(Solvay, NY) On July 27, 2010, the Village of Solvay Board of Trustees approved the request of the library to create a policy for “smoke-free grounds.”  The Solvay Public Library became the third suburban public library to adopt a 100 percent tobacco-free policy following Fayetteville Free Library and Salina Free Library.  Now, visitors cannot smoke in the Library nor on Library grounds.

Because the Solvay Public Library is a municipal library and the building and grounds are owned by the Village, the Village Board had to approve the resolution.  The Village of Solvay also prohibits smoking in Village parks.  Signs will be posted on the Library grounds stating the policy.

Cara Burton, Solvay Library’s director stated that, “This policy is a result of the Village  Board of Trustees’ and the Library Board of Trustees’ commitments to creating a healthy environment for patrons and staff, and its understanding of the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.  We want to send positive health messages to the children in Solvay.”

Burton also expressed her hopes for a cleaner environment around the library building and parking lot.

Tobacco-Free Onondaga County (TFOC) works with area organizations and businesses to develop tobacco-free policies on their grounds.  They have been helping with education and technical assistance at the libraries.  “We are very happy that the Board of Trustees has made this important and healthy decision for their patrons.  I hope this move will help educate the public on the dangers of exposure to secondhand smoke and motivate other municipal authorities to adopt similar polices”, commented Jackie Shostack, coordinator of Tobacco-Free Onondaga County.

The dangers of secondhand smoke exposure indoors are well documented in the 2006 Surgeon General’s report.  However, a Stanford University study of secondhand smoke exposure outdoors found that a person near an outdoor smoker may inhale up to 50 times more toxins than are found in normal background air pollution.

Hoyt is popularly known for his “Common Threads” radio show on WAER.

The Library is located on the corner of Woods and North Orchard Roads and directions can be found at www.solvaylibrary.org.  Call the Library at 468-2441 for more information.

This year the Firemen’s Convention will be marching along with the traditional parade participants.

Pre-College Summer Institute is an intensive program on the campus of the University of the Arts for rising juniors and seniors in the following subject areas: Acting, Art + Media Exploration, Dance, Jazz and Musical Theater. Programs are either two or four weeks in July.

Bryant E. Tyler of Caroline Avenue in Solvay, a junior (accounting, Deans’ List).

“I take a lot of pride in doing a job well and always try to maintain a positive attitude, which helps make any situation go that much smoother,” said an enthusiastic Kenney.  “I look forward to coming to work each day because FocalPoint is such a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, and the credit union’s state-of-the-art computer system makes conducting members’ transactions quick and efficient.”

A self-described “people person,” Kenney prides herself in being self-motivated and a quick learner.  “The nice thing about working at a credit union is that everyone is always ready to help each other. So I will have the opportunity to learn the various functions of the different departments and gain a better understanding of how we fully serve our members’ needs.”

A huge Syracuse football fan (she’s been a season ticket holder since 1980), Barbara feels right at home in FocalPoint’s “orange” color scheme and team approach to member service.  For relaxation, she enjoys camping, gardening, and volunteering in the community.  She is currently helping out with the annual rummage sale at St. Cecilia’s church in Solvay, NY.

Brandon Monette of Solvay NY

Christopher Tarbox, Amanda Stone and Walter Pierce

Gregory White

(Syracuse, NY August 5, 2010) FocalPoint Federal Credit Union knows that paying for a young person’s college education is both a priority and a financial challenge for many families.  That’s why the Syracuse-based, not-for-profit financial cooperative is pleased to congratulate the 2010-11 winners of its annual FocalPoint College Scholarship program.

“We’re proud of these young members who are pursuing their dreams of going to college and we want to do everything we can to help make their educational dreams a reality,” said FocalPoint’s President & CEO Marilyn Marra-Crolick, who decided to award four scholarships this year, instead of the three awarded in the past. “We had four excellent candidates for college scholarships this year, so we expanded the scholarship program, and wish them all the best of luck.”

FocalPoint recently hosted an informal party for the young people and their families at the credit union’s Syracuse main branch.
- Christopher Tarbox will be using his $500 scholarship to attend Onondaga Community College where he plans to major in homeland security and disaster preparedness. He graduated from Mount Markham Senior High School, where he was an honor student. He completed over 180 hours of community service between ninth grade and graduating. Christopher is also an Eagle Scout.

- Nottingham High School graduate Gregory White (Syracuse, NY) will receive $500 to help cover cost during his freshman year at Syracuse University, where he plans to pursue a degree in Music Education.  Gregory is a very talented young musician who has been playing the saxophone since fourth grade. He has participated in many music contests such as NYSSMA, all city, has played in the jazz fest, been involved in Signature music, band camp, and jazz ensemble. Gregory has received numerous awards including the Louis Armstrong award for best jazz solo.

- Moravia resident Amanda Stone, who graduated from Moravia Central High School, will received $500 to help cover costs of attending Onondaga Community College where she will be majoring in Criminal Justice.  Amanda participated in many different sports throughout high school including field hockey, basketball and softball. She was also the Cayuga County all-star for field hockey in 2009. Amanda was a member of the national honor society since 10th grade.

- Solvay High School graduate Walter Pierce will be using his $500 scholarship to attend LeMoyne College and is keeping his options open regarding his major.  Walter was an honor roll student throughout high school and graduated with an exceptional GPA. He did a lot of volunteer work for his high school and also was a part of the Spanish club.
For more information, call (315) 463-8333 or visit www.focalpointfcu.com.

(Solvay, NY) Solvay Public Library has bright ideas for summer reading and programs.  Thanks to a grant from the Independent Energy Efficiency Program (IEEP) through the Village of Solvay Electric Department, the Library has started a public education program about energy conservation and alternative energy sources.

With the grant, the Library purchased a special collection of books and DVD’s on this topic and hosted several children’s program.  The books and brochures are located on a designated shelf in front of the circulation desk and have a “fluorescent light bulb” sticker on the spine.  The display has information about energy saving initiatives for Solvay Electric customers, and conservation education pamphlets for the general public.

The free programs have been taught by Baltimore Woods Nature Center and the M.O.S.T. science museum.  Upcoming programs in August include classes on biomass, solar and wind power, and electricity, to be held Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.  A full calendar of events at Solvay Public Library is available at www.solvaylibrary.org and in the library.

The IEEP is a consortium of 29 New York municipal electric utilities, including Solvay and Skaneatles.  These utilities are able to offer home improvement programs that decrease the energy consumption in that utility, which keeps consumer rates down.

The Village of Solvay is known for one of the lowest electric rates in the country.  The Solvay Public Library was able to use these programs during its recent construction project.  High efficiency heat pumps and lights were installed, as well as, new attic insulation.  This inter-department relationship led to this grant partnership to promote energy efficiency in the community.

For more information about the Library’s programs and materials, call 468-2441.  The Library is open Mondays through Saturdays in the Summer.

Kaitlin Bartlett, a senior sport management major from Solvay, N.Y.