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.

Hamilton Public Library news

By Barb Coger

(Hamilton, NY- Feb. 2012) The Hamilton Public Library is pleased to announce that their annual “Exceptional Art Exhibit” is now on display. This art show features work created by artists from several area agencies, including Heritage Farm.

Among the art work you will find colorful paintings, creative sculptures, art forms found in nature, paper folding, jewelry and collages.

The public is invited to attend a special reception in honor of these talented artists on Friday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m.

Susan Beattie has once again donated some of her lovely nature photography note cards as a fundraiser for the library. These items are limited in quantity and sell for $3 each. All proceeds from the sale of these note cards will be used to purchase books for the children’s area.

Children’s books are also added to our library’s collection through a generous gesture of the Hamilton Rotary Club. This club has chosen to honor their weekly speakers by purchasing books for Hamilton Public Library in their name. Some of the most recent gift books include Cornelia Funke’s “Dragon Rider,” “Homer the Library Cat” by Reeve Lindbergh and Shel Silverstein’s “Everything on It.”

As a reminder, federal and state tax forms at available at the library. We now have the 1040 instruction booklets. Call the library for the free tax consultant contacts.

Barb Coger is director of the Hamilton Public Library. The library is usually open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call the library at (315) 824-3060, during these hours for assistance. The book drop on Broad Street is always open for your convenience. Check the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date information about programs and special events.

Hamilton Public Library News

By Barbara Coger

(Hamilton, NY – Jan. 2012) The Friends of Hamilton Public Library are preparing their annual newsletter and will be offering it for the first time as an email option. Printed copies will still be available as always.

If you wish to add your name to an online list, just send notification to hamiltonlibrary @midyork.org, call the library, (315) 824-3060, or stop by with your current email.

Last week during an evening program, Lindsey Hoham shared some great tips for couponing and other money saving strategies. One of her favorite sites is hip2save.com. We now have a list of other popular sites and apps for you.

For those of you who request items, you will be notified when a copy is available for you. Sometimes these items may come from another library in the Mid-York Library System.

Out of courtesy to these libraries, we do request that you pick up your reserve item within 7 days of notification. If you are not able to do so, please let us know and we may be able to hold them a bit longer.  If we do not hear from you, items will be returned to the lending library at the end of the week’s notification.

New fiction titles available this week include Umberto Eco’s The Prague Cemetery, The Wedding Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini, Need You Now by James Grippando, Micro by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston.

Mysteries by Ian Rankin, John Sandford, and A Study in Sherlock are also available.

Barbara Coger is the library director. The library is open Monday-Friday, 10 am – 7 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm. Please call the library, (315) 824-3060, during these hours for assistance. The book drop on Broad Street is always open for your convenience. Check the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date information about programs and special events.

Pictured is Bruce Ward, architect and sponsor of a children’s feature at Hamilton Theater this fall. The Alliance Bank Children’s Matinee Series kicks off for the spring on Saturday Jan. 28 at 12:30 p.m. with Kung Fu Panda 2, sponsored by HCS Teachers’ Association. Admission is free.

(Hamilton, NY – Jan. 2012) The 2011-12 Alliance Bank Children’s Matinee Series kicks off for the spring at Hamilton Theater on Saturday Jan. 28 at 12:30 p.m. with the newly released family favorite Kung Fu Panda 2, sponsored by the HCS Teachers’ Association.  Enjoy a martial arts exhibition by students from Pinney’s American Karate School before the movie!

Thanks to Alliance Bank, in partnership with individual film sponsors and campus partners, admission to all films in the series is free for children and adults.  This marks the ninth year that Alliance Bank is sponsoring the children’s series.

“We are extremely grateful to Alliance Bank, and to our individual film sponsors, for making this series available to the community,” said Hamilton Theater’s Chuck Fox.  He noted that nearly 3,600 children and family members from Norwich to Brookfield to Cazenovia to Oneida and all communities in between enjoyed the series last year.

Saturday children’s films feature a special highlight to complement the movie.  This spring’s schedule will include animals from Spring Farms Cares, a special exhibit by Rogers Environmental Education Center and a performance by students from Joy’s Dance Studio.

The complete schedule includes:  Jan. 28- Kung Fu Panda 2 (HCS Teachers’ Assoc.), Feb. 4- Spy Kids:  All the Time in the World (Paul Oil Co.), Feb. 11- Tooth Fairy (Reality Check), Feb. 18- The Smurfs (Damian’s Automotive), Feb. 25- Clifford’s Really Big Movie (Nilles Ford and Mercury), Mar. 3- Megamind (Den Kelly Chevrolet), Mar. 10- The Ant Bully (Hamilton Chiropractic Health Center), Mar. 17- The Secret of Kells (Rusch’s Bar and Grill), Mar. 24- Hop (Witter Construction), Mar. 31- Happy Feet (Catania Chiropractic).

For information, visit hamiltontheater.net or call 315-824-8210.

Hamilton Public Library News

By Barbara Coger

(Hamilton, NY – Jan. 2012) Certified volunteer income tax consultants will be available at Hamilton Public Library to help low income families and people 60 years old and over complete their tax forms. These sessions are free and by appointment only.

