How to Get Savvy About Investing

How to Get Savvy About Investing 

By Michael D. Lanuto

As a financial advisor, I spend my days helping my clients make smart money decisions that will set them up to achieve their goals for the future. While a lot of what I do involves sophisticated strategies designed for more established investors, I also care deeply about helping the next generation take control of their finances early in life so they, too, can live out their dreams. While investing can be an intimidating topic for those just getting started, it doesn’t need to be. If you’re new to investing, know that it all starts with financial literacy – understanding the basics.

Here’s a primer:

Study common investment terminology. The stock market is rife with complex concepts, so start by getting a grasp of the frequently used terms and concepts. It helps to understand the language of investing, from asset allocation to ETF and beyond. To break it all down, use an online investment dictionary that provides plain-English definitions of common investment terms, or ask your financial advisor to explain them to you. 

Enroll in a class. Take advantage of free webinars, seminars or workshops on investing fundamentals. If you prefer learning in a classroom setting, look for basic courses on investing, how the stock market works or personal finance at a local college or university.

Follow the news. Start following the business and financial sections of your favorite media outlet to get a healthy dose of investment know-how. You’ll begin to understand the types of business activities that influence the marketplace—for example, oil prices or new housing starts—and gain an appreciation for what’s considered newsworthy. As you become more attuned to global markets, you’ll start to see the ripple effect of mergers and acquisitions, product innovations and even front-page news stories—from natural disasters to general elections and terrorist events—on Wall Street confidence.

Watch investment programs. Public radio and television stations often feature investment programs aimed at new and seasoned investors.  Even your local news channels may include a market segment. Be wary of infomercials disguised as informational investment programs, though.

Check out stock market apps. There are hundreds of apps available today focused on helping consumers understand investing. Before downloading an app, check the reviews and opt for those that have been vetted by trusted sources. 

Track your favorite companies. To better understand the movement of individual stocks, pick several of your favorite publicly traded companies to follow. Then, check their stock price, company newsroom and social media accounts each day. Tracking the stocks over time will help you understand how company announcements and actions, such as a product launch or comment by an executive, may affect the stock price.

Work with a financial professional. A professional can help you understand your investment options, and help you make financial decisions that are best for your individual needs. Work with someone who is willing to explain investment concepts and provide educational materials. Tell your professional about your desire to learn more about the market. He or she will likely be willing to send you news articles, add you to a newsletter or give you a call to discuss market news that may interest you.

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

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Unseasonable Warmth Delays ASF Opening Weekend

WINDHAM – The Adaptive Sports Foundation’s (ASF) long-awaited return of its winter season will be put on hold, as daily lessons for what was scheduled to be the opening weekend of December 10 and 11 have been canceled due to lack of snow. 

 

Although Windham Mountain remains open during this unseasonably warm period in early December, the available terrain is not appropriate for the ASF students’ first time on snow this season. This is the second consecutive year that Mother Nature failed to cooperate on the ASF’s opening weekend, as rain and lightning halted the first day of lessons last season.

 

As Windham Mountain continues to make snow and expand its trail count, the weekend of December 17 and 18 is now scheduled to be the program’s opening weekend. The weather forecast for Windham this upcoming week looks more wintery, as temperatures are supposed to dip again and there’s even some predictions of snowfall on the mountain. 

 

The Adaptive Sports Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides profound and life changing experiences for children and adults with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community. To learn more about the ASF or if you’d like to help support the organization's mission of “empowering lives through adaptive sports”, visit www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org

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Bassett Expands Options to Offer Advanced Robotic Assisted Gastric Bypass Surgery

“Rural patients deserve the same options available in large urban areas.” 

Cooperstown, N.Y. - Bassett Healthcare Network has announced that it is expanding its services to include technologically advanced robotic assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery as a weight-loss surgery option.

Dr. Joon Shim, Attending Surgeon & Program Director, General Surgery Residency Program, recently performed Bassett’s first surgery of this type. Dr. Shim is an expert in minimally invasive and trauma surgery.

“Robotic assisted surgery is a tool that enables surgeons to make even smaller incisions resulting in faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays,” offered Dr. Shim. “Rural patients deserve the same options available in large urban areas.” 

“At Bassett, expanding our capabilities to bring the most effective technologies to our patients is core to our mission,” said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “I applaud Dr. Shim and the entire bariatric team for advancing the care of our patients.”

“I decided to perform Bassett’s first robotic assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery because I wanted to provide our patients with the most technologically advanced minimally invasive surgery. Our system’s robotic arms provide seven degrees of freedom,” explained Dr. Shim. “The console provides a three-dimensional view of the surgical field with high definition and magnification of 10 times to what the human eye sees.”

“We can innovate in rural hospitals and improve the outcomes of our patients with excellent results,” continued Dr. Shim. “Robotic platforms support minimally invasive procedures associated with lower infection rates, faster recoveries, less postoperative pain, and increased patient satisfaction. Post-operative narcotic use in robotic procedures is astoundingly low. As a matter of fact, a recent robotic gastric bypass patient took only Tylenol while recovering. Our exceptional team will continue to work together to ensure the success of the robotic assisted gastric bypass program.”

Bassett’s bariatric surgery team has received quality recognition for patient safety and better outcomes, including the Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Dr. Shim, MD, MPH, is an expert on minimally invasive and trauma surgery. She served as an active-duty Army surgeon for four years and completed two tours as a combat trauma surgeon in Afghanistan. Dr. Shim was awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal. She earned both her medical degree and her master’s degree in public health from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She completed her residency in general surgery at the University of Massachusetts, and a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery and bariatric surgery at Brown University.

“It is truly an honor to serve our patients,” concludes Dr. Shim.

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Artists Neded for H'ART and Soul

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Man Arrested for Alleged Forcible Touching

DELHI - Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of 70-year-old Charles David of Delhi.

On the afternoon of November 21st, 2022, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies received complaint from Delhi Rehabilitation Center located at State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, alleging there was unwanted sexual contact between residents at the facility.

During the investigation it was discovered that Charles David, age 70, of Delhi, subjected two female victims, one being a staff member, and one being a resident, to unwanted sexual contact on two separate occasions while residing at the facility. 

At the conclusion of the investigation, Deputies subsequently charged Charles David with two counts of Forcible Touching, a Class A Misdemeanor in NYS Penal Law.

In accordance with NYS Bail Reform Legislation, David was processed and issued a criminal summons directing him to return to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date to answer for said charges. An Order of Protection was also issued through the Town of Delhi Court prohibiting David from having any contact with the victims. 

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Wreaths Across America Receives Support from Pilot Company to Remember and Honor Military Veterans

The company adds to its annual support of the mission by sponsoring the live coverage of the weeklong Escort to Arlington on Wreaths Across America Radio!

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 2, 2022) – Wreaths Across America announced today Pilot Company’s sponsorship of Wreaths Across America Radio and its live coverage of the 2022 Escort to Arlington. The “Escort to Arlington” has become a weeklong tradition of support and remembrance for our nation’s heroes in the trucking industry as professional truck drivers volunteer to haul veterans’ wreaths to participating locations across the country.

On the way to delivering veterans’ wreaths for placement at Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day – this year on Saturday, December 17, 2022 – the escort stops at schools and monuments in various communities along the East Coast route to share the organization’s mission to Remember, Honor and Teach about our nation’s heroes.

“It is partners like Pilot Company that continue to step up and amaze us with their generosity, not just with the financial support of sponsoring veterans’ wreaths, but in their commitment to the veterans in the industry and in their communities that deserve recognition,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America. “The support of Wreaths Radio’s live escort coverage is more than we could have expected, and we are grateful to Pilot Company and all the professional drivers and carriers that help us move the mission.”

