Pictured are the 2011 HCCC Athletic Hall of Fame inductees at the Induction Ceremony held on Sept. 30. From left: Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie, Thomas LaPuma, Marguerite Alofs (accepting the award for her late husband Jack Alofs), Dwight Barnett and Sharon Gleasman-Howell.

(Herkimer, NY – Sept. 30, 2011) Herkimer County Community College inducted its inaugural class into the Athletic Hall of Fame Friday, September 30 on campus, as part of the College’s Fall Fest & Alumni Weekend.

The five inductees, who have made extraordinary contributions to the College through intercollegiate athletics, are: Thomas LaPuma, professor emeritus and former athletic director; John W. (Jack) Alofs, retired men’s basketball coach (posthumously awarded to his wife, Marguerite Alofs); Dwight Barnett ’06, men’s soccer; Sharon Gleasman-Howell ’79, multi-sport athlete; and Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie ’87, men’s lacrosse.

HCCC President Ann Marie Murray welcomed honorees and guests to the ceremony. “As I welcome you to this evening’s inaugural induction ceremony of our athletic hall of fame, I am proud of our inductees who exemplify why Herkimer’s athletic program is one of the top junior college programs in the country,” she said, “and pleased to be able to recognize their outstanding contributions through our new Hall of Fame.”

Dr. Matthew Hawes, Dean of Students and Selection Committee Chair, delivered remarks as to the importance of establishing an Athletic Hall of Fame at Herkimer, and the competitiveness of selecting the first inaugural class. Jason Powles, Sports Director, WKTV News Channel 2, served as Master of Ceremonies. In his remarks, Powles said, “As a local sportscaster for the last 15 years, I can attest to the phenomenal athletic program here at Herkimer County Community College. This is truly the ‘Home of the Champions.’ The College has gained the reputation as one of the nation’s most successful junior college athletic programs.” He added, “Not only is Herkimer an athletic powerhouse, but the program also places great emphasis on excellence in the classroom and the community.”

Inductee Thomas LaPuma, Herkimer’s first athletic director, said, “It’s definitely an honor to be inducted into any hall of fame, especially this one. I’ve been so close to the College in so many ways for so many years, and I appreciate Dr. Ann Marie Murray’s support in establishing the hall of fame. I think it’s great for the College, the alumni and athletics. It’s a very positive thing.”

Inductee Sharon Gleasman-Howell ’79, a multi-sport athlete at Herkimer said, “Knowing the quality of student-athletes who have attended HCCC, I am honored to receive this award, especially to be in the first class of recipients.  Because of my success here at Herkimer, I was able to receive a dual sport Division I scholarship to go on and compete at the University of Rhode Island.”

Athletic Director Donald Dutcher said “As athletic director here for the past eight years, I am humbled by these great coaches, leaders and athletes who left incredible legacies for our College community.”

At the conclusion of the program, President Murray announced a new Hall of Fame fund established through the Herkimer County College Foundation. The fund was made possible by a donation from alumnus and former lacrosse player Andrew Kaiser ‘83. Kaiser requested that a portion of his donation be used for a purpose to be determined by the inaugural Hall of Fame class.

Speaking on behalf of the 2011 class, Dr. Opie said, “Collectively, the inaugural class has dedicated our portion of the donation to support the establishment of the Athletic Hall of Fame. On behalf of the 2011 class, I would like to thank Andy Kaiser for his generosity in establishing this fund and having the creative vision to do it in a way that involves and challenges all of us.”

The 2011 Inductees:

Thomas LaPuma, of Frankfort, is a professor emeritus and served as the College’s first athletic director. He built the foundation for a national championship athletic program, developed the physical education curriculum, fitness center and intramural program, and coached several sports during his tenure. LaPuma retired after 33 years of service to Herkimer County Community College.

John W. (Jack) Alofs was honored posthumously. Alofs taught physical education and was head coach for the Herkimer Generals men’s basketball team for 20 years. He achieved a 72% winning record and won the program’s only national championship in 1991. He was twice named NY State Junior College Coach of the Year, and was inducted into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame. Alofs published a book in which he shared his coaching techniques and strategies, as well as many coaching stories.

