IMPORTANT 2014-2015 SCHOOL BUDGET
Transcription
IMPORTANT 2014-2015 SCHOOL BUDGET
Volume 5 • Number 5 • May 2014 • COMPLIMENTARY So What is Does It Mean to Be “Career Ready?” Florida UFSD, Chambers of Commerce, and Local Businesses Team Up at Career Readiness Forum by Joyce Willetts “The world has changed,” said Diane Munro, Superintendent of the Florida Union Free School District as she opened the Career Readiness Forum held on April 23 at SS Seward Institute in Florida, NY. Indeed, today’s world is one of unprecedented global connectivity and complexity and, according to the US Department of Education, American students are not as prepared as their international competitors to work in it. To respond to what many see as a national crisis in education, New York State has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative to help students succeed in college and in their careers. Currently, only 35% of high school graduates across New York are deemed by the state to be college and career ready, based on NYSED’s own criteria of “graduating with at least a score of 75 on Regents English and 80 on a Math Regents, which correlates with success in first-year college courses.” (see EngageNY.org) “How can we build better candidates for your employment?” asked SS Seward BusinessTeacher, Barbara Schiebling While these criteria are undoubtedly useful—and necessary—to compare data across demographic, regional, temporal, and other variables, whether they capture the essence of what it means to be “career ready” in today’s world is questionable. And with many US employers agreeing that high school graduates are not adequately prepared to enter the workforce, it is imperative to find out why students aren’t ready, and determine what can be done on a local level to change things. st As part of the ongoing efforts of the Florida UFSD to prepare students to be successful in the 21 century and beyond, the district teamed up with the Florida Chamber of Commerce to reach out to the local business community and simply ask: “What does a student need to be career ready?” Answers came at the forum, which was attended by about 60 people representing a cross-section of the community—students, teachers, administrators, parents, alumni, businesses owners, and employers. After a welcome by Jan Jansen, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Seward Business Education Teacher Barbara Schiebling talked about programs that already exist at Seward to enhance career readiness (job shadowing, community service, work release). Then a 7-member panel each gave their opinions on career readiness. A common theme quickly emerged as panelists addressed the audience. The theme was succinctly summarized by Steve Knob, Executive Director of Orange County Employment and Training Administration: “It’s not academics. It’s attitude,” he said. IMPORTANT 2014-2015 SCHOOL BUDGET INFORMATION! THE VOTE • • • HOW TO • QUALIFY • • AWAY ON • MAY 20? • • 6 AM to 9 PM on May 20, 2014 at the SS Seward Institute Music Room Vote on whether to approve the expenditure of $20,161,625 and related tax levy increase of 2.08% Vote to fill one Board of Education seat: John Campan�a is the lone candidate running for a 2nd term Be a US Citizen, 18 years or older Be a District resident and registered voter at least 30 days prior to the vote Register via walk-in registration scheduled for April 30 and May 14 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the SS Seward Institute Music Room Secure absentee ballot application by contacting Helen Arena at the District Office (651-3059 opt.1) Submit absentee ballot application at least 7 days prior to the vote (if the ballot will be mailed) or by the day before the vote if the ballot will be picked up. Submit completed absentee ballots according to instructions by 5 PM on the day of the vote. Continued on page 18 www.FloridaUSFD.org. “The first thing that popped into my head was ‘common sense’,” said Mary DeFreitas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Crystal Run Healthcare. For additional information please see page 11, or call the District Office at 651-3905, option 1. Additional 2014-15 Budget Documents are on the District website at “It’s not academics. It’s attitude,” summarized Steve Knob, Executive Director of Orange County Employment and Training Administration PAGE 2 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 WESTRANS, LLC HEAVY DUTY TRUCK LOCATED TELEPHONE AND TRAILER REPAIRS RT. 94, GOSHEN, NEW YORK • SHOP HOURS: 8AM - 5PM • 24 HOUR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 36, FLORIDA, NY 10924 (845) 651-5888 • EMAIL: WESTRANSLLC@YAHOO.COM • WEBSITE: WESTRANSLLC.VPWEB.COM ON COMMUNITY CALENDAR • MAY 2014 Thursday 1 Abbreviations: FFD - Florida Fire Department FHS - Florida Historical Society FPL - Florida Public Library FFPL - Friends of the Florida Public Library FSC - Florida Senior Center GH - Golden Hill HS - High School KoC: Knights of Columbus PI: Pine Island PLAV: Polish League of America Veterans Hall, Pine Island PTSA - Parent Teacher Student Association SSSI - SS Seward Institute Friday 2 • Flor-Wick Friends Meeting; 1 PM, FSC. • Board of Education Work Session; 7:30 PM, SSSI Memorial Bldg. Saturday 3 • Spring Tea to benefit the FPL; 2-3:30 PM, FSCr Sunday 4 Monday 5 Tuesday 6 Wednesday 7 Thursday 8 Friday 9 Saturday 10 • St. Stan Rosary Society Meeting; 11:30 AM; PI. • St. Joseph Rosary Society Meeting; 2 PM; Parish Hall. . • Florida Focus office open; 2:304 PM, Rm 208, Professional Bldg, 62 N Main. •• Florida Fire Dept Meeting; 7 PM, Florida Fire House. • Pulaski Fire Dept Meeting; 8 PM, PI. • Seward Seniors Chinese Luncheon; Noon. Activity Day; 1 PM, FSC.. • Village Board Work Session; 9:30 AM, Village Hall. • Golden Floridians Business Meeting & Bingo; 1 PM, FSC. • Florida Family Fun Fest Committee Meeting; 7 PM, Village Hall. • FFD Multi-Unit Drills; 6:45 PM, Florida Fire House. • FUFSD Public Budget Review; 7 PM, Board room at the Memorial Building • Longaberger Basket Bingo; Doors open at 6 PM, SSSI. • Garden Crafts and Plant Sale; 9 AM–3 PM, Florida Presbyterian Church. Sunday 11 Monday 12 Tuesday 13 Wednesday 14 Thursday 15 Friday 16 Saturday 17 MOTHER’S DAY • Florida Focus office open; 2:304 PM, Rm 208, Professional Bldg, 62 N Main. • PTA Election Meeting; 7 PM, GH. • Village Planning Board Materials Due by Noon, Village Hall. • Seward Seniors Cake & Coffee; Noon. White Elephant; 12:30 PM. Regular Business Meeting; 1 PM, FSC. • PTSA Meeting; 7 PM, SSSI. • St. Joseph Holy Name Society Meeting; 7 PM, Parish Hall. . • Golden Floridians Trip to Platzl Brauhaus; departing 9:15 AM, FSC. • Senior Citizens Dinner; 4 PM, SSSI. • Village Board Meeting; 7:30 PM, Village Hall. • Flor-Wick Friends Meeting; 1 PM, FSC. • Florida Lions Club Meeting; 6:30 PM, Copper Bottom • Board of Education Meeting; 7:30 PM, SSSI Memorial Bldg. . WILLIAM HENRY SEWARD BIRTHDAY SEWARD DAY • Junior / Senior Prom • General Pulaski Memorial Committee of OC Fish Fry; 58 PM, PI Firehouse. • Florida Historical Society's 23rd Annual William Henry Seward Birthday Celebration, starts at Seward Memorial, 9:30 AM Sunday 18 Monday 19 Tuesday 20 Wednesday 21 Thursday 22 Friday 23 Saturday 24 • Free Blood Pressure Screening; Florida Fire House. • Seward Seniors Trip to Woodlock Pines; bus leaves at 10 AM. • Florida Focus office open; 2:304 PM, Rm 208, Professional Bldg, 62 N Main. • American Legion Post 1250 Meeting; 7 PM, Legion Hall Cohen Circle. . • School Budget Vote & School Board Elections; Polls open 6 AM to 9 PM. • Seward Seniors Pot Luck Luncheon; Noon. Activity Day; 1 PM, FSC. • Village Planning Board Work Session; 7:30 PM, Village Hall. • Village Board Work Session; 9:30 AM, Village Hall. • Golden Floridians Business Meeting, Food Drive for Veterans, & Bingo; 1 PM, FSC. • Seward House Restoration Meeting; 7 PM, FSC. Sunday 25 Monday 26 Tuesday 27 Wednesday 28 Thursday 29 Friday 30 Saturday 31 MEMORIAL DAY (NO SCHOOL) • Florida Focus Deadline to Reserve Ad Space for June issue. • Seward Seniors Cake & Coffee; Noon. Regular Business Meeting; 1 PM, FSC. • FFD Multi-Unit Drills; 6:45 PM, Florida Fire House. . • Golden Floridians Board of Directors Meeting; 11 AM. Game Day Including Bingo; 1 PM, FSC. • American Legion Auxiliary Meeting; 7 PM, Legion Hall Cohen Circle. • Village Planning Board Regular Meeting; 7:30 PM, Village Hall. • Seward Seniors Gambling Trip (TBA); bus leaves 10 AM, FSC.. ADS, ARTICLES, etc FOR THE JUNE ISSUE OF THE FLORIDA FOCUS DUE contact editorial@thefloridafocus.org or submit online at www.thefloridafocus.org • St. Joseph's Living Rosary Society Calendar Dinner/Dance; 7-11 PM, St. Joseph's School Hall. .. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND (NO SCHOOL) . To place your not-for-profit organization’s meeting dates and events on the community calendar, please e-mail editorial@thefloridafocus.org The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 3 Hard Work and Dedication Pay Off for Brandon Get the 5 AM commuter bus, wait at the transit center for the next ride, put in a day's work, do the reverse trip, and get home around 8 or 9 PM. Go to bed, get up and do the same thing the next day. Brandon Campos has the life of a typical NY commuter. Except Brandon isn't a typical commuter. He's a high school student. And his love of baseball is why he makes the journey. Brandon has been playing baseball since he was 6 years old. Like many kids, he started in Little League and, as he puts it, “it progressed from there.” For Brandon, th progression meant working hard and “getting serious” in 6 grade; playing every position—except catcher—until he was offered a chance to play on the All-Star team—as catcher (“I went for it”); traveling from place to place, his family visiting him wherever he played, their summer vacations dictated by his game schedule; spending his sophomore year at Bucky Dent Baseball Academy, on a scholarship, in the state of Florida away from his family and friends; and pulling himself up from the depths of despondency when funding for his junior year fell through. So he returned to the school that had formerly nurtured his baseball talent— Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains—even though it meant a grueling commute when his family moved to Florida, NY. Brandon is now a senior, and his hard work and dedication to the game of baseball paid off on April 15 when he signed a Letter of Intent to attend Villanova University. Why Villanova of all the universities who were courting him? “They treated me like family,” said Brandon. Brandon, who has a 4-year scholarship to play for the Division One Wildcats, credits his high school coaches, Pat Duffy and Keith Richardson, and his trainer Melvin Perez, for “bringing me back to the game”—and back onto the Stepinac Crusaders’ team—when things looked dim. Brandon relaxes at home in Florida, NY Photo: Sandy Powell But most of all, he credits his family. “My family—they’ve been there since Day 1, and I just want to thank them for sticking by me,” he said. He beams when he describes his Brandon with his family (left to right): sister Ariadna, Mom Judy and Dad Rich, on signing day. Photo provided parents’ response to his choice of Villanova: “Mom and Dad are like little kids. They’re just happy I’m at a place where I want to be, that’s a perfect fit.” “We are so proud of him, of everything he does” said his mother, Judy. His father, Rich Campos, agreed. “He gave up a lot of his youth,” said Rich, admitting that he “cried the most since the day he was born” when Brandon accepted Villanova. Brandon’s younger sister, Ariadna, who attends Seward, says she’ll be happy when her older brother moves away (but we all know that’s what younger sisters are supposed to say). As for the future, Brandon is eyeing the Big Leagues, but if that falls through, he says he’ll go into the family business— being a cop and working his way up the ranks. He’ll get a good start on that too at Villanova, where he’ll be majoring in Criminal Justice. Text by Joyce Willetts • Free estimates • Furnace & boiler maintenance • Kitchens and baths • Service work • New installations Leadership Orange Honors Hall of Fame Inductees Leadership Orange recently recognized 6 individuals for their significant, tangible leadership contributions to Orange County. Among the honorees was Maureen Torelli, Class of 2004, who was inducted into the Leadership Orange Hall of Fame. Maureen is the daughter of Tom and Shirley Coughlin of Florida, NY, and the wife of Mike Torelli, who she met through Leadership Orange. Maureen with her husband, Mike Torelli Maureen credits her parents (who were both teachers at SS Seward) for paving the way for her, and teaching her the importance of education, family, and community involvement. Maureen, a Seward alumnus who is employed by Glen Arden, Inc., has some important advice for young professionals: “Set good boundaries! With our current technology you can work all of the time. Find ways to get away from work!” Also inducted into the Leadership Orange Hall of Fame at the ceremony held at Villa Venzia in Middletown were Tiombe Tallie Carter, Class of 2004, Steven E. Howell, Class of 1998, Nancy Proyect, Class of 2000, Lauren Rowley-Bonitz, Class of 2008, and Mark Trocino, Class of 2013. The annual Leadership Orange Award was also awarded at the event to the United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region. For more information about