eedition The Daily Mail March 14-15 2020

CMYK

The Daily Mail Copyright 2020, Columbia-Greene Media Volume 228, No. 53

All Rights Reserved

WEEKEND

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

Price $2.50

Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Virus disrupts schools, activities

nFORECAST WEATHER FOR HUDSON/CA TODAY TONIGHT SUN

By Abby Hoover Columbia-Greene Media Mostly sunny Sunny much Mainly clear and cooler of the time

HIGH 51

46 22

LOW 30

Complete weather, A2

INSIDE TODAY! Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15,

LOCAL, MEMBEROWNED FINANCIAL COOPERATIVE

- with

WE UNDERSTAND. Difference?

What’s the Credit UNion not profit.

We’re dedicated to people,

banked.com

be beUNbanked.com banked.com be 518-828-5216

MAKE THE SWITCH

518-828-5216

u. d e r s t a n dss yyo o u.

d e r s t a n dd e r s t a l i n s t i tnustt ii t u t i o notn h a tt h a a fi n a n cfii a i tituti UN t nancial s a fi n a nac i a l i n

on that

FOR GET MORE MONEY: YOUR FEES FEWER & CHARGES

AWESOME LOAN RATES!

?

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Federally insured by NCUA

TODAY!

nds you.

beUNbanked.com

tution that a financial insti

be stitution that a financial in

See DISRUPTS A2

File photo

Catskill Central School District will have a half day Monday to provide time for teachers to develop contingency plans for continued learning in the event of an emergency district closing.

2020 - C1

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

PY UNHAP your current -

HUDSON — As cases of the virus creep closer to Columbia and Greene counties, including two new cases in Albany County on Friday, local cancellations and postponements are piling up.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that all mass gatherings of 500 or more will be banned. Any gathering under that threshold will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent.

The governor also imposed new limits on visiting nursing homes. In an effort to protect the vulnerable elderly population, only medically necessary visits will be allowed.

All state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision locations are implementing new screening protocols for visitors. Visitors should expect additional security procedures and be prepared to answer questions regarding recent travel and contact with individuals displaying

symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Visitors will likely experience longer-thanusual wait times and may be denied entry if they appear ill or pose a risk to the health and safety of the facility based on questionnaire responses, according to the DOCCS website.

This includes the medium security Greene Correctional Facility, the maximum security Coxsackie Correctional Facility and the Hudson Adolescent Offender Facility.

Catskill Central School District will have a half day Monday to provide time for teachers to develop contingency plans for continued learning in the event of an emergency district closing, a letter from Superintendent Ronel Cook on Friday said.

Middle school and high school students will be released at 10:30 a.m. and elementary school students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m.

derstands you.

banked.com u. derstands yo

Farrow

Hospitals open test areas, restrict visitation

Ronan Farrow dumps publisher

By Kate Lisa

HACHETTE: Author disputes companies book deal with father, Woody Allen

Johnson Newspaper Corporation

By MEAGAN FLYNN Washington Post

The investigative journalreist Ronan Farrow, whose the porting helped launch revealed #MeToo movement, splitting last Tuesday that he is Hachette from his publisher, Book Group, after discovering publishits imprint would be father, ing the memoir of his Woody Allen.

Mia Farrow, Allen’s son with his sister, Farrow, has stood by

INSIDE TODAY!

n TEASER HEAD

ICC Award Winners Kate Lisa/Johnson Newspaper Corporation

The Varsity Club recently hosted their annual Winter Awards Ceremony PAGE B1

Dr. Clifford Bensen, chief medical officer administration with Columbia Memorial Health, speaks during a media briefing at Albany Medical Center on Friday afternoon about Capital Region hospitals’ preparedness plans and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

n LOCAL Village election time in Greene

Kate Lisa/Johnson Newspaper Corporation

Dr. David Liebers, Ellis Medicine’s vice president and chief medical officer, speaks during a media briefing at Albany Medical Center on Friday afternoon about Capital Region hospitals’ preparedness plans and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voters in Athens, Catskill Coxsackie and Tannersville go to the polls Wednesday.

PAGE A3

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

A3 A4 A5 A5 B1 B5-B6 B7-B8

ALBANY — Capital Region hospitals established outside testing areas, suspended routine visits and restricted patient visitation as part of their coronavirus COVID-19 response protocols, health officials said Friday.

Area hospital representatives outlined their COVID-19 preparedness plans in a media briefing Friday afternoon at Albany Medical Center. More than 10 area hospitals and health care facilities were represented at the briefing, including Albany Medical Center, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Columbia Memorial Health, Ellis Medicine, Saratoga Hospital Glens Falls Hospital and St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam.

Dr. Clifford Belsen, CMH’s chief medical officer, said CMH has tested fewer than 20 people for COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. Those tested in the Twin Counties includes two people who were under precautionary quarantine this week, but all results came back negative.

“It’s about 15 — we haven’t had to test many,” Belsen said.

“It’s obviously a smaller area.

The fear of a large number of cases and larger need for testing will be coming, but we have not had that yet.”

The Twin Counties had no positive cases of COVID-19 as of See HOSPITALS A2

First mobile coronavirus testing center opens

By Kate Lisa and Melanie Lekocevic Johnson Newspaper Corporation

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

Contributed photo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo opens the state’s first drive-through testing facility for the coronavirus Friday.

Pizza Party

HudsonValley360.com

Delivered by Bill Williams

Gov. Andrew Cuomo opened the state’s first drive-through COVID-19 mobile testing center Friday morning as the state’s number of confirmed cases surpassed 400.

The state has a total of 421 positive cases of the coronavirus statewide, including 96 new cases, with Schenectady County joining the list with its first case, the governor said Friday.

“New York now has the highest number of cases in the country,” Cuomo said, adding the state has surpassed Washington state, which has seen several dozen deaths.

Cuomo opened the six-lane, drive-through testing center in the city of New Rochelle in

partnership with Northwell and BioReference, the mobile testing center, which serves all parts of Westchester County. The facility tested up to 200 people Friday, and is expected to reach a daily testing capacity of 500 people in the coming days.

New Rochelle is a coronavirus “hot spot,” where many of the state’s positive cases reside.

“The single most important thing we can do to combat and contain the novel coronavirus is test for it,” Cuomo said. “The state’s first drive-through testing facility [will] ensure the highest-risk population gets the tests they need to help us contain and combat this pandemic in an efficient, safe, smart way. As we run our own test and test more people, the number of people that we find with the virus is

going to keep going up, but New Yorkers should continue to remain calm and remember that the more positive tests we find, the more we can limit the virus and reduce its spread.”

The mobile testing center is prioritizing tests for Westchester County individuals that are part of the highest-risk population, or senior citizens and those with underlying conditions. New Rochelle residents who would like to be tested can make an appointment by calling 1-888-364-3065.

After speaking with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, Cuomo also announced Friday the state received approval for 28 state and local labs to do testing for the

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.

Enter online at www.hudsonvalley360.com/pizzaparty

See TESTING A2

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A2 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Disrupts

Weather

From A1

FORECAST FOR HUDSON/CATSKILL

TODAY TONIGHT SUN

MON

Mostly sunny Sunny much Mainly clear Mostly sunny and cooler of the time

HIGH 51

46 22

LOW 30

TUE

WED

Cloudy with afternoon rain

Sunshine

51 32

47 23

47 34 Ottawa 38/16

Montreal 38/18

Massena 41/19

Bancroft 39/6

Ogdensburg 44/19

Peterborough 39/20

Plattsburgh 43/21

Malone Potsdam 39/16 42/20

Kingston 43/20

Watertown 42/20

Rochester 42/24

Utica 40/22

Batavia Buffalo 41/24 40/26

Albany 49/28

Syracuse 44/23

Catskill 51/30

Binghamton 41/23

Hornell 44/25

Burlington 45/21

Lake Placid 37/13

Hudson 51/30

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

Statistics through 3 p.m. yesterday

Precipitation 0.25”

Low

Today 7:09 a.m.

7:01 p.m.

12:07 a.m.

10:18 a.m.

Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

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

High

Sun. 7:07 a.m.

7:02 p.m.

1:18 a.m.

10:59 a.m.

Hospitals From A1

Moon Phases 57

Last

New

First

Full

Mar 16

Mar 24

Apr 1

Apr 7

43 YEAR TO DATE NORMAL

5.27 6.14

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

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

2

2

3

4

1 24

29

34

39

43

4

4

45

46

3

2

2

1

47

44

42

40

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 19/8

Seattle 44/31 Billings 41/16

Montreal 38/18

Minneapolis 35/24

Toronto 42/24

Detroit 43/27

New York 54/38

Washington 58/43

Chicago 38/32

Denver 50/29

San Francisco 57/48

Kansas City 40/30

Los Angeles 62/53

Atlanta 72/55 El Paso 69/48

Houston 81/66

Chihuahua 84/54

Monterrey 90/67

From A1

HAWAII

-10s

-0s

0s

showers t-storms

Honolulu 81/70

Fairbanks 23/17

rain

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

Hilo 81/69

Juneau 38/25

10s

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 61/41 pc 24/10 s 72/55 c 55/42 pc 56/38 pc 41/16 pc 77/63 c 55/40 sh 53/33 s 71/57 c 50/35 r 62/50 c 42/26 c 38/32 sn 43/31 r 41/30 pc 44/30 r 74/54 t 50/29 s 38/25 sn 43/27 s 54/31 s 81/70 sh 81/66 c 40/30 c 40/30 c 56/49 r 65/52 c

Friday afternoon.

“Testing is still somewhat in limited supply,” said Dr. Steven Hanks, chief clinical officer with St. Peter’s Health Partners. “We need more testing capability.”

Hospital representatives evaded answering how many tests each facility has. No one would provide an exact or estimated number of tests they have in stock.

All hospitals at Friday’s briefing have adopted strict visitation guidelines. No one under the age of 16 is permitted to enter a facility. Obstetric patients may have one support person at a time. Neonatal intensive Care Unit patients may have one birth parent and one significant other who must remain in the room for the visit.

Patients at the end-of-life may have two visitors. Minors under the age of 18 can have one visitor, parent or guardian, according to a statement from Albany Medical Health system.

Testing

Miami 84/72

ALASKA

Anchorage 24/10

Nutrition sites will be offering take-out meals through March 27. Seniors must call the center 24 hours in advance. Home meal delivery service will continue uninterrupted. For further information call 518-719-3555.

Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company has cancelled its March Breakfast.

“As much as we enjoy seeing our friends at these events, we felt this was in the best interest of the community,” Kelley Keefe said.

Chatham’s Crandell Theatre has postponed this weekend’s Farm Film Fest 12 until a later date. The theater will be open for regularly scheduled showings.

The public Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training scheduled for March 26 at Columbia-Greene Community College has been canceled.

Art Omi’s Saturday Children’s Workshops and Open Figure Drawing for Adults are postponed until further notice.

The Mid-Hudson Cablevision customer service window in Jefferson Heights (Catskill) will be closed until further notice. Customers can visit www.mhcable. net or call (518) 943-6600.

Roeliff Jansen Community Library is suspending all library events until the end of March.

The Windham Mountain season passholder party has been canceled, and the Town

Hall meeting will be call-in only.

Visit windhammountain.com for more details on the March 14 events.

Berkshire East and Catamount Ski Area are closed for the remainder of the winter season.

Read the letter from Jon Shaefer at catamountski.com.

The Strutting with the Stars fashion show at Helsinki, hosted by the Columbia Memorial Health Foundation and The Second Show, scheduled for March 25, has been postponed until Oct. 7. Carol Lavender of The Second Show said she is concerned because many of the volunteers who help run the secondhand store are seniors.

Lavender said she has not considered closing the shop, which benefits Columbia Memorial Hospital and its Auxiliary, and Operation Unite.

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Hunt said many businesses in Columbia County expect this to be a slower time of year, but he hopes people will continue to support small businesses during this time.

Each visitor is interviewed and asked about their respiratory symptoms before they can enter the hospital. All vendors will have their temperature taken before allowed entry. Any person with a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit will not be permitted into the hospital.

Capital Region hospital COVID-19 tests sent to the Wadsworth Center atthe state Department of Health in Albany.

Health officials at Friday’s briefing agreed: All tests results have come back within 24 hours.

Columbia Memorial Health is conducting tests at three Columbia County sites: The emergency department at Columbia Memorial Hospital and at two Rapid Care facilities — one at 283 Mountain View Road, Copake and 2827 Route 9, Valatie.

Residents with symptoms of the coronavirus, which include coughing, fever and shortness of breath, are directed to call their primary health care providers to determine if they need a test.

“They have been approved for that since Wednesday,” Belsen said of CMH’s testing sites. “It runs much smoother if

we know that you are coming.

The Rapid Care facilities are relatively small with one provider and one receptionist, so if people immediately go there, they could overwhelm the testing facilities.”

Patients can be tested with a swab to the nose and throat from their vehicles, if necessary, to limit exposure, Belsen said.

Albany Medical Center has 46 ventilators, Belsen said. Columbia Memorial Hospital has about a dozen ventilators.

Hospitals are preparing to cancel elective surgeries and call in extra staff to accommodate extra beds or assistance.

“This is a fluid situation that is changing by the hour,” said Dr. David Liebers, infectious disease specialist with Ellis Medicine. “We have not had enough patients in our community to merit that response as of yet.”

Patients need a referral from their primary care provider for assessment and potential testing, Hanks said, adding a provider can make the determination can be made over the telephone, or by video call if necessary.

Area hospitals have conserved supplies and created separate locations for COVID-19 patients to reduce the virus spread. Albany Medical Center set up a large, white tent in the parking lot removed from the emergency department.

“This way, we can properly direct our patients where they need to go without compromising our other patients or staff,” said Dr. Ferdinand Venditti, Albany Med’s general director and executive vice president for System Care Delivery. “We are a Level 1 trauma center. There are many things we do that are very important and unique to our community and these testing sites will help aid containment and control.”

CMH created a hotline dedicated to COVID-19 questions and recommendations. Residents with questions or concerns can call 518-828-8249, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Whatever the number of cases is right now, it will be greater tonight, greater in a week and greater in a month,” Liebers said. “But we’re prepared to handle all of that.”

requirement that the school be open for at least 180 days to receive state aid.

Of the 421 New Yorkers who have been infected, 50 of them — or 12% — have been hospitalized, with 18 in intensive care units.

Statewide, there are 3,200 ICU beds in New York hospitals. The capacity of hospitals to treat the most serious cases is another area of concern, Cuomo said.

“This is where Italy got in trouble — they didn’t have enough ICU beds to handle all the people who needed that care,” Cuomo said, adding elective surgeries may be canceled to free up ICU beds.

Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy held a second briefing Friday morning to announce two additional Albany County residents tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to four. Two positive cases in the county were confirmed Thursday morning.

“Our two new cases are directly related to one of those individuals,” according to Mary Rozak, director of communications with McCoy’s office. “They had already been quarantined at home, remain there and are recovering.”

The Guilderland Central School District was closed Friday after a student tested positive.

As fears over the virus continue to grow, Cuomo urged New Yorkers to remain informed, but calm.

“We are dealing with the virus and we are dealing with people’s perceptions,” he said. “The anxiety and the panic can be a more difficult issue than the underlying issues that you are dealing with.”

Cuomo’s daughter was put into precautionary quarantine, he said, because she had been in contact with a person who had been in a coronavirus “hot spot.”

It is likely the virus was present in the state before anyone knew it, and as testing ramps up, Cuomo said he expects many more cases to surface. It is not known how long the coronavirus will pose a health risk, but the governor expects the pandemic to continue for several months.

“This will not be a quick situation — it will not be done next week, things will not be back to normal next week,” Cuomo said.

“This will be months, so prepare yourself. And this is going to be everywhere.”

But 80% of cases will

self-resolve, Cuomo said.

“The facts do not justify the fear,” he added.

The virus has been detected in 15 counties. Westchester has 158; New York City, 154; Nassau, 51; Suffolk, 28; Rockland, 9; Ulster, 5; Saratoga, Dutchess and Orange, 3; Albany, 2; and one each in Broome, Delaware, Herkimer, Monroe and Schenectady.

-Abby Hoover is a reporter for Columbia-Greene Media. Contact her at ahoover@registerstar. com or (518) 828-1616 with updates to this list.

SUN AND MOON

ALMANAC Temperature

In addition, the following events have been postponed: CMPSA Cabaret Night on March 13, Exit 21 basketball on March 14, GCMEA Spring Rehearsal and Concert on March 18, Future Freshman Night on March 19, and All County March 20.

All athletic practices and afterschool extra-curricular activities will continue as planned.

It is the district’s goal to provide materials and activities that are accesible to students regardless of their access to technology, Cook wrote.

Hudson City schools will be closed to all activities this weekend to deep clean as a precaution. HCSD and other area school districts were closed Friday for a previously scheduled Superintendent’s Conference Day. The Windham-AshlandJewett Central School District remained closed Friday after an individual related to a staff member began experiencing flu-like symptoms. The individual has since tested negative for COVID-19, but the district remains closed as a precaution.

WAJ administration will advise parents no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday if the school will reopen

next week.

Hudson Little League postponed its Ziti & Meatball Dinner, as well as all Little League functions at least until April 6.

Hudson Youth Department Basketball League is cancelled this weekend. Youth can stop by the Hudson Youth Center at 18 S. 3rd St. to pick up team photos and medals Monday through Friday 3 to 9 p.m.

University at Albany inperson classes are cancelled for the rest of the semester after a student tested positive Wednesday. All SUNY schools will move to distance learning after spring break. Columbia-Greene Community College is conducting business as usual and is taking necessary precautions.

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has temporarily suspended the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the COVID-19 outbreak. More information can be found at www.rcda.org/coronavirus.

Kinderhook officials are asking constituents to refrain from visiting their offices or participating in activities at the facility if they have any symptoms. Constituents should call 518-7842233 with questions.

The Greene County Department of Human Services announced Friday that all Senior

Sun. Hi/Lo W 68/41 pc 24/14 pc 68/48 r 49/34 pc 54/32 pc 25/13 sn 68/55 r 56/36 c 44/27 s 69/51 r 52/41 pc 55/42 r 53/29 pc 43/30 s 49/30 pc 40/28 s 48/30 pc 68/58 c 58/33 pc 45/30 pc 43/25 s 50/22 s 80/70 sh 82/63 c 45/28 s 46/34 pc 59/48 c 69/49 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 Hi/Lo W 58/41 t 62/53 sh 84/72 pc 37/30 c 35/24 pc 56/41 r 82/65 c 54/38 pc 57/45 pc 61/39 r 38/25 sn 88/64 pc 55/39 pc 71/55 pc 45/29 r 51/26 s 46/30 r 55/33 s 62/45 c 60/42 c 55/45 sh 39/31 r 62/48 pc 57/48 sh 78/59 c 44/31 r 87/67 pc 58/43 pc

Sun. Hi/Lo W 55/42 c 62/50 sh 85/70 pc 39/30 s 41/33 pc 56/40 pc 80/65 pc 50/32 s 51/45 r 53/44 c 44/31 pc 89/66 pc 52/32 pc 76/56 pc 47/31 pc 42/20 s 46/30 sh 48/26 s 48/41 r 51/38 c 56/41 r 47/34 s 66/46 pc 57/45 r 79/55 c 46/33 pc 85/67 pc 55/39 pc

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

novel coronavirus beginning next week.

The decision will enable the state to run 6,000 tests per day — a dramatic increase, Cuomo said during a COVID-19 briefing at the state Capitol.

“To date, we have done about 3,000 tests, so that is a very big difference,” Cuomo said. “Testing is probably the single most important thing we could be doing now.”

The governor also issued an executive order that will waive the seven-day waiting period to be eligible for unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their job as a result of the virus.

With calls for schools to be closed as a precaution against spreading the coronavirus, Cuomo said the decision will be left to local school districts. Schools with a student or faculty member who have had a positive test result are mandated to close for at least 24 hours so the facilities can be cleaned.

For schools that close due to the virus, the state will waive the

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA The Register-Star/The Daily Mail are publishedTuesday through Saturday mornings by Columbia-Greene Media (USPS 253620), One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202, Hudson, NY 12534, a subsidiary of Johnson Newspaper Corp. Periodicals postage paid at Hudson, N.Y., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Register-Star, One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202, Hudson, NY 12534.

TO SUBSCRIBE To order a subscription, call our circulation department at (800) 724-1012 or logon to www.hudsonvalley360.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Digital Pass is included with print subscription Daily (Newsstand) $1.50 Saturday (Newsstand) $2.50 Carrier Delivery (3 Months) $71.50 Carrier Delivery (6 Months) $143.00 Carrier Delivery (1 Year) $286.00 EZ Pay Rates: 3 months $65.00 6 months $130.00 1 year $260.00 DIGITAL PASS ONLY RATES: Includes full access to HudsonValley360.com and the e-edition.

3 Months $30.00 6 Months $60.00 1 Year $120.00 Home Delivery & Billing Inquireries Call 315-782-1012 and reach us, live reps are available Mon.-Fri. 6 a,m - 5 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. - noon Sun. 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

powered by Register-Star and The Daily Mail

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

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - A3

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

CALENDAR Monday, March 16 n Athens Town Board 6:45 p.m.

Town Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518-9451052 n Greene County Legislature special health services committee meeting and a special public safety committee meeting prior to the economic development; Gov. Ops.; finance; and Rep. and Dem caucus 6 p.m. Greene County Office Building, 411 Main St., Catskill n Greenville Town Board 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 11159 Route 32, Pioneer Building, Greenville

Tuesday, March 17 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. at Town Hall, 7309 Route 81, East Durham n Hunter Town Board 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville

Wednesday, March 18 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 n Catskill Central School District BOE 6:30 p.m. High School Library, 341 West Main St., Catskill n Catskill Town Board Committee 6:30 p.m. Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill n Coxsackie Village Election Day 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie n Greene County Legislature meeting No. 3 6:30 p.m. Greene County Office Building, 411 Main St., Catskill

Thursday, March 19 n Coxsackie-Athens Central

School District BOE meeting 6:30 p.m.

High School Library, 24 Sunset Blvd., Coxsackie n Coxsackie Village Budget Work Session 6:30 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie n Coxsackie Village Planning Board 7 p.m. Village Hall, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie

Monday, March 23 n Catskill Village Planning Board

7 p.m. Senior Center, 15 Academy St., Catskill n Greenville CSD BOE/Budget 4 Meeting 6 p.m. MS/HS Library, 4976 SR 81, Greenville

Tuesday, March 24 n Catskill Town Planning Board 7

p.m. Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill

Wednesday, March 25 n Athens Village Board 6:30 p.m.

Village Hall, 2 First St., Athens 518945-1551

Kozloski, Aldi spar for village board seat

By Raymond Pignone Columbia-Greene Media

CATSKILL — One contested race for the Catskill Village Board of Trustees pits incumbent Joseph D. Kozloski against newcomer Samuel D. Aldi.

SAMUEL D. ALDI Aldi, 68, is the receiver of taxes for the town of Catskill. He is a retired licensed registered nurse and a retired licensed perfusionist — a health care professional who operates the heart–lung machine during cardiac surgery and other procedures that require cardiopulmonary bypass.

He is running on the Republican and Village Visions party

lines on the March 18 ballot. He has lived in Greene County since 1994. Prior to that he called Schenectady, Scotia and New York City home.

Aldi listed issues that he wants to address if elected.

“One is the infrastructure improvements to build the future of our village while we still try to maintain and preserve the historical integrity of our village,” he said.

Senior and low-income housing are high on his priority list.

“We have a five-year waiting list for senior housing,” Aldi said. “We also have over 50

people waiting for low-income housing at the Catskill Housing Authority. We need more living spaces throughout the village.”

Aldi also wants more education as a way of fighting the opioid crisis and an increase in the number and sustainability of the village’s youth programs.

