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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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