Nationally ranked: Morrisville State College earns recognition
Morrisville State College has been ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for performance.
looking ahead:
135 Years: Auburn Community Hospital reaches milestone
2013 was a landmark year for Auburn Community Hospital in many regards. To read more see page 4.
Excellence in Education Excellence in Financial & Professional Services....Page 9 February 12, 2014
On Feb. 19 read about the vehicles and automotive services to be found in CNY in Automotive Excellence as well as what area merchants offer in Excellence in Retail Sales & Service.
To read more see page 9.
2014excellence A supplement to Eagle Newspapers
Navigating the financial aid maze F By Sarah Hall
or many families, the biggest struggle when sending kids to college is figuring out how to pay for it – and navigating the complicated financial aid process. While some schools may suggest it’s necessary to fill out additional forms, including some that carry a fee, the only one families need to complete in order to be eligible for financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. The FAFSA form can be filled out by any current or prospective undergraduate or graduate student in the U.S. to determine whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. It can be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education starting Jan. 1 of each year. If an original FAFSA has already been filed, a renewal form can be filled out and updated annually.
Filling out the FAFSA
A FAFSA consists of more than 100 questions meant to determine a student’s assets, income and dependency, all of which are entered into a formula that determines the student’s Expected Family Contribution. A number of factors are used in determining the EFC including the household size, income, number of students from household in college and assets (not including retirement and 401(k) funds). This information is required because of the expectation that parents will contribute to their child’s education, whether that is true or not. In order to fill out a FAFSA, students and parents should visit fafsa. ed.gov. You will need the following: Your Social Security Number Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Your most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.) Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable) Records of untaxed income (if applicable) A Federal Student Aid PIN to sign electronically. (If you do not already have one, visit pin.ed.gov to obtain one.) If you are a dependent student, then you will also need most of the above information for your parent(s).
Who is eligible for federal student aid?
In order to be eligible for federal student aid, you must: Be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States. Have a valid Social Security Number. (Students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are exempt from this requirement.) See aid, page 4
Addressing student loan consolidation by Maria Badami
A number of families have contacted me regarding private student loan consolidators. Before pursuing the private
Maria Badami, MS, is a college consultant with College Directions of CNY, 7030 East Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY 13066. 243-6658; collegdirectionscny@gmail.com.
loan companies, students should exhaust IBR (Income-Based Repayment) options. Income-Based Repayment is a way to make your federal student loan payments more manageable. If a student holds a federal loan, there is no reason to pay a private company for loan consolidation. Consolidators charge fees and higher interests rates, while the federal government programs do not charge fees and maintain the average existing interest rate. While it takes some effort, the
government will work with financially overburdened students offering some leniency including deferment, “Pay as you Earn” repayment plans, and in rare cases, loan balance forgiveness. There are two links families should explore for information on student loan repayment. If a student is looking to consolidate all his or her educational loans, go to studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/ consolidation. If a student is exploring federal loan forgiveness or cancella-
See loan, page 3
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Crouse Hospital to present winter sports medicine symposium More than 2.6 million children through age 19 are treated for sports and recreation-related injuries each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With more than 30 million youngsters, adolescents and college-age players participating in organized sports in the United States, proactive prevention and top-notch treatment are top of mind for professionals who coach and care for them. On Saturday, March 8, at the Oncenter – War Memorial, the area’s leading sports medicine experts from Crouse Hospital’s Sports Medicine program will discuss injury prevention and treatment in high school and college student athletes during Crouse’s Winter Sports Med/Injury Prevention Symposium 2014. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., with presentations from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m., followed by complimentary pizza and wings, networking and two free passes for each attendee to that evening’s Syracuse Crunch game against the Rochester
Americans. High school and college coaches, trainers, athletic directors and medical professionals are invited to participate. Continuing education credits are available. Space is limited, and registration is requested by calling 472-2464. Dan DiChristina, MD, head team physician, Syracuse Crunch, and partner in Orthopedics East, will moderate the program. sports medicine experts and topics are:
Closed Chain Rehabilitation in ACL Reconstruction
Concussions in Sports: Evaluation and Management/Post Concussion Rehabilitation
Bradley Raphael, MD, partner, RSM Medical Associates, Syracuse University Ahtletics team physician
Paul Klawitter, MD, Crouse Concussion Care Program; Internist Associates of CNY Ilona Prouty, MPT, Crouse Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Applications in SportsMedicine & Results
Irving Raphael, MD, partner, RSM Medical Associates; Syracuse University Athletics head team physician
Laura Kirkpatrick, MPT, Crouse Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Open Chain Rehabilitation in ACL Reconstruction Nolan Rodriquez, MPT Mauro – Bertolo Physical Therapy Services, PC
ACL Injury Return to Play/Prevention Tendonitis of the Foot and Ankle
Paul Stasko, DPM, Orthopedics East
Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Michael Wiese, MD, partner, Orthopedics East Crouse Hospital’s sports medicine program includes the Concussion Care program and CrouseSports Express, an afterhours walk-in treatment center for any type of orthopedic injury. Crouse is the official hospital of Syracuse University Athletics and the official sports medicine hospital of the Syracuse Crunch.
Cutting edge education method promotes curiosity, enthusiasm
Observers in a Montessori classroom can see the children collaborate, cooperate and communicate, while working at their own pace through the curriculum.
