Imani Winds to open Cooperstown Summer Music Festival on August 2

 

Cooperstown, N.Y. – The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is back! On Tuesday, August 2, the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds will perform the opening concert of the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival’s 24^th season at 7 p.m. at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.

 

The groundbreaking wind quintet will present a program showcasing all the sonic possibilities of this combination of instruments, including works by former founding member Valerie Coleman, Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, and an arrangement of Ravel’s ‘Tombeau de Couperin’. This performance will offer the Cooperstown audience a unique opportunity to see what their self-described “revolution and evolution of the wind quintet” is all about.   

 

“The Imanis will shatter your expectations of what a wind quintet can do,” says Cooperstown Summer Music Festival Founder and Artistic Director Linda Chesis. “I can’t think of a group that better represents the future of classical music in a fun and totally accessible way.” 

 

Tickets for all shows are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children (except for “Musical Kaleidoscope” by the Caroga Arts Ensemble, where tickets are by suggested donation). Tickets for all events must be purchased in advance either online at www.cooperstownmusicfest.org or over the phone by calling Purplepass Tickets at 800-316-8559 and selecting Option 1. Please note there is a $2 service fee per phone order. Audience members will be required to show proof of vaccination, including a required booster shot for those who are eligible for all events.

 

For more information about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival, visit www.cooperstownmusicfest.org or email info@cooperstownmusicfest.org.

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Summer Lecture Series: Folk Artist John Wilkinson

The 2022 Summer Lecture Series will continue tomorrow night, Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m., with local folk artist John Wilkinson who will talk about his folk art paintings of Schoharie County at the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association located on Depot Lane in Schoharie.

Wilkinson has been painting scenes of life in Schoharie County for more than 20 years. He pains farm scenes, parades, special events, village scenes, and more, in his distinctive folk art style. The artist will speak about how he develops painting ideas and what attracts him to a particular subject.

In all, Wilkinson estimates he has created more than 150 paintings and he will be showing some of his favorite and most significant works in a prepared slide show. Additionally, original paintings will be on display and many of his prints, greeting cards, and his recently published book, titled “The Heart of Schoharie County,” will be available for purchase.

“I paint what I see,” said Wilkinson. “Always, it’s what people in Schoharie County are doing, or what they used to do. I choose happy themes, happy colors, and places that are familiar to those who know the county. I like to paint events, parades, everyday activities, and our beautiful farms, village, and buildings.”

Admission to the lecture is $5 for non-members and FREE for Schoharie County Historical Society members.

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New York Power Authority Trustees Vote to Appoint Justin E. Driscoll President and CEO

 

Board Cites Management Skills, Public Utility Expertise and

Record of Accomplishment

 

Driscoll to Assist in Execution of Governor Hochul’s Nation-leading

Energy Plan and NYPA’s VISION2030 10-year Strategy

WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) Board of Trustees and the Canal Corporation’s Board of Directors today voted to appoint Justin E. Driscoll as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Power Authority and the Canal Corporation, subject to New York State Senate confirmation. 

 

Last week Governor Hochul recommended that Driscoll be appointed to lead the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility. Driscoll has served as interim president and CEO since Gil C. Quiniones resigned in October 2021.

 

NYPA Chairman John R. Koelmel said Driscoll was selected for the permanent position after a nine-month extensive national search.

 

“Justin has shown in his interim role how well he can serve the people of New York State and it’s clear that he’s the best person for the job,” Koelmel said. “He has demonstrated a deep understanding of the utility industry and NYPA’s 90-year public power legacy. I know that he will continue to lead this organization expertly, as we execute on our ambitious VISION2030 10-year strategy and help implement Governor Hochul’s nation-leading energy plan.”

 

Driscoll said, “I am honored to be selected to lead the Power Authority as we transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York. Our role is to create a clean energy future for the people of New York State—and I know we’ll fulfill this commitment as we support New York’s nation leading climate goals. With VISION203, our 10-year strategic plan, we have a strong path forward as we keep our culture strong and equitable, reimagine the Canals and rethink New York’s energy system.”

