eedition The Daily Mail April 29 2020

CMYK

The Daily Mail Copyright 2020, Columbia-Greene Media Volume 228, No. 85

All Rights Reserved

New fears arise Cities dread collision of virus and heat waves Inside, A2

The nation’s fourth-oldest newspaper • Serving Greene County since 1792

Price $1.50

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Applications overwhelm SBA system

nFORECAST WEATHER FOR HUDSON/CA TODAY TONIGHT THU

By Sarah Trafton Columbia-Greene Media Considerable clouds

Occasional rain and drizzle

Breezy with periods of rain

HIGH 59

LOW 45

60 55

Complete weather, A2

nSPORTS

The second round of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program went live Monday but the system was overwhelmed with applications, lenders said.

The initial $349 billion for the program designed to cover up to $10 million of payroll, rent, utility and mortgage costs for small businesses ran out within 13 days after the program went live April 3.

Congress approved an additional $310 billion last week and the state comptroller announced another $50 million

Contributed photo

would be allocated to the program from the state’s Common Retirement Fund, but lenders aren’t sure how long the funds will last.

“We’ve had over 1,000 applications in a two-and-halfweek period,” Bank of Greene County President Donald Gibson said. “Normally our commercial lending group can do 50 loans per month. We’re doing two years’ worth of work in two weeks.”

The Bank of Greene County had to push things into highgear quickly when their thirdparty lender backed out April

The Bank of Greene County has helped local businesses and non-profits such as the Columbia-Greene Humane Society to secure financial assistance through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. Picture, from left, are Ron Perez, president of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society; Peter Hogan, member of the board of directors for the Bank of Greene County and Columbia-Greene Humane Society; and Perry Lasher, senior vice president and director of Commercial Lending.

See SBA A8

Thomas and Jones perfect fit

Cuomo unveils reopening guidelines

Deon Jackson has a unique perspective on a pairing the Giants hope will serve as a franchise foundation.

PAGE B1

n COVID-NBA

The NBA has a plan, but...

NBA officials say they will open training facilities where virus is low, but a lot has to happen PAGE B1

n REGION Epidemics not unique to humans Northeast forests have dealt with similar scourges over the last hundred years PAGE A6

n INDEX Region Opinion State/Nation Obituaries Sports Classified Comics/Advice

A3 A4 A5 A5 B1 B4-B5 B7-B8

On the web www.HudsonValley360.com Twitter Follow: @CatskillDailyMail Facebook www.facebook.com/ CatskillDailyMail/

By Kate Lisa Johnson Newspaper Corp.

ALBANY — Hospitals must not exceed 70% capacity for New York to reopen by region as Gov. Andrew Cuomo cast doubts Tuesday that the New York State Fair will open this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each region of the state — the Capital Region, Central New York,

Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Long Island, Southern Tier and Western New York — must follow guidelines from Cuomo’s office as part of each region’s reopening plan.

A region is in danger of a renewed COVID-19 outbreak if area hospitals exceed 70% capacity or the virus transmission rate is 1.1% or higher,

which means one person with COVID-19 is infecting about 1.1, or greater than one, other person, Cuomo said.

New York is working to reopen by region without increasing the state’s infection rate or overwhelming the hospital system, Cuomo said.

“I get it — you can’t sustain being closed... individual families can’t

sustain it, but when we talk about reopening, this should not be a philosophical discussion,” Cuomo said Tuesday during a coronavirus briefing at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. “This should not be an emotional discussion. It is a factual discussion.”

The state will follow Centers for See CUOMO A8

Courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office

Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled specific guidelines during a coronavirus briefing in Syracuse on Tuesday afternoon for regions to consider as officials develop plans to gradually reopen the state in phases starting next month.

Top Democrats call for federal COVID aid

By Melanie Lekocevic and Kate Lisa Johnson Newspaper Corp.

WASHINGTON — Top Democratic leaders spoke with union workers on a conference call Tuesday to outline their demands that aid for state and local governments be included in the latest economic stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., met with Lee Saunders, president of the public service workers’ union AFSCME, and union members on a press call Tuesday afternoon.

Pelosi and Schumer urged Congress to include in the upcoming economic stimulus package aid for state and local

“We are going to make sure, absolutely sure, that a robust state and local appropriation is made in the CARES II bill,we need it, our country needs it, everyone needs it. It’s amazing, with how important this is, and for all the people who are doing such vital jobs for our country, that Leader McConnell would show how out of touch he is when he suggested that we should let the states that are being crushed by the coronavirus go bankrupt.”

— Chuck Schumer Senate Minority Leader, D-N.Y.

governments that have been hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

“Governors and mayors, Republicans and Democrats, are crying out for support,” Pelosi said, adding that some claim if aid for state and local governments is not provided in the package, it could lead to

layoffs, budget cuts and elimination of services.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican and chair of the National Governors Association, has also called on the federal government to provide aid to state governments, Pelosi said.

“Yet, [Senate Majority]

Leader [Mitch] McConnell has said the states should go bankrupt, and we are not writing a check to send out to states to allow them to finance mistakes they have made,” Pelosi said. “Really? Really?”

McConnell, R-Ky., suggested states facing huge public employee pension debts be

offered the opportunity to file for bankruptcy, which they are now prohibited from doing.

The aid, Pelosi said on the conference call, would go toward responding to the coronavirus health crisis, and to assist states that have experienced substantial revenue loss due to the pandemic.

President Donald Trump initially backed the idea of providing federal aid to states, but on Monday questioned whether federal taxpayers should provide money to “poorly run” states and cities run by Democrats.

“Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities,

powered by Register-Star and The Daily Mail

Check us out on the go....www.hudsonvalley360.com

See AID A8

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

A2 Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Cities fear collision of virus and heat waves

Weather

Jada Yuan, Tim Craig and Holly Bailey

FORECAST FOR HUDSON/CATSKILL

TODAY TONIGHT THU

The Washington Post

FRI

SAT

SUN

Considerable clouds

Occasional rain and drizzle

Breezy with periods of rain

Clearing, a shower or two

Variable clouds, a shower

Warmer with a shower or two

HIGH 59

LOW 45

60 55

66 49

65 45

71 45

Ottawa 60/42

Montreal 63/42

Massena 63/48

Bancroft 53/47

Ogdensburg 61/50

Peterborough 55/45

Plattsburgh 62/44

Malone Potsdam 62/49 63/48

Kingston 55/49

Lake Placid 56/40

Watertown 61/51

Rochester 63/52

Utica 58/47

Batavia Buffalo 64/54 65/56

Albany 61/47

Syracuse 61/52

Catskill 59/45

Binghamton 54/47

Hornell 60/53

Burlington 65/45

Hudson 60/45

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

SUN AND MOON

ALMANAC Statistics through 3 p.m. yesterday

Temperature

Precipitation

Yesterday as of 3 p.m. 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest.

High

0.06”

Low

Today 5:53 a.m.

7:53 p.m.

10:38 a.m.

1:22 a.m.

Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Thu. 5:52 a.m.

7:54 p.m.

11:43 a.m.

2:10 a.m.

Moon Phases 60

First

Full

Last

Apr 30

May 7

New

39 YEAR TO DATE NORMAL

May 14 May 22

10.34 11.04 Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

CONDITIONS TODAY AccuWeather.com UV Index™ & AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature®

1

1

1

2

2

3

46

49

52

54

57

58

2

2

1

1

0

56

55

52

50

48

8 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. Noon 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme. The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors.

NATIONAL WEATHER TODAY Winnipeg 62/41

Seattle 65/49 Billings 81/56

San Francisco 65/53

Montreal 63/42 Minneapolis 63/42

Toronto 56/50

Detroit 63/48

New York 54/50 Washington 73/61

Chicago 55/44

Denver 74/48

Kansas City 66/45 Los Angeles 83/61 Atlanta 74/51 El Paso 86/61

Houston 82/54

Chihuahua 88/59

Miami 87/76

Monterrey 97/65

ALASKA HAWAII

Anchorage 48/34

-10s

-0s

0s

showers t-storms

Honolulu 83/72

Fairbanks 43/23 Juneau 48/40

10s rain

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

Hilo 82/69

20s flurries

30s

40s

snow

50s ice

60s

70s

cold front

80s

90s 100s 110s

warm front stationary front

NATIONAL CITIES City Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Atlantic City Baltimore Billings Birmingham Boise Boston Charleston, SC Charleston, WV Charlotte Cheyenne Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus, OH Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit Hartford Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Knoxville Las Vegas

Today Hi/Lo W 80/57 s 48/34 s 74/51 t 58/55 c 68/58 pc 81/56 c 70/49 t 88/56 pc 50/42 s 79/63 pc 76/53 t 80/57 pc 71/46 s 55/44 r 64/47 r 69/48 r 64/49 r 79/55 s 74/48 s 65/46 c 63/48 r 60/44 pc 83/72 s 82/54 t 62/44 sh 66/45 pc 71/49 t 101/76 s

Thu. Hi/Lo W 89/60 s 47/37 s 65/48 pc 61/55 sh 67/54 r 76/49 c 68/46 s 72/46 pc 52/49 sh 73/53 r 60/46 c 70/49 pc 81/52 pc 58/42 pc 55/42 sh 60/43 sh 55/43 sh 84/62 s 87/53 pc 72/50 pc 53/41 sh 58/55 r 84/72 pc 82/57 s 56/42 pc 73/53 pc 61/45 sh 99/72 pc

City Little Rock Los Angeles Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Norfolk Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland Portland Providence Raleigh Richmond Sacramento St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Savannah Seattle Tampa Washington, DC

Today Thu. Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W 71/50 pc 75/49 s 83/61 pc 80/60 pc 87/76 s 89/70 t 50/43 r 54/41 pc 63/42 pc 69/49 s 67/50 t 66/47 sh 79/61 t 79/58 s 54/50 r 61/56 sh 79/65 c 73/57 t 73/48 s 79/59 pc 69/46 pc 75/55 pc 86/71 pc 82/60 t 62/56 sh 69/56 sh 104/75 s 104/74 pc 71/52 t 61/46 sh 52/39 s 48/44 sh 72/52 c 64/43 sh 59/43 s 55/51 sh 81/63 pc 70/51 r 80/61 pc 69/53 r 82/54 pc 85/53 pc 60/46 sh 68/48 s 85/65 s 82/57 c 65/53 pc 67/51 pc 81/63 pc 75/54 sh 65/49 c 62/44 sh 85/71 pc 78/62 t 73/61 pc 68/54 r

Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

NEW YORK - The windowless corridor on a 20th floor in the Mott Haven Houses - a cluster of public-housing towers in the South Bronx - felt like a thoroughfare, even in the middle of a pandemic when residents are supposed to be avoiding one another.

People and their dogs poured out of the elevator, joining others in an already crowded hallway. Many residents kept their apartment doors open, allowing for a slight breeze even though the air stank of urine in some places and bleach in others.

If anyone had a face mask, they wore it around their neck.

Yet as he hung out in a stairwell holding his cane, Edgar Martinez said he believes the hardest days are still to come here.

“The summer is going to make it worse,” said Martinez, 62, who is Puerto Rican and has lived in these projects since he was 12. “These kids can’t go to the park no more. They can’t play. Imagine if you have four, five kids in your house.”

Visiting from one building over, 68-year-old Rosemary Garcia was thinking the same.

“It’s going to get real, real hot,” Garcia said, recalling how she lost two neighbors last year during a heat wave, an annual danger for the millions of Americans who live in low-income or elderly housing.

“It’s hard to worry about corona,” Martinez added, “because we are dying anyway.”

Even before the pandemic, which has killed more than 50,000 Americans, health departments in the country’s largest and most densely populated cities were nervously anticipating their battle against heat waves that sicken tens of thousands of people annually.

But as summer approaches, local officials are being forced to consider how they will protect residents as the coronavirus crisis collides with the potentially deadly consequences of being poor, disabled or elderly during the hottest days of the year.

Although President Donald Trump and some governors have called for lifting stay-athome orders as infection rates appear to stabilize, some analysts expect it could be fall before restrictions on movement and commerce are lifted more widely - posing a potentially serious challenge to public health strategies that rely on packing people into air-conditioned places to help them survive extreme heat.

There is widespread concern among civic leaders that lifting lockdowns too soon and too drastically could spark a second wave of infection and risk overwhelming health systems again, this time in the midst of extreme weather. “It keeps me up at night,” said Deanne Criswell, New York City’s emergency management commissioner.

In many low-income city neighborhoods in the Northeast and Midwest, residents often either don’t have air conditioning or limit using it to control their electricity bills. To escape the heat, be it in a highrise apartment in New York or a rowhouse in Baltimore, residents have traditionally gathered outdoors, at times creating difficulties for law enforcement officials trying to maintain public order.

But this year, government calls for social distancing threaten to shut down beaches, public pools, playgrounds and recreational centers, which also serve as city-run cooling centers where senior citizens can gather during heat waves and blackouts.

WASHINGTON POST PHOTO BY JAHI CHIKWENDIU

The intersection of North and Fulton avenues in West Baltimore.

PHOTO FOR THE WASHINGTON POST BY YANA PASKOVA

Customers wait in line outside the Bronx Terminal Market in New York on April 1, 2020.

“This is a challenge . . . because if the order is to stay at home, then the traditional way of responding . . . is probably not feasible,” said Jeffrey Wade, executive director of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority in Cleveland, which serves about 55,000 residents.

In recent days, as they prepare for the next phase of the pandemic, local officials in Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York - all cities with a history of deadly heat waves have contemplated new strategies for addressing the looming health threat.

Though such discussions in many cities remain preliminary, officials say they are considering a range of potential solutions, including handing out free air conditioners, expanding programs that subsidize the electricity bills of low-income residents, closing streets in inner-city neighborhoods to allow people to spread out more, and expanding the number of cooling centers to keep any one location from being too crowded.

Still, some housing and social justice advocates are worried that the plans being drafted by local officials will come too late, stalling or reversing the progress many cities have made in slowing the virus’s spread.

“In the summer, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame because the culture of New York is to be outside during the summer,” said Leslie Velasquez, a program manager at El Puente, which advocates for low-income residents. “And I have yet to read or see what the plan is if we don’t want people congregating . . . when it’s too hot and uncomfortable even for them to sleep.”

Nationwide, about 87 percent of U.S. households have some form of air conditioning, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

But the number drops to about 80 percent for residents who live below the poverty line, the agency noted.

And in some major cities, including New York, where about 130 people die of heat-related causes every year, local officials and advocates believe that as many of as half of the units in public housing lack adequate cooling. There, the lack of air conditioning is often magnified by crowded living conditions.

Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said the expected reemergence of

traditional summer behaviors highlights the need for guidance from public officials beyond simply asking residents to stay indoors or stay six feet apart.

“People are going to want to barbecue, and they are going to want to have large gatherings,” Benjamin said. “I think we are going to have to give them pretty good advice” on how to do it safely.

Concerns about the challenges that await big cities this summer have been heightened as public health experts increasingly signal that, unlike the flu and other viruses, the coronavirus is expected to spread throughout the warmer months.

“Now, I think the best-case scenario might be it slows down a bit, but I think we’re going to go with it straight through summer into the fall and next flu season,” said Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

Russo noted that the flu runs its course each year because people get vaccinated or have already been exposed - none of which applies to this new virus.

And while research shows that viruses tend to linger for shorter periods in humidity - a point Trump and his health advisers have been stressing in recent days - Russo said he doubts summer weather alone will be enough to diminish the need for preventive measures such as social distancing and the widespread use of face masks in public.

“And you know, in the absence of air conditioning, its going to be really, really hard to wear a mask when it’s 95 [degrees] out,” Russo said. “You certainly can’t wear a mask at the swimming pool.”

Philadelphia last year released its first plan to combat the extreme heat in some neighborhoods caused by climate change and other factors.

In some places, the report said, surface temperatures could be up to 22 degrees higher because of an absence of tree cover and

green space, an aging housing stock and greater expanses of exposed asphalt.

The hottest neighborhoods tend to be areas with high concentrations of low-income residents, many of whom are averse to using air conditioning because of the expense or the fear it will make their homes more vulnerable to burglary.

A city program to expand the number of cooling centers and offer programming such as movies to bring in more people was supposed to launch this summer.

“Are we going to be able to operate any cooling centers or the pools?” said Christine Knapp, director of the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability. “I don’t think we know the answer to that yet.”

Even if the cooling centers can open, Philadelphia officials have begun lobbying the state to expand access to the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps residents pay utility bills. Pennsylvania currently restricts the program to homeheating bills, Knapp said.

In Baltimore, a city with a storied history of residents hanging out on the stoops of their rowhouses, some local officials say the city needs to be even bolder in changing policies as heat-stressed residents begin flocking outdoors.

Maryland Del. Robbyn Lewis, D, who represents Baltimore and worked as a global health specialist before she took office, said city leaders should consider closing streets for pedestrian activity in some neighborhoods - a proposal floated in New York, too. Lewis also wants city officials to demand that Baltimore police give residents more leeway when it comes to enforcement of loitering laws.

“During the hot weather, which we know will only increase anxiety and stress, people will need an escape valve,” Lewis said. “They will need to get outside and move around.”

In Chicago, where most in the city still recall a deadly 1995 heat wave that killed more than 700 people, activists are afraid the pandemic will show the city hasn’t made enough progress in providing air conditioning to elderly or disabled residents.

A spokeswoman for the Chicago Housing Authority said all properties serving senior citizens had been updated with central heat and air, but did not respond to a question about conditions in other buildings.

Emily Coffey, a housing justice staff attorney at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, which has tangled with the housing authority for years, noted that air conditioning is not considered an “essential” service in Chicago, meaning the utility allowance many public housing residents receive doesn’t account for that added cost.

HUDSON RIVER TIDES Low tide: 1:20 a.m. 0.8 feet High tide: 7:13 a.m. 4.0 feet Low tide: 2:44 p.m. 0.7 feet High tide: 8:25 p.m. 3.4 feet

THE PUBLIC NEEDS THE TRUTH; NOT SOCIAL MEDIA HEADLINES & FAKE NEWS.

#SupportRealNews

CMYK

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 A3

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

Foundation offers relief for small businesses in pandemic

CALENDAR EDITOR’S NOTE: Most events and meetings are being cancelled due to the virus outbreak. Please call ahead to confirm.

By Abby Hoover Columbia-Greene Media

HUDSON — The Berkshire Taconic Community Action Foundation has created an emergency response funs for Columbia County’s small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by COVID-19.

In partnership with the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, cash grants will be made available to businesses operating in affected communities.

“The small businesses in Hudson are a major driver of not only our economy but also our community,” Mayor Kamal Johnson said. “They are among the first to donate or sponsor an event or cause.

When we say ‘all hands on deck,’ we mean it and it’s time to reach a hand out to save our local businesses.”

The fund will support “Main Street”type small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue that are open to the public and are reliant on foot traffic for customers. Many of these businesses have been closed since March 22, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo shuttered all nonessential businesses.

“This fund was designed to attempt to help businesses in Hudson and the town centers throughout the county in an effort to provide small grants that could be used as emergency funds in an attempt to sustain the economic vitality of these business districts,” said F. Michael Tucker, president and CEO of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation.

The application period was open April 1 through April 15 at columbiaedc.com

Wednesday, April 28 n Catskill Town Planning Board

cancelled 518-943-2141

Monday, May 4 n Athens Town Board 6:45 p.m.

Town Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518945-1052 n Cairo Town Board 7 p.m. Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo n Greenville CSD BOE/Budget discussion 5 6 p.m. Virtual Meeting only (see website for link)

Tuesday, May 5 n Durham Town Board workshop

meeting 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 7309 Route 81, East Durham

Wednesday, May 6 n Greene County Economic Development Corporation 4 p.m. May 6 via Zoom meeting instead of a public meeting open for the public to attend in person. Members of the public may view all meetings on the Greene County YouTube channel at https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC0mwTvjUz_ XyhJ83epMPFpQ/. Minutes of will transcribed and posted on the Greene County Economic Development Corporation website, www.greenecountyedc.com, upon completion.

Thursday, May 7 n Ashland Planning Board 6 p.m.

Town Hall, 12094 Route 23, Ashland n Cairo Town Planning Board 7 p.m. Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo n Coxsackie-Athens CSD, special Board of Education virtual meeting 6 p.m. n Coxsackie Village Workshop 6 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie 518-731-2718

“The small businesses in Hudson are a major driver of not only our economy but also our community. They are among the first to donate or sponsor an event or cause.

When we say ‘all hands on deck,’ we mean it and it’s time to reach a hand out to save our local businesses.”

— MAYOR KAMAL JOHNSON for small businesses seeking relief. More than 150 local businesses reached out to the CEDC since non-essential businesses were shuttered for advice on local, state and federal assistance options.

“The ability of our many businesses to continue to operate after this pandemic is critical to restoring Columbia County’s economic vitality and to restore our great quality of life,” said Jeffrey Hunt, president of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. “Rapidly getting money to these businesses in need will go a long way to achieving this goal.”

The foundation launched the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide grants up to $15,000 to nonprofit organizations that work with impacted communities.