A Montessori school environment offers a unique combination of specialized manipulative materials and individualized instruction. This school environment encourages creativity and inquisitiveness, facilitating a child’s natural desire to learn. Montessori is unique in many ways. Students are placed in mixed-age classrooms which encourage mentoring, independent learning, social responsibility, and creative thinking. Observers in a Montessori classroom can see this in action, as the children collaborate, cooperate and communicate, while working at their own pace through the curriculum. In the traditional model, the teacher takes a group of students in unison through a predetermined curriculum, effectively telling students what to think about, when to think about it, and for how long. The teacher corrects mistakes, and is the gatekeeper of information. In other words, the teacher is in the middle, and they decide how the curriculum will be dispersed out to the students. But in the Montessori model, students have access to all curricular lessons and learning supplies. There are beautifully designed materials (which match critical windows of human development) arranged around the classroom, placed in a logical order by only one small isolation of difficulty. This allows the student to perceive the “whole” as well as the “sum of its parts”- leading to greater understanding. Many contemporary innovators have attributed their success to their early experiences in Montessori schools. You have likely read that the search engine that you use many times a day, Google, was created by two Montessori graduates, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. In interviews they directly attribute their suc-
cess to their Montessori educations. “We both went to Montessori school,” said Page, “and I think (our success) was part of that training, not following rules and orders and being selfmotivated, questioning what’s going on in the world, doing things a little bit different.” (Barbara Walters interview, 2004) The list of Montessori-educated innovators includes Steve Case, founder of AOL; SimCity creator Will Wright; Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. Cisco Systems Chief Strategy Officer Padmasree Warrior says that her Montessori education taught her to “(look) at every problem as an opportunity to solve it, versus being stumped by it.” A recent New Yorker article profiled SimCity developer Will Wright. He changed the video game paradigm by creating a game that could be neither won nor lost, that encouraged creativity, and that nurtured development of visual/spatial coordination—and that has had enormous commercial success. The New Yorker described Wright’s education: “Wright flourished in the local Montessori school, with its emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and self-motivation. ‘Montessori taught me the joy of discovery…It’s all about learning on your terms, rather than a teacher explaining stuff to you.’ ” The Montessori School of Syracuse offers seven multi-age Montessori classrooms for children age 3 through sixth grade. Preschool options include both half-day and full-day programs, and the school offers both early arrival and after school program options. With over 150 students enrolled, the Montessori School of Syracuse has been providing a world class education to students in Central New York since 1995.
2014excellence A business and economic forecast.
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BASCOL’s premier before and after school child care program continues to expand and flourish Before and After School Child Care on Location, Inc. (BASCOL) is expanding into new territory and has much, much more going on. This March BASCOL will open a new location in the Jamesville-Dewitt School District at Holy Cross School. This past September they opened a site at Split Rock Elementary School, the second site in the West Genesee School District. Also, in December 2013 BASCOL expanded into Oswego County, opening two sites in the Central Square School District at Hastings Mallory and A.A. Cole Elementary Schools. BASCOL has been providing the best possible before and after school child care for children in grades K through sixth in Onondaga County since 1992 and now Oswego County. BASCOL is a New York State licensed before and after school program, serving families in soon to be 17 locations in seven school districts: Liverpool, Onondaga Central, Solvay, West Genesee, Westhill, Central Square and Jamesville-Dewitt. For the second year, BASCOL has been awarded an $8,000 grant to partner with the National Inclusion Project’s, Let’s ALL Play initiative. During the next year, BASCOL will partner with the National Inclusion Project in continuing to train staff on how to better serve children of all abilitities and will provide a scholarship program to allow children with special needs to attend BASCOL this summer. The goal of Let’s ALL Play is to assist organizations that serve children nationwide in moving toward full inclusion. The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them. They partner with communities and inclusive programs creating awareness about the possibilities that
inclusion can bring. BASCOL Executive Director, Candace B. Edwards said “We are excited to be partnering again with the National Inclusion Project, Let’s ALL Play, for the second year. It was a wonderful experience and all children benefited.” BASCOL is planning a lot of fun and exciting events for their 2014 Ultimate Summer Escape program. Including themed weeks such as Community Helpers, Wild Safari, Wacky Science and Lego Mania Week which will allow each child to create and build a Lego Frenzy Pull Back Car that they will get to keep! Some of the awesome field trips planned are to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Green Lakes State Park and Thunder Island. BASCOL’s summer program operates at 2 locations, one in Liverpool and one in the Syracuse area. They offer flexible schedules and fun activity clubs for all children. Some of the “clubs” include Health and Fitness, No Bake, Art, and Show & Tell, Tech Time, Bingo, Reading Adventure and Kid’s Zone. For more information regarding the BASCOL program visit bascol.org or call 622-4815.
Loan
BASCOL Staff and students celebrate Lego Mania Week, top, and enjoy a field trip to Green Lakes State Park during BASCOL’s Ultimate Summer Escape Program, above.
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consolidation companies please explore the following accurate and free sites: 3 Equal Justice Works: equaljusticeworks. org 3 American Student Assistance: asa.org 3 Studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/ plans/pay-as-you-earn/calculator
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tion go to studentaid.ed/gov/repay-loans/ forgiveness-cancellation. While there is no additional cost to consolidate loans through the federal program, it is possible that the total cost of the loan repayment may increase if a longer repayment schedule is decided upon. Before even considering private loan
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Morrisville State ranks in US News and World Report Morrisville State College is gaining national attention and garnering praise for its innovative and entrepreneurial degree programs. Most recently, Morrisville State has been ranked, by U.S. News and World Report, second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation metric. In simple terms, Morrisville students are getting the education they deserve and achieving the degrees they want. The anticipated graduation metric was developed by USNWR as an attempt to capture how well a college is able to support students so they are able to graduate successfully, and to find where students succeed beyond what their test scores and other key factors might otherwise predict. The formula takes into account many factors including incoming class financial and socioeconomic composition, academic profile, as well as the college’s average financial expenditures per student. “We offer hands-on, experiential education at its best by integrating classroom theories and concepts with out-of-classroom learning experiences, said Morrisville State Provost David Rogers. “This approach inspires students to persist through their internships to become successful graduates.” Along with the kudos, which appears in the U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2014 issue, Morrisville State was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North and is listed in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North. Morrisville State College has also been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs. The college was named to the 2012 President’s Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll and is a 2013 recipient of the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA in recognition of its commitment to effective urban forest management. For information on academic programs, admissions information, and campus life, visit morrisville.edu. Experience Morrisville in Motion.
Morrisville State College is gaining national attention and garnering praise for its innovative and entrepreneurial degree programs.
Aid the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau are exempt from registering; see sss.gov for more information.) Not have a conviction for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans or work-study). If you have such a conviction, you must complete the Student Aid Eligibility Worksheet to determine if you are eligible for aid or partially eligible for aid. Many types of federal student aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant or subsidized loans where the government pays the interest while you are in college, also require you to have financial need. Additionally, once you have a bachelor’s degree or a first professional degree, you are generally not eligible for Pell or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
Other requirements may apply. Contact the financial aid office at your college for more information.
What types of aid are available?
There are nine types of federal student aid and more than six kinds of state student aid offered, as well as countless types of private aid provided by colleges across the United States. This is far from a comprehensive list, but it does outline the different kinds of federal aid available that the FAFSA can make available to students. The financial aid office at your college will determine how much aid you are eligible to receive and what form that aid will take.
