Radio Free Hamilton
A Local News Source As Smart As You ... Well, Almost.

By   Tue, Aug 31, 2010

Enough!

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) recently delivered three ideas to add to the ones already being studied for reshaping the five-way intersection at the heart of the village's business district.

One can only imagine they are were added to the mix to make the ones from a Saratoga Springs consulting firm look better. In short, the three ideas from the DOT are absurd; more proof of the old saying, "To err is human, but to really screw things up you need a state agency."

These ideas are the Larry, Moe and Curly of local development. One actually calls for closing off Broad Street from the intersection to Pleasant Street and making it, yes, into a parking lot. This stooge would reroute north/south traffic onto East Broad Street

One can only imagine what last Thursday -- freshman move-in day at Colgate -- would have looked like with this traffic pattern. Moms and dads would still be trying to get their students properly delivered. This would repeat on Saturdays when Colgate has a home football game and during other major events.

Now is the perfect time to stop the silliness. Run these plans from the DOT through the nearest shredder and get back to more pressing business.

Recreating the five-way intersection has, at best, been a fool's errand since the outset. It's a good example of what happens when an idea gets bastardized as part of a chase for grant funding. We went from cosmetic surgery to gender reassignment pretty quickly, and there is not a shred of empirical data to prove there was anything wrong in the first place.

Now is the time for someone -- preferably the entire Board of Trustees -- to say, "Thanks to members of the task force that was assembled to study the intersection. The village appreciates your hard work, but we are moving on to real problems."

Then, find an open spot on an out of the way shelf, file the intersection study there and let it gather the dust it so richly deserves.

Take the number of people who have been involved in this project, multiply it by the number of hours they met. The product would be shocking.

Now apply that amount of volunteer person-power to a REAL problem and imagine what could have been accomplished.

By   Tue, Aug 31, 2010

The New York State Department of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over Rte. 12B through the village, recently added three ideas to the discussion of Hamilton's five-way intersection. The village Board of Trustees are considering these ideas as well as the recommendations of the Task Force that was created to study the conjunction of Utica, Madison, Payne, Broad and Lebanon streets at the heart of downtown.

Here are the DOT's suggestions:

Imagine you are driving south on 12B (Utica Street) and approaching the current five-way intersection. Now, consider for a moment these scenarios:

1. You can either turn right on Lebanon Street or continue south on 12B (Broad Street), which now has a solid center divider. Turning left on Payne or Madison streets at the traffic light is no longer an  option. Those streets are blocked off.

2. 12B South (Broad Street) is closed to through traffic. Now the space in front of the businesses and the village green is essentially a parking lot. You can turn right on Lebanon Street; turn left on Madison Street OR follow 12B south around the village green on what is Now East broad Street.

 3. Again, you can turn right on Lebanon Street or continue south on 12B (Broad Street). Now on your left, there is a traffic island that that steers northbound traffic to Utica Street or straight ahead onto Madison Street. The village green has been extended so as to leave just one lane of Payne Street heading west.

The trustees are under no obligation to accept any of these suggestions or the recommendations of the task force, which was created at the behest of the Partnership for Community Development.

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Coach Brian Latella begins his eighth year as head coach of the HCS boys soccer team with a team rich in post-season experience, the ability to win big games and deal with pressure. Despite graduating eight seniors last year, the HCS squad remains deep with upperclassmen: there is not a single freshman on the team firs the first time in a while.

As always, Latella is optimistic, and again, as always, believes a well-drilled and disciplined team -- in the classroom and on the soccer pitch -- will be successful when the Sectionals begin. 

The Knights scrimmage at Mt. Markham on Wednesday and are home for a tune-up with New Hartford Friday at 1 p.m. at home. Latella's squad gets the season under way for real on Sept. 7 at home under the lights vs. Morrisville-Eaton. (Now that HCS will field no football team this year, both the boys and girls soccer teams will play as many home games under the lights as possible.)

Last Year:

• 17--4-1, Section III Champions, Region III-IV Champions (both back to back), NY State Final Four Team, Final rank #3

This Year's Goals:

• Win Hamilton Optimist Cup (Class D foe, Cincinnatus is coming to tourney, 1-0 W in tight game last year),
  
• Play for another sectional championship.
  
• Stay healthy
• Use regular season as a measuring stick of improvement,
  
• Don't look ahead, play one game at a time.

Missing Last Year's Seniors:

• 8 seniors, 4 starters Mikey Jones, Blaine Holcomb, Dan Meeks, Jack Sullivan.
  
• All will be missed
• Mikey, (Coop 1-0) Dan (Poland, Sauquoit, SS Seward) and Jack (Poland finals) all had big time goals in key victories.
  
• Jack's tenacious defending will be missed
  
• You can't make up for Dan's experience of starting during two state championship runs.
  
• Blaine brought a blue-collar work ethic that was rippled throughout the team.
  
• Mikey brought a great sense of humor to keep the team grounded, while also being a dangerous scorer from the left side.

Strengths This Year:

• Experience of past two seasons (39-6-1).
• Senior leadership and depth.
• First year coaching that freshman haven't figured into the starting line-up. There will not be any freshman on the varsity this season.

Five Key Players:

• Dan Kraynak - CM (all-state in 2009)
  
• Drew Thompson - CM (tireless work rate)
  
• Joe Taranto - D (defensive leader)
  
• Kinnon Nolan-Finkel - GK (15 SO, including 11 consecutive)
  
• Lucas Rhyde - D (first year soccer player has improved tremendously in off-season)

Three Keys to 2010 Success:

1. Perform in the classroom
   
2. Remember what it took to get to the top in '08 and '09
   
3. Play team defense

The Competition:

• League Top 2: Mt. Markham (1-6 since 2003), Sauquoit
• Class D Top 2: Cincinnatus, Poland (may play both in regular season)
  
• Non-league - Fabius-Pompey (0-2 L last season)

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Traffic on 12B was, at one time this morning, backed up from the of College Street to the Alliance Branch Bank on Utica Street.

Dozens of smiling young people in pale green T shirts loaded boxes, bedding, clothes, suitcases, mountain bikes, golf clubs and fans onto trucks to be delivered to appropriate buildings.

A half dozen very enthusiastic students banged wooden spoons on pots and pans and tried to drown out loud music coming from speakers the size of sub-compact cars.

Yes, Colgate students are back. The steady trickle of students over the last two weeks became a flood this morning in preparation for the beginning of classes on Monday. First-year students arrived this morning and dorms and dining halls open for upperclassmen open Saturday.

Colgate's amiable new president Jeffrey Herbst waded into the middle of the arrival flood on Whitnall Field. He went from one family to the next to the next, sleeves rolled up, introducing himself and welcoming students and chatting with parents.

Some 41 students -- including many first years -- were moving into 110 Broad Street, the former DKE fraternity house Colgate purchased. The building was refurbished during the summer.

By   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

The Jane Austen Book Club will meet monthly from September through December to discuss books and topics by and about the author Jane Austen. The meetings are held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. at the Colgate Bookstore. Club membership is free and all are welcome to join.

The schedule of topics includes:

Saturday, September 11 – Pride & Prejudice (& Parenting) – a group discussion of Jane Austen's most famous novel, with special focus on the parent-child relationships in the story.

Saturday, October 16 – The Watsons & Emma Watson - The group will discuss The Watsons & Emma Watson by Jane Austen and Joan Aiken at today's meeting. The book includes the unfinished fragment of a Jane Austen novel and a completion of the novel written by a contemporary author.

Saturday, November 13 – "Annotating Austen" Special Event – David M. Shapard, the editor of The Annotated Price & Prejudice and The Annotated Persuasion, will discuss the process of annotating Austen's novels, help lead a group discussion of Persuasion, and sign copies of the books. The discussion will be followed by afternoon tea at the Colgate Inn, which will include soup, salad, gourmet tea sandwiches, scones, and assorted desserts. The cost for the program is $30/person and the reservation deadline is October 31. For more information, or to sign up, please visit www.colgatebookstore.com/austen.

Saturday, December 11 – Dancing with Mr. Darcy & Birthday Celebration – The group will discuss Dancing with Mr. Darcy: Stories Inspired by Jane Austen and Chawton House Library, an anthology of winning entries in the Jane Austen Short Story Award 2009, held to celebrate the bicentenary of Austen's arrival in the village of Chawton, where she spent the most productive years of her literary life. We'll also celebrate the 235th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth (December 16, 1775) with holiday refreshments.

Copies of each month's selected book are available at the Bookstore at a 10 percent discount.

For more information about the Jane Austen Book Club or Austen-related titles, please contact the Colgate Bookstore at 228-7480.

Source: Colgate Bookstore

By   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

The Colgate Bookstore will host an Elephant & Piggie Party for children on Tuesday, Sept, 14 at 4 p.m.

With help from the audience, bookstore staff will present a dramatic reading of the new Elephant & Piggie book by Mo Willems We Are In a Book!, followed by a story-themed craft, cake, and a party favor. The event is free, but to ensure enough supplies and snacks parents are asked to register their children in advance at www.colgatebookstore.com/party. Children of all ages are welcome, but the stories and activities are mainly geared towards ages 4-8.

We are in a Book! is the newest in the best-selling Elephant & Piggie series. When Piggie discovers that she and Gerald are in a book and she can make the reader say a funny word out loud, Gerald is tickled pink. But then Gerald realizes that the book is going to end soon--ack! What will happen then? Gerald just wants to be read!! As always, level-headed Piggie has an idea: she will ask the reader to start the book again. Using vocabulary perfect for beginning readers, Mo Willems has crafted a mind-bending Elephant & Piggie story that is more interactive than ever.

Everyone who attends will also receive a coupon for 20 percent off all Elephant & Piggie books in the store.

For more information call 228-7480.

Source: Colgate Bookstore

By   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

Local author Jim Ford will share a slide presentation based on his new book Sweet Cider Days: A History of Mott's in Bouckville, New York on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Colgate Bookstore. A book-signing and reception will follow. This event is free and open to the public.

Most people have seen apple sauce or juice by Mott's in the grocery store. But how many people know that the company has roots in Upstate New York, in the tiny hamlet of Bouckville? Sweet Cider Days follows the story of the remarkable Mott family, beginning with the time of their arrival in central New York in 1868.

Jim Ford is a native of Madison, New York and attended Madison Central Schools and Oneonta State College. His Master's work was done at Colgate.  Ford taught junior high history for 34 years and for the past six years has been publishing a history of the Town of Madison.

His previous book was The Pride of Cidertown, a history of Bouckville Summits baseball team.

Source: Colgate Bookstore

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Seventeenth Annual Hamilton Area CROP Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 17.

Twenty-five percent of the money raised from CROP Walk stays in the community to help out our local food agencies. Previous years have yielded additional money for Earlville, Hamilton, Madison, and Morrisville food cupboards and the Friendship Inn. The remainder is used by Church World Service, which often works through partner agencies within the countries they serve.

CROP Walk is the largest yielding fundraising effort of Church World Service, an ecumenical relief agency that responds to victims of natural disasters and war torn areas with emergency services, food, medical supplies, and shelter.

To become a walker or sign up your club, organization, or church to walk contact Collette Gotham at 750-5860. The deadline for sponsorship is Sept. 17.

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Palace Theater's fourth season of ONStage kicks off with Fiesta en Palace, an evening featuring the Ernie G and La Krema (comedy and music celebrating Latin America) on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.

The season continues with:

• Deep Blue (Saturday, Nov. 20);
• jazz pianist Dick Hyman (March 5);
• and Step Afrika (March 25 & 26.).

The Family Series presents:

• Annabel Drudge and the 2nd Day of School (Oct. 30),
• The Lorax (Jan. 29)
• and Winnie the Pooh (April 7).

For the second year, The Palace Theater has partnered with the local BOCES to present The Rainbow Fish (Dec. 9) and My Heart in a Suitcase (March 7), to school groups as part of the BOCES Arts in Education series. Teachers should call The Palace to reserve tickets.

"We are so excited to be starting our 4th season of national acts. Audiences love our intimate theater where they enjoy a great live show in a friendly theater, and meet the cast after every production." Says Patricia von Mechow, director of The Palace Theater.

Live national acts are made possible in part by the support of merchants including:

• Banfi Vinters Foundation
• Colgate Bookstore,
• Living Communities,
• Crowes Drugs,
• Park City Builders,
• Ward Architects,
• NBT,
• WRVO,
• WMCR
• and the Institute of Creative and Performing Arts at Colgate University.

Seating is general admission. Visit www.palacetheater.org or phone 824-1420 for more information or to order individual or season tickets today.

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Earlville Opera House invites singer-songwriters under the age of 22 to enter its Fourth Annual Youth Showcase of Singer-Songwriters to be held on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Earlville Opera House.

The evening features two original songs from each songwriter or songwriting ensemble.

The deadline for entry is Sept. 15.

The showcase is sponsored by Orbital Sound, which will be donating the grand prize of a professional four-song recording demo package valued at over $650. Additional prizes will be announced.

More information about the showcase and entry details are online at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com .

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Earlville Opera House welcomes popular folk musician Greg Brown on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 7: 30 p.m.

Brown's songwriting has been lauded by many; he has recorded more than a dozen albums earning two Indie Awards as well as a couple of Grammy nominations. Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Michael Johnson, Shawn Colvin, and Mary Chapin Carpenter have performed his songs.

Tickets run from $27, $25 members, $22 students. Premium seating in the first four rows is an added $5.

For more information, or to reserve your seats, call 691-3550 or order online at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

MAD Art, Inc. begins its Fall workshops on Sept. 8, with Joyce Halliday Smith leading four plein-air painting classes, and by Bud Bolte, who will demonstrate and teach techniques in using aqueous acrylics and watercolor on sealed surfaces, for three sessions, starting the week of Sept. 15.

A three-part series entitled Become a Media-Savvy Artist is designed to help artists and artisans explore the Internet to show their art online. These are scheduled to take place once a month, September through November, each covering a different topic – with an overview of sites and specific help getting started, setting up an Etsy shop, and presenting the artist's image - photographically and in the composition of the artist's statement. Artists John Conti, Leigh Yardley, Sue Lappan, Etsy business owner and textile artisan, and Rich Grant, photographer, will host the discussions at Grant's studio, Digital Art and Media in Hamilton.

Do you like the idea of transforming discarded books into rtistically altered books, or starting from scratch, to construct a lovely book or journal, as one will learn to do in Artists' Books Bookmaking? In each workshop, the books are artful and an expression of one's individuality! Kids 8 years old and up can get in on the bookmaking/bookbinding creations by joining a two-session workshop, Bookworms and Bookbinding.

Golden Paints Decorative Paint artist, Lori Wilson, will present a workshop in Faux Finishes and Decorative Effects. Painting a gingerbread mold (adult/child opportunity), introduction to calligraphy, and making a wet felted handbag round out the workshops.

For class information contact 824-1843 or 824-2446, www.madartinc.org.

By   Tue, Aug 17, 2010

Judevine, written by poet and novelist David Budbill (www.davidbudbill.com) will be presented by The Palace Players, Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16. Director Alessandro Trinca, Oneida, will hold auditions at the Palace Theater Sept 7 – 9, Tuesday – Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night, with possible call-backs on that Thursday.

Those auditioning should come prepared to read from the Judevine script (provided) for solo and group readings.

Source: Palace Theater

By   Thu, Aug 05, 2010

The Earlville Opera House offers its teen acting workshop in the evenings of the week of Aug. 16 through 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 Actress and director Colleen Law-Tefft guides teens in character development, games, improvisation, scene study, script analysis, stage mechanics and physicalizing a character. Following a week of honing their skills participants will show them off in a final performance of select monologues and scenes.

Law-Tefft has been performing and directing with Sherburne Music Theater Society for more than 20 years, and is on its Theatre Board and the chair of the Artistic Committee. She is also the Drama Club director at Sherburne-Earlville High School, where she directs two productions each year. In addition to directing, she is also a member of the New York State Theatre Education Association and  the Theatre Association of New York State.

Tuition is $75, $65 member; scholarship help is also available.

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

The Hamilton Village Concerts in the Park features the trio Mist Covered MountainsThursday with Celtic music on violin, viola and guitar.  The trio hails from western Massachusetts and showcases the talents of fiddler and violist Donna Hébert, guitarist, singer and songwriter Max Cohen and singer Molly Hebert-Wilson. 

Opening for Mist Covered Mountains is Nick Piccininni of Oneida.

The season will end on Aug. 12 with Lisa Bigwood & The Washday Band.

By   Mon, Jul 26, 2010

The Earlville Opera House opens two exhibits Saturday, Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Traveling Landscapes features the acrylic paintings by Hamilton's Jim Loveless and Ray Wengenroth and photographs by Jim Leach, also of Hamilton. The other exhibit, Everyday Meditations, features with thread on paper towel pieces and pencil drawings by Arjan Zazueta.

Traveling Landscapes celebrates new works by Loveless and former Colgate student and painter Ray Wengenroth and Leach.  The three collaborated in 2008 on a three-person exhibit, Monhegan, Maine. This time they traveled to Arizona for inspiration. 

The exhibits run through Sept. 18. 

The EOH galleries are open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday, 12-3pm. 

By   Mon, Jul 26, 2010

By   Mon, Jul 26, 2010

Area youngsters participating in  the annual circus skills camp offered by the Earlville Opera House will show off what they have learned  Friday at 7 p.m. at HCS.

Midway games open at 6 p.m.

Youth ages 6 through 14 have joined the EOH circus troupe for two weeks with Circus Theatrix instructor Sean Patrick Fagan teaching the fundamentals of producing a circus.  Children have spent the two weeks learning the skills of clowning, diablo, rola-bola, stilts, balance beam, tumbling, juggling, globe, unicycle as well as other circus arts.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

For more information, call the Earlville Opera House at (315) 691-3550.  

By   Wed, Jul 21, 2010

On July 30 and July 31 at 7pm The Palace Theater and the Palace Players present the second annual Palace Briefs, Six One-Acts, a collection of mainly original works by local authors.

This year’s collection entitled Deadtime Stories includes the premiers of:

• In Good Company written and directed by James McDowell;
  

• This is Your Death written and directed by Kirsten Weyter,
  

• The Harvest written and directed by James Millbower,

• Death: The Big One, written by Judith Straub, with direction by Patricia von Mechow,

• the new comedy Blood Bath and Beyond written by James and Mason McDowell, with direction by Mason McDowell.

• and a Christopher Durang play, entitled The Funeral Parlor, directed by Lisette Shiffer, will also be featured.

The Palace Players, includes Carolyn Chryst, Gwynneth Davies, Mason McDowel, Lauren Mettler, James Millbower, Meena Nair, Diane Needham, Clara and David Lantz, Peter Lawrence, Susana Schwartz, Lisettte Shiffer, Jeff Taylor, Eric VanGardey, Bruce Ward, Faith Wider, Adger Williams and Sam Williams.

A live pit band provides the musical accompaniment: Dianne Adams McDowell on keyboards, James McDowell on trumpet and guitar and Taylor McDowell on drums.

Tickets are available at the door, opening at 6:30 p.m. before each show for $5 per person.

By   Tue, Jul 20, 2010

The Hamilton Village Concerts in the Park will continue on Thursday, July 29 at 7p.m. with Dee Specker & Tres Swing.

Grammy nominated vocalist and fiddler Dee Specker and guitarist Bobby Henrie team up with Rhythm Kings' Doug Henrie on acoustic upright bass as the ensemble presents classic swing standards of the 30's and 40's and  vintage gypsy jazz.

Opening for Tres Swing at 6:30 p.m. is HCS student Dana Bowers.  She was a finalist at last year's EOH Youth Showcase of Singer-songwriters.

The series is funded by the village.

Rain location is the Barge.

By   Tue, Jul 20, 2010

The Colgate Bookstore will host a PINKnic (a children’s book party about the color pink) on Monday at 3:00 p.m. 

The event is free, but to ensure there are enough snacks and supplies, parents are asked to register their children in advance at www.colgatebookstore.com/pink.  Girls and boys of all ages are welcome, but the stories and activities are mainly geared towards ages 3-7.
 
Bookstore staff will read three stories about this cheerful color, then lead the group in a pink-themed craft.  Pink cupcakes and pink punch will be served for a snack.  A prize will be awarded for the pinkest participant, and children will have a chance to "pink up" the grown-up who brings them (with stickers, streamers, ribbons, and more!) 

Everyone who attends will also receive a coupon for 20 percent off the event’s featured titles. 
 
For more information, visit www.colgatebookstore.com/pink or call 228-7480.

By   Tue, Jul 20, 2010

MAD Art, Inc , is looking for artists and craftsman to submit art works to exhibit in the group's 2010 Fall Exhibit. Any mediums are welcome such as painting, sculpture, mixed media and more.

Volunteers will be on hand to accpt works Friday, Aug. from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The exhibit will run from Aug. through Oct. 30.

Visit http://www.madartinc.org/callforart.html for submission guidelines.

By   Sun, Jul 11, 2010

The Hamilton Village Concerts in the Park continue on Thursday, at 7 p.m. with the sounds of Blueprints (in photo).  This performance will feature sign language interpretation by Maggie Russell of Aurora of Central New York. 

Opening for Blueprints at 6:30pm is Short Notice. 

Blueprints include guitarist George Deveny, bassist Don Paul Way, keyboardist Dave Liddy and drummer Oscar Crandall.  The band plays blues, rock, swing, boogie and folk. With memorable original songs composed by the band's three talented songwriters, combined with classics by great American masters like Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Louis Jordan.

Short Notice includes with Mark Debottis, Joe Billy and Zack Rowland. They were finalists at last year's EOH Youth Showcase of Singer-songwriters.

Other concerts on the green include:

• July 22 with pianist Rad Lorkovic best known for his appearances on A Prairie Home Companion;
• July 29 with Dee Specker & Tres Swing performing classic swing and vintage gypsy jazz;
• Aug. 5, Mist Covered Mountains brings their lyrical Celtic music on violin, viola and guitar with Gaelic vocals to the green.
• Aug. 12 with Lisa Bigwood & The Washday Band, a five-piece bluegrass ensemble.

Rain Location is the Barge Canal Coffee House. No tickets necessary for this free event.

By   Sat, Jul 10, 2010

Community Bikes of Hamilton has donated a dozen bicycles and helmets to Canastota Central School to enable the school to begin a pilot program for junior high school students.

Linda Bonczek, Health and Physical Education teacher, said that the bikes will be used to initiate a program this fall that promotes bike safety, fitness, health and wellness and socialization skills.

“This is a wonderful resource for our program,” said Bonczek.  “Our goal is to begin with a bike education program, then expand to include an after school riding program, mountain biking along the canal and bike maintenance.”  Bonczek said the school has no budget for this activity, so the contribution of bikes from Community Bikes was critical.

Canastota students first became involved with Community Bikes this past spring when Bonczek brought a group of students to volunteer in cleaning bikes (in photo) in advance of a bike giveaway day in April.  She said that having the students volunteer was a great learning experience and a valuable community service project.

 Community Bikes collects donated bicycles and refurbishes them for families in Madison County who can’t afford them.  Nearly 300 bicycles were placed with families in April. Community Bikes also provided bicycles for Madison Central School to initiate a biking program as part of the school’s physical education curriculum.

Community Bikes coordinator Chuck Fox said that the program looks forward to opportunities to work with other schools and organizations.  “An important part of our mission is to engage the community in the process of providing bicycles for those who might not otherwise have access to a bike,” said Fox. “Linda has done a terrific job of initiating a program that has fitness and health benefits, and provides an important opportunity for community service.”

For information about Community Bikes contact 824-8210.

By   Wed, Jul 07, 2010

The lineups of people and movies coming to the village for the Slater Brothers Entertainment second annual International Film Festival are growing. The festival will be held Aug. 5-8 and this year includes a selection of works by Upstate New York filmmakers.

Among the films being screened are:

• Crude, by Colgate graduate Joe Berlinger;
• Groundhog Day, by Harold Ramis;
• Wednesday, by Neeraj Panday;
• Race to Nowhere, by Vicki Abeles;
• Brother's Keeper, Berlinger's film about the Ward Brothers of Munnsville;
• and Guru of Go, by ESPN Films and Bill Coutrie.

In addition, local filmmaker Kenny MacBain just learned his film, The Crown, has been accepted to be shown.

According to the Slaters, Ramis -- whose son attends Colgate -- will be at the festival to discuss Groundhog Day, which starred Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.

Also attending is Ron Palillo, who portrayed Arnold Horshack, one of the Sweat Hogs in the ABC TV comedy Welcome Back Kotter, which aired from 1975 to 1979. Palillo stars in a critically acclaimed new film, The Curse of Micah Rood.

The festival also includes an awareness wak for the Hamilton Food Cupboard and a fundraisr for the HCS sports program.

Films are shown at the Hamilton Theater.

By   Wed, Jul 07, 2010

The Claire Lynch Band brings award-winning bluegrass to the historic Opera House main stage on Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m. The performance is sponsored by Stickley, Audi & Co and WCNY TV and Classic FM.

 Lynch has won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year and received two Grammy nominations for Best Bluegrass Album.  Jason Thomas has won the Canadian Open Mandolin Championship and Florida State Championship on both fiddle and mandolin. Matt Wingate garnered the title of MerleFest Doc Watson Guitar Champion; and Mark Schatz has two IBMA Bass Player of the Year awards.

Admission is $18 and $16 for EOH members and students are discounted to $13.  Premium seating in the first four rows is an added $5.

By   Wed, Jul 07, 2010

Robert D. Paul, former village mayor and Town of Hamilton supervisor and chairman of the county board of supervisors died on July 4 at his home. He was 96.

Born in Oneida, Mr. Paul graduated from Oneida High School in 1931. He went to the School of Applied Science at Syracuse University and majored in chemical engineering. Upon graduation in 1935 and established Robert Paul Petroleum.

In 1940 he married Elizabeth Anderson and was drafted into the Army in 1942.

Mr. Paul was a village trustee from 1950-1953 and mayor from 1953-1957. He also served for 16 years as the Town of Hamilton representative on the Madison County Board of Supervisors (1965-1979). He also served three terms as chairman.

He was a charter member of Hamilton’s Rotary Club, and served as president. he also was a Mason. He was a director of the Oneida Savings Bank. Mr. Paul was honored by the Rotary Club with Roses for the Living Award in 1966 and received Colgate’s Civic Award in 1975.

He is survived by his children Robert (Diane Williams) Paul and Carol (Tom) Perloff; grandchildren, Jennifer (David Dionisio), Andrew (Sarah), David (Alissa Moody) and Samuel (Erin) Perloff and Alexandra Paul; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Ben Dionsio and Henry Perloff; sister, Ruth Kushner, his two sisters-in-law, Lucy Paul and June Chambers and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Robert D. Paul of Hamilton, will be receiving visitors on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at their home at 53  Payne Street.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or the Hamilton Public Library, 13 Broad St., Hamilton, NY 13346.

By   Sun, Jul 04, 2010

As it does each year, Hamilton celebrated the Fourth of July in grand style today. There were music, floats, bands, politicians, fire companies and horses. And, there was a large and enthusiastic crowd along the parade route. The icing on today's red, white and blue cake are fireworks long about 9:15 p.m.

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

SHERBURNE -- The Sherburne Rotary Club sponsors six concerts in Gaines Park in downtown Sherburne. Each one begins at 6 p.m. The park is located on East Main Street, next to Sherburne Public Library.

 The schedule incudes:

Wednesday: Roots of Rock and Roll - culmination of musical influences sponsored by Bruce Webster, Burgess and Tedesco Funeral Homes, and Service Pharmacy.

July14: Woods Tea Company  - Celtic, Sea Chanties, Americana, Bluegrass sponsored by Big M, Dolly Haas, and Chenango Valley Pet Food.

July 21: Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys - traditional mountain music fused with contemporary songwriting sponsored by Mid-York Press, Manpower, and NBT.

July 28: Sundown with Cassidy Lynn  - Top 40 Country Classics sponsored by Frontier, Hi Skor Lanes, and Gilligan’s Island.

Aug. 4: Big Band Sounds  - blast from the past sponsored by New York Central Mutual, Taylor Mavady Attorneys at Law, and Gayle Hellert.

Aug. 11: Tweedlers - old classics sponsored by Classic Pharmaceuticals and Stewart’s Shops.

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

Colgate was ranked No. 18 on PayScale's list of 554 schools by return on investment. Colgate alumni can expect an 11.4 percent annual return on investment, totaling $1,167,000 over 30 years, according to the study.

The 2010 College Return on Investment Report took the cost to attend a school and compared it to how much that school's graduates earn on average.

Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale, said that the report is meant to show that not all four-year degrees are created equal.

"We hope this report will provide parents, as well as current and prospective college students, crucial financial information about college selection," said Lee. "The data should also help as students weigh the options of entering the job market after high school or attending a four-year university."

Last year, PayScale ranked schools based on alumni salary potential throughout their careers. Among liberal arts schools, Colgate took the No. 1 spot, with graduates earning a mid-career median income of $122,00.

Source: Colgate

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

The Earlville Opera House's next of its free Family Series events is the comedy ventriloquism of Lynn Trefzger on Friday, July 9 at 11a.m.

Trefzger was named the 2006 Funniest Female Performer of the Year, by Campus Activities Magazine, as the result of votes by thousands of college students nationwide.

Her vocal illusion talents were first brought to national audiences on TV's popular Star Search and she has since performed with artists including Jeff Foxworthy, Ray Romano, The Smothers Brothers and Drew Carey. Her performances are tailored for both family and adult audiences.S he has appeared on ABC, TNN, A&E and Lifetime television.

While the show is free, seating is limited so reservations are requested.

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown, perform at the Earlville Opera House Saturday, at 8 p.m. In addition there will be an exhibition of Simmonds art.   

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

SHERBURNE -- This summer's children's series at the Rogers Environmental Center will focus on "nature nooks", places where animals find shelter.

Kids will have the opportunity to make a different nook each week, depending upon the featured animal. Its a great chance to get outside and be creative.

For children ages four through 10. Supplies limited; registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Call Rogers Center at 607-674-4017 ext. 623 for details and to register.

BIRD BUNGALOWS
July 2           Nesting season is a time when birds are vulnerable to many things. Build a nest box for a cavity-
10:30 AM     nesting bird like a bluebird or tree swallow, and look for these birds at Rogers Center. Bring a
to noon        hammer if you have one. Supplies limited; registration required. Children must be accompanied
                      by an adult. Register by Monday, June 28.

