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DOWNTOWN BUSINESS COUNCIL Fall festivities return

PENN YAN - The Downtown Business Council of Penn Yan is pleased to present their Fall 2024 Events.
The "DBC" was part of the Yates County Chamber of Commerce until January 2024 when it incorporated as its own 501c(6) non-profit organization. Though a new entity, we are thrilled to continue the successful events that the Chamber helped to develop.

'TRUNK OR TREAT' - OCT. 19

On Saturday, Oct. 19, our 4th annual Trunk or Treat will be held on Main Street in Penn Yan from 4 to 6 p.m. The streets are closed, ensuring your safety. Multiple "trunks" are already engaged, but additional trunks are always needed. The registration fee is only $10, and there are subsidies available for candy for the hundreds of children attending.
There are awards given to the top three trunks and children's costumes. Costume registration begins at 3:30 p.m. The costume parade begins at 4:30 p.m. Costumes will be judged by the Benevolent Philosopher King, Brian Gentry, Former Nest Egg Owner and volunteer, Joan Hansen Eldred, Police Chief Thomas Dunham, and Fire Chief Derek Christensen. The trunks are judged by the same – though with the feedback from the children and the attendees. There are food trucks at the event and games available for those moments when you are not enjoying the other events. Please note that photos may be taken during the event.

FALL FESTIVAL - NOV. 2

Only a few weeks later, the third annual Penn Yan Fall Festival will be back! The Main St. reconstruction project of 2023 necessitated the cancellation of the event, but we are proud to be back stronger and more vibrant than ever.
The festival is always held on the 1st Saturday in November; this year from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. There will be axe throwing, hayrides, horseback rides, alpaca and kitten & puppy petting booths, darts, duck pond, face painting, kids' craft-making tent, scarecrow beanbag tosses, photo booth, hoop shoots, and a cornhole tournament – something for everyone!
Live music will be presented by strolling acoustic musician Jason DuFair, and the Black Robin Band will be on stage. You won't go away hungry – seasonal specials will be offered by local restaurants, and food trucks will be stationed throughout downtown.
Come join us! This will be a perfect time for getting your holiday shopping underway – Penn Yan's many exceptional shops will be stocked and ready, and Main Street, closed to auto traffic, will be filled with craft vendor booths.
Both events are free to the public. For more information, please email downtownbusinesscouncilpy@gmail.com. We will get back to you within 48 hours. We hope to see you there!

Read MoreDOWNTOWN BUSINESS COUNCIL Fall festivities return

'Thank You' to Fish & Wildlife Day volunteers

FINGER LAKES - On Saturday, Sept. 28, volunteers took part in "Fish & Wildlife Day". Region 8 held its volunteer day at High Tor Wildlife Management Area in Naples.
In total, nine people and one DEC staff person installed thirty-one cages/tubes to protect young trees from deer. They also cut vines off 200 mature trees.
It's a small dent in what is needed to help the forest down there, but it was good progress and all involved were happy with how it went. It's a solid improvement to the health of the riparian forest along Naples Creek.
We also had a great day at the east end of Region 8 where 26 volunteers, including several students from The Wildlife Society's SUNY-ESF student chapter, joined us to collect native grassland and wetland plant seeds from Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve. These seeds will be used for upcoming habitat restoration projects at the Northern Montezuma WMA and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

Read More'Thank You' to Fish & Wildlife Day volunteers

SPORTS ROUNDUP

GIRLS TENNIS

Sept. 26
Marcus Whitman 3, Newark 2
The Wildcats snagged their second win of the season. Elizabeth Cline and Lili Romero won first doubles for Whitman with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

Sept. 27
Pal-Mac 3, Penn Yan 2
Penn Yan Academy was 5-4 after a loss at home to Pal-Mac. Erin Clancy won third singles for Penn Yan, while Charlotte Saner and Jordana Soyring won second doubles 6-4, 6-1.

