11/17/23
Remember to Subscribe!
Preview of This Week's Editions
Written By The Mountain Eagle on 11/17/23 | 11/17/23
Join Us for a Migration Season Eagle Watch!
BLENHEIM — Come on out to Mine Kill State Park on Saturday, November 18th, anytime between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm to join Bill Combs Jr. for a migration season Eagle watch and talk.
As the seasons shift more Eagles make their way down to Schoharie County and take advantage of the prime food supply that is available at the Reservoir. Join us to learn about migrating Eagles, tips on binoculars and other viewing equipment, Eagle photography and more!
11/16/23
Remember to Subscribe!
Delhi Man Arrested On Ostego County Warrant
Written By The Mountain Eagle on 11/16/23 | 11/16/23
Delhi – Today, Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Delhi man on an arrest warrant from Otsego County.
On November 7th, 2023, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the Cooperstown Police Department in locating a male wanted for Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, a Felony. Sheriff’s Deputies and Cooperstown Police Officers subsequently located and arrested Jonathan Stein, age 26 of Delhi on the arrest warrant. Stein was turned over to the Cooperstown Police Department to be arraigned at Otsego County Centralized Arraignment Court in Otsego County on the charges.
11/13/23
Remember to Subscribe!
Local “Farm to Pantry” Program Purchases Farm Fresh Products From Area Farms Providing Healthy Food Free to Community Members in Need
Written By Editor on 11/13/23 | 11/13/23
ONEONTA, N.Y. – For several years CADE, The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE) - a local nonprofit in the Central New York region - has been working on advancing partnerships between Farms and Institutions to spur local food sales. As a response to COVID-19 and abundant food insecurity that was highlighted throughout the pandemic, CADE launched a Farm to Pantry (F2P) Program with generous funding and community partnership in Otsego County. The program allows pantries to "sign on" to CADE's program where they can then order from a multi-farm aggregator, The 607 CSA, part of the newly formed non profit Catskills Agrarian Alliance, to purchase local products for their pantry.
During the first season of the program six food pantries participated and as the fourth season comes to a close over 14 pantries have benefited from the F2P program. Local community members navigating food insecurity are able to access farm fresh products including items such as beef, dairy and produce.
“The Farm to Pantry program was a huge benefit to our pantry. We were able to give high-quality produce, meat and dairy products to our families” said Joanne Feldstein of the Otsego Community Food Pantry, “something we otherwise would not have been able to do… either financially or logistically.”
The 607 CSA was a natural fit for the Farm to Pantry program as they are extremely dedicated to healthy food being a human right. The 607 CSA not only partners in the Farm to Pantry project but also actively seeks to expand their fresh-food reach by offering cost-adjusted CSA shares. The F2P program has been able to support over 20 local farms by purchasing fresh products via the 607 CSA. This then supports the health of the community relying on over 14 area food pantries.
“Being a part of the program allowed us to distribute fresh. nutritious produce and other food items to the food insecure who might otherwise not have been able to purchase it on their own” reported Nancy Vroman of the Helping Hands Food Pantry. “The program enabled us to provide and promote examples of healthier food choices which is the focus of our food pantry.”
CADE facilitates ordering, invoicing and delivery coordination so that local food ordered by pantries can be purchased with ease. The products ordered from pantries are paid for by community funding, to support a win-win of local fresh food to pantries and a stable market for struggling farm and food businesses. This program and local food was of no cost to pantries, with the hope that relationships with farms would continue beyond the scope of the project. Thanks to funding support from the Hunger Coalition of Otsego County, CADE and the 607 CSA will continue this important work of fresh food security and supporting small farms and food businesses.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot for Hospice
November 23
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot for Hospice 5K Run or 2.5K Walk. Event starts promptly at 9 AM at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. All event proceeds support the patients and families cared for by Helios Care. For information call 607 432-6773 or register online at Hospice5k.com. Register early to guarantee your T-shirt. Supplies are limited!
Otsego County Master Gardener Volunteer Winter Sowing Workshop
The Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers are holding a Winter Sowing Workshop on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Southside Mall Community Room, 5006 State Hwy 23 in Oneonta. The session will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
There is a $5/person charge for the workshop. No previous gardening experience is needed. Space is limited; registration is required by Tuesday, December 5th by going to https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/WinterSowing-2_243/. For more information call 607.547.2536 x228 or x235. Ample free parking is available.