BAT CAVES
July 9           Bats do the important job of eating pesky insects at night. Learn more about bats, and
10:30 AM     give them a place to sleep during the day by building a roost box for them. Bring a
to noon        hammer if you have one. Supplies limited; registration required. Children must be
                     accompanied by an adult. Register by Monday, July 5.

TOAD VILLAS
July 16         Learn about toads, and make a shelter out of cement and sand for them. You can keep
10:30 AM     slugs and bugs out of the garden by encouraging toads to live there. Supplies limited;
to noon       registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Monday, July 12.

CHIPMUNK CHAMBERS
July 23         Many small woodland creatures hide under rocks and woodpiles. By collecting sticks,
10:30 AM     leaves, bark and other things on the ground, you can create a perfect shelter for a small
to noon        animal. Register by Monday, July 19.

 KID HUTS
July 30         Even humans need places to huddle up and call their own. Well create kid-sized
10:30 AM     shelters using branches and leaves in the forest. Register by Monday, July 26.
to noon

This series sponsored by AgroFarma of New Berlin and Curtis Lumber of Sherburne.

Source: Rogers Environmental Center.

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

The local  weekly classic and antique vehicle "cruise in" has a new location.

Starting July 13, the Hamilton's Cruisin' will move to East broad Street between Payne and John streets. The event began several years ago in the parking lot of the then Ames Plaza. It then moved further out of town and to the opposite side of Rte 12B to Vantine Imaging's parking lot.

Organizer Ben Barrett said the move into the business district gives participants and spectators easier access to the event as well as the amenities of downtown.

The village Board of Trustees voted during a special meeting Tuesday to approve the street closing for the cruise in. Barrett thanked the board for its quick response and the Vantine's for making its parking lot available for the even.

Hamilton's Cruisin' is held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The last event to be held at Vantine's is Tuesday.

The series runs through Sept. 7

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

Artist and instructor Joyce Halliday Smith and MAD Art, Inc. offers four plein air (painting outdoors) sessions from 10 a.m. to noon on July 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4. 

Participants will paint outdoors on location in the Hamilton area with each session at a different site.  Smith will teach how to quickly capture the scene and work with the basics of composition, color theory, and painting techniques. 

A list of materials needed and locations will be provided to registrants. Registration is required; attendees may particip[ate in one session or all.

Smith received a Masters of Fine Art degree from Syracuse University.

After being a successful graphic designer and illustrator for many years, she switched careers to her first passion and is painting full time. She has been in numerous juried exhibitions and has won awards in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

She has taught at Syracuse University and Stockton College in NJ.

She recently moved to Hamilton with her husband, Rev. Wesley Smith, the new pastor at First Baptist Church.

For registration information call 824-1843 or 824-2446 or email madartinc@gmail.com.  

By   Mon, Jun 21, 2010

Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jacob Black and a cast of vampires and werewolves come to the Hamilton Theater Wednesday, June 30 in the latest installment in the widly popular book and movie Twilight Saga.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse will be screened in a special 11:59 p.m. showing.

Details on IMDB about Eclipse.

Read more about Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight books.

Which team are you on? Edward, Bella or Jacob?

New York Times on sequals and sequals of sequals.

By   Thu, Jun 17, 2010

Don Marcellus used to be the deputy Town of Hamilton Highway Superintendent.

In the last election, with the position open, Marcellus ran and won.

Now, Marcellus has stepped down from the elected post and is back to being the deputy.

Marcellus says that the highway department had his old position come open when Bob Graham left to take a job in the Town of Smyrna.

"I thought I could best serve the people of the town by going back to my previous position," said Marcellus.He added that he is happy to "be back in the work zone rather than being an administrator."

Marcellus said he discussed the decision with Supervisor Bob Kuiper and members of the town board. All were supportive of his move, and Marcellus said the department operations "would not miss a beat."

Marcellus said his pay was reduced as part of the move.

The position will be up for election this fall.

By   Wed, Jun 16, 2010

If all goes well, many village residents could be cookin’ with gas … really cooking.

The village is talking with two companies running natural gas pipelines through the village about tapping into the lines and providing natural gas as a source of fuel for residents, but most importantly for large users.

Mayor Sue McVaugh recently said the village is talking with two different companies about purchasing natural gas being piped through the village. Gas would be another responsibility for the Municipal Utility Commission. The village has engaged Albany-based consultants to help with the project.

"The possibilities are endless," said McVaugh.

The prospect of providing the cheaper and cleaner alternative fuel began as an inquiry from Colgate about the possibility of exploring for natural gas on property it owns. That became less and less feasible as opposition to the method of releasing the gas from underground formations grew.

McVaugh said that it was learned shortly after that transmission lines were being built through the area. One will enter the village along West Lake Road and the other on 12B from the south.

Being able to provide natural gas to major utility consumers like Colgate, HCS and Community Memorial Hospital could mean large savings and far fewer carbon emissions.

“One hundred years ago the fathers of Hamilton put their money on the line to form an energy company and today we continue to reap the rewards," said McVaugh. "I don't want the village to put its head in the sand and miss another opportunity."

She said work continues on finding out if any such project is possible.

By   Wed, Jun 09, 2010

The Earlville Opera House holds a community quilt show "Quilts of Central New York" in the West Gallery from July 10- July 31 and is inviting local quilters to exhibit their quilts. 

A loan form can bew found on the opera house's website www.earlvilleoperahouse.com.

Last year's quilt show at the EOH galleries had over 700 visitors.

The show will be in the EOH West Gallery at the same time that the annual "Contemporary Art Quilts" exhibition runs in the East Gallery.   

All quilts must be received on or by July 3 for hanging. EOH asks quilts be delivered in a protective bag with a label on your quilt and bag to keep them safe in the drop off and return process.

By   Sun, Mar 21, 2010

Two Colgate seniors will pursue projects of their "dreams" through Thomas J. Watson Fellowships. Shae Frydenlund '10 (in photo at left)and Jennifer Rusciano '10 (in photo below)are two of 40 students awarded this national fellowship for a year of independent, purposeful exploration and travel outside of the United States on a topic of their unique passion or dream. Fellows receive $25,000 for the 12-month fellowship that will begin in July 2010. Including Frydenlund and Rusciano, 67 Colgate University nominees have received this prestigious fellowship since it was established in 1968.

Frydenlund's proposal, "The Yarsagumba Effect: Documenting the Ecology of Medicinal Plant Markets," examines environmental impacts of the demand for valuable plants through the medicinal plant trade such as the yarsagumba fungus which is nearly extinct in Tibet and Nepal due to overharvesting. Frydenlund, an environmental geography and art double-major from Frisco, CO, said that through her year-long journey in Ecuador, Russia, China, Tanzania and Albania she will create a documentary that captures the rich and complex ecologies of medicinal plant markets while promoting sustainability and conservation in the industry.

Rusciano, a geography major and religion minor from West Bloomfield, MI, will examine the relationship between chocolate, communities and culture through her proposal, "Bittersweet: Exploring the Light and Dark Sides of Cocoa Production." Through her project she will explore how the ideas and values of consumers, manufacturers and organizations in the developed world translate into real impacts in the lives of cocoa farmers and their communities in the developing world. Rusciano plans to trace the story of chocolate from bar to bean across Europe, Africa and Latin America, with specific destinations of the United Kingdom, France, Ghana, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

As interesting as the projects are, "these awards are long-term investments in people, not research," says Cleveland Johnson, Director of the Watson Fellowship Program and a former Watson Fellow. "We look for persons likely to lead or innovate in the future and give them extraordinary independence to pursue their interests outside of the traditional academic structures. Watson fellows are passionate learners, creative thinkers, and motivated self-starters who are encouraged to dream big but demonstrate feasible strategies for achieving their fellowship goals. The Watson Fellowship affords an unparalleled opportunity for global experiential learning."

The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship Program was established by the children of Thomas J. Watson, Sr., the founder of International Business Machines Corp., and his wife, Jeannette K. Watson, to honor their parents' long-standing interest in education and world affairs. The Watson Foundation regards its investment in people as an effective long-term contribution to the global community.

Source: Colgate

By   Sun, Mar 21, 2010

Whether you tend to see cups as half-empty or half-full, one measure remains constant: Student fees only cover 67 percent of the Colgate experience. Since those 13 men with 13 dollars and 13 prayers first gathered at Olmstead house, alumni and friends have stepped forward to fill the legendary "gap."

If the university started funding its mission exclusively with tuition revenue on Move-In Day, those dollars would run out at approximately the same time students return from Spring Break on March 21. To commemorate the moment, undergraduates and members of the university's advancement staff have expanded it into a week-long celebration: Tuition-Free Week.

Signs posted around the university, March 21-28, will recognize generous alumni and remind everyone that philanthropy has an impact on each aspect of campus life -- the courses students take, professors they encounter, trips they join, buildings they inhabit, and even the food they eat.

On Wednesday, March 24, students will gather in the Coop for a Thank-a-Thon, a new initiative that gives undergraduates a chance to send personal notes to alumni who have provided critical support for scholarships, financial aid, and more. Two days later, student members of the Presidents' Club -- the university's leadership giving society -- will have an opportunity to say "thank you" in person when they meet with the Board of Trustees for a networking luncheon in Donovan's Pub.

"This is a perfect time to talk with students about philanthropy while they're on campus," says annual fund assistant director Mike Tone '07, who coordinates the program.

Source: Colgate

By   Fri, Mar 19, 2010

The Syracuse International Film and Video Festival comes to the Hamilton Theater on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00pm.  Now in its seventh year, the festival showcases film and video selected from among more than 800 entries from at least 30 countries.  Admission is free, seating may be limited.

Hamilton Theater is among a select group of theaters invited to host a pre-screening event.  Audience members will join the festival's professional pre-screening team in previewing a series of submissions for the 2010 festival.  Categories include documentary, short fiction, animation, young filmmakers and more.  Hamilton native Arthur Zimmer and Festival Director Owen Shapiro (with Christine Fawcett in photo) will be on hand to introduce the films and share professional insights.

"We are delighted to host an event again this year as part of this exceptional film festival," said Hamilton Theater's Chuck Fox.  "This will be a treat for all those interested in film and video as art forms, and for those who simply enjoy independent film."  Fox added that the theater will host an evening this fall featuring the Best of the Fest from 2009.

For information and reservations, contact Hamilton Theater at 824-8210.

By   Wed, Mar 17, 2010

If both Larry Baker and Hugh Humphreys speak at an event in Hamilton, it has to be something important.

They did and it was.

These two prominent Hamiltonians spoke Wednesday when Community Memorial Hospital named its cafeteria in honor its VP of Community Services John Hubbard.

CMH President and CEO David Felton assembled the staff in the cafeteria to ostensibly announce a new employee recognition program. Felton then showed the large crowd that assembled a plaque honoring Hubbard and naming the cafeteria in his honor.

Felton recounted how when Hubbard retired from Colgate some five years ago, he was pleaded to hire him to do what he has been doing so well since returning to Hamilton more than 30 years ago: chronicling the life of the village its people in words and photos. Hubbard started out handling public relations and development for CMH and shoulders added duties.

Felton called Hubbard one of the hospital's leaders when he announced the dedication.

Both Baker and Humphreys have long been friends of Hubbard's, just as so many of the people who gathered at the hospital Wednesday have. Felton invited many of Hubbard's friends and colleagues to the surprise dedication ceremony.

The two men praised Hubbard's contributions to the community and its residents as a writer and photographer, but even more so as a friend.

Hubbard continues to be treated for cancer

By   Wed, Mar 17, 2010

The Hamilton Rotary will be helping the Easter Bunny come to the vilage on April 3 for the annual Easter Egg hunt. The hunt begins at 9 a.m.

Event chair Barbara Albrechect said the event is open to children under the age of 10. They will divided into three groups according to their ages.

Mayor Sue McVaugh will usher the Easter Bunny to the village green for the event.

Albrecht sais a variety of prizes have been donated by village merchants.

By   Wed, Mar 17, 2010

Singer-songwriter, Joe Crookston, appears at the Earlville Opera House Arts Café on Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m.

His most recent album, "Able Baker Charlie & Dog" was awarded "Album of the Year" by the International Folk Alliance. Crookston was also honored with inclusion in the 2008 Falcon Ridge "Most Wanted" Artist & Preview Tour and has been a Mountain Stage New Song Finalist.

Crookston was awarded a 2007 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to travel around New York state for a year to interview residents, gather stories and write songs based on his experiences. His project is called, "Songs of the Finger Lakes."

Tickets are $15, $13 EOH members, $10 students.  The Café will have reserved seating for this performance, and seating is limited to 50, so call early to reserve a seat. Call 691-3550. 

By   Sat, Feb 27, 2010

Susan Marafino, right, of Hamilton Chiropractic Health Center, sponsor of last week's children's film at Hamilton Theater, with daughter Izzy (left) and friend Sage Hurta.

This Saturday's feature in the Alliance Bank Children's Matinee series at 12:30p.m. is Hotel for Dogs, sponsored by Nilles Ford and Mercury.

Admission is free.

By   Sat, Feb 27, 2010

The Colgate Bookstore will present a morning of silliness with a Rhyming Dust Bunnies children's program on Saturday, March 20 at 11 a.m.  The event will feature two stories about colorful dust bunnies, rhyming games, a related craft and a snack. 

The program is free and open to children of all ages, but is mainly geared towards ages 3-7.

Bookstore staff will introduce children to this silly picture book series which includes Rhyming Dust Bunnies and Here Comes the Big, Mean Dust Bunny! written and illustrated by Jan Thomas.  The stories highlight the adventures of Ed, Ned, and Ted, three dust bunnies who like to rhyme -- all the time! -- and their pal Bob who doesn't seem to understand how rhyming works. 
 
Not only does this series teach children about rhyming, it also promotes patience, working together, and positive conflict resolution skills in a fun and light-hearted way.  Rhyming Dust Bunnies has been chosen as a Kirkus Best Children's Book, one of the New York Public Library's Top 100 Books for Reading and Sharing, and is a National Parenting Publications Honors Award Winner.
 
Copies of this program's featured titles will be offered at 20 percent off to parents who bring their children to this event. 

For more information about Bookstore children's programs, please call (315) 228-6944 or visit www.colgatebookstore.com and click on the Children's Program link on the Events page. 

By   Sat, Feb 27, 2010

MAD Art is looking for artists and crafters to submit abstract art works to exhibit in its 2010 Abstract Art Exhibit. Any mediums are welcome such as painting, sculpture, mixed media and more.

MAD Art is accepting work on Friday, March 26 from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will run from April 2 through June 5. 

Visit http://www.madartinc.org/callforart.html for submission guidelines.

By   Sat, Feb 27, 2010

The Colgate Chamber Players, now in their 23rd season directed by Laura Klugherz, will present Images and Impressions, a collage of colorful chamber music for strings, winds and piano on Sunday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Colgate Memorial Chapel.  

Violinist Linda Rosenthal completes her week-long residency by performing with the Colgate students in works of Spohr and Mendelssohn.  The seldom heard Sextet for strings and piano by Felix Mendelssohn will feature freshman pianist Kiera Crowley. The program begins with a serenade by Beethoven.

Rosenthal has performed in Europe, Asia, North America and the South Pacific. She is the founder and artistic director of Juneau Jazz & Classics, an annual festival that features nationally renowned jazz and classical artists, now celebrating its 24^th year.  She is the artistic irector of the Lake Placid Chamber Music Seminar in New York and professor of Music at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, where she makes her home. 

Rosenthal also tours Strings & Stories, a show for young audiences that she created and premiered at the Kennedy Center in 1995. Since then, she has performed the show annually for thousands of children throughout the country.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Colgate Music Department at 228-7642. 

By   Thu, Feb 25, 2010

Mayor Sue McVaugh is pleased with the way village and county crews kept up with the double-digit snowfall of the last two days, but is less encouraged by the work of some folks who are plowing driveways.  And, she reminds village residents that they are responsible for keeping the sidewalk in front of their homes cleared.

McVaugh got a "boots on the snow" firsthand look at conditions early this morning, and said:

"I just got back from an hour's walk with the dogs. The roads are very passable - thanks to round the clock plowing by the village and the county (Utica/Broad Streets). The sidewalks were terrific when I set out. However, the longer I walked, the more trouble I had. This is because people who clear the driveways are just now coming out and dumping mountains of snow right on the sidewalks and then not cleaning them up.

"I don't know how to address this unacceptable behavior. I'd hate to start ticketing homeowners, but the law is that the property owner is responsible for keeping the sidewalk clear.

"So, a big thumbs up to the plowers of streets and sidewalks. Just the opposite to those people who deliberately go and mess up the job.

The snowfall closed HCS for the second day in a row. It also has caused the girls basketball team's sectional tournament game against Rome Catholic scheduled for tonight to be canceled.

In other storm-related news, State Police have still not released the names of the woman killed in a snow-related accident on Route 12B south of Hamilton Thursday morning, nor have they said who was driving the tractor-trailer that was also involved in the collision.

The accident was the most serious of several mishaps around the region as the first hard winter storm of the year made its way into the greater Hamilton Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The snow continued throughout the day, making the after-work drive home difficult.

The storm also closed HCS, as well as most every other school in the region. While Syracuse University and LeMoyne College in Onondaga County canceled classes and closed early, it was almost business as usual at Colgate. Classes continued though some departments allowed employees to leave at 2 p.m. Second and third shift employees were told to check with supervisors if determine whether they needed to report.

Village plows and sidewalk cleaners appeared to be on constant patrol all day Thursday. And, a Municipal Utility crew (in photo below) cut down a sizeable tree on Milford Street near the former John's Shoe Store warehouse.

State Police say a head-on collision occurred at about 8 a.m. Thursday when a car traveling south on 12B near Middleport Road crossed the center line and struck a tractor trailer. The driver of the car was killed.

At the time of the collision, the road was snow covered.

The Hamilton Fire Department Rescue and SOMAC responded.

By   Thu, Feb 25, 2010

The current status of health care in America is the topic of a discussion during a program at Colgate Thursday, March 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held in Persson Hall Auditorium.

The speakers for this discussion will be:

+ Paul Boulis, former president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois;

+ Robert DeLorme, vice president for Hospitalist and Primary Care Services, Community Memorial Hospital;

+ Joti Khanna, associate professor of economics, Colgate University;

+ Dr. Ellen Larson '94, family practitioner, Bassett Healthcare of Hamilton;

+ Dr. Merrill Miller, adjunct professor of the health sciences and director of Student Health Services, Colgate University.

This event is free and open to the public.

By   Wed, Feb 24, 2010

The members of the Hamilton Future Farmers of America group is busy with National FFA week. which runs through Friday.

The theme ofthe week is “Lead Out Loud” and the chapter is trying to be leaders in at school, and in the community. One thing being done for the community is a food drive tobenefit the Hamilton & Hubbardsville Food cupboards.

The FFA chapter members realize that the Food Cupboards gets many donations during the months of November and December,but many times, they do not receive as much food during the rest of the year. 

The group is asking the rest of the community to be involved. All donations should be put in the box outside the main office at HCS.

By   Wed, Feb 24, 2010

The Chenango Nursery School will host a Winter Fun Day at Colgate’s Starr Rink on Sunday, from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. with skating from noon to 1p.m.

The afternoon will include games, face painting, crafts, entertainment, skating, and more. Concessions will be available for purchase.

For more information, call Donna Jarcho at 824-1109, or Denise Dinski at CNS at 824-1810.

By   Mon, Feb 22, 2010

More than 100 skiers/runners participated in the first Heat Up Hamilton Duathalon -- cross country skiing and running -- held Sunday in the village.

Colgate sophomore Ryan Loomis was the first to cross the finish line. Mark Daley of West Winfield was second.

The skiing course started and finished at the former driving range at Seven Oaks. The running course covered five kilometers along village streets and on the Colgate campus. The finish line was in front of the Hamilton Public Library.

Finishers had the opportunity to warm up around a large fire on the village green and enjoy an expansive menu of post-race food.

The duathalon was the brainchild of Charlie Melichar, who when not organizing the event, is Colgate's VP for public relations and marketing. A triathalon participant himself, Melichar envisioned Sunday's event as a seasonal extension of what he does the rest of the year.

He said he was pleased with its outcome and thanked a number of people and organizations that helped make it possible. Melichar said:

"This was all about a great group of people coming together around ideas and working to make them happen. I really don't deserve the credit and attention here. Anyone can have an idea, it takes a Village (literally in this case!) to turn it into reality.

"To see so many happy, active people out on a Sunday afternoon in late February here in Hamilton made it a home run (or whatever the multisport equivalent would be) in my opinion. It was great to see all of those friendly faces from Hamilton and all around New York, from Oneida and Cazenovia to Syracuse, Manlius, Otego, Watertown and beyond -- even northern Pennsylvania! About a third of our more than 100 total participants were from out of town.

"The events on the Village Green, drawing in families of participants and others from around town were fantastic. What better way to get together on a chilly February day than hanging around by a bonfire in the center of town. It was such a unique way for folks to spend an afternoon with old and new friends, with kids running around and playing in the snow.

"So many people worked hard over the past couple of months to pull this together and that was probably the most amazing part in my opinion. We started pulling this event together about two months ago and it came off with relatively few hitches. That's all because of the enthusiasm, hard work and a good dose of smarts of all the volunteers and planners involved:

"Abby Rowe and the Outdoor Education team put in countless hours of meticulous care to ensure a great ski course.

"Rick Hanson designed a great, challenging run course and even pulled in family and friends to be sure that all went well at the finish.

"The duo of multisport veteran Xan Karn and event pro Tim Mansfield made sure that athletes started off, transitioned and finished smoothly, and Tim even pulled off a food challenge that highlighted some of the great soup, wings and hot drinks Hamilton has to offer.

"Anne Clauss somehow managed to organize kid games, pull together the bonfire and participate in the duathlon.

"Bill LaRuffa was the man behind the fire, with help and contributions from the Village and Cossitt Concrete, and
that made for such a unique, warmer afternoon.

"Dr. Michael Zahn and the SOMAC crew didn't see much action over the course of the day and that's how we like it. The same goes for the Hamilton Police officers who helped to ensure safe crossings for our runners.

"All of our sponsors and supporters were critical in making the event possible and the full list of folks who helped plan all of the events is too long for purposes here, but it was a big group of people who helped in ways big and small -- and the small stuff is really the big stuff!

"I hope everyone was proud of what we did together yesterday. What a fun way to spend a winter Sunday.

"I'm not done with the final numbers, but we will be making a nice contribution to the Hamilton Food Cupboard this week thanks to the proceeds from race dues. Again, volunteers and generous contributions -- particularly in terms of equipment -- are why we are going to be able to do this.

"At the end of the day though, this event wouldn't have been an event without all of the duathlon participants and folks who came out to enjoy the fire and participate in the activities. Thanks to all for Heating Up Hamilton.

By   Fri, Feb 19, 2010

Gestures, the gift and eclectic home furnishings store on Lebanon Street, is closing.

Signs in the window advertising a sale say the last day of business is Feb. 27.

No one from Gestures was available this afternoon for comment.

By   Wed, Feb 17, 2010

Colgate will host a discussion of the presence of natural gas within the Utica and Marcellus shales in the greater Hamilton area.

Geology professor Dr. Bruce Selleck will discuss "Depositional Environment, Stratigraphy and Natural Gas Potential of the Utica and Marcellus Shales in New York State" on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

The discussion will be held in room 243 of the Ho Science Center. Lunch is available; bring your own beverage.

Selleck has been in demand as an expert on the topic of natural gas exploration in Upstate New York.

"We are in the midst of a natural gas expansion," Selleck said during a recent presentation to the Madison County Board of Supervisors. "We need to be aware of it, take advantage of it, and realize the trade-offs involved."

He believes the current "gas boom" provides an economic opportunity for landowners, but also involves environmental risks.

Environmentalists oppose it, fearing the drilling process used to reach the gas will pollute groundwater and pose a public health threat.

Gas drillers say billions of dollars' worth of natural gas is in the shale formation, and New York state stands to reap millions in revenues by licensing the drilling, which they say can be done safely.

By   Mon, Feb 15, 2010

Hamilton Public Library will host a program about New York State's covered bridges Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.in the library's Community Room.

"Spanning New York State" will be the topic of the program offered by Bob and Trish Kane members of numerous covered bridge organizations across the United States. Their presentation, an armchair tour of 33 of the state's existing historic covered bridges, will follow the business portion of the Historical Society's business meeting.

The public is welcome to this free event.

The Kane's have been actively pursuing the preservation of covered bridges since 1993. Currently, they are assisting the Oxford Town historian on a book about Theodore Burr, a famous bridge builder whose former home is located in Oxford.

In 2002, the Kane's spearheaded the DeLorme Atlas Project where Covered Bridge enthusiasts across the country joined them in submitting maps and directions to covered bridges to DeLorme for inclusion in future atlases. 

They also are co-founders of a project titled Covered Spans of Yesteryear. Once completed, this endeavor will document all past covered bridges known to have existed in the United States and Canada (www.lostbridges.org).

The couple is also currently working on a driving tour of New York's covered bridges.

Following the presentation, the Kane's will have covered bridge information and memorabilia available to the public.

By   Mon, Feb 15, 2010

You've heard of Ladies Night at some clubs and bars, right?

Others pump up their business by saluting nurses, dental hygenists, vet techs, you name it.

But, the Barge Canal Coffee Company has broken new ground: Friday is Chaplains Night. Yes, chaplains, spiritual leaders, keepers of their flocks.

From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Colgate's three chaplains will perform. A description on the event's Facebook page says it will be, "An evening of eclectic spiritual roots music and more!"

On stage will be Mark Shiner (Catholic), David Levy (Jewish) and Putter Cox (Protestant). They will be joined by some musical friends as well.

Communion will not be served.

By   Sat, Feb 13, 2010

Categorize Caravan of Thieves, the band that takes over the Barge Canal coffee Company at 8 p.m. tonight.

Go ahead. We'll give you a day or two.

This band anchored in the gypsy jazz the likes of Django Rheinghrdt and the Hot Club of Paris is not the typical group to play at the Barge. No brooding indy rock or emo licks.

Get a preview of them on YouTube.

This group plays chamber pop, 1920s hot jazz, vaudeville, folk, bluegrass ... you name it. And they do it with a flourish.

The Band of Thieves is not new to the Chenago Valley. The previously played the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival in Norwich.

Check out the video on their web page

Become Facebook friends withe the thieves.

Their Twitter feed.

By   Fri, Feb 12, 2010

There will be a new section of sky hanging over the third annual Skyway Music Festival come June. And, there will be some new local folks honored, a different feel and, of course, some new music on the schedule.

But, organizers say the goal remains the same: honor the memory of local musicians and help those players still in their formative stages.

Some of the basics have changed:

1. New date: Skyway will be held June 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (It previously was held in July and last year in September.)

2. New location: It will be held at Hooks Wiltse Field at the Eaton Street Park. (It has been on the village green since it began.)

3. New feel: It is becoming more of a big picnic instead of a concert. Restaurants are being asked to donate food and folks can bring their own.(Some vendors like Holy Smoke sold food on their own.)

4. New price: And, there will be admission charged: $10 per carload of picnicers. (The concert was free on the village green.)

Pamme Swan, one of the organizers of event, said the changes are for good reasons: "Skyway is being revamped and moving to Wiltse Field for a few reasons. Its cheaper to rent. The whole event will be under cover as it always rains."

Skyway will continue to be a tribute to the life and music of Hamilton musician Craig Getchonis. Swan said that "... sadly now in memory of Keith Liddle and David Bartlett," two other local young men who passed recently.

And, the concert will continue to raise money for the Friends of Music, which supports the HCS music program.

Look for a differnt music flavor to Skyway this year. Swan said performers from previous years have been invted back, and there are plans for an ope mic jam session. Plans are in the works for a prominent headline band as well.

Swan said organizers hope to have other activities like workshops and a Skyway lounge chair painting.

By   Fri, Feb 12, 2010

If all the details are worked out, Haitian native and former member of the Fugees, Wyclef Jean, will perform at Colgate for Spring Party Weekend in late April.

The Colgate Maroon News reports that Jean was the clear winner in recently concluded online voting. Runner up was Pitbull.

The selection of Jean comes after university officials said a concert by the students' first choice, Snoop Dogg, would pose too many logistical issues.

Jean, 37, has a self-titled album due out some time this year. He recently was a guest speaker during the Hope for Haiti Concert and performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in Oslo, Norway last December.

Jean's Colgate concert is slated for April 24 on Whitnall Field.

Last year's headliner was Lupe Fiasco.

Follow Wyclef Jean on Twitter.

By   Thu, Feb 11, 2010

Hamilton Theater's Grand Operas in Cinema series concludes for the season with Georges Bizet's classic opera Carmen on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

Set in Seville, Spain in the mid-19^th century, Carmen is the story of a beautiful gypsy who loves only those who don't love her.  Initially not well received, Carmen became and still is one of the most famous and popular works in the opera repertoire.

Performed at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, this production features a new generation of opera stars, including the German tenor Jonas Kaufmann, the Uruguayan baritone Erwin Schrott, the Italian soprano Adriana Damata and the newest revelation Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvli.

This is the sixth opera in Hamilton Theater's Grand Operas in Cinema series.  Operas are presented in high definition digital image and surround sound.  Guests are invited to enjoy intermissions at the Mad Arts Gallery adjacent to the theater, featuring complimentary wine, beer and refreshments, hosted by the Colgate Inn.

For tickets and information, contact Hamilton Theater at 824-8210 or go to www.hamiltontheater.net.

By   Thu, Feb 11, 2010

Members of the Colgate community will have a great looking new place to get sweaty by this time next year.

The university has posted a website with some renderings of the new fitness center that will be built roughly in the current parking lot in front of the Lineberry Natatorium adjacent to Hunting Gymnasium on Rte. 12B South.

The new fitness center will include 15,000 square feet of space. It will also allow the current space in Huntington to be reassigned for other fitness purposes.

It is expect the new fitness center will be open in January of 2011. Donations are already in-hand for the project.

By   Wed, Feb 10, 2010

The Palace Theater will host a 24 Hour Improv Slam Saturday, March 6 at 8 p.m.

The Palace Players, Hamilton's community theater, invites teams to enter the competition. Teams consist of three to 10 members at least 14 years old who enjoy performing, and may or may not have any acting skills. Teams only need to be creative, spontaneous, possess a free spirit and willingness to perform live on stage in front of an audience.

