(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.

(Syracuse, NY – Jan. 27, 2012) On Jan. 27, Miguel A. Rivera, 22, of 13 Abbey Road, Whitesboro was arrested by the New York State Police – Syracuse for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana after he was stopped for speeding on the Thruway.

Rivera was released to appear in the Town of Westmoreland court Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.

 Submitted by: Ellen Roczen, Public Relations Coordinator

February

Wednesday, February 1: 6:30 pm

Poetry reading by James P. McMann.

Mr. McMann is a retired police officer from the New York City Police Department.  He is also an acclaimed poet and author.  Recently he was a guest poet at the Edward Hopper National Celebration held in Nyack, New York and was a guest graduation speaker at the University of Massachusetts June graduation ceremonies.  Tonight he will be reading his original poetry inspired by the masterworks of Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Edgar Allen Poe and painter, Edward Hopper.  This is a literary event not to be missed.

Friday, February 3: 2:00pm

Get Ready, Get Set, GO!..

Was one of your New Year’s Resolutions to get organized this year?  How are you doing so far?  Whether that’s the resolution you boldly state EVERY year or you’re uttering it for the first time, you’re not alone!  Millions of people every year make that same statement.  Is this the year you will accomplish that goal?  Come learn some basic tips and suggestions on how to begin getting organized, stay on track and then keep that clutter free space you have always wanted!  Join us to begin your process of “Getting Organized”.

Wendy Eden, Harmonizing Your Home

Saturday, February 4, 10:30 am

The Friends of Poetry…Plus! Stop in and join this group of poetry lovers as the read and write poetry!  Monthly meetings are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, February 7: 5:30 to 6:30: book signing in the library.  6:30 to 8:00 book talk in CR

Good News: Happiness is Your Natural State of Being.  You are happy when your mind is not interfering with itself.  You don’t really have to make yourself happy.  You just have to stop making yourself unhappy – you just have to allow your natural happiness to express itself.  Undoing the thoughts and beliefs that block your natural happiness is the key to reclaiming the joy of life.  Dr. William Yoder, author of The Happy Mind and Lighted Clearings for the Soul, will be autographing his books in the library followed by a presentation on happiness.

Wednesday, February 8: 6.30 pm

Riverstone Concert.  The return of the popular trio, Riverstone.  Enjoy their eclectic mix of folk, blues, singer-songwriter and rock ‘n roll, all played on acoustic instruments.  RiverStone is Betsy LaPorte, vocals and guitar, Bob Rowe, vocals, guitars and harmonica, and Kate Wirshing on vocals and percussion.  Enjoy an evening of toe-tapping, reflective and varied music from this talented trio.

Saturday, February 11: 2:00 pm

Film: Midnight in Paris.  A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.  Directed by Woody Allen.

Tuesday, February 14: 6.30pm

Social Networking Basics

Prerequisite: Experienced computer user.

Learn to use social networking tools to connect with friends and family, or to promote your business. This class will cover the basics of Facebook, Twitter, blogs, LinkedIn and RSS feeds. Topics covered will include:

• Creating an account
• Updating your profile and
• Posting
• Navigating privacy settings

Wednesday, February 15: 6.30pm

It’s Not Just History; It’s Your History

All about genealogy and creating your family tree. Learn the ins and outs of telling your family stories.

Barbara Granato

Thursday, February 16, 1:00 pm

The Whitesboro Reading Group

Book being discussed at this meeting is “Color of Light” by Karen White.

Thursday, February 16: 2.00 pm

The Joy of Quilting.  Come and hear about the process of creating beautiful quilts.  This presentation will not only show you how to create lovely quilts but will also allow quilters and quilters-to-be to share their stories.  As one dedicated quilter stated, “Quilting is not about creating perfect stitches, it’s about creating perfect friendships.” Participants will leave with renewed enthusiasm for their craft. Information about quilting retreats will also be presented.

Barbara Hipsley, Owner, Bridle Creek Bed & Breakfast

Monday, February 20: 6.30 pm

A Book Lovers Reading Group.  Tonight we will be reviewing recommendations for books to be read for the next six months.  Come with suggestions and ideas about what you would like to read with the group.

Tuesday, February 21: 6.30pm

Using Personal Ancestry File Software

Elaine Martin of Martin Multimedia will demonstrate how to use the FamilySearch™ Personal Ancestral File software. Personal Ancestral File is a tool to help users record, manage, and share genealogical information. With this program, you can create and store family information about thousands of people.