 

Driscoll previously served as chief legal officer of NYPA. Before joining NYPA, Justin was engaged in the private practice of law and represented clients that included Fortune 500 companies, governmental entities, and energy companies, in complex commercial litigation and regulatory matters.

 

Driscoll serves on several boards including the Alliance to Save Energy, New York City's Urban Green Council, the Large Public Power Council, and the World Resources Institute's Global Energy Advisory Board.

 

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SUNY Cobleskill Hosts Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment Course for Golding Middle School Students

 

COBLESKILL, N.Y. -- SUNY Cobleskill’s Agricultural Engineering department hosted a group of students from Golding Middle School for a week of summer enrichment programming. Through a grant received by Cobleskill-Richmondville Central Schools, ten students took part in the week-long “Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment” course, learning the basics of operating and repairing heavy farm equipment under the instruction of college professors. 

 

Topics covered in the course included shop and machine safety, equipment operation, and basic welding skills, all offered in a hands-on setting on campus. 

 

Thursday, July 21, was Dealer Day, in which SUNY Cobleskill invited partners to join the class and offer information and demonstrations. Participating organizations included the New York State Department of Transportation, Salem Farm Supply, and Monroe Tractors. All are close partners with the College’s Agricultural Engineering programs and employ many Cobleskill graduates.  

 

As will all Summer Enrichment Program courses at CRCS, Agricultural Mechanics was offered at no cost.

 

Agricultural Engineering programs at SUNY Cobleskill prepare students to enter a highly technical industry, with degree paths in Agricultural Equipment Technology, Agricultural Power Machinery, and Diesel Technology, which features specializations in John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment.

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NYPA Launches Mentor Protégé Program to Increase Number of Diverse Vendors Used in Power Authority and Canal Corporation Contracts

 

 

New Program to Further Goals of NYPA’s 10-Point DEI Plan

 

See Video Highlighting New Supplier Diversity Program 

 

WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced the launch of its Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP), which aims to increase the number of diverse businesses able to fulfill NYPA and New York State Canal Corporation (Canals) contracts. The Supplier Diversity program advances the goals of NYPA’s Ten-Point Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, a pillar of the Authority’s VISION2030 strategic plan.

 

“NYPA is committed to incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion practices across all phases of our operations,” said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “The Mentor-Protégé Program will enable more small, diverse firms to fulfill NYPA and Canal Corporation contracts, increasing the diversity of the Power Authority’s supply chain base and furthering the goals of NYPA’s DEI Plan.”

 

The program has been designed to motivate and encourage large firms in NYPA’s supply chain to provide mutually beneficial developmental assistance to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs), minority-owned businesses enterprises (MBEs) and women-owned business enterprises (WBEs). By participating in the program, mentors will gain a stronger network of subcontractors while protégés gain knowledge and insights about successfully bidding for NYPA and Canals contracts. A pilot program for the MPP concluded earlier this month.

 

“The Mentor-Protégé Program will leverage NYPA’s experience, resources and purchasing power to increase the number of diverse firms in its supply chain pipeline,” said NYPA Vice President of Strategic Supply Management John Canale. “This initiative is among the first of many supplier diversity programs aimed at driving the success of diverse businesses by providing them with the tools to grow their capacity and skills.”

 

To participate in the MPP, businesses must be a New York State minority and women-owned business (MWBE) or New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-owned business, either currently certified or eligible for New York State certification. To request an application for the Power Authority’s Mentor-Protégé Program, e-mail MPP@nypa.gov. For additional information about the supplier diversity program, contact Alyson.Danielewicz@nypa.gov.

 

NYPA Supplier Diversity Programs

 

To strengthen its connections with diverse businesses, NYPA is implementing several new supplier diversity programs in addition to MPP. The programs include:

 

• The Surety Bond training program, which provides diverse businesses with training and assistance to secure bonding and greater access to capital to increase their business capacity.