JOSEPH D. KOZLOSKI Kozloski, 68, is retired from the state Bridge Authority. He is a Democrat with endorsement by the Greene County Independence Party. He was a village trustee from 2005-14 and a Greene County legislator from 2013-15. He returned to the village board in 2017.

He cited two key issues faced by the village: a housing shortage and the water supply.

“The first is to increase our tax base by bringing in more businesses and much-needed affordable housing,” Kozloski said. “In the village there are a few vacant parcels that could be used for multiple-unit housing.”

To address the housing issue, Kozloski said, trustees met recently with Realtors, Greene County Tourism and Development and other local officials to learn why the vacant lots were not being sold or developed.

More meetings will be held to

formulate a plan of action.

“The second issue is the $2.9 million grant the village just received,” Kozloski said. “By being thoughtful in the allocation of funds, we may be able to get the 1.5 million-gallon water storage tank that is needed. If our 16-inch water line that is about 9 miles long has to be repaired, we can draw from that water storage tank so residents and businesses may not be without water while the line is repaired.”

During Kozloski’s tenure in office, he is most proud of helping bring Catskill Commons, Urgent Care and Crossroads Brewing to the village.

Three vie for two trustee seats in Coxsackie

By Raymond Pignone Columbia-Greene Media

COXSACKIE — Three candidates are competing for two seats on the Coxsackie Village Board of Trustees. Joseph Ellis is running on the Democratic and Republican lines. Katlyn E. Irwin is running on the Democratic line. Rebecca O. Vermilyea is running on the Republican line.

JOSEPH ELLIS “Many tough and important decisions will be made during the next term,” Ellis said.

Reviewing water and sewer rates for the village and the new county jail, the village budget, capital expenditures for village equipment and renovations to the former firehouse at 16 South River St. top the list, Ellis said.

The UMH lawsuit and repairs to the reservoir system are other major challenges.

His proudest accomplishment in office to date, Ellis said,

is “my contribution to the current improved fiscal status our village now enjoys.”

Another is the $17 million wastewater plant upgrade to the 60-year-old plant started last summer that will stop overflows into the river. The Department of Corrections will pay about 60% of the cost and the village obtained a $2.5 million grant.

Ellis, 69, is a retired controller for Atlantic/Blue Circle Cement and Lafarge Cement in Ravena and a 1977 graduate of Russell Sage College.

KATLYN IRWIN The village of Coxsackie is experiencing a significant amount of change and development, and Irwin is looking for public participation.

“It is very important to me that all of the residents of our community have a voice in how it does so,” Irwin said. “There is a lot of room to improve upon communication and inclusivity.”

Irwin wants to balance growth with the qualities that make the village appealing.

“I hope to ensure that as we grow, we put first the concerns and interests of those of us who call it home,” she said.

If elected, Irwin said, she wants to “bridge the gap between the new additions to our community and those who have lived and worked here their whole lives.”

Irwin, 36, is a wine steward and works part-time for the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District. She is a graduate of SUNY Albany.

REBECCA VERMILYEA Vermilyea is running on the Republican line. She is a lifelong resident of Coxsackie. She is the former owner-operator, along with her late husband Frank, of Vermilyea’s Downtown News & Lunch, True Value Hardware, V&S Variety, Vermilyea Brothers Ice Company and a distributor of Leisure Time Water.

“As a business owner, I developed a strong appreciation of the role small businesses play in serving the needs of our community and employing local residents,” Vermilyea said. “As a result, I want to work to support the creation of more small businesses in our community and

support those who are currently here.”

She is retired from Greene County Emergency Services, experience she said will serve her well in assuring first responders they have the equipment and resources they need.

With Our Thanks The family of George Story would like to thank everyone in the community who came out recently to help us celebrate his 100th birthday.

Dad was surprised and humbled to see so many familiar faces. He had a wonderful time during the Open House and in the days following as he enjoyed the many gifts and cards he received.

From Dad and his family - a big THANK YOU to all for making it such a special day!

Three in contest for two Athens board seats

By Raymond Pignone Columbia-Greene Media

ATHENS — Three candidates are running for two seats on the Athens Village Board.

Incumbents Gail A. Lasher and Joshua B. Lipsman are running on the Democratic and Independence party lines. Rickie Gabrielle is running on the Republican party line.

RICKIE GABRIELLE Gabrielle’s concerns are taxes, assisting the elderly and construction of the DPW garage, which is expected to break ground this spring.

If elected, Gabrielle also wants to renew economic incentives to bring additional business to Second Street.

Gabrielle has coached and managed Little League teams.

He was a baseball umpire for many years and is an associate member of the Athens Fire Department.

GAIL A. LASHER Lasher has extensive political

experience on the village board.

She has served as a trustee for 10 years and is seeking her sixth term in office.

The latest proposed Hudson River project for the village is of utmost concern to her.

“The top issue facing this community is the proposed C&D site located on Route 385 adjacent to the boat launch,” she said.

If she is re-elected, Lasher wants to continue to work with the village board and the village’s civic organizations.

JOSHUA B. LIPSMAN Lipsman, 63, strongly opposes the Athens Stevedoring waste processing and transfer facility proposal for the waterfront.

“I will make sure we use every means of legal review available to us for this proposal and hold it to every single environmental, public health and quality of life standard that applies,” he said.

In the long-term, Lipsman is a strong proponent of the joint town-village comprehensive

Easter Services PUBLISHING: APRIL 9, 2020 Church Services in Columbia & Greene County

DEADLINE: APRIL 6, 2020

Call for details:

Patti McKenna pmckenna@registerstar.com 518-828-1616 ext. 2413

plan that will “address the economic, environmental and infrastructure challenges we face.”

His proudest achievements include the comprehensive plan, a Clean Energy Community designation and the Community Choice Aggregation program.

TANNERSVILLE ELECTION In Tannersville, Leigh McGunnigle Jr., and George C. Bain Jr., are running unopposed for two seats on the village board.

There is no election in the village of Hunter this year.

Personal & Commercial Lines of Insurance Over 100 Years of customer service!

332 Main Street ~ Catskill, NY 12414 www.catskillinsurance.com

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A4 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 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

Can sports rebound after coronavirus?

All the things that mattered in the world of sports just 48 hours ago — the national championship in college basketball, Opening Day of baseball, the postseasons of the NBA and the NHL — no longer matter.

A microbe brought down giants that even the worst physical injuries could not defeat.

We are now facing life in the surreal world of coronavirus.

The sports world has been supplanted by the real world.

One thing, however, does matter. A sense of optimism remains for Major League Baseball, NBA and NHL, if not for the NCAA Tourna-

ment, where coronavirus wiped out the dreams of hundreds, if not thousands, of college athletes. MLB hopes to return sometime in April. The NBA is on hiatus pending a reassessment in 30 days. The NHL’s plans for a resumption of play are hazy. No cancellations have been announced.

It was a disappointing course of action, but it was something that had to be done to protect players and fans. Imagine the chaos had players became so ill that they could not play in the postseason. It would have been valuable time and money wasted and the seasons would have been lost

anyway. And if this is tough on fans and players, think about the ancillary businesses that are sure to suffer big economic losses.

The coming days will be pivotal for big-time American sports. Will it be business as usual when the games resume? Will it mean unfinished, what-if, asterisk-filled seasons? Will the games resume at all?

The safety of fans and players is paramount and leagues had no choice but to do what they did. We can’t change that. But if there are broken seasons capped by meaningless championships, it will change everything in sports.

ANOTHER VIEW

Quarantining cities isn’t needed.

But a fast, coordinated response to Covid-19 is essential.

Scott Gottlieb and Caitlin M. Rivers The Washington Post

Dramatic measures have been taken over the past week to fight the coronavirus epidemic in the United States. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ban on most flights from Europe, except for the United Kingdom, on Wednesday night came at about the same time the National Basketball Association suspended the rest of the basketball season. In New York on Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, dispatched the state’s National Guard to New Rochelle, amid a major coronavirus outbreak, to enforce new rules closing large gathering places, such as places of worship and social halls, within a one-mile “containment zone.”

No doubt similar steps will be taken elsewhere in the next days and weeks. The most appropriate are those, such as the cancellation of large indoor gatherings, that encourage social distancing.

They will help mitigate the spread of Covid-19, slowing it down and allowing medical facilities to deal with the sickest among us without being overwhelmed.

What is not needed in the steps are being undertaken in a piecemeal fashion. the United States: dracoThat’s not good enough. nian use of the geographic Part of the coordination quarantine, also known as a should include devising ways “cordon sanitaire,” or just a “cordon.” Movement restric- to offset the hardships they impose on cities, small busitions have been employed nesses and vulnerable Amerin large parts of China, and icans whose incomes would on Tuesday the Italian govbe disrupted. Federal loans ernment placed the entire and grant programs could be country on a lockdown, vital to that effort. followed on Wednesday by The coordination bean announcement that all tween government and stores except pharmacies public health officials should and food markets would be include benchmarks that closed. Italy now has more than 10,000 diagnosed cases, must be met before mitigation measures can be lifted. and its hospitals, especially in the north, are on the brink Each city and state should be working from a common of collapse. set of principles for assessing The United States isn’t in closure of schools, businessthat dire state yet, and with es and transit. It is important the proper use of well-coordinated mitigation measures to give local health officials discretion to tailor measures across the country, we can to local resources and needs, prevent that outcome.

There is still time to imple- but there should be general ment tough mitigation mea- criteria to guide these decisions. sures that would reduce the Eschewing the drastic scope of a nationwide epidemic. But that opportunity measure of imposing cordons does not mean going narrows with each passing lightly against Covid-19. day.

In addition to stopping Gottlieb is a former commissioner large indoor gatherings, of the Food and Drug Administramitigation includes clostion. Rivers, an epidemiologist, is a ing schools and mandating senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. telework. But right now,

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ‘Fitting people with books is about as difficult as fitting them with shoes.’

SYLVIA BEACH 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

Despite bipartisan lament, upward mobility lives on WASHINGTON — Today’s bipartisan Cassandra caucus includes Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren (“the rich get richer while everyone else falls behind”) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (“our standard of living has fallen”) and Republican Sens.

Marco Rubio (“we have been left with an economy and a society no one is happy with”) and Josh Hawley (“Over the last several decades, inflationadjusted wages for the working class have barely budged”). The caucus says America’s economy is primarily producing disappointment, even misery.

This narrative is largely false, yet can be self-fulfilling.

Fortunately, Michael Strain’s just-published “The American Dream Is Not Dead (But Populism Could Kill It)” is an inoculation against politically motivated misinformation.

Strain, of the American Enterprise Institute, acknowledges that many towns damaged by automation and globalization are struggling, “But most towns are not former manufacturing towns.” Since September 2010, the last month with a net job loss, the economy has added an average of about 200,000 jobs per month, and today there are more job openings than unemployed workers, which is one reason wage growth is accelerating and already is over 3%. For the bottom 10% of earners, weekly earnings have grown 20% over the past four years. The unemployment rate for workers without even highschool diplomas is further below its long-term average than is the rate for college-educated workers.

Hawley says 70% of Americans — those with neither family wealth nor four-year college degrees — “haven’t seen a real wage increase in thirty years.”

Wages for typical workers, Strain says, have risen 34% over the past three decades. Using the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index as a more accurate measure of inflation than the consumer price index (CPI), wages increased by

WASHINGTON POST

GEORGE F.

WILL 21% between 1973 and 2018. In this period, Strain says, wages for the 10th percentile have increased 36%, for the 20th percentile 34%, for the 30th percentile 29%. The picture is brighter still when the focus is broadened beyond wages to include, for example, employerprovided health care, which is untaxed compensation.

The Congressional Budget Office calculates “income after taxes and [government] transfers” which is income available to save and spend. Since 1990 it has increased 44% for the median household, for the bottom 20% it has increased 66%.

Furthermore, Strain says, the gap between rich and poor “has stopped growing and might even be declining.”

The argument that the typical household’s and individual’s quality of life has not improved for decades, says Strain, “borders on the absurd.” Leave aside the vast but difficult-toquantify product quality improvements (e.g., cell phones before and after smartphones; automobiles in 1990 and 2020).

Between 1983 and 2016, the median net worth for a family increased from approximately $52,000 to $97,300.

It is true, Strain says, that “employment in middle-skill, middle-wage occupations has been shrinking” as robots have replaced some manufacturing workers, ATMs have replaced bank tellers, software has replaced bookkeepers. Yes, between 1967 and 2018 the portion of households in the middle fell from 54% to 42% — but the share of low-income households (earning less than

$35,000, measured in constant dollars) also fell from 36% to 28%, and the share of households earning over $100,000 has tripled, from, 10% to 30%.

Upward mobility remains real. About seven out every 100 Americans raised in the bottom 20% reach the top 20%. Seventy-three percent of Americans in their 40s have higher (inflation-adjusted) family incomes than their parents had, including those raised in the second quintile of income distribution — the principal target constituency for populists left and right.

Two-thirds of children raised in the bottom quintile rise above it in their prime earning years.

And more than 60% of the children raised in the top quintile do not remain there.

Strain says “the populist message of economic and social despair” causes diminished expectations: When vociferous members of both parties say Americans are helpless victims of a system rigged by elites, this enervating message dims aspirations and reduces effort in an increasingly risk-averse nation that already is showing reduced restlessness and geographic mobility.

Intellectual trends — including the idea that human agency and personal responsibility are radically attenuated in complex societies — have produced a curdled politics emphasizing victimhood and resentments.

These sour preoccupations make people susceptible to the infantilizing temptation of tantrum populism that demands the benefits of economic dynamism with none of its inevitable frictions and dislocations.

It is unfortunate that the Cassandra caucus might prosper politically by misdescribing America’s economic prosperity. It is unforgiveable that the misdescription might be selffulfilling.

George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. (c) 2020, Washington Post Writers Group

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Closer oversight needed To the editor: The audit conducted by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli of the Public Service Commission and its oversight of the Charter/ Spectrum merger agreement has exposed serious shortcomings that need to be corrected.

The audit undertaken at the request of Assembly member Didi Barrett is just a start to ensure that Spectrum lives up to the letter of their contractual obligation.

For residents of Columbia County there is one glaring issue exposed by the audit. Under the terms of the merger agreement, all Charter legacy systems were to be upgraded

to a completely modern system including television, internet and telephone. While Charter stipulated that this has been done, the Public Service Commission did nothing to physically confirm this. Connect Columbia on multiple occasions has found that Charter has denied modern service to addresses on legacy maps without demanding construction charges. In some cases, the upgrades have been done and yet Charter still demands thousands in “construction fees” and in other cases it appears that they have not upgraded the system.

They have become like a

medical insurance company that denies coverage until repeatedly challenged. This is an additional flagrant violation of the merger agreement which required an improvement in “customer service”.

This audit should be just the start of much closer oversight of Charter and perhaps more importantly a complete evaluation of how the Public Service Commission could do a much better job in living up to their name.

PATTI MATHENEY AND DAVID BERMAN CO-CHAIR, CONNECT COLUMBIA GHENT

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

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 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

Janice M. Flegel

Flegel

Janice M. Flegel of Coxsackie, New York, was surrounded by her family when she passed away at home on March 5, 2020.

A mass to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 A.M., March 21, 2020 at St. Mary’s R. C. Church, Coxsackie. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to www.communityhospice.org. Condolences may be made at www. wcbradyssonsinc.net.

William T. Capobianco William T. Capobianco, 89, and was a director and vice of Vosenkill Rd., Catskill passed president of the National Breedaway at his home on Wednes- ers Assoc. On May 6, 1966 Bill day, March 11, 2020. He was married Margaret Klingelhoefborn in Catskill, a son of the late fer. For a number of years Bill Joseph and Teresa Fiola Capo- and Peggy spent time in St. Aubianco. After high school, Bill gustine, FL. Loving husband of founded “Chinchilla of Margaret Capobianco, Catskill” in 1949. He enfather of Dolce Capolisted in the US Army and bianco-Baldwin and served in Korea. He was her husband Nicholas wounded in combat and of Catskill and Marlies received a Purple Heart Capobianco at home; Medal. He also received brother of Joseph the Korean Service Capobianco of Catskill Medal with 2 bronze serand the late Mario, Anvice star and a Combat thony, Rudolph, Emma, Infantry Badge. He be- Capobianco Gloria Elvira and Louise. longed to the DAV and Many nieces and nephhis name was enrolled in ews survive. the Purple Heart museum A graveside committal with Bill returned to Catskill in 1953 military honors will be conducted and his business flourished. The on Wednesday at 12:00 pm at Catskill Ranch soon became one St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill. of the best known and respected Memorial contributions may be in the world for its garments and made to Saint Anthony Friary, breeding stock. Bill became a POB 487, Catskill, NY 12414 or popular international show judge the Disabled American Veterans.

Oil heads for worst week since 2008 as price war grips market Alex Longley Bloomberg

Oil is headed for its largest weekly collapse since 2008 as a bitter price war erupted between Saudi Arabia and Russia, and coronavirus contagion cratered demand.

Futures in New York are down 18% this week. The crude surplus may reach a record high by April as the two former OPEC+ allies race to increase production, according to Goldman Sachs. The market’s structure has already returned to a super-contango, indicating a big oversupply.

At the same time, concerns over demand are continuing to grow. Gasoline prices fell by a fifth on Thursday as President Donald Trump issued a travel ban from Europe.

Crude recovered some of this week’s losses on Friday, with equities paring Thursday’s slump. Still, signs of fear abounded, with oil more volatile than during the financial crisis.

The schism between Moscow and Riyadh is hardening with Russian oil producers planning to ramp up

production next month, and no plans for a detente with Saudi Arabia. The kingdom said earlier in the week that it would boost output by more than 25% in April, while it sends a flood of crude to Europe, Russia’s tradition market.

“Demand is falling, refining margins are weakening, Saudi crude oil exports are surging: the super-contango is back,” Petromatrix Managing Director Olivier Jakob wrote in a report. “It will be difficult for Saudi Arabia to regain control of the markets.”

Governments and central banks have so far been powerless to stem the coronavirusdriven rout that’s reverberating through financial markets and threatening a global recession.

In the U.S., several independent oil companies have already announced plans to scale back operations amid the flood of cheap crude. The American industry is also encouraging the Trump administration to waive a law that mandates only domestic vessels can be used to transport goods between U.S. ports.

President Trump to declare national emergency in response to coronavirus Teo Armus, Rick Noack, Katie Mettler, Marisa Iati and Miriam Berger The Washington Post

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump plans to declare the national emergency Friday afternoon during a 3 p.m. news conference, according to a senior administration official.

The declaration would allow the administration to utilize the Stafford Act, the federal law that gives FEMA responsibility for coordinating disaster relief efforts, to provide emergency funding to state and local governments.

Concerns about the coronavirus pandemic rippled across the globe, as more events were canceled (including the Masters); schools closed to millions of students; the state of Louisiana delayed its presidential primary until summer; and the Group of Seven leaders planned a virtual crisis conference.

After facing heated, bipartisan criticism over U.S. testing, the Trump administration earlier Friday announced a series of steps to boost the availability of tests and said it would partner with the private sector to set up drive-through testing sites.

The World Health Organization warned that Europe “has now become the epicenter” of the pandemic, and more European Union nations took action - shutting down schools, implementing travel restrictions and passing other emergency measures. Spain declared a national emergency.

“Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China,” said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic.”

Meanwhile, Poland, Scotland, Ukraine and Greece each reported their first fatalities Friday. In Greece, the deceased patient was a 66-year-old man who traveled to Israel and Egypt on a religious pilgrimage in late February, Reuters reported.

Ukraine’s National Security Council on Friday announced the closure of its borders to foreigners for two weeks, beginning Monday.

The only exceptions will be diplomats and those working for U.N. organizations.

Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said Ukrainians will be able to return home, but those returning from nations with a high concentration of coronavirus cases would be placed under observation. Ukraine also said it would bar entry to residents of the eastern Donbass region, which is controlled by

THE WHITE HOUSE

El presidente Trump anunció que Estados Unidos suspendería los viajes desde gran parte de Europa durante 30 días.

separatists in a simmering war with Kyiv.

The European Union in a statement Friday further urged its members to put in place procedures for health screenings at each country’s borders, amid worries over the future of the E.U.’s open borders policies.

Alongside reports of more school closures and workfrom-home-orders across the continent, the Prince of Wales and the duchess of Cornwall announced that they will postpone a spring tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Jordan.

Buckingham Palace said Friday that it was also postponing 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth II’s upcoming engagements, though she’ll continue meeting with the prime minister.

Also Friday, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced on social media that he has tested negative for the coronavirus, ending hours of wild speculation that sent political shock waves through both Washington and Latin America’s largest country.

Bolsonaro underwent testing after his communications secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, was confirmed to have contracted coronavirus. The pair had traveled to the United States, where Wajngarten had come into close contact with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

In announcing the test results, Bolsonaro posted a picture of himself giving a vulgar gesture toward reporters, then sought to undermine media outlets that had reported that he had tested positive for the virus.

“DON’T BELIEVE IN THE MEDIA FAKE NEWS,” he wrote on Facebook. “THEY ARE THEY WHO NEED YOU.” The confrontational stance was a continuation of Bolsonaro’s long-standing

antagonism toward the media, which he has repeatedly tried to discredit throughout his presidency, deriding news reports critical of him as untrustworthy.

In the hours before Bolsonaro reported that he didn’t have coronavirus, numerous media outlets in Europe, the United States and Brazil published reports that the initial results of his coronavirus tests had been positive, citing Brazilian officials or even the president’s son, Eduardo.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, however, is now condemning what he describes as fake news.

“THE PRESS LIES TO DESTROY THE NEW BRAZIL,” the president’s son tweeted after Bolsonaro announced his test results.

Critics of Bolsonaro, however, perceived something more malevolent in the contours of a very uncertain day.

“Bolsonaro won a campaign of disinformation today,” tweeted political scientist Alberto Almeida.

“The objective is to discredit the media.”

In other developments: • Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he tested positive for the virus after attending an event with a Brazilian government aide, who has also tested positive.

A top Australian official also tested positive just days after meeting with U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr in Washington.

• Countries across Africa reported more coronavirus cases, with Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea and Sudan each confirming their first infections.The virus that causes the disease covid-19 has now spread to at least 18 countries in Africa, according to Reuters. The majority of the cases have been among non-Africans traveling to the continent or Africans who have recently

Wall Street’s court halts new jury trials over virus Bob Van Voris and Hugo Miller Bloomberg

The court that oversees Wall Street is suspending new jury trials at least through next week, joining a global slowdown of court systems based on public hearings in the face of an outbreak that dictates the opposite.

The federal court in Manhattan, one of the busiest dockets in the U.S. and the nation’s main forum for insider-trading and other whitecollar criminal cases, announced the suspension Thursday in response to the continuing spread of the coronavirus. The New York state court system likewise said Thursday it was “reassessing” procedures that “bring together large numbers of people in courtrooms.”

Both announcements followed New York Mayor Bill De Blasio’s declaration of a state of emergency in the city, calling for “maximum

telecommuting” by workers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier banned gatherings of more than 500 people throughout the state.

Such precautions are certain to put pressure on the U.S. legal system.

About 150,000 criminal and civil trials occur each year across state and federal courts, according to the Center for Jury Studies at the National Center for State Courts. Trials that use jurors, who are selected from a larger pool of area residents summoned to courthouses, will be particularly affected.

Federal courts in Massachusetts and Connecticut ordered the suspension of all jury trials scheduled to begin over the next several weeks.

In his order Wednesday delaying jury trials in Connecticut until April 10, U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill noted “trial jurors often have to work in close quarters to hear the evidence and deliberate following

presentation of the evidence.” That goes against the recommended precautions to avoid exposure to the virus, the judge said.

The order issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor in Massachusetts suspended jury trials until April 27. Both states said the courts would consider exceptions for criminal defendants asserting their constitutional right to a speedy trial.