 

In addition to the sponsorship of the weeklong live broadcasts on Wreaths Across America Radio, Pilot Company funds the placement of more than 1,300 veterans’wreaths at participating cemeteries across Tennessee. The company is also continuing its long-standing tradition of partnering with Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) to support Wreaths Across America’s celebration of veterans in the trucking industry by sponsoring the annual Appreciation Dinner held in Arlington, Virginia, the night before National Wreaths Across America Day. One of Pilot Company’s own drivers will participate in the hauling of wreaths from Maine to the company’s hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, in a custom-wrapped Wreaths Across America trailer.

“As we head into the holidays, it is important that we take time to remember and recognize all of our veterans, past and present, for the peace, safety and freedom we have in this country,” said Jordan Spradling, VP of Transportation at Pilot Company. “On behalf of all of us here at Pilot, thank you to all our service members out there for your service and sacrifice for our country. We are honored to be a part of Wreaths Across America’s mission and be able to remember and pay our respects this holiday season by placing wreaths on the final resting place of our nation’s heroes.”

 

To learn more about Pilot Company and its commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

 

You can listen to Wreaths Across America Radio’s 24/7 internet stream anytime and anywhere on the iHeart Radio app, Audacy app, TuneIn app, or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio.

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Bushel presents its December Community Film Pick: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

DELHI, NY—Bushel is pleased to present a screening of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Mujeres al Borde de un Ataque de Nervios), directed by Pedro Almodóvar and released in 1988. The film will be shown on Friday, December 16, 7 pm (doors at 6:45 pm) at Bushel, 106 Main Street, ground floor. This program is free to attend; seating for 30; mask optional but encouraged. There will be special refreshments inspired by the film: gazpacho (unadulterated) and Spanish tortilla, provided by Iris Cushing who picked the film for the series.

Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown centers on voiceover actress Pepa (Carmen Maura) who is suddenly jilted by her married boyfriend and voiceover co-star Iván (Fernando Guillén). Pepa’s frantic attempts to reach Iván by phone coincide with a madcap series of events unfolding in her high-rise Madrid apartment: Pepa’s best friend Candela (Maria Barranco) goes into hiding, Iván’s son Carlos (Antonio Banderas) shows up unexpectedly, spiked gazpacho is surreptitiously consumed, and Iván’s homicidal wife makes the scene. Almodóvar’s melodramatic heroines are irresistible in their ludic power. The film garnered an Academy Award nomination for Almodóvar (Best Foreign Language Film, 1988).

Bushel thanks Iris Cushing for her film pick! Cushing is a poet who lives in Delaware County. Among her many passions are small-press publishing, radical feminist literature, and pop rock music from the 70s.

Community Film Picks is a once-a-month film night at Bushel taking place on third Fridays at 7 pm. Bushel invites the community to propose films for future screenings. For information please email: info@bushelcollective.org. Upcoming: Summer of Soul on January 20, 2023, picked by Christina Hunt Wood.

BUSHEL is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, volunteer-led, mixed-use space dedicated to art, agriculture, ecology, and action. It is located at 106 Main Street in Delhi. For more information, go to www.bushelcollective.org.

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Ready to Play Defense with Your Retirement Savings?

By Michael D. Lanuto

For most investors, it’s no surprise that markets are subject to up-and-down fluctuations over time. And if you are investing with a long-term perspective, it’s pretty common for your portfolio to experience temporary declines in value. Given enough time, markets generally have shown an ability to overcome losses and help investors continue to accumulate wealth.

However, managing market declines is different if you are nearing or in retirement. Chances are your 401(k), 403(b) or other type of workplace savings plan represents one of your largest financial assets. You want to make sure a sudden market downturn doesn’t put you in a difficult position.

It takes time to recover from losses

While much of our focus tends to be on news about stock markets performing well, the fact is that for investors, avoiding large losses can make a real difference. This is why many investors focus on determining their risk tolerance level and building a well-diversified mix of assets that reflects their risk preferences. As you grow older, you likely may want to reevaluate your investment risk. That’s because negative markets can be a lot more difficult to overcome if you are almost retired or you are already tapping your savings to meet current income needs.

Consider these examples that show what happens if there’s a market decline at the same time you are withdrawing five percent of the portfolio’s principal to meet retirement income needs:

• If your portfolio sustains a loss of 20 percent from a combination of investment declines and portfolio withdrawals, your portfolio will need to earn a 33 percent return to overcome that loss in the following year. 

