SCHOOLS ADOPT FREE AND REDUCED MEAL POLICY

The component schools associated with the Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES (Andes, Cooperstown, Edmeston, Schenevus, South Kortright, Windham-Ashland-Jewett and Worcester) today announced a free and reduced-price meal (Free Milk) policy for the children in their respective districts.  

Local school officials have adopted the following family eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility:

2023-2024 INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS OR FREE MILK

Free Eligibility Scale						Reduced Price Eligibility Scale
Free Lunch, Breakfast, Milk						Reduced Price Lunch, Breakfast
Household Size	Annual	Monthly	Twice per Month	Every Two Weeks	Weekly	Household Size	Annual	Monthly	Twice per Month	Every Two Weeks	Weekly
1	$18,954	$ 1,580	$ 790	$ 729	$ 365	1	$26,973	$2,248	$ 1,124	$ 1,038	$ 519
2	$ 25,636	$ 2,137	$ 1,069	$ 986	$ 493	2	$ 36,482	$ 3,041	$ 1,521	$ 1,404	$ 702
3	$ 32,318	$ 2,694	$ 1,347	$ 1,243	$ 622	3	$ 45,991	$ 3,833	$ 1,917	$ 1,769	$ 885
4	$ 39,000	$ 3,250	$ 1,625	$ 1,500	$ 750	4	$ 55,500	$ 4,625	$ 2,313	$ 2,135	$ 1,068
5	$ 45,862	$ 3,807	$ 1,904	$ 1,757	$ 879	5	$ 65,009	$ 5,481	$ 2,709	$ 2,501	$ 1,251
6	$ 52,364	$ 4,364	$ 2,182	$ 2,014	$ 1,007	6	$ 74,518	$ 6,210	$ 3,105	$ 2,867	$ 1,434
7	$ 59,046	$ 4,921	$ 2,461	$ 2,271	$ 1,136	7	$ 84,027	$ 7,003	$ 3,502	$ 3,232	$ 1,616
8	$ 65,728	$ 5,478	$ 2,739	$ 2,528	$ 1,264	8	$ 93,536	$ 7,795	$ 3,898	$ 3,598	$ 1,799
Each Add’l person  add	$ 6,682	$ 557	$ 279	$ 257	$ 129	Each Add’l person  add	$ 9,509	$ 793	$ 397	$ 366	$ 183

SNAP/TANF/FDPIR Households: Households that currently include children who receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but who are not found during the Direct Certification Matching Process (DCMP), or households that currently receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) must complete an application listing the child's name, a valid SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR case number and the signature of an adult household member. Eligibility for free meal benefits based on participation in SNAP, TANF or FDPIR is extended to all children in the household. When known to the School Food Authority, households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals based on their participation in the SNAP, TANF or the FDPIR programs. No application is necessary if the household was notified by the SFA their children have been directly certified. If the household is not sure if their children have been directly certified, the household should contact the school.

Other Source Categorical Eligibility: When known to the School Food Authority, households will be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals based on the individual child’s designation as Other Source Categorically Eligible, as defined by law. Children are determined Other Source Categorically Eligible if they are Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, A foster child, or Enrolled in Head Start or an eligible pre-kindergarten program. 

If children or households receive benefits under Assistance Programs or Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs and are not listed on the notice of eligibility and are not notified by the School Food Authority of their free meal benefits, the parent or guardian should contact the school or should submit an income application.

Other Households: Households with income the same or below the amounts listed above for family size may be eligible for and are urged to apply for free and/or reduced-price meals (or free milk).  They may do so by completing the application sent home with the letter to parents. One application for all children in the household should be submitted.  Additional copies are available at the principal's office in each school.  Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. 

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the School Food Authority if they choose to decline the free meal benefits. Households may apply for benefits at any time throughout the school year. Children of parents or guardians who become unemployed or experience a financial hardship mid-year may become eligible for free and reduced-price meals or free milk at any point during the school year. 

