Schoharie County COVID Vaccination Information

Please feel free to pass this information along to those who meet the criteria for the clinics.

 

Schoharie County Department of Health is conducting two Vaccine Clinics this week:

 

ESSENTIAL WORKERS (Only those Defined below): Thursday, 1/28 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the main County Office Building basement.  You MUST make an appointment, as we are NOT permitted to reserve vaccine for specific individuals, and we do not allow walk-in patients.  Please check the county website at https://www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/ for a registration link on Wednesday, 1/27 at 9:15 am (1/2 of allotted appointments) and 6:00 pm (1/2 of allotted appointments).  We expect appointments to fill up very quickly, so if you receive a message that states no appointments or clinic available, the clinic is already full.  Please continue to be patient as we will continue to schedule clinics as more vaccine is received. If you are unable to register for an appointment at this clinic, please be patient.  Do NOT call Department of Health, Office of Emergency Services, or Office for the Aging (or any other county agency) – as we can do nothing to help you get a vaccine quicker.  You will continue to be notified of upcoming clinics.

 

OVER 65 YEARS OLD: Friday, 1/29 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in the main County Office Building basement.  You MUST make an appointment, as we are NOT permitted to reserve vaccine for specific individuals, and we do not allow walk-in patients.  Please check the county website at https://www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/ for a registration link on Thursday, 1/28 at 9:15 am.  We expect appointments to fill up very quickly, so if you receive a message that states no appointments or clinic available, the clinic is already full.  Please continue to be patient as we will continue to schedule clinics as more vaccine is received. If you are unable to register for an appointment at this clinic, please be patient.  Do NOT call Department of Health, Office of Emergency Services, or Office for the Aging (or any other county agency) – as we can do nothing to help you get a vaccine quicker.  You will continue to be notified of upcoming clinics.

 

*PLEASE DO NOT show up more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment time, as this prevents us from ensuring adequate social distancing.

 

**PLEASE NOTE: You will be pre-screened for reasoning for signing up for a vaccine and must fit into the category you are making an appointment for.  You will be required to show Identification proving your employer, title and/or age.  Anyone not fitting into the category for which they make an appointment will be removed and will not receive a vaccination.

 

***ESSENTIAL WORKERS INCLUDE ONLY THOSE LISTED BELOW:

• High-risk hospital workers (emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff)
• Residents and staff at nursing homes and other congregate care facilities
• Federally Qualified Health Center employees
• EMS workers
• Coroners, medical examiners and certain funeral workers
• Staff and residents at OPWDD, OMH and OASAS facilities
• Urgent Care providers
• Individuals administering COVID-19 vaccines, including local health department staff
• All Outpatient/Ambulatory front-line, high-risk health care workers of any age who provide direct in-person patient care
• All staff who are in direct contact with patients (i.e., intake staff)
• All front-line, high-risk public health workers who have direct contact with patients, including those conducting COVID-19 tests, handling COVID-19 specimens and COVID-19 vaccinations
• This includes, but is not limited to,
• Doctors who work in private medical practices and their staff 
• Doctors who work in hospital-affiliated medical practices and their staff
• Doctors who work in public health clinics and their staff
• Registered Nurses
• Specialty medical practices of all types
• Dentists and Orthodontists and their staff
• Psychiatrists and Psychologists and their staff
• Physical Therapists and their staff
• Optometrists and their staff
• Pharmacists and Pharmacy Aides
• Home care workers
• Hospice workers
• Staff of nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities who did not receive COVID vaccination through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program

• First Responder and Support Staff for First Responder Agencies
• Fire Service
• State Fire Service, including firefighters and investigators (professional and volunteer)
• Local Fire Services, including firefighters and investigators (professional and volunteer)
• Police and Investigators
• State Police, including Troopers
• State Park Police, DEC Police, Forest Rangers
• SUNY Police
• Sheriffs' Offices
• County Police Departments and Police Districts
• City, Town, and Village Police Departments
• Transit of other Public Authority Police Departments
• State Field Investigators, including Department of Motor Vehicles, State Commission of Correction, Justice Center, Department of Financial Services, Inspector General, Department of Tax and Finance, Office of Children and Family Services, and State Liquor Authority
• Public Safety Communications
• Emergency Communication and Public Safety Answering Point Personnel, including dispatchers and technicians
• Other Sworn and Civilian Personnel
• Court Officers
• Other Police or Peace Officers
• Support or Civilian Staff for Any of the above services, agencies, or facilities
• Corrections
• State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Personnel, including correction and parole officers
• Local Correctional Facilities, including correction officers
• Local Probation Departments, including probation officers
• State Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation Facilities
• Local Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation Facilities
• In-person college instructors
• P-12 Schools
• P-12 school or school district faculty or staff (includes all teachers, substitute teachers, student teachers, school administrators, paraprofessional staff and support staff including bus drivers)
• Contractors working in a P-12 school or school district (including contracted bus drivers)
• Licensed, registered, approved or legally exempt group Childcare Providers
• Employees or Support Staff of Licensed or Registered Childcare Setting
• Grocery store workers
• Public Transit
• Airline and airport employees
• Passenger railroad employees
• Subway and mass transit employees (i.e., MTA, LIRR, Metro North, NYC Transit, Upstate transit)
• Ferry employees
• Port Authority employees
• Public bus employees
• Individuals living in a homeless shelter where sleeping, bathing or eating accommodations must be shared with individuals and families who are not part of the same household
• Individual working (paid or unpaid) in a homeless shelter where sleeping, bathing or eating accommodations must be shared by individuals and families who are not part of the same household, in a position where there is potential for interaction with shelter residents

