Summer 2015 Newsletter - Herkimer Housing Authority

Summer 2015 Newsletter
Herkimer Housing Authority
315 North Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350
315-866-2252 - (Fax) 866-3942
Table of
Contents
Page 1
Letter from the
Director
Page 2
Social Security Info
Play ball!
Pest control
Kids on bikes
Page 3
Summer Picnic
Rabies Clinics
Page 4
Summer/Fall
Activities
Page 5
Farmer’s Market
Dial 211 for Info
Maintenance yard
work
Page 6
Bed bug info
Letter from the Director
It is wonderful to see that our long winter is behind us.
Let us now enjoy the summer blooms and the long sunny
days!
With that being said, I would suggest spending time
outdoors by doing some barbequing and children utilizing the
playground. At the same time, please be mindful of the rules
about noise and quiet time from 10:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.
Hopefully, our residents are planting flowers around
their apartments and keeping their yards clean of litter. These
properties are your home, and we all need to take pride in our
homes, inside and out.
Enjoy your summer and we all hope that it will be a
happy and safe one.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Dowe
Executive Director
How to Get a Copy of Your Social
Security Statement
Up until 2011, the Social Security Administration
mailed annual Social Security Statements to everyone age 25 and over (who was not already receiving
Social Security benefits). Now you need to go online
to get a copy of your statement or view it online.
Go to www.ssa.gov/mystatement/ and open an
account with Social Security to view your statement.
If you can’t or don’t want to use your online account,
you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Now that the weather is nice and the children are
going outside to play, please remind them that playing
ball in the yards is not allowed. Eastern Garden
children may play ball on the field at the end of the
complex by the visitor parking lot, and Creekside
Courts children may play in the field by the
playground.
Summer is Pest Time!
Just a reminder that with the warm weather, bugs
start to appear in and around the apartments. In
order to keep bugs to a minimum, it is important to
follow some simple housekeeping rules:

Limit where you eat. Contain food to the
kitchen so that pests aren’t attracted to
the other areas of the apartment

Keep your floors clean. Just a little spill
will attract bugs

Be sure not to leave food around that
will attract pests

Wash your dishes right away

Wipe up spills right away and be sure
not to leave any sticky residue

Report any slow drains, pests look for a
water source, and standing water will
attract them

Dispose of fruits or vegetables that are
past their prime. Overripe produce will
attract fruit flies!

Remove garbage and recyclables daily
in the warmer weather

Wipe down jars and bottles that you
have used before putting them in the
cupboard
Kids On Bikes and Skateboards
Parents, please instruct your children not to ride their bikes or skateboards in the
parking lots or on the sidewalks
An accident could occur when a driver doesn’t see a child when they ride out between parked cars. Drivers
are not accustomed to looking for bicyclists or skateboarders in the parking lots, and skateboards damage the
curbs.
Also, there isn’t a lot of room between parked cars, and we have had instances of bicycles scratching parked
cars.
Because of these things, riding bikes and skateboards in the parking lot is not allowed.
Don’t forget, according to NYS law, all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear approved bicycle
helmets when bicycling or riding as passengers on bicycles in New York State. The maximum penalty for an
offense is a $50 fine.
Summer Picnic/Barbecue
We are planning our annual picnic/barbecue at the Midtown Apartments Community Room
and outdoor area for Herkimer Housing Authority residents. All residents at Midtown
Apartments, Creekside Courts and Eastern Gardens are invited to join us for a traditional
summer barbecue. Please save the date, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Come enjoy a traditional barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh salads, and watermelon
with your friends and neighbors!
Pet Vaccination Information
All pet owners must keep their animals up to date with their vaccinations. The office checks the
pet paperwork at recertification time, but it is your obligation to be sure your pet is up to date
with its vaccinations. We may require a statement from the veterinarian verifying that a dog is
within the weight requirement of 30 lbs. In addition, all dogs must be licensed with the Town of
Herkimer. Below is the Herkimer County Public Health rabies vaccination schedule. It is much
cheaper to have your pet vaccinated at the clinics than at a veterinarian’s office.
Herkimer County 2105 Rabies Vaccination Schedule
1. All cats, dogs, and ferrets three months or older must be vaccinated even if they stay indoors
2. Every dog and cat needs two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one every three years
3. Bring proof of the pet’s vaccination history to receive a three year rabies certificate
4. Ferrets must be vaccinated every year
5. Dogs should be on a leash, cats and ferrets should be in a carrier or pillowcase
6. WELLNESS EXAMS WILL NOT BE GIVEN
7. Owners are responsible to clean up after their animals
8. A $5.00 donation per pet is suggested to defray costs
*Pre-register at: www.herkimercounty.org
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June 10, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Norway Community Center, 3114 Military Road, Norway, NY
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June 17, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Ilion-Frankfort VFW Pavilion, 4274 Acme Road, Frankfort, NY
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July 16, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - East Herkimer Fire Department, 193 Main Road, East Herkimer
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Sept. 3, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Salisbury Fire Department, 2549 St. Rt. 29, Salisbury Center
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Sept. 10, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Cedarville Fire Department, 960 St. Rt. 51, Cedarville
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October 1, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Little Falls Town Garage, 478 Flint Ave. Ext. Little Falls, NY
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Nov. 7, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - East Herkimer Fire Department, 193 Main Road, East Herkimer
Summer/Fall Activities for Families
Summer is here and the kids will be home looking for things to do over summer vacations. Here are a
few suggestions for activities in the area that are inexpensive and fun for the whole family.

