Youth

FocalPoint Federal Credit Union Awards Scholarships

August 10, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Syracuse, NY August 9, 2011) FocalPoint Federal Credit Union has been serving the financial needs of Central New York’s workforce for more than 50 years. So it knows that paying for a young person’s college education is both a priority and a financial challenge for typical families. That’s why the Syracuse-based, not-for-profit financial cooperative is pleased to congratulate the 2011-12 winners of its annual FocalPoint College Scholarship program.

“We’re proud of these young members who are pursuing their dreams of going to college and we want to do everything we can to help make their educational dreams a reality,” said FocalPoint’s President & CEO Marilyn Marra-Crolick. “That’s why we’ve been awarding college scholarships for more than a decade. It’s an honor for FocalPoint to help young people who have inspired us with their hard work and commitment to making the most of their future.”

FocalPoint recently hosted an informal party for the young people and their families at the credit union’s Syracuse main branch. “College is an important time in the lives of young people and their families, so we just wanted to say congratulations and here’s to a successful future,” added Marra-Crolick.

Syracuse resident Darrius Ford graduated from Nottingham H.S. and will be applying his $500 scholarship while attending Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts majoring in Communication Design. Darrius volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club and was recognized with “Youth of the Year Award” in 2010. He also VP of the DECA club in his school and his artwork is displayed at Nottingham and Henninger High Schools.

Liverpool resident Elizabeth Bilbo will be making use of her $500 FocalPoint scholarship while attending Marymount Manhattan College, where she plans to major in Theater Management. Elizabeth participated in Liverpool High School’s National Honor Society and received many academic awards. She also participated in High School Theater.

Chittenango resident Aleksandra Osborne also received at $500 scholarship.

For more information, call (315) 463-8333 or visit www.focalpointfcu.com.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Business & Finance, Education, Liverpool, Opinion/Editorial, Syracuse, Youth Tagged With: Darrius Ford, Elizabeth Bilbo, FocalPoint Federal Credit Union, Henninger High School, Liverpool High School, Marilyn Marra-Crolick, syracuse university

Belleville Henderson Students Take Boston Field Trip

July 31, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Henderson, NY – July 2011) Students from Belleville Henderson Central School took a field trip to Boston for three days; they are seen here on the Lexington Green with their tour guide “Paul Revere.”

The trip was coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County which has created an Extended School Day Program at the school in order to offer extra learning opportunities for youth.

Thirty-six teens grades 9-11 attended the trip. Students had the opportunity to spend a day in Plymouth touring the Mayflower and Plymouth Plantation, a day in Boston on the Freedom Trail and Quincy Market, and a day in Lexington and Concord touring the Revolutionary War Battlefields.

Filed Under: Belleville, Education, Henderson, Jefferson County, Youth Tagged With: Belleville Henderson Central School, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Henderson NY news

Excellus BCBS Funds Diabetes Camp Scholarships

July 30, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

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.”

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Health, Health & Medicine, Ilion, Youth

Kids Explore the World in an Amazing Race

July 27, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

Pictured Baldwinsville Children’s Librarian Corrinne Needham congratulates Elizabeth Roberts and Michelle Elsmore at a Summer Reading Event on July 18.

(Baldwinsville, NY – July 26, 2011) This year’s Summer Reading Program in public libraries features the One World, Many Stories theme. Each Monday, the Baldwinsville Public Library has been offering outstanding programs to encourage kids to explore the many stories available everywhere.

A recent Monday afternoon found 12 teams of explorers, grades 2-5, tearing around the library in a library version of The Amazing Race. All teams competed in 10 activities based on the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal System. As they completed each task, they got their Reading Program passports stamped. The team of Michelle Elsmore and Elizabeth Roberts was the first to arrive at the finish line. Prizes were awarded to all participants.

Baldwinsville Public Library is a member of the Onondaga County Public Libraries, and is chartered to serve the residents of the Baldwinsville School District. More information on library services is available on their website, www.bville.lib.ny.us.

Filed Under: Baldwinsville, Education, Libraries, Onondaga County Agencies and Organizations, Youth Tagged With: Baldwinsville NY news, Baldwinsville Public Library, Baldwinsville School District, Corrinne Needham, Elizabeth Roberts, Michelle Elsmore

Zoo to Host Evening Event to Celebrate Elephants’ New Home

July 27, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Syracuse, NY – July 26, 2011) The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will host a “Homecoming Celebration” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 29 to celebrate the opening of the elephants’ new home, Asian Elephant Preserve.

