google.com, pub-2480664471547226, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

Network Manager Civil Service Exam Announcement

Written By Editor on 3/13/23 | 3/13/23

DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE ANNOUNCES 

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION FOR 

NETWORK MANAGER 

EXAM #23090 

DATE ISSUED DATE OF EXAMINATION LAST FILING DATE March 9, 2023 April 17, 2023 - May 18, 2023 April 4, 2023 

NOTICE: ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE WILL BE  CONSIDERED FOR THIS EXAMINATION. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED 

EXAMINATION FEE: A fee of $15.00 is required for each separately numbered examination for which you apply. The required fee  MUST accompany your application and be in our office by 4:30pm on the last filing date or you will not be approved to take the  examination. Send or deliver your certified check or money order payable to the Delaware County Personnel Office. Write the  examination number(s) on your check or money order. ****PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.**** No refund of  fees will be allowed whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications. You are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the  requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified. 

EXAMINATION FEE WAIVER: A waiver of examination fee will be allowed if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the  support of a household. In addition, a waiver of examination fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving  Supplemental Security Income payments, or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance or Safety Net  Assistance) or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local social service agency.  All claims for examination fee waiver are subject to verification. If you can verify eligibility for examination fee waiver, complete a  ARequest for Examination Fee Waiver and Certification@ form and submit it with your application by the Last Filing Date as listed  on the Examination Announcement. ARequest for Examination Fee Waiver and Certification@ forms may be obtained in the  Personnel Office or online at www.delcony.us click on departments and then personnel. Waivers will not be considered if filed after  the last filing date. 

LOCATION OF POSITIONS: This examination is being held to fill vacancies, as they occur, in agencies under the jurisdiction of the  Delaware County Personnel Office (including, but not limited to: Delaware County, school districts, Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego  BOCES). 

SALARY: Salary varies with location of position. ($62,034 - $68,577 Delaware County salary); (68,000 - $90,500 DCMO BOCES salary) 

DUTIES: This is a highly technical support position with primary responsibilities for the planning, development, installation, monitoring,  operation, configuration, and debugging of computer network systems. The incumbent will be required to analyze and diagnose network  hardware and software problems, research and install new computer network hardware, software systems and products, and train users on  new software and equipment. The work is performed under general supervision with wide leeway allowed in carrying out the details for  the work. Does related work as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: 

A. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer technology, computer engineering, data processing, management of information  systems, or closely related field, and one year of experience involving responsibility for the maintenance, configuration, or installation of  mainframe and/or micro-computer hardware and software which shall include networking; OR 

B. Associate’s degree in computer science, computer technology, computer engineering, data processing, management of information  systems, or a related field, and three years of work experience as defined in (A) above; OR 

C. Five years of experience as defined in (A) above; 

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C) above. 

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized  as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational  institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable  companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required  evaluation fee. 

NOTE: A valid New York State driver’s license is required at time of appointment. 

Candidates claiming college credits MUST submit a copy of their official transcript(s). 

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR APPLICATION BUT WILL BE ACCEPTED only AS  AN ADDITION TO YOUR APPLICATION. 

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, all required experience must be fulltime paid or its parttime paid equivalent. You are responsible for  submitting an accurate, adequate and clear description of your experience. Omissions or vagueness will NOT be interpreted in your  favor. Applicants for examination must meet all minimum qualifications on or before the examination date with no tolerances allowed. If an  applicant lacks the required experience or has not completed all required training at the time he/she submits an application, but is serving in  a qualifying position or will complete all required coursework by the date of the examination, he/she may be approved conditionally to take  an examination pending verification of successful completion of all experience and training requirements.

I:\DATA\WP\EXAMANNO\NETWORK MANAGER.OCX.DOCX 

SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION

The examination will consist of two parts: a rated evaluation of training and experience and a qualifying PC-administered test. You  must pass the evaluation of training and experience in order to take the qualifying PC-administered test. You must pass both tests in order to  be considered for appointment. Only your rating on the evaluation of training and experience will be considered when computing final  scores. 