 

• The Small and Local Business program, which provides comprehensive support to diverse businesses, including a resource-rich educational platform that offers one-on-one assistance, personalized advisory services and virtual workshops at flexible hours.

 

• The SkillUP development program, an innovative workforce development program designed to recruit and retain non-traditional students—18 years and older—in disadvantaged communities.

 

To access procurement bidding opportunities, businesses can find notices advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter, the state’s daily listing of contracting opportunities in the amounts of $50,000 or more, at www.nyscr.ny.gov. Events are also posted online as they become available at www.nypa.gov/procurement. To participate in current and future bid opportunities, businesses must register in Ariba, NYPA’s procurement software, at nypa.supplier.ariba.com/register.

 

###

 

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $33 billion in 102 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.

 

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

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Local Honor Flight Expands Its Mission

For over 14 years, Leatherstocking Honor Flight has been taking WW II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans on spectacular flights to Washington DC to experience the memorials created in their honor. 

Trips are free to the Veterans and are funded by donations only. The community has supported us to the extent that we were able to conduct 2- 4 flights per year, barring Covid-19. 

The Veterans return from an Honor Flight with a better understanding of how honored and revered they are and how greatly their service and sacrifice are appreciated by so many. 

We make it a point to let them know that the flights are not just a Leatherstocking endeavor, but a community project sustained by peoples' desire for them to be honored. This broadens and enhances that message. 

We hear it from the Veterans, their families, and their friends how impacted the Veterans are by having been on an Honor Flight. That being said, we will continue these flights far into the future. 

Understanding the power of Honor Flight, we feel that we can do so much more. 

We have formed a new entity called the LHF Veterans Initiative. This new entity, like Leatherstocking Honor Flight, is an all-volunteer, 501c3, not-for-profit. All 

donated funds go to our Veteran projects. No one in our group receives any compensation. 

Two of the projects we have undertaken are the Combat Veteran's Retreat and the Purple Heart Project. Like the Honor Flights, these projects are totally free to the Veterans. 

The weekend retreats take place in the lower Adirondacks at secluded and beautiful lakeside venues. Outdoor activities include kayaking, pontoon boating, fishing, and hiking. Beside being very relaxing and enjoyable, the activities enable the Veterans to bond with each other. 

Saturday evening we offer the Veterans a nice BBQ after which they all sit around an all-night campfire and have some Vet-to-Vet conversations. Through sharing their thoughts, they also come to understand that they are not alone in their feelings. 

These retreats are done in partnership with Homeward Bound Adirondacks, an organization with a long and impactful history. 

We do not expect to cure PTSD at these events; if we are able to just lighten their load, our mission will have been a success. 

We conducted our first retreat mission this June, 10-12. The Veterans had a great time and enjoyed the camaraderie and conversations. They were also very appreciative of our efforts and the support of the community. 

Our next retreats will take place September 23-25 and on October 14-16. Any combat Veteran wishing to take part in a retreat should contact Valerie from Homeward Bound Adirondacks at 518 345 0545. 

The other project we are working hard on is the Purple Heart Project. Open to all Purple Heart recipients, it is a trip to the Hudson Valley that includes a boat tour of the Hudson River and visits to West Point, Washington's Headquarters, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. The attendees may bring a guest. 

The tour will start out with a breakfast in the Albany area where we will board the tour bus for the day. Lunch will be provided and dinner will be at the famed Thayer Hotel at West Point. 

One of our members was part of planning the executing this type of event three years ago and found the mission just as exciting as an Honor Flight. One Veteran told him “this has been a real catharsis.” 

Our first of these missions is being planned for August 20th. 

Anyone interested in taking part in this event should call Liz at 518 339 2464. 

