Outdoors with Larry DiDonato

DEC Issues Annual Hunter Safety Report 

2023 is Second Safest Season on Record, Tying 2019

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released hunting safety statistics for the 2023 hunting season. The total of 12 Hunting Related Shooting Incidents (HRSIs) for 2023 tied with 2019 for the second-fewest HRSIs on record. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos credits the safe seasons to the highly trained, certified, volunteer instructors who have been teaching safe, responsible, and ethical hunting and trapping practices for more than 70 years. He went on to congratulate instructors for “...creating extremely safety-conscious generations of hunters and trappers through DECs Hunter Education Program.” 

To keep 2023’s second best hunter safety record in prospective, one just needs to compare the 12 HRSIs in 2023 to the 166 HRSIs experienced back in 1966. Even one HRSI is one too many. Fatal HRSIs, and those resulting in serious physical injury can be devastating to those involved. That being said, hunting remains among the safest of outdoor activities. 

“All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must successfully complete a hunter or trapper safety course and pass the final exam before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license.”  Since 2020, hunter safety classes have been offered with an “online-only” option. While hands-on classes where safe gun handling can be physically demonstrated and experienced remain the best option in my opinion, online-only classes have not been shown to be a factor in HRSIs. None of the HRSIs in 2023 involved online-only certified hunters. Most HRSIs in 2023, as well as in previous years, involve hunters with many years of experience who took the course long before the online-only option. Ten of the twelve shooters in 2023’s HRSIs had more than 15 years of hunting experience.

The 12 HRSIs recorded in 2023 include six two-party firearm incidents and six self-inflicted incidents; two of the 12 HRSIs were fatal. The two fatalities include one self-inflicted incident resulting from a subject hauling a loaded firearm into a tree stand. The other was a two-party incident caused by the discharge of a firearm being carried while dragging a harvested deer out of the woods. Another HRSI in 2023 involved hunters dragging a deer. It did not result in a fatality but emphasizes the need to unload all firearms when doing strenuous activities like dragging a deer or bear out of the woods. 

The fatality involving the hunter in the tree stand hauling up a loaded rifle with a haul line through the trigger guard is made even more tragic as it could have been so easily avoided. Following the basic hunter safety guideline to keep all firearms unloaded when hauling up or down tree stands would certainly have prevented this tragedy. 

HRSI Hunting Safety Statistics which include important details and more specific accounts of each incident are available on DEC’s website. 

Tree Stand Incidents

Injuries related to hunting in tree stands are not Hunter Related Shooting Incidents (HRSIs) unless they stem from a discharge of a firearm. Eight incidents involving ascending or descending tree stands were reported and investigated in 2023. None were fatal. “Seven of the hunters involved suffered extensive injuries after falling while not using a fall-arrest harness system. One hunter was wearing a harness, but it was attached to the stand, not the tree, and when the stand broke, the hunter fell with the stand. Additional information about tree stand incidents is available on DEC’s website.” 

Tree stand safety has become a regular part of the hunter education curriculum in New York. The proper use of tree stands and tree stand safety equipment will help to prevent these injuries and fatalities. Used correctly, a harness and fall-arrest system keep the hunter connected from the time they leave the ground to the moment they get back down. Many, if not all, tree stand incidents could be prevented if hunters follow the "ABCs" of tree stand safety: 

• Always remove and inspect the tree stand before use. 

• Buckle on the full body harness securely every time. 

• Connect to the tree before your feet leave the ground. 

Additional safety tips for tree stand hunters: 

• Inspect your tree stand before using it. Replace any worn or broken parts. 

• Buckle your full-body harness securely and use a tether and a lifeline.  

• Connect to the tree before your feet leave the ground and stay connected from the time you leave the ground to the time you get back down. 

• Let someone know where your stand is located and when you plan to be home.  

• Use a haul line to raise your unloaded gun or bow or cocked (but unloaded) crossbow with quiver up into the stand.  

• Always carry emergency equipment, such as a knife, cell phone, flashlight, and whistle in your pockets (not in your pack hanging in the tree). 

A video showing the proper way to climb into and out of a tree stand can be viewed on DEC's YouTube channel. 

