Your Scholars

Local students named to Springfield College dean’s list

Springfield College has named the following local residents to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2011 term.

Daniel Patane of Canastota. Daniel is studying Undeclared.

Logan Aikins of Sherburne. Logan is studying Applied Exercise Science.

News from SUNY Potsdam

SUNY Potsdam Students Earn Spots on President’s List

The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named more than 900 students to the President’s List for the Fall 2011 semester in recognition of their academic excellence.

Among the local students who made the SUNY Potsdam President’s List were:

Allison Forth of Canastota whose major is Childhood/Early Child Education

Corey Hopkins of Canastota whose major is Music Education

Kali Jarvis of Canastota whose major is Childhood/Early Child Education

Rhimmon Simchy-Gross of Canastota whose major is Music Performance

Mary Whitcombe of Canastota whose major is Childhood/Early Child Education

Robert Taube of Cazenovia whose major is Music Education

Emilie Weinheimer of Cazenovia whose major is Psychology

Cortney Mayo of Hamilton whose major is Speech Communication

Caleigh Tuttle of Hamilton whose major is Theatre

Timothy Simmons of Sherburne whose major is Psychology

To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

Local Students Named to Clarkson University Dean’s List

The following students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Clarkson University.

Beth A. Schneider, a senior majoring in civil engineering from Bridgeport.

Matthew R. Ager, a junior majoring in engineering and management from Canastota.

Tristan R. Jones, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering from Canastota.

Jeffrey R. Merrell, a freshman majoring in civil engineering from Canastota.

Michael R. Tornatore, a sophomore majoring in innovation and entrepreneurship from Canastota.

Michael A. Blanchard, a junior majoring in chemical engineering from Cazenovia.

Ryan J. Eklund, a freshman majoring in aeronautical engineering from Chittenango.

Danielle K. Cuddeback, a freshman majoring in pre-physical therapy/psychology from DeRuyter.

David E. Revette, a senior majoring in civil engineering from DeRuyter.

Andrea M. Riedman, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering from Kirkville.

Nicole M. Verone, a freshman majoring in engineering studies from Kirkville.

Raeanne J. Clabeaux, a freshman majoring in university studies from New Woodstock.

Molly E. Ogden, a sophomore majoring in history/interdisciplinary social sciences from Earlville.

Mallory J. Carhart, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary social sciences from Hamilton.

Heather H. Munz, a senior majoring in biology from Hubbardsville.

Loren J. McNamara, a senior majoring in civil engineering from Leonardsville.

Rebecca R. Kirley, a senior majoring in global supply chain management from Madison.

Colin Maykish, a junior majoring in software engineering from Sherburne.

Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

Local Students Named Clarkson University Presidential Scholars

The following students were named Presidential Scholars for the fall 2011 semester at Clarkson University.

Ellen M. Heenan, a junior majoring in engineering and management from Bridgeport.

Thomas F. Wilkowski, a senior majoring in electrical engineering from Bridgeport.

Alexandra B. Cameron, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering from Cazenovia.

Josh Bunce, a freshman majoring in civil engineering from Chittenango.

Sean P. Shea, a freshman majoring in aeronautical engineering/mechanical engineering from Chittenango.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Evans Named to Sacred Heart University’s Dean’s List

Kiley Evans of Cazenovia was named to the fall 2011 Dean’s List at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. To receive this honor, a student must achieve a 3.6 grade average, based on a 4.0 scale.

Cazenovia College Honors Area Students

A number of students in Cazenovia College’s Class of 2012 completed their degree requirements in December, 2011. Among them:

Roberta L. Clarke of Chittenango will earn a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications at Cazenovia College’s graduation ceremony on May 12.

Stephanie R. Froelick of Canastota will earn a bachelor of professional studies degree in management, specializing in business management at Cazenovia College’s graduation ceremony May 12.

Khristyn K. Ostrowski of Bridgeport will earn a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Cazenovia College’s graduation ceremony May 12.

Area students Placed on Dean’s List

The following area students were named to the Dean’s List at Paul Smith’s College during the fall 2011 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction:

Tessa Heintz of Canastota, John Mullins of Cazenovia, Kara Sternberg of Kirkville, Erik Palmer of Earlville and Marshall Lagoe of Sherburne.

Morley Makes Dean’s List

Ethan Morley, a senior history major of Bouckville, was named to Lycoming College’s dean’s list for the fall semester.

