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The Death of Public Health
During the recent measles outbreak, the largest in more than 30 years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refused to clearly recommend the measles vaccine, saying instead that it was a “personal decision,” and that parents should “do their own research.” Similarly, during her recent confirmation hearing for United States Surgeon General, Casey Means was questioned by Senator William Cassidy (R, La). “You’re the nation’s doctor,” said Cassidy. “Would you encourage [a mother] to have her child vaccinated!” “I’m not an individual’s doctor,” Means said. “And every individual needs to talk to their doctor before putting a medication in their body.” In June 2025, Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that COVID vaccines for pregnant women should be a “personal choice”, even though every other country in the world recommended the COVID vaccine during pregnancy due to a higher risk for severe disease. It doesn’t end there. On January 5, 2026, RFK Jr. reduced the number of routinely recommended vaccines from 18 to 10. For vaccines that protected against influenza, COVID, and rotavirus, parents were urged to speak with their doctors—to make an individual choice. (On March 16, 2026, in a ruling by a federal court in Boston, RFK Jr.’s revised schedule was invalidated.) What’s happening? Why are public health officials moving away from making recommendations for the public? The origin of this change might be rooted in the first two years of the COVID pandemic. In 2020, during the first year on the pandemic, we didn’t have anything to stop a virus that was killing hundreds of people a day and could be spread asymptomatically. We didn’t have antivirals until October, monoclonal antibodies until November, and vaccines until December. All we could do was restrict travel, close businesses, shutter schools, and mask, isolate, quarantine, test, and social distance. During the second year of the pandemic, when we had vaccines to prevent COVID, people couldn’t go anywhere without their vaccine cards. They couldn’t go to their favorite bar or restaurant or sporting event or place of worship without proof of vaccination. Some people were fired from their jobs for refusing to get vaccinated. For many, this was seen as massive government overreach and energized what has been called the “medical freedom movement.” Indeed, a headline in the New York Times declared, “How Health Freedom Became a Winning Rally Cry.” As expressed in the comments of RFK Jr., Casey Means, and Marty Makary, the medical freedom movement focuses on the individual not the community—the opposite of public health. In an article titled “Ethics and Social Value Judgments in Public Health,” ethicists from Yale University distinguished public health from medical freedom. “Public health policies,” they wrote, “are population oriented. Because individual health affects the health of others, public health measures regulate individual behavior to achieve population health goals. All raise questions about how individual autonomy and freedom should be balanced against public health interests…which respects individuals’ sovereignty over their bodies and actions as long as their actions do not harm others.” The medical freedom movement fails to recognize that it often limits the freedom of others. For example, a parent who is afraid to send a child to school where many of the students are unvaccinated. Or immune compromised children who depend on those around them to for protection. The question then becomes “Freedom for whom?” Is it your right, in the name of medical freedom, to catch and transmit a potentially fatal infection—and in so doing, take away the freedom of others? In Four Essays on Liberty, Isaiah Berlin sums it up best. “Liberty for the wolves,” he wrote, “is death to the lambs.” Thanks for reading Beyond the Noise! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe
Opinion | The University of Minnesota’s vision for health care is flawed
"Based on our years of experience with the U and its health sciences, we would argue that moving the clinical practice of the university’s medical school back inside the university is a bad idea," the authors write.
CFC pilots agentic AI system that underwrites in seconds
London firm is testing AI on live cyber business, marking what it calls a first for the industry
Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden cheered as she wins Authors Guild honor
Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden received the Champion of Writers Award from the Authors Guild | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Edwin Díaz to undergo elbow surgery, Dodgers expect second-half return
The sporting Tribune's Fredo Cervantes writes the latest on Edwin Díaz.
Democrats urge OPM to scrap plans for ‘unprecedented’ access to feds’ health data
Citing “legal, ethical and security concerns,” lawmakers demanded that OPM end its efforts to collect claims-level health data on federal insurance enrollees.
Longtime Florida Official Named Head of EPA’s Science Office
The EPA on Monday announced the permanent head of a new science office created by the Trump administration that replaced the shuttered research and development wing.
2026 NFL mock draft: 32 reporters make their first-round picks
Reporters who cover their teams on a daily basis predict how the first round of the 2026 NFL draft will unfold in The Times’ beat writers' mock draft.