Admission is $5 per person; children two and under are free.

“Each year we try to offer opportunities for our guests to enjoy the zoo after hours,” said Janet Agostini, president of Friends of the Zoo. “With the opening of Asian Elephant Preserve just a few weeks ago, we felt this was a good way to provide families with an affordable evening of entertainment at our beautiful facility.”

Northwestern Mutual, to commemorate their recent lead investment in Friends of the Zoo’s capital campaign, will give free ice cream to the first 100 children attending the Homecoming Celebration, which features animal demonstrations, games and music. The entire zoo will be open, including the Jungle Café and gift shop; a cash bar will also be available.

For more information visit: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/homecoming.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Calendar of Events, Syracuse, Youth Tagged With: Friends of the Zoo, Janet Agostini, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse NY news

August Events Scheduled at Baltimore Woods

July 20, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Marcellus, NY – Aug. 2011) Baltimore Woods Nature Center has scheduled to following programs in August.

Summer Adventure Day Camp continues in August, 2011

Send your children ages 4-14 to a camp adventure they’ll remember forever! Hiking and exploring 182 acres of woods including streams, ponds and meadows. Experienced certified counselors help your children learn about nature through hands-on, minds-on activities while they play outdoors. Before and after care available. FMI including registration packets, visit www.baltimorewoods.org.

Aug. 12 – Star Party: Perseid Meteor Shower 9-11 pm.

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the year’s best meteor showers and one of our most popular astronomy programs. The bright moon will blot out some of the fainter meteors, but many brighter ones should still be visible. In addition: how about views of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune? Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lie back and gaze for meteors. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. Back-up date: August 13.

Aug. 20 – Run for the Woods at Marcellus Park 7:45am

Co-sponsored by Marcellus Rotary Club, the run benefits Baltimore Woods and community service projects in Marcellus. Runners can choose the 5-mile or 4-kilometer run. Check-in and registration is at 7:45am in Marcellus Park. A 1K fun-run for kids starts at 8:30am. Call Phyllis Dank at (315) 463-9993 for more information.

Aug. 27 – Fireflies! 8:30-10pm

Fireflies know just what to do on a warm summer night. They have been delighting and mesmerizing people for time beyond measure. Come to The Woods to watch the light show and discover the fascinating and sometimes sneaky world of lightning bugs. Be sure to bring a flashlight. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108

Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays.
The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Baltimore Woods Nature in the City brings authentic natural science learning to K-6 grade urban school children. Supported by the Syracuse City School District and corporate sponsors, tied to the Syracuse City School District curriculum and New York State Science Standards, lesson content supports teachers while directly impacting students. Holding programs in parks and neighborhood green spaces as well as the classroom, students’ earliest learning experiences in the sciences are relevant, meaningful and fun.
Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

Filed Under: Calendar of Events, Environment and Nature, Environment and Nature, Marcellus, Youth

Nine Children Selected to Participate in Sheriff’s Summer Camp Program

July 17, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Onondaga County, NY – July 15, 2011) Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin E. Walsh is pleased to announce that 9 children from Onondaga County will be attending the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute’s 2011 Summer Camp.

The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp is designed to provide a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship. The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp, which is located near Penn Yan in Yates County, is supported by the Sheriffs’ Association’s Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues.

This year will mark the 35th year of the camp’s operation and will accommodate over 900 deserving boys and girls from across New York State.

Sheriff Walsh, in discussing the objectives and goals of the camp said, “The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a child who ordinarily would not have the chance, an opportunity to go away during the summer.”

Walsh pointed out that, “The primary objective is to create a positive interaction between the kids attending camp and the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who participate in the camp programs. We have found from experience during the first 34 summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce our laws. The deputies become their friends and in some cases substituteparents for a week.”

Throughout the week-long stay, the children observe special exhibits and demonstrations presented by Sheriffs’ Offices from across the State. Included in these presentations are D.A.R.E. presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, archery competitions for accuracy and even a talent show just for fun.

Upon completion of the kids stay, all children will be awarded a diploma for their participation in a program of “Good Citizenship and Law Enforcement Studies.”

Filed Under: Cops/Crime/Courts, Cops/Crime/Courts, Onondaga County Agencies and Organizations, Youth

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Seminar is This Weekend

July 8, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Cazenovia, NY – July 8, 2011) The following is the schedule and list of teens attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) seminar held at Cazenovia College. Students are selected for their leadership potential and willingness to serve others. Local Rotary clubs from across Central New York pick the teens and pay their tuition to attend the seminar.