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Tague Announces Several Initiatives

Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie) was joined by Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski), other members of the Assembly Republican Conference and industry professionals as they announced the “Food Insecurity, Farm Resiliency and Rural Poverty Initiative” to assist farmers and those in the agriculture industry during the pandemic. The initiative would connect farmers with excess product to food banks and also provide farmers with grants and regulatory relief to help them expand and sustain their operations. 

 

This legislative package was created after Tague spent two years leading his colleagues in the Assembly on an annual farm tour in which legislators would speak with farmers and people in agri-business personally to hear their concerns about the agricultural industry in New York and what can be done to make it easier to be successful as an agricultural entrepreneur in the state.

 

“This comprehensive package of legislation is the product of farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and members of nonprofit and community organizations coming together to connect the dots between food banks and our agricultural industry to assist farmers who have struggled for decades in our state and bolster our state’s food security by providing families with nutritious food grown here in New York,” said Tague. “If we have no farms, we have no food, and this proposal will assure that our state has plenty of both in our state for generations to come. As a former farmer myself, I am hopeful we can pass this legislative package for the sake of our small farmers who have had it harder than ever this year, and for families who have struggled to keep food on the table during hard times.”

The initiative’s largest proposal, the Permanent Agricultural Purchasing Assistance Program, would allocate $10 million annually between New York’s 10 regional food banks to allow them to purchase meat, dairy and produce from New York farmers, while an additional dry appropriation account of $20 million will be created within the Aid to Localities budget to allow program expansion in the case of statewide emergencies. The program will reduce the impact of unprofitable waste on agriculture in New York, while also providing food banks with an increased amount of fresh meat, dairy, and produce. Food banks will receive a one-time $6 million grant, as well as an annual $500,000 grant, to develop larger storage facilities and expand upon cold storage capabilities within food banks. 

The legislative package also addresses the lack of meat and dairy processing facilities in New York by creating the Commercial Meat and Dairy Processing Incentive Program, which will support efforts by the state to purchase land and build processing facilities that would be used by private meat and or dairy processors. The proposal would create a “Blue Ribbon Commission” that will examine the business and regulatory environment of New York in relation to how it affects the viability of meat and dairy processing in the state and then give recommendations on how we could make it more hospitable for processors.

The Food Insecurity, Farm Resiliency, and Rural Poverty Initiative will also help new farmers start up their operations by restoring the New Farmers Grant Program, while also help established farms by providing grants of up to $50,000 to farmers who have been in business for over 10 years through a $5 million program that could be used to improve their infrastructure or purchase equipment.

“From the very start of this pandemic, Chris Tague and members of the Assembly Minority Conference fought diligently to protect farmers and New York’s agricultural industry,” said Barclay. “It is going to take a prolonged, comprehensive effort to help family farms fully recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Establishing stronger connections between farms and food banks while also providing state investments allowing them to expand will benefit all stakeholders and communities across New York.”

“As someone who knows what it’s like to be a farmer in this state, I am proud to support this comprehensive package of legislation that helps both farmers and families throughout New York,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), who is a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. “Operating a farm in New York’s inhospitable business and regulatory environment has always been challenging, and I’m hopeful this initiative will lead New York agriculture into a brighter future while bolstering food security for all.”

  “We understand the struggles our agricultural industry is facing in New York State,” said Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,I,C-New Hartford). “This plan outlines long range help for farmers and bridges the gap between farm-to-table for everyone who needs and wants nutritious, local foods. Our plan also ensures our farms and local food industries have a sustainable future.”