Grants (awarded on the basis of need; generally do not have to be repaid):
Federal Pell Grants are usually awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet
earned a bachelor’s degree. (In some cases, students enrolled in postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs may receive Federal Pell Grants.) The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the 2014-15 award year is $5,550; however, the actual award depends on the student’s financial need, the college’s cost of attendance, the student’s enrollment status, and the length of the academic year in which the student is enrolled. Students can receive the Federal Pell Grant for up to the equivalent of 12 semesters. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount of the award is determined by the college’s financial aid office, and depends on the student’s financial need and the availability of funds at the college.
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Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have completed homeschooling. If you don’t, you may still be eligible for federal student aid if you were enrolled in college or career school prior to July 1, 2012. Go to studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility/basic-criteria for additional information. Be enrolled in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate. Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a federal student loan. Register (or already be registered) with Selective Service, if you are a male and not currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. (Students from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of
From page 1 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants are awarded to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. If the service requirement is not fulfilled, it could turn into a loan. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are awarded to students whose parents or guardians were members of the Armed Forces and died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001. To qualify, a student must have been under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death.
Loans (money that the student borrows to help pay for college, and must be repaid plus interest): Federal Perkins Loan
Program is a campus-based program that provides lowinterest loans to undergraduate and graduate students. The amount of the award depends on the student’s financial need, the amount of other aid the student receives, and the availability of funds at his/her college. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program enables students and parents to borrow money at low interest rates directly from the federal government. The Direct Loan Program includes Direct Stafford Loans, which are available to undergraduate and graduate students, and Direct PLUS Loans, which are available to parents of dependent students and to graduate and professional-degree students. A Direct Stafford Loan might be subsidized or unsubsidized. Direct PLUS Loans are always unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are based on financial need and are available only to undergraduate students. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the borrower is in college and during deferment. Unsubsidized loans are based on the student’s education costs and other aid received. The borrower must
pay all accrued interest on unsubsidized loans.
Federal Work-Study Program
This enables students to earn money during the school year while also gaining valuable work experience, typically in part-time, career-related jobs.
Other forms of financial aid: State government aid.
For more information, contact the state’s higher education agency. You can find the state agency’s contact information at wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/ Programs/EROD/org_list. cfm?category_cd=SHE. Aid from the college. Students should contact the financial aid offices at the colleges they are considering for more information. Scholarships. Some states, local governments, colleges, community organizations, private employers, and other organizations award scholarships based on academic ability or other factors. For more information, visit StudentAid.gov. Tax credits for education expenses. For more information about the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, visit studentaid.ed.gov/types/ tax-benefits. Aid for the military. For more information, visit studentaid.ed.gov/types/grantsscholarships/military. The FAFSA can be filled out online (this is the recommended format), or you can request a paper copy by calling at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800433-3243) or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, contact the TTY line at 1-800730-8913. The federal deadline for submission is midnight Central Standardtime, June 30; the New York state deadline is the same. Deadline for submission of corrections is midnight Central Standard time, Sept. 19. Check with your college for their deadline, but most schools recommend submitting your FAFSA as soon as possible. If you have further questions, visit fafsa.edu.gov.
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SUNY Oswego continues national ‘Best Value’ ranking
Opportunities galore
In the Princeton Review’s section titled “Why students love State University of New York-Oswego,” those surveyed reported there is a “friendly and helpful” atmosphere on a campus that’s devoted to promoting multiculturalism on its “gorgeous” lakeside site. Students say the nearly 200 clubs and organizations offer networking, socializing, activities and involvement opportunities galore, the publication reported.
Dr. Paul Tomascak, a geology professor at SUNY Oswego, teaches one of the first classes to be held in the new Richard S. Shineman Center for Science, Engineering and Innovation last fall, a state-of-the-art learning facility that opened in August 2013 as part of Oswego’s ongoing campus renewal program. Among the 13 SUNY comprehensive colleges, Geneseo and Purchase joined Oswego on the best-value list. “We salute these colleges for their outstanding academics and affordability either via their comparatively low sticker prices or generous financial aid awards to students with need - or both,” said Robert Franek, the Princeton Review’s senior vice president and publisher. A 153-year-old college on the shore of Lake Ontario, Oswego offers more than 100 programs of study in its four
academic units: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication, Media and the Arts, and School of Education. The Princeton Review is a Massachusetts-based education services company known for its college rankings. SUNY Oswego has appeared in every edition of the company’s “The Best Northeastern Colleges,” and Oswego’s School of Business appears each year in its “Best Business Schools.”
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For the third consecutive year, the Princeton Review and USA Today have named SUNY Oswego one of 75 “Best Value” public colleges in the nation. The list of 75 public and 75 private institutions appears in the book “The Best Value Colleges: The 150 Best-Buy Schools and What It Takes to Get In,” published by Random House and the Princeton Review, as well as on USA Today’s website at bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com. “SUNY Oswego is an outstanding college and value for our students, and it is particularly rewarding when a reputable source such as the Princeton Review agrees,” said Dan Griffin, director of admissions at Oswego. “It speaks to our commitment to our students’ education, their development and the amazing variety of indemand majors and experiences we offer. Particularly as higher education costs seem to escalate each year, to be recognized as a ‘Best Value’ means a lot to our students and their families,” he said. Based on cost and other data for 2013-14 and student interviews, the book’s report on SUNY Oswego includes a “bottom line” section quoting one student who said the college provides “a great education for the money” and citing the Oswego Guarantee. The guarantee states, in part, that a student’s room and board expenses on campus will remain constant for four consecutive years. Last fall, SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley sweetened the pledge, adding a “Graduation ROI” that provides a $300 return on a student’s investment for graduating in four years or less. SUNY Oswego also offers about $84 million annually in merit scholarships, need-based grants, loans, work-study and other financial aid.
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Wells helps build a strong foundation for success
Increase state funding to preserve SUNY/ CUNY quality By Andrew Sako
Wells’ scholars benefit from personalized instruction, gather practical knowledge from their peers in discussion-based classes, experience hands-on learning projects such as internships and work-study and take a hand in directing their own education. and expand her or his own business. As a result, each educational experience is unique and selfmade. Faculty advisors encourage students to take a hand in their education by selecting the courses and extra-curricular opportunities that best match their personal interests and professional goals; and this process ensures that students come away with the tools to prepare for and connect with careers. Internships, off-campus study, teacher’s assistant positions, and club leadership similarly build on personal priorities and create a pathway to professional success. Wells’ new programs were designed by our faculty in response to the needs and interests of today’s students and graduates. Our professors hold expertise and countless hours of collective research in these fields, and they carefully crafted the curriculum to position students for success. The close-knit nature of the campus community, small class sizes, and low student-to-faculty ratio emphasize and strengthen this adaptive approach. As Wells’ scholars prepare for their future after graduation, they benefit from personalized instruction, gather practical knowledge from their peers in discussion-based classes, experience hands-on learning projects such as internships and workstudy and take a hand in directing their own education. Contact our admissions office to find out how Wells’ new and existing programs can make your college experience a success.
