Friends and Bountiful Gardens



 

Posted: July 23, 2010

Have you noticed the array of colors that encompass the outside of the United Helpers Adult Home? This is the bountiful work of two friends and United Helpers Adult Home Residents, Irene Smith and Bea Hartmann. After careful planning this winter, the pair has been diligently tending to the five gardens located around the United Helpers Adult Home. The beds are a mixture of ornamental plants, herbs, and vegetable crops including corn, peppers, lettuce, radish, squash, rhubarb, carrots, tomatoes, onions, pole beans, snap peas, lemon basil, lavender, rosemary, sage, basil, dill, chives, fennel, gold leaf thyme, oregano, pansies, roses, and marigolds. The duo single-handily purchased and planted all the vegetables, herbs, and flowers located in the gardens, which is readily being enjoyed by residents, friends, family members, staff, and visitors alike. Pictured from left to right are Bea Hartmann and Irene Smith.

Christian Band to Perform
July 31 at Clayton Opera House

Posted: July 23, 2010

Michael B and Sent Forth, a Christian band from Central New York, will perform at the Clayton Opera House at 7:00 p.m. on July 31, 2010. The band shares its message of hope through the gift of music. Band members have written and recorded a number of original praise songs that they regularly share with audiences in church and on stage. The band is made up of experienced musicians and worship leaders. The performance is presented by Beul D’Beau Productions.

Michael Bolio, familiar to Watertown audiences for his roles in multiple Watertown Lyric Theater productions, plays bass guitar and sings lead vocals. Robbie Brown of Mexico, New York plays percussion and sings backing vocals. Al Weaver is on lead guitar and backing vocals.

The group’s website is http://www.mbandsentforth.com/

Transform, a Clayton-area Christian group made up of young adults who have performed together for 6 years, will open for Sent Forth. Transform has recorded two albums, and they offer a music ministry in the River community. Band members bring an energetic spirit to every concert; they have raised more than $25,000 for local charities and causes. Recently, Transform performed for the Sunday Sunset Series at Frink Park.
All seats are $12, and seating is general admission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be reserved or purchased by calling the Clayton Opera House box office at 686-2200. The Clayton Opera House is located on Riverside Drive in the Village of Clayton.
 

Kid's Dock Derby Held in Henderson Harbor

Posted: July 22, 2010

This year's annual free kids' dock fishing derby on July 18, 2010 at Henchen Marina in Henderson Harbor was a great success.

Twenty-five contestants ranging in age from three to 12 years old competed for trophies in the largest fish, smallest fish and most fish caught categories. The winners of this year's derby were Matt Williams of Ramsey Shores (smallest fish), Alex Grimshaw of Henderson (largest fish) and Jamison Walker of Syracuse (most fish).

A free lunch of hot dogs, fish fry, snacks and lemonade for both contestants and their adult coaches followed immediately after the derby, and all contestants went home with goody bags filled with treats and prizes.

Henchen Marina holds this free event annually as a way to treat children and their parents or guardians to a fun day of fishing together.

JCC Students in New Orleans

(l-r): Carlton D. Fisher, College staff member; Gregory J. LaDuke, Watertown; Caleb A. Ragan, Watertown; Danielle Sacca, Watertown; Lindsay R. Shippee, Watertown; Sabrina R. Cummins, Deferiet; Nancy M. Lear, College staff member; Kelly S. Nichols, Chaumont; Brenda L. Parent, Dexter

Missing from photo: Christine M. Grimes-Topping, assistant professor of English at JCC and trip coordinator
 

Posted: July 19, 2010

The Jefferson Community College (JCC) Broader Horizons club and members of two English classes (southern literature and composition class and writing literary nonfiction class) spent ten days in New Orleans, Louisiana for an excursion study program led by Christine M. Grimes-Topping, assistant professor of English at JCC. This is the second year JCC students have had the opportunity to learn on location while studying literature in the South. The excursion study program pairs classroom time with travel learning.

While in the Big Easy, JCC students attended class held at the University of New Orleans, took historical and literary tours tailored to material discussed in the classroom, and spent a day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding a home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Students immersed themselves in an unfamiliar culture taking part in a French Quarters scavenger hunt, witnessing a jazz wedding parade in Jackson Mall, and dining aboard Steamboat Natchez for a dinner jazz cruise. Additionally, the trip provided many ‘first time’ experiences for students some of whom had never traveled on plane, outside of New York State, or without family. The excursion study program is an experience JCC students won’t forget!

