Newfield CSD superintendent speaks on rumors of gun violence

Newfield Central School District (CSD) Superintendent Eric Hartz spoke on the rumored threats of gun violence following reports on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Hartz sent an email to parents and the community after reports were received of gun violence threats within the district.

The email, which was sent on the evening of Oct. 1, stated the following:

“Good Evening, I wanted to continue to be transparent and open as this is an important subject. I am using the word rumors in this email because that is what they turned out to be.

“Earlier today [Oct. 1], there were more rumors and talks about gun violence brought to our attention. We were able to investigate the rumors and we did not find any of them to be credible. We were unable to pinpoint the exact person who said anything, there was no date or time and there were no social media posts or other posts.

“I cannot emphasize how important it is for either you or your students to report anything that is heard, said, or seen, about any kind of violence.

“Please bring it to the attention of school personnel so we can investigate and get the law involved if needed. We are not taking any of these rumors or threats lightly. The safety of your students is our priority.”

As of the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 2, Hartz said there were no further findings of the rumored threats. Hartz, however, noted the rumors began on the buses during the morning of Oct. 1.

“There was no law enforcement involved due to not having any credible information that I did the investigation on,” Hartz said.

Hartz statedanyone who has questions can email him at ehartz@newfieldschools.org, or call 607-564-9955, ext. 4140.

Library announces autumn gingerbread contest

The Newfield Public Library announced an autumn gingerbread contest, with the winner’s creation to be on display.

The library will provide 25 take-home gingerbread kits for the contest, which includes basic supplies needed to create a “gingerbread autumn scene,” according to a notice.

The guidelines for the contest are as follows:

• Measurements for the display: the maximum length is 11 inches and the maximum width is 8.5 inches, which is approximately the size of standard copy paper. The maximum height is 8 inches.
• In order to maintain a consistent height and mobility, the gingerbread creation must be able to sit flat on the library’s display.
• Each contest entry must be completely edible. Contest participants can add their own material to entries.

Take-home kits will be available for pickup Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. The deadline to drop off entries to the library is 5 p.m. Oct. 29.

To register for the contest, call 607-564-3594, email newfieldlibrary@gmail.com or visit the library at 198 Main St.

The winner, who will receive $50, will be announced on Oct. 30 at noon.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Inaugural Covered Bridge Fall Festival is Oct. 12

The first-ever Covered Bridge Fall Festival is on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 2 to 7 p.m. The event will surround the historic bridge and stretch to the Newfield Fire Hall at 77 Main St.

The free-of-charge festival will have 50 vendors, including treats and snacks, handmade goods, crocheted stuffed animals, a face-painting station and more.

The Old Home Days committee will have baked goods for sale. The festival will also have a carved pumpkin contest that includes a chance to win a gift certificate.

The Newfield Fire Department will have a fire truck parked at the event, hold a tour of the fire station and display some of its equipment.

A DJ will take requests from 3 to 7 p.m., and a 50/50 raffle will be held at the festival.

Newfield United Methodist Church to host festival

The Newfield United Methodist Church will host a fall festival on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its location on 227 Main St.

The festival will include crafts, a bake sale, a silent auction and a luncheon.

For more information, contact Kathy Crance at kcrance@twcny.rr.com.

‘Mind Over Body’ program on Oct. 27

The Newfield Public Library will host a “Mind Over Body” introductory program on Oct. 27.

The program, led by instructor Mitch Raymond, will take place on the second floor of the library at 6 p.m. The presentation from Raymond breaks down how to “improve the strength, flexibility, stability, balance and skill” of participants’ bodies through practices that “enhance neuromuscular connection and physiologic well being,” according to a description.

The library recommends bringing a yoga mat to the program, and participants will work with the library’s chairs and table to assist with stability. The program will have a suggested donation of $10.

For more information, go newfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 607-564-3594.