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Richmondville Resident Arrested for Driving on Suspended License

COLCHESTER — Delaware County Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Richmondville resident for driving with a Revoked New York State Driver’s license. On Saturday afternoon, May 11 th , 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on Knox Ave in the Town of Colchester abruptly swerve over the double yellow line into the oncoming lane. Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 40-year-old Jeremy Morris of Richmondville, NY. A check of Morris’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were revoked in the State of New York. Deputies subsequently arrested Morris for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree, an unclassified misdemeanor. Morris was issued additional traffic summonses for Unlicensed Operator and Failure to Keep Right, both violations of the New York State vehicle and traffic law. Morris was released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date to answer the charges.

May 19, 2024 • 109 views

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Court News

A Youthful Offender was convicted of Criminal Mischief 4 th in the Town of Schoharie Court. The Town of Schoharie sentenced him to three (3) years’ probation, fifty (50) hours community service, and restitution. Daniel Merwin, 43, was convicted of Criminal Contempt 2 nd , in the Town of Jefferson Court. The Town of Jefferson sentenced him to a conditional discharge, fine of $220, a surcharge of $205, an Order of Protection, DNA submission, and a DNA fee of $50. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Haqq was the arresting officer. Mr. Merwin also was convicted of Harassment 2 nd in the Town of Jefferson Court on another matter. Mr. Merwin was sentenced to a Conditional Discharge, and a surcharge of $125. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Slater was the arresting officer. Courtney Slater, 37, was convicted of Welfare Fraud in the 5 th Degree in the Town of Schoharie Court. The Town of Schoharie Court sentenced her to three (3) years’ Probation, disqualification from benefits, and restitution paid up front in the amount of $3,756. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Investigator Smith and Schoharie County DSS Social Services Investigator Santulli were the arresting officers. Tayari Jackson, 40, was convicted of Unlawful Imprisonment in the 2 nd Degree in the Town of Carlisle. The Town of Carlisle Court sentenced him to ninety (90) days imprisonment, a DNA fee of $50, and a refrain from Order of Protection. New York State Trooper Chiarello was the arresting officer. David Walker, 34, was convicted of one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, Class E Felony in the Schoharie County Court. Mr. Walker received the following sentence: An indeterminate sentence with a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years in New York State prison, concurrent with sentence for the Reckless Assault of a Child charge, mandatory surcharge of $300, Crime Victim Assistance fee $25; Sex offender registration fee $50; Supplemental Sex Offender Victim Fee $1,000; DNA fee $50 plus DNA sample; Registration under SORA; Mr. Walker waived his right to appeal; Mr. Walker is to surrender all firearms, rifles, and shotguns pursuant to sections 265.20(a)(1)(f) and 400.05(a) of the New York State Penal Law. David Walker, 34, was also convicted of one count of Reckless Assault of a Child, a Class D Felony in the Schoharie County Court. Mr. Walker received the following sentence: A two-year determinate, concurrent with the 1 – 3 years of incarceration for the Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child charge; Mandatory surcharge of $300; Crime Victim Assistance fee $25; DNA fee $50 plus DNA sample; Mr. Walker waived his right to appeal; and Mr. Walker is to surrender all firearms, rifles, and shotguns pursuant to sections 265.20(a)(1)(f) and 400.05(a) of the New York State Penal Law. It was alleged Mr. Walker recklessly assaulted an infant in November of 2022, causing a serious physical brain injury to the infant. New York State Trooper Cintula and Investigator Hock were the arresting officers. *** CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS AND INDICTMENTS ARE ACCUSATIONS. A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

May 19, 2024 • 123 views

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Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad Update

By Elizabeth Barr Our own Elizabeth Barr with the ambulance. RICHMONDVILLE — Richmondville Days is coming up fast and Richmondville EMS is preparing for this great event. There will be a car show at the EMS location at 11 am. The EMS will also host about 20 vendors and food trucks. At 1 pm there will be a wheelchair race. Mark your calendar, gather a buddy, and get ready to roll at the Wheelchair Race. It is going to be A blast! Everyone is invited to join in on the fun! On Main Street, there will be an EMS tent where blood pressure will be checked and there will also be crafts for kids. A letter was recently sent to the residents of Richmondville requesting a donation. This has been quite successful in the past and they are hoping to get even more donations in the following weeks. They want to thank everyone who already contributed. A barrel drive will also be happening on May 24th and May 25th. They would like to welcome the newest member Elizabeth Barr to the squad. She was sworn in on May 14 th at the monthly meeting. Join now and become a force of Good in your neighborhood and community. They can work around your schedule. Whether you want to be a driver, aide, or EMT or just help anyway you can, they serve 365 days a year 24 hours a day. If you are interested in joining, stop down for an application or join them on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at 388 Main Street, Richmondville.

