Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

I would like to thank everyone who joined us for Bingo last Thursday. It was a fantastic night of fun and community spirit. 

Each time we host the event, we gain more experience and it’s truly heartwarming to see our hall filled with members of the community enjoying themselves. If you haven’t yet joined us, we’d love to see you at our next event!

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) at the Department of Veterans Affairs at Stratton VA Hospital operates a food pantry and clothing room for indigent veterans. 

They are currently in need of the following items men’s sneakers (sizes 9-12), Men’s sweatpants (sizes s-XXL), men’s sweatshirts (sizes s- XXXL) and T-shirts (sizes s-XXXL) for their clothing room. 

For the food pantry they need canned chicken/tuna, instant potatoes, Chef Boyardee products, canned fruit, spaghetti/macaroni products, mac and cheese, instant rice, and tomato sauce.

Toiletries in need are toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, body wash and lotion. You can contact Dom Domingues, chief for CDCE at 518-626-5507 or email him at erwi.domingues@va.gov for more information.

Should you want anything you plan on donating delivered to the hospital, let me know and I will bring up whatever you donate. 

With Memorial Day coming this month I want to remind everyone that the post will be attending an assembly on the front lawn of the Windham, Ashland, Jewett CS on May 22nd at 8:30. 

We will then proceed to the cemeteries and the monument on Route 296. All are invited to attend the VFW Memorial Day Ceremony. 

Originally called Decoration Day, from early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country. 

It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.

After WWI, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.

In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. 

On May 17, Jewett will dedicate their new veteran’s memorial. I will be getting more information regarding this important date. 

Let us all remember the fallen who gave their lives for our country. This week we honor WWII veteran,  US Sgt. Ivor Thornton from Martinsville, Virginia. 

On June 6, 1944 “D-Day” Thornton landed on Omaha Beach with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Division. Fellow soldiers last observed him wading ashore  but was never seen thereafter. On June 7 , 1944 , the day after the invasion, Thornton’s unit unsuccessfully searched for him and on June 8th was declared missing in action. On June 8th they recovered the remains but could be identified and  were designated X-159. Thornton’s family and the family of another soldier requested that X-159 be disinterred  and compared to Thornton. Through anthropological analyses he X-159 was identified as Sgt. Thornton.

Thornton’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France along with other still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.  Sgt. Thornton will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on a date yet to be determined.

Since the end of the Revolutionary War, over 1.19 million U.S. military members have died, including 651,031 battle deaths and 539,054 non-combat deaths. Specifically, over 600,000 have been killed in military conflicts since World War I, according to government data. 

Remember to keep all veterans in your thoughts and prayers along with those who are serving our county today. God Bless America.

Marc Farmilette – Commander VFW Post 1545

 

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

What a fabulous presentation by Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer at the annual Lexington Patriots Day at the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall in West Kill on April 26.  He had us all enthralled with the history of Lafayette’s childhood, his involvement in the American Revolution, his French accomplishments and history.  As one individual stated to me after Jonathan’s presentation, “I wish he had been my history teacher.”  Thank you Jonathan and all who came, provided the refreshments and VanDusen’s in Lexington for the door prize. 

On April 25 the HTC SADD Mock Car Crash at HTC was coordinated by Nicole Lynn Benjamin. Participating agencies were Pete’s Hunter Auto Repair and Towing, Haines Falls Auto Center, Haines Falls Fire Company, Hunter Fire Company No 1, Inc., Hunter Ambulance, Tannersville Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Lexington Fire/Rescue Company, Greene County Paramedics, Greene County Sheriff’s Office NY, Greene County Coroner, BCI, Sheriff Pete Kusminsky and five others, and thanks to HTC for allowing this event.

On May 1 and May 2, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be spring cleaning on “Bonnie’s Trails.”  Meet at trail head directly across from 771 Beech Ridge Road South, West Kill. Volunteers are needed to pick up fallen wood, trim overhanging tree limbs, place rocks at one or two points in periodically wet areas and chainsawing fallen trees that cross the trails (must be NYS certified).  Tools are available but you are welcome to bring your own toppers and handsaws. If there is time, there will be a hike on the newest trail which is currently being blazed.  It will be the longest trail of “Bonnie’s Trails” covering a variety of different kinds of forests.  Please RSVP if you want to help. Email bennettwine@gmail.com. 