HAC 5, Marcus Whitman 0

GOLF

Sept. 23
Penn Yan 255, Romulus/South Seneca 268; Penn Yan 259, Honeoye 268; Romulus/South Seneca 268, Honeoye 268
Penn Yan Academy came out on top of the tri-match at Old Hickory GC, besting both Romulus/South Seneca and Honeoye. The two wins put the Mustangs at 6-3 overall for the season. PYA's Will Thompson was the match's overall medalist, shooting a 41. Also for Penn Yan, Josh Morse and Brody Lewis both shot 52s. Honeoye's top shooters were Logan Johnson and Dillon Kraft, who both hit 49s, while R/SS had their best score from Sam Dufur with a 44.

Naples 239, Geneva 247

Sept. 26
Naples 212, Bloomfield 213
Naples defeated Bloomfield by just a single stroke, nearly catching what would have been only their second loss this fall. Bloomfield's Joe Walsh was the match's overall medalist, shooting a 38. Naples' top shot was Donovan Lincoln, who came in with a 40. Naples was 9-1 with the win, while Bloomfield sat at 8-2 with the loss.

Sept. 27
Penn Yan 251, Geneva 256
Continuing one of their best seasons in recent memory, the Penn Yan Academy golf team locked up their sixth win in a row, beating the Panthers by five at the Geneva Country Club. Geneva's Max Heieck was the top shooter of the day, earning the medalist position with a 38 score, including a birdie on hole #4. For PYA, Will Thompson and Colin Johnson both came in with a 45, while Brody Lewis tied Geneva's Matt Bucklin with a 51. With the win, Penn Yan was 7-3 overall and 5-3 in league play.

FOOTBALL

Sept. 27
Penn Yan/Dundee 55, Waterloo 14
PY/D remained undefeated after three games, taking down the Waterloo Tigers by over 40 points.

Wayne 20, Marcus Whitman/Bloomfield 6
Wayne handed MW/B their third-straight loss. Ryan Clark scored Whitman/Bloomfield's lone TD, finishing the night with 124 yards over 20 carries.

BOYS SOCCER

Sept. 23
Penn Yan 2, Midlakes/Red Jacket 0
The Mustangs got their third shutout in a row. Both of PYA's goals were scored by Matt Tones, with assists from Wilson Oliva and Val Burgos-Farnan. Nathaniel Chaffee saved one in the Penn Yan net.

Dundee/Bradford 3, Honeoye 1

Naples 8, South Seneca/Romulus 0
Naples got a big sweep over SS/R, moving up to 6-1. Oscar Austin led the Green with two goals and an assist, while Connor Betrus scored once and assisted twice. Matt Lincoln, Landon Gleichauf, Isaac Ward, Lukas Hall, and Evan Rischpater each scored once for Naples, with Lincoln and Gleichauf also getting an assist each.

Sept. 25
Wayne 2, Penn Yan 0
The Mustangs' three-win streak was ended by Wayne with a two-goal shutout. Blade Surowiec scored both goals in the game, both with assists from Avery Bustamante. PYA's Nathaniel Chaffee made seven saves. The loss put Penn Yan at 4-4-1, while Wayne improved to 7-2.

Naples 5, HAC 0

Sept. 27
Naples 5, Bloomfield 0
Naples got their fourth sweep in a row, shutting out Bloomfield for the second time this season. It was also the second 5-0 game in a row for Naples. The Big Green Machines were 8-1 with the win. Isaac Ward and Connor Betrus each had a goal and an assist. Naples' three other goals came from Oscar Austin, Joseph Christmas, and Jacob Vivirito.

Sept. 28
Dundee/Bradford 4, South Seneca/Romulus 1
The BraveScots extended their win streak to six games with a win against SS/R. SS/R had yet to find a win this season, sitting at 0-7-1 after the match.

GIRLS SOCCER

Sept. 24
Penn Yan 2, Haverling 1
Makenna Mullins opened up scoring early for the Mustangs, netting a goal just six minutes into the game with an assist from Maihue Miranda Wiltberger. PYA started off quick in the second half as well, with Mary D'Abbracci scoring two minutes in off a cross from Kiera Castner. Marion Wheeler made six saves for the Mustangs.

Dundee/Bradford 2, South Seneca/Romulus 0
The BraveScots shut out SS/R to notch their third-straight win. Kendall Parker and Olivia Cole were the scorers for D/B, with Mykayla Pavlina getting an assist. It was goalkeeper Ellie Fleet's second shutout of the year; she got three saves during the game.

Marcus Whitman 2, Midlakes 1

Naples 3, Avoca-Prattsburgh 0

Sept. 26
Penn Yan 3, Waterloo 0
A shutout win made it four-straight for Penn Yan Academy. The first half was scoreless, but Rebecca Hayes scored her first goal of the season off a header from Ruby Berry just three minutes into the second. Miley Anderson scored the Mustangs' second goal of the night and Gracie Lewis scored the third, also her first varsity goal. Mary D'Abbracci got an assist on Lewis' goal. Marion Wheeler had two saves in the Mustang net.

Dundee/Bradford 3, Addison 1
Dundee/Bradford moved up to 5-2. Kendall Parker scored all three of D/B's goals, breaking the school's all-time goals record as she hit 71 goals in her varsity career. Ellie Fleet made eight saves for the BraveScots.

Naples 1, Marcus Whitman 0
Naples shutout Whitman in a one-goal game. Naples improved to 8-1, while MW dropped to 3-3-1.

Sept. 27
Dundee/Bradford 1, Arkport-Canaseraga 0
D/B was up to five-straight wins after their match against Ark-Can.

Marcus Whitman 1, South Seneca/Romulus 0

Sept. 28
Penn Yan 4, Midlakes 0
PYA got their second sweep in a row and fifth-straight win, improving to 8-2. Makenna Mullins led the Mustangs with two in the net. Nina Reid added a goal and an assist. Miley Anderson and Abby FIscher each got an assist.

Dansville 2, Naples 1
Naples suffered their second loss of the season.

VOLLEYBALL

Sept. 23
Penn Yan 3, Dundee/Bradford 0
The Mustangs beat the BraveScots in three of three sets, winning games 25-19, 25-5, 25-12. The win evened out Penn Yan's record to 4-4, while Dundee/Bradford dropped to 1-4. Dani Miller led the Mustangs with 10 aces, two kills, and two assists. Also for PYA, Ilyssa Knickerbocker had seven aces, three kills, and five digs and Ruth Franklin had two aces, two digs, and 15 assists.

Sept. 25
Penn Yan 3, South Seneca/Romulus 2
The Mustangs won the first two games 25-18 and 25-20, but SS/R took the next two 25-19 and 25-18. The tie-breaker went to Penn Yan 20-18, sealing up the match. For PYA, Jenna Reynolds had one ace, two kills, and 21 digs; Dani Miller had two aces, two kills, one block, and 16 digs; and Ilyssa Knickerbocker had five aces, three kills, two blocks, and 17 digs. The win put Penn Yan back in the black at 5-4.

Myderse 3, Dundee/Bradford 0

Sept. 28
Arkport-Canaseraga 3, Dundee/Bradford 0

CROSS COUNTRY

Sept. 24
at Geneva (Lyons/Clyde-Savannah, Marcus Whitman, Midlakes, Penn Yan, Red Jacket)

Boys - Geneva's Griffin Brown took 1st place at 16:36, but Marcus Whitman took 2nd-5th with Desmond Hill (16:38), Peyton Woodworth (17:23), Lucas Hill (18:29), and Dylan O'Connor (18:54). Penn Yan Academy's Finn Tette came in 6th (19:01).

Girls - PYA's Ameina Samultalski finished 6th overall with a time of 22:29. Whitman's Olivia Hill was right behind her in 7th with a time of 22:38. Also for Whitman, Ryleigh Wolf finished 12th (23:47), while Penn Yan's Eva Smith finished 13th (24:34), and Madison Bishop finished 14th (24:45).

Sept. 28
McQuaid Invitational at Genesee Valley Park

1A Boys Three Mile Run - Marcus Whitman freshman Desmond Hill was the Wildcats' fastest runner with a time of 16:16.

1A Girls Three Mile Run - Bloomfield's Erica Reigelsperger finished fastest for her team with a time of 20:51.

Read MoreSPORTS ROUNDUP

Wager's to host inaugural Apple Festival Oct. 5

PENN YAN - Wager's Cider Mill, a third-generation, family-owned apple business in Penn Yan, will host its inaugural Apple Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. The event will feature many family-friendly attractions to celebrate fall and the harvest season.
"We are really excited to host this special event," said Kaylee Wager, owner of Wager's Cider Mill. "This event will bring new visitors to Penn Yan and the Finger Lakes region to experience how great the fall season can be. We hope to see this event grow each year!"
Admission to the Apple Festival is free. With limited parking at Wager's, visitors will be directed to Sherman St., the back parking lot of the American Legion, or the Yates County Fairgrounds on the day of the event. In addition to the selections from Wager's, other vendors will include:

Oh Fudge
Kass's Kettle Corn
Juju's BBQ
Bluff Point Blooms
Shear Skin

The vendors will accept cash.
There will be free face painting for kids, a petting zoo with a $1 admission charge, and a u-pick-style apple area. In addition to free apple and cheese tastings, other apple favorites will be available for purchase: mini apple pies, cider donuts, sweet cider, cider slushies and hard cider.
Geoff & Kaylee Wager purchased Wager's Cider Mill in 2020 from Geoff's father, Craig. In addition to the apples they sell throughout the fall, the business is home to an antique in-house apple press that is used to make cider the old-fashioned way. Throughout the season, the store will have some 26 varieties of apples and also plums, peaches, grapes, and cherries.
"The first addition we made was adding cider slushies when we took over," explained Kaylee. "Since then we have also expanded into offering smashed Hard Cider, and we are looking forward to hosting our first large-scale special event this Saturday."
Wager's is located at 256 East Main St., Penn Yan. Find more information on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WagersCidermill) or at wagerscider.com.

Read MoreWager's to host inaugural Apple Festival Oct. 5

O'MARA: 'Tiptoeing around state spending won't cut it now'

Tiptoeing around state spending won't cut it now"

Last week in this column I highlighted how the latest statewide poll from the Siena College Research Institute included a finding that less than one-third of New Yorkers think this state is headed in the right direction.
"This is the most pessimistic New Yorkers have been about the direction of the state in at least a decade," according to the Siena analysis.
This finding is not a surprise. If you've been paying attention – and clearly many of this state's citizens and taxpayers have been – it's been building for a long time, for a variety of reasons.
Take state spending, for example. Back in late April, when Governor Hochul and the Legislature's all-Democrat supermajorities finally got around to enacting a late state budget, they put the finishing touches on the most expensive state budget in New York's history. Yet it marked just the latest in a string of continually escalating state spending plans over the past six years in this state under one-party control.
The numbers are startling and warrant a reminder: New York State's budget in 2018, the last year that Republicans held the majority in the state Senate, totaled $170 billion. Following this year's nearly $240 billion budget, state spending has increased approximately $70 billion, or upwards of 40%. In their relentless pursuit of a misguided, questionable, unsustainable political agenda, Albany Democrats have simply and carelessly thrown caution (right along with taxpayer dollars) to the wind. There's no other way to say it.
So much so that even the governor's own budget division, back in June, projected that current state spending will far outpace revenue in coming years, to the tune of $2.3 billion in the next fiscal year, $4.3 billion the following year, and $7.3 billion the year after that, or a roughly $14 billion deficit overall. Other fiscal watchdogs, including the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC), warn that the future could be even more dire, and that New York's structural deficit could exceed $16 billion in the 2028 fiscal year alone.
Back in April, in my capacity as the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, I called the latest state fiscal plan "the most bloated and wasteful government budget in America." In the months ahead, you're likely to start hearing out of Albany phrases like "budget freeze," or "spending restraint," or the need "stabilize and be realistic" about the state's finances.
Let's be clear: We've heard these words from Albany Democrats before. As many of us have said many times over the past several years, their tenure has been defined (and will now forever be defined) as an era when Albany Democrats went ahead and spent the roof off the state Capitol. It's been alarming. It's been out of control. It's been irresponsible. Their outrageous growth in spending alone is larger than the entire budgets of 35 states.
There has been zero restraint on their part and the bill will come due sooner, not later. The alarming fact is that spending restraint wouldn't even cut it now in the face of all that Albany Democrats have set in motion including a migrant crisis, the cost of far-reaching energy mandates, a multi-billion-dollar Unemployment Insurance debt, rising Medicaid costs, and all the other new and ever-growing spending commitments they've locked us into.
New York State taxpayers today and long into the future already face trying to afford, live, and work under, as I've said, one of the most bloated and wasteful governments in America. To afford it, Albany Democrats will go on squeezing every penny they possibly can from state and local taxpayers through higher taxes, passing the buck to localities, ignoring badly needed priorities, more borrowing, raiding reserve funds, increasing fees, and every other anti-taxpayer, anti-business, anti-economic opportunity, anti-economic growth, anti-freedom action.
And it still won't be enough.
You wonder why most New Yorkers are more pessimistic than they've been in a long time.

Read MoreO'MARA: 'Tiptoeing around state spending won't cut it now'

POLICE REPORTS

Includes reports from Yates County Sheriff's Office, Penn Yan Police Department, and New York State Police. These reports do not indicate guilt, only that someone has been charged with an offence. The term "arrested" does not always mean someone was held in jail.

BRIAN K. CORCORAN, 43, of Penn Yan, and JUSTIN M. ALLISON, 22, of Dresden, were both arrested Sept. 13 by Penn Yan Police for Disorderly Conduct following an altercation that took place on Elm Street. While officers were on patrol, they observed Corcoran and Allison physically fighting in front of a local establishment. Officers intervened and both subjects were issued appearance tickets for Penn Yan Village Court for Disorderly Conduct and were released to answer to the charge later.

Penn Yan Police arrested a 17-year-old MALE JUVENILE DELINQUENT Sept. 22 following an incident where he violated a court order of protection by threatening to kill the protected party while in the presence of police. The juvenile was charged with 2nd degree Criminal Contempt 2nd and 2nd degree Harassment, and he was released with appearance tickets to appear at Yates County Probationlater.

ONE-CAR CRASH - At 8:54 p.m. Sept. 23, Yates County Sheriff's Deputies, Penn Yan Ambulance, and Penn Yan Fire Dept. responded to the area of Sutton Road and County House Road for a single vehicle that crashed off the road and into a pasture. Investigation revealed that QUINTRAVIEN MORRIS, 20, of Penfield, had not stopped at the stop sign while northbound on Sutton Road. His vehicle left the road, causing damage to the livestock fencing and various farm equipment. The driver was transported by Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with leg and abdominal pain. He will answer to a charge of Failure to Stop at Stop Sign in Jerusalem Town Court later.

BRIAN G. LINDSAY, 39, of Stanley, was arrested Sept. 24 by Yates County Sheriff's Deputies on a warrant issued after a Yates County grand jury indictment stemming from an incident Sept. 16 where he resisted arrest and injured a Yates County Sheriff's Deputy. Lindsay is charged with 2nd degree Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Governmental Administration. He was taken to the Yates County Jail to await arraignment in the next session of County Court. Penn Yan Police and Ambulance assisted.

ASHLEY D. CHRISOSTOMO-LOPEZ, 32, of Canandaigua, was arrested by Penn Yan Police called to Burns Terrace for a report of a vehicle stopped at a stop sign with the driver appearing to be asleep behind the wheel. On arrival police found Chrisostomo-Lopez asleep behind the wheel. She indicated that she had been drinking and officers observed several signs of impairment. Failing field sobriety tests, she was taken to Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital where a blood draw was performed to determine her blood alcohol content. Chrisostomo-Lopez was charged with common law DWI and was released with an appearance ticket for village court.

BARN FIRE - At 11:29 a.m. Sept. 24, Yates County 911 dispatched first responders to 2792 Keech Road in Jerusalem for a barn fire. First responders arrived on scene with a fully involved barn fire, taking several hours to extinguish. It was determined a hay chopper caught fire while in the barn, causing the hay in the barn to ignite. No animals were in the barn at the time, and no injuries were reported. Agencies on scene: Branchport Keuka Park, Potter, Penn Yan, Prattsburgh, Benton, Bellona, Rushville, and Middlesex Fire Departments, with several other departments on standby. Also on scene: Yates Co. Emergency Services, Penn Yan Ambulance, and Yates County Ambulance.

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CHURCH BRIEFS

BLUFF POINT METHODIST
It was good to see our church full this past week, with several visitors joining us. Such a beautiful late summer Sunday!
Pastor Jeannine showed the kids several different necklace crosses that she had brought with her. There are so many different kinds of crosses, remaining us that Jesus died for us. The kids then pointed out many crosses in the church. The scripture lesson was from Mark 8: 27-38. Jesus told the crowd that he must suffer many things. Peter rebuked him. Jesus then took Peter aside and rebuked him saying-Get behind me, Satan! Peter had pouted but got his senses back after his conversations with Jesus. Jesus told the crowd that whoever wanted to be his disciple must take up the cross and follow him. Jesus never asked us to do anything that he wouldn't do.
Let's hope for nice weather for our ice cream social. We are hoping that neighbors will come and join us. It's at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Marilyn James again reminded everyone of the chicken barbecue at Oak Hill which we are helping with. Sign up to help serve or come and buy dinner. It all supports the cause. The date is Oct. 5.
Bible studies at Church are Monday at noon. We are studying chapters from the books of John and Acts. It's good to see the kids back in nursery school and Sunday school. We love our kids (and our adults, too)!

PENN YAN FIRST BAPTIST

Pastor Rachel has prepared a four-part sermon series on "caring for our Creative Souls on the Voyage of Life." The first sermon was on Sept 22 in an informal conversation group at a table in the Great Room of the church during coffee hour. Participants can be reactive," show-and-tell" if you like. We are sending invitations to friends around Penn Yan. Please join us to worship and/ or just come join the conversation at 11 a.m. after services. The next sermon is on Sept. 29
Choir Director, Barbara Stewart, is still looking for individuals interested in joining the choir. Please contact either Barb, or the church if you are interested in participating.
We are still sending prayers for Rick Wilson's speedy recovery from a recent health scare. In addition, we continue to pray for Sandy King recovering from hip surgery after a recent fall.

DUNDEE BAPTIST

The Dundee Baptist Church is hosting a Harvest Supper from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at 20 Seneca St., Dundee, N.Y. The menu includes turkey and all the fixings (or ham is available for those who prefer it), prepared by Chef Steve Owens. Adults - $14, children - $8. Take-outs are available as are deliveries within the village of Dundee (call 315-317-6866 or 607-243-7313 and leave a message). Your support helps keep the doors open for worship and work including Scout Troops #25 and #725, Food Pantry, community meetings, Concerts-in-the-Park and more.

Read MoreCHURCH BRIEFS

'Fish & Wildlife Day' Events Sept. 28

FINGER LAKES - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 8 is seeking volunteers for the first-ever 'Fish and Wildlife Day' event Saturday, Sept. 28.
Fish and Wildlife Day offers service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrates New York's diverse wildlife and habitat, and fosters public involvement in fish and wildlife conservation. Hosted in partnership with Parks & Trails New York and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the event is part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign to encourage year-round stewardship and highlights the State's outdoor recreation assets through a series of themed stewardship days. Participant registration is currently open.
DEC Region 8 is hosting two volunteer opportunities for the public.

Yates County
High Tor Wildlife Management Area — Event hosted in partnership with the Naples Trail Collective. Email mat@naplestrailco.org with questions. Appropriate for ages 13 and up. Register at Parks & Trails NY at https://www.ptny.org/events/love-our-new-york-lands.

Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: Parking lot in front of DEC's Naples Operations Field Headquarters, 8209 Rte. 245, Naples, NY.
Project: Assist with forest habitat improvement adjacent to Naples Creek, including cutting invasive vines and shrubs away from trees, installing protective tubes and cages onto young trees, trail maintenance (cutting overhanging branches and picking up fallen branches) and litter clean-up.
What to bring: If possible, bring work gloves, loppers, and small hand saws. Some gloves and tools are available to borrow. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footwear/work boots, and long pants. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended. Drinking water and snacks.

Seneca County
Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve/Montezuma Audubon Society — Event hosted in partnership with the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Email montezuma@audubon.org or call 315-365-3588 with questions. All ages welcome. Register at https://www.ptny.org/events/love-our-new-york-lands

Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Parking lot of the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve, 1712 Black Brook Road, Seneca Falls, NY.
Project: Collecting native plant seed used to help restore native habitat.
What to bring: Tools are provided. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footwear/work boots, and long pants. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended. Lunch provided by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Both events are rain or shine.
This event complements Governor Kathy Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign to encourage New York's kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. The campaign builds on the Governor's efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families, including signing first-in-the-nation legislation to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.

Read More'Fish & Wildlife Day' Events Sept. 28

AFTER THOUGHTS Do your part with compassion for all

Some of our Yates County neighbors have had a few rough days, and they need our continued and unconditional support. This is not a time for conjecture or gossip. It's a time for compassion, because grief has washed over many with the losses of precious family members and those who answer the calls for help.
The volunteer and professional emergency rescuers who burst into our lives just when we might be having our worst possible day have seen many tragic situations over the years. They have held us up when it looks like there's no reason to carry on, whether it be at an automobile, farm, or work accident scene; fire, natural disaster, or recreation gone wrong.
The fire, emergency medical, and law enforcement attention that you'll find here in Yates County is an indication of the spirit of this community that cares. But when the worst of the worst happens, they need our help too, especially when they are involved in complicated situations.
Driving along Route 364 headed toward a soccer game in Rushville last week, we encountered an ambulance speeding toward Penn Yan. I've been to enough accident scenes to realize the speed it was traveling was not a good indication of the outcome.
Later, word of the tragic result — the death of a 1-year-old boy — began to filter along the sideline of the soccer game. Certainly, other spectators felt the same: thankful to be watching the kids we love doing exactly what all kids should be doing — playing a game — while quietly mourning the loss of an innocent and the heartbreak of another family. Then, the thoughts went to the responders who had been on the scene and in the 911 communications center for this, and other recent losses.
After the adrenaline of answering the call for help, they carry the weight of the trauma. Fortunately, the worst outcomes are uncommon here. But that doesn't mean they don't take their toll on the emotional and physical well-being of our rescuers. We all need to be aware of the price they pay.
What can we do?
It's not hard to show compassion for all involved. Refrain from jumping to conclusions about the specific details of an incident, especially in social media posts. Your ignorance can be damaging.
We can also support emergency services fundraising efforts through the year. Buy the chicken dinners, pancake breakfasts, pizzas, and subs; fill their boots with pocket cash; and give generously to any formal campaigns. Help law enforcement collect toys or raise funds and awareness.
Donate your own time if you are able. The demands on personal time and commitment are significant, but after spending time with some of these individuals, you'll see how it can easily become a way of life. Maybe you can't put on the gear, but perhaps there are some other things you can do to help.
Finally, don't be the next person they have to save or the reason they have to save anyone. Live your life, but do it safely.
Life in the Finger Lakes is full of opportunities for family, fun, and employment. But with all of those come the need for trained and experienced people who can be there for a neighbor or visitor in trouble, whether the incident is a motor vehicle, boating, industrial, construction, or farm accident. They need to be prepared to rescue hikers from deep gullies, or been swept into rapid water, and they need the equipment — sometimes expensive — to carry out their mission.
Don't get in their way. Do your part and be compassionate and thoughtful about publicly commenting on something you're not fully informed about.

Do you have feedback on this or a suggestion for a future column? Feel free to email me at gchamberlain27@gmail.com.

Read MoreAFTER THOUGHTS Do your part with compassion for all