The Mountain Eagle

4/5/24

Chamber to Host Business After Hours Program

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 4/5/24 | 4/5/24

DELHI — Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center will host a Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Wednesday, April 17, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at its State Highway 10 facility.

Chamber members and area residents attending this business after hours can meet the Delhi Rehabilitation Center team, learn about their services, make new business contacts, renew acquaintances, and network with area residents and business owners.

A light dinner and beverages will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards for networking and referrals.

There is no cost to attend and advance registration is required. More information is available under the event tab at www.DelawareCounty.org.

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CCE Interim Director Appointed

By Mary A. Crisafulli

HAMDEN - Following a lengthy executive session, the Delaware County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Board of Directors appointed Nancy Grotevant as interim CCE Executive Director for six months pending contract negotiations. The appointment occurred during a special session held after the regularly scheduled finance committee meeting on Mar. 27.

Grotevant is a retired district director for Pennsylvania State Extension with 30 years of experience in the field. She is originally from Delaware County where she resides currently.

Board members required an interim executive director after Director Mandeep Virk-Baker was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation on Mar. 13.

CCE President and Masonville Supervisor Betty Scott said there are no updates on the investigation and is unable to provide any details as it is a personnel matter.

The CCE 4-H Issues Committee had called for Virk-Baker to be placed on leave following the firing of 4-H Team Lead Emily Roach and 4-H Resource Director Corrine Tompkins in February. The issues committee, along with several concerned community members believe the two staff members were fired for unjust reasons.

In another discussion, board members approved a $1,000 monthly stipend for Office Coordinator Stacey Young, Human Ecology Team Lead Ashley Silano-Moore, 4-H Educator Kaitlyn Conklin, and Camp Director Jonathon Conklin retroactive start on March 1. The stipend was awarded to the staff who had to take on additional roles outside of their job duties due to the lack of staff in the 4-H program.

The next scheduled CCE board meeting is May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

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Kortright Residents Want Bloomville Homeless Shelter Closed

By Liz Page

BLOOMVILLLE - Residents of the hamlet of Bloomville and the town of Kortright got no promises from Delaware County Department of Social Services Commissioner Sylvia Armanno and little satisfaction during a public information meeting Monday night at the Kortright Town Hall. Their best hope is that the weather warms up soon, so the need for homeless shelters diminishes to the point that no one else will need to be placed at the Bloomville shelter.

The special meeting with DSS officials followed the arrest of two people, on of them a resident of the homeless shelter, on March 11 for possessing fentanyl.

Residents expressed their concerns last October when the foster home was turned into a homeless shelter by the county DSS without notification to town officials or community residents. By law, according to the commissioner, it isn't required. DSS officials and chairman of the county DSS committee, Wayne Marshfield, pointed to state and federal mandates requiring them to provide shelter when temperatures drop below 32 degrees F (Code Blue Law). When the homeless shelter in Delhi burned, it created the need to find more beds elsewhere. Another part is the lack of personnel (case workers) with a number of openings available in the county.

The meeting was held to inform the concerned public and provide an exchange with the county DSS regarding the shelter. The public was invited to submit questions to the town board, but would not be able to speak. The two individuals who were arrested were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, fentanyl. They were ordered to appear in Kortright Town Court and, as the Deputy DSS Commissioner Kieth Weaver put it, " they are now MIA (missing in action)" after being released on appearance tickets. The shelter is currently empty.

The homeless shelter, which residents were told is a temporary solution, has led residents in the community to question their safety and the ability of the shelter's residents to meet the requirements of their residency and have responsibilities such as getting their own groceries and looking for a job in order to get back on their feet.

A resident of the shelter "high on something" rang the doorbell at the door Day Care non-stop at 11:30 one night, thinking it was a Dollar General. Another got locked out in 13-degree weather and was allowed to wait in the home for a caseworker to show up more than a half hour later. One pulled the family dog's leg through a fence and made it yelp in pain and then there were alleged drug deals near the daycare. And residents have made the phone calls they were told to make to the Sheriff's Office or 911. One resident called it a shelter for criminals. Residents were told that one of the residents was on parole for murder after serving 17 years in jail for manslaughter and another resident of the shelter confirmed that it was true. DSS has promised to research that allegation and denied anyone with that type of background would have been referred to the homeless shelter.

From the beginning, residents questioned DSS, due to the shelter's proximity to a longtime daycare and nearby playground. Just recently a resident told the town board that what she disliked most about it is that she was now feeling unsafe in her own community. Residents also questioned the lack of transportation, cell service, stores, libraries, or places of employment in the hamlet, unlike the larger communities of Stamford, Sidney, and Delhi, where other homeless shelters are located.

