Hi Friends-

Love Knows No Bounds is sponsoring another service trip to NYC area (Far Rockaways this time) this weekend May 18-19 to help folks clean up, muck out, throw out and start over.  There are a lot of folks who still need help cleaning and rebuilding, it’s hard to believe that this long after the storm there are still folks in need but it’s true.  Many people weren’t able to get insurance money to start the work.  Occupy Sandy has been working relentlessly since the storm, and will continue to do so.

If you would like to donate $10 or more to the volunteers (like me) at LKNB in order to fund this trip as well as future trips, that would be very much appreciated.  The more money we raise, the more people we will be able to transport to the affected areas to help the residents clean and rebuild.  I will be going this weekend to offer my help.  If you are interested in going in future trips, let me know.

http://www.crowdrise.com/lknbsandyrelief-nyc

Thank you!
Pam Gueldner

[Pam is a regular participant in BikeSki outings ...]

July 19, 2012 (Ithaca, NY) – Lyme Disease is on the rise in Tompkins County. The number of cases has steadily increased in the past few years the Tompkins County Health Department reports. Karen Bishop, Community Health Nurse Supervisor noted that in 2006 there were 2 cases; in 2010 there were 70 and 107 in 2011. “But the actual number of cases exceeds the official count because most cases are not confirmed through a lab test,” she added.

“By May of this year, there were 45 cases in 2012 but we know that there are many more. Local physicians have called the Health Department to report they are regularly seeing patients with symptoms of Lyme Disease – much more than they have in the past, she said.” Most of the cases have been acquired locally, not from travel to other areas.

Physicians report that people often aren’t aware that they’ve been infected by a tick until symptoms appear. These may include severe fatigue, recurrent flu-like symptoms, joint swelling, facial paralysis or rash. Some people might experience a sudden red, painful, lesion on their body. They should see their provider as soon as possible; Lyme Disease is a possible cause.

Tick-borne diseases are a serious health threat. Lyme disease may affect the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. However, early treatment with antibiotics is effective.

Karen Bishop urged all Tompkins County residents to remember:

Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants when walking in wooded and grassy areas. Gardeners should take these precautions also.
After every two to three hours outdoors, check for ticks on clothing or skin. Brush off any ticks on clothing before they can attach to your skin.
Do a thorough check of your body at the end of the day. Pay close attention to the back of the knees, behind the ears, scalp, arm pits and back. Check your children and pets, too.
If an attached tick is removed within 36 hours, the risk of infection is small. To remove a tick: Use tweezers, grasping the tick near the mouthparts, as close to the skin as possible. Don’t squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick, which may contain infectious fluids.
If you consider using repellents be sure to follow label directions. Do not allow children to apply repellents themselves. Use only small amounts of repellent on children.

To learn more about Lyme disease, call the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6604 or visit the Department’s website: www.tompkins-co.org/health to see what a tick looks like and how to remove it.

July 16, 2012 - Governor Andrew Cuomo today urged all across the state to use extra caution, as dry weather conditions have created a heightened danger of wildfires across Upstate New York. The State is also issuing a statewide ban on residential burning for 90 days, through October 10.

“These conditions should not be taken lightly,” Governor Cuomo said. “The potential for disastrous wildfires is present in all areas of the state and we must do whatever we can to prevent fires from occurring. The State will continue to closely monitor the wildfire danger, and we will deploy whatever resources are necessary to protect New Yorkers should a critical situation occur.”

As a result of the mild winter with relatively little snowfall, as well as areas of the state which have received only 25% of the normal spring and early summer rainfall, wildfire danger across New York is heightened. Current weather forecasts predict above normal temperatures, elevating the risk.

“We hope residents will pay close attention to the Governor’s warning,” says Jessica Verfuss, Assistant Director of Emergency Response. “Conditions here, as in the rest of the state, are ideal for brush fires that can easily get out of control. We urge everyone to follow the guidelines outlined by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Governor’s Office.”

Wildfires can start easily from many types of causes and can spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. The Governor urged New Yorkers to take extra caution and do the following:

· Refrain from starting any type of outdoor fire and in cases where a fire must be started, take extreme caution.

· Be watchful and keep a close eye when grilling outdoors.