Andrew Sako is professor and department chair of the Building Management and Maintenance Program at Erie Community College in Buffalo.
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At Wells College, students have many opportunities to combine their education in a chosen major with a broad base of understanding in other disciplines, resulting in an education that is both diverse and specialized. The college’s liberal arts experience offers unfettered opportunities to expand a student’s education in different fields, no matter what major they choose. Our programs draw on the college’s natural setting, build on the academic strengths of our experienced faculty and take advantage of interest in new and evolving areas. In response to our changing society, Wells recently introduced a number of programs designed to complement a student’s major and to provide additional familiarity with fields that are in increasing demand worldwide. New academic offerings in the fields of business, criminal justice, graphic design, environmental science, museum studies, sustainability and sustainable food systems are available to all students. A student can, for example, choose the business minor to build a strong foundation for personal success while acquiring a focus in a major such as visual arts, chemistry, English, or physics. Alternatively, a student studying economics or Spanish could minor in sustainable food systems, preparing for a career developing more ecologically-practical systems in an international setting. The graphic design minor will allow students to gain familiarity and experience with print and web design, giving an entrepreneurial graduate the tools to advertise
Like many educators throughout New York state, I watched proudly as internationally-renowned opera singer Renee Fleming sang the national anthem during the Super Bowl. As an advocate for SUNY, CUNY and our community colleges, it made me proud to know she’s one of us — Fleming, a Rochester native, is a SUNY Potsdam graduate. Her accomplishments highlight the kind of top-notch education students can receive at SUNY, CUNY and community colleges in New York state. We have a lot to offer, from internationally respected professors, to rigorous programs of study, to top-notch facilities and resources. There’s really no limit to how high students can soar at New York’s public colleges and universities with the right level of commitment and state support. However, the state’s support has eroded alarmingly over the last five years. Funding for public higher education in New York state has suffered nearly $2 billion in cuts, driving up tuition and endangering quality, affordable higher education for all New Yorkers. As budgets shrink, colleges and universities face mounting pressure to eliminate programs and courses, erode educational quality and slash opportunities for students in need. If we want to keep our public colleges and universities strong for future generations, New York state must act now to make a greater investment in faculty, staff and student support. New York State United Teachers, in partnership with its higher education locals, recently launched “Keep New York a State of Mind,” a campaign to encourage investment in public higher education. The union is calling on New York state to support a Public Higher Education Quality Initiative, which would do four things: create an endowment to restore and build SUNY/CUNY academic departments by adding full-time faculty and professional staff; increase operating aid to CUNY and SUNY four-year campuses, and raise base aid for community colleges; invest in student financial aid and opportunity programs and update and reform the state’s Tuition Assistance Program. This is an incredibly urgent issue as evidenced by the fact that it’s not just higher ed faculty and staff who are sounding the alarm. The state’s teachers are also lending their voices to the call for increased funding for public colleges and universities. We all love teaching, and we all only want what’s best for our students. And if this pattern of underfunding continues, the dream of higher education for many students will be just that — a dream. If you believe, as I do, in the value of public higher education in New York state, I encourage you to add your voice to the movement. Because we still have future artists to nurture — they just need a helping hand. To learn more about NYSUT’s “Keep New York a State of Mind” campaign, visit nysut.org/qualityhighered or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/qualityhighered.
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Manlius Pebble Hill heads to international MUN competition The Model United Nations Team at Manlius Pebble Hill School is proving itself a powerhouse again this year as it sweeps up major awards in conference after conference. The team is now looking to take on some tough international competition. It will head to London next week for the London International Model United Nations (LIMUN) conference, Europe’s biggest and most competitive university-level MUN event. MPH is not new to international debate conferences. The team swept up 13 major awards this fall at the Montreal International MUN Conference. The prestigious conference – the largest in Canada – was sponsored by McGill University and attracted 1,200 students from five nations. In December, the MPH team went on to win the Best Delegation Award and 10 major outer committee awards at the Upstate Mohawk Valley Model United Nations Conference sponsored by Colgate University. Some 200 students representing 14 Central New York high schools participated. MPH continued to dominate the competition at the January 10-11 Central New York Model United Nations (CNYMUN) conference held at Syracuse University. With more than 900 students from 30 area high schools attending, MPH earned a total of 18 major outer committee awards. “That was the greatest number of awards we have ever won at an MUN conference,” says Jeffery Mangram, coach of the MPH MUN team. “And for us to have accomplished this at CNYMUN is a tribute to the strength of this team, this program.” Mangram says the team’s success is owed to the exhaustive preparation the students devote to each conference. They work after school, on weekends, during school vacations researching international policies and issues, framing the arguments and proposals they will make on behalf of the countries they are assigned to represent in MUN sessions, and practicing the effective delivery of arguments – even those with which they might personally disagree. The upcoming London conference is no exception. The MPH team is engrossed in preparing to set forth the positions of “their” nations. More than 1,500 students from across the world, the vast majority of them college and university students, are expected at LIMUN, taking place February 21-23. They will debate cur-
photo courtesy of Manlius Pebble Hill School
Manlius Pebble Hill School’s Model United Nations Team is seen here with the 18 major outer committee awards it earned at the Central New York Model United Nations conference held recently at Syracuse University. Kneeling, from left to right, are Griffin Walsh, Jesse Sgambati, Jacob Hamblin, Lucy Zwigard, Christopher King, Adam Oliver, and Emily Reiter. Standing, from left to right, are Fares Awa, Hank Sheehan, Nicholas Jerge, Caroline Blanck, Jasmine Collins, Hyemin Han, Annie Weiss, Matthew Parker, Joseph Binder, William Maresco, and Daniel Albanese. rent issues and policy matters as delegates representing United Nations member states and non-governmental organizations. A few spots at the London conference are reserved for high school students. According to Mangram, LIMUN evaluates high school MUN teams applying to participate, accepting only those who are able to document high-caliber performances at highly competitive conferences. “With the best MUN teams in the world there, LIMUN will be a great test of our program,” Mangram says. “We will be
prepared!” MPH will send 18 students to LIMUN. With roots stretching back more than 140 years, Manlius Pebble Hill School is Central New York’s oldest private educational institution and the area’s only Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school. Our fewer than 500 students are served by an administration and faculty philosophically committed to and guided daily by our mission… “to inspire our students to think critically, act responsibly, and discover a passion for lifelong learning.”