Arts & Entertainment Year in Review 2025-26
Students surprise film professor with trip to Criterion Closet At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, film students at Grand Valley State University thanked their professor with a trip to the Criterion Closet. Students surprised Associate Professor Joel Potrykus with a trip to the Closet, located in New York. The Criterion Closet is a...
Singer-songwriter John Gorka talks early inspiration, latest album
John Gorka’s newest album, “Unentitled,” marks his return after nearly a decade, showcasing fresh, optimistic tracks that reflect his belief in music’s healing power despite industry challenges.
How the Professionalization of College Sports Changed Who Wins
The House v. NCAA private antitrust settlement professionalized collegiate sports by requiring colleges and universities to compensate student athletes. The case has changed the economics of college sports, pushing schools to spend big to pay for top athletes to field teams that compete for championships. New research from the Progressive Policy Institute finds that although the new model has narrowed success to the top programs, the ability for schools to pay for success has now been mostly priced in, writes Diana L. Moss.
For some in Brevard, healing begins with simply being heard
A Health First grant is helping expand free peer mental health support through Brevard's To Write Love on Her Arms
Politicians are using low teen birth rates to further restrict access to birth control, abortion
“Both narratives — that teen birth rates are too high or too low — problematize teen pregnancy and childbearing,” writes Riley J. Steiner.
A Movie Lover Argues Alamo Drafthouse Blew It
Sony-owned chain forces people onto phones despite once-strict ban, writes David Ehrlich
Why evergreen Forrest is Celtic's enduring influencer
Veteran winger James Forrest remains Celtic's constant, the great survivor and the enduring influencer, writes Tom English.
Feeling less than fresh? Upgrade your daily routine with these 28 editor-loved personal hygiene products
From beauty upgrades and cooling essentials to grooming must-haves, here are our favorite personal hygiene products we rely on to stay refreshed in the spring.
Salah writes history again with Merseyside derby opener 👑
Mohamed Salah has scored the first Merseyside derby goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with the opener in Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash. The Reds are on the hunt for Champions League qualifi...
Are you a woman who makes life easier for everyone else? Beware – you could endanger your health
A new claim is doing the rounds online: that women who are too nice risk getting an autoimmune disease. And while aspects of this message are clearly dubious, there’s a reason it is resonating, writes Emma Beddington
I've spent over 1,000 hours gaming on my Nintendo Switch — these are the 15 games and accessories I think every Switch owner should buy
My favorite deals on Nintendo Switch games and accessories
Opinion | When politics becomes performance: From ‘Jesus-Trump’ to the Pale Blue Dot
When a political figure begins to frame himself as a kind of national redeemer, the boundaries of democratic discourse begin to shift, Dingman Yu writes.
Maybe we need more religion in politics, not less
R. Bruce Anderson writes that the president's blasphemous meme and profane feud with the pope are a symptom of a wider disconnect of politics from morality.
Can Claude Write Z80 Assembly Code?
Betteridge’s law applies, but with help and guidance by a human who knows his stuff, [Ready Z80] was able to get a functioning game of Wordle out of the French-named LLM, which is more than w…
Think AI "knows" what it’s doing? Scientists say think again
Calling AI things like “smart” or saying it “knows” something might sound harmless, but it can quietly mislead people about what AI actually does. A new study shows that news writers are more careful than expected, rarely using strongly human-like language. When they do, it often falls on a spectrum—sometimes describing simple requirements, other times hinting at human traits.
5 surreal and striking sci-fi anime to watch while you play Pragmata
Find your next favorite anime with these Pragmata look-alikes
Don Schlitz, country songwriter behind 'The Gambler,' dies at 73
Schlitz was born in 1952 and raised in Durham before packing his bags and heading to Nashville.
Best of Blue Ridge Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Hendersonville
Nominations for the Best of Blue Ridge Community's Choice Awards are rolling in! Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorite businesses.
Tallahassee Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Sky's Healing Hands Massage
Nominations for the Tallahassee Community's Choice Awards are rolling in! Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorite businesses.
Finest on the Emerald Coast Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Stanton Automotive
Nominations for the Finest on the Emerald Coast Community's Choice Awards are rolling in! Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorite businesses.