The fund prioritizes human services and community-based organizations to help with food access for youth and seniors, child care for health workers and first responders, mobilizing volunteers, internet access for distance learning, supporting the homeless, increased demand for medical services for uninsured or undocumented individuals and residents unable to pay rent due to loss of work.

Rapid, efficient response is a key part of meeting needs, said Peter Taylor, president of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

“Philanthropy can play an important role filling some gaps until government resources are widely available,” Taylor said.

When Taylor came to realize the virus would have a deep and lasting impact on the communities he serves, the foundation began working with Tucker and Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-106, to determine what role philanthropy could play in meeting the emerging needs.

“We all have a deep commitment to Columbia County and we care about the wellbeing of our communities,” Taylor said. “Columbia County is a place of great generosity ... and so the extent to which we can connect this giving opportunity to donors who care deeply about our communities, the more effective this fund can be.”

A group of partners committed over $360,000 to get the two funds started, the CEDC said. Both funds accepted donations of all sizes from individuals, companies and other sources at berkshiretaconic.org.

“I would encourage donors to see this as an opportunity to work collectively,” Taylor said. “The purpose of this fund is to try to galvanize the philanthropic community at this critical moment in time to direct resources to trusted nonprofits that are on the frontlines.”

For individuals looking for assistance, Berkshire Taconic’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund makes emergency grants for medical, food, utility and other critical baseline services for people in crisis around the region. These one-time, $500 grants are flexible resources directed by trusted providers where they are needed most in the face of an emergency.

“Those of us who live in Columbia County know what a very special place it is. In this time of crisis, protecting the small local businesses and not-for-profits that are the backbone of our communities is absolutely imperative,” said Barrett, who helped initiate and launch the two funds. “Our small shops and businesses are the innovators and energizers of the Columbia County economy, and we will need them more than ever during our recovery from the impact of COVID-19. These two funds will be a lifeline to the friends and neighbors that we all rely on every day, and I am proud to have played a role in their creation.”

The Berkshire Taconic Community Action Foundation serves Berkshire County, Columbia County, northeast Dutchess County and northwest Litchfield County in Connecticut.

Abby Hoover is a reporter for ColumbiaGreene Media. Contact her at ahoover@registerstar.com.

Thinking of sharing your senior photo on Facebook? Think twice BUFFALO - It seems harmless and fun. A bunch of friends on Facebook or other social media are sharing their senior portraits, including the high school name and graduation year, to support the graduating class of 2020 (most of whom are at home because of the coronavirus pandemic).

Watch out, scammers or hackers who surf through social media sites will see these #ClassOf2020 posts, and will now have the name of your high school and graduation year, which are common

Monday, May 11 n Ashland Town Board 7:30 p.m.

Town Hall, 12094 Route 23, Ashland n Catskill Village Planning Board 7 p.m. Senior Center, 15 Academy St., Catskill n Coxsackie Village Board 7 p.m.

Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie 518-731-2718

Tuesday, May 12 n Coxsackie Village Historic Preservation Committee 6 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie 518731-2718

online security questions. All it takes is an internet search to reveal more information about you, such as family members, your real name, birthdate or even where you live.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) cautions everyone to be aware of what they are sharing. Even if you think it’s just going to your friends, it could also be going somewhere else.

Other recent viral personal list posts include all the cars you’ve owned (including makes/model years), favorite

athletes, and top 10 favorite television shows.

What most people forget is that some of these “favorite things” are commonly used passwords or security questions. If your social media privacy settings aren’t high, you could be giving valuable information away for anyone to use.

BBB has the following tips to keep you safe on social media: Resist the temptation to play along.

While it’s fun to see other’s posts, if you are uncomfortable participating, it is

best to not do it.

Review your security settings. Check your security settings on all social media platforms to see what you are sharing and with whom you are sharing.

Change security questions/settings.

If you are nervous about something you shared possibly opening you up to fraud, review and change your security settings for banking and other websites.

For more information about privacy concerns online, see BBB’s scam alert on Facebook quizzes.

How to wash fresh berries and fruit

Wednesday, May 13

STEPHENTOWN — With coronavirus precautions still in place throughout the country, many consumers are concerned about the safety of fresh foods they purchase, whether from grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or their local farm stores. As we look ahead to the start of berry season in May, the New York State Berry Growers Association offers this guide to berry safety and washing, to ensure the health of your family.

According to the FDA, there are currently no documented cases of COVID-19 transmission from fresh produce, including berries. In fact, experts note, the risk of becoming sick from eating fresh produce contaminated with a pathogen such as E. coli is exponentially higher than the risk of contracting coronavirus from it. This is because COVID-19 is transmitted not via ingestion, but via droplets that are inhaled or otherwise introduced into the mucus membranes.

In order for the virus to be transmitted via fresh fruit, the fruit would have to be handled by an infected person, and soon after handled by a noninfected person who then immediately touched his or her nose or eyes.

The best course of action,

n Athens Village Board 6:30 p.m.

Village Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518945-1551 n Jewett Town Board 7 p.m. Jewett Municipal Building, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett

Monday, May 18 n Athens Town Board 6:45 p.m.

Town Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518945-1052 n Greenville Town Board 7 p.m.

Town Hall, 11159 Route 32, Pioneer Building, Greenville

Tuesday, May 19 n Athens Village Planning Board

6:30 p.m. Village Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518-945-1551 n Durham Town Board 7:30 p.m.

Town Hall, 7309 Route 81, East Durham n Hunter Town Board 7 p.m. Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville

Wednesday, May 20 n Cairo Town Board workshop

meeting 7 p.m. Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo n Catskill Library Board 6:45 p.m. at either the Catskill Library, 1 Franklin St., Catskill or Palenville Library, 3303 Route 23A, Palenville

Thursday, May 21 n Coxsackie Village Planning

Board 7 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie 518-731-2718

according to the CDC, is to wash your berries and other produce under fresh, running water for 20 seconds, then wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before eating. Avoid using soap, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, or any other type of sanitizer, which are toxic to ingest, on either your skin or your food.

While some articles and social media videos have recommended washing all produce as soon as you get home from the store, Dr. Marvin Pritts, professor of horticulture at Cornell University, disagrees.

“I would not recommend washing produce as soon as you get home, but rather right before eating it,” he says. “The virus will degrade over time if it is on the fruit. And you don’t want to encourage [the development of] other pathogens and decay organisms by wetting fruit and then letting it sit for days in a refrigerator.”

Founded in 1988, the New York State Berry Growers Association (NYSBGA) is a nonprofit educational association for berry growers, from large wholesale family farms to independent farm stands and small pick-your-own operations, across New York State.

The NYSBGA promotes the growing and marketing of

We treat all types of

FOOT PROBLEMS! g cceptin Now A atients!

New P

n Corns & Calluses n Heel Pain n Flat Feet n Warts

n Foot Fractures n Neuromas n Bunions n Tendonitis n Hammertoes n Fungal & Ingrow Nails n Advanced Diabetic Foot Management, Limb Salvage

H U D S O N VA L L E Y F O OT A S S O C I AT E S

W. COXSACKIE (518) 731-5444

RED HOOK • HUDSON Toll Free: 1-877-339-HVFA

www.hvfa.com

KINGSTON (845) 339-4191

berries through the exchange of valuable information, including scientific research and farming techniques. We also represent growers in issues of labor, research, and technology, both academically and legislatively, and award research grants to study and address issues important to New York State berry growers.

To locate a farm in your area of New York that sells fresh, locally grown berries, visit our Find a Farm directory. Or bookmark our blog for nutritional information, recipes, and original serving ideas.

Like us on

Facebook!

Register-Star www.facebook.com/HudsonRegisterstar

www.facebook.com/CatskillDailyMail

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A4 Wednesday, April 29, 2020

THE DAILY MAIL Established 1792 Published Tuesday through Saturday by Columbia-Greene Media

ALEC E. JOHNSON

JOHN B. JOHNSON JR.

HAROLD B. JOHNSON II

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN AND CEO

HAROLD B. JOHNSON EDITOR AND PUBLISHER 1919-1949 MARY DEMPSEY LOCAL PUBLISHER

JOHN B. JOHNSON EDITOR AND PUBLISHER 1949-2001

JOHN B. JOHNSON JR. CO-PUBLISHER 2001-2013

One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202, Hudson, N.Y. 12534 Phone (518) 828-1616 Fax (518) 671-6043

JOHN B. JOHNSON CEO AND CO-PUBLISHER 2013-2019 MARY DEMPSEY EXECUTIVE EDITOR

OUR VIEW

The body politic in the age of coronavirus Until the coronavirus had its way with New York, you wouldn’t think anything could impede the political juggernaut of the presidential election campaign. But there’s something that can now.

New York canceled its Democratic presidential primary for 2020 on Monday, angering Bernie Sanders supporters who were hoping to win more delegates to influence their party’s platform.

To think Republicans and Conservatives, just a short time ago, were attacking Gov. Andrew Cuomo for allowing universal mail-in ballots for the June 23 primaries. You can add the Democratic party to the angry list.

And that, as the police say, just about wraps this up.

Democrats who are up in arms over this can point fingers at their own.

The state’s Democratic

election commissioners voted Monday to remove Sanders and nine other presidential candidates from the New York ballot, making use of a new measure in state law allowing them to do so if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign.

The move left former Vice President Joe Biden — the lone remaining Democrat actively seeking the Democratic nomination — as the only name on New York’s Democratic primary ballot, effectively setting up Trump versus Biden in November.

Political parties that feel they have been wronged often point to the state constitution to back up their argument. But on this one, there really is no doubt.

A proviso about voters in the constitution reads “... may be unable to appear personally at the polling place because of illness or physical disability.”

That clause was substantial enough for both Democratic commissioners, Doug Kellner, the former Democratic commissioner from Manhattan on the New York City Board of Elections, and former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, to cancel the primary.

Kellner said holding the primary would have been “unnecessary and frivolous” in the age of the coronavirus outbreak.

“Sen. Sanders has not only announced that he’s suspending his campaign but he’s also announced a public endorsement of Joe Biden,” Kellner said. “That has effectively ended the real context for the primary election.”

Gaining a few delegates to help push a platform for a candidate no longer in the race is no excuse for putting the health of voters at risk.

ANOTHER VIEW

Congress must stand up to the White House and deliver relief to the Postal Service Katrina vanden Heuvel The Washington Post

This month, the U.S. Postal Service sounded the alarm: Mail revenue could drop by more than 50% this year as a result of the novel coronavirus crisis. Without a large federal cash infusion, the USPS may not survive the summer.

On Capitol Hill, leaders on both sides of the aisle supported a postal relief package, but President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin intervened to keep it out of the final $2.3 trillion stimulus deal. Instead, the Postal Service received an offer of $10 billion in additional debt if they agreed to draconian conditions. According to The Post, Trump and Mnuchin are using the crisis as leverage to ram through long-sought hikes in package delivery rates and cuts to

labor costs.

Lawmakers must stand up to the White House and deliver the relief the Postal Service needs - not only to survive abut also to thrive.

The USPS is the quintessential American institution.

In fact, it predates the nation by one year: In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first postmaster general.

After nearly 250 years, it is the most trusted brand in the county, according to a study

by Morning Consult. That’s unsurprising, perhaps, as “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night” prevent postal workers from doing their jobs.

Nor has covid-19.

As Americans across the country are following stayat-home directives, they are relying on the USPS to deliver their prescription drugs, food and other essentials.

Tax refunds and stimulus

checks arrive through the mail. So do absentee ballots - this year’s presidential election may indeed depend on the Postal Service to facilitate voting by mail. As civil rights leaders caution against efforts that would require voters to pay for postage when mailing in ballots, the USPS has restated its previous policy to deliver every ballot, even those with insufficient postage. Can you imagine UPS or FedEx doing the same?

According to a new report from the Institute for Policy Studies, rural areas, often heavily Republican, would be particularly hard hit if the Postal Service goes bust. No other service has the capacity to deliver to every address in America, no matter how remote. And in 15 states with the largest rural populations, the USPS directly employs more than 75,000 people.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ‘No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.’

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT

The Daily Mail welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must contain a full name, full address and a daytime telephone number. Names will be published, but phone numbers will not be divulged.

Letters of less than 400 words are more likely to be published quickly. The newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and content.

Letters should be exclusive to this publication, not duplicates of those sent to other persons, agencies

or publications. Writers are ordinarily limited to one letter every 30 days.

SEND LETTERS: n Mail: Letters to the editor

The Daily Mail 1 Hudson City Center Hudson, NY 12534 n E-mail: editorial@thedailymail.net

An ominous sign for Roe v. Wade WASHINGTON — The significance of a Supreme Court ruling lies most often in the decision itself. But sometimes an opinion — or a stack of opinions in an especially fractured case — tells us as much about the state of the court and the future course of the law as it does about the particular doctrine at issue. That was true with the court’s recent decision about whether the Constitution requires that jurors in criminal cases reach unanimous verdicts. Answer: It does. Unanimity has long been the rule for federal prosecutions, but in 1972, a divided court let states adopt different arrangements.

Only two did — Oregon and Louisiana, allowing convictions if 10 of 12 jurors agree — and Louisiana last year abandoned the practice. So while the decision matters enormously to those found guilty under such arrangements, its broader impact is limited.

The more interesting — and perhaps ominous — aspect of the case is what it says about the justices’ approach to overturning precedent. The 6-to-3 outcome was about as scrambled as imaginable. Six justices agreed on the result, but that took four opinions outlining different rationales and featured a strange-bedfellows assortment that ranged from the most conservative justice, Clarence Thomas, to the most liberal, Sonia Sotomayor.

A similarly unexpected coalition of three justices — Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Elena Kagan — dissented, not necessarily because they thought the Constitution permits nonunanimous juries but because they thought the 1972 case should not be so lightly overruled.

“The doctrine of stare decisis gets rough treatment in today’s decision,” Alito wrote, referring to the doctrine that instructs courts not to lightly abandon precedent. “Lowering the bar for overruling our precedents, a badly fractured majority casts aside an important and long-established decision with little regard for the enormous reliance the

WASHINGTON POST

RUTH

MARCUS decision has engendered. If the majority’s approach is not just a way to dispose of this one case, the decision marks an important turn.”

And that — a simmering intramural debate over when to stick with precedent and when to jettison it — is what makes Ramos v. Louisiana so notable. The court’s newly bolstered conservative majority means that many contentious decisions could be in jeopardy. In particular, the future of Roe v. Wade is, to borrow Justice Oliver Wendell HolmesJr.’s phrase, “a brooding omnipresence in the sky.”

The newest justice, Brett M. Kavanaugh, took the opportunity to write a separate, 18-page concurrence.

Perhaps this is unsurprising, Kavanaugh’s effort to work through an issue that is new to him. In his previous role, as a federal appeals court judge, Kavanaugh’s responsibility was to follow precedent.

Overruling cases was not in his job description.

Now it is — indeed, he voted to do so three times during his first term. So it is impossible to read Kavanaugh’s concurrence without trying to discern what it foretells about his approach to Roe, and, if you support abortion rights, without apprehension.

Kavanaugh pointedly noted that “in just the last few terms, every current member of this court has voted to overrule multiple constitutional precedents.” Indeed, he added, “some of the court’s most notable and consequential decisions have entailed overruling precedent,” citing 30 cases to prove the point.

Kavanaugh then sketched out a three-part approach to deciding when a case should

be overruled: First, “is the prior decision not just wrong, but grievously or egregiously wrong,” including “the quality of the precedent’s reasoning.” Second, “has the prior decision caused significant negative jurisprudential or real-world consequences,” including “real-world effects on the citizenry.” Third, “would overruling the prior decision unduly upset reliance interests” — how much people have based their arrangements on it and how long it has been in place.

It is not hard to imagine that Kavanaugh, if called on to weigh the future of Roe, would find the first two criteria — egregiously wrong and causing significant negative consequences — easily satisfied. Must all three be present for a case to be overruled? On that he is not clear.

What to make of the odd trio of dissenters? For Kagan, who clearly sees the writing on the wall not just for Roe but for other rulings as well, the importance of adhering to precedent has been a continuing theme. The more she can get conservative colleagues on the record resisting overturning cases, and the more she demonstrates her own willingness to stick with cases she dislikes, the stronger her hand down the road.

But advance planning works both ways. In a section of the dissent that Kagan did not join, the two conservative dissenters seemed to be sending a tart message to their liberal colleagues. “By striking down a precedent upon which there has been massive and entirely reasonable reliance, the majority sets an important precedent about stare decisis,” Alito wrote.

“I assume that those in the majority will apply the same standard in future cases.”

Actually, assume nothing except that this is just the latest round in high-stakes judicial jousting that is certain to continue, if not intensify.

Ruth Marcus’ email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com. (c) 2020, Washington Post Writers Group

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Current government takes pride in cruelty To the editor: As we fight the virus invasion, we should remember that most of the Earth’s people face such challenges throughout their lives.

Hundreds of thousands of impoverished immigrants search for a better life, a safer life. They are living lives of ongoing desperation. However, every day we hear of some new scheme to punish this immigrant population and make their already incredibly difficult lives even more horrific. Our current government indeed takes pride in such cruelty. The more the better. Here are some stories to reflect on: Lubia Sasvin Perez of Guatemala watched her exboyfriend kill her mother and disfigure her father in a fit of rage. Penalties incurred were light or non-existent.

Now she and her family sit in extreme poverty and wait for the cycle of domestic violence to return.

Ron came to this country from Israel 11 years ago.

He worked hard to build a

successful business and provide his family a decent life.

He and his family live each day in fear knowing that the slightest misstep could result in deportation. Ron’s mother lived in Israel, became very ill and recently died, but Ron could not visit her because he would never be allowed to return to this country.

In 2017, 41% of the women and girls killed in Honduras showed signs of mutilation.

Heide Hernandez of Honduras faces the rest of her life without feet because her jealous husband HACKED them off with a machete.

Long-time, but undocumented, residents of this country are left to sit in fear that their lives may be completely upended and replaced by deportation. We will be sending them back to lives which will be painful and often deadly. Equally dire are the futures of thousands of DACA students who live on the edge of destruction after growing up here, becoming successful

citizens and creating a rewarding future. Every day is filled with fear.

Our government’s response is that these immigrants are lying, that they are coming here to live criminal lives, undeserving of asylum.

The majority of these people come to us because they can no longer live their lives in such desperation. There is no interest in Washington for granting assistance or asylum. Instead, all sorts of barriers are set up with no regard to an immigrant’s circumstances or background.

Our political leaders love to call America a religious nation, but we are certainly not acting that way. Where are our leaders of faith during this nationwide trauma?

Where is the outrage? Such cruelty must never become acceptable to any of us.

Horrendous human environments exist throughout the world. If we don’t, at least, try to help, who else will?

CHRISTIAN PFISTER ATHENS

MEDIA

Columbia-Greene

Columbia-Greene Media

The Daily Mail

MAIN NUMBER To place an ad, report news or contact us, call 518-828-1616 For contact by mail: One Hudson City Centre Suite 202, Hudson, NY 12534

DIRECTORY Mary Dempsey Publisher & General Manager Executive Editor - ext. 2533

NEWS EXECUTIVES Ray Pignone Managing Editor - ext. 2469

Sue Chasney Editorial Representative ext. 2490 Tim Martin Sports Editor - ext. 2306 Leigh Bogle Editorial Art - ext. 2470

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES Peter Dedrick Circulation Manager - ext. 2411 Tammi Ullrich HR/ Business Manager ext. 2402

COMMUNITY RELATIONS CGM Cares For information about Columbia-Greene Media’s role in the community, including charitable donations, sponsorships, and matching grants:

Contact Erica Izer at cgmcares@ columbiagreenemedia.com.

Erica Izer Promotions Manager - ext. 2468

ONLINE www.hudsonvalley360.com

CMYK

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 A5

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

How to submit obituaries and death notices Obituaries: Are paid notices. We reserve the right to edit all copy. Funeral directors may email us the information at obits@columbiagreenemedia.com anytime. Include life background information on the deceased, a full list of immediate survivors, services and the name of the funeral home. Any questions or for rate information, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2461.

Funeral notices: Are paid follow-ups to obituaries. We reserve the right to edit all copy. Funeral directors may email us the information at obits@columbiagreenemedia.com anytime. Any questions or for rate information, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2461.

Death Notices: Are free notices that don’t exceed 20 words. For more information, funeral directors may call 518-828-1616, ext. 2461.

In memorium ads: Are paid ads that are guaranteed to run. Call the Classified department at 518-828-1616, ext. 2461

Thomas (Tommy) C. Barlow Copake, NY - Thomas willingness to help anyone in (Tommy) C. Barlow, 51, of Co- need. He was known to work pake passed away Wednes- from sun up to sun down, nevday April 22, 2020 at Sharon er stopping until the job was Hospital in Connecticut after a done. In addition to his parsudden illness. ents and wife he is survived by Tom was born July 25, 1968, his children Lee Hay Shepard, in Sharon Connecticut the son David Shepard Jr.(his girlof Thomas and Wava (Begor) friend Alex Braidt), Hannah Barlow and spent his early (her boyfriend Killian Waldorf) life growing up on his fam- and William; grandson Brantily’s farm in South Amenia and ley Shepard; mother-in-law graduated from WeRita Loucks; brother butuck High School in Patrick; sisters Lisa 1986. After graduating Humbert, Heather and Tom moved to Peru Amanda and his beNY where he continloved uncle Jesse and ued to work the farm many other brother and attend college at and sister in-laws, SUNY Plattsburgh and nieces, nephews and graduated with his cousins. He was pre business degree. Afdeceased by his maBarlow ter graduating college ternal and paternal Tom did mechanical grandparents; aunt work for numerous businesses Sandy Barlow and aunt Marybefore starting his own busi- lou Farnhom. ness TB Roadcall in 1997.