Donations for these projects can be sent to: 

LHF Veterans Initiative 

PO Box 621 

Cobleskill, NY 12043 

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Circus Coming to the Zone

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Domestic dispute in Delaware County results in numerous charges

On July 23, 2022, at approximately 8:50 p.m., New York State Police at Oneonta and members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Christopher M. Yeary, age 42 of Hamden, NY for the following charges:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree, class “D” felony
• Unlawful Imprisonment in the first degree, class “E” felony
• Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree (prevent emergency call), class “A” misdemeanor
• Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, class “A” misdemeanor
• Menacing in the second degree, class “A” misdemeanor

On July 23, 2022, at approximately 12:40 p.m., Troopers were dispatched by Delaware County 911 to a domestic dispute on Chambers Hollow Road in the town of Hamden. 

Walton Police Officers were first on scene and assisted in removing a victim from the area.  The victim was evaluated by members of Delhi EMS but was not transported to a hospital. 

An investigation revealed that Yeary choked, then menaced the victim with a firearm.  He then prevented the victim from leaving the residence and smashed the victim’s cell phone, preventing the victim from calling 911. 

Yeary refused to leave the residence to speak with law enforcement. After several hours, Yeary was taken into custody and transported to SP Sidney for processing.  Yeary was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond. 

Troopers were assisted by the Colchester Police Department, Delhi Police Department and Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies. 

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Livestock Foundation Bovina Bicentennial Concert

The Bovina Bicentennial is this Saturday! Read all about the weekend's events at BovinaNY.org. Livestock Foundation is hosting a FREE concert after the Bicentennial festivities on Saturday, July 30 at Chico's Barn at Livestock HQ (124 Bob Hall Rd, Bovina, NY 13740) featuring local favorites College Farm and Pispoure. No cover. BYOB. Doors open at 7 pm, music starts at 8 pm. College Farm is a neo-regionalist folk rock fury from northwest Appalachia. Andy and Matt's dad took a job at the agricultural state school, Delhi, in the 1960s which brought a magical Bovina boyhood. Josh and Chris Dukes joined the ensemble sometime around 1992. Andy and Matt are on guitar, Josh plays bass, and Dukes mans the drum kit while the entire quartet sings. Pispoure is a local group of Bovina Musicians featuring Harlo Bray, Ed Denison, John Chico Finn and Ira McIntosh.  These guys started playing together on 2001, where they honed their chops at Ed’s chicken shack on Russell Hill Road.  Pispoure’s material is a blend of originals as well as obscure covers that they have claimed as their own.

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KINDERHOOK NY: COLDWELL BANKER VILLAGE GREEN REALTY EXPANDS TO COLUMBIA COUNTY

 

Amidst a changing real estate landscape, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty opened a new location at 5 Hudson Street in Kinderhook, NY. While other investor-driven real estate brands with a shorter history, a focus on unconventional business practices, and tumbling stock-prices have laid off a large percentage of their workers, Hudson Valley/Catskills brokerage Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty is growing, bringing the same excellence and professionalism they’ve offered the region for 30 years to Columbia County. Members of the Kinderhook Business Association, Mayor Michael Abrams, members of the Sheriff’s Department and over 100 community members were on hand for a June 23rd ribbon-cutting ceremony that commemorated the opening of both Village Green and Farmers Insurance who now share the newly-renovated space at 5 Hudson Street. Set on a trajectory of growth, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty also opened an office in the Putnam County hamlet of Carmel in May and celebrated the opening of an expanded office in Windham on July 4th. 

 

Principal Broker/Owner Candida Ellis was excited by the event’s turnout, “I’ve been looking for the perfect spot for a Columbia County office for a long time. I know we’ve made the right decision here in Kinderhook. We’ve been welcomed by the community with open arms; we have agents who have been working in Columbia County for years - Joel Craig, Mary McKinney, The Angela Lanuto Team, Christine Hinz - and their reputation has preceded them in the market. With the addition of Doe Mallory, we can meet the need for our services here and offer opportunities to additional agents who’d like to partner with us. While the national real estate market is changing, I’m undaunted. The second and third quarter numbers for the Kinderhook area were strong and The Hudson Valley and Catskills region has - even during the late-2000’s – historically had a steady market. We’re here to give our clients excellent service.” 

