Community Press - February 2023

Apalachin Native Receives Congressional Space Medal of Honor

Business Expansion: Mead & Sons “Everybody’sAuctioneers”

Former NASA astronaut Colonel Douglas Hurley, an Apalachin native and graduate of Owego Free Academy, received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on January 31 for bravery in the SpaceX Demonstration Mission-2 to the International Space Station in 2020.

From his distinguished service as a fighter pilot and test pilot, to his pioneering career in space, Colonel Douglas G. Hurley has embodied the spirit of bravery and resolve that de-

fines our nation’s greatest heroes.

Colonel Hurley piloted the final mission of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, and served as Spacecraft Commander of NASA’s first crewed commercial spaceflight mission, Demo-2.

Colonel Robert L. Behnken, Joint Operations Commander of NASA’s first crewed commercial spaceflight mission, Demo-2, also received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Hoyt Joins Growing TSB Commercial Lending Team

Tioga State Bank announced that Joseph Hoyt has joined its commercial lending team.

Hoyt comes to Tioga State Bank with over eight years of experience in banking and lending. His background includes working with school districts, not-for-profits, healthcare organizations, and small businesses. His experience in lending, coupled with knowledge of the local market, makes Hoyt well suited to help local community businesses grow.

In his role as a Small Business Lender, Hoyt will work with each individual business to help them find financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of the business to help that business succeed.

Hoyt is available at the Tioga State Bank Owego Fifth Avenue Office to help business customers find banking solutions. He can be reached at 607-972-7331 or jhoyt@tiogabank.com.

Tioga State Bank, with 100 employees, provides financial services to the Southern Tier of New York State and Northern Pennsylvania

with eleven conveniently located community offices in Broome, Tioga, Chemung, and Tompkins counties. The bank’s website address is www.tiogabank.com and phone number is 1-888-303-4872. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Early Owego Antique Center is expanding its business to include live auctions. Located on the lower level of the former J.J. Newberry’s Building in the Village of Owego, this expansion will complement the existing business model and build on a long history of professional service in the auction industry.

The Mead Family has extensive experience in the auction method of asset realization. Colonel Jerry Mead founded Mead & Sons Auctioneers in Tioga County in 1946. With his sixty-four years of experience on and in front of the auction block, Colonel Jerry Mead’s son, Jim Mead, will lead the team. Joining Mead will be his son James Mead and their associate, Lucas Kaczynski, a native of Maine, New York. A thirdgeneration auctioneer, the younger Mead graduated from the Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 2014. Kaczynski is a graduate of World Wide College of Auctioneering, located in West Des Moines, Iowa. Kaczynski recently served an apprenticeship in North Carolina,

where he gained experience in online listing and internet sales management.

With nearly thirty years of professional service in the auction industry, Fran Antalek will be responsible for overall management of the auction floor. The renewal of the company’s active role in live auctions coincides with the 75th anniversary of Mead & Sons Auctioneers and fills a gap that formed as a result of the profoundly disruptive global pandemic. According to Jim Mead, co-owner of Early Owego Antique Center, “We have noticed many changes in our business sector during and since Covid. A significant victim has been the live community commission sale.”

An inaugural auction will be held on Saturday, February 25, on the lower level of the Early Owego Antique Center, 43-45 Lake Street, Owego. A preview will begin at 12:00 pm followed by the live auction at 2:00 pm.

For more information, visit www.earlyowego.com or contact Jim Mead at (607) 725-6833.

Walk-Up Mobile Food Pantry - Feb. 22

The Foodbank of the Southern Tier and the Apalachin Lions will sponsor a Walk-Up Mobile Food Pantry on Wednesday, February 22, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, 1110 Pennsylvania Avenue in Apalachin.

Pre-registration is required. You can pre-register February 21 at 8:30am until full. To pre-register, phone 2-1-1 or go to www.foodbankst.org/cfd. The event is a “Walk-up Pantry.” Bring a cart or bags to carry the food.

Left to right: “Jersey Jon” Szalay of American Pickers; Jim Mead, Principal Auctioneer, Mead & Sons; Mike Wolfe, American Pickers; Lucas Kaczynski, Mead & Sons Auctioneer. Photo by Jeff Treadwell.

Lawnmowers,

719 Main St., Apalachin, 607

625

Open Mon, Tues, & Thurs. 10am

It’s “Souperbowl” Time!