The Massachusetts and Connecticut orders follow a similar one last week by the federal courts in Washington state. Other U.S. courts have also delayed proceedings or instituted measures like temperature checks.

Such measures are not limited to the U.S.: - Ireland has said no new trials will begin in its central criminal courts for the next two weeks, and other non-urgent legal matters will also be adjourned.

- Switzerland’s highest court recommended that all of its public hearings be postponed until further notice as the alpine nation’s judiciary joins judges around the globe weighing drastic measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

- Italy has suspended all court proceedings nationwide until March 22 under a government decree drawn up

by Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede.

Italy has suffered the most deaths from coronavirus of any country outside China and has shut down almost all stores and restaurants to try to limit its spread.

- Vietnam has totally shut its courts through March because of the outbreak. The country’s Supreme People’s Court said in a directive posted on its website that no visitors to the courts will be allowed and no documents will be received.

traveled abroad.

• The Masters and the Boston Marathon became the latest major international sporting events postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.Masters officials announced that golf’s first major of the year would not start on April 9 as planned and offered no timeline on when it might be rescheduled.

• The most visited museum in the world has temporarily shut its grand doors as a precaution against the spreading coronavirus. The Louvre Museum in Paris said it would close indefinitely starting Friday, following a government directive banning gatherings of more than 100 people. Another popular art museum in Paris, the Musée D’Orsay, also announced its closure on Friday. In a statement on its website, the museum wrote that it “is exceptionally closed. Thank you for your understanding.”

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 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

A6 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

Instant gratification is not always gratifying The things that used to be a normal part of daily life are changing at a rate that makes a person of my age dizzier that I usually am. I’ve been depressed ever since I learned that Kodak wasn’t making film for cameras any more.

I was around age 10 when I first learned to thread a roll of 126 film into the back of the family Box Brownie. I took pictures of all that was important to me at the time — my mother and the family dog.

Siblings weren’t worth wasting one of the 12 shots I had to record my memories for posterity.

I would carefully frame my subject, make sure there was as little movement as possible going on, and click the shutter. After the loud click I could breathe again, having held my breath for the entire snapping of the picture process. I then wound the round knob on the side until the next number

WHITTLING AWAY

DICK

BROOKS appeared in the little window that told me how many more pictures I could take. When the little window told me I had taken the last picture on that roll, I would find a dark place, open the back and remove the roll of film and store it in a safe spot so the next time we went to the drug store I could present it to the lady behind the counter who would help me fill out the slip and gave me the little tag torn from the slip.

In a week or so, we’d make a return trip and I’d present my

little tag, fork over a month’s allowance and get my little package of pictures. Our family history recorded for posterity.

Most of those photos still live in a variety of boxes stored in many unlikely locations. The people and places recorded on them are frequently forgotten, but important nonetheless. That whole process is now gone forever.

Now I have a digital camera that uses no film and can store about 500 pictures. I can see them instantly and delete or change them immediately.

If I forget my camera, I can always take a picture with my phone.

I’d really like to time travel back 40 years or so to a family reunion and tell them I was going to take pictures of the event with my phone. I’m sure that my intake of adult beverages would have been severely limited after that

statement. Forty years was just before the coming of the cell phone.

VHS tapes were still the latest thing and home computers were just starting to appear. That thing called “The Internet” was just coming into its own. There was no Facebook, no Skype, no instant messaging, you couldn’t get email on your phone because the only portable phones were those found in a few luxury autos.

Today, everyone is connected all the time and if that connectivity is interrupted for any reason at all, it’s a major disaster. People would have to go to their therapists if they were disconnected from Facebook or Twitter for a couple of days. I sometimes think maybe we’re connected to everything but life.

Instant gratification has become the norm. Maybe, just maybe, the world would be a more pleasant place if there

were more rolls of 126 film and the anticipation of the wait for that little packet to be picked up at the drugstore.

Thanks for the memories, Kodak.

Thought for the week — Forgive your enemies, but remember their names.

Until next week, may your and yours be happy and well.

Reach Dick Brooks at Whittle12124away@yahoo.com.

Visit us at www.HudsonValley 360.com “Have the talk of a lifetime”

Bob Gaus Licensed Manager

Compassionate, professional and affordable service.

Call today for helpful information.

Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home www.MillspaughCamerato.com • (518) 943-3240 Our family to yours, o ering compassionate, professional, and a ordable services to Greene County and beyond since 1926.

Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Home Short-Term Rehab Long-Term Care

Greene Meadows is the only facility in Greene County that is in contract with the Stratton VA Medical Center to provide services such as short term rehabilitation or long term care for those who served our nation.

Amenities: • Up to 7 days/week therapies • Wound Care Center of Excellence • On Campus Dialysis Center • Participates with most insurances • Veteran’s Contract w/ Stratton VA • Social Services for continuum of care upon discharge • Activities program such as music, pet and drumming circle • Community Fitness Class • Chair Yoga .... and so much more!

161 J E F F E R S O N H E I G H T S , C AT S K I L L , NY 12414 • (518) 943-9380 • WWW.GREENEMEADOWS.COM

CMYK

Religion/Neighbors

www.HudsonValley360.com

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - A7

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Green grass a sight for sore eyes Church Briefs Yes, it is true. Folks have already been seeing some green grass as the landscape turns from winter brown to the prettiest green imaginable.

How remarkable are these millions of tiny green plants that provide tons of oxygen for us to breathe and food for us to eat, while sucking up the dreaded carbon dioxide! Of course, we don’t eat the grass directly, but cattle and sheep certainly do and they are able to convert about 10 pounds of grass into one pound of meat.

Unlike many food crops that must be harvested and replanted to be consumed, grass is very happy to have its top growth cut off (or chewed off) on a regular basis. Most broad-leaved plants have their growing points near the top of the plant. Repeated cutting of the growing point will kill most broad-leafed plants pretty quickly. Grasses have their growing point located at the base of the blade. Cutting the top of the blade off just makes them grow new leaves quickly.

This feature allows new residents from the suburbs or the city to convert weedy, old farm pastures into multi-acre lawns by simply mowing them on a regular basis. I do not quite understand why people want 3-acre lawns, but they are easy enough to create with a riding mower and plenty of weekends to mow.

Other critters also seem to enjoy eating the new grass.

Canada geese feed on grass, as do rabbits, woodchucks and many other mammals, including cats. My late cat loved to eat fresh, green grass and then vomit on my bed. As unpleasant as that was, it was better than stepping on headless mice she also deposited on my bed or somewhere I would step on the body as I got up.

GARDENING TIPS

BOB

BEYFUSS I am still working on eliminating as much of my lawn as possible by allowing ground covers (mostly local weeds) to take over after spraying the grass with a chemical called “Grass B Gone,” which selectively kills grass but not broadleaved plants. I keep hearing about how invasive the shadetolerant ground cover myrtle is, but it does not spread for me, no matter how I try to get it to invade grassy areas.

Our fondness for greener pastures may stem from a time when open meadows allowed for early warning of impending danger from saber toothed tigers or enemy soldiers. Village greens evolved into meeting places where commerce developed and politics was discussed. This was before the internet replaced being outside.

Somebody in Scotland got the bright idea one day to invent a sport that involved hitting a small round ball into holes placed in grassy areas.

The late comedian Robin Williams discussed this invention in hilarious detail. You can easily listen to his routine on You Tube.

Golf has become a multibillion dollar industry in this country, with many golf course budgets well over $1 million annually. The typical private club generates between 19,000 and 20,000

rounds of golf per year, per 18 holes. The typical club generates approximately 60 golf rounds per membership and spends between $1 and $1.2 million on maintenance each year. Greene County residents and visitors are fortunate to have at least six public golf courses to enjoy.

Probably the best thing you can do for your lawn right now is to stay off it until it dries out.

Cool, wet soils are easily compacted by foot traffic, so resist the urge to get everything all cleaned up for a few more weekends. I would not be surprised if we got a snowstorm this month or even in April.

Many spring blooming bulbs are up and some are already beginning to flower.

The local deer are very hungry right now and they will devour just about every type of bulb foliage except daffodils and crown imperial (Frittilaria).

Daylilies are a preferred deer food, as are tulips, and your woody shrubs are still in danger, too. There are several effective deer repellents on the market such as Hinder, Invisible Fence and Deer Away.

Home remedies to repel deer include human hair in mesh bags, bars of perfumed soap, and rotten egg mixtures dissolved in water.

Other wildlife are also becoming active again. Skunks, possums, foxes and even a few woodchucks are looking for places to make dens. Make sure these animals cannot get under your house, barn or other outbuildings by sealing off all possible entry points. You really don’t want a skunk as a resident, or even as a house guest!

Reach Bob Beyfuss at rlb14@cornell.edu.

OPEN HOUSE EAST BERNE — Helderberg Christian School, 96 Main St., East Berne, will hold an open house 10 a.m.-noon March 14.

Meet staff, visit classrooms, preview curriculum and preregister for the 2020-2021 school year. For directions and information, call 518-499-5416.

SPRING/EASTER CRAFT FAIR SOUTH BETHLEHEM — The South Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 67 Willowbrook Ave., South Bethlehem, will hold a Spring/Easter craft fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 28.

Join us for the Vendor Craft Fair. Breakfast and lunch will be available plus a bake sale to support our Church Women United. The Thrift Shop ‘Boutique’ will be open as well.

Come out to support small business, shop, and eat. Contact Emily Shutter at 518-8130661 for further information.

SPRING FAIR COXSACKIE — The Coxsackie United Methodist Church, 103 Mansion St., Coxsackie, will hold a spring fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 28. Lunch will be served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be crafts and a food sale. The church is handicapped accessible.

NICKEL SOCIAL COXSACKIE — St. Mary’s of Coxsackie Youth Ministry

May 5, June 2, July 7, August is the fundraising luncheon (special ticket purchase required), Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and December is the Christmas party (special ticket purchase required).

Greene County Women’s League is a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit organization whose mission is to provide Greene County cancer patients with assistance in paying medical expenses resulting from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. All donations are committed to patient care.

For information, call 518819-1249 or visit G.C.W.L. at www.greenecountywomensleague.com/

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE CATSKILL — The Catskill United Methodist Church, 40 Woodland Ave., Catskill, will hold a Red Cross Blood Drive 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m. April 4. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or Ernie Moss at 518-943-5477.

PASSOVER SEDER CANCELLED CATSKILL — Temple Israel of Catskill has cancelled the second night of Passover, at 5 p.m. April 9 Passover Seder at Bistro 27 at the Catskill Golf Club, 27 Brooks Lane, Catskill.

For information, call Steven Mann at 518-751-8986 or email him at stevenaamann@gmail. com.

RUMMAGE SALE CATSKILL — First Reformed Church of Catskill, 310 Main St., Catskill annual Spring

Rummage Sale will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 17 and 9 a.m.1 p.m. April 18.

CRAFT FESTIVAL SEEKING APPLICANTS RICHFIELD SPRINGS — Applications are currently being accepted for the 41st Annual Friendship Craft Festival sponsored by the Church Of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs.

It will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 13 in Spring Park on Scenic US Route 20. For information, an application and festival details go to www.rschurchofchristuniting.com or call Carla at 315-858-1451 or Sue at 315858-2681.

FOOD PANTRY RHINEBECK — Rhinebeck Reformed Church Food Pantry, 6368 Mill St., Rhinebeck, is open 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Open to residents who live in the Rhinebeck School District as well as Hyde Park, Clinton Corners, Milan, Red Hook, Tivoli, Pine Plains and Stanfordville residents. Pantry guests may receive food only one time each month. ID’s for all adults and children in the household are required. (ID’s for children may include any document from the school, birth certificate and benefits card.) Spread the word to others who may not know that help is available, 845-876-3727.

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

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ CatskillDailyMail

Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid announces 2020 meeting schedule CAIRO — The Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid announces the 2020 membership meeting schedule.

The league meets on the first Tuesday of the month April through December at Angel’s Family Restaurant, 4385 Route 23, Cairo.

Lunch is at noon and the meeting is called to order at 1 p.m. The Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid (CGWL) welcomes new members. 2020 meeting dates are as follows April 7,

annual Nickel Social will be held April 4 at the Hose Company 3, 218 Mansion St., Coxsackie. Doors open at 5 p.m. and drawings will begin at 6 p.m.

There will be Specialty Tables, Door Prizes, and a 50/50 raffle.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s Youth Ministry. Every other year, St. Mary’s sends youth to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana in November 2021.

become-a-member/, find them on Facebook or contact them at P.O. Box 341, Round Top, NY 12534.

#SupportRealNews

Authentic German cuisine DAILY SPECIALS Reservations Recommended

Sitcer

Seamless Gutters Over 30 Colors Available Fully Insured • scott24@statetel.com

518-731-3103

COUNTRY INN & RESTAURANT

“Wunderbar”

866 Mountain Avenue, Purling, NY 12470 Thur 5pm-8pm, Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat 5pm-9pm & Sun 1pm-8pm 518-622-3261 • www.bavarianmanor.com

House of Worship

News & Services Trinity United Methodist 1311 Rte. 143, Coeymans Hollow | NY 12046 • 756-2812

Pastor Paul Meador • Sunday Worship 11:00am (all are welcome) • Church School: “Faith Builders Kids Christian Education” Wednesday at 7pm • Wednesday, Bible Study & Prayer - 7-8:30pm (all are welcome) • Food Pantry, Last Saturday of the month, 10-11am and last Monday of the month, 5-6pm, or by appointment • Thrift Shop Open April 12 - Mid Oct., Thursdays 10 - 4 Saturdays 10 - 2 and when Food Pantry is open. (Handicap Accessible) • Youth Group - Grades 6 - 12 2nd and 4th Thursdays @ 6:30pm

Catholic Community of Saint Patrick 24 North Washington Street, Athens 12015 · 945-1656 66 William Street, Catskill 12414 · 943-3150

Janine O’Leary, Parish Life Coordinator Fr. L. Edward Deimeke, Sacramental Minister Saturday* 4:00 p.m. EST / 4:30 p.m. DST *1st / 3rd Athens and 2nd /; 4th Catskill Sunday 8:45 a.m. Catskill / 10:45 a.m. Athens

All Are Welcome!

New Baltimore Reformed Church 518 756 8764 • Rt. 144 and Church St. NBRChurch@aol.com • www.nbrchurch.org

Rev. Rick L. Behan, Pastor Sunday Worship - 9:30 AM Communion First Sunday every month Fellowship before and after worship Thursday - Choir Rehearsal 4:45 PM Tuesday - Bible Study 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday - Helping Hands 10:30 AM Come to the Church in the Hamlet! Working together since 1833

Church of Saint Patrick 21 Main Street, Ravena, NY 12143 • (518) 756-3145

Pastor: Fr. Scott VanDerveer Weekly Mass: 9:00 a.m. Wed & Thurs Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Food Pantry Hours: Tues & Thurs 10-11 a.m.

Wednesday 6-7:00 p.m.

Thrift Shop Hours: Wed. 6:00-7:00 Thurs, Fri. & Sat. 1:00-3:00 p.m.

All Are Welcome!

To list your Church Services please call Patricia McKenna at (518) 828-1616 x2413

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA • THE DAILY MAIL

A8 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

A commitment to placing homeless companion animals

By Charlene Marchand For Columbia-Greene Media

We at CGHS/SPCA who are committed to our mission of placing homeless companion animals also feel very strongly that the public has a right to choose other alternatives.

This piece, by AKC representative Sheila Goffe and reprinted with permission, reflects our position: “Scanning the news from around the country, it’s nearly impossible to miss states trying to legislate away freedoms of personal choice and lifestyle.

New Yorkers are not immune, with lawmakers in Albany now going after another part of the family — our four-footed ones.

If some lawmakers have their way, average New Yorkers could soon lose the ability to choose a source or breed of their pet.

Bringing a new pet home is a serious commitment. When selecting a pet, thoughtful owners should be able to choose one

with knowable characteristics.

Predictability in characteristics — such as size, temperament, exercise and grooming needs — and health-tested parents are hallmarks of purpose-bred and purebred dogs.

Getting the right fit the first time is more than a feel-good issue; it’s crucial for the longterm well-being of pet and owner.

The ability to make an educated choice is also likely one of the reasons that fewer than 5% of the dogs in U.S. shelters are purebred.

Bills (A6298/S4234 and A6299/S593) currently under consideration in Albany would ban pet stores from selling animals from regulated U.S. breeders, and require them to sell only randomly sourced pets from rescues or shelters.

On its face, this sounds altruistic, but this regressive proposal also puts the single most regulated and health-checked source of pets out of reach for

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Looking for the perfect addition to your family? Pictured is Sarge, a 5-year-old American Staffordshire terrier mix with his favorite CGHS/SPCA adoption counselor, Rebecca Warner. Sarge would love to be your new best friend! He enjoys days full of long walks and hikes, but will also enjoy a nice nap on the couch.

average pet owners — and tips the scales in favor of unregulated retail rescues, unscrupulous

pet sellers and pet importers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, an untold number of dogs are imported illegally into the U.S. each year — many for the giant American rescue market.

A similar measure that passed in California in 2017 is now being linked to an uptick in the sale of sick pets there.

Great pets can come from a variety of sources, including breeders, shelters, rescues and retail pet stores.

New Yorkers should not be limited to arbitrary choices because of inaccurate and discredited prejudices about pet professionals.

Our New York lawmakers don’t need to rubber-stamp California’s bad ideas. A better approach is to improve consumer-protection laws that cover all pet buyers and sellers, improve transparency and expand consumer education — and protect our freedom of choice.”

Sheila Goffe of North Carolina is vice president of

government relations for the American Kennel Club.

Feel free to call us with any questions at 518-828-6044 or visit www. cghs.org. Stop down and see us at 111 Humane Society Road, off Route 66 (about a mile south of the intersection with Route 9H) in Hudson.

Our hours are 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. every day. The Food Bank is open to any from the public in need of pet food or for those wishing to donate food anytime during business hours.

All of our cats and kittens are “Furrever Free” with all expenses paid.

Spay/neuter clinics for cats are $76 male or female, including a rabies vaccination and a 5-in-1 feline distemper combination vaccination.

Nail clipping services are available 10-11 a.m. every Saturday at the shelter, no appointment necessary, for a donation of $5 for cats and $10 for dogs. Charlene Marchand is the Chairperson of the ColumbiaGreene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. She may be contacted at cghsaaron@gmail.com.

BE FREE FROM BACK PAIN, AND START ENJOYING LIFE! Columbia Memorial Health Neurosurgery & Spine Care Minimal Wait Time

CMH Neurosurgery and Spine Care John McNulty, MD & Vishad Sukul, MD are seeing NEW patients in our Hudson campus!

Monday-Thursday from 8am-4pm

Symptoms We Treat: • Lumbar Disc Herniation • Lumbar Stenosis • Cervical Disc Herniation • Cervical Stenosis

Call: 518.697.6000

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Sciatica • Bone Spurs • Pinched Nerves

Visit: ColumbiaMemorialHealth.org

CMYK

Sports

NBA season up in the air

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

& Classifieds

Inside the NBA’s coronavirus response and its decision to suspend season. Sports, B2

SECTION

B Saturday, March 14, 2020 B1

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

ICC AWARD WINNERS

The day sports stopped Bill Plaschke Los Angeles Times

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Varsity Club recently hosted their annual Winter Awards Ceremony at the Ichabod Crane High School. Pictured are (from left): bottom row, Chase Martino (JV Basketball MVP), Baden Seabury (Indoor Track MVP), Dayten Sweeney (JV Basketball Sixth Man Award), Jerald Rhoades (Wrestling Coaches Award), Jair Gomez (Wrestling Strength & Honor Award).

Back row, Scott Race (Indoor Track MIP), Jake Siter (Volleyball Coaches Award), Bobby Boll (Volleyball Coaches Award), Jared Cook (Volleyball Coaches Award), Dean Warner (Volleyball Co-MVP), Harrison Puckett (Volleyball Co-MVP), Kristjan Bruno (Indoor Track MVP), Michael Vecellio (Varsity Basketball Sportsmanship Award), Zach Kennedy (Varsity Basketball MVP), Zach Ebel (Wrestling MIP), and Conner Pesce (Wrestling Rookie of the Year). Missing from the photo are Nick Barkley (JV Basketball Captains Award), Daniel Warner (JV Basketball MIP) and Brett Richards (Varsity Basketball MIP).

DEC to host Annual School Archery Tournament

By Larry DiDonato For Columbia-Greene Media

DEC recently announced that hundreds of students representing 37 schools across New York State will be competing in the 12th Annual National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Friday, March 20.

It described the tournament’s stresses “… students’ diligence and focus in the practice of target archery.” Winners of the state competition will qualify for the national tournament to be held this spring.

I’m happy to report there are a number of local school districts that have NASP programs. In Greene County, participants include districts in Cairo-Durham and Hunter-Tannersville, with the newest addition, the Greenville Central School District, which implemented a NASP program within the past year.

In Columbia County, quite a few schools participate in NASP with one, the New Lebanon Jr./Sr. High School, scheduled to send a team to the upcoming state tournament in Syracuse.

A school I am very pleased to see attending the state tournament for the first time is the Central Park Middle School (CPMS) in Schenectady. Their NASP Program was started by Physical Education (PE) teacher, Spencer Martin.

Mr. Martin approached me some time ago while we were both assisted in getting the school’s first Fishing Club Program off the ground. He wanted to form an archery program at the inner-city school. I put him in touch with NASP administrators at DEC, and his program quickly progressed. Part of his motivation at the time was to introduce at-risk youth to the benefits of target

PHOTO COURTESY OF NYS DEC AND NASP

Student archer at NYS National Archery in the Schools state tournament.

archery competition. He quickly received district and community support for the idea.

Ed Gorch, of NY Bowhunters Inc., an organization which enthusiastically supported NASP since its inception, assisted Spencer with strategies for starting the program and for fund raising to get it established.

Ed’s advice for parents who see recognize the many benefits of archery in the schools, is to ask school administrators why a NASP Program is not offered in their school.

“Since New York implemented the Archery in Schools program in 2008, more than 400 schools and 41,000 students have participated.”

NASP is growing globally. “More than four million students at 8,500 schools in 47 states and five countries have participated in NASP” introducing countless students to “…the joys of a life-long outdoor activity.”

DEC stated, “Archery encourages students to focus, set goals, and work hard to achieve

LOS ANGELES — What do we do now? What do we watch? Whom do we cheer? How do we cheer?

I planned to spend this weekend awash in the excitement of conference college basketball tournaments, particularly the desperate seasonsaving journeys of USC and UCLA. Those courts have been emptied.

Friends were headed to Sacramento to watch the state high school basketball championships, especially the Hollywood-draped team from Chatsworth Sierra Canyon.

Those games have disappeared.

A buddy from Dallas was coming to town Monday to join me in watching the Clippers host the Mavericks in a possible playoff preview.

Staples Center will be locked.

My favorite four days in the sports calendar were next week, the first rounds of March Madness, an event that annually brings together the country with millions participating in office pools and school pride.

Every bracket has been busted.

The month was going to splendidly culminate in two weeks, opening day, Dodger Stadium, Clayton Kershaw back on the mound, the hated San Francisco Giants in the other dugout, friends already asking if I can find them a ticket.

Chavez Ravine will be closed.

Finally, in exactly three weeks, I couldn’t wait to make the trip to Anaheim to watch, and listen, as the Angels opened their home schedule against a sure-to-be-booed Houston Astros team that cheated the Dodgers out of the 2017 World Series championship.

The stadium will be shuttered.

Where do we go now? How do we connect with our friends? What do we talk about at work?

Thursday will be forever remembered as the day sports went dark, turning off its lights, nailing plywood over its windows, bolting its doors to the insidious approach of the coronavirus.

Left outside in the cold is a nation full of fans whose silenced passion will have a profound effect on this country’s spirit.