The excursion study program was made possible in part through the Chester Lee Family Travel Grant, JCC student government and student fundraising.
 

Watertown Boxing Club Win



 

Posted: July 18, 2010

Christian Morrison, Philadelphia, of the Watertown Area Boxing Club scored an unanimous decision over Dylan Bailey of Elmira Boxing Club at the "Showdown in Paradise" at the Paradise Plaza in Syracuse. This bout was in the junior 165 lb. division of USA Boxing sanctioned event. Pictured with Christian are Coach Johnny Pepe and Anthony Morrison.

Henderson Historical Society Program



 

Posted: July 18, 2010

On Friday, July 30, 2010, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, the Henderson Historical Society is hosting a program, "Story of the French and Indian War," given by Reenactors Steve and Sara Perkins. It will be held at the Henderson Historical Society Museum, 12581 County Route 72, Henderson, NY. The public is invited and admission and parking is free. Light refreshments will be offered.

Steve and Sara are French and Indian War reenactors from Watertown, NY. Both grew up in Watertown and have had a life-long interest in history, especially when it impacts local areas. They portray an officer of French partisans and his wife on the upper St. Lawrence/Lake Ontario frontier, circa 1758 - 1760. Steve is Capitaine of Compagnie Franche du les Guerricres d' Oswegatehie. Madame will be discussing the domestic life of New France and Capitaine will be discussing the 1756 siege of Oswego and its impact on what was to become Henderson Harbor

Lewis County Dairy Day

Pictured: Walter Smith, Judy Orendorff, Sarah Salisbury & Tom Salisbury

Posted: July 16, 2010

“Dairy Day” for the seniors of Lewis County was recently held on Tuesday, June 22, 2010. The day began at the Maple Ridge Nutrition Site, located on the East Rd., with a presentation on dairy facts and products was given by Gabby & Reegan Domagala, Dairy Ambassadors. A chicken BBQ lunch was served for the seniors and guests. Following lunch a group of approximately 21 seniors traveled to the farm of John and Jean Demko, located on Route 26, Lowville. The Demko’s gave a complete tour of their current farming operation and answered many questions about the kosher milk process. The seniors were amazed on the current farming techniques compared to what most of them grew up with. Kaboda RTV’s were made available for the seniors to ride in, so they could tour the entire farm. To end the day, the seniors were treated to ice cream at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Lewis County Office for the Aging would like to thank the Dairy Ambassadors, John & Jean Demko, White’s Farm Supply and Glendon & Marabel Widrick for their individual contributions to this Lunch-N-Learn event .

First Place at the Fair

Posted: July 15, 2010

Keely O'Connor, age 10, from Deferiet, won 1st and 2nd place in the 2010 Jefferson County Fair's Art Show for her paintings. This is the second year in a row that Keely has taken home a first place ribbon.

Cheddar Cheese Festival at Success

Posted: July 14, 2010

The Adams Cheddar Cheese Festival, held July 10, 2010, was a success.

Grieg Church Celebrates 30 Years

Posted: July 14, 2010

Calvary Bible Church in Grieg, celebrated 30 years Sunday, July 11, 2010. Calvary Bible Church is a KJV Bible believing Baptist Church. Pictured are individuals who started the church and have remained faithful all 30 years. Left to right: Pastor James Jenkins, Mrs. Carol Jenkins, Mrs. Twila Rocker, Mrs. Brenda Fitzgerald, Mr. Royce Fitzgerald, Mrs. Linda Benedict, and Mr. Harold Benedict.
 

Indoor Picnic at Maplewood

Posted: July 10, 2010

Residents of the United Helpers Maplewood Campus and children from the Canton Day Care Center stayed cool during record high temperatures on Thursday with an indoor picnic consisting of hamburgers, hotdogs, macaroni salad, chips, and ice cream. This is just another example of the many intergenerational and recreational opportunities at Maplewood. Pictured from left to right are: Helen Carmen, Clarence Richards, Jaylene Dawley, Hailie Addison, Ann Scott, Caleb Johnson, Stanley Kaine, Hailey Montenergo, Cat Huber, Betty Rourke, and Vincent Nelson-Fuse. Missing from photo: Bessie Curry.
 