• The challenge intensifies with a larger loss. If your portfolio loses 35 percent in total, it would take a 67 percent return in the next year to regain that lost ground.

This points to the importance of modifying risk in your workplace savings plan later in life, as you close in on the time when you need to count on that pool of money for income.

What to do before or during retirement

If you don’t have time on your side – i.e., you are within five years of retirement or already retired and drawing down your assets, make a priority of reviewing the level of risk in your portfolio. That may mean reducing your holdings of equities within your broader asset mix.

Yet stocks may still need to play a role. Given the realities that your retirement may extend for two-to-three decades or longer, you need to put your portfolio in a position to grow, even modestly, to help meet income needs over that span of time. Depending on your views on risk, the stock component may represent 50 percent or less of your asset mix. You’ll likely want to consider increasing your holdings of fixed income, alternative investments, and cash to help mitigate the impact of short-term stock market swings.

The reality for most is that investing gets more complicated later in life. Talk to your financial advisor about how best to position your 401(k) or 403(b) portfolio to protect your long-term financial security.

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

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

Alternative investments involve substantial risks and may be more volatile than traditional investments, making them more appropriate for investors with an above-average tolerance for risk.

In general, equity securities tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities. The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

File #3559655-RUSH (Approved until 06/2023)

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Otsego County Master Gardener Volunteer Winter Sowing Workshop

The Otsego Master Gardeners are holding a Winter Sowing Workshop on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Oneonta Job Corps greenhouse, 21 Homer Folks Avenue in Oneonta. The session will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

There is a $5/person charge for the workshop. No previous gardening experience is needed. Space is limited; registration is required by Friday, December 9, by going to  https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/WinterSowing_243/. For more information call 607.547.2536. Ample free parking is available.

Winter sowing is a method of starting seeds outdoors in winter popularized by Trudi Davidoff and is now practiced around the world. It is recognized by the USDA as, “A propagation method used throughout the winter where temperate climate seeds are sown into protective vented containers and placed outdoors to foster a naturally timed, high percentage germination of climate tolerant seedlings.”

Come sow with workshop presenters, veteran Otsego Master Gardeners, Chris Burrington and Francine Stayter. They will cover the techniques for winter sowing including the materials needed and the various kinds of seeds that can be used, as well as the benefits of this low-cost method of germinating seeds and some of the advantages it has over indoor seed-starting requiring grow lights and the hardening-off of seedlings. In addition, participants will make a mini greenhouse in a container and sow seeds to take home. The workshop will also cover how to handle the seedlings once they germinate.

Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers have been specially trained and certified by Cornell University Extension with a mission to provide education on a broad range of horticultural topics and practices based on university research and recommendations.

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties prior to a program.

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Sensory-Friendly Santa at Nigra Arts Center

 

Gloversville, NY – The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and Transitions is hosting a Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 3:30 – 5:00 pm.

 

Sensory Santa is ideal for children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders, who may be overwhelmed by large crowds, bright lights and loud music. Children will meet with Santa in a quiet, soothing atmosphere, where they will receive individualized attention and tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Each child will get a photo, gift and activity to take home. Santa’s suit will be extra soft for a calming sensory experience and there will be no nearby distractions.

 

This event is free and open to children of all ages. Pre-registration is required by December 12. To register, please visit bit.ly/PNCCASensorySanta. For more information, call (518) 661-9932.