Now through February 11

The library is collecting canned goods for the food pantry at Park Terrace. Drop off non-perishable food items with nonexpired dates (no glass containers).

Guess the Mystery Book

Now through February 14

Guess the title and author of the mystery book. Correct guesses will be entered to win a prize.

Storytime

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am

Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts. Tuesday and Thursday each week are the same theme. If the Owego-Apalachin School District has a 2-hour delay, Storytime begins at 11:00 am.

Yoga

Tuesdays, 6:30pm

Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan diMicheie Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice.

Evening Book Club

Thursday, February 9, 6:30pm

“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead follows a boy through his harrowing experiences at the abusive juvenile reformatory school that operated in Florida for over 100 years The library has multiple copies of this book available at the library.

Tioga Opportunites

Thursday, February 16, 10am-12pm

Meet with a representative from Tioga Opportunies. Services include financial education and stability; health and wellness; safe and affordable housing; and community awareness.

Afternoon Book Club

Thursday, February 16, 1pm

Readers will discuss the thriller “Our House” by Louise Candlish. You can place a hold for this book in the catalog, ask a librarian to place a hold for you, or find the book on Libby as an eBook or audiobook.

February Closures

February 20 and “Snow Days”

The library will be closed on Monday, February 20, for Presidents’ Day. The library will be closed when the OwegoApalachin School District declares a snow day.

Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, February 21, 6:15pm

Everyone is welcome to attend.

AspireHope NY

Thursday, February 23, 10am-12pm

Meet representatives from AspireHope NY, Inc., a peer-run non-profit organization supporting individuals with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental challenges. The agency delivers independent peer services, support groups, parent and caregiver education, respite care and more to individuals and their families.

Spencer Play Group

Spencer Play Group Inspire, 57 East Tioga Street, Spencer are held every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Young children and their families are invited to attend these child/parent activ-

ities facilitated by Tioga County Family Resource Center staff. Contact Joan Shultz to register at jes49@cornell.edu or for more information.

Apalachin Lions Club News

Anna Bruce, Program Coordinator and Board V.P. for Gigi’s Playhouse of the Southern Tier was the guest speaker at the Apalachin Lions Club’s meeting on January 25, 2023.

GiGi’s Playhouse is a network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, with the Southern Tier Playhouse being number 45 out of the 56 playhouses throughout the country. They opened their doors in Vestal (near Joann’s Fabrics) in May 2019 and offer free educational, therapeutic, and soon career development programs, from birth through adult. Amazingly, the organization is 99% volunteer run. All of the programs are research-based to meet the universal challenges of individuals with Down syndrome but are free and available for anyone in the community that can benefit.

Anna was the team lead for the startup and transitioned into board Vice President and Program Coordinator. Her background is in elementary and special education, having

taught 3rd and 5th Grade special education for the Binghamton School District before staying home to raise her family which includes 3 children ages 19, 16 and 11….the youngest being a son who also happens to have Down syndrome and is her reason for bringing the Playhouse to our area.

Her contact info is below: Anna Bruce Program Coordinator Board Vice President GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier Website: https:// gigisplayhouse.org/southern-tier-ny/ # Abruce@gigisplayhouse.org Direct – (607)766-9337 Changing the way the world views Down syndrome and sending a global message of acceptance for all! Fifty-six GiGi’s Playhouse locations across the US and Mexico, with more in the works! Now serving families in 75+ countries with free programs. Coming soon: Orange County CA, Portland OR, Cincinnati OH, Las Vegas NV, and Simi Valley CA.

Winter Blues Party - Feb. 10 in Little Meadows

Are you feeling the Winter Blues?

You’re invited to attend a Winter Blues Party on Friday, February 10, 6:00 to 7:30pm at the Little Meadows United Methodist Church, 843 Pennsylvania Avenue in Little Meadows, PA.

NY, PAEgg Production

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York egg production totaled 151.6 million during December 2022, up 1% from last year. The total number of layers during December 2022 averaged 5.75 million, down 1% from last year. December egg production per 100 layers was 2,636 eggs, up 2% from December 2021.

Pennsylvania egg production totaled

674.7 million during December 2022, down 17% from last year. Production included 628.1 million table eggs, and 46.6 million hatching eggs. The total number of layers during December 2022 averaged about 25.9 million, down 15% from last year. December egg production per 100 layers was 2,603 eggs, down 3% from December 2021.