Dwight Barnett ’06, a native of Jamaica, NY, led the 2005 Herkimer Generals men’s soccer team to a national championship and received a multitude of awards, as well as an athletic scholarship to Lynn University. He was the first Herkimer Generals men’s soccer player to be drafted by Major League Soccer.

Sharon Gleasman-Howell ’79, of Ilion, NY excelled as a multi-sport athlete at Herkimer. Howell was a member of the 1978 and 1979 volleyball, basketball and women’s track teams. She helped lead the 1979 women’s track team to a state title and held multiple school records. She was HCCC Female Athlete of the Year in 1979, was named Most Valuable Player and All-American for track, and was one of the College’s first female athletes to receive a Division I scholarship.

Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie ’87, of Boston, MA, was a two-time All-American defenseman for the 1982 and 1983 Generals Lacrosse teams. Dr. Opie continued his collegiate lacrosse career at Syracuse University where he led the team in two national championship games. He also played professionally for the New York Saints in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League and for Team USA’s World Championship team in 1990. Opie earned a Ph.D. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University and is Professor of History and Foodways at Babson College.

Herkimer County Community College’s athletic program is a Division III member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and has amassed 32 national, 83 regional and 119 conference championships. Herkimer placed second in the 2010-11 National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Cup competition. HCCC has placed in the top five of the competition since its inception in 2004.

To the Editor:

(Ilion, NY – Sept. 21, 2011) On behalf of Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc., I would like to express congratulations to the Village of Ilion for being the first community in Herkimer County to adopt a Complete Streets Resolution. This resolution was passed at their September 14, 2011 village board meeting.

Complete Streets aims to make new and reconstructed roadways safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users and transit riders, as well as motorists.

Communities across the country are participating in this movement to build highways, bridges, and sidewalks that are safer, friendlier, and welcoming to everyone.

Complete Streets legislation was passed in New York State by both the Assembly and Senate, and then signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on August 27, 2011.

If we continue to productively utilize our streets, we are providing better health and wellness in our communities, which ultimately boosts economic development by enhancing our county’s infrastructure.

Congratulations again to the Village of Ilion for making this commitment.

Sincerely,

Adam Hutchinson,

Executive Director, Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

(Herkimer, Oneida, NY – Sept. 8, 2011) The New York State Police are investigating a death that occurred at approximately 1 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Village of Illion.

The deceased was identified as Thomas E. Fort, 42, of Illion and was an 18 year veteran of the State Police, holding the rank of Investigator.

The exact cause of death will be determined at the autopsy however no one else is being sought in connection with his death.

(Sept. 8, 2011) The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that due to heavy rain and rising water conditions along the Mohawk River, the Authority anticipates closing the Thruway between Interchange 24 (Albany) and Interchange 33 (Verona) along I-90. Motorists should avoid travel within the Mohawk Valley Region, and seek alternate routes outside of this region, as widespread flooding of area roads is expected.

Motorists are advised to visit www.511ny.org to check the status of other roads. Currently, I-88 in Binghamton is closed between Exit 3 and Interstate 81; and I-81 is reduced to one lane, just north of Binghamton, between Exit 6 and Exit 8.

Variable Message Signs (VMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) have been activated to advise motorists of the current conditions.

The Authority appreciates motorists’ patience during this time.

(Sept. 2011) These sessions familiarize those interested in becoming NYS certified family or group family child care providers with the application process, NYS regulations and services available to assist in start-up and beyond! Presented by Child Care Council staff

Dates, times & locations:
Herkimer County Sessions:
Wed., September 14 from 1 pm – 3 pm @ Basloe Library in Herkimer
Wed., September 21 from 6 pm – 8 pm @ Middleville Library
Wed., October 12 from 6 pm – 8 pm @ Little Falls Library
Thurs., November 17 from 6 pm – 8 pm @ Iion Library
Wed., December 14 from 6 pm – 8 pm @ Basloe Library in Herkimer