Each team will have 24 hours to create a 7-10 minute skit based on a common theme.

For example each team would be given words such as "city bus" to creatively develop a skit around that theme. Each team captain will be notified of the common theme on Friday, March 5 at noon, then have 24 hours to work with their members to create an original skit. There will be rehearsals on the stage at The Palace Theater Saturday, March 6 in the afternoon. Teams are allowed to use props and costumes, but no set pieces. Judges will score each team on their originality and team work.

The team registration and $10 fee are due Feb. 26. Tickets are $5 available when the doors open at 7:30pm.

Registration forms are available by calling the Palace Theater.

By   Wed, Feb 10, 2010

Fun.

That is the goal of the first Heat Up Hamilton winter duathalon to be run/skied Sunday, Feb. 21, according to event organizer Charlie Melichar.

And the fun gets under way the day before. On Saturday, the Colgate Inn is offering a pre-race pasta dinner for athletes who want to load on the carbohydrates ... and those who like pasta.

The dinner will be staged from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. The dinner includes a tossed salad, broccoli, garlic bread, penne pasta with either marinara or Alfredo sauce, with brownies, coffee or tea. The cost is $15, including tax and gratuity. Kids from 6-10 years old will get the buffet for 1/2 price and those under 5 are free.

Sunday's schedule includes:

+ Noon bonfire on the village green at noon;

+ 1 p.m. start of the 6K cross-country ski race followed by a 5K run.

       - Register

       - See interactive course maps

+ 1 p.m. Hamilton Food Challenge; sample hot drinks, soups and chicken wings from places around the village and vote for the best.

+ 1 p.m. Family activities;

+ 3 p.m. Awards ceremony.

"We're getting registrations from all over the place," said Melichar, who also is VP for Communications and Public Relations at Colgate. "With plenty of folks from Hamilton and others coming from Syracuse, Frankfurt, Oriskany Falls, Clinton, etc.

"We're also getting a good blend of individual and relay registrations, so we should see all sorts of finish times.

"At the end of the day though, this is all about having some fun!"

By   Tue, Feb 09, 2010

The village Recreation Program offers several answers to the lament parents can expect to hear next week during the HCS winter vacation break: "Why isn't there anything to do?"

The slate of activities include:

Saturday, Feb. 13: 

  1:00-3:00pm  Bowling  Reid Athletic Center, Colgate

  $1.25/game, shoes free

  7:00pm  Colgate Men's Hockey: Colgate v. Brown  Starr Rink, Colgate

  Children 12 and under who bring the attached coupon will receive a free general admission ticket to the game.

Monday, Feb. 15 

  1:00-2:30pm  Family Skate Starr Rink, Colgate

Tuesday, Feb. 16 

  1:00-2:30pm  Family Swim Lineberry Pool, Colgate

Wednesday, Feb. 17 

  10:00-11:40am  Movie: "Monsters vs. Aliens" (PG)  Hamilton Movie Theater

  1:00-2:30pm  Family Skate  Starr Rink, Colgate

  3:00-4:30pm  Rock Climbing Instruction   Angert Climbing Wall, Huntington Gym. Limited to 15 children, 3rd grade or older.   Signed parental waiver required. 

Thursday, Feb. 18 

  1:00-2:30pm  Family Swim  Lineberry Pool, Colgate

Saturday, Feb. 20

2:00pm  Colgate Women's Basketball: Colgate v. Bucknell  Reid Athletic Center, Colgate

"Take a Kid to the Game": Any adult who takes a child 12 or under to the game will receive free admission for two adults and one child. This game is also a Pink Zone game, to raise awareness for cancer. Free pink t-shirts will be distributed while supplies last. Head Women's Basketball Coach Pam Bass will donate $1 to benefit cancer research for every fan in attendance.

By   Tue, Feb 09, 2010

Colgate jazz instructor and saaphonist Glenn Cashman will make a rare musical appearance in Hamilton at La Iguana restaurant Sunday, Valentine's Day from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cashman will playing jazz and Brazilian standards on the keyboard.

Aside from teaching at Colgate, Chashman 4-5 times a year to Southern, CA to perform and record during extended visits. He has also served as Director of Jazz Studies at Cal State Fullerton and Towson University in Baltimore.

By   Mon, Feb 08, 2010

Colgate grad and Pulitzer Prize winning writer/reporter Chris Hedges's latest book, Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle, was the topic of a lectue at the University of Vermont Law School recently. Vermont Public Radio presents the audio of that speech.

Hedges is a senior fellow at the Nation Institute and author of numerous books. He was a foreign correspondent for The New York Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Christian Science Monitor and National Public Radio. Hedges was part of the team of reporters that won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for The New York Times' coverage of global terrorism.

Hedges graduated from Colgate in 1979.

By   Mon, Feb 08, 2010

Discussions about the 2010/2011 HCS budget have already started, both formally and informally. Many more conversations are to come.

But, already, there are plenty of comments flying about like rabid bats. Some are inaccurate, others are outright lies. Some are ill-cosidered but many are meant to be hurtful and add nothing to the conversation. And, many are simply uttered without having the benefit of the facts.

Because of that -- and because the well-being of children is at stake -- we hope that people will seriously consider being as thoughtful as possible when they join the discussion. In fact, HCS itself offers a good outlook in its Civility Policy. It says:

We believe that effective dialogue can occur only in an atmosphere of mutual respect; therefore,

It is the policy of the Hamilton Central School Board of Education to conduct its business at meetings and in all communications, written and oral, in a manner that models respect and civility. 

We invite and expect members of the public to share this commitment with us. 

Further, we expect that the district's students, faculty and staff members, parent and student organizations, committees and members of the community will, in their written communications and while participating in meetings, school activities and other school related interactions, be guided by this policy, and will conduct themselves with civility and respect.

Truly, that is not too much to ask. This is behavior that responsible parents expect of their children, so ought to model it themselves.

This year has a potential for being a contentious one for deciding how HCS will raise and spend its money. Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers and the Board of Education has asked repeatedly for the thoughts, opinions, suggestions and HELP of the community in creating what, because of state funding cuts, will be a difficult fiscal plan.

If you do decide to be part of the solution, keep the HCS Civility Policy in mind.

By   Sat, Feb 06, 2010

Environmental issues will be the topic of a panel discussion and film screening Tuesday beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Colgate.

Sustainability and Alternative Transportation Technology is the title of the program that includes a screening of Chris Paine's film Who Killed the Electric Car? The program will be held in Love Auditorium of Olin Hall.

Paine is a graduate of Colgate.

On the pabel are:

• Geology Professor Bruce Selleck '71
• Professor Ron Alexander from Morrisville State College
• Barry Carr, Coordinator - Clean Communities of CNY
• Eric Chamberlain of Evergreen Electric Vehicle Co.
• John Pumilio, Colgate Sustainability Coordinator
• Moderated by Tim Mansfield

There wil be a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the film and a question and answer period.

By   Sat, Feb 06, 2010

MAD Art, announces its slate of winter/spring workshops beginning this month.

Local photographer Rich Grant kicks off the season Feb. 24 at his home studio, demonstrating the best practices for photographing your artwork and techniques for printing on canvas and silk.

Also, basket maker Jean Chapin holds an all-day workshop on the Feb 27.

In March glass artist Amber Blanding hosts a fused glass workshop to create a one of a kind pendant. Sue Lappan designs art quilts and eco-friendly creations for kids.  In this two-session workshop create and execute your own design into an art quilt.

In April, Rosita Dickson will hold an all-day workshop, for all skill levels, entitled Focus on the Face - The Portrait. Chinese Brush Painting will be presented by Jane Taylor. Harriette Adamson will teach participants how to make real-looking flowers, and Meredith Leland Getchonis will offer a four-session writing workshop.

Also Sami Martinez will demonstrate how to put together a simple, colorful and flavorful Indian weeknight meal in May. Also in May, Leigh Yardley will discuss the mud oven built last fall at Common Thread Community Farm. and teach participants how to build a fire for the oven and share in preparing dough and baking.

In June, MAD Art, Inc. leads a tour and a hands-on workshop at Golden Artists Paints near New Berlin.

To learn more about the workshops and registration, call 824-1843 or email madartinc@gmail.com.  

By   Sat, Feb 06, 2010

A Wall Street whiz who is also a novelist will be at the Colgate Bookstore Feb. 25

Wealth advisor-turned-novelist Norb Vonnegut (a distant cousin of mega-novelist Kurt Vonnegut) will read from and discuss his new Wall Street thriller Top Producer at 7 p.m. at the Colgate Bookstore.  A book-signing and reception will follow.

This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book are available at a 25% discount at the Colgate Bookstore.

In Top Producer, protagonist Grove O'Rourke is a rising star at a brokerage firm, and after he and several hundred others witness his close friend die, Grove sets out to help Charlie's widow. It seems the money Charlie was managing seems to have vanished.

Publisher's Weekly, in a starred review, called Top Producer "The gold standard for financial thrillers."  It was a "This Week's Hot Reads" selection at The Daily Beast, and a recommended book in USA Today and Smart Money.

Norb Vonnegut built an extensive career with Morgan Stanley, Paine Webber, and other Wall Street institutions. He graduated from Harvard College in 1980 and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1986.

Norb Vonnegut is now editing The Fund, a thriller scheduled to print in the winter of 2010/2011. For more info on Norb's Wall Street thrillers, visit his author website, www.norbvonnegut.com.  Or visit his blog, www.acrimoney.com, for non-fiction insights into today's financial news.

By   Fri, Feb 05, 2010

by Barbara Coger, Library Director

Hamilton Public Library will host it's second family fun game night on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your favorite board game or play Apple to Apples, Boggle, Scrabble Slam, Monopoly Deal, or Pictureka! Or take a turn on our own mandolin, a Dave Folta original made from recycled materials. All ages are welcome.

It was a fun time last year with families braving the snowy weather to play Twister and match wits with challenging games. Refreshments will be provided.

Our "Bear-a-dise" continues. There is still a nice selection of Beanie Baby Bears and Beanie Buddies for only $3-$6. Take your pick from those on display behind the circulation desk.  There is still time to buy a $.25 raffle ticket for the fine china collector's plate from the Lovable Teddies Collection. The drawing will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Funds from the teddy bear sale will be used to purchase picture books for the children's area. We have already purchased I AM A BACKHOLE by Anna Grossnickle Hines and CAT DREAMS  by Ursula Le Guin. 

The library's meeting rooms are busy these days with literacy tutoring, U.S. Census testing and free tax assistance. If you are interested in finding out more information about any of these opportunities, call the library, 824-3060, for more information.

The library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.  

The library is usually open Monday-Friday, 11 am - 8 pm, and Saturday, 10 am - 1 pm. Call the library for assistance during these hours. The bookdrop at the Broad Street entrance is always open for your convenience.

Photo: Library staff member Barbara Taibi with a mandolin created by Dave Folta.

By   Fri, Feb 05, 2010

The prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour comes to the Hamilton Theater on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. 

An international film competition featuring the world’s best footage on mountain subjects, the festival tour showcases a selection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking short films in a two-hour program.  An expert from the Banff Centre will host the evening, and give out prizes to the audience.

“This year’s tour will be awesome,” said Michael Savage, assistant director of Colgate University’s Outdoor Education Program, which coordinates the event.  “The filmmakers include outdoor adventurers and world class athletes.  The short films selected feature everything from biking, climbing, skiing and kayaking to adventure, mountain culture and the environment.”

Advance tickets are on sale at the theater and through the Colgate Outdoor Education Program.  Advance tickets are $12 ($10 for students) and tickets at the door are $14 ($12 for students).

For further information and advance tickets, call 824-8210.

In photo: Michael Savage (right) from Colgate’s Outdoor Education Program with Hamilton Theater Technical Director Henry O’Connell and Kristi Beetch from the Banff Centre.

By   Fri, Feb 05, 2010

Colgate's Spring Party Weekend potential rap headliner Snoop Dogg will not be bringing his entourage to Hamilton.

The Colgate Marron-News reports that in a meeting of many top administrators Monday, it was decided that Colgate and the Village of Hamilton do not have sufficinet resources -- security or logistics -- to handle the large crowd that Snoop Dogg would be expected to attract.

Spring Party Weekend planners are looking for a replacement. 

This review of a recent Snoop Dogg concert in Santa Ana, CA seems to point out some of the administration's concerns. Snoop Dogg is associated with pro-marijuana issues as detailed in this concert review from the Tampa Bay Times.

By   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

Colgate students, faculty, staff and others ought to be twice as fit starting next year as the university is building a new, bigger fitness center on Rte. 12B south near the Lineberry Natatorium (a.k.a.) the pool.

The new fitness center will be about twice the size of the existing Wm. Brian Little Fitness Center in Huntington Gymnasium. That three-story facility covers 9,000 sqare feet. It cost $1.2 million in 1994.

The new fitness center will be located between the pool and Rte, 12B South. It will fill much of the current parking lot in front of the pool; a new lot will be built to the south of it.

With gifts already committed to pay for it, construction for the new fitness center is expected to start shortly. Its anticipated opening is January of next year.

Check back for more details.

By   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

Residents of the Town of Hamiton will have an opportunity to be part of an art event that demonstrates the "commoness of being unique".

New York City artist Allan McCollum has created a process by which he can create more than enough one-of-a-kind shapes -- black silhouettes on a white background -- for every person on earth, and then some. He can create 31 billion uniqe shapes, and plans to use the Town of Hamilton to demonstrate his process.

During several days in April, Colgate faculty and students will distribute some 6,000 5" x 7" printed shapes to all residents of the Town of Hamilton. Each will be signed by the artist.

Before they are distributed, they will be shown at the Clifford Gallery on campus March 8-31.

Dewitt Godfrey, art and art history professor at Colgate and the person coordinating McCollum's project, said McCollom has been working with shapes for many years.

"It's about the commoness of being unique," he said. "This addresses the idea of community in interesting ways."

Godfrey said the McCollom Shapes project is not only about moving art off og campus and into the community, but also about about moving art out of museums.

"We're interested in different ways that art can exist outside of traditional spaces," he said.

Godfrey said the distribution of the shapes will be performed on two weekends in April at locations in the town. He said it was important to not have the distribution not just on the Colgate campus, so that people felt it was truly a community-wide event.

He hopes that residents will be enthused about the project. Godfrey praised the Town of Hamilton for assisting in the project.

In 2005, the artist designed The Shapes project and has since used his process of creating unque items in many different kinds of projects. The items have been produced as prints but also as sculpture in Plexiglas, Corian, plywood, hardwoods, metals, rubber, and fabric, in a variety of sizes. And, he has collaborate with a community library, schoolchildren, home craftworkers, writers, architects and other artists.

Others at Colgate have helped McCollum, who is the Christian A. Johnson Distinguished Artist in Residence at Cogate, prepare for the event.

Visual Resources Curator Jesse Henderson developed the database that catalogs the shapes for Hamilton and has outlined the workflow required to produce each print.

Mark Williams, art studio technician, helped devise a methodology to get the shapes into a printable format, and Michael Holobosky from campus document services will be the prepress technician who manages the printing.

See the video of McCollum's recent visit to campus.

By   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

Sushi.

Ask HCS students Cecilia Westre (left in photo) and Mara Duran (right in photo) what has been one of their fondest discoveries about life in small town America, and the two girls -- Cecilia from Norway and Mara from Mexico -- almost answer in unison, "Sushi." And, they answer enthusiastically.

Westre, 17 and from Lillehammer and Duran, 18 and from Irapuato are just now halfway through their year in the U.S. as exchange students. Westre came to Hamilton as part of the American Field Service high school exchange program. It was the Rotary Exchange program that brought Duran to the village.

Joining the HCS Class of 2010 as the school year began last September, Mara and Cecilia have fallen into step with their classmates, have learned the joys and shortcomings of life in a small. rural community and come to appreciate the camraderie and school spirit of HCS. And, they have come to know the friendliness and genuine affection of Hamilton residents.

"Everyone here is so nice," said Cecilia, who will have two more years of school once she returns to Norway in June. "They make it so easy here."

She said that much of life is not dissimilar between here and Norway. The music is the same, as are the fashions and even the television shows.

But, for Cecilia and Mara, there is one big difference, but is something students here also lament: the shopping. Both girls laugh and say they miss the easy access to shopping malls. Both Lillehammer and Irapuato are much larger cities than Hamilton, supporting a number of malls.

Day-to-day life at HCS is different from that of a student in Mexico or Norway.

Mara said students at home don't have lockers in which to store books and other things. Neither do they change classes. She said that instead of playing a different sport during of the three different seasons seasons as HCS students do, she plays soccer all year 'round.

Sports are different for Cecilia back home. She plays European handball (the team sport played in the Olympics) but not interscholastically like the sports between HCS and other schools. Instead, Ceceilia said she plays after school on a club team.

Again, the two girls agree that they enjoy the difference in the athletic culture.

"It's so much fun to to go to a game and support your team," she said. "I love the school spirit." She added that she had never been to a basketball or hockey game before enrolling at HCS.

Of course, being overseas for an entire school year also means friends and family and even familiar routines and rituals.

Mara and Ceciila agreed that the recent Christmas and New Year holidays are different here than in their homelands. Cecilia joked how quiet New Years is here compared to in Norway, where everyone celebrates with fireworks, lots of fireworks.

Mara said she had to explain a very Mexican-specific celebration, El Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. Some of her HCS classmates thought it was similar to Halloween, but Mara explained it is a time to honor and remeber friends and families who have died.

Likewise, Cecilia spoke fondly of Noway's independence day celebrfation known as Syttende Mai or Seventeenth of May. It was on May 17, 1814 that Norway broke away from 400 years of Dutch control. (Norway remained part of a kingdom with Sweden until 1905.) She said the day is marked by parades of children in traditional dress and everyone carries flags and sings.

"And, everyone eats as much ice cream as they can," she said.

It was these celebrations, the traditions, their friends and families and even their school routines that came to mind when Mara and Ceciia considered what they have learned so far here in Hamilton. They agreed they learned as much about themselves as they have about the U.S.

"I appreciate what I have more now," said Cecilia. "This has helped me the importance of all the traditional stuff I have at home."

And Mara said, "I have discovered a lot about myself. I am more independent than I ever thought."

While in Hamilton, Mara has been living with Marilyn Rugg. Cecilia is living with Melissa Kagle.

By   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

Frank Farnsworth, who graduated from Colgate in 1939 and returned a few years later to join the faculty of the Economics Department, is being remembered as a helpful colleague and a man interested in entrepreneurship. He died Saturday at his son's home in Brandon, VT. He was 90.

Dr. Farnsworth earned his degrees from Colgate University (AB) and Harvard University (AM, PhD).

A spokesman for the Miller & Ketchum Funeral Home in Brandon said Dr. Farnsworth requested his body be donated to medical science. He also said the family will be holding a memorial service, but no date or location has been set.

During part of his career at Colgate, Dr. Farnsworth also owned and operated the Poolville Country Store as a small, general store. He used the store to teach students many of the practical applications of things they learned in their classes. Dr. Farnsworth was also interested and involved in local economic development.

Dr. Farnsworth was also a Fulbright Professor at the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration; and during World War II, he instructed naval units at Colgate in both navigation and physics.

Oswald Honkalehto was a colleague of Dr. Farnsworth's in the Economics Department for many years. He recalls Dr. Farnsworth, was taught at Colgate from 1941 to 1987 -- as a helpful mentor and someone who often welcomed colleagues and students into his home for group meals and discussions.

"He was a very helpful collgeaue," said Honkalehto, who joined the Colgate faculty in 1962 after receiving his PhD from MIT. "I was new when he was a senior member of the staff, and he played a mentoring role for me."

Honkalehto added, "One of the things I remember is how he use to invite students to the house on a regular basis for informal chats. He and his wife would put together a meal -- and collageaues were invited too -- and sit around and chat."

Honkalehto said Dr. Farnsworth is the latest of a generation of Colgate economists to pass. Both Lester Blum and Robert Freedman died in recent years. 

Lester Blum died Nov. 8, 2007. Professor of economics emeritus, he arrived at Colgate in 1947. Dr. Blum taught economics until his retirement in 1984.

Robert Freedman died Sept. 3, 2007. He joined the Colgate faculty in 1950 and taught economics until his retirement in 1987.

Dr. Farnsworth is survived by his children, Frank (CU’74) of Brandon, Vermont, Ruth Eldridge of Clay Springs, Arizona, and John of Bonita Springs, Florida; his stepchildren, John Martire (CU’78) and Amy Martire both of the Greater Boston Area, Massachusetts, and Beth Cutter of Ithaca, New York; and nine grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth Coburn, his second wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Martire, and daughter, Nancy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ruth Coburn Farnsworth Scholarship Fund through the Stewardship Office at Colgate.

By   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

Colgate's Music Department begins its Spring Concert Series with a performance by Gleb Ivanov, on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Chapel.  He will be performing works by Schubert, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. This concert is free and the public is most welcome.

Born in Moscow, Ivanov comes from a family of musicians, and he began to accompany his father’s vocal recitals at the age of 8.  He has also played the clarinet and the accordion, and holds a diploma in clarinet from Lyardov High School.  He graduated from the Moscow Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music.

For more information, or a complete 2009/2010 concert calendar, call the Music Department at 228-7642. 

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

13.5 percent

That's magic number in the Hamilton Central School District; that's how much departments are going to have to cut as they build their budgets for the 2010/2011 school year. Cuts of that magnitude are necessary because that is how much the district's state aid is being cut by Gov. David Paterson.

"Because of this," said HCS Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers of school district residents, "We need their support. We need their opinions. We need their ideas. We need to work as a team.

"We look to the community to partner with us in this very difficult time."

Bowers didn't say it, but she very well could have added something along the lines of, "And, even more so next year."

In several budget discussions last week, Bowers' message was clear: things don't look good for the budget process and they will get worse next year. Talking to the public in two budget coffees and to the PTO, Bowers didn't sugar-coat the issue: there must be cuts, but added that HCS will preserve the integrity of the curriculum.

That's HCS' approach as it begins to formulate its 2010/2011 spending plan. For HCS, 13.5 percent translates to $538.302.

Bowers said some spending reductions have already taken place or are being considered including

+ two teachers are retiring at the end of the academic year and won't be replaced;

+ two teachers included in the present budget have left the district and won't be replaced;

+ there will be no lacrosse program beginning this spring;

+ junior varsity sports could be dropped;

+ HCS continues to collaborate with Madison, Morrisville-Eaton and Stockbridge Valley school districts to share services in ways to reduce costs;

+ starting Monday, there is no late bus service for students staying after classes (This was driven in part by the declining number of students using the service.);

+ finding out-of-district placements for special needs students that maintain high quality instruction but cost less.

Bowers said this is just the beginning of the budget proicess; nothing will be set in stone until the board approves the budget in April.

One of the moves made by HCS and the other schools in the Madison-Oneida BOCES previously was to create a consortium to provide insurance coverage for faculty and staff. Bowers said this had provided "huge savings" for HCS and the other consortium members; there is only a 4 percent increase in premiums this year.

The coffees and the meeting with the PTO was the warm-up for the serious budget season the faces the school district.

School Business Official Matt Crumb explained at a meeting last week that the process of creating the district spending plan is not an easy task. It took 20 drafts to create the current budget that went to district voters last May.

The schedule for this year's budget process includes:

+ Feb. 23, public meeting to discuss the arts program;

+ March 8, all-day budget workshop;

+ April 7, preliminary budget hearing;

+ May 12, public hearing on the budget;

+ May 18, vote on budget.

Last week, while Bowers hosted one of the budget coffees, WRVO-FM was broadcasting The Capital Press Room, a news program about state government. On that show the governor accused schools of holding hostage millions of dollars in their reserve funds. He said schools should use that money to offset state aid cuts.

However, the state has not raided its own reserve fund to help close the deficit.

By   Sun, Jan 31, 2010

At least three -- and most likely more -- fire companies responded to a house fire at 757 Albro Road near Poolville Saturday about 5 p.m. Temperatures at the time of the blaze were about zero.

Crews from Hamilton, Hubbardsville and North Brookfield responded.

There are no more details available at this time.

By   Sun, Jan 31, 2010

When asked to help, Colgate and the greater Hamilton area simply said, "How?" and "How much?"

Saturday night's Hope for Haiti Concert on the stage of the Colgate Chapel yielded what organizers believe will exceed $5,000. All of this goes to three releif organizations working in the country: Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health and the American Red Cross.

Mark Shiner, Colgate's Catholic chaplain, was one of the hands on the tiller of this event, which came together in a scant 18 days after the 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti and killed some 200,000 people. When asked what he thoguht about Saturday's concert, he said:

"I think that if you give people an opportunity to be generous, they respond in amazing ways.  Our overall budget was $0 and because of individual and departmental donations we are able to send 100% of the money we raised to our chosen organizations. 

"The concert held together beautifully and the performances were all excellent.  I was completely knocked out by some of the things we got to hear.  Joanne Shenandoah was a real treat. Attendance was very strong with a consistent flow of people in and out throughout most of the night. 

"Every time I started getting tired I thought of all the doctors and aid workers in Haiti working around the clock, realized how good we all had it, and pressed on.

"The whole thing was really a lot of fun from start to finish.  I met some truly inspiring people and saw new and wonderful sides of people I thought I already knew."

And, when asked who he wanted to thank, Shiner said:

"I have so many people I'd like to thank that it's hard to know where to begin. 

"All the musicians and performers-- a truly HUGE, amazing and diverse group of people.

"The core team of students, community members, and Colgate staff who really made this possible.

"The leaders of the religious communities who got together and baked and sold an enormous quantity of delicious treats.

"SA Sound, the generous and supremely helpful folks who were there last night even longer than I was!

"The (Colgate) custodial department for their donation of staff time. Campus Safety, ditto. Media Services, ditto. The print shop for covering the costs of promotional materials.

"Hamilton Central School, particularly Vicki Migonis and the kids who helped raise funds through sell flags they'd made. 

"SAAC, the benefit party hosts on Friday night,  and all the groups that pitched in with their own complementary fundraising efforts.

"The Post Standard, Mid-York, and every other media outlet that covered the event and for all the people and our media folks at Colgate for getting the word out.

"For the spontaneous acts of generosity by so many people who gave FAR beyond the ticket price and made sizable, often anonymous donations to the cause."

By   Sun, Jan 31, 2010

Three hours into the Hope for Haiti Concert at the Colgate Chapel Saturday night, the temperature outside dropped to five below zero.

But, a long and impressive list of performers -- from local children just learning to play the violin or piano to professional fixtures on the local live muscic scene -- heated up the stage of the chapel. The songs and styles were varied but the sentiment was the same: they sang and played so the survicors of one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history could begin to reassemble their homes, their cities and their lives.

Mark Shiner, Colgate's Catholic chaplain and a musician himself, was one of the concert organizers. We was a one-man hive of activity as the benefit launched at 6 p.m.

Violin students from Hamilton and Oneida were the eclectic night's opening act followed by Colgate favorites Earthman Embassy and then local fave Tommy Hoe, without his Barn Cats. They were followed by two young sisters at the piano Isabella Crovella and Sarah Crovell. And then came solo singer Diandra Rivera.

The balance of the night's schedule (posted on a long piece of paper outside the chapel Saturday at right) included:

Naledi Semela

CRRABS

Kathleen Armenti

Zlatko Gradzl

Joanne Shenandoah

The McDowell Brothers

Lauren Mettler/McDowell Bros.

The Worship Band

Sojourners Gospel Choir

Cris Shenkel/Sarah Wider

 Fuse

Hamilton Dance

Ed Vollmer

Jango Radley

The Colgate 13

Pamme Swan

Colgate Resolutions

Shangri-La

Emily Powrie

Jeff Taylor

Scott Douglas Reu

Experimental Theater

The Swinging Gates

 Javi Diaz/Mark Shiner

Aquapod

 The Colgate Dischords

Eliza Gomez

Caitlin Grossjung

The Andrew Wylie Project Experience Band

Velle Phyre

Liz Barnett

Haiti Today: Eighteen days after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated the capital, Port-au-Prince, and left an estimated 200,000 people dead throughout the country, here's where things stand:

• Toussaint Louverture International Airport is accepting more than 160 rlief flights a day.
• There continues to be shortages of food, clean water, adequate shelter and latrines.
• Health officials are trying to stave off outbreaks of malaria, cholera and other sanitation related diseases.
• Gasoline has topped $12 a gallon.

By   Sat, Jan 30, 2010

Q. Is it possible to live forever? A. Maybe.

On Thursday evening, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Hamilton Theater presents the premiere of To Age or Not To Age, the ground breaking film that argues that science's ability to halt virtually all degenerative infirmities related to aging is here now, and that there is no reason why life expectancy shouldn't exponentially lengthen, beginning immediately.

After the screening, filmmaker Robert Kane Pappas will lead a panel discussion featuring three renowned experts in the field of molecular biology and aging: Dr. Leaonard Guarante from M.I.T., Aubrey de Gray from The Methuselah Foundation and Dr. Robert Butler, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Why Survive? and founding director of the National Institute on Aging.

The discussion will take place in New York's Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater. Audience members in Hamilton Theater will be able to participate by Twitter.

The average life span in 1900 was 42. By 2000, it was over 80. Scientific advances suggest not only that the life span will continue to expand, but it can happen now. The film pries open the complex politics, ethics and procedures of the scientific/medical establishments.

Tickets are $7.50 and may be purchased in advance at the theater or by phone at 824-8210. Seating may be limited.

By   Sat, Jan 30, 2010

Colgate's Upstate Institute is accepting applications from organizations interested in hosting an Upstate Institute Summer Field School Fellow during the summer of 2010. The Field School is a partnership between the Upstate Institute and nonprofit, government and community organizations.  Student Fellows undertake projects that will have a positive social, economic, cultural or environmental impact on the Upstate region and will allow organizations to increase their capacity.

Students complete projects for the organization by working full-time for 8-10 weeks during the summer.  In past years, students have conducted surveys, gathered data, developed training programs, worked with clients, participated in program development and written grants. Descriptions of projects done in past years are available on the Upstate Institute website, under the Field School section.

The Upstate Institute Summer Field School is a reflection of the mission of the Upstate Institute: to create linkages between Colgate University and the regional community to engage students, faculty, staff and residents in research and a reciprocal transfer of knowledge that will enhance the economic, social and cultural capacity of the area and sustain the environment.

Community, nonprofit and government organizations interested in hosting a Field School Fellow should complete a Field School Application and submit to the Upstate Institute by March 1, 2010. Applications are available on the Upstate Institute website. 