Remember, all HRSIs can be avoided if everyone follows the basic principles of hunter safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. 

• Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction. 

• Identify your target and what lies beyond. 

• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire; and 

• Wear hunter orange or pink. 

More information, including the 2023 Hunting Safety Statistics and 2023 Tree Stand Safety Statistics, is available on DEC's website. 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time.

Report poachers and polluters by contacting a NYS ECO. 

Dial 1-844-DEC-ECOS, (1-844-332-3267) 24/7/365 to contact the 24-hour ECO Dispatch

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY Small Sounds in a Large World

By Michael Ryan

THE MOUNTAINS - There may be nothing better than a long, pre-spring rain that, minus a few degrees, could have been smothering snow.

It is mostly quiet at my house, on a dead end road down the mountain from Windham, making it easier to hear what a dear friend once wrote.

I remembered her words, last Saturday, when the clouds hung low and Nature was simultaneously in motion and in suspended animation.

Her name is Bonnie and she passed away a year-and-a-half ago on a sunny summer day, not at all like this past weekend.

Small, early springish tributaries formed as the wetness fell steadily and soothingly while in other covered spots, icy fingers held on tight.

But any day with any warmth is worth venturing out into in these high hills, where 40 degrees, in late winter, feels like a heat wave.

I could hear raindrops - splattering against hickory tree branches that had snapped off in heavy winds two nights earlier - and gently pattering on ground leaves from the previous autumn turned gray.

The windstorm had made it a struggle to keep my old country house toasty, particularly the wood floors that behave like perfect wind tunnels, so it was good to get my tootsies into the mild air.

The woods were little symphonies with no greenery to soften the raindrops playing so I listened to their mysterious orchestration.

Bonnie said it better, I believe, in a piece she titled, “And I Sit,” which goes like this…“sparse waters trickle deep in shadowed places, catching small pools of silken essence amongst the dry and boney rocks.

“You hear life in the music of moving waters. I listen for the life, thick nectar dripped through from more subtle realms, a small sound in a large world.”

It’s the “small sound in a large world” phrase that strikes me deepest, bringing to mind how Bonnie seemed to think of herself.

I won’t deny I miss the girl I met when I was 19 years old. She, believe it or not, stopped to pick me up hitchhiking back when it was still possible to stick out your thumb and get a free ride to wherever.

We became close, talking about everything under the stars and beyond and I admit it it would be awfully nice to still do so.

But it also sounds kind of silly, saying that, knowing that there isn’t really anywhere for her to have gone. Where else would that be?

So I chatter away and it isn’t the same but it isn’t vapid either, and I put on her favorite TV show, “Svengoolie,” when it plays on Saturday nights.

Death is stranger than anything in life, the way we simply vanish and how it leaves us speechless and I listen to the small sounds in a large world.

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The Catskill School Walkout

By Michael Ryan and Andrea Macko (Porcupine Soup)

CATSKILL - Internal intrigue and intense external controversy continue to surround a series of student walkouts and parent protests in the wake of the suspension of two Catskill High School workers.

Hundreds of people rallied, on March 4, in support of suspended principal Junait Shah and chorus teacher/musical director Michelle Storrs-Ryan, demanding their reinstatement.

That storm of dissent whirled even as the Board of Education was meeting behind closed doors about what is apparently an administrative decision.

This all followed a March 1 student walkout and March 3 demonstration by the public calling for the reinstatement of Shah and Storrs-Ryan.

An estimated 150 parents and students gathered at 7 a.m. on March 4, outside the office of school Superintendent Dr. Dan Wilson.

Wilson emerged to read a prepared statement but his words were largely drowned out as protesters shouted “liar” and yelled for him to resign. Wilson’s statement was later posted to the district’s website.

“We want to assure the community that we take all allegations seriously and are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in our schools. Our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, faculty and staff,” Wilson stated.

“While we understand the public’s interest and concern, it is imperative to recognize that there is a process that must be followed.

“Therefore, out of respect for the integrity of the investigation and to preserve the rights of those involved, the district and I are unable to provide further comment at this time,” Wilson stated.

“I want to be clear in stating that the investigation is still open and no decisions have been made at this time,” Wilson added.

On the afternoon of March 4, a small group of students were still gathered on the lawn of the district office, some standing on the sidewalk holding signs in support of Shah and Storrs-Ryan. 

Some students said they would not return to class until the suspensions are lifted and meanwhile, tough questions are beginning to surface about how the still-cloudy situation was handled administratively.

There are serious unanswered questions about the source of the complaint against Shah and Storrs-Ryan and the in-house, chain-of-command decision-making that led to what has become an explosive issue.

Shah and Storrs-Ryan were suspended February 29 while the district was reportedly investigating an incident involving tape being put over a student’s mouth during rehearsal for an upcoming March 15-17 performance of Cinderella by the school drama club.

It happened sometime, last month, when Storrs-Ryan purportedly teased students that if they did not quiet down she was going to apply tape to do so, resulting in a playful back-and-forth, according to some students. 

One student reportedly volunteered and briefly put tape on her own mouth, and that student subsequently said it was done in a safe, joking fashion.

However, sometime after that, another student, apparently in the musical production, made a formal complaint to Shah who reportedly concluded nothing inappropriate had occurred.

Things become murky at that point in terms of a separate complaint then being filed resulting in the investigation and suspensions.

The school district has not revealed who made that complaint, what it said, or why actions were taken so swiftly against Shah and Storrs-Ryan.

Sara Pickens Verdon, president of the Catskill Music Parent-Student Association, said that Shah and Storrs-Ryan have allegedly been asked to submit their resignations

While the district has confirmed that it is investigating, school officials have not commented on specific allegations, publicly named Shah or Storrs-Ryan directly, or confirmed that either educator has been suspended.

The Catskill Teachers Association (CTA), Storrs-Ryan’s local union, issued a statement Monday confirming “Wednesday’s suspension of a Catskill educator.”

“We understand the administration is doing its duty to conduct an investigation and this takes time. 

“We believe that once the investigation is completed, district leadership will no doubt come to the same conclusion that so many students, parents, and community members have: our member should return to work.

“Thanks to all who have expressed their support for our educators these past few days. CTA is hopeful this will all be over soon and we can focus on the important work of educating our students.”

Protesters assembled again Monday night outside where the school board was conducting their closed session, declaring it was being held for the sole purpose of discussion with the school district’s attorney.

“This meeting will not be public due to attorney-client confidentiality, which makes the meeting exempt from being held in public under Public Officers Law 108(3), which exempts any matter made confidential by federal or state law,” the district further stated.

When the board and Wilson left the meeting after about four hours, a group of community members were still waiting outside. 

Catskill police officers were present as board members got in their cars and left without making any statements or answering questions.

The next scheduled public Board of Education meeting is March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library, two days before the curtain rises on Cinderella amid fears it will be cancelled.

On Sunday, parent Ellen Shook launched a Change.org petition “for the immediate return of Principal Shah and Music Teacher Mrs. Storrs to their respective positions within the district.” It also calls for Wilson’s resignation.

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Road Chiefs Raise a Ruckus Over Rollbacks

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - He has offered his two cents on the matter, hoping a couple of verbal pennies help save $60 million in vital State funding for already strapped local highway departments.

Windham roads chief Gary Thorington has been an especially busy fellow, this week, first traveling to Albany on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of “Advocacy Day” with the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highway.

Thorington sits on the executive committee of NYSAOTSOH, representing the six mostly rural counties of Greene, Schoharie Columbia, Hamilton, Montgomery and Fulton as well as Albany County.

He followed up that lobbying campaign with a related trek to the Schoharie County Department of Public Works, on Thursday morning, joined by Assemblyman Chris Tague and a slew of highway compatriots.

Tague was there, stumping not for himself but for the men and women who take care of village, town, county and even sometimes State roads.

Departments are facing severe cuts in the crucial CHIPS funding that are included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2024/25 budget.

Passage of that spending plan is slated for April 1 and while the State is notoriously late, the timing isn’t what is most relevant.

Thorington was one of several speakers in Schoharie, and in a phone interview leading up to the gathering, detailed the situation.

“We don’t understand why they’re cutting funds that are important to every community when we already need more than we get,” Thorington said.