Local Student Wins at National Competition

Posted: July 9, 2010

Allyssa Roberts recently won a gold medal at the SkillsUSA National Competition. She graduated this June from the Bohlen Technical Center and South Jefferson Schools. At the Bohlen Technical Center she attended the Culinary Arts program. Allyssa is planning on attending SUNY Delhi in the Fall.
 

SUNY Chancellor's Awards Given at JCC

Pictured (left to right): Professor of mathematics Michael K. White, Chaumont, recipient of the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; Carole A. McCoy, president, Jefferson Community College; director of the computer center Donald J. Horton, Evans Mills, recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service; secretary for the advising, career and counseling center Tina M. Berkey, Adams Center, recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service; professor of mathematics Joel F. LaLone, Watertown, recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creativity.

Posted: July 9, 2010

At its forty-sixth commencement exercises held on May 21, 2010, Jefferson Community College awarded State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Awards to four distinguished faculty and staff.

The Chancellor’s Awards recognize extraordinary achievements and encourage the continuation of excellence. It is one of the most prestigious honors that can be conferred upon professionals employed at the 64 institutions of the State University of New York.

Tina M. Berkey of Adams Center, secretary for the Advising, Career and Counseling Center, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. Donald J. Horton of Evans Mills, director of the computer center, was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Michael K. White of Chaumont, professor of mathematics, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Joel F. LaLone of Watertown, professor of mathematics, was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creativity.

Tina Berkey joined the classified staff at Jefferson Community College in 1982 after graduating from Jefferson with an associate of applied science degree in office technologies/secretarial science. In 1990 she earned a second degree from Jefferson, an associate of arts degree in liberal arts - humanities and social sciences, and has also taken additional coursework toward a degree in early childhood education.

Tina’s nearly thirty-year tenure at Jefferson began as a word processor, providing typing and mass mailing services to all office campuses without dedicated secretarial support. Tina then served as secretary to the Science Division for 10 years and then spent 6 years as administrative secretary to the dean for enrollment management and student life. Since 2003, she has served as secretary of the Advising Office, now called Advising Career and Counseling Center (ACCC) where her friendly demeanor, can-do abilities, extensive campus knowledge, problem solving skills and technological expertise make her an invaluable asset to the ACCC and entire campus. She willingly shares her knowledge with students and has an excellent track record of training and supervising student workers. As Senate recorder for the past five years, Tina is the first classified staff member to hold an executive position in College Senate.

Tina is extremely committed to Jefferson students and is a true ambassador of the College as both an alumna and as an active participant in numerous committees and events on campus. She has contributed her time and expertise to JCC’s United Way Campaign Committee, Institutional Technology Advisory Committee, Women’s Organization, Super Science Saturday and the Faculty/Staff Choir. In the community-at-large, Tina has served on numerous boards and volunteered her time with Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Adams Center Free Library, Special Olympics, Victim’s Assistance Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Dance World.

Donald Horton joined Jefferson in 1989 as director of the computer center. In this position, Don is responsible for Jefferson’s information systems on campus including administrative computing, data/voice communications and helpdesk operations. He holds an associate of applied science degree in business administration from North Country Community College, a bachelor of science degree in computer science from the College of Technology at Utica (now the SUNY Institute of Technology), and a master of business administration from SUNY Oswego.

As director of the computer center on Jefferson’s campus, Don has effectively lead the College through two major administrative computing software conversions and has managed Jefferson’s ever changing and expanding communication, data management and internet access needs. In his first year at Jefferson, Don quickly demonstrated his leadership abilities by tackling the first software conversion to SCT Plus, a three-year, two million dollar implementation. The second large-scale endeavor, the campus conversion to Sunguard Banner which began in 2007, is drawing to a close in 2010. In both projects, Don established and adhered to timelines and budget parameters both which were critical to the timely implementation and success of the conversions. His ability to introduce new technologies to those who are not technologically-savvy is much appreciated by colleagues across campus.

Don is instrumental in keeping the College well-positioned to take advantage of advancing technologies while continuing to manage everyday institutional computing needs. His skills in vendor negotiations ensure the College the best pricing and technological solutions. Don keeps at the forefront of technological advances through membership to the SUNY Computing Officers Association and EduCause, as well as through professional conference participation and training.

Don is well-respected by his colleagues and is known for his straight-forward communication skills, good humor, logical approach to problem solving and leadership abilities. For the past six years, Don has served as president of the JCC Faculty Association (JCCFA), the campus union for faculty and non-teaching professionals. He is effective in his ability to manage the differing perspectives of a collective body and recently guided the JCCFA through a collective bargaining process that resulted in a contract accepted by all parties.