Many factors weigh into deciding whether or not graduate school is right for you the recent recession, when job opportunities for new graduates were scarce, forcing many to seek shelter in graduate programs. But such shelter isn’t always available, nor is a graduate degree for everyone. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, graduate schools received 4.3 percent more applications for entry into master’s and Ph.D. programs in 2012 than
in 2011. Despite the apparent growing interest in graduate programs, the number of students who began graduate studies decreased between 2011 and 2012, suggesting that perhaps graduate school is not for everyone, even those who go through the arduous application process. Much of the reason for that decline in enrollment can likely be traced to the
cost of graduate school; costs have grown larger during the recession, when even colleges and universities felt the sting of a sagging economy. During the recession, many schools were unable to devote as much funds to incentives such as assistantships and merit-based scholarships as they were during those periods when the economy was thriving. As a result, even
those applicants who were accepted to graduate school may have found their respite from the recession was likely to be anything but, forcing them to accept large amounts of debt in order to earn their advanced degrees. Determining if taking on such debt was ultimately worth pursuing an advanced degree was a decision each individual had to make on his or her own. But more than just finances come into consideration when professionals are deciding if graduate school is the right way to further their careers.
Career ambition
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Graduate school has long been a place professionals turn to when looking to give their careers a boost. But the recent recession left many professionals wondering if graduate school would help or hurt their chances of finding a more challenging or fulfilling job. As is typically the case during an economic downturn, graduate school applications increased during
Many people pursue an advanced degree out of intellectual curiosity, while many others do so in an effort to resuscitate their careers or facilitate a transition to a new career. Ask yourself if your career has reached a plateau and the next logical step is an advanced degree. If a graduate degree aligns with your career goals, then you likely won’t regret pursuing such a degree regardless of the cost. On a similar note, if a graduate degree is required in another field you want to transition into, then the cost of that degree likely won’t be too much of a hindrance. But if a graduate degree isn’t necessary for your career but more of a shortcut to furthering that career, then the cost of pursuing the degree might not be worth it, and it could be something you grow to regret when loan payments come due.
Family
Family also comes into
play for many professionals who are weighing if an advanced degree is right for them. Graduate degrees are not easy to come by, and the work required to earn such a degree is considerable. Professionals with families must consider the impact their pursuits of advanced degrees may have on their families. Many professionals pursue advanced degrees part-time, which means they may not earn their degree in two years like full-time students will. Professionals with families must decide if the graduate degree is worth a three- or four-year investment and the sacrifices that will need to be made during those three or four years.
Location
The right graduate program for you will not necessarily be close to home. Unlike younger students or recent college graduates, professionals often have established ties within a community. This includes a network of friends and fellow professionals. Leaving that life behind to pursue an advanced degree likely won’t be easy, so professionals considering such a pursuit should weigh the impact such a move may have on their quality of life and if that sacrifice is worth pursuing the degree. An advanced degree can be a great way for professionals to advance their careers while satisfying their intellectual curiosity. But such pursuits come at a cost, and those costs should be considered before the application process even begins.
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Excellence in Financial & Professional Services February 12, 2014
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2014excellence A supplement to Eagle Newspapers
Celebrating 135 years of service to the community In 2013, Auburn Community Hospital celebrated its 135th birthday of its service to the community. It was a landmark year in many regards. The hospital’s many achievements and accomplishments were due to the tireless efforts of its physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.
Auburn Community Hospital’s many achievements and accomplishments were due to the tireless efforts of its physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.
See ACH, page 10
Jordan Elbridge Tax Service performs tax ‘CPR’ At Jordan Elbridge Tax Service, we perform tax “CPR,” that is Consultation, Preparation and Representation. Owner Michael E. Lawrence, EA is an Enrolled Agent, and all Enrolled Agents specialize in taxes and they are America’s Tax Experts. The best way to deal with a tax problem is to avoid it in the first place, and the best way to do that is by having an Enrolled Agent prepare your taxes. Whatever your particular needs, we prepare your tax returns to the highest professional standards. And, if you do get one of those dreaded letters from the IRS, we can help. If you haven’t filed in a while or have prepared your own returns or have had someone else prepare them for you, whatever your situation, whether it is an examination (audit), collections action, or appeal of a previous result, we are prepared to handle any of your representation needs. Lawrence is an Enrolled Agent with 30-plus years of experience, he is a graduate Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI), earning the coveted title in 2009 and a member
Michael E Lawrence
of the American Academy of Tax Practice (AATP). Michael specializes in taxpayer representation and in preparing taxes for small businesses, individuals, trusts and estates. He currently serves as the President of the Central Chapter of New York State Society of Enrolled Agents (NYSSEA) and as Secretary of NYSSEA at the state level. Hope Parker has 20-plus years of bookkeeping and accounting experience. She is QuickBooks™ qualified. Hope specializes in bookkeeping and individual tax returns. Our office is open throughout the year and we provide a wide range of professional tax and accounting services at a fair price. An Enrolled Agent is the only federally-licensed tax practitioner who both specializes in taxation and has unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. The Enrolled Agent license is the highest credential the IRS issues.
For Experienced, Professional Tax Preparation
Jordan-Elbridge Tax Service Providing Year-Round Tax Preparation and Representation Services 12 N. Main St, Jordan NY 315-689-1625
National Association of Enrolled Agents Enrolled Agents - America’s Tax Experts
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Michael E. Lawrence, EA
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Oneida Financial: nearly 150 years of service From left are Eric E. Stickels, President & COO; Michael R. Kallet, Chairman and CEO Oneida Savings Bank. The Oneida Financial Corp. family is committed to being “Your link to a brighter future.” Their clients experience reduced risk, cost savings and asset growth through teir six specialty companies’ unique partnership approach.
ACH Auburn Community Hospital’s value-based purchasing scores saw a marked increase over 2012 scores. ACH was ranked the third most improved hospital in Central New York. Excellent regulatory survey results were achieved by ACH’s Behavioral Health Unit, Laboratory, General Radiology and Mammography Services.
Customer service
Both the Auburn and Skaneateles Urgent care centers have extended their hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many patient rooms have been converted to private rooms for the comfort of patients. In 2013 they have implemented many initiatives to enhance the quality of the patient’s experience.