May 19, 2024 • 105 views

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SCCAP Hosting BBQ to Support Joshua Project

COBLESKILL — In celebration of Community Action Month, Schoharie County Community Action Program (SCCAP) is hosting a BBQ Fundraiser on Friday, May 24th, from 3-6 PM, in the Noble Ace Hardware parking lot in Cobleskill. The BBQ by Cargies will feature chicken halves for $9, chicken dinner for $14, ribs (pork) for $11, and a rib dinner for $16. All proceeds will go to support SCCAP's mission in building stronger, healthier communities and empowering families that experience economic and social challenges through strategic partnerships, education, services and compassion. Presale tickets may be purchased in advance by calling SCCAP at 518-234-2568 or Board Chair, Ray Richards at 518-231-5098. Same-day purchase will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out.

May 19, 2024 • 112 views

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Sharon Springs Central School Update

By Tori Edwards SHARON SPRINGS — Sharon Springs students are radiating in their accomplishments as the school year begins to wrap. 25 students were inducted into the Middle School Honor Society; while 10 students were inducted to the National Math Honor Society this Tuesday. SSCS has also announced their Valedictorian of 2024 which is Jayna Manko, and their Salutatorian of 2024 is Elijah Rechnitzer! Sharon Springs Standout students of the third quarter was released this week. Students are selected by demonstrating positive improvements and expressing the qualities of SSCS character traits. Congratulations to Ava Jump, Devin Tissiere, Taylar Sniffen, and Cian Smith on this great achievement! T here are only a few weeks left and these students are shining brightly! Let’s Go Spartans!

May 19, 2024 • 121 views

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Spring into Summer, Parade to Highlight Memorial Day Weekend in Cherry Valley

CHERRY VALLEY - The Spring into Summer festival will be one of the highlights for Memorial Day weekend in Cherry Valley. The last weekend in May will be a busy one in the village as garage sales, a parade, a Memorial Day ceremony in the cemetery, a barbecue, and other events are being planned. The events will begin on Friday, May 24 and run through Monday, May 27. Events include: Friday, May 24: * Opening Party – Red Shed Ale House 6-8pm live music. Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, 10-5pm: * Food: NBT parking Lot: Food trucks: Gaige’s – Burgers, Fries, Desserts (Saturday and Sunday) and Plated Palette- Tacos (Sunday only), lemonade and donut stand (Saturday and Sunday). Park next to 25 Main Street: Hot dog cart. Rose & Kettle Restaurant: Lunch Saturday, noon-3pm. Red Shed Ale House: Open at 1pm, light fare. The Tryon Inn and Backdoor Bar: Lunch on Saturday 11:30am-1:30pm. * Vendors: Located in NBT parking Lot and in the Memorial Park, both Saturday and Sunday. * Music: At the Gazebo, both Saturday and Sunday. * Kid's events: On the Limestone Mansion Lawn, Main Street. Games, activities, crafts-all ages. * Garage sales: All weekend. Village wide, run by American Legion and Auxiliary (map available). * Cherry Valley Businesses hosted events: 25 Main Collective: Artist led Workshops. Cherry Valley Bookstore: Tax Free all weekend. Cherry Valley Lilac Farm: Classes, tours and Lilac sales 10am-4pm all weekend. Cherry Valley Museum: Open for the Season. Hawk Circle: Forest Perfumery open. Plaide Palette: programs on the porch, Saturday and Sunday. The Telegraph School: Spring/Summer Clothing Swap Straw House Herbs: Opening Weekend. The Tepee, Route 20: sale all weekend. * Community events: Firemen’s Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast at Firehouse on Sunday. St Thomas Catholic Church Basket Raffle at Old School on Sunday. Monday, May 27: 10am Parade. Memorial Service at Cemetery Chicken BBQ at Tryon.