Elaine Martin, Martin Multimedia

Wednesday, February 22: 6.30pm

Website Building Basics

Prerequisite: Experienced computer user.

A two-hour workshop using a GUI (“Graphical User Interface”) program (i.e. Kompozer, BlueGriffon, etc.) to build a website.  Students will learn about important web page standards/elements such as: page width, white space, headers, title, headings, bullet lists, numbered lists, alignment, hyperlinks, images, mailto: links, and tables.

BlueGriffon, KompoZer, etc. are free open source web authoring systems with a simple user interface allowing creation of attractive web sites without requiring extensive technical knowledge or use of web coding (such as HTML). Students are encouraged to come to class with a concept idea for their own web page, as well as bring a thumb or flash drive to the workshop in order to take their in-class projects home.

Monday, February 27: 6.30 pm

Dunham Public Library Writers’ Group.  Come and share your writing with other area authors and asipiring authors.  Members are encouraged to offer constructive hints and pointers to other members to get started in writing or to improve what they have already written.

Wednesday, February 29: 6.30pm

MS Word 2010 Basics – Party Invitation

Prerequisite: Familiarity with the keyboard and mouse.

One of two beginning Word classes, this class will use a party invitation as a fun project to teach the basics of Microsoft Word 2010.   This class is designed for Word beginners and continuing education learners.  Topics covered will include:

• Overview of Entering and editing text
• Proofreading will spelling and grammar check
• Basic formatting options
• Formatting with colors, pictures, and text effects
• Saving, opening, and printing documents, including saving documents that are compatible with older versions of Word
• DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

• 76 Main Street
• Whitesboro, NY 13492
• 315-736-9734      Fax 315-736-3265
•  

Submitted by: Ellen Roczen, Public Relations Coordinator

February Children’s Programs

Mondays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 6:30 pm

Teddy Bear and Me Story Time

A program for ages 2 and up; includes a story, snack and simple craft. Drop in.

Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 4:00 pm

Nintendo Wii open play

Drop in for Nintendo Wii open play every Tuesday from 4-6PM. Open to all ages.

Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 10:30 am

Thursdays, Feb  2, 9, 16, and 23 at 10:30 am

Rhyme Time

For children under 3.  A program of songs, finger plays, activities and stories for the children and their adults.  Please call to sign up.

Wednesday, February 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 11:30 am

Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 11:30 am

Preschool Story Time with Miss Sharon

For children ages 3 – 5. This is a program of songs, stories and a simple craft. Please call to sign up.

Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 at  4:00 pm

Children’s Art Class with Joe Hinkson for ages 9-12. Class size limited to 15, please call 736-9734 to register.

Saturday, February 4: 2:30 pm

Family Movie at the Library: The Goonies

A group of kids embark on a wild adventure after finding a pirate treasure map. Drop in, see the movie on our big screen projector and enjoy some popcorn and juice on us!

Saturday, February 11: 11:00 am

Valentine’s Day Craft

Make a special craft for that special someone on Valentine’s Day! Open to all ages. Drop in.

Saturday, February 18: 12:00 pm

Mardi Gras Craft

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a masquerade mask! Use glitter, feathers, beads, jewels, and anything else to decorate yours! Ages five and up. Drop in.

Monday, February 20: 2:30 pm

President’s Day Activity

Have you ever wondered what you’d look like as President? Trace your silhouette for a very fancy portrait in honor of Presidents’ Day! Ages 8 and up. Drop in.

Monday, February 20: 4:00 pm

Magic: The Gathering casual play

Participants will hone their Magic: the Gathering card game skills with help from local experts. New players are always welcome. Ages 10 & up. Sponsored by Storytellers gaming store in Whitesboro. Call 736-9734 for additional information.

Wednesday, February 22: 2:30 pm

Lego Afternoon

Bring your own or use ours for an afternoon of creative play. Open to all ages.

Saturday, February 25: 2:30 pm

Family Movie at the Library: Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Join us for the film based on one of our favorite books! The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins, and as he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. Drop in, see the movie on our big screen projector and enjoy some popcorn and juice on us!

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

76 Main Street

Whitesboro, NY13492

315-736-9734      Fax 315-736-3265

Pictured is Klotz and Crider.

(Marcy, NY- Jan. 10, 2012)  State Police in Marcy has concluded a six week investigation into a residential burglary that occurred in the Town of Marcy in November 2011 with the arrest of three individuals.

