OSWEGO, NY – Oswego City School District students were recognized in the 26th Oswego County Reading Council Writing Contest.

Kingsford students who earned awards in the annual Reading Council Writing Contest include (in front left to right) Cammi Ahern, Olivia Day, Marisa Wallace, Michael Fierro, Jade Bauer, Rylan Dann and Devon Tonkin while in back are teacher Christine Castiglia, Joah Defren, Henry Sweeney, Bella Rando, Emma Searor, Marcus Baker, Joshua Elia and Allison Van Brocklin.

Kingsford and Fitzhugh elementary schools along with the Oswego Middle School were well-represented in the annual event and several students earned awards for their “My Dream Vacation” writing piece.

In the fourth grade division the top three writers represented KPS and included Jade Bauer, Henry Sweeney and Joah Defren while fifth grader  Cammi Ahern was second in her grade level.

The top three in the seventh through twelfth grade category were a trio of Oswego Middle School students as Javiemary Hernandez, Shaleen McMahon and Barbara Babcock were the top three.

FPS teacher Amy Quonce was runner up in the adult division.

Honorable mentions included from KPS included Marisa Wallace, Rylan Dann and Michael Fierro in third grade; Allison Van Brocklin, Marcus Baker, Joshua Elia and Emma Searor in fourth grade and fifth graders Isabella Rando, Devon Tonkin and Olivia Day.

Honorable mentions from the Oswego Middle School included Clarissa Miller, Jacob Ward, Julia Palmer, Chelsea Thurston, Tyler Davis and Haley Shelton.

OSWEGO – The Oswego County Health Department reminds people using area beaches this summer to be on the look-out for blue-green algae, a microscopic organism that can pose a health risk to humans and animals when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities.

Surface water affected by blue-green algae often is so strongly colored that it can develop a paint-like appearance. (Photo NYS Department of Health.)

“Blue-green algae are naturally present in lake and streams, usually in low numbers,” said Natalie Roy, associate environmental health sanitarian for the Oswego County Health Department. “They can become very abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that receives a lot of sunlight. When this occurs, the algae can form blooms that float on the water surface and discolor the water.”

Blue-green algae blooms usually occur during the hottest part of the summer. When water that contains high levels of blue-green algae toxins is swallowed or absorbed through the skin, or when airborne droplets are inhaled, health effects can occur.

“Consuming water that contains high levels of blue-green algal toxins has been associated with effects on the liver and the nervous system in laboratory animals, pets, livestock and people,” said Roy. “Livestock and pet deaths have occurred when animals consume very large amounts of accumulated algal scum from along shorelines.”

Blue-green algae blooms may be present in water that is visibly discolored in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red, or water that has surface scums.

Water affected by blue-green algae blooms often is so strongly colored that it can develop a paint-like appearance.

Unpleasant tastes or odors are not reliable indicators.

The Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division monitors public swimming beaches and investigates reports of suspected blue-green algae at public beaches.

Anyone who suspects blue-green algae in a public swimming area should call the health department weekdays at 315-349-3557.

Jiancheng Huang, Public Health Director, recommends people take these steps to avoid exposure to blue-green algae:

• Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Untreated surface water may contain other bacteria, parasites or viruses, as well as algal toxins, which all could cause illness if consumed.

• People who are not on public water supplies should not drink surface water, even if it is treated, during an algal bloom. In-home treatment such as boiling and disinfecting water with chlorine or UV and water filtration units do not protect people from blue-green algal toxins.

• If washing dishes in untreated surface water is unavoidable, rinse with bottled water to reduce possible residues.

• People, pets and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scums on the surface. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.

• Stop using the water and seek medical attention as needed, if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur while in contact with untreated surface waters. However, swimming, bathing or showering with water not visibly affected by a blue-green algae bloom is not expected to cause health effects.

For more information about blue-green algae and its health effects, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.htm

OSWEGO, NY – The Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County is bringing its message of stopping child abuse in Oswego County to the Novelis Family Park during this year’s Harborfest celebration.

The Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County will be giving away children’s bicycles during Harborfest. The drawings are free and no purchase is necessary. From left are: Jenny Mulcahey; CAC board member Jake Mulcahey with daughter, Abby; Hannah Koster (with bicycle); and CAC board member Melanie Russell.

A non-profit agency that works to protect and serve child victims of sexual and physical abuse, the Child Advocacy Center will have a tent in the Novelis Family Park (West Park) from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The CAC will be hosting free drawings for a child’s bicycle. The drawings are free, there is no purchase necessary, to enter just stop by the CAC tent and register for the free drawing.

“The Children’s Park is the ideal location for us,” said Karrie Damm, executive director of the CAC. “We want to educate parents and caregivers about how to spot warning signs of child abuse, how to encourage their children to talk about it, and ways in which they can protect their children from sexual and physical abuse. We also want children to know that it is okay to discuss instances of child abuse and not keep silent about it.”

Manned by CAC staff, board members and volunteers the CAC tent will have a variety of activities and giveaways for children as well as a wealth of information regarding the agency and the many services that it offers free of charge to victims of child abuse and their families.

Information will also be available for the CAC’s upcoming Fiesta Masquerade; an evening filled with food, fun, beverages, and live entertainment from Central New York favorites, The Billionaires.

“We are excited about our Fiesta Masquerade and our planning committee is working hard to ensure that will be an enjoyable and memorable evening. It’s going to be a fun event for a great cause. All proceeds from our Fiesta Masquerade will benefit our efforts to combat, prevent, and raise awareness of child abuse in Oswego County,” said Damm.