Wear your special outfit (princess, prince) or your everyday clothes and have fun.

There will be crafts, dancing, snacking, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and much more.

Apalachin Lions Club Scholarships 2023

The Apalachin Lions Club 36th Annual Scholarship program will award $3000 in scholarships to deserving students from the class of 2023 who live in the 13732, 13760, and 18830 zip codes. This covers Apalachin, Campville east to the Broome County line, and Little Meadows, PA. The scholarships are awarded to students who have made outstanding contributions in service to their community and school.

Distribution of scholarships will be as follows: One $1000 scholarship will be awarded to students who attend Owego Free Academy and Vestal High School, and one $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who attends one of

the following schools: Broome Tioga BOCES, Montrose Junior-Senior High, Seton Catholic Central High School, Ross Corners Christian Academy, Northeast Bradford Hight School and Home Schooling (LEAH).

The distribution of scholarships is based on the relative numbers of students from Apalachin, Campville and Little Meadows attending each of the schools.

Information and applications may be obtained at the schools Guidance Office, or Vestal LEAH. Return the complete application to the Guidance Office or Vestal LEAH on or before March 31, 2023.

From Tracy Savard, Director of theApalachin Library

I am absolutely delighted to be a part of the Apalachin Library community! To everyone who has stopped by to meet me, thank you! And to everyone I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, please say hello the next time you’re at the library. Connecting with our patrons is truly what I love best about my job.

Libraries have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, and some of my fondest childhood memories were spent on the floor of my hometown public library during storytime. As I got older, my love of libraries only grew. In fact, I have dedicated my entire career to libraries, starting with an internship at the archives and special collections department of the Noreen Reale Falcone Library of Le Moyne College. I later received my Master of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University and spent twelve years at the Rakow Research Library of The Corning Museum of Glass before becoming the director of the Watkins Glen Public Library in 2019.

In my short time at the Apalachin Library, I already feel like it’s home. My colleagues, the Board of Trustees, and our incredible patrons have made the transition a smooth and happy one, and I look forward to many happy years of serving this community.

Anna Bruce and Lion Pres. Gary Iacovazzi

Business News

Riger Marketing Communications in Binghamton has hired Christina Lynch as Office Administrator.

Joining Riger earlier this year, Christina applies her experience from both large corporate and small local business settings to provide top-notch customer service to the agency’s clients. She holds an AAS degree in Engineering Science and a BS degree in ComputerScience.

Riger Marketing Communications is a multi-service agency encompassing advertising, public relations, fundraising, research, media services, direct mail, graphics and other communications-oriented specializations.

“Ways of Seeing” at Tioga Arts Council

The art exhibition “Ways of Seeing” opened February 3 at the Tioga Arts Council in Owego. The exhibit will be on display Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12 Noon to 4:00 pm until February 25.

The exhibition is sponsored by Sarah Reid and Eric Yetter.

The Tioga Arts Council is at 179 Front Street in Owego, and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00 Noon to 4:00 pm. For more information call 607687-0785 or email: tiogaartscouncil@ gmail.com.

Christina Lynch

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50 YearsAgo February 1973

It's February 1973. The first 142 Prisoners of War (POWs) are released from prison camps in North and South Vietnam.

The Pentagon issues a language guide for returning POWs to familiarize them with current American slang. Entries include “acid,” “hippy,” “Jesus Freak,” “lifestyle,” “Gay Lib,” and “Women’s Lib.”

Actor Wally Cox, best known as “Mr. Peepers,” dies.

President Nixon names L. Patrick Gray as director of the FBI.

Frank Costello, whose competition with Vito Genovese to become the Mafia boss of bosses triggered the 1957 Apalachin meeting, dies at age 82.

Richard Petty wins the Daytona 500 in Florida.

The Owego-Apalachin Board of Education rejects the use of seat belts on school buses stating they would do more harm than good.

In the Village of Owego, First City Bank’s plan to build a new one-story building includes demolishing their current bank and an adjacent building which was built in 1876 and is considered a local architectural landmark. The two-story pink brick building has two sets of three arched windows, and lattice-like brickwork intact on both stories.

State agencies begin moving into the new State Office Building in Binghamton.

Owego-Apalachin school officials propose closing the Central Elementary School on Main Street. Parents and teachers protest the closing. Students parade in front of the school with signs saying “Don’t Bus Us” and “Save Our School.”