· For those who smoke, make sure a lit cigarette is completely extinguished.

· When camping, use existing campfire rings when possible and keep fires small.

· Scrape away litter, duff, and any burnable material within a 10 foot diameter circle. This will keep the campfire from spreading.

· Never leave a campfire unattended.

· Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.

· Use a cooking stove instead of a campfire to prepare meals.

The DEC’s emergency regulation implements a statewide ban on residential brush burning through October 10. Violators are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions. In addition, the Department is suspending all burning permits previously issued. A moratorium on new permits is now in effect through October 10.

Contact: Assistant Director Jessica Verfuss or Director Lee Shurtleff, Department of Emergency Response, 607-257-3888.

Red Cross Issues Heat Wave Safety Tips

July 20, 2011, South Central NY -  A dangerous heat wave is moving into the east this week. Thursday’s forecast is: Humid with highs around 99. Heat index values are expected to go up to 112 in the afternoon. The American Red Cross encourages people to take steps to safely endure the soaring temps.

The hot weather has closed down government buildings, damaged crops and caused numerous water main breakages. Weather experts are predicting the excessive heat will move east and cook the country through the end of July.

The extreme temperatures can feel like walking into a wall of heat when venturing outside. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To help avoid problems, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke is life-threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or you can cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

People should get ready to deal with the heat now. Follow these additional steps to stay safe during the heat:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a mall, a library or a movie theatre that does. Stay there in the heat of the day.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.

Learn more on how to prevent and respond to heat emergencies by taking first aid and CPR training. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org/training to schedule a class.

June 30, 2011 (Ithaca, NY) – The number of Lyme Disease cases haas steadily increased in Tompkins County since 2006 the Tompkins County Health Department reports. Karen Bishop, Community Health Nurse Supervisor noted that in 2006 there were 2 cases; in 2010 there were 70 with a steady increase in the interim. “In the past, Tompkins County residents who had Lyme Disease usually acquired it while traveling in other areas of the state or country. Now most of the cases are locally acquired,” she said. In 2011 to date there have been 14 cases of Lyme Disease and 28 are probable cases pending confirmation. “That is a serious increase,” Mrs. Bishop noted. “Lyme Disease is here and everyone should take the necessary precautions to prevent it.”

Tick-borne diseases are a serious health threat. Lyme disease may affect the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. If not treated early, it can have permanent and severe health effects.

“Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. In some areas, any contact with plants or bushes, even in the backyard, has the risk of contact with ticks,” Mrs. Bishop said.

She urged all Tompkins County residents to remember:

When in wooded and grassy areas, wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.
After every two to three hours outdoors, check for ticks on clothing or skin. Brush off any ticks on clothing before they can attach to your skin.
Do a thorough check of your body at the end of the day. Pay close attention to the back of the knees, behind the ears, scalp, arm pits and back. Check your children and pets, too.
If you remove an attached tick within 36 hours, the risk of infection is small. To remove a tick: Use tweezers, grasping the tick near the mouthparts, as close to the skin as possible. Don’t squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick, which may contain infectious fluids. Pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site with soap, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Wash your hands carefully. Record the date and location of the tick bite. If a rash appears or you experience flu-like symptoms over the next 30 days, contact your health care provider immediately. As of July 1, the New York State Health Department is no longer providing a tick identification service.
If you consider using repellents be sure to follow label directions. Do not allow children to apply repellents themselves. Use only small amounts of repellent on children.looks like and how to remove it.

To learn more about Lyme disease, call the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6604 or visit the Department’s website: www.tompkins-co.org/health You’ll see what a tick looks like and how to remove it!

Tompkins Youth Rally for their Future

200 local students join Youth Power Summit on April 9 in Ithaca

ITHACA NY — On Saturday April 9, up to 200 young people from across Tompkins County and Central New York will converge in Ithaca for the “Youth Power Summit”, scheduled for 9:30 AM to 5 PM at the Holiday Inn. The summit will educate, energize, and empower high school and college students for a day of strengthening movements for clean energy, local food, and social justice in their schools and communities.

“We are excited to bring together young leaders from all backgrounds calling for bold action to build a clean energy and local food economy that respects all communities.” said Megan Ludgate, Dryden High School junior and member of the summit organizing team. “April 9 is about empowering ourselves to lead this change.”