Contact Julie Dudrick at jdudrick@colgate.edu for further details.

By   Sat, Jan 30, 2010

by Barb Coger, Director of the Hamilton Public Library

Calling all teddy bear lovers! Visit “Bear-a-dise” on Thursday, Feb. 4 between 4:30 and 8 pm in Hamilton Public Library’s Community Room. There will be teddy bear music and treats for all, Beanie Baby bears for sale, and 25 cent raffle tickets for a china collector plate from the Lovable Teddies Plate Collection.

The quantity of bears is limited so come early. These plush bears have been generously donated by Doris Hill as a fundraiser for the library. Proceeds from the sale of the bears will be used to purchase children’s picture books for the library collection.

On Friday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., all are invited to attend a reception for artists whose work is currently featured in “Exceptional Art by Exceptional Artists”, the library’s newest exhibit. Among the exhibitors are local Heritage Farm artists. This exhibit will be available for viewing during regular library hours until mid March.

If you are looking for free help with your income taxes and qualify for either the VITA or RSVP tax assistance program, call the library, 824-3060, for more information.

The library is usually open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m, and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call the library for assistance during these hours.

The bookdrop at the Broad Street entrance is always open for your convenience.

By   Sat, Jan 30, 2010

The Colgate Bookstore will host a children’s program to celebrate Black History Month on Sat., February 6 at 2 p.m.  Student volunteers from Colgate’s Black Student Union (BSU) will lead a multi-cultural celebration of friendship and unity with stories and crafts that celebrate Black history and heritage.  This program is free, and all children are welcome, though it is mainly geared towards ages 3-7. 
 
Black History Month has been celebrated annually since 1976 as a remembrance of important people, events, and achievements in African-American history.  The bookstore’s program for children will feature a variety of stories, including:
 
Fishing Day by Andrea Davis Pinkney, a poignant story about race relations in the Jim Crow-era South, as two children cross the boundaries of race, class, and gender to hold on to the promise of friendship and understanding.   
 
Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, based on a South African lullaby and folk song.  A magician and his ukelele-playing son are banished because of the father’s habit of making things disappear.  But when the giant Abiyoyo appears, everyone is frightened except the father and son who come up with a plan to save the town. 
 
Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone by Fiona French is an original story, based on characters from Jamaican and African folk tales.  Rich Mr. Dry-Bone lives in a big house on top of a hill. Poor Anancy lives in a small house at the foot of the hill. They both want to marry Miss Louise, but she will only marry the man who can make her laugh.

For more information about bookstore children’s programs, please call 228-7480 or visit www.colgatebookstore.com and click on the Children’s Program link on the Events page. 

By   Sat, Jan 30, 2010

HCS students raised more than $1,500 for Haitian relief efforts recently.

Third grade students colored and sold Haitian flags, and raised $1,150. The high school' Almeda organization donated an addition $350 from the proceeds of its recent winter dance. The organization also donated $350 to the Hamilton Food Cupboard.

Rob Poznar is a third grade teacher and said this is just the latest charitable effort undertaken by elementary school students. He said tudents have, in the past, also raised money to preserve rainforest lands and have sponsored a student through Save The Children,

Liz Pils is president of Almeda and said, "It's such a terrible thing that happened, and any way we can help we are happy to do."

Photo: Third graders who were part of the funraising effort included (from left) Sam Williams, Amethyst Candir, Jessica Nicholas, Derek Philhower, Trevor Bollinger, Gretchen Clauss and Sophie Shiner.

By   Fri, Jan 29, 2010

Community Bikes is gearing up for a major bike giveaway this spring.  Now, the not for profit organization is in need of volunteers to help prepare the bikes, and work space to service, clean and store bikes.

"We hope to place up to 500 bikes this April with families in Madison County who can't afford them," said Coordinator Chuck Fox.  "I'm delighted to report that we have received nearly that many donated bikes to date.  Now, we need volunteers interested in helping to get them ready, and a heated space where volunteers can work."

Fox said that space generously donated previously for use by the bike project is no longer available. 

Individuals who have experience in basic servicing of bicycles, as well as those who would like to learn, are needed to thoroughly inspect each bike and make repairs as necessary.  Groups of 10 or more are needed to help clean and polish bikes.

"This is a great way for any organization interested in community service to make an important contribution," said Fox.  "It's easy.  Just call to schedule a 2 hour time period that is convenient for your group.  Individuals interested in helping to service bikes can simply let us know when they're available, and we'll work out a schedule that fits."

For information, to volunteer or to donate space, please call 824-8210.

--

In the photo: Members of the Colgate football team volunteered to clean bikes last summer.  Community Bikes seeks volunteers to help clean and service bikes, as well as work space.

By   Wed, Jan 27, 2010

FES Installations, Inc. of Madison is hosting a job fair at the Colgate Inn on
Feb 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The company expects to hire between 20 and 25 people because of expansion of their business. FES specializes in the design and installation of telecommunications platforms.

FES Installations, Inc. operated for 25 years as Falls Earth Station, Inc. before the sale of the cable television programming side of the business recently, according to a statement from the company. Today the company specializes in cabling, data networking, surveillance and access control systems.

Dianne Head said FES Installations is in need of qualified technicians and cable installers. She said the firm's recent appointment as an approved service provider for Honeywell requires the company to expand and hire cable installers, electronic technicians, account managers, and a warehouse/Inventory manager.

Head said applicants will be provided insight into the telecommunications industry, especially security solutions. Interviews will be conducted at the job fair.

By   Mon, Jan 25, 2010

The Village of Hamilton will feel a bit warmer for one weekend this winter, during what is being billed “Heat Up Hamilton,” a winter duathlon to be held Sunday, Feb. 21.

The unique event will feature a 6 kilometer cross country ski on the Seven Oaks Golf Course, followed by a 5 kilometer run through the Village of Hamilton. The idea is to get people out, doing something fun and active, while taking advantage of the winter weather, said event organizer Charlie Melichar.

Participants at all skill levels are encouraged to come out for the duathlon, either as individuals or as relay teams, to participate and also experience what Hamilton has to offer in terms of restaurants, shops, and lodging for those who want to make a weekend of it. A schedule of all events is available on the event website at www.heatuphamilton.com

Melichar and other event organizers believe that Hamilton has everything necessary to make for a great event, and it all begins with the beautiful natural surroundings. Hamilton’s location in the Chenango Valley provides views, and some climbs on the course, that will make this duathlon a memorable event for all. Why the duathlon format? It’s something different and will provide those who want to challenge themselves the opportunity to participate in both legs of the event and give individuals the chance to pair up with a friend to take on the course.

Plans continue to develop, and all information relative to the event, including duathlon details and registration, are being posted to www.heatuphamilton.com

By   Thu, Jan 21, 2010

The Partnership for Community Development will hold an open house from noon until 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Public Library on Feb. 3 to allow its consulting firm to gather citizen comments about the five-way intersection in the center of the business district.

"This is the first phase of the project and essentially, the real heart of the study," said PCD Managing Director, Roger Bauman. "It's all about working together as a community, so we need to hear from the community."

Lisa Nagle, of Elan Planning & Design, Inc,, the Saratoga Springs firm hired to conduct the study said, "The open house is our first opportunity to gather ideas from the public that will help shape the intersection improvements. As design professionals, we certainly have the capability to consider a wide variety of enhancements. If they are not addressing the concerns of the community, then we have missed the mark. By starting with this open house, we can ensure we are giving the people of Hamilton what they want and need."

The PCD approached the Village Board of Trustees requesting it be allowed to form a group to study the intersection in May of last year. In his proposal to the board, Bauman said the five-way intersection formed by Utica, Lebanon, Broad, Payne and Madison streets has what he called "three major deficiencies". According to Bauman, these are:

1.         Sense of Safety
Confusion exists for vehicular traffic.  Drivers making turns within the intersection are confused as where to stop and when to go.  Pedestrians face the same set of problems with the additional concern of crossing a very wide intersection before the traffic resumes in their direction.  Not only do these factors present a real potential safety problem, but contribute to an unsettling discomfort. It has been noted that few serious accidents have recently occurred at this intersection. While this may be the current situation, it would be irresponsible not to address this problem before a real tragedy occurs.

2.         Visual Impact
Often referred to as the "Sea of Asphalt", the Route 12-B intersection is the very core of the village. The wide expanse of asphalt, lack of tree coverage and lack of pedestrian-scale lighting all convey an unfriendly visual image and detracts from many of the charming aspects of the Village and the good work that has been done to date revitalizing many of the buildings and facades.

3.         Pedestrian Friendly
While it is evident that a pedestrian-friendly area must encompass both a sense of safety and a positive visual impact, there remain other factors that must be present. The intersection must be an area of social interaction which strengthens a sense of community, it must emphasize the uniqueness of Hamilton, and it must be lively projecting a feeling of vitality.

Regardless of what the community says and the consultants suggest, the ultimate decision on what -- if anything -- to do about Hamilton's five-way intersection will be made by the state Department of Transportation.

By   Wed, Jan 20, 2010

The Jane Austen Book Club will host a staged reading of the 1798 Elizabeth Inchbald play "Lover's Vows," on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Colgate Bookstore.  The parts will be read by members of the Jane Austen Book Club and the Syracuse Region of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and local volunteers. 

The reading is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be provided.

Volunteers are still needed to read several of the roles; please call 228-6944 if interested.

Best known for having been featured in the Jane Austen novel Mansfield Park, "Lover's Vows" was adapted by British playwright Elizabeth Inchbald from the German play Das Kind von Liebe ("Child of Love") by August von Kotzebue.  In spite of - or perhaps because of - the play's references to profligate behavior, an illegitimate child, and female forwardness, "Lover's Vows" was an immediate success when it premiered in Covent Garden in 1798.  However, the play had its critics, who objected to what they felt was the drama's moral ambiguity.

In Austen's novel Mansfield Park, members of the Bertram family (around whom the book is centered) are convinced by their friends to choose "Lover's Vows" to perform as a home theatrical.  Their preparations are interrupted, and their plans ultimately foiled, by the return of their disapproving patriarch, Sir Thomas Bertram, to the family home. 

For more information about the Jane Austen Book Club, contact the Colgate Bookstore at 228-7480.

By   Wed, Jan 20, 2010

First the bad news: HCS could lose 13.5 percent of its state aid -- a total of $538,302 -- if the state budget Gov. David Paterson proposed Tuesday is eventually approved by the legislature.

And, there is no good news.

Once again, HCS finds itself trying to find ways to cut its budget in response to fiscal problems in Albany. HCS Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers discussed the proposed cuts at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting. The cut was proposed earlier in the day as the governor announced his $134 billion budget for fiscal 2010-2011.

Paterson said the cuts are necessary to help reduce the $7.4 billion deficit facing New York State. The spending plan cuts overall aid to education by 5 percent, reportedly the largest such cut in more than 20 years.

Bowers said she and the board are just beginning budget discussions, but she expects there will 13.5 percent cuts in all of the district's various budgets.

The public will have the opportunity to join the discussion on the state aid cuts and the HCS budget at two coffees this month:

+ Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the school auditorium;

+ Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Also on Tuesday, the board held a special meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed cuts on the district's athletic program.

By   Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Local Issues Local Answers: Understanding and Dealing with Current Issues in Madison County is a three-part series offers information and statistics on community need in the areas of the economy, the environment, and education in Madison County.

Environment, February 25: Patients have long been advised to flush unused pharmaceuticals down the toilet; now trace amounts of drugs have began showing up in the nation's water supply. Van Bartlett, Lead Trainer, Environmental Training Center, Morrisville State College will explain how flushing drugs effect water quality. Mary Bartlett, Director, RSVP of Madison County discusses Madison County's ‘Safe Pill Drop-Off' program.

Economy, March 4: Karen Baase, Association Issue Leader of Cornell Cooperative Extension and Becca Jablonski, Program Director of the Madison County Agriculture Economic Development Program will discuss background information about agriculture and the economy in Madison County.

Education, March 11: Madison County has identified education needs in the area of adult literacy and social competencies for disadvantaged youth. Representatives from Madison County Reads Ahead,an adult literacy program, will present results of the Literacy Needs Assessment for Madison County and discuss the expansion of the literacy program into seven county libraries. Community Action Partnership's Youth Mentoring Program Director JoAnne Morak will discuss the community need for mentoring in Madison County.

The programs will meet from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

By   Wed, Jan 13, 2010

The Palace Theater has big plans for the coming months.

The Mad River Theater Works presents its touring production of The Jackie Robinson Story on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. In the summer of 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play major league baseball. Mad River Theater Works captures the events that shaped Robinson's character and the obstacles he overcame on his way to changing the face of our nation and our national pastime.

Also, meet Scooch, the Syracuse Chief's mascot for an autograph and photo. Enter your theater ticket in a free drawing to win one of two family-four packs to Cooperstown's National Baseball Hall of Fame.

On Saturday, March 13, the Great Lake's Production of Westside High School Reunion presents an entertaining evening with the zaniest group of alumni you'll ever meet-Principal Francis Baal, at high school since he was a teenager; Porter Thomas, a teacher who still thinks he has what it takes to entertain the women; Carolyn Tease Thomas, a woman who enjoys a cocktail now and now; the "Pink Petticoat Sorority Sisters"; Ruth Jackson a.k.a. Kenya who always shares her political beliefs; Dave Davidson, polished alumni running for office, and Bennett and Jerry, buddies since high school still trying to make a difference.

A buffet dinner is catered by the Colgate Inn and ticket price includes the show, dinner, dessert, coffee, tax and tip. A cash bar is separate. Cocktails start at 6pm.

The vaudeville comedy antics of Wells and Woodhead in Foolz arrive at the Palace Saturday, April 10, 3 p.m. Veterans of film, television and radio, Wells and Woodhead have performed for audiences on six continents. Foolz is a character driven amalgam of theater, music, comedy and juggling. 

Joseph Cashore presents his incredible Cashore Marionettes in Simple Gifts, Saturday, May 1 at 3 p.m. The internationally acclaimed Cashore Marionettes redefine the art of puppetry through the use of beautiful classical music, theatrical illusion and artistic insight.

After each show, audience members can meet all the actors at the free cast party for autographs and photos. Tickets are available by calling The Palace Theater. Group rates are available.

These shows are made possible with support from the The Banfi Vinters , Colgate Bookstore, Colgate Inn, Crowes Drugs, Hamilton Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Park City Builders, Ward Architects, Community Memorial Hospital, Dunn, Bruno and St Leger LLP, Mang Insurance, Mid York Press, Miles B. Marshall Inc, NBT, Porter Studios, Swank, Vantine Imaging, Madison County Courier, Sherburne News, and Wendt University Inn.

The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica Street.

Seating is general admission. Visit www.palacetheater.org or phone 824.1420 for more information or to order tickets today.

By   Sun, Jan 10, 2010

Colgate's Clifford Art Gallery and the Department of Art and Art History will host the exhibition Sorted Books, Nina Katchadourian, Jan. 18 to Feb. 28. The showing, which is free and open to the public, will feature an artist talk Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m. in Golden Auditorium of Little Hall, followed immediately by a reception.

Katchadourian’s work exists in a wide variety of media including photography, sculpture, video and sound. Her work has been exhibited domestically and internationally at places such as PS1/MoMA, the Serpentine Gallery, New Langton Arts, Artists Space, SculptureCenter, and the Palais de Tokyo.

In 2006 the Tang Museum organized a 10-year survey of her work with an accompanying monograph entitled All Forms of Attraction. She has also had solo exhibitions at the Turku Art Museum in Turku, Finland of works made in Finland in 2006, and recent video installations at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in 2008.

Katchadourian  received a BFA from Brown University and MFA from the University of California in San Diego. She lives and works in Brooklyn.

Located on the first floor of Little Hall, the Clifford Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on  weekends.

By   Sat, Jan 09, 2010

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to get smarter in 2010, Colgate's Lifelong Learning Problem has a variety of course offerings available. They include:

The Study of Religion
Distinct from Theology, "Religious Studies" takes a detached view in understanding the phenomenon of religion. Using lectures from the "Great Courses" series on the "Introduction to Religion" the course will examine some of the ways in which religion has been understood since the Enlightenment by such thinkers as; David Hume, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Sigmund Freud, Karl Jung, among others.
Date & Time: Mondays and Thursdays, January 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28,
from 3 - 4:30 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Dr. John Morris, former dean of the faculty and former
interim president of Colgate University

The Man Behind the Mural: Lee Brown Coye's Masterpiece
Tour the works of Lee Brown Coye's murals with Denise Leone for an in-depth perspective on the art works. Hamilton is home to numerous Coye works and this program will be a guided walking tour to view several of them.
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 13 from 4 – 5 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Denise Stillwaggon Leone

'Look-up!’ Biodiversity in the Rainforest Canopy
Dr. Catherine Cardelús, Colgate University, Department of Biology. Dr. Cardelús will discuss her research on the diversity of canopy plants along a 3000m elevation gradient in Costa Rica. Her lecture will explore the potential impacts of global warming and land-use change on the diversity on epiphytes in particular and lowland rainforest diversity in general. For more detail on this published research visit http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;322/5899/258
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 3 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room
Facilitator: Dr. Catherine Cardelús, Professor of Biology, Colgate
University

Legal and Financial Aspects Involved in Preparing for Long-term Care
This will be one session given by Michael St. Leger’s law firm, touching on the various considerations involved with preparing for illness, legal aspects thereof, and financial concerns. Wills, power of attorney, health directives, and ways to protect assets will be discussed.
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 10 from 5 – 6:30 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Michael St. Leger, Esq., from Dunn, Bruno, St. Leger, Attorneys, Oneida and Hamilton

Two Shakespearean Playhouses
Dr. Susan Cerasano, Edgar W. B. Fairchild Professor of Literature, Colgate University, English Department. This course will explore two playhouses with Shakespearean associations—the Rose (1587-1600) and the Globe (1600-1616)—by looking at evidence gathered from archaeology, performance history, theatre history, biography, and two plays that were probably written for the opening of the new Globe in 1600—Henry V and Julius Caesar.  Topics will include actors and acting companies, current archaeological findings related to the Rose, commercial contexts for the new “capitalist playhouses,” theatre owners and the theatrical account diary kept by the owner of the Rose, and the playwright’s profession.  There will be some lecture, but conversation will be very welcomed. Two books will be required for the course. These books are available at the Colgate Bookstore:

William Shakespeare, Henry V (ed. A. R. Braunmuller, the Pelican Shakespeare): Penguin Classics (1999), ISBN-10: 0140714588, ISBN-13: 978-0140714586

William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (ed. Paul Werstine and Barbara Mowat,
the Folger Shakespeare): Simon & Schuster (2005), ISBN-10: 0743484932,
ISBN-13: 978-0743484930
Date & Time: Wednesdays, February 17, 24 and March 3, 10, 24 and 31 from 3 - 4:30 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Dr. Susan Cerasano, Edgar W. B. Fairchild Professor of Literature, Colgate University

Local Issues Local Answers: Understanding and Dealing with Current Issues in Madison County
This three part series offers information and statistics on community need in the areas of the economy, the environment, and education in Madison County.

Environment, February 25: Patients have long been advised to flush unused pharmaceuticals down the toilet; now trace amounts of drugs have began showing up in the nation’s water supply.  Van Bartlett, Lead Trainer, Environmental Training Center, Morrisville State College will explain how flushing drugs effect water quality.  Mary Bartlett, Director, RSVP of Madison County discusses Madison County’s ‘Safe Pill Drop-Off’ program.

Economy, March 4: Karen Baase, Association Issue Leader of Cornell Cooperative Extension and Becca Jablonski, Program Director of the Madison County Agriculture Economic Development Program will discuss background information about agriculture and the economy in Madison County.

Education, March 11: Madison County has identified education needs in the area of adult literacy and social competencies for disadvantaged youth. Representatives from Madison County Reads Ahead,an adult literacy program, will present results of the Literacy Needs Assessment for Madison County and discuss the expansion of the literacy program into seven county libraries. Community Action Partnership’s Youth Mentoring Program Director JoAnne Morak will discuss the community need for mentoring in Madison County.
Date & Time: Thursdays, February 25, March 4 and 11 from 4 -5:30 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Mary Bartlett, Director RSVP of Madison County

Inside Autism
Autism is becoming more prevalent and schools and communities are working hard to provide the best adaptations for those children who have that diagnosis. But what is it? Come and find out what is going on inside the mind of a person with autism: the differences in brain development that causes the profile that we see. We will also explore the simple but effective modifications that allow people with autism to learn. Janet O’Flynn is a pediatric occupational therapist presently working for Madison-Oneida BOCES in Oneida and Vernon. She has worked with the autism support team in Vineyard Haven MA and has studied autism as part of her Masters in Early Childhood Special Education in Syracuse.
Date & Time: Saturdays, February 27, March 6 and 13 from 10 - 11:30 am
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Janet O’Flynn

Meditation as Medicine – Advanced Series
This will be an advanced, continuation of last semester’s session*. The daily practice of meditation has been demonstrated to promote healing on many levels.  Enhanced awareness of our bodies, our minds, our breath and our symptoms enables us to find ways to self-heal. Mark J. Sicherman, MD is a physician and psychotherapist and has been studying and teaching meditation for over 30 years. NOTE: Please do not eat directly before the class.
*Please email LLP@colgate.edu if you did not attend the fall session but are interested in learning meditation.
Date & Time: Mondays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, from 5 – 6 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Mark J. Sicherman, MD

Picker Art Gallery Exhibition: Broadcast
Curator Joachim Homann PhD, will join us and present Broadcast. Organized by Independent Curators International and the Baltimore Museum of Contemporary Art, Broadcast explores the ways in which artists since the late 1960s have engaged with, critiqued, and inserted themselves into official channels of broadcast television and radio. By co-opting the sounds, images, and presentation strategies of our culture’s dominant forms of mass media, they reveal the mechanisms and power structures of broadcasting systems, and challenge their authority and influence. For more information visit http://picker.colgate.edu
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 9, from 4 – 5:30 pm
Location: Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University
Facilitator: Dr. Joachim Homann, curator, Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University

The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima: Some Retrospective Judgments
Dr. Andrew Rotter, Colgate University, Department of History. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, was one of the pivotal events in human history.  Debate still rages over key issues.  Why was the bomb used?  Was the bombing--and the bombing of Nagasaki, three days later -- necessary to end the war against Japan?  Did the atomic bomb cross a moral threshhold because of its special destructiveness?  This lecture will consider these and other questions, and invite the audience to help answer them.
Date & Time: Thursday, March 25 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room
Facilitator: Dr. Andrew Rotter, Professor of History, Colgate University

Sustainability Part 2: Globally, In Practice, In Our Everyday Lives
John Pumilio, Colgate University’s Sustainability Coordinator, will present his second lecture on the global scenario of sustainability. He will focus on sustainability in practice using Colgate as an example, as well as sustainability in our daily lives and how to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. He will include a brief refresher from his fall session; therefore you need not have attended Part 1.
Date & Time: Thursday, April 1, from 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor
Facilitator: John Pumilio, Sustainability Coordinator, Colgate University

Lyme and Tick Borne Disease, an Emerging National Epidemic
Lyme disease is an emerging national epidemic, with reported cases rising by 78% in 2008. New York State has been near the top of this list for reported cases and we are now experiencing a rapid rise in Central NYS of this difficult illness. Harvey Kliman will discuss the etiology of Lyme disease, the spirochetes that cause it, diagnosis and treatment as well as ways to limit one’s risk of getting it. Debbie Kliman will discuss the manifestation and effects of Lyme on children. Harvey and Debbie founded the non-profit Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. Debbie also has published several articles on children and Lyme as well as treating children in her practice as a clinical psychologist.
Date & Time: Wednesdays, April 7 and 14 from 4 - 6 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitators: Harvey L. Kliman, Ph.D. and Debbie Kliman, Ed.D.

Reading the Hebrew Bible in America
This course focuses on the ways that the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) gets read and used in American culture and politics.  We will look at what the Bible says (or doesn't say) about a range of issues, from the role of women to the death penalty to stem cell research.
Date & Time: Thursdays April 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1 – 3 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Dr. Lesleigh Cushing, Professor of Religion, Colgate University

Golf, the Game of Life
This class will be an approach to improving your golf game or other game skills as well as looking at ways to revisit how your life is unfolding. The book, Golf: The Game of Life, by Arthur Rashap (Colgate class of ’58) is recommended. For discount copies of the book prior to the class contact Arthur Rashap at arthur.rashap@gmail.com
Date & Time: Saturdays in April 10, 17, 24 from 10 – 11:30 am
Location: Wooster Room, 1st Floor Huntington Gym, Colgate University Campus
Facilitator: Arthur Rashap, J.D.

Picker Art Gallery Exhibition: Underhill/Weston Photography Show
Curator Joachim Homann PhD, will present two shows: Landscape Close-up: Photographs from Brett Weston Archive and Faculty Focus: Linn Underhill.  For more information visit http://picker.colgate.edu Landscape Close-up: Photographs from Brett Weston Archive: Brett Weston (1911-1993), son and apprentice of Edward Weston, developed his own photographic vision by combining close-ups with strong black and white contrasts, reducing his subjects to pure form. Although he traveled to and
photographed in locations around the world, Weston, in later years, was most attached to the landscapes of Hawaii. Faculty Focus: Linn Underhill: Linn Underhill (b. 1936), photographer and associate professor of art and art history at Colgate University, has won critical acclaim for her series of portraits and self-portraits that investigate femininity, social roles, and the process of aging.
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 4, from 4 – 5:30 pm
Location: Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University
Facilitator: Dr. Joachim Homann, curator, Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University

Ruling the World 2010: Congressional Republicans vs. Obama Democrats
American leadership rules the world primarily because of its economic competitiveness and political influence. With the decline of our economy and rise of partisan politics, our world leadership is threatened. Control of Congress has a great deal to do with both. What should advocates of American leadership do about the upcoming 2010 elections? Dick Cheshire PhD is a retired college president, professor, and development officer who is a regular teaching leadership classes for Colgate LLP.
Date & Time: Wednesdays, May 12, 19, 26 from 4 - 5:30 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library
Facilitator: Dick Cheshire, Ph.D.

By   Fri, Jan 08, 2010

Rehearsals are under way for the HCS Masquers' production of Into The Woods, the Stephen Sondheim musical inspired by Bruno Bettelheim's book, The Uses of Enchantment. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, March 26 and 27.

The musical follows several fairy tale characters including Little Red Ridinghood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella. They are linked by another story about a baker and his wife and desire to start a family.

Into the Woods debuted on Broadway in 1987 and won several Tony awards. There was a revival of it in 2002.

Donna Moren directs. The cast includes:

The Baker – Josh Valencia

The Baker's Wife – Phoebe Rotter

     Understudy – Alisa Babcock

Cinderella – Dana Bowers

     Understudy – Sarah Markowski

Cinderella's Mother – Emily Powrie

Cinderella’s Stepmother – Alisa Babcock

Florinda, Cinderella's stepsister – Kayla Landis

Lucinda, Cinderella's stepsister – Charley Todd

Understudies for Stepsisters and Stepmother – Hannah Parfitt, Corilynn
Coye, Liz Pils

Cinderella’s Father – Mike Jones

Steward – Andrew Powrie

Jack – Blaine Holcomb

Jack's Mother – Keslie Nolen

Understudy – Kayla Landis

Little Red Riding Hood – Samantha Martin

Understudy – Gwynnie Davies

Granny – Gwynnie Davies

Narrator/Mysterious Man –  David Schutt

The Witch – Alana Graber

Understudy - Charley Todd

Rapunzel – Sarah Markowski

Understudy – Emily Powrie

Rapunzel's Prince – Phil Douchinsky

Cinderella's Prince/Wolf – Kinnon Nolan-Finkle

Snow White – Hannah Parfitt

Sleeping Beauty – Corilynn Coye

Understudy for male roles – Brock Penny

Each member of the chorus has been assigned a character from Grimm’s
Fairy Tales.

Christian Andrzejek – Hansel          

Helen Judge – Gretel
     
Tom Bodnar -  Huntsman                            

Ashley Crowell – Rose Red                     

Trista Evans – Little Red Cap                    

Hannah Farrell – The Hare’s Bride                 

Hannah Freeman – Briar Rose

Dillon Head – Rumplestiltskin

Elizabeth Hodge – Black Princess

Eliza Nolen – Black Princess

Hannah Sorosky – Black Princess
        
Nicolle Holcomb – The Queen Bee

Maddy Lemal – Brown – Peasant’s Wise Daughter

Annie Noens – Bremen Town Musician

Elizabeth Williams – Bremen Town Musician

MC Noens – Goose Girl

Tara Rebuck – The Shepardess

Jenna Schell – The White Bride

Danielle Capirci – Spinner

Skye Rose – A Dancing Princess

Kaylin Broadwell – Dancing Princess
musical based on the Grim Brothers' fairy tales.

The Baker – Josh Valencia

The Baker's Wife – Phoebe Rotter

     Understudy – Alisa Babcock

Cinderella – Dana Bowers

     Understudy – Sarah Markowski

Cinderella's Mother – Emily Powrie

Cinderella’s Stepmother – Alisa Babcock

Florinda, Cinderella's stepsister – Kayla Landis

Lucinda, Cinderella's stepsister – Charley Todd

   Understudies for Stepsisters and Stepmother – Hannah Parfitt, Corilynn
Coye and Liz Pils

Cinderella’s Father – Mike Jones

Steward – Andrew Powrie

Jack – Blaine Holcomb

Jack's Mother – Keslie Nolen

  Understudy – Kayla Landis

Little Red Riding Hood – Samantha Martin

  Understudy – Gwynnie Davies

Granny – Gwynnie Davies

Narrator/Mysterious Man –  David Schutt

The Witch – Alana Graber

  Understudy - Charley Todd

Rapunzel – Sarah Markowski

  Understudy – Emily Powrie

Rapunzel's Prince – Phil Douchinsky

Cinderella's Prince/Wolf – Kinnon Nolan-Finkle

Snow White – Hannah Parfitt

Sleeping Beauty – Corilynn Coye

  Understudy for male roles – Brock Penny

The chorus has been assigned a character from Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Christian Andrzejek – Hansel          

Helen Judge – Gretel
     
Tom Bodnar -  Huntsman                            

Ashley Crowell – Rose Red                     

Trista Evans – Little Red Cap                    

Hannah Farrell – The Hare’s Bride                 

Hannah Freeman – Briar Rose

Dillon Head – Rumplestiltskin

Elizabeth Hodge – Black Princess

Eliza Nolen – Black Princess

Hannah Sorosky – Black Princess

Liz Pils – Sleeping Beauty’s Fairy                        

Nicolle Holcomb – The Queen Bee

Maddy Lemal – Brown – Peasant’s Wise Daughter

Annie Noens – Bremen Town Musician

Elizabeth Williams – Bremen Town Musician

MC Noens – Goose Girl

Tara Rebuck – The Shepardess

Jenna Schell – The White Bride

Danielle Capirci – Spinner

Skye Rose – A Dancing Princess

Kaylin Broadwell – Dancing Princess

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Partnership for Community Development (PCD) is accepting applications for grants for local businesses seeking funds for a project that will stimulate new business.

