(Syracuse, NY – Sept. 28, 2011) On August 23, the second baby patas monkey of 2011 was born at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The public was invited to submit name suggestions for the young monkey and more than 600 entries were received. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the finalists in the patas monkey naming contest.

The gender of the baby has not yet been determined. As such, voters are asked to choose their favorite girl name and their favorite boy name.

The finalists for a girl name are:

Abena (A-BEE-nuh)
Submitted by Angelina Sparano, 21, of Syracuse
“It’s an African name meaning ‘born on Tuesday’ and the monkey was born on Tuesday, August 23.”

Dayo (DAY-oh)
Submitted by Charlena Janes, 36, of Syracuse
”It is a name of African origin meaning ‘joy arrives.’”

Kibibi (KUH-bee-bee)
Submitted by Allison Lyons, 9, of Syracuse
”It is a Swahili name meaning ‘little lady.’”
Shani (SHAW-nee)
Submitted by Tracie Lateef, 24, of Baldwinsville
”It is Swahili for ‘curiosity, novelty, or something unusual.’ It is an appropriate name for the monkey regardless of gender. I feel this name encompasses the curious nature of this monkey, as well as its individual uniqueness.”
Zarina (ZUH-ree-nuh)
Submitted by Marishka Biela, 6, of Bernhard’s Bay
”Me and my daddy looked it up it means ‘golden’ in African. I think the monkey’s look kinda’ like gold so I like it.”

The finalists for a boy name are:

Dakari (Duh-CAR-ee)
Submitted by Joy Bennett, 52, of East Syracuse

“It means ‘happiness.’” The name was derived from the Swahili word for happiness, “dakarai.”

Harry Patas

Vicki Feldman, 60, of Manlius

“The boy’s name ‘Harry Patas’ (as in Harry Potter) came to me when I heard patas monkey. While not a native name, I thought it was a name the kids would remember and get a kick out of.”
Jabu (jaw-BOO)
Submitted by Katharine Richman, 27, of Alexandria, Va.

“This word means ‘gift’ in Zulu. I lived in South Africa for two years and while learning the Zulu I began to appreciate that all names given to Zulu children had an important meaning within the language. Jabu was the name of one of the people in my host family.”

Nakuru (Nuh-KOO-roo)

Patricia Leach, 51, of Parish

”Nakuru is a lake and national park in Kenya.”

Tafari (Tuh-FAR-ee)
Submitted by Angelina Sparano, 21, of Syracuse
“I choose Tafari for a boy because it is an African and means ‘he who inspires awe’ which I think the baby does, if you go see all the visitors looking at the patas monkeys!”

Those interested in voting can do so by e-mailing contest@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.  The preferred names (one from the girl list AND one from the boy list) should be placed in the subject line of the e-mail.  Limit one vote per e-mail address.

Facebook fans can place an additional vote through a poll on the zoo’s Facebook page. All votes must be received by 4 p.m. on October 3.  The name that receives the highest number of votes will be the name by which the baby patas monkey will be known. The winner will receive a Patas Monkey Adopt an Animal package valued at $100.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is one of just 15 American zoos to house patas monkeys. They are part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) – a collaborative effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and zoos around the world to help ensure their survival.

(East Syracuse, NY – Sept. 2011) During the Civil War over 180,000 African Americans, both free blacks (an extraordinary 74 percent of all eligible men) and escaped slaves, as well as a number of Canadian and other foreign-born black men, volunteered as soldiers and sailors on the Union side. Among them were the 4,000 men serving in the three New York State regiments of the United States Colored Troops.

Black soldiers made up 10 percent of all Union forces, and at least one-third of these soldiers died during the War.  Twenty-five African American soldiers and sailors received the Medal of Honor – the most Medals of Honor awarded to African-Americans for service in any war.

On the Confederate side, toward the end of the War African-Americans, including slaves, were invited to enlist.  Slaves were promised freedom, and the right to live in peace in their former residences after the War. At least one “Negro Brigade” was organized, inVirginia. Upon the War’s end, 36 African Americans were formally identified as such on Confederate parole records.

On Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., at the Town of DeWitt Community Room, 148 Sanders Creek Pkwy, E. Syracuse (off NYS Thruway Exit 35 at Carrier Circle), the Onondaga County Civil War Round Table program will feature a presentation by Anthony F. Gero covering the history and legacy of African American soldiers from the French and Indian War through the 1970s, but concentrating on the role of Black New Yorkers in the Civil War.

Gero is an elected Fellow of the Company of Military Historians and the holder of its Distinguished Service Award. He is an author and co-author of four books (one 2009 book being Black Soldiers of New York State: A Proud Legacy, published by SUNY Press), and over 150 articles on military history primarily concentrating on New York State soldiers.