Physician recruitment/patient access to care
ACH welcomed 48 new active and courtesy practitioners to its medical staff. Notably, Dr. Henry Klotz (gastroenterology) , Dr. Karen Ordzywolski (neurology ),and Dr. Tanya Paul ( OB/GYN) all began practicing in 2013. A new OB/GYN office was opened in Seneca Falls Service to local local veterans continued through contract renewal with the Veteran’s Administration to operate a primary care clinic for them
Technology
A state-of-the-art CT scanner was acquired that now gives physicians the highest quality images available to aid in their diagnosis and treatment of illness. A robust Computerized Physician Order System (CPOE) has been implemented that enables patients to be treated more safely than ever before. The VA clinic now offers telemedicine for a broad array of specialty services for veterans. Their care is now kept close to home. In 2014 ACH looks forward to the continued growth and development of all of their services. It is a very challenging yet exciting time in healthcare and they remain wholeheartedly committed to their mission of providing the highest quality of care to all whom they serve. On Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, the outstanding support of the community for the hospital’s mission was again evident at this year’s annual fundraiser entitled “The Hippest Gala Around.” This dinner celebration was held at the Emerson Pavilion and honored two outstanding community members. Mary Marshall RN and Mr. William F. Allyn were awarded the hospital’s Lifetime Achievement Awards for their longstanding dedication and service to the hospital and the community. Proceeds from gala will be directed toward the creation of an Orthopedic Center of Excellence at ACH.
FOR INCOME TAX PREPARATION IT’S NEUGENT’S
Long Forms, Short Forms 2905 James Street
437-2591 www.longformsshortforms.com Serving Eastwood & Community For Over 26 Years
36663
Quality of care
An after-hours pharmacy program was established. Additionally, an electronic medications administration process was inaugurated that utilizes bar-coding technology to guarantee that the right patient, receives the right medication and the right dose at the right time. Eastern Fingerlakes Medical Care has assumed the medical leadership of the emergency room and two urgent care centers. This group of ER physicians and assistants is comprised of experienced and dedicated providers who live and practice in the community
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It is with gratitude that Auburn Community Hospital noted the following highlights of 2013 :
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Michel Tax Service – Still expanding, a new look and a new beginning… Find helpful information at micheltaxservice.com Lots of changes have occurred at Michel Tax Service in the past year. In October of last year, Michel Tax Service expanded its operations into the building at 34 Oswego St. – former home of Shamballa Coffee Roasters and the Patiserie, as well as maintaining and remodeling its offices at 32 Oswego St. Also, as part of the evolving succession plan for the 59-year-old business, the reorganization saw Julie Wollaber assume the position of vice president of the corporation. “The new offices next door will bring much needed relief to our growing pains, and will provide additional ground floor offices to aid clients who may have had issues navigating our stairways to the upper floor offices. The new offices are beautifully remodeled with clients’ privacy and comfort in mind and with state-of-the-art equipment,” said Wollaber. “This expansion should resolve our office space needs for many years into the future.” “Julie has been a major – and growing – part of Michel Tax Service for the past 18 years, and it is only natural for her to begin the process of succession. Our plan, at this point, is for Julie to assume more and more of the day-to-day operations, over the next 10 years, as I begin to phase out. By that time, 2024, I will have run the business for 45 years. That seems just about long enough,” said Dan Michel, president. Highly skilled, profession-
al and exceptionally friendly staff, combined with fair, honest preparation fees are what sets Michel Tax Service in downtown Baldwinsville far above any other tax preparation service anywhere, said Michel. “Our preparers are knowledgeable, full-time preparers who are skilled in all areas of accounting and tax preparation who strive to insure that each client receives the best possible return that he or she is entitled to,” said Michel. “combine this with the fact that our pricing structure continues to be about half of the “seasonal” mall type operations with seasonal staff and it’s no wonder that Michel Tax Service is by far the largest tax preparation service in Central New York.” “Our firm prepares, on average, about 65 returns per day during tax season. No other firm that we are aware of comes close to serving this number of satisfied clients.” Central to the continued growth of the firm year after year is the fast, friendly dedicated staff, and the word-ofmouth referrals that their thousands of satisfied clients offer. “Loyal satisfied customers are happy to recommend our services to their friends and family,” said Wollaber. “When you add our new client price guarantee of at least 25 percent less than your preparer’s fee last year, it’s easy to see why we are experiencing such tremendous growth.” Michel Tax Service also
From left are Donna Giacini, Terry Beckwith, Dan Michel and Julie Wollaber. offers year-round payroll and accounting services, along with financial and retirement planning. Michel has been a registered representative and independent broker for the past 25 years and specializes in retirement planning services. Wollaber is also a registered representative specializing in mutual fund retirement and investment services and life insurance products. Julie is available year-round to offer free insurance reviews. Beginning its 59th year of operation, Michel’s father-inlaw, David Forst, founded the firm in 1955. Since its found-
ing, the company has grown from a one-person part-time operation to a full-service financial planning and accounting firm, employing six preparers and a total staff of 13. Last year the firm served over 4,600 personal and business clients.
Call 635-6293 or 635-5071 for more information, to drop off your tax information or to set up an appointment to meet with your preparer. Michel Tax Service is at 32 Oswego St. in the center of the village of Baldwinsville. Call or visit soon for all your
accounting, financial, insurance and retirement planning needs. Visit micheltaxservice. com for helpful information including online tax preparation assistance and important links to accounting services.
MICHEL INCOME TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICE Professional Tax Preparation At Reasonable Rates! Our 59th Year In Baldwinsville
Vitale elected president, CEO at Seneca Federal
Left to Right: Donna Giacini, Terri Beckwith, Dan Michel, Julie Wollaber
New Client Price Guarantee!
OUR PREPARATION FEE WILL BE AT LEAST 25% LESS THAN YOUR LAST YEAR’S FEE • Year ‘Round Financial Planning, Insurance and Retirement Investment Counseling • Payroll and Government Report Services • Monthly Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses • Income Tax Preparation for Individuals, Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, Estates and Trusts
Find Helpful Information, Online Tax Preparation Assistance & Links to Accounting Services visit: micheltaxservice.com
Ask The Professionals To Prepare Your Taxes Ask an Enrolled Agent.
National Association of Enrolled Agents.