Happy birthday to Barbara Richrath on Thursday, May 1.

Sunday, May 4 is Lori Anander’s birthday.

Happy 15th wedding anniversary to Charina and Michael Falke on Wednesday, May 7.

Best wishes to all.

Friday, May 2, be sure to come over to the Lexington/West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington for Brooks Chicken BBQ.  Take outs only from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., first come, first served.  Adult dinners are $15, children 5-9 are $9 and chicken half is $9.  Dinners include half a chicken, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and brownie.  

The Hensonville Hose Company, 432 State Route 296, Hensonville is providing a Fish Fry fundraiser dinner for the Hunter/Windham School Kid Trap Team on Friday, May 2 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The dinners are $20 and include fish or clam strips or chicken tenders, baked potato or french fries, coleslaw, dinner roll, brownie.  Fundraiser will be used for the kids’ continuing education and needed supplies.  Also on May 2 at the fundraiser dinner, there is a raffle to support the Trap Team. Drawing will be 7 p.m. at the Hensonville Hose Company firehouse.  Call 518-734-3040 or 518-857-7203.

Saturday, May 3, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Prattsville Hose Company, 47 Firehouse Drive will be hosting a Roast Pork Dinner.  Adults, $18, children 6-12, $9 and 5 and under are free. Menu is roast pork, homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, applesauce, coleslaw, dinner rolls and a beverage.  Desserts are a large variety of homemade items.  Dine in or takeouts are available starting at 4 p.m.  Advance reservations are not required.  

Lexington/West Kill UMC Administrative Council meeting is Wednesday, May 7, 4:30 p.m. in the church hall.

Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson, is presenting a Pet First Aid Training on Wednesday, May 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. instructed by Paul S. MacNamara DVM, Chief of Surgery, Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group.  Topics:  Pet CPR, heat stroke, hypothermia, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, poisonings, burns, eye issues, wound care and more.  $20 donation requested to participate.  No certification is received at the end of this class.  It is strictly informational.  To reserve a spot, please call 518-828-6044 or info@cghs.org. 

Soup and Fellowship Kitchen is Tuesday, May 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville.  Come for free soup, sandwich and more.

Ladies Auxiliary of the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company will meet Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the firemen’s room.

Greene County 2025 Rabies Vaccine Clinic for Greene County residents will be Wednesday, May 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Angelo Canna Town Park, Joseph D. Spencer Lane, Cairo.  Drive-up only and preregistration is required.  Call Greene County Public Health at 518-719-3600 option 1. Please be prepared with proper leashes, carriers and muzzles (if necessary) for your animal to keep them and others safe.  Please bring proof of prior rabies vaccination – certificate, not tag – to receive three-year certificate.  If no record is presented, your pet will be given a one-year certificate.  Donations will be accepted, suggested donation $5 per animal.

The annual meeting of the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 4 p.m. in the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill.  Coffee hour starts at 3 p.m.

Congratulations to Susan Friedman of Hunter for being selected as 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year and Richard Mirando of Coxsackie as Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.  They will be recognized and receive their awards on May 21 at the Greene County Legislature meeting for their achievements.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of May 5 – May 9 is as follows:  Monday—Macaroni and cheese, three-bean salad, stewed tomatoes, peaches; Tuesday—Baked chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, Sonoma vegetables, fruited Jell-O; Wednesday—Pork chop with gravy and applesauce, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, chocolate chip cookies; Thursday—Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, garden salad, broccoli, strawberry cream cake; Friday—Chef’s Choice.  All persons 60 and older and spouses are invited to attend.  Congregate meals served at noon Monday through Friday.  Suggested donation $4 per meal.  Congregate dining reservations are required by noon at least a day in advance. If you reserve a meal and are unable to attend, please call as soon as you can to cancel.  Allergen information is available for prepared food items.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

A reminder that the NYS burn ban is in effect through May 14.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, volunteers, healthcare providers, veterans, actively serving military, 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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Lexington Celebrates Patriots Day, Palmer Guest Speaker

By Michael Ryan

WEST KILL - The time and distance between centuries evanesced when the town of Lexington celebrated Patriots Day, last Saturday afternoon.

