BOCES Culinary Students Finish 2nd at National ProStart Invitational

Culinary Arts and Hospitality students from the Washington-
Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center finished as
national runners up at the seventh annual National ProStart Student Invitational held April
24-26, 2008 in San Diego, California.


Photo Caption: The 2008 WSWHE BOCES ProStart Management Team of (left to right) Jamie Norton, Breanna Donovan, Greg Hutchinson, Ryan Mercado, and Nick Green celebrate their first place finish at the New York State ProStart Competition. The team went on to finish second in the nation at the National ProStart Student Invitational in San Diego, California.


Breanna Donovan of Glens Falls, Nick Green of Hartford, Greg Hutchinson of Argyle, Ryan Mercado of Granville, and Jamie Norton of Argyle represented New York State in the management division testing their teamwork, communication skills, and knowledge of the restaurant and food service industry against 29 other teams from across the country. The competition consisted of two different events over two days. In the case study portion, students were presented with a hypothetical restaurant scenario and given 30 minutes to prepare a response in front of a panel of industry experts. The second portion of the competition, the Quiz Bowl, featured two rounds of game show style questions and answers.

Each member of the team received a medal and scholarships ranging in value from $4,500 to
$14,000 depending upon each student’s choice of college. These totals are in addition to the awards garnered at the state-level competition.

This is the fourth consecutive year a team from the Southern Adirondack Education Center has
qualified for the national competition having placed 9th, 6th, and 4th in the three years preceding. This year’s efforts were once again under the direction of Chef-Instructor Charles Jones and Mentor Casey Thorne.

The ProStart program, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and state restaurant associations, is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and food service industry. The program combines classroom instruction with mentored worksite experiences, and is currently available in more than 1,600 schools across 47 states, territories, and districts. For more information, visit www.weareprostart.org.

Culinary Arts is one of 24 Career and Technical Education programs offered by the Washington- Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES (WSWHE BOCES). The Southern Adirondack Education Center in Hudson Falls is one of two Career and Technical Education centers operated by WSWHE BOCES. Any high school student enrolled in one of the 31 component school districts is eligible for admission to the Southern Adirondack Education Center or the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs through his or her home school. Adults may apply to the program and location of their choice – admission is granted on a space-available basis. For more information, visit www.wswheboces.org.

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mike Sylvia, Public Information Specialist
WSWHE BOCES
1153 Burgoyne Avenue
Fort Edward, NY 12828
(518) 746-3857 fax: (518) 746-3855
msylvia@wswheboces.org

Greatest Aides of the First Quarter

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Dawn Bovee as Employee of the month for January 2008.

The Selection Committee feels Mrs. Bovee embodies the giving qualities needed to be a Home Health Aide. In addition to every morning, Mrs. Bovee travels two nights a week to visit a priority client where she prepares the client’s dinner, assures her safety, and reminds her to take her medication. Dawn Bovee goes out of her way to schedule care for her clients and is a very compassionate person.

Mrs. Bovee will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations Dawn Bovee, and thank you for all you do.

***************

February, 2008

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Shirley Coffin as Employee of the month for February 2008.

The Selection Committee has chosen Shirley Coffin to be Employee of the month for her strong dedication to her clients. Mrs. Coffin goes back out to work each night at 8 PM to assist a client into bed and she is often rearranging her schedule to meet her client’s needs. She works some very challenging cases and takes such good care of her clients they want no one but Shirley to take care of them.

Shirley Coffin is extremely trustworthy and honest. “You are a great help to the organization,” states John Penzer, President and CEO of Greater Adirondack Home Aides.

Shirley Coffin will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations Shirley Coffin!


****************
March, 2008

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Darcy Baker as Employee of the month for March 2008.

The Selection Committee has chosen Darcy Baker for her ability to manage a regularly changing and challenging schedule of clients. Mrs. Baker also volunteers to cover priority clients on the weekends.

Darcy Baker’s compassionate and professional ways, and her ever-present smile put her clients at ease. She often receives praise for her manner with clients, and is most helpful to administrative staff due to her timely reporting of pertinent information.

Darcy Baker will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations!

*******************
March 26, 2008

Greater Adirondack Home Aides, a leading provider of home health care services throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties, has selected Jill Batt as Employee of the month for April 2008.

The Selection Committee has chosen Jill Batt for the great job she does with her clients. Ms. Batt is “always on the job” and is willing to fill-in when necessary.

Jill Batt is a compassionate and caring caregiver whose appearance and attitude are most professional. Her communication of information to administrative staff and county nurses is always timely and professional.

Jill Batt will receive a check, a paid day off and a recognition pin.

Congratulations!

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a not-for-profit, community-based United Way Member agency that had been providing home health care to area clients since 1965.

Keep an Ear to the Ground

The Hyde Collection's Thoroughbred Ball is coming!

