Meet Cortland County

On today's Meet Cortland County segment: Homer schools superintendent Tom Turck elaborated on the district's Fall reopening plans. A full-length document can be viewed at this link. Among the highlights: A 100% return to in-person learning. Virtual tutoring remains available for students in quarantine. However, the amount who need to isolate after a positive case is also reduced. Vaccinated students/staff without symptoms don't need to do so. Additionally, daily self-screening and temperature checks are no longer mandatory. Face masks don't need to be worn outdoors -- regardless of vaccination status -- but must be on at all times indoors. Same-day voluntary testing for those with symptoms is available through a partnership with the county and OCM BOCES. Press play below for more:

On this week's Meet Cortland County segment: Dr. Mohammad Fahad Ali has been accepted into the 2021 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Young Physician Leadership Scholars Program. He's the Chief of Endoscopy and Department of Medicine Chair at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. “For me it is an honor to be accepted into the ACG Young Physician Leadership Scholars Program,” said Dr. Ali. “It will empower me with the tools required to develop as a physician leader in an underserved community.” This program includes virtual training, in-person course work in Las Vegas and a trip to Capitol Hill for a day of advocacy. Its goal is to provide young physicians with a comprehensive skill set that will serve as a foundation for the development of leadership and physician advocacy skills. A record number of applicants competed this year. To be selected, Dr. Ali advanced through a process that required a nomination letter and multiple statements highlighting prior experience. “I look forward to building on my executive decision-making skills as department chair to achieve our organizational goals,” added Dr. Ali. “I also want to learn how individuals and groups behave in an organizational setting so we can engage the right people to attain our short and long-term objectives.” Press play below to listen:

On Saturday's Meet Cortland County segment: Diane Kupperman, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish CNY. The local chapter of a global nonprofit was founded in 1985. Since then, it's granted nearly 2,000 wishes for children in its 15-county footprint: Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, St. Lawrence, Tioga and Tompkins counties. Help make wishes come true by joining the organization for a family-friendly drive-in movie night at Greek Peak. Enjoy the 2020 Disney/Pixar movie “Onward." Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 3 to 11, and FREE for ages 2 and under. Or pay $50 per carload regardless of number of passengers. All attendees receive a goody bag with snacks, while supplies last. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., Car Bingo begins at 6:45 p.m., and the film begins at 8:30 p.m. Bingo game boards are $5 each and four games will be played. The first 100 cars will receive a Dunkin' gift card! Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Get yours today at https://DriveInWIshes.givesmart.com. Proceeds from this event support local wishes. Join in and give the gift of hope to a critically ill child. Press play below for the interview:

On today's Meet Cortland County segment: Deputy public health director Nicole Anjeski spoke about the importance of getting our community vaccinated to protecting against covid-19. New cases continue to grow nationwide and have begun a recent uptick locally, as well. The Delta variant is now the dominant strain being found, although no cases are yet confirmed in Cortland County. Recently the CDC issued guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated to mask up while in areas that have substantial and high transmission rates. "Our county continues to have low transmission, so there is no new local guidance at this time," Anjeski said. "Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear a mask in indoor public places." Anjeski also said recent case investigations have revealed people are still going out to work or social activities with symptoms. "Community members are urged to get tested and stay home and away from others if you develop any symptoms to help minimize the spread in our community. We also encourage everyone who hasn't done so to get their vaccine." Around 57% of Cortland County adults 18+ are fully vaccinated. Under half the entire population has completed their series. Cortland County is currently considered to have a "moderate" level of community transmission, according to the CDC. Press play below for the full interview with Anjeski:

On today's Meet Cortland County segment: Dan Nichols is the new lead pastor at Grace Christian Fellowship (GCF) in Cortland. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, he spent the last few years at a parish in northeastern Pennsylvania before his eventual move to Central New York. His latest role at GCF began at the start of June. Members of the community are invited to a "meet-and-greet" with the reverend during an invitational mini golf tournament later this weekend, set for Saturday (July 31) from 10 am to 9 pm at Shipwreck Amusements on Route 13 in Cortlandville. Participants should be sure to mention the fundraiser to staff; 10% of the proceeds will go to the Cortland Pregnancy Center. Rev. Nichols also discussed the upcoming Global Leadership Summit on Thursday-Friday, August 5-6. Press play below:

On today's Meet Cortland County segment: Norm Stitzel, commandant and chaplain for the local Veteran Search and Rescue (VETSAR) ministry. He discussed the ongoing effort to restore the memorial for local Vietnam Vets inside Courthouse Park in the city of Cortland. Today, a special benefit concert will run from Noon to 5 pm in the park -- rain or shine. All proceeds will go towards the project. Stitzel also previewed long-term plans to further build onto the other war memorials at the park. Press play below for more:

On Saturday's Meet Cortland County segment: City police chief Paul Sandy and village of Homer chief Robert Pitman. Their departments -- along with the county sheriff's office -- are collaborating to host three civil service exam prep classes this month. Tomorrow (7/13) is the first at Homer High School, with two more planned over the next couple weeks at Cortland HS and the Regional Training Center in C'ville. Both Sandy and Pitman said they hope to grow interest about a career in law enforcement. Recruitment numbers have seen a staunch decline over recent decades. Full details on the events are available here. All three police agencies (CPD; HPD; CCSD) will participate in each session. Press play below for the interview:

On today's Meet Cortland County segment: A well-known city of Cortland policeman will soon put on the uniform for the final time. Officer Jesse Abbott has led CPD’s federally-backed Community Oriented Policing position since it was first created back in 2017. In total, he's served more than two decades with his hometown department, which he always grew up idolizing. "My dad was a police officer and I always looked up to him as a kid -- like most do," said Abbott. "When he would come home in his uniform and squad car. I thought: Man, wouldn't it be cool if I could be a policeman too when I'm older, too?" Abbott's last day in uniform is now just under two weeks away on Friday, July 16. On Tuesday of that week, Chief Paul Sandy will help send him onto to his retirement "with a splash" at Wickwire Pool. Details on the event here. Press play below for the interview:

On today's Happening in Homer segment: Deputy mayor Pat Clune joined the Morning Drive for a discussion that included several important updates in the village. He and the others on the board of trustees will soon return to in-person board meetings. These will still be streamed for those who prefer attending virtually. Clune also delved into trash collection issues; a new bus shelter inching close to reality; the ongoing Summer Concert Series; this Sunday's live-read of the Declaration of Independence; and more. Press play below:

On Saturday's Meet Cortland County segment: A conversation with Savannah Hempstead, the newly appointed clerk of the Cortland County Legislature. She previously served as deputy clerk for five years under Eric Mulvihill, who began a new position this month with the Business Development Corporation. Legislators confirmed Hempstead during their meeting last week on Thursday (June 24). Press play below:

On Saturday's Meet Cortland County segment: C0rtland Chamber President Bob Haight discussed an upcoming opportunity for unemployed residents to get "Back 2 Work." A job fair is planned for June 22 from 3-6 pm at the SUNY Cortland ice arena. See full details below. Press play for the interview with Haight:

On this past Saturday's Meet Cortland County Kerby Thompson, producing artistic director at Cortland Repertory Theatre, previewed the summer season at Dwyer Memorial Park in Preble. All performances will be held outside on the east side of the Little York Pavilion (to the left side of the building when looking from the parking lot). A temporary stage will be built out from the first floor steps. Patrons will be seated under an open-sided 40’ x 120’ tent, 12 feet away from the building and stage. Seats are arranged in “seating squares” for up to four people from the same party. Each square will have 6 feet of space on all sides. Patrons from different parties will not be seated together. Download a printable copy of this summer’s seating chart HERE. Tickets will be sold in groups of 2, 3 or 4 seats; single seats will not be available. Face masks will be required upon arrival and until seated. CRT encourages the continued use of masks while seated, unless enjoying a refreshment. Printed show programs will not be available; however, a Virtual Playbill with show information, director’s notes, actor’s bios and more will be available on the CRT website. Press play below for the interview:

On last week's Meet Cortland County segment: Don Richards from the Cortland Breakfast Rotary club went over all the details for this Saturday's 18th annual "Ride for Rotary." The event was limited last year due to covid-19; the pandemic prevented any in-person gathering afterwards. This year, that will happen inside the CNY Living History Center. That's also where participants will meet in the morning -- motorized vehicles leaving at 10:30 am and walkers/bicyclists around 11. As the crafty title suggests, anyone from a Harley enthusiast to a dog walker are welcome to join. Online registration is available here. Press play below for the interview with Richards:

On today's Meet Cortland County segment: Eileen Bentley and Donna Riley, presidents of the Cortland and Homer American Legion Auxiliary Units #489 and #465, spoke about National Poppy Day. Both units are distributing poppies to the public this Friday (May 28) -- Unit #489 at the Price Chopper and P&C Fresh plazas in Cortland; and Unit #465 next to the Homer Fire Department. All donations received will support veterans, the military community and their families. The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I. It honors those who served and died for our country in all wars. Also, it reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. Press play below:

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On Saturday's Meet Cortland County: Priscilla Berggren-Thomas is director of the Phillips Free Library in Homer. She discussed an ongoing effort to collect "Stories from Behind the Mask" in our local community. The project, supported by federal grant funding, welcomes contributors of all ages to submit writings or art that reflect experiences they've endured over the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. Interested creators should visit the Phillips Free Library website and click on Stories from Behind the Mask. Artwork can be emailed to office@phillipsfreelibrary.org.  The site will accept submissions through the end of 2021. For those who may need help telling their story: The library has volunteers who can interview you and write it for you. Email the same address as above or call 607-749-4616 for details. Press play below:

On Saturday's Meet Cortland County: GM & head coach Bill McConnell previewed a jam-packed schedule ahead for the Cortland Crush. After winning the NYCBL East in 2019 and falling in the league championship, the team lost its 2020 season to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the players -- college student-athletes from schools across the US -- also had their spring seasons shortened or cancelled. McConnell said around 40% had no spring season at all. He's now carrying more players than at any point before in the team's seven year history. "Our goal is always to develop players and we're excited to have a full schedule of games return this season," said McConnell. Nearly all players and staff have beeny vaccinated and the rest will do so prior to Opening Day on June 5. At least 50 games are planned, including 42 league games and eight exhibitions. Visit CortlandCrushBaseball.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Press play below:

On today's Meet Cortland County: Patricia Schaap and Samantha Adams co-chair the local suicide prevention coalition, SPEAK UP Cortland. Schaap serves as the local SPOA coordinator (Single Point of Access) and director of Youth Prevention Services. Adams is project coordinator at the Cortland LGBTQ Center. The coalition launched in September 2020 to address high rates of self-harm in the county, particularly among youth and middle-aged men. Data from 2019 found an estimated 15-percent of residents reported having depression. More than 50% of people will need mental health treatment at some point in their lives. This concern has only grown during the stressful times of the covid-19 pandemic. A variety of resources are available for those who may be struggling. If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about someone you know, call of one of the following numbers for assistance: Cortland County Mental Health 758-6100 Cortland Regional Medical Center 756-3500 Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service Crisis Line 272-1616 National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 Local “911” Call Center Press play below:

On today's Meet Cortland County: Nikki Davi (Bush) discussed this weekend's Youth Turkey Hunt. A local event organized by Truxton Outpost runs alongside a statewide contest by the DEC today and tomorrow (April 24-35). Junior outdoorsmen 12-15 years old in Cortland County are competing. A 5$ entry fee earned them the chance to win a lifetime sportsman hunting license donated by the Little Tags Foundation; started in 2020 to memorialize Nate Bush, an avid woodsman from Truxton who died in a car accident last September. Little Tags donated not just one, but two youth lifetime sportsman hunting licenses for the competition. One of them goes to the first-place winner (heaviest bird), who also gets their pick of a Four Leaf Custom Call. A random name will be picked for the second lifetime hunting license prize. Press play below for the interview:  

On Saturday's Meet Cortland County: Local artist Liz Sharp discussed the "Flocking for Hope" display currently up on the Homer village green. A variety of organizations, individuals and classrooms came together and folded thousands of paper cranes in honor of loved ones and essential workers; as well as to express wishes for peace and unity. Over 5,000 paper cranes ended up being made. "The Homer and Cortland communities showed they are willing to rise for the cause," said Sharp. "This pandemic has brought all of us down -- now we have to lift each other back up and turn the negatives into positives." In addition to the exhibit, an outdoor event is planned for April 24 featuring live music and a play. Community members are invited to bring a chair and enjoy themselves at a safe social distance from others. Visit the "Flocking for Hope" Facebook page to see photos and get more information. Press play below for the interview with Sharp: