(Rome, NY – Feb. 5, 2012) Stubby is a handsome, 4-5 year old, neutered male, tan and white hound/lab/pit mix.  He is friendly and affectionate and he likes other dogs and cats.  Stubby has been to pet therapy at the nursing homes and everyone loved him!  You’re going to love him too!

Half Moon is a very cute, 7-8 year old, neutered male, black and white cat.  He is sweet and gentle and he loves to be talked to and petted.  Half Moon is kind of shy and would love a calm, quiet home.  Because he is a senior, his adoption fee is reduced!

For more information on how to adopt these pets, contact:
Humane Society of Rome, Inc.
PO Box 4572
Rome, NY 13442-4572
Shelter: (315) 336-7070   Office: (315) 337-1434   Fax: (315) 336-4918
Email: humanesocietyrome@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.humanesocietyrome.com

(Rome, NY –  Feb. 5, 2012) Yesterday, Feb. 4, the American Heart Association and Rome City School District held their Rome Indoor Run/Walk and Pre-Registration for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.  The event was sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital and hosted by Rome Free Academy.  The event had 246 participants who helped raise $25,343 to fight heart disease and stroke.

Highlights of this year’s event were:

• Inspirational Honoree, Russell Arant, a 35 year old Rome resident and Director of Surgical Services at Rome Memorial Hospital told his story during the Opening Ceremony about his open heart surgery in October 2010.  During an annual physical, it was discovered that Russell suffered from a congenital heart birth defect, which lead to his surgery.  Russell is a dedicated husband and father of two beautiful children.
• The event offered different walk courses to attract different types of walkers; for the person that would like a leisurely walk, there is an indoor oval track and for the more avid walker/runner there are challenging courses. ALL INDOORS!
• There were friendly activities for the children to enjoy happening at Sydney’s Circle. Sydney was a Rome resident who passed away from heart disease and Sydney’s Circle is a way to honor her memory with a fun filled morning of activities.
• There were many vendors at the Expo for the community to visit and Rome Memorial Hospital offered free blood pressure screenings.

For more information on America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2012, please contact the American Heart Association at 315.266.5403 or visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org

 First Niagara representatives present $1,000 grant check to the Rev. Bill Dodge, executive director of the Rescue Mission of Utica, for the mission’s food pantry. From left: Frank Tamburrino, Cash Management specialist; Deborah Cotton, Area Sales Manager; Beth Luvera, Branch Manager of Rome; Deborah Curtis, Branch Manager of New Hartford; Rev. Dodge; Matthew Nicholl, Branch Manager of Clinton, and Judy Rowlands, Mortgage consultant.

(Utica, NY – Feb. 2, 2012) First Niagara’s Charitable Giving Committee has awarded a $1,000 grant to the Rescue Mission of Utica for the mission’s food pantry.

In presenting the grant, Area Sales Manager Deborah Cotton and New Hartford Branch Manager Deborah Curtis said it was a way to give back to the community and address a growing need – hunger. Also participating in the presentation were First Niagara Mortgage Consultant Judy Rowlands, Cash Management specialist Frank Tamburrino, Beth Luvera, Manager of the Rome office as well as Matthew Nichol from The Clinton Branch.

In expressing his gratitude to bank officers, Rescue Mission Executive Director Rev. Bill Dodge said the grant “came at the perfect time because it means that families in need can get food.” The grant will help replenish non-perishable items, he said, noting: “This is a significant gift for our food pantry because we really can make the dollars stretch.”

The past year was “extraordinary in the number of unemployed and underemployed people seeking help in providing food for their families,” he said. “The need has been steadily rising for two years, and this past fall it spiked with over a 200 percent jump in people seeking help. In November, for example, we had a record number of families receiving food from our community meal program – over 2,500 families.”

(Rome, NY – Jan. 2012) ACCESS Federal Credit Union recently announced the appointment of Sandra L. Reader to their professional staff. Reader has joined ACCESS in the position of Member Representative at their Rome branch.

Reader comes to ACCESS Federal Credit Union with more than 40 years experience in the banking industry, serving in varying capacities throughout her career. She most recently served as Vice President of Consumer Loans for Rome Savings Bank prior to its acquisition by Berkshire Bank. Reader said that she “hopes to use her vast banking experience to assist members and aid in the growth of the credit union.”

