(Oneida County, NY – Oct. 2011) October 2-8 is National 4-H Week, and Oneida County is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities.

In Oneida County, more than 300 4-H members and 120 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.  The Oneida County 4-H program reaches over 3000 total youth through after-school programs and other 4-H sponsored activities throughout the year.

Oneida county 4-H members are involved in a wide variety of projects from animals to robotics.  They actively participate in public communication events, community service and project specific shows and competitions.  4-H volunteers guide youth by using their individual expertise and mentoring them throughout the year.  An abundant amount of local, state, and national opportunities are available to those involved in 4-H.  These opportunities and more are available through the 4-H program and help us build our leaders of tomorrow.

Learn how you can become involved in 4-H by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County at (315) 736-3394, extension 122 or email Kristi Cranwell at kac292@cornell.edu

(Syracuse, NY – Sept. 28, 2011) The Central New York Region has everything a traveler could want out of a visit to New York State, from something old (historical landmarks, museums and rustic B&Bs) to something new (state-of-the-art science centers, modern theatrical performances and high-end spas). To emphasize the “something old,” the area is overflowing with quaint shops touting eclectic antiques and collectibles, offering a slice of the region’s rich past. It is truly a picker’s (and a historian’s) paradise.

For starters, the Madison-Bouckville area offers a year-round antique venue with over 30 shops featuring hundreds of dealers, plus the largest antique show in New York State every third week in August. This event, the Madison Bouckville Antique Week, draws more than 2,000 dealers for a weeklong show along one two-mile stretch of Route 20. Another superb find for antique hunters in Madison County is The Market at Oneida Commons, a neat little mall open year-round that’s packed with vintage items, crafts, jewelry, books, furniture, locally-produced Pride of NY foods and other odds and ends that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Cobbler & C. in Sharon Springs, Schoharie County, offers a treasure trove of antiques. Up on the second floor is a wide array of used, but “new to you” goods: a collection of old dishes, glassware, books, magazines and other collectibles.

In Oneida County, the Westmoreland Antique Center features 80 dealer spaces with a vast array of antiques and vintage collectibles like holiday merchandise, milk bottles, postcards and advertising collectibles, plus a vast selection of glassware, china and furniture.

Charlotte’s Antiques in Chenango County welcomes antique enthusiasts to pore over home décor, women’s clothing and jewelry, and rare collectibles, among other specialty items. For Iroquois artifacts, one-of-a-kind classics and various collectibles, Carriage Barn Antiques, Iroquois Antiques and Pheasant Farm Antiques are a few popular stops in the area.

The Little Falls Antique Center in Herkimer County showcases oldies but goodies from 18 dealers. Just a ways down the street, Stone Mill of Little Falls houses everything vintage from lighting, to clothing, to decorative arts and prints, plus local treasures like Oriental carpets from Erie Canal Carpets, sterling silver and cookbooks. The unexpected can be expected in the old factory atmosphere of this 1839 mill built on the banks of the Mohawk River, as the inventory is ever changing. Greater Binghamton’s Clinton Street, aptly named the “Antique Row,” is a hot spot for antiquing, hosting as many as 30 dealers at a given time. The locale makes perfect sense, as Clinton Street itself is an antique – it existed long before the city of Binghamton.

Cooperstown in Otsego County is saturated in antiquing opportunities. More than 50 shops line the area, from main streets to country roads, including NYS Route 7 corridor from Unadilla to Oneonta, the NYS Route 28 corridor from Oneonta to Cooperstown, and US Route 20, the road to the Madison-Bouckville Antique Show. For those seeking a myriad of vintage items, from china and glassware to historic textiles and furniture, shops like Barkley Barn Blue Ribbon Antiques, Lake Antiques and Antiques & Artifacts are must-sees. Even the antiquing venues themselves are fascinating and range from charming homes to old barns brimming with collectibles.

For some, a successful hunt for the perfect antique can take months or even years. The Central New York Region’s seemingly limitless supply of rare antiques and collectibles in dozens of shops across the area, however, can certainly help to shorten the duration of that hunt and make it quite enjoyable along the way.