A celebration of life for famOn March 8, 2003 Tom mar- ily and friends will be planned ried the love of his life Lea Ann at a later date. In lieu of flowHay and in addition to gaining ers please consider a dona2 great step-sons they went tion to the Thomas C Barlow on to have 2 wonderful chil- GoFundMe set up to help the dren. Tom was very proud of family with expenses. The his family and especially his family would like to thank all kids and loved attending the their family and friends for fair every year when they were their support during this difshowing their cows for 4H. He ficult time. To sign the online will always be remembered register please access www. for his unique personality and peckandpeck.net

Constance M. ‘Connie’ Ingham Valatie- Constance M. “Con- Amy (Ronald W.) Apholz, Donnie” Ingham, passed away on ald C. Mackey, Joshua L. (MelApril 27, 2020 at her home, sur- ony Coons) Ingham, Jeremy L. rounded by her family. Born Ingham and Ethan C. Ingham; January 24, 1933 in Springfield, one great-grandson; Jackson MA, she was the daughter of Ingham, several nieces and the late Bruce L. and Suzanne nephews, and many friends (Bouteiller) Hotchkiss. and family in the Kinderhook Connie graduated from Cha- Lake community. tham School District in 1950.

A Graveside service will be She worked at the former Barn- held Saturday, May 2nd 2020 well Nursing Home at 12:00 noon in the until her retirement in Woodlawn Cemetery, 2000. In retirement Route 203, Valatie NY she loved to travel, eswith Rev. Samantha pecially to Florida and Perret officiating. In take bus trips to Foxlieu of flowers, memowoods Resort Casino. rial contributions may She was a loving and be made to Commudevoted wife, mother nity Hospice of Columand grandmother who bia Greene, 47 Liberty loved being with famStreet, Catskill 12414 Ingham ily. She was predein her name or to St. ceased by the love of her life, Jude Children’s Research Hosher husband Charles H. Ing- pital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, ham who she married in 1950. Memphis, TN, 38148-0142. ArThey enjoyed 64 years togeth- rangements are with the Rayer. She was also predeceased mond E. Bond Funeral Home, by their son Charles B. Ingham, Valatie. The family would like to her 3 brothers and 1 sister. extend their eternal gratitude She is survived by three for the exceptional care she children; Cindee L. (Donald received from Elizabeth and R.) Mackey of Valatie, Chris H. Rose from Community Hos(Mary Allen) Ingham of Hadley pice. Calling hours and a celand Craig R. (Jennifer) Ingham ebration of life will be held at of Valatie. She is also survived a later date in order to protect by five grandchildren who lov- the health and wellbeing of her ingly referred to her as “MeMe”; many family and friends.

William Cox Roberts Jr. William Cox Roberts Jr., age After graduation Bill went on 46, of Coxsackie, NY, passed the Columbia-Greene Comaway April 27, 2020 at his munity College where he gradhome after a courageous bat- uated with a degree in Criminal tle with cancer. Bill was born Justice. He further trained at June 29, 1973 in Catskill, NY, the NYS Correctional Services the son of William Cox Roberts Training Academy in Albany, Sr. and Barbara Ann (Beare) which led to a 22 year career Roberts. as a NYS Corrections Officer.

William is predeceased by Bill was awarded a certificate his sister, Beverly Jean Rob- of appreciation for his dedierts, May 22, 1966 cated service in 2019.

– May 23, 1966. In adBill always enjoyed his dition to his parents, small town life in CoxBill is survived by his sackie. He once said, wife of 19 years, Carol “John Mellencamp’s Ann (Dedrick) Robsong Smalltown, erts of Coxsackie; a that’s me.” Living on son, Dylan Cornelius Love by Alan Jackson Roberts; a daughter, was another of his faAmy Lynn Roberts; vorites. He was a true Roberts Jr. a sister, Bonnie Ann family man and he White; niece, Leanloved them most of all! na Michelle White; nephew, Due to the Coronavirus PanBrennan Matthew White; and demic, his funeral services are an aunt, Anna Katherine Rob- private. A memorial service for erts. Bill loved baseball. When the public will be announced younger, he enjoyed play- in the future. In lieu of flowers, ing on Little League Teams in contributions may be made to school and also football. Bill a college fund for his daughalso enjoyed hot rod cars. Bill ter, Amy Robert’s, 54 Lafayis a 1992 graduate of Cox- ette Avenue, Coxsackie, NY sackie-Athens High School. 12051.

Visit us at

www.HudsonValley 360.com

Severe thunderstorms with winds, large hail to erupt across Plains, Mississippi Valley on Tuesday Matthew Cappucci The Washington Post

Severe thunderstorms packing damaging winds and large hail are forecast to strike the nation’s midsection Tuesday, with the possibility of hazardous weather stretching from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast. Forecasts expect the hardest-hit areas to be in the southern Plains, especially east of Interstate 35 in northeastern Texas and Oklahoma, along with western portions of Arkansas.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) says this area will be in “moderate risk” of severe weather. Forecasters at SPC warned of the risk of widespread severe thunderstorms, and a relatively high confidence in the occurrence of large hail and damaging winds, in addition to a tornado risk.

Tuesday’s severe storm outbreak comes days after deadly tornadoes struck parts of the same region.

Widespread damaging winds and destructive hail are the main threats Tuesday, with some tornado potential likely before storms merge into a squall line.

According to the SPC, the highest tornado risk will be across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Once the squall line forms, it will bring widespread damaging winds during the evening hours and then plow to the south and east into the overnight.

It all stems from a battle of the air masses that plagues the Plains at this time of year, triggering thunderstorms that can produce powerful tornadoes, dangerous straight-line winds and hail larger than golf balls.

Cities most at risk: Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Dallas.

Secondary risk: Waco,

NOAA

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center’s outlook for severe weather on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

Texas, Shreveport, Louisiana, Springfield, Missouri.

Areas to watch: Austin and Houston, Texas; Kansas City; St. Louis; Des Moines, Iowa.

The bullseye of severe weather activity Tuesday is likely to be found in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, as well as a portion of northeastern Texas, especially south of Interstate 44 in northeastern Oklahoma and east of Interstate 35, with the greatest risk corridor stretching down Highway 69 and the Indian Nation Turnpike into northeastern Texas, north of Interstate 30. That’s where the SPC has placed the moderate risk zone.

Surrounding the bullseye is an area of “enhanced risk,” where scattered severe thunderstorms are possible.

That stretches from the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas up along Interstate 35 in Oklahoma and Kansas, heading east into Arkansas and through the Ozarks of southwestern Missouri.

Meanwhile, a broad area of scattered thunderstorms, some of which could turn severe, is possible along an expansive cold front between Houston and Austin. In fact, thunderstorms could stretch as far north as portions of Iowa and Wisconsin, and a large area of level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” for severe storms encompasses these areas.

In the moderate-risk area, a few rotating supercell thunderstorms are likely to develop. These will be capable of producing damaging straight-line winds, large destructive hail up to the size of tennis balls, and a couple of tornadoes. The tornado threat is lower than the damaging wind and hail threat.

Scattered supercell thunderstorms are possible elsewhere in the enhanced risk area, especially in northeastern Texas. Significant hail is the primary concern, with a secondary risk of damaging winds and tornadoes.

To the east, and throughout most of the slight risk area, the threat will primarily be for damaging winds.

A weak cold front advancing east toward the Plains will be reinforced by a surge of dry air. Meanwhile, a zone of weak surface low pressure stretches from the southern Texas Panhandle and Plains northeast past Wichita Falls and into northeastern Oklahoma. The cold front will be located from these areas to the northeast, all the way to the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

Ahead of the front, moisture-rich air will feed north, with dew points climbing into the 60s as far north as southern Wisconsin. That along with a change of wind speed and direction with height associated with an approaching upper-level disturbance to the north will help fuel storm development.

Thunderstorms will initially occur along the cold front in Iowa by late morning or early afternoon, a broken somewhat messy line filling in to the southwest across northwestern Missouri by 3 or 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, a few of rotating supercells will develop in southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and perhaps north central Texas through about 6 or 7 p.m., presenting the risk for large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

Thereafter, individual storm cells will quickly form into a line that will march southeast through late Tuesday evening. Damaging wind gusts, some perhaps over 70 mph, are possible especially west of the Mississippi River and south or Interstate 40 in Missouri.

Storms will weaken over the course of the night, but could bring an early-morning wakeup call to Nashville, Tennessee, or Houston on Wednesday morning as the squall line sinks southeast.

Oil swings wildly after major FUNERAL index bails out of June contract DIRECTORS Olivia Raimonde Bloomberg

Oil resumed losses after a brief bounce higher amid the aftershocks of a major index tracked by billions of dollars in funds exiting near-term contracts for fear prices may turn negative again.

June WTI fell about 6% after climbing as high as $13.69 in trading Tuesday morning after an abrupt decision by S&P Global to tell clients to sell their June West Texas Intermediate holdings. Physical inventory levels of crude are filling quickly, forcing investors to reconsider holdings in the near-term contract.

“The June contract is going to be like what happened with May,” said Tariq Zahir commodity fund manager at New York-based Tyche Capital Advisors. “It go could go to $20 dollars, it could go to $4, it could go negative. You’re in unprecedented times. June could be all over the place.”

Oil’s 80% plunge since the

start of the year has come as the coronavirus outbreak destroys demand for fuels globally. In response, the world’s biggest producers have pledged to slash daily output starting next month to balance the market, but the collapse in consumption has led to a swelling glut that’s testing storage limits worldwide.

S&P is behind the GSCI commodity index, a popular investment product tracked by pension funds and other global investors. When S&P changes the investment policy, the banks who sell the product in turn move their holdings, triggering volatile energy markets.

“This unscheduled roll is being implemented based on the potential for the June 2020 WTI Crude Oil contract to price at or below zero,” S&P said in a notice seen by Bloomberg News. A representative confirmed the notice.

Exchanged traded

products - most notably the United States Oil Fund - have also rolled positions from June futures into later contracts, while the Bloomberg Commodity Index said it will roll from July into September.

Since WTI traded negative last week, more than 40% of the June contract has been liquidated. Holdings of the July contract have been stable, while those on September futures have jumped by almost 20%.

While the market is being hit by financial flows, Russia warned that there will be no quick fix to low prices. The nation’s energy minister, Alexander Novak said Tuesday that the oil market may only start to rebalance in the second half. Before the output cuts, which begin on May 1, supply from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries climbed to over 31 million barrels a day, according to Geneva-based tanker tacker Petro-Logistics.

Caterpillar shelves outlook with mining, energy rocked by virus Joe Deaux Bloomberg

Caterpillar Inc. is shelving its traditional earnings forecast for 2020 as fallout from the coronavirus pandemic jolts customers in mining, construction and energy.

The heavy-equipment maker said it is not providing financial outlook at this time due to uncertainty over the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a statement Tuesday.

The moves come a month

after the Deerfield, Illinoisbased company withdrew its earlier 2020 financial guidance and said it would temporarily suspend operations at some facilities as the virus hobbles supply chains.

Caterpillar is taking steps to slash costs and pare production in the face of deteriorating commodity markets that stand to crush demand for the company’s signature yellow machines.

Revenue declines in all three main business

segments could reach double digits in 2020, according to Karen Ubelhart of Bloomberg Intelligence, and analysts at Morgan Stanley said the decrease in those segments has the potential to continue into 2021.

The statement was released before the start of regular trading in New York, where Caterpillar shares were little changed. The stock dropped about 21% in the first three months of the year.

Copake, N.Y. (518) 329-2121 Pine Plains, N.Y. (518) 398-7777

VITO LAWRENCE SACCO Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home 700 Town Hall Drive Hudson, New York 12534 • 518-828-5000 e-mail: smvfh700@gmail.com

M. GRIMALDI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, N.Y. (518) 822-8332 Mario A. Grimaldi, Manager

ATTENTION FUNERAL DIRECTORS Obituaries, Death Notices or Funeral Accounts Should Be Submitted Before 2PM Daily For The Next Day’s Paper.

Notices should be emailed to:

obits@registerstar.com or obits@thedailymail.net

Call Patti to advertise your funeral home: (518) 828-1616 x2413

For

CURRENT OBITUARY LISTINGS be SURE to CHECK our WEBSITE: hudsonvalley360.com

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A6 Wednesday, April 29, 2020

An update from the Greene Land Trust: Forest epidemic

By David Dorpfeld, Greene County Historian For columbia-Greene Media

Each quarter I receive a newsletter from the Greene Land Trust. The following article in the spring issue by Jill Knapp provides an interesting history of how forest epidemics have impacted the trees we have known and loved over the last 100 years. It is reprinted with her permission.

FOREST EPIDEMICS

By Jill Knapp The COVID-19 virus is spreading across the country, sickening and killing thousands of people. What the ultimate outcome will be, and how this disease may impact our behavior in the future, remains to be seen. But epidemics are not unique to humans.

Northeast forests have dealt with similar scourges over the past hundred years. These epidemics have changed the forests’ species composition, and impacted our urban landscapes significantly.

Probably one of the most notable disease organisms is the one that wiped out most of the American elm trees. The American elm is native from Florida to Canada and west to North Dakota and Texas. It

generally is found in wetlands or moist areas. However, with its tall, arching canopies, this tree also made an excellent urban street tree. It was planted by the thousands across the Northeast. Given their visibility in urban areas, the death of these trees devastated many of our urban landscapes.

Referred to as “Dutch elm disease,” the fungi responsible for killing the trees is believed to have originated in Asia, where many of the elms native to that region had developed resistance over millennia. The fungi causing the disease were likely introduced to Europe around World War I. A Dutch

plant pathologist isolated the fungi causing the disease in 1921, hence the name Dutch elm disease. The disease was introduced into the U.S. in elm logs imported from Europe before 1930. Within 50 years, the disease has spread throughout much of the U.S., carried by elm bark beetles.

“Social distancing,” or perhaps some rare resistance, has allowed a few large elms to survive in the area. I always marvel at a huge elm on Kenwood Avenue in Slingerlands in Albany County. Over the years, plant breeding programs have developed an American elm variety that is resistant to the disease. We hope to plant some of these disease resistant elm trees at the Mawignack Preserve this year.

Another disease that changed the makeup of our Northeast forests is chestnut blight. This disease was introduced into the U.S. in the late 19th century. It was imported on Japanese chestnut trees, which had some resistance to the blight. It is estimated that by 1940 over 3.5 billion chestnut trees had died in the U.S. An interesting thing about chestnut blight is that young

chestnut trees continue to sprout from roots of diseased trees as the roots and root collar tissue may not be affected by fungus. Unfortunately, the young trees that sprout only survive for a few years and die before they become mature enough to produce nuts.

Another disease that fortunately, at least to date, has been contained in smaller areas in New York State is Oak Wilt. This disease was first identified in Wisconsin in 1944 and has spread through much of the mid-west killing thousands of oaks. While all oak species are susceptible, red oaks are particularly sensitive and can die in a few weeks to six months. The disease can be spread from tree to tree by beetles as well as through roots grafting between trees.

Locally this disease was identified in Glenville, in Schenectady County, in 2008. The area was treated but the disease resurfaced again in 2013.

In 2017, 2018 and 2019, the disease was found in new locations in Glenville.

Other more visible, but no less damaging, invasive species are two insects, the emerald ash borer and the hemlock wooly adelgid.

In less than 20 years since the emerald ash borer was first identified near Detroit, Michigan, in 2002, the emerald ash borer has spread to more than 40 counties in New York state.

Infested trees generally die within two to four years. Ash trees comprise about 8% of all trees in New York state, and sadly, was commonly planted in urban areas as a replacement to the American elm. Ash is also used for baseball bats, furniture and flooring.

The hemlock wooly adelgid has been gradually moving north and now is found throughout most of our area. It was introduced in the western U.S. in the 1920s. It first was observed in Virginia in 1951 and has been creeping up the east coast ever since. The first adelgid was found in the lower Hudson Valley in 1985.

This insect is identified by the white woolly masses they form on the underside of hemlock trees’ needles. The adelgid sucks nutrients out of the needles and usually kill the trees within four to 10 years.

Reach columnist David Dorpfeld at gchistorian@gmail.com or visit him on Facebook at “Greene County Historian.”

Catskill High School announces the third quarter honor roll

Catskill Middle School announces the third quarter honor roll

CATSKILL - Catskill High School announces the third quarter honor roll for the 2019-2020 school year.

CATSKILL - Catskill Middle School announces the third quarter honor roll for the 2019-2020 school year.

Hernandez, Dakota Hough, Jasmine Keck, Zoe Synan, Cheyenne Teator, Kayleigh Timberger.

GRADE 8

GRADE 7

Layyla Lavoie, Raven Lynch, Ingris Martinez, Golriannah Santosky, Leonard Sperl, Riley Street, David Tedford, Leanna White.

High Honor Roll: Jack Alexander, Emily Allen, Kaithe Andrews, Lucian Benjamin, Rogan Byrne, Ryan Carter, Jillian Devlin, Lucas Fisher, Devin Fitzmaurice, Ian Fitzmaurice, Henry Goodell, Mia Gottesman, Grace Guenthner, Nixon Hawksby, Andrew Holliday, Adrianna Jenes, Shawn Johnston, Madison Jones, Dominic Lanuto, Angelika Lopez, Zachary Maccaline, Dasean McGriff, Kyle McNevin, Robert Moore, Avery Riordon, Isabella Woods.

Honor Roll: Stevenson Arp, Brooklyn Benjamin, Charles Bertelle, Madison Breunig-Smith, Hunter Bulich, Olivia Franklin, Logan Hough, Molly Osswald, Kye Rivera, Maeli Robinson, Maya Segura.

Merit Roll: Chase Allen, Samuel Baran, Jaylah Bell, Xavier Engelin, Daniela

High Honor Roll: Leif Abrahamsen, John Breusch, Morgan Chan, Ryan Chee, Ashlee Cramer, Luke Farrell, Alexandra Hallam, Leon Hong, Nina Keeney, Noah Kubicek, Demetrio Morales, Jashon Scofield, Christian Slauson, Caleb Van Dyke, Kayla Vandermark, Noah Workman.

Honor Roll: Travis Bulich, Chelsey Carlson, Hayleigh Denniston, Anson Deosaran, Victoria Heim, Justen Lindsay, Lilliana Mariani, William McMullen, Collin Minkalis, Adrianna Moon, Ryan Romaine, Alessia Salierno, Kyler Sickler, John Signoretti, Santiago Terron, Stephen Van Gorden, Olivia White.

Merit Roll: Kaylee Boan, Hunter Frascello, Payton Frascello, Elena Greene, Brody Haggerty, Quinten Holdridge, Sebastian Jones,

High Honor Roll: Gabriella Amato, Sylis Armstead, Jack Carr, Landen Clark, Carter Colon, Aiden Cousens, Trecor Duong, Isabelle Edwards, Haley Frieary, Connor Grasse, Gavin Hendricks, Sophia Hong, James LaBarre Jr., Sasha Lemus, Kylie O’Connell, Rylin Quinn, Korben Raffo, Callie rose, Caleb Saulpaugh, Jack Shroader, Collin Shook, Elizabeth Signoretti, James Story, Forever Welch.

Honor Roll: Dorian Carcamo, Austin June, Nicholas Maccaline, Benjamin Mahoney, Giavanna Martinez, Noely Mendez, Kobe Neilsen, Lacy Soura Merit Roll: Kenya Bryer, Marcello Bruno, Gianna DeVito, Natalia DiCaprio, Kayden Dolan, Aubree Kelly, Owen O’Rourke, Lucas Paquette, Isabella Wamsley.

GRADE 12 High Honor: Iain Alexander, Iram Asif, Audra Bogardus-Street, Lorenzo Bordina, Hunter Brandow, Katie Bulich, Kiora Christiana, Zachary Ciancanelli, Christopher Cole, Krystia Cook, Romeo Daparma, Emily Ferrante, Aricka Graff, Regina Johnson, Emily Kirch, Kelsey Lackie, Erika Lopez, Maci Mosher, Gabriela Munoz, Brianna Newkirk, Ariana Nieves, Alexis Santoro, Brianna Santoro, Storm Slominski.

Honor: Cassie Cantelmo, Ambrea Connor, Aidan Cornelison, Osvaldo CruzJimenez, Anna Franklin, Alexa Gjergji, Liam Holsopple, Isabella Kenneally, Victoria Legg-Upshur, Zachary Lozensky, Alexis McMullin, Dylan Osswald, Samantha Siri, Tameka Taranto, Damien Valvo, Alexander Wood.

