Cobleskill Library News

The Staff, Trustees and Friends of The Community Library wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. The Library will be closed December 31 for the New Year holiday.  

 

Tuesday, January 3 and 17 at 6pm Adult Gaming Group: Adult Gamers interested in role-playing games, card and board games are invited to gather at the library for fun and games with other game fans. 

 

Thursday, January 5 the Library will open at 12:30. Staff and Trustees are meeting with the engineers regarding the library renovation and expansion. 

 

Friday, January 6 at noon Fan Favorites Book Club. Join us on the first Friday of every month for our casual conversation about the books, tv series, and movies we love. No assigned readings, just a chance to meet people, talk about things you love, and perhaps pick up a few suggestions on things that will become your new favorite obsession. 

 

Friday, January 6 and 20 at 4pm Paws for Reading Stop by the library to read to our favorite therapy dog, Nico! Nico loves to meet patrons of all ages, but he especially enjoys hearing kids practice their reading. Open to all ages. No registration necessary. 

 

Tuesday, January 10 and 24 at 6:00 pm The Short Fiction Workshop: This monthly writing workshop for teens and adults features writing prompts, exercises, and moderated feedback sessions where authors working on short fiction can practice their craft, develop new skills, and get constructive input from other writers. 

 

Tuesday, January 10 at 6:00pm Do you love anime and manga? Or maybe you're curious about these Japanese stories but aren't sure how to get started? Check out our Anime Club for teens! We meet once a month to watch anime episodes, eat snacks, and try Japanese-inspired crafts. Open to 6th-12th graders (ages 11-18). No registration required. 

 

Wednesday, January 11 Using the Libby App at noon Did you get a new phone, tablet, or computer for the holidays? Want to learn how to use it to access thousands of free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines? Join Library Director Kim Zimmer for this free lunchtime presentation showing how to use the free Libby app to access digital content made available through your library. 

 

Thursday, January 12 at 1pm Library Board of Trustees monthly meeting. The Trustees meet upstairs in the Community Room and meetings are open to the public. 

 

Thursday, January 12 All Ages Craft Buffet 4-5:30pm. All ages are invited to join us for open craft time at The Community Library. We'll have tables full of craft supplies available for participants to use, along with plenty of snacks and beverages. Whether you want to do some coloring or painting or paper crafts or knitting or whatever, you're welcome to join us for some relaxing, creative time. Come let your imagination inspire you to create whatever you choose! 

Saturday, January 14 the Library will be closed in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. 

Thursday, January 19 at 5:30 pm Teen Advisory Board Help us make the Community Library a better place for teens! Join our new Teen Advisory Board and help the library choose new teen books, plan programs, and make our teen zone a fun space for teen patrons. Snacks provided. Open to 8th-12th graders (ages 13-18). For more information, email clittle@mvls.info. 

Thursday, January 19 at 6:00pm Beyond Books: Tools & Resources for Book Lovers Join Adult Services Librarian Don LaPlant for this program highlighting a range of tools and resources for bibliophiles. Learn about apps, websites, podcasts, and publications that help you keep track of your reading, find new recommendations, and read and share book reviews. We'll also cover hidden features in the library's catalog that make it easier to find your next favorite book. 

 

The Award-Winning Trivia Night@ the Library! returns January 26 at 6:30 pm.  If you would like to be a 2023 sponsor please contact the Library. Special thanks to The Friends of The Community Library for sponsoring the snack table. 

 

Saturday, January 28 at 10am Build and Play Saturday Stop by the library anytime between 10:00 and 1:00 for some free build time! We will have lots of dfferent building sets, from simple wood blocks to LEGO, Magnatiles, and Goldie Blox. There's something for every age and skill level. 

 

Wednesdays weekly StoryTime at 10:30 with Miss. Courtney is for children ages birth to 5 and their caregiver featuring stories, songs and fun activities.  

 

Want to learn a new skill, enhance your hobby skills, or try something new? Watch classes online, anytime from anywhere, just log in to Creativebug with your Community Library card and the last four digits of your phone number to get started. Once you create an account you can save your progress and save your favorite videos. The Library’s landing page https://www.creativebug.com/lib/communitylibrary 

Overdrive App users take note, the app will be discontinued this month. Overdrive is focusing on the Libby App which makes it very easy to borrow from the extensive collection of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines.  All you need is your device, the Libby App and your Library card. If you need assistance please stop in and staff will lend a hand. A lunchtime presentation will take place on January 11 at noon on using the Libby App.  