 

About the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts:
The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is a beautiful, year-round arts center open to the public. It houses premium art venues, hosts fun family events and provides educational opportunities for persons of all ages and levels of ability. The Nigra Arts Center also offers exceptional spaces for private parties or business events. The Nigra Arts Center was founded in 2015 by The Arc Lexington, an accredited, award-winning provider of disability services. For more information, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

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Wind Advisory Thursday, Gusts Up to 50mph

Information from the Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services:

NWS has issued a Wind Advisory in effect until 5pm Thursday.  South to Southeast winds 15-20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected today, shifting to the west at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph tonight into Thursday. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. South winds will shift to the west as a cold front moves through early this evening, with wind gusts up to 50 mph possible.  Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

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Bassett's School-Based Health Program Celebrates 30 Years of Service to the Children of Central New Yor

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that it is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its School-Based Health (SBH) program. Its first site opened in 1992 at the Delaware Academy Central School, located in Delhi, New York. This marked the first collaboration between Bassett and a school district. Since then, Bassett’s SBH program has expanded to 21 sites in 17 school districts across four counties. More than 7,000 children are enrolled across the system, and Delhi’s site alone conducts between 2,000 and 2,500 visits per year.  

Bassett’s School-Based Health program is now the largest rural school-based health program in New York State. The program ensures easy access within schools to high-quality health care services for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. School-Based Health program services are available to all students regardless of income.

In rural central New York, many children live at or below the poverty level in communities where health care is not available. Children are among those least likely to receive routine health care, least likely to be insured, and most likely to require emergency medical service.

Recognizing this gap in health care coverage, Bassett built its School-Based Health program to deliver primary health services to as many students as possible. Being the first line of defense against avoidable hospital admissions, emergency room, and acute care visits, Bassett’s SBH centers provide consistent care for students and ensure that chronic issues are cared for properly.

“Bassett’s SBH model offers a unique opportunity for communities and school districts to meet the health needs of their underserved students by achieving the same vision – that all children will be healthy and ready to learn,” said Dr. Chris Kjolhede, MD, MPH, Co-Director of Bassett’s School-Based Health program. “Generous gifts help to keep the program rolling and innovative. For example, dental and behavioral health are now part of the program, bringing these essential services into our schools to serve children in need.”

Services provided by Bassett’s SBH centers include:

• Comprehensive physical examinations

• Acute care with diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses

• Chronic care, for more long-term health problems, such as asthma, depression, and obesity

• Preventive and restorative dental services

• Mental health services are provided at every Bassett School-Based Health center. All SBH mental health clinicians have a wealth of experience working with children, teens, parents, caregivers, and families.

School-Based Health Centers and Telemedicine

“Bassett’s ongoing expansion of its telemedicine services across our rural area have made a tremendous and positive impact on our ability to serve regional students during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jane Hamilton, RN, School-Based Health Practice Manager.

“Now telemedicine is an essential complement to in-person SBH program services. Students utilize video visits to access a variety of pediatric specialties,” explained Hamilton. “This includes medication follow-ups for ADHD or depression; concussion clearance by a pediatrician for sports; ongoing management of chronic illnesses such as asthma; and psychotherapy provided by mental health clinicians.”

“We are extremely proud of our role in helping the children of our region achieve and maintain good health,” said Dr. Kjolhede. “Our outstanding, dedicated staff coupled with generous contributions and grants make this all possible. We are still growing, just like the kids we serve.” 

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Columbia University, Bassett Healthcare Network Advance Collaboration with Cardiovascular Digital Medicine & Clinical Services

Groundbreaking Partnership Will Connect Patients in Rural Central New York with Advanced Care in Manhattan 

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Medical Center in Central New York announced today that it is expanding its digital medicine capabilities to include cardiovascular clinical services in a groundbreaking initiative with Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. 

 

Through digital technology, Bassett patients will have direct connections to a broad array of cardiovascular specialists in Manhattan. This innovative collaboration is built on the foundation of Columbia’s nine decades-long affiliation with Bassett as a teaching hospital and medical school campus. 

 

This initiative places Bassett and Columbia at the forefront of rural healthcare and advances in digital medicine. Columbia physicians seeing Bassett patients from their offices downstate are assisted by nurses in Bassett exam rooms, including physical examinations with the use of live video and an electronic stethoscope allowing the doctor to listen to the heart and lung sounds remotely. 

 

“Our digital health strategies center on seamlessly connecting our patients in rural settings with world-class physicians, here on the Bassett campus and through our partnership with Columbia,” says Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “Bassett is committed to the ongoing expansion of our digital health capabilities into clinical services in cardiovascular care and beyond.” 