  “My colleagues and I are happy to expand and prioritize support to our farmers and food producers who are keystones to our economic recovery following the pandemic,” said Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), who is a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. “New York must go all in with support and measures to help the agricultural industry recover quickly. I am proud, in particular, of our proposals to help meat and dairy producers through our long-term initiative which would authorize the state to increase food processing capacity and purchase goods from New York farmers and food producers to support our food banks, pantries and communities.”

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Fenimore Art Museum Launches New Online Collections Site

See Fenimore’s entire collection of fine art, folk art, and The Thaw Collection of American Indian Art online for the first time.

 

 

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Fenimore Art Museum announced today the launch of an exciting new digital database showcasing the Museum’s nationally renowned collections of fine art, folk art, and The Thaw Collection of American Indian Art. The site dramatically improves online access and representation of the Museum’s holdings consisting of more than 2,000 objects and works of art. This new site is accessible through the Museum’s website, FenimoreArt.org.

“It has always been a high priority to get our collections online and made accessible to the public–especially our acclaimed folk art,” said Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, Fenimore Art Museum President and CEO. “The folk art collection, highly regarded as one of the most comprehensive and significant in the United States, was assembled by Stephen C. Clark in the 1950s and has never been rightfully represented online for the world to see.”

By digitizing and providing open access to its most prestigious collections, Fenimore Art Museum will enrich the art experience of students, teachers, scholars, and museum visitors. The new online site delivers rich, on-demand content about works of art on view and in storage, allowing a broader reach for exploring the collection. Supplemental information will also accompany objects.  It is now possible for visitors to determine which works of art are on view in the Museum. Additional features include high-resolution object images and the ability to share images and information on social media. Public access also includes the ability for viewers to save their favorite pieces.

The concept of a collections site was proposed to Robert and Patricia Hanft in 2018. Interested in funding a special project that would benefit the Museum for years to come, their initial donation set the project in motion, one that would ultimately enable the Museum to publish its entire collection online, including photographing the entire permanent collection. A total of $250,000 was raised to fund the project. Fenimore will add content representing the Museum’s photographic and textile collections in the future after additional funding is secured.

Production on the new site began in January of 2019. The content was organized and assembled by Fenimore staff led by Ann Cannon, Assistant Curator of American Art, and Julia Madore, Assistant Curator of American Art. Photographer Richard Walker provided professional images of the entire collection.

“Fenimore’s folk art and American Indian art collections represent the ‘gold standard’ among comparable collections in the United States,” said D’Ambrosio. “These collections are in the same class with assemblages in the very best museums in the country, such as the folk art collection at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the American Indian art collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. We hope everyone takes a close look.”

For more information and to see the new collections site, visit FenimoreArt.org.

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Legal Notice: Notice of Regular Meetings

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETINGS

Please take notice that the Windham Fire District of the town of Windham County of Greene, New York, will hold its regular meetings for the year 2021 on Feb. 17, Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 18, Nov 17, and Dec 15 at 6 o’clock p.m. on such date at Town Hall 371 NY-296, Hensonville, NY 12439.  All meetings of the Windham Fire District are open to the public.

This notice is being posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.

By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Windham Fire District.

_Sandra Allen_________

                                                      Secretary

                                                                              Windham Fire District

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Avoiding Dementia-Related Wandering

Persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are prone to wandering, which often puts them at risk. As temperatures continue to drop across the Capital Region this winter, those risks increase exponentially. According to an Alzheimer’s Association study, 6 in 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will wander. It is one of the most unsettling behavioral changes common for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, yet it often surprises family caregivers and can end with tragic results.

Wandering can happen in the early, middle or late stages of the disease as people experience losses in judgement and orientation. It can also happen if they are still driving or have access to car keys. They may drive away and not know how to get back. In order to best serve our constituents, we want to arm you with tips for preventing wandering:

·       Have a routine for daily activities.

·       Identify the most likely times of day that wandering may occur. Plan activities at that time. Activities and exercise can reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.

·       Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented. If the person with dementia wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” use communication focused on exploration and validation. Refrain from correcting the person. For example, “We are staying here tonight. We are safe and I’ll be with you. We can go home in the morning after a good night’s rest.”

·       Ensure all basic needs are met. Has the person gone to the bathroom? Is he or she thirsty or hungry?

·       Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation.

·       Place locks out of the line of sight. Install either high or low on exterior doors and consider placing slide bolts at the top or bottom.

·       Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened. This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm.

·       Provide supervision. Do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised in new or changed surroundings.

·       If the person is no longer driving, remove access to car keys – a person with dementia may not just wander by foot. The person may forget that he or she can no longer drive. If the person is still able to drive, consider using a GPS device to help if they get lost.

Marisa Korytko is the Public Relations Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York chapter. She can be reached at mekorytko@alz.org.   