Interested existing businesses can now contact Jill Smith at 825-3537 or jillsmith@twcny.rr.com request information and an application.

Funds for the Micro-Assistance Grants were awarded to the PCD in June by the Madison County Industrial Development Agency in response to a need for local small businesses, with limited financial resources, to obtain financial assistance for business improvements.

The grants are meant to assist existing for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLC or sole proprietorships seeking funds for a project that will stimulate new business. Specifically, the PCD will reward qualified applicants with funding of 75 percent for a particular project. The remaining 25 percent will be expected to be paid by the applicant.

A minimum grant will be $750 for a $1000 project and the maximum amount will be $4,500 for a $6,000 project.

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Ho Tung Visualization Lab at Colgate kicks off the Fall semester with Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m.

Admission is free. Space is limited so reservations recommended. RSVP online at www.colgate.edu/vislab/ and click on the Saturn poster to reserve your seat or call 228-6125.

Once a planet of great mystery, now we know more than ever before about Saturn's amazing system of rings, moons, and storms thanks to modern robotic space pioneers. From its bizarre moons with mysterious features, to the millions of icy particles that compose the enigmatic rings, this is the three-dimensional tour of the Saturnian system that goes beyond the CG experience - It's like flying piggyback on the Cassini spacecraft.

The Ho Tung Visualization Lab is located on the Colgate Campus in the Ho Science Center, room 401. Each show is one hour in length which includes a tour of our night sky.

The lab also provide free shows & science programs to school groups.

Contact Joe Eakin for more details at 228-6125.

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

Colgate's new President, Jeffrey Herbst, is the next speaker at the Hamilton Forum Thursday at 7p.m. in the Green Room of the Colgate Inn.

Herbst comes to Colgate after serving for five years as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Miami University in Ohio.

During the forum Herbst will discuss why he decided to accept the offer to serve as Colgate's 16th president, how his background prepares him for this position, his first impressions of Colgate and Hamilton, the university/community partnership, his vision for Colgate and future plans, trends in higher education and the impact on Colgate.

Following his talk, Herbst will take questions and discussion with community members.

The Hamilton Forum is sponsored by the Hamilton Rotary Club.

By   Sat, Aug 28, 2010

The Hamilton Public Library's annual Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held Friday, Sept.3, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There are thousands of books for all ages on all topics, plus gently used videos, DVDs, and CDs available. Adult books will be in the library's Community Room, children's materials will be in the Story Room, and the back hallway between the two rooms will be full of the media materials.

Most items can be purchased for fifty cents to a dollar each. There will be a select group of books marked a bit higher. These items are all in good to excellent condition.

Source: Hamilton Public Library

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Paul Oil has been in business for 75 years and today celebrated that milestone with a public picnic on the village green.

Along with food and giveaways, there were prize drawings and, of course, a birthday cake.

The company was founded by Robert Paul, who died earlier this year.

By   Sat, Aug 21, 2010

Colgate hosts Francis Cape's Behind the Levees, an exhibition that brings together for the first time several bodies of work that center around the artist's ongoing engagement with post-Katrina New Orleans. It will be on display from Aug. 29 to Oct. 10 at the Clifford Gallery.

The artist presents a lecture Sept. 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the Golden Auditorium.

Spanning five years, the exhibition begins with "Waterline" an installation of framed photographs taken on a 2 1/2 hour walk through the city on November 6, 2005, just two months after the hurricane, and concludes with two new gulf oil spill pieces created specially for the Clifford Gallery.

This project and exhibition as a whole, is a proposition: how can we re-imagine forms and models of production in response both to historical precedent and current disaster. Cape onsiders a host of difficult issues relating not just to New Orleans but to a general cycle of American production and consumption, and to the legacy of modernist debates surrounding utility and ornamentation, social idealism and mass consumerism.

Cape apprenticed with master carver Dick Reid before receiving his MFA in 1991 from Goldsmiths College, London. In 1993 he moved to the U.S. and now lives and works in Narrowsburg.

He has exhibited at the U.S. Biennial, Propsect 1, New Orleans; the St. Louis Art Museum; P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, NY; The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield, CT; the Public Art Fund, NY; and Murray Guy, New York.

He was the recipient of a Louis Comfort Tiffany Award in 2001, and of a Henry and Natalie E. Freund Fellowship in 2003. Cape was appointed critic in sculpture at Yale in 2009.

In addition, on Oct. 6 Dan Cameron will present a lecture at 430 pm, Golden Auditorium in Little Hall.

Cameron is founder and artistic director of U.S. Biennial, Inc, which produces Prospect New Orleans, a new international biennial whose first edition opened in November 2008 at multiple sites around the city. Since 2007 Cameron has also served as director of visual arts for the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans.

For further information contact: DeWitt Godfrey, dgodfrey@mail.colgate.edu

By   Thu, Aug 19, 2010

Colgate's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is inviting students, athletes, fans and friends to the annual " Outdoor Movie Night" which will take place on TUESDAY at 9 p.m. at Andy Kerr Stadium. It had been scheduled for Monday, but is postposed because of rain Sunday and today.

The movie that will be shown is "Major League," a comedy starring Charlie Sheen and Wesley Snipes. It will be displayed on the Daktronics high definition 160 X 280 foot screen in the stadium. Parents, please be advised that this is an R rated movie.

Produced in 1989, the comedy is about a new owner who tries to get her MLB team, the Cleveland Indians, to move to the warmer climate of Miami. The only problem is that she needs to get the game attendance to drop, which she hopes to do by assembling a team filled with misfits and has-beens.

Admission to the event is free, and pizza, soda and snacks will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

For more information about the event, please contact Shaun Richard at srichard@colgate.edu.

By   Thu, Aug 19, 2010

By   Wed, Aug 18, 2010

Timothy Mansfield has been named Colgate's associate vice president for alumni affairs.

Mansfield, who has served Colgate as director of alumni affairs since December 2008, will assume full responsibility for alumni affairs operations on June 1, 2011. At that time the alumni affairs department will report to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The promotion was announced as RuthAnn Loveless, vice president for alumni affairs, prepares to retire at the end of the 2010-2011 academic year, after 26 years at Colgate.

Mansfield joined Colgate in 2001. He has led efforts in residential life and leadership development, and from 2006-2008 he served as assistant dean of students and director of Greek life. He earned a bachelor's degree from LeMoyne College and a master of education from Providence College.

"Alumni and parent engagement are key elements to securing a healthy future for the university, both for the financial support that these groups provide and for the continued development of one of our most valuable resources -- the Colgate alumni network," said President Jeffrey Herbst. "Combining these two areas under one vice president reflects best practice in the area of alumni engagement, and I am fully confident that the union of alumni relations and advancement is the right organization for Colgate."

Source: Colgate

By   Wed, Aug 18, 2010

It was a perfect night for Hamilton's weekly cruise in on East Broad Street. The event drew a number of cars and even more spectators.

By   Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The man who threatened suicide on the Colgate campus Tuesday afternoon was involved in a high-profile fatal accident six years ago involving a youngster getting off a Stockbridge Valley Central Schools bus in the Town of Smithfield.

David Bennett was 17 at the time of the accident that killed 8-year-old Mallory Eddy on May 22, 2004. He lived in Oneida. Bennett was charged with first degree reckless endangerment, but was acquitted in a non-jury trial two years later.

His identity was confirmed by people familiar with Tuesday's incident.

On Tuesday, Bennett sat in his car on the turnout next to the Oak Drive on campus and threatened suicide. Police at the scene say Bennett had a gun.

The incident began about 12:30 p.m. and was resolved without incident about three hours later.

Hamilton Police were joined by numerous State Police, Madison County Sheriff's deputies including the K-9 unit, members of the Morrisville State College police and Colgate Campus Safety officers.

According to reports at the time, on May 22, 2004 Bennett, then 17, was driving a 1989 Ford Tempo when he was traveling west on Peterboro Road. After descending a hill, Bennett came upon a Stockbridge Valley Central Schools bus stopped in the road. The bus had its warning lights on and car was stopped behind the bus.

Bennett tried to stop behind the bus, but the brakes on the car are said to have failed. He attempted to avoid a collision by driving to the right of the bus on the shoulder of the road, but struck Mallory Eddy as she stepped off the bus. The car continued about another 80 feet past the bus.

State Police have not released any details about Tuesday's incident and if Bennett faces any charges.

By   Thu, Aug 12, 2010

A large house on 12B North in the Town of Madison near the Wendt University Inn was used by numerous local fire departments for training gave its last lesson last night.

The house, recently acquired by Wesley Wendt, burned. The house at 2295 Rte 12B was engulfed in flames when the Hamilton Fire Department arrived. The call was received at 11:15 p.m. It took about an hour to extinguish.

Assistant Fire Chief Richard Holcomb said the department not been at the house for training in the past three months. The house previously was owned by Damien Croyle, who allowed the fire departments to sue it for training purposes.

Excavation work had been going on at the property recently.

Chief Ross Hoham said the Hamilton Fire Department was assisted by the Madison Fire Department and Madison Ambulance at the scene.  The Earlville Fire Department covered Hamilton’s response area with a stand-by crew in Hamilton. 

Hoham said there were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

By   Thu, Aug 12, 2010

(Editor's Note: This message from Charlotte Johnson, vice president and dean of the college, and Bill Ferguson, director of campus safety, was sent Tuesday to the Colgate community.)

We would like to provide you with more information about the emergency situation that occurred on campus earlier today. An individual inside a car near the Oak Drive entrance to campus attempted to harm himself, which made it necessary for local law enforcement officials to surround the car in order to contain the situation. The individual was not a member of the Colgate community, and the situation was resolved peacefully.

Though law enforcement officials expected the emergency to be contained to Oak Drive, as a precaution we advised faculty, staff, and students to remain in their buildings until the situation was resolved. In addition, all entrances to campus were closed.

The university's emergency response plan includes a number of communications tools to inform the campus community quickly and effectively prior to, during, and following an emergency. Today, we utilized the Campus Alert email system, as well as the Informacast recorded message system over campus telephones.

We appreciate the cooperation and patience of all those present on campus during this emergency. That cooperation helped to ensure the safety of community members as law enforcement worked to resolve the situation.

Per our protocol, we will be reviewing and evaluating our response to today's events as we work to refine our emergency protocols and procedures.

As you may be aware, on Thursday at 12:15 p.m., we are scheduled to test our outdoor emergency alert system. That protocol would not have been utilized for today's incident.

Source: Colgate

By   Wed, Aug 11, 2010

A Hamilton woman recently graduated as a leader from a national volunteer organization.

Elisabeth Steward was one of 26 team leaders who guided 230 members of AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) during 10 months of full-time service to communities in need. She graduated last week after a year of service.

Steward spent most of her year working on program support, with a focus on training and service learning. She also led a team of about 10 members on an eight-week project with Crown King Fire District in Crown King, Ariz. NCCC volunteers assist with disaster relief, improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, and address unmet human needs.

Steward's class responded to 11 disaster callouts nationwide this year in partnership with the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the United States Forest Service. AmeriCorps NCCC certifies all its members in disaster relief, and has responded to every national disaster since the program began in 1994.

There are four other NCCC campuses located in Perry Point, Md.; Vicksburg, Miss.; Vinton, Iowa, and Sacramento, Calif., Each is a hub for its respective area of the country, though teams travel to other regions for disaster relief projects.

Before joining the NCCC, Steward graduated from HCS and Saint Michael's College. She is the daughter of. Kathy and Dr. Gary Steward.

Source: NCCC

By   Tue, Aug 10, 2010

The Jubilation! Women’s Vocal Ensemble is actively recruiting new members. There are no auditions, and the group is open to adding women singers of any age who:

• have had some choral experience and can read music a little, even if it’s been a while. Sight-singing is not required.
• have a desire to embrace the goals of the organization.
• are willing to commit the required time and personal energy to ensure the success of the group.
•  will attend rehearsals 7:30–9:00 pm Tuesday evenings—September through mid-December, and mid-January through mid-May.

Jubilation! was founded in 2007 for women who love choral singing. Its members hail from throughout the area, including Hamilton, Waterville, Munnsville, Pitcher and Remsen.

The group donates a portion of their concert proceeds to deserving organizations.

Interested women are invited to visit the first fall rehearsal on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Park United Methodist Church.

Contact director Jeanne Smith Rashap at 228-2096 for more information.

By   Tue, Aug 10, 2010

Another year of the Lifelong Learning Program is about to begin.

Potential participants can find out about classes and costs at the second annual information reception for the Lifelong Learning Program. The reception will be held Sept. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Colgate Inn.

Open to all, the Lifelong Learning Program offers courses, classes, lectures, and events that respond to community interest. The non-credit program is organized by community members and sponsored by Colgate's Upstate Institute.

Courses offered this year are:

Living Down Under: Australia Study Group 2009

Experiencing life Down Under on the Australia Environmental Studies Study Abroad trip was an unparalleled experience of nature, culture, and fun. From learning of traditional Aboriginal practices in the bush to scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia's rich environment and history was demonstrated through firsthand experiences. With pictures and stories, Australia's beautiful landscapes and culture will be explored as well as a brief outline on the history of Aboriginal heritage culture within a European context. New Zealand will also be briefly covered through a nine-day, 2800-kilometer journey through the North and South islands. Amanda Fernley is a senior, majoring in Environmental Economics and Geography.

Date & Time: Sunday, September 19, 26 and October 3 from 2:30 - 4 pm

Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room

Facilitator: Amanda Fernly, Colgate University Class of '11

Life Lessons from the Oldest Old
How can one live to old age, stay at home, and continue to lead a meaningful life? How can communities support aging populations? Professor Loe will share what she has found in her three-year research project on Upstate New Yorkers, age 85 and over, who are living at home and making it work. These interactive sessions will consider these and other questions related to the sociology of aging, and invite the audience to help in answering them.

Date & Time: Tuesdays, September 14, 21, and 28 from 10 - 11:30 am

Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room

Facilitator: Dr. Meika Loe, Department of Sociology, Colgate University

Walk in the Woods

Robert Beyfuss, Cornell Agricultural Extension specialist, and one of America's top experts on growing ginseng and other forest crops, will lead a tour around the walking paths behind Madison Lane Apartments to help identify special plants, edible plants, and discuss how to make your own woods a place for planting ginseng and other valuable crops.

Date & Time: Friday, September 17 at 2 pm

Location: Meet at the beginning of path in the parking lot adjacent to Madison Lane Apartments Building 5

Facilitator: Robert Beyfuss

Natural Gas Development in New York: Geological Background, Economic Potential and Environmental Impacts of an Expanding Industry in the Upstate Region

Natural gas is in increasing demand as a replacement for more carbon-intensive fossil fuels such as coal. Natural gas is found in subsurface reservoir rocks in the Appalachian Basin, and here in central New York there has been increasing development activity over the last 10 years. This development has given rise to controversy over the possible negative environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to free natural gas from otherwise tight shale reservoirs in the deep subsurface. This class will examine the geological origins of natural gas and associated hydrocarbons, the information used to assess reservoir potential, exploration and development methodologies, economic potential and environmental concerns.

Date & Time: Thursdays, September 23, 30, October 7, 14 from 4 - 5:30 pm

Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room

Facilitator: Dr. Bruce Selleck, Department of Geology, Colgate University

Book Discussion: Super-Charged Retirement: Ditch the Rocking Chair, Trash the Remote, and Do What You Love

Ditch the rocking chair, trash the remote, and do what you love. Retired? Thinking of retirement? This course is for you. This seminar will challenge your assumptions about retirement and assist you in realizing your dreams at this stage of life. Nancy Roberts and Arthur Rashap are local residents who feel Mary Lloyd's book has something to offer to juice up your life and refocus your sense of what's possible. Please purchase and read the book Super-Charged Retirement: Ditch the Rocking Chair, Trash the Remote, and Do What You Love by Mary Lloyd. Book is available at the Colgate Bookstore (20% discount for LLP members).

Date & Time: Mondays, October 11, 25 and November 8 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Location: Hamilton Public Library

Facilitator: Nancy Roberts and Arthur Rashap

Book Discussion: Cosmopolitanism

We will read and discuss the book "Cosmopolitanism" by Kwame Anthony Appiah. This book, sent to all incoming freshman at Colgate, examines the way in which we can define our moral responsibilities in a world in which there are so many disparate moralities, religions and cultures. Book is available at the Colgate Bookstore (20% discount for LLP members).

Date & Time: Tuesdays, October 12, 19, and 26th from 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room

Facilitator: Dr. John Morris

Is America's National Security Strategy Really Shameless?

The new U.S. National Security Strategy has been called banal and shameless by critics. We will address whether America is actually safer today from terrorist attack, military defeat, financial collapse, mass epidemic, environmental disaster, educational ignorance, government implosion or aging infrastructure and how much they matter to national security.

Date & Time: Wednesdays, October 13, 20, 27 from 3 - 4 pm.

Location: Hamilton Public Library

Facilitator: Richard D. Cheshire, Ph.D.

Reaching and Teaching Kids with Autism

This is a follow-up to Inside Autism class, Spring 2010. After a brief review, each class will address an aspect of learning for children with autism. The first class will address sensory processing, the second class will discuss communication and the third class will discuss social skill learning.

Date & Time: Saturdays, October 23, 30 and November 6 from 10 -11:30 am

Location: Hamilton Public Library

Facilitator: Janet O'Flynn, MS, OTRIL

Economics of Immigration

Immigration has significantly affected the US labor market during the last few decades. Foreign workers comprised about 6% of the US labor force in 1960, but over 14% in 2004. Much of this increase has been driven by a rise in the supply of foreign workers with low levels of formal schooling. Though trends are clear, economists disagree about the economic consequences of immigration. This class will discuss many of immigration's potential economic effects, highlighting areas of continued debate.

Date & Time: Thursday, October 21 from 3 - 5 pm at the Colgate Bookstore

Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room

Facilitator: Dr. Chad Sparber, Professor of Economics, Colgate University

Christianity and Science

This class will be an exploration of the way in which Science and the Christian religion have interacted over the years. We also will explore such questions as: "Must Christianity and Science always be at war with each other?" And "Are there ways in which Science and Christianity can be compatible?" John Morris was Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Colgate and also served as Dean of the Faculty and Provost before becoming President at Union College, Schenectady, NY. Now retired, he resides in Hamilton.

Date & Time: Thursdays, October 28, November 4, 11, 18 from 3:30 - 5 pm

Location: Hamilton Public Library

Facilitator: Dr. John Morris

Jazz

Interested in Jazz but always felt you needed to "understand" it in order to appreciate it? Don't be intimidated. A crash course in Jazz appreciation will be offered here. With toes tappin' and heads bobbin' we'll chronologically explore Ragtime, Traditional Jazz, Swing, Bebop, Hard Bop and beyond. We'll hear the sounds and learn some history of one of America's greatest artistic contributions to the world; Jazz. Kara Rusch has written about and worked in the music business (specializing in Jazz) since 1985. She writes a column about music and life called "Slim's Spins" for Cadence Magazine and Co-hosts a Jazz radio show on WRCU with Michael Coyle. She also has provided over 300 pieces of original art for album covers on the CIMP label.

Date & Time: Wednesdays, November 3, 10, 17 from 3:30 - 5 pm

Location: Colgate Bookstore, 3rd Floor Community Room

Facilitator: Kara Rusch

History of Hamilton

This class will discuss the local history of Hamilton, New York. There will be a slide show presentation of the history of Hamilton.

Date & Time: Tuesday, November 2 from 3 - 4:30 pm

Location: Madison Lane Apartments, Community Room, Building 2-3

Facilitator: Joan Prindle

Genealogy

Genealogy Basics is intended to provide fundamental information on the procedures and problems, the joys and nightmares, and the variety of resources available for researching a family history. The seminar is designed to be a casual and interactive combination of lecture, hands-on experiences, and discussion. Hand-outs will be provided. Libby Smith holds a MLS from SUNY Geneseo and has 40+ years doing research for school, legal, medical, corporate, and genealogy clients. She has traveled extensively in Northeast tracing ancestors including "walking" cemeteries.

Date & Time: Tuesdays, November 16 and 30 from 3 - 5 pm

Location: Hamilton Public Library

Facilitator: Libby Smith, MLS

To encourage more people to sample the Lifelong Learning Program, participants may opt to pay for a single course. Fees will be based on the number of sessions in the course or events: $5 per session, paid in full before the first session (no refunds). Introductory payments can be credited toward a full year's membership fee of $30.

For more information about the Lifelong Learning Program visit http://upstate.colgate.edu/llp or contact by email at LLP@colgate.edu or by phone at 228-6623

By   Thu, Aug 05, 2010

The Hamilton Theater takes a trip down memory lane Sunday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. with An Evening of Silent Film, featuring the 1928 comedy classic The Cameraman starring Buster Keaton, along with the 1921 Keaton short The Play House. Admission is $7.75.

"Families that have not had the pleasure of enjoying silent film are in for a treat," said Hamilton Theater's Chuck Fox. "Keaton's comedy is as entertaining for families today as it was for those who enjoyed Keaton films in the Hamilton Theater in the 1920s."

Live accompaniment on keyboard and fascinating insights into the silent film era will once again be provided by Ben Model, silent film historian and host of the Silent Clown Film Series in New York.

The Cameraman is one of Keaton's best. "Even by Buster Keaton's high standards, this is one of his most entertaining and most imaginative movies," said Variety. "A film for everyone!" After becoming infatuated with a pretty office worker at MGM, Buster grabs a movie camera and sets out to impress the girl- and MGM. The Play House is one of the most creative of all short comedic films.

An Evening of Silent Film is sponsored by Vantine Imaging and LB Homewood Construction.

For tickets and information, contact Hamilton Theater at 315-824-8210. Hamilton Theater is a member of The League of Historic American Theaters.

Photo Caption: Ben Model, here with Hamilton Theater's Henry O'Connell, is resident silent film accompanist at The Museum of Modern Art.

Source: Hamilton Theater

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

Renovations to improve and update the Colgate Inn are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

While the Inn will remain operational for dining and lodging during the majority of the construction phase, the project schedule includes a number of mid-week shutdowns (Monday through Wednesday) as well as a three-month shutdown.

 Mid-Week Shutdowns

• September 6-8
• September 20-22
• October 4-6
• November 1-3

 Extended Shutdown

• November 29-February 26

During these temporary closures, the Colgate Inn will still be accepting reservations for future dates and is expected to be operational on/or about February 26.

Updates will be posted to the Colgate Inn website at www.colgateinn.com.

Source: Colgate

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

The Colgate Bookstore will co-sponsor public readings with four authors during the week of August 9, 2010.  All events are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Colgate Bookstore at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.  

The schedule of the week’s events is as follows:

Monday, Aug. 9 – Jennifer Brice.  (10 am, Room 560, Case Library on the Colgate campus) Jennifer Brice is an associate professor of English at Colgate University and non-fiction author of The Last Settlers and the memoir Unlearning to Fly.  For more information on Jennifer and descriptions of her books, please visit www.colgatebookstore.com/brice.

Tuesday, Aug. 10 – Anne Mazer is the best-selling author of more than forty-five books for children and teens, including “The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes” and “Sister Magic” series, as well as Spilling Ink, a new handbook for young writers.  For more information on Anne and descriptions of her books, please visit www.colgatebookstore.com/mazer. This reading has been funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. with public funds from New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

Wednesday, Aug. 11 – Rachel Guido deVries is a local poet, children’s author and novelist.  Her poetry collections include The Brother Inside Me and Gambler’s Daughter.  For more information on Rachel and descriptions of her books, please visit www.colgatebookstore.com/devries.  This reading has been funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. with public funds from New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

Thursday, Aug. 12 – Frank Cammuso is a political cartoonist for the Syracuse Post-Standard and author of the comic book series “Max Hamm, Fairy Tale Detective.”  His graphic novels include “The Knights of the Lunch Table” series and Otto’s Orange Day.  For more information about Frank and descriptions of his books, please visit www.colgatebookstore.com/cammuso.

The co-sponsors of this event series include the Young Writers’ Workshop at Colgate University, Colgate Bookstore, Earlville Opera House, Hamilton Club, Hamilton Community Chest, Hamilton Emerald Foundation, and the Mid-York Foundation. The following Colgate University groups are also sponsors: Department of Writing & Rhetoric, Department of English, Division of the Humanities, Institute for Creative & Performing Arts, Office of the Provost, and Dean of the Faculty.

Source: Colgate Bookstore

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

Nonprofit directors and members of municipal agencies spoke Thursday about how Colgate's Upstate Institute has made significant, long-lasting contributions that have benefited their groups and the upstate region.

The institute is a powerful focal point for resources at a time when many groups are squeezed by funding cutbacks, said Patricia Hoffman, executive director of the nonprofit organization that runs the Oneida Community Mansion House, a multipurpose National Historic Landmark.

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

On Thursday,  Aug. 12, Colgate will conduct a test of its new campus emergency public address system.

Between 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m., some Hamilton area residents may hear several tones followed by a prerecorded message, which will state that this is only a test and not a real emergency.

Detais of the system

Colgate’s new public address system is intended to provide timely warnings to the campus community only in the event of a life-threatening emergency. It is highly unlikely that the system will ever be used.

Colgate will test the system three times a year —in September, February, and July.

By   Sun, Aug 01, 2010

Two athletes known for achievements in sports will join world class filmmakers and promising new filmmakers at The Hamilton International Film Festival, Thursday through Sunday.

Bo Kimball, former college and professional basketball star, is best known as a teammate of Hank Gathers, star player on the 1989-90 Loyola Marymount basketball team who collapsed and died during a game late in their championship season. In the first game following Gathers’ tragic death, Kimball shot his foul shots left handed (in photo) in tribute to his friend.

Guru of Go is an ESPN Films documentary about the Loyola Marymount basketball program under the leadership of Paul Westhead. This fast-paced and emotionally moving documentary tells the story of Westhead’s high-flying offense that still holds the record for the top five highest scoring games in Division 1 history, and the tragic death of its star player. Kimball will be on hand, along with ESPN Films’ Mark Durand.  Guru of Go will be screened on Saturday, at 1pm. 

Sakhi Khan is the grandson of squash legend Hashim Khan, who won six international titles during the 1950s to begin a family sports dynasty that lasted for three generations.  Keep Eye on Ball: The Hashim Khan Story is a documentary that profiles the greatest family in international squash- ever. Khan will join ESPN Films’ Mark Durand on Sunday, at 2 p.m.

Tickets for each screening during the festival are $5, and may be purchased in advance at 824-8210, or at the door. For the complete festival schedule and information, visit www.hamiltontheater.net.

Source: Hamilton Theater

By   Mon, Jul 26, 2010

Colgate will host the 2nd annual Butterfly Release Celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 11, with a rain date of Aug. 12) at 6 p.m.

The celebration is sponsored by the Hospice & Palliative Care Development Council of Madison County and proceeds from the event will be used to support children’s bereavement programs.

The butterfly release celebration is an opportunity to honor someone special or memorialize loved ones by sponsoring a butterfly in their name. The highlight of the evening will be the individual release and flight of hundreds of monarch butterflies, accompanied by live music and followed by refreshments on the grounds of  Colgate's Merrill House.

Sponsorship is $25 per butterfly or five for $100. To ensure that you will have a butterfly to release and acknowledgment of your loved one in the program, all butterfly orders must be received by Wednesday, Aug. 4.

To sponsor butterflies contact Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. at 735-6487 ext 249.

By   Tue, Jul 20, 2010

This is just a test ...

Some time yet this summer, it is likely that village residents are likely to hear the latest addition to Colgate's emergency notification system: alerts broadcast to the campus over several large public address speakers attached to the smokestack on the heating plant.

This is the latest addition to the university's efforts to imprpve the notification system used to alert faculty, staff, students and others should an emergency occurr, according to Campus Safety Director William Ferguson.

Police agencies just performed a hostage rescue/shooting exercise at Hamilton College.

In May, the university installed five outdoor public address speakers on the heating plant smokestack. The outdoor public address speakers are intended to provide warnings to persons on campus that are not inside of buildings or are not part of Colgate’s other emergency notification system. Ferguson said these warnings include but are not limited to:

• Any incident with a strong potential; for serious injury or loss of life,
• Very severe weather, i.e. tornado heading for campus, microburst, dangerous lightning affecting campus,
• An active shooter on or near campus,
• Any other situation that may present a strong potential for serious injury or loss of life.

The outdoor speaker system will augment the VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) telephone system and be an addition to the other emergency notification programs that send messages regarding emergencies and warnings on campus.

Colgate University’s emergency notification system consists of several programs with varying communication capabilities and redundancy. The programs are intended to rapidly disseminate emergency information on an incident, and provide instructions to the campus community.

In 2006 in response to the Higher Education Act amendments of 1998 Colgate instituted a "campus alerts" protocol on the campus email system. Emergency information is sent via this system to all faculty, students and staff to their Colgate email addresses.

Also in 2006, Colgate Campus Safety contracted with ‘e2Campus’, a mass notification product for the purpose of communicating to registered campus community members via email, voicemail, and text messages to those who additionally opted in for this feature on their cell phones. This program is currently being replaced by a different mass notification system ‘Rave Alert.’

Last year, Colgate installed a VOIP telephone system. A component of this system is ‘INFORMACAST’ which allows for pre-recorded messages or live voice messages to be distributed to all on campus VOIP system telephones.

Village residents will be notified in the media when the alert susyem will be tested.

By   Sun, Jul 18, 2010

A Hamilton man was arrested Friday as part of a $6 million, multi-state drug ring headquartered in New Hartford.