Rated Evaluation of Training and Experience: You will complete a questionnaire that asks for specific information on your information  technology education (formal degrees, IT-related training courses, certifications) and experience. You will also be asked to briefly describe a  significant achievement in each of the job's areas and to provide the name and contact information for someone who can verify your  information. The information you provide about your experience will be rated against the following areas: 

Network Administration Data Communications 

Telecommunications Microcomputer Repair 

Qualifying Tests: 

Qualifying Multiple-Choice Test of Logical Reasoning and Interpreting Instructions for Computer-Related Positions: These  questions test for ability to reason logically and interpret instructions in a computer-related context. They cover verbal and quantitative  reasoning, flowchart interpretation and applying written directions. The verbal and quantitative reasoning questions include logical  implications (e.g., if A and B, then C) and relations (e.g., greater than). Knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is  necessary, but neither mathematical sophistication nor computational speed is needed. The flowchart interpretation questions require prior  knowledge of flowchart conventions. The interpreting instructions questions provide the instructions and specific rules for applying them.  All the information needed to answer the questions is presented with the questions. 

Qualifying Simulation Test on Working Effectively with Others to Solve Job-Related Problems: This test requires candidates to  assume the role of a staff member in an Information Technology work group who is working with colleagues during a time of change in  policy or procedure, in a particular agency. During the test, candidates will be required to deal with obstacles within the working  environment, which includes peer relations and the demands of handling multiple tasks. Candidates will be required to demonstrate the  ability to be flexible, creative and persistent as a team player. They will also need to demonstrate the ability to cooperate, show initiative,  and establish positive working relationships with peers and administrators. 

Qualifying test scores may be banked and applied to future examinations for titles that require the same test plan: 

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: Unless otherwise notified, you are permitted to use quiet, hand-held, solar/battery powered calculators. Calculators with  typewriter keyboards, Spell Checkers, Personal Digital Assistants, Address Books, Language Translators, Dictionaries or any similar devices are  prohibited. You may not bring books or other reference materials. 

This examination is announced and will be rated in accordance with Section 23-2 of the Civil Service Law. The provisions of the New York State Civil  Service Law, Rules and Regulations dealing with the rating of examinations will apply to this examination. 

Applications for examination can be obtained from the Delaware County Personnel Office, One Courthouse Square, Suite #2, Delhi, New York 13753.  ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION MUST BE CONTAINED IN YOUR APPLICATION. RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A  SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR APPLICATION BUT WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY AS AN ADDITION TO YOUR APPLICATION. A separate  application must be filed for EACH examination for which you apply. Applications must contain the correct examination title and/or number in order to be  considered. The Delaware County Personnel Office reserves the right to accept or to reject applications/fees submitted/postmarked after the last announced  filing date. The Delaware County Personnel Office is NOT responsible for lost or misdirected mail. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE POLICY: All completed applications along with application fees or proofs of waiver must be submitted to the Delaware  County Personnel Department by 4:30pm on the date of last file as listed on the Examination announcement. Applications received via U.S. Mail will be  accepted only if received on or before the last file date. Applications that are received after the Application Deadline and are not received in the Personnel  Department by the last file date will not be accepted.  

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, ALTERNATE TEST DATES, MILITARY PERSONNEL: If you require reasonable accommodations as a disabled person, or special testing arrangements as one in need of religious accommodation, or are an  alternate test date candidate (in accordance with Alternate Test Date Policy), or an active member of the military away from the area on the scheduled test  date, clearly indicate this fact on the application. All such requests must be supported by appropriate documentation. If you are unable to take this  examination due to an emergency situation, and you wish an alternate test date, you MUST call the Delaware County Personnel Office, with your request,  by noon of the Monday following the test date. 

***Religious Accommodation***Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date due to a conflict with  religious observance or practice, check the box under ASpecial Arrangements.@ We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date  (usually the following Monday). 

***Handicapped Persons:***If special arrangements for testing are required, please indicate this on your application. ***Active Duty Military Personnel:***Pursuant to Section 243b of the Military Law, applicants who are unable to take this exam on the regular exam  date because of active military duty may be eligible to take a special military makeup examination. If you are on active military duty and unable to take  this exam on the regularly scheduled exam date, please indicate this on your application. You will then be sent additional information regarding a military  makeup exam. 

***Veterans or Disabled Veterans:*** Who are eligible for additional credit must submit an application for veteran=s credit with their application for  examination or at any time between the dates of their application for examination and the date of the establishment of the resulting eligible list.  Applications for veteran=s credit are available from this office. Veteran=s credits can only be added to a passing score. Effective January 1, 1998, the State  Constitution was amended to permit a candidate currently in the armed forces to apply for and be conditionally granted veteran=s credit in examinations.  Any candidate who applies for such credit must provide proof of military status to receive the conditional credit. No credit may be granted after the  establishment of the list. It’s the responsibility of the candidate to provide appropriate proof, as defined in Section 85 of the Civil Service Law, and that  the candidate received an honorable discharge or was released under honorable conditions in order to be certified at a score including veteran=s credits. 