Best of Bay Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Ardamas Fleet Services
Nominations for the Best of Bay Community's Choice Awards are rolling in! Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorite businesses.
Best of Central Florida Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: MyerScapes Environmental
Ready to recognize your favorite local businesses? Submit your nominations for Best of Central Florida Community’s Choice Awards today.
Burlington Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Bright Smiles of Burlington County
Nominations for the Ashland Community's Choice Awards are rolling in! Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorite businesses.
Naples Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Nicoletta + Co.
We’re in the final stretch! Ready to recognize your favorite local businesses? Submit your nominations for Bonita Springs + Naples Community’s Choice Awards today.
Failure of communication is a problem in today’s politics [column]
“I came to see if words are still an effective method of communication,” Japanese writer and political activist Yukio Mishima said during a famous political debate at the University of
Baldwin introduces 'For the Fans Act' targeting sports blackouts, costly streaming wars
Baldwin said her "For the Fans Act" would ensure fans can cheer on their favorite sports teams regardless of their location or financial situation.
'We just can’t go back': How one mom dramatically cut her family’s technology use
NEW YORK (CNN) — Ever wonder why your kid goes ballistic when you try to take their screen away? It’s mostly not their fault. That outsize reaction occurs because devices are designed to make us all desire them so badly that we don’t log off, writes Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff in her new book, “Dopamine Kids: […]
Fiesta food safety: How Metro Health keeps vendor favorites safe
While Fiesta food might not be the healthiest, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspectors make sure it’s made safely.
Lone Peak student athletes sign on to collegiate sports teams
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER On Wednesday, April 15, seven Lone Peak High School seniors took photos with families, teammates
Your favorite snacks could be quietly wrecking your knees, new research suggests
New research suggests ultraprocessed foods may increase fat in thigh muscles, potentially raising the risk of knee osteoarthritis regardless of weight.
Viral Fan Favorites and Exclusive Retail Hit the Playoffs Across Aramark Sports + Entertainment Arenas
As playoff season heats up across the NHL and NBA, Aramark Sports + Entertainment is bringing viral food and beverage moments and limited-edition merchandise to arenas nationwide.
Viral Fan Favorites and Exclusive Retail Hit the Playoffs Across Aramark Sports + Entertainment Arenas
As playoff season heats up across the NHL and NBA, Aramark Sports + Entertainment is bringing viral food and beverage moments and limited-edition merchandise to arenas nationwide.
How today’s AI trainers could be tomorrow’s displaced workers
A fast-growing AI startup is betting it can transform—and potentially replace—large swaths of white-collar work by turning professionals into trainers for the very systems that could one day displace them, Bloomberg writes. Mercor, now valued at $10 billion, recruits doctors, lawyers, consultants and other experts to break down their jobs into step-by-step tasks, feeding that […]
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts
Nonfiction television staff represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) at Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment ratified new collective bargaining agreements.
Bears insider sounds off on potential trade for Dexter Lawrence
Chicago Bears beat writer Kevin Fishbain believes the team should definitely have a conversation about trading for Dexter Lawrence.
Adam Ray Haydel built a business dynasty in New Orleans
At a time when opportunities for Black business owners were limited, Adam Ray Haydel built multiple enterprises.
Radiologist pipeline barely keeping pace with population growth
“Expanding residency slots and mitigating workforce attrition will be necessary to mitigate increasing workforce gaps," experts write in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Health care is not ready for the new era of AI-enabled cyberattacks
“When health care infrastructure is attacked and held for ransom by hackers, patients become real casualties,” writes Andrea Downing.
In-House Counsel Need ‘T-Shaped’ Skills to Be a Business Leader
In-house counsel need not only deep legal skill but also business acumen and data literacy to help drive business growth, manage risk proactively, and create competitive advantage.
Fantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 30
Bulinews' Fantasy Bundesliga writers have each put together a squad of 10 outfield players for the upcoming matchday.Managers have full freedom with formations, but squads can’t exceed 110M, can onl...
I had 5 nights with Seventeen in 3 cities, and this one was the best
I've seen Seventeen perform in three places — South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Incheon's encore concert was my favorite for a few reasons.
A new Android 17 beta reveals plans for “Pixel Glow” light animations.
Google just released the fourth beta for Android 17 today, and now, 9to5Google and Android Authority point out that it contains mentions of a new lighting feature that we might see on the next round of Pixel phones. The Pixel Glow details say it “uses subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity when it’s face down,” when interacting with Gemini, or when favorite contacts are calling. [Link: Pixel Glow 'visual feedback' tool might just hint at big Pixel 11 hardware changes | https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-glow-3658443/ | Android Authority]
Scientists Opened Up A Martian Meteorite And Found Ink From A Violet Gel Pen Inside
While we will have to wait a long time for samples collected on Mars to be returned to Earth, we do have Martian rock sent to us the old-fashioned way – unfortunately, analysis reveals a few surprises that shouldn't be there.
U.S. Senator to introduce bill aimed at ending sports blackouts, making games easier to watch for fans
The bill aims to prevent fans from having to own subscriptions to multiple streaming services to watch their favorite team.
Cleveland’s Asian Festival returns with more food, vendors and entertainment
Cleveland Asian Festival returns May 16–17 with its largest footprint yet, featuring 35+ food vendors, live performances, cultural showcases, and fan-favorite contests in Asiatown.
The medical AI revolution requires rethinking health care's architecture
"Instead of organizing health data around institutions, we might organize it around individuals," write Meta's Freddy Abnousi and Stanford's Celina Yong.
Shohei Ohtani delivers on Jackie Robinson Day
The Sporting Tribune's Fredo Cervantes writes about Shohei Ohtani's performance on Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium.
How Dangerous Is Anthropic’s New AI Model? Its Chief Science Officer Explains.
Just how fast is the future coming at us, and how worried should we be? Last week, Anthropic announced Claude Mythos, the latest in what has become the leading family of AI models. In a very short time, AI models from Anthropic and other companies have become shockingly powerful at coding. But Mythos stands out because it is not just able to write code that can hack into critical systems, like those that run financial companies, but also to analyze systems and find and string together vulnerabilities in them, allowing Mythos to evade even sophisticated defenses. Anthropic chose to release Mythos to only about 40 leading corporations, so they could analyze the model’s capabilities and prepare countermeasures, in an effort it calls Project Glasswing. The release of Mythos—and the prospect of similarly powerful AIs to follow—has caused tremors at the top levels of Washington and corporate America. Jared Kaplan, co-founder and chief science officer at Anthropic, is at the center of this breakthrough. We sat down with Kaplan so he could walk us through just how powerful Mythos is, what the implications are for issues like our personal privacy, and what comes next. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Sean Fischer: For the layman, how is Claude Mythos different—more powerful, more dangerous—from previous models released by Anthropic? Jared Kaplan: I think most people have experienced the fact that our computers get faster and faster over time and over many decades. There’s this very smooth trend where every 18 months, maybe, computer processing power doubles. I think AI is on a trend in which it’s improving maybe 10 times faster than that. A lot of the earliest work that I did in AI was around identifying this scaling trend in AI. Claude Mythos is the latest model from Anthropic, but it’s not different because it’s qualitatively different. It’s really just kind of the culmination of the trend of AI models getting smarter and smarter at all kinds of general capabilities, from reasoning to software engineering to scientific research to knowledge work. For us, it was the first model to demonstrate very elite-level cybersecurity capabilities. It wasn’t because we trained Claude Mythos to focus on cybersecurity, but it was because, as a byproduct of its general intelligence and its general ability with software, it’s particularly good at identifying vulnerabilities in software and how to exploit them.
NBA says Ball's takedown of Adebayo should have been flagrant, merited ejection
The NBA says Charlotte's LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for an uncalled flagrant foul when he reached out and tugged on the ankle of Miami's Bam Adebayo.
Fool’s gold isn’t so foolish: Scientists find hidden treasure in pyrite
Researchers have discovered lithium hidden in pyrite within ancient shale rocks—an unexpected find that could reshape how we source this critical battery material. It raises the possibility of extracting lithium from existing waste, reducing the need for new mining.