The following were each charged with one count of Burglary in the Second Degree; a Class “C” Violent Felony, which alleges they unlawfully entered a home and stole approximately $70,000 in cash:

Philip D. DiPerna, 20, of 1434 Genesee St., Utica, who is also a New York State Parolee, was arrested on Jan. 5. DiPerna was arraigned in the Town of Marcy Court and was remanded to the Oneida County Jail on $30,000 cash bail. New York State Parole has also violated his parole status.

Theodore J. Klotz, 20, of 1406 Ney Ave., Utica. Klotz was arrested on Jan. 9 and was arraigned in the Town of Marcy Court and was also sent to the Oneida County Jail on $30,000 bail.

Also arrested on Jan. 5 was Kelly L. Crider, 20, of 27 Poplar Ave, Whitesboro, who was charged with fourth-degree felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for possessing a quantity of the stolen money. She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Whitestown Court.

Submitted by Ellen Roczen, Public Relations Coordinator

(Whitesboro, NY – Jan. 2012) Want to know one of a book lover’s best kept secrets? The answer is shopping at Dunham Public Library’s famous book sales for lightly worn, but well-loved books at low prices. Many libraries use book sales as an opportunity to purge their shelves of older materials. Along with books donated by generous library patrons, a library book sale is a reader’s treasure trove. January is book sale month at Dunham Public Library in Whitesboro.

There are thousands of books available for sale on every possible subject. Prices range from 10 cents to $2 with most of them priced at 50 cents or a dollar.

According to Patricia Samarco, Dunham Library Board of Trustees President, this book sale will be larger than previous sales because it has been almost two years since the last sale. “There is a huge selection of materials this year,” Samarco stated. “Shoppers will love the magnitude of this year’s sale! We estimate there are over 90,000 items. Books are sorted by category so people can easily find their area of interest or favorite authors. There is something for everyone.”

Sale dates and hours are:

1. Thursday, January 12: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Opening night
2. Saturday, January 14: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sale
3. Monday, January 16: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Sale
4. Tuesday, January 17: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Sale
5. Wednesday, January 18: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Sale
6. Thursday, January 19: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Half-Price Sale
7. Friday, January 20: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Half-Price Sale
8. Saturday, January 21: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Bag o’ books Sale

All proceeds are used to benefit the Library. For additional information, visit the library website: www.whitesborolibrary.org or call the library at 315-736-9734.

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

76 Main Street

Whitesboro,NY13492

315-736-9734      Fax 315-736-3265

Submitted by: Ellen Roczen, Public Relations Coordinator

Saturday, January 7, 10:30 am

The Friends of Poetry…Plus! Stop in and join this group of people who read, write and love poetry!  Monthly meetings are free and open to the public.

Saturday, January 7, 1:00 pm

Dunham Public Library Knitters and Crocheters Group

A drop in group for everyone who is interested in knitting and crocheting. All skill levels are welcomed. The format will be a casual sharing of information. Please come with your questions and your ideas.

Monday, January 16, 6:30 pm

A Book Lover’s Reading Group Book being discussed at this meeting is “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” by Walter Mosley.

Thursday, January 19, 1:00 pm

The Whitesboro Reading Group

Book being discussed at this meeting is Cane River by Lelita Tademy.

Saturday, January 21, 1:00 pm

Dunham Public Library Knitters and Crocheters Group

A drop in group for everyone who is interested in knitting and crocheting. All skill levels are welcomed. The format will be a casual sharing of information. Please come with your questions and your ideas.

Monday, January 23, 6:30 pm

The Dunham Public Library Writers’ Group

Come and share your writing with other area authors and aspiring authors. Members are encouraged to offer constructive hints and pointers to other members to get started in writing or to improve what they have already written.

Monday, January 30: 6:30pm

Photoshop Basics

Prerequisite: Experienced computer user. Description: Photoshop is one of the most commonly used tools in designing promotional materials. Photoshop Basics will help first time Photoshop users understand the Photoshop workspaces, palettes and tools. This course will also teach users how to create new documents, and learn how to simple-edit existing photographs.

January Children’s Programs

Friday, January 13, 10:00AM

Homeschooling Program

A program for all homeschooling families in which research methods, searching the catalog, locating materials on shelves and/or placing holds will be discussed and practiced.  We will meet in the children’s area and use the computers located there plus additional laptops as needed per numbers in attendance.  The program will last approximately 90 minutes with lots of hands on practice.  We will also be looking at possible titles for a book talk.  There will be a number of classics on display for your perusal and selection.  Please call to express interest or for additional information.

