The Police Benevolent Association of New York State says staff shortages for forest rangers and ECOs will lead to strained wildfire responses

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

The Foundation of CVPH’s 2026 Stepping Out For Your Heart raised $33,000, helping the organization reach its $1.37 million campaign goal to fund the CVPH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in late summer.

Community support helps complete CVPH cardiac rehab campaign

Plattsburgh, NY, March 27, 2026  – The 250 community members who participated in the 11th Annual Stepping Out For Your Heart helped shine a light on heart disease and women in the North Country while putting the capstone on The Foundation of CVPH’s $1.37 million fundraising campaign in support of the new CVPH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. The Foundation of CVPH’s 11th Annual Stepping Out For Your Heart Event was held February 26 and in conjunction with the Foundation’s Wear Red day, raised $33,000.

“The generosity of everyone who participated and contributed to Stepping Out helped us reach our fundraising goal and we are so grateful to have such a generous and engaged community. It was amazing to see so many people coming together to learn more about heart disease and to support those in the community who are impacted by it,” said University of Vermont Health Network –Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Associate Vice President of Philanthropy Kerry Haley. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and many of those deaths, according to the American Heart Association, can be prevented through greater awareness of cardiovascular health, symptoms, risk factors, and lifestyle changes. According to Events and Special Projects ManagerMichelle Senecal, the goal of Stepping Out For Your Heart has been to increase the community’s understanding of heart disease especially in women and to highlight the nationally recognized CVPH cardiology team providing exceptional care to the region.

Construction of the new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Center in the Miner Medical Arts Building is underway and is expected to be completed in late summer. It offers a larger space on the main campus to house the hospital’s successful Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and add a similar service for pulmonary patients. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a supervised exercise, education and supportprogram focused on returning patients who have had a heart attack, valve replacement, angioplasty or bypass surgery to their optimum level of health. Similarly, Pulmonary Rehabilitation provides patients with chronic lung conditions an individualized program to help them breathe better, build  endurance and improve the quality of their life. Education, support and supervised exercise are also key components of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Education, Inspiration, Fun & Support

This year’s Stepping Out For Your Heart featured Cardiologists Joel Wolkowicz and Eric Gauthier presenting “The Heart and It’s Care Close to Home” and local heart disease survivor MaryAnn Castine who shared how surviving a heart attack changed her life. Former Foundation Board Member Michelle LaBounty also shared how the loss of her mother at young age to a heart attack fuels her commitment to promoting awareness of heart disease and support of those affected. Guests were encouraged to participate in several interactive stations and could bid on a wide variety of donated items during silent and live auctions. A heart healthy dinner was provided. The evening was hosted by Lee Ann Ruff.

The event was graciously supported by Monaghan Medical Corporation, Liquor and Wine Warehouse, Della Auto Group, Adirondack Elite Aesthetics, Brennan Buick GMC, Community Bank, CVPH Cardiology, Schluter Systems, Plattco and all the generous sponsors. “We are truly thankful for everyone who has helped us bring the new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab center fundraising effort across the finish line,” Haley said.

$3.3 BILLION IN SALES AND MORE THAN 600 DISPENSARIES 

Albany, March 27, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the upcoming five year anniversary of the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which legalized adult-use cannabis, established the Office of Cannabis Management, and laid the foundation for a regulated, equity-driven cannabis industry in New York. Since the launch of adult-use sales, New York’s cannabis market has generated $3.3 billion in total retail sales and expanded to more than 600 licensed dispensaries statewide, with Pure Blossom on Manhattan’s Upper West Side recognized as the State’s 600th licensed retail location. 

“Five years ago, New York committed to building a cannabis market rooted in equity, safety, and opportunity and today, that commitment is delivering real results,” Governor Hochul said. “We are creating new pathways for small businesses while aggressively shutting down illicit shops that threaten public safety and undermine our legal market. Our focus is clear: protect consumers, support legal businesses, and ensure this industry grows the right way.”