Sexual violence is a public health crisis, it's time we treated it like one
Survivors of sexual violence need to know that theirs is not a private burden, but a public health crisis, write Katie Curran O'Malley and Michelle Daugherty Siri, one that we all have a stake in not just reaching out but in making it unacceptable to look away.
Great Texas Balloon Race announces 2026 entertainment lineup, new event
The Great Texas Balloon Race will land again in Longview in June, bringing with it dozens of hot air balloon pilots, a Longview native Country music icon, the return of the fan favorite drone show, and a new morning event.
Greenbush Brewery announces closure after more than a decade in business
Greenbush Brewery has closed its doors for good.The restaurant and brewery in Sawyer, Michigan was a favorite for many in the community who are now shocked to h
Lena Dunham on New Memoir, Jack Antonoff, Health Issues, More
Writer, director, and actor Lena Dunham joins TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones to talk about her new memoir, “Famesick: A Memoir,” where she opens up about her health, experience with fame, and what it means to come of age under the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. Dunham talks about the negative attention she got while starring in “Girls” and how it exacerbated her health issues, reflects on her breakup with Jack Antonoff, and opens up about her battle with pharmaceutical dependency. Dunham also shares the story of how she came to the decision to get a hysterectomy when her endometriosis became unbearable, despite her dreams of being a mother.
Old And Unsupported Kindles Might Become The Best Tech Deal Of 2026
Older Kindles may become the best tech deal of 2026 because they'll get cheaper, and you'll still be able read your favorite books in multiple digital formats.
Forgotten scientist Foote gets her due as climate science pioneer
Kansas writer explores local 19th-century scientist Eunice Newton Foote’s overlooked climate science discovery, highlighting gender barriers that erased her contributions from scientific history.
Commentary: Let’s judge our would-be judges on merit, not on political background
There is nothing illegal or unsavory about appointing former or even sitting legislators to a judicial position, writes former R.I. Supreme Court justice.
Home advantage? Our Arsenal writers discuss the Emirates atmosphere before Sporting CP’s visit
As Arsenal host Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, we discuss the tension within the Emirates crowd
Letter: It's not politics, it's the Gospel
"Funny how (Sen.) Cramer thinks it's OK to twist Biblical passages to defend his political cruelty, but not for the Pope to speak out on the very thing all ministers of the Gospel are called to proclaim – advocacy for the least of these and the message of peace, love, grace and acceptance that’s the core of who God is and what preachers are ordained to preach," writes Rev. Paula V. Mehmel.
There were 'audible screams of delight:' Why Artemis II sightings of meteor flashes on the moon have scientists giddy
Meteorite strikes spotted on the moon by the Artemis II crew will help scientists assess dangers to future moon bases, infrastructure, and astronauts.
If someone says priests should stay out of politics ‘it’s because it’s not their politics’: Priest
President Trump is facing fierce criticism for his attacks on Pope Leo XIV and for posting a Jesus-like A.I. image of himself. Host of "The Busted Halo Show" on SiriusXM Father Dave Dwyer, CSP and Staff Writer for The Atlantic Mark Leibovich join Chris Jansing to share their reaction.
Google adds AI Skills to Chrome to help you save favorite workflows
Google is adding “Skills” to Chrome, letting users save and reuse AI prompts across websites. The feature builds on Gemini’s browser integration.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to stay in business under new nonprofit owner
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will live on past its slated May 3 closure date, thanks to a new deal with a nonprofit journalism organization.
Asking Eric: ‘Very online’ girlfriend shares too much with strangers
Letter writer is weirded out by strangers replying to girlfriend’s posts about them.
‘The Pitt’s Noah Wyle Reacts to Supriya Ganesh’s Shocking Exit
Wyle also explained why the decision was made to write Ganesh out of the show.
Cyberattacks, Tariffs, Geopolitics Loom Over Business Executives
Geopolitical uncertainty, rapid policy shifts, and mounting security risks are ratcheting up the threats facing US companies.
Nish Kumar on racism, technology, and politics in comedy show at McCarter Theatre
Staff writer for The Prospect Annika Plunkett reviews Nish Kumar's politically-focused comedy show at McCarter Theatre.
❝Anti-rights groups: why we need a smarter politics of naming
As movements working to undermine universal human rights protections become more influential, the language used to call out these “anti-rights” groups also needs closer scrutiny, or else risks being self-defeating, writes Nicolas Agostini, human rights advocate and researcher.