May 19, 2024 • 86 views

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Summer Events at the Iroquois Museum

HOWES CAVE — The Iroquois Museum at 324 Caverns Road announced a series of summer events open to the public. • Saturday, July 6 - ONOTA’A:KA (ONEIDA NATION DANCERS) from the Haudenosaunee community of Oneida in central New York. Dance times approximately: 11 & 2 • Sat., July 13 - 2pm - Artist Talk with Lauren Ashley Jiles/ Lou Lou la Duchesse de Riere. Lauren is a renowned neo-burlesque dancer, teacher, and mom from Kahnawake and a featured artist in Outside the Box. • Sat. & Sun. July 20 & 21 – Metalsmithing & Steel Sculpture demonstration with Margaret Jacobs. Margaret is Akwesasne Mohawk and known for her bold steel sculpture and powder-coated jewelry. • Friday & Saturday, July 26 & 27 – Welding and Steel Sculpture Workshop. Metalsmith Margaret Jacobs will offer 3 hour participatory AM & PM workshops (by preregistration) for those looking for an immersive and unusual hands-on experience. Ages 16 to elders. Limit 6 individuals per session. Experienced welders or metalworkers may register for full day. No Charge. • Friday, August 2 from 5 to 9 - Roots, Rhythm & Ale. Join us for a Cajun, Zydeco, and Bluegrass bash with The Rubber Band,The Red Wagon & Zydeco dance lesson with Ron Bruschi. Hot food available for purchase. Admission is $10 for adults, kids under 18 free. For a $20 ticket you receive a commemorative cup for a free beer. Rain or shine! Saturday, August 3 – Stone Carving Workshop with Tom Huff. Easy to learn basics using soapstone, rasps, chisels, and other hand tools. Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Class will be held outdoors. Preregistration. Cost: $70 members/ $75 non-members includes materials. • Saturday August 10 – ALLEGANY RIVER INDIAN DANCERS. Founded in 1979, the Allegany River Indian Dancers have become one of the best-known Native dance groups in the United States and Canada. Dance times approx: 11 & 2 • Saturday & Sunday August 17 & 18 – Guitar Making demonstration with Glenn Hill, Jr. Glenn is an Akwesasne Mohawk luthier who has been hand crafting acoustic and electric guitars for approximately a decade. • Sat. & Sun., Aug. 31 & Sept. 1 – 41st Annual Iroquois Arts Festival • Sun., Oct. 6 - 2pm - Opening Reception for Unique & Individual: A Portrait of Autism by Mohawk Photographer Angel Horn. Exhibition runs Oct 5 – November 30. • Sat & Sun., Oct. 12 & 13 – Porcupine QuillEmbroidery Workshop with Seneca artist Jamie Jacobs. This is a 2-day class and includes all materials. Class size - Min. 10. Max 12. Cost: $75 members/$85 non members • Sat., Oct. 12 - 3pm - Artist Talk by Hannah Claus. Hannah Claus is a multi-disciplinary artist whose ancestry includes the Tyendinaga Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and a featured artist in Outside the Box. • Sat., Oct.19 from 10-4 - Early Technology Day. Visitors can watch and participate in the process of flint knapping (the ancient art of making chipped stone tools), fire making, cordage making, atlatl spear throwing and early archery. These events are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; a Humanities NY Action grant; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; a National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America grant; and friends and members of the Iroquois Museum. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

May 19, 2024 • 110 views

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Terenzio Honored as Woman of Distinction

ALBANY — State Senator Peter Oberacker honored SUNY Cobleskill President Dr. Marion Terenzio as the 2024 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 51st Senate District. “We are fortunate to have so many trailblazing women in the 51st Senate District who inspire us all on a daily basis,” said Senator Peter Oberacker. “Marion Terenzio is dedicated to educating our next generation and growing our state’s rural economy with an innovative vision. Marion’s commitment, compassion, and forward thinking are vital, and I am truly honored to recognize her as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.” Dr. Marion Terenzio is a dedicated education professional who has worked tirelessly to grow the SUNY system while also contributing greatly to the regional economy. She is the President of the SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, co-chair of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, and a member of the New York Department of Health Rural EMS Task Force. Dr. Terenzio’s community engagement and advocacy for rights of students includes her current service on the NYS Blue Ribbon Commission on K-12 reform and her most recent work as the co-chair for SUNY’s Task Force on Empowering Students with disabilities. She has worked to create a robust international curriculum at SUNY Cobleskill and has worked with the National Governor’s Association initiative on Rural Resurgence. “I am profoundly grateful and humbled to receive this honor. Recognition as a 'Woman of Distinction' represents the collective dedication and shared values that drive our community's progress, highlighting not just a personal achievement but also our commitment to education, innovation, and inclusivity,” said Dr. Terenzio. “Standing among remarkable women, I am inspired to further our efforts in shaping a future of opportunity and growth.” Along with honoring the 2024 Women of Distinction during a special ceremony at the Capitol, the senate adopted a special resolution congratulating the honorees. The senate's “Women of Distinction” program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers. “The Senate Women of Distinction program is an ideal way to celebrate the contributions of all women and recognize their positive impact on our communities. Marion Terenzio is an amazing role model and I look forward to continuing to partner with her moving forward,” added Senator Oberacker.