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Sharon Historical Society Offers “Exploring the Underground Railroad in Schoharie County - Upstate New York” Webinar

The Sharon Historical Society will be hosting the second of their new online history program series for 2021 with a program on February 3rd at 7 PM called “Exploring the Underground Railroad in Schoharie County - Upstate New York.”  All of the Sharon Historical Society history programs for 2021 will be available online due to COVID.  Advanced registration is required and once registered, participants will receive the link through email to join the program online.  The program is open to anyone and registration can be found at www.sharonhistoricalsocietyny.org.  A limited number of seats are available, so early registration is suggested.  The webinar is approximately one hour in length.

New York was a gateway to liberation for freedom-seekers (often referred to as escaped slaves). Its prime location, with access to Canada and major water routes, made it the destination of choice for many Africans fleeing slavery along the eastern seaboard.  Freedom-seekers knew they would be protected in New York's many black communities as well as Quaker and other progressive white and mixed-race communities. A large and vocal free black population was present after the manumission (freeing) of slaves in New York State in 1827.  Many nationally-known and locally influential black and white abolitionists chose to make their homes in New York. Among them were: Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Gerrit Smith, Henry Ward Beecher, Sojourner Truth and John Brown.

The webinar will be presented by well-known historian Ken Jones who is the Town and Village Historian of Esperance, NY.

Webinar topic will include:

• Slavery in Schoharie County

• Gradual Emancipation in NYS

• The Churches Fracture over Abolition

• Local Names involved in the Anti-Slavery Movement

• Possible Agents of the Underground Railroad

• Possible Routes that went through Schoharie County

For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.sharonhistoricalsocietyny.org or call 518-860-5513.

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DAVE RUCH AND THE MUSIC OF UPSTATE NEW YORK from the Gilboa Historical Society

Gilboa Historical Society presents a short performance each week by a rotating roster of musicians and story-tellers. You can be added to our mail list for reminders about upcoming shows!

THIS WEEK: Dave Ruch is a Public Scholar for the New York Council for the Humanities, a writer for The Huffington Post, and a member of the New York State Historical Association, Canal Society of New York State, New York Folklore Society, and the Western New York Association of Historical Agencies. With expert musicianship and a warm, effortless style, he delights adult audiences with authentic songs and stories from the people who built and settled our communities.

.....Click here for this free performance from now through January 28, 2021.

Starting next Friday, Reggie Harris will perform in the Juried History Center celebrating the water in the northern Catskills. As you know, our rotation this year is made up of story-teller Nancy Payne and musicians Dave Ruch, Phil Banaszak, and Reggie Harris through the remaining weeks of winter.

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Sen Oberacker Calls for High School Sports to Resume

State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) today called on Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health to enact health and safety guidelines to allow for the resumption of high school sports and the performing arts.

Senator Peter Oberacker said, “Our students have been diligently sacrificing for the better part of a year and have missed out on so many aspects of education including extracurricular activities.   Safety is everyone’s top priority and we cannot take shortcuts when it comes to the health and well-being of our young people.  However, it is time to move forward and safely restart our school athletic programs, for all sports, and the performing arts.” 

 In a letter to Governor Cuomo, Senator Oberacker writes:

“Unfortunately, time honored traditions like a Friday night basketball game, the winter band concert, and so many other memorable events have been put on indefinite pause due to the COVID pandemic.  While other states are currently playing winter sports or planning to restart, New York remains in a perpetual timeout.  Likewise, our high school stages remain dark and band rooms silent

 “The time has passed to end the isolation and implement guidelines to safely resume the extracurricular activities that are an essential part of the student experience.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have released guidance that can serve as a blueprint for New York to follow and build on.  Students, parents, coaches, and school administrators are ready, willing and able to strictly follow all needed health measures.”

 Winter sports classified as high-risk, including basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading, were scheduled to resume competition on January 4th.  At this time, teams are permitted to practice but forbidden to compete against other schools.  Additionally, while schools have reopened, musical and theatrical activities remain on pause.   

“As a former high school athlete and coach I cannot imagine what it is like for students to miss out on a season of sports – especially for the seniors.   The same holds true for those who are unable to take the stage and showcase their talents.  We need to reward our students for the hard work and sacrifice they are displaying and we can start by letting them play,” Oberacker concluded.

Senator Oberacker has also initiated an online petition through his website, oberacker.nysenate.gov, to help raise awareness and generate public support.  The full link: https://www.nysenate.gov/petitions/peter-oberacker/let-them-play-petition. 