Leadership Orange visit www.leadershiporange.org or call 845.457.1550. Slesinski Plumbing and Heating, LLC Mark J. Slesinski, Owner Serving Florida and surrounding regions PO Box 103 Florida, New York 10921 Tel: 845-508-6148 PAGE 4 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 FROM OUR MAYOR West Point Historians Visit the Mapes House/Seward Homestead I extend a giant THANK YOU to everyone who worked so hard to make the yard sale at the Mapes House/Seward Homestead such a huge success. Alyssa Kamrowski, her family and friends, and the Restoration Committee put in long hours collecting, sorting, pricing, setting up and selling the wonderful donations that were received from the community. Things went so well that I’ve heard rumors they may plan another one! All proceeds are going toward the restoration project that is about to get under way. Florida had some distinguished visitors on April 23, when four West Point History instructors visited the Mapes House/Seward Homestead. On hand to give them information about the history of the property and the restoration efforts was Florida’s foremost Seward expert, John Kimiecik, along with Roger Dowd, Vice President of Seward Homestead, Inc, Village of Florida Mayor James Pawliczek, and Planning Board President, Robert Scott. On that topic, we did just receive final approval from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on the plans submitted for the first phase of the restoration of the Mapes House. Bid specs will be available soon and we can look forward to seeing some progress made by the end of summer. New roofing and repairs to the porch will make a huge difference to the structure. After touring the Mapes House and the barn reconstructed from the house that William H Seward was born in, the group visited the Florida Presbyterian Church. John Kimiecik (left) with Major Shauna Hann (center) and Captain Mark Ehlers (right), in front of a window in the Mapes House that looks onto the barn that was formerly William H Seward’s birthplace. After several years of correspondence, surveys, studies and expert witness testimony from as far away California, we finally received notification from the DEC in New Paltz that we have a completed application with respect to an aeration project at Glenmere Lake. We are hoping this will aid in controlling weed growth in the lake. At best, we may be able to install aerators after our friends, the Northern Cricket Frogs, move to their winter home on the shoreline. We are looking for someone interested in serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals, effective June 1. We will have one vacancy, so if you are a village resident and would like to serve your community please submit a letter of interest by May 9 either to the Village Hall or to PO Box 505, Florida, NY 10921. Jim Pawliczek, Sr. Mayor, Village of Florida PO Box 505, Florida, NY 10921 This article is my way of communicating with you, the residents of the Village of Florida, on a regular basis. Any opinions expressed are strictly my own. Alyssa Kamrowski (right) and her Mom, Dina (left) pictured setting up for the yard sale that benefitted restoration efforts for the Mapes House/Seward Homestead. Thanks to Alyssa for organizing the sale and to all who helped or donated items. Left to right: Captain Ehlers, Captain Erik Davis, Major Hann, Roger Dowd, and Major Russell Vanderlugt, who will soon be headed to Seward’s Folly (Alaska), view the attic of the barn. Text and photos: Joyce Willetts SERVING THE HUDSON VALLEY AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY 10% OFF any purchase of $500 0r less when you mention this ad Visit our showroom for FREE estimates! Showroom & Business Hours: Mon - Fri 8 AM - 5 PM Sat 9 AM - 1 PM Custom Mirrors & Glass Desk/Tabletops & Shelves Lexan/Safety & Plexiglass “to serve & reflect” Bullet Resistant Glass Fireplace Glass Frameless Shower Doors Store Fronts/Entry Doors 845-651-1800 Insulated/Thermal Units Non Auto Window Tints Storms & Screens 8 Bridge Street, Florida, NY (behind Werner’s) The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 5 Spring Tea to Benefit the Florida Public Library, May 3 Rev. Michael McLoughlin Honored by the Knights of Columbus On April 3, 2014, Reverend Father Michael McLoughlin, Pastor St. Stephen’s, First Martyr Parish, Warwick, NY was one of four persons honored by the Catholic Charities th Community Services of Orange County at their 8 Annual Caritas Awards Dinner held at Anthony’s Pier 9. th Prior to the dinner, Father McLoughlin, a 4 Degree Knights of Columbus Member was presented with a plaque by the Officers of the Warwick Valley K of C Council 4952 and Assembly 0776 to honor and thank him for his 12 years of dedicated and charitable service to their Council and Assembly as their Chaplin and Faithful Friar. Submitted by Jack Ellis, Deputy Grand Knight, Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus Council 4952 The Florida Historical Society's 23rd Annual William Henry Seward Birthday Celebration rd On Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 AM, the Florida Historical Society's 23 Annual William Henry Seward Birthday Celebration will begin with a wreath laying at the WH Seward Monument, North Main Street, Florida. The Celebration will continue in the SS Seward Institute Cafetorium. Highlights include an introduction of the new Orange County Historian, Johanna Porr. The Historical Society will give a Power Point presentation previewing our second book, nearing publication, that features the writings of John J Kimiecik. The Golden th Hill 4 graders will sing the Seward Song and feature local history; the Young Historians, in th costume, will portray several personas from Florida history. The 7 graders from SS Seward Institute will present a Power Point program honoring William Henry Seward. Admission is free, refreshments will be served and we hope to see you there. Seward Alumni Baseball Game July 13 Mark your calendars for this year’s Seward Alumni Baseball Game, which is slated for Sunday July 13 at the Rock Sports Park in Chester. Two games are planned, with the first starting at 2 PM. All former Seward Baseball players are welcome to play. Please contact Coach Bill Steele to sign up: 607 765-0562 or wilroy20@yahoo.com. Tickets are available now for $12 each (2 for $20) at the library's Circulation Desk. You can register online, at www.floridapubliclibrary.org, or call 6517659. Please RSVP as seating is limited. The event is a fundraiser to benefit the library and is hosted by the Board of Trustees. Favorite FPL presenter Clare Kaczmierczak will preside over the tea table with her trademark attention to culinary detail. No time for tea? Join the Spring Tea in spirit and donate $1.00 for your very own individual teabag in a pretty, petite envelope imprinted with a memorable quote from a favorite book. For more information, see our selection of fine teas in the library and our display of tea cups, embroidered and antique linens in our show case. Saddle up. We’ve got you covered. In the Nation, our custom coverage and superior claims service provide you and your motorcycle the same quality protection you’ve come to expect from our home and auto insurance. Plus, with Vanishing Deductible®, you get $100 off your deductible for every year of safe riding, until it could vanish completely. Regulations are: wood bats only, molded cleats or turf shoes only, no seeds or gum, and you must wear baseball hat and baseball pants. We put members first, because we don’t have shareholders. SM Join me in Florida. Cost is $10 to help with field rental and umpires fees. The library will hold a simultaneous children's tea for kids in grades K-5. Readings of Ann Dyckman's picture books Tea Party Rules and Boy + Bot, as well as goodie bags provided by the author, will be provided. Tea and cookies, a spring craft and a little etiquette are also included for free. Details Deta ils and nd avai nd va labi vai lab ab lityy var v y by sta state. te Prod Products Pro uccts und un erwr erwritte itte tten by Nat Nationw ionw ion onwide ide de Mutu M al Insur In ance Company and Affiliated Companies, es, Col Columbu umbus,s, Ohiioio.. Noott all Nationnwwide dee affili a ated affi edd ccoom mpani panies es aree mutua u al ccompan mpan mp anies es,ss,, an and nd not all Nat ationw ion onw nwwide de m memb mem em ersrs ar aaree insu insured red by a mut mutual ualal com ccomp mpan any nyy. Nat N ionwide Insurance, Wee putt memb W embe mbe m b rs firrst rsst beca be use sse wee don’t doon’ onn t hav on’t ha e shareh shhareh a olde are olders, ders, rs and the Nati Nat at onwiide frame fra mark are service marks of Nationwide Mut Mutual ual Insuran ranc nce Co Compa m anny. © 2201 mp 013 NNaatio tion ion onnwide w Mut wid Mu M tual ual Ins ua Insu ns ran nsu anc ncce Co C mpan mpaanyy.. Vanis anisishin an ani hinng hi n DDeed educti ctibl bblelee is an oopption t onnaal featu tio eature. tuure re.. An Annu nnnual credi redditsts subj ubjeectt to to eligib elligibiliitty requirements. Max. creeditit:tt:: $500 cred 5 . NP 50 NPR-0 R-06 R-06 0656A 56AO 6AO AAO (09 099/13) /1/ /13 Left to Right: Jack Ellis, Deputy Grand Knight; Larry Deignan, Past Grand Knight; Frank Graessle, Faithful Navigator; Rev. Michael McLoughlin; Peter Cuzzolino, Grand Knight; William Wendel, Sr., Faithful Admiral Honor an important woman in your life by bringing her to tea—and support the Florida Public Library while you do it! On Saturday, May 3, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM, FPL is hosting a Spring Tea at the Seward Senior Center next to the library. The traditional tea for adults will feature savory finger sandwiches, scones with lemon curd and clotted cream, and an assortment of fine cakes and treats. Come enjoy a little bit of Downton Abbey elegance with cozy tables set with antique china and linens. Take a tea cup home with you as a souvenir of a delicious and leisurely afternoon. All refreshments will be freshly made and generously provided by a host of local businesses, including Janet's Quality Baked Goods, Katie Cooks Catering and Down2Earth. Tricky Tray baskets are donated by Amity Arts Pottery, Chumley's BBQ, Florida Flowers and Gifts, Dessert by Dawn and others. A special prize will be awarded for the best hat. Library director Madelyn Folino, a founding member of the Black Dirt Storytelling Guild, will present a story in tribute to mothers, and Florida children will entertain with a brief recital. Donna L Penwarden THE KEATS AGENCY (845)618-4000 nationwide.com/keatsagency PAGE 6 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 FOCUS ON MEETINGS AND EVENTS Golden Floridians Welcome All on Senior Trips Joyce Willetts, PhD Writing and Editing Services 845-545-2278 joyce.willetts@live.com The Golden Floridians would like to remind everyone that non-seniors and non-members are welcome on all their trips. For information call Marilyn at 986-4105. Theater Trip to see “Moses” May 3 St. Joseph's Living Rosary Society is sponsoring a trip to Sight and Sound Theater to see the show "Moses" on Saturday, May 3. Time of show is 11 AM; cost is $125 (includes bus, show and dinner). Call Rose for more info at 469-4524. PI Seniors Casino Trip May 6 Pine Island Seniors are offering a casino bus trip to Mohegan Sun, Pa, on Tuesday May 6, 2014. Cost is $25, with a return of $25 slot money plus a $10 food coupon. Leaving from the Old Pine Island Fire House at 9:30 AM. Please note that this is a change in time from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM for this trip only! Please call Janet Folino at 845-986-3142 for reservations. Screened Topsoil Robert J. Schreibeis 55 MAPLE AVENUE FLORIDA, NEW YORK 10921 TEL 845 651-7765 CELL 845 988-1310 FAX 845 651-7750 Basket Bingo May 9 SS Seward Class of 2014 is holding a Longaberger Basket Bingo on May 9 at SS Seward. Doors open at 6 PM. Includes Tricky Tray and 50/50 drawing. Refreshments will be available throughout the evening. For more information, contact khannon@floridaufsd.org. Garden Crafts & Plant Sale May 10 (845) 986 2565 FAX: (845) 987 1690 JOHN J. MABEE JOHN V. MABEE J.M. Electric & Son Inc. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL BUCKET TRUCK - CONTROL WIRING GENERATOR SALES & INSTALLATION WARWICK FLORIDA 870 PULASKI HIGHWAY GOSHEN, NEW YORK 10924 Florida Presbyterian Church is having a Garden Crafts and Plant Sale on May 10, 2014 from 9 AM – 3 PM. Come shop for creative and beautiful Mother’s Day gifts! Unique Garden Crafts including decorative glass sculptures, bird houses, planters and whimsical signs made from recycled materials. Plants include locally grown perennials donated by the congregation. Beautiful annuals in flats, containers and hanging baskets provided by Scheuermann Farms in Warwick, NY. For information call Laura 845-6512336. per person and includes buffet dinner and DJ. Call Rose for more info at 469-4524. Golden Floridians Trip to Platzl Brauhaus May 14 St Joe’s HNS Car Show June 7 May 14-Trip to Platzl Brauhaus departing at 9:15 AM from the Seward Senior Center. This is a Lobster Festival featuring a Steel Drum Band, Entertainment & Dancing. Prices: $50 (for lobster) for Members; non-members add $5. Cost for other than lobster $48 plus $5 for non-members. For further information call Marilyn at 986-4105. Fish Fry May 16 The General Pulaski Memorial Committee of Orange County will be hosting a Fish Fry prepared by Tastefully British – Simply the Best, on Friday May 16, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Pine Island Firehouse, 675 County Rt. 1 Pine Island NY. Cost is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors (over 55), $9 for children. A small tricky tray and 50/50 will be available. Advance sales only; take-out available. All dinners include: Fish or Chicken, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Drinks, and Dessert. Tickets can be obtained by calling (845)683-1050 or (845)386-5199. Warwick Valley Quilt Show May 17 Warwick Valley Quilters’ Guild “Stars of the Valley Quilt Show,” is on May 17 – 18, at the Sanfordville Elementary School, 144 Sanfordville Road. There will be free quilt lectures, a merchant mall, door prizes, the WVQG Boutique, Quilters’ Café, and special quilt exhibits, and a quilt raffle. Admission is $8/ages 12 and under free. For additional information visit www.wvqg.org or e‐mail WarwickValleyQG@wvqg.org. Calendar Dinner/Dance May 31 St. Joseph's Living Rosary Society is hosting a Calendar Dinner/Dance on Saturday, May 31 from 7 to 11 PM at St. Joseph's School Hall. Price is $25 St. Joseph’s Holy Name Society Annual Car Show will be on Saturday June 7, from 9 AM to 3 PM at: St. Joseph’s School Field, Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY (rain date: Sunday June 8). Pre-registration is $8/ registration is $12; spectators are FREE. Event includes 50’s & 60’s music by DJ Joe; tricky tray/gift table and door prizes; and a special appearance by the Pokolenie Dancers. Food will be available for purchase. Flea market vendors are wanted. Please direct all inquiries to Dan at 845-545-9483 or Bill at 845-651-7605. Flor-Wick Friends Mackinac Island Trip July 13-19 Mackinac Island, Michigan bus trip sponsored by Flor-Wick Friends, July 13 -19. $800 per person, double occupancy. Price includes bus, 6 nights lodging, 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 full course dinners, including Soo Locks dinner cruise, Greenfield Village, carriage tour of Mackinac Island and many other activities and attractions. Call Linda at 845-6514770 or Adelaide at 845-651-1341 for reservations. Senior Center Open Sundays The Golden Floridians would like to remind seniors that the Seward Senior Center is open on Sundays from 1 to 5 PM for socialization purposes unless being used by another organization. To place your not-for-profit meeting or fundraising event here, e-mail editorial@TheFloridaFocus.org or submit online at www.TheFloridaFocus.org. Please limit to 75 words or less! The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 7 Teaching Scholarship Available from Golden Hill PTA Applications Due June 6 Full Service Laundromat The Golden Hill PTA would like to remind graduating seniors from SS Seward that the PTA is once again awarding the Golden Hill PTA Retired Teachers’ Scholarship. Scholarship applicants must be graduating this June, pursuing a teaching degree at a 2- or 4-year college and be involved in the community. To apply for the scholarship, seniors should submit a letter explaining why they feel they should be awarded this scholarship. Letters must be received by June 6, 2014. Letter should be mailed to the Golden Hill Elementary School PTA, PO Drawer 757, Florida, NY 10921. Drop Off Wash & Fold Service Dry Cleaning & Ironing Too! FREE Dry On Wednesday! Large Capacity Washers & Dryers Clean, Spacious, and Friendly Fully Attended Free Wi-Fi ATM on Premises FLORIDA FAMILY“RUN” FEST 2014 UPDATE How Can I Get a Scholarship? Applications for Run Fest Scholarships Due May 15 We all know the health benefits of exercise… we hear it from our doctor, read it in the newspaper, and see it on the TV… Yeah... We get it. We know. FREE n Tide O y! a d s e Tu And while health certainly is an excellent reason to get motivated, it is not the number one reason why you should participate in an organized run such as the Florida Family “Run” Fest! Did you know that most “races” are organized to benefit a specific cause or charitable organization? Sometimes the cause is a worldwide issue: to find a cure for Cancer or Leukemia or to raise awareness for Autism or Alzheimer’s. More often, it is a means to raise funds for a much needed community program or to help a local family in need. For many runners, myself included, the motivation for participating can be found in running for a cause—specifically, in raising money and awareness for a charity that is close to their hearts. Step onto any race course and you’ll be surrounded by people pounding out miles that mean something to them. It’s one of the most magical elements of running. Restrictions Apply THE LAUNDRY SHAK LAUNDRYSHAK.COM Open Mon-Sat 7-9, Sun 7-6 Located Directly Across From Quickcheck 133 North Main St. - Suite 6 Florida NY (845) 651-SHAK The Florida Family “Run” Fest is proud to support the local students in our community by offering a $1000 scholarship given to a graduating senior who plans on pursuing their education. Scholarship Applications are available in the Seward Guidance Office. Submission deadline is May 15. We encourage all seniors to apply! Run or walk with us… your community. Lace up those sneakers and help send a student to college! Team Shak completes their 6th Marathon in 6 months in 6 states.... this last one in Kent Ohio on April 19. GRILL COOKOUT! Sat. May 17th 11am-2pm Stop by for Grill Demos, Free Food, And to Check out our full line of Premium Grills and Accessories! and FREE t1SPQBOF3FöMM t"TTFNCMZ t-PDBM%FMJWFSZ with any Weber grill $399+ purchased now through 5/21/14 Register to win this grill & other prizes! HVPS Offers Scholarships Through its many activities, the Hudson Valley Polonaise Society members work to raise funds to support various programs and projects. The HVPS will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who are of Polish descent. Seniors must be graduates of Orange County high schools; or the son or daughter of an active Hudson Valley Polonaise Society member. Graduating seniors who meet the criteria and who attended Orange County, NY high schools are encouraged to contact their Guidance Office for an application. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2014. If anyone needs more information, contact katrinae@frontiernet.net. The mission of the Hudson Valley Polonaise Society is to preserve the customs and traditions of Polish culture. The mission of the HVPS is to preserve the customs and traditions of Polish culture. $10 Saturday May 17th ONLY Apply for your new Credit Card today! 0% APR on all Purchases $299+* Werner's 8-10 North Main Street Florida, NY *See Store for Details 651-3011 wernertv@gmail.com "A Family Owned & Operated Business For Over 100 Years" PAGE 8 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 Agatha Christie Mystery at The Playhouse in May th The Playhouse at Museum Village begins its 19 season with Agatha Christie’s popular and riveting mystery, “And Then There Were None.” Performances are scheduled for May 2, 3, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17 at 8 PM, and on Sundays, May 4 and May 18 at 3 PM. All performances are at The Playhouse at Museum Village, Route 17M, in Monroe, NY. Tickets to individual performances are $22 each, which includes dessert at intermission consisting of apple pie, ice cream, iced tea, and coffee. Group rates are available and reservations are suggested. For more information, call the Box Office at (845) 294-9465 or visit CTMWP.ORG. “And Then There Were None” is one of the very best, most genuinely bewildering of Agatha Christie mysteries! Ten strangers, each with a dark secret, are summoned to the island mansion of an eccentric millionaire, but when the guests arrive their host is nowhere to be found. Lured away and isolated from everything but each other, the guests soon find they are haunted by more than just the shadows of their past. One by one the guests reveal their guilty secrets, and one by one...they begin to die. A superlative mystery that is both grim and riveting. Directed by Steve Davis. The Playhouse’s season continues with the July production of the madcap farce, “Moonlight and Magnolias.” In September, The Playhouse presents the popular Broadway musical, “The th 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Subscriptions that offer savings and other benefits are available for all three productions and can be obtained by calling the Box Office. Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players, Inc. is an incorporated, non-profit organization that has been performing in the mid-Hudson since 1978. Free Admission Day at Museum Village, May 3 Monroe, NY – Museum Village announces Saturday, May 3 will be Free Admission to all guests. Everyone visiting the museum that day will be let in for free. All of the buildings on the green will be open. “What better way to showcase our museum than to offer a free admission day,” states Michael Sosler, Executive Director. “Everyone here at the museum is very proud of what we have to offer. We want as many people as possible to see firsthand what we have accomplished here. And if it takes a free admission day to do it, so be it.” The Gift Shop will be open selling its fine array of gifts and the Snack Bar will be open for light snacks. In addition, an allyou-can-eat spaghetti dinner will be served from 2 PM to 5 PM. Cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children aged 4 to 12. “This is a huge opportunity to visit the museum. Start at 11 AM and tour all of the buildings then enjoy our all you can eat spaghetti dinner,, adds Sosler. “Plan the whole day to relax and enjoy the quiet, safe environment of Museum Village.” Museum will be open from 11 AM to 4 PM and the Spaghetti Dinner will be from 2 PM to 5 PM. Museum Village is a living history museum preserving a vast collection of eclectic, 19th century artifacts for educational purposes. Using these artifacts and reproductions, we provide hands-on experiences and exhibits illustrating the transition from a rural to an industrial culture and economy in America, provoking thought and discussion about history. www.museumvillage.org. Museum Village is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Educational Institution. Annual Mineral< Gem and Fossil Show, June 7-8 The Orange County Mineral Society will be hosting its annual Mineral, Gem, Jewelry, and Fossil Show, Swap and Sell on Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8, 2014 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Museum Village, 1010 Rt. 17M, Monroe, NY 10950. There will be national and local dealers. On display will be the most complete mastodon found in New York State, an extensive local mineral display, and new fluorescent mineral display. Also this year there will be a sluice available for gem hunting. Special admission for show and museum: adults $5, seniors and kids $3, scouts in uniform and kids under 6 free. For more information, visit www.orangecountymineralsocietynewyork.com, email orangecountymineralsociety@yahoo.com, visit us on Facebook, or call 845-683-1167 2050 GOSHEN, ROUTE 17A NY 10924 845-615-9090 GET READY FOR SUMMER! 3-STAGE AUTO DETAILING Hand Wash – Clay Bar & Wax – Interior and Wheels and get a FREE multi point overall inspection LICENSED STATE AUTO INSPECTIONS ~ STATE INSPECTIONS NOW AVAILABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE TUNER SPECIALISTS CUSTOM FABRICATION HUNTER LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT TURBO REPAIRS, INSTALLED & MODIFICATIONS HUNTER TIRE BALANCE ENGINE REPAIRS TIRE SALE & SERVICE TUNE UPS SHOCKS, BRAKES, MUFFLERS AUTO STORAGE SENIORS: 10% Discount on all labor costs, all the time! Fundraiser to Benefit NKH Research June 22 A fundraiser to help raise awareness of NHK (nonketotic hyperglycinemia) will be held on June 22 at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing, (102 Routes 6 and 209), Matamoras PA. The event is from 1 to 8 PM with appetizers served from 1 to 2 PM and Polish buffet from 3 to 5 PM. Tickets are $45 per person. Children are welcome. Entertainment includes the Pokolenie Dancers, who will perform at 4 PM, Polka band John Steven’s Doubleshot, and the Grammy-nominated Alex Miexner Band. There will also be a silent auction. For tickets and information, call 570-775-9758 The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 9 th Brian Ahearn Children’s Fund Sponsors 16 Annual Golf Outing, May 23 For over 15 years the BACF Golf Outing has attracted hundreds of golfers and dozens of th sponsors to their largest fundraiser of the year! This year’s 16 outing will take place on Friday, May 23 at the Crystal Springs Golf Resort, with festivities starting at 11 AM. There will be over 260 golfers playing on 45 holes. The Brian Ahearn Children’s Fund provides support for children who are seriously ill or disabled, or orphaned by the loss of a guardian. They also provide funding for Warwick High School scholarships for students who demonstrate considerable achievement in the face of adversity, in addition to academic and/or athletic success. Details about the golf outing can be found at www.aboutbacf.org and by emailing Mike Conklin (mconklin@cumberlandfarms.com) or Jeff Ahearn (jahearn@warwick.net). Please consider supporting our fund raiser by golfing and/or sponsoring today! OC Fire Police Memorial Meeting May 14 and members of their fire department are also welcome. The Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association