Madison County Sessions:
Wed., September 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. @ Chittenango Library
Wed., October 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. @ Hamilton Library
Wed., November 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. @ Canastota Library
Wed., December 14 from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. @ Chittenango Library

Oneida County Sessions:
Thursday, Sept. 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ Waterville Library
Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon @ Remsen Train Station
Wed, Nov. 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ Farm & Home Center, Oriskany
Wed., December 21, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ the Utica Public Library
Tues., January 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ Farm & Home Center, Oriskany
Sat. February 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon @ Jervis Library, Rome
Tues., March 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. @ Boonville Library, Boonville

Fee: no fee, however, pre-registration is required by calling Tammy at

223-7850 x 222.

(Herkimer, NY— Sept. 2011) Herkimer County Community College is coordinating with the Ilion Fire Department to organize a Remembrance Ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. The Remembrance Ceremony will be held Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Ilion firehouse, 1 Central Ave., Ilion. It will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and is expected to run approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Steve McMurray, WKTV news director, and president of the Frankfort Volunteer Fire Department. Guest speakers will include Dr. Ann Marie Murray, president of Herkimer County Community College, as well as local government officials.

A highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of a piece of steel girder from the World Trade Center Twin Towers that will be mounted in front of the Ilion firehouse. The girder was presented to the Ilion Fire Department in recognition of their personnel who responded to the emergency in New York City on Sept. 11.

There will be coffee and donuts at the firehouse following the ceremony, and members of the regional Lions Club “Leo’s” youth group will be collecting food items to kick-off an autumn food drive in support of the Frankfort/Ilion Food Pantry. Non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations in support of the Food Pantry will be accepted.

For more information contact Ilion Fire Chief James P. Trevett (315) 894-6048; or Daniel Sargent, Assistant to the President at HCCC, (315) 866-0300, ext. 8525.

Herkimer County Community College has hosted an annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony for the community for the last three years.

Pictured from top Andrews, Franco and Bushinger.

(Little Falls, NY – Aug. 2011) Day, Scarafile & Read, Inc. announces the addition of three staff members to their team of insurance professionals. Joining the firm are Theresa Franco, Teresa Andrews and Brett Bushinger.

Theresa Franco, insurance consultant/customer service representative, joined Day, Scarafile & Read Inc. in September 2010. Franco will be handling clients’ personal lines insurance needs out of the Marcy office. She possesses the New York State Property and Casualty insurance license and has six years of insurance and financial services experience. Previously she was with Met Life Auto and Home Insurance in Utica as a sales consultant and was a loan officer and insurance representative for CitiFinancial in New Hartford. A graduate of Mohawk Central Schools, Franco also studied communications at Herkimer County Community College and business at Tarrant College in Fort Worth, Texas.

Teresa Andrews, insurance consultant/customer representative, joined Day, Scarafile & Read Inc. in May 2011. Andrews will be servicing clients in the Marcy office. Licensed in New York State for Property and Casualty insurance, she has more than a decade of insurance experience, having served clients in independent insurance agencies prior to joining Met Life’s Property and Casualty Sales Division in 2001.  A graduate of Fulton Montgomery Community College, Andrews holds an associate’s degree in Business and Purchasing.

Brett Bushinger joined Day, Scarafile & Read Inc. in June 2011 as a personal lines account executive.  Licensed in New York State for personal lines insurance, Brett has more than eight years of insurance experience. Prior to joining Day, Scarafile & Read Inc., he was a personal lines account executive at Bailey, Haskell and LaLonde Insurance Agency located in New Hartford.  He also was employed at New York Central Mutual in Edmeston, New York, as an underwriter. Brett graduated from Sauquoit Valley High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

Day, Scarafile & Read, Inc. offices are located in Rome, Marcy, Utica, Ilion and Little Falls.

(Herkimer, NY- Aug. 9, 2011) Herkimer County HealthNet presented checks to five municipalities and organizations in Herkimer County for playground, park, and trail development and enhancement projects.  The grants were funded by the New York State Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, work and Play grant.  The awards are as follows.