Outside the town hall after the meeting, residents expressed they believe they are not and have not received truthful answers, except that nothing will be done. If there are individuals who need shelter, prior to the completed construction of a new homeless shelter in Delhi, more residents will be placed at the Bloomville shelter, according to Armanno.

"There is nothing I can do about the shelter at this time," said Armanno. "In between the time the new shelter construction is completed and I have need of a shelter, they will be placed there."

She said she understood residents' concerns and had read all of their letters. She said she would have felt the same way if she had not worked in the field for the past 33 years. She knows people need her help to try to get their lives back together. "We save money running it the way that we do. I don't see anything changing that much in the meantime."

When she referred to the safety of children in the community, she offered that no matter who moves into the community, parents need to watch their children. She said she was sorry they were upset. "If I moved this somewhere else, the people there will not feel safe."

One man in the audience said that was not an appropriate response, unable to contain himself and adhere to the request that the public not comment.

There is a long list of complaints related to the shelter and its residents, such as open windows in the middle of winter, the aroma of marijuana smoke coming out of those windows, lights left on, residents hanging out near the park, and altercations near the school bus stop.

Among the questions posed to DSS is if they are helping clients at more remote locations, how are those clients able to adhere to the rules? What is the current level of supervision and how are the residents vetted?

Council member Mike Pietrantoni, said they understand the need for the service and asked why they would choose the Bloomville shelter first when there is something else. He was told they are not placed due to convenience, but due to capacity. The need will diminish as the weather warms up.

With the homeless shelter in Stamford now empty, Pietrantoni asked why they wouldn't place people there rather than Bloomville. He said Stamford has more to offer.

Armanno was asked what would be done to increase the supervision, which is currently one visit to the shelter per week and one visit to Delhi per week. What is the future plan for better supervision? "We need to hire more people."And they were asked about the success rate. Weaver said three clients now have a permanent home, two left and three continue to be homeless of the eight clients housed at Bloomville.

They asked that technology will be placed to ensure lights are not left on and windows are no left open.

One resident said leaving the windows open in winter shows a complete disregard for their circumstance.

At the meeting in October, residents were asked by Weaver to have compassion and for community members to open their hearts to people who needed assistance to get back on their feet. The community did just that and they reiterated it on Monday. They understand but said Bloomville is not the place for people to receive the help that they need to get back on their feet, because there is nothing to offer them.

The community has given shelter residents food at Thanksgiving, fruit baskets at Christmas, provided them with clothing, shoes and puzzles, and many other acts of kindness.

Supervisor George Haynes read a draft of a letter to the DSS, citing the concerns of the board and the residents. It said the town of Kortright acknowledges having the shelter located there puts residents at risk and the board is also against the shelter in the community of Bloomville. It said it is time to be productive and since DSS had not properly notified the town they would like to see the shelter closed and cease operations immediately. It has already negatively affected people in the community emotionally. It asked for a timeline for that to occur and it thanked the Tuckers for helping to draft the letter. Haynes received a round of applause after reading the draft letter to the standing-room-only crowd.

Council member Nikki Fancher concluded the board's comments by saying there is technology available to help monitor the shelter without violating individual rights. She suggested DSS explore those technologies and put them in place.

She too has children and like many others in the room on Monday night, she does keep track of her children. However, she said they are old enough that she shouldn't have to follow them around constantly.

The community believes DSS has placed people in a community where there is nothing available to help get them re-established and DSS has not monitored the situation as promised or established any rules.

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New Venue in Delhi Hosts Margaretville Hospital Fundraiser

The Margaretville Hospital Fundraiser board members with the Rama River Rock Events family

‘Golden Hour’ oil painting by Patrice Lorenz

Dave Rama, the host of the auction preview with musician, composer, and writer Michael Suchorsky

By Robert Brune

DELHI — Two weeks ago, several inches of slush and snow put a damper on the opening reception of the Margaretville Hospital annual fundraiser preview consisting of a variety of outstanding artwork from contributors near and far. This past Saturday was the rain (snow/slush) date added to the scheduled viewings of the artwork to be auctioned by the nationally known, ever eloquent, and entertaining auctioneer Dave Rama.