For up to 30 operating days into the new school year (or until a new eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first) an individual child’s free or reduced-price eligibility status from the previous year will continue within the same SFA. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their children are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the children’s meals must be claimed at the paid rate. Though encouraged to do so, the SFA is not required to send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility.

The information provided on the application will be confidential and will be used for determining eligibility.  The names and eligibility status of participants may also be used for the allocation of funds to federal education programs such as Title I and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), State health or State education programs, provided the State agency or local education agency administers the programs, and for federal, State or local means-tested nutrition programs with eligibility standards comparable to the NSLP.  Eligibility information may also be released to programs authorized under the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) or the Child Nutrition Act (CNA).  The release of information to any program or entity not specifically authorized by the NSLA will require a written consent statement from the parent or guardian.

The School Food Authority does, however, have the right to verify at any time during the school year the information on the application.  If a parent does not give the school this information, the child/children will no longer be able to receive free or reduced-price meals (free milk).

Foster children are eligible for free meal benefits.  A separate application for a foster child is no longer necessary. Foster children may be listed on the application as a member of the family where they reside.  Applications must include the foster child's name and personal use income.

Under the provisions of the policy, the designated official will review applications and determine eligibility.  If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the designated official, he/she may request either orally or in writing for a hearing to appeal the decision.  Your school district has been designated as the Hearing Official.  Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy.  However, before initiating the hearing procedure, the parent or School Food Authority may request a conference to provide an opportunity for the parent and official to discuss the situation, present information, and obtain an explanation of the data submitted in the application or the decisions rendered.  The request for a conference shall not prejudice or diminish the right to a fair hearing.

Only complete applications can be approved.  This includes complete and accurate information regarding the SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR case number; the names of all household members; on an income application, the last four digits of the social security number of the person who signs the form or an indication that the adult does not have one, and the amount and source of income received by each household member.  In addition, the parent or guardian must sign the application form, certifying the information is true and correct.

Beginning July 1, 2019 in New York State, children approved eligible for reduced-price meals will receive complete reimbursable breakfast and lunch meals at no charge.

Nondiscrimination Statement:  This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.  

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

 

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

 

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 

 

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Tugboat Roundup Celebrates 23rd Event

Waterford, NY - Sponsored by the Town of Waterford, the Tugboat Roundup organizing committee has recently revealed its distinguished honorees for 2023, marking another chapter in celebrating the maritime heritage and achievements within on New York’s waterways. This year, the esteemed title of "Tug of the Year" goes to the James Turecamo, a vessel with a rich history and enduring legacy. Additionally, the event has proudly selected Waterford native Capt. Thomas M. Doin as the Grand Marshal for the 2023 Tugboat Parade.

The James Turecamo was built in 1969 at Matton Shipyard in Cohoes, NY. This year, as we honor the 40th anniversary of the closing of Matton Shipyard under Turecamo ownership, we also celebrate the rich tradition of boat building and tugboating that is the very foundation of this annual event.  

Attendees at the Tugboat Roundup can learn more about Matton Shipyard at a Tug Talk scheduled for Saturday, September 9th at 5 pm in the Hurst Harbor Center. Andy Kitzman of the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor will present on the Matton Shipyard, located a half-mile from the site of Tugboat Roundup. The shipyard's legacy is inextricably tied to the maritime history of the region. The James Turecamo, was one of the hundreds of tugs built at Matton Shipyard over its nearly seven decades of operation. Kitzman’s presentation will explore that history, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s work to preserve the site, and what is next for this historic maritime and cultural treasure.

The James Turecamo, with its historical significance and ties to the Capital District, underscores the central theme of honoring both heritage and innovation. The James Turecamo's journey through time reflects the evolution of maritime transportation and its ongoing importance.

Capt. Doin, a Vietnam War Army veteran, is being celebrated as the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Tugboat Parade. Capt. Doin's remarkable career includes his decades-long service as a tugboat captain for the New York State Canal Corporation, including of the venerable National Historic Register-listed URGER, the 2001 Tug of the Year.  Subsequently, he assumed the role of Floating Plant Supervisor overseeing marine operations between Whitehall, NY on the Champlain Canal and Little Falls, NY on the Erie Canal, an operating area of 242 miles. His dedicated contributions and deep connection to the waterways have left an indelible mark, making him a fitting choice for this esteemed role.