*Village of Frankfort – Operation Playground Safe Move-Hilltop Park - $6,500

*Herkimer Area Resource Center – Having Accessible Recreation in the Community - $6,000

*Village of Ilion – Safe Playgrounds - $5,064

*Town of Russia – Get Fit Program - $4,304

*Village of Dolgeville – Salisbury-Dolgeville Greenway (Main Street to Spencer Street) - $11,950

Herkimer County HealthNet is a New York State Department of Health Funded Rural Health Network that administers the Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play grant.  Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play focuses on preventing obesity and Type 2 Diabetes by supporting environmental changes in Herkimer County.

In an effort to save money related to health care costs and productivity losses, Creating Healthy Places contractors such as Herkimer County HealthNet are working to prevent obesity and Type 2 Diabetes by working on projects and promoting messages that aim to increase good nutrition and physical activity.

Herkimer County HealthNet is still offering municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations playground surface material that was purchased early this spring and is offering it to organizations who want to improve their playgrounds.  The material is on a first come, first serve basis, and organizations will only have to pay for the shipping and handling costs.  Those organizations interested are encouraged to contact Herkimer County HealthNet at (315) 867-1499.

Herkimer County HealthNet’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County.

(Herkimer, NY – Aug. 9, 2011) The Herkimer County Community College Athletic Department announces its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class. The College will honor five individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the College through intercollegiate athletics. The 2011 inaugural class includes: Thomas LaPuma, professor emeritus and former athletic director; John W. (Jack) Alofs, retired men’s basketball coach (posthumously awarded); Dwight Barnett ’06, men’s soccer; Sharon Gleasman-Howell ’79, multi-sport athlete; and Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie ’87, men’s lacrosse.

The inaugural induction ceremony and reception will be held at the College on Friday, Sept. 30 during Fall Fest & Alumni Weekend. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a strolling dinner and cash bar, induction ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by a social hour with dessert. WKTV sports anchor Jason Powles will serve as master of ceremonies. .

For reservations, contact the Foundation Office at shepardta@herkimer.edu or (315) 866-0300, ext. 8459.

Thomas LaPuma, of Frankfort, was instrumental in developing the intercollegiate athletic program at HCCC as well as the physical education curriculum, fitness center, and intramural sport program. LaPuma was hired as an instructor of physical education in 1970 and retired as a professor emeritus in 2003. He served as director of athletics from 1974 to 1990. During his tenure, LaPuma coached men’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, women’s softball, men’s volleyball, men’s golf, men’s baseball, men’s wrestling and men’s bowling. In 2001, he was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. LaPuma served in numerous professional organizations throughout his career, including being a U.S. representative for the International University Sports Federation (FISU) since 1999. From 2005-2010, he served as Vice-President for the Men’s Division of the NJCAA, until his recent retirement.

John W. (Jack) Alofs taught physical education and coached basketball at Herkimer from 1971 until his retirement in 1991. During his 20 years at Herkimer, Alofs achieved a 72 percent winning percentage with a record of 391-155. Highlights of his career included a fourth place finish in the National Junior College Division I basketball tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1987, and a Division III Junior College National Basketball Championship in 1991. Alofs was twice named New York State Junior College Coach of the Year, and was inducted into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2005, Alofs published a book, “Jack Plus 5: Secrets, Strategies, Experiences and Fundamentals in Coaching Winning Basketball.” In his book, Alofs shared his coaching techniques and strategies, as well as many human interest stories about his experiences coaching high school and college basketball. Originally from Gloversville and a long-time resident of New Hartford, Alofs died on May 14, 2007 at the age of 70.

Dwight Barnett ’06, a native of Jamaica, NY, led the 2005 Herkimer Generals men’s soccer team to a NJCAA national championship. While at Herkimer, Barnett was named two-time All Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year, two-time Region III Player of the Year, two-time NJCAA first team All-American, two-time NSCAA first team All-American, and NSCAA Division III Junior College National Player of the Year. After graduating from Herkimer, Barnett received an athletic scholarship to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida where he led the Fighting Knights to two consecutive NCAA national tournament appearances and was selected as the Sunshine State Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named a NSCAA third team All-American and a CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine third team Academic All-American. Barnett went on to play for the Montreal Impact of the United Soccer League First Division, scored his first goal of his professional soccer career in the 83^rd minute of a 2-1 victory over Miami FC. Barnett was the first men’s soccer player from HCCC to be drafted in the MLS.

