William Cooper, a pioneer and visionary of the maple sugaring industry in Otsego County, NY, had a unique and innovative approach to the production and marketing of maple syrup. He saw the potential for the maple sugaring industry to provide ...

Otsego County, located in central New York State, is known for its rich history and natural beauty. In recent years, the county has also become known for its thriving craft beverage industry, which has had a significant impact on the ...

In recent years, the concept of “shop local” has gained popularity across the United States, with many communities and businesses promoting the benefits of supporting locally owned and operated businesses. This movement has also taken hold in New York State, ...

Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity, offering a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors. However, snowmobiling can also be dangerous, especially in challenging weather conditions. To help keep you safe on your next snowmobiling adventure, we've put ...

Accidents and incidents can happen at any time, but taking precautions and being prepared can help reduce the risk. Whether you're at home or on the road, there are many steps you can take to stay safe and lower your ...

Finding the right person to work with you on your home improvements can be a challenge.  In our region, it is an industry where very few have websites to provide helpful information about who they are, how long they have ...

We are all familiar with ‘Spring Cleaning’ where we open the windows after a long, cold winter and prepare for the beautiful warm summer months that are to come, but it’s also helpful to make yourself an ‘End of Summer’ ...

When embarking on home improvement projects, one of the first decisions is whether to do it yourself or to hire a professional. If you feel you have the skillset to undertake a particular project, then it might make sense to ...

The summer months are ones we look forward to all year long, but they bring certain risks along with the great summer weather.  After our long, cold, winter months, we are all more than ready to be outdoors and enjoying ...

Outdoor recreation activities over the past few years (since the onset of COVID-19) has boomed with people throughout the U.S. looking for safe spaces with fresh air and good opportunities for socially distanced recreation.  Here in New York, there are ...

Living in a classic old house is a privilege. Older homes can evoke a sense of beauty, love, charisma.  They have a level of character and craftsmanship that are no longer seen in todays modern houses. However, during the cold ...

Most people know that there are some logical ways to save money on their insurance. Bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with one carrier and agency can qualify you for a discount.  You can use higher deductibles or drop some ...

New York State is making a huge push to help homeowners and businesses transition out of fossil fuel dependence.  Through NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), there are currently a number of programs and incentives that can ...

It’s the time of year when our snow-loving neighbors venture forth on wintery trails throughout our region.  According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, in 2021, there were over 1.3 billion snowmobiles registered in the U.S. - over 100,000 of ...

The transition from one year to the next is often a time of reflection about our lives.  We assess the things that we might like to change to make our lives a bit better, feel happier, healthier and more productive.  ...

The month of November is an exciting time for hunting enthusiasts as our avid outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen start gearing up for the start of deer hunting season.  The season typically begins each year early in the November for Crossbow hunting ...

The winter months bring greater fire risks for homeowners.  According to the Red Cross, house fires generally increase during the fall and winter months, with December and January registering the highest numbers.  There are tasks that every homeowner should do ...

A Short Safety Refresher for the Back to School Season in New York There is nothing more important than the safety of our children in getting back and forth to school.  Whether they are walking, riding a bike or traveling ...

One of the most important things we can tell our clients is to think about insurance before you actually have a need for it.  If there is one thing we have all learned over this past year, it is that ...

Who Doesn't Love a Barbecue? One of the best things about summer is the ability to cook outdoors.  We hold family barbecues, attend outdoor picnics, and just generally cook outside whenever we can while the season is here.  70% of ...