Greene County historian Jonathan Palmer was the guest speaker, focusing his presentation on Marquis de Lafayette, the French military officer who aligned himself with burgeoning America during the Revolutionary War.

Palmer recounted Lafayette’s heroic leadership, helping guide the colonies to world-changing independence, and told of his triumphant return to the United States with its link to David Foster and Lexington.

Prior to his talk, Palmer was introduced by deputy town historian Christine Dwon, co-organizer of the event with town historian Mary Palazollo.

Providing backdrop on why everyone attending was there, Dwon recalled the seeds being planted for the continuing local tribute to patriots.

“Lexington’s 2013 Bicentennial celebration was organized and led by then Lexington town historian Karen Deeter and a dedicated and hardworking Lexington Bicentennial Steering Committee,” Dwon said.

That committee included the late town historian, Deeter, and local residents Lorraine Banks, Michael Barcone, Liza Dwon, Peggy Rappleyea, Darcy Rossignol and Linda Winchester.

“On April 20, 2013, we had the Grand March of Families representing our town. Since 2013, Lexington has held an annual Patriots Day,” Dwon said.

Over the years, “there have been programs on local history, local authors, a dedication of the Lexington Memorial Brick garden in Karen Deeter’s memory and much more,” Dwon said.

“Karen wrote in our Bicentennial Book, ‘in calling 2013 a year of celebrating historical connections, our intention is to look at how we are all connected to each other and how that connects us from our past to now, outward to the mountaintop, to the county, to the State and way beyond.’”

Having given Palmer a tough act to follow, the county historian shone light on the past as the sun broke through springtime rain clouds.

“There is this moment of connection,” Palmer said, between the town of Lexington and Lafayette’s return to the young nation he helped create.

It is fairly commonly known that Lafayette, at age 19, became swept up in the fervor of the Revolutionary War and the official birth of this nation.

He fought with the Continental Army at the Battle of Brandywine near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, where he was wounded, shot in the leg.

Standing stout-heartedly amid the furor, Lafayette organized an orderly retreat and later served with distinction in the Battle of Rhode Island.

Lafayette, despite his youth was, “permitted to command Continental Army troops in the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, the Revolutionary War's final major battle,” according to Wikipedia.

Palmer, while noting all of Lafayette’s gallantries, spoke of the General’s American revisiting in the mid-1820’s, when “every little village had a celebration for him, this centerpiece of our collective memory of the Revolution, this great revolutionary figure.”

Lafayette and his entourage, sailing the Hudson River, docked in the valley town of Catskill, a brief stop chronicled by his personal secretary.

“The masses of soldiers and citizens which covered a long pier projecting into the river, by their acclimation, informed General Lafayette that the inhabitants of Catskill also expected a visit from the national guest,” the secretary wrote.

“We remained a few minutes only with this population, during which the General had the satisfaction of conversing with some of his former revolutionary companions,” the secretary wrote.

Among the compatriots, “he recognized one named Foster, who had been particularly attached to his service when he was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine,” the secretary wrote.

Which is where Palmer unabashedly intertwined fact and legend, telling of a Revolutionary War veteran, David Foster, buried beneath a simple gravestone in the village of Lexington Cemetery.

“Here is the moment of connection,” Palmer said. “These two men, soldier and general, were together in this great cataclysm that formed our union.

“Here is Lafayette, the last of the surviving Generals of the Revolution, and this aging soldier, each part of the battle where the whole thing was almost lost, the whole ideal of freedom, amidst that retreat from the British Army.

“We are in the throes of the 250th Anniversary of Revolution,” Palmer said, beginning in 2026 with nationwide tributes extending over multiple years.

“Your community’s name represents the ideal of freedom etched in our consciousness, the Battle of Lexington and Concord,” Palmer said.

“That battle was the start of the Revolution, where the shot heard around the world was fired,” Palmer said, echoing still in the high hills.

 

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Daffodils and Dollars

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - Springtime daffodils have been fully blooming which apparently is an inspiration for the Greene County Legislature to authorize the acquisition of multiple, fairly big-ticket items.

Lawmakers, at their regular monthly meeting in mid-April, approved the purchase of a new vehicle for the Department of Social Services.

A 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Select all-wheel drive will be bought from Ferrario Auto Team, based in Elmira, for $42,858.80, utilizing the New York State Office of General Services competitive mini-bid process.

Funding for the new Chrysler was included in the 2025 county budget. The department will surplus an older Ford Escape to another county agency.

Lawmakers, upon the recommendation of the county highway and solid waste superintendent, authorized the purchase of a quartet of 4-wheel drive Ford regular cab F-250 trucks.

The 2025 model rigs will be secured from Schultz Ford Lincoln Inc., based in downstate Nanuet, for $184,796.80, paid upon delivery, with the funds already set aside in the 2025 budget.

There were nine bids, again using the State Office of General Services competitive mini-bid process, ranging from the next lowest, which was roughly $3,000 more than the accepted offer, to a high of $194,000.

Lawmakers, after advertising for offers in the official county newspapers, including the Mountain Eagle, awarded fuel oil bids for the time running from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

Two bids were received. The lowest responsible bidder was Bottini Fuel, headquartered in Wappingers Falls who will deliver to several sites.

One site is the county office building, located in Cairo, where the cost per gallon will be $2.545 (including the tank car price of $2.286 and delivery charge of $0.259, the legislative resolution shows.

Fuel oil shall also be trucked to “any other subdivision” within the county with a cost per gallon of $2.555, factoring in the tank car price of $2.286 and delivery fee of $0.269, the legislative resolution shows.

The second bid was whisker close, having the same basic Port of Albany tank car price of $2.286, separated only by a slightly higher delivery fee ($0.350) for a total cost of $2.636, the legislative papers show.

It is forewarned that, “the bid price shall be subject to increase or decrease during the contract period corresponding with the changes in the reseller’s posted tank car price at the Port of Albany as published in the Oil Price Daily (formerly The Journal of Commerce) for the date of delivery.”

Lawmakers authorized the purchase of one new Pipe Jetter for the highway department. A suitable one will be secured from Cyncon Equipment in Dixon, Illinois, at a cost of $82,948.46.

The pipe jetter is needed for the cleaning and maintenance of bridges and culvert pipes. The necessary money is part of the 2025 budget.

Lawmakers also gave the okay for the highway department to obtain four new Reversible Plate Tampers, available from Finke Equipment through Sourcewell Contract #060122-BA.

Finke Equipment, based in Selkirk, will provide the reversible plate tampers at a charge of $9,663 each (a base price $9,034 plus freight, etc.) for a grand total of $38,652, the legislative resolution states.

For those who may not know, plate compactors are, “essential in the realm of construction and landscaping, [serving] to establish a firm foundation and an even terrain,” according to an Horizont Machinery website.

“These devices come in two primary variants: forward plate compactors and reversible plate compactors,” the website states.

“Forward plate compactors are configured to advance linearly, finding their use chiefly in the compression of soil, sand, and gravel. Their operation involves a substantial metallic plate that oscillates swiftly, thus compacting the underlying material,” the website states.

“Reversible plate compactors distinguish themselves with a pivotable plate, enabling operation in both forward and backward directions. This versatility renders them suitable for confined areas or scenarios unsuitable for a forward plate compactor,” the Horizont Machinery website states.

Lawmakers authorized the purchase of one 2025 model, Ford F-250, four-wheel drive, crew cab truck for the county solid waste department.

At the risk of being redundant, funding for the cab truck, totaling 50,039.97, was earmarked within the 2025 county budget.