 

"We are very proud to have long been Bassett's partner in providing the most advanced and compassionate care to the people of upstate New York," says Katrina Armstrong, MD, Dean of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Generations of our students have had access to a unique clinical experience that forever shapes their approach as physicians, and today's announcement will expand that opportunity."

 

“The long-standing academic tie between the two institutions is a tremendous advantage,” says Dr. Michael Holmes, Chief of Cardiology at Bassett Medical Center. “The unique relationship between Columbia’s nationally renowned cardiac programs and college, and an exceptional rural hospital, brings the entire range of high-quality cardiac specialties to Bassett’s patient population in Central New York, and assists Bassett in recruiting physician leaders in clinical care, teaching and research.”

 

The expanding program is guided by Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, Dr. Michael Holmes, Dr. Nick Homma, Deputy Chief of the Cardiology Division and Chief Medical Officer at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Cheryl Gelder-Kogan, Interim Administrative Director, Cardiovascular Service Line at Bassett Medical Center.

 

“Working with visionaries creates exceptional results,” says Dr. Homma. “Dr. Ibrahim and the outstanding team at Bassett Medical Center are dedicated to providing their patients with world-class physicians through innovative digital healthcare strategies.”

“Columbia and Bassett practitioners regularly engage in formal discussions to ensure quality commitment and oversight of our shared services,” adds Dr. Holmes. “As we continue to build collaboration, key statistical reviews relative to national benchmarks and quality indicators will propel Bassett and Columbia forward together as we work to optimize patient experiences and enhance quality.”

 

The innovative program, which is already underway, is slated to expand to five days a week, with doctors potentially alternating between clinical settings at both Bassett in Cooperstown and Columbia.

 

Bassett Medical Center offers a three-year Cardiovascular training program for medical students. Columbia – Bassett cardiac fellows spend up to two months a year doing rotations at Columbia to round out their experiences, specifically with advanced heart failure, left ventricular assist devices, and cardiac transplants. Fellows are primarily based at Bassett’s Cooperstown campus with the opportunity to complete key rotations at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.

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Nigra Arts Center to host Santa’s Workshop Family Event

 

Gloversville, NY – The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts invites children of all ages and their families to Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At this festive event, the Nigra Arts Center will transform into the North Pole for a morning of crafts, activities, food, Santa and lots of holiday-themed fun.

 

Attendees will enjoy a light breakfast, raffles, screenings of holiday movies, interactive music, face painting and all kinds of family fun inspired by the classic tale “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Santa Claus will be on-site for photos, and every child who attends will go home with a gift from him! In addition, kids will be able to work on various crafts to take home, including cookie decorating, spin art, customized picture frames, jewelry making and coloring sheets. Representatives from Lowe’s Home Improvement’s Build and Grow program will also be on hand to teach kids how to build their own projects in Santa’s Workshop.

 

This event will take place in the Nigra Arts Center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. Admission is $10 per child, which includes breakfast, activities, a photo with Santa and a gift. Admission for adults is $5, which includes breakfast. Children age 2 and under are admitted free. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information and to reserve tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/SantasWorkshop22 or call (518) 661-9932.

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Hunter Dies After Fall From Tree Stand

ROXBURY — A 71-year-old Harrison resident died on November 19 after he slipped and fell climbing a tree stand while hunting in the Vega valley, outside Roxbury.

Roxbury Constable Stephen Williamson reported that Ferdinando Paparatti, 71, was climbing a tree stand when he lost his footing on a rail of the ladder and fell about 12 feet.

When the victim was several hours late in returning from his outing, his son went in search of his father and found Mr. Paparatti on the ground. The tree stand was located several hundred yards from the house where Mr. Paparatti was staying. Due to the difficult terrain, first responders had to utilize an all-terrain vehicle to transport the victim from the accident site.

Ambulance personnel from Roxbury and Margaretville responded. They were assisted by Roxbury Fire Department volunteers.

The Delaware County Medical Examiner pronounced Mr. Paparatti dead at the scene.