Anthony Cenicola, (in photo at left) 63 W. Kendrick Ave. was charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana and one count of criminal conspiracy, according to a statement from the office of Pennsylvania Attorney General Thomas Corbett. He was one of 11 people arrested in connection with the investigation, which began in 2007 and involved federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The investigation stems from the 2009 arrest of Paul Spara of State College, PA and New York resident Jason Remington who were alleged to have been bringing hundreds of pounds of marijuana into State College. Law enforcement agents then started looking for the suppliers of Spara and Remington. The probe led them to Central New York, and eventually to Hamilton.

A statement from Attorney General Corbett yesterday said:

"Spara allegedly established Murray as his marijuana source through Anthony Cenicola of Hamilton, N.Y. Murray's alleged organization supplied dealers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and New York.

"According to the grand jury, Murray had multiple marijuana sources in the Potsdam and Massena, N.Y. areas, identified as Andrew Phelix, Kyle Ward and Justin Beaulieu.

"Corbett said that Sarah Mulvihill's residence in New Hartford, was identified as a marijuana distribution center, processing area, repackaging location and a drug "stash house."

"Agents estimate that Murray's organization distributed approximately 2,000 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of $6 million, in New York and Pennsylvania from December 2005 to June 2008."

Another area resident arrested in addition to Cenicola was Josh Harris AKA Josh Burkhart, 33, 2383 Peck Road, Waterville. He is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy. The rest of those arrested include:

*John Murray, 35, 801 Arnold Avenue, Utica, and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

*Andrew Phelix, 26, 74 County Route 53, Brasher Falls, and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

*Kyle Ward, 25, 153 Carey Road, Massena, and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

*Justin Beaulieu, 26, 53 Malby Ave., Massena, and is charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

*Sarah Mulvihill, 29, 27 Tamarack Drive, New Hartford, and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana and one count of criminal conspiracy.

*Neil Tomnay, 25, 930 Dallet Road, Pittsburgh, and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana and one count of criminal conspiracy.

*Ryan Berkheiser, 25, 1313 Sassafras St., Bloomsburg, PA and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

*Robert Sivec, 27, Crown St., Sidman, PA and charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

*Bryn D. Eltringham Jr., 25, 1504 N.E. 4 Court, Boca Raton, FL and charged with one count of criminal conspiracy.

The defendants will be prosecuted in Centre County, Pennsylvania by Senior Deputy Attorney General Patrick Leonard of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Drug Strike Force Section.

By   Thu, Jul 15, 2010

Dr. Scott Ioset and staff of Hamilton Dental, sponsor of Tooth Fairy at Hamilton Theater.  The next feature in the Summer Family Film series is Dreamer on Wednesday, Wednesday at 10 a.m., sponsored by Susie Gustafson Real Estate and Rob Gustafson General Contracting. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel will be show on July 28 at 10 a.m., sponsored by Mark and Barb Golden and Golden Artist Colors. Admission is free.

By   Thu, Jul 15, 2010

Businesses in the Hamilton area have the opportunity to receive some financial assistance thanks to a grant from a county economic development organization to a local one.

The Partnership for Community Development (PCD) received $35,000 the Madison County Industrial Development Agency to create a micro-assistance program for businesses in the Town of Hamilton. The small-scale grants will assist corporations, partnerships, LLC or sole proprietorships seeking funds for a project that will stimulate new business, according to the PCD. 

The PCD will reward selected qualified applicants with funding of up to 75 percent of the cost of a particular project.  The remaining 25 percent will be the responsibility of the business.  A minimum grant will be $750 for a $1,000 project and the maximum amount will be $4,500 for a $6,000 project, according to a statement from the PCD.

“This grant affords those businesses with entrepreneurial spirit and direction the opportunity to obtain seed money for a project they feel will bear fruit for their business," said Roger Bauman, managing director of the PCD.  "If our business community prospers, the entire community benefits.”

The PCD sought to create the grant program in response to comments from business owners at a meeting it held with restaurant and retailers in the village. 

The Micro- Assistance Program is still being organized, but the PCD expects to be in operation between now and the end of August. Interested businesses will be asked to fill out an application that will be considered  by the Micro-Assistance Review Panel.

By   Wed, Jul 14, 2010

The village police officer and Colgate Campus Safety officer arrested several months ago for driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident and other charges appeared in Town of Hamilton Court Monday only to have his case adjourned for a second time.

Dan Furner, 38 of Brookfield, who was fired by Colgate and placed on the inactive duty roster of the village police department, had his case adjourned until Aug. 2 because of a possible conflict of interest involving a lawyer he may engage. His original court date last month was adjourned until yesterday; he called the court and requested the delay because he had decided to hire a lawyer.

Madison County District Attorney William Gabor said Furner has discussed having Wampsville attorney Paul Hadley represent him. However, Hadley is also representing a defendant in a case in which Furner could eventually testify in his role as a Hamilton police officer. This means Hadley could end up cross examining Furner in that case and representing him another.

Gabor said this this should be resolved before the Aug. 2 court date.

Furner was driving on Hamilton Road early in the morning of April 30 when he went off the side of the road and hit a road sign and tree with his pickup truck. State Police said he fled the scene and was later apprehended on foot. He was taken to Community Memorial Hospital and treated for injuries.

Members of the village police, Colgate Campus Safety, the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, SOMAC and the Troopers responded to the accident.

By   Wed, Jul 14, 2010

The village Board of Trustees is looking for a new police chief.

Following Tuesday's regular meeting, the board adjourned into executive session and afterwards Mayor Sue McVaugh confirmed that the villiage is now seeking a replacement for acting Chief Gary Mlasgar. He has been in that position about a year, filling in following the retirement of long-serving Chief Jim Tilbe.

The mayor said the Madison County Office of Civil Service informed the village it can no longer keep Mlasgar as acting chief. McVaugh confirmed that Mlasgar did not pass the chief's exam the last time he took it.

Mcvaugh said that she has been pleased with Mlasgar's service and that he will remain with the department, but return to serving as an officer.

In other police-related news from Tuesday's meeting, the mayor said the board has made a counter offer to the police union in an effort to reach agreement on a new contract. Officers have been working under the terms of the old contract, which expired more than a month ago.

McVaugh said the the two sides are separated over the length of the contract, but could not disclose specifics.

By   Wed, Jul 14, 2010

Madison County Sheriff's deputies continue investigating an accident on East Lake Road that sent a Morrisville man to the Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse by helicopter Tuesday night.

Michael H. Liddle, 27, of 55 E. Main St., Morrisville is in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse after being struck by a car while walking on East Lake Road.

A statement from the Sheriff's Department this morning said the man was struck by a car driven southbound by Mark Ohl, 49, of Brookview Drive in the village. The statement said Ohl was unable to avoid hitting the man "... when the victim appeared in the driving lane." Ohl has not be charged.

Members of the Hamilton Fire Department treated the man at the scene. He is said to have had head, facial and possible spinal injuries. He was transported by the Madison Ambulance Service to Morrisville, where they met the Onondaga County Sheriff's medi-vac helicopter.

By   Wed, Jul 14, 2010

Bob Pils was elected president of the HCS Board of Education at Tuesday night's reorganizational meeting.

Gail Davis was elected vice president of the board.

Tuesday was also the first meeting for Molly Johnson, who was elected to the board in May. She replaced Sandra Carter, who did not seek reelection.

The board also set its meetings for the next year. They are:

• August 24*
• September 14*
• October 19
  
• November 16
  
• December 21
  
• January 18, 2011
• February 15, 2011
• March 15, 2011
• April 26, 2011*
• May 17, 2011
• June 21, 2011

* Changed due to scheduling conflicts/breaks

Meetings start @ 7 p.m.

By   Wed, Jul 14, 2010

Village residents will soon be paying more for water and sewer services because they are using less of each.

Rates were increased 6 percent for water and 7 percent for sewer services on the most recent bill, according to Village Clerk Ronda Winn. She told the village Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting Tuesday that the increase was needed to cover operating costs.

Winn said revenues have decreased because residents appear to be using less water.

In other business Tuesday, it was learned that  plans to create an upscale retirement community near the Five Trees housing development in the village continue to progress. Mayor Sue McVaugh updated the board on a recent meeting with Pat Tobin, an official with Living Communities, the Rochester firm proposing the development.

McVaugh said the company expects to build 22 townhouses and an apartment building for people 55 years old and older. They townhouses would sell for about $250,000 each.

The mayor said Living Communities would like to present its plans to the village Planning Board at its September meeting.

The development will include a library, common room and a restaurant/dining facility. It is expected that the facility would be marketed to Colgate alumni and faculty, as well as senior citizens throughout Central New York.

Also on Tuesday:

* McVaugh said the Syracuse Symphony concert last week was well attended and that the orchestra has said it would like to perform in the village next July;

* The mayor said that two other recent large gatherings -- the July 3 Block Party and the Fourth of July parade -- were also well attended, but there were problems with litter left behind after each. A letter will be sent to the Colgate Inn, which stages the block party, requesting its assistance with cleanup next year;

* The board discussed renovations to the village/town court building. A grant for $13,000 was received from the state Office of Court Administration for the project;

* and Winn said she met with David Hale, Colgate's VP for Finance and Administration to discuss a contribution by the university toward operation of the municipal airport.

By   Wed, Jul 14, 2010

Members of the village Board of Trustees got their new assignments at Tuesday's regular monthly meeting.

The meeting was the first for new Trustee Russ Lura (at center in photo) who was elected last month to replace Carl Albrecht, who did not seek reelection. Starting a new term Tuesday was incumbent Margaret Miller.

Under the way the board operates, each member is assigned to be a liaison to several committees, commissions or institutions. Mayor Sue McVaugh makes the assignments.

Trustees and their assignments announced Tuesday include:

Lura:

• Parks
• Recreation
• Library
• Farmers' Market
• and a newly formed Fourth of July Committee.

Miller

• Economic Development
• Partnership for Community Development
• Planning Board
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Upstate Institute
• Airport/Air Park
• Trees.

Jim Bona

• Municipal Utilities Commission
• Department of Public Works
• Madison Street Cemetery

Suzanne Collins

• Police
• Fire Department
• SOMAC
• Pedestrian safety
• Colgate Campus Safety

Collins also continues at deputy mayor.

McVaugh also announced the appointments or reappointments of numerous people to the village's other boards and committees.

By   Tue, Jul 13, 2010

EARLVILLE -- Toni Campbell, 36, has resigned as mayor of Earlville and has been replaced by trustee Mark Doeberl. He will finish out the term of Campbell, who resigned July 3 after being arrested for allegedly using her employer's credit card to make numerous personal purchases.

Campbell was financial manager for Chenango Valley Pet Foods of Sherburne. She is accused of illegally spending some $42,000 of the company's money.

The village board Monday night accepted Campbell's resignation and told residents at the meeting that the village's finances are in order.

Campbell served five years as mayor.

By   Mon, Jul 12, 2010

Art Steneri (from left), Dan De Noyelles and Sue Dolly Lathrop of the Colgate Club of the Chenango Valley, sponsors of Fantastic Mr. Fox at Hamilton Theater, with Lorrie and Talon Schumacher and feathered friends from Talon! A Bird of Prey Experience.  The next feature in the Summer Family Film Festival is Tooth Fairy at 10 a.m. on Wednesday sponsored by Hamilton Dental [or] Dreamer at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, sponsored by Susie Gustafson Real Estate and Rob Gustafson General Contracting.  Admission is free.

By   Sun, Jul 11, 2010

Author Allie Larkin will read from her humorous debut novel Stay on Thursday, July 22 at 7 p.m. at the Colgate Bookstore. The reading will be followed by a Q&A, book-signing, and reception; the event is free and open to the public.  

Stay is the story of Savannah “Van” Leone who has just watched the man of her dreams marry her best friend.  Heartbroken, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool-Aid–vodka cocktails and reruns of Rin Tin Tin and does something crazy: She buys a German Shepherd over the Internet. Together, Van and her new companion, Joe—a clumsy, slobbering hundred-pound beast that only responds to commands in Slovak—begin to mend the pieces of her shattered heart and get her life back on track.  But sometimes life gets more complicated before it gets better.

Publishers Weekly has called Stay “a funny and touching story about love, loss, and dog ownership.”  Kirkus Reviews praised it as “Smart … with emotional depth” and “a cut above the romantic comedies that flood the market every summer.”

Larkin lives in Rochester, with her husband, Jeremy, their two German Shepherds, Argo (featured on the cover of Stay) and Stella, and a three-legged cat. She is the cofounder of TheGreenists.com, a site dedicated to helping readers take simple steps toward going green. Stay is her first novel.

For more information about the event, please visit www.colgatebookstore.com/stay or contact the Colgate Bookstore at 228-7480.

By   Sat, Jul 10, 2010

Severa local restaurants will participate in the Buy Local Week Restaurant Showcase July 19-24. Participating restaurants will feature dishes made with products grown or produced locally.

The restaurants include:

Hamilton Whole Foods featuring Goat Cheese from Lively Run Goat Dairy and Greens from Smitty’s Market Farm.

Colgate Inn featuring Tenderloin and Beet Carpaccio: thinly shaved multicolored beets accompanied by an arugula salad with goat cheese beignet red wine beet vinaigrette all from Quarry Brook Farms

Hamilton Inn, featuring Exotic Wild Mushroom Elk Burger: using ground elk from the Back Forty Elk Farm, and mushrooms from the Imaginary Farmer; and Field Greens Salad with Grilled Vegetables from the Hamilton Inn garden

Poolville Country Store featuring Salad Field Greens from Smitty's Market Farm, Sirloin Steak form Ingallside Meadows, Strawberry Sorbet from Mosher Farms, and Lavender Ice Cream from Linda's Garden.

Other participating restaurants include 

• Blue BBQ, 249 Genesee Street, Chittenango;
• Michael’s Family Restaurant, 211 Genesee Street, Chittenango;
• Circa, 76 Albany Street, Cazenovia; featuring Lamb from Meadowood Farms, Chicken from Ingallside Meadows, Beef from Maple Avenue Farms, and Produce from Smitty's Market Farm
• Hotel Solsville, 7243 Valley Road, Madison;
• Copper Turret, 17 West Main Street, Morrisville;
• Gary’s Restaurant, 6367 Lakeshore Road South, Canastota;
• Someplace Else, 3177 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota.
  

Sponsors of Buy Local Week include Price Chopper, Cazenovia Equipment, National Grid, Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program, Empire Brewery, Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension of Madison County, Central New York Bounty, Madison County Tourism, Shapna Tea and Coffee, and Serendipity Caterers.

For more information, visit www.madisoncountyagriculture.com.

By   Sat, Jul 10, 2010

Work has begun on transforming the Subway on Utica Street into A Dunkin Donuts shop and a Subway. Leroy Hodge said he sold the building and is leasing back space for a Subway in the rear of the building. The process has been some three years in the making. Both businesses are expected to be open in several months.

By   Mon, Jul 05, 2010

Earlville Mayor Toni Campbell is to appear at 7 p.m. Thursday in Sherburne Village Court to answer for third-degree grand larceny chardes for allegedly stealing moeny from her former employer.

She was areested during the weekend after New York State Police accused her of stealing more than $42,000 from her former employer, Chenango Valley Pet Foods in Sherburne. Campbell was charged Friday with third-degree grand larceny, a felony. She is said to have used a company credit card to make numerous personal purchases.

Campbell was released on $25,000 bail Saturday.

The Syracuse Post-Standard reports "Campbell told the trooper that she went on a cruise, bought a pickup truck and a four-wheeler as gifts, and bought two airline tickets from Syracuse to St. Lucia for her next vacation in August using a credit card issued to Chenango Valley Pet Foods in Sherburne. Campbell was the company’s financial manager for about two years, until her position was eliminated June 21 ..."

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

The Colgate Bookstore and Hamilton Theater announce the Summer 2010 season of the Hamilton Book & Movie Club, beginning on Thursday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m.  The theme of the season is “The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen” taken from popular movie critic
 
The selected books/movies for the Summer 2010 (July - September) season are:

July 29 – The Door in the Floor – Adapted from the novel A Widow for One Year by John Irving; 2004 film starring Jeff Bridges & Kim Basinger. The film chronicles one pivotal summer in the lives of author Ted Cole and his beautiful wife Marion, their once-great marriage strained by tragedy.  Marion's equation of love with loss, coupled with Ted's infidelities, points towards a much-needed change in the relationship – change which may come in the form of Ted’s young new assistant Eddie.

August 26 – Love & Death on Long Island – Novel by Gilbert Adair; 1997 film starring John Hurt and Jason Priestley.
When a cerebral British author becomes enamored of an American teenage pop icon (his first attraction to another male), his life spirals out of control.  He eventually travels to Long Island to meet his idol face-to-face.

September 30 – The Maltese Falcon – Novel by Dashiell Hammett; 1941 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor.
Hard-drinking private eye Sam Spade searches for his partner’s murderer and an elusive black bird statuette.  His job is complicated by a host of strangers: a beautiful and treacherous woman named Brigid, a perfumed grafter named Joe Cairo, and the scheming Fat Man. 

Members are encouraged to read the selected book in advance and then meet on the selected date at the Hamilton Theater to view the film based on that book. Club members have the opportunity to discuss the book and the movie at a dinner in the Colgate Bookstore immediately following the film screening.
 
The Book & Movie Club offers two subscription plans.  Full members will receive their own copy of all three books for the season, free admission to the screening of all three films, and dinner during the three after-movie discussions, for a one-time fee of $48/season.  Basic members receive free admission to the film screenings, and dinner during the after-movie discussion, for a one-time fee of $24/season.
 
For more information about these options or to join the club, visit www.colgatebookstore.com/bookmovie or call the Bookstore at  228-7480.

By   Fri, Jul 02, 2010

Students and faculty members of the Eastern U.S. Music Camp being held at Colgate will perform in a variety of concerts during the next several weeks. The performancesare free and open to the public.

2010 Eastern U.S. Music Camp Performance Schedule

(All performances are in Brehmer Theatre, Dana Arts Center, except where noted)

7/2       Fri        7:00 pm            Faculty Recital – Tom Christensen – Jazz faculty member and New York City woodwind specialist

7/3       Sat       8:00 pm            Concert – Symphonic Band, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Ensemble I & II, Jazz Combo I

7/4       Sun      4:00 pm           Concert – Wind Ensemble, Madrigal Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir

 7/7       Wed     7:30 pm            Camp Recital

7/8       Thur     4:30 pm            Concert – Pentagon Winds – U.S. Army Field Band  Woodwind Quintet, Baltimore, MD

 7/10     Sat       8:00 pm            Concert – Wind Ensemble, Madrigal Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir

7/11     Sun      3:00 pm            Concert – Symphonic Band, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Ensemble I & II, Jazz Combo I

7/14     Wed     7:30 pm            Camp Recital

 7/16     Fri        7:00 pm            Concert – U.S. Army Chamber Brass Quintet,  U.S. Army Field Band, Baltimore, MD

7/17     Sat       8:00 pm            Concert – Symphonic Band, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Ensemble I & II, Jazz Combo I

7/18     Sun      3:00 pm            Concert – Wind Ensemble, Madrigal Choir, Chamber  Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir

7/19     Mon     8:00 pm            Faculty Piano Recital – Nick Weiser (Jazz & Classical)

7/21     Wed     7:30 pm            Camp Recital

7/22     Thur     7:00 pm            Student Piano Recital – Colgate University Chapel

7/23     Fri        7:00 pm            Final Gala Concert                   

By   Thu, Jul 01, 2010

After seven years shaping the image of Colgate, Charlie Melichar is off to a small southern university called Vanderbilt. It may never be voted the country's most beautiful campus, but the home of the Commodores -- no, not the funk/soul band! once fronted by Lionel Richie -- is not a bad place to be. Read the blog posting.

By   Sun, Jun 27, 2010

By   Fri, Jun 25, 2010

Little Rascals, the 1994 comedy, will be the feature of Hamilton Theater’s Movie Under the Stars on Friday, July 2 at about 9:15 p.m. at Hooks Wiltse Field on Eaton Street in Hamilton. Admission is free.

Winner of both the BMI Film Music Award and Young Artist Award for Best Performance by a Youth Ensemble in a Motion Picture, Little Rascals has been a hit with audiences of all ages. Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla and the gang reprise one of the original Our Gang classic sketches, with guest appearances by Donald Trump, Whoopi Goldberg and others.

Little Rascals is rated PG and is 1 hour 22 minutes long.

Movie Under the Stars will be shown outdoors on the big screen.  Families are encouraged to come early and bring blankets and lawn chairs for this fun, outdoor movie event.

Hamilton Theater’s presentation of this year’s Movie Under the Stars is made possible by the sponsorship of Hamilton Vision Specialists. Free popcorn will be served, compliments of Parry’s.

Source: Hamilton Theater

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In Photo: Dr. Michael Spellicy and Angie with Ian, Maddi and Patrick. Hamilton Vision Specialists is sponsoring  Little Rascals, this year’s Movie Under the Stars at Hooks Wiltse Fields on Eaton Street on Friday, July 2 at approximately 9:15pm.  Admission is free. 

By   Fri, Jun 25, 2010

By   Fri, Jun 25, 2010

The Earlville Opera House opens three new quilt exhibitions this Saturday, July 10with an Ice Cream Social and Quilts celebration from 12-3 p.m.  The opening reception is part of Earlville Community Days and is free to attend.

Ice cream sundaes will be free for kids and $2 for adults. 

The exhibits will include "Quilts of Central New York" in the West Gallery to celebrate the region's rich quilting culture.  The exhibit features over a dozen regional quilters.  A solo exhibit in the Arts Café Gallery will feature an in depth look at new quilts from Central New York artist Sharon Bottle Souva.

The East Gallery features six national quilt artists in "Contemporary Art Quilts."  This year's artists include Marianne Burr of Coupeville, WA; Elizabeth Busch of Glenburne, ME; Alice Gant of Trumansburg;  Jo-Ann Golenia of Venice, FL; Kathy Nida of El Cajon, CA and Susan Schrott of Mt. Kisco.

The community is invited to visit these shows during the Earlville Opera House Gallery hours from Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 3 p.m. The exhibits run through Aug. 1.

By   Thu, Jun 24, 2010

Colgate's Director of Athletics Dave Roach has been named the 2009-10 Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Northeast Region Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).

Roach will be presented with the award at the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon today, at the NACDA Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

“This award really goes to Colgate athletics and our tremendous staff and excellent coaches,” said Roach. “I have been truly blessed to work with a group of educators who are dedicated and committed to the Colgate mission.”

Under Roach’s watch, Colgate has made strides to meet the rapidly changing world of Division I athletics. First, he oversaw the realignment of the administrative staff, which provides the leadership support for all aspects of the division.

Among his accomplishments at Colgate, Roach initiated an agreement with Daktronics Sports Marketing to improve scoreboards and the overall look of athletic venues; coordinated the development of a new logo and mascot; created the Raider Academic Honor Roll honoring student-athletes who receive a GPA of 3.25 or higher per semester; upgraded the department’s ticket office including online ticket sales and season ticket plans for football, soccer, hockey, basketball and lacrosse; enhanced the corporate sponsorship program; and signed an agreement with Time Warner Sports to televise selected athletic events, including the entire home football schedule.

A  leader in the community, Roach was the driving force behind the athletic department’s adoption program with Hamilton Elementary School, where each team adopts a classroom. This program places the athletes and coaches in a role model position with the children of the community. Roach also began the monthly Colgate Athletic Council luncheons where the community has the opportunity to hear from both student-athletes and coaches.

Academically, the school recently had 14 teams receive Public Recognition Awards from the NCAA. Public Recognition Awards go to teams that have APR scores in the top-10 percent of all squads in their respective sports nationally. For the 2008-09 school year, Colgate had 18 perfect scores of 1,000 and nine perfect multi-year APR scores based on data from the 2005-2006 through 2008-2009 school years.

During his six-year tenure at Colgate, the Raiders have placed 12 teams in NCAA tournaments, captured 15 Patriot League titles and one ECACHL regular-season championship. During the 2008-09 campaign, Colgate won four Patriot League championships for the second year in a row.

In July of 2009, Roach was elected first vice-president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

Source: Colgate

By   Wed, Jun 23, 2010

The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra will kick off the Hamilton Village Concerts in the Park on Thursday, July 8 at 8 p.m.

Guest Conductor Grant Cooper leads the orchestra. He is artistic director and conductor of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

The concert is presented with the support of

• Colgate University,
• Parry's Hardware,
• Vantine Imaging,
• Hamilton Village Real Estate,
• Harvey and Debbie Kliman,
• Alliance Bank. 
• Town and Village of Hamilton,
• Colgate Inn
• Hamilton Business Alliance
• Bassett Health Care,
• Hamilton Orthopedics & Surgery Specialists, 
• Richard & Marjorie Cohen,
• and Mitchell, Goris & Stokes, LLC.

Rain location is the HCS auditorium.

The Hamilton Village Concerts in the Park will continue on July 15 with the Blueprints. The rest of the series includes: 

• Rad Lorkovic, July 22;
• Dee Specker and Tres Swing. July 29;
• Mist Covered Mountains, Aug. 5
• and Lisa Bigwood and the Washday Band, Aug. 12.

Concerts in the series begin at 6:30 pm with young artists opening the series this year and followed by the main acts at 7 pm on the Hamilton Village Green. Rain Location is the Barge Canal Coffee House.

By   Wed, Jun 23, 2010

The Chenango Nursery School is sponsoring a garden tour next month.

The tour will be held on Sunday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It begins with a map pick up is at the school at 59 W. Kendrick Ave.The tour visits several local gardens and end with a tour of the Colgate greenhouse from 3 p.m. to 4pm.

Tickets are $15. Call Donna Jarcho at 824-1109 for information and to order tickets.

By   Sun, Jun 20, 2010

A couple dozen antique tractors were displayed at Tractor Supply Company on Rte. 12 Sunday.

By   Thu, Jun 17, 2010

If you were a Hamiltonian among the millions of American soccer fans who put life on hold Saturday afternoon to watch the U.S. vs. England World Cup match, you were not hallucinating when you thought you saw a familiar face when the TV camera panned the crowd.

There in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa was Nick Sorosky singing along to the American National Anthem. With a Stars and Stripes headband and almost hidden by a full beard, Sorosky was the perfect image of a U.S.A. soccer fan.

Younger brother Josh says of Nick:

"He's been studying abroad in South Africa this past semester at the University of Cape Town. He finished school a couple weeks ago and started traveling around. But he bought tickets for the opening ceremony and a couple for the England vs. U.S.A opener. He was on ABC or ESPN singing during the Star Spangled Banner sporting an American flag bandanna and a pretty out of control beard."

Interestingly, while at HCS, Nick played football and not "futball". He also plays for the University of Rochester, where he is a senior.

By   Tue, Jun 15, 2010

Editor's Note: Since this story was originally posted, the Brookfield School Board voted not to allow its students to play football for Hamiton.

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When the Emerald Knights take the field this fall for their first varity football game of the season, they will have to thank some Madison Blue Devils and at least one Brookfield Beaver for making the season possible.

HCS has opened up its varsity and modified football rosters to players from Madison and Brookfield central schools because there were barely enough local players to allow HCS to field a team. Athletic Director Bill Dowsland said there were 16 players -- the state minimum -- who would play for the varsity squad.

Coach Joe LePage spoke with players from Madison and Brookfield, which no longer field football teams. It looks as though about 19 players from those two school will play on the varsity and modified teams. Details are being finalized.

Dowsland said HCS remains one of the few class "D" school in Upstate New York to field both football and boys soccer each fall. For the past several years, players who had been on the football team switched to soccer, most with considerable success.

By   Sun, Jun 13, 2010

The annual Colgate Writers' Conference gets under way next week and features a variety of lectures and readings that are open to the public. All are in the Presson Auditorium.

The schedule includes:

Sunday, June 20^th

7:30 pm Reading Peter Balakian 

Monday, June 21^st

9:00 am Craft Talk Jennifer Brice

3:00 pm Shop Talk Dan Wald

4:00 pm Shop Talk Andrea Barzvi and Jennifer Pooley

7:30 pm Reading Brian Hall and Susan Hancock 

Tuesday, June 22^nd

9:00 am Craft Talk Brian Hall

3:00 pm Shop Talk Ginnah Howard

7:30 pm Reading Patrick O’Keeffe and Bruce Smith 

Wednesday, June 23^rd

9:00 am Craft Talk Paul Cody

3:30 pm Shop Talk Betsy Kepes

7:30 pm Reading Dennis McFadden and Julie Marie Wade 

Thursday, June 24^th

9:00 am Craft Talk Peter Balakian

3:30 pm Shop Talk Paul MacArthur

7:30 pm Reading Jennifer Brice and Paul Cody 

Friday, June 25^th

9:00 am Craft Talk John Robert Lennon

3:30 pm Shop Talk Gabriel Packard

7:30 pm Reading John Robert Lennon (in photo aboves) and Jennifer Smith 

Saturday, June 26^th

9:00 am Craft Talk Patrick O’Keeffe

By   Sun, Jun 13, 2010

The guitar and keyboard workshop of the HCS muscic program got a lift today from the proceeds of the Skyway Music Festival.

Held at Hooks Wiltse Field at the Eaton Street Park, the afternoon-long event featured a variety of music, food and a fundraising raffle.

Performing were:

• Zeroflo
• Pamme Swan
• John Cadley and the Lost Boys (in photo below)
• Christopher White
• Adishakti Dancers
• and Ed Vollmer & Dave Williams.

By   Fri, Jun 11, 2010

The life of John D. Hubbard will be remembered by family and friends Sunday, June 20 at 6 p.m. on the village green. He died May 6 following a long illness.

John, known to many as "Hubbs", was long a fixture in Hamilton, known for his writing, his photography and his true affection for this rural place and its people. This celebration of a life well lived will include readings of some of John's writing and music by friends and family.

A graduate of Colgate, John returned to work at the university after spending time as a sports editor, columnist and photographer at The Bennington (VT) Banner. After his retirement, he joined the staff of Community Memorial Hospital as VP for Community Relations.  John was equally well known for his columns in The MidYork Weekly and The Oneida Daily Dispatch. He also was the man behind the slide shows at the Hamilton Theater.

John's family invites those who knew and appreciated him to attend and celebrate his life, his work and his friendship. Those attending may, if they wish, bring something to add to a common table of light refreshments.

The gathering will be held rain or shine.

By   Thu, Jun 10, 2010

Michael Perry, a rural writer from Wisconsin, twill read from and discuss his book Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting at the Colgate Bookstore Tuesday at 7 p.m.

