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.

Town of Nelson officials were sworn in before the regular board meeting Jan. 12. From left are, newly-elected Councilman John LaGorga, re-elected highway superintendent John “Jack” Sevier Jr., newly-elected Councilman John Laubscher, newly-elected town Justice William Fredericks, holding the Bible is town Justice Patrick O’Sullivan and re-elected are codes enforcement Officer Roger Cook, town Supervisor Roger Bradstreet and town Clerk Deborah Costello. (Photo by Margo Frink)

By Margo Frink

(Town of Nelson, NY – Jan. 2012) The first order of business for the town of Nelson at its monthly board meeting held Jan. 12 was to swear-in elected officials to their respective positions.

The board then held its organizational meeting with only one change made last year; the town’s bank of record was changed from Key Bank to Oneida Savings Bank.

Councilman Michael Costello reported the town contracted with Richard Davis to install water meters for residents living within the Erieville Water District (EWD). He said if resident’s see Davis’ van in the area that’s what he is doing and not to be alarmed.

All personnel responsible for billing and reading the meters are in the process of being trained.

Costello also reported the EWD water softener will not be in operation until the county’s environmental health department inspects it. Some residents had complained of a chlorine smell or taste.

Councilman Dean Coe reported town of Cazenovia’s Youth Recreation Director Joe Fallon was retiring.

Town Justice Patrick O’Sullivan provided the board with an annual court report, something he said he would like to do on annually. O’Sullivan said one change that was implemented last year was to hold court every other Tuesday.

“Historically there would be nights that no one would show up,” O’Sullivan said. He said other nights would be very good but mentioned that the clerk’s are paid hourly. The every other Tuesday was implemented to save money. He said it was challenging in the beginning and that although the nights have gotten longer, overall “it’s worked.”

O’Sullivan said the court is not in place to raise money but to make sure justice is served and his projected numbers for last year were closer to 2008 and 2009 figures and that 2010 was an “albatross if you will.”

But the court had made the decision to clear out an “enormous amount of old cases” from the 1980s, which it did.

“We are below budget in terms of hours,” O’Sullivan said. “We opened 800 cases last year; those numbers are down. We closed 750 cases. We run a very good court.”

O’Sullivan said the Nelson Town Court handles all “original” misdemeanors and felonies, has had appeals affirmed and recently held a jury trial also affirmed.

“I take pride in that,” O’Sullivan said.

O’Sullivan gave the clerk’s credit for the process running smoothly.

Bradstreet said the town’s court has an excellent reputation and he’s received compliments from the county district attorney.

As for newly-elected justice William Fredericks, he will not be permitted to “take the bench” until he has training. The next training session is in March.

As required the board then held an informational meeting on violence in the workplace.

Margo Frink is vice president of M3P Media LLC and managing editor of the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at Margo@m3pmedia.com or 315-481-8732.

EWD project wrapped-up; health insurance options addressed next year

(Town of Nelson, NY – Dec. 8, 2011) Town of Nelson highway Superintendent Jack Sevier announced the crew is ready for the winter at the boards’ regular monthly meeting held Dec. 8. Utilizing the town’s new roadside tractor, crews performed all the necessary trimming to provide better visibility for drivers and allow sunlight on roads, a key to minimizing freezing conditions.

Nelson Supervisor Roger Bradstreet and the board discussed the wrap-up of the Erieville Water District Improvement Project, a regular item on the agenda for the past 12 months and longer.

The project has been concluded with regard to the main system, tank and wells, with some individual homes receiving “remote” readable meters for water consumption billing, a move to conserve water and collect funds to support the operation and general maintenance of the system.

The EWD project is being funded by a loan and grant from DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York) at a total of $570,000. Members of the district will be responsible for their shares of the 20-year loan, while the DASNY grant reduced the required loan by $125,000. The grant was supported by Assemblyman Bill Magee at the project outset.

The long term EFC (state Environmental Facilities Corporation) low interest loan will be paid by designated units (EDU’s – Equity Dwelling Units) assigned to those within the defined water district.

A four-person committee is in the process of selecting a new committee member after the resignation of Paul Kazunas, who has been on the committee during the new system implementation.

