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Centralus sounds like an ED medication

Rightfully so. Most of these people paid thousands out of pocket or insurance has already paid and now they are screwed because the insurance wont pay again. On top of he was using outdated braces or brackets so most people are being told they have to start over. Luckily we got our daughters braces off and got her retainer but she was gonna finish out in Invisalign so now we will be paying out of pocket for those. I absolutely hated going there when he took over I did not like him whatsoever

I’m starting to think perhaps it’s not a bad thing for these little villages to be absorbed into a larger township sometimes. If there’s no community spirit, pride or sense of duty, then there’s no community. I’ve also come to the conclusion that a person has to be a sadist to get involved in small town politics. So its no wonder that those that are most fit to lead and serve their community are the ones who likely won’t touch it with a ten foot pole. There’s many more things they can do with their time that won’t result in people shitting on them for doing their best to serve.

I've seen this proposed a few times on every homeless post but none of the bleeding hearts step up

This is false. The state may be accepting applications for grants (between $50,000 and $10 million ) to restore some pools (specifically those that are salvageable)......that's not the same as your statement that they're "offering" a $10 million grant for Brand Park pool. No matter how emphatically you assert that Brand Park "is" eligible for the top amount, it doesn't make it true. In fact, when New York State required an engineering study for that particular pool, it explicitly determined that it could not be salvaged. There is no reason for any sane person to believe that the State would approve said grant application after deeming it unsalvageable.

That question drives me crazy. There's a gal that posts that question on the Erin page every single time we have so much as a dusting. It's winter, leave early and drive with caution. If you have to go to work you have to go to work. She's not someone who can WFH.

Besides CCC, IDA gets more funding than most other “community investments” that the county contributes tax money to. In addition to the $1.3 million in ARP funds....they’ve also been burning through $200k/yr Casella and room tax for a decade. From my perspective, there is no comparison to funding entities that provide things that can be considered community service (like Catholic Charities, CCC or museums/Tanglewood) as opposed to a purely commercial entertainment venue. And I’m sick of the claim that we need to prop up the Arena because youth hockey is supposedly some vital human right that will give poor and disadvantaged kids a worthwhile pastime and all the values of being on a “team”. Ya know what else is a healthy youth activity that fosters team spirit? And doesn’t require the upkeep of an ice plant? And is also more inclusive for kids at all levels of athletic ability? Bowling! And when the public no longer had enough “demand” for bowling no one bailed out the bowling alleys in the county. So three out of the four bowling centers Chemung County just went bust when there wasn't enough interest to pay their own bills (and taxes). All the people who supported bowling as a worthwhile youth activity were a clear minority and they were simply S-O-L. Sell the Arena to someone with no strings and no “incentives” (aka artificial ‘revenue’ stream) and put it back on the tax rolls. Tag Rhodes has proven to be able to operate an entertainment venue successfully....while adding to the tax base instead of draining from it. None of the business “experts” who’ve leached off the Arena for 24 years can say the same. Once it’s gone, perhaps we can put some investment into the Fairgrounds as a Community Center. I’d bet they could do a lot more to bring in visitors and boost local economy with a fraction of the Casella and room tax that the Arena has been bleeding from the County.

Maybe you should run for office and make the changes on the inside.

That's very often the case. However, my husband was a big fan of https://heidelbergbread.com/ that Jubilee and others sell. No preservatives, and real ingredients that you can pronounce. Tastes great. Surprisingly, it stayed fresh longer than a lot of commercial crap full of chemicals. The only explanation we could think of is that in addition to good ingredients, they must also have an amazingly clean production environment that's free of the contaminants that cause mold.

Read the rest here. ( It should be available as a freebie. )

This. 110% It's insulting for community "leaders" to dictate what youth activities they decide to prioritize with public fund/support. Personally, I've never even been big on school districts funding sports programs. It's really not fair for parents who pay 100% out of pocket to have kids in scouts or gymnastics or bowling or dance to subsidize other kids who happen to have interest in other activities like basketball or football. At least school boards allow voters to weigh in on school sports. How TF does the IDA get off forcing anyone to subsidize even a dollar of their "chosen" sport? Let alone thousands of dollars a month?

It may be a bit early to start this thread, but I wanted to make sure it was not lost. Baker Creek just released their 2025 catalog. In the US you can get the rare seed catalog for free or you can pay $14.95 to get their whole seed catalog. The free catalog is about 185 pages and the whole seed catalog is over 500 pages IMHO Baker Creek has the best seeds available and the prices are not unreasonable. It's the only place I buy seeds from. They also carry stuff you didn't know you wanted to grow till you see it in the catalogs. https://www.rareseeds.com/

Every time I hear “there’s nothing for kids to do” I want to vomit. There are literally dozens of youth sports leagues out there that don’t rely on taxpayer funding like youth hockey does around here. This friggin building, and more specifically hockey, has been crammed down our throats for 25 years now. It’s not a hockey town, it never was a hockey town, and you’re not going to force or spend it into being a hockey town. Get it through your goddamned heads!

Margeson mentioned private ownership and that right there is what's needed. With no interference and/or onjection of money by the county in any way, shape or form.

