Hamilton-Fulton County Boces

Offers Positive Choices For Adult Learners

Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery (HFM) BOCES is proud to announce that two adult learners were recently honored as Outstanding Adult Learners by the New York State Association of Continuing and Community Education. Selena Howard and Desiree Santana passed the high school equivalency exam and earned equivalency diplomas from the New York State Education Department. After earning her high school equivalency diploma, Selena earned her Certified Nurse’s Aide certificate, enrolled in the Registered Nursing Program at Fulton-Montgomery Community College and began working for St. Mary’s Hospital. Desiree earned her Paralegal Studies Certificate at Herkimer Community College. She is working as a paralegal with the Albany Law School and studying for her Associates in Arts in Psychology at HCCC.

Many adults who return to school have to overcome a lack of confidence. This is especially true for people who left high school before graduation and for those with limited English language skills. Fortunately, programs for adult learners are available in our region without cost to the participants. Tuition costs are covered by grants from the federal government and aid from NYS government.

Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES provides several options for adult learners in the community, located at the Amsterdam and Gloversville Literacy Zones, and in local correctional facilities. Courses include GED preparation and English as a Second Language. All courses focus on helping job seekers develop the skills they need to get and keep a job, as well as advance their skills for the workforce. A workforce readiness program specifically geared to English language learners is available to those who need to develop language and academic skills to prepare for success in training programs. ELLs learn the language skills and workforce attributes that are desired in healthcare and carpentry. These projects are created cooperatively with Lexington ARC and the North Atlantic Regional Carpenters Union. All students develop computer and digital literacy skills.

A key component for all programs is student support in the form of case management and referrals to supportive agencies that help students manage the challenges that may interfere with attendance. Returning to school as an adult can be intimidating. Some potential students have forgotten the skills they developed in school. Others did not develop advanced skills in school. Many adult students work non-traditional shifts that interfere with classroom participation. Attendance is further complicated by family and community obligations, personal health concerns and transportation woes.

In order to serve adult learners, HFM BOCES provides opportunities for distance education for both GED and ESL programs. Each option is supported by an online learning component that allows students to use a computer or tablet to participate in lessons. They can study at any time, in any place and at their own pace. Participants attend some initial programming in person, then transition to online programs. If a student is not technologically savvy, they can use printed books to engage in studies. Distance education students can attend class with a teacher for up to 3 hours if they need additional support. For learners who have taken and passed one or more section of the GED or TASC exams, there is a Fast Track option that will allow them to study only the topics they need to pass the remaining subtests. A Fast Track Math option is available for those only needing to pass math. In-person classes are also available for people who want to interact with a teacher and other students.

Individuals who want more information can call the Adult Literacy and Corrections Education Department at 518-736-4340. Readers are encouraged to follow the Amsterdam and Gloversville Literacy Zones on Facebook to learn more about opportunities in the community that support our students.

The Henry D. Ross 111 Safety Map app called SEND IT - HDR111 was released on Feb. 18th, 2019 by the Henry D. Ross 111 Memorial Fund, Inc. Henry loved the Adirondacks and was tragically killed in a snowmobile accident on the Sacandaga Lake in 2016. In Henry’s honor and with the goal of helping others to be safe while having fun, the Henry D Ross 111 Memorial Fund , Inc. was able to launch this app with fundraising efforts and the support of the local community.

Parents, Maria and Henry (nicknamed “Beaver”) Ross along with family and friends of their late son, have turned their personal tragedy into a mission to help others stay safe. This app allows mobile phone users to alert others of hazards that might otherwise be hard to spot. Besides telling riders where there may be safety hazards, it also alerts them to where ideal conditions exist giving them a much better way to stay safe while enjoying recreational activities on the lake or in other situations.

You can download the app on Android and Apple devices for Free…. by searching for “Send it HDR 111 App” or click the QR Code to download

If

111

Search online for snowmobile clubs in Fulton and Montgomery County or visit: membership.nysnowmobiler.com/clubs you can search by State and County

Here

Montgomery County

Charlton Snowmobile Club • Forest Preserve Users, Inc.

Frontier Sno Riders, Inc. • Ful-Mont Snow Travelers, Inc.

Town of Florida Snowmobile Club

Fulton County

Bleecker Snow Rovers, Inc. • Charlton Snowmobile Club

Ful-Mont Snow Travelers , Inc. • Nick Stoner Trailers

Oppenheim Trail Blazers • Royal Mountain Moonlighters

Snowdrifters of Stratford, Inc.

Southern Adirondack Snowmobile Assoc., Inc.

*This may not be a complete list. If you know of other clubs in our area, please reach out and let us know, so we can list them in future issues.