***Children of Firefighters and Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty***In conformance with section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of  firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original  appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a  firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for  examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to  verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established. 

DELAWARE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CARRARA KNOETGEN, PERSONNEL OFFICER 

I:\DATA\WP\EXAMANNO\NETWORK MANAGER.OCX.DOCX 



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

WEB DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN Exam Information


DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE ANNOUNCES 

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION FOR 

WEB DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN 

EXAM #23220 

DATE ISSUED DATE OF EXAMINATION LAST FILING DATE March 9, 2023 April 17, 2023 - May 18, 2023 April 4, 2023 

NOTICE: ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE WILL BE  CONSIDERED FOR THIS EXAMINATION. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED 

EXAMINATION FEE: A fee of $15.00 is required for each separately numbered examination for which you apply. The required fee  MUST accompany your application and be in our office by 4:30pm on the last filing date or you will not be approved to take the  examination. Send or deliver your certified check or money order payable to the Delaware County Personnel Office. Write the  examination number(s) on your check or money order. ****PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.**** No refund of  fees will be allowed whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications. You are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the  requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified. 

EXAMINATION FEE WAIVER: A waiver of examination fee will be allowed if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the  support of a household. In addition, a waiver of examination fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving  Supplemental Security Income payments, or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance or Safety Net  Assistance) or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local social service agency.  All claims for examination fee waiver are subject to verification. If you can verify eligibility for examination fee waiver, complete  a ARequest for Examination Fee Waiver and Certification@ form and submit it with your application by the Last Filing Date as  listed on the Examination Announcement. ARequest for Examination Fee Waiver and Certification@ forms may be obtained in the  Personnel Office or online at www.delcony.us click on departments and then personnel. Waivers will not be considered if filed after  the last filing date. 

LOCATION OF POSITIONS: DCMO BOCES, Norwich, NY, 13815  

SALARY: $53,000 - $75,500 

DUTIES: Under general supervision, the incumbent of this class is responsible for developing, editing, writing, designing, and coordinating  the content and presentation of public information on websites. The incumbent of this position creates, edits, prepares and updates text,  graphics, and layouts for website pages within the framework of established priorities, goals, philosophy, policies, and procedures;  Researches and compiles information to produce articles, and directs the preparation of public information material for publication. The  incumbent is responsible for ensuring consistency, accuracy, compliance with local, state, and federal law, and conformance to established  standards of web design and content. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate staff. Does related work as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: 

A. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Technology, Web Development, Marketing, Communications, or closely  related field, and one-year experience where the primary function of the position was designing, creating, implementing, manipulating and  integrating website pages and graphics; OR 

B. Associate’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Technology, Web Development, Marketing, Communications, or closely related field, and three years’ experience where the primary function of the position was designing, creating, implementing, manipulating  and integrating website pages and graphics; OR  

C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five years of full-time paid, or its part-time  equivalent where the primary function of the position was designing, creating, implementing, manipulating and integrating website pages  and graphics; OR 

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience, as defined by the limits of A, B, and C above. 

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized  as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational  institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable  companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required  evaluation fee 

Candidates claiming college credits MUST submit a copy of their official transcript(s). 

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR APPLICATION BUT WILL BE ACCEPTED only AS  AN ADDITION TO YOUR APPLICATION. 

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, all required experience must be fulltime paid or its parttime paid equivalent. You are responsible for  submitting an accurate, adequate and clear description of your experience. Omissions or vagueness will NOT be interpreted in your  favor. Applicants for examination must meet all minimum qualifications on or before the examination date with no tolerances allowed. If an  applicant lacks the required experience or has not completed all required training at the time he/she submits an application, but is serving in  a qualifying position or will complete all required coursework by the date of the examination, he/she may be approved conditionally to take  an examination pending verification of successful completion of all experience and training requirements.

I:\DATA\WP\EXAMANNO\WEB DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN.OCX.DOCX 

SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION

The examination will consist of two parts: a rated evaluation of training and experience and a qualifying PC-administered test. You  must pass the evaluation of training and experience in order to take the qualifying PC-administered test. You must pass both tests in order to  be considered for appointment. Only your rating on the evaluation of training and experience will be considered when computing final  scores. 

Rated Evaluation of Training and Experience: You will complete a questionnaire that asks for specific information on your information  technology education (formal degrees, IT-related training courses, certifications) and experience. You will also be asked to briefly describe a  significant achievement in each of the job's areas and to provide the name and contact information for someone who can verify your  information. The information you provide about your experience will be rated against the following areas: 

Business/Systems Analysis Web Site Development 

Qualifying Tests: 

Qualifying Multiple-Choice Test of Logical Reasoning and Interpreting Instructions for Computer-Related Positions: These  questions test for ability to reason logically and interpret instructions in a computer-related context. They cover verbal and quantitative  reasoning, flowchart interpretation and applying written directions. The verbal and quantitative reasoning questions include logical  implications (e.g., if A and B, then C) and relations (e.g., greater than). Knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is  necessary, but neither mathematical sophistication nor computational speed is needed. The flowchart interpretation questions require prior  knowledge of flowchart conventions. The interpreting instructions questions provide the instructions and specific rules for applying them.  All the information needed to answer the questions is presented with the questions. 

Qualifying Simulation Test on Working Effectively with Others to Solve Job-Related Problems: This test requires candidates to  assume the role of a staff member in an Information Technology work group who is working with colleagues during a time of change in  policy or procedure, in a particular agency. During the test, candidates will be required to deal with obstacles within the working  environment, which includes peer relations and the demands of handling multiple tasks. Candidates will be required to demonstrate the  ability to be flexible, creative and persistent as a team player. They will also need to demonstrate the ability to cooperate, show initiative,  and establish positive working relationships with peers and administrators. 

Qualifying test scores may be banked and applied to future examinations for titles that require the same test plan: 

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: Unless otherwise notified, you are permitted to use quiet, hand-held, solar/battery powered calculators. Calculators with  typewriter keyboards, Spell Checkers, Personal Digital Assistants, Address Books, Language Translators, Dictionaries or any similar devices are  prohibited. You may not bring books or other reference materials. 

This examination is announced and will be rated in accordance with Section 23-2 of the Civil Service Law. The provisions of the New York State Civil  Service Law, Rules and Regulations dealing with the rating of examinations will apply to this examination. 

Applications for examination can be obtained from the Delaware County Personnel Office, One Courthouse Square, Suite #2, Delhi, New York 13753.  ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION MUST BE CONTAINED IN YOUR APPLICATION. RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A  SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR APPLICATION BUT WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY AS AN ADDITION TO YOUR APPLICATION. A separate  application must be filed for EACH examination for which you apply. Applications must contain the correct examination title and/or number in order to be  considered. The Delaware County Personnel Office reserves the right to accept or to reject applications/fees submitted/postmarked after the last announced  filing date. The Delaware County Personnel Office is NOT responsible for lost or misdirected mail. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE POLICY: All completed applications along with application fees or proofs of waiver must be submitted to the Delaware  County Personnel Department by 4:30pm on the date of last file as listed on the Examination announcement. Applications received via U.S. Mail will be  accepted only if received on or before the last file date. Applications that are received after the Application Deadline and are not received in the Personnel  Department by the last file date will not be accepted.  

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, ALTERNATE TEST DATES, MILITARY PERSONNEL: If you require reasonable accommodations as a disabled person, or special testing arrangements as one in need of religious accommodation, or are an  alternate test date candidate (in accordance with Alternate Test Date Policy), or an active member of the military away from the area on the scheduled test  date, clearly indicate this fact on the application. All such requests must be supported by appropriate documentation. If you are unable to take this  examination due to an emergency situation, and you wish an alternate test date, you MUST call the Delaware County Personnel Office, with your request,  by noon of the Monday following the test date. 

***Religious Accommodation***Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date due to a conflict with religious observance or practice, check the box under ASpecial Arrangements.@ We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date  (usually the following Monday). 

***Handicapped Persons:***If special arrangements for testing are required, please indicate this on your application. ***Active Duty Military Personnel:***Pursuant to Section 243b of the Military Law, applicants who are unable to take this exam on the regular exam  date because of active military duty may be eligible to take a special military makeup examination. If you are on active military duty and unable to take  this exam on the regularly scheduled exam date, please indicate this on your application. You will then be sent additional information regarding a military  makeup exam. 

