(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.

(Vernon Center, NY – Aug. 2011) On Aug. 20, the 7th annual NRA sponsored Women and Youth Day at Vernon National Shooting Preserve will be held.

Ladies and youth boys 16 and under are invited for a day of shooting free sporting clay targets, lunch and instructions. Just bring ammo, eye and ear protection.

For more information, visit vernonnational.com or call 829-5378.

The location is 3291 Burns Road, Vernon Center.

Vernon National Sporting Preserve will be hosting a series of Sporting Clays instructional clinics:

8/24 – Novice Clinic

8/25 – Long Bird Clinic

8/26 – Advanced Shooters Clinic

8/25-8/27 Kids N Clays Clinic ages 12-17

For more information or to register, call Tom Fiumarello at 845-625-3151.

(Vernon Center, NY – Aug. 2011) A tradition began 32 years ago when Fritz’s Polka Band first performed at the Vernon Center Old Home day.  Every year since, the group has entertained hundreds of enthusiastic visitors to the event.  This year, Fritz’s Polka Band will perform from 10 a.m. to noon.  The full day of free entertainment continues until 5:30.

Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 6 the park in Vernon Center kicks off the day’s events with a parade featuring the Madison School Marching Band, antique cars and farm tractors, and the Vernon Center Volunteer Fire Department.

At noon, country music singers Paula and Company will share some Country Gospel and bluegrass favorites followed by the music of Matt Chase at 1:30.  The Canastota Community Band takes the stage at 3:30 p.m.

All performances and events are free and open to the public.

Vernon Center Old Home Day also hosts over 50 craft vendors selling home-made goods, collectibles, antiques, and flea market items and offers fun for the kids and great food offerings featuring home-made pie with ice cream.

Vernon Center Old Home Day is sponsored by the Vernon Center United Methodist Women.

Vendor space available by calling 315.829.2172.

For more information, visit www.oldhomeday.net or call 315.829.2243.

(Verona, NY - July 20, 2011) State Police in Oneida investigated a three car personal injury accident which occurred on State Route 31 near Ostrander Road in the Town of Verona at approximately 5:58 p.m. Tuesday evening.

A 1998 Dodge Caravan operated by Chad A. Hitchings II, 27, of Seneca St. in Oneida was driving northbound on Route 31 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to drift into the southbound lane and collide nearly head-on with an southbound 1999 Chevrolet van operated by Christine M. Hubbard, 22, of Sylvan Beach.

A third vehicle, a 2011 Kia Rio operated by Esther L. Hughes, 74, of Bleeker Road, Vernon Center, was travelling southbound on Route 31 behind the Hubbard vehicle and was unable to avoid striking the rear of the Hubbard vehicle after it was struck by the Hitchings vehicle.

The Hubbard vehicle travelled off the west shoulder of the roadway, where it overturned on its driver’s side. Hubbard was extricated from her vehicle by members of the Verona Fire Department and transported by Vineall Ambulance to St. Lukes Hospital in Utica for treatment of leg and hand injuries.

A passenger in the Hubbard vehicle, Kurt C. Merithew, 31, of Sylvan Beach was also transported by Vineall Ambulance to St. Lukes Hospital for evaluation.

Hughes was transported by Vineall Ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica with chest pain while Hitchings was treated at the scene by EMS personnel and transported by private vehicle to Oneida Healthcare in Oneida for evaluation.

Hitchings was issued tickets for Failure to Keep Right and third-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and is to appear in the Town of Verona Court on Aug. 2.

Members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department and Vernon Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

(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

(Vernon, NY – June 2011) The Vernon National Shooting Preserve presents its third annual Wounded Warrior Benefit Shoot Sunday June 5 at 10 a.m.

The group is seeking shooters and sponsors for this event to be held at 3291 Burns Road in Vernon Center and features side games, raffles and auctions. A continental breakfast will be served; dinner follows the shoot.

Proceeds benefit the local “Feed Our Vets” food pantry, selected local veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Last year more than 120 shooters participated.

Entry fee for the 100 bird shoot main event is $100 for adults and $75 for youth 16 and younger.

Limited space is available. For more information on the shoot, call Tom Fiumarello at 625-3151.

Business sponsorships are available. To sponsor the event, call Ron Acee at 796-4587.

For details and forms, visit vernonnational.com.

(Vernon Center, NY – May 2011) The Vernon Center United Methodist Church is having a spaghetti supper on Saturday May 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The menu includes spaghetti with sauce, meatballs or sausage, chef salad, Italian bread with butter, beverages and a dessert choice.

Take outs are available. The church is handicapped-accessible.

Prices are adults $8, children ages 5 to 12 $5 and children age 4 and younger are free.

The church is located on the corner of State Route 26 and Youngs Road on the circle in Vernon Center.