Gero currently is an adjunct history instructor at Cayuga Community College. He is also a former trustee and vice president of the Cayuga Museum in Auburn.

For additional information, visit occwrt.blogspot.com, or contact Bill Goodwin at 315-437-3887.

(Aug. 19, 2011) Assemblyman Sam Roberts (D,WF-Syracuse), a key sponsor of legislation creating the Greater Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (Chapter 463 of 2011), announced its signing into law by the governor. An unpaid eleven-member regional board will oversee the new authority which includes Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Hancock Airport was previously controlled by the Syracuse Mayor and was, up until now, the only major airport in the state not operated by an authority.

“Allowing Syracuse Hancock International Airport to increase its competitive edge will not only help reduce airport operating costs, but also has the potential to boost Central New York’s economy by attracting new services and airlines in the future,” said Roberts.

Out of the eleven regional board members, seven are appointed by the Syracuse Mayor and one appointed by each the Onondaga County executive, the DeWitt Town Board and the East Syracuse-Minoa School District. The North Syracuse Central School District and the town boards of Salina, Cicero and Clay each take turns appointing the last member.

Monroe County Airport Authority, established in 1989, is an example of an airport authority benefiting a community. Since then, it has been able to deliver nationally-recognized affordability by bringing increased competition from low-cost carriers, such as AirTran Airways, to airports like the Greater Rochester International Airport (GRIA). Additionally, the average air fare at the GRIA has dropped more than $100 since 1995, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“An adjusted focus on our air transportation facilities along with stronger local input from the new regional board will provide a great service for Central New York, yielding better decisions to benefit the entire region rather than a single municipality.” Roberts concluded.

(East Syracuse, NY – Aug. 18, 2011) On August 10, 1861 the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, also known as the Battle of Oak Hills, was fought near Springfield, Missouri.  This battle, the second major army battle of the Civil War (both won by Confederate forces) and the first west of the Mississippi, marked the beginning of four years of invading armies and ruthless guerilla warfare in a divided Missouri. Only Virginia and Tennessee saw more fighting.

On Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at 7 p.m., at the Town of DeWitt Community Room, 148 Sanders Creek Pkwy, E. Syr. (off NYS Thruway Exit 35 at Carrier Circle), the Onondaga County Civil War Round Table is continuing its observance of the Civil War Sesquicentennial with a showing of the documentary film August Light:  Wilson’s Creek and the Battle for Missouri, by Wide Wake Films.

The film viewing is free, along with popcorn and other refreshments, and open to the public.

For additional information, please visit our website at occwrt.blogspot.com, or contact Bill Goodwin at 315-437-3887.

(East Syracuse, NY – July 2011) On July 21, 1861 the First Battle of Manassas, also known as the First Battle of Bull Run (after a small stream located near the City of Manassas), was fought in Prince William County, Virginia.  This battle, the first major army battle of the Civil War, resulted in a resounding Confederate victory as Union soldiers panicked and retreated in disarray to Washington, D.C.

But Confederate forces also lacked effective organization, and thus were unsuccessful in pursuing the fleeing Union troops. The defeat was a true wake-up call to President Lincoln, who mistakenly had viewed the war as one which would be quickly won.

On Thursday, July 21 the sesquicentennial anniversary of this important battle, at 7 p.m., at the Town of DeWitt Community Room, 148 Sanders Creek Pkwy, E. Syr. (off NYS Thruway Exit 35 at Carrier Circle), the Onondaga County Civil War Round Table program will present the 2002 Telly Award – winning documentary film Manassas 1861, directed by the Chitwood Brothers for Wide Wake Films.

The film viewing is free, along with popcorn and other refreshments.

For additional information, visit occwrt.blogspot.com, or call Bill Goodwin at 437-3887.

(Syracuse, NY – June 30, 2011)(readMedia) Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan is pleased to announce that Jordan Basile of the Central Regional Office was recently recognized for her hard work and initiative with a promotion.

Jordan Basile of East Syracuse was named a Marketing Representative. Prior to her promotion, Basile served as a Marketing Support Associate. Basile joined Fidelis Care in 2010.

Fidelis Care’s 1,400 plus employees serve more than 710,000 members in 58 counties. Through New York State’s Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs, Fidelis Care members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more.

For information about Fidelis Care, call toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Pictured is Bill Sweeney, CEO of CORE Federal Credit Union holding the Desjardins Award for promoting student financial literacy.

(Albany, NY – June 2011) CORE Federal Credit Union recently received the prestigious Desjardins Award for its work in promoting student financial literacy from the Credit Union Association of New York. The credit union was honored at the Association’s Annual Convention in Lake Placid. CORE received the statewide award for credit unions in the $50 to $150 million dollar asset size range. This is the second year in a row that CORE has earned this honor.