We are at the top of the stretch and headed to the finish line, but it isn’t too late
to get your reservations in for The Hyde Collection’s 2008 Thoroughbred Ball!
The evening’s program includes:

Premium open bar throughout the evening

Derby Party begins at 5 PM

Cheer on your horse as you view the Thoroughbred race of the day 6 PM

Dance to the music of The Night Owls 6:30 to 10:30 PM

Seated gourmet dinner begins at 7 PM

Finest Hat Awards at 7:30 PM

Live auction begins at 8 PM

Silent auction closes at 8:30 PM


The live auction is a highlight of the evening including items such as:

An original acrylic on canvas painting by Tom Myott, titled: Saratoga Summer
A Telescope Casual Furniture patio set of furniture including a table, umbrella and six chairs
One week’s lodging at an Okemo Ski Condo in Ludlow, VT
A boat ride for 10 on Lake George with Executive Director David F. Setford on an antique 30’ electric launch
A diamond and sapphire pendant necklace from Scoville Jewelers
And much, much more!

So don’t delay another moment. Call Jane Burnham at 792-1761, ext. 10, to reserve your seat for the gala today. Tickets are $150 per person (or $135 junior age 35 & under). Valet parking provided. Black Tie is optional (themed dress is encouraged.) See you there!

April Showers Bring Presidential Powers

How often do you meet a presidential candidate in upstate New York? Ralph Nader is coming to Glens Falls
on April 26th for two events. Tickets are now available for these events at Rock Hill Cafe (19 Exchange St.
in Glens Falls) or you can call me at 518-361-6278 to have tickets mailed directly to you.

Ralph Nader Live at the Charles R. Wood Theater
Wood Theater 207 Glen St. April 26th 8:00 pm
($25 minimum donation per admission)
The local premiere of Hudson Mohawk's Independent Media Center's film "Awake From Your Slumber" (28 min.)
Ralph Nader will speak afterwards about his independent presidential campaign, impeachment, the occupation of Iraq,
corporate power and many other social justice issues. Followed by a Q & A period and a book signing. DVD copies of
"Awake" will be available for sale in the lobby and every attendee will receive free bread and coffee, tea and biscotti.
Donations will be accepted 100% of which will go to the Sanctuary For Independent Media.
(Only 230 tickets are left as of this email)

Gourmet Vegetarian Dinner with Ralph Nader
Rock Hill Cafe 19 Exchange St. April 26th 6:00 - 8:00 pm
($250 donation, minimum $100)
Includes a wonderful catered vegetarian dinner at Rock Hill Cafe with special guest, Independent Presidential Candidate,
Ralph Nader. Also includes a copy of the Sanctuary For Independent Media's new DVD, "Awake From Your Slumber",
a signed copy of one of Ralph's books along with admission to the Wood Theater event.
(Only 40 tickets are available total and they'll go fast, so please reserve yours soon)

For More Information:
Matt Funiciello (518) 361-6278
mattfuniciello@earthlink.net

GTM Payroll Services Partners with Pioneer Bank

GTM Payroll Services Partners with Pioneer Bank To Offer Local Payroll Solutions For Capital Region Businesses

GTM/Tech Valley Payroll has partnered with Pioneer Bank to offer business payroll solutions to Pioneer’s growing list of business and commercial banking services.

On the heels of Pioneer’s recent branding efforts, the two companies announced the partnership at Pioneer’s Branch Manager’s Retreat held January 17th at Pioneer’s Watervliet location. The partnership between a locally based bank, like Pioneer, and a locally focused and headquartered payroll solutions provider, like GTM, further illustrates the commitment of both organizations to support the growth of local businesses.

John Scarchili, president and CEO of Pioneer Bank, has aptly noted that a true local business has corporate offices locally, employs local people, supports local organizations and charities, and has a business strategy that is focused on the local customer and community. “Building partnerships with local businesses by providing both banking services that are tailored to individual business needs and offering unique business opportunities, like ours with GTM, is the bedrock of Pioneer’s business philosophy” says Scarchilli.

A member of the Capital Region community since 1991, GTM’s successes, and future growth, is firmly rooted in the local community. “We are very pleased that Pioneer Bank has selected GTM as its partner in offering business payroll solutions to their increasing base of customers,” stated Guy Maddalone, President and CEO of GTM Payroll Services. “Pioneer Bank and GTM share similar core values; both our commitment to the growth of our region and our focus on providing the best local services, technology and convenience to Tech Valley’s thriving business community.”


Recognized as one of Tech Valley ’s entrepreneurial success stories, GTM has been honored as an INC. 5000 company by INC. Magazine, and has ranked one of the Top 25 fastest-growing private companies in the Capital Region for five consecutive years by the Capital District Business Review.