will hold its May meeting on Wednesday May 14, 2014 at 7 PM. The meeting will be held at the Howells Fire Department, located at 26 Elm St, Howells, NY 10932. The by- law committee will be presenting the second reading of the by-law changes followed by discussion of them. The remaining meetings for 2013-2014 will be held on the second Wednesday of the month. All meetings will start at 7 PM. The June Picnic will be held in Chester on June 7, starting at 2 PM and will run to 6 PM. The Picnic will be held at the Chester Commons Park on Laroe Road (the park is located behind the ambulance bay). There will also be a special meeting to be held at the Campbell Hall Fire Department on Wednesday June 11, starting at 7 PM for the final reading of the by-law changes followed by a vote. The May meeting is also our Memorial Meeting. A service will be conducted for members of the Orange County Fire Police Association who passed away during the past year (May 2013—April 2014). Services will start at 8 PM. All fire police are urged to attend. Family members of the deceased, All fire police are welcome. After the meeting refreshments will be served. Veterans Spring Picnic and Resource Fair, May 10 Goshen, NY – Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus and Acting Director of the Orange County Veterans Service Agency Richard Mayfield are pleased to invite veterans, active-duty military, members of the Guard and Reserve, and their family members to the 2014 Orange County Veterans Spring Picnic and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 10. All veterans, military personnel and their families are invited to relax and enjoy the free picnicstyle family barbecue and take advantage of information on a wide variety of veterans’ benefits and concerns from participating government agencies and support groups. General Pulaski Memorial Committee of OC Presentation Dinner/Dance, June 7 The General Pulaski Memorial Committee will be having their annual Presentation Dinner Dance on June 7 from 6 to 11 PM at the PLAV in Pine Island NY. The dinner dance comes with a buffet dinner and dancing to the John Stevens Polka Band. The dinner dance is held yearly, to honor the General Pulaski Memorial Committee’s contingency Marshal and Miss Polonia for the New York City Pulaski Day Parade and festivities in October. This year, the committee is honoring Mr Vince Poloniak as the 2014 Marshal and Miss Christina Carmody as 2014 Miss Polonia. Presented also will be Emily Jansen and Alida Goldsmith as Junior Miss Polonias and Kyra Falone and Kristen Matasezewski as Little Miss Polonias. Tickets for the dinner dance are now available at $30 per person and reservations can be obtained by calling Theresa Glowaczewski at (845) 258-4559 or Stanley Kocot at (845) 651-4265. “Our Orange County Veterans Service Agency has assembled a host of county departments, volunteer agencies, and veterans’ groups who will be available to share important information and community services that our veterans and military families are able to utilize,” said Mayfield. For more information about the 2014 Orange County Veterans Spring Picnic and Resource Fair, call 291-2469. In-Home Pet Sitting for the Ones You Love We Treat Animals With Love, Dignity and Respect Pet Visits to Your Home Dog Walking Pet Taxi Insured and Bonded www.kindandgentlepetcare.com Jacqueline Rubino & Robert Linen Florida, NY 845-508-6145 The Florida Family Fun & Run Fest Committee Advertising deadline is soon coming to a close! Advertising in the 2014 FFFF Journal is moving along, with repeat and new ads coming in. If you would like to advertise and would like information regarding advertising please e-mail 2014 floridafunfest@hotmail.com or contact Jim Goodrich at 845-651-3529 And again, a big thank you to all our advertisers and sponsors for your continued support. The picnic, hosted by the County Executive’s Office, Orange County Veterans Service Agency, and the Orange County Veterans Coalition, will run from 11 AM to 3 PM at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Route 416, Hamptonburgh, in the Day Camp Pavilion. “Our county’s veterans have given so much to preserve our way of life, and this is one more way we can show our appreciation,” said County Executive Neuhaus. “It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet our new Veterans Service Agency Director, Christian Farrell, and former Director Tony Zippo will also be on hand to visit with his many friends and colleagues.” Kind and Gentle Pet Care August 10, 2014 Also running along is the Florida Family 5 & 10 K Run Fest. Applications are on our website: floridafamilyfunfest.org Print, fill out and mail in! We are actively looking for new members to help plan and organize various activities for Fun Fest. If you are interested in helping with Fun Fest or would like to find out more about Fun Fest, please call Jim Goodrich at 845-651-3529. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday August 10th Let the Fun Begin! PAGE 10 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 11 Golden Hill Elementary Florida Union Free School District S. S. Seward Institute 3OHDVHDGGUHVVDQ\FRPPHQWVDERXWWKLV)8)6'SXEOLFDWLRQWR6XSHULQWHQGHQWRI6FKRROV'LDQH0+0XQURZZZ)ORULGD8)6'RUJ SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE SPENDING DETAIL 2014-2015 Florida UFSD 2014-2015 Budget Plan The 2014-2015 Florida UFSD School Budget development process was described by Business Assistant Howard Cohen as the most challenging in years. Minimal state aid restorations and the 2.09% tax cap did not counteract increased pension costs or other unfunded mandates. The goal of innovative, personalized instruction that gets results for students was used to help focus budget decisions. Since the world we prepare students for is undergoing rapid change, we must make changes in the approach we use to preparing them. Several priorities are covered in the budget at this time such as new PreKindergarten services, and additional funding for professional development and summer teacher planning. We are currently designing plans to finalize and th th pilot milestone projects at the 5 , 8 and th 12 grade levels, to expand career readiness, internship and shadowing programs, to begin development of a High School STEM (Integrated Science, Technology and Math) initiative, and take the first steps in the implementation of a developmental international language program at the elementary level. Finally, we’ll begin an initiative to provide additional information and support to expand parent understanding and strategies in supporting student learning and habit development. The Florida Board of Education adopted the 2014-2015 Budget on April 24. The total expenditure being put before the voters is $20,151,625 which represents a 2.95% increase and a total tax levy increase of 2.08%. There are still some unknowns that will influence final program decisions. Uncertainty in special education, transportation demands, NYSED approvals for program in development, and fees and taxes associated with the Affordable Care Act have the potential to force adjustments in our final spending decisions. In addition, pending legislation related to teacher supervision and the rules for addressing student behavior that will increase demands for administrative support could impact funds available for instructional program advancement. A few community members have expressed concern that adding PreKindergarten services might compete with area pre-schools and potentially increase taxes. The goal of Pre-Kindergarten services is specifically focused on reaching students who would otherwise have NO access to any Pre-K experience. We know that by catching these children a year sooner we can strengthen their readiness to learn, which will help all children progress during Kindergarten. This approach is proven to reduce costs of remediating students throughout their years in school. NYS has determined that Florida is too wealthy to receive special Pre-K funding. While disappointing, the lack of Pre-K funding also reduces regulations. This allows us to screen interested students, and develop targeted programs for those who will most benefit rather than provide for all students on a lottery basis. While we continue to work with SED to formulate the program, we do not intend to compete with our high quality pre-school partners. Please review the expenditure and revenue information at right. Additional information on the tax levy calculation appears in an article on page 15 of the Focus. Those seeking additional information can go to the District website, or contact Diane Munro, (651-3095 Opt.1; email dmunro@floridaufsd.org) or Howard Cohen, Business Assistant (651-3095 Opt. 2; email hcohen@floridaufsd.org). You may also attend the Public Budget Review set for May 8, 2013 at 7 PM in the Board room at the Memorial Building. Thank you for your continued support, Diane MH Munro Superintendent of Schools Budget Category Budget Amount $ Increase % Increase Comments Future Outlook Salary 9,341,520 53,735 .58 Potential addition of Pre-K Teacher w position reductions FTA contracts being negotiated in 2014-2015 Health Insurance & Other Benefits 3,043,915 141,575 4.88 Health Insurance up 7.5% w increase in family plan use. NYS now taxes self-insured groups Cost containment efforts are ongoing but ACA brings uncertainty Pensions (ERS/TRS) 1,675,350 139,635 9.09 Rates up but not by enough to raise the tax cap. Teachers up 10.3% / ERS up 5.15% Expect rate of increase to slow in 2015-2016 Debt Service 1,267,180 (3,300) (0.26) Appears to be flat. Includes BAN for the new capitol project May be a favorable time to consider project e.g. fields Transportation 1,059,230 44,920 4.43 One additional route added. Regular routes down slightly Tied to CPI BOCES 2,347,105 216,200 10.15 7% Administrative increase w additional services utilized Advocacy necessary to prevent continual increases Other 1,147,325 (15,815) (1.10) BOCES surplus has dropped steadily over two years Expected to remain flat or continue to decline. Total 20,151,625 576,950 2.95 Conservative increase Close eye on pension trends REVENUE DETAIL 2014-2015 Revenue Category Budget $ Increase Percent Increase Comments 14-15 Outlook NYS & Federal Government Education Aid 5,521,515 277,305 5.29 NYS increase below mandated cost increases. The GEA remains Difficult to predict due to politically charged environment Other 219,160 9,400 4.48 BOCES surplus dropped steadily over two years Expected continued decline Property Tax Levy 14,210,950 290,245 2.08 3rd consecutive year under the Cap Future tax levy limit difficult to predict Fund Balance to Off-set Taxes 200,000 0 0 Will take fund balance to or below required 4% May be able to use less fund balance for 2015-2016 Total 20,151,625 576,950 2.95 Teachers Get Tenure Congratulations to Karen Etheridge (left), Kristin Krasniewicz (center), and Nicholas Camia (right), who were conferred tenure at the April 24 Board of Ed meeting. Karen’s tenure is in the area of Elementary, Kristin’s in Special Education, and Nicholas’ in Art. PAGE 12 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 A Healthier American Begins Join The Movement! Chalk It Out! Today: by Marlene Lysack, RN National Public Health Week was celebrated during the week of April 7 through 13. The Healthy Orange Team from the Orange County Department of Health, asked the Jr. Wellness Committee at Golden Hill to help with the “Chalk It Out!” initiative organized by the American Public Health Association. This campaign seeks to bring awareness to the public about the importance of public health and prevention in keeping our nation healthy. The Orange County Department of Health mobilized students in community schools to chalk public health messages and themes on school sidewalks throughout the county. The messages needed to be where Orange County residents would walk and see them. The message themes the Golden Hill students chose included healthy eating/nutritional lessons, hand washing, water as the healthiest beverage, no smoking messages, and active living/exercise encouragement. The students went outside during recess and went to work on the front entrance sidewalks! Some of their ideas were developed from programs introduced at Golden Hill to promote wellness. Our Golden Hill Harvest Days encouraged messages that focused on eating more fruits and vegetables. The staff and students at Golden Hill embrace the need to promote wellness and make healthy choices. We are proud of our Jr. Wellness Committee and their active role in this mission. The best part is the fun they have doing these activities. Yes, making healthy choices can be fun. It SHOULD be fun because we feel better and can enjoy each day to its fullest! Hats On For Cancer! Each year the Foundation for Children with Cancer promotes the Hats On Day Program. The program was founded by a group of children in 1994. Their goal was to show support for their friend who was diagnosed with cancer. On April 11, Golden Hill Elementary School participated in the Hats On Day Program. Students and adults each donated $1.00 and wore their hats all day to show support and compassion for children who have been afflicted with cancer. Together, the Golden Hill family raised $340! Thank you for all your support of this wonderful program! Sharon Fisch, 4th grade teacher Bike Rodeo June 7 Golden Hill Bicycle Rodeo will be held this year on June 7 