A
N E
A
Call 635-6293 or 635-5071 • Downtown Baldwinsville
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The board of directors of Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association announces that Joseph G. Vitale has been named as president, CEO and a director of Seneca Federal. He replaces William Le Beau who was named as interim president in April and will continue as a director. Vitale and his family reside in North Syracuse. He comes with 17 years experience as a commercial lender and executive officer of another local banking institution. Joe is a SUNY graduate with an accounting degree and completed the Graduate School of Banking through Stonier. “I am very excited to have joined the staff of Seneca Federal,” said ViJoseph G. Vitale tale. “We have embarked upon a strategic planning process to better serve our customers and our communities by improving our service channels, our technology and our product offerings.” Vitale said “the public will see changes in the near future that we believe will make them want to bank with us, if they don’t already.” Seneca Federal is celebrating 85 years of service and Joe relates “the best is yet to come.” The association continues to be well capitalized and to offer its traditional suite of deposit and loan products.
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Organizing the right documents if divorce/separation is on the horizon
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Making the decision to pursue a legal separation and/or divorce is often a difficult and emotionally draining process. Depending on the length of your marriage, whether or not you have children together, and your financial status, it can also become a very complicated one. If you are thinking about separation or divorce, there are
some steps that you can take early on that will make the process infinitely easier. The first thing to remember is that documents equal power. The more you know about your financial situation (including things such as property, assets, accounts, etc.), the better off you will be down the road, particularly if your case requires negotiations or litigation. Also, keep in mind that when you are organized, the attorney you could hire does not have to spend (and bill) for the time to put documents in order. Even though it might
require some legwork on your end, you could end up saving a significant amount of money. If you decide that you would like to meet with an attorney, the first step will be an “initial consultation.” These consultations lead to discussions about the basic concepts of the law, what you might expect as your case proceeds, and what the next steps will be. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. In addition, it can be helpful to have information on hand so that you and your attorney can discuss specifics. Here is a list of some things you might want to consider bringing to your initial consultation, but keep in mind that if the absence of these documents might be conspicuous to your spouse, you can always bring a copy:
Financial Documents
In order to make determinations about property division, maintenance (alimony), child support, or monetary awards, it is necessary to have a complete financial picture for your household. The most useful documents to have on hand are your most recent tax returns and W2s or 1099s, going back three years if possible. Other items that are also helpful to bring to your initial consultation are your most recent bank statements and 401(k), IRA, pension or other retirement statements. In the course of your divorce, other documents relating to property, such as the deed, settlement sheet or mortgage statement, will likely be important too. It is helpful to bring these documents along as well.
Expenses
It is also a good idea to try to keep track of the basic family expenses you pay each month – things like rent/mortgage, utilities, cable, cell phone, groceries, children’s activity expenses, etc. Another useful tool for the meeting is a list of health insurance expenses for you and your family. If possible, ask your HR contact for a “Rate Sheet” that shows the breakdown of your health insurance responsibility or the difference between what you would pay for an employee versus what you would pay for a family plan.
Court Papers
Any agreements, even if they are not signed, between you and your spouse should ideally be brought to the consultation. Also, if applicable, bring any court documents you may have, police reports, Domestic Violence Orders of Protection, and/ or CPS investigations.
Documents Relating to Children
School records and calendars that show the children’s activities, parents’ work schedules, etc. should also be brought to the first consultation.
Basic Identification Information
It is helpful if you are able to provide some basic information about your spouse/former partner and child(ren), such as their full names, dates of birth, social security numbers and addresses (if living apart).
Property Inventory
If you will be dividing assets, it can help to have a list of the property, including land/houses and actual items such as furniture, china, etc. When possible, note items that either you or your spouse owned before you were married, were inherited, or were given as a gift specifically to either you or your spouse. Finally, make sure to prepare a list of questions that you want to ask your attorney. After all, you don’t want to forget anything when you are actually meeting. None of these documents are necessary, but by bringing even just a few of them to your first meeting with your attorney, you will have a tremendous head start and will likely benefit from a more specific and helpful consultation.
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by Jillian DiLaura McGuire Domestic Relations Attorney Mackenzie Hughes LLP
Jillian DiLaura McGuire is a domestic relations attorney at Mackenzie Hughes LLP and provides assistance to clients facing divorce, custody, and child support issues. She can be reached at 315-233-8213.
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Leave a Legacy: Making a difference in the lives that follow Over 80 non-profits in the Central New York area, from Auburn to Utica, have banded together to share resources and spread the word about how simple it is to leave a gift to your favorite charity through your will. “Our message is a simple one,” says Laurie Walker, director of development for Eldercare Foundation and steering committee member of Leave a Legacy of Central New York. “Every individual who has been charitable in their lifetime can be equally charitable in their will or estate plans. It is a very easy process, and you don’t have to be a millionaire to make an impact.” Leave a Legacy is an educational campaign conducted by the National Committee on Planned Giving to inspire people to make charitable bequests. Bequests are just one type of “planned gift” (a gift that will be distributed sometime in the future to a charity that is meaningful to you). Through the Leave a Legacy campaigns, people who have made charitable bequests and other types of planned gifts share their stories in the hope of encouraging others to give in a similar way. Leave a Legacy of Central New York involves all types of local nonprofit groups, including social service and arts organizations, hospitals and educational institutions. The program is financially supported by sponsors including: Bond, Schoeneck and King, PLLC, Central New York Community Foundation, Strategic
Financial Services, LLC, United Way of Central New York, WCNY, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – Central New York Chapter, The Rosamond Gifford Foundation, and the Planned Giving Council of Upstate New York. Leave a Legacy of Central New York does not solicit gifts for any particular organization. Instead, they encourage individuals to support their favorite charity or charities. Walker understands the importance of this message. In 2010, the Eldercare Foundation became the beneficiary of a major gift from one of its founding members. The donor, a long-time advocate for eldercare services, included the Eldercare Foundation and three other not-for-profit organizations in his will, leaving a portion of his The Eldercare Foundation received a bequest in 2010 from a long time client and board member of the organization. The gift will estate to each. As the fundraising be used to support the organization’s mission of caring for our community’s elders by giving them the support they need to live arm of Home Aides of Central at home with dignity and independence. New York, the Eldercare FoundaWalker said the donor sought help from needed. “Our mission became understandtion works to support the agency’s the agency after realizing that caring for his ably close to his heart. He supported us as efforts to recruit, train, and retain home health aides. The foundation’s mission was wife was too difficult to do on his own. “He a charitable organization with his time and particularly close to the donor’s heart, as he tried to care for her at first, but the time and money,” Walker said. “Now, even after his had been the direct recipient of its services. physical tasks became too much for him, death, his commitment to our cause lives His wife, who suffered from Alzheimer’s so he called us for help,” she said. While it on through his legacy gift.” “Unfortunately, many people think that disease, was a long-term client of Home was a difficult time for him, his wife’s aides See leave a legacy, page 15 provided him with the support system he Aides of Central New York.