The Apalachin Jaycees name Michael Slovak outstanding teenage young man of Apalachin.

HELP WANTED: Wanted experienced mechanic. Must have New York State Inspection License Apply in person only. Nicks Garage, Main St Apalachin. 03/23

BEE SWARMS WANTED: Bee swarms wanted on trees and in buildings. Call 607-625-3318 or 607-201-4357 4/23

The old high school in Owego is officially named “The Tioga County Office Building.”

The W T Grant store in Westover’s River Plaza is the first local store to test a new computerized cash register which uses a computer terminal instead of a traditional register.

The Ti-Ahwaga Players present “Caught in the Villain’s Web” at the Elks Club in Owego.

The Owego Jaycees name James Franz outstanding teenage young man of Owego.

Broome County is swamped with requests for tickets to the Miss WorldUSA Beauty Contest to be held in September at the Veterans’ Memorial Arena which is still under contruction. Tickets for the pageant which will be hosted by Bob Hope, cost $6, $8, and $10.

A Grand Way store opens at the Vestal Plaza.

Wednesday night TV shows include “The Paul Lynde Show,” “Adam 12,” “Medical Center,” “Owen Marshall,” “Search,” “Cannon,” and “Sonny and Cher.”

Movies playing in local theaters include “Carry On, Henry VIII,” “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” starring Paul Newman, “Up the Sand Box” starring Barbra Streisand, and “Shamus” starring Burt Reynolds.

Top tunes include “Dueling Banjos,” “Last Song” by Edward Bear, “Don’t Expect Me to Be Your Friend” by Lobo, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John, and “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver.

A 1973 Ford Pinto costs $1,999, a 1973 Toyota Corolla sells for $2,098, and a 1973 Mustang costs $2,949. Happy Valentine’s Day!

WANTED: Your classified ad for our March 2023 issue. Please send in your ad by February 23, 2022, with payment of $7.50 first 25 words 25¢ each word after 25

SEND YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS Community Press, 7830 Rt 434, Apalachin, N.Y. 13732

Advertise your garage, yard or other sales, events, or items wanted or for sale here in the Community Press, the paper with the largest distribution (by US Mail) in the Owego market area. The same low rate for both commercial or personal family ads. Only $7.50 for the first 25 words. (add $1 for each 4 additional words)

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Letters to the Editor

January 7, 2023

Dear Editor,

In November the New York State Department of Education issued a directive that school districts are prohibited from using Native American team names, logos, or imagery or face penalties that may include “removal of school officers and the withholding of State Aid.” This certainly poses a dilemma for our beloved Owego Indians. I have spoken to Owego-Apalachin Central School District Officials including School Board President Gene Cvik and Superintendent of Schools Corey Green who have both expressed a desire to keep our Native American name and symbol. Both Mr. Cvik and Mr. Green have assured me the school district is exploring all options to retain our identity and I applaud them for their efforts. Although the prospect of such is in question the possibility of losing something that is very dear to me and many others has caused me to pause, reflect, and share my feelings on the issue.

If there is one place in the United States of America that the Indian name appropriately signifies its people it is none other than Owego, New York. Wikipedia tells us, “Owego’s name is derived from the Iroquois word Ahwaga, meaning “where the valley widens.” Further, local historian Tom McEnteer states in his work Tioga County History the Onondaga Indian Tribe occupied the present town of Owego and the western part of Broome County. As late as 1812, Indians occupied the area according to McEnteer who I had as a teacher in Middle School. Our very town name hails from Native Americans.

Our symbol is called the Appeal to the Great Spirit and is a 1908 equestrian statue by Cyrus Dallin. It portrays a Native American on horseback facing skyward, his arms spread wide in a spiritual request to the Great Spirit. The imagery is in front of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, adorned the White House during the Clinton Administration, and even was on the cover of a Beach Boys album. The Appeal to the Great Spirit dignifies our ties to our community’s Native American roots much like our name.

Throughout our history Owego has taken great strides to solidify this tie. One must look no further than the Indian Girl’s Monument also known as Sa Sa Na Loft in our Evergreen Cemetery that overlooks the Village of Owego. Loft was a “Mohawk Maiden” and music missionary from Canada who died in a tragic train accident. Her family too poor to have her remains returned to Canada so the good people of Owego paid for her to be buried here. In addition, her monument was erected by Owegans in 1855 and is believed to be the earliest monument known to a Native American woman in the United States. Moved by her early and tragic death, various women’s groups and churches in Owego and the surrounding area collected donations to erect the monument in the cemetery where she is buried. Most recently through the tireless efforts of Judge Dave Boland the Indian Girl’s Monument has been restored to its original glory.