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Three SUNY Delhi Officers Receive Statewide University Police Awards for Acts of Heroism, Bravery, and Professionalism

Lieutenant Michael O'Donnell, Officer Troy Patterson, and Technical Sergeant Jason Lonecke Recognized

DELHI, NY (11/18/2022) This week, the State University of New York announced the recipients of the 2022 University Police Awards, the highest recognition by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association. The annual awards honor lieutenants, officers, and staff for their heroic efforts and bravery on campus as well as their professionalism. Three SUNY Delhi officers were honored: Lieutenant Michael O'Donnell and Officer Troy Patterson received the Life Saving Awards, and Officer Troy Patterson and Technical Sergeant Jason Lonecke received the Professional Service Awards.

Lieutenant O'Donnell and Officer Patterson received the Life Saving Award for an incident last December in which they responded to an unresponsive male, assisting with lifesaving efforts and administering two doses of Naloxone. Thanks to their actions, the subject regained consciousness and his life was spared.

Officer Patterson and Technical Sergeant Lonecke received the Professional Service Award for demonstrating command presence when faced with the disorderly aftermath of a violent incident, successfully resolving the situation while protecting all parties.

SUNY Delhi Chief of University Police Martin A. Pettit said, "I am very proud of the actions of our SUNY Delhi department members and the work our department does each and every day. These officers are a credit to our agency and SUNY Delhi as a whole."

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Annual Tannersville Holiday Craft Fair Saturday

Sat. Nov 26. 10am-4pm
Tannersville Village Hall
Visit with Santa from 1 to 2 PM. Mail your Santa letters in the Santa mailbox. Come and do all your holiday shopping.
Thank you have a good day.

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SUNY COBLESKILL MEN’S BASKETBALL POSTS 57-53 ROAD WIN OVER ELMS COLLEGE

Chicopee, Mass.: The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team extended their current winning streak to three games as the Fighting Tigers took to the road on Thursday evening to grind out a 57-53 victory over the host Blazers of Elms College in non-league play. With the victory the Fighting Tigers move to 4-1 overall on the year while the Blazers fall to 1-3 overall on the season to date.  

The Fighting Tigers fell behind early trailing at the half by a 31-25 tally as the Cobleskill shooting mirrored the cold Massachusetts temperature by going only 6-for-29 from the floor, 20.7%, which along with 13 turnovers led to the deficit.  

The second half saw the Blazers extend their lead to 35-28 with 17:20 remaining when the Cobleskill defense turned the tide of the contest by holding their hosts scoreless over for nearly five minutes and capping a 9-0 run to take a 37-35 advantage with 13:44 left to play on a  lay-up by junior guard Andre Starks, Fairport, N.Y., Fairport High School/Corning Community College, in transition from junior guard Iziah Pigott, Brooklyn, N.Y., Urban Assembly High School/Dutchess Community College.  

The visitors would then outscore the home team 13-4 to take a 50-39 advantage with 5:19 left in regulation on a short jumper from senior forward Justin Feldman, Chester, N.Y., Chester High School/Orange Community College. 

Elms would subsequently go on a run to cut the Cobleskill lead to 55-53 with 1:38 left to play but that would be as close as they would come as the Fighting Tiger defense made key plays down the stretch to hold the Blazers scoreless with free throws by Andre Starks and junior center Markel Jenkins, Elmira, N.Y., Elmira High School/Corning Community College, providing the final margin of victory.  

Andre Starks was the game’s high scorer with 18 points to go with five rebounds and two assists while Markel Jenkins chipped in 11 points, nine rebounds and a blocked shot for the winners. Sophomore JaNyve Smith, Albany, N.Y., Bishop McGinn High School, was also a factor in the win with 10 points and seven rebounds as was sophomore center Jermaine Wheeler, Manhattan, N.Y., Marist High School, who came off the bench to score six points and grab four rebounds.   

The Orange & Black will next be in action on Saturday November 19 when they host the Cardinals of Plattsburgh State for a non-conference contest at the Iorio Gymnasium with tip-off at 1:30 p.m.  

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