The lowest responsible bidder was Metro Ford Sales Inc., operating out of Schenectady. The next low offer was $50,313, with bids ranging up to $52,423, the legislative resolution shows.

Lawmakers authorized the purchase and installation of a new snow plow and sander for the Solid Waste Department’s new F-250 truck.

A suitable snow plow ($8,300) and sander ($6,700) were available from Toad’s LLC, in Cairo, for $14,200 (reduced from $15,000 with a nifty municipal discount), the legislative papers show.

Lawmakers okayed a budget amendment for the acquisition and installation of six Xybix Systems Inc. dispatch workstations, two general management and support desks and carpet tiles compatible with the raised floor system for the Emergency Services 911 Center.

One bid was received and accepted from Xybix Systems Inc., in Littleton, Colorado, in the amount of $205,891, the legislative papers show.

The county treasurer is therefore authorized to move $210,000 from Fund Balance “to cover the project in advance of the grant funding projected to be received from New York’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services,” the legislative papers show.

 

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Windham Chamber of Commerce Music Concert Series

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - It doesn’t take a bunch of rocket scientists to figure out what sounds will come from Hillbilly Parade, the featured band at the maiden event of the Windham Chamber of Commerce Music Concert Series.

Four shows were announced by Chamber president Lisa Jaeger, last week, starting on June 13 at C.D. Lane Park, from 6 to 9 p.m.

That opening date will be followed by performances on July 11, August 8 and September 5, all with…wait for it…no charge for admission.

“We’re very excited about this and we hope everyone is as excited as we are,” Jaeger said during a Chamber meeting, last Thursday night.

“This is something we’ve been thinking about since Windham Mountain interrupted their concerts which were very popular.

“We wanted to do something for the whole community which is why we chose the park,” located in the Big Hollow valley, Jaeger said.

“It’s pretty far from downtown but there are public bathrooms and parking and a playground for the kiddos so the whole family can come.

“There will be delicious eats from local food trucks, lawn games, beautiful mountain views, great vibes and plenty of space to relax.

“We have everything we need to get this off the ground. We have a permit from the town and there will be local police onsite,” Jaeger said.

“We will be continuing music by the people for the people. There will be music, laughter and memories so bring your lawn chairs, your blankets, picnic baskets and your dancing shoes as we rock the Hollow.”

The one thing there won’t be is missile engineers, grabbing their computers and slide rules - slide rules? - to deduce the music that will be played.

Hillbilly Parade is a pop-rock country party band, established in 2014,” according to their website.

The country-bumpkin cavalcade, “has become one of the most sought after Top 40 Country Cover Bands in the Hudson Valley,” the website states.

They are in demand, “playing more than 250 shows a year including private parties and weddings with a collective 30 plus years of experience in music; both live performance and professional training.

“Most known for their witty stage humor, line dancing and their high energy tuneful sets, Hillbilly Parade is sure to get any crowd’s attention,” doing hoedowns, corporate functions, weddings, etc.

“Hillbilly Parade isn't just your regular cover band. They've walked on stage before notable acts like Rodney Atkins, Eric Paslay, and Jerrod Nieman, striving to be more than just background music,” their website states.

Jaeger noted the Chamber continues being productive, hosting their annual Maple Fest pancake breakfast fundraiser at Christman’s Windham House, in February, benefitting Windham-Ashland-Jewett student scholarships.

They are also having their Cabin Fever Dance on May 2 at the Windham Country Club with a DJ spinning ‘80’s tunes.

Not that anyone asked, especially anyone in the Chamber,  but just in case they are needed, there is a band named the Rocket Scientists.

Of course there is. They are a progressive rock band formed in the late 1980’s, releasing albums such as “Supernatural Highways” (2014), “Earthbound” (1993) and “Oblivion Days” (1999).

 

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - If Consultants Could Chuck Wood

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - There is starting to be a plethora of reports floating around out there on the dire present and undetermined future of emergency medical services in Greene County and across New York State.

They all seem perfectly wonderful to someone not educated enough to make a guess about whether they make a lick of sense or not. 