Herkimer Diamond Mines - Located just outside Herkimer on Route 28. Families can prospect for their
very own world famous Herkimer Diamonds. The cost is $11.00 for ages 13 and up, $9.00 for persons
aged 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. Admission includes all day prospecting, use of a rock
hammer, all day museum entrance, zip lock bags and mining information. They suggest that you bring
protective eyewear or you can purchase goggles there. You may also bring your own equipment that you
find necessary, such as chisels, screens, small shovels, buckets, and other hammers (up to a 12 lb sledge).
They are open 9:00 - 5:00 daily. The museum has a rare dinosaur skull. Nicknamed “Randy” by a team
of paleontologists after being unearthed in
Madagascar, the rare Tyrannosaurus-like Majungatholus
skull is the centerpiece at the Herkimer Diamond Mines Museum exhibit on prehistoric geology, fossils,
and life.

Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary Park - Kayak and Canoe rentals for a fun day out on the water.
The cost to rent a canoe or kayak is $10 per hour, $20 for 4 hours, $32 for 8 hours. Group rates are available. The Harbor is located on Southern Avenue in Little Falls. At the south end of the route 167 bridge in
Little Falls, turn onto Bellinger St. which quickly becomes Southern Avenue. The Harbor is about 1/2
mile down, on the right. Call the Harbor Master Christine Cadle or Assistant Harbor Master David Talaba
at 823-1453

Old Forge Father’s Day Weekend Car Show and Parade– The parade is at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June
19th and the Car Show is on Saturday, June 20th at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street from
9:00-3:00 p.m.

Free Fishing Weekend! - June 27th and June 28th. Check our website www.herkimerhousing.org for
more information

Take the family bowling! - State Bowling Center, Ilion, NY See their website for more information:
http://www.statebowlingcenter.com/

RD’s Gorge View Lanes, Little Falls, NY See their Facebook page for more information

Herkimer College Nature Trail - Enjoy a beautiful walk through the woods. The nature trail is located at
the end of the parking lot by the tennis courts, and it’s free and open year long for hiking and cross country
skiing!

Herkimer BOCES Nature Trail - Herkimer County BOCES Nature Trails are also a great option. They
offer two nature trails, one being very extensive and scenic while the other is handicap accessible. Great
for everyone!!

Trenton Falls Scenic Trails - Open to the public only twice per year, the hiking trails lead to a beautiful
waterfall. This year the trail will be open on October 3rd and 4th from 9 - 5. Take State Route 28 through
Poland and continue approximately 6 miles to 3-way intersection of Old Poland Road, State Route 28 and
Trenton Falls Road. Take right turn onto Trenton Falls Road continue to four way stop. Continue straight
through to end of road where you will park.

Howe Caverns Adventure Park - More than just the cavern tour. They now have a High Adventure park
which includes a 900 foot long zip line, a ropes course, rock climbing, and a 12 foot inflatable ball filled
with water that rolls downhill over 1,100 feet for a wet and wild water ride. Check out their website for
more information https://howecaverns.com/

The Utica Zoo - From African Lions to Zebu, the Utica Zoo boasts over 200 animals. They have camel
feedings everyday at 11:30 and sea lion feedings everyday at 12:30