Merit: Christopher Cardinale, Delia Darling, Jesse Davies, Emily Hendricks, Ryan LaBarre, Emanuel McEachern, Ciara McNulty, Jose Mendez, Seamus Moore, Kendall Pedersen, Frederick Scism Jr., Justina Sumpter, William Synan, Emma Tuey.

GRADE 11 High Honor: Taylor Block, McKenzie Breunig-Smith,

Matthew Caro, Deandra Catterson, Brandon Constantine, Kimberly Fore, Alexey Guenthner, Paul Jaen, Jonathan Kent, Sara Leipman, Brandon Liardo, Salvatore Mancini, Jacob Mitchell, Sharona Orr, Matthew Rivenburgh, Caitlin White.

Honor: Kristina Caraballo, Serena Craigie-Carter, Mya Harvey, Ava Higgins, Leviticus Johnson, Kaitlyn Knapp, Maximus Marchesani, Austin Mason, Sydney Moe, Jillian Murray, Hailey Rowell, Ashley Shook, Zaida Snyder, Brandon Tedford.

Merit: Kathleen Glass, Tristan Haskin, Barry Hill Jr., Destin Ly, Grace McCulloch, Isabella Seeley, Anna Sweeney.

GRADE 10 High Honor: Tristan Arp, Kaelyn Bulich, Adam Carlson, Elizabeth Finnegan, Michael Jubie, Hannah Konsul, Daniel Leibowitz, Cassius McCoy, Nathan Riordon, Alexandra Rose, Kiana Salierno, Llanya Schanz.

Honor: Avien Coffey-Hoffmann, Andrew Daisernia, Patrick Darling, Jaden Dedrick, Jacob Devlin, Nicholas Fusco, Josiah Hill, Lucas Konsul, Samantha Malkowski, Auna Muscarella-Bland, Adrianna Sherman, Daniel Smith, Justin Uvino, Emma Weber.

Merit: Kaleyah Blanks, Chante Bordina, Marco Dodig, Isaiah Hayden, Mary

Johnson, Aidan Leipman, Willow Morehead, Tyla Patterson, Keaton Quinn, Bridgette Reilly, Brianna Stevens, JeromeDavid VanAlstyne, Imani Young.

GRADE 9 High Honor: Cadence Barreto, Emma Brown, Aryanna Burbas, Xiao Chen, Karsen Chiminelli, Ian Ciancanelli, Abigail Cornelison, Dany Cruz-Martinez, Christian Davies, Maya Dixit, Charlotte DuBois, Harleigh Frascello, Cullen Fulling, Jenna Graham, Devin Guerrieri, Mason Hendricks, Gerson Hernandez-Navarro, Adam Konsul, Christopher Konsul, Joseph Konsul, Nicholas Konsul, Lauren Liberti, Emonnie McGriff, Kaden Minkalis, Jarin Navarro, Kaylee Nearey, Liliana Seeley, Angelina Shanley, Aaliyah Shook, Samantha VanDyke, Maya Weaver.

Honor: Janay Brantley, Athena Campbell, Daniel Forbes, Hailey Gersbeck, Cristian Guerra, Madison Hallam, Mya Hernandez, Justin Hill, Raffaele Mancini, Samantha Scalera, Ella Souza, Grace Sullivan, Aiden Varade.

Merit: Cassidy Bridgett, Matyas Brodowski, Marisabella Caraballo, Meeghan Darling, Gavin Dixit, Ella Gille, Mia Glover, Isis Gonzalez, JeDavia McGriff, Katelynne Reilly, Melody Stupplebeen, Owen Valentino, Carter VanEtten, Serena White.

Around the Region DRIVE-THRU LUNCHEON GHENT - The Ghent Reformed Church, 1039 County Route 22, West Ghent, will serve a free drive-thru luncheon noon-2 p.m. May 2. At present, pulled pork or turkey salad are the choices. There may be more.

DRIVE-THRU DINNER SELKIRK - The Bethlehem Grange 137, 24 Bridge St., Selkirk, will serve a chicken and biscuit dinner, take-out only, 4-7 p.m.

May 2. Dinners will include salad and dessert. Reserve your dinners in advance, by May 1. To reserve the number of needed dinners, call 518-421-1384 and speak to Carol Carpenter. If your phone does not display your name or number, enable it to display your name or number.

CRAFT FAIR AND PLANT SALE SELKIRK - The Bethlehem Grange Hall, 24 Bridge St., Selkirk, will hold a craft fair and plant sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May

23. There will be lots of crafters with lots of items for sale, lots of plants, all sizes and all kinds.

There will be inside and outside booths and plenty of onsite parking. The grange is also planning to have food, depending on Covid-19 guidelines, wanting to keep everyone safe. Wear face masks if still required by Gov. Cuomo.

VIRTUAL STORYTIME COPAKE - The Roe Jan Community Library presents Virtual Storytime with Ms. Haylee 10:3011:30 a.m. Saturdays. Ms. Haylee will be holding a virtual storytime each Saturday via Zoom, a webcam app that can be downloaded for free on your smartphone, or accessed online. To join in for storytime, all you have to do is visit this link: https://zoom. us/j/806577651. Patrons can also tune in to storytime by going to https://zoom.us/ and clicking ‘Join a Meeting,’ and then typing in this code: 806-577-651. The

GRADE 6

Pizza Party

HudsonValley360.com

library will be using the same link and code each Saturday.

CRAFT FAIR CANCELLED RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs, is cancelling its Friendship Craft Festival this year due to COVID-19. The Craft Festival and Brooks’ BBQ was scheduled for June 13. This longstanding event will return for its 41st year on June 12, 2021. Information and applications will be released in January.

VIRTUAL STRENGTH AND BALANCE CLASS COPAKE - The Roe Jan Community Library presents Virtual Strength and Balance Class 9-10 a.m. Thursdays. Join the class each Thursday by visiting https://zoom.us/j/759916157, or by going to https://zoom.us/ and typing in this code: 759-916157. The same link and code will be used each week.

Delivered by Bill Williams

Congratulations Lou Walsh and the crew at Price Chopper in Catskill!

Enter for your chance to win an office pizza party from Scali’s Pizza & Pasta for you and your coworkers.

Every Tuesday Bill Williams will be delivering pizza to one lucky business in Columbia/Greene County.

www.hudsonvalley360.com/pizzaparty

CMYK

Senior Living

www.HudsonValley360.com

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 A7

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Can my husband get a spouse benefit from me?

Dear Rusty: I’m wondering if my husband can submit a “restricted application for spousal benefits only.” He is 76 years old, has been receiving his benefit since 2005. His present benefit is $263.50. I am 74 years old, receiving my benefit since 2007. My present benefit is $931. Am I to understand that he could be receiving half of my amount rather than his smaller amount?

Signed: Inquiring Wife Dear Inquiring Wife: Your husband isn’t eligible to file a “restricted application for spousal benefits only” because he is already collecting his own Social Security benefits and because he is past 70 years of age. But he should

SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS

RUSSELL

GLOOR probably be receiving a spousal benefit from you because his benefit is so much lower than yours. From what you’ve written, you both claimed your Social Security benefits when you were 62 years of age.

That means you both took a 25% cut in benefits from what

you would have gotten at your full retirement age (FRA) of 66.

Spousal benefits are based upon FRA benefit amounts, even if you claimed benefits earlier. So, since your FRA benefit amount would have been about $1164 and your husband’s FRA benefit would have been about $330, by my calculations he should now be receiving a spousal benefit of about $516 instead of his benefit of $263.50. The computation for that is: Take half of your FRA benefit amount ($582) minus your husband’s FRA benefit amount ($330); the difference ($252) is added to his own current benefit ($264) to get $516 as his possible spousal benefit (note the actual numbers from SS

Senior Menu CATSKILL — The following is the weekly nutrition menu offered by the Greene County Department of Human Services’ Senior Nutrition Program. Served daily with each meal are bread or alternative with Promise Spread; low fat milk, coffee or tea.

All persons 60 and older and their spouses are invited.

The suggested donation for each meal is $4.

The menu will be the meal that is delivered to all Greene County home bound meal clients. Those wishing to receive lunch at a center are asked to call the respective location at least a day in advance.

Rivertown Senior Center, 39 Second St., Athens; 518945-2700.

Acra Community Center, Old Route 23B, Cairo; 518622-9898.

Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett; 518-2634392.

Washington Irving Senior Center, 15 Academy St., Catskill; 518-943-1343.

Town of Coxsackie Senior Center, Mansion Street, Coxsackie; 518-731-8901.

For the foreseeable future, there will be no congregate meals at any of the Greene County Nutrition Centers, including Jewett. Home delivered meals will still be delivered, and if you want a meal, you can order the day ahead and pick it up at the center to take out.

APRIL 29 THROUGH MAY 6 WEDNESDAY:

Shrimp

scampi, brown rice, broccoli, pineapple delight.

THURSDAY: American goulash, fresh salad with chickpeas, wax beans, oatmeal raisin cookie.

MONDAY: Sweet and sour pork, brown rice, broccoli, mandarin oranges.

TUESDAY: Taco casserole, green beans, vanilla pudding w/granola.

WEDNESDAY: Baked chicken w/gravy, mashed potatoes, carrot coins, mixed tropical fruit.

MAY 6 THROUGH MAY 13 WEDNESDAY: Baked chicken w/gravy, mashed potatoes, carrot coins, mixed tropical fruit.

THURSDAY: Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, Italian mixed vegetables, fresh salad w/ spinach and beans, fresh fruit.

FRIDAY: Swedish meatballs, noodles, red cabbage, fresh fruit.

MONDAY: Sloppy Joe, cauliflower and green beans mix, sweet potato, pears.

TUESDAY: Macaroni and cheese, 3 bean salad, stewed tomatoes, pineapple chunks.

WEDNESDAY: Meatloaf w/ gravy, mashed potatoes, spinach, apple pie.

MAY 13 THROUGH MAY 20 WEDNESDAY: Meatloaf w/ gravy, mashed potatoes, spinach, apple pie.

THURSDAY: Chicken divan, brown rice, Harvard beets, fresh fruit.

FRIDAY: Greene County Senior Citizen Day, no home

delivered meals and no congregate meals.

MONDAY: Lemon pepper chicken quarters, cauliflower, winter squash pears.

TUESDAY: Mushroom and spinach quiche, quinoa, brussels sprouts, fruit cocktail.

WEDNESDAY: Roast turkey with gravy, mixed wax and green beans, mashed potatoes, peach crisp.

MAY 20 THROUGH MAY 27 WEDNESDAY: Roast turkey with gravy, mixed wax and green beans, mashed potatoes, peach crisp.

THURSDAY: Chef’s salad with hard boiled egg, turkey, fresh greens, tomato wedges, cucumber slices, shredded carrot and kidney beans, potato salad, butterscotch pudding with granola topping.

FRIDAY: Beef stew, coleslaw, broccoli, fresh fruit.

MONDAY: Closed in observation of Memorial Day. TUESDAY: Eggplant parmesan, spaghetti, Italian green beans, fruit cocktail.

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops and apricots, braised cabbage, scalloped potatoes, birthday cupcake.

(BBB) cautions everyone to be aware of what they are sharing.

Even if you think it’s just going to your friends, it could also be going somewhere else.

Other recent viral personal list posts include all the cars you’ve owned (including makes/model years), favorite athletes, and top 10 favorite television shows.

What most people forget is that some of these “favorite things” are commonly used passwords or security questions. If your social media privacy settings aren’t high, you could be giving valuable information away for anyone to use.

BBB has the following tips to keep you safe on social media: Resist the temptation to play along. While it’s fun to see other’s posts, if you are

your husband he was eligible for a spouse benefit, in which case he may be able to collect his spouse benefit back to the date he became eligible. Your husband should contact Social Security directly at either 1.800.772-1213, or at your local office (find it at www. ssa.gov/locator) to make an appointment to apply for his spousal benefit from you.

And, usually, this application can be accomplished over the phone.

Please note that all of the above assumes that your husband’s current benefit isn’t being reduced due to a non-covered pension which causes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) to lower his benefit amount, and which

would cause the Government Pension Offset (GPO) to severely alter, or even eliminate, his spousal benefit.

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/socialsecurity-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.

Alzheimer’s Association offers free virtual education classes for all New York residents ALBANY – While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than five 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 in the coming weeks to help all local caregivers throughout its 17-county area. The Alzheimer’s Association offers 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.

“During this challenging time, it’s critical that all New York caregivers have access to Alzheimer’s Association

resources even if they cannot venture out,” said Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Executive Director Beth Smith-Boivin.

“The COVID-19 crisis is altering Americans’ daily lives, but the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers cannot be put on hold. These online programs allow 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 include: - 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s: 2 p.m. April 29.

- Effective Communication Strategies: 3 p.m. April 30.

For a complete list of upcoming programs, or to register for a program, visit alz. org/crf.

In addition to the virtual education classes, the Alzheimer’s Association offers online community resources at alz.org including ALZConnected, a free online community where people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, family and friends can ask questions, get advice and find support.

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.

The Alzheimer’s Association free, 24/7 Helpline, 800272-3900) offers around-theclock support for caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and all dementia.

MAY 27 THROUGH JUNE 3 WEDNESDAY: Pork chops and apricots, braised cabbage, scalloped potatoes, birthday cupcake.

THURSDAY: Crab topped cod, rice pilaf, fresh green salad with red beans, broccoli, pineapple chunks.

FRIDAY: Cooks’ choice, fresh salad with beans, cauliflower, fresh fruit.

BBB Tip: Thinking of sharing your senior photo on Facebook? Think twice BUFFALO - It seems harmless and fun. A bunch of friends on Facebook or other social media are sharing their senior portraits, including the high school name and graduation year, to support the graduating class of 2020 (most of whom are at home because of the coronavirus pandemic).

Watch out, scammers or hackers who surf through social media sites will see these #ClassOf2020 posts, and will now have the name of your high school and graduation year, which are common online security questions. All it takes is an internet search to reveal more information about you, such as family members, your real name, birthdate or even where you live.

Better Business Bureau

may vary somewhat). This probably means that when you claimed your benefit two years after your husband claimed his, your husband didn’t apply for his spousal benefit (and it wasn’t awarded automatically by SS).

I suggest your husband contact Social Security as soon as possible and make an appointment to apply for his spousal benefits. Since he has been entitled to that benefit for some time now, he can also request 6 months of retroactive spousal benefits which they will pay in a lumpsum and adjust his monthly benefit to what he is entitled to as your spouse. There is also a possibility that, when you filed, SS failed to notify

uncomfortable participating, it is best to not do it.

Review your security settings. Check your security settings on all social media platforms to see what you are sharing and with whom you are sharing.

Change security questions/ settings. If you are nervous about something you shared possibly opening you up to fraud, review and change your security settings for banking and other websites.

For more information about privacy concerns online, see BBB’s scam alert on Facebook quizzes.

For tips for staying safe online, read BBB’s tips on staying cybersecure.

Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.

Health emergency forces cancellation of American Legion national convention INDIANAPOLIS - The American Legion’s 102nd National Convention, originally scheduled for Aug. 28 through Sept. 3 in Louisville, Ky., is cancelled due to public-health concerns, ongoing restrictions and uncertainties related to the global coronavirus-COVID-19 pandemic.

“The safety of our members and compliance with state and federal public-health restrictions and guidelines made this decision not only prudent but necessary,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “The commonwealth of Kentucky has taken emergency actions to prevent the spread of infections and to follow federal guidance that restrict public gatherings and urge social distancing. No one can say with any certainty when these measures will be lifted or in what manner.”

The American Legion National Executive Committee approved a resolution April 8, by email to cancel the annual convention of wartime veterans and their families for the first time in history. The 2020 Sons of The American Legion National Convention is also

cancelled.

“Local American Legion services - such as Buddy Checks, blood drives, meal delivery and volunteer assistance - remain the top priority of the organization as we navigate these challenging waters,” Oxford said. “Community efforts are now under way throughout the country and around the world, while many American Legion state and foreign departments are canceling or postponing their conventions and elections to protect public health in the midst of this pandemic. Normally, national convention delegates are appointed during department conventions.

This year is anything but normal.”

The 102nd National Convention is now scheduled for Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2021, in Phoenix. Terms of currently serving national officers, including National Commander Oxford, are extended until then, according to the resolution. Nationally appointed American Legion commission and committee chairpersons will also remain in their positions until the Fall 2021 meeting of the National

REPORTERS, EDITORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS CREATE REAL NEWS. JOURNALISM YOU CAN TRUST.

Executive Committee.

The convention cancellation and extension of national officer terms are within the authority of the NEC, according to The American Legion’s constitution and bylaws.

Also Wednesday, the NEC selected Louisville as the site of the 2026 American Legion National Convention, the first available date.

With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism.

Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion, www.legion. org<http://www.legion.org>, is the most influential voice for America’s veterans.

Locally, Columbia County American Legion Post is following the guidelines with not holding Post meetings and county meetings till the proper time comes.

#SupportRealNews

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A8 Wednesday, April 29, 2020

SBA From A1

3.

At the time, the bank was not a direct SBA lender and needed the third party to process the applications, Gibson said.

“We had to scramble all day Friday and Friday night,” Gibson said. “All big banks are only going to process applications for their customers. We’re one of the bigger banks in Greene and Columbia. If we don’t get it, businesses in our markets will have nowhere to get it.”

By the following day, the bank had secured an agreement with the SBA to become a direct lender, Gibson said.

In the first round of funding, the bank approved 522 loans totaling $61 million in funding, Gibson said.

“The head count for jobs retained is some 6,600 jobs,” Director of Commercial Lending Perry Lasher said.

The funding had a great impact on the area, Gibson said.

“That is huge for this area,” he said. “Can you imagine if we didn’t get that $61 million?”

The bank has accepted over

Cuomo From A1

Disease Control and Prevention guidance for a region to begin a phased reopening after a 14-day decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Construction and manufacturing industries will be the first to reopen. Officials are determining which low-risk businesses can open in second phase and other, future phases to be implemented on a two-week basis.

No businesses or attractions can open that would draw hundreds of people to a region. Businesses must come up with new protocols to maintain social distancing and reduce density before reopening and regions must develop a testing regimen and tracing system to prioritize testing symptomatic people and essential workers.

The state will require at least 30 contract tracers for every 100,000 people in a region before it can reopen.

Aid From A1

in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help?” Trump asked on Twitter.

Schumer on Tuesday pledged that he and Pelosi would ensure substantial aid is provided to state and local governments in the next stimulus package.

“We are going to make sure, absolutely sure, that a robust state and local appropriation is made in the CARES II bill,”

500 applications for round two, which went live at 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Gibson said.

“We’re over $100 million with the two rounds,” he said.

Lending staff have been experiencing technical difficulties trying to submit applications since the second round went live, Gibson said.

“We have seven people dedicated to applications and only five were approved during the day yesterday,” he said. “Perry personally checked every half hour and at 1 a.m. found out the portal was working.”

Lasher called a group of lending staff into the bank in the middle of the night, Gibson said.

“We had 75 approved by this morning,” Gibson said, adding that the bank has about 430 applications to submit.

Each time the system crashes, bank staff have to start from scratch, he said.

“I don’t think the SBA portal is built to handle this kind of volume,” Lasher said. “We’re submitting one every half hour to an hour. It’s a painful process.”

Once the bank is notified of the approval, there is a quick turnaround in getting businesses the financial assistance they need, Lasher said.

“We had our credit team here at 8 a.m. this morning working on 10 credit checks this morning for loans we approved last night,” Lasher said.

The turnaround time, after receiving approval from the SBA, is about 72 hours, Gibson said.

Gibson encourages businesses and nonprofits to get in their applications, he said.

“I would say if they have not done it yet, to get it in ASAP,” Gibson said. “There is nothing more important they can be working on right now. The money is probably going to run out within a few days. They did a second round, but I wouldn’t count on a third round.”

The state comptroller’s office is exploring the option of allocating another $100 million from the state Common Retirement Fund toward the Paycheck Protection Program, according to a statement.

“New York small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges that have put more than a million men and women out of work,” state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said in a statement. “We’re doing what we can to help small businesses keep employees on their payroll, even if they may have paused

operations. PPP loans are critical to New York businesses trying to survive through this public health and economic crisis. We are continuing to look for opportunities to help New Yorkers that are consistent with our fiduciary responsibility to the pension fund.”

The Common Retirement Fund is the public pension fund for more than one million state and local government employees and retirees, and their beneficiaries.

The National Bank of Coxsackie has approved 273 applications, 64 of which were in the second round of funding, Vice President and Human Resources Officer Nicole Bliss said.

The bank also has many applications that are “queued up,” meaning they are completed but have not yet been submitted to the SBA, Bliss said.

Bliss echoed Gibson’s advice.

“If they haven’t applied, I would encourage them to get an application in,” she said. “We were one of the earlier banks in the area to start processing them. Our staff worked for eight or nine days straight; we have really mastered the program at this point. Even if funding runs out, I would still get an application in

in case they open it again.”

The bank is not limiting applications to customers, Bliss said.

“We are not limiting this to only our customers,” she said.

“It’s important to get this funding into the community, whether they’re a customer or not. We want to make sure local businesses get what they need.”