 

The following museum passes are available for check out with your library card. The Adirondack Experience, The Empire Pass, The Iroquois Museum, and MiSci. Each pass has specific access and one pass can be checked out for 7 days but they can’t be used for special events at these locations. Please check each location for specific requirements prior to visiting. 

 

You can also checkout games with your Library card. Visit the second floor near the teen area to see what we have. A special thanks to Games A Plunder for their support of this collection. 

 

Tuesdays join your neighbors and make new friends during the Tuesday Knitters group! You can find them in the program room at 1pm. Bring your own supplies and learn something new while you chat, listen or just get in your zone. 

 

The Library continues to offer curbside pickup.  

 

A reminder that our weather closures will be posted on TV and our facebook and webpage. If Cobleskill-Richmondville School District is closed the library will automatically move to a delayed opening at noon unless it is determined unsafe for staff to travel and then the Library will close. 

 

To receive Library News by email signup here https://mailchi.mp/287db1f866ef/news Follow us on social media for library news, event information, volunteer opportunities, new book announcements and more! It is easy to find age-appropriate programs on the event calendar visit https://communitylibrary.mvls.info/ 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Town of Prattsville Organizational Meeting Notice

Please take notice, the Town Board of the Town of Prattsville will hold an organization meeting and anything else that may come before the Board at the Town Hall, 14517 main street, Prattsville NY on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 7:00pm. The public is welcome to attend.

By order of the Town Board

Kathleen Sherman

Town Clerk

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Take Steps to Save On 2022 Income Taxes Before the Year Runs Out

As 2022 winds down, it’s a good time to assess whether there are opportunities to trim this year’s tax bill. Waiting until you begin to work on your tax return in early 2023 will be too late to save in most cases. So, if you’re interested in potentially saving on taxes, you should plan now, before 2022 comes to an end. Consider if any of these actions make sense for you.

Manage your deductions

Wondering if you should itemize your deductions? For 2022, the standard deduction for a single person is $12,950, and for a married couple filing a joint return is $25,900. If your deductible expenses1 (such as mortgage interest, state and local income or sales taxes and property taxes) don’t exceed that amount, claiming the standard deduction may be best for you. For many people, this can be a close call – you might itemize one year and claim the standard deduction the next. To the extent possible, you may consider consolidating deductible expenses in one year to itemize and then claiming the standard deduction in the future. 

Make timely investment decisions

Buying and selling investment decisions shouldn’t be based on tax considerations alone. If you own mutual funds in taxable accounts, you may receive a capital gain dividend before year’s end, which will be subject to tax. You may want to avoid buying into a mutual fund late in the year if it is on the verge of making a sizable capital gain payout. By doing so, you pick up a quick tax liability when the gain is paid, without benefiting from the previous performance that generated the gain. 

While no one likes investment losses, you may be able to use them to generate a positive result: a lower tax bill for a given calendar year. The U.S. tax code requires that losses first offset gains of the same type. For example, short-term losses will first offset short-term gains. Because of the higher tax rate for short-term gains, focusing on short-term losses can have a more substantial effect on your tax savings than long-term losses – especially if you are in a higher federal tax bracket. If you didn’t have capital gains this year, you can use up to $3,000 in capital losses to reduce ordinary income. You can carry over any remaining net capital loss to future tax years until you use the loss.

Maximize retirement plan contributions 

Boosting pre-tax contributions to your workplace retirement plan may reduce current taxable income while helping you build savings for the future. How much it may impact your current taxable income is based on your current tax rate and your filing status. 

Take full advantage of charitable contributions

In 2022 only, an individual who doesn’t itemize deductions for the tax year may deduct charitable contributions of up to $300 ($600 for a married couple filing a joint return). To be eligible, contributions must be made in cash to certain charitable organizations but not to donor-advised funds or certain private foundations. 

Seek guidance

If you are seeking to implement these or other significant tax-saving strategies, be sure to check with your financial and tax advisors for confirmation that the measures you are implementing are the most appropriate for you.