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WYBN ADDS FUN ROADS TV NETWORK TO LINE-UP

Red Hook, NY, January XX......WYBN TV-14, the Capital Region's only locally owned and operated television station, will add Fun Roads TV Network to its eight channels of entertainment programming effective Feb. 10.

Fun Roads, which is based in Angora Hills, California, offers 24 hours a day of high-defininition shows designed to "celebrate the open road and the freedom that comes with it."  The line-up includes "Distant Roads," the longest-running, most widely watched RVing series in the world; "Steel Dreams," featuring great cars, great bikes and the country's top speed events, and "A Taste of History," which blends cuisine and legendary landmarks.  

"Fun Roads is for anyone with a set of wheels," said Dan Viles, President and General Manager of WYBN. "All shows are shot in HD, and the depth and breadth of storytelling is amazing.  I am excited to add Fun Roads to our line-up and I know our viewers will enjoy the ride."

Fun Roads will occupy channel 14.6.  The popular RetroTV, which currently is on 14.6, will be moving to 14.2.  

The move will make RetroTV available to subscribers of Mid-Hudson Cable.   RetroTV offers the best in classic television, with a line-up that includes "Ozzie and Harriet," "The Lone Ranger," "Bonanza" and "The Lucy Show."

Cozi TV, which had occupied 14.2, is no longer available.                                                                                                                                   

WYBN, owned by Cable Ad Net New York Inc. of Red Hook, will celebrate its 10th birthday this fall.  The station signed on the air in October 2011 as the first multi-format digital facility in New York's Capital Region, with subchannels 14.1 through 14.8 available over the air to viewers who have "cut the cord" from cable. Broadcasting from atop the Helderberg Escarpment-the highest point in Albany County-it has a coverage map extending from Greene County north to Glens Falls and from Schoharie County into western Massachusetts.

For more information on WYBN, go to www.wybntv14.com 

For more information on Fun Roads TV visit https://funroads.tv/

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LEGISLATURE STUFF Tip of the Hat to Sales Tax

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - Talking about taxes was anything but tedious when the Greene County Legislature received the county Treasurer’s annual report which revealed a reason for revenue revealing.

Sales Tax figures for the fiscal year 2020 are up by $2,056 052 from 2019, a surprising and staggering amount given the current economic climate. The County planned for overall revenue of $32.5 million. The number comes after a sharp decrease from March until May.

Deborah Gallo, the executive fiscal administrator for the Treasurer’s office, delivered the numbers at a legislative Finance Committee meeting, Tuesday night, leaving lawmakers monetarily spellbound.

Legislature chairman Patrick Linger had one word for the windfall which no one would have predicted when commercial shutdowns began to happen, last spring and summer, amid the deepening presence of Covid 19.

“Incredible,” Linger was heard to whisper as Gallo shared the numbers during a computer Zoom conference where she also had positive data about delinquent property taxes.

“Year to date payments for 2020 collections are $7,416,876 compared to $6,674,338 in 2019 or an increase of $742,538,” Gallo reported

And the sum total of unpaid taxes is lower, decreasing $177,732 from a year ago, due in no small part to policies adopted during the pandemic.

County treasurer Peter Markou, working with the legislature, extended the deadlines for collecting delinquent taxes and put a temporary hold on foreclosures, also creating a structured installment plan.

“When this Covid thing hit, Maria and I sat down and talked,” Markou said, referring to Maria LaRosa, the Treasurer’s office director of taxes.

“We talked for a long time. We knew this was possibly going to be a disaster and our whole office worked as a team,” Markou said.

“We wanted to give people a breather because of everything that was going on with jobs and having the ability to simply pay bills.

“The bottom line is the county does not want to be in the real estate business. We don’t want to own anybody’s land,” Markou said.

It is less easy to put a finger on exactly what went on with sales tax going one way when most if not all officials figured it would go the other.

“I can’t even try to explain that,” Markou said, smiling and obviously pleased by the upturn of events. “I can say this much.

“When I go out and drive around the county, I see people spending money. When I tried to go to Walmart the other day it was mobbed.

“I would have had to walk from the very back of the parking lot. I went to Price Chopper instead and it was pretty busy there too.”

Asked if he really goes to Walmart to shop, Markou laughed and said, “of course I do. I like a deal just like anyone else.”

The next question is where will all that unexpected sales tax income go? “It will get moved around to various reserve accounts,” Linger said in a followup telephone interview.

“We are always conservative with our budget decisions and that won’t be changing. There are good reasons we aren’t bonding out highway equipment purchases. 

“And the county didn’t need to bond out to do the town of Hunter transfer station reconstruction,” Linger said, a project focused on transforming the site into a direct haul station, saving taxpayer costs for trucking solid waste.

“They were all planned so we had the money in the bank. That will continue to be our method of operation,” Linger said. 

