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Tenney: Safer Roads Start Here

April 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Website offers tools and safety tips for teen drivers

(April 20, 2011) In an effort to make local highways and roads safer, Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I –New Hartford) would like to invite teens and parents of the 115th district to utilize a new teen-driver-safety website offered by AAA called “Keys2Drive.”

“Car crashes are the leading killer of teens, so it is imperative that parents and teens utilize all available means to make the roads safer and create more-responsible drivers,” said Tenney. “Safe driving needs to be a collaboration between teens and their parents/guardians.”

Keys2Drive offers a wide variety of user-friendly programs and information for both teens and parents. Parents will have access to useful information like safe-driving conversation points to use when talking about the risks and responsibilities of driving and tools which help select the right vehicle for their teen driver. Teenagers will be able to utilize interactive tools such as DMV practice exams, videos of driving experiences, and widgets which help them understand car costs and maintenance.

“It is important that we prepare new drivers as much as possible for experiences they may encounter on the road. Through this website we can give them the most powerful tools at our disposal in order to help reduce the number of vehicle fatalities among teens,” said Tenney.

The website works first to prepare the young drivers, introducing them to driving under the supervision of an experienced adult and, ultimately, driving solo. The three-phase effort was designed by AAA. To use the Keys2Drive program, people can find more information online at www.teendriving.aaa.com.

 

Filed Under: Automotive, Government and Politics, Youth

Local Teens Featured in Film ‘Change’

April 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Earlville, NY – April 2011) The Earlville Awesome House teams up with Reality Check to show “Change,” a film by local teens taking on the Tobacco Industry, airing the film with the artists in the EOH Arts Café on Saturday April 30 at 1 p.m.

Jarred Egnew, a 16-year-old sophomore at Adirondack Central School was only 4 years old when his father died from bladder cancer caused by smoking. Reality Check youth are featured in the film, including Jarred, though he does not play himself.

Kier Faisst, a sophomore at New Life Christian School plays the emotional role.

The film delves into the history of tobacco marketing and how it may have directly impacted Jarred’s father’s decision to smoke over 45 years ago and moves into present day to address the way the tobacco industry continues to market to youth.

The tobacco industry has been quoted as saying “Today’s teenager is tomorrow’s potential regular customer.”

Reality Check youth from Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer counties were moved to action by this quote. This past summer, they began looking closer at tobacco marketing in stores that kids shop. They found tobacco to be the most heavily advertised product and the colors and designs of the packaging were appealing to them as youth.  Studies show that youth are up to twice as likely to recall tobacco marketing than adults. Billions of dollars are spent yearly to advertise tobacco products in stores youth shop in regularly and studies show that the more advertising youth see, the more likely they are to smoke.

They wanted to raise awareness in their communities about what they saw and what they would want to change. They decided to make a movie, which came to be aptly titled, Change. Youth from all three counties came together at a Reality Check retreat where this idea was developed and the plans were made to execute the idea.

The teens were able to do observations in over 50 stores in the three-county area. During their observations, the teens found that pharmacies and convenience stores had the largest number of tobacco products displayed as well as having the most tobacco ads.  In contrast, they also found stores like Price Chopper, which had done exactly what they were hoping for by covering up their tobacco displays.

Countries like Canada and Ireland have banned the display of tobacco products and their youth use rates are on the decline. Currently, 90 percent of people who smoke started before they were 18.

After their observations, it was time for the youth to invite the community and elected officials to ask themselves “Isn’t it time for Change?” through their film. The youth felt it was important for the film to include the facts, but also a personal story and one Reality Check teen was brave enough to share his.

The public is invited to come and meet the youth leaders, when they show their film. No admission is charged. The Earlville Opera House is located in downtown Earlville.

For more information contact them at realitycheckcny@gmail.com or visit  www.realitycheckcny.com.

Reality Check is a youth action movement in New York State aimed at exposing the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry. Reality Check is not against smokers, but against how the tobacco industry markets their products. Reality Check is a component of The New York State Tobacco Control Program and in Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer Counties is a program of BRiDGES, the Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.

For more information about Reality Check or about the film go to their website www.realitycheckcny.com or contact them by phone at (315) 727-6296.