“There are studies done on why bumble bees and butterflies can’t fly and here we are decreasing dollars for roads everyone uses.”

Hochul’s slashing totals $100 million, factoring in an additional $40 million for programs that largely impact larger downstate municipalities.

“This week is serious business,” Thorington said. “This could be detrimental to our local road systems and it’s not just about CHIPS.

“If the Governor is willing to eliminate these funds, who’s to say she won’t cut the Extreme Winter Repair and Pave Our Potholes programs?

“Typically we get really good support. We’re not saying they don’t do their jobs in Albany. Political affiliation doesn’t usual enter into it. 

“But we weren’t expecting a $100 million cut. We’re not only asking to keep the $100 million, but to add $150 million more than what we got last year.”

Assemblyman Tague, in a phone interview prior to the Schoharie gathering, said, “it’s pretty evident New York State spends more money than it has.

“The budget was $168 billion when I was first elected [six years ago] and $233 billion is now being proposed. 

“Over that same period, one million New Yorkers have left the State and during Covid, we lost many businesses and other revenue sources.

“At some point, something has to break,” Tague said, “but it can’t be our highway departments and Departments of Public Works.

“They have to be ready to go whenever the call comes and and they need to have the workers and equipment to do their jobs.”

Greene County highway superintendent Scott Templeton, in a phone chat, echoed that dollars and cents sentiment, noting the county stands to lose approximately $225,000 from their projected revenue pool

“This is surprising. They gave us more funding last year, saying it was important. I guess it’s no longer important,” Templeton said.

“I don’t understand what programs they would choose that they’d rather be supporting. This is real money to us. All the money we get is spent on roads and bridges. It’s not like we squirrel it away.”

The town of Windham, with its annual $950,249 highway budget, would be hit hard by the gashing, forced to find over $12,000 elsewhere. Other communities will suffer a more painful pinch.

“We’re pretty fortunate [with a healthy tax base] here, but if you really want to put this in perspective, take a ride through Tug Hill,” Thorington said, referring to the remote, high-snowfall area in northern New York.

“There are towns up there that have almost nothing. I’m not putting them down. I’m just painting a realistic picture. What is this going to do to the towns so small they rely solely on CHIPS money for repairs.

“How do you make that money up? You don’t. We could take a direct hit on this year’s paving and the budget is already set so we can’t generate any more funding,” Thorington said.

“I suppose the town could do a resolution to tap the General Fund but that’s not what that piggy bank is for, so this could really hurt.”

Thorington, noting 87 percent of the roads in the State are either on the village, town or county level, said, “everyone travels a local road.

“It doesn’t matter what you’re doing or where you’re going. Our emergency services couldn’t pass without them. For the life of me, I don’t understand why we have to go to Albany every year to face these budget cuts.”

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Construction Bids and Hot Coffee Brewing

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - It might not be as pretty as the spring daffodils that will be blooming  soon, but an infrastructure blossoming is underway at the Gateway Greene Commercial Park.

Greene County Legislature members, at a recent meeting, authorized the pursuit of bids for reinventing the county Tourism Center.

For many years, the official welcome spot has been at the entrance to or exit from Exit 21 of the New York State Thruway, depending upon which direction you are heading.

As part of a transaction between the Stewarts Shop Corporation and the Greene County Industrial Development Agency, that building has been demolished in what is essentially a flip flop of property.

The building has been replaced by a new Stewarts Shop, with the national chain moving across the street from its former store along Route 23B.

In turn, Stewarts is transferring ownership of their old land to the IDA which is working with the county to remodel the old structure for use as a more spacious Tourism Center, filling two needs with one deed.

Stewarts gets an even more convenient entranceway for incoming and outgoing travelers while the IDA continues to set the stage for for its visionary Gateway Greene Commercial Park.

An early April opening is slated for the new Stewarts and while they make ready their hot coffee and cold ice cream, the IDA is anticipating more activity at the location.

Groundbreaking for Stewarts happened last November, progressing swiftly and serving as a harbinger for the arrival of a Hamptons Inn.

When shovels started digging, the Greene County Economic Development department issued a press release, detailing what else was to come.