Winter sowing is a method of starting seeds outdoors in winter popularized by Trudi Davidoff and is now practiced around the world. It is recognized by the USDA as, “A propagation method used throughout the winter where temperate climate seeds are sown into protective vented containers and placed outdoors to foster a naturally timed, high percentage germination of climate tolerant seedlings.”
Come sow with workshop presenters, Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers, Chris Burrington and Celia Oxley. They will cover the techniques for winter sowing including the materials needed and the various kinds of seeds that can be used, as well as the benefits of this low-cost method of germinating seeds and some of the advantages it has over indoor seed-starting requiring grow lights and the hardening-off of seedlings. In addition, participants will make a mini greenhouse in a container and sow seeds to take home. The workshop will also cover how to handle the seedlings once they germinate. Participants are asked to bring a one-gallon translucent container (milk or water jug) and scissors. We will have some seeds but feel free to bring your own.
Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers have been specially trained and certified by Cornell University Extension with a mission to provide education on a broad range of horticultural topics and practices based on university research and recommendations. For information visit www.cceschoharie-otsego.org or call 607-547-2536.
Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties prior to a program.
11/10/23
Remember to Subscribe!
A Guide to Owning a Mac for the First Time
Written By Editor on 11/10/23 | 11/10/23
Owning an Apple computer is an exciting experience that opens up a world of creativity, productivity, and seamless user experience. Whether you're transitioning from a Windows PC or it's your first computer, here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started and make the most of your Mac journey.
Read Useful Guides for Each Specific Task
Before turning on your computer, reading guides such as this one can be incredibly useful. By reading in advance, when it comes to setting it up and using it, you should have that base knowledge already, even if it is very basic. The same applies to tasks you know you will be doing when using your Mac, such as screen recordings. By learning more about how to record Mac screen before you get down to doing it, you can use this base knowledge to move the process along faster when the time comes.
Familiarize Yourself with macOS After You Set Up Your Apple ID
Your Apple ID is the key to accessing various Apple services, including the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music. If you don't have one, create an Apple ID to enjoy the full range of benefits that come with owning a Mac. Once you've done this, take some time to explore macOS, Apple's operating system. Familiarize yourself with the intuitive interface, including the menu bar, dock, and system preferences. macOS is known for its user-friendly design, so navigating through applications and settings should be relatively straightforward.
You'll find that macOS comes with a suite of pre-installed apps like Safari (web browser), Mail (email client), Pages (word processor), and more. Look over these apps as well to understand their functionality. Apple's ecosystem is designed for seamless integration between apps and devices.
Understanding the App Store
The Mac App Store is your one-stop shop for software. Here, you can find a wide array of applications, from productivity tools to creative software. Browse categories, read reviews, and download apps tailored to your needs. Remember, many apps offer free trials, allowing you to test their functionality before purchasing.
Backup Your Mac
Ensure your data is safe by setting up Time Machine, Apple's built-in backup system. Time Machine automatically backs up your Mac, allowing you to restore files or your entire system if something goes wrong. Connect an external hard drive and configure Time Machine through System Preferences.
Explore iCloud Services
iCloud offers seamless synchronization of your data across Apple devices. Store documents, photos, and music in iCloud, ensuring you can access them from your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or even the web. It's a convenient way to keep your digital life organized.
Customize Your Mac
Personalize your Mac to suit your style and workflow. Change desktop backgrounds, customize the dock, and set up widgets in the Notification Center. Go to System Preferences to adjust system settings, including display, keyboard, and trackpad preferences.
Stay Secure
macOS is designed with security in mind, but it's essential to take precautions. Enable FileVault to encrypt your data, set up strong passwords, and activate two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. Be cautious about the apps you download and grant permissions only to trusted sources.
Seek Help and Explore Communities
Don't hesitate to seek help if you encounter any issues. Apple's official support website offers a wealth of resources, from user guides to troubleshooting articles. Additionally, online communities and forums like Apple Support Communities or Reddit's r/mac can be invaluable for getting advice and connecting with fellow Mac users.
11/5/23
Remember to Subscribe!
How to Get the Most Out of Passive Income in Your Portfolio
Written By Editor on 11/5/23 | 11/5/23
Passive income is broadly defined as money that comes from investments rather than employment wages. Examples include dividend income generated by stock investments or rental income derived from property you own. Passive income can play an important role in helping to meet day-to-day expenses and to accumulate wealth for retirement.