***Veterans or Disabled Veterans:*** Who are eligible for additional credit must submit an application for veteran=s credit with their application for  examination or at any time between the dates of their application for examination and the date of the establishment of the resulting eligible list.  Applications for veteran=s credit are available from this office. Veteran=s credits can only be added to a passing score. Effective January 1, 1998, the State  Constitution was amended to permit a candidate currently in the armed forces to apply for and be conditionally granted veteran=s credit in examinations.  Any candidate who applies for such credit must provide proof of military status to receive the conditional credit. No credit may be granted after the  establishment of the list. It’s the responsibility of the candidate to provide appropriate proof, as defined in Section 85 of the Civil Service Law, and that  the candidate received an honorable discharge or was released under honorable conditions in order to be certified at a score including veteran=s credits. 

***Children of Firefighters and Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty***In conformance with section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of  firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original  appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a  firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for  examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to  verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established. 

DELAWARE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CARRARA KNOETGEN, PERSONNEL OFFICER 

I:\DATA\WP\EXAMANNO\WEB DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN.OCX.DOCX 



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap


The SUNY Cobleskill men’s lacrosse team took to the road on Saturday traveling to Quincy, Mass to defeat the Lions of Eastern Nazarene University by a 23-7 in non-conference action to run their season record to 2-0 on the year. The Fighting Tigers were led by senior midfielder Jake Giess, Victor, N.Y., Victor High School/Finger Lakes Community College, who had four goals and two assists in the victory. 

The Fighting Tiger softball team opened the 2023 season by splitting a pair of games at the 33rd Annual Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Naples, Fla by posting a 10-4 win over the Pioneers of Alfred State College then dropping a 12-4 decision to the Bears of St. Joseph’s University of Brooklyn at North Collier Regional Park to open the year at 1-1 overall. Senior pitcher Marissa Wheeler, Kinderhook, N.Y., Ichabod Crane High School, recorded the win over Alfred State allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out 14 hitters in the contest.  

The Fighting Tiger hunt season equestrian closed the 2022-23 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) regular season with a team total of 214 points to place second overall among the 10 programs competing in the association’s Region 3 Zone 2 ranks to earn the association’s IHSA Region 3 Zone 2 Reserve Champion team honors. 

UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS: 

Baseball vs. Castleton University 4/2, SUNY Polytechnic 4/7, SUNY New Paltz 4/12 

Softball vs. Russell Sage 3/25, SUNY Potsdam 4/1, St. Lawrence University 4/2                              

Men’s Lacrosse vs. SUNY Delhi 3/25, Thomas College 4/14, NVU-Lyndon 4/16  


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Tree & Small Fruit Pruning at CCE


 

Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties (CCE) will host a Tree & Small Fruit Pruning workshop on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon. Join Laura McDermott, Fruit Specialist from the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program, for this popular program. Ms. McDermott leads small fruit outreach efforts, serves as a liaison with grower organizations, and regularly participates in applied research and demonstration activities.

 

The workshop will be held at Middlefield Orchards, 2274 NY-166, in the Town of Middlefield. The fee is $10 per person, payable at the door. Registration is required and will be accepted through Thursday, March 23, online at http://cceschoharie-otsego.org/events/

 

In lieu of adverse conditions only, there will be an online presentation at no charge. Be sure to check the CCE website for workshop confirmation and weather-related updates. Appropriate late winter, early spring dress and footwear are recommended; personal pruning tools are welcome.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Living Archive Project to Offer Songwriting Class with Musician Randy Miritello


The Living Archive Project organizers are pleased to announce Songwriting for the Archive, a four-part workshop led by local musician Randy Miritello. The series will take place at Bushel Collective in Delhi and meet weekly on Sundays beginning March 26 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm and will conclude on April 16. There is no fee to participate, but registration is required. Space is limited.

According to organizers, attendees will explore common techniques and tools used in songwriting to tell stories about self, history, and place. Additionally, students will develop performance skills and be encouraged to take creative risks. This adult all-level workshop is designed for individuals 16 years of age and older.

“As a program of the Living Archive Project, participants in this workshop will be encouraged to submit their creations to the archive and share what they learned with their community,” said Christina Hunt Wood, lead organizer for the Project. She explains that the archive is an ever-growing collection of interviews, stories, historical documents, works of art and text that communicate the wide range of lived experiences in the Northern Catskills.

For more information or to register for Songwriting for the Archive visit the Living Archive Project website at www.livingarchive-catskills.org. The program will take place at Bushel Collective, located at 106 Main Street in Delhi, NY.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush Burning Prohibition Starts March 16

Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

"This winter was warmer and drier than most, but regardless of the winter weather, we are always at a greater risk of wildfires in the spring," Commissioner Seggos said. " This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the Rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires. We're encouraging all New Yorkers to think about safety first, before starting a potentially dangerous fire."

Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC's website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report environmental law violations, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

What Will You Do with Your Tax Refund?



The average refund in 2022 (for the 2021 tax year) was $3,176 for individual income taxpayers, according to the IRS.1 If you expect to receive a refund in 2023 after filing your 2022 tax return, will you save or spend it? While you may be tempted to indulge, consider using the money to solidify your long-term financial position. 


No matter your stage in life or the size of your refund, there are ways you can use it to help reach your current and future financial goals. Here are a few:


For people starting out in their careers:

  • Add to your emergency fund. Consider saving enough to have the equivalent of at least three-to-six months’ worth of income in an emergency fund. This could come in handy if you experience a sudden interruption to your income or a major unexpected expense.

  • Pay off student loans. If you are carrying college debt or other loans, applying your refund to the balance can help reduce the total interest you pay or eliminate the debt entirely. Once you pay off your loans, allocate the amount you spent each month on student loans to another financial goal to keep building your financial foundation.  

  • Invest in an IRA. Think about starting a habit of investing your tax refund each year into an IRA, where any earnings can accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. While you are limited to contributing $6,500 annually ($7,500 for those age 50 and older), the savings can add up. For example, investing a $3,000 refund each year from age 26 to 65 earning seven percent annually would build to more than $640,000.


For those starting families:

  • Save for a down payment on a home. A tax refund can make a meaningful impact as you accumulate enough to purchase your first home. Consider saving enough to cover at least 20 percent of the home’s value. Doing so will eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance, which will cost you extra in interest payments. 

  • Start or add to a college fund for your children. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, starting early and saving often can help you make funding tuition a reality. Certain options may provide tax advantages, so work with your financial and tax professionals to find the best strategy for you. 

  • Invest your refund. Consider adding your refund to your portfolio, using it to accelerate progress toward your long-term goals. Your refund could be used to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investments that are aligned with your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

  • Create or update your legacy plan. Developing a will, trust, or other estate documents is important so that your wishes are clear in the event of your death. If you need to create or update legal matters, use your refund as a reason to take the next step. 


For those who have a solid financial foundation:

  • Apply to home improvements. If you are planning to remodel your home, you may want to use the money to fund specific upgrades, or to keep as a contingency fund throughout the project. 

  • Save for starting a new business. If you want to start your own business now or in retirement, the refund can provide a cash buffer to help you get started. It can either replace some of your regular income or be used to fund expenditures required to get the business up-and-running. 


For those approaching retirement: 

  • Increase your retirement savings. As your retirement date and goals get clearer, maximizing your retirement savings should take priority. Your refund can help you make an additional investment towards your financial future. If you are 50 or older and have earned income, current tax laws allow you to invest extra dollars in your IRA and workplace retirement plan. Work with your tax professional to learn about the opportunities and limitations that apply to your situation. 

  • Pay down your mortgage. Consider using your refund to make an additional principal payment to your home mortgage. Erasing debt prior to retirement can minimize a major financial burden.


For retirees:

  • Spend it on your retirement dream. If you plan to travel or pursue a hobby in retirement, use the refund as a trigger to make it happen. Allow yourself to spend the money without guilt – after all, you’ve earned and planned for this opportunity.

  • Invest in a Roth IRA. If you have any earned income that allows you to make retirement contributions, your tax refund can likely be placed into a Roth IRA. This vehicle provides potential tax-free growth of any earnings.

  • Pay health care expenses. Today’s rising health care costs are often one of the biggest expenses for retirees. Consider applying the funds to Medicare or long-term care policy premiums. If your health care expenses are manageable, save the refund to pay for future expenses. 


Review your tax withholding

If you regularly receive a large tax refund, you may want to adjust the withholding on your paycheck. Decreasing your refund may increase your monthly net pay, allowing you to allocate extra income each month to your financial goals. This strategy isn’t right for everyone. Consult with your tax professional and financial advisor before making adjustments or deciding how to manage your refund.


1 – IRS.gov, “Filing Season Statistics for Week Ending October 28, 2022,” Nov. 03, 2022. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-season-statistics-for-week-ending-october-28-2022.



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Donate to Support Local Journalism

CONTACT US:


By phone: 518-763-6854 or 607-652-5252
Email: mountaineaglenews@gmail.com
Fax: 607-652-5253
Mail: The Mountain Eagle / PO Box 162 / Schoharie NY 12157

https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=M6592A5TZYUCQ

Subscribe!

Site Archive

Submit your information below:

Name

Email *

Message *