May 19, 2024 • 109 views

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Woodcock Search and Sneak-up at Landis May 24

ESPERANCE — The American Woodcock is a shorebird that has adapted to upland habitats. In the spring males return to open fields to sing and do an aerial flight display to attract females. Join nature educator extraordinaire George Steele from 8:30 - 10:00 PM when we will search for and try to sneak up on singing males and learn about this once in the year behavior. Partial funding for this class provided through a grant from Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match Program. Date: May 24, 2024 Time: 8:30 PM Location: The Nicholas J. Juried Meeting House at Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance Registration: Members: $5/person, $15/family; non-members: $15/person, $25/family

May 19, 2024 • 108 views

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THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS

A Day of Doing Art: Part Two Last week we traveled back to 1858 and caught up with German landscape artist Paul Weber. That was in Kaaterskill Clove, above Fawn’s Leap and below Wildcat Ravine. He and a second artist, his student Harriet Cany Peale, found beauty there and went to work capturing that beauty on canvases. Harriet was the second wife of renowned artist Rembrandt Peale so she had a strong background in art. On this day Weber and Peale were both practicing landscape art. They are listed among those of the Hudson River School of Art. As we saw last week, Paul Weber found a remarkable boulder and began sketching it and its picturesque surroundings. Harriet climbed another 50 yards upstream. She found a ledge to sit on and, looking downstream, sketched another very different image. See our two illustrations. A full 162 years later another man and another woman came to the same location. That was the two of us. We stood at the very same spots they stood but we saw very different images, and a very different beauty. Take another look at our first picture. Harriet’s painting is quite remarkable. It was a featured painting in a 2010 Cedar Grove exhibit entitled “Remember the ladies.” Not only is it a gem of a canvas, but it speaks of an ice age history. The two of us spotted them as being a cluster of glacial erratics. They had all been dragged from the Hudson Valley below by advancing ice. That glacier and those boulders had gotten this far when the climate began warming. The ice melted away leaving the erratics behind. They had been waiting here for many thousands of years. They waited for Weber, Peale and then they waited for us. They had different stories to tell: one for Paul Weber, another for Harriet Peale and a very different one for us: May 10, 13,076 BC – We have traveled back in time but are located right exactly where Harriet Peale would someday be sketching. Our day in the distant past is a cool and overcast one, with off-and-on snow flurries. It had been warming in recent decades, and that had triggered powerful flows of meltwater. The canyon hereabouts had been scoured clean by these flows. That left a lot of bare bedrock all around. As geologists we couldn’t help looking deeply into all of that. We don’t see much real biology here, just a few mosses and lichens. Nature has been trying to stage a post-glacial comeback but that will be a futile effort. In fact, right now, the seasons have actually been starting to get colder again. A new cycle of glaciation has begun. Those mosses and lichens are thinning out and will soon be disappearing. We are the mind’s eyes; we can go anywhere; we can do anything. We rise up high into the air and look east. Ice in the form of the Hudson Valley glacier is once again pushing to the south. Shoved from behind, a lot of it turns west and rises up the clove, heading towards us. We remain hanging high up in the air and watch as the ice approaches us. But now the climate does what climate’s do. Once again it begins to warm up and the advancing glacier grinds to a halt. For a moment we can reach out and just barely touch it. But then it begins to melt and retreat back down the clove. We look down and watch that retreat. Below us, masses of sediment are being left behind by the melting ice. Several very large boulders are poking through those heaps of earth. We continue to remain suspended in the air as centuries pass by beneath us. Our mind’s eyes are very patient; they can do that! Slowly, the flows of a restored Kaaterskill Creek wash away some, but not all, of the sand, silt, and clay down below us. Those boulders and a few more of them emerge from the earth and settle into the locations that would someday so very much captivate Harriet Cany Peale. She saw their beauty; we saw their ice age history. Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net . Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