Kazuna’s input and financial experience will be missed.  Kazuna and his wife, Dorothy, will be moving to the town of Eaton, and the committee will need to identify a replacement, as its revised “Statement of Purpose” calls for four full-time district representatives.

Members have arranged education in January for the new metering equipment, and use of the meter reading device and billing interface.  They meet monthly to review system issues and plans. Members of the operation, three, plus their volunteer backups will receive education regarding the new equipment.

The EWD Committee and small operation staff documented a “statement of purpose” defining the operation and goals. They will continue to meet in an effort to more closely monitor ongoing maintenance of the system and assure finances match the ongoing costs, something that was lacking in past years.

Communications to members in the district, as needed, will be the responsibility of the EWD Committee.

Rates within the water system had not changed in several years, costing the minimum $200 a year to customers. It was felt by members of the committee and the board that this amount would not support capital funds needed for regular maintenance, salaries and emergencies.  It was noted that the EWD, in addition to consumable water, does provide fire protection to the district with 13 fire hydrants on the system.  Discussions about a rate change will be open to the public in the first quarter of 2012.

Other Board Business

Health insurance within the town is provided through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and is being changed by Excellus. Coverage for employees has been increasing dramatically, and a variety of policy options is being considered to reduce the cost to the town, while offering reasonable coverage.

A higher deductible arrangement is one option, where premiums will be reduced if the town/employees contribute to the deductible. Those discussions will continue, while Excellus will offer a new plan as of Jan. 1, discontinuing what they refer to as a ‘rich’ plan that provided good coverage via an extremely high premium.

Bradstreet commented how benefits, medical and pension cost run right behind highway costs as the highest items in the budget,  and a challenge for keeping within the new 2-percent Tax Cap, recently introduced.

The town held a holiday luncheon for employees and planning board members Dec. 12.

Nelson hosted an educational forum on natural gas Dec. 14 titled, the “Pros and Cons of Natural Gas” sponsored by the Madison County Natural Gas Development Group and Cornell Cooperative Extension. This session and others like it in the county are intended to inform citizens of potential risks and rewards that may come from Natural Gas.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in town hall.

These board notes were provided by the office of the town of Nelson.

Nov. 14, 2011

John J. Buell, 23, of West Main Street, Earlville, was charged with failure to appear in court.

Nov. 15

Martin O. Pope, Jr., 22, of Lexington Avenue, Oneida, was arrested on a warrant.

Nov. 17

Jennifer M. Akins, 28, of Woodcock Terrace, Erieville, was charged with second-degree forgery (deed/will/codicil), a class D felony.

Sean M. McPhilmy, 22, of East Road, Cazenovia, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs (prior conviction designation), a class E felony; second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, an unclassified misdemeanor; and speeding.

Nov. 18

Joseph G. Parker, Jr., 23, of Belmont Avenue, Oneida, was charged with second-degree assault (while confined in correctional facility), a class D felony.

Nov. 19

Jonathan P. Loveless, 31, of North Court Street, Lenox, was charged with forcible touching, a class A misdemeanor.

Christmas dinner is scheduled for Dec. 9

(New Woodstock, NY – Nov. 2011) The New Woodstock Malcolm Taylor American Legion Post # 172 held their annual Veterans’ Day dinner on Nov. 11, 2011.  It was held at the Legion Post in New Woodstock.  There were 26 members and their guests in attendance.

Girls’ State attendee, Jessica Deyo of Erieville came with her parents. She made an interesting presentation with photographs about her time at Girls’ State held at SUNY Brockport, this past summer.

Gary Foster, commander of Post #172 made a poignant presentation on Prisoners’ of War and Missing in Action.  There was an empty chair at a table set for one person to represent the POWs and MIAs. There was a moment of silence for the Legion members and other Veterans that have passed away.

Chaplin Beverly Slocum of the Women’s Auxiliary gave the prayer before we all enjoyed a delicious dinner.

After enjoying an array of desserts, Bob Conway, Chaplin for the Legion gave a final prayer.

The members also brought canned goods to be delivered to the Food Pantry in Georgetown.

There will be a Christmas Dinner on Dec. 9 at the Legion. Instead of exchanging gifts the members are asked to make a monetary donation. The funds will be used to help another Veterans’ organization, such as Disabled Veterans’.