1 Subject to any applicable limitations. 

###

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/. 

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

Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Agricultural experts bring research, best practices, and recent trends to Delhi

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, in partnership with the Watershed Agricultural Council, will be hosting the 20th annual Catskill Regional Agriculture Conference on Thursday, January 12, 2023, beginning at 9:30 AM in Farrell Hall at the SUNY Delhi campus.  After two years of holding the conference virtually, we will back in person; but offering the conference virtually at the same time.  Come and join farmers from around the region for this premier agricultural event.   Our top-notch speakers will be presenting timely information about dairy, livestock, vegetable, cut flower production as well as grazing management.

As in previous years, the conference will feature a local foods luncheon and keynote speaker.   This year’s featured speaker is Zach Spangler, Cornell Agriculture Climate Resiliency Specialist with Cornell’s Harvest New York team who will be speaking on Climate Policies and What they Mean for Us.    His work supports farmers efforts to contribute to climate change mitigation, improve their ability to respond to stresses, and to adapt to changing climate patterns while maintaining or improving farm viability.

Conference registration begins at 9:30 AM followed by two early bird sessions at 10:00 AM which include; Creating an Efficient Broiler Enterprise, and Stand Out at Farm Stands!  A panel discussion with local farmers. 

Attendees may choose to follow a single track or mix and match sessions that are of interest.  Core sessions of the conference take place at 11:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 2:40 PM and include the following topics:

DAIRY and FIELD CROPS: How is Your Milk Price Determined & Understanding that PPD; Lowering Bulk Tank Somatic Cell and Keeping it Low; Innovative Approaches to Terminating Winter Rye Cover Crops.

LIVESTOCK: Stocker Cattle – How it can Work, Status of Dung Beetles in New York State; Basics of Making Breeding Selections for your Livestock  

GRAZING: Planning and Designing your Fence Project, Management Tools for Grazing Success; So You have a Hayfield you Want to Graze… 

VEGETABLES: Weed ID and Management Options, Introduction to Soils & Soil Health; Expand your Offerings with Uncommon Fruits

FLOWERS:  Calculating Cut Flower Profitability; Considering a U-Pick Cut Flower Operation, Wedding Opportunities for the Farmer Florist

An all-day tradeshow of local Agri-service providers offers networking opportunities between the sessions.

For more information about the sessions, speakers, or the conference itself as well as to register for the event, please visit ccedelaware.org.  Questions can be directed to Kim Holden at 607-865-7090, ext. 241 or kmh19@cornell.edu. Pre-registration, including the luncheon, is $35 per person is required by Friday January 6th

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. The Watershed Agriculture Council is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer and is funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Forest Service, U.S.D.A., and other sources.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Auto Racing News

As a holiday reminder there are plenty of on track and off track
options available for that special person at Christmas time. Most
tracks have their 2023 general admission passes, grandstand reserved
passes, pit passes, and track licenses available. And don’t fret about
running out of time. A simple note will suffice until that special
gift arrives. Subscriptions to a number of publications such as Area
Auto Racing News (AARN), Speedway Illustratrated, and the Schoharie
Mountain Eagle. Museums such as the Saratoga Automobile Museum
(S.A.M.) in Saratoga Springs offer yearly memberships. The
Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh and the Northeast Classic Car
Museum in Norwich offer tickets to a world of education & history.
Also there is always the option of buying a gift certificate from the
local speed shop, that can be used at a later date to purchase a
necessary item for your favorite racer. There are many race teams that
have wearable merchandise and memorabilia for sale on their website or
facebook page. Remember it is the thought that counts and please
ontinue to support those small businesses that support auto racing.
The Short Track Super Series will be going international for the first
time in 2023. Along with the strong base of American tracks that the
STSS has competed at in recent years the STSS will be venturing into
Quebec, Canada in 2023 as they are scheduled to be at the Autodrome
Granby on Tuesday, July 25 & Le RPM Speedway on Wednesday, July 26.
 Well, it looks as if former two time (1998, 99) Fonda Speedway
modified champion Dave Camara has landed a ride for the 2023 season.
Camara is slated to team up with car owner & former driver Wes
"Slugger" Moody  to compete weekly at the Track of Champions and also
in selected Short Track Super Series events. The Moody Mile
Motorsports team will have a stable full of TEO chassis available and
a collection of motor combinations to help Camara as he looks to add
to his Fonda win total which currently sits at21 big-block modified
victories. Camara's last win came in 2008 and he last drove
competitively in 2010 and even though the cars may not look too much
different on the exterior, much has changed in chassis development and
technology. The Moody Mile Motorsports team and Dave Camara are
planning on using the #24 on their cars for 2023.
 Fans can expect to see Robert Bublak at Albany-Saratoga Speedway
every Friday night as his plans are to compete weekly in the DIRTcar
big block modified division. In talking with Robert recently he is
also planning on going south for some of the upcoming races in
Florida.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