The dean’s list is issued at the close of each semester in recognition of superior scholarship. Students make the dean’s list if they complete at least four letter-graded courses and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.50 for the semester.

Area Residents Named to Fall Dean’s List

Dr. Stephen J. Havlovic, vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State College, has announced the Dean’s List of students for the fall 2011 semester. The following were among the over 500 students from Alfred State College who made the fall Dean’s List:

Zachary Taylor, a resident of Bouckville and Brian Klein, a resident of Madison.

Students from both the Alfred campus and the School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville are selected for the Dean’s List if they maintain a 3.50 grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0.

Morrow Added to Dean’s List

Meghan Morrow, a Junior Arts and Sciences major from New Woodstock, has been named to the University of Delaware’s Dean’s List for Fall 2011. To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.33 or above for the semester.

Purdy Named to Dean’s List

Jaimie Purdy of Erieville has been named to the fall 2011 Dean’s List at Mansfield University. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must be attending the university full-time and attain at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.

(Madison County, NY – Jan. 2012) RSVP has teamed up with the Internal Revenue Service for more than 20 years to offer free tax preparation service. Last year, this service returned more than $300,000 in federal and state refunds to senior citizens in Madison County at no cost to them.

RSVP of Madison County will be opening free tax preparation sites for seniors 60 years of age and older, and there are no income limitations. Remember you may have a refund coming even if you have been told you don’t need to file a tax return.

It only takes a few minutes to speak with a volunteer who can determine if you may qualify for a refund. All refunds arrive in your account within two weeks when electronically filed.

IRS-certified tax preparers will be available at seven sites beginning in February through mid-April. Free tax preparation and filing of both federal and state income tax returns are provided at all sites.

These sites do not require an appointment: Canastota Public Library, Mondays 9 a.m. to noon, Feb. 6 through April 9; Oneida Public Library, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb.1 through April 11, 9 a.m. to noon.

Make appointments for the following sites: Bridgeport area, (315) 633-2253; Cazenovia area, (315) 684-3001 ext. 108; Chittenango area, (315) 687-3471; Hamilton area, (315) 824-3361; and Morrisville area, (315) 684-3001 ext.108.

Program volunteers do not do business or farm returns.

(Lakeport, NY – Jan. 21, 2012) Sullivan-based state police charged a 30-year-old Vernon man with driving while impaired by drugs after his vehicle nearly struck a state police patrol vehicle on State Route 31 in the Town of Sullivan at approximately 2:55 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Sergeant Matthew Navin was patrolling westbound on Route 31 when an eastbound 2002 Pontiac Sunfire drove across the center line of the road into the westbound lane, forcing the state police vehicle to swerve to the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision.

The Pontiac was stopped and the operator, Jonathan F. Lessels of Van Epps Street in Vernon, was found in possession of a large quantity of prescription medications and approximately 16 grams of marijuana.  Field sobriety tests were administered and Lessels was found to be in an impaired condition.

Lessels was evaluated by a state police drug recognition expert at the SP Sullivan barracks and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs, seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Controlled Substance Outside Its Original Container.

Lessels is scheduled to appear in the Town of Sullivan Court on Feb. 7, 2012.

(Chittenango, NY – Jan. 2012) The Chittenango Music Boosters will host a Jazz Night entertainment event Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Chittenango High School Auditorium.

The event provides an opportunity for members of the public to enjoy music by the High School and Middle School Jazz Bands, Dixieland Band and performances by the Chittenango Alumni Jazz Band.

The cost is $3 per person with a $20 family maximum.

(Chittenango, NY – Dec. 28, 2011) State Police in Sullivan arrested Jeffrey C. Duell, 56, of Eisenhower Boulevard, Bridgeport for Driving While Intoxicated after investigating a one vehicle rollover accident on State Route 13 in the Town of Sullivan Saturday, Dec. 24.

The accident investigation revealed that at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday evening, Duell was operating a 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck northbound on Route 13 when he swerved to avoid a deer crossing the roadway.  The pickup left the east side of the roadway, struck a tree stump and overturned onto its side.  Duell was not injured in the crash.

During the interview of the operator, Trooper Jason Thomas determined that Duell was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him for DWI.

Duell was processed at the SP Sullivan station, where a breath test determined Duell’s blood alcohol content to be .10 percent.  Duell was issued traffic tickets for DWI and Driving with a BAC over .08 percent and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Sullivan Court on Jan. 24, 2012.