Rama tells of his commitment to the community and the hospital, “I have served on the Margaretville Hospital Board for 2 years and can tell you that the entire board, hospital staff and WMC network are 100% committed to Margaretville and the community! We are currently working on raising funds for the construction of a much-needed heliport that will be placed in front of the hospital. Our aim is to save critical time and therefore the lives of community members and visitors to our area. Last year, close to 50 individuals were airlifted from Margaretville. Currently this requires them to be stabilized, then transported by ambulance to a loading area almost 1 mile away. Every second matters so we are eager to complete this project for the benefit of our community. “

Beth Eckels, a local architect and a Margaretville Hospital Foundation Board Member & Auction Co-chair, shares with us, “Seeing most of the pieces that have been donated so far in person, together on the wall, it becomes apparent that a truly outstanding collection of work will be available for auction on May 18. There are immensely talented artists working in the Catskills, and we are fortunate to have so many of them support this cause by donating their art. Some of these generous artists have continued to donate for multiple years, so I know bidders look forward to a chance to take home one of their pieces.” Eckels says the artwork donated so far for this year’s auction has a total value of over $45,000. As more artists and photographers showed up to view this preview at River Rocks Events venue, several expressed interest in contributing to this critical cause. This is shaping up to be quite an event. James Howie who is another hospital board member and co- chair for this event adds, “The Board views this event as a celebration - the artists and their work and the community support/participation. Literally a win-win!”

The artists contributing, so far, consist of a the most talented locals and others that have connections to Delaware County; Patrice Lorenz who is a local Margaretville painter and co-owner of Art Up gallery contributed a fabulous (28” x 28” oil) painting called ‘Golden Hour’ which was one of the many that visitors of the preview raved about, world renowned painter and sculptor Hunt Slonem, who owns a home in the Margaretville area, contributed his ‘Belle Terre.’ Christie Scheele who frequently shows in the area graces this auction with her ‘Boundless Sky,’ emerging photographer Holly Cohen offers up her (28” x 24”) ‘Slide’ at a price certain to raise more than the initial offering, as Cohen is a bit modest about her talent. Architect/artist Ted Sheridan contributed his “Red Tide” (20" x 16" Oil and Lacquered Paper on Panel). Sheridan is an outstanding artist who doesn’t show his work often enough, so this is a great opportunity to both see and hopefully have fun time bidding for these works of great passion and creative genius.

Lorenz expresses her gratitude towards the Margaretville Hospital Foundation Member organizers, “It is a pleasure to donate work to support the Margaretville Hospital. The auction itself is always lively and very professionally handled. I appreciate being in the company of so many accomplished artists from our area. The preview at The River Rock Event Space was especially lovely thanks to hosts Merry and Dave Rama. Special thanks to Jim Howie for his years of dedication to making this auction happen.”

These are but a few examples of the artist’s work available. For the full list of the artists available in this viewing at River Rock Events in Delhi and at the auction which will be held at the MTC Community Center see www. give.wmchealth.org/event/margaretville-hospitals-catch

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Obituary - Margaret Champlin Decker

Margaret Champlin Decker, 98, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Friday December 15, 2023.

A celebration of Margaret's life will be held from 12PM to 4PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Hobart Community Center (next to the fire dept) Cornell Ave., Hobart, NY

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Decker family.

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THE NEW YORK YANKEES AND THE 4-5 CURSE

old baseball

ARTICLE BY:

Vincent Spada

New England author & poet

vinspada@yahoo.com

Despite their 27 World Championships, the Bronx Bombers may be plagued by an unusual hex. I'm speaking, of course, about...

THE NEW YORK YANKEES AND THE 4-5 CURSE

Explanation: The New York Yankees have never won a World Series title in a year ending in a 4 or 5. What follows is a list detailing what occurred and why there may be a curse...

First thing's first: The Yankees were not the Yankees until 1913. Before that, they played as the New York Highlanders and, briefly, as the Baltimore Orioles (sort of). In both 1914 and 1915 they had losing records, struggling to establish themselves in the younger circuit known as the American League. It was not until 1920, when they traded for Babe Ruth, that they became a relative force in baseball.

They posted a winning record in 1924, finishing second to the Washington Senators, but a losing one in 1925 (This was the year of Babe Ruth's so-called "stomach ache"). In 1934 and 1935 they were again runner's-up, being trumped by the Detroit Tigers both times. But 1936 may be the year the curse really began, with the emergence of a young center fielder...

It was 21-year old Joe DiMaggio, fresh from the minors, who burst onto the scene that season. Swatting 29 homers, along with 125 RBI, he was a mainstay in the Yankees line-up. The Bronx Bombers won 4 World Series titles in a row from 1936-1939, but in that time frame suffered a major loss of enormous significance, in more ways than one.