According to Thomas L. Owens, ACCESS President and CEO, bringing Reader on board serves to benefit both the credit union and the customers they serve.

“I am extremely pleased and very excited to have Sandy join our staff,” Owens said.  “I’ve had a great business banking relationship with her which started over thirty years ago when we both worked for the Oneida National Bank.”

Owens indicated that Reader is a “perfect fit” for ACCESS, in that she gives priority to honest member service and relationships over organizational sales goals. “I know Sandy is looking forward to getting back to ‘old fashioned banking’ where she will have the authority to serve her long-time trusted bank clients.  We are certainly looking forward to having her as part of the ACCESS team.”

In addition to her role as a banking professional, Reader is also an active member of the Rome community. She serves as a member of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce and Zonta International, currently acting as president of the Rome Zonta Club. Reader resides in Rome with her husband, Doug.

ACCESS Federal Credit Union is based in Clinton with branches in Camden, Oneida, Sherrill, Rome and Waterville. Everyone who lives, worships or goes to school anywhere in Oneida County or the City of Oneida are eligible to join.

(Rome, NY – Feb. 1, 2012) Five local finalists have been chosen from the nominations collected this past winter to compete for the American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award sponsored by Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil.

Rhonda Brooker, Tory Hauck, Marybeth McCall, Carrie Mineo, and Jeffrey Moyer now wait to see who will be named the 2012 winner after America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 3. This year, the winner will be determined by votes cast on the Olivari Mediterranean Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olivarimediterranean. Voting opens today.

This is the second year of the American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award. The finalists have all made positive changes in an effort to lead healthier lifestyles. Votes can be submitted by online users starting today, February 1, through Friday, March 2. One vote per person. Voters are encouraged to share the link with online friends. The announcement of the winner takes place at the post-event ceremony of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 3, 2012 in the Harold T. Clark Athletic Center at Utica College.

“The creation of this award last year sparked some new excitement with the event,” said Dick Mattia, executive director of the American Heart Association. “After some thought, Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil and our organization decided to let the community vote online on the winner this year, allowing more people to be involved in the decision and allowing more honorees to be recognized. Despite the final outcome of the contest on March 3, know that all our finalists have made positive changes to improve their health and prevent any future heart-related issues. They are all winners!”

Fans are encouraged to vote for the finalist who they felt made the most significant strides in living a healthier life. A photo and brief account of their story is posted online on the voting page.

Rhonda Brooker of West Winfield suffered from a heart attack a few years ago. She decided to start walking daily and now eats healthier. As a survivor, she is determined to live in such a way where she can prevent any future heart-related problems.

After losing her husband to a heart attack last year, Tory Hauck of Utica decided to change her lifestyle. She began going to the gym each day and altered her eating habits. She lost 60 pound and has reduced her risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Tory is also a 15-year cancer survivor.

After accepting the role of the Go Red for Women chair in Syracuse, Dr. Marybeth McCall of Utica realized that she had to set a good example for others – especially since she is a physician. She undertook a diet and exercise program and lost more than 50 pounds. She was able to bring her BMI to a normal range and her glucose to regular levels.

Through excessive eating and little exercise, Carrie Mineo of Whitesboro became overweight. She finally decided to make a change and in the summer of 2009, Carrie joined Weight Watchers, started walking regularly, and began eating healthier. She eventually graduated to running and now participates in many local running events. Carrie has lost more than 100 pounds.

At 320 pounds, Jeffrey Moyer of Hamilton bought an elliptical machine and began working out daily. Over the course of a year and a half, he managed to lose almost 100 pounds. Jeff got serious about running and now competes often. He is currently training for his first marathon in Buffalo this May.

Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil is bottled locally in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Olivari emphasizes the Mediterranean way of life. Exercising regularly, enjoying fresh meals with close family and friends, and maintaining a balanced diet are just some ways to live out the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.

For more information, visit olivarimediterranean.com.