According to research from Ameriprise Financial, 40% of investors across multiple generations have some form of passive income, and more than two-thirds (77%) of investors say passive income is important or very important to their retirement strategy.1
Having more than one source of income to draw from can be a powerful way to hedge against risk and ensure you have the means to cover your expenses. This is particularly true for retirees who no longer earn a traditional income and need to recreate their paycheck.
Five primary ways to generate passive income
Passive income can originate from a variety of sources. Here are five ways to generate passive income that may be a fit for your financial portfolio:
#1 – Dividend-paying stocks and mutual funds or ETFs
Stocks that generate competitive dividend yields are a prime source of passive income. If choosing individual stocks, pay attention to their track record. Companies with a history of raising dividend payouts consistently over time may offer the best, long-term opportunity. You can also find mutual funds or ETFs that emphasize dividend-paying stocks.
#2 – Bonds and bond index funds or ETFs
Investing in bonds is another way to generate income. Even if you are in the accumulation stage of life, bond income can play an important role in helping you build wealth. Not only do bonds offer a way to diversify a stock portfolio, but in today’s market, bond yields are increasingly attractive. Consider that at the end of 2021, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was 1.52%. At the end of August 2023, the yield was more than 4%. Bond funds and ETFs are generally offering more competitive payouts today as well.
#3 – Cash instruments
Like bonds, cash-equivalent vehicles such as money market funds and certain certificates of deposit and bank savings accounts pay more attractive yields today. This is in line with changes to the yield environment in the broader bond market. Money put to work in this way generally has the added benefit of protection of principal value. Not only can you earn competitive returns, but you do so in a relatively safe manner.
#4 – Rental property
Some people choose to own property, such as houses or apartments, rent them out and use the income to buffer their nest egg. While this is considered a passive investment, there may still be some sweat equity and ongoing costs involved in maintaining properties and attracting and managing tenants. You’ll also want to pay close attention to the state of the real estate market where you invest in properties. Ideally, these properties will appreciate in value over time.
#5 – Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
If the idea of generating income from owning properties appeals to you, but you don’t feel prepared to tackle the challenge of direct ownership, REITs offer an alternative. REITs are professionally managed like mutual funds, with money invested in properties such as office buildings, apartment complexes, retail spaces, warehouses or hotels. Those who invest in REITs primarily benefit from the income stream generated by the properties held. REITs are subject to market risk and various fees, and dividends are taxed as regular income. Evaluate any investment options carefully to understand how it may impact your situation.
Work within your overall plan
Passive income is most effective when the investment strategy is implemented within the context of your overall financial plan (with the plan itself designed according to your unique goals, timeframe to achieve them, and level of financial risk you want to accept along the way). Work with your financial advisor to determine how best to incorporate passive income strategies. A professional can discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the strategies above in more detail, and point you to other options not listed here. And as a final tip, keep in mind that while passive is in the name, you should regularly review your passive income strategy to make sure it’s helping you achieve your financial goals.
1 The 2023 research was created by Ameriprise Financial Inc. and conducted online by Artemis Strategy Group from January 19 to February 14, 2023 among 3,518 Americans ages 27–77. Millennial respondents have $25,000 or more in investable assets, and Gen X and boomer respondents have $100,000 or more. The sample is weighted on region and by generation on age, gender, race/ethnicity, assets, and income based on the Federal Reserve 2021 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED). To ensure sufficient response sizes for additional analysis, Ameriprise oversampled investors who identify as millennials. For further information and details about the study, including verification of data that may not be published as part of this report, please contact Ameriprise Financial or go to ameriprise.com/millennials.
###
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/.
11/4/23
By Mary A. Crisafulli
STAMFORD - Three candidates vie for the Stamford town clerk and tax collector position as Diane Grant will retire from the position after several years of service. Candidates include Ruthanne Van Buren, For the People party; Usha Tagiaferro, Unbreakable party; and Cheryl A. Barr Miglianti, Republican party.
Van Buren felt the clerk and tax collector position would be a perfect transition from her time as a legal secretary and when discovering Grant would leave the position open, she ran. "I have been doing customer service and secretary positions for the past 28 years and I believe this would be a great way for me to continue serving our community," she said. Van Buren said the position is about helping people. "I am good at that," she said, "If you know me, you know that my experience and personality make me perfect for the job."
Tagliaferro welcomes the opportunity and responsibility as a new way to serve the town, she said. She has lived in the village since 2006 and has 35 years of administrative experience. "Over the years, I have taken great pleasure in getting to know the people of this lovely community through my various forms of employment: the nursing home, the pharmacy, the thrift store, the Catholic Church," said Tagliaferro, "My heart of service would only be made fuller, serving in a broader capacity, as Stamford Town Clerk."