Joy! Sophomores Greta Swift, Josh Cretaro, Summer Gardner, Kari Cumber and Matt Cretaro serve delicious, free chili to residents at the 2011 Chittenango Village Tree Lighting Ceremony.

From the Bear Facts

By Allison Clarke

(Chittenango, NY – Dec. 2011) On Dec. 3, the village of Chittenango held its annual tree lighting ceremony. The tree is prominently displayed in Dr. West Park, and each year a new person is asked to light it. This year the village bestowed the honor upon Margaret Kelsey.

Kelsey is idolized in the community for her dedication to the community’s schools, as well as the students. She has been teaching in the Chittenango School District for more than 30 years.

Kelsey has participated in “Oz-Stravaganza,” led the Christmas carols at the village tree lighting in years past, and played a part in many other projects. She was the perfect person to honor due to her continuous efforts to make Chittenango a better place for the children and the community.

Aside from the tree lighting, there were many activities in which visitors could participate, all in hopes of spreading some holiday cheer. For some outside fun, people enjoyed authentic horse-drawn sleigh rides around the village.

After facing the cold, many people warmed up by tasting the wide variety of homemade chili cooked up by cook-off contestants. This annual competition is held in the fire barn, where people can compete for recognition of their chili.

This year, first place was awarded to Larry Liles, and the Mayor’s Choice award was given to a Chittenango graduate, Casey McGrath.

Upstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were sitting and greeting families and hopeful children who were able to enjoy some homemade cookies donated by community members.

After the much-anticipated sugar rush kicked in, the younger kids made their rounds at the games offered. High school volunteers from Junior Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America ran the face-painting, snowman bean-bag, holiday coloring and clothes pin drop activities.

Organizers say the goal of spreading the joy of the holiday season was accomplished, adding that the village tree lighting was a great success thanks to the countless volunteers who devoted their time and efforts.

Thanks to this holiday tradition, the spirit of the season can truly be felt in Chittenango this year.

Allison Clarke is a senior at Chittenango High School and member of the journalism program.

(Chittenango, NY – Dec. 2011) The GRAMMY Foundation recently announced that 125 schools nationwide have been selected as GRAMMY Signature Schools semifinalists for 2012. Created in 1998, the GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year.

“The GRAMMY Signature Schools program sustains excellence in music education by granting awards to public high school music programs in communities across the country,” said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. “Each of these semifinalist schools should be commended for their commitment to keeping the arts in their curriculum for the long term benefits of their students.”

In mid-March 2012, the GRAMMY Foundation will announce the finalists for the GRAMMY Signature Schools program. These schools will receive a custom award and a monetary grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit their music program.

The top schools are designated Gold recipients. The best of the Gold recipients is named the National GRAMMY Signature School.

The remaining schools are designated GRAMMY Signature Schools. For a complete list of schools, visit grammyintheschools.com.

Binghamton University student Tom Heenan of Bridgeport is a member of the 2011-12 Harpur’s Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service squad, which was recently honored by the Susquehanna Regional EMS Council, Inc. as Broome County’s 2011 Agency of the Year.

The award is presented annually and recognizes excellence in emergency medical service.

Harpur’s Ferry, which was established in 1973, provides basic and advanced life support services to students, faculty and staff on and off the Binghamton University campus. The organization has approximately 100 student volunteers who work anywhere between 6 and 24 hours per week during the academic year. Each volunteer is required to participate in a minimum of one 72-hour advanced first aid class, and a 140-hour EMT course.

(Dec. 2011) Oneida Lake Congregational Church, located on Route 31 between Messingers Bay and Lakeport, will celebrate the Christmas season with the following events:

On Sunday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. the Singing School will sing “Star of Bethlehem” during the Worship Service.

On Saturday, Dec. 17 members will gather at the church at 3 p.m. for Christmas caroling to shut-ins. A covered dish supper for all members will be served following the caroling.  Those who wish visits from the carolers may call Rev. Carter at 697-9486. Christmas baskets and plants will be distributed to the needy at that time.

On Sunday, Dec. 18 during the Morning Worship at 9:30 a.m., the Sunday School children will sing Christmas music, directed by Peggy Carter, Superintendent.

The annual Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., directed and accompanied by Pastor Carter.

On Sunday, Dec. 25, the Male Chorus will sing, “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” wishing all a very Merry Christmas.