 

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Calendar of Events, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Youth

Herkimer County Healthnet is offering local Schools assistance Going Screen-Free

April 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Herkimer, NY – April 2011) Herkimer County Healthnet will join thousands of schools, libraries, and community groups nationwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of Americans to turn off televisions, computers, and video games for seven days and turn on the world around them.  Screen-Free Week is a chance for children to read, play, think, create, be more physically active, and to spend more time with friends and family.

Screen-Free Week is a much needed respite from the screen media dominating the lives of so many children.  Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that we help children discover the joys of life beyond screens.

On average, preschool children spend over four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend over seven hours a day including multitasking.  Excessive screen time is linked to a number of problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, and problems with attention span.

Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff) is coordinated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a national advocacy organization devoted to reducing the impact of commercialism on children.  Since the Week’s founding in 1994, it has been celebrated by millions of children and their families worldwide.  For more information, visit www.screenfree.org.

Herkimer County families looking for alternative activities during Turnoff Week can view a list of area events on Herkimer Healthnet’s website http://www.herkimerhealthnet.com/home.html.

Any school personnel interested in having Turnoffweek events in their school during the week following Spring break should contact tlockwood@herkimercounty.org.

Children participating in Turnoff Events sponsored through their schools will be eligible to win prizes at the conclusion of Turnoff Week.

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Calendar of Events, Education, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Youth

Earth Day Program Offered

April 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

(Ilion, NY – April 2011) Girl Scouts in kindergarten through eighth grade will learn about the environment during an Earth Day program on Wednesday, April 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ilion. New members are welcome and pre-registration is required.

Girls will watch some presentations by other Girl Scouts and then plant seeds in a pot in honor of Earth Day. Girls will also learn about plants and be able to do their own science experiments.

The cost is $4 per girl and the registration deadline is Monday, April 11. For more information, or to register, contact (315) 733-2391, ext. 2118.

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

April Events Scheduled at Baltimore Woods

March 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Marcellus, NY – April 2011) 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.

 

Calendar of Events

 

April 2 Habitat Gardening Workshop with Carolyn Summers:

 

8-10am Why Natives’ and Principles of Safe Sex in the Garden;

 

10:30am-12:30 Basic Design Concepts and Showy Native Plants

 

The Habitat Gardening in Central New York, a chapter of Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes brings author Carolyn Summers to Baltimore Woods for a two part workshop introducing the principles of native and habitat gardening. For details and full workshop description, visit our website, or www.hgcny.org.

 

April 9 Saturday Fly Tie 11am-noon

 

Spring fishing is almost here and those flies won’t tie themselves! Join Tom for a relaxing Saturday morning at the tying vise. Don’t forget your tools, materials, and fish stories. Please register, donations appreciated.

 

April 12 Keep it Natural: Sally Hunt 10:30-11:30am

 

Baltimore Woods is home to several species of salamanders. Join us on a spring hike in search of sallies and their habitats. $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.

 

April 16 “Eat Your Enemy” Earth Day Event 10am-1pm

 

Once again, The Woods needs you to be part of our special task force against the highly invasive garlic mustard. This edible plant was brought to America as part of pioneer gardens; however, it is invasive and now endangers native woodland wildflowers. Whether you volunteer pulling garlic mustard or sprucing up the grounds, gardens and trails, you will be treated to a lunch that features unique and delicious dishes featuring garlic mustard as the special ingredient.  Bring your friends and eat your enemy! Please register.

 

April 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 Weekend Wildflower Walks 2-3pm

 

Baltimore Woods Nature Center’s premier woodland wildflower garden is a local treasure. Join caretaker Audrey Loewer for a pleasant walk through one of the wonders of spring. Each week new species will bloom, and Audrey will reveal their past and present medicinal and culinary uses. The garden is handicap accessible; please call ahead if you need assistance. Donations appreciated.

 

April 18-22 April Spring Break Camp: Mud Week 2011!  9am-4pm

 

Bring on the mud! It’s time for spring break and that can only mean Mud Week at Baltimore Woods! Join us for a week of exploration and adventure in the spring mud. We’ll explore the pond, the beaver dams, Harrison’s Hideaway, and more! Don’t miss the 5th Annual Great Log Roll Off! Check out the BWNC website for details and registration forms. Before and after care available. For children ages 5-12. Space is limited, so register early! Ah…mud!