New York State Office of Cannabis Management Acting Executive Director John Kagia said, “New York’s cannabis market is demonstrating that growth and equity are not mutually exclusive. With more than $3 billion in sales, a majority of licenses held by Social and Economic Equity applicants, and a rapidly expanding retail footprint, the State is building a market that is both economically viable and intentionally inclusive. These outcomes reflect a deliberate approach to ensuring long-term stability, accountability, and opportunity across the industry as we continue to strengthen the market and expand access in the years ahead.”

Strong Market Growth and Consumer Participation 

New York’s adult-use cannabis market continues to expand, with strong participation from both businesses and consumers: 

• $3.3 billion in total retail sales generated since market launch 
• 2,161 adult-use cannabis licenses issued statewide
• 610 licensed retail dispensaries now operating across New York

Advancing Social and Economic Equity 

New York continues to lead the nation in building an equitable cannabis industry: 

• 56 percent of adult-use cannabis licenses across the supply chain have been awarded to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) applicants, exceeding the State’s statutory goal
• 57 percent of SEE licenses have been issued to women-owned businesses, and 51 percent to minority-owned businesses 
• 342 Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees have been approved statewide 
• 86 percent of CAURD dispensaries are currently open and operating across New York 

As part of her 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced a $17 million investment to expand Social and Economic Equity initiatives and programming, further strengthening support for entrepreneurs from Communities Disproportionately Impacted by past cannabis enforcement. 

Delivering on Justice and Reform 

The Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act continues to advance meaningful criminal justice reform: 

• More than 400,000 marijuana-related convictions are eligible for expungement 
• More than 200,000 convictions have been sealed, with an additional 107,000 suppressed pending sealing 
• No individual in New York State remains incarcerated solely for a marijuana-related offense 
• $10 million in total reinvestment through the Community Grant Reinvestment Fund — $5 million already awarded and an additional $5 million now available, supporting youth development, workforce training, housing stability, and public health initiatives in communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition

Strengthening Enforcement and Public Safety 

New York has taken significant steps to protect consumers and address illicit activity: 

• 2,017 enforcement actions completed statewide in 2025, resulting in more than $20 million in illicit cannabis seized 

• 579 illicit cannabis storefronts shut down statewide 
• 1,481 enforcement inspections conducted statewide to date
• 1,094 Notices of Violation issued to date 
• 581 padlocked locations statewide to date 

Manhattan Pure Blossoms Owner Mike Rodriguez said, “I grew up on this block. I played on these sidewalks, went to school in this neighborhood, and watched Amsterdam Avenue change over five decades. Opening Pure Blossoms here isn’t just about business, it’s about giving back to the community that raised me. I want the kids who grow up on this block to see someone who looks like them, who came from where they came from, building something real and doing it the right way. That’s what this is about for me.”  Read more »

Adk. Blood Center offers several April opportunities to give 

Plattsburgh, NY – Blood donations to the Adirondack Blood Center, a program of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) make a lifesaving difference for patients across the North Country by ensuring a steady and reliable supply of blood for local surgeries, emergency care and ongoing medical treatments.

Patients at the Plattsburgh hospital, its northern New York health system partners, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone and Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) along with the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake benefit from the generous donations collected and processed by this team of health care professionals. Drives sponsored by local community groups, businesses and organizations are the backbone of the Donor Center’s success.

The April schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, April 1:  Alice Hyde Medical Center, 133 Park St., Malone, 11 am – 3 pm
• Thursday, April 2: Lowes, 39 Centre Dr., 10 am – 2 pm
• Wednesday, April 8: FCI Ray Brook, 128 Ray Brook Road, Ray Brook, 1:30 – 4 pm
• Thursday, April 9: Beekmantown Fire Department, 9678 Route 22, West Chazy, 4 -7 pm
• Friday, April 10: Clinton County Government Center, First Floor Meeting Room, 137 Margaret St., 8:30 am -12:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 14: North Country Community College, 23 Santanoni Drive, Saranac Lake, 10 am – 2 pm
• Thursday, April 16: Cumberland 12 Cinemas, 18 North Bowl Lane, 4 – 8 pm
• Friday, April 17: Medisca, 626 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, 1 – 4 pm
• Monday, April 20: Chateaugay American Legion, 80 W. Main St., Chateaugay, 4 – 8 pm; sponsored by Sons of the American Legion
• Thursday, April 23: Saranac Lake EMS Rescue, 110 Broadway, Saranac Lake, 4 – 8 pm
• Monday, April 27: Essex Fire Department, 2659 Station Road, Essex, 4-7 pm; co-sponsored by the Masonic Lodge
• Tuesday, April 28: Northeastern Clinton Central School, 103 Route 276, Champlain, 10 am-2 pm
• Wednesday, April 29: Chazy American Legion, 9509 Route 9, Chazy, 4-7 pm
• Thursday, April 30: Holy Name Church, 10 Church Lane, AuSable Forks, 4-7 pm; sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

The Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd., welcomes walk ins and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Blood donors must be at least 16 years-old (16- and 17-year-old donors must have written parental/guardian consent), in general good health and weigh at least 110 lbs. A screening questionnaire addressing personal medical, social and travel history is completed prior to donating and a donor card or another form of valid identification is also required. Donors must wait 56 days between donations.

Learn more about the Adirondack Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call 518-562-7406.

Rich Angling Opportunities for New Yorkers to ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Friday, March 27

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of decorated U.S. Army National Guard Major and NYPD Officer Sorffly Davius, who died March 6, 2026, while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Flags will be flown at half-staff on Friday, March 27 from sunrise to sunset.  Click here for details 

“Major Davius was the ‘Citizen Soldier’ in every sense. A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others,” Governor Hochul said. “His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders and soldiers. I send my deepest condolences to Major Davius’ wife and will keep his family, colleagues and all who knew him in my thoughts.”

Major Davius joined the New York Air National Guard in 2004 and previously deployed to Kuwait from October 2010 to July 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2013, he transferred to the New York Army National Guard and in civilian life, joined the New York Police Department in 2014.

Prior to his most recent deployment, Major Davius had been on military leave from the department, serving on state active duty as a member of the New York National Guard’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield – the New York National Guard’s security force working with law enforcement to protect critical infrastructure including major transit hubs in New York City.

Major Davius is survived by his wife and six children.

Louisa Da Costa-Mendes. MD

Brady Gordon,MD

Julia Kobeissi, MD

Gurkiranjit Rattu, MD

Stefani Anash, MD

Piratheep Rajan, MD

Will begin three-year training program in July

Plattsburgh, NY – The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Family Medicine Residency introduced the Family Medicine Residency Class of 2029 during its annual Match Day celebration held on March 20. Members of the CVPH Family Medicine Residency Class of 2029 will begin their three-year training program in July. They are:

• Stefani Anash, MD – a graduate of Saba University School of Medicine
• Louisa Da Costa-Mendes, MD – a graduate of Saba University School of Medicine
• Brady Gordon, MD – a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Julia Kobeissi, MD – a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Piratheep Rajan, MD – a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Gurkiranjit Rattu, MD – a graduate of University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Match Day is a nationwide event in which residency programs and physicians are matched after a lengthy application and interview process. The CVPH Family Residency received more than 1300 applications for the six Class of 2029 spots. After reviewing each application, the program invites applicants to interview, then both the Residents and the Program’s team rank their preferences and a national data base creates the “match.”

During the Match Day festivities, Residency Program Director Maegan Cabrera, MD welcomed each member of the new class, highlighting their shared interest in serving rural communities. “Our program aims to educate new physicians while increasing health care access in the North Country – it’s exciting to Match with residents who share that priority” she said.

Dr. Cabrera added she was pleased to be able to fill all six spots as family medicine residencies across the country continue to struggle to recruit full classes. Expanded training capacity to address a projected nationwide primary care shortage continues to outpace the number of applicants to primary care specialties. “Our team has worked hard over the past year to improve our recruitment process, and it’s exciting to see it pay off” she said.

Established in 2014 to improve access to primary care in the region, The CVPH Family Medicine Residency has been successful with 60% of graduates choosing to stay in Northern New York or Vermont to practice medicine.

Partnering with the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont Medical School and University of Vermont Medical Center, CVPH Family Medicine Residency offers a three-year program that includes rotations in emergency medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, cardiology, surgery, orthopedics, geriatrics and community medicine. Family Medicine Residents see their own patients in the CVPH Family Medicine Center at 159 Margaret St. and at the Hudson Headwaters Champlain Family Medicine Center.