In addition to his role with the JCCFA, Don serves on the Institutional Technology Advisory Committee, Banner Advisory Committee, JCCFA Personnel Committee, Athletic Board of Control and n numerous other campus search and ad hoc committees. Don’s Jefferson colleagues are not the only ones who benefit from his expertise. He teaches on campus as in adjunct computer science instructor and has previously served as club advisor to Student Government.

In the greater Watertown community, Don devotes his time to serving the community’s youth through area athletic programs. He is actively involved in the Watertown Hockey Association and previously served as its vice president for five years. He is a board member of the Indian River United Soccer Club. Through the years, Don has coached local youth in ice hockey, soccer, baseball and is currently an ice hockey official.

Professor Michael White has been a member of Jefferson’s faculty since 1983 and has distinguished himself as a well respected teacher by his students and as a mentor to his colleagues. He holds an associate of arts degree in mathematics from Jamestown Community College, a bachelor of arts degree in English from SUNY Albany and a master’s of education from SUNY Buffalo.

In his twenty-five plus years at Jefferson, Michael has taught a wide range of mathematics courses from developmental to upper level. One of his strongest assets is his ability to serve a diverse student population by adapting to student needs, interests and problems. His sense of humor puts students at ease and creates a positive learning atmosphere. Michael uses a variety of technology and software programs, such as Minitab and MyMathLab, in the classroom and employs creative teaching techniques that allow students to apply math concepts in personally relevant ways.

Michael is routinely called upon for his academic expertise, sound judgment, strong work ethic and professionalism. He has served the Science Division twice as chair of the mathematics department. As chair, he oversaw the expansion of the department from four full-time faculty members to nine. He was instrumental in the development of a high school liaison in the subject of mathematics to support Jefferson EDGE, the College’s concurrent enrollment program with area high schools. As an instructor, Michael also developed several courses including Survey of Mathematics, Intermediate Algebra and Quantitative Reasoning.
His expertise is valued by those outside of the Jefferson campus as well. As a project director with JCC’s Center for Community Studies for the past nine years, Michael has managed numerous research studies ranging in topic from tobacco cessation, to homelessness, to eating disorders. He was also invited by Cornell University to spend a year as a visiting senior lecturer teaching calculus.

Michael keeps abreast of his field through membership in professional organizations such as the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), Mew York State Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, and the American Statistical Association. He regularly attends conferences and implements ideas gleaned at these conferences in the classroom. In addition, Michael has taken several courses through MAA and one in particular, A New Vision: Making Mathematics One of the Most Interesting, Important and Useful Courses Humanities Students Experience, is particularly indicative of Michael’s desire to stimulate the intellectual growth of all his students.

Professor Joel LaLone has been a member of the math faculty at Jefferson since 1985, and project director and research coordinator for the Center for Community Studies (CCS) at Jefferson since 1999. He is a graduate of Jefferson Community College and also earned a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and a master of science degree in mathematics from Syracuse University. In 1991, Joel received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Joel is highly regarded throughout the northern New York region for his expertise in designing survey instruments, conducting research and analyzing survey data. He is the epitome of research at the community college level - research for which the data is utilized to effect change within local communities. Through the CCS and his own consulting company, Joel has authored more than 50 studies for community-based agencies, the results of which are used as the catalyst to improve and build stronger communities. Often, Joel’s research data is cited in grant applications that secure state and federal funding for community initiatives. Topics have included tobacco use, gambling, labor skills assessment, ATV use, the Clean Indoor Air Act, healthcare assessment, and residential initiatives, just to name a few. Perhaps one of the most important ongoing research publications Joel has composed is the annual Jefferson County Survey of the Community, now in its eleventh year, which documents and compares over time the attitudes and opinions of residents on a variety of quality of life issues.

Highly regarded as an expert on research methodology, Joel not only gives frequent presentations on the results of his studies to government and community organizations, he is often a guest speaker on the topic of research analysis in graduate classes at many academic institutions including Syracuse University and Cornell University. Jefferson Community College students benefit as well from Joel’s research. Under his training and guidance, hundreds of Jefferson statistics students collect and assist with analyzing the data in many surveys conducted by the Center for Community Studies, providing them an invaluable experience conducting scholarly research. In the Fall of 2008, Joel gained some additional personal experience when he spent his sabbatical working for Zogby International where the data being collected and analyzed was from the political polls for the 2008 U.S. Presidential election.