###

About GTM Payroll Services
Founded in 1991, GTM Payroll Services is a nationwide leader in payroll and human resource management for both business and household employers. GTM’s brands include Tech Valley Payroll®, GTM Household Employment Experts® (The Original Nanny Tax & Payroll Company) and A New England Nanny®. Privately held, GTM Payroll Services is headquartered in Clifton Park , NY . www.gtm.com

About Pioneer Bank

Pioneer Bank-where business is personal, is a $750 million mutual savings bank headquartered in Troy , New York since 1889. Pioneer offers full service banking products and services to Capital Region consumers, businesses and municipalities. Pioneer is the parent company of two subsidiaries; PSB Financial Services, Inc. and Pioneer Commercial Bank. The bank currently has 15 Capital District Region offices and employs 330 staff members. www.pioneersb.com

AMERICLEAN Employees Receive Awards

TWO EMPLOYEES FROM LOCAL CONTRACTOR AWARDED AIR DUCT CLEANING CERTIFICATION CREDENTIALS

In an effort to enhance consumer protection and provide air quality assurance to the public, the Washington , DC based National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) held its certification examination for professional ventilation system cleaning contractors on March 8, 2008.

Richard Allen and Bob Walter of AMERICLEAN were among a select group of professionals who passed the NADCA examination and were awarded the distinguished title of “Air Systems Cleaning Specialist” (ASCS). The ASCS designation recognized comprehensive knowledge in the field of ventilation system cleaning and is a distinctive accomplishment.

“Our certification exam was developed under the guidelines established by the National Organization for Competency Assurance,” said Kenneth Sufka, NADCA Executive Vice President. “By following these nationally accepted guidelines, the examination is extremely fair and practical. It does an excellent job of measuring the competency of those who take the exam, he said.

Air duct cleaning is the process by which heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are cleaned to remove excessive accumulations of dust, debris, and biological contaminants. With heightened public awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution, the demand for professional air duct cleaning has increased dramatically. The NADCA Certification Program helps to ensure that members of the association possess the required knowledge and expertise to perform these services in a competent and professional manner.

For more information regarding the benefits of professionally performed air duct cleaning services, contact Allen or Walters at AMERICLEAN – 518-793-9274.

NADCA is the only national association representing the commercial and residential air duct cleaning industry. NADCA’s 900+ member companies include the highest quality contractors in the world.

World Awareness Children’s Museum Hires New Assistant Director

Lynne Rosenthal has joined the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls, NY as their new assistant director.  She will be building the museum’s educational, membership, marketing, grant writing and development programs. 
Formerly, Ms. Rosenthal managed after-school enrichment and arts in education programs for the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES.  Ms. Rosenthal’s department, as part of the BOCES Gifted and Talented Resource Center , served 2,000 students after-school, and coordinated over 400 Arts-in-Education in-school programs and field trips annually. She also served as executive board secretary for the Statewide Arts in Education Network for BOCES and Small Cities .
Prior to BOCES, Ms. Rosenthal worked as the Executive Director of the Excel Interactive Science Museum, and as the Administrative Director of the Art Institute and Gallery, both of Salisbury , Maryland . She also worked as the Marketing Communications Director for TRT Telecommunications Corp., in Washington , DC . She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Tech, majoring in Marketing Management and Business Administration.
The daughter of a U.S. Army Officer, Ms. Rosenthal lived as a young child in Tehran , Iran for several years.  Her father was also stationed in France and Ethiopia, and her childhood home was filled with artifacts from all of these places, including camel saddles, African masks, zebra-skin drums, and many other items similar to those in the Museum’s collection.
 
About the Museum
Chartered by New York State in 1995, the World Awareness Children’s Museum offers interactive cultural arts programming for children, students and families. Currently undergoing a Capital Campaign for renovations on a new building at 89 Warren Street in Glens Falls , slated for opening in 2009, the Museum currently offers children’s exhibits at offsite locations and outreach educational programs for schools and other institutions.
 
Since 1988, the Museum has run an International Youth Art Exchange Program.  Art created by children is shared worldwide through a network of volunteer world travelers.  Around 500 youth from Asian, European and African nations, as well as North, South and Latin American countries contribute their art to the Museum each year.   
 
The Museum’s permanent collection includes over 6,000 works of children’s art from 66 countries and a 3000 plus piece collection of international artifacts, textiles and clothing.   International youth art exhibitions travel to schools, educational institutions, museums and public venues across the United States .    Founded to plant seeds of tolerance in children, the Museum seeks to create concrete connections for children to world cultures, using art conceived through the eyes of children to promote peace and understanding among people of the world.  
 
For more information about the World Awareness Children’s Museum, visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org,  call the Museum offices at 518-793-2773, email Ms. Rosenthal at lrosenthal@worldchildrensmuseum.org, or visit the office at 174-176 Glen Street in Glens Falls, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm or by appointment.