New York Power Authority Announces New Five-Year Contract Agreement with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

 

WHITE PLAINS—The Trustees of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) on Dec. 13 approved a new five-year contract agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a labor union representing more than 570 electricians, line persons, and other skilled craft employees at NYPA, the nation’s largest state public power entity providing nearly a quarter of New York’s electricity. Union representatives and NYPA leadership gathered Dec.14 for a ceremonial signing of the contract at NYPA’s Niagara Power Project in Lewiston, N.Y.

 

“We are very pleased to have arrived at this contract with the IBEW and to ensure the continuation of good wages and medical benefits for a vitally important arm of NYPA’s workforce,” said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “New York State relies on NYPA’s talented craft labor force more than ever to help advance its ambitious clean energy goals and to ensure the continued efficient, secure and reliable operation of New York’s energy system.”

 

The IBEW collective bargaining agreement includes wage increases that are retroactive and amount to a 17% increase over the term of the agreement which expires in 2027. Other negotiated terms include changes to time off provisions, retiree health care and the prescription drug plan for members who retire under this contract.

 

“The membership of IBEW 2104 continues to partner with the New York Power Authority in providing clean hydropower that helps fuel the economic development of this state. Having reached this new agreement, led by our new interim president and CEO Justin Driscoll, we look forward to doing our part to support Governor Hochul’s zero-emission goals,” said Lou Fazzolari, business manager, IBEW LOCAL 2104.

 

“Members of the IBEW are highly trained, dedicated professionals who have made tremendous contributions to support the production of clean, low-cost power throughout New York State. I am proud of our members and the many accomplishments and sacrifices they have made during unprecedented times. This new agreement will protect benefits and provide stability for the next five years as we work to support New York’s ambitious energy goals,” said William Brown, Jr. business manager, IBEW Local 2032.

 

The contract extension covers NYPA employees who work at NYPA’s Niagara Power Project in Lewiston, its St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena, and its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County, and its small hydropower facilities in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Oneida and Herkimer counties.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

NYSP Troop "C" members respond to numerous weather related crashes

Update 12/16/22: 

As of 5:30 p.m., members of Troop “C” have responded to 172 weather related incidents since the snow began to fall yesterday afternoon.  Troop “C” encompasses seven counties: Broome, Cortland, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga and Tompkins Counties. 

Of those 172 weather related incidents:

• 81 were for assisting a motorist or a disabled vehicle (which also includes vehicles going off the road that did not get damaged).
• 88 crashes with no injury and only damage to property
• 3 crashes with an injury that is non-life-threatening 

Totals broken down by area:

Zone 1 (Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties):

• 19 assist motorist or disabled vehicle
• 39 crashes involving damage to property
• 1 crash with non-life-threatening injuries

Zone 2 (Broome County):

• 38 assist motorist or disabled vehicle
• 31 crashes involving damage to property
• 2 crashes with non-life-threatening injuries

Zone 3 (Cortland, Tioga and Tompkins Counties):

• 28 assist motorist or disabled vehicle
• 21 crashes involving damage to property
• 0 crashes with non-life-threatening injuries

Information for the three crashes that resulted in injuries:

On December 15, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., New York State Police at Binghamton were dispatched by Broome County 911 to Interstate 81 south near exit 6 in the town of Chenango for a two-vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet sedan and Honda sedan.  Two people were transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

A preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that a Honda sedan driven by a 48-year-old male from West Orange, NJ was south on I-81 when he struck a guard rail. 

Approximately five minutes later, a Chevrolet sedan driven by 19-year-old female from Fairfield, CT was also south on I-81 when she struck the Honda sedan. 

