2017 April In Review: Theatrical Production Recounts Canal History

by Steve Yablonski | December 27, 2017 11:39 pm

OSWEGO, NY – Here’s a glimpse of the some of the news from the past 12 months.

Canal Theatrical Proposal Flowed Through Committee
A large part of Oswego’s history flowed this summer. Fifth Ward Councilor John Gosek sought consideration from the Common Council to authorize the use of funds and public space of the city to support and sponsor the theatrical production of the recounting of the building of the Oswego Canal, an historic accounting of one of the earliest public works projects in the United States.

At its meeting in early April, the Administrative Services Committee gave a favorable recommendation to a retooled version of the request the council vice president made a few months ago. That request didn’t make it out of committee.

“This is a completely retooled, revamped presentation. This is a much better production, a tighter budget, the committee reached out and actually raised funds,” Kevin Caraccioli, city attorney, told the councilors. “We have partnerships now. We have the H. Lee White Marine Museum is going to be a fiduciary agent for any monies that are received (from donations).”

The project had received some funding. The financial burden on the city was “substantially reduced,” he added.

The city’s portion of the project was not to exceed $4,000, he said. The cost for the defunct proposal was about $8,000. Pathfinder Bank and the Lake City Masonic Lodge had contributed to the new project.

Griffin Sworn In As Fire Chief
The Port City’s new fire chief was officially sworn into office prior to the start of the regular committee meetings in early April.

Mayor Billy Barlow said he feels the community is lucky to have Chief Randall Griffin at the helm of OFD.

“It was a little awkward when we first announced his appointment,” Barlow said.

Griffin faced questions from the media like, ‘why Oswego, given all the stuff that’s happened?’ the mayor noted.

His answer speaks to the person that he is, the chief he is, the leader he is,” Barlow said. “His resume, his professional experience, knowledge in emergency management, fire service and Homeland Security speaks for itself. I expect big things out of the Oswego Fire Department.”

The chief’s first day was March 31. He and the mayor had an orientation meeting with the members and staff of the department.

Long-time honorary member of the OFD Roger Pullen held the bible for Chief Griffin as the mayor performed the swearing in ceremony.

Shineman Foundation Donates $250,000 To Launch Catholic Charities’ Capital Campaign
The Richard S. Shineman Foundation donated $250,000 to Catholic Charities of Oswego County.

The donation will go directly toward the renovation of CCOC’s new location, the former Cayuga Community College and Center for Instruction Technology and Innovation site on West Broadway.

“We are extremely grateful for this donation from the Shineman Foundation,” said Steve Frawley, CCOC board president. “ It gives us a tremendous boost toward the $1.5 million we are raising with our 2017 capital campaign. When you add this to the $500,000 grant we have received from NY State, we have a $750,000 start on reaching our goal.”

State Directs Oswego County To Create Shared Services Property Tax Savings Plan
Included in the recently passed state budget was a revenue budget bill. Part BBB is a county-wide shared services property tax savings plan.

“This is a mandate from the state,” County Administrator Phil Church told the legislators at April’s legislature meeting.

The chief executive officer of each county, outside of a city of one million or more, shall prepare a property tax savings plan for shared, coordinated and efficient services among the county, cities, towns and villages within the county, he explained.

The plan may also include school districts and boards of cooperative educational services and special improvement districts within the county (if they have a representative on the shared services panel). The shared services panel shall consist of the chief executive officer of the county (the chair) and one representative from each city, town and village.

The panel will accept input from the public as well as from civic, business, labor and community leaders.

The property tax savings plan shall include such things as the elimination of duplicated services; shared services such as joint purchases; shared storage facilities; shared plowing services and more.

“We’ll need to examine all county, town, city and village services,” Church said. “We have to develop a shared services plan and have it done by Aug. 1.”

If the county doesn’t achieve an approved county-wide shared services property tax savings plan by the deadline required for 2017, the county would have to follow the same procedures in an attempt to form a plan for 2018.

Community-Minded SUNY Oswego Senior Honored as Newman Civic Fellow
SUNY Oswego senior Sahar Rajput, long committed to community service, recently earned a Newman Civic Fellowship, one of only 273 such honors the Campus Compact awarded in 39 states and Washington, D.C.

In nominating Rajput, college President Deborah F. Stanley wrote, “Sahar has worked tirelessly to develop programs that promote community engagement and provide meaningful opportunities for her peers to get involved in building the capacity of community-based organizations.”

Among the many accomplishments leading to Rajput’s nomination and selection, she established and now coordinates a program to transport disabled adults from ARC of Oswego County to the college and other venues for educational and recreational opportunities; co-coordinates the college’s and Oswego City School District’s Mentor Oswego program; and helps lead SUNY Oswego’s Office of Community Services as student president of Community Services.