“Exit 21 Catskill serves as one of the highest traffic access points to and from destinations within Greene County, and the adjacent commercial real estate has been underutilized for years,” the release states.

“That is all about to change. Site work is now in full-swing on the Exit 21 East Commercial Park,” between the village of Leeds and the Jefferson Heights section of Catskill.

“Both residents and visitors will soon witness the benefits of public/private development efforts that will increase access to commercial services and hotel accommodations while creating jobs, increasing tax base and enhancing sales tax revenues.”

All that is occurring, “not to mention improving the aesthetic and safety of the area around the interchange,” the release states.

“The vision and accomplishments of the Greene County Legislature to stimulate investment through public infrastructure and capital facilities development is steadily coming to fruition.

“Located East and West of Catskill Exit 21 sits two strategically located commercial parks owned by the [IDA],” the release states.

“The development of Shovel Ready Parks in the Town of Catskill continues to be a priority for the County and the IDA,” the release states.

“It is anticipated that the timing of awards for the renovation of the [Tourism Center] will coincide with the completion of the new Stewarts shop.”

Legislature Majority Leader Matthew Luvera, at the time said. “the economic impact of Greene County’s investment in the Exit 21 redevelopment initiative is a real game-changer.

“This project demonstrates the ability of local government and private-sector investors to come together to create real opportunities that make our communities better.

“The new Hampton Inn and expanded Stewart’s are great anchor businesses, and the infrastructure improvements we are making will continue to attract more development both along 23B and on both East and West sides of the Thruway,” Luvera said.

An agreement has been reached with Central Hudson Gas & Electric to extend existing natural gas service from Jefferson Heights to service parcels on both sides of the Thruway.

This will be “advancing future development into Exit 21 East and Exit 21 West properties owned by the IDA,” the press release states. 

There is no precise timeframe for completing renovations of the Tourism Center with employees currently operating out of the county building on Main Street in Catskill.

The IDA, in addition to securing the Exit 21 East and West properties, is investing $75,000 on the Tourism Center remake with the county contributing an estimated $1.2 million, officials say.

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday, March 10.  Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour.

Every Monday afternoon starting at 2 p.m., come over to the Mountain Top Library, 6093 Main Street, Tannersville and enjoy games, puzzles, programs, and more.  Share stories, play games, learn about local history and enjoy conversation.  All ages are welcome.  Call 518-589-5707 if you have questions.

Hensonville Hose Company is holding their Friday Fish Fry Dinners from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., eat in or takeout, at the Hensonville Hose Company Firehouse. Your choice of fried fish, or clam strips or chicken tenders, French Fries or baked potato, coleslaw, roll and brownie for $15.  Fried Mozzarella sticks are also available at additional cost.

Happy birthday to Brian Wilson on Friday, March 8.

Katelyn Dwon celebrates her birthday on Monday, March 11.

Tuesday, March 12 is Olivia Dwon’s birthday.

Ray Clinton’s birthday is Thursday, March 14.

Also celebrating a birthday on March 14 is Tom Benjamin.

Best wishes to all.

There is a Coffee Klatch the second Tuesday of each month (March 12) at the Hunter Public Library, 7965 Main Street, Hunter from 10 a.m. to noon with light refreshments, coffee and tea.

Come and enjoy a bowl of soup, sandwich and dessert free of charge at the Soup and Fellowship Kitchen, Tuesday, March 12, at the Kaaterskill UMC, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville in the Blue Room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Soup and Fellowship Kitchen is held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.  All are invited and welcomed to join in the fellowship. 

There will be a Micro Sunday School hosted by the Lexington/West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington, for all ages through age 12, three Saturdays in March from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. -- March 9, March 16, March 23 – concluding with a super fun Easter Egg Hunt on March 23.  Call Susan at 518-429-8054.

The Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, behind the Tannersville Firehouse, at the Tannersville Village Hall, One Park Lane, Tannersville is open on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. weather permitting.  The third Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. is for delivery to folks who do not have transportation.  Call 518-589-5787 if you need delivery, contingent on volunteer availability.  If you would like to help Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, you can also drop food off at Brave the Flames Restaurant, when open, and Tannersville Village Hall during the week.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Luncheon will be held at the Windham-Hensonville UMC, Main Street, Windham on Friday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Lunch includes corned beef sandwich, coleslaw, Bag O’ Chips, dessert, soda or water for $15.  Free delivery of three or more in Windham/Hensonville.  Pre-order or day of sale – 518-734-4122.

The Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary will host a Maple Weekend Breakfast on Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building, Park Lane, Tannersville.  There will be fresh local maple syrup, french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, apple juice, water, all for a free will offering.  All proceeds go to the Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary.

The Greene County Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of March 11 – March 15 is as follows:  Monday—Beef chili, mixed vegetables, brown rice, pears; Tuesday—Tortellini Alfredo with chicken, Sonoma vegetables, linguini, peaches and cream; Wednesday—Roasted chicken legs with gravy, corn/green bean mix, mashed potatoes, Jell-O; Thursday—St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon—Corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes, carrots, chocolate cake with Andes Mints; Friday—Fish and chips, cabbage slaw, baked potato, fresh fruit.  The menu will be the meal that is delivered to all Greene County homebound meal clients.  If you have food allergy, please notify the department.  Allergen information is available for prepared food items.  All persons over the age of 60 can receive a meal.  Suggested donation for each meal is $4.  Those wishing to receive a meal are required to call the respective location by noon a day in advance.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

Springtime Eggstravaganza fun for entire family is going to be at the New York Power Authority Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center, 1378 State Route 30, North Blenheim on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m..  There will be photos with the Bunny, Find the Egg Game, crafts, treats and fun interactive exhibits, rain or shine, free admission and parking.  Call 1-800-724-0309 or VisitBG@NYPA.gov.

Easter is Sunday, March 31.  There will be a Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. in the Lexington Cemetery followed by breakfast at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, Lexington.  Worship service will be at 9 a.m.  All are invited.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

I spent some time this past week at the tax assessor’s office with Mr. Richard Tollner regarding my veteran’s tax benefits for property and school tax bills. 

In prior years I did not receive any tax benefits for being a veteran, let alone a combat veteran with service-connected disabilities. I was not aware of any property or school tax benefits for veterans. 

It was very interesting speaking with Richard regarding my exemption. For many years prior to joining the VFW here in Windham, I just didn’t have anything to do with any veteran information.

I was not forthcoming to many people as to my service to our country as at that time Vietnam veterans were not very popular with the citizens of our country.

For years, Vietnam veterans did not wear hats, or shirts that indicated service due to the lack of patriotism shown to us.

I did not go to the VA for medical services as I had Blue Cross coverage that I paid for and to be honest, didn’t know that I was eligible for medical services from the VA. Deep down I thought that my coverage was much better than the VA. 

Richard and I discussed the fact that many veterans in Windham, Hensonville and Maplecrest may not be aware also.

Richard told me he also will work with the towns of Jewett and Lexington to help them with the veterans in those communities.

He said he can even help you acquire DD214’s for veterans that do not have theirs as he has a close relationship with the VA to get them for veterans.

I was amazed at the amount of “exemption codes” there are and if you qualify, it is to your financial benefit to investigate your options.

Widows and widowers of our service people don't know they ARE eligible to benefit on their Property & School Taxes too. 

Mr. Tollner will work with you and get what you qualify for. You can reach out to Mr. Tollner, Assessor Town of Windham at (518) 428-5000. 

The VFW has announced the winners of the national winners from all posts in the VFW. Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was named the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy first place winner.

Scotland’s speech on the theme, "Why is the Veteran Important?" won him a $35,000 college scholarship. 

Scotland was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee and Leighton Peters, a seventh-grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner.

Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

I look forward to getting the 2023-2024 entry forms to our students at WAJ and home-schooled students. They did a great job last year.

This coming weekend our District 3 Gold Chevron Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clifton Park will present awards for the winners of the District for Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, Teacher of the Year and Scout of the Year. 

VA has announced that they are expanding healthcare eligibility to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11/2001.

Originally, the PACT Act called for a phased in approach, but at the direction of President Biden. VA has instead opened this expanded eligibility to VA Healthcare effective March 5, 2024. 

Let us keep our troops still serving around the world safe. God Bless America and remember all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander Post 1545     

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