For more antiquing opportunities and other information about the Central New York Region, check out:www.JustGoCNY.com.

Pictured from left, are, Officer Joseph Dare of the Utica Police Department, Riley Kohl (5 years old), Ella Lorraine (5 years old) and Edward P. Welsh, General Manager – AAA NY Central Region.

(Utica, NY- Sept. 2, 2011) The Utica Police Department and top state

and local officials have joined to urge vigorous public support of AAA’s annual “School’s Open—Drive Carefully” campaign to help preserve the safety of children traveling to and from school.

AAA’s yearly “School’s Open—Drive Carefully” campaign alerts motorists to the special risks to school-age children from motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death for children from five to fourteen years old.

To encourage drivers to exercise caution, Edward Welsh, General Manager of AAA New York’s Central Region said that “AAA will be placing colorful posters bearing the “School’s Open” legend to local police departments and will display them at many busy intersections and school crossings during the month of September.”

Motorists will receive an additional reminder each time they see one of the “School’s Open” bumper stickers, also distributed by AAA New York for display on trucks, buses, official vehicles, school buses and passenger cars. Among the prominent officials who have endorsed AAA’s “School’s Open” campaign this year are: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Barbara Fiala; Commissioner of Education, John King and Acting Superintendent of State Police, Joseph D’Amico. The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police also supports the campaign.

Officer Joseph Dare similarly endorsed the efforts of AAA New York and reminded motorists, “School’s Open – Drive Carefully.”

Ed Welsh also emphasized the need to show extra caution when driving as schools reopen, since it is then that vacation-minded children are apt to be less careful.  Motorists should be particularly alert for children darting out between parked cars on busy streets.

(Aug. 30, 2011) The Cultural Resources Council has expanded its role in providing grant support for Central New York artists and public arts programs.

A regional arts agency based in Syracuse, the CRC is now accepting applications for four different arts grant programs serving nine counties.

“The arts are an important element in the vitality of our communities,” said Steven Butler, CRC Executive Director. “In this time of economic retrenchment, we are pleased to offer support for arts activity in a wider geographic area.”

While the geographic reach of the four programs differs, support is now available to artists, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities in Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego and Oswego Counties. Potential applicants should check the specific program descriptions to determine eligibility.

Community Arts Grants are offered to not-for-profit organizations that sponsor community-based arts projects. Grants of $500 to $5,000 are awarded competitively for activities such as performances, arts festivals, exhibitions, public arts classes, mural projects, and many other programs that enhance local cultural life.

Funds are provided by the State and Local Partnership Program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), through its Decentralization initiative. Counties served by CRC Community Arts Grants are: Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego. Applications must be received by November 1.

Individual Artist Grants are offered to artists in the visual, performing, literary and media arts for carrying out creative projects that strengthen their connection to the community. Grants of $1,000 are awarded for activities such as the creation of art in public places; the creation of new music, choreography or scripts for public performance; the creation and public dissemination of film or video works.

Funds are provided by the State and Local Partnership Program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), through its Decentralization initiative. Counties served by CRC Individual Artist Grants are Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego.

Strategic Opportunity Stipends (SOS) are grants of $200 to $1,500 offered to working artists in all disciplines for specific opportunities that significantly benefit their career development. The CRC is one of eight regional organizations throughout New York who administer this program for the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).

The CRC administers Strategic Opportunity Stipends for artists residing in Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego Counties. Applications must be received by Sept. 12 or April 5.

Art$TART Grants of $500 to $2,000 support creative teaching partnerships between schools (Pre-K through Grade 12) and arts organizations or individual artists.

With funds from the Arts Education Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, the program supports curriculum-related projects in public or private schools of Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego counties.  Applications must be  received by Nov. 15.

Details and application procedures for all CRC arts grant programs are available on the CRC website at www.mycnyarts.org. The website also provides a listing of currently scheduled information meetings throughout Central New York.

Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority Regional Landfill to Produce Electricity from waste decomposition

(Ava, NY – Aug. 15, 2011) Following a partnership with Waste Management, based upon a formal RFP process, the Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (OHSWA) is breaking ground at its regional landfill to begin construction on a power plant that will use landfill gas to create electricity. Once built, the facility will create roughly 12,650 megawatt hours per year or enough renewable energy to power more than 1,800 homes. Over the next 20 years, the facility can be expanded to generate enough renewable energy to power over 8,500 homes.

This is the first project of its kind developed by OHSWA, which has partnered with Waste Management to construct and manage the facility once it goes live. Waste Management, which currently operates over 130 beneficial reuse landfill gas projects, is an expert in creating renewable energy from waste.

The electricity from this project will be created through a process called landfill-gas-to-energy. As organic materials, like food waste, decompose inside the landfill, gas comprised of about 55 percent methane is created. Collection wells placed all over the site currently absorb this gas and route it to a flare for destruction.  Once the plant is operational, the gas will be piped to the energy facility where it will be filtered and pressurized. From there, it will be used as a fuel to run an engine generator. The facility has been designed so that as gas flows increase over time, additional generators can be added to produce more power.  The project, currently in early stage construction, is set to go online early  2012.

When compared to fossil fuels, as well as other renewable sources of energy, including wind and solar, landfill gas has several benefits:

•             It’s endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an energy alternative to fossil fuels

•             It’s not dependent on other environmental factors, like wind or sunlight

•             It’s reliable during peak energy hours

•             It’s an economical alternative to other fuel sources, like natural gas.

“We are proud to continue our legacy of environmental stewardship with this waste-to-electricity project at our Regional Landfill,” said William Rabbia, OHSWA Executive Director. “Not only do we prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases, but we generate green energy, a win-win for the region and the environment.”

Additionally, proceeds the Authority receives as part of the project will be utilized to fund Authority programs and stabilize solid waste charges for haulers and residents alike.

“Waste Management has been developing landfill gas-to-energy technology for over two decades, and we operate more facilities than any other company in the United States,” said Paul Pabor, vice president of renewable energy for Waste Management. “As a leader in this industry, we understand how landfills operate and how to use technology to extract the most value from the waste stream.”

In New York, Waste Management has 5 other energy facilities in operation, producing approximately 25 megawatts of electricity. That is enough to save more than 100 thousand tons of coal annually and power over 27 thousand homes.

In total, WM owns or operates over 130 landfill-gas-to-energy facilities across North America, producing enough electricity to power more than 400,000 homes. Combined with the company’s other renewable energy projects, Waste Management produces over 9 million megawatt hours of electricity, or enough for more than 1.2 million homes.

For more information about this and other renewable energy programs, visit www.wm.com . To watch a video on how landfill gas-to-energy works, visit our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/wastemanagement.

ABOUT ONEIDA-HERKIMER SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY

The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority is a New York public benefit corporation, which was created by the State Legislature at the request of the Oneida and Herkimer Counties by passage of Article 8, Title 13-FF of the New York Public Authority Law on September 1, 1988. The Authority was created to address environmental problems associated with improper solid waste disposal, to develop new facilities and programs for waste reduction, recycling, and to address the lack of long-term disposal capacity for non-recyclable waste.

The Authority owns and operates a Recycling Center, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, Green Waste Composting Facility, Regional Landfill, and three transfer stations. Services include recycling, backyard composting, providing public education, promoting waste reduction and reuse of materials, and school “Go Green” initiatives, full-scale electronics collection and sludge management. The Authority is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, employs approximately 90 people and has an annual operating budget of $26 million.

For more information visit www.ohswa.org.

(Ava, NY – July 13, 2011) On July 13 at about 6 p.m. the State Police and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 7358, Route 249 in the Town of Ava to locate a subject who was calling the Oneida County 911 Center and threatening to kill the dispatchers there and any police who may be sent to his house.

Michael Besaw, 52, was identified as the caller.  Troopers and Deputies responded to the address and set up a perimeter around the residence.  Attempts to persuade Besaw to surrender were unsuccessful.

Ultimately the State Police Special Operations Response Team was deployed to the scene and took Besaw into custody after a brief struggle with Team members.