Rajput, a communication and social interaction major from Scotia, expressed delight at the 2017-18 learning, networking and post-graduate opportunities afforded to Newman Civic Fellows.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Rajput, who also has minors in psychology and business administration. “Christy (Huynh of the Office of Career Services) told me about it and I was really excited.”

Lieutenant Governor Offers Budget Highlights, Concern Over Federal Cuts
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul was in the Port City in April to deliver some regional highlights of the state’s recently passed 2018 budget. She spoke to a large crowd in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Hochul reiterated Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to Upstate and CNY in particular. “It’s not about who has the most clout in the legislature anymore,” she said. “It’s about where the needs are.”

The Governor’s tax cap plan gives municipalities some stability so they can better plan their budgets, she said.

Included in the budget is a mandate for a county-wide shared services property tax savings plan.

“It calls on the county leaders to convene their local elected officials from all walks of government in a room and just say, ‘where can we share services?’ It’s a shared prosperity approach,” she said.

She also touched on the Governor’s plan for college tuition.

They aren’t handing someone a check, they have to do some work, she explained.

Some other highlights she mentioned included bringing Uber to the Upstate region, trying to reduce the high cost of prescription medicine and the fight against opioid addiction.

Oswego County DA Fights To Keep Killer in Jail
In 2009, Alan Jones was convicted of Depraved Indifference Murder after a jury trial for causing the death of Erin Maxwell on August 29, 2008.

Jones’ murder conviction was subsequently reversed and reduced to Manslaughter 2nd by the appellate court and he was re-sentenced to a prison term of 5 to 15 years.

“Thankfully, the parole board has consistently denied his application for release and he remains in state prison,” Oswego County DA Greg Oakes said. ” However, he will be appearing before the parole board again in June.”

The DA wrote a letter arguing against his release and mailed to the parole board April 18. He also spoke to an official at DOCCS who said that members of the public may also send letters expressing their position, although any such letters should be received by June 13.

Erin’s death deeply affected the community and Oakes asked that people are aware of the upcoming parole hearing so that they can express their views.

“I am strongly encouraging anyone who opposes Alan Jones’s release to let the parole board know,” he said. “Any letter should be sent to the same address on my letter and should also reference his prison ID number, DIN 09B3636.”

His request was denied.

Oswego Hospital Earns Third Consecutive ‘A’ for Providing Safe, Quality Care
Oswego Hospital has been awarded its third consecutive ‘A’ for providing safe, high quality care to its patients by the Leapfrog Group.

This is the third consecutive time the hospital has been presented an ‘A’ by the national organization.

Oswego Hospital also earned the top letter grade in the fall and spring of 2016 and was the only hospital located in Oswego and Onondaga County, to earn this distinction all three times.

By earning an ‘A,’ Oswego Hospital is recognized for providing the highest quality of patient care.

“Our physicians, nurses and other clinical staff members are to be commended for consistently providing the high quality care that our patients deserve,” said then-Oswego Health President and CEO Chuck Gijanto. “To earn the top letter grade three times in a row shows they are working each and every day to provide safe, quality care.”

Chief Medical Officer Renato Mandanas, who oversees quality at the hospital added, “This award validates that community members can receive excellent healthcare services close to their homes and I encourage those who haven’t used our services, to consider making Oswego Health their number one choice for healthcare.”

Oswego School Board Approves 2017-18 Budget
At a relatively brief school board meeting, the Oswego City School District’s 2017-18 budget was approved 5-0-2. Board member Brian Haessig was excused.

Board president Lynda Sereno took part in the meeting via telephone. The district clerk would check to see if Sereno’s “yes” vote is legal.

Superintendent Dr. Dean Goewey said he is confident the voters will approve the spending plan next month.

Recently, the board reduced the tax rate increase in the $82,839,101 budget down to 2.47 percent.

“2.47 is far below our cap. We didn’t vote for the cap just to generate revenue. We are trying to be responsible to the taxpayers; and we brought back a lot of stuff,” the superintendent said. “Hopefully, they will understand that. I think we’re going to be in good shape.”

Dr. Goewey noted that last year’s budget, which contained many cuts and reductions, was approved.

The 2017-18 budget has a lower tax rate and it restores much of what was cut previously, so it should appeal to those who want lower taxes and those who wanted things restored, he added.

The superintendent described the budget as an exceptional program that is strong and also sensitive to the taxpayer.