The one thing that has long helped America endure a national crisis was its games and, now, suddenly, just as this health crisis is peaking, the games have disappeared, poof, vanished.

Just when we need to hear cheering, there is nothing to cheer for. We could all use a good fight song, but the bands have been silenced. Everyone is looking for a hero, but the heroes have been banished.

College basketball, gone. Professional basketball, suspended. Baseball, suspended. Soccer, suspended. Hockey, suspended.

The best sports month of the year, canceled.

Granted, there is still horse racing and the chase to sign Tom Brady. But for now, the games and events that have long connected neighbors, bonded communities, and led to a shared cheering of a team against another team, are done.

The blackout could last at least a month, maybe more. For many whose days revolve around highlights and news and debates, it is an unimaginable stretch that will feel like an eternity.

How many times do you check your phone for a score? How often do you endure a mundane workday because of the promise of a great game that night on TV? How many of the best conversations in your daily life revolve around sports?

Welcome to cold turkey.

See SPORTS B4

See ARCHERY B4

For now, we must cheer for safety rather than championships John Romano Tampa Bay Times PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The final gate swung shut at 5:29 p.m. Thursday at the Charlotte Sports Park. There were no more fans and, for the time being, no more spring training games for Major League Baseball.

Ditto for the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League regular seasons. College basketball’s March Madness has been canceled and Major League Soccer is taking a break. All around us, the world of big-time sports is being put on hold, or scrubbed.

And now that the courts and fields are all empty, it’s time to applaud.

This is the right decision, even if it’s an overreaction. This is the appropriate response, even if some games and championships are forever lost. This is the prudent choice, even if your sports-obsessed neighbor is shouting otherwise.

And I pray, two weeks from now, someone calls me an alarmist. For that will mean the worst of the pandemic will have already passed, and all these precautions will seem hysterical in retrospect. But the truth is, we may never know. If the coronavirus turns out to be less deadly than expected, we may have the alarmists, the fear-mongerers and the Chicken Littles to thank.

ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC VIA USA TODAY

Empty seats after the Arizona Diamondbacks announced that Major League Baseball is delaying the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks and the remainder of their Cactus League spring training games are cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus health emergency during a press conference on Mar. 12, 2020 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.

So if you had tickets to NCAA Tournament games in Tampa next week? I’m sorry.

And if you had tickets to the Valspar

Championship, which will be played without spectators? I know, it stinks.

These were extraordinary measures being

taken by sports officials, but this is an extraordinarily dangerous virus. It spreads quickly and easily, and health officials have said it is far more likely to kill an elderly person than the common flu.

And if you’ve ever been to a mid-week spring training game in Florida, you know it’s like Disney for seniors. The kids are in school, the weather is nice, and the smaller stadiums are manageable for fans needing assistance.

Which may explain why they still came through the gates for a meaningless game on Thursday afternoon in Port Charlotte. They came with caps for the sun, Purell for their hands and rationales for their state of mind.

“I can see why people are concerned, and I think cancelling the games is probably the right thing to do,” said Kathy Falco, a retired kindergarten teacher from Fort Myers via Philadelphia. “But I’m here, and I brought my wipes with us, so I guess I’m not too worried.”

“Yeah, but if somebody starts coughing near me,” said her husband Joe, “we’re outta here.”

And so goes the new world order. A sort of trust-but-sanitize version of life. It’s trying to find that happy medium between comfort and vigilance.

“I’m sitting here in the sun, in the fresh air, getting natural Vitamin D, so that doesn’t feel See SAFETY B4

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B2 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Pro basketball NBA Eastern Conference Atlantic W L Pct Toronto 46 18 .719 Boston 43 21 .672 Philadelphia 39 26 .600 Brooklyn 30 34 .469 New York 21 45 .318 Central W L Pct Milwaukee 53 12 .815 Indiana 39 26 .600 Chicago 22 43 .338 Detroit 20 46 .303 Cleveland 19 46 .292 Southeast W L Pct Miami 41 24 .631 Orlando 30 35 .462 Washington 24 40 .375 Charlotte 23 42 .354 Atlanta 20 47 .299 Western Conference Northwest W L Pct Denver 43 22 .662 Utah 41 23 .641 Oklahoma City 40 24 .625 Portland 29 37 .439 Minnesota 19 45 .297 Pacific W L Pct L.A. Lakers 49 14 .778 L.A. Clippers 44 20 .688 Sacramento 28 36 .438 Phoenix 26 39 .400 Golden State 15 50 .231 Southwest W L Pct Houston 40 24 .625 Dallas 40 27 .597 Memphis 32 33 .492 New Orleans 28 36 .438 San Antonio 27 36 .429 Wednesday’s games Philadelphia 124, Detroit 106 New York 136, Atlanta 131, OT Charlotte 109, Miami 98 Dallas 113, Denver 97 Utah at Oklahoma City, PPD New Orleans at Sacramento, PPD Thursday’s games Chicago at Orlando, PPD Boston at Milwaukee, PPD Memphis at Portland, PPD Brooklyn at Golden State, PPD Houston at L.A. Lakers, PPD Friday’s games Cleveland at Charlotte, PPD Washington at Boston, PPD New York at Miami, PPD Minnesota at Oklahoma City, PPD Denver at San Antonio, PPD New Orleans at Utah, PPD Brooklyn at L.A. Clippers, PPD Saturday’s games Phoenix at Dallas, PPD Cleveland at Atlanta, PPD Indiana at Philadelphia, PPD Detroit at Toronto, PPD Chicago at Miami, PPD Golden State at Milwaukee, PPD Minnesota at San Antonio, PPD Memphis at Utah, PPD New Orleans at L.A. Clippers, PPD

GB — 3.0 7.5 16.0 26.0 GB — 14.0 31.0 33.5 34.0 GB — 11.0 16.5 18.0 22.0 GB — 1.5 2.5 14.5 23.5 GB — 5.5 21.5 24.0 35.0 GB — 1.5 8.5 12.0 12.5

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 Tuesday’s games Toronto 2, Tampa Bay 1 Nashville 4, Montreal 2 Pittsburgh 5, New Jersey 2 Boston 2, Philadelphia 0 Carolina 5, Detroit 2 NY Rangers 4, Dallas 2 Vancouver 5, NY Islanders 4, SO Anaheim 5, Ottawa 2 Wednesday’s games Chicago 6, San Jose 2 Winnipeg 4, Edmonton 2 Colorado 3, NY Rangers 2, OT St. Louis 4, Anaheim 2 Los Angeles 3, Ottawa 2 Thursday’s games Nashville at Toronto, PPD Buffalo at Montreal, PPD Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, PPD Carolina at New Jersey, PPD Detroit at Washington, PPD Pittsburgh at Columbus, PPD Vegas at Minnesota, PPD Florida at Dallas, PPD NY Islanders at Calgary, PPD Vancouver at Arizona, PPD Friday’s games Boston at Buffalo, PPD San Jose at St. Louis, PPD Ottawa at Chicago, PPD Vancouver at Colorado, PPD NY Islanders at Edmonton, PPD

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

Inside the NBA’s coronavirus response and its decision to suspend season Ben Golliver The Washington Post

LOS ANGELES — Before Adam Silver could announce to the public the NBA’s response to the coronavirus, which was to suspend the 2019-20 season, the league commissioner faced a more immediate challenge: communicating the severity of the growing pandemic to team owners, executives and players.

High-ranking executives from multiple teams generally praised Silver’s response to the spread of the covid-19 across the country over the last two weeks, painting it proactive, thorough and timely. But those executives said in interviews that the league’s consensus plan, which was to play games without fans present, was initially met with skepticism and led to a divided conference call on Wednesday that concluded without a formal policy announcement.

Those who discussed the matter with The Washington Post spoke on the condition of anonymity so as to freely discuss KELLEY L COX/USA TODAY the sensitive situation.

The box office at Chase Center with closed signs on Thursday.

The game between the “I was shocked by the number of Brooklyn Nets at Golden State Warriors was cancelled because of the spread of the teams that were clueless at the size that [the coronavirus] would get to,” said one Covid-19 coronavirus. high-ranking executive privy to league- positive would prompt an immediate feeling ill Wednesday, but he did not test wide conversations. “Some teams that schedule suspension. positive for coronavirus. hadn’t faced an outbreak in their comGobert testing positive “woke everyEven so, another executive argued that munities didn’t think it was worth talking body up,” one executive said. “If there’s the Wednesday game between the Sacraabout.” any positive to this, it’s that when famous mento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, On Wednesday’s call, the executive people [are involved] it gets people to pay which was abruptly postponed because continued: “there were two teams that attention.” one of the referees had worked a game inwere adamant that games should conGobert, the first of two NBA players volving Gobert on Monday, should have tinue like normal until there was govern- to test positive for the coronavirus, was been handled differently. ment intervention. ‘Why shut ourselves caught on video Monday touching the “The ‘abundance of caution’ move down?’ [My organization] viewed that microphones and recording devices would have been to shut down both [position] as completely irresponsible to during a group interview, apparently to games as soon as [Gobert] needed to be our fans and community.” mock the league’s decision to restrict re- tested,” the executive said. “The Pelicans The New York Knicks, Houston Rock- porters from the locker room in response shouldn’t have had to push so hard to ets and Indiana Pacers expressed a de- to the virus. avoid that game.” sire to continue playing in front of fans, At the same time, another team execuHe apologized Thursday. according to ESPN.com. In an interview “I would like to publicly apologize to tive argued that the NBA’s coronavirus with CNBC, Rockets owner Tilman Fer- the people that I may have endangered,” protocols prevented a wider spread. If titta said: “I would hope that we would Gobert wrote on Instagram. “At the time, Gobert hadn’t been tested, he could have just suspend for a week or two weeks. I had no idea I was even infected. I was potentially played on Wednesday and in But you don’t want to play games with no careless and make no excuse. I hope my future games, exposing additional playfans. That’s never going to work.” story serves as a warning and causes ev- ers and staffers. And if the NBA hadn’t Executives who were on calls, or had eryone to take this seriously. I will do mandated testing procedures in an eardirect knowledge of calls, with the NBA whatever I can to support using my expe- lier communication with teams, the this week said that the league office was rience as way to educate others and pre- coronavirus tests and medical personnel progressing through a collaborative vent the spread of this virus.” needed to test 58 people in Oklahoma process in an orderly manner, solicitYet Gobert wasn’t the only NBA figure City on Wednesday night might not have ing opinion from all parties, issuing pre- struggling to understand the imminent been readily available. A person with paredness directives and building con- danger of the coronavirus. knowledge of the league’s procedures sensus around playing in empty arenas Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron said that the Oklahoma State Health Derather than postponing or delaying the James said last Friday that he wouldn’t partment arranged all testing without season. Silver consulted with David Ho, play games in empty arenas, while other direct intervention from the NBA league a noted HIV/AIDS research pioneer, for- players continued to high-five and cel- office. mer U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy, ebrate with each other despite a league “If that situation had played out [in and the Centers for Disease Control and memo that suggested they limit physical our arena], we would have been ready,” Prevention throughout the response pro- contact with each other and with fans. the executive said. “But only because the cess, recognizing quickly that the coronaIndeed, the Jazz’s game against the league mandated that we have that plan virus had the potential to be another in a Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday in place a few days earlier.” series of crises for the league, which had evening wasn’t canceled until moments NBA teams quickly turned their attenpreviously dealt with strained relations before tip-off, even though the Jazz and tion Thursday to the schedule suspenwith China and the death of Kobe Bryant the NBA league office knew that Gobert sion, which the NBA announced would this season. was being tested for coronavirus. Later, take place “until further notice.”

The revelation Wednesday night that Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell tested posiOwners requested that Silver reassess Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested tive as well. Mitchell went through his the suspended schedule in 30 days, with positive for the virus changed everything. typical warm-up routine at Chesapeake some holding out hope that a delayed Had Gobert not tested positive, mul- Energy Arena, according to sources in the schedule could be pushed deeper into tiple executives said, they anticipated the building, and he interacted with team- the summer, past the season’s typical NBA would have closed its arenas to fans mates, opponents and ballboys. mid-June conclusion. Silver said Thurson Thursday without suspending regu“It’s crazy they tried to play that game day that the postseason could be sallar season play. For a majority of teams, knowing that [Gobert] was being tested,” vaged even with a six-week suspension the prospect of playing games in front of said a team executive. “Why did it take of the schedule by playing into late July, fans was “untenable,” according to one a positive test to shut things down? The conceding that it was “possible” the seaexecutive, and sticking to the anticipated players never should have been stuck in son and postseason would be canceled schedule was preferable than trying to that locker room all night and the fans entirely.

“What we determined today is that this move dates due to arena availability is- shouldn’t have been in the building.”

Players commonly battle the flu and hiatus will most likely be at least 30 days,” sues. A person with knowledge of the league’s decision-making said that the colds throughout the regular season. Em- Silver said later in an interview with TNT owners were aware that a player testing manuel Mudiay, another Jazz player, was on Thursday. “We don’t know enough to

be more specific than that. We want to give that direction to our teams and fans.

Is there a protocol with or without fans that we can resume play? What makes sense here without compromising anyone’s safety? It’s too early to tell.”

But in conversations with team executives on Thursday, there was little hope of an immediate resolution because of the high likelihood that coronavirus cases increase exponentially in the coming weeks.

“I’ve seen models that are super scary,” said one executive. “There could be 70,000 cases in one city alone within six weeks. Our decisions have to be driven by science and the numbers and our priority has to be safety. I would love for this to slow down and we can play a truncated regular season and playoffs, but it just seems unfeasible.

“I don’t understand how we are back playing in the short-term. As a society, we won’t be willing to take the authoritarian steps that China took to slow the transmission rate. This could be a three- to five-month process, and that could mean we are looking at relaunching next season.”

The executive added that there is even a “slim” chance that the start of the 202021 season could be impacted.

“If it’s not safe to play games today,” another high-ranking executive added, “why would it be safe in two months when all the charts say [the spread] will be much worse?”

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he wasn’t ready to give up on the season yet.

“I don’t know, but I hope so,” Cuban said. “[Resuming the season] certainly hasn’t been ruled out, but there’s no certainty to anything right now.”

Multiple team representatives said their players would continue to practice individually in the coming weeks as they await further guidance from the league office. But fears lingered.

“In my opinion, [Gobert and Mitchell] aren’t the only two guys in the NBA with coronavirus,” said one agent. “They’re just the only two who have tested positive so far.”

As NBA teams wait to see how the schedule suspension shakes out, they spent Thursday juggling a variety of tasks.

Five teams that recently faced the Jazz were advised to self-quarantine.

“We had a team meeting earlier this week where we essentially tried to scare the players s---less,” said one executive, noting that players were advised not to go out after games and to avoid hugging fans. “It worked. They were pretty scared when they [heard about Gobert] but they understood what it meant and that it could happen to anyone.”

On the business side, executives were bracing for a financial hit to the NBA in excess of $100 million, given that smallmarket teams clear more than $1 million in revenue for every home game and prestige organizations, like the Golden State Warriors, can top $3 million. Team executives were going through the process of contacting television and radio partners, as well as other sponsors, to begin conversations about how those relationships would proceed during the unprecedented midseason shutdown.

These, and other issues, will need to be untangled as the NBA copes with its new reality in the coming days.

“We’ve got some time,” an executive said. “I really don’t see this [hiatus] ending any time soon.”

Transactions BASEBALL American League New York Yankees - Assigned RHP Barrett Loseke to the New York Yankees.

Tampa Bay Rays - Assigned C Roberto Alvarez, SS Xavier Edwards, and RF Ruben Cardenas to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Texas Rangers - Texas Rangers suspended LHP Yohander Mendez indefinitely for violating his contract by seeking unauthorized outside medical care.

Toronto Blue Jays - Assigned 3B Miguel Hiraldo, 3B John Aiello, 1B Jake Brodt, RHP William Gaston, LHP Luke Gillingham, LF Tanner Kirwer, SS Orelvis Martinez, RHP Will McAffer, RHP Alex Nolan, LHP Marcus Reyes, RHP Curtis Taylor, LF DJ Neal, LF Dasan Brown, LF Jean-Christophe Masson, LF Norberto Obeso, LF McGregory Contreras, C Matt Jones, and RHP Jon Harris to the Toronto Blue Jays.

National League Chicago Cubs - Assigned CF D.J. Wilson to the Chicago Cubs. Optioned RHP James Norwood to Iowa (PCL).

San Diego Padres - Assigned RF Robbie Podorsky, LF Jawuan Harris, SS Tucupita Marcano, C Allan Kennedy, RF Taylor Kohlwey, 2B Eguy Rosario, C Blake Hunt, RF Tirso Ornelas, CF Jeisson Rosario, RF Agustin Ruiz, and SS Allen Cordoba to the San Diego Padres.

FOOTBALL National Football League Chicago Bears - Cut DB Joshua Simmons.

Cincinnati Bengals - Signed DB Tony Brown to a one-year contract extension.

Green Bay Packers - Cut TE Jimmy Graham.

New York Giants - Waived T George Asafo-Adjei.

Tennessee Titans - Cut RB Dion Lewis and DE Cameron Wake. Re-signed DB Chris Milton.

NCAA Football Southern California - Announced TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe has been granted a sixth-year of eligibility by the NCAA.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association Phoenix Suns - Waived PG Jared Harper.

HOCKEY National Hockey League Calgary Flames - Activated D Travis Hamonic from injured reserve.

Colorado Avalanche - Assigned RW Martin Kaut to Colorado (AHL).

Coronavirus has NBA in wait-and-see mode for next 30 days Dan Woike Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — The unknown became a little clearer, the unprecedented got a bit of precedent and the shellshocked NBA got some guidance about what tomorrow will look like after a string of conference calls during the league’s first day under suspension.

Speaking for the first time since Wednesday’s decision to halt league play, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the expectation is for the league to be shut down for at least 30 days while the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We don’t know enough to be more specific than that, to give direction to our players, teams and our fans that this is going to be roughly at least a month,” Silver said on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” broadcast. “But then the question becomes, ‘Is there a protocol frankly, with or without fans, in which we can resume play?’

“I think the goal, talking a lot to Michelle Roberts with the players association, I talked to Chris Paul, the president of the union earlier tonight, coming together (with) what makes sense here without compromising anyone’s safety. I think it’s frankly too early to tell. It depends how quickly this virus spreads and it also depends on what the theory is going to be in how to treat it.”

Silver said there is a possibility the season could end up wrapping in the summer, with the NBA Finals possibly played in July instead of mid-June. Cancellation is also a possibility.

Lakers players had a conference call with general manager Rob Pelinka and coach Frank Vogel. Players were left with the impression that the league’s owners were committed to trying to finish the 2019-20 season, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank

and coach Doc Rivers have been communicating with their staff and players through phone calls and a group text message.

The first seedlings of a timeline came on a day when the league also gave its 30 clubs a set of guidelines to follow until Monday, when the rules could be adjusted based on new information.

Two players, Utah Jazz AllStars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, tested positive for COVID-19. The Toronto Raptors, who played Utah on Monday, have self quarantined and undergone testing for the virus.

The Detroit Pistons, who played the Jazz in Detroit on Saturday, have also been asked to isolate themselves “While there is no indication that the novel coronavirus was passed to any Pistons player or staff member, out of an abundance of caution medical staff has asked players, coaches, basketball staff and traveling party to self isolate until further

notice under the direction of team medical staff,” the team said in a statement.

“We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the wellbeing of those around them,” Mitchell wrote. “I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help.”

Gobert’s diagnosis, which happened Wednesday and triggered the shutdown of the NBA and eventually most of the rest of the sporting landscape, was met with controversy because of his actions earlier in the week. Gobert, 27, ended a news

conference Monday by jokingly touching the microphones and recording devices of the assembled media.

He apologized Thursday.

“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours.

I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis...mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment,” Gobert wrote. “The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered.

At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus.

“I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.”

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - B3

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

NFL notebook: Could free agency be delayed?

Field Level Media

With sporting events across the country being canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NFL could push back the start of free agency, Pro Football Talk reported Thursday.

Early Thursday, ESPN reported the NFL had “no plans to move the start of the league year,” which is officially scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18.

However, PFT reported Thursday evening that the league is “contemplating the possibility of announcing on Sunday” that the start of free agency will be delayed.

Per the report, the NFL doesn’t want to make such an announcement until after player voting on the new collective bargaining agreement closes Saturday. Players have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday to vote on a new 10-year CBA that would go into effect with the new league year if approved.

• The Washington Redskins were the first of several NFL teams to announce that they have suspended team travel due to health concerns

surrounding the coronavirus.

Soon afterward, the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions followed suit, sending personnel staff and coaches home.

• The Green Bay Packers released tight end Jimmy Graham.

The 33-year-old veteran saw his production dip in recent seasons despite being ranked as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL with an average salary of $10 million.

Graham had signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the team in March 2018.

• Free agent tight end Jordan Reed, released last month by the Redskins, paid a visit to the Seattle Seahawks, multiple media outlets reported. He is immediately eligible to sign with any team.

Reed, 29, didn’t play at all in the 2019 regular season after sustaining a concussion during a preseason game on Aug. 22. He was on the receiving end of a helmet-to-helmet hit by Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu

Neal.

• The Chicago Bears agreed with linebacker Danny Trevathan on a new three-year contract, NFL Network reported, which will keep the veteran from hitting free agency.

The monetary value of the deal had yet to be reported.

Trevathan, 29, finished 2019 with 70 tackles (two for loss), a sack and four QB hits in nine games last year.

• Buffalo Bills guard Quinton Spain will not hit free agency after agreeing to re-sign with the team.

Spain, 28, joined the Bills last spring on a one-year, $2.05 million contract. He started all 16 games – primarily at left guard – for the first time in his career in 2019.

• The Tennessee Titans released linebacker Cameron Wake and running back Dion Lewis.

Wake, 38, appeared in nine games and registered four tackles and 2.5 sacks during his first season with the Titans in 2019. Lewis, 29, played a reduced role in 2019 as starter Derrick Henry broke out with a league-leading 1,540 rushing yards.

• Veteran center Daniel Kilgore will hit free agency after the Miami Dolphins decided not to pick up his option for the 2020 season, multiple outlets reported.

Kilgore, 32, would have made $3.5 million if the option had been picked up. A nine-year NFL veteran, he started 13 games for the Dolphins last season.

• The Giants signed fullback Elijhaa Penny to new two-year contract, keeping him from hitting free agency, according to multiple media reports. Penny, 26, had 15 carries for 39 yards last season.

• Linebacker Kyle Emanuel, whose most recent NFL action came in 2018 with the Los Angeles Chargers, hopes to resume his career, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Emanuel, 28, recorded two interceptions, four sacks and one forced fumble in 63 career NFL games (33 starts).

• Free agent linebacker Christian Kirksey visited the Green Bay Packers, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported. Kirksey, 27, spent the past six seasons with the Cleveland

Browns, who released him on Tuesday after he was limited to a total of nine games from 2018-19 due to injuries.

• Former NFL running back Michael Pittman said on his Instagram account that a family member is in a coma after contracting the coronavirus.

Pittman, 44, played 11 NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1998-2001), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-07) and Denver Broncos (2008).

• Del Shofner, one of the NFL’s best receivers in the late 1950s and early ‘60s for the Giants and the Rams, died Wednesday at age 85. Shofner died of natural causes in Los Angeles his daughter announced, the New York Times reported.

Per NFL.com, Shofner became the first player in NFL history with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He made five Pro Bowls, was named first-team All-Pro five times and ultimately landed on the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-1960s Team.

RED APPLE REALTY, INC. Licensed Real Estate Broker • State of New York • 518-851-9601 396 Rte. 23 B • Claverack • www.redappler.com

A Place to Invest in!

GHENT | $199,900

We Want Your Listing!