Besaw was charged with second-degree Aggravated Harassment and Resisting Arrest.  He was schedule to be arraigned in the Town of Ava court.

(Oneida, NY – June 22, 2011) An autopsy was performed by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office on June 20 for passenger Harold Carlton Reames, who passed away following the motor vehicle accident on Stoney Creek Road in the Town of Verona. The cause of death was determined to be Cranio-cerebral injuries caused by an automobile – fixed object collision.

An autopsy was performed by the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office on June 21 for the driver of the vehicle, Ellie H. Dombroski, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of death was determined to be a skull fracture with brain injuries, caused by blunt force trauma as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Original Release

(Verona, NY – June 19, 2011) A 1957 Austin-Healey convertible was travelling north bound on Stoney Creek road in the Town of Verona when the operator failed to stop for a “bridge closed” sign at the entrance of a bridge that spans over the Erie Canal.  The vehicle struck the “bridge closed” sign that was located just south of the bridge and continued north bound and struck a metal beam that was blocking the south entrance of the bridge.

The vehicle continued north bound onto the bridge and struck the guide rail along the west side of the bridge numerous times and then struck a metal beam that was blocking the north entrance of the bridge. The vehicle continued north bound and came to rest against the guide rail on the west shoulder of the roadway north of the bridge.

The operator of the vehicle Ellie Dombrowski, age 59, from Rock Road, Verona was deceased at the scene. The passenger and registered owner of the vehicle H. Carlton Reames, age 68, from Ava, NY is currently in critical condition at Upstate Medical hospital.  The cause of the accident is still under investigation

(Oneida, NY – June 20, 2011) Shortly after 8am this morning, H. Carlton Reames succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Upstate Medical Center.  Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.

New York State Police report

(Verona, NY – June 19, 2011) A 1957 Austin-Healey convertible was travelling north bound on Stoney Creek road in the Town of Verona when the operator failed to stop for a “bridge closed” sign at the entrance of a bridge that spans over the Erie Canal.  The vehicle struck the “bridge closed” sign that was located just south of the bridge and continued north bound and struck a metal beam that was blocking the south entrance of the bridge.

The vehicle continued north bound onto the bridge and struck the guide rail along the west side of the bridge numerous times and then struck a metal beam that was blocking the north entrance of the bridge. The vehicle continued north bound and came to rest against the guide rail on the west shoulder of the roadway north of the bridge.

The operator of the vehicle Ellie Dombrowski, 59, of Rock Road, Verona was deceased at the scene.

The passenger and registered owner of the vehicle, H. Carlton Reames, 68, of Ava is currently in critical condition at Upstate Medical hospital.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Update

(Oneida, NY – June 20, 2011) Shortly after 8am this morning,  H. Carlton Reames succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Upstate Medical Center.  Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.

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

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

ONEIDA COUNTY

Alder Creek

Michael J. Thompson, Non Matriculated

Ava

Daniel A. Smith, Criminal Justice

Blossvale

Heather Michele Light, Paralegal

Boonville

Lisa Evans, Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management

Matthew J. Pfendler, Criminal Justice

Rachel M. Soverns, Business: Business Administration

Camden

Amy L. Brazie, Radio-Television Broadcasting

Debrah A. Dean, Paralegal

Samantha R. Link, Business: Accounting

*Teresa M. Seymore, Paralegal

*Heather Irene Yager, Physical Therapist Assistant

Chadwicks

Brandie F. Lacey, Early Childhood

Clayville

Melissa Sue Ellis, Business: Marketing

Clinton

Bryan D. Adams, Computer Network Technician

*Thomas M. Baker, Radio-Television Broadcasting

Deerfield

Stephen M. Cronauer, Paralegal

William Brett Wenzel, Music Industry

Holland Patent

Wendy N. Baldanza, Paralegal

Robin Lynn DeMarco, Business: Accounting

*Rachel E. Hague, Early Childhood

*Tabatha M. Miller, Criminal Justice

Marcy

Danae M. Donatello, Business: Sports and Recreation Management

*Karajon Jordan Johnson, Physical Therapist Assistant

Catherine A. Zywiak, Physical Therapist Assistant

New Hartford

*Jason A. Colenzo, Physical Therapist Assistant

*Michael L. Elleman, Physical Therapist Assistant

Shaun Hadity, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Physical Education