The summit is free and open to all, and will include lunch, workshops for youth and educators, presentations, and action planning sessions. Key organizers include students of the Lehman Alternative Community School, New Roots, Ithaca High School, Dryden High School, Ithaca College and Cornell University.

“Youth in Tompkins County are coming of age amid increasing crises,” said Jordan Stark, Lehman Alternative Community School senior and member of the organizing team. “When we look around, we see climate change and threats to our water from gas drilling, a lack of jobs and opportunity, and young people struggling to find meaning in our lives. This summit will help us come together to create a better future in our community.”

The summit features a panel of local young elected officials, including Ithaca City Council members Svante Myrick and Eddie Rooker, Tompkins County Legislator Nathan Shinagawa, Caroline Town Councilmember Dominic Frongillo, and Binghamton City Councilmember Lea Webb. The elected leaders will discuss their experiences in office and how young people can engage in the political process.

“We are excited to announce an all-star panel of young elected officials,” said Ariana Shapiro, Ithaca High School senior and member of the organizing team. “These leaders are on the front lines of change and will help inspire other young people to get involved.”

Youth will share updates on campaigns at their school and plan for future efforts. Workshops on local food, social justice, political activism, hydraulic fracturing, and energy efficiency are also planned.

“This summit is about coming together to build a better future for all,” said Dominic Frongillo, Caroline Town Councilmember and Cooperative Extension community energy educator. “We are saying ‘Let’s create equity in our schools. Let’s measure progress not by the number of people in jail, but by the number of people from our community who are hired in good jobs upgrading our homes for energy efficiency. Let’s grow our people as well as our food.’”

The all-day summit will begin with a “Generation Waking Up Experience,” focusing on new ways young people are joining together for positive change.

“Both locally and nationally, young people are waking up and seeing an opportunity to build a thriving, just, and sustainable future that includes everybody,” said Doug Indrick, senior at Ithaca College and member of the “GenUp” facilitator team. “The message on April 9 is youth are building power to create our future.”

The summit is the weekend before 200 students from Tompkins County will attend Power Shift 2011, a national youth summit April 15-18 in Washington D.C. Over 10,000 young leaders will converge for the historic summit, which will include the nation’s largest congressional lobby day. According to the website, the Power Shift 2011 summit aims to “reclaim our democracy from big corporations and push our nation to move beyond dirty energy sources that are harming the health of people and the planet.” Information on the national conference is online at www.powershift2011.org.

“We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for,” said Vicky Morgan, Cornell sophomore and member of KyotoNow! student group. “I have a sense of urgency. We cannot wait another 5 years to address climate change and social justice. I want us to look back and say, at this critical moment, we rose to meet our challenges.”

** Registration for the Youth Power Summit in Ithaca is online at http://tinyurl.com/youthpowersummit. **

For more information about the Youth Power Summit, visit Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169766716409303

or email youthpowersummit2011@gmail.com.
Media Contacts:
Ariana Shapiro. <ashapiro44@gmail.com>, (607-592-5998);
Jordan Stark, <jordan.r.stark@gmail.com>, (607)220-8226;
Victoria Morgan, <vmm37@cornell.edu>, 786-999-3408;
or Doug Indrick, <dindrick@gmail.com>, 315-415-8046.

Thursday, March 31 - Saturday, April 2, 2011
Cornell Law School
Free Admission

DOWNLOAD CONFERENCE MATERIALS http://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/research/ELS/index.cfm

OVERVIEW

Natural gas drilling using hydraulic fracturing (”hydrofracking”) may be poised to begin in Upstate New York.  Hydrofracking has ignited a battle over the future of energy and the environment, with proponents claiming natural gas as an energy panacea and opponents decrying it as an environmental nightmare.  The debate has even blurred traditional lines, with some conservationists calling natural gas an essential “bridge fuel” and some industry insiders warning of inflated projections and ecological risks.