Petite Cottage in need of much work is the perfect restoration project for the contractor or extra-Handyman.

When done you’ll have a sweet 2 Bedroom Ranch with LR � DR � Kitchen & Bath, all set on almost 20 Acres! Plenty of room to build your Dream home and keep this as a rental or caretakers place too!

2

Move Right In! HUDSON | $274,900

Red Apple Realty has been very busy and we continue to SELL, SELL, SELL, so we have buyers looking to Make a Move, and your home might be right! Call us for a Free Market Analysis, and Let Us Help YOU get top dollar for your home and ease into your next Move in Life! (518) 851-9601!

This two-story 1920’s vintage home has been perfectly updated retaining all of its original charm blended perfectly with modern conveniences!

Gleaming HW floors � Natural woodwork � Gorgeous Kitchen with lots of workspace � Breakfast nook � Formal Living & Dining rooms � 4 Bedrooms � 2 Baths � 3rd floor bonus room or Office & Detached Garage. Hudson living at its BEST!

1

4

2

Call us: 518-851-9601 www.redappler.com

the

LOCAL EXPERTS

VILLAGE GREEN REALTY

#1

in Homes Sold 2011-2019 *

BREATHTAKING

IT’S CALLED EASY LIVIN’

BUY IT AND THEY WILL COME

THE WHOLE PACKAGE

LIVING “IN THE ROUND”

Enjoy magnificent Catskills views all year long! This 8 acre property has all the amenities needed to entertain including a heated in-ground pool & hot tub. Inside, impress your guests w/soaring ceilings, a floorto-ceiling stone fireplace, & walls of glass. Rensselaerville $529,900

A peaceful retreat at the Lake of Seven Birches. This cozy Catskills cottage is tranquil, convenient, & affordable! Two bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sparkling hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen, & peek-a-boo mountain views - all 15 mins from Windham. Gilboa $74,000

This resort-style luxury compound will have your friends begging for an invite. Features 2 attached residences, a heated indoor pool w/bar, lounge/gym, tennis court, hot tub, & an outdoor kitchen. Less than 5 mins to Hunter Mountain.

Hunter $1,699,000

A flawless modern contemporary, 32.5 acres, & mountain views. This is the perfect Upstate compound.

6BD/7BA w/a 1BD apartment, central air, radiant heat, a 3-car attached garage, & tiered patios to take in the beauty of the Catskills.

Freehold $775,000

This unique round home on 12 acres will be your hidden oasis in the midst of Windham. The 2nd story deck & kitchen take full advantage of the mountain breezes and views.

Being sold fully furnished, complete with a great rental history.

Windham $309,999

TAKE OVER A RESTAURANT

SO. MUCH. SPACE.

STREAMSIDE FARMHOUSE!

CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL!

Everything you need for your streamside Main Street business is here: 200sqft bar, a 103 guest dining area, a fully loaded commercial grade kitchen, & a bonus 2BD apartment. Are you ready to secure your spot on Main Street?

Windham $895,000

Just a 15 minute drive to Windham Ski Resort, this home offers seclusion & an amazing entertaining space for you and your guests!

It sleeps many, rents steady, and if you’re into memories - it’s a great place to make them! 6BD/4BA/2.7 acres. Jewett $459,000

Newly updated farmhouse on 6 acres w/raised garden beds, pretty mountain views & a stream; perfect for fishing or taking a dip on a warm summer day. During the cooler months, make use of the outdoor wood furnace for efficient & affordable heat. Conesville $139,000

Set up on a hill w/pretty views & a stream across the street, is a bucolic property w/tons of potential! 8 rooms, 1 bathroom on 1.32 acres.

Equidistant to Hunter & Windham, call it home, your home away from home, or call it an investment!

Jewett $124,000

search homes | community profiles | market news | advice Catskill 518-625-3360 Rhinebeck 845-876-4535

Kingston 845-331-5357 Windham 518-734-4200

New Paltz 845-255-0615 Woodstock 845-679-2255

*According to Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS & Columbia Greene Northern Dutchess MLS. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

LE

BRAT

G IN

v i l l a g e g r e e n r e a l t y. c o m

CE

STUNNING SKI RETREAT 4,478 sqft of living space awaits in this gorgeous ski house. Beautiful timber frame accents w/vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings. A fireplace w/floor-to-ceiling stonework is the star of the great room, while large windows frame the mountains.

Windham $999,000

29 YEARS

CMYK

B4 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Archery From B1

those goals.

The state tournament is the culmination of hundreds of hours of practice over the course of the school year and we wish the students good luck as they compete to reach the nationals.”

The NYS event will host 45 teams of students in one of three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5. Awards are given out in each of the three divisions for 1st through 10th places.

Individuals who place in the Top 10 in their division, and teams that place first in each of the three divisions, qualify to compete and represent New York State at the NASP national tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, in May. The NASP Program builds

Safety From B1

like a dangerous thing,” said Steve Peters, 66, of Tampa.

“But I’m not a doctor either, and if smarter people think it’s safer to stay home, I’m not going to argue with them.”

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club to Hold Hunter

Safety Class on March 28: The Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club is holding a Hunter Safety Class on March 28th from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at their clubhouse at 167 Hylan Road in Hunter.

You can go online to register through a link from DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov. If you are not online you can get needed materials and homework in hardcopy form by contacting Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Norton Hill Wildlife Club to Host Hunter Safety Class in Time for Spring Youth Turkey Hunt: Bill Burger announced the Norton Hill Wildlife Club will host a Hunter Safety Class just in time for the Spring Youth Turkey Hunt.

The class, open to both youth (11and up) and adults, starts on Friday April 10, from 6- 9 p.m., and concludes on Saturday April 11 from 9 a.m.2 p.m. It will be presented at the Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in

Greenville.

The 2020 Spring Youth Turkey Hunt will take place on the weekend of April 25 and April 26. Licensed youth hunters 12-15 years of age can hunt the youth weekend with a licensed parent/guardian/mentor.

(See DEC’s website for details of supervision/requirements.)

You can register for this class online by going to www.dec. ny.gov and searching for “Hunter Education Courses.”

For more information on the class, call Bill Burger at 518-622-3295.

Craryville Rod & Gun Club Pistol License Class March 23: The Craryville Rod & Gun Club will hold a Pistol License Class March 23 from 6:309:30 p.m. at their club at 1641 County Route 11. Cost is $50 per person.

Participants must first get a pistol permit application form the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in Greenport prior to attendance. To sign-up, call Kevin Hill at 518-821-4747 or

Mike Kutski at 518-651-5860.

Craryville Rod & Gun Club Ham Shoot March 29: The Craryville Rod & Gun Club will also be hosting a “Ham Shoot” on March 29 at 10 a.m. They will be offering student discounts and “money shoots” with lots of prizes.

Greene County Chapter Ducks Unlimited Annual Dinner/Auction March 21 (Only a Limited Number of Tickets Remaining): Mark your calendars for this event.

It will be held at Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Leeds on Saturday, March 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7.

There will be a live as well as a silent auction after dinner with plenty of gun giveaways and other prizes. Tickets are available online; but they are going fast! Search using key words, “Greene County NY Ducks Unlimited Banquet.” For further information, call Dana Hanusik at 518-943-2729, Jeff Holiday at 518-943-1986, or Bob Sager at

518-731-6353.

Shooters Sports in Valatie Fur Buyer/Pistol Permit Class Schedule: Ron Alund will be at Shooters Sports in Valatie buying fur at the store on March 14 and April 11 2020 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Proprietor, Chris Nastke said pistol permit classes are held at the store with instructor Lew Hatch every third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The next class will be on March 21st. Call the store at 518-758-1488 well in advance for more information on what you need to do to show to sign up.

Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS. You can share any comments with our sports desk at sports@registerstar.com *If you have a fishing or hunting report, photo, or event you would like to be considered for publication, you can send it to: huntfishreport@gmail.com

It’s fine to believe, as Rays pitcher Blake Snell said Wednesday, that the risk is overblown. If you’re young, healthy and wealthy, the virus probably does look more like a nuisance than a potential death threat.

But for millions of others, it’s not easy or advisable to be so blase.

There was a story on Twitter of a couple in their 80s

who were sitting in their car in a parking lot in Oregon because they were afraid to go inside the grocery store. They had no friends or family nearby who could help, so they waited 30 minutes until they settled on a passerby they could trust. After expressing their fears to this stranger, they handed over $100 and a grocery list to the young woman who purchased their

food, placed it in their trunk and gave them their change.

The story was simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting. An example of the most vulnerable among us, but also the depths of our compassion.

This is what we do in times of emergency. We sacrifice for the greater good. We’ve done it in wartime, we’ve done it in the aftermath of

natural disasters and we will do it now in the throes of a pandemic.

There are no rules. There are no absolutes. You can agree or disagree with the severity of restrictions or suspensions or cancellations, but you cannot argue that the stakes aren’t frighteningly high for a great number of families.

“The threat is bigger than

the games,” said Gil Swalls, 64, of Land O’Lakes who is still holding tickets for another spring training game, along with Lightning and Rays regular season tickets.

“I mean, I’m disappointed. I enjoy doing stuff.

“But it’s better to be safe.

I’m OK with that.”

didn’t think was possible.

We love the certainty of championships. Yet quite unbelievably, there will be no NCAA men’s or women’s basketball champion this year.

The shining moments have been darkened. Cinderella has been cut. Nobody will be dancing.

The tournament cancellations, at the high school and college levels, represent the virus’ bite at its most vicious. Hundreds of seniors who spent four years working for one last shot of glory have watched their dreams instantly expire. It’s totally necessary, but completely unfair, and if the seniors aren’t given an extra year of eligibility — unlikely, it would seem — it would be a brutal final bit of their college education.

We love the final-month fight for seeding for the NBA playoffs. Yet by the time the league resumes, that fight may be little more than a short scuffle if the season is shortened. So much drama will be lost. So much of the seasonlong momentum built by a team like the Lakers could disappear.

We love following the final spring training machinations

that lead to baseball’s glorious opening day. Are they ready?

Who’s playing second base?

All that anticipation will now be lost, opening day will be sprung on us at the last minute and who knows where it will be? It won’t feel glorious, but forced, and the season probably will be shortened, and we hate those asterisk seasons.

But mostly, we love to watch. We love the Dodgers on Sunday afternoons, the Lakers on Tuesday nights, March Madness at 2 p.m. on a Thursday, LAFC on Saturday nights downtown and the Kings any night at Staples Center.

We love the feel and flow of sports all the time, on the radio going to work, at the water cooler during lunch, late at night on a sports highlight show after the kids have gone to bed.

Sports inspires, enrages and empowers us through our daily lives, and during this time of national panic, it is the one cornerstone we thought we could lean upon.

Yet, at least for the next month, sports have been dramatically pulled out from under us.

Seriously, what the hell are we supposed to do now?

self-esteem using a strictly positive reinforcement instruction model. It offers students who may not wish to compete in sports like football, baseball, and basketball, etc., a chance to compete and excel in a school sports program. It develops character and discipline and promotes involvement with schoolbased activities.

So, consider either getting “your” student to take a look at participating in a NASP Program. If one doesn’t yet exist in your district, let school administrators know about the benefits of NASP and ask them to start one right away. Districts are constantly seeking ways to enrich their educational platforms and the NASP model is a great way to help fulfill that mission.

Happy Hunting, Fishing and Trapping until next time.

NEWS AND NOTES

Sports From B1

Yes, certainly, smart people will sigh at your discomfort and urge you to fill this sports vacancy with books and museums and intelligent debates, and that’s all good.

Just don’t let them tell you to get a life. Sports is a life, one engaged in by millions in many different ways, and a month without cheering and jeering and hugging and taunting will drain a feverish and chilled America.

COVID-19 has ripped through a connective tissue of our society that is consistently unmatched by any other national passion and, in doing so, it has sadly turned some reliable truths on their head.

Sports have always distracted us from the realities of life.

Now it has become the awful focus of those realities. Here’s guessing many people, even non-sports fans, didn’t take the pandemic seriously until the NBA suspended its season.

Sports have always been a vehicle to bring us together. Now it has become

SARAH STIER/GETTY IMAGES

A general view of the arena before the first half between the St. John’s Red Storm and the Creighton Bluejays during the quarterfinals of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on Thursday in New York City.

frighteningly symbolic of the danger in us being together.

The voice of the pandemic is not one of a health official, but that of the public-address announcer urging fans to the leave the arena Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.

That’s what makes this so

unsettling. Sports were supposed to be stronger than this.

Sports were supposed to be healthier than this. For fans, losing sports is about more than just losing games. It’s about losing part of the foundation on which you view yourself.

The Masters postponed due to coronavirus Chris Vivlamore The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ATLANTA — The Masters announced that this year’s tournament has been postponed due to the coronavirus, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley announced Friday.

No rescheduled date was announced.

Here is the letter from Ridley with the announcement: “On Wednesday, March 4, we issued a memo stating that our plans to host the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals had not changed.

Unfortunately, the everincreasing risks associated with the widespread Coronavirus COVID-19 have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be

disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances.

“Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. Ultimately, the health and wellbeing of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision. We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date.

“We will continue to work with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of

the Governor, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the City of Augusta and all other local authorities. We are grateful to all of these entities for their exceptional efforts and guidance.

“We recognize this decision will affect many people, including our loyal patrons. Your patience as we make every effort to communicate effectively and efficiently is appreciated, and we will share any additional information as soon as it becomes available. Updates also will be posted to our website, Masters.com. As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of people everywhere, we seek your understanding of this decision and know you share our concern given these trying times. Thank you for your faithful support.”

Visit us at www.HudsonValley 360.com

What are you going to watch on ESPN? How will your favorite sports-talk radio show talk?

What kind of stories will sports sections publish?

There are so many things sports fans have come to depend upon that have suddenly evaporated in a manner we

XFL follows suit of other professional leagues, will suspend season due to coronavirus Joseph Hoyt The Dallas Morning News

ARLINGTON, Texas — Many wondered how long the second attempt at the XFL would last. Now, after five games, the reboot is being put on hold.

The XFL will be suspended for the rest of the 2020 season due to the spread of COVID-19, which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on Wednesday.

“Currently, the XFL will not be playing its regular-season games,” the league said in a statement after The Dallas Morning News and multiple other outlets reported the suspension. “However, all players will be paid their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit toward future games.”

The Renegades, under the 80-degree Arlington sun, took part in team drills as normal.

The offense worked in the redzone under the direction of new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski.

There was competitive,

friendly trash talking and even a highlight touchdown grab by 6-foot-8 tight end Donald Parham, a somewhat normal occurrence for a struggling offense through five games. In the background, Team 9, the league’s development team, stretched for an upcoming practice of their own.

While this was happening, news broke that the MLB would suspend spring training. Then, the NHL announced it would “pause” its season. March Madness, and all other winter and spring NCAA championships, were canceled a few hours later.

The NBA had suspended operations the night before.

Coronavirus had been stopping sports across the world, but in the XFL it was business as usual.

“All we can do is listen to our league office in Stamford, Connecticut,” head coach Bob Stoops said. “Whatever decisions they make they’ll pass along to us and we’ll move from there. To this point we just had our Thursday practice and we’ll wait to hear further information from them.”

Dallas and the rest of the league didn’t have to wait much longer. A source said people close to the league were told a couple hours after the Renegades practice that the league would suspend operations, following suit with the rest of the ongoing professional leagues.

The news happens just over five weeks into the latest iteration of the XFL, a reboot of a league that played only one season in 2001.

On Wednesday, the XFL announced that the game between the New York Guardians and the Seattle Dragons would be played in Seattle’s CenturyLink Field but without any fan attendance. The decision came in response to Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s ban of large gatherings in the state.

A day later that game will be suspended, as will the rest of the games this season. The XFL doesn’t plan for that to be its end, however.

“The XFL is committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years,” the league said in a statement.

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - B5

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA Register-Star

•

The Daily Mail

•

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 – 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

EXAMINATION OF ASSESSMENT INVENTORY AND VALUATION DATA In accordance with Section 501 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law, notice is hereby given that the assessor for the Town of Taghkanic has available for review assessment inventory and valuation data. An appointment for review this information can be made by calling 518-851-7501, Assessor for the Town of Taghkanic at (518)851-7501 between the hours of 9-12 on Wednesdays.

Craig Surprise, I. A. O. Assessor, Town of Taghkanic GERMANTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL 123 Main Street Germantown, NY 12526 (518) 537-6281 SURPLUS ITEMS Old music books, music materials, typewriter, Meriam Webster Dictionary (7 copies), Meriam Webster Thesaurus (5 copies), Writers Express (28 copies) are available to purchase on a first come first serve basis at the Germantown Central School District. Any remaining after March 31, 2020 will be disposed of according to the Board Resolution passed at the January 10, 2007 Board of Education meeting.

If interested, please contact Linda Anderson at 518-537-6281 ext. 2302, or email landerson@germantowncsd.org Hubbell Inc. is currently accepting proposals for materials and subcontractors for work pertaining to the Big Pond Road Culvert Replacement Project in the Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County, NY. MBE, WBE, and Section 3 firms are encouraged to respond and will be given first priority. Please call Laurissa Vanoni at 845-586-2707 or email LAURISSA.VANONI@HUBBELLS.COM for details.

PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF TAGHKANIC PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Taghkanic will be accepting letters of interest to fill the following open position: Animal Control Officer All letters of interest for the above positions should be sent to Cheryl Rogers, Town Clerk, 483 County Route 15, Elizaville, New York 12523 or emailed to crogers42857@gmail.com.

Letters should be delivered or emailed that the Town Clerk receives them no later than April 3, 2020.

Cheryl Rogers Town Clerk Dated: March 11, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE 2019-2020 District Special Transportation Run The Catskill Central School District requests sealed bids for a 2019-2020 Out of District Transportation Run. Sealed bids should be submitted to the Transportation Coordinator, William Muirhead, Catskill Central School District, 347 West Main Street, Catskill, New York 12414 until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

Specifications will be available on March 11, 2020 and may be obtained from the Business Office by calling 943-2300 ext. 1472 or 1413. The Board reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

By order of the Board of Education Catskill Central School District William Muirhead, Transportation Director Holly Sanford, District Treasurer LEGAL NOTICE All requests for transportation, to commence September 8, 2020, of Cairo-Durham Central School District resident children to attend non-public schools are due in the District Office of the Cairo-Durham Central School, P.O. Box 780, Cairo, 424 Main Street, N.Y. 12413, no later than April 1, 2020.

Forms may be obtained by contacting, Transportation Supervisor, Roger Vaughn at (518) 622-2236.

The Board Of Education of the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District is accepting sealed bids for: Transportation for one student from residence in Tannersville, NY to the ParsonsNeil Hellman School60 Academy Rd, in Albany, NY daily for the remainder of the 201920 school year in accordance to bid specifications.

Bid specifications will be available from the Tannersville High School District Office (518589-5400 X 1000).

Sealed bids must be submitted to the Tannersville High School District Office, attention Amy Sylak, Transportation Supervisor,

by Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 10:00am at which time they will be publicly opened in the Superintendent’s Office. No faxed bids will be accepted. Final approval will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the BOE meeting.

The BOE reserves the right to waive any informalities and to reject any or all bids.

Town of Cairo Ambulance Project Description: The Town of Cairo, NY is engaged in the re-development of the 25 Railroad Avenue in Cairo, N.Y. The project being

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE 442 FAIRVIEW AVE HUDSON SACRED HEART - OUR LADY MT CARMEL SHRINE TAKE-OUT LUNCH AND DINNER $12.00 EACH TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH PICKUPS NOON - 6PM ADVANCE TICKETS CALL 518-828-0342 DAY OF EVENT 518-828-8775

bid is the abatement of asbestos containing materials (ACM).

Plans and specifications in digital format (PDF) can be acquired by contacting the project Engineer, Kaaterskill Associates. Bid documents may be examined at no expense at the office of the Town of Cairo Clerk, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, New York 12413, phone (518) 622-3120 x101.

Bids shall be stated as stipulated sums.

Bids shall be submitted as per the project manual.

Bids shall be submitted on the project Bid Form with required attachments.

The contract will be awarded based upon the lowest qualified bid with the sponsor having the right to reject all bids. All bids must reflect prevailing wage rates, NYS Labor Department Regulations, Certified Payroll, etc.

All submitted bids must include a Noncollusive Certification pursuant to NYS General Municipal Law §103-d.

Town of Cairo, N.Y., in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d-d4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority 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, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held on the date of Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 at 1:00pm at the project site, 25 Railroad Avenue, Cairo, N.Y. 12413.

Bid Document Release: 03/09/2020 4:00 PM Pre-Bid Conference: 03/17/2020 1:00 PM at the project site.

Bid Due: 04/03/2020 12:00 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Bids Opened: 04/03/2020 12:01 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Contract Start: Upon Award *Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all offers.

Contact 1: Brandan Bachor, Kaaterskill Associates, 517 Main Street, Cairo, NY 12413, 518-622-9667 x210, b.bachor@keaeng.com

Contact 2: John Coyne, Supervisor, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x113, supervisor@townofcairo.com Submit Bids to: Kayla L. Warner, Clerk, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x101, townclerk@townofcairo.com Town of Cairo Ambulance Project Description: The Town of Cairo, NY is engaged in the re-development of the 25 Railroad Avenue in Cairo, N.Y. The project being bid is the demolition and removal of the existing residence and foundation and the backfill of existing site in accordance with the construction documents. This property is to become the new home of the Cairo Ambulance Department.

Plans and specifications in digital format (PDF) can be acquired by contacting the project Engineer, Kaaterskill Associates.

Bid documents may be examined at no expense at the office of the Town of Cairo Clerk, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, New York 12413, phone (518) 622-3120 x101.

Bids shall be stated as stipulated sums.

Bids shall be submitted as per the project manual.

Bids shall be submitted on the project Bid Form with required attachments.

The contract will be awarded based upon the lowest qualified bid with the sponsor having the right to reject all bids. All bids must reflect prevailing wage rates, NYS Labor Department Regulations, Certified Payroll, etc.

All submitted bids must include a Noncollusive Certification pursuant to NYS General Municipal Law §103-d.

Town of Cairo, N.Y., in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d-d4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority 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, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held on the date of Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 at 1:00pm at the project site, 25 Railroad Avenue, Cairo, N.Y. 12413.

Bid Document Release: 03/09/2020 4:00 PM Pre-Bid Conference: 03/17/2020 1:00 PM at the project site.

Bid Due: 04/03/2020 12:00 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Bids Opened: 04/03/2020 12:01 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Contract Start: Upon Award *Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all offers.

Contact 1: Brandan Bachor, Kaaterskill Associates, 517 Main Street, Cairo, NY 12413, 518-622-9667 x210, b.bachor@keaeng.com Contact 2: John Coyne, Supervisor, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x113, supervisor@townofcairo.com Submit Bids to: Kayla L. Warner, Clerk, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x101, townclerk@townofcairo.com Town of Cairo Ambulance Project Description: The Town of Cairo, NY is engaged in the re-development of the 25 Railroad Avenue in Cairo, N.Y. The project being bid is the construction of a new custom-built garage for emergency vehicles and modular building to provide office space and living quarters for staff. This property is to become the new home of the Cairo Ambulance Department.

Plans and specifications in digital format (PDF) can be acquired by contacting the project Engineer, Kaaterskill Associates.

Bid documents may be examined at no expense at the office of the Town of Cairo Clerk, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, New York 12413, phone (518) 622-3120 x101.

Bids shall be stated as stipulated sums.

Bids shall be submitted as per the project manual.

Bids shall be submitted on the project Bid Form with required attachments.

The contract will be awarded based upon the lowest qualified bid with the sponsor having the right to reject all bids. All bids must reflect prevailing wage rates, NYS Labor Department Regulations, Certified Payroll, etc.

All submitted bids must include a Noncollusive Certification pursuant to NYS General Municipal Law §103-d.