*Amy M. Mathias, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Michael S. Powers, Computer Network Technician

Kristen M. Springer, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Carly A. Steet, Paralegal

*Candace R. Synrod, Physical Therapist Assistant

New York Mills

Scott Richard Phillips, Computer Support Specialist

Oneida

*Hannah M. Bailey, Physical Therapist Assistant

*Kimberly A. Copeland, Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management

Katelyn P. Eastman, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Colleen F. Samura, Medical Coding/Transcriptionist Certificate

Oriskany

Shannon L. Shannon, Business: Marketing

Remsen

Katelynn M. Coe, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Science

Melissa J. McGough, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Science

Rome

Holly M. Cutler, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Christopher P. Destito, Business: Accounting

Jennifer  M. Eisinger, Business: Accounting

Tabatha N. Freelove, Business: Health Services Management Technology

*Christa M. Hildenbrandt, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Melissa Elizabeth Pisano, Paralegal

Bobby Jo Viola, Business: Accounting

Sauquoit

Amanda Marie Malek, Buiness: Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Eric D. Verbickas, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Utica

*Cesar E. Arcentales, Criminal Justice

Helena M. Baris, Paralegal

*Kathie A. Brindisi, Medical Coding/Transcriptionist Certificate

Dane E. Brown, Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies

Alexandria R. Deno, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education

Adam P. Fenton, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education

*Tamara A. Flynn, Teaching Assistant Certificate

*Sandra D. Fries, Medical Coding/Transcriptionist Certificate

*Cristy L. Gilman, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Science

*Gerald Graham, Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management

James C. Hunt, Website and E-Business Development

*Heather M. Larrabee, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Science

*Briaunna L. McKinley, Paralegal

David Edward Morgan, Business: Sports and Recreation Management

Kelly A. Murray, Radio-Television Broadcasting

*Samantha T. O’Hern, Medical Coding/Transcriptionist Certificate

*Sharon E. Pine, Computer Network Technician

Michael J. Reich, Criminal Justice: Cybersecurity

*Amanda E. Reinhardt, Criminal Justice

*Nicole M. Rienzo, Photographic Technology

Nicole M. Robellard, Business: Marketing

Sara J. Rotundo, Physical Therapist Assistant

Brandi L. Schaaf, Business: Accounting

Justine R. Sussey, Business: Health Services Management Technology

Chandra V. Tanoury, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Science

Donna C. Waterman, Small Business Management Certificate

Kevin J. Waterman, Paralegal

Silas L. Watson, Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigations

Nicole L. Wilson, Non Matriculated

*Judith Joy Zarin, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Science

Vernon Center

Kerri Christina Chadderdon, Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigations

Westmoreland

*Archana Nayak, Paralegal

Whitesboro

Denise M. Deliberto, Paralegal

April L. Donohue, Fine Arts

Sheila J. Misiaszek, Business: Business Administration

Audra J. Rathbone, Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management

Melinda A. Wortz, Human Services

(Utica, Rome, NY – May 2011) Area residents receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees at the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome (SUNYIT) spring commencement ceremony May 7 included:

Robert Clarkgerman                Ava

Elizabeth Berry                       Canastota

Steven Fountain                      Canastota

Patricia Timmler                      Canastota

Leanne Palmer                        Hamilton

Christina Valencia                   Hamilton

Matthew Flanigan                   Oneida

Kristin Glass                           Oneida

Deanna Marji                          Oneida

Kevin Nelson                          Oneida

Mary Parry                              Oneida

Candace Russ                         Oneida

Edward Skinner                      Oneida

Nicole Stockbridge                 Oneida

Aarron Herzog                        Rome

Jaime Sweet                            Sherrill

Tracey Wuest                          Sherrill

Maryrose Rodda                     Stockbridge Valley

Crystal Chapple                      Vernon

Melody Nelson-Jenkins          Verona

Nadia Vedder                         Verona