Businesses can review a list of what is needed to apply on the bank’s website and submit an application via email, Bliss said.

Other local lenders include NBT Bank, KeyBank, M&T Bank, Pioneer Savings Bank, Citizens Bank and Trustco Bank.

Liam Singer, owner of Hi-Lo and Avalon Lounge, was among the businesses to apply through the Bank of Greene County.

“We managed to get a PPP loan through the Bank of Greene County,” Singer said. “That happened very quickly, mostly due to the hard work of the folks at the Bank of Greene County.”

Singer also applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the SBA and received an advance on Monday, he said, about a month after he applied.

Funding for the EIDL program also ran out and Congress awarded another $50 billion to the Disaster Loans Program and

$10 billion for Economic Injury Disaster loan grants last week.

Through the EIDL program, small businesses can apply for up to $10,000 in relief.

Columbia-Greene Humane Society was among the nonprofit organizations that applied for the Paycheck Protection Program, President Ron Perez said.

“We have a big commercial arm at the humane society that pays for charity, like our grooming and boarding services, and our vet clinic, which we’ve had to close down,” he said. “As a result of that, more than half of the staff would’ve been laid off.”

Perez reached out to Lasher about the program, he said.

“This bank really took a local leadership role and helped a lot of local businesses navigate through this,” Perez said.

Perez has been able to retain his staff and has employees rotating shifts, he said.

Adoption and surrender services are still available, Perez said, adding that the shelter’s food bank has been extremely busy.

Perez also applied for an EIDL about a week ago, he said.

“We have to be smart about this,” the governor said. “I know people are feeling emotional, but emotions can’t drive a reopening process. We have to separate the emotion from the logic.”

Each region must have plans to have rooms or provide other isolation facilities for people who test positive for COVID-19 and cannot self-isolate at home. Regions must appoint an institution to monitor hospital capacity, infection rate, personal protective equipment usage before reopening.

Cuomo cast doubts Tuesday that the New York State Fair in Syracuse, which had an attendance of 1.3 million over 13 days in late August through early September 2019, will open this year. The fair scheduled for Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 could not open unless New York and neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut were completely up and running, the governor said.

“If you open the state fair this year, you’d have the highest attendance we’ve ever had,

but it wouldn’t be good,” he said. “You would have a massive infusion of people from everywhere. And then you’d have density, and density is the problem.”

The state will announce a decision on reopening New York’s 700 public school districts, and the possibility of summer classes, by the end of the week, Cuomo said.

Regions must coordinate reopening of schools, transportation systems, testing and tracing with other surrounding regions.

New York’s COVID-19 fatalities reached 17,638 Tuesday — up from 17,303 Monday. The state saw 335 virus-related deaths Monday, including 313 in hospitals and 24 in nursing homes. The daily death toll continues a slight decline from 337 Sunday and 367 Saturday.

The state tested 844,994 people as of Tuesday, revealing 295,106 total positive cases of COVID-19 in the nation with more than 1 million confirmed cases across the U.S. New York’s hospitalization

rates also continued a downward trend to 12,646 Tuesday, down 173 patients. New hospitalizations remain flat at about 1,000 new virus patients per day statewide.

“Total hospitalizations is down a tick, which is good news,” Cuomo said. “It’s still a significant number of people.”

The state reported 4,071 patients in intensive care. The net change in intubations was down 65 fewer patients Tuesday to 3,420 total, according to the governor’s office.

Cuomo also announced the New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board, which will help guide the state’s reopening strategy. The advisory board is chaired by former Secretaries to the Governor Steve Cohen and Bill Mulrow and includes more than 100 business, community and civic leaders from industries across the state.

Elective outpatient surgeries and treatments resumed Tuesday in hospitals with capacity over 25% and if the county in which the hospital is located has seen fewer than

10 new coronavirus hospitalizations over the past 10 days.

Elective treatment will cease in hospitals or counties that resumed elective treatment and have a surge in virus cases and exceeds those thresholds.

Capital Region hospitals, which include Columbia and Greene counties, did not meet the threshold and elective surgeries remain canceled.

Thirty percent of a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit beds must be available after elective surgeries resume, according to a statement Tuesday from the governor’s office.

At the end of the briefing, Cuomo held up Tuesday’s edition of The New York Daily News, which featured a photo of several homeless people and their towers of clothes and belongings huddled on empty subway cars in New York City.

The practice is unsafe for the homeless and disrespectful and dangerous to essential workers who need to use the public transit system throughout the health crisis, Cuomo said.

“That is disgusting what is

happening on those subway cars,” the governor said. “It’s disrespectful to the essential workers. We must protect and respect essential workers...

They’re doing it out of their sense of honor and their sense of dignity and their sense of pride. They need testing. They need equipment.”

Cuomo reminded New Yorkers not to get complacent in staying home and social distancing to save lives as the state gradually moves to reopen.

“We have gone through hell and back over the past 60-or-so days,” the governor said, adding experts projected 120,000 New Yorkers would become infected and hospitalized with COVID-19. The state’s high point was 20,000.

“We can’t now negate everything we have accomplished,” Cuomo said.

Schumer said, referring to the federal economic stimulus package currently being negotiated in Washington. “We need it, our country needs it, everyone needs it. It’s amazing, with how important this is, and for all the people who are doing such vital jobs for our country, that Leader McConnell would show how out of touch he is when he suggested that we should let the states that are being crushed by the coronavirus go bankrupt.”

If states were to declare bankruptcy, it would lead to “hundreds of thousands of vital state and local government employees — nurses, health workers,

correction officers, sanitation workers, and so many others — being fired or furloughed. What did they do? Leader McConnell is suggesting that they should lose their jobs,” Schumer said.

The states’ response to the coronavirus has led to both high expenses and losses in revenue, he added.

“Cities and states have incurred huge COVID expenses.

Because they are doing the right thing with social distancing, they are not getting revenue,” Schumer said. “We need two things — we need a large increase in funding for state and local governments, big and

small, and we need to make sure that they can use this money to make up for lost revenues.”

Lee Saunders, president of AFSCME — a national union that represents 1.4 million public-service workers — said supporting state and local governments in the face of the pandemic helps frontline workers.

“State and local aid means schools are strong, it means trash gets picked up, it means the streets and roads get fixed, it means clean water comes out of the tap, and it means that when you call 911, an ambulance shows up on time,” Saunders said.

“We cannot beat this pandemic and reopen our economy if these frontline workers are thanked with pink slips,” Saunders said.

U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-19, said this week during a COVID-19 telephone town hall with AARP members that he agrees with Schumer and Pelosi.

“Because of the shortage of tax revenue, our county and town officials are having a hard time maintaining their ability to provide services,” Delgado said.

“It’s critical that at the federal level we support the state and local governments.”

Delgado disagreed with

McConnell’s sentiments and said the House must lead the Senate with the next piece of legislation.

“The House is controlled by Democrats... we need to lead out of the House and pass a bill that says, ‘Here’s a benchmark.

Here’s what needs to happen for our state and local governments,’ and put it in their hands,” Delgado said. “And continue to beat the drum with laser-like focus. As our state and local governments are falling off a fiscal cliff ... this is one of the most important issues.”

Tribune News Service contributed to this report.

To see the complete county breakdown of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths statewide, view the COVID-19 map and tracker at hudsonvalley360.com/site/covid19.html

Navy destroyer with COVID-19 outbreak bound for San Diego

By Andrew Dyer The San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS)

SAN DIEGO — San Diego will be the next stop for a deployed Navy destroyer experiencing an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, a Defense Department official said Monday.

The guided-missile destroyer Kidd was conducting counterdrug operations off the Pacific coast of South America last week when sailors began exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

As of Monday, 47 sailors have tested positive for the virus, the Navy said. Two have been flown ashore to the United States; another 15 were moved to the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship Makin Island.

The Defense Department official, who was not authorized to comment on the matter, said plans are still being finalized about what will be done once the Kidd arrives in San Diego.

Kidd’s home port is Everett,

Wash. It has a crew of more than 300.

In Guam, where the Navy evacuated more than 4,000 sailors from the San Diegobased aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt because of the virus, the service rented hotels on the island to house sailors in quarantine.

The Navy said Monday that 955 Roosevelt sailors have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, about one in five crew members. About half the infected are showing no symptoms, the Navy says.

The service also changed how it determines if a sailor has recovered from COVID-19. On Saturday, the Navy reported 112 Roosevelt sailors had recovered from the virus; now, it says, only 14 have.

“Cases now are not counted as recovered until the Sailor has had two successive negative tests,” the Navy said in a statement.

One sailor remains

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew F. Jackson/U.S. Navy/TNS

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd transits the Pacific Ocean on January 27, 2020.

hospitalized at Naval Hospital Guam with COVID-19 symptoms.

Marine Corps boot camp continues, altered by virusThe San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot is set to receive its next company of about 275 recruits this week under a new receiving

process that includes precautions against the coronavirus, a Marine spokesman said Monday.

Recruits from India Company — who are slated to begin arriving Monday evening — will be tested upon arrival and again after their quarantine, Harris

said.

A number of recruits from the depot’s Bravo Company tested positive for the virus early in April, leading to changes in how new companies are accepted.

Recruits are now medically screened upon arrival, then sent to a local hotel for quarantine.

Echo Company, which arrived at the depot April 13, is almost finished with its quarantine, according to Capt. Martin Harris, a depot spokesman. The Marines are testing each recruit for the novel coronavirus this week before bringing them back on board the depot to begin training, Harris said.

Navy cancels spring E-4 examsAt least 20,000 junior sailors will not take the Navy-wide petty officer advancement exam this cycle, the Navy said Monday, citing concerns over the coronavirus.

Navy-wide exams are conducted in three consecutive weeks twice per year — one round in September and

another in March. Exams for petty officer 1st class, or E-6, were conducted March 6. Exams for petty officer 2nd class, or E-5, took place March 12.

However, the E-4 exam, scheduled for March 19, was postponed due to the need for social distancing during the tests, which often are held with large numbers of sailors grouped together in common spaces on board ships and ashore. Initially pushed back to May, the Navy now says the tests are canceled.

Instead, sailor promotions will be based on other factors, such as performance evaluation scores, awards and time in rank. (c)2020 The San Diego UnionTribune Visit The San Diego Union-Tribune at www.sandiegouniontribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

CMYK

Sports

SECTION

Team owner Taurasi?

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

& Classifieds

Former UConn great Diana Taurasi talks post-playing career plans on Instagram. B2

B Wednesday, April 29, 2020 B1

Tim Martin, Sports Editor: 1-800-400-4496 / sports@registerstar.com or tmartin@registerstar.com

Darnold, Herndon could be Jets dynamic duo in 2020 Manish Mehta New York Daily News

Sticky Hands might have become all the rage in 2019, but the Jets have another offensive weapon that they hope to unleash this season.

There are fair concerns about Sam Darnold’s aerial weaponry for the league’s worst-ranked offense from a year ago, but don’t discount one potential piece: Chris Herndon.

Herndon became the Invisible Man in 2019 thanks to a regrettable decision and incredibly bad luck. The talented young tight end was expected to have a breakout second season before things went sideways with a fourgame league suspension and a pair of untimely injuries.

In the end, he played See JETS B3

JASON GETZ/USA TODAY

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Miller (47) in the 2018 SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Andrew Thomas’ former teammate and mentor both see perfect fit with Daniel Jones and Giants Pat Leonard New York Daily News

When Duke running back Deon Jackson was starring for Atlanta’s Pace Academy in the 2015 Class AA state championship game, his left tackle was new Giants No. 4 overall pick Andrew Thomas.

When Jackson became a Blue Devil, his college quarterback in 2017 and 2018 was last year’s Giants No. 6 overall pick, Daniel Jones.

So Jackson has a unique perspective on a pairing the Giants hope will serve as a franchise foundation for the next decade. And he shared that perspective with Jones when the Giants’ QB reached out to ask about Thomas on Friday.

“I think they’ll be two people that really get along well together. I actually told Daniel this yesterday, because he called me and asked me how Andrew is,” Jackson told the

Daily News on a Zoom call Saturday morning. “I think they have matching personalities.

They’re pretty laid back, both of them. I feel like they’ll con-

ball.

“They both pretty much know what’s coming on the field before it even happens,” Jackson said. “Daniel did it a

“I think they’ll be two people that really get along well together. I actually told Daniel this yesterday, because he called me and asked me how Andrew is. I think they have matching personalities. They’re pretty laid back, both of them. I feel like they’ll connect on the field and off the field.”

— DUKE RUNNING BACK DEON JACKSON nect on the field and off the field.”

On the field, especially, Jackson said Thomas and Jones both are “extremely smart,” and that will help keep Jones clean in the pocket and the Giants’ offense moving the

lot in college. He always knew what was coming before the ball was snapped. He could always tell what was coming. He and I talked a lot on the field.

My being in the backfield, he always let me know a lot of things since I was so young.

BRAD PENNER/USA TODAY

“And Andrew,” Jackson continued, “he always knows what looks you’re gonna throw at him, what blitz is coming. He always sees everything before it happens.

That’s why he rarely gets beat.

So I feel like those two being in the huddle together, they are two smart individuals who are gonna read a lot of defenses and make a lot of plays together.”

Jackson was in the small group of family and friends with Thomas on Thursday night when he got the call from Giants director of college scouting that he’d be the first offensive tackle taken.

And the Duke running back said while Thomas’ top-five selection wasn’t a surprise, it was definitely “surreal.”

“It’s crazy because even back in high school we were always talking about how

New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of game five of the 2019 ALCS playoff series on Oct. 18 at Yankee Stadium.

See GIANTS B3

See YANKEES B3

After likely shortened season Yankees must decide what to do with James Paxton Kristie Ackert New York Daily News

TAMPA, Fla. — For most of us, during this awful time, we have way too much time on our hands. For the Yankees, however, that extra time as MLB waits for the nation to come to grips with the global coronavirus pandemic to start the season, has given the big-name players on their already crowded injury list precious time to heal

without missing games.

Among vague updates about Aaron Judge (still healing) and Giancarlo Stanton that Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave YES Network’s Meredith Markowitz last week, he said that James Paxton was throwing off a mound.

“James Paxton is doing great, we feel really good about the decision to go

NBA to reopen practice facilities where local stay-home restrictions eased Ben Golliver The Washington Post

NBA teams will be allowed to reopen their practice facilities during the novel-coronavirus pandemic if their local governments have loosened stay-home orders, according to people with knowledge of the decision.

Under the league’s guidelines revealed Saturday, players in affected areas would be able to conduct individual workouts beginning May 1. On Monday, the league pushed back the possible reopening date by a week, to May 8. Teams still would not be allowed to hold organized group workouts or practices.

The move was first reported by ESPN. All NBA arenas and practice facilities were shuttered to players as part of the league’s indefinite suspension after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert’s positive test for the coronavirus March 11. This new policy would steer players to their team’s private facilities - which are theoretically a safer and more controlled environment - and away from public gyms, which could be reopened as state and local governments adjust their protocols in the coming weeks.

Not all NBA teams will be affected equally under this framework. In Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, reopened gyms and other nonessential business Friday,

JEENAH MOON/GETTY IMAGES

An NBA logo is shown at the 5th Avenue NBA store on March 12 in New York City. Starting May 8, the NBA said they will allow limited player workouts with restrictions.

members of the Atlanta Hawks would be allowed to use the team’s practice facility. In other states where tighter restrictions are still

in place, players would still be restricted to working out at home for now.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said April

17 that the league has no formal timeline for returning to play, and that he has not set a cutoff date for determining whether the rest of the 2019-20 season will be played or canceled.

Silver added that the NBA has “not seriously engaged yet” in plans for pursuing a singlesite postseason format.

“It’s about the data and not the date,” Silver said on a conference call after the league’s annual Board of Governors meeting. “There’s too much unknown to set a timeline. There is no appetite [among owners] to compromise the well-being of our players. In terms of priorities, you begin with safety. We’re not at a point yet where we have a clear protocol and a path forward where we feel like we can sit down with the players and say we can resume the season. Human life trumps anything else you could possibly be talking about.”

The NBA will monitor new coronavirus case counts, the widespread availability of testing, the possibility of a vaccine and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state governments as it proceeds with determining when it is safe to resume play.

At least 10 NBA players, four other unidentified NBA team employees and New York Knicks owner James Dolan have tested positive for the coronavirus.

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B2 Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Transactions FOOTBALL NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Atlanta Falcons - Cut P Sam Irwin-Hill. Signed DB Delrick Abrams Jr., T Hunter Atkinson, and C Austin Capps.

Chicago Bears - Waived TE Dax Raymond.

Cleveland Browns - Exercised the fifth-year team option on DE Myles Garrett and TE David Njoku for the 2021 season.

Denver Broncos - Cut DB Tyvis Powell. Waived DT Deyon Sizer. Waived NT Jay-Tee Tiuli.

Waived WR Bug Howard.

Detroit Lions - Cut RB Tra Carson. Waived T Casey Tucker. Waived LS James Fisher and P Matt Wile.

Green Bay Packers - Waived QB Manny Wilkins.

Indianapolis Colts - Waived TE Billy Brown and WR Steve Ishmael.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Waived T Donnell Greene.

Waived K Jon Brown, LB Austin Calitro, WR Charone Peake, and WR Jayson Stanley.

Las Vegas Raiders - Waived RB Mark Thompson.

Los Angeles Rams - Waived LB Jeff Holland.

Miami Dolphins - Waived LB Terrill Hanks, DB Montre Hartage, LS Taybor Pepper, and RB Samaje Perine.

New England Patriots - Announced FB James Develin has retired, cut RB him. Waived DE Keionta Davis. Waived DB Obi Melifonwu.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Waived WR Jamal Custis, RB Darrin Hall, and DB Tray Matthews.

San Francisco 49ers - Waived DB Jacob Thieneman.

Seattle Seahawks - Cut C Justin Britt and G D.J. Fluker.

Washington Redskins - Exercised the fifth-year team option on DT Jonathan Allen for the 2020 season.

NCAA Football Iowa - Announced RB Henry Geil has left the program and is expected to transfer to Independence Community College (JUCO).

Texas - Announced T J.P. Urquidez has left the program and is expected to transfer to Texas State as a graduate.

BASKETBALL NCAA BASKETBALL Fresno St. - Announced G Niven Hart will enter the NBA draft.

Louisiana State - Announced F Emmitt Williams and F Darius Days will enter the NBA draft.

Massachusetts Lowell - Announced G Obadiah Noel will enter the NBA draft.

Mississippi State - Announced F Abdul Ado will enter the NBA draft.

Nebraska - Announced G Cameron Mack withdrew from the NBA draft.

New Jersey Tech - Announced G Zach Cooks will enter the NBA draft.

Northern Iowa - Announced G AJ Green will enter the NBA draft.

San Diego St. - Announced F Matt Mitchell will enter the NBA draft.

Utah St. - Announced C Neemias Queta withdrew from the NBA draft.

West Virginia - Announced F Oscar Tshiebwe withdrew from the NBA draft.

HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Calgary Flames - Signed C Mathias Emilio Pettersen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Chicago Blackhawks - Fired president and CEO John McDonough.

Pro hockey NHL Eastern Conference Atlantic Division GP W L OT SO Pts Boston 70 44 14 5 7 100 Tampa Bay 70 43 21 5 1 92 Toronto 70 36 25 4 5 81 Florida 69 35 26 4 4 78 Montreal 71 31 31 8 1 71 Buffalo 69 30 31 6 2 68 Ottawa 71 25 34 7 5 62 Detroit 71 17 49 3 2 39 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT SO Pts Washington 69 41 20 5 3 90 Philadelphia 69 41 21 2 5 89 Pittsburgh 69 40 23 6 0 86 Carolina 68 38 25 5 0 81 Columbus 70 33 22 11 4 81 NY Islanders 68 35 23 7 3 80 NY Rangers 70 37 28 3 2 79 New Jersey 69 28 29 6 6 68 Western Conference Central Division GP W L OT SO Pts St. Louis 71 42 19 7 3 94 Colorado 70 42 20 7 1 92 Dallas 69 37 24 5 3 82 Winnipeg 71 37 28 4 2 80 Nashville 69 35 26 5 3 78 Minnesota 69 35 27 4 3 77 Chicago 70 32 30 4 4 72 Pacific Division GP W L OT SO Pts Vegas 71 39 24 6 2 86 Edmonton 71 37 25 7 2 83 Calgary 70 36 27 6 1 79 Vancouver 69 36 27 3 3 78 Arizona 70 33 29 4 4 74 Anaheim 71 29 33 8 1 67 Los Angeles 70 29 35 3 3 64 San Jose 70 29 36 4 1 63 Season suspended

GF GA 227 174 245 195 238 227 231 228 212 221 195 217 191 243 145 267 GF GA 240 215 232 196 224 196 222 193 180 187 192 193 234 222 189 230 GF GA 225 193 237 191 180 177 216 203 215 217 220 220 212 218 GF GA 227 211 225 217 210 215 228 217 195 187 187 226 178 212 182 226

NHL SCORING LEADERS THROUGH MARCH 11 GP G Leon Draisaitl, Edm 71 43 C. McDavid, Edm 64 34 A. Panarin, NYR 69 32 David Pastrnak, Bos 70 48 N. MacKinnon, Col 69 35 B. Marchand, Bos 70 28 Nikita Kucherov, TB 68 33 Patrick Kane, Chi 70 33 A. Matthews, Tor 70 47 Jack Eichel, Buf 68 36 J. Huberdeau, Fla 69 23 John Carlson, Was 69 15

A PTS 67 110 63 97 63 95 47 95 58 93 59 87 52 85 51 84 33 80 42 78 55 78 60 75

Sports Flashbacks BASEBALL 1901 — Chicago White Sox pitcher Bock Baker gives up a record 23 singles in a 13-1 loss to the Cleveland Blues at Chicago’s South Side Park.