Farrell, Martin and Barnell welcome new partner to firm By Tami Scott
I NTEGRITY & E XPERIENCE LAW OFFICES FARRELL, MARTIN & BARNELL LLP • Trusts & Estate Planning • Wills and Estates • Divorce • Custody and Support • Business • Real Estate
Sara Connell Brady
We welcome new partner Sara Connell Brady to the firm
ESTABLISHED 1946
FARRELL, MARTIN & BARNELL LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW 44 Oswego St., PO Box 199, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
635-3222
Email: SBrady@FMBLaw.net
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Farrell, Martin and Barnell Law Firm, long established in the heart of Baldwinsville as competent and steadfast, welcomes a new partner this year: Sara Connell Brady. Brady, who resides in Radisson with her husband and three children, joined the firm in January with a focus on elder law and disabled individuals, estate planning and trusts and estate administration. Prior to joining Farrell, Martin and Barnell, Brady partnered with another attorney to form McGraw and Brady in the village of Skaneateles, following almost a decade practicing elder and estate law at Sugarman Law Firm in downtown Syracuse. “I kind of fell backwards into the estates field — it wasn’t something I sought out, but I had a part-time job in law school doing this kind of work at a small firm that did just that, and it was a nice fit,” she said. “I like numbers, I like people and it was a nice match Sara Connell Brady of the two.” For the last five-plus years, a large part of Brady’s practice has been in the areas of assisting clients with the process of applying for Medicaid, assisting those who need nursing home care and handling front-end planning to help said people save money. “The laws about Medicaid are really complicated, they change a lot, and unless that’s a lion’s share of what you do, it’s really easy to quickly get lost in the muck of it,” she said. “Some nursing homes will say they’ll have somebody onsite who can help you with the Medicaid application process … [but] they can only help you process the paperwork.” A conversant elder law attorney, however, can provide valuable cost-saving advice in addition to assistance with the application itself. Brady is available to individuals wanting or needing services anywhere from advance planning and guidance to completing the actual applications. She is also willing to make house calls, if needed. Additionally, she charges by the hour as opposed to flat fees, which is an advantage to clients who seek different levels of help. “I can do as much or as little as somebody wants me to,” Brady said. “Once in a while you get people who will come in and really want to do a lot of legwork and I’ll provide a little guidance and point them in the right direction. Other people come in and say, ‘here’s my mom’s files, go to work.’ I’m happy to do it either way. It’s a stressful situation. It’s not an easy time for anybody. I’ve done it long enough that I hope what I can do is make something that’s very, very complicated seem approachable.” Partner and attorney Charlie Farrell finds Brady a remarkable fit and confirmed her warm and social personality is a welcome addition to a firm that will soon be celebrating its 70th anniversary. “I still think of us as a small town law firm even though Baldwinsville isn’t a small town anymore,” Farrell said. “We’re representing families now that are third generation of families that my father and [co-founder] Ormand Gale represented. That says something in terms of how you relate to people — it’s important.” Brady graduated magna cum laude from St. Bonaventure University with a bachelor of arts in 1999, and graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law with a Juris Doctor in 2002. She is admitted to practice law in the state of New York and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Farrell, Martin & Barnell is located at 44 Oswego St. in Baldwinsville. You can reach the firm at 6353222.
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Solvay Bank plans office, technology upgrades for 2014 2014 will bring some exciting changes for Solvay Bank. These include a new “SMART Office” in DeWitt and enhanced technology components that will improve the customer experience. The new office will be located at 6828 East Genesee St, next door to Aldi’s. The location will provide much-needed access for the existing customer base that Solvay Bank already has on the east side of Syracuse. “We need to have an office in that area,” said Karen Zarach, Vice President for Business and Marketing Strategy at the bank. “We’ve been working on this for quite some time.” Construction will start in the coming month and the location should be open in June. The 2,400-square-foot branch office will have three drive-through lanes and employ five people. “The bank wanted to make sure it found a good location before adding the new branch office,” Zarach said. “The site on East Genesee Street will let Solvay Bank easily reach customers in DeWitt, Fayetteville and all points east.” “The design of the Dewitt SMART Office will integrate new technology along with the personalized customer service that Solvay Bank’s customers have come to expect,” said Paul Mello, president and CEO of Solvay Bank. The office layout includes a free-flowing floor plan coupled with enhanced technology such as using tablets instead of desktop computers and employees trained to perform a variety of job functions. “It will have some traditional See solvay bank, page 15
Pictured is a rendering of the new “SMART Office” planned in DeWitt.
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2014excellence
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Leave a Legacy Solvay Bank
From page 14
elements of a bank, because people still want that,” he says of the DeWitt location but will also be equipped for customers who prefer to use the latest technology. Features of the new branch office include: a “smart ATM” that makes check deposits immediately available, a conference room for loan closings and a “tech” area with coffee and a tablet for customer use. The bank will also provide commercial banking services and may add some other services such as insurance if demand warrants it, Mello said. In addition to the new location, Solvay Bank will also be unveiling some new technology in 2014 that will benefit all of the bank’s customers. Within the next month, the bank will launch a redesign of their online mortgage platform, which is easy to use and features online profiles and portals for each of the bank’s mortgage consultants. This spring, the bank will launch Remote Check Capture for Mobile Banking, an additional feature to its already well-received mobile banking app. Customers will be able to take a picture of a check and deposit it from wherever they are using the app on their smartphones. Over the summer, Solvay Bank will continue its mobile banking technology improvements by adding an app designed specifically for the iPad platform.
you have to give away a million dollars to make a difference,” says Walker. “But a gift of any size will make a difference, and help change someone’s life for the better.” For more information, visit leavealegacyofCNY.org. The Eldercare Foundation received a bequest in 2010 from
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From page 13 a long time client and board member of the organization. The gift will be used to support the organization’s mission of caring for our community’s elders by giving them the support they need to live at home with dignity and independence.
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Headquartered at 1537 Milton Ave., Solvay Bank (solvaybank.com) is a full-service commercial bank with eight offices located in Solvay, Fairmount, Camillus, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Cicero, downtown Syracuse, and Westvale. The company also operates Solvay Bank Insurance Agency Inc.
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