May 19, 2024 • 129 views

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Outdoors with Larry DiDonato

2024 Spring Turkey Season in Full Swing Mike and Mike "tag-out." Mike Brennan, of Saugerties, "tagged-out" bagging his second gobbler while hunting with good friend and hunting partner, Mike Dodig, also of Saugerties. Brennan shot this mature three-year-old tom to close out his 2024 spring turkey season; "tagging-out" by the third day on May 3rd. Mike Dodig got his limit harvesting his second gobbler one week later on May 11th. It's been a great start to the spring season confirming expectations. Turkey harvests are up seventeen percent over the past three years. We are smack in the middle of the 2024 regular spring turkey hunting season and if the current trend continues, it looks to be a good year for NY turkey hunters. The regular spring turkey season opened on May 1 st in Upstate NY and in Suffolk County and closes on May 31 st . During spring turkey seasons, hunters can harvest two bearded birds for the season, but only one on any given day. Estimates are the spring turkey harvest this year is up approximately 17 percent over the past three years. This is in-line with anecdotal observations where a number of local hunters are sending in reports of already having “tagging out”, by harvesting their second mature gobbler. The earlier youth turkey hunting weekend in late April also enjoyed similar success. Wild Turkey Population Trends DEC uses harvest data and surveys as indices of population size and trends. They currently estimate a statewide population of between 160,000-180,000 birds. “After reaching their peak around 2001, wild turkey populations declined gradually over the next decade. This was followed by a more severe decline since 2009. There are several reasons for this, including a natural population contraction as turkey populations settled down to levels more in line with local environmental conditions. Other factors include density dependence, poor production, and changing habitats and predator communities.” DEC says reasons for declines in turkey numbers include cold wet spring weather, tough winters, and changes in habitat quantity and quality. Predation can play a role in limiting turkey populations but it’s more likely poor habitat quality makes birds, their nests, and broods more vulnerable to predation. “…in highly fragmented landscapes predators may be more efficient in finding turkeys and their nests. This is particularly true for nest predators such as raccoons, skunks, and opossums. In areas with poor brood habitat quality, such as low stem densities or poor overhead cover, turkeys and poults may be more vulnerable to predation.” The good news is while overall NY turkey populations are lower currently than in the early 2000s, for the past eight or nine years, they have been stable across the state. Spring turkey harvests in NY average between 16,000 to 18,000 birds. Biologists anticipated improved turkey harvest this year and the birds are definitely cooperating. Lots of gobbling especially early in the month made it easier to locate and set-up for wary toms. Spring Turkey Harvest Data Dashboard In both the spring and fall, DEC uses extensive hunter surveys to reliably estimate turkey harvest. Data from these surveys help biologists understand trends in populations around the state and are used to help guide management. DEC recently released a new interactive online dashboard for the public to explore historic spring turkey harvest. The dashboard allows hunters to select Wildlife Management Unit aggregates near where they hunt or where they are considering hunting to understand trends in turkey harvest success. For more information or to explore the data, visit DEC’s website . DEC reminds everyone to hunt safe and hunt smart by following these guidelines to support hunter safety: Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Nassau County. Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to a hunting license. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day. Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day and no more than one bird per season in Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County). Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 9, or with a bow or crossbow. Crossbows may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties. Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with a turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested. Successful hunters must report harvests within seven days of taking a bird. Report harvests online at DEC's Game Harvest Reporting website or call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT). For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the Turkey Hunting pages of DEC's website. Tips for a Successful and Safe Turkey Hunting Season Don't stalk. More than half of turkey hunting injuries happen when a hunter stalks another. Wear hunter orange when going in or out of the woods and when walking around. When sitting still waiting for a turkey, put hunter orange on a nearby tree. When calling, sit still with against a tree to break-up any silhouette. Wrap any takes or decoys in hunter orange. Never wear turkey colors – red, white, or blue. Always assume any call or footsteps are from another hunter. Don't shoot until the whole turkey can be observed and its sex identified. When encountering another hunter, speak clearly and don't move. Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter. Turkeys are tough, and 30 yards or less is the best distance for a clear head or neck shot. Do not try to shoot turkeys in the body or while they are flying. Smaller shot, no. 4, 5, and 6, work better than larger shot, due to denser shot patterns. New shotshell technologies allow for shot sizes as small as 8 and 9 to be effective for turkeys. Do research and pattern shotguns to learn what works for each setup. Happy Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping until next time! News and Notes… The New York Bowhunters Banquet in Greenville is Saturday, May 18 th New York Bowhunters will hold their 33 rd Annual Banquet and Rendezvous on Saturday, May 18 th 2023 at the Sunny Hill Resort and golf course at 352 Sunny Hill Road in Greenville, NY. For early birds arriving the day before, there will be a BBQ on Friday night at 6:00 pm with a 50/50 raffle. Discounted rooms that include breakfast at Sunny Hill are available. Go to www.sunnyhill.com or call them at 518-634-7642 to make your discounted room reservation. Registration for the day’s activities start at 9:00 am with their General Meeting scheduled for 1:00 pm, cocktail hour at 5:00 pm, and dinner and silent auction at 6:00 pm. The keynote speaker this year is Colorado big game hunter and guide, John Gardner. The event includes 3D archery and novelty shoots, antler scoring, contests, prizes, and free golf for NY Bowhunter members. Genesis bows will be provided for participants. There will be vendor tables, raffles and plenty of fun things to do. Tickets are $55.00 for individuals with kids under 12 are free. To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Annie Jacobs via email at nyboffice@newyorkbowhunters.com , or by regular mail: 5937 County Road 33 Canandaigua, NY 14424. You can also give Annie a call at 585-229-7468 for more information. Local NY Bowhunters representative Ed Gorch reminds all attending to bring a gift box for their “Camo to Camo” program supporting our veterans. Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s First 2024 Trap Shooting Event Will be Held on May 12 th Trap shooting at Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville begins at 10:00 am on Sunday, May 12 th and continues at the same time on June 9 th and 16 th , July 14 th and 28 th , August 4 th and 25 th , and on September 15 th and 29 th . Cost is just $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo. Trap shooting is open to all; you don’t have to be a member to take advantage of this opportunity. Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.