The occupants who were in the Honda sedan were outside of their vehicle when troopers arrived.  The driver of the Honda, 48-year-old male of West Orange, NJ and a passenger, 18-year-old female of West Orange, NJ were both transported to Wilson Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.  The driver of the Chevrolet sedan did not report any injuries.     

This crash remains under investigation. 

xxxx

On December 15, 2022, at approximately 1:03 p.m., a member of the New York State Police TIM (Traffic Incident Management) Unit responded to Interstate 81 south in the town of Chenango near exit 6 for a report of a four-vehicle pile-up.  Four people were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation at the scene revealed that a 20-year-old female of Rye, NY was in a Hyundai SUV when she lost control of the vehicle and struck a guide rail then came across the roadway.  A 76-year-old female of Locke, NY in a Hyundai sedan then sideswiped the SUV.  A 19-year-old male of Queens, NY in a Honda SUV then struck the Hyundai SUV.   A 68-year-old woman from Hilton, NY in a Chevrolet Silverado attempts to avoid the Hyundai SUV and the Honda SUV when she struck the Hyundai sedan all 3

The two occupants from the Hyundai SUV, the 20-year-old female driver and a 19-year-old female passenger from Bronx, NY passenger where both checked out by ambulance members but not transported to a hospital. 

The female drive of the Hyundai sedan and the three occupants of the Honda SUV in addition to the driver, a 20-year-old female of Queens, NY and a 2-year-old male of Queens, NY were all transported to Wilson Hospital. 

xxxx

On December 16, 2022, at approximately 10:12 a.m., New York State Police at Margaretville were dispatched by Delaware County 911 to a report of a one-vehicle crash on County Road 7 in the town of Colchester.  A passenger of the vehicle was transported to a hospital. 

A preliminary investigation revealed that a 38-year-old male driver was traveling east in a GMC pick-up truck on County Road 7 when he went off the roadway and struck an earth embankment. 

The passenger of the vehicle, a 35-year-old female of Bloomville, NY was transported by AMR to Garnet Medical Center Harris Campus in Monticello for a non-life-threatening injury.  The 38-year-old male driver of Bloomville, NY, a 5-year-old female passenger of Bloomville, NY and a 10-year-old male of Bloomville, NY did not report any injuries. 

Original press release:

Members of Troop “C” have responded to 110 weather related incidents since the snow began to fall yesterday afternoon.  Of those 110 incidents, 31 include troopers assisting motorists, 59 crashes with damage to property only and 3 crashes that resulted in a non-life-threatening injuries. 

Troop “C” consists of seven counties, Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga and Tompkins Counties. 

Those 110 weather related incidents broken down by area:

Zone 1 (Otsego and Delaware Counties):

• Assist motorist or disabled vehicle (no damage to property): 13
• Crashes with damage to property only: 25
• Crash with a non-life-threatening-injuries: 0

Zone 2 (Broome County):

• Assist motorist or disabled vehicle (no damage to property): 22
• Crashes with damage to property only: 23
• Crash with non-life-threatening-injuries: 2

Zone 3 (Cortland, Tioga, Tompkins Counties):

• Assist motorist or disabled vehicle: 17
• Crashes with damage to property only: 16
• Crashes with non-life-threatening injuries: 0

 

Information for the two crashes that resulted in injuries in Broome County:

On December 15, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., New York State Police at Binghamton were dispatched by Broome County 911 to Interstate 81 south near exit 6 in the town of Chenango for a two-vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet sedan and Honda sedan.  Two people were transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

A preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that a Honda sedan driven by a 48-year-old male from West Orange, NJ was south on I-81 when he struck a guard rail. 

Approximately five minutes later, a Chevrolet sedan driven by 19-year-old female from Fairfield, CT was also south on I-81 when she struck the Honda sedan. 

The occupants who were in the Honda sedan were outside of their vehicle when troopers arrived.  The driver of the Honda, 48-year-old male of West Orange, NJ and a passenger, 18-year-old female of West Orange, NJ were both transported to Wilson Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.  The driver of the Chevrolet sedan did not report any injuries.     