Core’s winning program, “Students as Educators,” will advance to a national competition, where it will compete with youth education projects from credit unions across the country.

CORE opened the first student-run credit union in Central New York at ESM High School in 2005. The credit union operates an extensive financial literacy program that includes not only the student- run Spartan Branch program at ESM High School, but also a K–8 school banking program, annual teen finance forums for area high school students and adult education seminars.

Using the unique “Students as Educators” model, all of CORE’s programs provide high school students the opportunity to learn about personal finance, how to teach their peers, how to serve as mentors and role models for younger students in the school district, and how to team-teach adult education sessions with school board members and credit union personnel.

CORE presented the “Students as Educators” program nationally in 2009 and 2010 at the Education Credit Union Council’s Annual convention. CORE CEO Bill Sweeney is scheduled to deliver a presentation later this month about their unique youth financial education program at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions’ (NAFCU) Annual Convention in San Francisco.  CORE actively works with other credit unions and school districts throughout Central New York to assist them in enhancing their own student financial literacy programs.

The award is named in honor of Alphonse Desjardins, the founder of the North American credit union movement, who established the first “caisse populaire” (people’s bank) in Quebec in 1900 and helped establish the first American credit union in New Hampshire in 1909.  Desjardins was an ardent believer in the value of teaching children to save, and he promoted the idea of in-school savings programs (caisses scolaires).

CORE Federal Credit Union is headquartered in East Syracuse. It recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary of serving its members and the Central New York community. They have offices in East Syracuse, North Syracuse and Morrisville.

(Syracuse, NY – June 9, 2011) Assemblyman Sam Roberts (D,WF-Syracuse), a key sponsor of legislation that would create the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (A.2166-A), is urging the governor to sign this important bill into law. The bill has already passed the Assembly and Senate.

“A more efficient, better-run airport will give us a competitive advantage in attracting business and travel to our area, paving the way for economic development and job creation for families in Central New York.”

The regional board would be comprised of eleven unpaid members. Out of the eleven members seven would be appointed by the Syracuse Mayor and one would be appointed by each the Onondaga County executive, the DeWitt Town Board and the East Syracuse-Minoa School District. The North Syracuse Central School District and the town boards of Salina, Cicero and Clay would each take turns appointing the last member.

Airports serving other Upstate New York cities currently benefit from similar models. An example would be the Monroe County Airport Authority, established in 1989. Since then, it has been able to deliver nationally-recognized affordability by bringing increased competition from low-cost carriers, such as AirTran Airways, to airports like the Greater Rochester International Airport (GRIA). Additionally, the average air fare at the GRIA has dropped more than $100 since 1995, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“The new authority would enhance the airport’s ability to stimulate economic growth through efficiency, helping bring Central New York into the new economy,” Roberts concluded.

(Herkimer, NY – June 6, 2011) One-hundred-ninety-four students have been named to the President’s list at Herkimer County Community College for the Spring 2011 semester, and 367 students have been named to the Dean’s List. The distinction recognizes outstanding academic achievement.

The President’s List recognizes students that have earned a minimum 3.8 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the past semester (President’s list students are noted with an *). The Dean’s List recognizes students with an average between 3.25 and 3.8.

ONONDAGA COUNTY

Camillus

Maripat A. McNally, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education

East Syracuse

Alecia M. Moore, Physical Therapist Assistant

Jordan

*James P. Ryan, Business: Accounting

Liverpool

Alison D. Mapes, Business: Business Administration

Morgan Allen Strutz, Criminal Justice

Syracuse

*Kaisha S. Burnett, Early Childhood

Jerkara L. Burwell, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Jakia S. Durham, Criminal Justice

*Ann M. Kirkwood, Non Matriculated

(Herkimer, NY – June 6, 2011) One-hundred-ninety-four students have been named to the President’s list at Herkimer County Community College for the Spring 2011 semester, and 367 students have been named to the Dean’s List. The distinction recognizes outstanding academic achievement.

The President’s List recognizes students that have earned a minimum 3.8 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the past semester (President’s list students are noted with an *). The Dean’s List recognizes students with an average between 3.25 and 3.8.

ONONDAGA COUNTY

Camillus

Maripat A. McNally, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education

East Syracuse

Alecia M. Moore, Physical Therapist Assistant

Jordan

*James P. Ryan, Business: Accounting

Liverpool

Alison D. Mapes, Business: Business Administration

Morgan Allen Strutz, Criminal Justice

Syracuse

*Kaisha S. Burnett, Early Childhood

Jerkara L. Burwell, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Jakia S. Durham, Criminal Justice

*Ann M. Kirkwood, Non Matriculated