in the Golden Hill Parking lot from 11 AM to 3 PM. Town of Warwick Police will set up a bike course and the Orange County Bicycle Club will be available to check your bike and repair anything minor to get your bike in tip-top shape. The Orange County Sheriff's Department will be available to fingerprint. Come and join Mrs. Sick , the PTA and some of our Safety Patrol students for an amazing event. See you there! Photos: AnnMarie Scotti The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 13 Clean-Up at JFK HOBY Event at Seward by Micaela Q by Kayla Campaña The William Sturr field (more commonly known as JFK) is a symbol for our community. It provides our teams with hope, pride, and comfortability while they are out playing. And yet this beautiful field, which had so much potential to be wonderful, had not lived up to its potential. This is why the National Honor Society decided to do a thorough cleaning and refurbishing of this significant site. On March 22, 2014, a Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) sponsored event—a CleW or Community Leadership Workshop—took place at SS Seward Institute. This was an event promoting leadership to about 40 high school freshmen who have displayed characteristics of a good leader. Students came from various schools, including SS Seward, Walkill High School, New Paltz High School, Tri-Valley Secondary School, Newburgh Free Academy, and Port Jervis High School. The event was organized for the most part by a group of five high school students who attended HOBY's 3-day seminar for sophomores at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute last May. But first, we needed help from our community. After the officers of the NHS went through town, several stores were willing to donate to this cause, which had meaning to just about everyone in Florida. We received donations from Lowe’s, Home Depot, Werner’s, and Roe Brothers, and to these stores we would like to offer our deepest gratitude. Then, it was time to work! On April 6, many members of the NHS, along with the Advisor, Ms Jena Giannotti, and Class of 2015’s Advisor, Ms. Katie Hannon, volunteered their time to work on making this field a stunning home for our teams. Each dugout was first power-washed and subsequently painted in one of our school colors of blue or orange to continue to show the extent of our school spirit. The bleachers were painted white, with the stairs along the edge painted alternating blue and orange. The parking lot was cleaned up, with our members getting rid of any traces of broken glass, nails, and garbage. Kayla, right, with other event organizers It was great to relive the amazing experience I had last year by watching other students participate in eye-opening team building activities and listen to respectable guest speakers from throughout the area. The HOBY organization has promoted leadership and volunteerism for years, and its impact is very evident— the famous HOBY cheers can now be heard during the school day, even from students who have never been to a HOBY event. Thanks to the HOBY New York East Area 1 Board, Mr Rheaume, Ms Moore, and the great number of students and volunteers that participated, the Community Leadership Workshop was a success and will hopefully not be the last. The weather and spirits were both bright as all reflected on their hard work and saw JFK return to its original glory. CLeW participants, back row (left to right): Eric Carbonaro, Andrew Meier, Emma Meier, Kayla Campana, Sarah Wierzbicki, Madison Palmer, Laila Ojageer; front row (left to right): Zachary Hull, Gabrielle Pikoulas. Not pictured: Natalie Miller. Photos: Karyn Meier Left: Seward teacher and 2015 Class Advisor Katie Hannon (back row, right) sitting in the belachers with some of the students who participated in the JFK clean-up. Participating students included: Matt Dagele, Jake Kinley, Michaela Verblaauw, Andrew Meier, John Sheridan, Tom Smyth, Kayla Campaña, Taylor Wierzbicki, Sara Kovatch, Breanne Kovatch, Miranda diMontova, Ashley Gallagher, Danny Collins, Kyle Straub, Alyssa Kamrowski, Gabrielle Pikoulas, Allison McKelvey, Katie Kobylasli, Kara Shaugnessy, Beau Ressa, and Natasha Duran. PAGE 14 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 Make a Difference – Volunteer for the District Advisory Team YEH Presents $200 Check to WVHS The SS Seward Chapter of Youth Ending Hunger recently sponsored a pet drive to benefit the Warwick Valley Humane Society. Would you like to contribute to the future of the Florida Schools? The District Advisory Team will have openings for the 2014-15 school year. Representatives are sought from the community at large and parents. The DAT meets approximately 6 times each year to review progress toward District Goals. Each year there is an initiative designed to enhance that progress. The DAT recently authorized the investment in software to support the new Alumni and Partners Network. The network will strengthen our relationships with Spartans near and far to increase career shadowing and internship opportunities. If interested please share contact information and your goals in contributing to the DAT, with Diane Munro, Superintendent at dmunro@floridaufsd.org by May 22. In addition to the pet food, treats, cleaning supplies and toys collected by the generous students and staff, the club was also able to raise $200 during a bake sale to contribute as well. Thanks to all for a job well done! ~ Lynn McGovern Tax Law Changes: 2014-2015 Update The Florida Schools strive to contain cost increases, while assuring that investments positively impact student learning. In 2011, school fiscal planning became more complicated following with the passage of the “Real Property Tax Levy Limit” also called the 2% Tax Cap. JUST THE FACTS: • • • • The “Real Property Tax Levy Limit” law limits increases in the total Tax Levy to 2% OR the Annual increase in CPI (whichever is lower). The law provides “exclusions” based on several factors, and tied to a formula provided by NYS. Each district calculates its allowable increase, which differs from district to district and year to year. If the District’s TAX LEVY falls within the Cap, a majority vote of 50% plus 1 passes the budget. If the District’s TAX LEVY is above the Cap, a majority vote of 60% plus 1 passes the budget. SO WHAT’S NEW: • • • Florida’s Tax Levy threshold for 2012-2013 year was 1.59%, and for 20132014 was 4.11%. Both years our levy increase fell below the cap. Florida’s Tax Levy limit this year is 3.09%, due primarily to jumps in Pension costs (controlled by the state), and BOCES Services. The tax levy increase will fall slightly under the allowable limit at 2.08%. Please check the District website (floridaufsd.org) for additional budget information. The goal of each year’s budget is to steadily improve program while respecting the concerns of our taxpayers. You are also invited to touch base with us with any questions. Spartans of Excellence Named at Seward Being nominated by a teacher for outstanding academic achievement and leadership in the classroom, the students pictured represent the finest student characteristics while being excellent ambassadors of their school. All possess an in class average of at least 90% and have demonstrated consistent leadership in and outside the classroom. Teachers are asked to nominate deserving students, and a committee selects winners from across the curricular spectrum. Honored at a luncheon held in March were: Theresa Bailey, Shawn Behrent, Holly Blumenberg, Alana O'Halloran, Alexa Dougherty, Devin Brattvet, Lauren Bullock, Michele Coleman, Matt Dagele, Noel LaFratta, Destiny Durante, Christopher Flanagan, Hannah Fritsch, Sophia Goff, Sarina Hamling, Sam Knecht, Emily Mallory, Alice Mazur, Alicia Morse, Olivia Nicholson, Josh Reyes, Dominick Rico, Adam Rivera, Cassie Rodriguez, John Shaughnessy, Allison Stam and Mikaella Verblaauw. Seward Students Awarded Sojourner Truth Award During a enlightening ceremony, where honorees were urged to make education the difference maker in their lives, 24 students from SS Seward received Sojourner Truth awards. Nominated in areas ranging from academics to citizenship, courage and creative arts, each student was presented the Sojourner Truth medal. Honorees included: Adam Rivera (science), Eleanor Santiago (citizenship), Vanessa Solis (perseverance), Erick Suarez (ELA), Avery Aguas (mathematics), Kayla Campana (science), Cassandra Rodriguez (foreign language), Savannah Soto (science), Dyondra Stephenson (foreign language), Lauren Bullock (citizenship), Lena Bullock (creative arts), Paisley Campbell (ELA), Joseph Diaz (foreign language), Natasha Duran (ELA), Destiny Durante (mathematics), Emery Morales (citizenship), Joshua Reyes (technology), Louis Cortez (foreign language), Johan Lopez (technology), Natalie Reyes (ELA), Janet Solis (perseverance), Janaye Stephenson (creative arts), Christian Deas (creative arts) and Paul Emanuele (citizenship). The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 15 Middle School Student Council Has a Great Year The Middle School Student Council at SS Seward Institute has had a wonderful year! The students put together an awesome homecoming dance with a pink theme in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Proceeds went towards an organization to help fight against Breast Cancer, with the students donating $1,000 to help local families that were raising money for the Avon Breast Cancer walk. During the holidays the student council put together another amazing fun dance—Winter Wonderland! They held a toy drive for a few weeks and finished with a bang by having students either pay to get into the dance or bring a new toy. It was no surprise that the middle school student body came through and supported the council with many great toys, which were donated to a local organization. They later received a letter stating the students had helped over 130 families! Still, the Middle School Student Council officers and members wanted to do even more for the community. Our school participates in Pasta for Pennies to help the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. The Student Council donated $500 to the Society. The students also wanted to help veterans, as a way of thanking them for all they do for our country. Their advisor, Mrs Francesca Gallardo Allen, suggested a program she learned about at an Orange County Mental Health seminar for veterans that she had attended in the fall. The Middle School Student Council donated $2000 to the program, called Saratoga WarHorse, which will help pay for all expenses for veterans to attend the program. The Student Council then ended the year with a bang! They put together a Spring Fling Dance with great music, pizza, an ice cream bar with tons of toppings, and a candy bar with an assorted selection for the students to pick from when leaving the dance. The officers hope that next year will be even more successful. Several officers, including President Paul Emanuele, Vice President Dorian Record, and Secretary Melissa A. Martinez will be leaving and will be moving onto High School. Mrs. Allen will miss them and all their hard work and dedication to making a difference. They leave behind their positions and th their Treasurer Victor Martinez, who will be an 8 grader next school year, when he will be a great help and leader for Middle School Student Council. Again, the SS Seward Institute Middle School Student Council made great strides in making a difference and helping the community, along with putting on fun activities for their fellow classmates. ~ Francesca Gallardo Allen Middle School Student Council officers: Secretary Melissa A. Martinez, Treasurer Victor Martinez, Vice President Dorian Record, and President Paul Emanuele PAGE 16 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 4 Cohen Circle Florida, NY 10921 (845) 651-7659 www.floridapubliclibrary.org May 2014 REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS. A member of Ramapo Catskill Library System and Orange Library Association Thank you for your support on April 3! Our proposed 2014-2015 budget passed and two trustee candidates were elected! Spring Tea ~ May 3rd 2 - 3:30 p.m. Tea for Kids To Benefit the Florida Public Library ~at the Seward Senior Center next to the Library in the Children’s Room ~ For Kids in Grades K-5 only Our traditional afternoon tea will feature savory finger sandwiches, followed by scones with lemon curd and clotted cream, then an assortment of cakes & treats. All refreshments will be freshly made generously provided by Janet’s Quality Baked Goods, Down2Earth & Katie Cooks Catering. Tricky Tray Baskets have been donated by Amity Arts Pottery, Chumley’s BBQ, Florida Flowers and Gifts, Dessert by Dawn and others. While you enjoy your tea, your child can enjoy Tea Party Rules and Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman. The author has provided goodie bags for each child. Tea, cookies, a craft and a little etiquette are free for your child while you enjoy your tea party! Tickets are $12 each or 2 for $20. Saturday, May 3, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Homework Help Does your child in grade 1 to 5 need extra help to complete homework? Certified teacher Jennifer Gass & National Honor Society Students are here on Wednesdays from 4:15 to 6 p.m. Call Terry at FPL to discuss your child’s needs. The SureShot Vagabond Travel on a Budget Nick Biblis has traveled to 15 countries, all on a tight budget. See the photos & hear the stories. Learn how you can plan an adventure of your own & travel like a college kid - cheaply! Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. Adults & teens. Grass Roots Gardening Artist & community co-designer Chris Beers grew up in Florida, NY & graduated from Seward in 2007. Drawing on experience in participatory design, ecosystems research, urban gardening, local food systems, creative activism, & community building, he is excited to help folks create new, yet historically relevant local food systems and culture. Part I My Story Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. Chris will share his story about the evolution of a neighborhood garden he helped create in Montclair, NJ. His experience was a lesson in grassroots agency & community building. To enrich this program, read the heartwarming novella Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman about an urban garden in Cleveland. Pick up a copy now. Part II What Can We Do in Florida? Wed., May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Chris will lead a discussion on potential opportunities for food-related community projects in the Village. Take part and help develop a plan! For adults & teens. Creative Writing Class Hone your writing skills with a professional writer. First Monday of each month. For adults only. Join us on Monday, May 5 at 11 a.m. Windows 7 Class Navigation, internet, email, & word processing. Bring your own laptop or use one of ours. Tuesdays, May 6, 13, and 20 @ 10 a.m. Black Dirt Storytelling Guild Story lovers & tellers are invited to our meeting to tell a story or “just listen.” Story theme ~ Mothers Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. Crafty Mother’s Day Come decorate a Mother’s Day card & assemble a gift for Mom, too! A drop-in program for the whole family. Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m. Growing & Aging, Part IV Reading & discussion series to explore questions about entering middle age, growing older, caring for aging loved ones, and finding satisfaction in later stages of life. Thursday, May 15, Coffee House at 6 p.m. and Discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Knitting Circle Bring your knitting needles & yarn and join our casual group. Crocheters welcome, too. Adults only. Monday, May 19, 6 p.m. FPL Page Turners Book Club Check out a copy of this month’s selection, The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, available now at FPL. Join us for a casual discussion and desserts. For adults only. Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Did you know? Summer Reading Program 2014 FPL cardholders have unlimited multi-user access to digital magazines on most internet-enabled devices! Check out a magazine today ~ go to www.floridapubliclibrary.org and click on Zinio Digital Magazines under the Books & More tab. Fizz Boom Read for kids Spark a Reaction for teens Literary Elements for adults Registration begins on Monday, June 23 Hours & meetings MAY 2014 Monday-Thursday Friday & Saturday Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, May 5, 7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. Friends of FPL Closed Monday, May 26 The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 17 Grass Roots Gardening with Chris Beers at FPL, May 4 and 14 Florida Public Library Check it out! (845) 651-7659 William Henry Seward’s Birthday Weekend May 16 - May 18 Used Book Sale Hours: Friday, May 16 5-8 p.m. Preview for members of Friends of FPL. Memberships available at door or library. Sat. & Sunday, May 17 & 18 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Those Darn Squirrels Page to Screen Come & read the story books aloud with our special guest Mrs. Sick, Golden Hill Librarian, and then watch the family movie Those Darn Squirrels on our BIG screen. We’ll talk about the movie & the book , make a squirrel-proof birdfeeder and share some refreshments. Great family reading & viewing fun! Friday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. The Wonderfun Magic Show We welcome back Magician Scott Morley with his magic show for families with children of all ages. Enjoy a day filled with amazing tricks and illusions, including lots of audience participation! Don’t miss it! Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. Wine Lovers World of Wine Bring your own wineglass for tasting while you learn about selecting, ordering and enjoying different types of wine from around the world. Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine JoAnn DeGaglia will lead us on a journey around the world of wine. She is a tour guide and consultant at the Brotherhood Winery. Adults 21 and over only. Space is limited, so please register today! Sunday, May 18 at 1 p.m. PLEASE REGISTER FOR ALL PROGRAMS ONLINE OR BY CALLING THE LIBRARY AT 651-7659. The Florida Public Library will sponsor two programs on grass roots gardening for adults and teens on Sunday, May 4 at 2 PM and Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 PM. Florida native and SS Seward graduate Chris Beers will share his story about the evolution of a neighborhood garden he helped create in Montclair, NJ. His experience was a lesson in grassroots agency and community building. He hopes to inspire the same right here in Florida. Chris is an artist and community codesigner. Drawing on experience in participatory design, ecosystems research, urban gardening, local food systems, creative activism, and community building, he is excited about helping folks create refreshingly new, yet historically relevant local food systems and culture. According to Chris, “When change happens in a town, many stories come together. A good civic project happens when vigilant people respond creatively to these stories. I pay close attention to the stories of history unfolding in the world around me. Simultaneously, I search for ways to respond and contribute to them. I believe this practice is important to engage in because it can help us understand our world and learn to play a meaningful, lifeenriching role in it.” On May 4, Chris will relate his story and share photos about the community garden he helped to create and encourage local residents to share their own stories about experiences and changes they have seen in Florida. To enrich the program, copies of the heartwarming novella, Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, about a community coming together to create an urban garden in Cleveland, are available for checkout now at the library. The book was illustrated by local author and illustrator Judy Pedersen. The second session of this two-part series on May 14 is entitled What Can We Do In Florida? and will focus on potential opportunities for foodrelated community projects in the Village. Interested residents and community groups are invited to take part and help develop a plan with Chris. Please visit the library’s website at www.floridapubliclibrary.org to register for this and many other programs on the event calendar. Stop in or call the library at 651-7659 for more information. 4 Cohen Circle, Florida, NY 10921 (845) 651-7659 www.floridapubliclibrary.org SUMMER READING PROGRAM VOLUNTEER APPLICATION We are happy that you are interested in volunteering for the Florida Public Library’s 2014 Summer Reading Program. In order to volunteer, you need to have completed sixth grade. Other qualifications include: Ì Love books and libraries Ì Enjoy working with people of all ages; Ì Ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned; Ì Be able to volunteer at least 5 hours during our 2014 Summer Reading Program (July 30-Aug 1) Ì Attend our training session from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16 Name: ________________________________________________________ Age: ____________ Phone Number:___________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________________ Email:___________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Signature:________________________________________________ PLEASE RETURN TO THE LIBRARY BY JUNE 13, 2014 If you have any questions, please stop in or call (845) 651-7659 and ask to speak to Miss Meg. Thanks for your help! PAGE 18 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 Career Readiness Forum, continued from page 1 Nearly all presenters touched on the “soft skills” that job seekers need. Noting his own varied career background, local business owner Tom Herman of Noble Pies, questioned whether it was the responsibility of schools to make students “career ready,” but rather the goal of schools should be to build confidence and inspire ambition and innovation. James Mezzetti of Myles Financial and Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center noted that there was often a lack of willingness on the part of young people “to get their hands dirty,” or to show initiative. “I don’t want to be a babysitter,” he said. He advised job seekers to educate themselves about the position they were applying for. He also noted that young people often lacked inter-personal skills. “What happened to shaking hands, looking people in the eye?” he asked. James McAteer, himself a graduate of Seward, agreed, stating that communication is important and that the skill of “just having a basic conversation has been lost.” He also expressed frustration that young people often didn’t want to “start at the bottom,” but expected to walk into high paying jobs with little experience. “Helping students determine what career paths are open to them is important,” he said. He also noted that college years are a time for students to develop and fully mature, which can be forshortened when students take college-level courses in high school. Chris Wheeler, another Seward graduate, advised schools not to limit student options by discriminating against blue collar and white collar work. He noted his own experience “Ambition. Confidence. Innovation.” said Tom Herman of Noble Pies, Warwick g n i m o C of going to college and working in an office in the city, only to return to Florida and take up employment with the landscaping business he worked at during summers, now doing IT and customer service. “It’s just as important to know what you don’t want to do,” he said. When Mary DeFreitas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Crystal Run Healthcare, was asked what she felt students needed to be career ready, “the first thing that popped into my mind,” she said, “was ‘common sense’.” She illustrated a lack of common sense by using the example of an (ex)employee who took “selfies” and posted them to Facebook while at work. While embracing technology is laudable, using it inappropriately is not. Jodie Yakanin, Director of Career and Technical Education at Orange-Ulster BOCES, noted that having passion for what you’re doing is important. She also pointed out some of the soft skills that are important for anyone seeking a job or planning to stay employed: work ethic, being a team player, getting to work on time, accepting constructive criticism and using it to move forward. Steve Knob added to the list of soft skills that it seems students coming out of high school just don’t have: being able to follow directions, calling in if you’re unable to go to work because you’re sick. Following the panelists’ presentations, the audience broke into small groups to discuss how students could be better prepared for the workplace. Some of the additional ideas that emerged included: students knowing how to present themselves and have a professional appearance; motivating students in the classroom; more parental involvement with “Don’t limit student options” advised Chris Wheeler, Seward Alumnus and Account Manager for Kimiecik Landscaping of Florida, NY “I don’t want to be a babysitter,” stated James Mezzetti of Myles Financial and Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center the school; being able to use software programs that are commonly encountered in the workplace (eg, Word, Excel, Outlook); using technology but knowing when to put down the iPad and pick up a book; gaining work experience through summer jobs, volunteerism, and community service. There was some discussion around appearance. For example, is it appropriate for job seekers to have tattoos or facial piercings? Depends on the job, was the consensus. Maybe it’s cool for a ski instructor to have a nose ring, but a patient may be put off if their neurosurgeon turns up with one. Society’s acceptance of tattoos and piercings may change over time, but until then, it’s all about keeping your options open. Leonard DeBuck, Secretary of the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce questioned whether it was time to revisit the traditional school calendar, in which the long summer break was originally devised to serve an agrarian society. Kids are no longer needed to tend the fields or bring in the hay that will feed the livestock through winter. There was certainly a lot of food for thought by the end of the evening. At the begining of the Forum, Barbara Schiebling had said she hoped there would potential to build greater relationships between the school, community, employers, local chambers of commerce, and parents. By the end of the Forum, it seemed the participants had come a long way to understanding at least some answers to a question she posed: “How can we build better candidates for your employment?” “Passion. You really