Photo Caption: From left to right, Assemblyman Michael Cashman, Vietnam veteran Greg Lee Sr., and Greg Lee Jr. in the New York State Assembly Chambers.

Albany, NY, March 26, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) joined his colleagues on the Veterans Committee yesterday to pass a resolution declaring March 29^th as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State. Cashman also recognized Greg Lee Sr., a Vietnam veteran from the North Country, during a special luncheon and on the floor of the Assembly Chamber as part of the commemoration. Lee’s son, Greg Lee Jr., joined him in Albany for the occasion.

“His name is synonymous with the North Country, not only for his service in uniform, but for his lifelong commitment to those who have worn it. He exemplifies personal bravery, honor, and duty, and an unwavering love for this nation. He is a strong example of what it means to lead and inspire by example.”

Mr. Lee served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal, and in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970, where he fought courageously. During Operation Oklahoma Hills, he sustained injuries that resulted in an amputation. Lance Corporal Lee was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Combat Action Ribbon, and two Purple Heart Medals.

After returning home, Lance Corporal Lee settled in Peru, New York, but his service to others never ceased. For more than 50 years, Mr. Lee has dedicated himself to the North Country through his involvement with North Country Honor Flight, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion posts.

Assemblyman Cashman said, “Vietnam veterans like Greg Lee Sr. embody the very best of what it means to serve carrying forward a legacy of leadership, humility, and selfless dedication to both community and country. It was a privilege to honor him and his fellow veterans. It is the privilege of a lifetime to call him a friend.”

Albany, NY, Press Release – State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride, and Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione announced that Jill Havens, the former Treasurer of the Citizens Hose Company in Shortsville, pleaded guilty to felony theft of nearly $75,000 over a four-year period.

“Jill Havens not only exploited the trust of the members of the fire company who volunteer their time to protect their community, but her community which the company serves,” DiNapoli said. “She will now be held accountable for her crimes and the Company made whole. I thank District Attorney MacBride and Sheriff Cirencione for their partnerships in rooting out fraud.” Read more »

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of March 2026 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING
6. APPLICATIONS:
7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. Allison Webbinaro – Position Change From Full Time to Alternative Board Member
9. Patrick McFarlin – Position Change From Alternative to Full Time Board Member
10. File # P2026-004 – Parcels 290.-1-26.21 & 302.-1-11 – Sketch Plan Review – Justin & Kristie Hugus at 741 Allen Hill Rd. – Owners seek to engage in agri-business, including events that promote the sale of agricultural products, weddings, and auctions. Requesting Site Plan Review and Commercial Special Use. 

8. CEO REPORT
9. ADJOURNMENT

Click here for the vtdigger story 

$49.2 Billion Bonus Pool Is New Record for NYC Securities Industry

Wall Street’s securities industry bonus pool reached a record $49.2 billion in 2025, up 9% from the previous year, while the average bonus rose 6% to $246,900, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s annual estimate. The increases reflect a rise of more than 30% in Wall Street’s profits, which totaled $65.1 billion in 2025.

“Wall Street saw strong performance for much of last year, despite all of the ongoing domestic and international upheavals,” DiNapoli said. “When Wall Street does well, it’s good for our state and city budgets, which are reliant on the industry’s significant tax contributions. However, we are seeing slower job growth, and geopolitical conflicts have global repercussions that pose extraordinary risks for the short- and long-term outlook on the financial sector and for broader economic markets.”

In 2025, strong trading activity, underwriting, and fees charged to manage client accounts drove profits and bonuses higher. When adjusted for inflation, however, the bonus pool peaked in 2006 at $53.7 billion.

Securities industry employment edged down slightly to 198,200 in 2025 from a 30-year high of 201,500 in 2024, according to preliminary data. However, the Office of the State Comptroller anticipates employment will be revised upward when annual data adjustments are made, showing modest growth, which is consistent with adjustments in recent years.

The city’s share of securities industry jobs nationally was about 17.9% in 2024, down from roughly one-third in 1990, but still more than any other state. New York City remains the nation’s financial capital, although job growth has been faster in some other parts of the country. DiNapoli estimates 1 in 13 jobs in the city is either directly or indirectly associated with the securities industry.

