AROUND THE TOWNS -- Dec. 2, 2023

Light display set to music on Cosmos Hill

Posted

Chet and Karen Seibert’s 15th annual holiday light and music show is lighting the nights from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 7 at 4390 Cosmos Hill Road, Cortlandville.

The show, set to music, includes 10 songs, including “Wizards in Winter” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra,” “Little Saint Nick” by the Beach Boys, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Moriah Carey and “The House is Rockin’” by Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Set your radio to 107.7 FM and park on the side of the road. Don’t block the neighbors’ driveways, the Seiberts suggest.

Guthrie warns of caller scam

Guthrie has been informed that residents have received fraudulent phone calls that display Guthrie on caller ID and warns people to be cautious.

In the most recent case, the Sayre, Pa.-based health group announced in a release, a caller identifies himself as a staff member from a Guthrie location that matches the fraudulent caller ID. He asks for specific Medicare information to update the individual’s information. This scam is not new, but it has been active again in recent days.

While Guthrie may contact a patient, including requesting that they register in advance of a procedure or test that the patient has already scheduled, or attempting to collect payment on an outstanding account. Residents who receive such calls can hang up and call back to verify that the call actually came from Guthrie.

Residents who receive fraudulent calls are asked to contact local law enforcement agencies.

Guthrie operations Guthrie Cortland Medical Center and other facilities in the greater Cortland area.

Tompkins backs COVID vaccines for pregnant persons, infants, elders

ITHACA — Tompkins County Whole Health, like its counterpart the Cortland County Public Health Department, issued a recommendation this week that people keep their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date.

It particularly recommends that pregnant women, infants over 6 months and older adults or people with chronic conditions get vaccinated.

Data show no increased risk of adverse affects for pregnant people and infants, the department reports, but those populations are at greater risk of hospitalization should they catch COVID-19.

“Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is recommended for people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or who might become pregnant in the future, and for people who are currently breastfeeding,” said Dr. William Klepack, the county’s medical director. “The protections offered by vaccines will keep you healthy and provide essential antibodies to your infant, keeping them protected until they are able to be vaccinated directly. Talk to your OB-GYN or healthcare provider as you consider the benefits and risks of vaccination during pregnancy, to help you feel confident in making the best decision for you and your family.”

People 50 and older are more likely than younger people to get very sick or die from COVID-19. Most COVID-19 deaths occur in people over 65. Those with chronic health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system, are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

“Older adults and those with chronic health conditions should be advised to wear a high-quality, well-fitting face mask (either a KN95 or N95 style) when in crowded, indoor public settings, in addition to maintaining their COVID-19 vaccinations,” Klepack said. “Treatment for COVID-19 should be sought as soon as possible should you become ill with this virus. COVID-19 should still be taken seriously, especially among those most at risk of severe illness.”

To schedule a vaccination, call your primary care provider or pharmacy. You can also use the website www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.