 

April 22 Star Party: Lyrid Meteor Shower 8:30-10:30pm

 

Join Bob Piekiel to catch the Lyrid meteor shower, caused by dust from the Comet Thatcher. Saturn will be at its closest and brightest for the year. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you want to lie back and watch for meteors. Back-up date: April 23. $5 for members; $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

 

 

April 23 Natural Eggs-travaganza 10:30-noon

 

Families are invited to this celebration of spring that includes natural egg dying and a treasure hunt through Baltimore Woods. First, follow the clues to the golden egg, your ticket to tasty treats. Then, back at the center, enjoying dying eggs with natural dyes. Registration required. Members $15/family; nonmembers $25/family.

 

April 25 Nature’s Little Explorers: Sensing Nature 10-11am

 

Why do birds call? Why are plants green? What does fur feel like? Explorers will engage in a variety of interactive sensory activities, to discover the answers to these natural mysteries. Please visit  www.baltimorewoods.org for full program description.

 

April 25 Home School Expeditions: Traveling Water Drop (grades 3-6) 1pm-2pm

 

Have you ever been trapped in a cloud or glacier? How about fall from the sky or get hurtled down rapids? Explore the interactions people have with the complex water cycle. Please visit  www.baltimorewoods.org for full program description.

 

April 27 Birding Series: Getting Started 7-8:30pm:BWNC and the Onondaga Audubon Society team up to help get you started with a hobby that promises a lifetime of joy. This first program focuses on species ID tips and tricks, binocular selection, and bird feeding essentials. There will be a corresponding field trip on Saturday the 30th. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. 27 Birding Series: Getting Started 7-8:30pm

 

April 30 Habitat Gardening Series with Janet Allen: Habitat Gardening for Life 2-3:30pm

 

Caring for our own yard is the most immediate way we care for the earth. By providing habitat for even the smallest creatures and by using earth-friendly landscaping practices, we can help create a healthy planet for our future generations. Just as important, we can reconnect with the natural world as we enjoy our own little piece of the earth every day. Become a habitat gardener and watch your yard come to life! $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.

 

April 30 Bird Field Trip: Baltimore Woods and other Local Hot Spots 8-11am Here’s a chance to put into practice the basic birding skills learned from the workshop on the 27th. We will visit some key birding hotspots close to Marcellus. Meet our group of skilled birders at Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.

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

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.

For more information, call 315 673-1350 or visit www.baltimorewoods.org.

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

April Events Scheduled at Baltimore Woods

March 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Marcellus, NY – April 2011) 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.

 

Calendar of Events

 

April 2 Habitat Gardening Workshop with Carolyn Summers:

 

8-10am Why Natives’ and Principles of Safe Sex in the Garden;

 

10:30am-12:30 Basic Design Concepts and Showy Native Plants

 

The Habitat Gardening in Central New York, a chapter of Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes brings author Carolyn Summers to Baltimore Woods for a two part workshop introducing the principles of native and habitat gardening. For details and full workshop description, visit our website, or www.hgcny.org.

 

April 9 Saturday Fly Tie 11am-noon

 

Spring fishing is almost here and those flies won’t tie themselves! Join Tom for a relaxing Saturday morning at the tying vise. Don’t forget your tools, materials, and fish stories. Please register, donations appreciated.

 

April 12 Keep it Natural: Sally Hunt 10:30-11:30am

 

Baltimore Woods is home to several species of salamanders. Join us on a spring hike in search of sallies and their habitats. $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.

 

April 16 “Eat Your Enemy” Earth Day Event 10am-1pm

 

Once again, The Woods needs you to be part of our special task force against the highly invasive garlic mustard. This edible plant was brought to America as part of pioneer gardens; however, it is invasive and now endangers native woodland wildflowers. Whether you volunteer pulling garlic mustard or sprucing up the grounds, gardens and trails, you will be treated to a lunch that features unique and delicious dishes featuring garlic mustard as the special ingredient.  Bring your friends and eat your enemy! Please register.

 

April 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 Weekend Wildflower Walks 2-3pm

 

Baltimore Woods Nature Center’s premier woodland wildflower garden is a local treasure. Join caretaker Audrey Loewer for a pleasant walk through one of the wonders of spring. Each week new species will bloom, and Audrey will reveal their past and present medicinal and culinary uses. The garden is handicap accessible; please call ahead if you need assistance. Donations appreciated.