At times, I admit, we may have strayed from portraying our Native American heritage in a positive light. I recall at one time an Indian cartoon caricature was on the press box at the football stadium. Recognizing this may be offensive to some our school district forefathers removed the cartoon. In the early 2000s phrasing in our Alma Mater was changed from “Wild & Savage” to “Brave & Noble” Indians. Once again, our school district forefathers made the change as the right thing to do. This is something I opposed at the time but looking back now agree with what they did. Time and time again Owego has done the right thing when it comes to using our Native American team name, logo, and imagery.

In my view the Owego Indian name and our community’s collective Native American heritage captures the best of

who we are and who we can be, by staying true to our history as I have outlined here and honoring the deep and enduring values our Owego Indian name represents. As a three-sport athlete in high school who wore my Indian jersey with a badge of honor the Owego Indian name and our symbol is part of who I am. It is a connection to my grandfather, father, and two brothers who were also Owego Indian athletes. It is a connection to friends, classmates, and alumni. It represents strength, courage, hard work, commitment, disciple – All values I learned as a high school athlete and the same values of the Native Americans who once lived in Owego. I recall leaving for the Section IV Championship game in baseball as a senior against the Johnson City Wild Cats and our school’s athletic director secretary Mrs. Ash whispered in my ear, “Indians are stronger than Wild Cats.” We went on to win that game and after I told her, “Yes, Mrs. Ash, Indians ARE stronger than Wild Cats.” From there our team went on to win our school’s first ever state championship. As I told the local papers at the time, “We won not only for ourselves but for OUR community as Owego Indians.”

I am proud of what I and my teammates accomplished as Owego Indians. I am proud of what the Indian name stands for and where our community came from and what is has done in recognition and preservation of our Native American heritage. This is a pride and tradition I will share with my three children. I respect the opinions of those who disagree including the New York State Board of Education, but I will not ignore our history or the positive portrayal of Native Americans in my hometown. For me the Owego Indians is where I came from, what I am, and what I want our community to continue to be. As a guest speaker a few years ago at the graduating Owego Free Academy Athletic Dinner I told the students, “Once an Indian, Always an Indian.” This holds true to me now more than ever. I am not willing to give up on the Owego Indian name and symbol and all it represents, and I hope you won’t either. Stay tuned…

Sincerely,

Patrick M. Gavin Owego Free Academy Class of 1997

202-494-9108 cell

Pins for Pets

Join Stray Haven Sunday, February 19, 1:00 to 3:00pm, at the Owego Bowl (Taylor Rd, Owego) to raise money to help the animals of the community. There will be raffles, 50/50, and silent auctions. Pizza and soda will be provided. Registration

fee is $100 per group up to 6 people. Prizes for most donations, best team average, high game (male & female and best team theme.

To register contact Sarah at: (607) 565-2859 or: sarak@strayhavenspca.org

Spencer Play Group

SPENCER PLAY GROUP

Inspire, 57 East Tioga Street, Spencer HELD EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 9:30AM-11:30AM Young children and their families

are invited to attend these child/ parent activities facilitated by Tioga County Family Resource Center staff. Contact Joan Shultz to register at jes49@cornell.edu or for more information.

Tioga Opportunities Hosts Lourdes Mammography Van - Feb. 27

Finding breast cancer early can help save lives. Tioga Opportunities, Inc. is proud to partner with Lourdes to make it easier to get your annual mammogram.

The Lourdes “Mammo on the Move” Mobile Mammography Van will provide digital screening mammograms at Tioga Opportunities, Inc., 110 Central Avenue in Owego on Monday, February 27, from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

You are eligible to use the van for breast screening if you are age 35 or older, have no current breast problems or symptoms, and have no history of breast surgery, or had a biopsy over one year ago with benign results and no further problems. You do not have to be a patient of Lourdes and your results can be sent

to the health care provider of your choice. Insured and uninsured women are welcome. No referral is needed. Appointments may be made by calling 607-798-5723. To find out if you are eligible for low- or no-cost screenings, call the Cancer Services program at 607-778-3900.