On the other hand, nothing much seems to be happening despite all that analysis, with one person very knowledgable of the situation suggesting nobody wants to be the one pulling the trigger on change.

The county legislature is currently considering creating a county ambulance system to replace a municipal-based network widely considered fated for failure, due to increasing costs and worker shortages.

County lawmakers, at the behest of all six mountaintop town supervisors, hired a consultant, in December, 2023, to assess today’s status of ambulance service and develop possible options, if needed.

Since the fall of 2024, lawmakers have hosted a continuing series of talks that sometimes appear headed toward a consensus county plan and at other times appear to be bogged down in territorial mud.

Two more sessions are planned for May and June, including government officials and EMS professionals from the various towns and county.

At that point, everyone should have a pretty good idea of how much more the shift to a county system would cost above today’s operations.

That number has already reached $3.2 million with more likely to come. A bitter pill to swallow, but the tradeoff touted by proponents is ultimately having a much more efficient and financially sustainable system.

Shortly after those dollars are bottom lined, a vote is anticipated by the legislature’s 14 members, needing 8 votes for ratification on 2 levels.

First is the straight-up question of whether to shift to the county system or not, requiring a simple majority for passage. 

Second is the okay to exceed the State-limited 2 percent tax cap as part of what would be a fatter county budget, requiring a super-majority.

Meanwhile, there have been at least three major studies done, two that have been released, one that has inexplicably not been made public.

One is the aforementioned consultant’s study conducted for the county by Fitch & Associates, released in the summer of 2024.

They offered four “Pathway Forward” options, stating, “a single-provider,  [county system] offers the most affordable and efficient option to maintain acceptable system performance with the least tax burden.”

In their conclusion they state, “without active intervention, the cost of the EMS system in Greene County will continue to rise to unsustainable rates.”

A second report is titled, “New York State 2023 Evidence Based EMS Agenda for Future,” written by a State EMS Sustainability Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

TAG included experts from across the EMS field and, explaining the reason for their existence, cites a presentation made to the NY State Emergency Medical Services Council called, “EMS in Crisis, A New York State Perspective.”

That presentation was given on October 20, 2021, leading to the formation of TAG, whose members were then charged with writing a White Paper.

The White Paper summarized “the crux of the problem” as “every day we see new headlines across this State and the nation on EMS Coverage.”

Those problems were, “staffing shortages, the decline of volunteerism, stagnant reimbursement, hospital over-crowding, inadequate coverage, use of mutual aid, pay disparities, absence of consistency in the EMS model and the lack of EMS educational opportunities.

“Yet we have not developed a comprehensive approach to addressing our crumbling EMS system,” the White Paper states, sounding unsettlingly similar to, if not precisely the same as, what the Fitch study found. 

A third report is the handiwork of a special Task Force established by Governor Kathy Hochul to give an overview of rural EMS services.

Their report was finalized in May, 2024, offering 35-plus recommendations for pulling EMS services back from the brink.

But the report has remained inexplicably hidden, apparently tied to the politics surrounding the State budget which is well past deadline and contains multiple EMS matters that would deeply impact the issue.

And now the New York State Association of Counties, in its opposition to portions of that State budget, is recommending that, “the State should be required to do a statewide EMS Plan through the SEMSCO (State Emergency Medical Services Council).”

“Our position is the State should take a comprehensive look and figure out what is going on,” a NYSAC spokesperson said. “It is very different in every community. It makes more sense for the State to do this.”

That is four separate reports about the same thing, unless you count a fifth, which is the study done by a special Greene County Task Force, a decade or so ago, on the troubles within local ambulance service.

Similar again to the Fitch study, they concluded the way to go was a county system. Back then, the towns voted it down, sticking with a network that many of those same towns now say is doomed.

Does that mean there should be a county ambulance system? This column has neither a dog in that fight nor the brilliance to know what’s right.

The lingering issue, however, does bring to mind the Mother Goose nursery rhyme that asks, “how much wood could a woodchuck chuck If a woodchuck could chuck wood?” 

Which begs the further question, “how many consultations could consultants consult on if consultants could consult?”

 

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