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.

Lt. Keith Flanagan

The Human Condition

By Martha E. Conway

(Aug. 2011) It is funny how one unpleasant run-in with a member of any group – whether profession, race, religion, club or organization – can poison an individual’s opinion against the whole group.

This doesn’t seem to be true of all groups, though. There’s an old saying that a good teacher is always remembered; a bad teacher is never forgotten. Folks seem to be able not to hold one bad teacher against all the others.

The same is not true, however, for lawyers, journalists, used car salesmen, politicians and, the subject of this column, law enforcement. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard, “I hate cops,” after someone has had a single bad experience with just one member of one agency.

I have a few pretty bad experiences of my own in that arena. Two in particular (that occurred years apart) come to mind when my car died in traffic – once on Teall Avenue in Syracuse under the Route 690 underpass and once in the cloverleaf of Route 11/South Bay Road/Route 81 in Mattydale at Northern Lights.

Both times, I had my young children with me – two the first time and three the second – and had gotten as far onto the shoulder as possible, but the officers in both instances who showed up stood beside me on the shoulder literally screaming at me to move the [DEAD] car.

The first time, I wanted to kill the guy; the second time I wanted to fall over laughing. Both times I was desperate to ask them if they knew how completely stupid they sounded. I’m not sure exactly how I was supposed to singlehandedly move 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of immobile steel with children strapped in place.

And there have been a number of those in my life, but then there are the ones nobody ever remembers or talks about.

In late 2002, I told my husband my front left wheel was clunking. I thought it was the ball joint. He drove it and reported it rode like a luxury sedan to him and sort of dismissed me.

“Okay, but when my wheel falls off at 2 a.m. when I’m on my way home from Linda’s, you’re the first one I’m calling,” I said, laughing.

My son once told me, “Mom, you suck as a nag… You really need some practice.”

I never wanted to be one, so I took my son’s critique as a compliment. So, typical for me, I didn’t bring up the wheel problem again.

A week before our son was to be married (and we had to pay for the rehearsal dinner) in mid-June 2003, at 1:58 a.m. on my way home from Linda’s, the wheel fell off. I got out and gazed at a lovely tangle of shiny metal streamers that had once been a part of my aluminum alloy wheels, one of which was bent out at a sickening angle, and thought, “Huh…can I call’em, or what?”

I went to my trunk, pulled out my cell phone, a notebook, a box of Cheez-It and a Fresca, got back into the car, locked the doors and called my husband.

“I’ll be the one sitting by the side of the road with the front end kind of cockeyed.”

And I settled in to wait for him to come (out of a dead sleep) from Cazenovia.

While I sat along the road, one DeWitt police car, three Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office cars and a trooper passed by without stopping.

The sixth car, another OCSO vehicle, stopped; Deputy Keith Flanagan wanted to know what happened, if I was OK and if help was on the way. He stayed and talked with me, taking in good humor my barbs about husbands’ listening skills (or lack thereof), his lights on so I didn’t get rear-ended.

A couple of weeks later, our paths crossed again on the opposite end of Onondaga County during a family medical emergency that resulted in a motor vehicle accident, a situation he handled with identical compassion and professionalism.

A press release recently crossed my desk that Flanagan, 43, of Marietta (my former home), was promoted July 22 from sergeant to lieutenant.

“…a member of the Sheriff’s Office since 1999, [Flanagan] was first promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2007 and, as the patrol administrative sergeant, has supervised deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Police Department. As a lieutenant, Flanagan will serve as watch commander within the Sheriff’s Police Department.”

He probably doesn’t remember either incident and couldn’t pick me out of a lineup if his life depended on it, but this one simple act left a lasting positive impression. He probably doesn’t even realize that he did anything to cause someone to – out of gratitude – remember his name for nearly a decade now.

Congratulations, Lieutenant. Here’s hoping your new responsibilities provide the opportunity to model for others an example of how to promote positive public image for those in your profession.

It’s the little things.

Martha E. Conway is Managing Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at 315.813.0124 or by emailing martha@m3pmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/marthaeconway or become a friend on Facebook at facebook.com/meconway.

(Herkimer, NY – Aug. 2011) Herkimer County HealthNet (HCHN) would like to thank the approximately 500 people who attended Herkimer County Family Fun Day on Aug. 19 at Myers Park in Herkimer, and helped to make it an event to be proud of.

Family Fun Day wouldn’t have been possible without our exhibitors, including:

• Airborne Adventures
• American Red Cross
• Big Frog Radio
• Catholic Charities of Herkimer County
• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County
• Herkimer County Diary Princess
• Herkimer County Evenstart
• Herkimer County Healthy Families
• Herkimer County Public Health
• Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department
• Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network
• Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• NYS Department of Health Just Say Yes to Fruits & Vegetables
• Townsquare Media
• United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area

HCHN would also like to thank everyone who donated funds and prizes to help support the event:

• Curves – Herkimer
• Dicks Wheel Shop
• Enchanted Forest- Water Safari
• Hannaford
• Herkimer County Fair
• Hidden Valley Outdoors
• Hummel’s Office Plus
• Stewarts Shoppes
• Utica Zoo

Special thanks are due to Herkimer-Madison County WIC for helping staff the event and Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield for their continued support of the promotion costs associated with Family Fun Day.