You know, it's glaringly obvious that the county government is completely broken and in need of an overhaul. With the exception of a couple people like @Lawana Morse and @Bill McCarthy the entire lot needs to go. The good 'ol boys' network in this county continues to f--k things up, year after year, decade after decade. And it's often the same names or groups attached to the problem.

It takes a real POS to allow their staff to book appointments and take payment from clients, full well knowing you're not going to honor your end of the bargain.

Bankruptcy can be contested by a creditor and those debts can be set aside and not included in the bankruptcy. It would be worth looking into if you pre-paid the orthodontic fees. Contacting the Consumer Fraud Dept. of the Attorney General’s Office also works. I’d do both and file a complaint with the State’s Medical Board. If the Dr. knew this was coming he shouldn’t have continued taking money from patients, especially requiring upfront payment.

Scattered scraps of Christmas wrap, curling ribbons and partially-burned candles, mark this morning, as I send greetings out for a continued good Christmas season (it is Christmas until Twelfth Night January 6th), a Blessed Chanukah season a Happy Boxing Day, and a joyous Kwanzaa festival. All of those make up today. Also, our granddaughters and family are here for a few days, and life is good. After a leisurely, get-it-yourself breakfast, I’m sitting at the computer, looking out at a wintery landscape, about to happily connect with you all. We got enough snow last Friday to make plowing the driveway necessary, but it is receding now. Yesterday was lovely, as it generally is when our family gathers; there’s laughter, appreciation and sharing of stories. And because we are in basic agreement about much of life in general the atmosphere is very relaxed. However, even if our whole extended family members gathered and there are some with whom we disagree in specific areas of life, we all have love enough, and manners enough, to listen to each other, and speak with consideration. Loving does not depend on thinking alike or agreeing about lifestyles. We love people for who they are to us --- quirks and all. That is what good families do, and what courteous people do, and definitely what Christians are supposed to do. Courtesy and caring should be our basic attitude toward each other anywhere. If we regard each other with love and respect, we can be honest, but listen and allow differing points of view to be spoken. If we look on each other as persons who both care and wish to learn, life would be better everywhere (infinitely better in Congress, where manners are few and adolescent behavior is rampant)! Manners seem to be slipping into rudeness and scorn, in a lot of places. My father, having himself been brought up by a stern mother, was adamant about proper behavior. There were to be no sloppy table manners; no interruptions of other’s conversations, or, Heaven forbid, no throwing a tantrum, or behaving in a rude manner in the presence of anyone at all, anywhere! We were to respect a person for who he/she was, and if we couldn’t, we were to keep quiet about it. While I don’t agree with my father’s way of teaching this, I do agree that children should be taught to be courteous people. This must have impressed my siblings as well as me for I never heard any of their children behaving in a way that created havoc when we were all together. The house could be filled with a dozen children of varying ages, and there was only laughter and conversation. There might be a scream or two if someone fell down the laundry chute or rolled out of the hay mow, but those were understandable reactions. I have to wonder about parents who let their kiddies mouth off, loudly demand attention or scream in displeasure. It is no favor for children to allow them to be rude or uncaring of others or to think that their little selves are the center of the universe. Teaching children to get along with others will be a benefit to them for all their lives. I’m not advocating “children should be seen and not heard”! Nor am I failing to recognize that there are emotional disturbances that surely need understanding help. That is quite a different thing from being obnoxious to get one’s own way. I am just saying, manners are a boon and a blessing to all concerned. But back to Christmas. Kerm and I can, from our vantage point, look back on a lot of family Christmas celebrations. Very few were ideal or without problems. When I was seven or eight, I had the mumps during Christmas holidays, and I remember being able to eat only mashed potatoes for dinner. And there was the Christmas my father built large doll houses for my niece, Jan, and for me (but whose would be finished first??). After Kerm and I were married, there were the years when traveling to visit family triggered colds and/or tonsillitis for our little ones. We spent a lot of nights in a rocking chair with coughing, wakeful children. Then there was the year our three-year-old decided to open gifts at 2 AM and he is still alive to talk about it. The year we moved to the Catskills, Christmas Eve brought a blizzard through those lovely mountains and most of central NYS. When we tried traveling on the next day (Christmas) --- we ended up in a ditch outside of Trumansburg. A super-kind family rescued us that night --- with our two children and an English cocker. They warmed us, fed us and gave us sleeping bags and blankets, and allowed our dog to point their cockateel all night. There were really good Christmases when we put tables through my mother’s dining room and living room; when our whole clan of 35 or so gathered. There was the Christmas when Grandma knitted every kid a pair of wooly slippers, and the Christmas when our small son’s 15-year-old uncle, gave him a drum!! There was the stellar Christmas when Kerm built a barn for the boys; a barn they could crawl into, with hand-painted-by-me wooden cows, pigs and chickens. We remember Kerm’s Grandma’ B.’s “Christmas cake,” opening gifts after the morning milking was done, and learning from Kerm’s Grandma Storm how to play triple-deck pinochle. We have a rich store of Christmas memories to warm us when we are feeling adrift and old. Looking back, seems to erase about 30 years from our ages. Christmases do not have to be perfect in every way; they were always exciting regardless, or maybe because of, mumps, weather, financial resources, sniffles or coughs, and even a drum. Every twelve-month cycle brings both good times and not-so-good to really terrible ones. I’m sure this has been true as long as there have been years. We are nearing the end of 2024, which seems quite impossible, and leaves me wondering how a yar can fly by so fast. Last January we began the new year by sharing a meal with friends. That is an excellent way to begin any year and we hope to do this again. Of course, by tradition, many people begin making resolutions for a better “next year.”. I recently read a blog by someone called The Urban Monk, whose writing I like. And he suggested that perhaps trying to make changes in our habits in January, with the snow flying, isn’t such a smart thing to do. He suggested that winter is a time to snuggle in, to simply enjoy a time of semi-hibernation. He feels winter can better be used as a time of restoration rather than resolution. Save the new energies and habits for spring. And that sounds good to me. I plan to use wintery days to put together at least two or three more scrapbooks; getting my piles of photos and memorabilia in some kind of order and tossing the rest. And, of course, there also will be the plant and seed catalogs just waiting for my enthusiastic scanning! (Repeat after me: “No new gardens! Downsizing!”) 😊 It isn’t my habit to make resolutions anyway. There are certainly things I hope to do, but basically, I hope to survive well, to find the most joy possible in each day, and to find peace amid the conflict and chaos around me. I would like to be less judgmental and less inclined to go off like a lit sparkler when I’m upset. But I know that kind of behavior adjustment, is a work in progress. I would also like to make sure I do not fall on my face (or any other part of my body) either literally or metaphorically. Falls are potentially lethal for people in their 80s, and I’d rather not go there. Age is maybe supposed to equal wisdom, but there are times when my wisdom is on par with a toddler. A small part of my brain tells me that I’ll be fine on a step stool, or skidding around in the snow, but another part of my brain --- thankfully --- usually flashes a warning signal that saves me from disaster. I’d like a tad more wisdom in those questionable areas of activity. And I’d like to have clear direction, on occasion, whether to speak firmly, or to keep my mouth shut. The learning process will likely be a hardship, but one that needs to be endured. As you look to the last days of December and peer into the new year beginning in January, I hope that you envision good times with friends, many moments of peace, and a continued growth of who you are. I saw a seminar being offered, the title of which was “A Year of Courageous Loving.” And the subtitle was “A Yearlong Journey of Compassion, Connection, and Courageous Love.” I thought that this is probably the ideal way to look ahead in a year that must be difficult. There is so little peace, so much suffering, so little compassion, so much selfishness and a plethora of twisted values. If we meet these challenges with anger, despair, or bitterness, we only contribute to the universal mess. Learning to love with agape love, in the midst of all that we see as bad, inappropriate, and even evil, that is a weapon that will, eventually, make a difference for good. Meanwhile, in these last December days, I find this advice by Richard Street to be good: “Enjoy these short days. Curl up with a book, a candle, and a glass of something you like. Revel in the dark depths of December, so beautiful, black, and utterly without expectation. Longer days will be coming soon enough.” Carol writes from her home in Spencer.

This release is dated March 2024. It must be one that I didn’t receive for some reason, but here it is: So perhaps there could be something uncovered in the near future?

It occurred to me out of the blue just last night for some reason. Reopen it as a parochial school with tuition as before, but with a really nice endowment as a security blanket. That’s actually similar to something I’ve given thought to for our land over the past few years. Basically find a way that, when we die, the land goes to the animals, to be “Forever Wild” and no one can ever develop or build on it. It ain’t a lot, but to the birds and other animals that live here it’s everything.

Heres my plans for the continuing wildflower meadow so far: New in 2025 will be another pollinator mix plot on the eastern side of what's there now. Between the peach trees and the hedgerow I may put in something seasonal like sunflowers, we'll see. As you can see there will be ample paths kept mowed so one can walk between the flower beds. Eventually these will be accentuated with landscaping of some kind. As the yeards pass and the apple tress are no more, this field will end up mostly a wildflower meadow, all but completely returned to Nature. Just managed to avoid invasive species and other things like sumac from taking over. Annuals will be spread throughout the existing plots just to add a bit of color and variety as the perennials come in. Additional wildflower beds will likely be planted near the house, particularly on the southern side, something that prefers half shade, so I don't know just yet what it will be. That area is a pain in the ass to mow, so why not find a better way.

I was so sure I was going to win with my $10 and randomly stabbing a finger at my phone ( I use the JackPocket app, it's great, let me know if you wanna sign up. ) Alas, it was not to be. I was going to reopen Holy Family school if we won.

Oh of course it is, it's what we see here that is the problem. I think a large part of the population we're looking at is people who don't want help. Or at least don't want to live by the rules required to receive help. They want to get drunk and/or high. They want handouts. And a lot of them aren't even from here. There was that video some guy made on YouTube a while back and if I remember correctly, neither of the people in that video were from here. Why the hell are they coming here? Put 'em on a bus with a one-way ticket to anywhere else. A lot of the problem for me is the destruction they create. The camps turn into mini-landfills that pollute the environment and cost taxpayers money to clean up. People everywhere can't leave anything on their porch or in their front yard without bolting it down. I'm tired of seeing them going through garbage on the curbs throughout the city, spreading it all over and then walking away, dragging whatever crap they find around with them. Sometimes leaving it in piles elsewhere. And I'm tired of the do-gooders who, every time a solution is come up with, cry out about how it's inhumane, and they deserve to have their hovels and "belongings." You know what? Fine then, fence in your backyard and let them set up shop there. We'll see how those people feel about it after a couple of months.

We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth: Is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O'Hanlon, 115 West 95th Street. *************************** Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except (what) they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. Francis P. Church, Editor 1897

Website This company came highly recommended already, and now I see why. When our 20x40 "Amish Built" shed developed a leaky roof, I knew it was one of those things that needed to be fixed ASAP or it would get worst quickly. So I called Just In Time. They came out with in a day or two of calling and took a look. Later that day I got an itemized estimate. I knew what each part of the overall cost consisted of, which I really liked. We put a deposit down and figured it might be a few weeks, weather depending. They came this morning in an attempt to beat the coming weather. I don't know what time the crew arrived, but when I got home at around 8:50, they looked to be about halfway done. By 10am they were packing up and on the road at 10:05 leaving behind only a trailer for someone else to come pick up a couple of hours later. The work site was orderly while they were here and was well cleaned up after they left. I haven't found a nail on the ground yet and if I do, it won't be more than a couple. They also left behind a really nice looking roof that is now one less thing for me to worry about for a long time to come.

Like well oiled machines those guys ! Each has their own job to do at certain times during the course of the project . They probably went from yours to another project when they left .

The way this reads, it seems like the employers' fear of 'wasted investment" isn't really warranted. Beyond that, I don't understand why they can't offer a contract that requires reimbursement if they don't stay. Both private and public sector jobs off cash "sign on bonuses" with stipulations that it must be repaid if the employee leaves the job before a specified time frame has passed. And many nursing and healthcare jobs are similar.....employers pay students tuition and in exchange, graduates must agree to work at for that employer for at least "X" number of years.

Damn, what a game!

The City hold elections every four years in which the people of Elmira choose “what they want” from their government. In 2023, the 2468 citizens who chose to vote "wanted" Mandel by a 60/40 margin.

Of course, and the City of Elmira have failed on both counts since before I was born. I blame the citizens as mush as the city government. Perhaps more, because they've allowed it.

That's good, Addison has a serious opioid problem.

Source

I knew that reference without using Google!!

“The snow had begun in the gloaming, and busily all the night had been heaping field and highway with a silence deep and white. Every pine and fir and hemlock wore ermine too dear for an earl, and the poorest twig in the elm tree was ridged inch-deep with pearl.”* And so, the cycle begins again. Winter has arrived, and will undoubtedly outstay its welcome, before our portion of the earth slowly finds spring. Just as we are enjoying spring, summer will suddenly pounce upon us, with all its heat and greenness. Eventually, golden fall will enchant us once more before we find ourselves back into winter again, a year from now. I am finally, in my older years, beginning to look at the “big picture” instead of always focusing on the close-up of often-worrisome details, though I still do the latter too often. This movement through twelve months seemingly took more time, thirty years ago, than it takes now. Of course that is a matter of perspective. If I could do anything with my writing, I’d etch in fiery words, the idea that: every moment is precious; that even in negative moments, we are full of life, and because of that, are able to find shining gleams of gold amid the darkness. January has always been a hopeful month, for me. It begins a new year, and there might be great possibilities ahead. The calendar pages are mostly empty of obligations. But, Oh. woe! January has suddenly filled up with doctors’ appointments which is not a really good omen. But isn’t it fine to have those skilled medical people available when needed? Our son came by the other day, having back issues, and growled: “Just who decided these were the golden years?” He has a long way to go before he can consider himself old, but he is absolutely right; aging brings challenges; and not just physical ones. I remember a friend, who was nearing 100 years, wondering why she was still alive when all her friends had passed on. At a small party she said: “I do enjoy all of you, but I am sad that there is no one left with whom I can share past experiences, who will understand them. It is true that as one’s generation thins, and as one’s capabilities ebb, one does wonder. But life itself, with all of its troubles, is reason enough, isn’t it? Even though I cannot whirl around in a polka, get the house cleaned in a day, plant four garden beds in an afternoon, or throw a 12th-Night party, I am alive and so far, lucid, a solid resource for our sons, grandchildren and family members. Kerm and I are a reliable “constant” for at least a while longer. Albert Camus said: “The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young. Inside this aging body is a heart that is still curious, still as hungry, still as full of longing as it was in youth. I sit at the window and watch the world pass by, feeling like a stranger in a strange land, unable to relate to the world outside, and yet within me burns the same fire that once thought it could conquer the world. And the real tragedy is that the world still remains so distant and elusive, a place I could never quite grasp.”** I don’t regard my world as alien as Camus apparently felt, but perhaps that is because my world smaller and I have no desire to conquer those larger realms to which he refers. I do understand though, how one can feel young inside, regardless of parchment skin, whitening hair, and stiff joints. The inside person sometimes bears little relevance to the outside shell. According to the “young” part of my mind, I could square dance the evening away, buy the church that is for sale and turn it into a tea/book shop, or start an after-school spot for kids to gather. Fortunately, my “common sense” part kicks in and swats me (Gibb’s-style), bringing me back to reality. I recently heard a podcast by Dr. Kelly and Juliet;*** they were discussing signs of not aging well. One of the top signs was lack of mobility; increased episodes of falling and being unable to get up from the floor or the ground. Since this recently happened to me, and I was still recovering from that fall in November, I took special note of what they were saying. Bone-Builders has ceased to be in my community, so I’ve done no specific exercises to strengthen the legs. After listening to that, I have decided to begin again, regardless of how boring it is to exercise alone. It is important to me to maintain both mobility and independence. It is distressing to all concerned, when I must be picked up off the floor. So, in addition to the exercises, I will walk in the snow (carefully, with my new pointy cane) and take time for deep-breathing to strengthen my lungs, and maybe my balance. While out there, I’ll only visualize making snow angels and sliding down the hill. Just visualize! And now that I’ve mentioned snow, we’ve had a weather-cycle of light snow, melting away, and light snow again. No huge amounts but a constant covering. There seemed to be more, and it lasted longer, when I was growing up. Of course, I lived near Rochester, so we got lake-effect from Lake Ontario. I remember making snow forts, snow angels, and snowmen quite frequently when told to “get your nose out of that book and go outside!” In my teen years, we had sledding parties or skating parties, with hot chocolate afterward --- some delightful ones by moonlight. And we occasionally tobogganed; a hazardous sport when barbed wire fences are involved. Another part of my winter experience was how difficult it could be for dairy farmers when snowy roads closed. Until the 1960s, the road I lived on was unpaved; iffy driving in snow and mud. One snow storm, I remember, made it impossible for the milk truck to get through to our farm for two-three days. Cows do not stop giving milk just because there is nowhere to put it. So after all the milk cans were filled, we began finding other containers. Our final resort was sterilizing and then filling the bath tub with milk. My father swore me to secrecy, but I think that after 70 years, it’s probably OK to share what was a creative and frugal winter necessity. Today’s milk tanks may make excess storage easier perhaps, but I if I had a dairy farm, I’d keep a few of the old milk cans around, just in case. As we begin this year of 2025, I’ve been trying to equip my mind for happy things that this year may bring. Conscious gratitude may be a buffer against the frightening things; that are blatantly evident on every newscast and newspaper. Besides the activities mentioned above, there are some cold season blessings we may choose to make our winter pleasant. None of them involve TV, social media or driving in snow! We don’t have hot chocolate often, but once in a while, it is a comfortable way to end the day. Making soups; bean and ham, vegetable/beef, chicken noodle, potato; they taste great and make the house smell wonderful. Those stacks of books or magazines? What better time to read them than when we want to be cozily inside. A recent cartoon showed a girl sitting in a chair surrounded by stacks of books. The caption read: “Books won’t solve your problems, but ---- neither will housework. Read!” My sentiments too! There is music; because we are inside, we listen more often or maybe even produce some music ourselves. Popcorn and movies at home drown out those cold winds. Brisk breezes and fresh snow have a way of clearing the mind of sludgy thoughts too. A walk outside is good for both the mind and body. A warm coat, mittens and good boots are necessities, and most people in my age category should probably use a ski pole, cane or walking staff for balance. One of my jobs (before falling) was filling bird feeders. I may moan slightly in mid-afternoon, about going out into the cold, but once out there, I enjoy the chickadees bopping about, the tree branches against the sky, the flash of a cardinal, and checking who’s been by; via the tracks of rabbits, cats, mice, deer, and other visitors. January offers time to absorb some new ideas; to broaden our experiences, maybe to reach out to community in some way. The Spencer Grange used to have what we called a “Winter Wake-Up.” It was a dish-to-pass for anyone who wished to come. It brought a wide mix of people. There was conversation, sometimes musical instruments for a fun jam, and games or dancing. Being a comfortable part of a community is important, and we need to get together often. There are also many places to volunteer for everyone’s good: Food Pantry, Fire Station, Lion’s Club, Library, churches, etc. As we observe this yearly cycle, pay attention to the world around us – the star patterns, the times of meteor showers, changes in daylight hours. Taking the time to watch the sun rise or set is a pleasure for the soul. January skies can be brilliant. And increased daylight hours lift my spirits. So, begin this year’s cycle with relishing each day and being grateful for all the small beautiful happenings. Stay connected – with people around you, with the earth and skies, and with your own feelings and thoughts. Then, no matter what difficulties pop up in 2025, as they surely will, you will be glad you are alive and perhaps even grateful for January. Carol writes from her home in Spencer. She may be reached at: carol42wilde@htva.net. *James Russell Lowell – American poet and diplomat. 1819-1891. **Albert Camus, from “The Fall”. --- French writer, dramatist, activist. 1913-1960. ****Dr. Kelly and Juliet--- American mobility trainers.

I am looking at Asian Garden Celosia/Cockscomb. Which is great for teas and pink lemonade. The tooth ache plant. It's very cool Possibly ground cherries Lemon Drop Watermelons And.few different types of peppers. I like growing things I have never tried before

"Some" is being bit generous given how the current Chair seems to have no qualms about spending each and every last penny that can be squeezed, and im quite sure other entities that dont get as much, have and are doing much more for the community. In that case they should be getting ZERO taxpayers' dollars as no other for profit should. And if you look at the minutes i posted, theyre doing a piss-poor job of profiting anywhere, another reason they shouldnt be trusted with any more public monies

From Facebook: What some people don’t understand is that the Arena is not owned or operated by Chemung County. It is owned by the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and operated by the Chemung County Capital Resource Corporation (CCCRC), which is a municipal subsidiary of the CCIDA. While the Board members of the CCIDA are appointed by the County Legislature, the CCIDA itself operates independent of both the County Legislature and the County Executive’s Office. Therefore, neither branch controls financial decisions being made by the either organization. While many see the Arena as the nucleus of downtown Elmira, its inability to maintain a constant fan base or experience an annual profit or breakeven is verified by the numerous owners and operators since its opening in 2000. Last month, WETM aired a story in reference to the Arena and its operating losses in 2024. Unfortunately, the story only scratched the surface on the true cost and losses to operate the Arena. While the Arena is currently being operated by the CCCRC, the CCIDA is actually funding the Arena, by financially supporting the CCCRC. What's troubling is the same individuals serve as Chairperson, Treasurer, and Board members for both organizations. The information that wasn’t included in the WETM story was the cost to the CCIDA for operation of the Arena, which was approximately $1.9 million from 1/1/24 through 12/17/24. During the period from 1/1/23-12/31/23, the CCIDA expenses were $1.4 million, for an approximate total of $3.4 million in an 18-month period. These numbers aren't known to the media or the public because they're discussed and reviewed in "Executive Session" barring adequate transparency. Regardless of your feelings on the Arena, the current model of operation is unsustainable and the IDA is on track to deplete its fund balance over the next 24 months, absent being able to substantially increase annual revenue streams. It’s time for the CCIDA Board to review their fiduciary responsibilities on the financial stability of both organizations as well as internal processes involving procurement which continue to be ignored. In the majority of counties throughout New York State, IDA’s focus involves the creation and retention of businesses and jobs. The operation of the Arena has unfortunately distracted the Board from acting on its core mission. Attached are multiple financial documents furnished by the Chemung County IDA relative 2024 profit and loss statements, as well as a balance sheet(s) outlining the various expenses related to the CCIDA involving the operation of the Arena. See the statement here.

Part of the reason I deleted my Twitter, other than Elon-fatigue, is the amount of AI, obvious SPAM and OnlyFans accounts littering the landscape. They’re fun to spoof on, but it’s a complete waste of life.

I feel like they're going to lean all too heavily on the "American citizen" aspect and dismiss it. The same way they were quick to mention the Saudi who attackd the Christmas market in Germany was a long time resident of that country. Of course I see the latest headlines about that one is, he shows signs of mental illness. As if anyone else with this radical mentality is somehow normal. These two things are too similar to be coincidence if you ask me.

I really liked "Alice" back in the day.

That would have been a great idea for a great education without State or Federal funding. I was going to donate half to St. Jude’s Hospital then set up a pollinator sanctuary (in Trust) here in Town. It’s nice to dream lol

I hope this week’s column finds you and your families and friends, and communities and neighbors, doing well and doing your best to have a memorable and meaningful holiday season. Approaching the start of another new year in New York State government, it’s of course time to start looking ahead to the debates and decisions that always await the Governor and the Legislature – and there are many difficult challenges and crises facing all of us on education, economic development, energy and environmental conservation, health care, fiscal policies, immigration, infrastructure, public safety and security, and so many others. Here at home, the beginning of 2025 arrives during what continues to be a long road back to community and economic renewal across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. As always, this hoped-for revitalization will continue to rely on strong regional teamwork in pursuit of the goals and priorities we share. The experience we have gained and the bonds we have cemented over the past several difficult, unexpected, and unprecedented years will continue to serve us well in the year ahead. This teamwork will remain fundamental to our success and our ability to keep pushing forward. Nevertheless, once again, we simply need a state government that’s focused on addressing the right priorities. Throughout the past two years, I have enjoyed and welcomed the opportunity to represent the newly redefined (as a result of legislative redistricting in 2022) 58th Senate District encompassing all of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and the eastern portion of Allegany County (the towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing). It is one of New York’s geographically largest legislative districts, however as I’ve said many times before, the communities and citizens comprising the 58th District share common strengths and fundamental goals and I have appreciated working with so many of you to be a strong voice in Albany – especially to keep fighting to secure our priorities for affordability, opportunity, and stronger and safer communities. On the economic front of this ongoing effort to reclaim solid ground, we need the Hochul administration and government as a whole out of Albany to better recognize that our regional revitalization can and must move forward with greater clarity, common sense, and fairness. Many of us across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes, as well as all over Upstate New York -- government officials, business owners, families, taxpayers, and workers alike – continue to believe this revitalization can and should be accomplished more effectively and rapidly. In 2025, we will need to redouble our emphasis on the need for fairness and affordability. I’ve had this discussion with many local leaders and citizens. We will continue pushing the administration and legislative leaders (who undeniably approach governing New York from a decidedly downstate, New York City-based perspective) to recognize specific regional concerns and suggestions -- and the need for sensible compromises and effective, safe resolutions. State government needs to get away from its one-size-fits-all mentality. There is enormous work facing us to fix what’s broken and keep providing fundamental assistance. On the legislative front, we must continue to hear the voices of small business, farming, tourism, manufacturing, and the other foundations of our local economies. Moving forward, these ongoing discussions, on a bipartisan basis, will become increasingly critical. As I have also said repeatedly, one way we stay together is by staying informed. Finally, as we move through these last few weeks of 2024, weeks which traditionally serve as centerpieces of reflection on the past year, we do well to recall our gratitude to everyone throughout the public and private sectors providing diligent outreach and services. Because of these incredible and inspiring efforts, local citizens and communities have been able to persevere, remain hopeful, move forward, and keep planning for a better future. Let’s all keep doing our part. These local commitments will remain the lifelines of hope at the beginning of the coming New Year, as well as the foundation of strength that always has and always will keep seeing us through. My very best wishes to you and your families, friends, and neighbors throughout this holiday season, and a safe, healthy, and successful New Year. Senator Tom O'Mara represents New York's 58th District which covers all of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga and Yates counties, and a portion of Allegany County

Are you sitting with your feet up, listening to lovely music and enjoying the day? Relishing the season of Advent? Perhaps not; for many, ‘tis the season of constant rushing around, and endless “to-do” lists. For at least fifty years, I’ve been trying to bring more serenity into my very own holiday chaos, sometimes succeeding for a bit, but the rushing around always catches me at some point, tossing me hither and leaving my mind yon and a-whirl! I find myself overwhelmed by the metaphorical weight of “wreaths, ribbons, baubles, bangles and beads.” But, with determination (and probably advanced age!), each year, holiday time gets a little better. I may be a slow learner, but I do pick up a hack or two every year, that, when applied, eases my holiday season and improves my mental health. I used to be madly sewing holiday pajamas for our small sons, robes for grandmas, sachet bags, neckties, etc. Said sons are quite large now, and can acquire their own pajamas, and I plan no more sewing projects for them or anyone else. In the kitchen, I no longer make six kinds of candy and a dozen kinds of cookies. I find two or three kinds of cookies and one batch of fudge is more than sufficient ---especially when everyone is watching their A1C and trying to stem the tide of weight gain. Now, usually when my head begins spinning, I very sensibly sit down and listen to some Christmas music, from the Kings’ Singers, Enya, the Monks of the Weston Priory or Rod McKuen. And I am restored. When one lightens the daily weight of too much to do, and moving too fast, it becomes possible to share the warmth and blessing of our personal Light within. This year, because I had the misfortune of falling and injuring both ankles, just before Thanksgiving, I’m slowed down by necessity. Talk about bad timing! Or is it? While I am recovering, it is certainly difficult to rearrange furniture, hang the greens and buzz about in my usual speedy manner. And that is a bit frustrating, but impaired ability has taught me several things: 1) It isn’t so bad to allow people to help you. I greatly enjoyed Thanksgiving where my only contribution was a casserole of Dutchess potatoes taken from the freezer. I have felt blessed by the flowers, applesauce, Emails and cards from friends. I also was grateful for the kind assistance provided by sons and daughters-in-law. 2) For right now, I have discovered that I can enjoy the season without some of the decorations and traditions that I thought necessary. This may not be true of every year, but the world actually doesn’t fall apart if I take a nap instead of decking the halls. 3) This experience has helped me to sort out what is important to our happiness and what is ephemeral. There is much that is pleasant and pretty but won’t be missed. I save my limited energy for what delights me. One of those things is putting out simple seasonal decorations. I like pumpkins on the porch for Halloween and Thanksgiving, and then evergreens for Christmas. When it is time (and this year, the days were so warm that the jack-o-lanterns sagged quickly), the pumpkins go to the turkeys and deer. Then, the green wreaths with red velvet bows, take over the porch. I enjoy the annual reappearance of old ornaments, setting up the creche with all our odd, collection of santons (figures), and creating a winter scene with the Sno Babies. And I love the large bouquet of seeded eucalyptus that I only get at this time of the year. There will be one difference this year. My rearrangement of the living room in September, left no room for squeezing in a floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree. Just none!! I’m very skilled too, at squeezing things in, but even I can’t do it this time. So, for the second time in our lives, we will be having a table tree. Our first, and so far, only table tree was in 1964, our first Christmas together. We lived in what was optimistically called an “efficiency apartment” just over the D.C. line into College Park, Maryland. This abode consisted of a tiny kitchen, a miniscule bathroom, and a slightly larger room that doubled as a living room and bedroom, in the below-ground level of a house. Kerm was in grad school, and I had been working all of three months, as a 4-H and Youth educator for Maryland Cooperative Extension. To mention that our budget was tight would be redundant. Kerm finally found an “affordable” Scotch pine ($35 in 1964 was considerable!! Rent was only $95/month!), and set it up on the only possible piece of furniture, an oak dresser. We found some shiny inexpensive ornaments, a string of lights, and a box of tinsel. This was our first Christmas tree. And it was beautiful! Another dilemma created by our extremely limited income that year, was with Christmas gifts. At the time, I was accustomed to giving to 14 nieces and nephews as well as the adults in our lives. What could we do? Happily, we found an unusual solution to part of our problem, as we were exiting a five and dime store. There was a 16-inch-tall “Gonk” on display; a creature that resembled the Shmoos in the “Lil Abner cartoons.* When inflated, they kind of rocked and popped back up when knocked over. And they were $2 apiece. What a success they were! As the living room, at Christmas filled with gonks, everyone laughed and laughed, and one kid who we thought too old for a gonk, complained that he hadn’t gotten one. Happy Christmases do not have to be expensive. Inflation has made gifting a bit harder, but ingenuity still works. Baked gifts and home-made candy are always wonderful and so are promissory notes for helping out at a later time. I grew up with a regular Christmas tree every year with lights, tinsel, and Shiny Brite ornaments, as did Kerm. Sometimes we even had “angel hair” (popular in the 1950s), that prickly-to-the-hands stuff made of spun glass, resembling cotton candy. But after my father died, and my mother was alone, the large tree became too much for her to handle, even with help. She gradually drifted into setting up a large crock full of evergreen branches from her own landscaping---spruce, fir, pine, and yew. Her decorations were simple, often just bright red bows or white snowflakes! She passed the Shiny Brite ornaments on to us. I was a little sad to see that change, but the fragrance and the vision of the mixed greens was just as Christmas-y as a tree stretching from floor to ceiling. And the really important thing, that we came home to find, hadn’t changed the pleasure of being together. Humans need togetherness to really thrive in life. If one’s blood family isn’t compatible, then we must create a family from friends. No one should allow themselves to be isolated. Everyone has heard that “no man is an island unto himself,”* and this is quite true. We need each other. Some of us are more comfortable than others with plenty of alone time. But every single one of us also craves companionship. One of the worst results of the pandemic, in addition to the deaths, and loss of many small businesses, was the effect of isolation on people. It created major difficulties for kids who were doing all of their schoolwork on line, and also for adults who had no social resources. Some elderly people in nursing homes died without family nearby; they weren’t allowed in. I hope that if another such time comes along, we realize how damaging all that isolation can be, and will try some ideas for mitigating the loneliness even as we try to keep from spreading disease (masks are useful things after all) We are undeniably interconnected! The light from the sun is needed for our survival on earth. The Light that we seek, each year in December, in the seasons of Chanukah and Christmas is necessary for our spiritual enlightenment and growth. And Kwanzaa also reminds us about the blessing of Light and a supportive community. Releasing some of the weight of our imaginary holiday burdens and taking time to find lightness of spirit, is the purpose of Advent. Christmas Eve is only 12 days away. Chanukah begins at sundown on Christmas Day. Kwanzaa begins on the 26th. With dark clouds (both real and metaphorical) around every corner, carrying Light within is not always easy. I think that this next year may be one of those difficult times for many. We need a spiritual connection with a Higher Power than our own, we need to realize our ties to and responsibility for the earth, and we always need each other. A personal in-filling and sharing of Light is what saves humanity and this world. Leo Tolstoy*** knew that when he said: “There is something in the human spirit that will survive and prevail --- a tiny and brilliant light burning in the heart of man that will not go out, no matter how dark the world becomes.” May this holiday time be full of blessings for you --- music, laughter, good memories and a strengthening of your spirit. Let your Light shine! Carol Bossard writes from her home in Spencer. She may be reached at: carol42wilde@htva.net. *”Lil Abner” by Al Capp ---American cartoonist and humorist, known for his satirical cartoon, “Lil Abner”. 1909-1979. **John Donne ---English poet, scholar, soldier and cleric in the Church of England. “No man is an island” came from Meditation XVII --- a study of the relatedness of humans. ***Madeleine L’Engle – American writer and teacher. Wrote both young person and adult fiction and non-fiction. 1918-2007. ****Leo Tolstoy – Of the Russian nobility and a well-known writer. 1828-1910.

Yes it was. I would like to see them continue on for another season or 2

The longer this "nuthin' to see here" story goes on, the more I suspect (assume) that there’s likely some misguided attitude of complacency, tolerance, appeasement, etc at play. Similar to what we saw with the Chinese balloon last year. They (federal intelligence, defense, etc) must recognize the surveillance and security risks. But unless (until?) some actual physical damage/threat occurs, they’re simply too feckless to act. Unwilling to piss off whatever malevolent adversary is responsible. Because Gawed Ferbid we might upset Chinese or Iranian despots by taking action to defend our sovereignty.

I can’t help but wonder if this inaction is deliberate. With millions of illegals from all over the world crossing into this Country the last 3+ years and now this it makes you wonder how much of a priority American safety is to this Administration.

It's unsettling that these things have been sighted nightly all over NJ for three weeks before it became widespread national news. And mind boggling that officials keep parroting the same "no known threat" line. FFS.....we have dozens of objects the size of sedans hovering over homes populated spaces.....ready to drop like Dorothy Gale's house if the wifi signal cuts out. It may a threat of unknown origin. But it's most certainly a public safety threat. Not to mention the national security risks that they're flying over military facilities and vital infrastructure.