May 19, 2024 • 111 views

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A Conversation About: My Aching Back

By Jean Thomas It’s not just my back that’s aching. It’s my front and sides and all my corners. I managed to put in a five hour work session in my gardens the other day. Although I’ve been gradually increasing my daily exposure to what will become a normal garden workday, this one went lots farther. I am probably comical to watch while tending to my garden. I can be seen doing everything from tossing a bag of mulch over my shoulder and hiking across the lawn to sitting in the grass like a two-year-old and reaching to pull as many weeds as possible without relocating my backside. I also have a set of kneelers that I use on rotation, flipping the first one to follow the last in a relay to travel the longest distance without having to constantly repeat the torture of getting to my feet and then descending to my knees. I dig and plant and weed and carry and rake and hoe, seemingly without end. My mental process may be to blame here. While I make lists in good faith, once I go out the door all bets are off. In order to accomplish task number one, I must first move or clear or locate something. In achieving the preparation, the original task loses importance and I drift into a totally different direction. I have come to terms with this behavior by calling it Organic Drift. That sounds better than admitting to being a scatterbrain, much like this conversation. I started talking about aches, so let’s get back to the topic. I am well educated on the art and science of ergonomic gardening from talking with my friend Madeline Hooper. Madeline is a former dance instructor and currently hosts a show on PBS called “GardenFit”. She has made a career by using her body correctly and has much excellent advice. Posture is important, and there are correct ways to lift and bend. It turns out that my scattered approach to garden chores is actually a good idea. Madeline says that dividing gardening up into half-hour segments provides the chance to work different parts of the body more evenly. So when I dug the trench for the Hydrangeas and then wandered off to rake the perennial meadow for a while and then repotted a batch of seedlings and then drove the rider mower around the lawn , I was behaving in an ergonomically correct fashion. Take that, you who finish an entire project in a single session! You can hear Madeline at: https://ccecolumbiagreene.org/gardening/nature-calls-conversations-from-the-hudson-valley/episode-97-what-is-gardenfit . You can also find her travelog/ fitness show, called “GardenFit” on your local PBS station. There are two seasons available now. There is even a featured episode in the second season with a visit to a Greene County artist at her Athens home and studio. And, returning to my personal aches and pains; In retrospect, I should have realized that another factor was weighing in on my great big tiring day in the garden, namely that the temperature sneaked up to eighty degrees when I wasn’t looking. Good thing I hydrate a lot… and I have a secret gardening weapon. Don’t tell anyone, but it’s always a good habit to follow the shade when you work. It buys you a little more comfort, and it makes you look smart.

May 19, 2024 • 109 views