Town of Waterford Supervisor John E. Lawler said, "As we prepare for the 2023 Tugboat Roundup, we are thrilled to once again celebrate the rich maritime legacy that courses through our community and the heart of New York State. The Tugboat Roundup has become more than just an event – it's a testament to the enduring spirit of our town and its connections to the waterways. The Tugboat Roundup not only showcases the remarkable vessels that have navigated our canals for generations, but it also captures the dedication of individuals like Tom Doin who have dedicated their lives to community service, and to preserving and enhancing our waterborne heritage.” 

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Tugboat Roundup highlights the very best of the maritime experience in New York – community, history, and tradition. This event is a testament to the tugboat operators that ply the canal waterways, and the innovation, past and present, that lends itself to the Canal system's significance. On behalf of the New York Power Authority, we sincerely congratulate this year’s distinguished honorees on this well-earned recognition.”

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The annual Tugboat Roundup is an opportunity to highlight the mariners and the vessels that have worked on the New York State Canal system throughout the years. The event also allows us to celebrate a local canalside community and the partners who make this festival possible. We thank Captain Doin for his years of dedicated and distinguished service on New York’s Canals and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”

Waterford Tugboat Roundup founder Capt. John C. Callaghan said, “I congratulate my friend and former shipmate Capt. Doin on this well-deserved honor. Like other Canallers of my generation, I learned from Tom Doin just as he learned from those who came before him.  That’s the story that this annual event still helps to highlight nearly a quarter-century after we started. This industry, and this waterway, represents not just the most compelling part of New York’s history, but perhaps the most promising part of its future.”

The tugboat parade will leave Albany at 3:30 PM on September 8th and will head north on the Hudson River, reaching Waterford at about 6:00 PM. The parade will include a number of tugboats and other vessels from Troy, Albany, Coeymans, New York City and other ports. 

Sponsors of the Tugboat Roundup include the New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company, Moran Towing Corporation, CD Perry, LLC, D. Brake Marine, LLC, Stewarts Shops, Shaker Logistics, and Carver Maritime, among others. 

Visitors to the Tugboat Roundup can tours the tugboats on Saturday and Sunday. The festival also includes live music, vendors, presentations, competition, children's activities, a kayaking trip, a 5k, and more. 

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Tips to Prepare for Retirement When You Don’t Have Kids

Many people build their retirement and estate plans around their children and grandchildren. Everything from where they live, to how they spend their time and money, to the legacy they want to leave behind is considered through the prism of their role as parents and grandparents. For those without kids and grandkids, a different formula may apply as these individuals may have more financial freedom and flexibility as they enter retirement and beyond. But they still need to be as vigilant – if not more – about planning for their later years. If this describes your situation, read on for tips to help you navigate the many decisions that factor into retirement and estate planning.

1. Prioritize saving for retirement

Since you’re not facing the costs for childcare and educational institutions, consider doubling-down on saving for retirement. You have the potential to spend decades in retirement pursuing your hobbies and goals. Calculate what it will take for you to live the lifestyle you want and compare it to your current savings. Create a plan to save the difference. Contribute as much as you can to your workplace savings plan, if you have one, and consider building up Roth IRA savings to help create a source of income that is potentially tax-free in retirement.

2. Recognize your long-term care challenges

Long-term care can be a challenge for anyone as they age, and there’s added complexity in situations where you may not be able to rely on family members to step in. Regardless of your situation, make it a priority to decide how you will manage healthcare costs in retirement. Medical expenses continue to rise, so it’s important to have adequate savings and insurance coverage. Explore your options through Medicare and your current or former employer and consider if long-term care insurance would benefit you. Additionally, consider researching caregiving options and long-term care facilities in your area so that you are familiar with the choices if you need them down the road.