Madison County low income families may call 697-3588 for appointments. Seniors may reach the RSVP tax consultant at 824-3361 starting Jan. 25.

Both federal and state tax forms are available at the library. We are still awaiting 1040 instruction booklets.

Although ebooks are becoming popular, don’t despair. We still have new books coming in all the time. Among the new mystery titles are Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell, Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich, V is for Vengeance, by Sue Grafton, Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James.

New biographies include Robert Massie’s Catherine the Great and Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Any titles that are not available when you look for them may be requested in person, over the phone, or you may request them yourself from the Mid-York Library System web page.

As a reminder, the library is not currently accepting books for our fall book sale. The only items we can use at this time are gently used best sellers and children’s books. If you would like to donate these types of books, please bring them in during regular library hours. Books left outside the library risk weather damage.

The library is collecting eyeglasses, box tops for education, used inkjet cartridges, crayons, and dresses for Cinderella’s Closet.

Barbara Coger is the Library Director. The library is open Monday-Friday, 10 am – 7 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm. Please call the library, (315) 824-3060, during these hours for assistance. The book drop on Broad Street is always open for your convenience. Check the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date information about programs and special events.

By Laurie Fuess

(Madison County, NY – Jan. 2012) Congratulations to Myron Smith of Munnsville, who was re-elected to represent farmers from Lenox, Lincoln, Oneida, Stockbridge and Sullivan on the County Committee. FSA thanks the producers who voted in this year’s election.

The county committee system works only because of your participation. The committee held its organizational meeting immediately after the election; Smith was elected chairman; Donna Griffin of Cazenovia, vice chairwoman and Charles Blood of Hubbardsville as regular member.

Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments

SURE provides crop disaster assistance payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred crop revenue losses due to natural disaster during crop year 2010. The program takes into consideration crop losses on all crops grown by a producer nationwide.

SURE provides assistance in an amount equal to 60 percent of the difference between the SURE farm guarantee and total farm revenue.

Signup ends June 1; if you suffered any crop losses in 2010 call (315) 824-9076 ext. 2 for more information.

2011 Commodity Loans Available

If you grew corn, wheat, oats, barley or soybeans in 2011 and still have them stored on your farm, you could be eligible for a marketing assistance loan with us. These loans are a great marketing tool for you.

These are nine-month loans with very low interest rates: 1.125 percent for a loan obtained in January. Loan rates are per bushel: $2.11 for corn, $4.99 for soybeans, $1.35 for oats, $1.73 for barley and $2.54.

Give us a call for more information.

Foreign Buyers Notification

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Actrequires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to the Secretary of Agriculture. FSA administers this program for USDA.

All individuals who are not U.S. citizens and have purchased or sold agricultural land in the county are required to report the transaction to FSA within 90 days of closing. Failure to submit AFIDA Form FSA-153 could result in civil penalties of up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the property.

County government offices, realtors, attorneys and others involved in real estate transactions are reminded to notify foreign investors of these reporting requirements.

DCP Signup Begins Jan. 23 and Ends June 1

FSA will compute the 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program payments using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Payments on these contracts will be made after Oct. 1. Signup is beginning later this year, and we have almost 600 contracts to enroll in this program, so don’t wait until the last minute; call now for an appointment.

Laurie Fuess is county executive director, USDA Farm Service Agency.

(Sylvan Beach, NY – Jan. 2012) U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 based in Sylvan Beach held its Change of Watch banquet Jan. 7, swearing in staff officers for 2012 and honoring 2011′s top performers.

Division 2 Vice Commander John Steinbarge of Baldwinsville administered the oath of office to newly elected Flotilla Commander William Cummings of Utica and Flotilla Vice Commander Karen Beehm of Hubbardsville, along with a number of appointed staff officers.

Steinbarge, Cummings and Beehm then presented several awards.

Thomas Paatz of Dolgeville received both the Flotilla’s Top Performer Award in Operations and the Division’s Commodore James J. Phillips Excellence in Operations Award for, among other things, spending the most time patrolling Oneida Lake and assisting boaters in distress.

David Troutman of Rome received the Flotilla’s Program Visitor Award for making the most visits – over 360 visits – to retail, boating and recreational outlets to promote boating safety. Troutman and Bonita Stilwell of Canastota shared the Flotilla’s Top Vessel Examiner Award for performing the most free safety checks for boaters.

Robert Stronach of Marcy was named the Flotilla’s Coast Guard Auxiliarist of the Year, reflecting participation in training, photographing and writing about missions, training and other activities, and designing Coast Guard Auxiliary publications.

Steinbarge made brief remarks about the need to continue addressing boating safety with the public, especially with paddle crafts becoming a popular recreational sport. “They’re selling thousands of paddle crafts,” he said, which presents an opportunity to provide safety education to reduce the number of mishaps and injuries.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary supports the U.S. Coast Guard and the public by patrolling the waterways, responding to boaters in distress, conducting search and rescue operations, promoting and teaching boating safety, offering free vessel exams, and providing auxiliary chefs (AuxChefs) for short tours at Coast Guard stations, on Coast Guard cutters, and at VIP events.