Friday, January 27, 10:00AM

Homeschooling Program

We will conclude the research methods, catalog search and materials location portion of our training with a game called the Great Coin Caper: A Dewey Whodunit Game.  It’s a Clue type game in which a rare coin book is missing from the shelves and the participants need to answer questions related to the Dewey Catalog in order to solve the mystery.   The game enables the participants to utilize catalog search skills acquired in the previous sessions.  Time permitting we will begin the book discussion at this time as well.  This session will last approximately 90 minutes and will be held in the children’s area.

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

76 Main Street

Whitesboro,NY13492

315-736-9734      Fax 315-736-3265

Submitted by Ellen Roczen, Public Relations Coordinator

(Whitesboro, NY – Jan. 2012 Calling all Homeschooling families in the Whitesboro area and its environs.  The Children’s/Youth Services department at Dunham Public Library is holding two training sessions in January, on the 13^th  and 27^th  at 10 a.m. focusing on basic library skills.

Searching the library catalog, locating materials on the shelves and placing holds on items not in the library will be revisited.  Locating information using the Ebsco Databases will also be touched upon.  These databases contain such materials as newspaper articles, journal and other periodical articles and encyclopedia entries, to name just a few, that are current and relevant to the academic pursuits of the homeschooling community as well as the community as a whole.

Call the library at 736-9734 to register or to obtain additional information and ask for Miss Sharon.  Bring questions, search ideas, topics for database research, etc.  Also bring paper and pencils for taking notes and a valid library card for accessing the catalog.

DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

76 Main Street

Whitesboro,NY13492

315-736-9734      Fax 315-736-3265

(New Hartford, NY – Dec. 20, 2011) For the fourth consecutive year the New Hartford Spartans have captured the Boilermaker School Participation Award.

The award is part of the Boilermaker’s Empower Federal Credit Union School Challenge Series. This award is presented to the school with the highest percentage of participation in the Boilermaker 5K and 15K Road Races.

As it was in the past three Boilermakers, the Spartans once again sat atop the leader board with nearly a third of the students participating in the race (32.8%). New Hartford was presented the award at the December school board meeting. The Spartans will have the traveling trophy on display at the school until the end of the academic year. Whitesboro School District placed second in the competition with 31.4% of students participating in the
Boilermaker.

Overall, 37 schools from around Central New York participated in the 2011
Boilermaker Road Race.

“This year, the substantial growth in the school challenge surpassed our expectations,” said Kevin Copeland, Race Divisions Director “That this is an important award because it encompasses the whole student body and not just the premier athletes of the school.”
Each team runner had to have been a full time student between grades 7-12 as of June 1, 2011, or a 2011 graduate of the school they were running for.
The registration for Boilermaker 2012 will open on January 7th at boilermaker.com. The 15K has a cap of 14,000 and the 5K of 4,000.

(Utica, NY- Dec. 14, 2011) The Peacemaker Program, Inc. recently honored several dedicated community members for their passion and commitment to serving the children and families of the Mohawk Valley.

The following awards were presented the program’s Volunteer Recognition and Special Awards event, held Friday, Dec. 9 at Hart’s Hill Inn, Whitesboro:

Special Honoree                                              Brenda Episcopo

Attorney for the Childe of the Year                 Paul Deep, Esq

Board President’s Award                                 The Peacemaker Program Staff

Director’s Award                                             Sue Warwick

ADR Volunteer of the Year                            S. Daniel Gruen

SDMC Panelist of the Year                             Alice Amodeo

Child Advocate of the Year                             Linda Gifford

The Peacemaker Program Board of Directors and volunteers were also recognized for their outstanding service to the organization throughout the past year. The Peacemaker Program has more than 400 devoted volunteers that help carry out its mission every day.

Steve Robinson, Peacemaker Program Executive Director quotes, “The dedication of our volunteers has never been more evident than this year.  In spite of funding reductions, we were able to continue to serve our community in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Child Advocacy.  As funding continues to be tightened, we will rely on their support more than ever. The difference they are making in the lives of children, family and community members is immeasurable.” Beverly Quist, Peacemaker Board of Director’s President, “Our volunteers do the critical work of the agency without which we would never be able to accomplish our mission.”

The Peacemaker Program, Inc. is a local non-profit agency committed providing quality dispute resolution and advocacy services to Oneida and Herkimer counties. It is located at 502 Court St. in Utica.

For information, visit www.thepeacemakerprogram.org or call 724-1718.