I'm speaking of first baseman Lou Gehrig, the gentleman ballplayer and pride of the Yankees. Famous for his great hitting and iron-man consecutive games played streak, he set the precedent for Pinstripe greatness. However, early in the 1939 season, Gehrig had to remove himself from the game due to his terrible and unfortunate illness. Only two years later The Iron Horse was gone, taken too soon at the tender age of just 37.

Now why does the curse begin here? It has to do with the numbers both Gehrig and DiMaggio wore. Gehrig 4, DiMaggio 5. 4 and 5...

Gehrig was a living legend and face of the franchise, and that was removed from him by Joe DiMaggio. Not that Joe D. did anything wrong, but it's just hard to say goodbye to a hero. This same incident occurred when Tino Martinez had to replace first baseman Don Mattingly in 1996. Fans were not so quick to welcome in Tino, still clinging to memories of Donnie Baseball. This symbolic passing of the torch may have also carried over these negative feelings from older fans, who were very loyal to Lou Gehrig and did not want his position usurped by a young newcomer. If such is the case perhaps those same "bad vibes" inadvertently led to the curse. Anyone who watches baseball usually believes in superstitions, jinxes and plain old bad luck.

Hence, we might assume that if there was and is a curse, it began right then and there. If so, let us examine the evidence that follows, season by season and event by event:

1. 1944 and 1945: The Yankees finish in third and fourth during these two campaigns, lacking their star power due to World War 2. Incidentally, 1945 was the last year the Chicago Cubs appeared in a World Series (Their "Billy Goat" curse began that season).

2. 1954 and 1955: Despite winning 103 regular season games in 1954, the Yankees pace a distant second to the Cleveland Indians 111 victories. In 1955 they make it to Game 7 of the World Series, only to lose to Johnny Podres and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

3. 1964 and 1965: Yet again, the Yankees make it to Game 7 in the '64 Classic, only to fall this time to Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1965 they post a record of 77-85, their first losing season since 1925 (That "stomach ache" year!). At this point the dynasty of the New York Yankees, that featured Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle, ceases to exist, as the Bronx Bombers sink into a decade of obscurity, failing to make the playoffs again until 1976 (During that period of dominance, stretching from 1920-1964, the Yankees won the World Series a staggering 20 times. That golden age lasted 45 years. Once more, those two numbers, 4 and 5...).

4. 1974 and 1975: New York is starting to reemerge again as a potential postseason squad, having winning records in both '74 and '75. However, the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox still claim the AL East titles, and the Yankees will have to wait until 1977 for their first world championship in 15 years (Note: It was during this period, in 1973, that George Steinbrenner purchased the team).

5. 1984 and 1985: Despite Don Mattingly's AL batting title in '84 and MVP performance in '85, both he and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield cannot lead the Pinstripers back to glory. New York came close to a division title in '85, chasing the Toronto Blue Jays all season, but suffered a devastating 8-game losing streak in late September and could not recover (To this day, that one still hurts).

6. 1994 and 1995: With the Yankees finally poised to take the AL East crown in '94, the unthinkable happens: MLB players go on strike in August and the playoffs are cancelled when a labor agreement can't be reached. There will be no World Series that year for the first time since 1904, and it single-handedly destroys baseball in smaller markets (The Montreal Expos never bounce back and move to Washington in 2005). The next year, in a strike-shortened season, New York finally makes the postseason for the first time since 1981, but are beaten by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of one of the most exciting ALDS contests of all-time (That one still hurts, too. 1994, as well).

7. 2004 and 2005: After 101 regular season wins and a first round victory over the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, the Yankees take a commanding 3-0 lead over the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS. Yet, the BoSox have their own curse to break, and they stun the world with 4 straight victories. They then defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic and end the "Curse of the Bambino" (Will never get over that one). In 2005 the Bombers return to the ALDS, but are beaten by the Los Angeles Angels in 5 games. The White Sox take the flag that year, ending their own "Black Sox" curse of 1919.

8. 2014 and 2015: The Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year in 2014, saying goodbye to legendary SS and Captain Derek Jeter. 2015 began slowly for New York, but hot hitting by Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira help earn several victories. Combined with great bullpen work and some good starts from the rotation, it led to a wild card playoff spot. However, Dallas Keuchel and the Houston Astros were too much for the Pinstripers, and now the hex has continued up to the present season. 2024. Will Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and Juan Soto finally end this unusual streak?...