(Rome, NY – Jan. 30, 2012) October is a beautiful, 3-4 year old, spayed female, brown tiger cat.  She is playful and friendly and she loves to talk.  October would make a wonderful companion, so take her home today!
To adopt October, contact:

Humane Society of Rome, Inc.
PO Box 4572
Rome, NY 13442-4572
Shelter: (315) 336-7070   Office: (315) 337-1434   Fax: (315) 336-4918
Email: humanesocietyrome@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.humanesocietyrome.com

The following Cultural Events are scheduled for the week of January30 – February 5, 2012 at Mohawk Valley Community College.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Kathleen LoGiudice  Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Union College, will present the lecture “Biodiversity and Disease Risk” at 3:00 p.m. in Excellus Room 225 in the Information Technology Building on the Utica campus. LoGiudice will present the lecture on the Rome campus, at 6:00 p.m. in the Festine Auditorium in the Plumley Complex.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, MVCC will host a “Jitters” Open Mic Night at 7:00 p.m. in the Snack Bar in the Alumni College Center. Signups will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be a limited supply of free refreshments available.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the documentary film “The Cove” will be shown at 7:00 p.m. in the Festine Auditorium in the Plumley Complex on the Rome campus. The film was awarded the 2010 Academy Award for “Best Documentary Feature.”  This film analyzes and questions Japan’s dolphin hunting culture. Admission is $5 general, $2 faculty/staff, free for MVCC students. Visit thecovemovie.com.

Celebrate Groundhog Day, Thursday, Feb. 2, with the film of the same name.

“Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, will be shown at 7:00 p.m. in the Festine Auditorium in the Plumley Complex on the Rome campus.

A full listing of the Fall Cultural Series can be found in the MVCC Events and Entertainment brochure. Call the MVCC Box Office at 315-731-5721 to receive one by mail, or visit the MVCC Cultural Series website at www.mvcc.edu/culture for the most up-to-date information. www.mvcc.edu

(Jan. 26, 2012) New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli met with Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R, C, IP- Oneida, Lewis and St. Lawrence), Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco last week in Albany to discuss issues facing the cities of Utica and Rome, as well as ways in which the Comptroller’s Office can provide  assistance.

“As Mayors Palmieri and Fusco know all too well, New York’s cities face
rising costs and an increased demand for services, while at the same
time they are dealing with implementing the state’s new property tax cap
law,” DiNapoli said. “My office will continue to dedicate its local
government resources to assist officials as they confront these
challenges. I look forward to partnering with the mayors to improve
government efficiency.”

As New York State’s fiscal officer, the Comptroller oversees the
financial affairs of local governments. In response to last year’s
enactment of a statewide property tax cap law, the Comptroller recently
deployed more than 200 auditors to review the compliance of nearly 800
municipalities. DiNapoli’s office has also provided technical assistance
and training to more than 3,400 local officials across the state.
DiNapoli also hosts two Local Government Leadership Institute
conferences each year to inform and challenge local government leaders
through constructive engagement on regional issues of common concern,
while reinforcing key leadership principles throughout each program.

Senator Griffo said, “I was pleased to be able to help facilitate the
meeting between Comptroller DiNapoli and Mayors Fusco and Palmieri. As a
former Mayor, I’m very familiar with the challenges that small cities,
like Utica and Rome, are facing. It was a productive meeting in that the
two Mayors were able to speak their concerns and that Comptroller
DiNapoli listened, offered ideas, and discussed ways that his office
could assist both cities. We look forward to continue forging a positive
working partnership with his office.”

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) said, “I am pleased that
Comptroller DiNapoli will work with the mayors of Utica and Rome to find
solutions to the difficult task they face managing their cities’ budgets
during this time of economic uncertainty. It is only through a
collaborative approach with officials at all levels of government that
we can find creative ways to provide services without raising taxes.”

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said, “The State Comptroller obviously
understands the challenge facing the people of the City of Utica. Tom
DiNapoli and his staff share our sense of urgency and will be
indispensable to helping us get through the worst financial conditions
the City has ever experienced.”

Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco said, “I was pleased to meet with Comptroller
DiNapoli and his staff this week and thank him for taking the time to do
so. I look forward to working not only with the Comptroller, but also
with my counterpart Mayor Robert Palmieri in Utica as we take these
issues on in a regional sense.”

News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

(Rome, NY – Jan. 26, 2012) Nearly 200 New York Air National Guardsmen, Canadian Forces members, federal civilians and guests were in attendance at the Radisson Hotel in Utica last Friday, Jan. 20, as the Eastern Air Defense Sector recognized its outstanding performers from 2011.

“EADS’ mission of protecting the eastern U.S. airspace requires consistent excellence from all of our staff,” said Col. John Bartholf, EADS Commander. “Our 2011 award winners distinguished themselves by going above and beyond our high standards and I congratulate each of them on their outstanding accomplishments and thank them for their extraordinary efforts.”

EADS employs more than 400 active-duty military, federal civilians, civilian contractors and part-time Air National Guardsmen and the unit recognized outstanding performers in seven categories. The categories were: company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior non- commissioned officer, noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard member and honor guard program manager. The outstanding civilian of the year was also recognized.

Award recipients were:

• Capt. Aaron Mahoney, Camden, Outstanding Company Grade Officer. The chief of the weapons and tactics section, Capt. Mahoney successfully facilitated more than 150 training sorties and nearly 40 alert scrambles. He also serves as the Office in Charge of the unit’s honor guard.

• Master Sgt. Edward Rojo, Clinton, Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer. An assistant flight superintendent, Master Sgt. Rojo managed the operational, administrative and personnel requirements for 40 Airmen. Master Sgt. Rojo maintains a 4.0 grade point average while pursuing a master’s degree in management and volunteers at a local Feed Our Veterans food bank.

• Technical Sgt. Justin Bush, Camden, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer. A joint interface control cell officer, Tech. Sgt. Bush plays a key role in air picture management for EADS and its higher headquarters. A youth soccer coach, he is pursuing a master’s degree in education and maintains a 4.0 grade point average.

• Senior Airman Andrew Ross, Renovo, Pa., Outstanding Junior Enlisted Airman. A cyber systems operations journeyman, Sr. Airman Ross was recognized for his ability to quickly fix critical radar issues. Sr. Airman Ross recently received his college degree in applied mathematics, graduating magna cum laude, and tutors junior college students in advanced mathematics.

• Master Sgt. Thomas Whiteman, Rome, Outstanding Honor Guard Member. Master Sgt. Whiteman participated in more than 30 ceremonies and organized volunteers who contributed more than 800 off-duty hours to honor guard details. He also led a combined fire, police and military color guard for the 9-11 10th anniversary commemoration in Rome.

• Master Sgt. Jeffrey Lamarche, Deansboro, Outstanding Honor Guard Program Manager. In addition to organizing and coordinating honor guard schedules, Master Sgt. Lamarche personally participated in 65 percent of EADS honor guard details, including 35 funerals. Master Sgt. Lamarche was also named outstanding Honor Guard Program Manager for New York State for the second consecutive year.

• Krispen Dorfman, Rome, Outstanding Civilian. A resource advisor and information technology specialist, Dorfman is responsible for the operations division budget and oversees a wide variety of supporting tasks. This is the third consecutive year that Dorfman has been named EADS Outstanding Civilian.

A number of distinguished guests also attended the awards banquet. Brig. Gen. Anthony P. German, Chief of Staff, New York Air National Guard (NYANG) and Chief Master Sgt. Richard, the NYANG’s Command Chief, were in attendance. Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy, the Senior Enlisted Leader for the National Guard Bureau, was the featured speaker.

The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.

(Jan. 25, 2012) Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I-New Hartford) presented an Assembly Resolution, with Senator Griffo (seen above), on behalf of the Honorable Stanley C. Wolanin, who served as Town of Whitestown justice for 52 years. Justice Wolanin was the longest serving justice in New York State. His devoted service to the community is matched by a long history of being a dedicated neighbor.

“The honorable Justice Wolanin is an exemplary member of our community. His dedication to country, home, neighbors and profession is a standard to which we should all commit.  His service to the Whitestown community will never be forgotten. We will miss him but we are comforted to know that this wonderful man still calls our Central New York community home,” said Assemblywoman Tenney

Wolanin’s service to the community began at the young age of 17 when he served our nation as a United States NAVY gunners mate on the minesweeper USS Knave. As a veteran, Wolanin has been a member of a local VFW, the Whitestown American Legion, the elected commander of PLAV Bator post (Polish Legion of American Veterans), and served as committee chairman to build the gazebo at Veterans Park.

Wolanin is also a lifetime member of the New York Mills and Yorkville fire departments.