Sharon Gleasman-Howell ’79, of Ilion, excelled as a multi-sport athlete at Herkimer. Howell was a member of the 1978 and 1979 volleyball, basketball and women’s track teams. She competed in volleyball and track regionals and nationals, was named Most Valuable Player for track, Most Improved Player for volleyball, and was named to the regional all-star volleyball team. Howell was named All-American for track and held several records including the 100 meter, 200 meter, long jump, high jump, 400 meter relay, 800 meter relay and sprint medley relay. She was named HCCC’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1979 and was one of the first HCCC female athletes to receive a Division I scholarship. She earned a B.S. in physical education from the University of Rhode Island where she played volleyball and broke several track records, some of which still stand in the top 10 today. Howell also holds an M.S. from SUNY Cortland and is a long-time professor and coach at HCCC.

Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie ’87, of Boston, MA, was a two-time NJCAA All-American lacrosse player and Team MVP while at Herkimer. Opie continued his education at Syracuse University where he led the lacrosse team to a NCAA Division I championship. He also played club lacrosse with the Long Island and Maryland Lacrosse Clubs and earned a World Championship with the Men’s National Lacrosse Team in Perth, Australia in 1990. Opie holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies from Syracuse University and is Visiting Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora History and Foodways at Babson College. He is author of Hog and Hominy: Soul Food from Africa to America (Columbia University Press, 2008), Black Labor Migration in Caribbean Guatemala, 1882-1923, Florida Work in the Americas Series (University of Florida Press, July 2009) and numerous journal articles on Latin American history and foodways. He is also a blogger at http://frederickdouglassopie.blogspot.com/ where he does “Daily Musings on Culture, History, and Food with Related Recipes.” Opie has appeared on American Public Media, BBC radio, and National Public Radio.

“We recognize these individuals for their exceptional performance that has positively impacted our college, and we are looking forward to honoring this inaugural class into our new Athletic Hall of Fame,” said HCCC President Ann Marie Murray.

Herkimer County Community College’s athletic program is a Division III member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and has amassed 32 national, 83 regional and 119 conference championships. Herkimer placed second in the 2010-11 National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Cup competition. HCCC has placed in the top five of the competition since its inception in 2004.

Photo from left to right: Peter Boufford (Utica), Megan Manno (New Hartford), Cassandra Pagnotta (Ilion) and Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BCBS. Missing from the photo is Shaun Loomis (Ilion).

(Utica, NY – July 2011) Five children with diabetes attended a special summer camp earlier this month through scholarships funded by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield awarded the American Diabetes Association (ADA) a $2,500 Community Health Award to fund the scholarships. The camp fee is approximately $500, which helps cover costs such as medical supplies, site fees and meals. The ADA spends more than $1,000 caring for each camper.

The campers ranged in age from eight to 16. In a supervised setting, the children engaged in fun activities and learned about the best ways to manage their diabetes. The children also received tips on what to eat, how to test their blood sugar, and how to spot warning signs that their blood sugar is too high or too low.

“We continue to support the ADA camp because it is critical that children learn how to properly manage their disease, avoiding serious health complications down the road,” said Eve Van de Wal, regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “At camp, they do that in a fun, relaxed setting.”

“Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s grant helps us reach more families who otherwise might not have the resources to send their children to camp,” said Sylvia Hough, area director for the American Diabetes Association.

The American Diabetes Association’s Summer Camp is in partnership with the Rotary Sunshine Campus. The residential diabetes camp is held on 133 acres at the Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush, NY, which includes cabins, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, nature trails, athletic fields and a fishing pond.

For more information on the program, parents can call (585) 458-3040, ext. 3472, or go to www.diabetes.org and click on “Community Programs & Local Events” and “Diabetes Camps.”