3 Steelers poised for their first All-Pro in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, here are our favorite three Steelers to be named and All-Pro for the first time.
'Steve Witkoff, Trump's favorite negotiator, boosts his business more than peace'
COLUMN. The billionaire's fortune has risen by 15% since Donald Trump appointed him special envoy for peace, historian Jean-Pierre Filiu observes in his column.
Bird brain: New study finds birdwatching may boost brain health, slow cognitive aging
A simple look out the window at your favorite bird could do more than brighten the day. In fact, according to a recent study, it may help keep the brain sharp.
Analysis: Trump says he always wins, and the Iran war is the latest example
In an analysis of how Donald Trump treats almost every setback as a win and repeats it until many people doubt the loss, Associated Press writer Will Weissert cites the war with Iran as one of the latest examples.
GameChannel: Live Scores & Updates
Check out matchups and games, live scores, updates, results, top performers and team comparisons for your favorite sports and fantasy leagues.
Ballon d'Or Favorite? England, Bayern Munich Star Harry Kane Tabbed As Frontrunner
Harry Kane is currently playing at a level that few are able to match, cementing his status as the premier marksman in European football.
110,000-year-old discovery rewrites human history: Neanderthals and Homo sapiens worked together
The first-ever published research on Tinshemet Cave reveals that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in the mid-Middle Paleolithic Levant not only coexisted but actively interacted, sharing technology, lifestyles, and burial customs. These interactions fostered cultural exchange, social complexity, and behavioral innovations, such as formal burial practices and the symbolic use of ochre for decoration. The findings suggest that human connections, rather than isolation, were key drivers of technological and cultural advancements, highlighting the Levant as a crucial crossroads in early human history.
Seniors: Dennis Ouellette, 80
Ontario Orchards owner not slowing down as he grows his farm market By Stefan Yablonski The seeds for Dennis Ouellette’s career path were sown when he was 6 years old — and he isn’t slowing down. “Since age 6, I grew up an agriculturalist. That is 72 years. Started out with a 37-acre farm when I bought it from my parents and built it up to almost 300 acres. Brought it back down to around 200 acres now,” he said. The location of his business was just a barn, a horse barn, he said. “In 1967, it officially became Ontario Orchards Farm Market. My wife [June] and I graduated [high school] in 1964 and three years later we became Ontario Orchards. We have been here more than 60 years,” he explained. “It is the same location. We have expanded over the years as the customers mentioned different things; we have expanded to bring in different products. “What keeps me going is I totally enjoy what I am doing. I enjoy the people that I work with. The customers are wonderful. Mostly, more important than anything, is my family — my wife, my daughters, grandchildren, son-in-law — we are still very much a family business I’m not going to retire just yet.” He also enjoys the changing seasons. “Ontario Orchards is a four-season business. There is always something new; more energy, more interest. Not only for the business but for my staff, the people that work here. Things keep changing, changing. We are always looking forward to something new and exciting,” he said. They work with quite a number of local farmers within the area and throughout the state, throughout the country and from around the world.” “We do have things from different countries around the world. But specifically, we are very excited about the local. We have an over 200-acre farm. We sell just about everything we raise on that farm right here at the farm market. For example, we press cider year-round. We make baked goods every day, year-round. We sell our apples 12 months a year.” “Today, there are so many products in Ontario Orchards that we never would have thought of in 1967,” he continued. “I attribute a lot of that to my daughters. I like the young blood and new energy. That is very crucial to a business, it keeps it vibrant.” What’s his favorite part of the job? “I don’t have a favorite part. I enjoy it all. I have a lot of intertest in other things,” he said. “I have staff that knows so much. I can go to the staff and say, ‘I don’t know what this is, you tell me what this is.’ They are so knowledgeable. It is impossible for one person to know everything in this place. In the summer, staff is about 60; in the winter about 20, 25.” He added that he plans on being around for several more years.