Tioga Opportunities, Inc. also provides confidential and compassionate family planning, women’s health care and wellness education, and offers a sliding scale fee dependent on income and household size. Same day appointments are often available.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 607-6875333 or visit www.tiogaopp.org/ family-planning.

Tioga Co.Awarded $1.8 Million in Restore NY Funding

Tioga County was recently awarded $1.8 million in Restore NY funding for the rehabilitation of two prominent buildings in the Village of Owego. The currently vacant buildings, located at 178-180 Front Street, are the future home of Fuddy Duddy’s Confectionery, currently located on Lake Street in the Village. Stephen and Kimberly Cruty, owners of Fuddy Duddy’s Confectionery, recently purchased the properties to further expand their business. With the help of the grant funding, the buildings on Front Street will be transformed into new retail, production, and office space, as well as a loft apartment suite on the third floor.

“We are thrilled to receive this Restore NY grant award,” said Stephen Cruty.

“These buildings have played an essential role in Owego’s retail community since 1850. With this support, we will create an immersive destination in the Village that will take our guests back to a simpler and sweeter time. With the help of TEAM Tioga, we were able to secure this funding so that we could realize our vision while remaining in

downtown Owego.” Their plans include expanding bakery and confectionary offerings, returning coffee and espresso service with in-house roasting capability, adding an old-fashioned nut roastery and popcorn poppery, reconstructing the riverside deck with waterfront seating and developing the adjoining park to include a European-style Christmas Market during the holiday season.

For the project, the Cruty’s have retained Johnson-Schmidt & Associates of Corning, NY, as their Architects of Record. The group specializes in historic preservation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and renovation of historic properties throughout New York State.

LeeAnn Tinney, Director of Tioga County Economic Development & Planning, said, “Our Team strives to aid in the retention and expansion of businesses in Tioga County. We are very pleased that the Restore NY funding will be used to rehabilitate two important historic structures in the Village of Owego for the expansion of a small local business.”

Construction on the buildings is anticipated to start in 2023.

Security Upgrades for Tioga County Government Buildings.

Martha Sauerbrey, Chair of the Tioga County Legislature reports that security upgrades are underway at the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building. Over the past year the County Office building has been systematically improving security by installing cameras on the inside and outside of the building. We now have enhanced parking lot coverage to mitigate unwanted activity and access control to the building, both during business and after hours. Access to the building has been improved by the use of electronic fobs instead of keys. Security systems are also being upgraded at Public Works areas and a new security system will be installed at the County Truck Wash Facility.

Within the next few months, employees and the public will go through security before going to their destination such as the DMV Office or other locations

within the building. Security guards will be stationed on the first floor and all individuals will be asked to go through a magnetometer or be hand wanded.

Entrance into the building is restricted to one location effective immediately.

The Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building will continue to open at 8:30 am, close at 5:00 pm, and the DMV Office will open at 9:00 am for business and close at 5:00 pm, with the last transaction being at 4:45 pm.

Upgrades in security protects the building, infrastructures and personal wellbeing. These upgrades give employees and customers peace of mind. This is true no matter which industry you are conducting business in. Sauerbrey would like to thank everyone in advance for their understanding and willingness to embrace and adapt to these upcoming changes.

Tioga Opportunities Calendar of Events

Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego

Congregate Lunch

Monday-Friday, 11:30am to 12:30pm served at Tioga Opportunities’ Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego, . Suggested contribution of $5.00 for those aged 60+, $7.00 for those under 60. Meal includes entrée, side dishes, beverage, and dessert. Salad bar available most days.

Download the monthly menu at www.tiogaopp.org/nutrition.

Chair Yoga for Older Adults

Wednesday mornings, 10-11am

Call 607-687-4120 for more information.

Caregivers Support Group

4th Friday of the month, 2pm

In-person or via Go-To Meeting. For more information call Tioga Opportunities, Inc. at (607) 687-4120 ext. 315.

The Alzheimer’s Association Support Group 3rd Tuesday of each month, 1:30pm Offered remotely, call 607-687-4120 for more information.

BINGO for Older Adults

Friday, Feb. 10, 1pm - 2pm Enjoy a friendly game of Bingo at the Countryside Community Center.

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables

Thursday, February 16, 10am-11am Countryside Community Center

Join the Food Bank of the Southern Tier at Countryside Community Center, . Free cooking demonstration with easy, low-cost recipes and tips on new ways to use common pantry foods. Guests can taste prepared recipes and participate in educational group discussions on nutrition topics to support good health. Call Tioga Opportunities, Inc. at (607) 6874120 to reserve your seat.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

February 16 - March 23

Newark Valley

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a class helping caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative. This class meets once a week for 6 weeks and will run Thursday, February 16, through Thursday, March 23, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at First United Methodist Church of Newark Valley, 63 S. Main St., Newark Valley. For more information or to reserve your seat please call Tioga Opportunities, Inc. at (607)687-4120.

Spencer Senior Social Hour and NY Connects Office Hours

Friday, February 17, 11:30am-12:30pm

Join Tioga Opportunities, Inc. at In-

spire S-VE Community & Fitness Center, 57 E Tioga St., Spencer. Enjoy good food and great company. NY Connects will be onsite to provide information and referrals to area resources and services. Reservations are appreciated by calling (607)687-4120

NY Connects Office Hours

Join Tioga Opportunities, Inc. for information and assistance. How can TOI help you? Visit us to find out!

Thursday, February 16th from 10:00am to Noon at the Apalachin Library, 719 Main St., Apalachin.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research Presented by the Alzheimer's Association. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement. We will also demonstrate how to use hands-on tools to incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Tuesday, February 21st at 10:00AM at TOI’s Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego

Tuesday, February 21st at 1:00PM at the Waverly Village Hall, 32 Ithaca St., Waverly

Tuesday, February 21st at 3:30PM at Christ the King Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 75 North Main St., Spencer. Please call Tioga Opportunities, Inc. at 607-687-4120 to reserve your seat.

NY Connects Office Hours

Tuesday, February 28, 1pm to 3:00pm

The Red Door Café, 359 Broad St., Waverly. Join Tioga Opportunities, Inc. for information and assistance. How can TOI help you?

AARP Driver Safety Course

Monday, Feb. 27 & Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1:30pm to 4:30pm at Countryside Community Center

The cost is $25 for AARP members and $30 for non-members. Deadline to register is February 10. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Call 607-687-4120 to reserve your seat or for more info.

Lourdes “Mammo on the Move” Mammography Van

Monday, February 27, 11am to 7pm at Tioga Opportunities, 110 Central Ave., Owego

You do not have to be a Lourdes patient. Your results can be sent to the provider of your choice. Insured and uninsured women are welcome. No referral needed. Call 607-798-5723 to schedule your appointment.

Floyd HookerYouth GrantsAwarded

Sayre, PA- The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers recently approved the 2022 Floyd Hooker youth grants for Tioga, County NY. The awards total $20,550 to 5 nonprofit organizations serving Tioga County, NY.

“These grants provide valuable resources to the young people of Tioga County and the challenges they are facing today. The wishes of former Tioga County, NY resident Floyd Hooker continue to make an immediate impact and will support youth programs in the county forever,” said Dick Orth, CFTT Board of Directors member.

The following grants were awarded: Tioga County Boys & Girls Club -To build a safe, dedicated space for teens that conforms to New York State mandated regulations. Grant Amount $8,000 Tioga Arts Council -To support Art a la Carte, a free arts-enrichment activity delivery service to Tioga County, NY summer meal sites in 2023. Grant Amount $3650.

Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga -

To purchase supplies for programming that engages students afterschool and through career field trips serving students

in the Newark Valley, Spencer-Van Etten, and Candor High Schools. Grant

Amount: $3,000

Tioga County Rural Ministry, Inc -To enable teens from low-income households to purchase new back to school clothing and shoes to feel confident and proud of their appearance as they return to school. Grant Amount: $3000

Corning-Elmira Musical Arts, Inc. -

To partner with the Tioga County Libraries to present, free to the public, narrated storybook concerts for children and families in their neighborhood libraries, promoting both music and literacy. Grant

Amount: $2900

Founded in 2003, the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers serves 5 counties, Bradford, Potter, Sullivan and Tioga counties, PA and Tioga County, New York. The Foundation is committed to building philanthropic resources that will sustain healthy and vital communities now and into the future. The Foundation currently manages over 107 funds valued at over $10.2 million dollars and has awarded over $1.2 million in grants and scholarships since inception, positively impacting hundreds of lives in the region. www.twintierscf.org.