necessary to attend the intermediate crochet program scheduled for February. All required supplies will be provided, so please register in advance so we can have enough kits for all participants. Ages 8 and up welcome. Register online at https://bit.ly/
Battle of the Books is on for Radez and Golding students. Visit the display in the Lobby to pick up your next title.
Looking for something for something fun and different for the family over the Christmas break? The Library has museum passes for The Adirondack Experience at Blue Mountain Lake (50% discount off admission for four adults or two adults and two children), The Albany Institute of History & Art (family pass admission for two adults and two children), The Empire Pass provides car access to NYS Parks, The Iroquois Indian Museum (admission for two adults), and miSci (50% discount off admission for two adults and four children). One pass can be checked out for 7 days with your library card but they can’t be used for special events at these locations. Please check each location for specific COVID requirements prior to visiting.
Holiday Hours: In observance of the New Year holiday the Library will be closed on January 1.
The Library hours are Tuesday 10-8pm, Wednesday 10-5pm, Thursday 10-8pm, Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-1pm.
The Library continues to require masks at all times for everyone age 2 and over regardless of vaccination status. Curbside pickup is available, give us a call to schedule your pickup. Items can be ordered through the online catalog or by calling the Library. To request items online log into your account with the barcode on the back of your library card. Your pin is the last 4 digits of your phone number. Don’t have a card, stop into the Library with your id and a piece of mail with your current address and complete a library card application.
Follow us on social media for library news, event information, volunteer opportunities, new book announcements and more! Facebook: @TheCommunityLibraryCobleskill
We are aware of an issue with our phone system when trying to reach the Library the line just rings. We are working to resolve the issue. If your call does not go through please consider emailing us. Library Contact: 518.234.7897, coblib@mvls.info
Whittling Away - Resolution Time
It's that time of the year again, resolution time. A whole brand new year ahead of us and we get stuck with homework! I suppose I could cheat and just copy over last year's since I didn't use them much but I refuse to be a shirker. Last years were pretty much the same as the year before which were pretty much as the year before that and so on for as long as I can remember. You know the ones, they are the same ones that most adults make--losing weight, saving money, exercising more, less television and more books--same old junk. You list them with good intentions and start out in good faith only to see most of them fade by the end of January. They usually die a quiet, hardly noticed, death only to be revived with the dawning of a new year. I don't like breaking promises, even if they're promises to myself so I've been thinking of coming up with some more creative self-improvement ideas. The old ones sure would be nice and I'll include them again but given their past track record I don't have a lot of hope for their success. Now, to come up with ones that I can try to keep all year long.
Let's see, I could improve my dental health by trying not to grit my teeth when I hear the phrase, "Fake Media"; when the batteries go in the remote control I won't replace them, that should lead to several more miles walked each week; I will try to eliminate one "I wish--" from each day; I will look through my file of daily problems until I can find at least one that I can smile or maybe even laugh about; I will bring a smile to someone who doesn't have one at the time-- people who are family count; a moment each day will be spent being "childish" and enjoying all that is good about that state; I will remember that my spouse is my best friend also and do one "best friend" thing for her daily; I will avoid disappointment and not enter any more beauty pageants; I will enjoy the aging process and realize that no matter what I do, it isn't reversible and is much better than the alternative that would replace it.
That should do it, now I think I'll type my resolutions up and post them where I'll see them daily and be reminded. I'll put a copy in the refrigerator, I look in there frequently. The steering wheel would be another good place, I spend a lot of time running around each day. I'll tape another copy on the floor near the spot on the bed where I sit for my daily wrestling match with my socks. I thought about taping one on the mirror in the bathroom but I realized that the older I get, the less time I spend looking in the mirror, I no longer want to see what it wants to show me. I might tape a copy to each doorway so that when I go into a room and can't remember why I went in there, I can at least better myself while I'm trying to recall my lost mission.
Well, I guess I'm ready for the New Year, so bring it on. I'm sure that like all the others, it's gonna be a doozy and has to be better than the one it's replacing
Thought for the week--Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.
whittle12124@yahoo.com
The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby
PRATTSVILLE – Happy and Healthy New Year. Trust your Christmas celebrations were filled with family, friends and love.
Visitors from near and far filled local homes with family and friends. Arkansas, Cooperstown, Cherry Valley, East Durham, were some of the towns and states sending visitors to our area. Driveways were packed with visitors’ cars and homes were resounding with conversations, seasons greetings and the clinking of glasses, even family pets joined the festivities. Happy for all that the holidays were somewhat back to normal. But please be careful and intelligent about following health guidelines. We have all the holidays in 2022 to enjoy.
Mary Jane Labine was able to get out and enjoy some Christmas shopping. She recommended some books for an avid reader and that was appreciated.
Feel better wishes to Jodi Gurley. Had that bug, not Covid, that seems to bring on cold like symptoms. The sad part about this bug is it lets you think you are over it, and you are for a few days, then it is right back again.
Matt Peters of WTS Store and Ann O’Hara of Ann & Co. were treated to some holiday goodies from some grateful customers.
George Greiner, veteran of Athens, made an impromptu visit to an area friend. He and wife Donna hand delivered their Christmas card because they had recently moved and wanted their friends to have their new address. It was a chance to have a Christmas conversation.