 

April 18-22 April Spring Break Camp: Mud Week 2011!  9am-4pm

 

Bring on the mud! It’s time for spring break and that can only mean Mud Week at Baltimore Woods! Join us for a week of exploration and adventure in the spring mud. We’ll explore the pond, the beaver dams, Harrison’s Hideaway, and more! Don’t miss the 5th Annual Great Log Roll Off! Check out the BWNC website for details and registration forms. Before and after care available. For children ages 5-12. Space is limited, so register early! Ah…mud!

 

April 22 Star Party: Lyrid Meteor Shower 8:30-10:30pm

 

Join Bob Piekiel to catch the Lyrid meteor shower, caused by dust from the Comet Thatcher. Saturn will be at its closest and brightest for the year. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you want to lie back and watch for meteors. Back-up date: April 23. $5 for members; $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

 

 

April 23 Natural Eggs-travaganza 10:30-noon

 

Families are invited to this celebration of spring that includes natural egg dying and a treasure hunt through Baltimore Woods. First, follow the clues to the golden egg, your ticket to tasty treats. Then, back at the center, enjoying dying eggs with natural dyes. Registration required. Members $15/family; nonmembers $25/family.

 

April 25 Nature’s Little Explorers: Sensing Nature 10-11am

 

Why do birds call? Why are plants green? What does fur feel like? Explorers will engage in a variety of interactive sensory activities, to discover the answers to these natural mysteries. Please visit  www.baltimorewoods.org for full program description.

 

April 25 Home School Expeditions: Traveling Water Drop (grades 3-6) 1pm-2pm

 

Have you ever been trapped in a cloud or glacier? How about fall from the sky or get hurtled down rapids? Explore the interactions people have with the complex water cycle. Please visit  www.baltimorewoods.org for full program description.

 

April 27 Birding Series: Getting Started 7-8:30pm:BWNC and the Onondaga Audubon Society team up to help get you started with a hobby that promises a lifetime of joy. This first program focuses on species ID tips and tricks, binocular selection, and bird feeding essentials. There will be a corresponding field trip on Saturday the 30th. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. 27 Birding Series: Getting Started 7-8:30pm

 

April 30 Habitat Gardening Series with Janet Allen: Habitat Gardening for Life 2-3:30pm

 

Caring for our own yard is the most immediate way we care for the earth. By providing habitat for even the smallest creatures and by using earth-friendly landscaping practices, we can help create a healthy planet for our future generations. Just as important, we can reconnect with the natural world as we enjoy our own little piece of the earth every day. Become a habitat gardener and watch your yard come to life! $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.

 

April 30 Bird Field Trip: Baltimore Woods and other Local Hot Spots 8-11am Here’s a chance to put into practice the basic birding skills learned from the workshop on the 27th. We will visit some key birding hotspots close to Marcellus. Meet our group of skilled birders at Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.

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

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.

For more information, call 315 673-1350 or visit www.baltimorewoods.org.

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

Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES Earns Honorable Mention at ProStart Competition

March 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

ALBANY, NY (03/21/2011)(readMedia) The 7th Annual New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NYSRAEF) ProStart Culinary and Management Competition was held at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park March 11 and 12.

Twenty-five judges from both the restaurant industry and post-secondary institutions evaluated 16 culinary team presentations, and 11 judges covered the seven teams competing in the management event. Thirteen colleges and universities from around the country awarded $1, 010,750 in scholarship funds.

A highlight of the event was the announcement that the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) was awarding $1,000 to every school that participated in this outstanding competition, as a way for NYSRA to give back to the schools.

“The professionalism displayed by these young people at this event was incredible”, said Chef Michael Zema, CEC, CCE, FMP, of St. Charles, IL, the lead judge for the culinary event. “I’ve been to several ProStart competitions around the country over the years, and what took place in Hyde Park was without doubt one of the most impressive competitions I’ve ever attended.”

This observation was echoed by both Toby and Pam Strianese, professors at Schenectady County Community College, hospitality authors and lead judges for the newly-redesigned management competition. “We have just been part of a true learning experience for the high school students who participated in this extraordinary event and who now clearly recognize how important management is in operating a successful restaurant.”

Rick Sampson, President and CEO of the NYSRA and NYSRAEF, was in attendance for his 7th straight ProStart state competition. “We want to thank our good friends at the Culinary Institute of America for making the 2011 competition one to remember. The CIA faculty and staff deserve positive recognition for their hard work on behalf of these schools, educators, and students. And hats off to all of our competitors; we are very proud of these young people here in New York who are the future of the restaurant industry.”

The winning teams are as follows:

 

• Culinary teams

 

*1st Capital Region BOCES (Schoharie)

 

* 2nd GST – Bush Campus (Elmira)

 

* 3rd Food & Finance HS (New York)

 

* Hon. Mention Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES (New Hartford)

 

• Management Teams

 

* 1st Orange Ulster BOCES (Goshen)

 

* 2nd Putnam/N. Westchester (Yorktown Heights)

 

* 3rd Lake Shore Carrier (Angola)

 

* Hon. Mention GST – Bush Campus (Elmira)

 

The 2012 NYSRAEF ProStart event will be held at the Niagara Conference Center in Niagara Falls March 23rd and 24th.

For more information about NYSRA and the ProStart program visit www.nysraef.org.

 

Filed Under: Education, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Youth

Got Talent? Tell Your Story for Literacy Awareness Contest

March 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Oneida, Herkimer Counties, NY – March 2011) The Literacy Coalition of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is sponsoring a creative literacy awareness contest until April 15 in conjunction with March being “Reading Awareness Month.”

“Tell us your experience with literacy, and what literacy means to you,” noted Coalition Member Renee Cerio, a family literacy teacher with Madison-Oneida County BOCES. “Be as creative and authentic as possible. You can enter stories, jingles, songs, raps, slogans, posters, pictures, videos, or any creative medium.”

Winners will be recognized, and their entries may be used in a multi-media campaign to promote the importance of literacy, she said.

The contest is open to all children and adults. Entries are due no later than April 15, and will become the property of the Literacy Coalition.

Submit entries via email to literacycoalition13502@gmail.com, or by mail to:

 

Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network

c/o Lynn Gates

1000 Cornelia St.

2nd Floor

Utica, NY 13502

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Education, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Youth

‘Solvay Youth Hoops Concludes Inaugural Season’

March 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Solvay, NY – March 11, 2011) On Thursday March 3, Solvay High School hosted “Game Night,” a night of basketball to conclude the first season of the Solvay Youth Hoops Program.

The idea for the program originated last year among Solvay basketball coaches Joe Barnello and Cole Blossey, and Solvay teacher Chris Procopio.

“We were travelling on the bus to one of our away games, talking about the need to get young kids to do more than sit around playing video games.  The Solvay Geddes Youth Center used to run all kinds of programs for kids, but that’s fallen off in the last 10 to 15 years.  Chris offered to run a basketball program for kids in grades 5 through 8, so we decided to give it a try,” said Barnello.

Over forty boys signed up for the Thursday night program which was held at Solvay Middle School in Lakeland.  According to Barnello, the program stressed skill development rather than games.  “We wanted the boys to learn some of the basic skills of the game, and we wanted to make it fun, and Chris and Don (Vincentini), who ran the program along with Chris, certainly accomplished those goals.”

The program is looking to grow in numbers in the years ahead by careful planning and expanding to different age groups.  “We started all this on the spur of the moment late last fall.  We now have a better sense of what we need to do to grow the program,” added Barnello.

Filed Under: Solvay, Sports, Youth

‘Solvay Youth Hoops Concludes Inaugural Season’

March 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Solvay, NY – March 11, 2011) On Thursday March 3, Solvay High School hosted “Game Night,” a night of basketball to conclude the first season of the Solvay Youth Hoops Program.

The idea for the program originated last year among Solvay basketball coaches Joe Barnello and Cole Blossey, and Solvay teacher Chris Procopio.

“We were travelling on the bus to one of our away games, talking about the need to get young kids to do more than sit around playing video games.  The Solvay Geddes Youth Center used to run all kinds of programs for kids, but that’s fallen off in the last 10 to 15 years.  Chris offered to run a basketball program for kids in grades 5 through 8, so we decided to give it a try,” said Barnello.

Over forty boys signed up for the Thursday night program which was held at Solvay Middle School in Lakeland.  According to Barnello, the program stressed skill development rather than games.  “We wanted the boys to learn some of the basic skills of the game, and we wanted to make it fun, and Chris and Don (Vincentini), who ran the program along with Chris, certainly accomplished those goals.”

The program is looking to grow in numbers in the years ahead by careful planning and expanding to different age groups.  “We started all this on the spur of the moment late last fall.  We now have a better sense of what we need to do to grow the program,” added Barnello.

Filed Under: Solvay, Sports, Youth
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