Located at 301 Beech St., Fulton, with a satellite office at 4822 Salina St., Pulaski, the CAC of Oswego County works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical providers, therapy providers, and victim advocacy professionals in Oswego County to protect and serve children that are victims of sexual and physical abuse.

For more information on the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County, call 315-592-4453 or visit www.oswegocac.org

FULTON, NY – At the G. Ray Bodley High School commencement ceremony held in June, theatre awards were presented to two honor graduates, Jacob Strauss and Bradley Crofoot.

Quirk’s Players’ Members Honored At Graduation

Strauss (left) was the recipient of the 2014 Quirk’s Players Directors’ Award which is presented to a graduating senior who displays dedication to the theatre program at GRB, sets high performance standards, inspires others to excel and serves as a role model for other members.

Crofoot (right) was the recipient of the 2014 William Quirk Memorial Award For Achievement in Theatre.

Presented in memory of Mr. William Quirk, a long-time English teacher and theatre director at both Fulton High School and G. Ray Bodley High School, the Quirk Award is presented to the graduating senior who has made the greatest contribution to the theatre program at GRB during his/her high school years.

Both gentlemen have participated in numerous productions with Quirk’s Players at G. Ray Bodley High School.

Strauss has been a dedicated member of the Quirk’s Players’ tech crew on several shows, but did appear on stage in What The Bellhop Saw and Curtains.

Crofoot has appeared in many plays with Quirk’s Players including Hello, Dolly!, What The Bellhop Saw, The Laramie Project and most recently, Curtains, where he was cast in the lead role as Lt. Frank Cioffi.

“We are extremely proud to be able to honor Jake and Brad with these awards,” said Tom Briggs, theatre director at G. Ray Bodley High School. “Both young men are hard workers who have served as excellent role models in the theatre program at our school. They are mature, dependable and have helped make our productions most successful. We thank them for their contributions and will miss them greatly next year.”

Strauss is joining the freshman class at SUNY Plattsburgh and Crofoot is continuing his studies at Cayuga Community College and will later transfer to SUNY Oswego.

ROCHESTER, NY – The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology:

Shelby Acome of Fulton, N.Y., (13069) received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Emily Catanzarite of Pulaski, N.Y., (13142) received a Bachelor of Science degree in advertising and public relations from RIT’s College of Liberal Arts.

Matthew Demm of Oswego, N.Y., (13126) received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Avery Denney of Constantia, N.Y., (13044) received a Master of Science degree in facility management from RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology.

Andrew Garrett of Phoenix, N.Y., (13135) received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Kenneth Krapf of Oswego, N.Y., (13126) received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology from RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology.

Charles Kuczawa of Oswego, N.Y., (13126) received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering technology from RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology.

Douglas Lynn of Bernhards Bay, N.Y., (13028) received a Master of Science degree in game design and development from RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Ian Manwaring of Pulaski, N.Y., (13142) received a Bachelor of Science degree in microelectronic engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Brandon Mc Grath of West Monroe, N.Y., (13167) received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Irene Meyer of Hastings, N.Y., (13076) received a Master of Fine Arts degree in computer graphics design from RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Marissa Raponi of Martville, N.Y., (13111) received a Bachelor of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography from RIT’s College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Joshua Roberts of Fair Haven, N.Y., (13064) received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in professional photographic illustration from RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Alexis Semeraro of Fulton, N.Y., (13069) received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film and animation from RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Eric Wood of Oswego, N.Y., (13126) received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts.

In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

For three decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT among the nation’s leading comprehensive universities. RIT is featured in The Princeton Review’s 2014 edition of The Best 378 Colleges, its Guide to 322 Green Colleges and The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2014.

To see more of RIT’s rankings and recognition, go to www.rit.edu/overview/rankings-and-recognition.

BUFFALO, NY – The following students graduated from SUNY Buffalo State in May 2014:

Sabrina O’Brien of Cato received a bachelor’s degree in art.

Jillian Heenan of Pulaski received a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Courtney Collins of Oswego received a bachelor’s degree in interior design.

Buffalo State offers 169 undergraduate programs and 65 graduate programs.

For more information, please visit suny.buffalostate.edu

The Oswego Public Library’s Library Learning Center will offer a four-part Introduction to Computers workshop on August 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Each class is free and runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

Topics covered by the instructor include: mouse and keyboard basics, getting started with programs, basic hardware components, and introduction to the Internet.

No previous experience with computers is necessary.

The Library Learning Center will also offer a four-session Internet Basics workshop on August 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.

This free workshop will include topics such as how to connect to the Internet, how to use a web browser, searching for information, online privacy and safety, email and social media.

In addition to our introductory workshops, the Library Learning Center will feature Selling on Ebay, Facebook, iPhones, Downloading Library Books for Kindle, Windows 8, and Computer Tune Up.

Dates and times are as follows:

August 6 – Selling on Ebay 2 – 4 p.m.

August 8 – Facebook 10 a.m. – noon

August 15 – iPhone Basics 10 a.m. – noon

August 20 – Downloading Library Books for Kindle 2 – 4 p.m.

August 22 – Windows 8 10 a.m. – noon

August 29 – Computer Tune Up 10 a.m. – noon

The Library Learning Center is located on the lower level of the Oswego Public Library, and is open Monday-Friday.

All programs are free and open to the public.

Please call the library at 341-5867 to register for workshops or if you have further questions.