 

Doe Mallory, the office’s Director of Business Development grew up in New York City and Rhinebeck. As a child she explored the upscale homes of the Hudson Valley while tagging along with her father, an interior designer. Most recently she worked in the luxury real estate space in Pebble Beach. “We’re poised to offer the exceptional level of service we’re known for and also to contribute a forward-thinking, dynamic energy to the real estate market in Columbia County. I grew up looking at beautiful, fun homes in the Hudson Valley. I’m thrilled to return to my roots and to have the opportunity to work with the homes and the people I grew up with. And we’re going to be fortunate enough to have a rotating exhibition of Columbia County artists’ work in the office. Our first artist is Robert Beard. His work is stunning. I hope the whole community will feel comfortable enough to come in and browse the art, even if they aren’t immediately in need of our real estate services.” 

 

Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty’s Chief Operating Officer Guy Barretta said, “We’re excited to be opening here in Kinderhook, NY. Candida and I have sought ways to expand that benefit our clients and our established agents. I feel we’ve succeeded here on both counts. Our agents have been doing more business in Columbia County than ever before. With the leadership we have in the regional market and the national branding that Coldwell Banker delivers, we know that we will be the preferred choice in this market for clients and for agents who are looking for a great partnership.” 

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VKB—Only 3 More Chances to Hear These Amazing Musicians!

Don't wait until Sunday! FSC audiences are loving this power trio of seasoned music veterans dedicated to re-imagining the tragicomic lyrical genius of the Tom Waits songbook. Hear the beautiful playing and harmonies of these multi-talented singer/songwriters.  Their beautiful styles, together and solo, create a captivating summer muisic event in Chapel Hall.  VKB is Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Terry Radigan who create a world of sound employing stunning vocal harmonies and a treasure trove of instruments including banjos, bottles, squeezebox, and zills.  Plunge in and thrill… —Music Row VKB…creates music that is at once powerful, playful and poignant. —Glide Magazine Only 3 More Performances! Friday, July 22 @7:30 pm Saturday, July 23 @7:30 pm  Sunday, July 24 @5:00 pm

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Windham Mountain Opening Climbing Wall

Windham Mountain will be opening a climbing wall tomorrow, July 22nd! Scale our brand-new 28’ climbing wall with lots of room for oodles of fun. Choose from four different routes and ascend to the top. The climbing wall is open to everyone over the age of 6 (and over 40” tall) - just make sure you have closed-toed shoes. The climbing wall will be open during bike park hours - Monday, Thursday, and Friday 10 AM - 5 PM, as well as weekends from 9 AM - 5 PM. Add our climbing wall to your family's bucket list fun this summer. 

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Hobart Hosting Festival of Women’s Writers

The Hobart Festival of Women Writers will present its tenth annual festival in Hobart, N. Y. on Sept. 9, 10, and 11. Eighteen professional women writers, working in varying genres, will gather in Hobart, the Book Village of the Catskills to offer a range of literary activities. Over the past nine years, the Festival has hosted over sixty distinguished writers and is highly anticipated in Delaware County and the State.

Writers participating for the first time are: Laurie Lico Albanese, Myriam J.A. Chancy, Marina Antropow Cramer, Ysabel Y. Gonzalez, Khaliah D. Pitts, Jane Schulman, Suzanne Strempek Shea, This year’s returning writers are: Cheryl Boyce Taylor, Nana Brew-Hammond, Breena Clarke, Cheryl Clarke, Esther Cohen, Alexis De Veaux, Stephanie Nikolopoulos, Bertha Rogers, Elizabeth Searle, Mecca Sullivan, and Lisa Wujnovich.

Participants may choose from among fourteen writing workshops, addressing such topics as: the uses of mythology, the poetic form zuihitsu, writing and illustrating children’s books, telling the good story, developing voice and setting, using dreams in poetry, and characterizing “home” in fiction.  

Public Readings by Festival writers, a favorite of attendees, will be interspersed throughout the  two and a half days and are free and open to surrounding communities.

Persons who wish to register for the Festival may visit https://www.hobartfestivalofwomenwriters.com for the link to the Festival Eventbrite site.