The Mountain Eagle was unable to get in contact with Barr Miglianti by press time.
Two council seats with four-year terms are up for election. Republicans Brent Trimbell and Roderick A. Hillis are both running for re-election.
Trimbell is running for a second term. "I enjoy making a difference for our town," said Trimbell, "Stamford is a very well-run town with many checks and balances. With an open mindset and willingness to change, I help the town government run smoothly."
Hillis is running for a fourth term as a council member. "I really enjoy it and think we handle situations well with the team we have," he said.
Conservative John S. Kosier is running unopposed for re-election as town supervisor, a two-year term. Republican Jonathan R. Ballard is running for re-election as superintendent of highways, a four-year term. Republicans Paul E. Koerner Jr and Sharon L. Anderson are both running for re-election as town assessors. Two town assessor positions will appear on the ballot as four-year terms.
Elections will take place on Nov. 7 from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Community Center at 80 Cornell Ave Hobart Early voting from Oct. 28 until Nov. 5 will be held at the Board of Election Office in Delhi from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Remember to Subscribe!
Three Vie For Stamford Town Clerk/Tax Collector Seat
Written By Editor on 11/4/23 | 11/4/23
By Mary A. Crisafulli
STAMFORD - Three candidates vie for the Stamford town clerk and tax collector position as Diane Grant will retire from the position after several years of service. Candidates include Ruthanne Van Buren, For the People party; Usha Tagiaferro, Unbreakable party; and Cheryl A. Barr Miglianti, Republican party.
Van Buren felt the clerk and tax collector position would be a perfect transition from her time as a legal secretary and when discovering Grant would leave the position open, she ran. "I have been doing customer service and secretary positions for the past 28 years and I believe this would be a great way for me to continue serving our community," she said. Van Buren said the position is about helping people. "I am good at that," she said, "If you know me, you know that my experience and personality make me perfect for the job."
Tagliaferro welcomes the opportunity and responsibility as a new way to serve the town, she said. She has lived in the village since 2006 and has 35 years of administrative experience. "Over the years, I have taken great pleasure in getting to know the people of this lovely community through my various forms of employment: the nursing home, the pharmacy, the thrift store, the Catholic Church," said Tagliaferro, "My heart of service would only be made fuller, serving in a broader capacity, as Stamford Town Clerk."
The Mountain Eagle was unable to get in contact with Barr Miglianti by press time.
Two council seats with four-year terms are up for election. Republicans Brent Trimbell and Roderick A. Hillis are both running for re-election.
Trimbell is running for a second term. "I enjoy making a difference for our town," said Trimbell, "Stamford is a very well-run town with many checks and balances. With an open mindset and willingness to change, I help the town government run smoothly."
Hillis is running for a fourth term as a council member. "I really enjoy it and think we handle situations well with the team we have," he said.
Conservative John S. Kosier is running unopposed for re-election as town supervisor, a two-year term. Republican Jonathan R. Ballard is running for re-election as superintendent of highways, a four-year term. Republicans Paul E. Koerner Jr and Sharon L. Anderson are both running for re-election as town assessors. Two town assessor positions will appear on the ballot as four-year terms.
Elections will take place on Nov. 7 from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Community Center at 80 Cornell Ave Hobart Early voting from Oct. 28 until Nov. 5 will be held at the Board of Election Office in Delhi from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
10/27/23
Remember to Subscribe!
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING - Windham Fire District
Written By Editor on 10/27/23 | 10/27/23
Please note the change of venue for the Windham Fire District of the town of Windham, County of Greene, New York. Regular meeting for Tuesday November 14, 2023, at 6 o’clock p.m. will be held at the Windham Fire Station 5462 Main Street Windham, NY. 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
10/25/23
Remember to Subscribe!
GUILTY PLEA IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
Written By Editor on 10/25/23 | 10/25/23
DELHI, NY - Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that John J. Jaromack Jr., 48, formerly of Franklin, New York appeared in Delaware County Court on October 23, 2023, and was sentenced to a total of 10 years in State Prison to be followed by ten 10 years of post-release supervision.
The defendant had previously pled guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, Class D Violent Felonies on August 25, 2023. The Honorable Judge Gary Rosa ordered a Pre-sentence Investigation to be undertaken by the Delaware County Department of Probation.