Remember to sign up for a Snowmobile Safety Course!

Taken with permission from the Henry D. Ross 111 Memorial Fund, Inc. Facebook page.

Conditions Change Fast - Don’t Rely On The Past!

The Great Sacandaga Lake is a reservoir created by damming the Sacandaga River with the primary purpose of flood control. Water levels change which in turn changes conditions. This can happen in a few hours so what you have experienced on the way out may be very different on the way back.

Lakes are not free of obstructions since ice heaves, slush pockets or frozen mounds from ice fishing can be encountered unexpectedly and can change within hours.

Ice heave: a fracture in the ice that leaves the surface uneven, can form in a matter of hours and can be hidden by snow.

The cause of the most snowmobile accidents and fatalities is SAD. Combining speed, alcohol and darkness is extremely dangerous especially on an ever-changing surface.

Speed. Speeding does not allow you the time needed to observe and react to obstacles such as rocks, debris, open water, ice shanties or ice heaves.

Alcohol. Alcohol affects your balance, coordination and reaction time. There will be times where you may only have a few seconds to react. Operating a snowmobile while intoxicated can lead to severe injuries or death.

Dark. Accidents often occur at night because you can easily overdrive your snowmobiles headlight since it only illuminates about 200 feet in front of you. Slow down at night to make your future bright.

Oak Mountain

Fun for the whole family, located in the beautiful Adirondacks. Affordable skiing, snowboarding, tubing, more. 141 Novosel Way, Speculator, NY (518) 548-3606

Email: info@oakmountainski.com

Amsterdam Ice Rink

Sponsored by Alpin Haus Fun for all ages • Open from Sunrise until 9pm No Skate Rentals Available Veteran’s Park - Locust Ave. Amsterdam, NY 12010

Royal Mountain

A Friendly, Small Town Experience, for large scale outdoor fun. Check out the website for Snow Drag Races, a Cardboard Sled Derby and more. 3072 NY Route 10, Caroga Lake, NY 12302 Or call (518) 835-6445

Email: info@royalmountainskiarea.com

RoyalMountain.com oakmountainski.com

Did you learn to ski at Oak Mountain? They will be gathering photos to share weekly through the 2022-2023 ski season. Please message or email photos to info@oakmountainski.com

Maple Ski Ridge

We are a small family owned business that focuses on big family fun. Ski/Snowboard locally with us! 2725 Mariaville Rd, Schenectady, NY (518) 381-4700

Email: mapleskiridge@msn.com mapleskiridge.com

Events from weddings to parties can be hosted at Maple Ski Ridge. For more information email: events@mapleskiridge.com

Fulton and Montgomery Counties are rich in history and full of wonderful people who make this a great place to live and raise families. This page full of photos taken where “We Call This HOME” comes to you compliments of Bill Trojan -

Photographer/Owner at WATPHOTO Professional Photography Services

If you would like to contact Bill, Call (518) 369-8866

Email: watphoto@gmail.com or message him on Facebook

(See Bill’s Bio on inside cover, WATPHOTO ad on pg. 39 and BILLY T ON THE STREET on pg. 20 )

This issue is a bit different than the first eight Crazy About Pets issues. In our first issue of We Call This HOME magazine, we published local shelters and rescue pages. This time around, we are actually putting an entire pet magazine, complete with it’s own cover right inside the We Call This HOME magazine. You will find stories and adoptable pets on the next 17 pages. We are in awe of the 24/7 love and care given to our area homeless pets by the many staff and volunteers involved. The pets featured here on these next pages and the ones on page 34 of this magazine are all patiently waiting for their forever person or family to find them. It is with great hope as we publish their faces and bios that they have either already been adopted while this was in print or that someone will see them, go visit, fall in love and then the magic of a forever home will happen. There is a QR code on each page so you can go to the websites or adoption pages for each shelter and look at all the animals who are there. There have been a few great losses this year and we have featured a few pages to honor those dogs here. We personally know of many more as well and our hearts go out to all of you. If you need help to get over the loss of a pet check out page 50 where we talk about the animal bereavement group. This may be something you may want to consider if you are having a hard time with loss of a beloved pet. Having pets is a huge commitment and every minute we get with a dog/cat that loves us is time well spent. If you cannot adopt, but would like to help in some other way, you can surely contact a shelter or rescue, start volunteering, attend a fundraiser, or donate an item from their wishlists. We hope you enjoy this “issue” of Crazy About Pets magazine.

Thank you for reading it!