Town of Cairo, N.Y., in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d-d4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority 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, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held on the date of Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 at 1:00pm at the project site, 25 Railroad Avenue, Cairo, N.Y. 12413.

Bid Document Release: 03/09/2020 4:00 PM Pre-Bid Conference: 03/17/2020 1:00 PM at the project site.

Bid Due: 04/03/2020 12:00 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Bids Opened: 04/03/2020 12:01 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Contract Start: Upon Award *Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all offers.

Contact 1: Brandan Bachor, Kaaterskill Associates, 517 Main Street, Cairo, NY 12413, 518-622-9667 x210, b.bachor@keaeng.com Contact 2: John Coyne, Supervisor, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x113, supervisor@townofcairo.com

Submit Bids to: Kayla L. Warner, Clerk, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x101, townclerk@townofcairo.com Town of Cairo Ambulance Project Description: The Town of Cairo, NY is engaged in the re-development of the 25 Railroad Avenue in Cairo, N.Y. The project being bid is the Project Monitoring Services during the abatement of asbestos containing materials (ACM) including but may not be limited to the following: • Perform background, during and final air clearance sampling for all interior work areas as required under NYS ICR 56. • A properly certified Project Monitor shall perform a final visual inspection of all work areas as required under ICR 56. • Air samples will be analyzed by Phase Contract Microscopy (PCM) – NIOSH 7400 method. • All sample results will be available within 24 hours of collection • Provide notification as required by NYS ICR 56 to the owner and the contractor if the air sampling results are above the acceptable limit of 0.01 f/cc or background level. • Provide the client with a final written report which will include air sampling locations, results, chain of custody documentation, log sheets, laboratory certifications, company licenses and employee certifications. • Provide fee schedule including unit costs for hours/days/samples/etc.

Plans and specifications in digital format (PDF) can be acquired by contacting the project Engineer, Kaaterskill Associates.

Bid documents may be examined at no expense at the office of

the Town of Cairo Clerk, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, New York 12413, phone (518) 622-3120 x101.

Bids shall be stated as stipulated sums.

Bids shall be submitted as per the project manual.

Bids shall be submitted on the project Bid Form with required attachments.

The contract will be awarded based upon the lowest qualified bid with the sponsor having the right to reject all bids. All bids must reflect prevailing wage rates, NYS Labor Department Regulations, Certified Payroll, etc.

All submitted bids must include a Noncollusive Certification pursuant to NYS General Municipal Law §103-d.

Town of Cairo, N.Y., in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d-d4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department ofTransportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority 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, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held on the date of Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 at 1:00pm at the project site, 25 Railroad Avenue, Cairo, N.Y. 12413.

Bid Document Release: 03/09/2020 4:00 PM

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B6 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 Pre-Bid Conference: 03/17/2020 1:00 PM at the project site.

Bid Due: 04/03/2020 12:00 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Bids Opened: 04/03/2020 12:01 PM at the office of the Town Clerk.

Contract Start: Upon Award *Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all offers.

Contact 1: Brandan Bachor, Kaaterskill Associates, 517 Main Street, Cairo, NY 12413, 518-622-9667 x210, b.bachor@keaeng.com Contact 2: John Coyne, Supervisor, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x113, supervisor@townofcairo.com Submit Bids to: Kayla L. Warner, Clerk, Town of Cairo, 512 Main Street, PO Box 728, Cairo, N.Y. 12413 (518) 622-3120 x101, townclerk@townofcairo.com TOWN OF TAGHKANIC PUBLIC NOTICE OF WORK SHOP PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday March 18, 2020 the Taghkanic Town Board will hold a Special Workshop Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, Route 82, West Taghkanic. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Projects and Goals for the Town over the next Five-Years.

Suggestions from Town residents and businesses are very important and all interested persons are urged to attend.

Dated: March 11, 2020 Cheryl Rogers Town Clerk

Rentals 295

Apts. for Rent Columbia Co.

CLAVERACK, Unfurnished 2nd floor, 1 bdr., $800/mo. $800 + elect., sec dep. reqd. Mo. to mo. lease. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. Quiet cul de sac area. NO 3RD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT. ref req. 518-851-7062/ 914474-5176 leave msg.

Employment 415

General Help

CUSTODIAN NEEDED SBM Management is hiring custodians at our client’s facility in Oak Hill. Full time, full benefits, multiple shifts.

Training provided. $12-$14/ hr depending on experience. Please call Jennifer at 518-819-6042 FENCE

232

Commercial Property

+15 Rentals $81,000 income +US9 4.8 ComAcrs $155,000 +Newburgh: 17ac w&s $550k Realty600 845/229-1618

255

Lots & Acreage

Lake George Region 20 acres approved building site and attractive wooded setting. Nice deal from Ridge top camping spot.

Close to state land. $69k, Call 518-624-6055.

430

Medical & Dental Help Wanted

LOOKING FOR spring cleanups & lawn mowing help in Tannersville. Full time. Call (518)589-5639.

The Town of Durham, Greene County is seeking to hire a Parks and Cemeteries employee.

They would be a full time employee for the Town of Durham. The responsibility is the maintains of grounds and facility around town. You may pick up an application and description of the job at the Town Hall.

Please return the completed application by March 26, 2020 to 7309 Route 81, E. Durham, NY 12423.

Any questions call Hwy Super Joseph van Holsteyn 518-2396122 Ext 6

Help Save A Life Today.

Please Donate Blood MERCURY MARQUE 2010, 4dr., 2nd owner, low miles, EC, $6,700, Chatham, NY, 518-392-0221.

Professional & Technical

435

FORD F250, 2005, 8' dump bed, new bed, body, steps & tires, 4 wheel drive, 75,765 miles, Southern truck, $11,000. (518) 8519896.

Early Childhood Learning Center of Greene County EOE Statement

Landscape Laborer – 4 fulltime temporary jobs available 04/01/20 – 12/01/20. Kevin Kelly Poured Foundation Inc, 239 Starbarrack Rd., Red Hook, NY 12571. Level worksites and move topsoil, plant trees, shrubs, annual beds, laws, apply mulch. Mow and maintain lawns, light pruning. Assist hardscape laborers moving and setting up supplies being used by hardscape laborers for retaining walls, patios and walkways. General cleanup of worksites. No education, 2 month experience required. Mon-Fri, 8am - 5pm, 40 hours/week at $16.83/hour. No OT. Transportation (incl. meals and lodging) to place of employment provided or reimbursed by employer completing ½ contract period.

Return trans. provided if contract completed or early dismissal. No tool, supply, equipment charges. Apply with Dutchess Career Center, 191 Main St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or by phone 845-473-9000. JO # NY1329120.

Dial 911

MOVING SALE Mar 14-15, 21-22. 9am-3pm. 11 Jensen La, Copake NY. Queen Bedroom set, twin sleigh bed, pristine long twin mattresses, 2 oak entertainment armoire's, wood office armoire, oak dining chairs, China, vintage ceramics and crystals, linens, women’s clothing, framed art, quilts, fabrics, sewing supplies, housewares, TV, lamps, luggage, and much more. Pristine.

EVERYTHING MUST GO

Automobiles for Sale

Executive Director – Twin County Recovery Services, Inc.

needed, exp. necessary, drivers license and a truck a must, $22.50 to start. FT / PT. Call 518-851-3430.

For Emergency

930

P/T Dental Assistant wanted. We will Train. Call 518758-6359 or email resume' to cdaoffice835@gmail.com to set up interview.

INSTALLER

UNDER SEC. 182 NYS LIEN LAW, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS CONTENTS OF STORAGE UNIT, WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION ON MARCH 16TH , 2020 AT 12:00 NOON AT 90 HEALY BLVD. HUDSON, NY 12534. THIS AUCTION COULD BE CANCELED AT ANYTIME. CALL 518-828-5213. THE SALE OF SUCH PROPERTY IS TO SATISFY THE LIEN OF AFFORDABLE SELF STORAGE ON PROPERTY STORED FOR THE ACCOUNT OF: UNIT NO. NAME ADDRESS 1301 URSULA LABAN HUDSON, NY 1308 URSULA LABAN HUDSON, NY 1297 URSULA LABAN HUDSON, NY 1415 RICHARD WILLIGANS HUDSON, NY 259 CHRISTOPHER HART HUDSON, NY 652 DOUG SWARTZ PHILMONT 114 ALEXANDRA LOPEZ DE LA PEZ HUDSON, NY 113 DEBORAH BROWN HUDSON, NY

Real Estate

The Town of New Baltimore Highway Department is accepting applications for a full time CDL driver/heavy motor equipment operator. Applicants must have a minimum of a clean CDL Class B license. Applicant must be able to perform labor duties including but not limited to shoveling, raking, weed whacking, lawn mowing, operating chain saws, and brush clipping.

Heavy equipment operation such as front end loader, backhoe, tractors, etc. a plus. Experience plowing snow with a large truck with plow and wing preferred. Must be willing and able to work long hours, including nights and weekends, during winter months for snow and ice removal. Applicant must pass pre-employment drug screen and alcohol test and random drug and alcohol testing at any time and authorize driver’s license check.

The successful candidate will be considered probationary for six months beginning at hire date. For further information please contact Highway Superintendent Alan VanWormer at (518)756-2078, Ext. 3 M-Th 6AM-3PM and F 6-10AM. Applications are available at the Town Clerk’s office Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM until April 3.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Twin County Recovery Services (TCRS) will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race; color; creed; religion; sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions); sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; transgender status; age; national origin; marital status; citizenship; physical and mental disability; criminal record; genetic information; predisposition or carrier status; status with respect to receiving public assistance; domestic violence victim status; a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran; or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Position Executive Director, Twin County Recovery Services

Description: The Board of Directors of Twin County Recovery Services (TCRS) is seeking to hire an Executive Director to assume leadership of the organization no later than January 1, 2021. TCRS is licensed by the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services to provide prevention, treatment and recovery supports for individuals with addiction.

The agency’s administrative offices are located in Hudson, in upstate NY's beautiful Hudson Valley Region, about an hour south of Albany and north of Poughkeepsie. Clinical services, residential services, and prevention programming are delivered from various locations in Columbia and Greene Counties.

Under the general direction of the Board and Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the following: Leadership; Fiscal Oversight; Program Management and Evaluation; Staff Management; Communications and Public Relations; Decision Making; Strategic Planning; and, Board Relations. The person in this position will have the opportunity to manage an agency that is central to the work of efforts to address the epidemic of addiction to opioids and other drugs of abuse, in close cooperation with local, state and federal partners.

Reduce

We offer the opportunity to work in a vibrant and highly collaborative community for competitive compensation, including a salary ranging from $85,000 to $95,000, based on experience, and a rich benefits package.

Position Requirements The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (public health, human services, public administration, etc.), although a Master’s Degree is preferred. Experience must include staff supervision and management in the not-for-profit or public sectors. Excellent written and oral communication skills, public speaking experience, and the ability to interact productively in small and large groups are also required. Facility with grants management, data analytics, advocacy, and direct experience in or knowledge of addiction services are not required but preferred.

Application Directions More information about this position can be found at the following address: https://www.twincountyrecovery services.org/who-we-are/career-opportunities/ Interested applicants must submit a complete Employment Application, Cover Letter and Resume to Michelle Ublacker, Board President, at the following address:

Reuse

Michelle Ublacker Columbia County Department of Social Services 25 Railroad Avenue Hudson, NY 12534 ATTN: Twin County Recovery Services ED Search

Working for the Early Childhood Learning Center of Greene County provides employees with the opportunity to make a difference. Whether it is working with parents to empower them in their communities or being part of a child’s development to encourage and stimulate their learning, seeing a young child smile and grow before our eyes is the most rewarding part of our job. This opportunity is available every day. You can make a difference in a child’s life.

Our career opportunities include a variety of roles that contribute to educating young children. The following positions are open: • Special Education Teacher • Head Start Teachers • Fiscal Specialist • Mental Health Specialist • Education Manager • Teachers Assistant/Aides Full benefits package includes medical/dental/vision. Paid time leave-holidays-snowdays - 403b plan, and Making a difference in the lives of children.

Early Children Learning Center of Greene County PO Box 399 South Cairo, NY 12482 OR email to: emoore@eclcgreenecounty.org or kfederico@eclcgreenecounty.org

Applications may also be submitted electronically to the following address: michelle.ublacker@dfa.state.ny.us Subject Line: “TCRS ED Applicant” Please note that applications that do not include any one of the three required elements will not be considered.

Services

514

Recycle

Services Offered

Transportation 935

HOUSE AND office cleaning. Dependable, established in 1995, references. 518-697-9303

Classifieds

Classic Cars

WANTED PRE 1974, european and american classic / sports cars. Jags, Porche, Alfa, Benz, Cadi, Chevy, ford and others. Basket cases, proj. cars running or not. 203-889-6856.

Work!

In the madness of this March, sports can’t comfort us Bob Ford The Philadelphia Inquirer

PHILADELPHIA — In a way, it’s not even the games that will be missed the most, although, for me, there is nothing that touches college basketball in March and April for sheer delight. The pro game itself is better. It is faster and played at a higher level, but it is also a job, and that weary dedication to commerce is palpable.

The college game, even for the short-timers who drop in only for a season to apprentice for the draft, is played with a passion that lifts the event from the ordinary geometry of a rectangular court and a round ball to something that can rekindle our own flagging spirit.

So, yes, of course the basketball is special, but the setting and scenes of the conference and national tournament games are what separate those events from everything else in our sports landscape. That’s one person’s opinion. All sports usually provide some measure of escape from reality.

Right now, they are a reminder of it, and something else on the long list of cancellations and suspensions might mean more to you. Not me.

Several hours before the

Big East Conference tournament was halted mid-game on Thursday, during the first of four scheduled quarterfinals, I decided not to get on the train to New York. It is my favorite assignment of the year, even more than the NCAA Tournament that follows. Maybe it is the comfort of walking a wellworn path.

I was in Madison Square Garden the night Jim Boeheim ended a post-game press conference by throwing his chair across the room. I was there in the years when the tournament annually interrupted the run of circus dates, and there were always elephants placidly munching hay in the corridors adjacent to the working press areas. For a long time, I associated the Big East tournament with a lot of yelling in what smelled like a barnyard.

The sounds of the Garden are their own as well, starting with the horn that booms plaintively like a ship at sea feeling its way through a fog.

The sudden harshness of a pep band striking up during a time out is a reminder that even “The Theme from Hawaii FiveO” can become inspirational in the right setting. That is never the case with “Sweet Caroline,” however, but to each his own.

BRIAN SPURLOCK/USA TODAY

The Michigan Wolverines against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Thursday is cancelled with no fans in attendance due to Coronavirus prevention as the 2020 Big Ten Tournament has been cancelled at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

At the Garden, the tickettakers at the doors were once adept at snapping the ticket between a thumb and middle finger, separating the ticket from the stub at the perforation in one sharp motion. Only a few of those lifers remain, and it always made me smile to find one still working.

“You snap it?” I asked the guy at the press entrance door last year.

“Nah. Manny does, but he’s off today,” he said.

Call me odd, but part of the anticipation of getting

from the train to the Garden on Thursday was hoping that Manny would be at the door.

Even the ushers are part of the show. For as long as I can remember, two of the ushers working courtside are named Mark and Timothy. Mark is dark-haired, although it is now thoroughly salted, with glasses and a neatly trimmed moustache. Timothy is a large, florid-faced Irishman with wavy blond hair that has gone to gray.

Every year, both make a point of finding me at the

courtside press table. We shake hands and talk about the only thing that bonds us.

“We made it another year,” Mark said, last March.

“We did,” I said. “Let’s keep going.”

In this March of true madness, I don’t know whether Mark and Timothy hung on for another tournament, or whether, with spectators already barred, their jobs weren’t even there this time around. It makes me sad that had we seen each other this time, we wouldn’t have shaken hands.

That’s the overwhelming emotion for having lost the true and lasting friend that is the Big East tournament, even though this sadness is a whisper of what is taking place worldwide among families that have lost or will lose loved ones. The sense that the bottom has dropped out of everything we have previously relied upon for comfort extends far beyond anything as trivial as basketball.

We assumed that modern medicine could prevent a pandemic in the 21st century. We were wrong. We assumed that even a country as culturally different as China would no longer allow open-air markets in

which exotic wild animals are crammed in filthy cages prior to sale and consumption. We were wrong. We assumed that even if a pandemic occurred, our government would be a world leader with a smart, fast reaction to the crisis. Yeah, we didn’t get that one right, either.

So, where is the comfort?

It can’t be found in the familiar routines of our sports. Not for now, anyway. The NCAA Tournament is gone. Baseball, hockey, soccer, the NBA? All of them gone.

I didn’t get on the train Thursday, not because Villanova’s game had been canceled. It was still set for 7 p.m. I didn’t get on the train because nobody should get on a train right now. Or an airplane. Or sit in an arena with other people.

Until we know who is sick, everyone is sick. Until then, each of us can cause others to die.

The Garden will be there next March, and I believe the Big East tournament will be there, too. The elephants will still be long gone, but I have hope of seeing Mark and Timothy again, and of shaking their hands. In a time of despair, I’m even working to be optimistic about Manny.

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - B7

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Objection to dress code threatens to sink cruise Dear Abby, My husband and I have been married 30 years. I recently retired, and we are planning a cruise to Europe and a two-month stay, returning on the same cruise line. The cruise line is rather posh, and travelers are asked to DEAR ABBY “dress appropriately” — which means, essentially, men should wear a jacket to dinner (no tie required).

My husband is balking at the idea he should have to wear a jacket on his vacation and now says he won’t go. Abby, we have already invested several hundreds of dollars in deposits, so what do I do? I’d rather not spend 14 days at sea with a husband whining over wearing a jacket for 30 minutes a day and end up dining alone (we reserved a table for two so we wouldn’t be stuck making small talk). We are cruising because he will not fly.

Texas Wife

JEANNE PHILLIPS

You have already accommodated your husband by booking a cruise instead of flying. Could his problem be that his jackets no longer fit him?

If that’s the case, buy him one that does. However, if his objection is that he really doesn’t want to GO, why not take your husband up on his offer to stay home and ask one of your girlfriends to accompany you? Then all three of you might have a better time.

Dear Abby, I am 61 and dating a 63-year-old man, “Charles.” I live in my own apartment, pay my own bills, and I like and enjoy life. Charles is constantly over at my apartment and ends up falling asleep for hours at a time. It irritates me when he sleeps six, seven and even eight hours at my place. I feel he has a place of his own, and

Family Circus

he should be doing that there.

He has told me numerous times that he doesn’t feel safe at his apartment because of the neighborhood. He says that is why he is spending time with me. I like my alone time, which I don’t have often. Prior to him, I wasn’t in a relationship for seven years.

I feel that Charles is needy.

Am I being unreasonable? I don’t think I am, and it always ends up in an argument. If you could please give me some advice, I would appreciate your input.

Not Hotel Accommodations Wake up and smell the coffee. Charles told you he spends all that time with you because he doesn’t feel safe in his apartment, NOT because he loves your company so much he cannot stay away. What did he do before he met you?

From where I sit, it appears he’s angling to move in. It isn’t unreasonable to want your own space, particularly if you are the one paying for it, while he snores away the hours. If the status quo isn’t what you want, it is up to you to change it.

Dear Abby, In class, I sit next to a girl who is constantly telling me that she likes the way I smell. I don’t know if she’s flirting with me or actually likes my cologne. She is making me very self-conscious. Should I confront her or tell my teacher?

Or should I drop out and move to Alaska? I’m scared.

Ready To Move In The South

Classic Peanuts

Garfield

Your classmate is trying to pay you a compliment. Tell her the name of your cologne and where she can buy some, if you are wearing any.

As to moving out of state, that smells very unnecessary to me.

Blondie

Ultrasound good first step in diagnosing breast lump A friend of mine who’s 78 years old recently found a lump in her breast near the nipple.

Since nothing had shown up on a recent mammogram in early 2019, she visited an OB/GYN. That doctor sent her for an ultrasound. The written TO YOUR report of that simply said “Not GOOD HEALTH cancerous.” During a followup visit, the doctor said it was simply a cyst. Was the doctor thorough enough to give this diagnosis with just an ultrasound? Should a biopsy be suggested in this situation?

DR. KEITH ROACH

Breast masses are always concerning to patient and physician alike, and all need an appropriate investigation. Even having had a normal mammogram recently should not stop a woman from getting a new breast lump evaluated.

An ultrasound was an entirely reasonable first step with a woman with a breast mass and normal mammogram. If the result of the ultrasound was a simple cyst (fluid-filled, not solid) and the remainder of the exam was normal, she can be reassured that it is not cancer. She should receive a follow-up exam. A solid mass generally requires a needle biopsy.

How do you get ringworm? How can you

get rid of it?

Ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. The name of the condition depends on where the rash and infection are: On the body, it is called tinea corporis. “Tinea” means “worm” in Latin and “corporis” means “body,” but there is no actual worm present. I did see a patient who had attempted to remove the nonexistent “worm” with a knife.

Please don’t do that.

The most common cause of ringworm is Trichophyton rubrum. It is contracted by direct spread from another person or animal, or by contact with something another person has used that has been contaminated with the organism. Rash appears usually 10-14 days after contact.

Treatment is with antifungal creams for one to three weeks, applied until the rash is gone.

Some of these, such as terbinafine (Lamisil), are available over the counter and are very effective. A few people with extensive disease or those who haven’t gotten better with creams may need oral medication.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — You may not understand the patterns that the day’s progress appears to be following, but you can still do the right things at the right times.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You can boast of certain skills, or you can put them on full display.

You know which is the better choice — so why not get to it?

Zits

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

Horoscope

By Stella Wilder Born today, you may, when young, be wildly misunderstood and even undervalued. This is because you are likely to be quite solitary — and even when you are in social situations, you are likely to have remained aloof and on your own, preferring to observe the goings-on rather than partake in them. Usually, you can be found thinking about things that fascinate you — but they fascinate like nothing else in the world! You can make whole mountains out of molecules in your mind and build great castles in air — simply because you want to and can imagine it.

You are quirky and unpredictable, and above all fun-loving — even mischievous. You enjoy all manner of jokes and tall tales, and you have a weakness for playing jokes on others — innocently, of course!

Also born on this date are: Albert Einstein, physicist and mathematician; Stephen Curry, basketball player; Billy Crystal, actor and comedian; Michael Caine, actor; Quincy Jones, music producer; Daniel Gillies, actor; Hank Ketcham, cartoonist.

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.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Hagar the Horrible

Baby Blues TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You may not be following the rules, exactly, but you are still getting the kinds of results that make you the envy of others all around you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — You can take a leaf out of someone else’s book and complete a certain project ahead of schedule; some might accuse you of being an overachiever!

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You’re intrigued by one who keeps doing a certain something the oldfashioned way. Try to find out why; you might want to try it, too.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You don’t want to waste your time on something that isn’t worth the money — and vice versa. Indeed, cost-efficiency is a major issue today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You can enjoy a little quiet time today, perhaps — and in so doing, you will reset your creative engines and be ready to face a new project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You don’t want to focus on certain issues today, but that decision may not be yours to make. Indeed, someone may force you to take a look.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — You’ll be remembering the glory days today — but take care you don’t find yourself yearning too hard for something you cannot recapture.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Conflict can be kept to a minimum today if you are willing to overlook someone’s behavior and let bygones be bygones.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You’re not likely to get where you’re going in the usual way today. You must ready yourself to let someone do the driving — and hang on!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — You’ll have the support of those who habitually support you, that’s almost certain. You want one of your critics to have a change of heart.

COPYRIGHT 2020 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.

Beetle Bailey

Pearls Before Swine

Dennis the Menace

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

B8 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 Close to Home

SUPER QUIZ

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

CEFEN NUHDO PCROEP BDLAEB

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.

Get the free JUST JUMBLE app • Follow us on Twitter @PlayJumble

Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

Countries Level 1

2

3

4

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Answer here: Yesterday’s

(Answers Monday) Jumbles: HAIRY HUMAN DRAGON CUTEST Answer: The zeros got together and did — NOTHING MUCH

3/14/20

Solution to Friday’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.

Identify the country with a name that is an anagram of the given word. (e.g., Tango. Answer: Tonga.)

Freshman level 1. Chain 2. Pure 3. Rain 4. Pains 5. Laity Graduate level 6. Serial 7. Mail 8. Also 9. Panel 10. Reign PH.D. level 11. Regalia 12. Moan 13. Analog 14. Rabies 15. Aneurism

SUPER QUIZ ANSWERS 1. China. 2. Peru. 3. Iran. 4. Spain. 5. Italy. 6. Israel. 7. Mali. 8. Laos. 9. Nepal. 10.

Niger. 11. Algeria. 12. Oman. 13. Angola. 14. Serbia. 15. Suriname.

24 to 30 points — congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points — honors graduate; 13 to 17 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 5 to 12 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 4 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 __ free; liberate 4 Loathe 9 Take a __ at; attempt 13 Way out 15 Window covering 16 Jackson __, Wyoming 17 Arrived 18 TV’s “Days of Our __” 19 Sneaky tactic 20 Fun 22 __-on; like some patches 23 BBQ favorites 24 Jamie __ Curtis 26 Indian & Arctic 29 Sound amplifiers 34 Rough cabin 35 Fewest 36 “__ a move on!”; cry to a slowpoke 37 “I couldn’t __ less!”

38 Bulldog’s cheeks 39 Clerical error 40 Time following lunch: abbr.

41 Church leaders 42 Dixie __ cups 43 Discussed again 45 On the whole 46 Item for confession 47 “__ Me in St. Louis” 48 Babysitter’s bane 51 Like a terrible headache 56 Lasso 57 Give a speech 58 Review a manuscript 60 “__ the Rainbow” 61 Adamant refusal 62 Overnight dance party 63 Ties the knot 64 Shadowboxes 65 Barbie’s beau DOWN 1 Moment, for short 2 Grade determiner, often 3 Magazine title 4 Speaks off the cuff

Bound & Gagged

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

5 Teacup edges 6 __-nots; those in need 7 Unlocked 8 Agitated 9 Sharp shrill cry 10 On a __; sightseeing 11 __-ran; one who didn’t win 12 “__ there, done that” 14 Raised porch 21 Icy oval 25 “Please Don’t __ the Daisies” 26 “Sesame Street” character 27 Cause skin irritation 28 One of the planets 29 Made clothes 30 Chums 31 North African nation 32 Fight off 33 “West Side __” 35 Easy stride 38 Andrew & Lyndon 39 More delicious

3/14/20

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

Non Sequitur

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

41 Letter for Socrates 42 Longfellow or Whitman 44 Fall flowers 45 Linear measures 47 Bishop’s accessory 48 Area below the hairline

3/14/20

49 Meander 50 Imitated 52 Get ready, for short 53 Mauna Loa’s output 54 Neighbor of Minn.

55 __ up; quit 59 Reasonable bedtime

Rubes

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - C1

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

UNHAPPY

LOCAL, MEMBEROWNED FINANCIAL COOPERATIVE E FOR GET MOR EY: YOUR MON ES FEWER FE S & CHARGE

AWESOME S! LOAN RATE

- with your current -

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION?

WE UNDERSTAND. What’s the Credit UNion Difference?

We’re dedicated to people, not profit. be banked.com beUNbanked.com be banked.com 518-828-5216 MAKE THE SWITCH TODAY!

a financial institution that

derstands you.

u tti oi n a fi n a nacfiinaa ln cii anl si ntsit ti tu otnh a tt UhNad te r s t a n dds ey orus. t a n d s y o u .

Federally insured by NCUA

be

a financial institution that

be a financial institution that

banked.com derstands you.

banked.com derstands you.

Farrow

Ronan Farrow dumps publisher HACHETTE: Author

disputes companies book deal with father, Woody Allen

By MEAGAN FLYNN Washington Post

New book beautifully demonstrates the

EVOLUTION OF A GENRE

By MICHAEL DIRDA Washington Post

“The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom: Volume One: The 19320s”

By David Ritter and Daniel Ritter, With Jeff Diperna and Wendy Gonick “Horror Fiction in the 20th Century: Exploring Literature’s Most Chilling Genre”

By Jess Nevins These days, many devotees of contemporary science fiction and horror pay scant attention to the rich past of their genres, and yet such neglect makes little sense: When you love a subject, don’t you want to know everything you can about that subject, including its history?

In “The Visual History of Science

Fiction Fandom — Volume One: The 1930s,” David and Daniel Ritter — a father-and-son team — show us, through words and pictures, how a passion for science fiction evolved into a way of life for young people who couldn’t get enough of that crazy Buck Rogers stuff.

The result is a sumptuous scrapbook of photographs, magazine covers, artwork and hundreds of articles, letters and typescripts, everything beautifully held together by the Ritters’ concise but enthralling text. The physical book is expensive but, given the amount of material in it and the high quality of the printing, one doubts that First Fandom Experience is doing more than breaking even. Happily, there is a less costly digital version

The investigative journalist Ronan Farrow, whose reporting helped launch the #MeToo movement, revealed last Tuesday that he is splitting from his publisher, Hachette Book Group, after discovering its imprint would be publishing the memoir of his father, Woody Allen.

Farrow, Allen’s son with Mia Farrow, has stood by his sister, Dylan, after she accused Allen of molesting her when she was a child in the 1990s, which the filmmaker has denied. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist detailed the family turmoil in his book published by Hachette in 2019, “Catch And Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators,” which follows Farrow’s challenges exposing the sexual abuse allegations against powerful men including Harvey Weinstein, Allen and others.

Yet as he worked on the book for months, he had no idea Hachette was also secretly in talks with Allen to publish his memoir next month, he said on Twitter.

Farrow, who writes for the New Yorker, accused Hachette of concealing the book deal from him and also of failing to fact-check Allen’s memoir against his sister’s accusations of sexual abuse. Because of the publisher’s behavior, he said he could no longer work with Hachette “in good conscience.”

“I was disappointed to learn through press reports that Hachette, my publisher, acquired Woody Allen’s memoir after other major publishers refused to do so and concealed the decision from me and its own employees while we were working on Catch and Kill — a book See FARROW C2

See GENRE C2

Woody Allen

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

C2 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Cut stress by not wasting time

By JUDI LIGHT HOPSON Tribune News Service

Mark Williams stars in “Father Brown.” BBC/IMDb/TNS

BritBox reaches 1 million North American subscribers

By WENDY LEE Los Angeles Times

SAN FRANCISCO — The British streaming wars have taken America by storm.

BritBox, the New York streaming service catering to older women who love British TV, says it now has 1 million subscribers in North America — doubling its base of customers in just 14 months.

Unlike Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, which cater to general audiences, BritBox fills a niche for licensed and original British programs, including crime drama series “Vera,” “RHS Chelsea Flower Show” and the comedy “Hold the Sunset.”

BritBox, which is owned by British TV network ITV and BBC Studios, attributed the surge in subscribers to the popularity of such shows as “Father Brown” as well as series like “Death in Paradise” acquired from Netflix and other streamers.

The company’s growth comes as the streaming market

Genre From C1

available for e-readers.

Whatever the format, this labor of love demonstrates how much today’s science fiction fandom owes to its past. For instance, did you know that cosplay — dressing up like fictional characters — existed long before San Diego Comic-Con? The Ritters print a 1939 photograph of young Forrest J. Ackerman — in later life, editor of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland — and Myrtle R. Douglas (sometimes known as Morojo) appareled in superhero get-ups at the very first World Science Fiction Convention.

Most of us think of blogs and home pages as strictly 21st century, but think again.

At heart, they are superpowered versions of 1930s fanzines, those mimeographed, self-published journals in

Farrow From C1

about how powerful men, including Woody Allen, avoid accountability for sexual abuse,” Farrow wrote.

Grand Central Publishing, a Hachette imprint, announced Monday that it would publish the filmmaker’s autobiography, titled, “Apropos of Nothing,” in April. The publisher described it as a “comprehensive account of Woody Allen’s life, both personal and professional,” and says Allen also “writes of his relationships with family, friends, and the loves of his life.”

Allen had trouble selling his memoir to a publisher as the #MeToo movement exploded

Wouldn’t it be nice if we each had an extra hour or two every day? That would feel great, but we’re all limited to 24.

That’s why time is our most valuable commodity. We can’t buy or rent more of it.

The only way to make time work for us is to manage it well.

We must spend it wisely each and every day, because we can’t save it up.

Experts say that managing time means we must manage ourselves in relation to it. We should monitor what we do and how we do it, so we’re protecting our time.

These tips can help: n Keep your to-do list in front of you all day. Write down five or six things you need to accomplish. If you write down more, you’re likely not going to do them. n Tackle your single biggest issue before noon. This might be handing over your taxes to your accountant or enrolling in a class you need. If you do all the small things first, you’ll never have time to get your main concern of the day taken care of. n Make some good decisions

every single day. Use small bits of time to make up your mind on an action you need to take.

Spend five minutes scheduling a dental appointment or open up a savings account online for your child’s college fund. n Figure out how to delegate or hire help. This way, you multiply your efforts. Ask your teenage son to run an errand this weekend or bite the bullet and call a service to paint your porch. You can accomplish more, if you stop trying to do everything by yourself.

“My time seems to flow much better, if I feel energetic,” says a physical fitness trainer we’ll call Aaron. “Believe me, there are days I don’t want to go to the gym. But, if I do, I can feel my body creating more energy.”

Aaron also says he’s noticed his energy is lower if he is worried about something.

“Many of my clients feel stressed before they start working out,” says Aaron. “They’ll mention financial problems or problems with their kids. I tell them, ‘Keep a journal, start writing down actions you can take to reverse the stress. Don’t let worry pile up on you.’”

Most of us know it takes twice

as much time, hence twice the energy, to accomplish something if we’re worried.

“If someone starts affirming they will accomplish something, they usually will,” says a counselor at a New York health and wellness center. We’ll call him Kevin.

“Results will start to happen if you believe it’s possible to reach a goal,” says Kevin. “I jokingly tell my clients they will lose weight and get fit when they focus and focus hard. They’ll stop wasting time.”

A medical assistant we’ll call Peggy says her New Year’s goal is always the same. “I vow to lose weight and get in shape,” she told us. Peggy says she finally admitted how many weeks and months she’d already wasted on failing to focus.

“Cranking up my determination since January has helped,” Peggy told us. “I’ve lost 12 pounds and one dress size.”

Peggy says that managing time to get things done is not really about the clock. “It’s about managing your mental and physical energy,” she emphasizes. “Focusing like a laser beam and powering through something is often the real time-saver.”

is becoming increasingly crowded with Disney+ and Apple TV+ entering the market last year and other streaming services like NBC’s Peacock coming later this year. But BritBox and other smaller streamers say they have a significant advantage by focusing on a specialized and loyal audience.

“If you think about it, everyone else has to be everything to everybody,” said Soumya Sriraman, BritBox’s CEO and president in an interview, referring to services like Hulu, Netflix and YouTube TV. “They have to be all things to all people — so who then are they for?”

Executives familiar with BritBox and Acorn TV, which also caters to fans of British programs, have said both streaming services have low churn rates. AMC Networks, the parent company of Acorn TV, said last month in a call with investors that Acorn TV has more than 1 million subscribers.

BritBox first launched its

service in 2017 and caters to women ages 45 or older who enjoy British programs. The company has rolled out day and date premieres in the United Kingdom and U.S. for programs including “The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special” and “Good Morning Britain.”

BritBox has been expanding, offering its service in the U.K. in November 2019 as more consumers sign up for streaming services and cut the cord on cable.

The company charges $6.99 a month in the U.S. Executives declined to say how many subscribers it has in Britain, or disclose finances, but said the business was profitable.

“Subscribers really value and love the unique and unrivaled British TV content we offer,” said Carolyn McCall, chief executive of ITV, in a statement. “To achieve profitability in less than three years is also a fantastic achievement and is a boost to our international expansion plan.”

Better managing your time will also help you decrease stress. Dreamstime/TNS

which amateurs wrote stories and criticism, often with the hope of becoming, in an affectionate phrase, “a dirty pro.” Similarly, while the internecine flame wars of contemporary sci-fi burn through our social media, they are nothing new: From the beginning, fandom has been alternating between intense collegiality and fivealarm factionalism.

As this documentary cornucopia reminds us, modern American science fiction dates from the launch of Amazing Stories in 1926.

In the August 1927 issue — beloved for its “War of the Worlds” cover by Frank R. Paul — there appeared a letter from a reader about setting up a science fiction club.

The Ritters reproduce that letter. A few pages later you can read Hugo Gernsback’s actual article announcing the formation of the Science Fiction League. There follow pages from the Time Traveller, the Fantasy Fan and

other early fanzines.

In 1933 two Cleveland teenagers — Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster — used their zine to publish “The Reign of the Super-Man.” Five years later, Superman, now without the hyphen, was lifting up a car on the cover of Action Comics No. 1 (currently selling for a million dollars in decent condition). A long section describes the origin of Conan of Cimmeria, highlighting Robert E. Howard’s background essay “The Hyborian Age” as it appeared in the Phantagraph. Other chapters look at the first regional sci-fi conventions, the cultural impact of “King Kong,” fannish artwork, the creation of the spoof god Ghu and his rival Foo, the British science fiction scene and the early careers of the editors Donald A. Wollheim, Raymond Palmer and John W. Campbell Jr. Many professional writers first entered the field as fans, including Isaac Asimov, Frederik Pohl and Ray

Bradbury. So vast is the Ritters’ reach that some of Pohl’s youthful poetry is reprinted here, along with letters from the blistering satirist Cyril Kornbluth. In 1953, Pohl and Kornbluth would collaborate on their classic dystopian novel, “The Space Merchants,” about a future governed by transnational corporations who use Madison Avenue hype to manipulate the population of an environmentally devastated world. Sounds pretty far-fetched, right?

While I’ve barely done more than ooh and aah over “The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom,” I want to add that some of its scarcest material was acquired from Robert A. Madle, a Rockville, Maryland, book and magazine dealer who will be 100 this June. Madle is our last living connection to the 1939 Worldcon and fandom’s first tumultuous decade.

Jess Nevins, author of “Horror Fiction in the 20th Century,” is not only widely

read but also seemingly tireless. He has annotated Alan Moore’s graphic novels about the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, written “The Evolution of the Costumed Avenger: The 4,000 Year History of the Superhero,” and just this month brought out, as an e-text only, a second, much expanded edition of his Encyclopedia of Fantastic Victoriana, a survey of what one might call 19th-century pulp fiction.

In the first third of “Horror Fiction in the 20th Century,” Nevins focuses on the old masters: Arthur Machen, Algernon Blackwood, Oliver Onions, H.P. Lovecraft and many others. Unfathomably, however, he summarizes their work without mentioning any specific titles. One may also question some judgments: M.R. James’s ghost stories aren’t really cozy or humorless; they can be quite grisly — a necromancer tears out the hearts of small children — and many

of the characters are comically Dickensian. Nevins also seems overly fixated on whether a writer originated or merely popularized a particular literary trope.

Still, in the latter twothirds of his book, Nevins casts an extremely wide net, providing brief critical introductions to modern authors as various as Thomas M. Disch, Jonathan Carroll, Robert Westall, Fred Chappell, Ben Okri, Joyce Carol Oates and John Bellairs. Even more groundbreaking chapters point us to important horror writers outside the Anglo-American tradition.

Not least, Nevins champions inclusivity. He discusses Vincent Virga’s “Gaywyck” (1980), the first openly gay modern Gothic, and catalogues the Afro-Gothic elements in Ann Petry’s classic “The Street” (1946). Still, in too many cases, readers wanting to know the titles of an author’s key works will be left frustratingly in the dark.

throughout 2018, resurfacing Dylan Farrow’s allegations that he molested her, leaving Allen shunned in Hollywood and beyond. The New York Times reported in May 2019 that Allen had been turned away by four major publishing houses during the course of a year.

Dylan Farrow immediately condemned Hachette’s decision to provide Allen the platform he sought.

“Hachette’s publishing of Woody Allen’s memoir is deeply upsetting to me personally and an utter betrayal of my brother whose brave reporting, capitalized on by Hachette, gave voice to numerous survivors of sexual assault by powerful men,” she wrote in a Monday statement released on Twitter.

Both she and Ronan Farrow

said the publisher failed to factcheck the filmmaker’s book.

Dylan noted she had never been contacted by anyone to verify information in the memoir pertaining to her — especially given the scrutiny applied to her own account of sexual abuse over the past three decades. She said her account has “never been published without extensive fact-checking.”

Ronan Farrow said he has encouraged Hachette, “out of respect for its readers, authors and reputation,” to “conduct a thorough fact check of Woody Allen’s account, in particular any claim that implies my sister is not telling the truth.”

“It’s wildly unprofessional in multiple obvious directions for Hachette to behave this way,” he wrote. “But it also shows a lack of ethics and compassion

for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of any personal connection or breach of trust here.”

Spokespeople for Hachette and its imprints — Grand Central and Little, Brown and Company, which published “Catch and Kill” — could not immediately be reached for comment early Wednesday morning.

But Hachette’s chief executive, Michael Pietsch, told the New York Times that its imprints don’t interfere with each other editorially. Before Farrow’s statement, the Times had obtained emails the journalist sent to Pietsch accusing him and Hachette of “betrayal” in its decision to publish Allen’s memoir, echoing the public statements released by him and Dylan Farrow this week.

“We do not allow anyone’s publishing program to interfere

with anyone else’s,” Pietsch told the Times. He added that Grand Central believed there was a “large audience” wanting to hear Allen’s life story and “our job as a publisher is to help the author achieve what they have set out to do in the creation of their book.” He had no comment on the fact-checking critiques by Ronan and Dylan Farrow.

In his journalistic work, Ronan Farrow has focused on powerful men who escape consequences in the face of sexual abuse allegations. In October 2017, he published a blockbuster story in the New Yorker detailing sexual assault allegations against Weinstein over his decades-long career, which helped create the #MeToo movement as hundreds of women came forward to share

their own stories. The New Yorker shared the Pulitzer Prize for public service with the New York Times for their work on the Weinstein story.

In “Catch and Kill,” Farrow recounts how he chased the story, starting at NBC News, where he says the story was shut down, to the New Yorker.

While interviewing Weinstein’s accusers, Farrow revealed in the book that he sought guidance from his sister, Dylan, about how to talk to someone who’s “accusing a very powerful person of a very serious crime.”

It’s unclear to what extent Allen intends to address Dylan Farrow’s allegations in his memoir. Spokespeople had declined to multiple news outlets to explain the contents of the memoir in more detail.

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - C3

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Travel Antarctica is becoming easier to visit with ‘a lot more options than there used to be’

Here’s how to get to the bottom of the world

Adelie penguins chill out on an iceberg in Antarctica. Andrea Sachs/Washington Post

To be sure, the advantage of flying is the quick crossing.

But what you gain in speed, you lose in sightseeing. During our at-sea days, we spotted sei and humpback whales, several species of albatross and petrels, and dolphins leaping in the ship’s spray. A fiery sunset over the Beagle Channel appeared hot to the touch.

We also used those free days to learn about our destination through daily lectures and got a jump-start on bonding with the other passengers and expedition crew.

Ship captains have more wiggle room than airplane pilots, and Smith warns air travelers about the risk of delays or cancellations due to inclement conditions. “If there is a flight delay because of weather,” he said, “you can have a domino effect.” Smith suggests padding your itinerary with extra days before and after the flight, so you don’t jeopardize the cruise portion of your trip or your flight home.

By ANDREA SACHS Washington Post

A few weeks ago, I was standing in the immigration line at the Buenos Aires airport, inching closer to Antarctica, when I learned about a drive-by cruise to the White Continent.

“We don’t get off the ship,” the American traveler said, “but I am still going to count it as my seventh continent.”

I don’t know if Shackleton would approve — he worked hard for his landing stamp — but the polar explorer would be amazed at how Antarctic travel has evolved. The isolated destination with the unforgiving environment no longer feels so far away, or so grueling. A sea crossing from the tip of Argentina takes about two days, shorter than a transatlantic cruise. By plane, the flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, lasts all of two hours. Once there, you can ski or stand-up paddle; sip champagne in an inflatable tender boat surrounded by seals; or ask your private butler to press your favorite humpback whale pajamas. You can even see — and sniff — penguins from the comfort of your stateroom balcony, without sullying your boots with guano.

“Antarctica is becoming more accessible,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic, who recently traveled to the southernmost continent with Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury tour operator.

“There are a lot more options than there used to be.”

Over the past 10 years, cruises to Antarctica have grown exponentially, in number and style. Previously, mainly research ships ventured to the bottom of the world. Then expedition vessels, a category of smaller ships that emphasizes the natural world over onboard indulgences. Now, cruise lines commonplace in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, such as Holland America and Silversea, are appearing alongside such swashbuckling stalwarts as Aurora Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions, a partner with National Geographic.

Alex Burridge, managing

WHEN TO GO Passengers with Quark Expeditions snap photos of a leopard seal and crabeater seal lounging on an ice floe in Antarctica. Andrea Sachs/ Washington Post

director of Antarctica Travel Center in Melbourne, Australia, said more than 20 operators lead trips to Antarctica, a mix of polar specialists and behemoth cruise lines that have added the destination to their global lineup.

“We have as many luxury polar operators as we do more traditional expedition cruise operators,” he said.

And a slew of new ships, with even greater ambitions, are on the way. Call it the next wave of Antarctic cruising.

“A lot of the ships are pushing the limit of what an expedition cruise can do, “said Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations, which specializes in small-ship adventure cruises.

“They are faster, smoother and more environmentally friendly, and they have a lot more amenities.”

The toys would not seem out of place on a tycoon’s mega-yacht. The ultra-extras

include helicopters (Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine), science centers with microscopes (Hurtigruten), infinity hot tubs and an underwater vehicle that can descend 1,000 feet (Lindblad’s Endurance), electric snowmobiles and a tethered hot-air balloon (Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot) and a seven-person submersible (Crystal’s Crystal Endeavor). On a more practical level, Burridge said cruisers can also expect improved loading areas for tenders and kayaks, upgraded mudrooms and cushier cabins.

Of course, the ship should enhance your Antarctic experience and not subsume it. The perks are nice, but the natural attractions are even better. Case in point: Since returning from Antarctica, I am still talking about the courting dance an adelie penguin performed for me (if only I could live on a bed of rocks and a diet of krill) and not the yoga

classes, smoothie bar or sauna with iceberg views on Quark’s Ocean Endeavour.

To help adventurers realize their Antarctic dream, I contacted several experts for planning advice, such as when to go and how to choose a ship.

I also tapped into my own recent journey. My takeaway: Be flexible. Say yes to every opportunity on and off the ship.

And if a penguin offers you love, accept it.

POINTS OF DEPARTURE Most of the smaller ships sail round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, a three-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Operators can tack on a domestic charter flight, or book your own arrangements and spend a few days in the lively port town near Tierra del Fuego National Park. During the two-day journey to the continent, the vessels cross the Drake Passage, a notoriously rough patch of water between South America’s Cape Horn and the South

Shetland Islands. (Don’t let Drake’s reputation scare you: Our conditions were as placid as a duck pond.) The larger vessels, such as those run by Holland America, Celebrity and Princess, require more substantial ports and often sail from Santiago, Chile, to Buenos Aires, or vice versa.

Ships also depart from New Zealand and Australia, but the trip takes at least a week one way and can cost twice as much as cruises based in South America.