(Cazenovia, NY – Nov. 2011) Hunt Real Estate Corporation proudly announces the addition of Sean Hagan to their team at the Cazenovia office. Hagan, a lifelong resident of Cazenovia, will be covering Madison and Onondaga Counties as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

After graduating from Cazenovia High School, Hagan enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served as a military police officer while stationed in San Diego and Hawaii. After six years in the military, he returned to Central New York and graduated from Morrisville State College in 1995 with a degree in horticulture.

For the past 11 years, Hagan has owned and operated Grassylane Landscaping, a professional lawn-care and snow removal company in Cazenovia. Even as he begins with Hunt Real Estate Corp., Grassylane Landscaping will not only continue to serve its current customers, but will continue to grow and expand.

“After working in and serving this community for the past decade, I have had the opportunity to get to know the people and homes here,” Hagan said. “When people are looking to relocate in or to Cazenovia, they want the assistance of someone who is familiar with not only the community, but also the resources available to serve them.”

Hagan and his wife, Molly, a teacher with the Chittenango Central School District, currently reside in Erieville. They have two children, a daughter, Lucy, who is a kindergartener at Burton Street Elementary School, and a son, Finley, who attends the Cazenovia Children’s House.

Hagan is a member of the American Legion Post 88 in Cazenovia, as well as the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys all of the outdoor recreation opportunities this area has to offer including running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Residents may also recognize him from his annual appearance as Kris Kringle sponsored by the Chamber of commerce at the Christmas Walk tree lighting.

As part of HUNT Real Estate ERA, Sean will be able to better service his customers and will offer home buyers and sellers a wide variety of valuable products and services including award-winning relocation services, home warranty plan, and the HUNT ERA Sellers Security Plan, which is the guarantee of sale program.

He can be reached at sean.hagan@huntrealestate.com.

Natural gas presentation scheduled for Dec. 14

By Margo Frink

(Town of Nelson, NY – Nov. 10, 2011) After a public hearing held during the regular board meeting, the Nelson Town Board adopted its 2012 budget.

The preliminary budget removed $4,400 from the highway department’s $10,000 reserved equipment fund, but after meeting with a representative from the state Comptroller’s Office on the imposed property tax cap, corrections were made and the $10,000 was added to the final budget proposal, according to Supervisor Roger Bradstreet.

Bradstreet reported the budget is under the 2 percent tax cap levy by about $13,000. The town’s tax levy is $549,000. (The levy is the amount to be raised by taxes).

Also, last year’s tax rate was $2.1996 per $1,000 of assessed value. The 2012 tax rate is $2.059 per $1,000.

A 2 percent raise was included in the budget for town employees.

Although under the cap, the board held a public hearing to adopt a local law to override it. Nelson Attorney James Stokes said the local law legally protects the town if a mistake is made. If the state recalculates and the budget is over the 2 percent it can force the town to take the amount over and remove it from the following year’s operating budget and apply it to the tax levy.

There also is a credit provision if the budget is under the levy but he said he had to look in to that further.

A public hearing was also held to enact a local law allowing the town to impose charges for water rates and EDU’s (Equity Dwelling Unit) for the Erieville Water District (EWD).

“The plan is to make the Erieville Water District self-sustaining and possibly build a bank if something happens,” said Bradstreet. “The idea is not to be running on a shoestring.”

Residents in the EWD were paying $200 a year for water and service. Bradstreet said that amount will not support the project.

The water commission came up with the proposed increases from $50 a quarter to $80 a quarter plus the debt on the upgrades.

There are 74 customers in the district and 89 EDUs.

Other Business

At the Dec. 8 meeting the board will make a decision regarding employees’ health insurance. The previous plan is no longer available. Bradstreet said the new plans reviewed show money savings.

“We need a plan that’s affordable to the town where people have the insurance they are entitled to,” Bradstreet said.

On Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Nelson Town Hall, there will be a presentation on the pros and cons of natural gas with Ken Smith of Cornell Cooperative Extension. The public is invited to attend.

(Nelson, NY – Oct. 2011) I am a retiring council person (Town Board) in the town of Nelson. It has been a pleasure, a tremendous learning experience and a privilege to have been in this position for the past four years. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in their town to become involved by offering to be on one of the boards. It is not scary and you get such insight into the inner working of things which makes you better appreciate where you live and also you get to work with some very nice people.