This crash remains under investigation. 

xxxx

On December 15, 2022, at approximately 1:03 p.m., a member of the New York State Police TIM (Traffic Incident Management) Unit responded to Interstate 81 south in the town of Chenango near exit 6 for a report of a four-vehicle pile-up.  Four people were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation at the scene revealed that a 20-year-old female of Rye, NY was in a Hyundai SUV when she lost control of the vehicle and struck a guide rail then came across the roadway.  A 76-year-old female of Locke, NY in a Hyundai sedan then sideswiped the SUV.  A 19-year-old male of Queens, NY in a Honda SUV then struck the Hyundai SUV.   A 68-year-old woman from Hilton, NY in a Chevrolet Silverado attempts to avoid the Hyundai SUV and the Honda SUV when she struck the Hyundai sedan all 3

The two occupants from the Hyundai SUV, the 20-year-old female driver and a 19-year-old female passenger from Bronx, NY passenger where both checked out by ambulance members but not transported to a hospital. 

The female drive of the Hyundai sedan and the three occupants of the Honda SUV in addition to the driver, a 20-year-old female of Queens, NY and a 2-year-old male of Queens, NY were all transported to Wilson Hospital. 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

SUNY Delhi Unveils Land Acknowledgement Plaque

The plaque is dedicated to the past, present, and future Indigenous people in the Delhi community.

DELHI, NY (12/19/2022) This month, SUNY Delhi unveiled a plaque on campus to acknowledge that the college stands on the homeland of the Kanien'keha:ka, one of the five founding nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The plaque is dedicated to the past, present, and future Indigenous people in the Delhi community.

Located in the Farrell Student and Community Center next to the Haudenosaunee flag, the plaque reads, in part, "SUNY Delhi gives honor and respect to the land and its original inhabitants. We recognize that the land used for educating current and future generations is not our land but belongs to the Indigenous people and the descendants of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We will continue educational efforts for the campus community to learn the history of the Haudenosaunee People."

Dr. Leonel Diaz, associate director of the Multicultural Center at SUNY Delhi, says the land acknowledgment plaque is part of a movement to empower and celebrate Indigenous members on college campuses.

"As an institution, SUNY Delhi continues our efforts to make our campus more inclusive and support every individual," says Dr. Diaz. "When the community sees the flag and the plaque on campus, it's an educational moment that helps us understand the history of our country and the original inhabitants that still exist. To show they are recognized and not forgotten goes a long way."

With a diverse student population, SUNY Delhi is committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive of all within the campus community.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Beyond Finance Kicks Off New Campaign, Gives One Client $56,000 Present for the Holidays

 

DECEMBER 19, 2022 – This week, Beyond Finance, one of the nation’s leading debt resolution companies, kicked off a new initiative called Beyond Debt Now. And in the process, it will pay off one client’s debt totaling $56,000.

 

Beginning in 2023, the company will identify two clients each year to participate in an accelerated payoff. Beyond Finance will cover their existing debt enrolled in the debt resolution program, resulting in immediate debt relief.

 

The first Beyond Debt Now recipient is Linda Buerkley of Hudson Falls, New York.

 

Buerkley, 80, is a mother of two and grandmother of six. After falling victim to a targeted scam, which left her with $56,000 of unsecured debt, she turned to Beyond Finance when the collection calls became overwhelming.

 

“I hoped to receive help during this difficult time, so I enrolled with Beyond Finance. I trusted they would do what they said they would do. They did more than I ever expected.” said Buerkley. “Not only did they negotiate my debt in half of what I owed, but they also provided free access to group counseling about my finances and how to [better] manage them once I was out of debt.”

 

Buerkley is just one of the thousands of elderly Americans nationwide scammed out of their savings each year.

 

“Unfortunately, Linda’s story is not unlike many other Americans who live on a fixed income. As we have seen many times in our debt settlement programs, that struggle often takes a toll beyond someone’s finances to their mental health and relationships,” said Beyond Finance Chief Operating Officer Lou Antonelli.

 

Beyond Finance will not only take on the rest of Linda’s unsecured debt just in time for the holidays but will continue to offer free group counseling sessions with other clients.

 

“Linda’s story illustrates why we offer and encourage all our clients to take part in our financial therapy sessions,” continued Antonelli. “Debt and financial stress harm more than someone’s bank account; their mental health is at risk. Linda is an active member of our financial stress sessions, so it’s fitting that she is the one to kick off our journey with Beyond Debt Now.”