As part of his guilty plea, Jaromack admitted to sexually abusing a minor child in full satisfaction of a multi-count indictment that alleged sexual abuse against two separate children. Due to the nature of the case, the details of the case and identities of the victims are not being disclosed.
On October 23, 2023, the defendant appeared for sentencing. Several members of the victims’ families either made statements to the Court or submitted written Victim Impact Statements. Mr. Jaromack also made a statement.
After hearing Mr. Jaromack’s statement, Judge Rosa sentenced him to a total of ten (10) years of incarceration to be followed by ten (10) years of post-release supervision. The court also issued orders of protection in favor of the two children for the next 13 years. The defendant will be mandated to register as a sex offender upon being released from prison.
Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith thanked the victims in this case for coming forward.
“I want to thank the two children who came forward and exposed Mr. Jaromack’s horrible crimes. I know that this conviction cannot begin to repair the damage that they have suffered, but I hope that they gain a little peace knowing this monster is where he belongs; in state prison.”
Mr. Smith continued, “Sex abuse is an all-too-common crime that often sees victims feeling alone and utterly traumatized. Many victims of such abuse go unnoticed or unheard. To those victims, if you can, tell someone. And to the members of our community who see something odd in a child or witness inappropriate behavior by an adult towards a child, say something.” Smith thanked Investigator Brian Dengler of the New York State Police who led the investigation into John J. Jaromack, Jr., assisting officers of the NYSP, and victim advocate Kimberly Bryden for her work with the children and family during the court process.
Shawn J. Smith
Acting District Attorney
Delaware County
TWELVE COUNT INDICTMENT UNSEALED FOUR COUNTS OF PREDATORY SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST A CHILD
DELHI – Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Mark Archer, 38, of Oneonta, New York, was indicted for 12 felonies and arraigned in Delaware County Court on October 11, 2023.
The 12 Count Indictment unsealed in Delaware County Court accuses the defendant of three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and alleges that the defendant subjected three separate children- each under the age of 11 years old- to sexual abuse. These are Class D felonies.
The defendant was also indicted for two counts of Rape in the First Degree, Class B Violent Felonies, based upon allegations that the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse, on two separate occasions, with a child under 11 years old.
Counts Seven and Eight of the Indictment accuse the defendant of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, Class B Violent Felonies, and alleges that the defendant subjected a child under the age of 11 years old to anal sexual contact on two separate occasions.
The defendant is also facing four separate counts of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child for the alleged sexual abuse of a child under 13 years old. Each of those Counts are Class A-II Felonies and carry a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. As such, the defendant faces over 100 years to life in prison if he is found guilty of the charges alleged in the indictment.
The Honorable Gary A. Rosa, Acting Delaware County Court Judge, remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 cash bail, or $750,000 bond. The case is scheduled for a conference on October 30, 2023, at 9:00 A.M.
Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith stated, “This indictment is the result of a lengthy and comprehensive investigation conducted by the Sidney Police Department and Assistant District Attorney Denise Kerrigan. My office is grateful for the assistance provided by the Delaware County Department of Social Services and the staff at Safe Against Violence. Both departments provided a great deal of support which enabled us to work with the child victims in this case.”
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Shawn J. Smith
Delaware County Acting District Attorney
K-9 RIGGS INSTRUMENTAL IN NEW DRUG INDICTMENT $7,000.00 IN FENTANYL AND METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED
DELHI - Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Zachary A. Rowe, 24, of Harpursville, New York appeared for arraignment on a two-count indictment in Delaware County Court.
On October 1, 2023, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry arrested the defendant on a bench warrant. After being taken into custody, Sidney K9 Officer Royce Terry and K9 Officer Riggs conducted a search of the defendant’s personal property. K9 Officer Riggs is a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer that officially began working with the Sidney Police in August of this year after he became state certified in the detection of narcotics.
After becoming involved in the search, Riggs quickly discovered and indicated the presence of narcotics. Officer Terry then used Rigg’s indication to obtain a search warrant. A subsequent police search revealed approximately $7,000.00 in illegal methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Count One of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony for possessing methamphetamine, with intent to sell it, in the Village of Sidney.
Count Two of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony of possessing fentanyl, with intent to sell it, in the Village of Sidney.
John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.
Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith stated, “I commend Sidney Police K9 Handler Terry and K9 Officer Riggs for their thorough investigation of this case. K9 Officer Riggs is a handsome and intelligent dog. He is proving to be an effective weapon in our battle to remove dangerous drugs from our communities.”
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Shawn J. Smith
Acting District Attorney
Delaware County
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