This heated issue is part of the larger state, national, and international energy picture.  The conference will use natural gas drilling as a lens to explore energy policy, the global energy market, and the integral role the law can and must play in creating energy security and ensuring a sustainable future.  Panels will be fast-paced, creating a lively debate with time for limited audience questions.  Bringing together distinguished panelists from law, science, government, and business on both sides of the natural gas and energy debate, the conference will explore, among other topics, the legal issues associated with natural gas drilling and energy policy, different scientific perspectives on how clean and sustainable natural gas is, alternative clean energy sources, and the potential risks and benefits of shale gas development in Upstate New York.  Weaving throughout these topics is the question of whether common ground can truly be reached or whether it is simply an illusion.

As part of Cornell University, a world-class research institution invested in creating a sustainable future, Cornell Law School is uniquely positioned to find solutions for the challenging environmental and energy problems of today.  Situated in the beautiful town of Ithaca, New York, Cornell is the ideal location for addressing sustainability.

The two-day conference will draw an audience of students, academicians, community leaders, attorneys, local and state officials, and the general public.  News publications and online blogs will cover the event.  The conference will be broadcast live to audiences on the world wide web.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits will be available at no cost for many panels.

We invite you to join us at this exciting event!

Ben W. Tettlebaum
Environmental Law Society, President

Alexis Saba
Environmental Law Society, Chair

Emily Green
Environmental Law Society, Conference Committee

PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited at most panels, and registration is first-come, first-served.  Registrants not seated in the amphitheater where the panel is taking place will be seated in an adjacent amphitheater where the panel will be broadcast live via simulcast.  Contact Ben Tettlebaum (bwt32@cornell.edu) with questions or concerns.

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE (REVISED)

DEC SEEKS PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT RAPID WATERS

UNIT MANAGEMENT PLAN (UMP)

WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 2011, from 6:30 pm. to 8:45 pm. (NEW DATE)

WHERE: Candor High School Auditorium, located at 1 Academy Street, Candor. Directions

to the Candor High School are available at the following link:

http://www.candor.org/contacts/directions.htm

WHAT: To invite and accept public feedback on the Draft Rapid Waters UMP.

The draft plan is posted on the DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/72384.html

A limited number of copies of the plan are available on compact disk (CD). Please contact the

DEC Cortland Lands and Forests office at (607) 753-3095 ext. 217 to request a copy.

The meeting will begin as an open house at 6:30 pm., providing time for the public to informally

discuss the draft plan and the planning process with DEC forest management staff. Beginning at

7:05 pm., DEC forest management staff will present highlights of the draft plan. The

presentation will be followed by a public comment session from 7:30 to 8:45 pm.

The auditorium is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know of any other specific

accommodations you may require by Thursday, April 7th. Those unable to attend the meeting

are invited to submit comments to the DEC by mail to: NYSDEC, Division of Lands and Forests,

Attn: John Clancy, 1285 Fisher Avenue, Cortland, New York, 13045-1090, or by email to:

jmclancy@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Written comments will be accepted until May 14, 2011.

The Rapid Waters Unit covers 12,600 acres of State Forest land. It includes the Danby State

Forest which is in the towns of Candor, Danby and Spencer, along with the Shindagin Hollow

State Forest which is in the towns of Caroline and Candor. The Rapid Waters Management Unit

is located about 8 miles southeast of the city of Ithaca, 20 miles southwest of Cortland, and

about 25 miles northwest of the Triple Cities of Endicott, Binghamton and Johnson City.

WHY: The Rapid Waters Draft Unit Management Plan was developed to address both short and

long term land management needs, values and opportunities. The draft plan provides a

framework to address the past, present and future conservation of forest ecosystems, wildlife

habitat, and recreational trails. It also addresses issues related to exploration and development

of oil and natural gas resources within the unit’s State Forests.

CNSC race

The CNSC race at Hammond Hill on Saturday January 15 became a little more
than a pipe dream in the past day or so. As of now, it is definitely a go.
We skied the course tonight and it is in great shape. The grooming
equipment got dropped off earlier this evening and is ready to go.
Saturday’s weather conditions should be perfect for a great classic ski
race. Plenty to choose from:

a short kiddies race for anybody 12 and under (they race for free)–We would
really love to see the little twerps out there!
a 5k citizens race that includes lots of climbing and descending
a 10k race for everyone else that serves as an Empire State Games qualifier
and a NYSSRA points race. The 10k race has twice as much climbing and
descending as the 5k since you do the same loop twice.