According to his website, "... Perry equates his writing career to cleaning calf pens – just keep shoveling, and eventually you’ve got a pile so big, someone will notice."

He is also the author of:

• Population: 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time (2002)
• Off Main Street: Brainstormers, Prophets, and Gatemouth's Gator (2005)
• Truck:a Love Story (2007

Perry has also written for Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Salon and a variety of magazines.

He is also a singer/songwriter and front man for the band The Long Beds.  

By   Thu, Jun 10, 2010

Madison County's Agricultural Economic Development Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County announce that this year's Fresh! Gala will be held at Endless Trails Farm in Hubbardsville on Sunday, July 18 starting at 3 p.m.

The farm is owned and operated by Pam and Dave Williams.

The Gala, part of Madison County's Buy Local Week, is a fundraising event that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Madison County agriculture. The Fresh! Gala at Endless Trails Farm will include music by Larry Hoyt and the Good Acoustics, local food prepared by Serendipity Catering, a silent auction, and beer from the Empire Brewery made with Foothill Hops Farm hops and locally-grown products from Critz farm.  

The Williams' purchased Endless Trails Farm in 2003. Before that they owned a cow/calf operation in Deansboro. 

Endless Trails is a diversified farm and agri-tourism operation that includes a six-bedroom bed and breakfast. A variety of events are held at the farm ranging from small intimate dinners to large weddings.  

Endless Trails Farm runs an Angus, Hereford-cross cow-calf operation. They maintain 340 acres of certified organic fields and provide custom grazing for other farmers. Their meat is sold under the Sunnybrook Farm label owned by Dan and Melissa Williams.

Endless Trails also provides horse drawn wagon and sleigh rides over the pastures and through the woods of the far.

For details about the Fresh! Gala and the other Buy Local Week events, and to purchase tickets to the Fresh! Gala, please visit www.madisoncountyagriculture.com or call 684-3001 x 125. 

By   Tue, Jun 08, 2010

Registration nights for the Village of Hamilton Summer Recreation Program will take place on Monday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 15, 6-8 pm in the Hamilton Central School cafeteria.

The program is open to all area children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade in the 2010-11 school year.

Program offerings include swim lessons, swim team, tennis, golf, arts & crafts, and supervised games and play at the Eaton Street fields.

The program will run mornings for five weeks, starting Monday, July 5 and continuing through Friday, August 6.

Fee information and additional details will be distributed at HCS, CNS, and Two-by-Two Nursery School, or can be picked up at the village office.

By   Sun, Jun 06, 2010

Thursday night's meeting -- originally and wrongly promoted as a public hearing -- about the village's five-way intersection had a much different tone than the previous one in the HCS cafeteria. It also delivered a considerably different suggestion on what should be done. Thank goodness!

From the outset, the intersection study had an air of empowerment. It felt as if it had been decided something would be done and the study would prove it. Elan's presentations were insistent. Some of those involved regarded questions as opposition. A Radio Free Hamilton online poll showing 58 percent of people felt nothing needed to be done to the intersection was dismissed as unhelpful. 

However, participants in Thursday's meeting seemed to go out of their ways to make it clear that nothing about the proposed project(s) is a fait accompli.

• The folks from the Elan design firm repeatedly said they were just making suggestions.
• PCD President Carl Albrechet said the intersection task force had much work and discussion to do before a recommendation is made.
• Mayor Sue Mcvaugh said the village would choose what it wanted to do and not do.
• Ben Eberhardt, president of the Hamilton Business Alliance, was enthusiastic about the plan but hastened to add "it needs a lot of work".
• And, no one suggested the study was being driven out of a concern for driver safety.

Still, more than a few questions remain after Thursday's meeting ... and a fairly deep pool of skepticism. Which are not a bad things.

It begs asking:

• Who will pay the $2.5 million Elan said all of the pieces of the project puzzle will cost? If Albany cannot deliver all of HCS' state aid on time, will it pay for wider sidewalks?
• If creating parking in the downtown is important, then why so isn't parking enforcement?
• If motorists now double park in front of open parking places on Lebanon Street, does anyone really believe they will respect specially designated truck loading and unloading zones?
• And, finally, does it matter to anyone that five of the six businesses/buildings on that five-way intersection are owned by Colgate's Hamilton Initiative, which by default initiated the study and is driving it by way of the Initiative's management of the Partnership for Community Development?

There remains time to answer these and other questions before construction equipment rolls into the heart of downtown. Thursday's meeting set a tone to make it likely they will get proper consideration ... and answers. 

By   Fri, Jun 04, 2010

The design firm studying the village's five-way intersection and the rest of the business district tonight said the proposed changes would cost a total of $2.5 million. It also said there is a long road ahead before the first shovel is put in the ground. However, some of the stakeholders in any project on the intersection, were generally pleased with what they saw.

Lisa Nagle of Elan Planning, Design & Landscape Architecture of Saratoga Springs, speaking at the Hamilton Public Library, made it clear the plan she and partner Jere Tatich (in photo) presented was "a concept ... ideas ... just ink on paper." She said the task force studying the intersection will have more discussions before presenting its recommendation to the village Board of Trustees.

The plan incorporates some of the ideas outlined in the several options presented at an earlier meeting.

Elan suggested improving the "pedestrian experience" by:

• Shifting the center line of Payne Street to better align with Lebanon Street;
• Reducing the width of Payne Street at the intersection and widening the sidewalks;
• Shortening the crosswalks at the intersection;
• Increasing the visibility of crosswalks;
• Improving the north end of the village green while creating a space to put snow during the winter;
• Changing the sequence of traffic lights in the intersection to eliminate problems with left turns;
• Landscape improvements on the southern portion of the green.

It was also suggested that "streetscape" improvements be made including:

• Creating a bump out in front of Alliance Bank and Nichols & Beal for a pedestrian plaza with trees, sculpture and seating;
• Leaving Lebanon Street mostly as is, instead of making it one way, but widening the sidewalks;
• Maintaining parking at the north end of the village green;
• Creating bump-outs at the corners of Broad Street and East Broad at the north end of the green;
• Building a bump-out at Maple and Lebanon streets;
• Widening sidewalks on Broad Street
• Installing a bum-out on Broad Street in front of the post office;
• Reducing the width of Pleasant Street between the two sections of the village green;
• Expanding the municipal parking lot;
• Creating designated parking zones in which trucks can unload.

Most of the changes are designed to make it easier for pedestrians to navigate the intersection and cross the downtown streets. Others are purely cosmetic, while some are meant to help businesses move out of their stores and onto the sidewalks.

Nagle said the next step is for the task force to refine any possible changes and make a recommendation to the village board.

Carl Albrecht, a village trustee and chairman of the board of the Partnership for Community Development (PCD), which commissioned the study, said "a lot more discuussion needs to occur."

Mayor Sue McVaugh said she was pleased with the study. She said whatever is decided upon would not move forward as one large project. Instead, the village will pick and choose what, if any, parts of the proposal it wants o pursue and seek funding for it.

"We will go forward very carefully with what we think is best," said the mayor.

Ben Eberhardt, who operates the Colgate Inn and is president of the Hamilton Business Alliance, said, "I love the concept, but I think the plan needs a lot of work. We have a lot of economic development issues to address and this is one solution."

By   Thu, Jun 03, 2010

The Jane Austen Book Club will hold its Box Hill Picnic on Saturday, June 12 at 1 p.m. (on the hill by Chapel House on the Colgate University campus). 

The plan is to enjoy an scenic, outdoor, hilltop potluck to celebrate the start of summer and to discuss our favorite outdoor scenes from Jane Austen novels.

Organizers aim to approximate the "Box Hill Picnic" from Jane Austen's Emma, but without the social awkwardness of the novel.  (The rain location will be the 3rd Floor of Bookstore in case the Hamilton weather proves less than agreeable.)   

There will be no cost to attend, but attendees are asked to bring a luncheon item to share, their favorite Austen "outdoor scene" to read aloud, and as many picnic blankets as they have available. Plates, cups, napkins, utensils (all of the disposable variety, to make for easy clean-up), lemonade, iced tea, spring water (and perhaps some Donwell Abbey strawberries) will be provided.  Restrooms are available inside Chapel House.  

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Heather Elia by Wednesday, June 9 at 228-6944 or helia@colgate.edu with their name, email or phone number.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Box Hill Picnic or the book club, contact Elia.

Source: Colgate Bookstore

By   Thu, Jun 03, 2010

On Saturday June 12 the Hamilton Central School class of 2016 (the current 6th graders) will hold their annual bottle drive to benefit Save the Children.  Drop offs can be made in the HCS parking lot/bus garage from 8 a.m. until noon.  

All proceeds go to support their ongoing sponsorship of a child in Malawi, Africa. Pick-ups can be arranged for donations by leaving a message at 824.2504.

The HCS class of 2016 began their sponsorship of a child through Save the Children while in third grade. Since that time they have worked together to make a difference in the lives of children less fortunate then themselves by partnering with Save the Children.  Their ongoing sponsorship of a child in the developing African country of Malawi has made a real and tangible impact in this extremely poor region.

Their efforts have raised hundreds of dollars to help Save the Children continue programs like Basic Education and Reading Campaigns in Malawi.  Nutritional support, water purification systems, and agriculture development are just some of the ongoing efforts to which Save the Children is dedicated.

By   Wed, Jun 02, 2010

Read the entire story.

By   Wed, Jun 02, 2010

Time remains for Hubbardsville residents to apply for home improvement grants administered by the Partnership for Community Development.

In March of this year, the state awarded the Partnership for Community Development (PCD) a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to provide repairs and rehabilitation improvements to homes owned by income-eligible individuals. The PCD has approved over one third of the anticipated projects and is now accepting new applicants to the program.

The target area for eligibility is Quarterline Road from the four corners in Hubbardsville to the property at 1970 Green Road, including Wickwire Road, from the "dead end" sign to Cemetery Hill Road up to the property at 8225, Noble Road, and Poolville Road to the intersection of Larkin Road.

"This grant will have a positive impact on many families in Hubbardsville," states Managing Director of the PCD, Roger Bauman.  "We are delighted to be offering this kind of program for those people who really need the assistance."

For further information, to discuss program guidelines and qualifications or to make an appointment, please contact Partnership for Community Development at 824-1063.

By   Thu, May 27, 2010

The Earlville Opera House is helping present the headline act at this year's Skyway Festival, which is being held earlier than in the past and at a new location.

Skyway will be held June 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hooks Wiltse Field on Eaton Street.

The EOH is co-presenting John Cadley & the Lost Boys with their award-winning bluegrass at 3:30 p.m. as the kickoff to its free Family Series Events this summer.

John Cadley formed the Lost Boys in 1999. He's joined by Henry Jankiewicz on fiddle, Mark Allnatt on banjo and guitar, Ted Williams on mandolin, and John Dancks on bass. Their style is a blend of the traditional bluegrass and original compositions.

The band was voted Syracuse's Best Bluegrass Group for 2009 in the Syracuse New Times "Best of" Readers' Poll.  Their two self produced CDs, Middle of Nowhere and Black Dog, have both won Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) for "Best Bluegrass/Folk Recording."

In addition to John Cadley & the Lost Boys, the Skyway Festival will include free performances by Zero Flow, Chris 'Isto' White, Ed Vollmer & Dave Williams, and the Adishakti Dancers.  A Skyway Lounge Chair is being raffled that was painted by children from the Hamilton Center for the Arts.  Raffle tickets are $5.  Heather Elia of the Colgate Bookstore will give a Children's Music Story Workshop.

Also this year, proceeds from food concessions and raffles will benefit the music program at Hamilton Central School. Food will be from the Oddfellows, Colgate Inn, Nichols & Beal, Rusch's Bar & Grill, Barge Canal Coffee House and Michael's.  Festival organizers encourage "green" habits by bringing your own tableware.

By   Wed, May 26, 2010

Colgate's head women's ice hockey coach Scott Wiley announced the hiring of 2010 Winter Olympic hockey player Karen Thatcher as an assistant coach.

Thatcher made her Olympic debut, winning silver in Vancouver, after representing the U.S. team at two world championships. Thatcher won gold with the team in 2008 and 2009, and was named to the 2007 World's Team.

Thatcher was also a three-time member of the U.S. Women's Select Team for the Four Nations Cup and the U.S. Women's Under-22 Select Team for the Under-22 Series with Canada.

"The addition of Karen Thatcher is a great step forward for our program," stated coach Wiley. "She is a dynamic and energetic person who has a true passion for the sport. She has excelled at every level, been a great ambassador and understands what it takes to be a successful student-athlete. Karen adds instant credibility to our program and will help us achieve our goals. We are thrilled that she has joined our staff."
 
A 2006 graduate of Providence College, Thatcher was a three-year letterwinner on the Friars women's ice hockey team. Thatcher transferred to Providence after spending the 2002-03 season with Brown. In her sophomore year, she finished fourth on the team in scoring with 10 goals and 27 points, and was honored as Hockey East's sportsmanship award winner. In her junior year, Thatcher scored 58 points (25G, 33A) and was named co-Hockey East Player of the Year.

As a senior, Thatcher was the Friars leading scorer with 47 points (18G, 29A). For her efforts, she was a Top-10 candidate for the Patty Kazmaier Award. In addition, she was the team captain. For her NCAA career, she accumulated 167 points in 132 games played. During her time with the Friars, the team won Hockey East tournament championships in both 2004 and 2005.

After Providence, Thatcher played for the BC Breakers of the Western Women's Hockey League (WWHL) in 2006-07 and led the team and ranked 10th in the league with 36 points (19-17) in 26 games.

During the 2007-08 season Thatcher played for the Vaughan Flames of the Canadian Women's Hockey League and helped the team to the inaugural CWHL championship.

In 2008-09 she returned to the WWHL and helped lead the Minnesota Whitecaps to the league championship.

Source: Colgate

By   Wed, May 26, 2010

The public is invited to a discussion of the issues surrounding the exploration, drilling and transportation of natural gas in southeastern Madison County. The forum will be held June 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Green Room of the Colgate Inn.  Coffee will be served at no cost.

The presenters are Dr. Bruce Selleck and Lebanon Supervisor James Goldstein. The program focuses on the gas drilling issue as it relates to energy, economic development and environmental policies.

Selleck is the H.O. Whitnall Professor of Geology and Director of the Picker Institute for Interdisciplinary Science at Colgate University.  He grew up on a dairy farm and has done extensive research on the geology of Upstate New York. As a member of the planning board of the Town of Lebanon he deals with issues raised by over 60 producing gas wells.  

Goldstein was elected supervisor in 2001. He is a vocal proponent of regulating gas exporation.\

The Hamilton Forum is sponsored by the Hamilton Rotary Club, is an initiative designed to bring citizens from the community together for discussions of significant public interest. The forum is free and open to the public.

By   Wed, May 26, 2010

Members of the Broken Lizard comedy group -- all Colgate alumni -- will be at Hamilton Theater June 5 at 3:45 p.m. for a free screening of their movie, The Slammin' Salmon.

Members of the group members will be returning as part of Colgate's Reunion Weekend. Members of Broken Lizard met at Colgate, where they first started performing as a student-run improv group called Charred Goosebeak, which continues today on campus.

The Slammin' Salmon is a 2009 film by Broken Lizard. The film is about the owner of a restaurant initiating a contest to see which of his waiters can earn the most money in a single night, with a prize of $10,000. For the loser, a beating by the owner, Cleon Salmon, a former heavyweight boxer (played by Michael Clarke Duncan).

The movie premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2009.

By   Wed, May 26, 2010

Season tickets for the 2010 Colgate football season tickets go on sale Tuesday.

The package includes four home games this season, which includes Patriot League title contenders Holy Cross and Lafayette. As a bonus for purchasing a season ticket package, the Colgate Athletic ticket office will include one ticket to the Colgate vs. Syracuse football game Sept. 25 at the Carrier Dome.

Colgate fans and supporters will have several options to consider when purchasing tickets. Reserved seating will guarantee seating at the 40-50 yard line for the best view, where general admission seating available every else in the stadium. The prices for these season ticket prices are:

Reserved

• Adult: $60
• Community: $45*
• Alumni: $40
• Faculty/Staff: $35
• Child: $25

General Admission

• Adult: $50
• Community: $35*
• Alumni: $30
• Faculty/Staff: $27
• Child: $15

* Must be a 50-mile radius of Colgate University

All season tickets holders will receive a variety of benefits that include: parking pass, one game program for each home game, one flex pass to attend any 15 regular season games that are ticketed, entered into a raffle for various football events including the end-of-the season football banquet, and an invitation to the football pre-season barbeque with the current coaches and players on Friday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. at Andy Kerr Stadium.

Single and away game tickets will go on sale for purchase on Aug. 2. Prices for the home game ticket will be for:

• Reserved: $15 adult/$6 child
• General Admission: $10 adult/$5 child

Raider Family Packs will be on sale for every home game this season. For only $35, each pack includes four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and a game program. Please call the ticket office to order a Raider Family Pack, starting on Aug. 2.

Fans can purchase these tickets by calling the Colgate Athletic Ticket Office at 228-7600; filling out a season ticket brochure, enclose check or credit card information, and mail directly to the Colgate Athletic Ticket Office, Reid Athletic Center, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, N.Y. 13346, or go to www.gocolgateraiders.com, click on the tickets link at the bottom and hit the link to order tickets online at the top.

The Colgate Raiders will start their 2010 campaign at home on Saturday, Sept. 4, when they face Monmouth University.

By   Wed, May 26, 2010

The Emerald Knights weathered a late-game scare to stave off Sackets Harbor and advance to the next round of the Section III playoffs Tuesday with a 10-9 road win.

The Emerald Knights play at top seeded New York Mills Thursday.

Hamilton went into the final fram Tuesday with a 10-3 lead. But, Sackets Harbor rallied to score five times but fell short of the win.

Don Philhower went the distance for Hamilton, giving up only two earned runs, striking out 7 and walking none.

Lucas Rhyde (in file photo) led Hamilton at the plate. He had two hits, including a solo home run. He scored three times, had two RBIs and stole a base.

Hamilton               0 0 3 3 0 3 1  10 8 7
Sackets Harbor      1 0 1 1 0 0 5    8 9 4

By   Tue, May 25, 2010

The annual Father's Day pancake breakfast fly-in -- Wings Over Hamilton -- is cleared for take off on June 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is presented and staffed by the Hamilton Business Alliance and the Hamilton Rotary.

"We expect over a thousand people to come to the Hamilton Municipal Airport for a pancake breakfast and much more," said Ben Eberhardt, president of the Hamilton Business Alliance. 

Tickets at the door are $8 per person, $5 for children 6 to 10, children 5 and under eat for free. A ticket buys a pancake breakfast prepared from local products supplied by farms and producers in Canastota, Geneva, Sherburne, Utica and Waterville. Every ticket holder is eligible for one of 40 gift certificates donated by local merchants, to be drawn and announced every 20 minutes. There will be separate raffles for a TV set, a BBQ grill, and a 50/50 cash drawing.

"Rotarians and local business leaders are cooperating to make Father's Day very special for dads and their families," saud Barbara Albrecht, Hamilton Rotary Club member. 

The breakfast is in the airport's main hangar that can seat more than 200 people at one time.  Additional outdoor seating is available. Musical entertainment begins at 11 a.m. Children and adults can also view corporate planes and other aircraft as well as fire, rescue and construction vehicles.

The only entrance to the event will be on Wing's Way off Route 12B next to Vantine Imaging.  There is a large general parking area near the airport.  Handicap parking is available close to the entrance to the pancake breakfast.

In addition, a Cessna 172 airplane will fly up to three passengers for $15 per person over Hamilton. A more extended helicopter ride costs $30 for one passenger.  Children can experience the thrill of walking and sitting in a hot air balloon that for reasons of safety will not lift off the ground.

Visitors are expected to arrive by airplane, motorcycle, hot rod, classic car, and other vehicles.  Fly-ins will come from airports throughout Upstate New York and from as far as Long Island. Father's Day cruise-ins are expected from all over Madison, Chenango and Oneida counties.  Hot rods, classic cars and motorcycles will be directed to special parking sites for display and judging.  People's Choice trophies and gift certificates will be awarded to owners of the winning cars and motorcycles.

"This may become an annual event as spectacular as Hamilton's traditional Fourth of July parade," said Hamilton Mayor Sue McVaugh. 

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Community Memorial Hospital's Campaign for Giving. 

By   Tue, May 25, 2010

The HCS golf team placed second to Alexandria Bay 416-425 in the Class D sectional qualifier today.  

The following HCS players qualified for sectionals Thursday at Seven Oaks:

• Ken Quackenbush 82
• Josh Hodge 83
• Cameron Fisher 86
• Mike Jones 87
• Blaine Holcomb 87

By   Tue, May 25, 2010

Hamilton Central varsity tennis took second place in the 11 team Section III C2 tennis tournament held today.

First singles player Josh Valencia and the first doubles team of John Valencia/David Schult advance to the Section III InterClass Tournament, which will be held Thursday at the Parkway Courts in Utica.

Josh Valencia won two of three matches to earn third place.

John Valencia and Schutt won two of three matches to earn third place honors.

The HCS second doubles team of Allen Schult and Bailey O'Keeffe recorded three victories to win the sectional title at second doubles, defeating the team from Little Falls in the final.

Tommy Bodnar, playing at seconf singles won two matches before being defeated in the Finals. He earned second place honors.

Finally, Andrew Powrie, playing at 3rd singles, won two of three matches to also earn third place.

The cumulative points earned was enough for HCS to take 2nd place in the tournament, finishing behind winner Alexandria Bay.

By   Mon, May 24, 2010

Note: A previous version of this item said candidates Russ Lura and Thomas Bogan are Democrats. They are not.

The Hamilton Forum, organized by the Rotary, will host a candidates' night for those running for offices in the village elections next month. It will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton Public Library's Community Room.

Participants:
Village Trustee

• Republican Margaret Miller
• Republican Jay Whipple
• Democrat Deborah Sill Kliman
• Russell Lura

Village Justice

• Thomas Bogan
• Republican Arnold Fisher

Kliman, Lura and Bogan are all endorsed by the Community Party as well as the Democratic Party.

Each candidate will give a five minute opening statement, then the candidates will respond to written questions prepared by the attendees. Written questions can be submitted the evening of event or submitted by e-mail to hamiltonforum@gmail.com.

By   Sun, May 23, 2010

Roomful of Blues appears at Earlville Opera House Saturday, June 5 at 8 p.m. with their horn-powered blues in an eight-piece band.

Led by guitarist Chris Vachon, Roomful of Blues features new vocalist Phil Pemberton, who is backed up by upright bassist John Turner, drummer Ephraim Lowell, keyboardist Travis Colby, baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley along with long-time member tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille and trumpeter Doug Woolverton.

Roomful has earned multiple awards for their swinging 'jump blues'. Twice, the prestigious Down Beat International Critics Poll selected Roomful of Blues as Best Blues Band. Roomful's horn section has won The Blues Foundation's W.C. Handy Award for "Best Instrumentalist" three times and in 2004 won the prestigious W.C. Handy award for "Best Blues Band. Their recordings have received multiple Grammy nominations.

The band is touring in support of their latest Alligator CD, Raisin' A Ruckus.

General admission is $25 and $23 for EOH members and students are discounted to $20.  Premium seating in the first four rows is an added $5.

Source: EOH

By   Sun, May 23, 2010

Colgate' senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator Vicky Chun has been recognized by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA), as the Division I FCS Administrator of the Year.

The award is given to NACWAA members who have made significant contributions as administrators of intercollegiate athletics.

Chun's primary responsibilities include overseeing corporate sponsorship, marketing and promotions, and personnel management for athletics. She also will serve as the administrative liaison for Daktronics Sports Marketing, ECAC Hockey and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In addition, Chun has administrative duties and supervision of men's lacrosse, women's ice hockey, and volleyball.

Chun was promoted to Associate Athletics Director at her alma mater in July 2007, having served as the Assistant AD since February 2006, and on an interim basis since the summer of 2005.

A graduate of Colgate, Chun earned both her B.A. in 1991 and M.A. in 1994, where she was a four-year letterwinner on the Raider volleyball team. A two-year captain, Chun was named the Patriot League Player of the Year in 1991 and was also a member of the conference's All-Decade team.

In 1994, Chun was hired as the head coach of the Colgate volleyball team, a position she held for three years. She posted a 67-27 record as head coach and guided her squad to two conference championships and Colgate's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. The 1996 Patriot League Coach of the Year, Chun coached eight all-Patriot League selections, an Offensive Player of the Year, a Defensive Player of the Year, a Rookie of the Year and two Tournament Most Valuable Players.

She is the only person in NCAA Division I history to have earned Player and Coach of the Year in the same conference, as well as the only person to win a conference championship in those two roles.

Source: Colgate

By   Wed, May 19, 2010

Several HCS teachers and its elementary school principal received tenure at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting.

Those receiving tenure were:

• Heather Carter, Pre-K to fifth grade support specialist;
• Johnathan Rossi, secondary school music teacher;
• Jessica Poyer, first grade teacher;
• Christopher Shenkle, elementary music and strings teacher;
• Michael Sidoran, secondary school support specialist;
• Jamie West, sixth grade teacher;
• and Kevin Ellis, elementary school principal.

In other personnel actions Monday, the board accepted the resignation of Jim Lundrigan, the district's head bus driver. The board also named Kathy Conde as his replacement.

By   Tue, May 18, 2010

The HCS softball team improved its record to 15-2 overall with a 3-1 win at Waterville Monday.

Katie Weeks delivered a huge two out, two-run double in the top of the seventh inning, plating Jordan Peterson and Katherine Keever. Weeks then scored on a stolen base and error on the Waterville catcher.

Sam Martin pitched the first three innings allowing one hit and one walk. She was relieved by Rebecca Rogers who allowed one run, on one hit and one walk, while striking out five over the last four innings.

Hitters:  

• Katie Weeks, 1 for 4 with a double, scored 1 time, 2 RBI's
• Rachel Holcomb, 1 for 4
• Sara Whyatt, 1 for 3 with a double
• Katherine Keever, 1 for 3.    

Hamilton is home against Morrisville on Wednesday for senior day

By   Tue, May 18, 2010

Normally, if every batter in the lineup gets a hit, odds are your team has a good shot at a win.

But, the HCS baseball team also gave up seven unearned runs and commited five errors to lose 12-11 at Waterville Monday.

After falling behind 5-0, Hamilton scored eight runs in the fourth inning to go up 8-5. Waterfille made it 11-8 in their half of the the fourth. Hamilton tied it at 11 in the fifth only to have Waterville score one more to win 12-11.

Kinnon Nolan-Finkel started for HCS but gave way to Don Philhower who was tagged for the loss.

The Knights play again Thursday home against West Canada.

Hamilton   0 0 0 8 3 0 0    11 10 5
Waterville  0 3 2 6 1 0 x    12 12 1

By   Mon, May 17, 2010

About 20,000 people will come to Serburne to watch 30 junior and senior high school bands participate in the 60th annual Sherburne Pageant of Bands on June 5 in Sherburne.

The pageant, which was founded by Albert Whitney and Frank L. Miller, is recognized as the largest, oldest and most respected band pageant in New York State. The bands compete for trophies and ratings, which are determined by professional judges.

Pageant competitions include Concert, Parade, Small Ensemble, Color guard, Jazz Ensemble, Drum Line and Drum Major events.

Schools are placed in "classes" based on the total student population of each school district.

The Jazz Ensemble, and Small Ensemble Competition is held on Thursday and Friday evenings (June 3 and 4) in the Sherburne-Earlville Middle/High School auditorium beginning at 4 p.m., with Small Ensemble competition in the band room beginning at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, June 5, a full day of competition begins at 9 a.m. with Concert Band Competitions at various sites in the Sherburne-Earlville High School.

At 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Grand Parade Competition proceeds through downtown Sherburne with the reviewing area on Main Street in the center of town. High school marching bands will be featured.

Following the parade, the Drum Line Competition takes place beginning at 1:30 p.m. followed by the "Presentation of Awards" slated for 4:30 p.m. Again this year, 1st thru 5th place trophies will be awarded in all classes for the concert and parade competitions.

The Sherburne Pageant of Bands is sponsored by the Sherburne Fire Department and hosted by the Sherburne-Earlville Central School. As always, there is no charge for admission to any of the events. Visitors will find ample room for parking near the high school where there will also be concession stands.

By   Mon, May 17, 2010

Residents and businesses on nine streets will wake up to the melodic sound of "Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep." as played by the heavy equipment of the village backing up.

They will wake up starting at about 4 a.m.

The village's Department of Public Works will be repaving those streets starting at 4 in the mornign and finishing before the end of the day. Those streets include:

• Hamilton Street
• Dewey Avenue
• Milford Street
• Tamarack Terrace
• Sycamore Place
• Hickory Court
• Madison Lane
• East Lake Road
• And Wings Way.

A memorandum distributed to residents and businesses on those streets were told the streets will be open to local traffic only. On-street parking will not be allowed during the paving, and any vehiecles left on the street will be towed at the owner's expense.

For details, call the village at 824-1111.   

By   Sun, May 16, 2010

by Martha C. Nussbaum 

Interim President Roelofs, members of the faculty, trustees, alumni, family members and other guests, and above all, graduates.  On this joyful day, we are here to celebrate a wonderful group of young people who have achieved so much, graduating from one of the premier liberal arts universities in the United States, and who face exciting prospects for the future.  The type of liberal education you have received, however, is under assault all over the world in our time of economic anxiety, as all nations compete to keep or increase their share in the global market.  All over the world, radical changes are occurring in what democratic societies teach both children and young adults, and these changes have not been well considered.  Thirsty for economic gain, nations, and their systems of education, are heedlessly discarding forms of learning that are crucial to the health of democracy.   

What are these radical changes?  The humanities and the arts, the core of our idea of "liberal arts education," are being downsized and downgraded.  Seen as useless frills, at a time when nations must cut away all useless things in order to stay competitive in the global market, they are rapidly losing their place in curricula, and in the minds and hearts of parents and children. Indeed, what we might call the humanistic aspect of science and social science - the imaginative, creative aspect and the aspect of rigorous critical thought - are also losing ground, as nations prefer to pursue short-term profit by emphasizing useful, highly applied skills, suited to short-term profit-making. 