1922 — Philadelphia’s Lee King drives home seven runs in a 10-7 road win over the Brooklyn Robins. King will total just eight more RBIs the rest of the season.

1929 — Due to protests outside of Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox play their first Sunday home game at nearby Braves Field. The Red Sox lose to the A’s, 7-3.

1930 — The Philadelphia A’s score four ninthinning runs without the benefit of a hit, rallying for a 5-4 road win over the Boston Red Sox. 1934 — Detroit’s Goose Goslin grounds into four straight double plays during the Tigers’ 4-1 win over the Indians.

1961 — Warren Spahn becomes the oldest pitcher since Cy Young to pitch a no-hitter, helping Milwaukee to a 1-0 win over San Francisco five days after his 40th birthday.

1965 — Mets broadcaster Lindsey Nelson announces the play-by-play from the gondola at the top of the Houston Astrodome, 208 feet above second base.

1985 — Billy Martin returns for his fourth stint as the Yankees’ manager. He replaces the fired Yogi Berra, who does not reconcile with owner George Steinbrenner until 1999.

1988 — Baltimore sets a record for seasonopening futility, falling to 0-21 with a 4-2 loss to Minnesota.

1995 — Three fans protesting the recently ended players’ strike run onto the field during the fourth inning at New York’s Shea Stadium and scatter dollar bills at the feet of Mets players.

1998 — Texas Rangers slugger Juan Gonzalez sets a record for runs batted in during April, collecting his 34th and 35th during a 7-2 win over Minnesota.

2010 — Rule changes are announced for the All-Star game, including expansion of rosters to 34 players and the allowance for player re-entry if the final position player is injured.

2010 — Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard agrees to a five-year, $125 million contract extension, making him the NL’s highest-paid player in terms of annual salary.

2010 — Australian-born rookie Luke Hughes becomes the first Minnesota Twins player since 1984 to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat.

2011 — Ben Zobrist sets a Tampa Bay record, driving in eight runs during the Rays’ 15-3 win at Minnesota.

Former UConn great Diana Taurasi talks post-playing career plans on Instagram Alexa Philippou The Hartford Courant

Diana Taurasi doesn’t quite know when she’ll call it quits on her playing career, but she does have an idea of what life after basketball may entail.

The UConn and WNBA legend is interested in owning a team, Taurasi said Saturday night on an Instagram Live show hosted by former UConn teammate Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Bird’s girlfriend and a fixture on the U.S. women’s national soccer team.

“It’s funny. Everyone’s like, ‘Do you want to be a coach? Do you want to be a GM?’ No, I want to own it,” said Taurasi, 37. “I want to own a team!”

Taurasi’s on-court legacy — three national championships at UConn, three WNBA titles, four Olympic gold medals, becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and so much more — has earned her recognition as one of the sport’s alltime greats. But her vision of owning a team, especially as one of so few women to do so, would ensure that she continues to make an impact on the game even once her playing days are behind her.

“There comes a point where you have to take initiative in the wealth and everything you’ve built, and it’s not to be a coach, it’s not to be under anyone, and I think that’s what we do as women: We always want to be under someone,” Taurasi said. “Even the NBA, which I love, the NBA to me is not the pinnacle of all, which even to all the coaches that we’ve praised and have done amazing things, we’re always a stepping stone. I don’t want to be a stepping stone.”

In owning a team, Taurasi also hopes to buck a trend of women with means not putting their money behind women’s sports, something she sees as particularly problematic considering people have historically under-invested in women’s sports. Rapinoe, who has been at the forefront of the USWNT’s lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation for equal pay, added that women’s sports thrive when given such backing.

“Where are the rich women?” Taurasi said. “I’m so disappointed in the women

TOM PENNINGTON/GETTY IMAGES

From left, gold medalists Diana Taurasi (12), head coach Geno Auriemma and Sue Bird (6) of United States celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Women’s Basketball competition on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1 on Aug. 20, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

that have a lot of money ... where are the women with a lot of money who want to invest in women’s basketball? ... Sometimes you invest in things that don’t make money that you want to make better.”

Here are some of the other highlights of Taurasi’s Instagram Live appearance, which lasted four hours.

Taurasi and Bird were expected to play in their fifth and final Olympics this summer in Tokyo before the coronavirus pandemic worsened and the Games were postponed a year.

The dynamic duo was on the same page regarding their participation in 2021: They’d love to play but want Team USA to put together the best group of players with a chance to win, even if that doesn’t include themselves.

“I’m realistic,” Taurasi said. “If I’m not good enough, I should not be on the team. You should put together the team that has the best chance to win. ... If you

don’t think I’m (part of) that, if you don’t think I can give you that, then I’m out.

I’m cool.

“Not that I don’t care. I’ve played in four Olympics. I’m grateful for that. I don’t want to be greedy. But at the same time (I want to play).”

Taurasi and Bird, who will turn 40 in October, are coming off some recent injury issues, the former missing most of the 2019 WNBA season and some recent USA Basketball commitments due to back and hamstring ailments and the latter sitting out the 2019 season following a knee surgery.

“If I’m healthy, if I can play at an elite level, if they ask me (I’d play),” Bird added. “Those are three things that I don’t take for granted.”

In discussing the recent WNBA draft class, Bird, Taurasi and Taurasi’s wife Penny Taylor, a longtime player with the Mercury who now serves as an assistant coach, could all agree on one thing:

College and professional basketball are massively different beasts, and that how someone plays in college isn’t necessarily indicative of how she’ll play in the WNBA. Bird demonstrated this by asking Taurasi a simple question: Outside of the NCAA Tournament, how many games her senior year at UConn were WNBA caliber?

“None,” Taurasi said emphatically, “and that’s why I’m mad, I should’ve dropped 30 against Providence every time.”

The two only briefly reflected back on their time at UConn, referring to some intense pick-up games they took part in and Taurasi bringing up a recent essay written by former UConn player Ben Gordon about his mental health struggles. Taurasi said she and Gordon used to shoot together all the time and were good friends while in Storrs.

“How sad was the Ben Gordon story?

I felt so bad,” Taurasi said. “That wall he hit, we all hit. He’s not alone in that wall.”

“That’s why it’s so good he told it the way he did, because he was so honest,” Taylor added. “I thought it was amazing.”

Taurasi discussed how she almost committed to UCLA but instead ended up going to UConn to “beat (everyone) with this Italian dude that I like,” Geno Auriemma.

“I love coach, man,” Taurasi said.

“Coach is awesome.”

In typical Taurasi fashion, she followed up that statement with a bit of a jab.

“Do you think coach was happy the tournament didn’t happen?” Taurasi joked. “He was (probably) like, ‘we got Paige (Bueckers) (next year) ... I’m good.’”

Taurasi took an interest in Bueckers, the No. 1 recruit of the 2020 class, telling Bird that she’ll be wearing No. 5 at a Husky and prompting Bird to predict whether she’ll win as many national titles as Maria Conlon, who wore that number on their early-2000s teams.

Contingency plans in the works for college sports to come back for next school year Mike Jensen The Philadelphia Inquirer

Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade said Monday that the league is working through a full series of contingencies for the fall season in case the impact from the coronavirus pandemic prevents business as usual.

McGlade mentioned how the league, which includes La Salle and St. Joseph’s locally, is studying a myriad of possibilities, including having fall sports compete in the spring.

“We are looking at a series of plans,” McGlade said on a conference call with reporters.

“If we can’t start on time — if there is a delay on getting back to campuses — we’re looking at what that does to the first part of the calendar of the fall schedules, and how that would impact condensing the schedule.”

McGlade said conferences are communicating with each other about possibly having more regionalized schedules in Olympic sports over the next year. Also, individual schools and their medical and training staffs are studying what public health factors are in play in order to return to play.

The A-10 also is looking at contingencies that include campuses being open but the schedule being condensed because of social distancing and the time available to train and practice.

“We’re looking at reductions in potentially our conference schedule that would still maintain the integrity of a conference regular-season schedule,” McGlade said. “We’ve also discussed the possibility of, if the NCAA champions are, in fact, intact, we could name our regular-season champion the AQ (automatic qualifier) and essentially not have an A-10 championship.”

She added, “That’s one of our least preferable options.”

If the format can’t be run fully, they’re also talking about

MIKE LAWRIE/GETTY IMAGES

Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade said the league is working through a series of contingencies for the fall season.

having what they call “a Final Four A-10 championship,” where the top four in a sport qualify for a playoff, similar to the setup in recent years for Ivy League basketball.

“There’s also the possibility — could we lose our fall season?” McGlade said. “If campuses don’t open and we lost the fall competitive season, then how does overlapping fall sports with spring sports look?”

Not only the experience, McGlade said, but “even campus facilities, and fields, and weight rooms, if you were all of a sudden doubling up all the teams at the same time.”

From a contingency standpoint, “we feel like we need to keep everything on the table,” McGlade said. “If for some reason, if campuses didn’t have any on-campus classes for the entire fall semester, which would prevent our athletes from being back and actually participating in a competitive season — exactly what happened to the spring sports right

now — then we’re looking at, is it even feasible to have the fall sports compete in a spring season?”

A lot of moving parts to that decision, McGlade reiterated.

There have been discussions on a range of issues involving travel.

“Having an optimistic outlook that we would resume our fall schedules either in a reduced fashion or the full schedule, there’s this natural concern of traveling, of potentially air travel,” McGlade said. “We are a flight conference. We do a lot of flying, for our Olympic sports, as well as both the (men’s and women’s) basketball sports.

Part of the contingency planning is a potential 25% reduction in our conference schedules so that we could align more of a regionalized schedule.

We’ve also kept on the drawing board the potential of doing some regional competitions if we needed to with neighboring other Division I conferences, so that we could also fill out

schedules.”

If minimizing air flights and long-distance travel is going to be a factor, she said, “in the safety and well-being and even the anxiety level of student-athletes and coaches and support staff, I think that’s going to be something that all of us are going to be very mindful of.”

You can condense a schedule only so much, McGlade said.

“Student-athletes haven’t been on campus,” she said.

“They’re all training independently. As we know, that will vary. Some student-athletes may be training at a very high level. Other student-athletes may not have the wherewithal to be keeping in what we would call playing shape. From a safety point ... student-athletes are not only going to have to be able to return to campus but have the adequate time to be able to reacclimate to rigorous training and then be prepared for competitive schedules.”

Decisions are going to have to be made about what constitutes a full schedule. The A-10 supports issuing blanket NCAA waivers on the number of contests, start dates, and other issues. Even the variables obviously have variables.

“However, we are not in favor of giving relief or reduction in the number of sports that a school needs to sponsor to be a Division I member,” McGlade said. “We feel like ‘minimum number’ is exactly that.”

If there is an extreme distress situation for a school, “where they couldn’t field a full schedule for a sport that was up and running, they should resort to the waiver process.”

Differences in state policies could come into play.

“We’re in nine states and D.C.,” McGlade said. “If we have two or three states in which we have members in and they’re not coming back online because they’ve been impacted at a different time frame with this pandemic, then that’s going

to obviously be tremendously impactful” on finishing a full schedule. “I think that’s where these blanket waivers are going to be really important.”

If, say four of the 14 members aren’t ready to play, “we have to make accommodations for them, so everybody can return healthy a year from now.”

Health regulations will dictate how quickly any school can get back up and running.

“There is a sense of confidence that our membership has,” McGlade said of working on these contingencies. “We’re not rushing to make any decisions, but we have several pathways, several contingency plans, that we’re trying to cover all the bases.”

Conference members don’t want to be in “crisis mode,” McGlade said. “When decisions are made, we want to be able to say, OK, we’ve got A, B, and C still in play. You know what, D and E are off the table because they’re no longer relevant. That’s a peace of mind that is valuable for the league.”

McGlade said it is “critically important” that discussions are being held between leagues, mentioning that there are 32 commissioners in Division I and they’ve been having weekly calls as a full group, sharing plans.

“Essentially, the 32 commissioners, in conjunction with our governing boards, we’re the decision-makers for whether our fall regular seasons get started, when and how,” McGlade said.

“The NCAA really doesn’t come into play until the postseason.”

Time is of value, she said.

“The good thing is, we’re only at April 27 right now,” McGlade said. “So we have time before our fall sports will be coming back to campus to start training. That’s the good news. The bad news is, it’s April 27 and we still don’t know if our teams are going to be able to come back, say, in late July, early August.”

CMYK

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 B3

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

NHL learns from NFL draft and will hold something similar Sam Carchidi The Philadelphia Inquirer

RICH BARNES/USA TODAY

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on against the Buffalo Bills during their Dec. 29 game at New Era Field.

Jets From B1

grand total of 18 snaps in one game, opening the door for sure-handed veteran Ryan Griffin to become Sam Darnold’s new best friend. Herndon, who had flashes of brilliance as a rookie (39 catches for 502 yards, four TDs) quietly slipped in and out of the locker room last season.

He suffered a significant hamstring working out on his own just days before he was scheduled to come off a suspension stemming from a DUI incident. Then, he suffered a season-ending rib injury 18 snaps into his debut.

“I think everyone can agree that we were all excited to see what he could do going into last year,” head coach Adam Gase said Monday before the start of the team’s voluntary virtual offseason program.

Giants From B1

Andrew was gonna be the first tackle taken whenever he declares for the draft,” Jackson said. “Literally we’ve been talking about this for like six, seven years.”

Just as meaningful, however, is where Thomas’ draft party was held, 30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta in Fayetteville, at the house of a man Thomas refers to with reverence as “my mentor:” Brooklyn-born, Pace Academy offensive coordinator Kevin Johnson.

Thomas was raised in a Christian family by parents Belinda and Andre in Lithonia, 20 minutes east of Atlanta. He was talented and disciplined, an adept musician and drummer who now also plays the piano. And he played several sports, including baseball and basketball.

But Pace head coach Chris Slade — a nine-year NFL linebacker (1993-2001) who played for both Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick on the Patriots — saw a raw but rare talent with a future in football if Thomas committed to it. And so did Johnson.

“Andrew’s mom and dad did a great job raising him,

Yankees From B1

ahead with the surgery,” Boone said. “Every step of the way, it’s gone pretty smoothly for him. I think he threw his fifth bullpen the other day. He continues to report that it’s going really well. So we are really encouraged for Pax.” That Paxton was seemingly throwing off a mound by mid-April after February back surgery is encouraging. In the prime of his career with a fastball that sits at 97 miles an hour and a cutter set up nicely by his redefined knuckle-curve, Paxton would be an obvious candidate for

“We felt good about so many things and it just didn’t work out with the suspension and the injury. Then we finally get him on the field and he played like (18) plays. He’s a guy that we’re excited to get back and can’t really get wait to get going. And see how he’ll fit in with everything.”

The 6-4, 253-pound Herndon, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2018 by the previous regime, was building an unmistakable connection with Darnold in both their rookie campaigns. The Darnold-Herndon pairing had plenty of promise before the lost season.

“We expected him to be a big part of the offense last year,” Gase said. “And we didn’t even get that opportunity. So, I think we’re adding a guy that’s a very good player that’s finally going to get back in the mix in this thing.”

He could be precisely what Gase and Darnold need

NHL officials watched the NFL draft closely because they will be holding a similar exercise, perhaps as early as June.

“I believe we can conduct an effective draft virtually,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an email Sunday.

“Maybe not the same as the NFL, but certainly along the same lines.”

The NFL draft, many thought, was better for viewers than usual. Viewers got to see most of the top draftees and their relatives in their homes at the moment the players were chosen. The reactions of the family members were sometimes more priceless than the draftees’ responses.

Viewers also got to see general managers and coaches in their homes surrounded by family members, including, in some cases, their young children trying to climb on their laps as they studied their computers. It humanized an event that is usually sterile and contrived.

The NHL draft might be held earlier than its original dates — June 26-27 in Montreal.

“We are evaluating the possibility of moving the date of the draft up into June,” Daly said. “We have not reached a decision on that yet. Don’t have any more details than that.”

Daly said he didn’t know if the NHL would use its typical format, with Round 1 held the first night and Rounds 2-7 the next day. That, however, seems like the most logical setup.

The NHL suspended its season March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It hopes to resume the season — or at least the Stanley Cup playoffs — at some point.

It seems likely the draft will be held before the season returns. If it does, teams would be ranked by points percentage.

In that instance, the Flyers (.645 points percentage) would select 26th among 31 teams in the first round.

Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr recently called the prospects in this

BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly checks out the ice conditions prior to the 2019 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series game at the Lincoln Financial Field on Feb. 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pa.

year’s draft “decent,” and said he and his scouting staff have been watching lots of video of the prospects, who had their seasons cut short by the pandemic.

“We’re confident we’re going to get a good player” in the first round, he said, adding that the Flyers would take the best prospect available, regardless of position.

A draft lottery would supposedly still be held. The lottery usually includes the 15 teams that miss the playoffs. This year, it figures to include the 15 teams with the lowest points percentage: Detroit, Ottawa, San Jose, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Buffalo, New Jersey, Montreal, Chicago, Arizona, Minnesota, Winnipeg, Calgary, the New York Rangers, and Vancouver.

Holding the draft in June instead of after the season — which, if resumed, could

drag into (gulp) September — would allow drafted European players to have their eligibility and roster spots sorted out for 2020-21. If the draft was held in, say, September, European players would have already started their camps or their seasons overseas, providing the coronavirus outbreak was controlled.

A June draft would also give fans a much-needed diversion. The NFL draft did just that, drawing a record 15.6 million viewers for the first round. An average of 8.2 million watched the second day of the draft, and over 4.2 million viewed the third and final day.

Eagles fans are still debating their team’s surprising selections, especially in the first two rounds.

It appears Flyers fans will soon have the same opportunity.

and then (as an athlete) I saw something in him that I’d seen from myself a long time ago but I didn’t have the right people to mold me,” Johnson told the News on the phone Friday.

“And what I wanted to do is mold him from a different perspective. I wanted to motivate him to stay hungry — to work hard all the time and be hungry all the time.”

What Johnson quickly found out is Thomas wanted the NFL dream just as badly as he wanted it for him.

“From day one,” Johnson said, “we wrote a list down: this is what we’re gonna accomplish, year by year. These are the individual goals. And we were checking the boxes.

That was part of the goal and part of the blueprint. Thursday night, we checked another box.”

Believe it or not, Johnson recalls Thomas being able to bench press 125 pounds only two times on his first try as a freshman, but that didn’t mean he was only going to stick the youngster in the weight room. Strength would come. The foundation would be work ethic and technique.

“So one day I told him if you’re serious about this, if you want to work out badly enough and get better, you’ll be at my house at 6:15 in the morning,” Johnson said. “I’m an early riser. I get up at 3 in

the morning. I like to study teams, to workout, and then I go to the office. I like to win.

I know it’s high school, but I like to win. And these are the moments and the reasons why I do it: to see a guy get picked fourth overall.”

Thomas was there at 6:15 a.m. the next day, and Johnson, Pace’s OC and offensive line coach, was ready for him.

“We’d do linemen drills,” he said. “I have a hill over at my home, so we’d kick up the hill and back down the hill. We’d fire off the ball, fire our hips, work on balance. Probably an hour and 15 minute workout.

That showed me he was serious.”

Johnson said he made a mistake by taking the rare step of starting Thomas at left tackle as a freshman in the Knights’ pro style offense, where Thomas predictably struggled and his coaches were “hammering him” with instruction, leading to a quick move to right tackle.

But Johnson said Thomas’ intelligence was something to behold even early on.

“Andrew would recognize the blitz coming, see the safety stack over the linebacker and call ‘fire, fire, fire,’ and change the protection,” Johnson said.

“And for him to do that was music to my ears.”

Gradually, Thomas grew and became dominant. And

in 2015 as juniors, Jackson rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns in Pace’s 42-21 win over Fitzgerald to capture the Georgia Class AA state championship at the Georgia Dome.

If Saquon Barkley wants to get excited about the Giants’ new rushing attack, he can just listen to Jackson describe Pace’s standard game plan.

“My coach would always run ‘33 Zone’ repeatedly to the left side because Andrew was at left tackle,” Jackson said.

Thomas still had doubters, though, including an unnamed coach connected to the Army All-American Game who told Johnson it was a mistake Thomas had been selected.

“Me being from New York, you know I had to handle it the way I’m gonna handle it,” Johnson, who also coached Jets corner Bless Austin at the youth level in New York, said with a laugh. “So I told (Andrew) to be at my house at 5:15 the morning of the All-American Game so we could get lastminute prep done.”