Herkimer Public Swimming Pool - Located on Harter Street, the pool is planning to open on June 29th
and is open 7 days a week from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m.
Herkimer Farmer’s Market
The Herkimer Farmer’s Market is open every
Monday 1:00 - 5:00 through October 19th. They are
located at 420 East German Street (near the corner
of German Street and Rt. 28). You can purchase
fresh produce, baked goods, and other homemade
items much cheaper than you would pay at the
grocery store, and since the produce is grown locally,
it will be fresher and healthier! And as a bonus, you
can use your SNAP card there to pick up fresh,
nutritious fruits and vegetables for your family!
Dial 211 for Community Information!
2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone
number that connects people with community
resources and volunteer opportunities! The phone
line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is
completely confidential and free. Multilingual
service is available.
Some of the resources that 2-1-1 can help you with
are:
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Yard Work Has Begun!
Maintenance has begun their outdoor work, and
would like to remind everyone that the lawns must
be clear of toys, figurines, solar lights, etc. When
mowing lawns, maintenance can’t be expected to
stop and pick up items belonging to the residents. If
items are run over or damaged by the mowers or
lawn trimmers , Herkimer Housing Authority will
not be responsible for replacing or reimbursement of
the item.
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Basic needs: food, clothing, shelter
Consumer services: education, protection,
managing finances, making informed
decisions
Disaster management: storm and shelter
information, emergency resources,
evacuations
Education: skills, behavior and character
building, general competencies
Environment: environmental preservation
and protection, public health and safety
Healthcare: prevention, screening, evaluation, treatment, health, and substance abuse
Transportation to doctors appointments
Help with shopping and errands
Employment: skills building, finding and
sustaining employment
Income support: public assistance and
support
Lifestyle: social and spiritual development,
volunteer opportunities
Mental/emotional health: preventative,
diagnostic, and treatment
Community: new resident settlement, travel
and tourism
Business support: meeting space coordination, access to equipment, services
management
Check out their website at:
http://www.211midyork.org/
Bed Bugs - Do I have them? How do I get rid of them?
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping.
Adult bed bugs have flat, rusty-red colored oval bodies, no wings and are about the size of an apple seed. They are
big enough to be easily seen, but hide in mattresses, box springs, bedding, cracks in furniture, floors, or walls.
When bed bugs feed, they swell and become brighter red. They can live for several months to over a year without
feeding. They don’t jump or fly, and they crawl and move about the same speed as an ant.
How do I know if my home has bed bugs?
Look for signs of an infestation that may include:
 Itchy skin welts on your body
 Small blood smears on bedding from crushed insects
 Tiny dark spots on your sheets which are their fecal droppings
Dried remains of shed bed bug skins
Be aware other insects, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, can leave bites that look like bed bug bites. Bites alone
cannot prove you have a bed bug infestation.
Important note: The only way to be sure you have a bed bug infestation is to find and positively identify a
live bed bug.
If you suspect your have bed bugs, you will have to conduct a thorough search of your home. Bed bugs are hard to
find because they hide in, under, and around beds. They also hide inside, under and behind furniture, and in small
cracks or corners in furniture, floors or walls or in carpeting close to where they feed at night.
Newly hatched bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed, almost transparent, and very difficult to see. Once they
feed, they become larger and red or brown in color which makes them easier to see. The eggs are white and about
the size of two grains of salt. When laid, they are cemented to surfaces making them difficult to remove.
What do bed bug bites feel and look like?
A bed bug bite is painless and some people have no reaction to the bites. Most people have itchiness, red spots, or
welts that look like mosquito or flea bites hours later. These usually fade after several days. A few people have severe allergic reactions.
Remember: Bites are only a clue that you may have bed bugs, but you can’t tell from bites alone that you have a
bed bug problem.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
Bed bug bites are a nuisance and annoying, but bed bugs are not known to spread diseases. Try not to scratch bites
because it increases the risk of skin infections. If you have a severe reaction to a bed bug bite, see your doctor.
How do bed bugs get into homes?
Bed bugs are not a result of poor housekeeping; anyone can have bed bugs. People bring bed bugs into their
homes unknowingly in infested luggage, backpacks, purses, furniture, bedding, shoes or clothing. They can also
travel between apartments through cracks in walls and floors.
Total release pesticide foggers or ‘bug bombs’ can force bed bugs in to adjacent apartments. Do not use ‘Bug
bombs’. They do not control bed bugs and using bug bombs improperly can be dangerous and spreads pesticide
throughout your home.
If you have bed bugs and live in a rental property, notify the property manager immediately. Do not use
pesticides to treat for bed bugs yourself. General use pesticides are not effective against bed bugs and their
use may cause the bed bugs to spread to adjacent units.
If you suspect that your apartment may have bedbugs, please call the
office for an inspection. We will make sure that your apartment gets
the proper treatment to eliminate the bugs at no charge to you.
Bed Bug prevention tips:
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Do not trade or buy used furniture. Bed bugs
or other pests can be transferred from one
residence to another in this way.
Reduce the number of hiding places - Clean up
the clutter.
Regularly wash and heat-dry your bed sheets,
blankets, bedspreads and any clothing that
touches the floor.
Don’t pass your bed bugs on to others. Bed
bugs are good hitchhikers. If you throw out a
mattress or furniture that has bed bugs in it,
you should slash or in some way destroy it so
that no one else takes it and gets bed bugs.
Bed bug mattress covers which encase the
mattress to prevent infestation can be
purchased at Wal-Mart or K-Mart.
On June 4, 2015, BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco, a public health policy advocacy program
aimed at preventing the many deadly diseases caused by tobacco in Herkimer, Oneida, and
Madison Counties in Upstate New York presented Executive Director Richard M. Dowe
with a plaque honoring Herkimer Housing Authority for its efforts in reducing the adverse
health effects of second hand smoke. A reception was held at Harts Hill In where Herkimer
Housing Authority and a few other businesses and municipalities were honored.
Be Vigilant when it comes to Fire Safety!
Over the past week there have been two fires in Ilion, one at the Red Carpet Inn
which was caused by a burning candle, the other at London Towers which has yet to be
determined.
Burning candles is a violation of the House Rules. Never burn candles because they
are such a fire risk to you and to your neighbors!
We would ask every tenant to be very careful when running appliances. Be alert to
strange sounds and smells. Be sure to turn off all appliances when you leave your
apartment. If you aren’t home and an appliance malfunctions, you could lose everything,
as well as put your neighbors at risk of losing their belongings and maybe even their life!