The U. S. has resisted these changes better than many nations, thanks to our time-honored tradition of liberal education at the college level, which sends curricular and pedagogical signals to schools as well.  We too, however, are in grave danger of going down the road toward a narrow profit-focused education.  Increasingly, in news reports and op eds, we read of a decline in the humanities, of programs in music, art, and theater pared away at the high school level, of humanities curricula being downsized at the college level.    

Consider, too, the Spellings Report on the state of higher education in the U. S., released in 2006 by the U. S. Department of Education under the leadership of Bush Administration Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.  Called A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U. S. Higher Education, this report contained a valuable critique of unequal access to higher education.  When it came to subject matter, however, it focused entirely on education for national economic gain.  It concerned itself with perceived deficiencies in science, technology, and engineering - not even basic scientific research in these areas, but only highly applied learning, learning that can quickly generate profit-making strategies.  The humanities, the arts, and critical thinking, so important for decent global citizenship, were basically absent.  By omitting them, the report strongly suggested that it would be perfectly all right if these abilities were allowed to wither away, in favor of more useful disciplines. 

Nor has a change of administration meant a change in policy.  President Obama has so far focused on the same narrow set of goals.  Indeed, he repeatedly praises nations of the Far East, for example Singapore, in an ominous manner: "They are spending less time teaching things that don't matter, and more time teaching things that do.  They are preparing their students not only for high school or college, but also for a career.  We are not."  In other words, "things that matter" is taken to be equivalent to "things that prepare for a career."  A life of rich significance and respectful, attentive citizenship - prominently including critical thinking -- is nowhere mentioned among the goals worth spending time on. 

Why should we care?  All of you have had a liberal education.  The Colgate Core, which has been at the heart of the curriculum since 1928, is among the most ambitious general education programs in the country, focused on independent interdisciplinary thinking. But why?  What difference would it really make if Colgate scrapped its liberal arts focus in favor of technological and pre-professional studies?    

We could go in a number of directions from here, since a liberal arts education does many things.  First, it is a preparation for life, and I think you will appreciate more and more, as life goes on, the expansion of your mind and heart that your education here has made possible.  I've so often met people in all walks of life - law, engineering, business - who feel that their ability to enjoy life, to think about other people and themselves, and to understand the world around them was decisively affected by the quality of their own undergraduate liberal arts education.   We could also talk about business, since leading business educators have recently been placing great emphasis on the need for liberal arts education as a part of what keeps our business culture healthy and dynamic.  They stress particularly the importance of the humanities in developing the imagination, and the importance of critical thinking in producing a business culture that is not simply a culture of yes-people.  Even Singapore and China are now trying to imitate our liberal arts focus, for the sake of business, though without much success, given their intolerance of critical voices. 

But I want to talk today about the role of liberal education in producing democratic citizens, the sort of citizen who can keep democracy alive and realize its promise.   So: what does a liberal education that contains a substantial contribution from the humanities and the arts contribute to the health of democracy?   

Three capacities, above all, are essential to the survival and progress of democracy in today's complicated world.  All, I believe, built into the structure of education at Colgate and other similar liberal arts colleges.  First is the capacity for critical examination of oneself and one's traditions -- for living what, following Socrates, we may call "the examined life."   This means a life that accepts no belief as authoritative simply because it has been handed down by tradition or become familiar through habit, a life that questions all beliefs and accepts only those that survive reason's demand for consistency and for justification.  Training this capacity requires developing the capacity to reason logically, to test what one reads or says for consistency of reasoning, correctness of fact, and accuracy of judgment.  Testing of this sort frequently produces challenges to tradition, as Socrates knew well when he defended himself against the charge of "corrupting the young."  But he defended his activity on the grounds that democracy needs citizens who can think for themselves rather than simply deferring to authority, who can reason together about their choices rather than just trading claims and counter-claims.  Like a gadfly on the back of a noble but sluggish horse, he said, he was waking democracy up so that it could conduct its business in a more reflective and reasonable way.    

Our American democracy, like ancient Athens, is prone to hasty and sloppy reasoning, and to the substitution of invective for real deliberation.  With the decline in newspapers and the increasing influence of an impoverished talk-radio culture of sound bites, we need Socrates in the classroom more urgently than ever.  Critical argument gives people a way of being responsible: when politicians bring simplistic rhetoric their way, they won't just accept it or reject it on the basis of a prior ideological commitment, they will investigate and argue, thinking for themselves, and learning to understand themselves.  And when argument, not mere partisan feeling, takes the lead, people will also be able to interact with one another in a more reasonable way.  Instead of seeing political disputes as occasions to score points for their own side, they will probe, investigate; they will learn where the other person's argument shares common ground with their own; all this conduces to respect and understanding.  

Critical thinking is woven throughout the Core at Colgate, which focuses on rigorous thinking and writing in all the required areas. It can also be further nourished by elective courses, in areas such as philosophy and political theory.  

Responsible democratic citizens who cultivate their humanity need, further, an ability to see themselves as not simply citizens of some local region or group but also, and above all, as human beings bound to all other human beings by ties of recognition and concern. As citizens within each nation we are frequently called upon to make decisions that require some understanding of racial and ethnic and religious groups in that nation, and of the situation of its women and its sexual minorities.  We also need to understand how issues such as agriculture, human rights, climate change, business and industry, and, of course, violence and terrorism, are generating discussions that bring people together from many different nations. This must happen more and more, if effective solutions to pressing human problems are to be found.  But these connections often take, today, a very thin form: the global market, which sees human lives as instruments for gain.  If institutions of higher education do not build a richer network of human connections it is likely that our dealings with one another will be mediated by the impoverished norms of market exchange and profit-making.  And these impoverished norms do not help, to put it mildly, if what we want is a world of peace, where people will be able to live fruitful cooperative lives.  

Becoming good citizens in a complex interlocking world involves understanding the ways in which common needs and aims are differently realized in different circumstances.  This requires a great deal of knowledge that American college students rarely got in previous eras, knowledge of non-Western cultures, and also of minorities within their own, of differences of gender and sexuality.   This your Core amply provides with its required study of both Western culture and a specific non-Western culture.  History and the other social sciences provide key tools here, and they need to be taught, as they are in an excellent liberal arts college, with an emphasis on the independent thinking of the student, who learns to evaluate evidence, to think about the relationship between history and her own time, and to think critically about different accounts of concepts such as economic well-being and global development.   

But citizens cannot think well on the basis of factual knowledge alone.  The third ability of the citizen, closely related to the first two, can be called the narrative imagination.   We all are born with a basic capacity to see the world from another person's point of view.  That capacity, which we share with a number of other animal species, is a part of our biological heritage.  This capacity, however, needs development, and it particularly needs development in areas in which our society has created sharp separations between groups.  We know that human beings are all too capable of what psychologist Robert Jay Lifton, in his powerful book The Nazi Doctors, calls "splitting": that is, we can live lives rich in empathy with our own group, recognizing the humanity of its members, while denying humanity to other groups and people.   

Good citizenship requires that we challenge our imaginative capacity, learning what the world looks like from the point of view of groups we typically try not to see. Ralph Ellison, in a later essay about his great novel Invisible Man, wrote that a novel such as his could be "a raft of perception, hope, and entertainment" on which American culture could "negotiate the snags and whirlpools" that stand between us and our democratic ideal.  His novel, of course, takes the "inner eyes" of the white reader as its theme and its target.  The hero is invisible to white society, but he tells us that this invisibility is an imaginative and educational failing on their part, not a biological accident on his.  This ability is cultivated, above all, by courses in the arts and humanities.  And I think it is in some ways the most essential of all, if we are to work toward a world in which we see distant lives as spacious and deep, rather than simply as occasions for enrichment.    

The imagination of humanness, we might call it.  And this ability is cultivated not only by the study of literature, but also by music, fine arts, dance, and the other creative arts - a reason why I am so impressed with the range and quality of art-related courses available in your curriculum.  

Today, in elementary and high schools all over America, literature and the arts are being slashed away, since they look like useless frills that don't help America make money.  All too few colleges and universities send the strong signal of respect for them that your own does, and many are even downsizing or eliminating the arts themselves.  Literature is still hanging in there, because of its core role in many general education curricula, but wait twenty years and this too may be a thing of the past.  The Indian poet, philosopher, and educator Rabindranath Tagore, builder of an experimental school and a liberal arts university, observed already in 1917 that the demands of the global economy threatened the eclipse of abilities that were crucial for a world of justice and peace: 

• {H]istory has come to a stage when the moral man, the complete man, is more and more giving way, almost without knowing it, to make room for the ...commercial man, the man of limited purpose.  This process, aided by the wonderful progress in science, is assuming gigantic proportion and power, causing the upset of man's moral balance, obscuring his human side under the shadow of soul-less organization.² 

In twenty years, the world may remember the sort of education you have received as a distant memory.  If that is the way the future unfolds, the world will be a scary place to live in.   What will we have, if these trends continue?  Nations of technically trained people who don't know how to criticize authority, useful profit-makers with obtuse imaginations.  As Tagore observed, a suicide of the soul.  What could be more frightening than that?  In my study of the Indian state of Gujarat, which has for a particularly long time gone down this road, with no critical thinking or imagining in the public schools and a concerted focus on technical ability, one can see clearly how a band of docile technicians can be welded into a murderous force to enact the most horrendously racist and anti-democratic policies.    

But the future does not have to unfold this way.  It is in our hands, and, especially, in the hands of all of you, who have had this sort of education - you know its value, and will come to know it more as the years go on.  What you can do is to keep institutions like Colgate strong; lobby with your state and national representatives for more attention to the humanities and the arts, which even President Obama seems bent on neglecting.  Above all, just talk a lot about what matters to you.   Spread the word that what happens on this campus is not useless, but crucially relevant to the future of democracy in the nation and the world.   And keep on pursuing the goals of that education in whatever you do in life: let today be not the end of a liberal arts education, but merely the beginning. 

Democracies have great rational and imaginative powers.  They also are prone to some serious flaws in reasoning, to parochialism, haste, sloppiness, and selfishness.  Education based mainly on profitability in the global market magnifies these deficiencies, producing a greedy obtuseness and a technically trained docility that threaten the very life of democracy itself, and that certainly impede the creation of a decent world culture.  If the real clash of civilizations is, as I believe, a clash within the individual soul, as greed and narcissism contend against respect and love, all modern societies are rapidly losing the battle, as they feed the forces that lead to violence and dehumanization and fail to feed the forces that lead to cultures of equality and respect. If we do not insist on the crucial importance of the humanities and the arts, they will drop away, because they don't make money.  They only do what is much more precious than that, make a world that is worth living in, people who are able to see other human beings as equals, and nations that are able to overcome fear and suspicion in favor of sympathetic and reasoned debate.  

Congratulations.   May you live happy and productive lives in our complicated world, taking your education with you and fighting to keep it alive for others.   

By   Sun, May 16, 2010

Welcome to Colgate's 189^th commencement. This is a day of joy and celebration. Graduates of the Class of 2010, let us begin by thanking those who have made this day possible. 

• The family members and friends here today or waiting at home - or watching our live stream over the Internet - have made it possible for you to flourish. Please join me in thanking your parents, grandparents, and other family members and friends who have supported your education.
• Colgate alumni have reached out to you to provide advice...and, for many of you already, jobs!
• And Colgate's staff deserves our thanks too.  They have helped you navigate through your four years - every day they provide what we need to do our work, to enjoy the campus, and to live our lives here.  And they made the arrangements for this special celebration, including getting the weather right this year!
• And of course, our faculty deserves our special thanks. They have mentored and challenged you, led you to explore new worlds, taught you how to examine all sides of issues, and instilled confidence in your abilities. They have set you on a path for a life of learning and curiosity. Colgate students and alumni have diverse interests, opinions and experiences, but when I ask what they remember and value about Colgate, the answer I hear most frequently is: "the wonderful faculty."  To them we can all say, "Thank you!"

During your four years of college, you have become empowered, with the knowledge you gained through your liberal arts education, with greater facility in critical thinking, problem solving and working in groups, with enhanced skills to communicate sophisticated ideas in sophisticated ways, and with your experience with and of new technologies that have advanced appreciably just in your four years here. Your well-educated voice has the potential to reach far and wide.  

So what will you do with that voice? What have you done with it so far?  

On campus, you spoke out against bigotry and in appreciation of diversity. You participated in solidarity events including a speak out and a unity march, and many of you made a personal commitment to removing prejudice from your life by adopting the Colgate Creed, authored by a member of your class.  The Creed reads as follows: 

"Colgate University is an institution made up of a richly diverse body of individuals -- faculty, staff and students. People of different races, religions, sexual orientations, economic backgrounds, and abilities are present within this community, and the institution takes great pride in this diversity.

• As a member of the Colgate Community, I pledge to treat others who are different from me with the same respect and dignity that I wish for myself.
• I will strive to accept the differences of others and work to end intolerance towards other people.
• I will respect both the intellectual and physical property of other members of the community.
• I will maintain both academic and personal integrity."

As a class you also have contributed a great deal to Hamilton and Madison County through the COVE and Upstate Institute.   

You've also taken a strong stand in support of sustainability. Your generous class gift to the university's sustainability fund will help us reduce our carbon footprint. And you worked to establish a community garden that will be realized this summer.  

During your four years on campus, Colgate has taken several leaps forward. The great Class of 2010 helped us open two new magnificent buildings -- the Robert HN Ho Science Center with its wonderful spaces that bring people and ideas together, and the Case Library and Geyer Center for Information Technology, housing resources for exploration and creativity, and spaces that support collaboration and individual work. Both of these buildings inspire the kind of cross-disciplinary research and scholarship necessary for addressing the problems of this 21^st century.  

Let's think a bit further about this class and those buildings.  Christopher Wren, the great English architect of the late 17^th century, said, "Architecture aims at eternity." St. Paul's Cathedral in London, designed by Wren, was completed in 1710, 300 years ago this year, and remains an icon to the present.  If not eternity, then at least for centuries.  Will our new buildings last for 300 years? Will they be used in the same ways?  It's interesting to think back to some of our earlier buildings, some now nearing the age of 200 years.  For example, West Hall, one of the earliest, was built by Colgate students and faculty using stone quarried from further up our hill.  Similarly, although students and faculty didn't carry any stone for Ho or Case-Geyer, the committees that oversaw the design of these two new buildings were populated by the students, faculty, and staff who would be using them.  It's revealing that we call those committees "user committees".  The future users saw to it that these buildings are designed to serve us long and well. 

By building together, students and faculty have always formed the foundation, both literally and figuratively, of this great institution. Our buildings serve the functions of housing students and providing spaces for teaching and learning, but more importantly, they bring our whole community together in shared mission. 

The Class of 2010 has already traveled far --a very large proportion of you have spent part of your four years enriching your education through study in other places and cultures.  Thinking again of West Hall, from a room in that building one and a half centuries ago missionaries were commissioned and sent out to the American West and to the Far East.  Some students of this graduating class studied that history via the course "Far From Thy Valley," which included a trip to eastern India to visit some of the institutions founded by those missionaries. What those early Colgate graduates built endures and is still vibrant in India to this day. 

Like architecture, education also aims for eternity-things that you have been part of building at Colgate (actual buildings, relationships, the Colgate Creed, sustainability and the community garden) all are part of that reach for the future.  You will never forget your years at Colgate: the strong friendships you made with one another, your connection to this physical place, and your relationships with Colgate faculty, staff, alumni and local neighbors.   

Recent technological developments will make it easy for you to stay connected - to each other, to Colgate, and to the values you have learned during your time with us. As you prepare to leave this place, know as well that you have such abundant reasons to stay connected.  

Congratulations!

By   Sat, May 15, 2010

The Lady Emerald Knights won the Sports Boosters Tournament for the ninth consecutive year Saturday beating Brookfield 20-2 in five innnings in game one, and then Remsen 7-0 in game two. Junior second baseman Jordan peterson had two home runs Saturday, including her second grand slam of the year.

Hamilton jumped out to a commanding lead, scoring 12 runs in the first and six runs in the second against Brookfield. 

Sam Martin (in photo below) picked up her ninth win of the season, scattering six hits, while striking out 6 and allowing no walks.  

Hamilton hitters continue their display of power, rapping out 21 hits, including five for extra bases. Jordan Peterson and Allie Hanson both had home runs Saturday against Brookfield.

Hitters:  

• Katie Weeks (in photo), 2 for 5, scored 2 times, 1 RBI
• Rachel Holcomb, 3 for 3, scored 3 times, 1 RBI, 2 stolen bases
• Sam Martin, 1 for 3, including a triple, scored 2 times, 2 RBI's
• Sara Whyatt, 2 for 3, scored 2 times, 2 RBI's
• Jenna Whyatt, 2 for 2, scored 2 times, 2 RBI's
• Allie Hanson, 2 for 2 including her first career home run
• Jordan Peterson, 4 for 4 including a double and home run, scored 2 times, 3 RBI's
• Kaitlyn Askew, 2 for 4, scored 1 time
• Rebecca Rogers, 3 for 4 including a double, scored 2 times, 1 RBI
• Katherine Keever, 1 for 2, scored 1x, 2 RBI's  

Game #1:                              1   2   3   4   5          R      H      E

Brookfield                       0  1   0    0   1    2     6     2

HAMILTON                     12  6   1    1   x   18  21     3

Rebecca Rogers pitched the complete game, allowing two hits while striking out 12 and walking six in the championship game against Remsen. Hamilton piled on six runs in the sixth inning, four of which game on Jordan Peterson's second grand slam of the year. 

Hitters:  

• Katie Weeks, 1 for 4
• Rachel Holcomb, 1 for 4, scored 1 time
• Sam Martin, 2 for 3, scored 1time
• Sara Whyatt, 1 for 3, scored 1time, 1 RBI
• Jordan Peterson, 1 for 2 including a grand slam home run, scored 2 times, 4 RBI's
• Kaitlyn Askew, 2 for 3, scored 1 time
• Rebecca Rogers, 1 for 3, 1 RBI
• Katherine Keever, 1 for 3  

Game #2                              1   2   3   4   5   6    7              R    H     E

Remsen                        0   0   0   0   0   0    0      0    2     3

HAMILTON                     0   1   0   0   6   0    x      7   10    1  

Hamilton is now 14-2 overall. They play a non-league game at Waterville on Monday.

By   Sat, May 15, 2010

Hamilton's pitching duo of senior Samantha Martin and seventh grader Rebecca Rogers led the Lady Emerald Knights softball team to a pair of victories Friday. HCS beat Sherburne-Earlville 11-4 in the first game and 10-0 in the second. Both games were five-innings long.

Hamilton is now 12-2 overall.

Today is the ninth annual Hamilton Sports Boosters Tournament for baseball and softball. The schedule is:

• 9 a.m. Hamilton vs. Brookfield
• 11 a.m. Brookfield vs. Remsen
• 1 p.m. Hamilton vs. Remsen  

DeRuyter (the fourth team) backed out of the tournament.    

In the first game Friday, Martin went the distance, striking out three, allowing one walk while scattering eight hits to improve to 8-0 on the season. She got some powerful assistance from Jordan Peterson who ripped a two-run home run and from Rogers, who hit a dinger with two girls on.

Hitters:  

• Katie Weeks, 1 for 2, scored 1 time, 1 RBI
• Rachel Holcomb, 1 for 3, scored 1 time, 2 RBI's
• Sam  Martin, sac fly for an RBI
• Sara Whyatt, 1 for 3 with a double, scored 1 time, 1 RBI
• Jenna Whyatt, 1 for 3, scored 1 time, 1 RBI
• Jordan Peterson, 2 for 3 with a two run home run, scored 3 times, 2 RBI's
• Kaitlyn Askew, 2 for 2, scored 2 times,
• Rebecca Rogers, 2 for 2 with a three-run home run, scored 2 times, 3 RBI's 

Game #1 Hamilton 11, Sherburne-Earlville 4                                            

                                          1   2   3   4   5   R   H   E

Sherburne                            1  0   0   1   2    4   8   2

HAMILTON                            1  3   4   3  x   11  10  3  

In the second half of the twi bill, Rogers pitched her second no-hitter of the season, striking out eight, while allowing no walks.

Shorstop Katie Weeks had a huge game at the plate. She was four for four with a triple and two doubles. Sara Whyatt also had a triple.

Hitters:

• Katie Weeks, 4 for 4, including two doubles and a triple, 2 RBI's,
• Rachel Holcomb, 3 for 4, scored 3 times, 2 RBI's,
• Sara Whyatt, 2 for 3 including a triple, scored 2 times, 1 RBI,
• Jordan Peterson, 1 RBI,
• Katherine Keever, 1 for 3, scored 1 time,
• Samantha Martin, 2 for 3

Game #2 Hamilton 10,  Sherburne-Earlville  0                                           

                                         1   2   3   4   5   R   H   E

Sherburne                           0  0   0   0   0    0   0    2

HAMILTON                          3  0   1   6   0   10  8    0   

By   Wed, May 12, 2010

The village's new police substation to be located at the airport is one of the things being held up by the late state budget.

Hamilton's Village Board of Trustees Tuesday night heard that the process of seeking bids to build the new facility is on hold because the budget is more than a month overdue. But, according to Director of Public Works and the Municipal Utility Commission Sean Graham, it will be only a matter of days to reengage the bid procedures once the budget is approved. And, if all goes according to plan, construction could begin yet this summer. 

Mayor Sue McVaugh said the Madison County Sheriff's Department is interested in leasing space at the new substation once it is operational.

Also on Tuesday:

+ It was announced that there will be a pubic hearing at 6:30 p.m. June 3 on proposed changes to the five-way intersection in the business district;

+ The mayor said $10,000 of the $15,000 cost for the Syracuse Symphony concert on the village green July 8 has been raised;

+ The board approved creation of a commission the oversee the Lee brown Coye mural, which was purchased through donations and given to the village;

+  Trustee Jim Bona said 100 vendors have signed up for spaces at the Saturday Farmers' Market on the village green;

+ Trustee Carl Albrecht said the Partnership for Community Development will be filling a vacancy on its board of directors because of the death recently of John Hubbard;

+ Mayor McVaugh told the trustees the sale of the DKE fraternity house on Broad Street to Colgate has been completed and it will be returned to the tax rolls;

+ Graham reported that work on a taxi-way at the airport is complete and will be available for use later this week as trustees and parents arrive for Colgate's commencement;

+ The mayor told the board the theme for this year's Fourth of July parade is "Hometown Pride";

+ And the trustees adjourned into executive session to discuss the labor contract with the police.

By   Tue, May 11, 2010

By   Tue, May 04, 2010

The vote on the HCS 2010-2011 budget is two weeks away.

District voters will also cast ballots on the purchase of a new bus costing $95,000 and on support of the public library budget in the amount of $90,719.

Three people are also running for two open seats: Robert Pils, Molly Johnson and Antonio Barrera.

See the district's budget newsletter.

By   Fri, Apr 30, 2010

A Brookfield man was charged with driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident and other violations following a one-car accident early this morning on Hamilton Road in the Town of Hamilton.

Troopers said Daniel S. Furner, of 2782 Mill Hill Road, Brookfield, was on Hamilton Road at about 4:47 a.m. when the truck he was driving left the west side of the road striking a tree. The police said Furner left the scene of the accident; he was found nearby.

Village police, the Hamilton Fire Department, SOMAC and Colgate University Campus Safety officers assisted. 

Furner was taken to Community Memorial Hospital to be treated for a variety of injuries, according to the Troopers.

By   Thu, Apr 29, 2010

The Village of Hamilton Democratic Caucus nominated candidates for the three positions to be contested in the June 15 election.

Deborah Sill Kliman (Democrat) and Russell Lura (Independent) accepted the nominations for the two village trustee seats that will be open and Thomas P. Bogan (Independent) accepted the nomination for village justice. These candidates also will be on the ballot for an independent party named "Community."

 Bogan (center in photo) is a a 58 year-old attorney,lives at 32 Payne St. with his wife Deborah. He grew up in Clinton, attended Hamilton College and graduated from Cornell Law School. He is employed as an independent contractor by the American Arbitration Association, which administers the NYS Insurance Department'sarbitration programs.

Kliman (right in photo) was born and grew up in Hamilton, graduating from HCS in 1959 as valedictorian. She received her BA from Vassar College and her MA from the Bank Street College. She also received a doctorate in clinical psychology. She and her husband Harvey retired to the Sill family home on West Pleasant St. in 2006.

Lura (left in photo), who is originally from Iowa, received a BA from Luther College in Decorah, IA and a MS from Oklahoma State University. He joined the Peace Corps after college, serving in Tanzania. He received his doctorate from Syracuse University, and moved to Hamilton in 1981.

He was the planning director for Madison County for 21 years.  Following that, he was the first full-time administrator for the county for three years. He lives at 73 Hamilton Street, with his wife Sally.

By   Wed, Apr 28, 2010

Two incumbents and a newcomer will be the Republican candidates for June's village elections.

Party chair Ben Barrett said the party chose:

+ incumbent Arnold Fisher to run for village justice;

+ incumbent Margaret Miller to run for a trustee position;

+ and newcomer Jay Whipple to run for the other open trustee spot.

Incumbent Carl Albrecht is not running for reelection.

The election is scheduled for June 15.

The Democrats are caucusing this week and will announce its slate.

Friday is the first day to start circulating Independent Nominating petition the he filing dates for independent nominating petitions are May 4 - 11.

By   Wed, Apr 28, 2010

Hamilton weathered another Spring Party Weekend, that time each April when Colgate students take the lid off the id as classes wind down and exams and/or commencement looms.

Depending on who you speak with, it was a mess or a modest inconvenience. For certain, it was a time for a heavy police presence in the village.

Hamilton Police Department Officer in Charge Gary Mlasgar said his department had five officers on duty each day during the weekend. He said there were members of the Madison County Sheriff's Department and the State Police in the village. Mlasgar said that while there was an intentionally visible police presence, there also were officers undercover on patrol during the weekend.

The HPD was not called Sunday morning to assist Colgate Campus Safety in breaking up a large-scale skinny dipping outing at Taylor Lake. According to a source familiar with the event, a large number of students -- more than 100 -- went swimming - many naked -- in the lake. 

Colgate prohibits swimming, wading and boating on the lake.

Mayor Sue McVaugh, who lives on Broad Street, is no stranger to the distractions and inconveniences that come with Spring Party Weekend. Her home is on the preferred route between downtown and campus, and in the past has had some minor vandalism done to her property.

This past weekend, she found an unusual piece of litter on her lawn: a pig's head. She said she does not believe it was meant for her specifically because she is the mayor, and added that members of a fraternity that had a pig roast came and cleaned it up.

McVaugh is surprisingly philosophiocal about the weekend.

"These are bright, articulate, caring people most of the time," she said of the students. "But with so much poverty, do we need the conspicuous consumption? Do we need that much beer? Do we need that many bands?"

By   Sat, Apr 24, 2010

It seems as though Hamilton has some help in keeping things under control at its five-way intersection in the downtown.

Meet the Intersection Fairy.

By   Thu, Apr 15, 2010

The village tax rolls will get a boost some time in the near future when the sale of one of the fraternity houses on Broad Street is finalized.

Colgate is in the process of purchasing the DKE house at the corner of Broad and College Streets. The house is currently unoccupied, and owned by the DKE alumni organizations.

The university is not, however, purchasing the building adjacent to DKE house known as the DKE chapel (pictured below) or library. The two structures are connected by an underground tunnel.

Once purchased, it will be returned to the tax rolls by the university, according to Colgate spokesman Anthony Adornato. He said "the decision to remove the property from the tax rolls was taken independently of the university.

At Tuesday's village board meeting it was mentioned that the loss of two properties -- a Colgate-owned house on Hamilton Street and the DKE properties -- had decreased the village's taxable valuation by about $600,000.

By   Wed, Apr 14, 2010

A Madison County excavating crew doing road work south of the village accidentally caused a power outage in part of the village late Monday morning.

Village Director of Public Works and MUC Sean Graham said a piece of heavy equipment being used to do road work struck a ground wire. This caused the line's neutral wide to touch the primary wire, shorting out part of the system at the substation.

Graham said this is how the system is supposed to work to protect transmission equipment.

He said MUC workers corrected the problem quickly.

The outage lasted about and hour and 15 minutes.

Graham said the county worker driving the vehicle was unaware he hit the guide wire.

By   Mon, Apr 05, 2010

By   Mon, Apr 05, 2010

The Shapes for Hamilton art project reached the distribution phase this weekend.

There were two distributions of the unique shapes created by artist Allan McCullom for every person living in the Town of Hamilton. Colgate Professor Dewitt Gpdfrey, who is overseeing the Shapes project, said 800 people received their shapes over the weekend.

Two more distributions are planned for this coming weekend. These distributions are planned for:

Saturday, April 10
Poolville Community Center, Poolville
10 am - 5 pm

Sunday, April 11
Palace Theater, Village of Hamilton
11 am - 5 pm

There was a steady stream of recipients of all ages at HCS Saturday to receive their shapes, each signed by the artist.

Radio Free Hamilton will be at both distributions next weekend to add to our slide show.

By   Sat, Apr 03, 2010

A man who influenced high school and college lacrosse players for many years died last Saturday after an extended illness.

Paul B. Rose, 65, of Hamilton St., passed away Saturday, March 27, at his home.

Mr. Rose was the founding coach of the lacrosse program at Morrisville State College in the early 1980s.He was added to the college's Wall of Fame in 2007.

His son, Brian, founded the program at HCS several years ago; his father was a volunteer assistant coach there.

Mr. Rose also was a two-sport coach for Colgate in the early 80's. He was the head coach of the men's lacrosse team from 1981-85 and the men's soccer team from 1980-84.

One of his former players is journalist and author Bob Woodruff, who graduated from Colgate in 1983.

“Until the very end of his life he would not give up,” said Woodruff. “He is an inspiration to us especially for those who fell in love with lacrosse largely because of him. Our prayers are for our coach Paul Rose and his remarkable, loving family.”

He was born in Syracuse on May 24, 1944, a son of the late Louis and Elizabeth Michel Rose. He graduated from Baker High School, Baldwinsville; SUNY Cortland; and received his master's degree from Penn State University.

On June 17, 1967, in Walden, Mr. Rose married the former Jeanne M. Pitt.

Mr. Rose retired from SUNY Morrisville as dean of enrollment and also coached throughout his career at SUNY Morrisville, Clarkson, Geneseo and Colgate universities. He was a member of Park United Methodist, Hamilton, and F&AM Lodge #214 of Geneseo.

Surviving are his wife Jeanne; two sons and daughters-in-law