And the results showed later that day at the All-American practice, including two reps where Thomas dominated future Ohio State standout and Washington’s No. 2 overall pick Chase Young.

“As everyone knows, he dominated the All-American

practice,” Johnson said. “And everyone was there, the Chase Youngs, all those guys. And he dominated.”

From there, Johnson credits current Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, who recruited Thomas to Georgia, for continuing to mold Thomas into the NFL player he’s become.

“The business school was one of the keys to his going to Georgia,” Pittman said of Thomas, who has two semesters remaining. “And with Belinda and Andre, his mom and dad, they have a quality family. They’re quality people. It was easy to develop a relationship with them.”

The doubters faded away once Thomas got to the SEC and began handling the nation’s best on a weekly basis on national TV. Jackson, the Duke running back, said Slade’s program at Pace Academy definitely had “a somewhat (Bill) Belichicklike structure” to it, with set rules and expectations and organization. So he foresees Thomas acclimating well to Joe Judge’s program with roots in the Patriots Way. And Johnson said there is no doubt Thomas will fit in, no matter how strict Judge is.

“Because he doesn’t flinch,” Johnson said. “He’s been getting tough coaching since he was in middle school. When he got into Pace, it got even

tougher. My philosophy is if you don’t flinch for me, you won’t flinch for anybody.”

Johnson’s son, Kevin, also played quarterback at Richmond in 2016 for Spiders offensive coordinator John Garrett, the brother of Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. So he knows Thomas is in good hands.

“I think Coach Judge is gonna be the right coach for him, and the Giants are gonna be the right organization for him,” he said, also mentioning offensive line coach Marc Colombo’s pedigree as both an NFL player and coach. “I know what type of guys they are, how smart those guys are. I love Andrew in (Garrett’s) system. I think he’s gonna flourish in their system.”

For so many reasons, those close to Thomas never had a doubt he’d be in this position and now have no doubt he’ll thrive in New York. That doesn’t make this any less surreal or special, however.

“I don’t even have any words for it. We were all just speechless. We were just excited for him,” Jackson said.

“We always knew back then that Andrew was gonna be a top five pick. So it’s crazy that it actually happened.”

the Yankees to try and extend a contract to, but his back surgery in February has certainly added a wrinkle to that.

“His durability is what worries me,” one industry executive said. “He’s got great stuff, he didn’t seem at all phased by pitching on the big stage in New York or the playoffs.

“But a back injury is very worrisome,” the scout continued, “and he’s had a history of injuries throughout his career.”

Paxton has been on the IL nine times in his six-plus seasons in the big leagues. It was the sixth time he had missed starts because of injuries in the last three seasons. He had been on the IL in 2019, missing three and a half weeks with a left knee injury. Over

the past year, Paxton has been shut down with a left forearm strain, a left pectoral strain and lower back inflammation.

Paxton, who has never pitched more than 160.1 innings in a season, feels he has finally addressed the lower back issue that has plagued him over the years. On Feb. 5, he had surgery to remove a cyst on his spine, a condition that develops when there is a rupture of the spinal disks.

Paxton admitted in March he had been pitching with pain in his lower back for some time.

The surgery had been the last resort option after months of trying to rest and rehab the back. Paxton had suffered the injury in his last scheduled regular season start. After pitching one ineffective

inning in Texas, Paxton had what the Yankees said was a “glute” injury at the time.

Turns out he pitched with discomfort during the playoffs — despite looking absolutely dominant in two starts against the Astros (two earned runs over 8.1 innings pitched).

The late surgery date, right before pitchers and catchers were expected in Tampa for spring training, put Paxton’s walk season in jeopardy. The Yankees, who will have to sign starters to put around new ace Gerrit Cole, wanted to see if Paxton, who had an upand-down debut season with them, could be consistent and healthy.

Paxton, who pitched a nohitter for the Mariners in May 2018, flashed brilliance in the

first part of the season, but had his moments of struggle. He went into August with a 4.72 ERA and was tinkering with his pitches, like most getting more comfortable with the lively 2019 ball.

In August, however, Paxton found something with his knuckle-curve ball and used it to absolutely dominate. As the usage on his curveball spiked, jumping from 12.6% in July to 24% in August and 31% in September, he won 10 consecutive starts. From Aug. 2 to Sept. 21, Paxton pitched to a 2.25 ERA. Opponents had a miserable .167 batting average against him in that span as he struck out 68 batters over just 60 innings pitched.

“He wasn’t going to his fastball for strikes all the time, the

curve became a big strikeout pitch for him,” a National League scout advancing the Yankees last fall said. “He mixed it in well and hitters were having a really hard time with it.”

With Paxton on schedule to be ready for mid-May, as he predicted, he has a chance to show the Yankees — and certainly other teams who will be very interested — that he can build on the second half of his 2019 season. It’s a shortened look at a very talented pitcher, but with the Yankees also looking at losing Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ to free agency after this season, but one the Yankees should consider carefully.

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B4 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Register-Star

â&#x20AC;˘

The Daily Mail

â&#x20AC;˘

Shop & Find

R e a c h o u r r e a d e r s o n l i n e , o n s o c i a l m e d i a , a n d i n p r i n t â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R U N I T U N T I L I T S E L L S F O R O N LY $ 2 5 !

ClassiďŹ eds Place your classiďŹ ed ad onllne at: www.hudsonva1ley360.com

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(518) 828-1616 Please select option 5 Fax 315.661.2520 email: classiďŹ eds@registerstar.com legals@columbiagreenemedia.com

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

5HSRUW HUURUV LPPHGLDWHO\ 7R HQVXUH WKH EHVW UHVSRQVH WR \RXU DG SOHDVH WDNH WLPH WR FKHFN WKDW \RXU DG LV FRUUHFW WKH ӞUVW WLPH LW DSSHDUV ,I \RX VHH DQ HUURU SOHDVH FDOO LPPHGLDWHO\ WR KDYH LW FKDQJHG :H FDQ FRUUHFW DQ\ HUURUV LQ WKH QH[W GD\¡V SDSHU H[FHSW 6XQGD\ DQG 0RQGD\ ,I &ROXPELD *UHHQH 0HGLD LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH HUURU ZH ZLOO FUHGLW \RX IRU WKH FRVW RI WKH VSDFH RFFXSLHG E\ WKH HUURU RQ WKH ӞUVW GD\ RI SXEOLFDWLRQ +RZHYHU WKH SXEOLVKHUV DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU RQH LQFRUUHFW GD\ RQO\ DQG OLDELOLW\ VKDOO QRW H[FHHG WKH SRUWLRQ RI WKH VSDFH RFFXSLHG E\ WKH HUURU DQG LV OLPLWHG WR WKH DFWXDO FRVW RI WKH ӞUVW DG 7KH SXEOLVKHUV VKDOO QRW EH OLDEOH IRU DQ\ DGYHUWLVHPHQW RPLWWHG IRU DQ\ UHDVRQ

APN ENVIRONMENTAL L.L.C., Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/31/2020.

Office loc: Greene County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 54 Maple Street, Cementon, NY 12414. Reg Agent: U.S. Corp. Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Ave., Ste 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

BLACK CLOUD PROPERTIES, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/13/20.

Office: Greene County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, PO Box 506, Preston Hollow, NY 12469.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Town of Austerlitz Columbia County New York NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Austerlitz (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ownerâ&#x20AC;?) invites sealed bids for the installation of a 22-kW roof mounted south facing solar panel system.

The system shall be placed on the roof of the town highway garage which is located near 714 State Route 203 in Spencertown, NY. All bids must be rceived by 10:00am, Tuesday, May 19, 2020 to be considered.

Any bid received after the deadline cannot be considered.

Sealed bids are to be marked on the envelope as â&#x20AC;&#x153;BID FOR Town of Austerlitz Highway Garage Solar Panel Projectâ&#x20AC;?.

Bids are to be delivered by mail to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sue Haag/Town Clerk, PO Box 238, Spencertown, NY 12165.

The bids will be opened by the Town Clerk at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 and will be considered by the Town Board at the Town Board meeting on May 21, 2020.

Acceptance of bids hereunder and the awarding of contracts by the Town of Austerlitz shall be contingent upon the bids being in an amount acceptable to the Town Board as authorized and required by law. Proof of insurance is required.

The Town of Austerlitz reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any and all informalities and the right to disregard all non-conforming, nonresponsive conditional bids. All proposals become the property of the Town of Austerlitz.

Bid documents can be obtained on the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.austerlitzny.com.

By Order of the Town Board Susan Haag, Town Clerk Dated: April 24, 2020 FAIRVIEW Avenue Development, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on March 18, 2020.

Office in Columbia Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to is Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC, 43 British American Blvd., Latham, New York 12110. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Drayton Grove LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/25/2020. Office: Columbia County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 230 Allen St, Hudson NY 12534.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

CSArch 156-1901 Coxsackie-Athens Central School District

2019 Capital Project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phase 1 Roof Replacement and Tennis Courts Architect: CSArch 40 Beaver Street Albany, NY 12207 Owner: Coxsackie-Athens Central School District 24 Sunset Blvd.

Coxsackie, NY 12051 The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District will receive sealed bids to furnish materials and labor to complete the work of 2019 Capital Project - Ph 1. Each bid shall be on a stipulated sum basis for: Contract 01 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Site Work Construction (SC) Contract 02 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Roofing Construction (RC) Two copies of sealed bids will be received until 4:00 PM Eastern Time on May 18, 2020 at the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District Business Office, 24 Sunset Blvd, Coxsackie, NY 12051.

Bids received after this time will not be accepted and returned to Bidder unopened. Due to COVID-19 circumstances and with concern for personal safety, bids will be opened without an audience, however, can be observed/listened to by joining a Microsoft Teams Meeting; Call (518) 417-2807.

When prompted, enter conference ID: 405 412 050#.

Bidding Documents drawings and specifications may be examined by appointment, on and after May 1, 2020 free of charge at: Coxsackie-Athens Central School District 24 Sunset Blvd. Coxsackie, NY 12051 (518) 365-4544 A Pre-Bid Conference will not be held for this project. Bidders can visit the unoccupied site during business hours and shall make arrangements to visit the building for roof access by contacting Mr. Eric Besenfelder Director of Facilities (518) 365-4544.

It is the intention of this Project to be both environmentally and fiscally conscious of paper use and consumption.

Therefore, documents will be distributed as digital sets.

Bidding Documents, Drawings, and Specifications, may be viewed online free of charge beginning May 1, 2020 at w w w. c s a rc h p l a n room.com under 'Public Projectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, or electronically downloaded for a non-refundable charge of forty nine dollars ($49.00).

Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings, and Specifications, on either compact disc (CD) or paper sets may be obtained from Rev, 330 Route 17A, Suite #2, Goshen, New York 10924 Tel: (877) 272-0216, upon depositing the refundable sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each combined set of documents.

Checks or money orders shall be made payable to the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District.

Contractor will be responsible for cost of shipping of paper sets.

Each Bidder must deposit a Bid Security in the amount and form per the conditions provided in Instructions to Bidders. All Bids will remain subject to acceptance for forty-five (45) days after the Bid Opening. Owner may, in its sole discretion, release any Bid and return Bid Security prior to that date.

Bids shall not include New York State sales and compensating use taxes on materials and supplies incorporated into the Work, the Owner being exempt therefrom. The Bidders must comply with New York Sate Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Rate Schedule and conditions of employment.

The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities or irregularities in the Bids received, or to reject all Bids without explanation.

By Order Of: Coxsackie-Athens Central School District END OF DOCUMENT 001113 DG Electrical Services LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 2/20/20.

Off. loc.: Greene Co. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail 2412 Rte. 145, E. Durham, NY 12423.

Purp.: any lawfu Fraim's Lawn Care LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/6/20.

Off. loc.: Greene Co. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail 369 Ohara Rd., Freehold, NY 12431.

Purp.: any lawful.

PUBLIC NOTICE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CITY OF HUDSON, NY The Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public hearing requirement prior to signing proposed local laws has been suspended due to the public health emergency occasioned by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Mayor Kamal Johnson is considering signing the following proposed local law: Proposed Local Law Introductory No. D of 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Local Law Establishing an Alternate Date for the Meeting of the Board of Assessment Review.

Complete text of the above proposed law is posted on the front door of City Hall, 520 Warren Street OR may also be viewed on the city website www.cityofhudson.org Mayor Johnson is interested in accepting public comment virtually or via the telephone for the next week. If interested in commenting on this proposed law, please submit your comments to the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office (518) 828-7217 or email mayor@cityofhudson.org by Friday, May 8, 2020.

Tracy Delaney City Clerk Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the NYSDOT, Contract Management Bureau, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com. A certified cashier's check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to w w w. d o t . n y. g o v / d o ing-business/opportunities/const-notices.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into

its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at w w w. d o t . n y. g o v / d o ing-business/opportunities/const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons.

Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert K i t c h e n (518)457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/W/MBEs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 01: New York State Department of Transportation 50 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY, 12232 D264248, PIN 181056, Albany, Essex, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington Cos., Where & When Bridge Repairs, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $75,000.00), Goals: MBE: 8.00%, WBE: 13.00%

Real Estate 255

Lots & Acreage

Help Save A Life Today.

Please Donate Blood

Selling exclusively 91 Acres of pristine land in the process to be subdivided in Athens NY Greene County.

The land is relatively flat, partially wooded no wet land, exclusive high end location, near schools and all the shopping.

The owner is also considering partnership with a builder-developer, and he will consider any decent offer.

We anticipating to have approved in 2 to 3 months between 170 to 200 lots, all with municipal water and sewer, Electricity is on site already. We also offering 70% financing and we also have a Bank ready to fun this deal offering 75% financing at prevailing rate of interest.

We willing to talk to any developer who has a good track record feel free to contact us any time: 646-552-0455 or email us at :contraabc.yahoo.com; looking forward to hear from you soon we have many other sites ready approved,any size, any budget, simply inquire within......

Danny Odato the Land Specialist and Construction loan funding including land acquisition for 25 years.

Oxford Property Group USA Note: We expecting a boom of new homes buyers here upstate as peoples they escaping the congestion of the city right after the virus just like happened on 9-11 when we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t build homes fast enough, it will happen exactly the same so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan now to build new homes our economy can use it big timeâ&#x20AC;Ś..and we here to help !!!!!.

Employment 415

General Help

Press Room Position PRESSMAN- Experienced only need apply. Color pressman for six unit newspaper web press needed. Experience with plate room operations and reel room knowledge is a plus.

Second shift type hours.

Full time benefits offered include 401K, group health, dental, life insurance plans and vacation/sick days. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Please email iambrose@wdt.net or ccovell@wdt.net No initial phone calls please.

425

Sales Help Wanted

COLUMBIA-GREENE Media Corp. is seeking a full time Newspaper and Digital Advertising Sales Account Representative. Come join our multi-media sales team serving Columbia and Greene Counties.

Join our team of professionals who assist local businesses with their marketing goals utilizing the latest digital solutions as well as traditional print. Qualified candidate should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and have a proven successful sales record. Media sales experience preferred.

Candidate should be self-motivated, goal oriented and assertive. We offer base pay plus commission, 401K, health insurance, vacation and sick days. Valid clean NYS Driver's License required. Please send resume with 3 references to mdempsey@registerstar.com or cgmjobs@columbiagreenemedia.com

Merchandise For Emergency

Dial 911

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle

712

Antiques & Collectibles

CLEANING OUT during Corona Virus? STILL BUYING ANTIQUES & ANYTHING OLD! Attics/Basements.

Keeping social distancing.

CALL US 845-430-7200.

CMYK

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 B5

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Pineappleweed smells of pineapple when crushed and is identified by its yellow-green florets in a cone shape.

Clover is one of the main nectar sources for honeybees. It thrives in grassy places where animals and people often walk.

Can you spot these weeds?

Plantains came to North American as an invasive species

by Europeans. It grows along paths where people often walk.

Your own backyard is the perfect place for budding botonists to practice.

Go outside and see what you can discover.

If you’re interested in learning more about the outdoors, one book that can help is “The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs”

by Tristan Gooley.

Discovery in China may give the donkey added respect UNDERRATED: Creatures

have been an important part of history

By LELA NARGI Washington Post

Donkeys have a bad reputation.

They’re considered stupid, and stubborn, and lowly. All of which, says Fiona Marshall, an archaeologist at Washington University in St. Louis, is unfair and inaccurate.

“Whole trade routes were built on donkeys, and the wealth of ancient Egypt depended on them,” Marshall said of the sturdy horse relatives, which were once essential for moving goods around.

But over time, donkeys became animals for ordinary women.

“They were extremely intelligent, and essential to managing a farm, moving children, collecting water — but no longer associated with elite activity,” she said.

Marshall hopes that new research she published with scientists in China will restore donkeys’ good standing in history.

In 2012, those scientists excavated the tomb of a Tang Dynasty (AD 618907) noblewoman named Cui Shi, in the northwest Chinese city of Xi’an.

Inside they found something they weren’t expecting: donkey bones.

These were the first donkeys from this period found east of Iran, according to Marshall; that’s because donkeys probably died mostly on roads outside settlements, making their bones hard to find. The bones were also rare

wdt.me/fossil_jokes

Sciences

evidence that “donkeys still had high status at this time, and were still used by powerful people,” Marshall said.

The proof? Cui Shi had used the donkeys to play a game called Lvju.

This is a special kind of polo in which players ride donkeys instead of horses. The donkeys had been so important to Cui Shi that she had them sacrificed and buried with her, so she could continue to ride them and play Lvju in the afterlife.

The scientists figured this out in a few ways. First, they knew Cui Shi’s husband had been a famous polo

player, which meant that the game was very important to the family.

Second, Tang Dynasty law allowed animal sacrifice only for “a plausible special reason, like polo,” says Marshall. And third, the donkeys’ leg bones showed “stresses and strains that come from moving fast, then stopping suddenly. It’s not what you would see if they had just carried heavy loads and moved slowly.”

The discovery of these donkeys isn’t just important for what they show us about animals in the Tang Dynasty. They also tell us something

Whole trade routes were built on donkeys, and the wealth of ancient Egypt depended on them.”

FIONA MARSHALL Archaeologist at Washington University in St. Louis

important about women at that time.

Explains Marshall, “Tang women lived in a society that was quite cosmopolitan and multicultural, because the Silk Route brought traders

and people from all over Asia. And they had significantly more freedom than they would later on. The fact that they were allowed to mingle, and to play polo, is really fascinating.”

Tang women may have elevated the status of donkeys in society. But donkeys also helped to equalize Tang women. What the game of Lvju highlights for us, Marshall points out, is that women engaging in sports goes so much further back than Serena Williams or the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. “Women’s sports have a long and interesting history. That’s something that doesn’t get enough attention,” Marshall said.

What do you call a paleontologist who never gets any work done?

Why didn’t the dinosaur jump off the cliff?

Lazy Bones!

Find more at

The bones had stresses and strains showing that the donkeys were not used for carrying heavy loads. It is believed Cui Shi used them to play Lvju, a kind of polo. Institute of Archaeological Science, Fudan University

Because he was already extinct.

JUST JOKING

The skull of a donkey was among the bones found in the tomb of a Chinese noblewoman named Cui Shi, who lived between the seventh and ninth centuries. The discovery has scientists rethinking the role of donkeys centuries ago. Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Chinese Academy of

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B6 Wednesday, April 29, 2020

There may not be much for Jameis Winston to do as the Saints’ No. 2 Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Times

MARK J. REBILAS/USA TODAY

LSU Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen (8) against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 13 at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Ron Cook: AFC North is much improved after draft weekend Ron Cook Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“We feel like we were able to add a number of young talented players to the roster this weekend who fit our offense and defensive schemes.

We feel like we were able to address a number of needs across the roster on both sides of the ball. And, then, perhaps most importantly, we feel good about adding a number of individuals that embody the tough, smart, accountable culture that we are trying to build upon here ... “ Let’s test your football knowledge right from the start.

Which NFL general manager sat back in his virtual draft headquarters Saturday and made that assessment of his team’s selections?

Hint: There is no wrong answer.

All of ‘em said it, or at least something similar.

General managers and coaches always love their draft picks. It would be big news if they didn’t. You’ll be waiting a long time to hear one say, “We’re disappointed. We thought we would do better.”

The actual comments came from new Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry. He was more than justified if you believe the draft analysts. Sports Illustrated, for instance, gave the Browns a B+.

The site was kind to all of the AFC North teams — well, all but one — with its grades. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals received an A-. That leaves your Steelers.

They got a C, which isn’t surprising because they traded their No. 1 pick to get All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick last season and their third-round pick to move up to take linebacker Devin Bush last year.

What should be more troubling for Steelers fans is that their team’s division rivals had a strong draft and stronger offseason.

Start with the Ravens, who were 14-2 last season. They solved their biggest problem by taking LSU inside linebacker Patrick Queen with their first pick. Queen, the Defensive MVP in LSU’s national championship win against Clemson, should be quite an upgrade over their 2019 starters, Josh Bynes and L.J. Fort.

The team finally has a replacement for C.J. Mosley, who left as a free agent after the 2018 season.

“Ray Lewis Jr.!” NFL MVP Lamar Jackson gushed about Queen.