need to have passion for what you’re doing,” noted Jodie Yakanin, Director of Career and Technical Education at OUBOCES. ! n Soo “Communication is important,” said James McAteer, Seward alumnus and Manager at Bernstein Global Wealth Management Don Only 50 ’t miss out! Reserve 0 tickets so ld your tic kets no ! w! Annual “Winner’s Choice” Raffle Featuring the ever-popular Jackpot “Mystery Box” Drawing held at the Florida Family Fun Fest, Sunday August 10, 2014 The Florida Focus Inc • editorial@TheFloridaFocus.org • www.TheFloridaFocus.org The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 19 National Children’s Book Week—Join The Celebration! The Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) is pleased to endorse celebrations th taking place in observance of the 95 Annual National Children’s Book Week, May 12-18, 2014. This observance encourages young people to discover the complexity of the world beyond their own experiences through books. Local libraries in our area are dedicated to spreading the word about children’s literature and encouraging children to learn the joys that reading provides. During Children’s Book Week schools, libraries, and parents applaud books and reading by developing ideas to mark this special event. The Ramapo Catskill Library System is often asked for tips on how to celebrate Book Week. What follows are some of the many wonderful ideas that librarians in the system have shared. TIPS FOR PARENTS • Talk about books with your children. • Have plenty of books around the house for your children to select from. • Read aloud to your children and hold family read-alouds. • Make sure your children transportation to the library. have • Visit the library with your children and select books together. • Turn off the television and other devices one evening per week and spend the time reading. • Talk with your children about their reading interests. • Show excitement and interest in the art and skill of reading and the books that your children are reading. • Select a book by an author who has written something your child read and liked. • Read about a culture you know nothing about. • Hold sleepover read-a-thons. • Have fun making food from stories you have read, like Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs & Ham. • Serve as a role model. Let your children see you reading early and often. ManaFoods of NY Reaffirms Interest in Mid-Hudson Correctional Property for International Agricultural Education Exchange Project Warwick, NY - In a recent letter to the Warwick Valley Local Development Corporation, ManaFoods of New York, previously known as Valley Fresh Direct, reaffirmed its interest in pursuing property at the former Mid-Hudson Correctional Facility site in Warwick for the establishment of an agricultural education and exchange project. "Now that the Warwick Valley LDC has closed on the former prison property, we want to reaffirm our intention to actively pursue the property as an ideal location for our project," said Winnie Greco, CEO of ManaFoods of New York. "We have retained the Turner Miller Group to create a site utilization concept plan and are working with Irving Zuckerman of Verticon Ltd. as our project consultant and are formulating a full scale business plan in anticipation of an upcoming presentation to the LDC," Greco added. The ManaFoods of New York project will focus on a mutually beneficial exchange of agricultural information and farming techniques between US and Chinese farmers. Utilizing existing buildings and open green space on the campus now known as Warwick Valley Office & Technology Corporate Park, ManaFoods has a goal of providing university-level education to farmers from China who are seeking ways to enhance their farming output and improve farming and food safety. ManaFoods has already received a letter of interest in the educational project from one of China's top universities, as well as interest from other educational institutions. "Establishing a first-rate educational program at the new corporate park and maintaining strong, positive relationships with the local community, especially our local farmers, is paramount to the success of the ManaFoods project," said Irving Zuckerman, Agribusiness Director of ManaFoods of New York. "These relationships and the educational exchange will realize positive dividends for local schools, area businesses, and most importantly, local farmers, especially as we move to the second phase of the project which is anticipated to include export of highly-regarded healthy and safe Hudson Valley food and beverage items to China." While some area residents have expressed concern that the project will ultimately result in large-scale corporate farming and compete with local and regional farmers, Zuckerman and Greco want to assure the community that is not the case. "At ManaFoods we want local farmers, and potential farmers, to have the benefit of learning from the long-established agricultural tradition and techniques here in the Hudson Valley so that others may improve their methods, increase their output, practice sustainable agriculture, and be able to provide food for their friends and neighbors," said Zuckerman. "In Chinese, our company name means 'full basket' and that is what we hope to give those farmers who will participate in our agricultural education exchange program," said Greco. "We want them to have baskets that are full of fresh, healthy produce and have the skills to be able to turn that produce into nutritious meals and products that will sustain them and the Orange County farmers who will work closely with them." ManaFoods hopes to present their site utilization and business development plans to the Warwick Valley LDC within the next month. For more information about ManaFoods, contact Kristin Jensen at 845.321.0274 or kristin@jencomm.com. Bon Secours Warwick Health Foundation New Board Chair and Board Officers Organization Raised $100,000 in Six Months of Fiscal Year WARWICK, NY – Early this year the Bon Secours Warwick Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of St. Anthony Community Hospital, announced that it had named Raul Berina as the new chair for its Board of Directors. He succeeds Deirdre Hamling. Berina is the Founder and CIO of Magellan Financial Solutions LLC, a Boutique Consultative Wealth Management Firm based in Warwick, NY. Prior to starting Magellan, he spent 20 years as an International Investment Banker. He is also the co-founder of Happy Feet Youth Sports Foundation, a non-profit that provides financial support, resources, and structure for low-income youths to participate in organized sports. Berina was previously a member of the Tuxedo Park School Development Committee, the Junior Committee of the Quadrille in NYC, and The Multiple Sclerosis Society of NYC. He grew up in Warwick, graduated from Burke Catholic High School and has a Bachelor's Degree in International Finance and Economics from Fordham University. Berina lives in Monroe with his wife, Nina, and their two children. The Foundation also appointed two other new officers. Foundation Treasurer Garrett Durland is owner/partner of Seely & Durland Insurance Agency Inc., now celebrating 80 years of business in Warwick. He has served as Treasurer and twice as President of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce. Durland has also been an active member on several committees, including the Warwick Applefest committee and he currently serves as a trustee of the Warwick Soccer Club Board of Directors. He lives in Warwick with his wife, Rachel. Their sons Benjamin and Lucas are away at college. Foundation Secretary Mary Juliano is a trustee for Catholic School Region Ulster/ Sullivan/Orange of the Archdiocese of New York. She is also President of the St. Stephen-St. Edward’s Educational Trust and an organizer for several other school and parish fundraisers. Juliano and her husband, Dr, John Juliano, and their five children have lived in Warwick for more than 15 years. A prominent group of individuals also serve on the Foundation Board of Directors: President Clare Brady, Stratos Colman, Sue DeVincenzo, Geoffrey Green, Jane Gyulavary, Caroline Hamling, Dr. Harold Hansen, Leo Kaytes, Steve Kent, Bonni Masi Oswald, Frank Petrucci, Dr. Tomi Prvulovic, Terry Quint, Susan Ronga, Douglas Stage, Barbara Sullivan and Cindy VanderPlaat. Rounding out the Board are Dr. Mary Leahy, CEO Bon Secours Charity Health System and Jeffrey Reilly, senior vice president Operations, St. Anthony Community Hospital and Bon Secours Community Hospital. In the first 6 months of the fiscal year, the Bon Secours Warwick Health Foundation has raised nearly $100,000 and has a sound fundraising ratio of 20.8 percent. Gifts to the Foundation help St. Anthony Community Hospital continue to advance healthcare in the region and are used for new technology and equipment, staff training and education, community wellness programs, improvements to the facilities and more. PAGE 20 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 PSYCHIC MOMENTS FLIGHT 370—? by Psychic Cyndee The Question is: What happened to Flight 370? A lot of questions run through my mind. Let’s try to answer as many as we can. First of all, I pick up that there was some type of connection to a High-ranking official and they were in contact with them. Okay, now who is “they” and was there some type of cover up? And that is how the game is played. Take nothing for granted. You can never force a piece of information or draw conclusions until everything becomes crystal clear. Otherwise just write it down and proceed to answer the next question. Eventually we will need to check the results. This was not a random plane crash nor did it occur because of some type equipment malfunction. I however believe that this plane did crash. Before it did, though a series of events led to some serious miscalculations. Here are the questions that need to be answered. Why did this plane and not another plane get chosen? What was the agenda? When I look for a missing person, object, or anything for that matter, the search process needs to be a free flow. The energy should never be blocked by one’s own internal thinking. Thoughts such as “ well, that doesn’t really make any sense” or “how could that be possible?” have to be ignored. I never box myself in mentally with language. Remember words have no energy unless we give energy to them. This is not a word game nor is it a guessing game. I don’t editorialize my thinking when dealing with numerical calculations such as time and distance. I check and recheck my results. Searching for directions such as East, West North and South may take more than one attempt. Sometimes I choose to look at a map to see if I can sense the flow of energy. “Botched up” are also words I kept getting along with “gone awry.” Here are “some” the results that I channeled. So that also could have changed their plans and added a degree of difficulty. There was an underground organization involved with this airplane crash… and the overtaking of the aircraft wasn’t properly planned out in reference to taking control of the plane itself. The reason wasn’t about money. Not literally, although there was some reason to assume that it may have been. Not all of the underground leaders associated with this group were informed as to what was really going to happen or going on. Meaning not kept in “the loop.” Communication error. On board were Chinese people and this exactly how the words came to me. “It was the Chinese men that forced the plane to go down.” and well sort-of Chinese? which ultimately caused the plane to go down. It could be classified as “a hijacking gone awry” although hijacking in the normal sense of the word may not apply for some, and yet those words are resonating with me. My first thoughts loud and clear were: “It’s similar to a hijacking gone awry” What was their true intention? There was more to it than that. It wasn’t just to hijack a plane. Their main focus was not the plane itself but “who” was on it. The pilot was not allowed to talk to anyone. Also the pilot on this flight wasn’t originally supposed to be on this flight. The pilot was shot but that wasn’t in the beginning of this saga. I saw that someone was shot in the back of the head. Pilot? fired and the plane went down… “Who” I see and believe that there were 6 people on the plane that were involved and “had beforehand knowledge “All were men. The pilot “was not” one of them but a member of the crew was. This crewmember will probably require me to do more channeling after I submit this article. So too will a much more elaborate and detailed version of my channeling be available at a future date. For example, I see tattoos but I can’t associate them with anything that is familiar to me. The plane crashed and that was an accident. Can you order the pilot to co-operate and expect his loyalty? Or does he say pretend to say yes and really say “no”? It wasn’t supposed to crash. As a matter of fact it was headed in a different direction. But it went down… hence “Gone Awry” I don’t see the actual plane being found for a very long time. I see the plane deep underground/water and approximately a few hundred miles from the location that they started looking for it in around Easter. No aliens involved here. The only aliens that may have been involved here would have been of the “illegal kind”… People have suggested that aliens are a possibility. They also said that they believe that plane went into a black hole similar to a Bermuda Triangle theory. I don’t believe that is case here. Nor do I believe the plane was taken into another galaxy or dimension. I will be a featured guest on ‘Keeping Country Strong” on Thursday May 8 live at 9-10 PM Channel 23 Time Warner Cable in the Hudson Valley. My interview also broadcasts again on the following Tuesday at 10 PM and Wednesday at 9 PM as well as in Manhattan on Time Warner Cable. They were headed South and veered off from the original flight pattern…. shots were Live Television Interview- Psychic Cyndee is available for private/ group psychic readings. Her book “The Angel Diaries” is available on Kindle and Nook. www.psychiccyndee.com 845-537-1279 The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 21 FOCUS ON WELLNESS Spring into Health The “Fats” Domino Effect by Gina McAteer, MS, RD Retail Registered Dietitian for the ShopRite of Warwick by Paula Aston, CHC, EdD Are you observing the beautiful unfolding of your garden this spring? Patience, commitment, and nurturing, in small, steady doses: That’s what makes a garden grow, a relationship bloom, a wound heal, health improve. Consistent attention and intention can create a healthy existence. When you begin to take care of your health, it has a positive domino effect on other areas of your life. What’s one simple way to contribute to your own good health? Learn about what “good fats” can do for your body. Don’t be misled into thinking that fats make you fat. Eating too much of ANYTHING will make you fat. “Good fats” benefit your health. Two good fats are olive oil and coconut oil.