You may ask, is any of this real? I can't say for certain. Time will tell the tale in its own time. We'll just have to wait and see.

And that, my fellow baseball fans, is the history of the New York Yankees 4-5 curse. Believe it or disbelieve it. The facts are there. You decide for yourself...

Thank you,

Vincent Spada

Lifelong Yankees fan

*Many thanks to Baseball Reference for its accurate facts and fine online format.*

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4/2/24

Opinion: Strategies to Protect Your Goals from Consistent Inflation

Written By Editor on 4/2/24 | 4/2/24

If you’re like most investors, you’ve noticed the impact of higher inflation in recent years – whether at the gas pump or the grocery store. American investors are experiencing the effects of prolonged inflation for the first time since the early 1980s. As a result, many are concerned about how inflation levels will impact their ability to reach their long-term financial goals. While it may not be possible to avoid the effects of inflation altogether, there are several strategies investors can utilize to mitigate the impact of inflation on their financial plan. Here are three investment considerations that may help address inflation concerns and better prepare your goals for long-term success.

1 – Keep your money invested

When the inflation rate soared in 2022, stock and bond markets declined. Some investors responded by pulling money out of the market. This can be counterproductive as investors too often miss much of a market’s recovery gain before they put their money back to work. For example, the U.S. stock market (as measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index, an unmanaged index of stocks often used as a benchmark of market performance), declined 25% between January and October 2022. But by the end of 2023, the S&P 500 regained nearly all of the ground lost in the bear market.1 It is normal for markets to go through ups and downs. Investors that stay the course and keep their money invested commonly see their investments make up gains that were lost in a sudden downturn. While it may be tempting to remove yourself from the market during volatile periods, it could be helpful to stay invested at a level that reflects your risk tolerance.

2 – If time is on your side, take advantage of stocks

Over time, stocks have historically outpaced inflation, an important consideration as you try to build wealth to achieve your ultimate financial goals with more confidence. This doesn’t mean that year-in, year-out, stocks will keep you ahead of inflation. 2022 is a good example of a year when stocks declined as inflation rose. But if you have time to let your money work for you, stocks have historically outpaced the rise in living costs. According to data collected since 1871, stocks have grown faster than inflation for holding periods of 20 years or more.2 Investors who can ride the highs and lows of markets are often better suited to keep up, if not pass, the rate of inflation.

3 – For short-term money, seek higher yields

You may have money set aside for short-term needs, such as your emergency fund or to cover upcoming expenses. In these times of elevated inflation, you’ll want to find ways to earn more competitive yields on your short-term savings. Search out options such as money market funds, CDs, short-term U.S. Treasury securities and other savings vehicles that offer yields that may keep pace with inflation. Utilizing these tools may allow you to stay more liquid with your investments while hedging against the impacts of inflation.

Whether an economic cycle brings conventional or elevated inflation it should be considered as a factor of your long-term financial plan. A financial advisor can help develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the inflation environment today and over the long term.

###

1 S&P Dow Jones Indices.

2 NBER, Bloomberg, American Enterprise Investment Services, Inc.

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/.

This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, accounts or strategies mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the primary basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as a recommendation or advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual investor. Please consult with your financial advisor regarding your specific financial situation.

Ameriprise Financial Planning Services are optional, offered separately, and priced according to the complexity of your case and your financial advisor’s practice fee schedule. Your fees and financial advisor may be subject to change.

Financial planning is generally appropriate if you have financial goals, sufficient assets and income to address your financial goals, and are willing to pay an investment advisory fee for recommendations to help you achieve those goals. Please review the Ameriprise Financial Planning Client Disclosure Brochure or, for a consolidated advisory relationship, the Ameriprise Managed Accounts and Financial Planning Service Disclosure Brochure, for a full description of services offered, including fees and expenses.

Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.

Stock investments involve risk, including loss of principal. High-quality stocks may be appropriate for some investment strategies. Ensure that your investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance are aligned with investing in stocks, as they can lose value.

The S&P 500 Index is a basket of 500 stocks that are considered to be widely held. The S&P 500 index is weighted by market value (shares outstanding times share price), and its performance is thought to be representative of the stock market as a whole. The S&P 500 index was created in 1957 although it has been extrapolated backwards to several decades earlier for performance comparison purposes. This index provides a broad snapshot of the overall US equity market. Over 70% of all US equity value is tracked by the S&P 500. Inclusion in the index is determined by Standard & Poor’s and is based upon their market size, liquidity, and sector.

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

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

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

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