Memorial Day Service Announced

COBLESKILL — The Fred L. Stilson Post 57 of the American Legion invites all to the May 26, 2025, Memorial Service at 10 am in the Cobleskill Veterans Park, Cobleskill, NY 12043

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Brief welcoming and introductions

Official unveiling and thank you for the newly posted plaque on the Veterans Monument in the park.

Reading of Logan’s general order number creating the original “Decoration Day”

Keynote remarks by Carlisle Town Supervisor John Leavitt, Combat Veteran of the Vietnam War

American Legion Honor Guard Gun Volleys, Salute, and Playing of Taps

Honor Wreath Laying by Organizations and closing ceremonies

 

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SSCS Clay Target Team Remains in 1st

By Alexis Pencar

The Sharon Springs Central School Clay Target Team has continued to dominate their Spring season this past week! They are still holding the spot for first in the Overall Team Standings, which is significant for the first Clay Target Team in Schoharie County, recently stepping up into the Class 2A Conference 6. 

The results are in for the third week of competition for SSCS: 

Overall Team Standing:

#1 Sharon Springs Central with 4,443.50

#2 Caledonia-Mumford High School with 4,188.00

#3 Wayland-Cohocton Central with 3,872.00

#4 General Brown High School   with 3587.00

#5 Watkins-Glen High School with 3,477.50

#6 Voorheesville High School with 2778.50

#7 Pavilion High School with 1656.50

Top 25 Males in our 7-school conference:

#6 Levi Knapp - 22.17

#9 Dalton Oliver - 21.33

#12 Reed VanValkenburg - 21.33

#12 Kyle Golden - 21.33

#12 Joe Berube - 21.33 

#12 Sean Shults - 21.33

#18 Hunter Bolster - 21.00

#18 Aiden Bowerman - 21.00

#21 Jackson Ryder - 20.83

Top 25 Females in our 7-school conference:

#5 Ava Bissonette - 19.50

Check out the upcoming Competition Schedule: May 17 at 9 AM, May 24 at 9 AM.

This hard working Clay Target team will participate in the Memorial Day Parade in Schoharie on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:00 PM and will walk with their guns.

Then, on June 14th from 9:00 - 2:00 PM there will be a “Spring Turkey Shoot” at the Sprout Brook Rod Club that SSCS students will assist in hosting. This event is open to the public and there will be multiple competition types with prizes too! This is a family friendly event. *Note: no live turkeys are used in this event.

Interested in finding out more about the team? Check them out on Facebook at SSCS Clay Target Team or even on Youtube @SSCSclaytaget. Any and all are welcome to come on down to Sprout Brook Rod and Gun Club (1364 State Highway 163 Canajoharie NY) to support this growing team! 

 

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SUNY Cobleskill Celebrates Class of 2025 at College’s 107th Commencement

COBLESKILL — SUNY Cobleskill marked its 107th Commencement Saturday, officially conferring degrees upon more than 470 graduates of the Class of 2025. Graduates represented more than 50 baccalaureate and associate degree programs across agriculture and technology disciplines.

President Marion Terenzio celebrated graduates as embodiments of the College's “Learning by Doing” philosophy and living testimonies to the institution's motto that “education is the hope of the world.”

“You’ve mastered your learning by becoming agents of your educational journey and creating your own sovereignty of achievements,” said President Terenzio, highlighting the graduates' impressive accomplishments ranging from research presentations to athletic championships. “Your greatest tool today is your capacity to step into real situations needing real solutions. Continue to practice your learning by doing and challenging both the status quo and yourself as you move forward into your future careers.”

In addition to celebrating student’s academic achievements, the College also awarded an honorary SUNY Doctorate of Humane Letters to keynote speaker Thomas Sakokweniónkwas Porter.

Mr. Porter, a Bear Clan Elder from the Mohawk Nation, founded the Kanatsiohareke community in New York's Mohawk Valley. He has dedicated his life to preserving Indigenous culture, co-founding the Akwesasne Freedom School and the White Roots of Peace, a group of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) representatives that traveled across North America, sharing native teachings and encouraging Indigenous communities to reconnect with their traditions. As Tehanakarine sub-chief (1971-1992), he provided spiritual and political leadership for his people. In 1993, he established Kanatsiohareke as a sanctuary for traditional Mohawk values, emphasizing language as essential to cultural preservation.