3. Prepare for medical care

Before you experience a significant medical event – which can happen at any time – make sure to have an advanced directive, also known as a living will, in place. This document lets your spouse, extended family and friends know your preferences for treatment and gives you the opportunity to designate a healthcare power of attorney, who will be empowered to make decisions on your behalf if necessary. 

4. Have financial decision-makers in place

It’s also important to designate a spouse, friend, extended family member or professional to look out for your financial interests if you become incapacitated. Draw up documents to name a durable power of attorney to oversee your financial matters if you are unable to, including legal and tax matters. Keep in mind that choosing someone to help watch out for you does not mean you have to share your full financial situation and account numbers. Rather, a common approach is to share enough information so that the contact can step in, should a situation arise where you need help making financial decisions.

5. Plan your legacy

With no direct heirs in line to inherit your estate, you will want to consider what you’d like your legacy to be – including how your assets should be distributed upon your death. You may choose to leave your estate to any combination of family members, friends, charities, education institutions, or other causes that are important to you. Creating or updating your will is one of the best ways to articulate your wishes. 

Also consider using trusts, which sometimes allow more flexibility than a will, to help you meet specific legacy goals. Consult with a financial advisor, attorney and tax legal professional to develop a comprehensive legacy strategy that suits your ultimate goals.  

###

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 8 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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SUNY DELHI ANNOUNCES FALL WATER AEROBICS CLASS SESSION 1

DELHI, NY - The SUNY Delhi Fall Water Aerobics first session will run from  

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 through Monday, October 2, 2023 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the Kunsela Hall pool from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.  All registration forms must be received by the first day of class. Participants will not be allowed in the water without submitting a registration. There will be a charge of $50 per person for 12 sessions or $10 per person, per session. Please make checks payable to SUNY Delhi Swimming Pool, questions call John Kolodziej at 607-746-4263. Please check in your vehicles at University Police to get a free parking pass for the semester.   

For register forms and more information go to DelhiBroncos.com or Bronco Connect. 

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SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s cross country team opened the 2023 season on Saturday by posting a team total of 29 points to outdistance a four-team field and claim the team-title at the Vermont State University-Castleton Invitational hosted by the Spartans on their home course in Castleton, Vt. First-year harrier Lilianna Peters, Hinsdale, N.Y., Allegany-Limestone High School, won the race coving the 5000-meter trail course by running the fastest time in course history bettering the 24-runner field with a time of 20:37.

The Fighting Tiger women’s golf team captured the championship of their own SUNY Cobleskill Fall Invitational over the weekend hosted by the Fighting Tigers at the Cobleskill Golf & Country Club in Cobleskill, N.Y. by posting a team total of 150-over par 434 on the par 71 5251-yard loop. Cobleskill first-year player Lily Tobin, Kendall, N.Y., Kendall High School, captured the individual tournament title by firing a round of 15-over-par 86 to outdistance the field at the event.

Senior Nick Logan, Queensbury, N.Y., Queensbury High School, led the Fighting Tiger men’s cross country team to victory at the 2023 Vermont State University-Castleton Invitational hosted by the Spartans on their home course in Castleton, Vt. Logan placed second overall in the 41-runner field by covering the 8000-meter trail course in a time of 29:17as Cobleskill recorded a team score of 30 points to defeat the four-team field.

The women’s volleyball team opened the season by dropping three matches on a road-trip to western New York over the weekend. On Friday evening the Fighting Tigers dropped a pair of games at the Keuka Classic hosted by Keuka College in Keuka Park, N.Y. Cobleskill lost to the Trailblazers of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) 3-2 by set scores of 21-25, 25-21, 18-25, 26-24 and 2-25 prior to falling to the host Wolves 3-0 by scores of 25-21, 25-18 and 25-14. The Orange & Black then closed their road-trip on Saturday by losing to the host Hawks of Hilbert College in Hamburg, N.Y. 3-1 by scores of 25-22, 19-25, 11-25 and 18-25 to fall to 0-3 overall on the year. Senior middle hitter/outside hitter 

Alexis Miranda, Nashua, N.H., Nashua North High School, had a successful weekend for the team averaging 2.33 kills, 1.25 digs and 0.58 blocks per contest.