Linda and Mike Palmieri

Lorrie and Phil Venneman have been involved in Animal Rescue for years. Lorrie was one of the original Board Members who brought the Regional Animal Shelter (now the Fulton County Regional SPCA) to Gloversville. They have adopted and fostered countless pets over the years, had heartache as they have passed on, but also lots of good times. At one time Lorrie had fostered a French Masti named Max. There was a beautiful bond there but the courts gave Max back to the original owners. When the Stratford 22 situation came up where 22 French Masti s were found without food or water, Lorrie felt destined to adopt one of them in his honor. Lola was adopted by Phil and Lorrie and has been a wonderful addition to their home. She is always there with the other dogs/cats to welcome them home. She gives lots of hugs and kisses. Lola was a great sister to her brother Winston (shown below with Phil and Mersh). She looked after him as he got older - he was her best friend. When he passed, Lorrie and Phil were looking for a new friend for her to love and found Dottie. Dottie is a blind and deaf Cocker Spaniel and Lola has taught her so much - she watches over Dottie every day. Phil and Lorrie tell Lola and Dottie that Winston sent her to help heal Lola’s heart. All of Phil and Lorrie’s beloved pets are living the life every dog/cat deserves to live.

If you would like to read the story about the Stratford 22 French Masti s you can do so in our Crazy About Pets magazine issue #5 starting on page 20. While there, read all of our past issues! There are some wonderful stories and great information that may be of interest.

Training

Crissy Castelluccio, ABCDT Christina VanValkenburgh, ABCDT

We at Harvey’s thrive on teaching Basic Obedience so all dogs must show no fear or aggression towards people or other dogs.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class

$150/6 Sessions: Students in this class are under 6 months of age and will work on basic training with their human guardians to get the best possible start while the puppy is still young.

Advanced Puppy Class

$150/ 6 Sessions: Students in this class have already taken the S.T.A.R Puppy Class and are ready for the next step!

Beginner Class

$150/6 Sessions: Students in this class are over 6 months of age.

Intermediate Class

$150/6 Sessions: Students in this class must have completed the previous classes or are approved by our trainer.

New Classes Coming

For dates, times & more information see our Facebook page or go to www. harveyspet.com

Required for all classes: Up to date shot records, registration form and full payment prior to class. A minimum of 2 students must sign up for classes to take place. All dogs are required to be in a harness or collar and on a 6-foot leash during class. No retractable leashes are allowed. Avoid feeding your dog before training. A hungry dog is a good dog!

Fulton County Regional

Fulton County Regional

Fulton County Regional SPCA

117 W. Fulton Street, Gloversville, NY 12078 518-725-5956

Beagle/Lab Mix • Neutered Male

Enrolled in our PAWSitivity Program learning skill & is ready for adoption!

Spca

SPCA - Gloversville,

- Gloversville, NY

NY

Fulton County Regional SPCA is a 100% volunteer-run, donation-funded organization originally founded as Regional Animal Shelter in 2002.

What We Do

Reunite - stray dogs with their families. Rescue - animals from bad situations. Adopt dogs - into new, loving homes. Spay & Neuter to decrease the number of unwanted animals. Educate the public and dog owners on animal health, training, and awareness.

Celebrating 10 Years!

Adopting from Regional SPCA is an easy process which will help you find the dog or cat that is perfect for you and your family.

OUR ADOPTION PROCESS HAS CHANGED

The first step is to fill out an online application. Only after an application is accepted will we make an appointment for you and your family to come meet the animal(s) you are interested in adopting. Applications can be found at https://fcrspca.org/adopt

We are currently open by appt. only

If you would like to donate to the shelter, our biggest need is money!

100% of your donation goes toward the care and well-being of the dogs!

See our entire wish list on our website at fcrspca.org

Currently we are in short supply of canned dog food, Purina One brand. Thank you!

TOMMY

2 Years Old Lab Mix • Neutered Male Ready for a second chance in life! Was in rough shape but doing well. Loves to give smooches and get treats!

* Note: some or all of these pets may have been adopted since this was printed

Ultimately, we will still be constructing, funding, operating, and maintaining a new animal shelter with an on-site spay-neuter clinic in our community to best serve the animals in the region. There is still a dire need for help in the stray and unwanted animal population. It is our goal to provide immediate shelter and care for any and all homeless or abused animals and shelter them until such time as they are redeemed to their owners, adopted into new families. We intend to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a-week, and respond to the public and municipalities that we serve. Also, by actively seeking grants and funding, we hope to help reduce the stray animal population to zero by participating in any spay/neuter programs available and to actively promote education, training, and public awareness. The new shelter will have space for education classes and the facilities for on-site low cost spay/neuter, rabies, and microchip clinics.

~ Thank

You

Phil’s Truck & Auto Repair for Sponsoring the Fulton County Regional SPCA ~