"Your learning has prepared you to be guardians of our shared home," Mr. Porter said to graduating students. "I ask that you maintain a sacred connection with Mother Earth and apply your knowledge to protect her. Remember that your decisions today must benefit not just your generation, but the seven generations that follow. Safeguard the air, water, and soil that sustains all life. And as you walk this path, never forget to honor those who came before you - your mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers - for they are the roots from which your strength grows."

 

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SUNY Institute Awards Over $32,000 to Local Entrepreneurs in Business Plan Competition

COBLESKILL — The 2025 Mohawk Valley Entrepreneur Assistance Center (MVEAC) Business Plan Competition, hosted by The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill, concluded May 1 with over $32,000 in prize money awarded to local small businesses. Fourteen entrepreneurs presented their innovative business plans to a panel of six judges from the community. Following intense deliberation, six finalists proceeded to the final round, where the top three winners emerged.

Congratulations to the winners:

1st Place - Lovin' Mama Farm Kitchen, Amsterdam ($15,000 award)

2nd Place - Middleburgh Coffee Company, Middleburgh ($8,500 award)

3rd Place - Ghost Light Farm, Cambridge ($8,500 award)

The event, sponsored by the Empire State Development Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers, marked the Institute’s inaugural hosting of the competition, promising a return next spring for another competition featuring a new set of local small businesses.

The Institute for Rural Vitality was awarded $80,000 through Empire State Development to host MVEAC Business Plan Competitions over three years. This funding aims to support and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing resources and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop comprehensive business plans. The Institute is one of just five grant awardees across New York State selected to host an EAC competition program of this kind.

“This competition not only provided crucial funding to help these businesses grow, but also created a platform for entrepreneurs to refine their ideas and connect with community leaders and other business owners,” said Dr. Scott Ferguson, Chief Economic Development Officer at SUNY Cobleskill. “The enthusiasm and quality of business plans presented confirm that rural entrepreneurship is thriving in our region. We're excited to continue this initiative over the next two years and further strengthen the entrepreneurial network in the Mohawk Valley."

Participants must have graduated from an EAC 60-hour business plan training course in the last 12 months. The Institute offers its Business Development Bootcamp in a 10-week format held in person and virtually in a synchronous format. Learn more about the program here: www.cobleskill.edu/institute/eac.aspx.

In attendance from Empire State Development were:

Earl Thomason, Vice President, Entrepreneur Development

Bette Yee, Senior Director, Entrepreneur Development

Jingshu Zheng, Senior Program Manager 

Judges for the event were:

Seth Browe, Regional External Affairs Manager at National Grid:

Seth Browe is the External Affairs Manager at National Grid where he focuses on building and maintaining strategic partnerships with municipalities and community organizations. He engages with stakeholders to ensure that National Grid's initiatives align with community needs and priorities.

Nicole Deyo, Vice President of Business Development at Persuit Lending:

Nicole Deyo has been in banking since the early 1990's and she's held every role in retail banking from Teller to Regional Manager. In 2019 she made the move to a lender and started working for Pursuit Community Finance. In late 2022 she moved to the SBA side of the house working solely on business development for the SBA 7(a) program. In this role she works with bankers, economic development leaders, chambers of commerce and various other centers of influence to get capital into the hands of the business owners that need it.

Jim Norton, Vice President of Dairy Plant and Distribution at Stewart’s:

Jim Norton is Vice President of Plant Operations for Stewart’s Shops Corp. and has worked there for the past 23 years. In his role, Jim is responsible for all operations at Stewart’s distribution and manufacturing center in Greenfield, NY. Jim holds a BBA in Accounting from Siena College and an MBA from the College of Saint Rose. In addition, he is a licensed CPA in New York State.

Zach Steffen, Regional Director at Mohawk Valley SBDC:

Zach Steffen is the Regional Director of the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center. He oversees the center’s programs and advising and provides business advisement services to a variety of small businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in starting, managing, growing, or purchasing a business. Steffen has been with the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center since 2019. Previously, he was the General Manager of North Country Books and the Co-Owner/President of Pyramid Publishing.

Bill Nordenhold, Assistant Vice President and Business Banking Office at NBT Bank:

Bill Nordenhold is an Assistant Vice President and Business Banking Officer for NBT Bank. He services Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, working with small businesses in the area. He builds trusted relationships with his business banking customers, offering experience in lending and tailored financial solutions.

Chet Opalka, President at Opalka Family Investment Partners, LP:

Chet Opalka, co-founder of Curia Global, formerly Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI), a full-service pharmaceutical and medical research services company was founded in 1991, in Albany, NY. During his tenure, AMRI discovered the process that enabled the manufacture of Allegra. He retired from the daily operations of the company in September 2000. Chet has been named as inventor or co-inventor in nearly 30 patents, co-authored several scientific publications relating to his accomplishments in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry. Since Chet’s retirement, he has been an angel investor and philanthropist. A community advocate for the greater Albany, NY region, Chet advises and sits on several non-profit boards including, most recently, Russell Sage College, The Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

 

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SUNY Cobleskill Seniors Proudly Display Semester-Long Projects

By Lei Rowan

COBLESKILL– Last Thursday, SUNY Cobleskill hosted a senior art exhibit highlighting the projects in the senior art seminar program, which was run by Professor Adam Daily. Students chose their topics based on personal experience, knowledge, and the goal to improve the lives of people. 

The event began at 4:30. Eight seniors showed attendees their projects, as well as handed out business cards in the Grosvenor Art Gallery. Other student works and tables with crackers and fruit were set up in the art studio attached. Professor Adam Daily, Profesor Kayla Vaughn, and Professor Greg Miller, all from the graphic design department at the college, made their way around to oversee the event. 

Bryan Juart designed recyclable cans for water, similar to soda cans in order to reduce plastic consumption. His created brand is called Pulse, with the main color being green; which drives the core message to consumers that it is meant to be an eco-friendly business. It also aligns with SUNY Cobleskills motto of “Grow, Sustain, Renew,” as the metal alternative is much more sustainable and renewable than plastic water bottles.

Jonathan Santana created a variety of soccer jerseys for kids to wear at a summer program called On Side. On Side is meant for kids who may not have a safe place at home. Santana stated he had some semi-personalization into the jerseys. 

James Svensen focused on better eyecare for college students by creating Star Gazer. The eye glasses are going to be less expensive than the typical prescription products. Glasses also come with a thin, durable, laser etched case decorated with stars. 

Off the Bench was designed by George Machala. The program is an off-property baseball field for elementary through high school, for those that otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to play the game. “It’s serving a larger group of people,” Machala stated. The intention is there to be no competitiveness or being cut from the sports team, only fun for those involved. 

Jaden Sylvan focused on bringing awareness to fan violence, specifically at the NFL. He implemented statistics onto his posters such as “39% of fans have witnessed violence at the NFL.” Sylvan also has some personal experience and connections with the topic, having also seen it first-hand at games. “Fighting won’t fix the scoreboard,” he wrote. 

Little Airplane, designed by Kimberly McCann, is set to aid new parents with children. Items she created included small colorful bowls, child-size soft bandanas, and simple recipes that any child would enjoy. McCann also has a personal connection, having had children herself.

Rayna Denofio designed Firefly, a program for children of addicts to have a safe space. She created various jewelry as a demonstration of arts and crafts, stickers, and coloring books to be activities. Having a very personal experience with the topic, Denofio put in extreme effort to support others in a similar situation. One student attending asked to keep a charm Denofio made once the event concluded.

Devon Rooney created a board game called Trash To Table, in which players must compete and out-bid each other for ingredients to create food dishes. Choosable characters include five racoons and one panda, all are based on people he knows. “It’s all about getting people together post-COVID… I could’ve done a video game but that’s so oversaturated and it doesn’t have that face-to-face,” he stated. Rooney is also considering working on expansion packs for the game. 

Once attendees had browsed the exhibits for a while, Professor Adam Daily spoke to the crowd about how proud he is of the students, and that they have shown so much effort and dedication to the graphic design program. Daily then turned the floor over to Miller and Vaughn. Miller stated “They didn’t want to do it, then started doing it… doing is different than saying.” Vaughn continued with “They teach us as much as we teach them.”

In the conclusions to the event, photos were taken of the three professors and the eight students who exhibited their hard work. Vaughn concluded with “We’ve been doing the graphic design show for years and it’s been nice to be able to to showcase student work from across campus as well; it ups the excitement on campus. All of our students have hit it out of the park this year.” Seven of the exhibiting students graduated this past Saturday in SUNY Cobleskills class of 2025.

 

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Opponents Vow To Continue Fight Against Carlisle/Seward Solar Facility

By Chris English

CARLISLE/SEWARD — There's no quit in those fighting the 20 MW Rock District solar energy facility in the Towns of Carlisle and Seward.

At the Wednesday, May 7 Carlisle Town Board meeting, Citizens Against Solar Assault member Bill Toohey handed out more documentation to board members that he feels shows evidence of negative effects the solar facility would have on water near it.

Town Supervisor John Leavitt said he would give the documentation to the attorney and engineer representing Carlisle in the matter. The facility recently received a final site permit from the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES).

However, when the facility would actually be constructed and begin operation is open to some question. Schoharie County Supervisors, led by Donald Airey of Blenheim, scored a recent victory when their lawsuit challenging the way solar and wind energy facilities are assessed for tax purposes received a favorable ruling from the state Supreme Court.

That ruling was appealed by the state Attorney General's Office, which wants a stay against the favorable ruling for the county. As currently constituted pending the result of the appeal, the ruling means that solar and wind facilities would be assessed at full value, Leavitt said.

"Everything is kind of tied up in court right now," he said at the May 7 meeting. "Attorneys think that the court case could take a year. We contacted Rock District to set up a meeting to talk about things like a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement and they have not gotten back to us.

"From an investor's standpoint, I would not be telling Rock District to go forward without knowing whether assessments will be at 20 percent or 100 percent of full value."

Toohey expressed his gratitude to the Carlisle board on behalf of CASA.

"Thank you for your continued support of us, listening to us," he said. "We're not giving up."

Councilman Robert Smith again brought up the possible role President Donald Trump could play in slowing down or halting the development of solar energy facilities. 

"With these tariffs, where will the solar panels come from?" Smith asked.

"Very few solar panels are made in the United States," Leavitt added.

In other actions at the May 7 meeting, town board members approved high bids for two aging town tractors, a Case IH 895 and New Holland 4630. The approval is subject to an OK from Town Highway Superintendent Mike Broadwell, who was on vacation and unable to attend the meeting.

The high bids were $10,880 for the Case and $7,654 for the New Holland. Leavitt did not want to give the names of the high bidders until Broadwell gave his anticipated OK. Town Clerk Stacy Bruyette opened the sealed bids during the meeting and read out the numbers.

 

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Sharon Springs School Board Approves New PILOT Deal With Walmart

By Chris English

SHARON SPRINGS — A new Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Walmart will mean more than half a million dollars a year over the next 10 years for the Sharon Springs Central School District.

The school board at its Monday, May 12 meeting approved the new deal that will mean payments of $552,000 a year to the school district starting July 1 and running through June 30, 2035. The agreement is for the huge 217-acre, 1.42 million square-foot Walmart Distribution Center just off Route 20 in the school district that was finished in 1994. It replaces the previous 10-year PILOT approved in 2015.

Sharon Springs CSD Superintendent Thomas Yorke said after the meeting that the yearly payments under the new agreement are considerably more than under the current deal, though he did not have exact figures on hand. However, they still are considerably less than if Walmart were paying property taxes on the full assessed value of the distribution center, he added.

"It basically makes up for what is being lost in state aid," Yorke said of the new agreement. "Yes, I'm very happy with it. Every little bit helps."

During the meeting, school board President Helen Roberts remarked that "I wish we could go back and get what we lost over the last 10 years, but I'm thankful that they at least seem to have us in the right category now."

The new 10-year PILOT agreement, negotiated with Walmart by the Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency, is scheduled to mean a total of $1.15 million in annual payments split up between the school district, Schoharie County, the Town of Sharon and the Village of Sharon Springs. The school district will receive $552,000 a year, the county and town both $201,250 and the village $195,500. The new deal must be approved by each of the four entities.

In other actions from the May 12 meeting, there was a brief discussion of the proposed 2025-26 budget that will be voted on by district residents on May 20, from noon to 9 p.m. in the school's Auditorium Atrium. The $11.48 million spending plan proposes a 3 percent property tax hike, well below the actual state cap for the district of about 7 percent but more than the usual tax increase for Sharon Springs CSD.

"We've traditionally stayed far below 2 percent," Yorke said. "It's hard enough to ask our residents for 3 percent, but it seemed like the fiscally responsible thing to do at this time, especially given the uncertainty with state and federal financial support for public education."

Isabella Perrotti was introduced as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Seth Mahoney as the Salutatorian. They were praised by Yorke and school board members, presented with gift bags filled with various goodies by Roberts and enjoyed some refreshments during a brief break in the meeting.

Perrotti is Class President, President of the National Honor Society and has participated in many other activities during her time at Sharon Springs CSD. She will attend SUNY Cobleskill to major in Applied Psychology and pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in that field, and said she hopes someday to be a school psychologist.

Mahoney is Vice President of the Class, is a member of the National Honor Society and was captain of the varsity boys basketball team this past season, among many other activities during his time at the school. He will attend the University of Buffalo to major in Exercise Science and hopes someday to get a job in sports management _ possibly as an agent _ and would also like to coach. Both he and Perrotti went the full way in Sharon Springs, from Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

The school board and audience at the May 12 meeting heard a brief presentation from architect Daniel Fay of Teitsch-Kent-Fay Architects and Energy Account Executive Eugene Waidbauer of John W. Danforth Company on a proposed capital project and energy performance contract that will be on the May 20 ballot.

Waidbauer said JW Danforth is the biggest construction firm in the state and a leader in the area of energy performance contracts.

"We do more of it than anyone in the state," he said. "This would be a turnkey construction project, meaning our engineers would design it and our firm would handle construction. We would own it from beginning to end. There will be no change orders; the price we give you will be the price you get."

The EPC would be at a maximum cost of $1 million and would pay for itself in energy efficiency enhancements over the course of several years, Waidbauer added.

The capital project would be at a maximum cost of $2.73 million and would address "all kinds of things throughout the building," Fay said. Among them would be replacement of the boiler-heater in the bus garage, playground surface replacement, bleecher work in the new gymnasium, sidewalk and parking lots repaving and possible construction of a way to access the weight room during off hours.

"The size is balanced so there would be no increase in the local share (of the cost)," Fay noted.

"A lot of meat and potatoes," Yorke added.

Yorke and fellow school board members introduced Sofia Issa as a board seat candidate running for another term.

"We all appreciate Sofia's point of view she brings a very level approach," Yorke noted.

The board also approved a resolution that grants the ROC and its designated attorneys the authority to negotiate the terms and conditions of data privacy agreements regarding student personally identifiable information and certain teacher and principal data.

The ROC stands for Risk Operations Center and is an intermunicipal arrangement among four BOCES: Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga; Onondaga-Cortland-Madison; Madison-Oneida and Broome-Tioga. The ROC works toward the improvement of vendor management and data security and privacy practices for school districts and/or BOCES statewide.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

What a wet week we have had with a bit of beautiful sunny relief on Sunday for all the Moms out there! Looks like we may have left the colder temperatures for now but lows will be back in the 40s again next week. The rainy trend continues but with higher highs into the weekend. Sunday through Tuesday highs will dip back into 50s with this up and down continuing through May. Anyone farming knows the mud season has been particularly bad this year so thank your local farmers for all their hard work!

If you missed the Village of Sharon Springs meeting this past Thursday (5/15), you can view the whole recorded meeting online at schopeg.com and click through to Video On Demand and select your community! It is important to stay informed and this is a great way to do so, even virtually!

The Sharon Pool is planning on reopening Saturday, June 28th, weather dependent, and the Summer Rec Program will run from July 7th to August 15th, Monday through Friday from 9:00 - 11:45 AM. This year there will be a second session in the day for children ages 7-11 and will run the same dates but from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Thanks to the Joshua Program, children will be provided with lunch at no cost as well! Stay tuned for more details! 

Sunnycrest Markets is open with more vendors than ever! The new Sunnycrest Kitchen just hosted their soft opening on May 1st so check it out for ready made food options! They have affordable groceries, produce, bulk items, ready-made food, furniture, and the nursery is now open selling seedlings, hanging baskets, plants, and more! With new extended hours, they are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow @SunnycrestMarkets on social media for updates, sales, and more!

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider and have cider donuts, cider slushies, and more for purchase too! Hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Parsons Vegetable Farm has limited cabbage available with seedlings coming soon!! Check out their social media for more info! The Outrageous Snack Snack is closed for the season but should be opening with fresh donuts soon! 

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

 

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Seniors Get Lowdown on Dementia

Ann Thayer from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association explains symptoms that can grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

By Alexis Pencar

Thirty Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club participants were enlightened about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at their May 9th luncheon meeting at the Office for the Aging’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse. 

Ann Thayer, community lead for the Leatherstocking Region (Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties) of the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, presented some truly valuable information to the seniors in attendance. The chapter offers support to anyone facing Alzheimer’s, including advocates for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, as well as working toward methods of treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure.

Ms. Thayer indicated that typical age-related memory loss may be sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. However, a common sign of Alzheimer’s disease in its early stage is forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over and increasingly relying on memory aids.

Dementia is a general term used for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. In fact, there are more than 426,500 individuals in New York State living with Alzheimer’s.

By learning more about this, Seniors were empowered to know more and even be able to spot those tell-tale signs within themselves or even friends. The more you know, the more you can do. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or are interested in having an Ann Thayer speak to your organizations, she can be reached at (607) 206-4514 or at athayer@alz.org

Area seniors interested in more information about the Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club schedule and activities should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055. 

 

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