The Ravens allowed 4.4

yards per rush last season and were gashed for 217 rushing yards by the Tennessee Titans in their upset playoff loss.

They also had just four sacks from their defensive linemen in 2019. They addressed those issues before the draft by trading for Jacksonville defensive end Calais Campbell and signing Denver free agent defensive end Derek Wolfe after a deal for the Los Angeles Rams’ Michael Brockers fell through.

They also drafted Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison in the third round Friday night.

Last week, Jackson speculated how it would be wonderful if the Ravens signed Antonio Brown. That’s not going to happen, of course, not after the headaches that Ray Rice caused the team. But they did make Jackson happy by taking Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins in the second round even though they set an NFL record with 3,296 rushing yards last season. Dobbins should help now and in the future with back Mark Ingram nearing the finish line of a strong career and backup Gus Edwards due to become a free agent after the 2020 season.

Dobbins will help Jackson in the short-passing game, another target along with tight ends Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle.

The Browns should be much better than their 6-10 team last season when protection of quarterback Baker Mayfield was their biggest problem. They signed tackle Jack Conklin in free agency and drafted Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. with the 10th overall pick Thursday night.

The selection of Wills prompted Mayfield to scream on social media, “Let’s Go!!!!!!”

Retired Hall of Fame-bound Browns tackle Joe Thomas called Wills a “home run” pick.

The Browns could have a terrific offense. As long as receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is happy, he will be much better in 2020 in a new offense alongside Jarvis Landry. The team has Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the backfield — is there a better pair in the league? — and signed Atlanta tight end Austin Hooper as a free agent. New coach Kevin Stefanski likes to use two tight ends and has a second one now to go with David Njoku.

The Browns used their next three draft picks on defense.

LSU safety Grant Delpit could start immediately.

TAMPA, Fla. — Jameis Winston is not a living-vicariously kind of quarterback. He has a front-and-under-center type of personality.

Not that he had a better option, but it’s worth examining Winston’s plan to sign a oneyear contract with the Saints to back up Drew Brees.

It’s fair to question whether his decision-making will improve by constantly drilling down on these important matters: do I wear a hat or a helmet on the sideline? If it’s a hat, forward or backward? How often do I go for a cup of Gatorade?

There’s no doubt Winston will benefit by watching and learning from Brees both on and off the football field. He also will be coached hard and well by Sean Payton.

Then again, Bruce Arians knew something about coaching quarterbacks, too. Just ask Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck or Carson Palmer.

But in New Orleans, Winston will get a bird’s-eye view of how a pro’s pro at quarterback goes about his business.

He’ll learn how Brees protects the football and — most importantly — wins games. If the Saints lose, it’s rarely because of Brees.

At best, Winston is hoping to become Teddy Bridgewater, who went 5-0 as a starter when Brees was out with a thumb injury last season and parlayed that into a threeyear, $62 million contract with the Panthers.

But what nobody is saying is that Winston also could be Luke McCown, who backed up Brees, attempted one pass from 2013-14 and started the final regular-season game in 2015 after the Saints had locked up their NFC playoff seed.

Prior to last season, when he missed five games after tearing a ligament in his thumb, Brees had played at least 15 regular-season games for 15 straight years.

The truth is, not everybody can play second fiddle.

You remember way back to 2018?

Winston was suspended the

KIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball for an interception to end the game during overtime against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 29 at Raymond James Stadium.

first three games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

When he arrived at training camp, coach Dirk Koetter immediately announced that the Bucs would prepare Ryan Fitzpatrick to start the first three games of the season. Winston, he said, would have to lead from behind.

Fitzpatrick got virtually all the first-team reps in training camp with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, DeSean Jackson and Adam Humphries.

Winston spent most of his practice time throwing to Justin Watson and Freddie Martino.

Fitzpatrick passed for 400 yards and at least three touchdowns in his first three starts that season, beating the Saints in New Orleans and the defending Super Bowl-champion Eagles at home before losing the next week at Raymond James Stadium to the Steelers.

Winston’s first appearance that season came after the bye week, when he played some mop-up duty in a 48-10 loss to the Bears in Chicago. He went 16-of-20 for 145 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

Winston started the next three games but felt he had to

put up Fitzpatrick-like passing numbers and was benched again after throwing four interceptions in a 37-34 loss at Cincinnati.

It’s important to understand the job of a backup quarterback in the NFL. Once the regular season starts, the No. 2 quarterback will take virtually no reps during the week in practice.

He may get to operate the look squad for the defense.

But in that instance, Winston wouldn’t be running the Saints offense, but that of the opponent.

Even then, the Saints may opt to have Taysom Hill take some of those reps.

One way to combat that inactivity is to take extra reps after practice. Winston has always done this, even as a starter. His work ethic and devotion to his craft has never been questioned.

If he runs out of receivers, he’ll find an assistant coach or ball boy to throw to.

But as the No. 2 quarterback, you must be ready to go in the game cold, play fast and make plays.

Playing fast — too fast ? is what has gotten Winston in trouble at times.

He has been anything but

risk-averse.

Winston knows the flaws to his game. He must eliminate turnovers.

Koetter sat Winston down prior to the 2017 season to discuss his carelessness with the football.

“Maybe we’ve got to cut our risk a little bit,” Koetter said in a meeting captured on film

by HBO’s Hard Knocks. “Your M.O. in your career, you’ve always been a risk taker, even if it got you in trouble early in a game. Either you’ve been good enough, or your team has been good enough, to bail you out of it.

“Now we have a good team, by far the best team since you’ve been in the NFL. And you are a guy that’s able to win a game. But ... we don’t need you to lose a game for us.

You’re the only guy that can really lose a game for us, because no one touches the ball enough. So, there’s a fine line there.”

But there’s a thick line between starter and backup. It’s a different job and a different type of pressure.

Like fishing, it’s hours of boredom punctuated by complete insanity.

And sometimes, you never get a bite.

‘Bad Boys’ Pistons did more than just bully Michael Jordan Ben Golliver The Washington Post

In written form, Michael Jordan’s takes on the 1980s Detroit Pistons look an awful lot like Morse code.

The legendary guard (and legendary potty mouth) ripped into his longtime rivals during Sunday’s episodes of “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s 10-part documentary about the Chicago Bulls.

In Jordan’s view, Detroit guard Isiah Thomas was a lying “a--hole” spewing “bulls---.” Losing to the “Bad Boys” Pistons “f---ing hurt,” Jordan continued, because they “made it personal” and “physically beat the s--- out of us.” In response, Jordan encouraged his teammates not to “f---ing whine” to the officials, but to “be strong” and “beat these bullies.” Bulls forward Horace Grant got in on the action, calling the Pistons “straight up b---es” for refusing to shake hands after the 1991 Eastern Conference finals.

“I hated them,” Jordan concluded.

“That hate carries even to this day.”

But just as the Bulls outgrew the rivalry during the 1990s, Thomas and the Pistons enjoyed many memorable chapters before Jordan finally toppled them.

The “Bad Boys” were about far more than dirty play and an early exit.

Of course, the alliterative nickname was catchy and accurate. Dennis Rodman, Rick Mahorn and Bill Laimbeer all ranked among the NBA’s most physical and most hated players. Collectively, the Pistons relished being heels and spoilers. Their slow and punishing style produced the NBA’s second-ranked defense in 1989 and its stingiest unit in 1990, en route to the first two titles in franchise history.

Thomas led top 10 offenses throughout his prime, though, and he was a Hall of Fame playmaker who was regarded,

even by Jordan, as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Standing just 6-foot-1, he made the all-star team in his first 12 seasons in the league, averaged more than 20 points five times, and outdueled Magic Johnson for the assist crown in 1985.

His personality chafed Jordan and other superstars, but Thomas scored 25 points in a quarter in the 1988 Finals while hobbling on a bad ankle, scored 33 points in Game 7 to close out the Bulls in 1989, and averaged 27.6 points in the 1990 Finals, among other heroics. He was everything coaches then and now look for in floor generals: dynamic, intelligent, unselfish and committed to two-way play, with an excellent feel for the game.

Next to Thomas was Joe Dumars, a nononsense shooting guard whose defense also earned Jordan’s respect. Like Thomas, there was a potency to his offensive game. Dumars averaged better than 20 points per game three times and earned six all-star nods. After the “Bad Boys” era, he claimed the NBA’s inaugural Sportsmanship Award in 1996 and transitioned to the front office, where he built the 2004 Pistons’ title-winning team. Dumars, long regarded as one of the NBA’s great gentlemen, earned Executive of the Year honors in 2003, and he joined Thomas in the Hall of Fame in 2006.

There were other memorable characters on those teams, and their fearsome frontcourt standouts were far more than enforcers. Vinnie “the Microwave” Johnson was an elite sixth man whose fantastic nickname referred to how quickly he could heat up when he came off the bench.

Rodman, meanwhile, copped to trying to “physically hurt” Jordan in “The Last Dance.” At his core, though, he was a basketball genius, not a mere brute. The

Hall of Fame forward studied rebounding angles, handled a wide variety of defensive assignments and set the tone with his energy, earning all-star nods and all-defensive team selections during his seven years in Detroit.

Even Laimbeer, who antagonized fans and opponents with hard fouls, flopping, whining, trash talking and other on-court antics, had game. He averaged a doubledouble in seven straight seasons, earned four all-star selections and, at 6-foot-11, was one of the first big men to consistently take and make three-pointers.

The group was guided by coach Chuck Daly, who was so well-regarded that he was tapped to lead USA Basketball’s “Dream Team” at the 1992 Olympics, even though no Pistons made the cut.

Under Daly, the Pistons formulated the “Jordan Rules,” a famous defensive scheme that sought to punish its namesake, negate his advantages and exploit his few weaknesses. It worked better than anything Jordan saw before or since.

Together, the Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference finals five straight years from 1987 to 1991. They reached three straight Finals, barely missing out on a three-peat by just one win. In addition to eliminating Jordan’s Bulls in 1988, 1989 and 1990, they conquered Larry Bird’s Celtics in 1988, Johnson’s Lakers in 1989 and Clyde Drexler’s Blazers in 1990.

“We tried to win,” Thomas recently told the Detroit Free Press. “Really, that was it. It was no hidden agendas or anything like that. It was my team against your team, and let’s see who wins.”

The Pistons claimed more than their fair share of victories, and they beat everybody. No wonder they get under Jordan’s skin to this day.

CMYK

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 B7

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Niece is shocked to learn reason uncle is in prison Dear Abby, I cannot believe it! My parents tricked me into comforting a child molester.

When I was young, my uncle “Dave” went to prison. My family told it like this: “Dave had an affair with a 17-year-old girl who was DEAR ABBY pretending to be 18. They made a sex tape, her parents found it and accused him of rape. He went to prison for life.”

My parents visit and talk to him regularly, and they always encouraged me to communicate with him. They say he made “poor decisions” but doesn’t deserve his prison sentence. I felt bad for him, so I willingly joined in phone calls and letter writing.

I recently mentioned all this to a friend who is experienced in the legal field. He thought the story sounded peculiar, so we looked up Dave and found out he had multiple counts of sexual assault on a child under 14. In other words, my parents tricked me into regular conversations with a child molester.

I’m floored. Should I confront them? If so, what do I say? Should I tell my brother? I want nothing to do with Dave, and I’m horrified that my parents would lie in his defense.

Horrified In Oklahoma

JEANNE PHILLIPS

I can understand why you want nothing to do with this relative. Tell your parents that you have

Family Circus

written to me. Ask them why they chose to minimize what your uncle did and encourage you to communicate with a predator. Doing so was a gross betrayal of your trust. I’m not sure how they can justify their actions because it is the job of parents to protect their child.

You should absolutely tell your brother what has been happening because it’s appalling.

Dear Abby, My boyfriend and I live quite far from town and spend a lot of time in the car — usually his. He bought some air fresheners for his car, which made me nauseated and gave me headaches. I asked him to please remove them, but he refused because he doesn’t want to waste the $2.50. He said he likes the smell.

Abby, we have two other vehicles we can take.

I felt it was such a small thing he could do to make me feel better. He doesn’t agree. What is your opinion on the matter?

Stunk Up In Florida You may be allergic to something in that air freshener, which is why you got the headache and became nauseated. Asking your boyfriend to remove it was a small thing — not like asking him to remove a limb. If he were less self-centered and more considerate, he would have accommodated you.

Classic Peanuts

Garfield

Ear damage a known risk factor for commonly used antibiotic My wife had a laparotomy several months ago, and she lost the hearing in her right ear, possibly from an antibiotic given (intravenous vancomycin). She has had four steroid injections into the right ear, to no avail. She now has to be fitted with a hearing aid. What is the likelihood of her hearing ever coming back, and why did this happen?

TO YOUR Vancomycin is a commonly GOOD HEALTH used antibiotic in hospitalized patients, and in some infections, it is the only choice for resistant organisms. Vancomycin has several known side effects: It can cause people to become bright red during the intravenous infusion, and it can cause kidney disease, especially if the dose is too high, and especially if vancomycin is given with certain other antibiotics, such as streptomycin.

Damage to the ear is definitely a known risk factor of vancomycin. The ear damage is usually on both sides. Ear damage also is more likely at higher doses and is much more likely in older people. In one review, ear damage did not occur in people younger than 53, but 20% of people over 53 had measurable hearing loss. The cause seems to be damage to the nerve to the ear.

Most often, the damage is permanent. I can’t give you any percentages, as the best study I found did not include long-term follow-up.

DR. KEITH ROACH

I’m an 85-year-old woman. I’ve been on simvastatin for 15 years due to coronary artery disease, after I had a stent placed in 2005. Two months ago, I developed a strong muscle pain in both legs. My doctor stopped the simvastatin and said to wait two weeks then start Crestor.

The pain decreased when I stopped, but began to return after five doses of the Crestor. My doctor then stopped the Crestor and said to start Zetia. I am reluctant to start that as well.

Exercise seems to make the pain worse. Should I try CoQ10?

Plenty of people get muscle aches when taking statin drugs, like simvastatin and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Most cases begin within six months of starting therapy. Although it’s not impossible that the simvastatin caused the muscle pain, it is substantially less likely than if it had started within a few weeks or months of starting. A blood test for muscle breakdown (the CPK level) should be done to evaluate for a rare but very serious adverse reaction of rhabdomyolysis.

Before you pin the blame on your statin drug, low thyroid levels and vitamin D deficiency are risk factors for developing muscle aches, even without statins, but particularly in combination.

I’d recommend checking for those.

Pain in the legs that gets worse with exercise in a person with known blockages in the heart makes me wonder very much about blockages in the blood vessels of the legs. These blockages can cause claudication, which is a muscle pain brought on by exercise and relieved with rest. A simple ultrasound test can evaluate this possibility.

If no other cause can be found, changing to a different type of statin is a good idea. Most experts would try pravastatin or fluvastatin. These are the least likely to cause muscle aches. Other experts will try Crestor every other day. CoQ10 anecdotally helps some people.

If a person cannot tolerate any statin, ezetimibe (Zetia) is a reasonable choice. It reduces cholesterol absorption. While some people have developed muscle pain with Zetia alone, the reported rates for pain in the extremity were 2.7% on Zetia and 2.5% on a placebo pill, suggesting very little risk.

Horoscope

By Stella Wilder Born today, you have tremendous confidence born of self-awareness, and you are always treading a path that leads to a place you want to go — personally, professionally or both. You are flexible, however, and you do everything in such a manner that you are able to shift gears quickly, change your mind about central issues and alter your course with a minimum of fuss. In short, you never lock yourself into something that cannot be changed — even when it comes to love and romance.

You have great faith in progress itself, and you will always work to move things from the past through the present into a future marked by innovation and novelty. You can easily become frustrated if you are not permitted to explore what you think might be possible, and you are always compelled to push the limits of propriety and acceptability to arrive at something new that works for you.

Also born on this date are: Jerry Seinfeld, comedian and actor; Michelle Pfeiffer, actress; Dale Earnhardt, auto racer; Uma Thurman, actress; Daniel Day-Lewis, actor; William Randolph Hearst, publisher.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You are asked to do something today that is outside your comfort zone, but some clever improvisation allows you to meet the challenge.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Tensions are cooled today when you join the fray. You are able to use what you know, as well as your easy approach,

Blondie

Hagar the Horrible

Zits

Baby Blues to facilitate progress.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You may not be able to clear all obstacles from that path that lies ahead, but recent experience tells you that you can overcome them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You may have to embrace a necessary evil today in order to avoid something else that could be much worse. A friend arrives just in time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Your views clash with those of another — but that prompts you to examine what you think in a new way. You’ll win praise for your objectivity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You may not know, at the outset, just how you will get a certain task completed on time — but you are helped by someone unknown to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — What you provide to others throughout the day will be quite valuable, but you can’t expect everyone to benefit as you might hope.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — You mustn’t neglect your own needs today — and that means you may have to turn your back on someone else — at least temporarily.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You may have to make yet another trip in order to address a problem that still has nothing directly to do with you.

This is nothing new!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — You may not understand the reasons you have been assigned a certain task, but you can surely perform it well and have a lasting impact.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — You will have to take steps to ensure that things pan out the way you envision them. A sudden development means flexibility is a must.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Trust is a central issue throughout the day. You will surely want to speak your mind when someone gives you the opportunity to do so.

COPYRIGHT 2020 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.

Beetle Bailey

Pearls Before Swine

Dennis the Menace

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B8 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Close to Home

SUPER QUIZ

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Get the free JUST JUMBLE app • Follow us on Twitter @PlayJumble

Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

SEERU DAAPN HAWTTR HOTSEO ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Answer here:

“

Alliterative geography Level 1

2

3

4

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

”

-

Yesterday’s

Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

(Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: EXUDE HIKER JOGGER BURLAP Answer: When Jeanne Calment turned 122 in 1997, 121 was — HER OLD AGE

4/29/20

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

Heart of the City

sudoku.org.uk © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Each answer is a place name that consists of two words that begin with the same letter. The two starting letters are provided. (e.g., An inlet of the Atlantic Ocean between western Greenland and Baffin Island. (B.B.) Answer: Baffin Bay.) Freshman level 1. A Massachusetts peninsula south of Boston that is a popular resort area.

(C.C.) 2. The strait that connects San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean. (G.G.) 3. The capital city of El Salvador. (S.S.) Graduate level 4. The former name of Alaska’s Denali. (M.M.) 5. It gained independence from the Republic of Sudan in 2011. (S.S.) 6. Area of the southern U.S. where Protestant fundamentalism is dominant. (B.B.) PH.D. level 7. The capital of American Samoa. (P.P.) 8. The capital city of Ethiopia. (A.A.) 9. The capital of Nevada. (C.C.)

SUPER QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Cape Cod. 2. Golden Gate. 3. San Salvador. 4. Mount McKinley. 5. South Sudan. 6. Bible Belt. 7. Pago Pago. 8. Addis Ababa. 9. Carson City.

18 points — congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points — honors graduate; 10 to 14 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points — enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points — who reads the questions to you?

Mutts

Dilbert

Pickles For Better or For Worse

Get Fuzzy

Hi & Lois

Crossword Puzzle Mother Goose & Grimm ACROSS 1 Cleopatra’s killer 4 Climb 9 Cain raiser 13 “Guilty” or “Not guilty” 14 Dickens’ “A Christmas __” 15 Music’s Lady __ 16 “__ well that ends well” 17 Bamboozled 19 Change from brunette to blonde 20 One of the vital signs 21 Tenant’s contract 22 Mr. Gable 24 Unknown John 25 Tennessee team 27 Frank 30 Reveille’s message 31 Residence 33 Tennis court divider 35 Late July babies 36 Wild felines 37 Sandwich type 38 “Inside Politics” network 39 Cradle rockers, often 40 Cut off 41 Prose writings 43 Umpire’s cry 44 Internet pop-ups 45 Less than 5 feet tall 46 Stadium 49 Like a tightwad 51 As pretty __ picture 54 Cash register operator 56 Share a border with 57 Vexes 58 Ointment 59 Escape 60 SAT, for one 61 Lazybones 62 Man’s nickname DOWN 1 Supportive friend 2 Choices 3 Faux __; blunder 4 Scrubs

Bound & Gagged

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

5 Fill in window frame cracks 6 Word with liberal or graphic 7 __ one’s nerve; chicken out 8 Large tree 9 Shared the same opinion 10 Statistics 11 Suffix for percent or pack 12 Created 13 Upholsterer’s item 18 “Home __”; blockbuster 1990 film 20 Window part 23 Damsel 24 Root beer brand 25 Powder 26 “Goodnight, __” 27 Swindles 28 Sure to happen 29 Shortstop Jeter 31 Goals 32 Dangerous viper 34 __ up; shredded 36 Big name in potato chips 37 Frankfurt fellow

4/29/20

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

Non Sequitur

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

39 As __ a wet hen 40 Word in a red octagon 42 Least loony 43 Salt container 45 Begin a tennis game 46 “Be that __ may…”

47 Uncommon

4/29/20

48 BPOE folks 49 Not indecent 50 Satan’s realm 52 Filed charges against 53 Dined 55 Series for Jorja Fox, once 56 Near the rear of a plane

Rubes