Reporter’s Notebook: Once again, it’s time for clocks to Spring ahead

The time change associated with Daylight Savings Time is upon us.

At 2 a.m. Sunday, the clock moves forward one hour.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York uses this occasion and the time change in the fall as a reminder to change batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year.

“For homeowners who did not change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall of last year, it is critical they do so in March,” FASNY President David Jacobowitz said in a media release from the group. “Smoke detectors are the first line of defense against the deadly effects of fire. Install one on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in or near sleeping areas. Make sure the detectors are installed on ceilings or high up on walls; and do not install them near windows or other ventilation sources, where drafts may prevent them from working properly.”

Every year, about 2,600 Americans die in home fires. More than half of these deaths occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., when residents are typically sleeping, according to FASNY. The risk of dying from a fire in a home without working smoke alarms is twice as high as in a home with working smoke alarms, FASNY said in its release.

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I took a call about a month ago from an older woman from the area who wanted to report how a suspicious person called her and claimed to be her grandson in need of money. She said she realized it was a scam.

Apparently, these scams are becoming more popular. Attorney General Eric Scheiderman last week issued a warning to New Yorkers about a rise in “grandparent scams.”

Victims of these phone scams, have lost more than $441,000 over the last several months, according to Schneiderman’s office.

“It’s despicable that these scammers are preying on the vulnerability and generosity of senior citizens who are duped into thinking they are helping out a family member in need,” Schneiderman said in a media release. “Instead, these dishonest individuals are trying to steal money from seniors. My office is committed to alerting, educating and protecting New Yorkers by making sure they are aware of these imposters before they strike again.”

The scenario works like this: An elderly person receives a phone call, often late at night, from a person who says something like, “Hi Grandma.” The person then claims they need bail money, were in an accident, were mugged, need to pay customs fees to get back in the United States or some other emergency.

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Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller on Tuesday declared next week as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

In his mayoral proclamation, Miller congratulated local MS awareness activists who will participate in the MS Walk on May 6. More than 200 local residents are planning to participate.

Miller presented the proclamation to Sarah Lutz, a woman who is living with multiple sclerosis. Lutz was diagnosed with MS in October and said she has already raised about $1,200 for the MS Walk. Lutz said she is also making bracelets and other crafts to sell across Otsego County for the MS Society and is organizing a karaoke fundraiser from to 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on March 22 at Legends in Oneonta.

MS Awareness Week is March 12 to March 18.

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In a mayoral proclamation last month, Miller recognized the State University College at Oneonta men’s soccer team.

The team won the SUNY Athletic Conference and reached the semifinals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Tournament. The semifinal finish was the result of an 18-3-2 regular season, which set a school record for wins.

Miller presented coach Iain Byrne and three players with the proclamation Feb. 6.