Hamilton Public Library news

By Barbara Coger

(Hamilton, NY – Jan. 17, 2012) Interested in saving some money? Plan on attending Lindsey Hoham’s “Not- So-Extreme Couponing and other Money-Saving Tips” program Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m. This event will be held in Hamilton Public Library’s Community Room.

This is a free event, but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable food, paper goods or personal care items to donate to the Food Cupboard, preferably something purchased with a coupon.

Topics to be covered include basic couponing and deal match-ups, making a coupon binder, easy and free rewards programs, saving money online and using your smart phone to save money.

Hamilton Public Library does have federal and state income tax forms available. We are just waiting for the 1040 instruction booklets to arrive.

There will also be free tax consultation available for low income families and people 60 years old and over. These sessions are by appointment only. Call the library for more information.

We will host a Community Art Exhibit again in April, so now’s the time to be thinking about what you might like to display. All forms of art work will be accepted. There is a limit of one item per person. Over the years we have seen a fantastic array of wall art, basketry, jewelry, pottery, fabric arts, woodwork, photography and other creative pieces of art work.

As a reminder, suggestions for technology classes this spring are now being accepted. We have a list of suggested topics and welcome your input.

The library will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

Barb Coger is director of the Hamilton Public Library. The library is usually open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call the library at (315) 824-3060, during these hours for assistance. The book drop onBroad Streetis always open for your convenience. Check the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date information about programs and special events.

Lions and Rotary clubs square off to support non-profits

(Hamilton, NY – Jan. 2012) Based on that popular game show of the 80’s (Family Feud) the Hamilton Lions Club has accepted the challenge thrown by the Hamilton Rotary Club for a fun raucous night on Friday Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. Teams will compete, responding “to the best of their knowledge and wit” the top responses of the surveyed statements. Which team will emerge as the winner? Who will pass, play, or steal?

Entering its fifth year Hamilton Feud (produced by The Palace Theater) benefits non-profit agencies that split proceeds from the ticket sales. Team players are Ahmad Khazaee, Matt Barber, Clara Lantz, Michelle Butzgy and John Butzgy for the Hamilton Lions Club, and David Craine, Aurelius Henderson, Bobby Pennington, Gwenn Parry Werner, Lindsey Hoham, and alternate Barb Albrecht for the Roaring Rotary Eradicators. Come support your favorite team and have lots of fun watching Hamilton Feud. Both service oriented clubs support their communities through countless endeavors. Have a great time supporting both teams.

Tickets are $10 per person and are available at Parry’s Hardware, The Palace Theater or by contacting your local Lions or Rotary members. Tickets will also be sold at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. on game night. Light drinks and popcorn will be sold by the teams.

Larry Baker, Hamilton Feud’s Game Master, sporting his trademark red vest and bow tie, will explain rules, encourage players and entertain the audience. Hamilton Feud is all about points, winning streaks, and top answers. Teams compete for points by guessing the top five answers to statements that were part of the survey completed by residents. A statement example is, “Name a popular breakfast cereal.”

The game begins with the captains of both teams facing off at the lock-out desk to see which team will gain control. An answer is considered correct if it is one of the concealed answers on the game board. If the captain’s answer earns the higher points, his/her team gets the chance to play or pass. Three strikes and the team gives up control of the board, and the competing team gets a chance to steal the points by naming just one answer that’s not yet revealed on the board.

The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica St. in downtown Hamilton. Visit palacetheater.org or call 824-1420 for more information.

Hamilton Public Library will be offering technology classes this spring and is seeking community input for course offerings. Pictured are Nancy Roberts and Fritz Meeusen, a Mid-York Library System computer trainer, demonstrating a successful ebook download.

Hamilton Public Library News

By Barbara Coger

(Hamilton, NY – Jan. 2012) The Hamilton Public Library Board and Staff wish to thank our library community for all the generous donations that have been received over the last month. The goodies were all delicious and the monetary donations will be used to supplement our book collection. Almost thirty other new items will be added to our collection based upon the Wish Tree donations.

Hamilton Public Library’s newest stuffed animal now has a name! Gingy (short for Gingerbread) was randomly selected from over 60 creative entries. This creature is over three-and-a-half feet tall even when seated so he will make a wonderful lap to sit in to share books. Look for him in the red cushion play area.

Now is the time to start thinking about possible computer-based workshops that the library can offer this spring. Interest has already been expressed in photoshop basics, Skype, basic internet security and computer maintenance, using Picasso, and composing letters in Microsoft Word. A list of suggested classes can be found on the circulation desk.

We have had many inquiries about downloading ebooks since Christmas and can offer some help. If we’re not successful in helping you, someone at Mid-York Library System most likely will be.

For those of you who have been frustrated with the long wait lists for popular ebook titles, I have just learned that Mid-York Library System will be adding multiple copies to alleviate the long waits. This action is based upon your feedback, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any thoughts on using this downloadable service.

Barbara Coger is the Library Director. The library is open Monday-Friday, 10 am – 7 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm. Please call the library, (315) 824-3060, during these hours for assistance. The book drop on Broad Street is always open for your convenience. Check the library’s Facebook page for up-to-date information about programs and special events.