More information on RYLA in Central New York is available at www.rotarydistrict7150.org/RYLA

Rotary District 7150 RYLA schedule for July 8-10, 2011

FRIDAY

7 a.m.: RYLA staff arrive, prepare stations on registration tables, get room keys, sign Staff Action Policy.

8-9:45: Registration in front entrance of Shove Suites (Building 6, along Seminary Street, off of Sullivan Street), room assignments and taking gear to Shove Suites rooms, then students go to Morgan Center. Secret Squares ice breaker, rules

9:45 to 9:55 Welcome, Morgan Room (Past District Governor Herb Jerry)

9:55 to 10:05: Conference rules and expectations (Larry Richardson)

10:05 to 10:20: Move project supplies to shelf building location, to be determined..

10:20 to 11:05: “The Importance of Effective Communication in Leadership and in Life,” (Maureen Louis, director of Communication Studies at Cazenovia College), Morgan Center

11:05 to 11:15: Restroom break.

11:15 to noon: “Developing the Attitude of a Champion,” (Tim Ahern, president of Ahern, Murphy & Associates) Morgan Center

Noon to 12:15 p.m.: “Free time” — Divide project parts

12:15 to 1: Lunch in Hubbard Hall dining center

1 to 1:45: “Know Your True Colors,” McDonald Lecture Hall in Eckel Hall (Phyllis Danks, former high school athletic director, Marcellus and Jordan-Elbridge high schools)

1:45 to 1:50 Move to Morgan Center

1:50 to 2:40: “Communicate to Motivate,” Morgan Room (Liz Metzger. librarian, Canastota Public Library)

2:40 to 2:45: Bathroom break

2:45 to 3:30: “Ethics and Credibility: How They Tie into Effective Leadership” Morgan Room (Kurt Wheeler, Mayor of Cazenovia)

3:30 to 3:35: Move to projects studio

3:35 to 4:10: Start assembling shelves

4:10 to 4:20: Break

4:20 to 4:45: Teen issues, and skit planning (Larry Richardson and Barbara Devendorf), Morgan Room

4:45 to 5:15: Swimming pool activities planning session, Coleman A&B or if weather is good, out on the Quad (Phyllis Danks)

5:15 to 6: “Free time”

6 to 6:40: Supper in Hubbard Hall dining center

6:40 to 7: Class meeting, day in review, Shove Hall lower lounge (Ellen Nowyj)

7 to 7:30: Change clothes and walk to college’s swimming pool

7:30 to 9: Swimming pool games and activities (games, Marilyn Anderson; ugly dive competition, Larry Richardson)

9 to 9:30 p.m.: Walk back to Shove Suites, change for evening activity

9:30 to 11:30: Mexican night snack and movie, Sayford Cafe

11:30: Lights out

SATURDAY

8 to 8:40: Breakfast in Hubbard Hall dining center

8:40 to 9:25: “Free time” (shelves), project area

9:25 to 9:30: Move to Morgan Room

9:30 to 10:15: Setting and prioritizing goals, Morgan Room (Paul Muench, varsity football coach and teacher at Fayetteville-Manlius High School)

10:15 to 10:20: Bathroom break

10:20 to 11:05: Internet, cell phones and personal life: Predators are watching you, and so is your future, Morgan Room (Wendy Fical, direcor of Utica office of National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)

11:05 to 11:15: Bathroom break

11:15 to noon: “Teamwork in politics, and the importance of working together throughout life,” Morgan Room (U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle)

noon to 12:40 p.m.: Lunch in Hubbard Hall dining center.

12:40 to 1:00: Dress for challenge course, walk to van pickup spot in driveway between Hubbard Hall and Shove Hall

1:00 to 2:15: Ride to challenge course at SUNY Institute of Technology, in Utica

2:15 to 6:30: Low-ropes challenge course

6:30: Leave in vans for Cazenovia College. Eat dinner on the way back

8:15 p.m. Arrive back at Cazenovia College

8:15 to 9: Spaghetti tower building — members and joints (Larry Richardson) interactive session, east end of Hubbard Hall cafeteria

9 to 11:30 Pizza & wings and a student-led Q&A, stand-up comedy, Sayford Cafe, followed by a teen-led game on the Quad

11:30: Lights out.

SUNDAY

8 to 8:45 a.m.: Breakfast in Hubbard Hall dining center

8:45 to 9:00: Group photo, hopefully outside on the quad

9:00 to 9:15: Teams move projects from studio to lobby of Hubbard Hall

9:15 to 9:40: Participants describe their planned service projects, including how they plan to gather resources and materials, Sayford Cafe

9:40 to 9:45: Move to the Morgan Room

9:45 to 10:05: Teens perform their skits, Morgan Room

10:05 to 10:25: Teens complete RYLA surveys, receive Rotary 2010-11 theme pin, Morgan Room

10:25 to 11:40: Get dressed for banquet, clean out rooms, have room and suite inspected by RYLA staff, carry luggage to the Morgan Room

11:40 to 11:50: Turn in envelope with room key and swipe card to Mary Beth Richardson in the lobby of Hubbard Hall, and get $20 security deposit

11:50 a.m. Take your seats in the banquet room.

noon to 2:00: Recognition banquet in College Dining Center. Special guest is Jenni Gratien, program director of Chadwick Residence. Keynote speaker is District Governor Jim Gascon (need PowerPoint projector, screen and laptop)

2:00: Get some of the teens to load the project into truck. Conference concludes. RYLA staff collapses.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Class of 2011

Bethanie “Beth” Abbott

3115 Falls Road

Marcellus, NY 13108

sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marcellus

Alan Baldwin

126 Lincklaen Street

Cazenovia, NY 13035

sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cazenovia

Madeline “Maddie” Balman

4059 South Street Road

Marcellus, NY 13108

sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marcellus

Alex Bateman

402 Park Avenue

Fulton, NY 13069

sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fulton Sunrise

Mike Best

P.O. Box 111

Bouckville, NY 13310

sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oriskany Falls

Brooke Cole

713 Jervis Avenue

Rome, NY 13440

Children Give Lemonade Stand Proceeds and Time to Watertown Urban Mission Food Pantry

July 8, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Watertown, NY – July 7, 2011) When eight-year-old Braden McLallen wanted to start a lemonade stand three years ago, his goal was not to raise money for some toy, it was to give back.

And this year, he and his friends chose to give back to the Watertown Urban Mission, with a goal of $50 because that’s what they estimated for the cost of a week’s groceries.

“He always wanted to raise the money to give back to charity,” said Tiffany McLallen, his mother. “It started out with a $10 loan from the bank of mom and has grown.”

Their stand raised $50.50 this summer for the Mission, and when he came by this morning with his brother and one of about 10 neighborhood kids who helped out, the three of them stuck around to help out, stocking baby food jars and applesauce, before helping to unload a produce and frozen meat delivery from the Central New York Food Bank. They were also thrilled to have television reporters there to interview them.

“This job is awesome,” said Gabe LaJoie, 7, as he wrote the expiration date on the top of a baby food jar. Later he added, “It was really fun when we started. It’s still fun.”

Braden said, “I just like to help people. I’ve been doing this for three years now.”

Patrick-John Fadel, 6, said everything they’ve done is because there are people who need help, and added, “I like doing the lemonade stand because we get more money for the food pantry and it helps people buy stuff.”

McLallen said the boys even washed a car to get $10 and the community has been very generous as she has helped the boys and their friends learn about giving and business.

“I just hope to nurture what I believe is a child’s innate need and want to give back. It’s nice and refreshing to see them do that,” she said. “They’re the ones who are going to be running these programs in the future.”

Executive Director Erika F. Flint said the boys’ enthusiasm and spirit of giving is a great asset to the community and the Watertown Urban Mission is thankful for their generosity and the generosity of all who give to the Mission.

Filed Under: Opinion/Editorial, Watertown, Youth

Second Graders Raise Chickens

July 4, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(LaFargeville, NY – June 2011) Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County’s Advantage After School Program recently completed a follow up project to the University’s Ag Literacy week program on chicken farming.

Second grade classrooms at LaFargeville Central School raised a crop of chickens. During the multi-week project the eggs were regularly “candled” so students could see the progress.

Pictured from left to right with some handsome chicks: Daniel Moore, Josh Russel, Olivia James and second grade teacher Ms. Hepfer. Back: Advantage Program Educator Jim Gwise.

Filed Under: Jefferson County, Lafargeville, Youth Tagged With: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, LaFargeville Central School, LaFargeville NY news

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