The average annual salary in the city’s securities industry rose 7.3% to $505,677 in 2024, including bonuses. It is the industry’s second-highest salary on record, and nearly five times the average salary in the rest of the city’s private sector. Bonuses accounted for about 42% of securities industry wages.

Wall Street was responsible for 20.2% of all economic activity in the city in 2024.

It accounted for 19.4% of the state’s tax collections in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024-25 and 8.4% of city tax revenue in City Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. DiNapoli estimates the 2025 bonuses should generate $199 million more in state income tax revenue and $91 million more for the city when compared to the previous year.

The Governor’s proposed budget assumed bonuses in the state’s broader finance and insurance sector would increase by 25.9% in SFY 2025-26, while the city’s FY 2026 financial plan assumed an increase of 15.1% in the city’s securities industry bonuses. Based on DiNapoli’s estimate, tax revenue from the bonuses may fall short of expectations for the current fiscal year.

Methodology

DiNapoli’s office releases an annual estimate of bonuses paid during the traditional December through March bonus season to securities industry employees who work in New York City. Bonuses paid by firms to their employees located outside of New York City, whether in domestic or international locations, are not included. The State Comptroller’s 2025 estimate is based on personal income tax withholding trends and includes cash bonuses paid for work performed in 2025 and bonuses deferred from prior years that have been cashed in. The estimate does not include stock options or other forms of deferred compensation for which taxes have not been withheld.

Charts

Bonus Pool Chart from 1996 to 2025

Annual Profits and Employment Chart

Related Work

Report

The Securities Industry in New York City, October 2025

Dashboard

Securities Sector Industry Dashboard

Front – Helen Nerska, Geri Favreaux, Craig Randall, Back L-R – Melvin Irwin, Eric Duquette, Kregg Bruno, Nick Weaver

By John T Ryan 

Several Town of Peru personnel had a busy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. At the town board meeting on March 23, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his first call came before 3 a.m. Extremely high winds had downed trees and power lines, blocking most roads west of Calkins Road. Some trees fell from their roots, bringing down more trees and power lines. Farrell described strong cooperation among his department, the water-sewer-parks department, the Peru Fire Department, and NYSEG. His crew and the fire department parked trucks to block roads and halt traffic. Farrell said, “We actually ran out of cones.” There were issues, especially with motorists who ignored cones and drove around downed trees and limbs. Farrell added, “We had problems with lighting. We’re not equipped to work in nighttime situations like this.” Coordination was also difficult because of limited cell service, especially on Patent Road. 

Geri Favreau, President of the Clinton County Historical Association and Chair of Clinton County’s America 250 Committee, addressed the board. Favreau gave the board a brochure of upcoming America 250 activities and presented an America 250 banner, one of 19 she is distributing throughout the county. America 250 County Celebrations  Speaking about the county’s historical museum, Favreau said that even though the county museum is in the city, it serves every community. Dannemora currently has a museum exhibit celebrating its 125th anniversary. Peru Town Historian Helen Nerska has several events planned in our town. America250 events calendar for Town Council

Turning to infrastructure updates, replacement of the deteriorating Lyons Road culvert should begin in June and be completed by Labor Day. The board authorized hiring Atlantic Testing Laboratories for material testing, with costs based on site conditions encountered. 

Supervisor Craig Randall said engineers indicate that the Dry Mill Brook Telegraph culvert replacement project will begin in late spring and should be completed by early fall. 

The engineering firm AES Northeast will update its NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) planning report for the Valcour wastewater treatment plant at an estimated cost of $30,000. Supervisor Randall said the plan must be updated if the town is to remain eligible for EFC grant funds. 

Counselors are pleased with the progress at the wastewater treatment plant project, which is on schedule and on budget. During this meeting, the board authorized a $26,304.80 transfer from the debt service account to the water treatment project account to pay outstanding invoices. 

On Friday, March 20, the board held a special meeting to authorize hiring an outside attorney with land-use expertise. During the community input portion of this meeting, the Peru Gazette asked Town Attorney Matt Favro whether the town has any ongoing or pending legal cases. Favro said the town received a “Notice of Claim” related to the Mariner restaurant property, but no other cases are pending. 