Seniors: Carol Watson, 72
Owner of Carol Watson Greenhouse and Landscaping in LaFayette enjoys her growing business — still puts in six-, seven-day weeks By Mary Beth Roach Carol Watson, the owner of Carol Watson Greenhouse and Landscaping, has been in gardens since she could walk. Literally. She said she learned to walk in her grandfather’s garden, which was next door to her current home and business in LaFayette. Today, at 72, she is running the business that her mother, Claire, opened in 1981 as Watson Greenhouse. Watson worked part-time for her mom until 1990, when she joined her full time. While she may not have had any formal horticultural experience, she said she learned so much about growing and raising plants from her mom, who had an abundance of energy and talent. Now, after 35 years in the business full time, Watson has no plans to retire, although she joked that she’d like a couple of days off a week. On her seven-acre site, complete with four greenhouses, Watson said her favorite parts of the job are working with and educating her customers; helping some of her young customers build terrariums; conducting occasional class field trips; and supporting local art by decorating the shop with an eclectic mix of pottery from at least four area craftspeople. A one-time employee of the former Dey Bros. department store in Syracuse, Watson said she loves merchandising and enjoys displaying unique pieces of art on shelves and even suspending from ceilings. “We’re creative. We also had top quality plants. We got a reputation of quality plants and unusual products,” she said. It’s tending to her customers and her plants, showcasing the unusual products, and hosting special events to benefit the community that keep her motivated to work six to seven days a week. “I just love it. I love taking care of the plants. I’m one of the few people that really enjoys watering,” she said. And while she has cultivated a solid customer base over the years, she remains savvy in her marketing efforts to draw in new customers. For example, she does a gardening segment on CNY Central television; her active Facebook page has thousands of followers; and she hosts a number of unique events and classes that not only introduce her shop to potential new clients, but some benefit nonprofits as well. About 13 years ago, when the local symphony orchestra was struggling, she said she wanted to help. So, partnering with the group, she began offering concerts, called Soirees, featuring the Syracuse Orchestra’s string quartet. Following up on a suggestion from a customer whose brother is a deejay in retirement, specializing in sock hops, she hosted the greenhouse’s first sock hop. Plants got moved back toward the walls to make room for dancing; a caterer was brought in, offering diner-like food; guests came in period outfits; and proceeds went to the Food Bank of CNY. She is excited about doing it again in October. Via her website, she promotes the greenhouse as an “oasis in the snow,” offering visitors the opportunity to pick up some decorating and gift ideas while taking in the floral and citrus scents. And she also caters to her four-legged friends. Over this past winter, she said, she came up with a “brilliant idea,” although at the time she didn’t appreciate just how brilliant it would become. Feeling it too cold outside to take her dog for a walk, she opted to bring it into the greenhouse. And before long, she was inviting people to bring their dogs into the big greenhouse as well. She looks forward to extending that invitation again this upcoming winter season. For Watson and her customers, the greenhouse is always in season.
Weekend at the Masters brings experience few sporting events can match
A weekend at the Masters Tournament cannot be matched by any other sporting event on the planet, writes Loran Smith.
Wichita Falls Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Bullinger Wealth Management
The Wichita Falls Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Tallahassee Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Audio Rehab Lab
The Tallahassee Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Best of the Bay Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: The Native Cafe
The Best of the Bay Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Best of Bay Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Bay Radiology/Women’s Imaging Center
The Best of Bay Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Bucks County Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Inner Circle Physical Therapy & Myofascial Release Center
The Bucks County Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Best of Central Florida Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Bartow Ford
The Best of Central Florida Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Best of Blue Ridge Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Harvested Dreams
The Best of Blue Ridge Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Finest on the Emerald Coast Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical
The Finest on the Emerald Coast Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Fort Myers Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Gavins Ace Hardware
We’re in the final stretch! Ready to recognize your favorite local businesses? Submit your nominations for the Fort Myers Community’s Choice Awards today.
Bonita Springs Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Coconut Jack's
Nominations for the Bonita Springs + Naples Community’s Choice Awards are rolling in! Don’t miss your chance to recognize your favorite local businesses.
Burlington Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Inkology Tattoo Studio
Cape Cod's Best Community's Choice Awards nominations are open now! It's time to recognize your favorite local businesses
Stark County Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Quality Heating & Cooling
We’re in the final stretch! Ready to recognize your favorite local businesses? Submit your nominations for Stark County Community’s Choice Awards today.