I am supporting John Laubscher, who is running for one of the two vacant seats on the Nelson Town Board. John is a dynamic person who has lived here for many years and is an entrepreneur, currently having two businesses in the town.  Being a current member of our Planning Board, John has been able to assess the applications of others for sub divisions, site plans and special permits.

The trend in town governance is toward more restrictions and less freedom. John is a believer in individual freedom and property rights, concepts that, I believe, most of the people in our rural environment share. Where do the other candidates stand on this issue?

Please join me in voting for John on the Republican line on Election Day.

Denise Earl

2011 Recipients of the Norman Odell Citizen of Year Award

(Town of Nelson, NY – Nov. 2011) The town of Nelson and the Erieville Heritage Society are pleased to announce that Thomas “Tom” and Cheryl Davies are the recipients of the 2011 Norman Odell Citizen of the Year Award.

This award is presented every year to a citizen or citizens who have volunteered many hours to making the town of Nelson a great place to live.

The Davies have lived in Nelson many years and raised their two children here. They have always been very active in the community, especially with churches. They are both members of the Nelson Methodist Church and the Welsh Church. Tom is pastor of the Munnsville Congregational Church.

Tom has led the churches in many ways from organizing Adopt-A-Highway programs at both Nelson and Munnsville, organizing a “Shopping Cart Drill Team,” which marches in parades and collects food for area pantries, opening a food pantry in Munnsville, organizing fund-raisers, to being treasurer of the Nelson Board of Trustees, lay leader, chief lawn mower, painter and dish wiper.

He also serves the Welsh Church as caretaker, arranger of summer programs and the cemetery board. He was an original member of the Nelson Quartet.

Cheryl is always helping out, either picking up the trash on Route 20, hosting at the Welsh Church, working church dinners, volunteering at Cazenovia Public Library, the “From the Ground Up Riding Therapy, Apheresis Platelet Donation and she has ran in the Boston Marathon four times for the Jimmy Fund Cancer research.

They both have traveled to New Orleans numerous times as part of Operation Southern Comfort and volunteer at the Nelson Odeon as it gets started in the community.

The public is invited to join in honoring Tom and Cheryl on Sunday Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Nelson Town Office Building.

Volunteers Doug Taberg, Phil Robb, Candyce Robb, Stephen Goodfriend and Judi Goodfriend get ready to replace a railing at a house in Erieville.

RSVP partners with Habitat for Humanity for ‘Brush With Kindness’

(Madison County, NY – Oct. 2011) Oct. 22 was national ‘Make A Difference” day and RSVP partnered with Habitat for Humanity to place 24 volunteers in A Brush With Kindness program.

Five homes around Madison County got some needed repairs.  Selected homes were based on greatest need and on the availability of resources needed to complete the work.

In Erieville, volunteers worked on repairing a porch railing, rain gutters were installed on a house in Chittenango, indoor painting and carpet preparation work was done on houses in Bridgeport and North Chittenango and an air exchange system was installed on a home in West Eaton.

One volunteer team needed to get more supplies and plans to return this coming weekend to finish the rain gutter job in Chittenango.

One volunteer commented, “It was nice to be able to help out and I learned a lot about how to do a project at my own home.”

RSVP of Madison County and Habitat for Humanity have had a long standing partnership and wanted to do a special project together. It was a great success and leads to more opportunities for the groups to work together.

In fact, RSVP is calling for volunteers to work with Habitat in a house deconstruction near Hamilton during the month of November. No special skills required. Habitat will use materials from the deconstruction in ‘A Brush With Kindness’ program. Deconstruction is the process of “carefully” taking apart a building to reuse as much of the material as possible. This project will also help to keep materials out of our landfills. They will be taking out cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets and switches, lights, doors, windows… and the list goes on and on. How much they are able to save is directly related to how many volunteers they have.

If you would like more information you may call Rev. Greg Wright  at 374-9054 or email him at gwright@syracusehabitat.org. To sign up to volunteer there is a “Doodle” scheduling page set up at doodle.com/ry48nuixgcnfw9uc. Indicate your availability and you will be contacted to confirm a schedule.