Moving on to personnel updates, the board approved the appointment of Taylor Jo Swan as Deputy Town Clerk/Registrar of Vital Statistics. She will be paid $1,500 for the remainder of the year. The position has been vacant since Judy Akey resigned, effective December 22, 2025. Swan also serves as the Code Enforcement Office Secretary. 

Roy Perry recently resigned from the town’s Board of Assessment Review. The board appointed former councilman Jim Douglass to replace him, effective March 23, 2026. 

The water/sewer/parks department has a new full-time employee. The board authorized hiring Gavin Therialt as a permanent full-time laborer effective April 21, 2026. 

Recreation Director Kristen Marino still needs to fill the assistant recreation director position. No one has applied for the vital paid position. Marino is planning summertime sports. A change may be needed regarding team qualifications. Marino also said that the Clinton County Youth Bureau is organizing teams by grade rather by age, the practice Peru has historically followed. The Youth Commission will have this matter on its March meeting agenda. 

The board approved the Peru Free Library’s use of Heyworth-Mason Park for a July 23, 7 to 8 p.m. family event featuring juggler Stephen Gratto. The board waived its usual $50 fee but asked that event organizers clean up any trash. 

The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss pending litigation with no further action anticipated. 

Click here for the Peru Gazette Meeting Video 

Resoltions approved March 23, 2023

Joshua Snide was sentenced to the maximum term for causing the death of Theresa Rinn

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Unions want state leaders to sweeten their retirement packages. What would it cost, and what would it achieve?

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Governor moves to amend NY Climate Act as legislative leaders signal opposition to rollbacks

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

From grand hotels to mountain bike trails: The evolution of the Adirondacks’ new “hometown”

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Sunday April 12th, 3pm. Doors open at 2:30pm, The Strand Theatre, 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh NY 12901. 

TICKETS: http://strandcenter.vbotickets.com/event/hill_and_hollow_music_presents_kiran_ahluwalia/183585

EXPERIENCE KIRAN’S TINY DESK CONCERT HERE!Two-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy) winner Kiran Ahluwalia’s open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators. Her six-piece band is led by ace guitarist Rez Abbasi whose accolades include the Guggenheim Fellowship and frequent appearances on the Top Ten Guitarists of Downbeat’s International Critics Poll and is rounded out by drum kit, table accordion and organ.

Kiran and Rez are a real-life couple, one born in India, the other in Pakistan. Having grown up in the diaspora they crossed ethnic and religious lines between their two warring motherlands to forge a musical and life partnership. Together they craft songs that are equal parts reflective and groovy and bring together the disparate traditions of Indian music, West African Blues and Jazz. Three continents come together in these songs so organically that they sound like nothing else: ethereal, raw, urgent and elegant at the same time. Over the course of eight albums, Kiran’s work has featured collaborations with leading musicians from the Celtic and Fado worlds, as well as Malian supergroup Tinariwen. Her reworking of the classic Qawwali tune Mustt Mustt has amassed over 3 million views online and the inspiration that drove her to create it continues to inform her music today.

We look forward to seeing you on April 12th in the historic Strand Theatre. For more information on all the upcoming shows, please visit hillandhollowmusic.org.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Hill and Hollow Music proudly announce the appointment of Tom McNichols to the role of Executive Director, succeeding founder Angela Brown after 30 years. Weatherwatch Farm • 550 Number 37 Road • Saranac NY 12981. 917.435.0420 • tom@tommcnichols.com • www.hillandhollowmusic.org

Click here for the IRS website that list federal tax certified tax preparers 

Times-Union reports, “For starters, make sure to use a trustworthy tax preparer, one that was willing to sign their name on the tax return and provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Avoid tax preparers who charge a fee based on your refund amount or who promise they can get you a larger refund than anyone else. Don’t sign off on a blank tax return that has not been filled out, and make sure refund money is always directly deposited into your bank account — the IRS and Treasury have phased out of issuing paper checks. Lastly, ignore social media influencers who encourage you to falsify your tax returns.”

Click here for the NCPR story