Sophomore Joshua House, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Saratoga Springs High School, was the Fighting Tiger men’s golf team’s top finisher over the weekend at the 2023 SUNY Cobleskill Fall Invitational hosted by the Orange & Black at the par 70, 6163-yard Cobleskill Golf & Country Club in Cobleskill, N.Y finishing tied for 6^th place overall with a score of seven-over par 77. Led by House’s efforts the team fired a round of 41-over par 321 to place third overall in the field of six teams.

The men’s soccer team opened the 2023 season with a pair of losses over the weekend losing to the host Trailblazers of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, Mass. on Friday by a 3-0 margin before returning home on Saturday to drop a 4-0 decision to the visiting Bears of SUNY Potsdam. Fighting Tiger first-year goalkeeper Adam Champlin, South Kortright, N.Y., South Kortright High School, recorded 17 saves in his first two starts in net for Cobleskill.

The Cobleskill women’s soccer team opened their 2023 campaign on Sunday by dropping a 2-0 non-league decision to the host Soaring Eagles of Elmira College in Elmira, N.Y. to open the year at 0-1 overall. Fighting Tiger first-year goalkeeper Jojo Leubner, Marcellus, N.Y., Marcellus High School, turned in a strong effort between the pipes for the Orange & Black in her first career start recording six saves on the afternoon.

UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS:

Volleyball vs. Utica College 9/6, Russell Sage College 9/12, Bay Path College 9/17      

                                                            

Men’s Soccer vs. Albany College of Pharmacy 9/20, VTSU-Johnson 9/23

Women’s Soccer vs. Bryant & Stratton (Albany) 9/27, VTSU-Johnson 9/23

Men’s & Women’s Cross Country host Steven A. Warde Invitational on 9/9

Men’s & Women’s Golf host Mount St. Mary’s College 9/10 @ Cobleskill Golf & Country Club  

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Upcoming $1 cigarette tax hike projected to save 15,300 New Yorkers’ lives

Higher costs deter youth from smoking and help smokers quit

 

(ONEONTA, N.Y.) August 31, 2023- Beginning Sept. 1, 2023, New York State’s cigarette tax will be the highest in the nation. The $1 hike is the first cigarette tax increase since 2010 and changes the tax from $4.35 to $5.35 per pack of 20 cigarettes. Research shows a 10% increase in tobacco prices would be expected to decrease tobacco consumption by 4% in high-income countries.[i]

Increasing the cost of cigarettes is one of the most effective ways to promote smoking cessation and prevent youth initiation. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN) projects the impact of the higher tax will save 15,300 New Yorkers’ lives and prevent 14,400 youth under age 18 from becoming adults who smoke.[ii]

"Young people generally don't have a lot of disposable income.  By raising the price of cigarettes, it decreases the chances that they will purchase a product that will lead to a lifetime of addiction," said Jennifer Hill, Community Engagement Coordinator, Tobacco-Free Communities | Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie.

Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily, first tried smoking by age 18.  Evidence shows that increasing the cost of a pack of cigarettes leads to people quitting cigarettes among groups that are known to be price-sensitive, including youth, and low-income populations.  Currently, according to the New York Smoker’s Quitline online savings calculator, a New York State resident will spend a minimum of $4,000 a year to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day.

Surveys have shown that about 70% of smokers want to quit and can be motivated by price increases.  The impact can also be greater in rural counties of New York State as the smoking rate is known to be higher in rural vs. urban areas.

"Currently, the state average adult smoking rate is 12%. However, the adult smoking rates remain high in Delaware (16.1%), Otsego (18.3%) and Schoharie (20.3%) counties," added Hill.