In addition to his community studies, Joel is also published in the traditional sense. Recently, his article “Could it Be Asthma? Using Social Marketing Strategies to Increase Parent and Caregiver Knowledge of Asthma Symptoms of Children in a Rural Community” was published in the journal Health Promotion Practice. Additionally, he has written his own college statistics textbook, currently in its 4th edition and published by McGraw Hill, which is utilized in all upper level statistics courses at Jefferson.
 

Center for Community Studies Presents Honors

Pictured: (l-r) Richard R. LeClerc, Director of the Center for Community Studies at JCC; Dr. John W. Deans, JCC president emeritus; Christopher M. Roberts, Jefferson student; Dr. Richard L. Halpin, Cornell Cooperative Extension executive director and Joel F. LaLone, research coordinator for the Center for Community Studies and professor of math at JCC.

Posted: July 9, 2010

The Center for Community Studies (CCS) at Jefferson Community College (JCC) honored two long-time CCS supporters and an exceptional Jefferson student at its annual meeting held on June 17, 2010.

Jefferson president emeritus Dr. John W. Deans, whose initial vision helped establish the Center in 1999, and Cornell Cooperative Extension executive director Dr. Richard L. Halpin, who was a founding Center director, were both honored for their “continuous dedication, service, outstanding leadership, and support of research throughout the existence of the Center.”

Jefferson student Christopher M. Roberts, Lowville, was recognized with an “Over the Top” Service Award for his abundant enthusiasm, participation and support during the Jefferson county survey process.

“Without these dedicated and visionary professionals, the Center would not exist,” says Richard R. LeClerc, director of the Center for Community Studies at JCC. “Through their hard work and conviction, the Center was established and recognized as a valuable community asset. This could not be sustained without the active involvement of hundreds of our students each year. The experiential learning experience for Jefferson students is mutually beneficial.”

The CCS mission supports and facilitates a wide range of community-building and educational activities that engage the community. In collaboration with community partners, the Center conducts unbiased community-based research and provides a forum for the productive discussion of ideas and issues of significance to the community. Annual surveys of Jefferson and Lewis counties (in PDF format) are available online at http://www.sunyjefferson.edu/ccs/ccs_survey.html 
 

Northern Blend Records CD

Posted: July 9, 2010

Local a cappella group, Northern Blend, has recently recorded their first CD, entitled “Let’s Sing!” This ensemble is made of women from all over the North Country who enjoy singing, creating harmony, and performing for the community. The Northern Blend Chorus is celebrating its 25th year of being chartered with the International organization of Harmony Incorporated. Co-directed by music teacher Katie Taylor and her mother, Mary Ann Wert, the chorus is the favorite to win the International Harmony Incorporated Competition in Saint John, New Brunswick in the fall of 2010.

“Let’s Sing!” can be purchased online at http://northernblendchorus.homestead.com  in Watertown at Dr. Guitar on Court Street, Musicology on State Street, the Wing Wagon on Public Square, the St. Lawrence Arts Council in Potsdam, or from any chorus member.

 

War of 1812 Weekend in
Sackets July 31-Aug 1

Posted: July 8, 2010

Hosted by The Sackets Harbor Battlefield Alliance, Inc., this year's 1812 Weekend event is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1, 2010. Experience life during the War of 1812 as over 300 living history re-enactors from across the US and Canada demonstrate period traditions, children's games, cooking, etiquette, music, dance, and military tactics. Browse the "sutler's row" for a chance to purchase 19th century reproduction merchandise. Three tactical demonstrations, two on Saturday and one on Sunday, including infantry, artillery and tall boats, highlight the event.

Tour the Navy Yard Commandant’s House as part of the event admission price. View two DVDs on the Site’s long history and the newest production on the Battle of Sackets Harbor. Explore the Site’s several War of 1812 exhibits. Story panels found along the history trail give fascinating accounts of the 1813 battle. Listen to recorded history tid-bits as part of the cell phone tour offering. A Saturday afternoon book signing by Canadian authors Don and Dianne Graves spotlights the Site’s excellent gift shop and book selections.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. There is a nominal single-day admission fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, or a household flat admission of only $12. This event kicks off the upcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial, giving everyone a taste of what’s to come during the three-year cross-border observance starting in 2012.