Adam Hutchinson, Executive Director

To the Editor:

August is National Breast Feeding Awareness month.  On behalf of Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc., I encourage mothers and future mothers to consider breast feeding their infants and to become further educated on the benefits of breast feeding and resources available for breast feeding.

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.

Breast feeding has many benefits, especially for infants during their first six months of life.  According to eatright.org, some health benefits include decreased common childhood infections; protection against allergies and intolerances; association with school performance through adolescence; and reduced risk of chronic disease like Type 2 Diabetes.  Breast feeding is also a time for mothers to bond with their infants.

While breast feeding may be challenging for new mothers, there are organizations and resources available to aid in the success of breast feeding located in Herkimer County and the Mohawk Valley as well as on the Internet.

• Herkimer County HealthNet,

·         Mohawk Valley Breast Feeding Network, (315) 738-9773

• Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network, (315) 732-4657
• NY State Department of Health, health.nygov/community/ pregnancy/breastfeeding/
• Women Infants and Children Center of Herkimer & Madison Counties, (315) 866-5029
• Women Infants and Children Center of Oneida County, (315) 798-5066

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.

Sincerely,

Adam Hutchinson,

Executive Director, Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

A Legislative Column from Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I-New Hartford)

(July 6, 2011) During the debate on the “Affordable Housing” omnibus legislation, regarding rent control and a property tax cap, I, along with my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference, proposed an amendment to the bill that would have provided billions of dollars in long-term mandate relief to local governments and schools. The Assembly Democrats defeated the amendment on the floor.

Because of excessive and unfunded mandates, New York has the unenviable distinction of having the highest property taxes in the nation. According to the independent, nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Oswego County ranks 13^th and Oneida County ranks 19^th in the nation for the highest property taxes as a percentage of home value. These taxes are devastating to seniors and other property owners struggling to survive in our region. More people have left New York in the last ten years than any other state in the nation. We have to take bold steps to reverse this trend.

The omnibus legislation that was ultimately passed included $127 million in mandate relief; but our mandate relief amendment, that was struck down by the Assembly Democrats, could have saved more than twice that in just one year by eliminating future growth in Medicaid costs for counties, a measure that would save counties statewide approximately $165 million in additional savings in just the first year. Had this amendment been adopted, counties – and ultimately taxpayers – could save billions of dollars in the long term.

Throughout this legislative session we have been successful in bringing attention to the importance of unfunded mandate relief, which is a main source behind our state having the highest property taxes in the nation. But there is much more work to be done.

While a property tax cap will help limit how large property taxes can grow in the future, the cap does not reduce taxes or address the unfunded mandates that continue to drive up costs on local governments and schools. Albany must take more comprehensive action to lift these cost-drivers in order to reduce the tax burden, continue vital local services, ensure high-quality education, and protect our long-term economic viability.

For these reasons, I reluctantly voted in support of the omnibus bill, as it is only a start; but I will continue working for more serious mandate relief for Oneida and Oswego counties, which are among the highest taxed counties in the country.

(Syracuse, NY – July 6, 2011) For the 13th year, On Point for College, a Syracuse not-for-profit organization, will help send inner city Syracuse youth off to college with essential supplies for a successful transition.

With the help of On Point for College, an estimated 300 or more youth, 95 percent of whom are the first generation in their family to attend college, will embark on their dream of pursuing a college education. On Point has an urgent need for school and residential supplies and is now collecting them to distribute to students during pre-college orientations which are held weekly throughout the summer.

The organization’s college start-up list includes: backpacks, digital alarm clocks, dictionaries, calculators, pens, pencils, highlighters, index cards, five-subject notebooks, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, hair picks, lotion and bar soap.

On Point for College also needs donations to help equip students with bedding for their dorm rooms including: twin flat and fitted sheets (at least 200 count or higher), pillow cases, pillows, comforters and towels. Preferred bedding colors include: blue, pink, black, maroon, purple and dark green.

Individuals, families and employers who would like to donate items should contact On Point for College at 315-362-5003 or drop off supplies at the On Point for College office at 1654 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, N.Y., 13204.

Since 1999, On Point for College has enrolled 2,723 inner-city youth in more than 200 colleges and universities. The organization assists in any way possible to help youth through the challenges of entering and staying in college. Gathering college supplies, providing one-on-one counseling and transportation to and from college are just a few of the many ways that On Point for College provides support.

For more information please call 315-362-5003 or visit www.onpointforcollege.org.

(Town of Dewitt, NY – July 3, 2011)  Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin E. Walsh reports that Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating an apparent suicide at the Onondaga County Department of Corrections, correctional facility.

At approximately 4:34pm, a corrections officer working at the Onondaga County Department of Corrections, located at 6660 East Seneca Turnpike, was conducting a housing unit tour when he discovered Jesus M. Carmona (45), in his cell with a bed sheet tied around his neck. The correction officer immediately radioed for assistance and entered the cell to free the unresponsive inmate from the bed sheet that was tied to a ventilation cover.

Responding officers and medical staff immediately began administering cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the inmate was transported by ambulance to Community General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Carmona was a United States Marshals detainee, admitted to the Onondaga County Correctional Facility on June 15, 2011.

Sheriff’s Detectives and the US Marshals Office will investigate the incident. The Onondaga County Department of Corrections has notified the New York State Commission of Corrections who will also review the incident.

(LaFayette, NY – July 2, 2011)  State Police in Lafayette are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred at 1:30pm on State Route 11 in the Town of Onondaga.

The driver of the motorcycle, 55-year-old Philip A. Contos from 45 Easy Street in Parish, was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson travelling southbound with a large group of motorcycles when he hit his brakes, began fishtailing and lost control.  Contos was ejected over the handlebars landing on the pavement and sustaining head injuries.  Contos was not wearing a helmet and was reportedly participating in a helmet protest ride.

He was transported to Upstate University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Evidence at the scene coupled with information from the attending medical expert indicated the driver would have survived had he been wearing a DOT-Approved helmet as required by law.

We would like to remind all motorists including motorcyclists, to drive safely, soberly, and obey all rules of the road to ensure an enjoyable 4th of July Holiday.

(West Monroe, NY – July 1, 2011) New York State Police in Hastings arrested two individuals after a road rage incident that occurred in the Town of West Monroe.

Darren C. Spalsbury, 19, of 2595 Route 37, Central Square was arrested and charged with first-degree Reckless Endangerment 1st degree (Class D Felony), second-degree Menacing (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor), and two counts of second-degree Harrasment (Violations).

Spalsbury confronted a motorist on County Route 37 in the Town of West Monroe whom he allegedly had an issue with regarding him following in his vehicle too closely to Spalsbury.  Spalsbury stopped his vehicle abruptly in the middle of the northbound lane of County Route 37, got out of his car brandishing a knife, and threatened to stab the other motorist with it.

Another subject who was in the area attempted to diffuse the situation and convince Spalsbury to remain at the scene while awaiting police arrival.

Spalsbury got back in his car and drove his vehicle towards this subject, nearly striking him on three separate occasions.  Spalsbury again exited his vehicle and began shoving other passing motorists that stopped to help.

Spalsbury was taken into custody upon arrival of Troopers with assistance from Oswego County Sheriff’s Deputies.

A female in Spalsbury’s vehicle, Christina M. Shelter, 19, attempted to prevent the arrest of Spalsbury and was charged with Obstructing Government Administration (Class A Misdemeanor).

Shelter was released with an appearance ticket.

Spalsbury was arraigned in the West Monroe Town Court and remanded to the Oswego County Jail on $6,000 cash bail/$12,000 bail bond.

(Syracuse, NY - June 30, 2011) County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney joined the staff at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo for the grand opening of Asian Elephant Preserve.  The exhibit, once a seasonal destination for the zoo’s female elephants, will become the permanent home for the entire herd.

“The elephants’ new home was designed by our animal experts and built by local businesses to provide our elephants with a beautiful environment that offers all the amenities the trainers need to ensure the health and well-being of the herd,” said Mahoney.

In addition to the four acre preserve, the new exhibit includes a 10,000+ square foot barn with a viewing window that will allow zoo visitors to freely view the elephants’ day-to-day activities and care, an experience never before offered at the zoo.

Features of the new exhibit include:

• An Elephant Overlook to allow visitors and families the opportunity to pause and spend time observing the elephants or watch an engaging elephant demonstration at a shaded overlook and seating area just off the existing boardwalk trail
• 10,000+ square foot barn (Pachyderm Pavilion)
• Four-acre naturalized habitat
• Three additional outdoor exercise enclosures
• Misters and sand wallows
• Oversized shade structures
• Giant scratching post
• World-class technology, allowing for the safe housing and handling of the elephants
• A private maternity ward with separate breeding and calving rooms

”This facility will allow us to bring home our three elephants, Targa, Mali and little Chuck, later this summer, giving us the distinction of being among the top five elephant herds in the nation,” said Chuck Doyle, former director of the zoo. “We will be able to continue our breeding program to help ensure that your children’s children will be able to experience the beauty of Asian elephants.”

Prior to the elephants entering the preserve, Janet Agostini, president of Friends of the Zoo and Jack Luchsinger, chairman of the board, presented Mahoney with a $250,000 check, payable to Onondaga County, as part of Friends of the Zoo’s $1.6 million commitment to the capital improvement projects.