“Because we were smart financially, we were able to bring back a lot of stuff. It’s actually smaller than last year’s. I think we’re going in the right direction,” Dr. Goewey said. “We tightened our belt last year and it’s still tight.”

Oswego School District Honors John Canale
Prior to the start of the board of education meeting, a ceremony was held to honor someone who has made significant contributions to the district for more than six decades – and still contributed.

John Canale was a person that has served the district in just about every capacity for 66 years, Superintendent Dr. Dean Goewey pointed out.

“In the summer of 1984, when I was taking the census for the school district, had just graduated from SUNY Oswego as a teacher, John Canale was my boss,” Dr. Goewey said. “And, I actually worked with Mr. (Pete) Myles (district personnel director), another young teacher in the district.”

The district presented Canale with a plaque recognizing his contributions. A brief reception, complete with a special Buccaneer cake, followed the ceremony.

“With sincere appreciation for moe than 66 years of dedicated service as a teacher and administrator in the Oswego City School District, Mr. Canal has served the district as a central administrator and as a teacher for all these years without a break in service. He continues to serve as a substitute teacher in our district and we are proud to recognize him tonight,” the superintendent said.

“But not only that, he has been a friend and also a mentor to many, many people that have come in the past 66 years,” added Lynda Sereno, board president.

“Sixty-six years of my life I have dedicated to being a public servant in education for all of our students. I hope that I will continue, with the help of the Lord, the future of teaching and learning together. I’d like to emphasis that – teaching and learning together with our students in the Oswego City School District,” Canale said.

Board member Sam Tripp asked Canale how he managed to stay active and get to where he is now.

“I am 93 going on 94 on January two, 2018. I just keep going and doing what I love,” he replied.

Canale also recognized board member Tom DeCastro.

“He was one of my student athletes and he was a very, very good student. He never gave me any trouble,” Canale said.

“I just want to thank you for not saying when,” DeCastro quipped.

Council Updated On Lighthouse Restoration
Day by day, the iconic Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse is coming back to life.

At the late April Common Council meeting, Mercedes Niess updated councilors on the progress made last year by the lighthouse restoration committee and a cadre of volunteers.

After nearly 2,200 volunteer hours, the Port City landmark is well on the way to restoration.

The first-ever public tours of the lighthouse were offered in 2016, Niess said.

“The H. Lee White Maritime Museum was successful in opening the lighthouse. More than 400 total visitors (285 paid) stepped inside the lighthouse,” she said. “It was open to the public for 20 days. We stated during Harborfest weekend.”

Visitors included a couple visiting from England.

“We are very fortunate, because we couldn’t do this without the volunteers” she told the council, who applauded the several volunteers present in the audience.

The museum will be “reinterpreting our lighthouse history, which actually consists of four lighthouses, from 1822 to today,” Niess pointed out. “We continually promote not only locally but also throughout Central New York and New York State.”

Courtesy of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the lighthouse will have a National Register plaque to put up at the site, which is a National Register of Historic Places site.

Mayor Barlow Announced Opening of Oswego Pet Pantry
Mayor Billy Barlow announced the creation and opening of the Oswego Pet Pantry at the Animal Control shelter in the city of Oswego.

The city of Oswego Pet Pantry is a donation-driven pantry designed to provide assistance to qualified pet owners with supplying the proper food and necessities for their pet during difficult financial times.

The Oswego Pet Pantry will accept donated food and supplies from the public and make those goods accessible to those who own pets but may have trouble supplying the adequate needs for their animals.

The Pet Pantry is part of a larger initiative Mayor Billy Barlow has started, encouraging city residents to license and spay or neuter their pets.

“The Oswego Pet Pantry will provide food and other care items to ensure that when someone falls on hard times, financially or otherwise, they have accessible help for their pets, and the animals do not have to suffer. The Pet Pantry will also serve as a creative way to make people spay or neuter their pets and also properly license their animals with the city of Oswego,” Barlow said.

The Oswego Pet Pantry will be open on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. or by appointment. The owner must provide proof or be willing to spay or neuter their pet, provide proof of current rabies vaccinations and provide proof of need.

Rabid Bat Found in the Village of Mexico
The Oswego County Health Department reported April 28 that a bat had tested positive for rabies in the village of Mexico. This is the second case of rabies confirmed this year.

“Bats are a common carrier of rabies,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang. “Although they rarely attack humans, bats may transmit the disease through any physical contact. If a bat is found indoors with a sleeping person or an unattended child or pet, people should try to capture and confine it for testing. Our staff is available around the clock to respond to such incidents.”

Residents are reminded to keep their pets’ vaccinations up-to-date and take precautions against rabies.

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