 

Every client working with Beyond Finance for creditor negotiations and debt resolution is automatically enrolled as soon as the first registered account is settled for payment. Consideration is based on an anonymized background survey and participation in all debt resolution programs (e.g., financial management, monthly payments, group counseling sessions).

 

“I have no fitting words to explain how grateful I am other than to say, ‘Thank you,’” Buerkley said. “With this gift and the financial therapy, I know I’ll never be in this situation again. I’m forever grateful for Beyond Finance.”

 

 

 

About Beyond Finance, LLC

Beyond Finance, LLC, based in Houston, is one of the largest, most successful, and influential debt resolution organizations. By standing alongside clients wherever they are in their debt journey, Beyond Finance uses personalized debt resolution programs and proprietary technology to give them the clarity, confidence, and tools they need to move beyond debt. Since 2017, they have resolved more than $1 billion in client debt. In June 2020, it merged with an affiliate to become the dedicated company it is today. They have additional offices in Chicago, Illinois, San Diego, and Irvine, California. For more information, visit BeyondFinance.com.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

What You Need to Know About Required Minimum Distributions

By Michael Lanuto

By the time you retire, IRAs and other retirement accounts may represent some of your largest assets. If this is the case, you’ve likely enjoyed the benefit of tax-deferred growth of earnings on those accounts for many years. But at some point, Uncle Sam will want you to start taking distributions from those assets (and pay the appropriate tax due on them). This explains the existence of Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules.

At a certain stage in life, the tax code requires that you begin withdrawing at least a minimum amount from your IRA on an annual basis. This is true regardless of whether you need to take money out of these accounts to meet your cash flow needs in retirement.

Here are answers to some of the most important questions you may have about RMDs and how they apply to your circumstances.

Q: At what age do RMDs first apply?

A: The year you turn 72 is considered your beginning date. You have until April 1 of the year after you reach age 72 to take your first required distribution. 

Q: After that first year, what is my deadline to take an RMD?

A: In every subsequent year, RMDs must be received by December 31. Note that if you wait to take the initial RMD until the year after the year in which you turn 72, you will have to take two distributions in the same year, exposing you to potentially greater tax liability. 

Q: What accounts are subject to RMDs?

A: Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs. Also, RMDs apply to workplace plans such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, profit sharing plans and other defined contribution plans. RMDs can be delayed from workplace retirement plans until April 1 of the calendar year in which you retire if you remain employed with the plan sponsor past age 72. 

Q: Are Roth accounts subject to RMDs?

A: One of the great advantages of Roth IRAs is that RMDs do not apply, so your money can continue to grow on a potentially tax-free basis indefinitely. However, RMDs do apply to Roth 401(k)s.

Q: How are RMDs calculated?

A: To make the calculation, you first must know the value of the account at the end of the previous calendar year. Then, using tables provided by the IRS, the minimum distribution is calculated. For most 72-year-olds with a $200,000 balance on Dec. 31 of the previous year, that amount would be divided by 27.4 years, resulting in a required distribution of $7,299 for the first year. The distribution period declines throughout your life. In certain situations, a different IRS table is used to make the calculation.

Q: Do distributions have to come out of all affected retirement accounts?

A: Yes. Once you reach age 72, RMDs must be withdrawn from each account subject to the rule. Therefore, it may simplify the process to consolidate your retirement accounts. This includes rolling workplace retirement plans into IRAs. Talk to your financial and tax professional to discuss the pros and cons of consolidation.

Q: What is the penalty if I fail to take RMDs on a timely basis?

A: If you fail to take an RMD in a given year or withdraw an insufficient amount, a penalty equal 50% of the value of the amount you failed to withdraw as required will be applied.

Q: What if I don’t have a need for the money I’m required to withdraw?

A: One option is to utilize a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This allows money to be distributed directly to a charity. Such a distribution can be applied toward your RMD in a given year. There is a $100,000.000 annual cap on the QCD.

This information is designed to help you understand some of the basic rules about RMDs. However, it’s important that you meet with your financial advisor to talk about RMDs in the context of your overall retirement income strategy, and your tax advisor to make sure you are complying with tax rules.

  

###

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/. 

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

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

File #4765941 (Approved until 07/2024)

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD