News in Brief

February 16, 2023

Otesaga Golf Season Extended To March 31
COOPERSTOWN
Those who think that golf is just a summer hobby should hang on to their clubs and get ready to sharpen their skills this winter. The Otesaga Resort Hotel is introducing a state-of-the-art TrackMan indoor golf simulator at its Leatherstocking Golf Course Clubhouse, allowing participants to “play” the resort’s famed course in a whole new way now through March 31.
Golfers can choose from more than 200 golf courses to play virtually, including such legends as Leatherstocking and Pebble Beach. Designed in 1909 by golf course architect Devereux Emmet, the 18-hole Leatherstocking Golf Course offers scenic views of Otsego Lake. The simulator offers the same sloping fairways and serious water hazards of the par-72 course, along with raised “blind” greens for a challenging virtual course.
Interested participants can pick their virtual “tee time” online, 14 days in advance, and can choose times between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. from Wednesdays through Sundays. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy and booking prices start at $40.00 per person. Golf instruction and swing analysis are also available for an additional fee.
For more information about the TrackMan indoor golf simulator and the resort’s Winter Golf Package, please visit www.Otesaga.com.

Bassett Caregivers Urged to Wear Masks, PPE
OTSEGO COUNTY
Bassett Healthcare Network is reviewing its internal policies following a New York State Department of Health announcement ending the state’s requirement for masks to be worn in healthcare settings. Governor Kathy Hochul issued the update on Friday, February 10.
“Much is still to be determined, especially related to COVID-19 community transmission rates and how these numbers may affect masking protocols in the short- and long-term,” said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, president and CEO of Bassett, in a letter to Bassett caregivers.
Dr. Ibrahim urged Bassett staff “to continue to wear masks and other PPE” in all healthcare settings while their Incident Command and Infection Control experts review guidance updates from the NYSDOH.
“We appreciate your patience as we determine next steps and develop plans that are in the best interests of our patients, staff, and visitors,” Dr. Ibrahim concluded.

Dr. Naylor Brand Ups Chewy Distribution
MORRIS
H.W. Naylor Co., Inc. a long-standing manufacturer of animal health products, has broadened distribution throughout North America with Chewy. Through this new avenue of delivery, millions of Chewy customers will have access to the Dr. Naylor brand of topical animal health products.
“We are excited about joining up with Chewy to reach large and small animal pet parents across our country. Our time tested animal health-care products are a perfect match with Chewy’s award-winning customer service. While farmers and other pet owners have relied on our products since 1926, we are honored to be a part of more than 3,000 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry offering more than 100,000 products through Chewy,” said David Lucas, president of H.W. Naylor Co., Inc.
Founded in 1926 by Dr. Howard W. Naylor in Morris, the Dr. Naylor brand of animal health-care products are distributed to more than 26 different countries. H.W. Naylor Co., Inc.’s mission is to continue to sell dependable and affordable animal health products everywhere. According to a recent press release, the company’s exceptional customer service and reliable products are the foundation to its brand loyalty that spans generations of users across the globe. Best-selling Dr. Naylor-branded products featured on Chewy.com include Blu-Kote, Red-Kote, Hoof ‘n’ Heel, Udder Balm, Dehorning Paste and Teat Dilators.

NYSERDA Program Helps Reduce Farm Bills
OTSEGO COUNTY
Implemented by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority since 2016, the Agricultural Energy Audit Program provides farms and on-farm producers with no-cost energy audits, including recommendations to improve energy efficiency. The program also helps participants access funding support to implement energy efficiency measures.
New York farms can choose from two audits based on their needs. The “Level Comprehensive” audit is focused on a specific complex energy system or renewable energy production. This analysis is ideal for operations with a complex system to be analyzed beyond standard energy efficiency upgrades, or if the farm is interested in pursuing renewable energy, with calculated evaluations of appropriate energy efficiency measures including simple payback. The “Level Targeted” audit focuses on specific systems, energy efficiency measures or renewable energy.
This first-come, first-served program is open through September 2025 or until program funds expire. Eligible farms and on-farm producers include, but are not limited to, dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetable growers, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg producers. To learn more, e-mail aeep@nyserda.ny.gov or visit nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/agriculture-energy-audit.