“I would agree that it is a very accurate assessment of our thinking, last April or May, that we were expecting disaster. We’re still going to be $3 million short on the State reimbursement side.

“We got back 20 percent less than we spent, providing services for our residents. We’ve budgeted that decrease for 2020 and 2021, hoping it doesn’t go past this year. Overall we feel very fortunate,” Linger said.

County administrator Shaun Groden was economically ebullient. “As I tell Peter [Markou] all the time, cash the check!” Groden said.

“There is no doubt this is great news for the county. I will work with Peter and when we close the books in 2020 in April, we will have a clearer understanding of what the surplus is and where it will go.

“The irony of Covid has been that people aren’t buying sneakers at the mall but they are buying online. Sales tax goes to the shipping address, not the mall address, so there has been a shift in the medium.

“Once the movie theaters and restaurants reopen fully, I anticipate some pullback from that,” Groden said.

“But once we return to whatever normal will be, I wonder if people might not go back. They might have grown to like having things delivered to their door. Overall, it speaks to the strength of our economy.”

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STORY-TELLER NANCY PAYNE ON EARLY AVIATRICES from the Gilboa Historical Society

Since Thanksgiving 2020, the Gilboa Historical Society has presented a short performance each week by a rotating roster of musicians and story-tellers. You can be added to our mail list for reminders about upcoming shows!

THIS WEEK: Women who took up flying in the early 1900's had to handle prejudice as well as the aircraft. Common public sentiment at that time was that a man being killed in an aircraft was a shame, but that he knew what he was getting into and was a hero for breaking new ground.

.....But, when a woman died in a plane accident, it was proof positive she shouldn't have been flying in the first place.

.....Storyteller Nancy Marie Payne brings that time alive through the voice of colorful and innovative female pilots of the 1920's, relating the exploits of early balloonists and aviators including Ruth Law, Harriet Quimby, Bessie Colman, Bobbi Trout, Amelia Earhart and others.

.....Click here for this free performance from now through January 22, 2021.

Starting next Friday, Nancy and musicians Dave Ruch and Reggie Harris will continue rotating performances through the remaining weeks of winter.

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Free COVID Rapid Testing in Schoharie, Otsego Counties

Have no symptoms of COVID-19, but looking to be tested? Bassett Healthcare Network, in partnership with the NYS Department of Health, is offering free COVID-19 rapid testing next week at its health clinics in Cooperstown, Cobleskill, Middleburgh, and Sharon Springs specifically for individuals who have no symptoms of the virus, but who wish to be tested. Appointments are required. The testing will be offered Tuesday, Jan. 12, Wednesday, Jan. 13, and Friday, Jan. 15, at the following locations and times. Call ahead to make an appointment.

Testing Site

Date/Hours of Testing

When to call for an Appt.

# to call for an Appt.

Sharon Springs Health Center

(591-1 State Route 20, Sharon Springs)

Tuesday, Jan. 12    

8:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (before day of testing)

315-412-5875

Bassett Medical Center – Cooperstown Clinic

(1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown)

Tuesday, Jan. 12

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Any time before the day of testing

607-547-7973

Cobleskill Primary Care  

(136 Parkway Drive, Cobleskill)

Wednesday, Jan. 13

8:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (before day of testing)

315-412-5875

Bassett Medical Center – Cooperstown Clinic

(1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown)

Wednesday, Jan. 13

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Any time before the day of testing

607-547-7973

Middleburgh Health Center

(109 Baker Avenue, Middleburgh)

Friday, Jan. 15

8:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.     

Weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (before day of testing)

315-412-5875

 

Have symptoms and need to be tested?

If you have symptoms currently or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days, you will not be eligible to receive the free testing from the clinics listed above.

Due to shortages of COVID-19 testing and supplies, Bassett Healthcare Network locations are currently performing COVID-19 tests for individuals in our region who meet the following criteria:

• Have symptoms of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, diarrhea, severe headache, or loss of taste/smell)

• Patients who require testing prior to a medical procedure

• Employees with suspected COVID-19 exposure

If you believe you have symptoms of the coronavirus and need to be tested, please call Bassett's COVID-19 central phone line at 607-547-5555. If it is determined that you meet the criteria for testing at a Bassett location, you will be given an appointment.

The COVID-19 Vaccine

Distribution of the coronavirus vaccine to health care workers and others considered at highest risk of exposure is just getting underway in the region served by Bassett Healthcare Network. While the vaccine is not expected to be available to the general population for some months, Bassett Healthcare Network is working hand in hand with our county and state health departments to prepare for that phase of the vaccine distribution process.

In the meantime, it is important to understand that the vaccine will not give you COVID-19. A vaccine works by teaching our immune systems how to recognize and fight off a virus if we ever truly encounter it. It’s safe, research is proving its effectiveness, and it is one of the many steps that we can take together to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Organizational Meeting of the Middletown-Hardenburgh Fire District

Organizational Meeting of the Middletown-Hardenburgh Fire District  

     Please take notice that the organizational meeting for the Middletown- Hardenburgh Fire District of the towns of Middletown & Hardenburgh, County of Delaware & Ulster, New York, will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021 @ 7:00 PM at the Margaretville Fire Station 3rd Floor meeting room.

      Please take notice that the regular monthly meeting will follow on this same date.

      This notification is being given to the news media pursuant to the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.

       This is by order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Middletown-Hardenburgh Fire District.

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REGGIE HARRIS' CATSKILLS OBSERVANCE from the Gilboa Historical Society

Starting 2020 Thanksgiving, the Gilboa Historical Society will present a short performance each week by a rotating roster of musicians and story-tellers. You can ask to be added to the maillist for reminders of upcoming shows!

Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway introduced the GHS to the potential of video at the same time as he celebrated the spirit of the northern Catskills with this performance. A songwriter of great depth and insight, Reggie writes from a deep sense of humanity and a uniquely positive world-view. He is a trailblazer who performs for audiences of all ages. His humorous and hopeful presence has led fans to label him the “Ambassador of Joy, Hope, and Freedom.”

.....Click here for this free performance through, January 15, 2021.

Next Friday, story-teller NANCY PAYNE will tell us about another strong women — in this case, early American aviatrices. Then, Dave Ruch, Reggie, and Nancy will rotate performances throughout the rest of the winter weeks.

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Senator Oberacker Receives Committee Assignments

State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) announced his committee assignments for the 2021-22 legislative session.  Senator Oberacker will serve as ranking Republican of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse and the Senate Committee on Internet & Technology.  Additionally, Senator Oberacker will serve on the senate standing committees on education, health, higher education, and judiciary. 

 

Senator Peter Oberacker said, “Being tasked with leadership roles on two senate committees is a major responsibility.  Both of these key committees deal with vital issues that have intensified in need during the COVID pandemic.”

 

Regarding his assignment as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Internet & Technology, Senator Oberacker said, “High-speed broadband is a major need and many in my district and across upstate New York are being held back because they are unable to access this critical service.  In fact, I am the only sitting senator unable to access high-speed broadband while at home.  Regulatory roadblocks standing in the way of broadband expansion must be eliminated and additional funding to expedite growth is also needed.”   

 

Regarding his assignment as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Senator Oberacker said, “Heroin and opioid abuse have inflicted a great deal of pain on individuals and families in recent years.  Just as we started to make some headway, the isolation of the COVID pandemic has left even more people in need of help with addictions of all types.  We need to ensure those in need are able to access and receive the appropriate services.”

 

Senator Oberacker’s other committee assignments will allow him to focus on key concerns within the 51st Senate District and throughout New York State.

 

Regarding his Senate Education and Higher Education committee assignments, Senator Oberacker said,  “Our local public schools, colleges, and universities have dealt with unprecedented hardships over the past 10 months and continue to evolve to meet the needs of our young people.  To ensure a prosperous future for the next generation, the state needs to foster existing programs and explore new methods of educating our students.”

 

Regarding his Senate Health Committee assignment, Senator Oberacker said, “We are still in the midst of a global pandemic.  Strides are being made to return to normalcy, and I know we will bounce back.  I do have several concerns with our vaccine distribution plans and questions regarding data reporting that need to be addressed to help us both now and in the future.  We also need to review overreaching and expensive state mandates forced on our EMS first responders and volunteers.”  

 

Regarding his Senate Judiciary Committee assignment, Senator Oberacker said, “Our courts are overwhelmed, in part because of the COVID pandemic and also due to changes in bail reform and discovery laws.  New York State needs a fair and just judiciary system at all levels and that will be my focus.”  

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SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

Key PPP updates include:

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 



A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

 

The new guidance released includes:

• PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns;
• Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and
• Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans.

 

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares. 

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OFFERS FREE VIRTUAL EDUCATION CLASSES FOR ALL NEW YORK RESIDENTS

While we enter the New Year with great hope, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the health of millions in this country and around the world. Steps have been taken to provide care and support for those who need it, however, the virus continues to present unique challenges for more than 5 million Americans, including 410,000 in New York, living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

 The Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter is offering free virtual education programs throughout January and February to help local caregivers throughout our 17-county area. Our Winter Caregiver Connection series includes a number of education programs that can help those living with Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible. Caregivers are encouraged to register for one or all of the programs in the series.

 “A person living with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holiday season and post months because of the changes he or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while providing care and adhering to safety precautions,” said Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Executive Director Beth Smith-Boivin. “The start of the New Year can already bring stress, but the current COVID-19 crisis is magnifying those stressors. Providing support to Alzheimer’s caregivers is critical and this virtual series allows us to connect with caregivers and provide necessary information even amid the current crisis.”

 Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online. 

 Upcoming virtual education programs in January include: 

·       Facilitating Storytelling for Caregivers* (presented with SUNY Otswego): Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.

*Register at RecollectionProject.net

·       Effective Communication Strategies: Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.

·       Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home: Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m.

·       Know the 10 Warning Signs: Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

·       Managing Difficult Behaviors: Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.

·       COVID Tips for Caregivers: Jan. 28 at 11 a.m.

 

Upcoming virtual education programs in February include: 

·       Difficult Conversations: An Overview of Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Planning: Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

·       Effective Communication Strategies: Feb. 5 at noon

·       Legal and Financial Planning: Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

·       Managing Difficult Behaviors: Feb. 12 at noon

·       Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

·       Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home: Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

  For a complete list of upcoming programs, or to register for a program, visit alz.org/crf or call our office at 518.675.7214.

 In addition to the virtual education classes, the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) offers around-the-clock support for caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and all dementia.

 More than 16 million family and friends, including more than 1 million in New York provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States. To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association has also offered additional guidance to families at alz.org/COVID19.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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COVID Restrictions at Roxbury Library

As a preemptive measure to deter the local spread of COVID-19, the

Roxbury Library Association (RLA) is restricting Roxbury Library

services to curbside pickups only on Mondays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon,

throughout the month of January 2021. Please call (607)-326-7901 or

email frontdesk@roxburylibraryonline.org to request curbside pickup of

books, magazines, ACD's, and DVD's, as well as items ordered online

through the Four County Library System interlibrary loan services to

member libraries.

Beginning Monday, February 1, 2021, the Roxbury Library Association

tentatively plans to restore RLA Thrift Shoppe visits on a

by-appointment only-basis, through voicemail or email requests.

Please direct questions about the Roxbury Library's COVID-19 closing to

Dian Seiler, Director, Roxbury Library, or Mary Jean Scudder, Clerk,

Roxbury Library, at (607)-326-7901. Please note that the RLA cannot

accept donations of any kind during the library's COVID-19 closing.

The Roxbury Library Association Board of Trustees and the Roxbury

Library Staff appreciate the public's patronage of the Roxbury Library

and regret any inconvenience caused by the library's COVID-19 closing.

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SERIOUSLY FUN OLD AMERICAN MUSIC from the Gilboa Historical Society

DAVE RUCH & PHIL BANASZAK LOVE TO PUT SHINE TO AMERICAN traditional music — fiddle tunes, sea chanties, cowboy songs, Erie Canal ditties, mountain music, western swing, and original materials that sound old-timey. But due to Covid-19, they have created performances for virtual audiences. Their music will be most appropriate to usher in 2021!

.....With Dave & Phil's permission, we will show you 5 songs as a teaser for this wildly talented duo. Click here for their free performance through noon, January 7, 2021.

At noon on the 7th, REGGIE HARRIS will take over for the second January week with upbeat optimism about the air of freedom in America and the Catskills. He will then be followed by NANCY PAYNE, giving us another story about strong women — in this case, early American aviatrices

.....Then, these 4 talents will rotate performances throughout the rest of the winter months.

"WHAT'S GOING ON?" YOU MAY ASK

In late 2019, the Gilboa Historical Society received grants for performances to be held during 2020. For obvious reasons, these large, compressed events did not come off according to plan.

.....In their place, we are inviting you to a series of short virtual performances during each week of the 2020–2021 winter. Nancy, Dave, Phil, and Reggie will entertain us with stories (early American aviatrices and American veterans) and music (New York State, the Erie Canal, and the air, water, and earth of our Catskills.

______

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered in Schoharie County by Greene County Council on the Arts dba CREATE.

______

Please forward this invitation to friends who might appreciate it.

.....These performances

are short (won't impinge on time);

are free (won't impinge on wallet)

are straightforward (won't lead down a trail of links)

A friend wanting to receive their own invitation, join the society, or update their contact information can download this form and fill in the email address and other information, and return it electronically or via snail mail (remember, we need that email address so we can provide you with each week's link). Alternatively, please visit us on line, at gilboahistoricalsociety.com

.....Also please give us feedback on your reaction to this series of short performances, and definitely let us know if your are having difficulty taking advantage of our internet infrastructure.

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