Support Available for People Who Want to Quit

“With the expected increase of people attempting to quit smoking in response to the cigarette tax increase, having affordable and accessible cessation resources for our community is incredibly important,” said Mindy Robinson, Liaison for Bassett Research Institute and URMC’s Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Locally, The Quit Center at Wilmot Cancer Institute is a free resource for Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Chenango County residents looking to quit. They offer a free six-month smoking cessation program for ages 21 and older, which includes counseling with a tobacco treatment specialist, delivery of a 12 week supply of nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum or lozenges and text message support. Call 585-504-9461 to get started.

Another resource is the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, which is a free and confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome use of commercial tobacco and/or vape products. Participants can receive individualized coaching and assistance with quit planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support, and a free starter supply delivery of nicotine replacement therapy medications such as patches, gum and/or lozenges for those 18 and older. Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. Visit nysmokefree.com anytime or text QUITNOW to 333888 for more information, or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

About Tobacco-Free Communities | Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie (TFC-DOS): TFC-DOS is a NYS Bureau of Tobacco Control grant-funded program held by St. Peter’s Health Partners. TFC-DOS works to increase support for New York state’s tobacco-free norm through youth action and community engagement. Efforts are evidence-based, policy-driven, and cost-effective approaches that decrease youth tobacco use, motivate adult smokers to quit, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. Visit www.gotobaccofreedos.org for more information.

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Harvest Festival Returns to The Farmers’ Museum on September 16 & 17

Cooperstown, New York — Celebrate the bounty of fall as Harvest Festival returns to The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, taking place Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Since 1978, this family-friendly event has grown to become a regional favorite, bringing together a wide variety of performers, artisans, and vendors.  Situated on the museum’s picturesque grounds near Otsego Lake, it offers the perfect blend of new attractions and trusted favorites. Visit FarmersMuseum.org for a complete schedule.

 

One-day entry to Harvest Festival: $15 adults (13-64), $12.50 seniors (65+), $6 juniors (7-12), children 6 and younger and museum members are free. Purchase tickets at the museum on the day of the event. Free museum admission is also available for those receiving SNAP benefits (up to 4 people) with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

 

 

Find two days of live performances. Hear music by folk singer and songwriter Kevin McKrell both days. Bill Ackerbauer, an acoustic guitarist who dabbles in harmonica, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and other instruments, will perform his family program on Sunday. Musicians Jim Kimball and Karen Canning perform nineteenth-century tunes on the porch at Bump Tavern. Mr. Kimball has added to the festival’s ambiance since the late 1970s. The Catskill Puppet Theater will hold a performance of Hiawatha on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. More performances will be announced soon.

 

There is an abundance of activities for families and kids at Harvest Fest. At the Crafts Table, kids can make corn husk dolls, paper strip pumpkins, and autumn greeting cards. There will also be face painting, scavenger hunts, and a children’s hay bale maze. Outdoor games include cornhole, nine pins, and some traditional 19^th-century games. Ride the Empire State Carousel. At the Farmstead, find cider pressing, corn shelling and grinding, and as well as horse-drawn wagon rides. In the blacksmith shop, kids can discover how metal is shaped by hammering molding clay which has the feel of hammering hot steel. Have the family sit for an authentic tintype photograph on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (weather permitting).

 

Animals always take the spotlight at Harvest Festival. Aside from our beautiful farm animals, Hinman Hollow Sport Training will dazzle you with their canine agility and obedience demonstrations.

In the Main Barn, view the exhibit Growing Tomorrow’s Farmers which celebrates the role children played on family farms from the 19th century to the present. The exhibit, featuring photographs of several families who live in the region, will close on October 29.

 

If you like historical trades, you won’t be disappointed. Many artisans show off their skills each year. Get hands-on with rope making, coopering, and see spinning and fiber art demonstrations.  You’ll also find, quilters, a jeweler, woodworkers, a porcelain painter, bakers, maple producers, and artists, featuring many unique items from the region. 

 

Harvest Festival gives visitors the opportunity to join in and assist our interpreters with common activities from the 19^th century such as the harvesting of potatoes. There are interesting happenings in each building in the Country Village including the Blacksmith Shop, the Print Shop, and the Farmhouse.