Travelers with rubbery sea legs or queasy stomachs can skip the Drake Passage and fly directly to the South Shetland Islands, about 75 miles north of the peninsula. The charter planes, part of fly/cruise packages, land at a Chilean airstrip on King George Island. There are no commercial docks or cruise ship terminals on Antarctica, so tender boats transport passengers from land to ship.

Antarctica’s summer is shorter than ice hockey season — from November through March. The peak time (December and January) is often more expensive, but the 20-plus hours of sunlight, warmer temperatures and typically calmer seas can help alleviate the financial pinch.

The marine animals and seabirds have a small window to establish the next generation, so many species move at a rapid pace. Penguins typically court, mate and lay their eggs in November and December. During the following two months, the fuzzy chicks are born and fatten up before they start to molt and resemble plucked feather dusters.

On our late January to early February trip, for example, we saw gentoo, chinstrap and adelie chicks waiting for their parents to return from sea with their meal or chasing the food-dispensing adults around the rookeries, squawking their demands. The penguins shared ice floes and See BOTTOM C6

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

C4 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Books & authors At 101, 1his preacher-turned-author has

plenty of new chapters

By KEVIN RIORDAN The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA — Rev. Donald R. Fletcher was 80 and recovering from cancer surgery when he made the prayerful vow that launched his latest career.

“I don’t believe in making bargains with God,” the longtime preacher and teacher explained. “What I said was, ‘If I could have another 15 years, I’m going to write.’”

That was 21 years ago.

Fletcher, now 101, the son of Presbyterian missionaries, spent his childhood in Korea and recently published his ninth book: “My First Hundred Years — A Life on Three Continents.” I interviewed him twice about his writing in the early 2010s; as was true of his earlier work, I found his new memoir to be animated by a sensibility that is generous, grateful, and kind, and rendered in a lyrical and conversational style that attests to his enduring love of the written word.

Remembering his mother singing a hymn one early evening at their missionary post in Taegu Station, Korea, Fletcher writes: Even to a child, the situation, the sound, the whole late-sunlit scene were powerfully, transcendentally poignant. There was an awareness of Spirit, of Reality quite beyond ... intersecting my simple, day-to-day reality.

“I’ve moved from one thing to another,” says the author, whose memoir recounts a life rich with faith, family, and friendships — including with his neighbors at Lions Gate, the predominantly Jewish retirement community in Voorhees where the author has lived since 2007. And where he recently took up painting with oils.

“I had done a little bit with watercolor,” Fletcher says. “We have a nice art studio here, and I had never tried oils.”

He and his wife, Martha, an educator and church musician who died in 2014, moved to Lions Gate from central New Jersey “mainly to be closer to our daughter, Marilyn,” Fletcher told me, sitting at a table in the handsome Lions Gate library. I’d interviewed him before about earlier books titled “Turnings” and “Martha and

Donald R. Fletcher, 101 years old, who lives in the Lions Gate retirement community, poses for a portrait in Voorhees Township, N.J. on Jan. 15. He is holding a copy of his recently published book, “My First 100 Years: A Life on Three Continents.” David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS

I.” He’s as adept and erudite a conversationalist as ever, despite having lost some vision in one eye, as well as some of his hearing, in recent years.

His daughter, Marilyn Keith, a retired Voorhees elementary teacher, is at the table with us and has brought along some of her dad’s books. “I love to hear his stories,” she said.

“When we were going to move to Lions Gate, someone

said, ‘You won’t like the kosher cooking,’” said Fletcher.

“But we had enjoyed quite a few kinds of cuisines in our lifetime, so why not?

“Lions Gate has been a very good fit,” Fletcher said, noting that he and his wife were embraced by the community there, and vice versa. “It’s a fine place.”

A Ventnor, native, Fletcher earned a Ph.D. in English at Princeton University, where he also did his undergraduate work; graduated from the Princeton Theological Seminary; and through friends met the Westminster Choir College student who would become his wife.

Recalling the evening when they confirmed their feelings to each other, Fletcher writes: There needed to be music. But first — words. What followed were the Bible (Book of Genesis, chapter 24) and Beethoven (Symphony No. 5, the final movement): ... I went out into a mild, cool October evening,

got on my bicycle, and rode across town to Moore Street, to Martha.

The Fletchers were married in 1942 and spent much of their early life together serving as missionaries in Chile, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Texas, among other places. They lived for many years in Cherry Hill, where he taught at Cherry Hill West and she at East. They had six children and 10 grandchildren. Fletcher is now a great-grandfather.

“We were married for 72 and a half years,” said Fletcher, who cared for his wife in their apartment until the end of what he called “the long eclipse” that is Alzheimer’s: Her breathing simply and gently stopped ... Life simply ceased.

In the five years since Martha’s death, Fletcher has continued to write and, occasionally, preach.

“I have never written out a sermon,” he noted. “I think it through, I prepare my

thoughts, but I go into the pulpit with nothing, and just preach.”

His preaching is memorable, said the Rev. Greg Faulkner, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Cherry Hill.

“I started hearing Don preach when he was in his late 80s,” said Faulkner. “He preached these really beautiful, eloquent sermons with a care and a gentleness and a kind of low-burning passion ... with no notes.”

Recently, Fletcher has been experimenting with “flash” fiction: very short stories, published online.

“I’ve always written longhand on a pad of lined paper,” he said. “This is new for me, this flash fiction. I’ve placed my first story with the online Blue Lake Review, which is considered one of the best.”

Who knows? Fletcher added. “Maybe my next book will be a collection of short stories.”

Book offers some fun facts about tonic water

By LISA FUTTERMAN Chicago Tribune (TNS)

When you think of quinine water do you think of stout, pink-faced British sea captains being revived by gin and tonics? “Just the Tonic: A Natural History of Tonic Water” (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, $25) turns that image on its ear.

Written by Kim Walker, a medical herbalist who is working on her Ph.D. on cinchona (the South American tree from which the bitter compound quinine is derived) and Mark Nesbitt, a botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the book tells the engaging and multifaceted story of the popular beverage.

They collaborated on this

HARDCOVER FICTION 1. American Dirt. Jeanine Cummins.

Flatiron 2. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Charlie Mackesy. HarperOne 3. Golden in Death. J.D. Robb. St. Martin’s 4. One Minute Out. Mark Greaney. Berkley

production of ice in beverage culture.

After several decades of popularity in India and China, gin finally comes into play as tonic’s partner in Britain in the 1920s — before that the cocktail was considered a refresher in those Asian tropic climes rather than a standard drink order.

Says Nesbitt in an email, “the gin and tonic did not evolve as an anti-malarial (we were always suspicious of that story), nonetheless the G&T is so clearly of Indian origin. I hadn’t quite appreciated what the word ‘tonic’ in tonic water has a specific medical meaning about boosting the body’s systems.”

The minuscule amount of quinine in a glass of water, it seems, would have no effect on preventing or

curing the disease.

“Tonics were a category of medicine that helped to strengthen and tone body systems, nerve tonics, digestive tonics, etc.,” Walker said. “The important thing is that the first ‘tonic waters’ were not aimed at treating malaria — they were general digestives.”

The book’s last chapter is devoted to historically significant cocktail recipes (grog and tonic, anyone?), included so that readers can put to use their newly gained diverse knowledge of all things tonic.

Though Walker and Nesbitt hail from academia, their book moves briskly and enjoyably across all these disciplines, blithely bursting myth bubbles along the way.

Publisher’s Weekly best-sellers

Tribune News Service (TNS)

Here are the bestsellers for the week that ended Saturday, Feb. 22, compiled from data from independent and chain bookstores, book wholesalers and independent distributors nationwide, powered by NPD BookScan (c) 2020 NPD Group.

tonic water tale, says Nesbitt, because “there are loads of books about gin but nothing on its essential counterpart, tonic, even though quinine (key ingredient of tonic) is a big botanical story.”

Richly illustrated with botanical drawings, posters and advertisements touting the benefits of the numerous tonics made from cinchona throughout the decades, the book winds its way through the natural history and horticulture of the “fever tree,” dips into malarial medicine, pharmacology and chemistry, traces the invention of “aerated” soda water and the rise of the soft drink industry, and discusses the roots of mixology, with a quick detour to the use and

5. Lost. Patterson/Born. Little, Brown 6. The Dutch House. Ann Patchett. Harper 7. The Guardians. John Grisham.

Doubleday 8. Crooked River. Preston/Child. Grand Central 9. Such a Fun Age. Kiley Reid. Putnam 10. A Long Petal of the Sea. Isabel Allende. Ballantine

HARDCOVER NONFICTION 1. Dark Towers. David Enrich. Custom

House 2. Open Book. Jessica Simpson. Dey Street 3. A Very Stable Genius. Rucker/Leonnig.

Penguin Press 4. Un-Trumping America. Dan Pfeiffer.

Twelve 5. Built, Not Born. Tom Golisano.

HarperCollins Leadership 6. Profiles in Corruption. Peter Schweizer.

Harper 7. Get Out of Your Head. Jennie Allen.

Waterbrook 8. Until the End of Time. Brian Greene.

Knopf 9. Mastering Diabetes. Khambatta/ Barbaro. Avery 10. Floret Farm’s A Year in Flowers. Erin Benzakein. Chronicle

MASS MARKET 1. Chasing Cassandra. Lisa Kleypas. Avon 2. Blessing in Disguise. Danielle Steel.

Dell 3. Ambush. Patterson/Born. Grand Central 4. Unspoken. Lisa Jackson. Zebra

5. The Cliff House. RaeAnne Thayne. HQN 6. The Oysterville Sewing Circle. Susan Wiggs. Avon 7. Country Strong. Linda Lael Miller. HQN 8. The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma. Patricia Davids. Love Inspired 9. The Night We Met. Macomber/McClain.

Mira 10. Hunting for a Highlander. Lynsay Sands. Avon

TRADE PAPERBACK 1. Unsolved. Patterson/Ellis. Grand Central

2. Little Fires Everywhere. Celeste Ng. Penguin Books 3. One Good Deed. David Baldacci. Grand Central 4. Summer of ‘69. Elin Hilderbrand. Back Bay 5. Before We Were Yours. Lisa Wingate.

Ballantine 6. Official SAT Study Guide (2020 ed.).

College Board 7. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Kim Michele Richardson.

Sourcebooks Landmark 8. Normal People. Sally Rooney. Hogarth 9. Neon Prey. John Sandford. Putnam 10. Outfox. Sandra Brown. Grand Central

CMYK

Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020 - C5

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

Puzzles Last week’s puzzle answers

Answers on C6

Answers on C6

Answers Next Week

Horoscope

Goren bridge WITH BOB JONES ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

FIRST THINGS FIRST Both vulnerable. South deals NORTH ♠92 ♥ 96543 ♦ 76 ♣AKQ5 WEST ♠ 10 8 7 3 ♥ A Q 10 2 ♦ KJ4 ♣93

EAST ♠K5 ♥ J7 ♦ 10 9 8 3 2 ♣ J 10 8 4 SOUTH ♠AQJ64 ♥ K8 ♦ AQ5 ♣762

The bidding: SOUTH WEST NORTH 1NT Pass 2♦* Pass 3♣ 2♥ 3NT All pass *Transfer to hearts

EAST Pass Pass

Opening lead: Three of ♠ A side advantage of opening one no trump with a five-card major is that an innocent opponent will sometimes lead your suit. The primary advantage, of course, is that it is the best way to

describe your hand. After transferring into a major, the bid of a new suit is natural and forcing. South correctly bid three no trump with the other suits well stopped. It would have been an error to bid three spades, as his partner would have been worried about diamonds.

The opening spade lead went to East’s king and South’s ace. Assuming West started with just four spades from his lead of the three, it seems right to set up your long spade right away. That gets you up to eight tricks with several chances for a ninth — a 3-3 club split or a well-placed ace of hearts or king of diamonds. That, however, is not the right play at all.

It is much better to play on clubs first. Regardless of how the clubs divide, the idea is to exhaust all of West’s clubs. Should the clubs split evenly, you are home. If not, then play the queen, jack, and another spade to put West on lead. Should he have another club, he can cash it without hurting you. West will have to exit with a red suit and present you with your ninth trick.

Thanks for this deal goes to Larry Cohen and his excellent web site: www. larryco.com.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ e-mails: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

By Stella Wilder Born today, you may, when young, be wildly misunderstood and even undervalued. This is because you are likely to be quite solitary — and even when you are in social situations, you are likely to have remained aloof and on your own, preferring to observe the goings-on rather than partake in them. Usually, you can be found thinking about things that fascinate you — but they fascinate like nothing else in the world! You can make whole mountains out of molecules in your mind and build great castles in air — simply because you want to and can imagine it.

You are quirky and unpredictable, and above all funloving — even mischievous. You enjoy all manner of jokes and tall tales, and you have a weakness for playing jokes on others — innocently, of course!

Also born on this date are: Albert Einstein, physicist and mathematician; Stephen Curry, basketball player; Billy Crystal, actor and comedian; Michael Caine, actor; Quincy Jones, music producer; Daniel Gillies, actor; Hank Ketcham, cartoonist.

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.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — You may not understand the patterns that the day’s progress appears to be fol-

lowing, but you can still do the right things at the right times.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You can boast of certain skills, or you can put them on full display. You know which is the better choice — so why not get to it?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You may not be following the rules, exactly, but you are still getting the kinds of results that make you the envy of others all around

you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — You can take a leaf out of someone else’s book and complete a certain project ahead of schedule; some might accuse you of being an overachiever!

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You’re intrigued by one who keeps doing a certain something the old-fashioned way. Try to find out why; you might want to try it, too.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You don’t want to waste your time on something that isn’t worth the money — and vice versa. Indeed, cost-efficiency is a major issue today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You can enjoy a little quiet time today, perhaps — and in so doing, you will reset your creative engines and be ready to face a new project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You don’t want to focus on certain issues today, but that decision may not be yours to make. Indeed, someone may force you to take a look.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — You’ll be remembering the glory days today — but take care you don’t find yourself yearning too hard for something you cannot recapture.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Conflict can be kept to a minimum today if you are willing to overlook someone’s behavior and let bygones be bygones.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You’re not likely to get where you’re going in the usual way today. You must ready yourself to let someone do the driving — and hang on!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — You’ll have the support of those who habitually support you, that’s almost certain. You want one of your critics to have a change of heart.

COPYRIGHT 2020 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.

CMYK

COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA

C6 - Saturday - Sunday, March 14-15, 2020

Get more out of your toaster oven by using it more as an oven than as a toaster cookie dough in the freezer to bake off only a few at a time, the toaster oven is the perfect way to go. In fact, ATK found that sugar cookies made in convection-equipped toaster ovens in which a fan helps circulate hot air baked faster and more evenly.

Other small desserts are prime toaster oven candidates, such as molten chocolate cakes in individual ramekins, baked apples and scaleddown crisps or cobblers.

By BECKY KRYSTAL Washington Post

Given the name, it’s no surprise that people might put the emphasis on “toast” when thinking about their toaster oven. But these days, as the countertop appliance gets smarter and better, you should really be thinking more about the “oven” part.

“The penetration of toaster ovens is pretty high” in America, even if they’re underutilized, says Catherine Ruspino, general manager of cooking at kitchen appliance brand Breville.

She says the humble toaster oven has only really started “punching above its weight in the last 10 years.”

Jack Bishop, chief creative officer at America’s Test Kitchen, which is planning to release a toaster oven cookbook next year, agrees. “They’re really like smart ovens.”

An increase in intelligence, though, has come with an increase in price, at least for the best-rated models. ATK’s top pick, the Breville Smart Oven, retails for about $300. The other brands toward the top of its recently updated ratings, including De’Longhi, Cuisinart and Calphalon, also clock in around $200. “We conspicuously did not name a best buy here,” Bishop says.

If you are throwing down that amount of money, you’re going to want to get as much use out of the toaster oven as you can. But even if you have an older model, there are still ways to maximize this versatile appliance. Here are strategies for using it.

REHEATING It sounds banal, but your toaster oven can be your go-to for heating a variety of leftovers. One of the big advantages is that it preheats very quickly — not as instantaneously as your microwave, but much faster than a full-size oven. It also can give you crisp results where the microwave might turn things soggy, such as pizza, fries or even thin breaded chicken cutlets.

I’ve used a toaster oven to crisp the exterior of a burrito (briefly heated in the microwave to get the interior going) when I haven’t had access to a skillet.

Bottom From C3

rocky outcroppings with fur, crabeater and leopard seals, which dip into penguin flocks like a moviegoer’s hand in a tub of popcorn.

Whales are focused on feeding early in the season but turn more social as the months wear on. We saw several humpbacks, including a sleeping youngster, and a minke whale that flashed its tail several times, swam under our tender and bobbed its head like a buoy, surveying us with its giant eye. (This behavior is called spy-hopping.)

For snow sports and outdoorsy shore excursions, the earlier months of summer are better, Burridge said. “As the season progresses, the temperatures rise and it can be harder to find good or safe places to ski or snowshoe,” he said. Camping also fits into this time frame. For environmental reasons, travelers can only sleep on snow and ice, not bare earth. Kayaking and stand-up paddling take place all season long, but the staff might cancel

ROASTING

Yes, you can bake in your toaster oven. Stacy Zarin Goldberg/Washington Post

BROILING Broiling relies on the proximity of food to the upper heating element. In a standard oven, that requires moving the rack to a much higher position than where it usually resides in the middle. Depending on your oven, you may end up with rack positions that are either too close to the element or too far away. That is less of an issue in the compact toaster oven, which makes it easy to get food close to the heat, assuming the appliance offers is a good range of rack positions. Ruspino says the short distance the energy has to travel between the element and the food means not much of it will be lost in the air, which is a poor conductor (and another reason larger ovens can be harder to preheat and regulate). With the countertop appliance, it’s easier to keep an eye on the food, too, before it gets too dark.

As to what to broil, Ruspino particularly endorses something like salmon

steaks. Chef and cookbook author Eric Ripert, who years ago launched his website with a bunch of toaster oven recipes, also is a fan of broiling seafood, including red snapper and butterflied shrimp (both brushed with softened butter), in the toaster oven.

Don’t overlook thinly sliced vegetables either. Ripert suggests a carpaccio-like take starring zucchini.

And there’s always the old standby: a cheesy open-face sandwich. I’ve also been known to throw together broiled s’mores in the toaster oven, no campfire required.

BAKING Toaster ovens can excel at both savory and sweet baking. Bishop says the first chapter of the coming toaster oven book will be about the top 10 dishes to make in the appliance, and one will be “crowd-pleasing casseroles,” such as baked ziti. Those, too, benefit from being close to the

element for a beautiful golden top.

The limiting factor, of course, is space, and this is another instance where new, larger models have the advantage. Bishop recommends a toaster oven that can accommodate a 9-by13 baking dish, as well as a similarly sized quarter sheet pan.

The best toaster ovens are incredibly accurate at regulating temperature, even better than some wall ovens, Bishop says. ATK’s winning Breville model varied no more than 2 degrees from its target temps, as opposed to the typical 25 degrees in a home oven (the poorer performing toaster oven models were off by as much as 60 degrees).

Ruspino says toaster ovens have specific wattage configurations to ensure accuracy and the right pattern of heat depending on which function is selected. That is useful for baked goods, such as muffins or cookies. If you’re someone who likes to stash

When ATK released its most recent toaster oven review, “we were cooking real food in them,” not dishes that had been tweaked for the appliance. Case in point: roast chicken.

Although some models can struggle to fit a 4-pound bird, ATK discovered the better ones can produce wellbrowned, juicy chickens. The crispy skin is a major plus of roasting chicken in the toaster oven, Ruspino says.

“If you want to brown anything, try your toaster oven,” she says.

The toaster oven can also be ideal for roasted sides, Bishop says, especially if space in your regular oven is tight, a.k.a. the Thanksgiving conundrum. But don’t discount it for all-inone dinners either. Think proteinand-veg sheet pan suppers that can be arranged on a quarter sheet.

Particularly if you’re moving into roasting or baking in your toaster oven, it’s a good idea to check whether the appliance has any hot spots. Bishop suggests filling the entire thing with bread and then toasting the slices to see if the elements run hot in any particular spots. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to rotate pans, but at least this way you’ll know if you have to.

Bishop says manufacturers’ constant updates have flipped toaster ovens’ reputation from dowdy to cool.

The improvements have obviously helped performance, but “it’s still a toaster oven, despite all of the bells and whistles,” he says. “I think that you have to take it all with a grain of salt.”

the excursion in the event of high waves, storms or excessive ice. The polar plunge is always a go.

CHOOSING A SHIP The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is the guardian angel of Antarctica. Seven expedition operators established the group in 1991, with the mission “to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.”

IAATO organizes its members into four categories: C1, or traditional expedition ships that carry 13 to 200 passengers; C2, or midsize vessels with 201 to 500 people; CR, or vessels with more than 500 passengers; and YA, or sailing or motor yachts that carry no more than a dozen guests. This season, the organization claimed 40 C1 and C2 members and expects the number to increase by a dozen over the next two years.

“Aside from small yachts, none of the passenger vessels operating in the Antarctic are operated outside of IAATO at this point,” said Hayley Collings, an IAATO spokesperson.

When selecting a vessel, you should first consider passenger load. Ships carrying more than 500 travelers are described as cruise-only, which means passengers are not permitted to go on shore.

According to IAATO, nearly 10,900 passengers during the 2018-2019 season visited the continent without stepping

Adventurers on a Quark Expeditions cruise from the tip of Argentina to Antarctica visit a penguin colony populated by adelie chicks waiting for their parents to return from sea with food. Andrea Sachs/Washington Post

foot on it; by comparison, 44,600 cruisers sailed on ships with landing privileges. Princess Cruises explains the experience: “Antarctic Peninsula is a scenic cruising site. Ships will slowly travel past while a knowledgeable port lecturer points out significant sites you’ll be able to see from onboard.”

This arrangement is ideal for travelers with mobility issues or a tight budget. A 16day Princess cruise starts at about $3,000 per person double; a smaller ship typically charges at least twice as much for a shorter trip.

Whether you can claim Antarctica as your seventh continent is a debate best hashed out over drinks.

Ships permitted to disembark passengers must also follow strict guidelines. The

biggest one is that only 100 people are allowed to visit a landing site at a time. Vessels with more than the maximum number will divvy up the groups, with half exploring by land and the other by tender. (Each inflatable boat fits about a dozen people.)

Then they switch. For example, on our trip, Quark divided our 200-strong group into four parties named after critters. Once the crew called our team — “Penguins, head to the mudroom!” — we had about 10 minutes to get suited up (borrowed muck boots, keeper parka) and line up for loading. The twopart outings lasted a couple of hours. If risky conditions prevented us from landing, the expedition leader would extend the sea portion. Upon returning, we would scrub

our boots and rinse them in a tub of disinfectant to avoid cross-contamination. A staff member would welcome us back with hot cocoa or cider.

When the ship is on the move, guests fill their hours with lectures by experts knowledgeable in such subjects as seabirds, whales, geology and Antarctic politics; entertainment (more homespun than Atlantic City); and eating (so much food). On the Ocean Endeavor, I ran from activity to activity, attending talks and yoga classes, plus any special events, such as a concert performed by a trio of crew members and an auction to raise money for a penguin foundation.

I took catnaps in the sauna.

McDaniel’s Ponant ship, Le Lyrial, organized a painting class and happy hours with

live music.

“Each company has its own personality and specialty,” said Smith, who has traveled to Antarctica a halfdozen times, including a recent ski trip with Aurora Expeditions.

I booked directly with Quark, which fit our style of travel (intimate, low-key) and time restrictions (two weeks). But if you need a sounding board, contact a specialist such as AdventureSmith (read its ship overviews on its website) or Antarctica Travel Center (check out its online primer). Or reach out to a cruise consultant. Gillian Clark, of Cruise Specialists, first visited Antarctica 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but fortunately a lot has also stayed the same.