The skireg link for on-line registration is
http://www.skireg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=3190. Or you can register
at the race from 8:30 AM to 10:15 AM. Races start at 10:30 (see registration link).

If you were waffling because of the snow shortage, you’re done waffling now!
Hope to see lots of you out there.

Jack R

http://cayuganordicski.org/new/

public INPUT meeting

PINE TREE ROAD OVERPASS AND
BIKE & HIKE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 17
Maplewood Park Community Center (201 Maple Ave.)

You are invited to a public meeting sponsored by the Tompkins County Highway Division, the Town of Ithaca, and Cornell University regarding a project to improve pedestrian and bicycle accommodations along Pine Tree Road between Maple Avenue and Route 366 (Dryden Rd).

Discussion will focus on community needs that the project may address, such as; traffic volume, accidents, and destinations; drainage; pedestrian & bicyclist safety; social concerns; aesthetics; environment; and local economy.

Design will begin following the meeting. Design options will be developed over the next few months and presented for public review in the fall. Construction is planned for 2011. Work will be completed with 72% Federal funding.

For more information, please contact the Tompkins County Highway Division, 170 Bostwick Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, (607) 274-0307, or e-mail at jlampman@tompkins-co.org.

###

Bicyclists Riding in a Rural Community

On May 19, 2010 around 6:30pm three bicyclists stampeded 12 heifers and a bull. The animals charged through the fence surrounding their pasture into a newly planted corn field. Mr. Tavelli witnessed this as he was standing by the road side on Old 76 Road in the Town of Caroline. The bicyclists passed Mr. Tavelli, laughing. Mr. Tavelli took the opportunity to shout out to the three a message conveying they had made a poor choice as to how they spend their leisure time.

What the bicyclists don’t know is that Mr. Tavelli’s son Tony and Tony’s nephew were faced with the dangerous task of getting the heifers and bull back to pasture. It takes time to deal with large scared displaced animals and the bull poses special risks to himself and the human handlers.

There was fence damage that had to be mended. There was also crop loss in the corn field since it took the two men 5 or 6 runs around the corn field to get the animals back to pasture. The bull was especially dangerous; fortunately after a couple close encounters the bull and men ended up in one piece.

Old 76 Road is a visually beautiful loop to bicycle. Much of that typical rural landscape is brought to all of us by the hard working farm families which tend their acreage and animals to keep it looking the way it does.

The perceived welcome folks feel traveling through the area has been diminished by this incident. Bicyclists please emphasize to one another the length to which common sense respectful actions will help heal this wrong. Stay to the road way & trails, don’t pester the animals and do not trespass. If you were to see loose livestock (especially cows and horses) stop by one of the houses or barns and tell someone. It only takes a very few bad actors to sour a community badly on a given group’s activity.

Sincerely,

Linda Adams,
Town of Caroline Councilwoman
607-657-4402
linda_adams@townofcaroline.org

AIDS Ride for Life 2010

Bicyclists to travel 100 miles to support the Southern Tier AIDS Program

Ithaca, New York- Our community deserves effective and innovative HIV prevention, education and outreach services. The Southern Tier AIDS Program is working to provide these needs with our 12th Annual AIDS Ride for Life – a one day, 100 mile, fully pledged bicycle ride through the beautiful landscape surrounding Cayuga Lake. Our goal is to have 450 riders participate in bringing hope to individuals and helping those in our community affected by HIV and AIDS.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 11, 2010. The route starts at Stewart Park and ends at Cass Park. There will be 6 pit stops along the route where riders can replenish their water bottles, stock up on energy foods and use the facilities. Support and gear vehicles and motorcycles will drive the route to aid any riders and provide encouragement as needed.

The AIDS Ride for Life has raised over $1.5 million dollars in its 11-year history. All donated funds stay local and are used by the Southern Tier AIDS Program to provide its services directly to its clients and the community. Clients are able to receive case management, support and advocacy, housing placement, rent, utility and mortgage assistance.

Riders must raise a minimum of $300 to register. Teams and individual riders are encouraged to learn more and register today at www.aidsrideforlife.org.