 

An abundance of delicious foods from the season’s harvest awaits festival-goers including the mouthwatering roasted corn from Our Green Acres, sausage from Beckmann’s, desserts from Kings Kakery, and great Greek cuisine from The Grapevine (Sunday only). You will also find homemade pies and fresh baked goods from the Pomona Grange.

  

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with some new and unique gifts for everyone in the family at Todd’s General Store and The Farmers’ Museum Store.

   

Visit Fenimore Art Museum on the same day–located just across the street. Get two great museums for one low price when you purchase a two-way ticket for $25 or $22.50 seniors. Two-way tickets can be purchased at the admissions desk of either museum during Harvest Festival. See Fenimore’s new fall exhibitions featuring A Cabinet of Curious Matters: Work by Callahan and Whitten and others–plus Randy Johnson: Storytelling with Photographs, now on view through December 3. The museum and Fenimore Gift Shop are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

For an up-to-date schedule and other information, please visit FarmersMuseum.org. The Farmers’ Museum is located at 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, N.Y., 13326.

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ASF Readies for Warriors in Motion Golf Event

WINDHAM - The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) will be hosting its popular Warriors in Motion (WIM) golf program at the Windham Country Club on September 5-7. 

 

U.S. Army veteran Lou Ferrari has been attending WIM programs for five years and has been playing golf for about that long as well. He has attended this yearly golf event twice since he was introduced to the ASF, and he’s looking forward to hitting the links in Windham again. “It’s nice to meet and get involved with other veterans again,” he explained. “You get to see some old friends from the past and meet new faces and get to talk about what you’ve done with your life. I’m always willing to give people some activities to help them in their recovery and stay active.”

 

Ferrari and nine other wounded veterans will arrive at the ASF’s Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon to meet with the ASF staff and volunteers that will be joining them at the country club during the week. The group of veterans and volunteers will then share a lunch together before going to the golf course to meet the Windham Country Club’s Head PGA Pro Jesse Muller and his team of instructors. The warriors will then learn golf basics and receive instruction throughout the afternoon. Once their sessions are over, the warriors will check into their hotels before returning to the ASF for a catered dinner at 6 p.m.

 

Wednesday will be a full day of golf, as the ASF shuttle bus will retrieve the warriors from their hotels at 9 a.m. and head to the course. There will be more instruction throughout the entire day and even some course play in the afternoon after lunch at Mulligan’s Pub, the country club’s own restaurant. The plan is to have the warriors golf for six hours until 3:30 p.m., when they will head back to their hotel rooms to wind down before another dinner at the ASF lodge. 

 

The participants will meet at the country club at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning to play a round of golf on the course before they break for lunch at Mulligan’s Pub again at 11:30 a.m. Once lunch is finished, the WIM team will say goodbye to each other and depart. 

 

“The ASF’s WIM program keeps me busy and it’s nice meeting up with other veterans and sharing that camaraderie that we have with each other,” Ferrari said about why he enjoys visiting the ASF. “I think back about how I’ve been out of the service for 50 years, but that first 30 or 35 years I was working, having a family and being busy. I didn’t have much time for these programs or even know about them. I’m glad to be a part of them now and to spread the word about how they can help people like me stay active.”

 

The ASF’s Warriors in Motion program provides participating injured United States servicemen and women with a basic knowledge and practice of wellness and the importance of lifelong healthy living. All WIM programs are goal-oriented and empower the warrior to take charge of their own fitness and wellness.

 

Warriors in Motion is funded by donations that were generously given to the Adaptive Sports Foundation. Thanks to these donations, the Adaptive Sports Foundation will be able to provide equipment, water bottles, all meals, snacks, water, sports drinks, sunscreen, bug spray and ponchos (if necessary) for this upcoming event.

 

If you’d like to donate to the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s Warriors in Motion program, or any of the other programs the ASF has to offer, please visit www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org. 

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