* You can cook with them at high temperatures, without creating the trans fats that occur with other oils. Raw, organic butter from grass-fed cows is also highly nutritious. Why do we need fats in our diet? Here’s what www.webmd.com has to say: “ Fats are an important part of a healthy diet: They provide essential fatty acids, keep our skin soft, deliver fat-soluble vitamins, and are a great source of energizing fuel.” Further, WebMd goes on to say: “When it comes to fat, there’s one type you don’t want to cut back on: omega-3 fatty acids. Two crucial ones—EPA and DHA—are primarily found in certain fish. ALA, another omega-3 fatty acid, is found in plant sources such as nuts and seeds. Not only does your body need these fatty acids to function, but also they deliver some big health benefits. Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body, you need to get them from your diet.” Here are some of the things that good fats can do for you: They help the body to absorb vitamins; and they give you shiny hair; soft, supple skin; a strong heart; clear arteries for good brain functioning; defense against inflammation and auto-immune disease; and support of positive mood. Try cutting back on animal fats and choose from some of these good fat sources: For EPA and DHA omega-3s: wild salmon; tuna; bluefish; lake trout; sardines; and anchovies. For ALA omega-3s: walnuts; ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil; and olive oil. I take a krill oil supplement from Mercola, for my essential fatty acid supplement. I also use ground flax seeds in cooking and I love salmon and tuna. More good fat sources: avocado; pumpkin seeds; almonds, cashews, etc.; and eggs. Buy that VitaMix (or other emulisifier) and make almond, walnut, or cashew milk! You’ll love it! With just small changes in your diet, you can become so healthy; the glow will show! Let “good fats” work for you! Or we might be hearing dear old Fats singing “Ain’t That a Shame!” *Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but it has medium-chain fatty acids, which are highly beneficial, in many ways. Go to www.mercola.com for additional information. Read June’s column for coconut details and recipe ideas.) The sun is shining. The snow has finally melted. Fresh fruits and vegetables are looking more and more vibrant. Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to make new wellness goals or perhaps recommit to some of those New Year's resolutions that may have fallen by the wayside. To get you started, here are some tips for getting and staying healthy this spring: • Experiment with one new spring fruit or vegetable each month to keep your healthy meals exciting and fresh. No matter what goal you choose for yourself or when you plan to start, set yourself up for success: • Gradually replace some of the salt you use with flavorful fresh herbs and lemon zest. • Be as specific as possible! "I will bring a pair of sneakers with me to work and spend half of my lunch break walking around the building 3 out of 5 days."This makes the goal easier to stick to than "I will walk more." • Add a salad to the beginning of your meal to fill up on nutrient-dense vegetables. • Wash, chop and portion healthy snacks, salads and sides for the whole week. • Do a little spring cleaning -- it keeps you up and moving throughout the day and you'll be rewarded with a fresh, organized living space! • Schedule that annual physical or dental check-up you've been putting off all winter. • Take a walk after dinner! Brisk, 15-20 minutes walks taken 30 minutes after eating help control blood sugar levels and aid with weight loss and maintenance. Bonus tip! Take it up a notch and go for walks after breakfast and lunch to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity for the day! How easy was that? • Use measurable numbers, time frames and deadlines to help you stay on track. • Start small, choosing just 1 or 2 goals at a time and keeping those goals realistic. Working to lose 1 pound per week is much less daunting than focusing on the 10 pounds you want to lose by summer. What healthy activities and habits will the warmer weather inspire you to try this year? DID YOU KNOW: ShopRite of Warwick offers FREE nutrition service by a Registered Dietitian? Gina McAteer, MS, RD, is available for grocery store tours, individual counseling, product information, health events, and community programs. Contact Gina at 917.612.7425 or gina.mcateer@wakefern.com. Contact Paula at paulaaston@hotmail.com. Sources used in this article include www.goodfats101.com. Remember May 11 is Mothers Day! The Florida Focus Inc • Suite 208, 62 N Main Street • Florida, NY 10921 www.TheFloridaFocus.org PAGE 22 • The Florida Focus • May 2014 ON THE ROAD by Robert Cook Congratulations to the new members of the Florida Fire Department on their achievement in passing the Firefighter 1 class held at the Orange County Fire Training Center. This is a grueling military type course involving classroom tactics and live field/structure fire exercises. Well done F.F. James Gardner, F.F. Ashley Dagele, F.F. Colin Kenny, and F.F. Joey Pillmeier. April kept the Florida Fire Department busy with multiple motor vehicle collisions. On this evening the FFD were dispatched to a vehicle in a trench on Pumpkin Swamp Road. The members were confronted with a still-occupied vehicle that was in a ravine with 4 feet of water rising into the car. The Rescue company went to work stabilizing the auto with a winch from their rig and removed the victim from the rising water. After he was removed, he thanked all and stated that he can’t swim! On State Route 17A near Jones Heating a 1-car motor vehicle collision occurred where the driver struck a high tension wire pole causing the car to roll over. The driver was transported by the FFD ambulance to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries. The People You Meet While You Travel by Nick Biblis I was in rare form when I found my way to the Garden Village hostel in Seam Reap. I had been in Cambodia for well over a week and just left, maybe, the best friend I made while traveling. We backpacked from Vietnam into Cambodia together and the time had come to part ways. Maybe I was reeling a bit from having to say goodbye, which happens very often as you backpack and make friends, or maybe I was tired from a long stint on the road and an especially rough few days (but that’s a story for another time). All I know is that I showed up to Garden Village tired, in need of a shower, and wanting to see nothing but Angkor Wat and then head back to Bangkok to wait for my flight to New York. After a well needed nap and shower I took myself down to the common room where I met a girl, a little wandering hippie who lived in California. She asked me if I was planning to go to Angkor Wat. Since I was, we decided we’d go together for the sake of company and splitting the cost of a Tuk Tuk (a common motorbike cab in S.E. Asia). She told me about how she started her trip with a 6-week yoga seminar in the jungles of Laos and was getting ready to go on a meditation retreat in the jungles of Cambodia for a few weeks. She wore a lot of hemp and told me all about her metalwork experience at the Burning Man festival each year. She was unique to say the least. It was the next day that I met Julian. He was a French Canadian who wore military boots, acid wash jeans, t-shirts from metal concerts, a leather jacket he made with no shortage of patches and pins, bleach blonde hair, and missing his two front teeth. He had been kicked out of the hostel (for reasons not appropriate for this article) and was in the process of begging his way back in. The hostel eventually let him come back and he and I came to start hanging out in the same group. He quickly delved into stories about choosing to be homeless in Quebec, a crack addiction, and his love for rock n roll. He wanted to party hard and not much else. The wandering hippie and the party animal are two of the more popular types of backpackers you meet while backpacking. But the reality is that I met every kind of backpacker at Garden Village. A laidback backpacker named James who was like me and wanted to try new things and experience all he can, a 60-year old who had been doing this for way too long, a Finnish couple and a Slovenian woman who loved to party as hard as Julian. I’m glad I wasn’t curled up in an anti-social ball in Seam Reap because everyone has a story and this group happened to have a lot. It’s the times when you aren’t in the mood to do anything; that everything starts to happen. It’s a wall that you may hit often as the miles and hours on uncomfortable buses start to catch up to you. But its good to do all that you can to push through and meet the crazy, strange, and sometimes flat-out bizarre people you’ll cross paths with because for better or worse, you won’t ever forget them. The FFD Members were dispatched again 2 hours after the 1-car roll over to a truck roll over on State Route 17A and Industrial Drive. Here you can see the truck landed right back on its wheels! Both the driver and his passenger had no injuries; they where both evaluated and released by Florida Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians. As we can see, seat belts do save lives! When Nick isn't out on the road, he's hanging out trying to soak up as much culture as he can through music and books while planning his next adventure. You can check out more on travel and culture at his blog, www.sureshotvagabond.com or if you have any questions about planning an adventure or just want to chat you can e-mail him at nick@sureshotvagabond.com. Professional Advisors Seminar, May 21 Montgomery, NY - The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s Professional Advisors Council invite all professional, nonprofit executives and individuals from throughout the region to a seminar entitled Not-for-Profit Law Transformed: Essential Information for Practitioners and Treasures in Grandma’s Attic-Valuing Collectibles and other Tangible Property. Seminar is on Wednesday, May 21, at the Orange County Business Center Larkin Room, 30 Scott’s Corners Drive, Montgomery, NY. Registration begins at 4:30 PM; seminar is from 5 to 8 PM. Fee is $35 for members of NYSSCPA; $40 for nonmembers. Seating is limited; RSVP by May 14, at www.cfoc-ny.org or call 845-769-9393. The Florida Focus • May 2014 • PAGE 23 MAY Activity Tip: Ride bikes with your family The Florida Focus Coloring Contest Students residing in the Florida Union Free School District are invited to enter The Florida Focus Coloring Contest. Two $10 prizes will be awarded: one to a winner in pre-K through 2nd grade and one to a winner in the 3rd through 5th grade. Winners are chosen by The Florida Focus, Inc. Simply color the picture using crayons, markers, glitter, whatever you like (be creative). Drop the picture off in the Golden Hill Elementary School office, or mail the completed picture to: The Florida Focus 62 N Main St, Suite 208 Florida, NY 10921 Or, drop the picture in The Florida Focus mail box at 62 N Main St Florida, NY 10921 (in the Professional Building). All entries must be postmarked or placed in The Florida Focus mail box by Monday 26 May, 2014. All entries must be accompanied by this form: Student Name: Grade: E-mail or phone number to contact if student wins: Signature of parent or guardian (required): The Florida Focus is published monthly by The Florida Focus, Inc., a NY State not-for-profit organization. Please address correspondence to: The Florida Focus, Inc. 62 N. Main St., Rm 208 Florida, NY 10921 Please send all contributions to: editorial@TheFloridaFocus.org To place an ad, please contact: ads@TheFloridaFocus.org. Visit us online at www.TheFloridaFocus.org Volume 5, Number 5, May 2014 Photos: AnnMaries Scotti