Got a nice thank you letter from Michele Ferrauilo, R/T, at Stratton VAMC for the recent Christmas Celebration gifts for the residential veterans on the 9th Floor as follows addressed to us all:
“Thank you so much once again for thinking of our residents. It was great to see you and your elves on December 13th. Thank you for dropping off the gifts and lifting the spirits of our Veterans. Your thoughtfulness and kindness is extra special to our residents during COVID 19. As you know the medical center is taking every precaution to protect our Veterans and with that comes no visitors. So, every little act of kindness helps. They truly enjoyed and appreciated the gifts that they received. Some of them tore them open immediately and some are waiting until Christmas. They missed seeing all of you so did the staff. They want me to send you a great big thank you. Thank you to your community and the Veteran Service Organizations who played a part in this event. We were even able to provide some cheer to our Veterans on the medical units. [Short term surgical or clinical patients] Thank you for the time you spend shopping, organization and preparing for this event. The residents and staff wish to send you and your crew a huge thank you and hoping we can all see you soon. Sincerely, Michele Ferrauilo, Recreation/Creative Arts Section Supervisor, Adaptive Sports Coordinator” As you can see by the multiple titles Michele has, she is a very busy person and she does every responsibility, and I do mean every, with excellence and love. Plus with the pandemic and loss of volunteers and cut backs in staff, Michele is doing double duty most of the time. She assists with check ins and administering vaccines and still provides the most important care of all – love. If you would like to send her a card:
Michele Ferrauilo, R/C Arts Supervisor, Stratton VAMC, Room 117, 113 Holland Ave, Albany, NY 12208.
You could also include love and greetings to the veterans on the 9th Floor.
Happy Birthday to Carli Ann O’Hara and to Janet Chatfield Syska out in Oregon on January 1. Happy Birthday to Lana Breigle on January 2. On January 3 we wish Baylee Lorraine Osborn and Ursula Lindley Happy Birthday. Watch out for a big celebration on January 4 we wish Diane Cammer Eklund and Debbie Carman Colliton a Happy Birthday. Wonder what they will be up to – no good I hope.
Send your holiday news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.
Schoharie Library News
Schoharie Library News December 30, 2021
518-295-7127 www.schoharielibrary.org
Schoharie Library Hours: MTF 11am-6pm, Thurs. 12pm-7pm, and Sat. 10am-5pm. Closed December 24th & 25th, Closing at 1pm on December 31st & Closed New Year’s Day
In-person programs:
Teen Thursday@YourLibrary: Thursdays, 5-7pm. Share book & reading recommendations, play games, craft your own projects, more!
Parent Time@YourLibrary: Drop in Mondays, 1-3pm. Come socialize with other parents before school pickup. Young ones are welcome to play.
Storytime with Miss Yvonne: No Storytime Dec. 24 or 31. Resumes January 7, Fridays at 10am. Stories, songs, fun activities!
Knitcetera Club: Tuesdays, January 11 & 25, 10:30am-noon. Quilt, knit, anything goes!
Mandala Plates: Saturday, January 15, 10am & noon: With The Studio for Art & Craft. Registration required, limited space. This project is made possible with funds from the Restart NY Regrants, a regrant program ofthe New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered in Schoharie County by CREATE Council on the Arts.
Virtual Programs:
Writing Club: Mondays at 6:30pm. https://bit.ly/SchoharieLibraryPrograms
UFO (Unfinished Object Club): Thursdays, January 6 & 20, 10am. https://bit.ly/SchoharieLibraryPrograms
Books & Chocolate Book Chat: Wednesday, January 19, 6:30pm.
What to Read Next: Friday, January 21, 6:30pm.
Take & Make kits: Pipecleaner angels and Webb Space Telescope bookmarks
ONC BOCES and The Otesaga Resort Partner to Offer Fellowship
Written By Editor on 12/27/21 | 12/27/21
SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap
Written By Editor on 12/22/21 | 12/22/21
The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team closed out the semester on Saturday dropping a 94-75 decision to the visiting Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland in non-conference play. With the loss the Fighting Tigers close the semester with a 1-11 overall record including a 0-3 mark in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) action. Junior Justin Feldman, Chester, N.Y., Chester High School/Orange Community College, turned in a stellar effort in defeat for the Orange & Black scoring a season high of 22 points to go with five rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals.
UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS:
Men’s Basketball vs. Thomas College 1/8, Maine Maritime 1/9
Women’s Basketball vs. Thomas College 1/8, Maine Maritime 1/9, SUNY Delhi 1/29
Bassett Medical Center Delivers 1000th Baby of 2021
Bassett Medical Center (BMC) welcomed its 1000th 2021 baby into the world last week. Jamison, a baby boy, was born in BMC’s Birthing Center to the joy of all.
“Our team in the Birthing Center has always been hardworking and dedicated,” shares Stacey Jordan BSN, RN, Manager Birthing Center and Inpatient Pediatrics. “But during the pandemic they’ve proven themselves in new ways that astound me. It is wonderful to reach this milestone together.”
Jessica and Cody with their newborn son, Jamison. |
Of course no one was happier than Jamison’s parents, Jessica and Cody of Sherburne, NY—especially since they experienced some unexpected bumps along the way. After a smooth labor, he became twisted in the birth canal, requiring a cesarean section. But this was another opportunity for the Birthing Center Staff to shine.
“Our nurses and doctors have been phenomenal,” says Cody, “especially when things got rough. I was worried—balling my eyes out—when we realized that Jamison was turned around. But everyone calmed us down, answered all our questions and acted quickly to do what needed to get done.”
In particular, Jessica and Cody expressed gratitude for Sunny Dickerson, RN, Mary Livermore, RN, IV and the C-Section staff for their roles in welcoming their first born into the world.
“Sunny and Mary especially made us feel at home as soon as we arrived,” says Cody. “We have a loving family who, with all the pandemic safety protocol, couldn’t be here with us. But those two made all the difference in the world.”