The Festival is supported in part by New York State Council of the Arts Decentralized grants, the O’Connor Foundation, and individual donors. Contact Barbara Balliet at barbarajeanballiet@gmail.com for more information. 

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SEVA Hosting Palm Analysis Workshop

Location: SEVA Auditorium

Date: Saturday, August 20th

Time: 1:30-3:00PM

Fee: $30 

To Register by August 15th: contact Barbara at 845-684-5061

Everyone can learn to read the map etched on the palms of their hands. The lines and signs are not there by chance and, when decoded, can lead to great insights and understandings about one’s personality, strengths, and intrinsic challenges. This is not predictive palmistry; it is Hand Analysis. Come with an open hand and an open mind, and in 90 minutes you’ll learn how much can be revealed by deciphering what is “hidden“ in plain sight.

Presenter: Barbara Ellen has been using Hand Analysis for the past 20 years in her counseling practice to help her clients understand their inherited traits and natural gifts. She studied and trained with masters in the field, including Richard Unger, founder of the International Institute of Hand Analysis; Baeth Davis, the “Palm Pilot for the Soul of Your Business”; and Ghanshyam Birlu, Vedic Palmist and founder of the Palmistry Center in Westmont, Quebec. www.auraboutyou.com For more information, contact Barbara at 845-684-5061.

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Bassett Healthcare Network and CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim Agree to Early Contract Extension

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Healthcare Network and Dr. Tommy Ibrahim have mutually and enthusiastically agreed to an early contract extension on the occasion of the President & CEO’s highly productive two-year anniversary leading the pioneering Central New York medical, research, and education system.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue our mission-critical efforts to lead Bassett into the future and to continue serving our community with superb health care services. This region is my home now and the place where my wife and I want to raise our children and receive our own care,” said Dr. Ibrahim. “Since coming to Bassett in the summer of 2020, I have been impressed by the quality of the caregivers and practitioners who expertly and caringly serve our patients, day-in and day-out,” reports Dr. Ibrahim. “There is so much left to accomplish here, but most importantly, I am determined to see our transformation through, to becoming the best employer in the region. Our 5,000 employees deserve no less,” Ibrahim continued. 

“Dr. Tommy Ibrahim has had a remarkably successful initial run at Bassett at a time when health care executives across the nation have been confronted by significant market turmoil and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic which broke out at about the time of his arrival,” says Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Directors Chair, Doug Hastings. “Dr. Ibrahim has exceeded our expectations which were already high when he agreed to come to Cooperstown with his family,” explained Hastings, a national expert in health care policy and law who has chaired Bassett since 2019.

“Dr. Ibrahim has championed a number of visionary initiatives that have positioned our network well for growth and financial stability while advancing our mission to improve patient health and community well-being,” Hastings added. “Tommy’s strategic vision, work ethic, and calm resolve have been of immeasurable value.”

Ibrahim was named Bassett Healthcare Network’s President and Chief Executive Officer on July 13, 2020, after a nationwide search. At the time of his selection by Bassett, Dr. Ibrahim was the Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive for Oklahoma-based INTEGRIS. INTEGRIS is ranked as one of the top 25 health care systems in the nation.

Jane Forbes Clark, Chair of the Bassett Medical Center Board of Directors, said she has “enormous respect for Tommy’s commitment to Bassett Medical Center and Bassett Healthcare Network,” adding she “believes that the mission going forward is well-served under Tommy’s leadership.”

Originally scheduled to expire in December 2024, Dr. Ibrahim’s contract has been extended through the end of 2029.

“The past two years were incredibly difficult, as we took important steps to create a sustainable foundation to build upon. I am deeply appreciative of our system and entity boards for their unwavering support. Our leadership teams and each of our caregivers and practitioners have done a masterful job to get us here, and we’re still only getting started,” Ibrahim shared.

Photo Caption: Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, Bassett Healthcare Network’s President and Chief Executive Officer (left) and Doug Hastings, Bassett Healthcare Network’s Board of Directors Chair (right)

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